Epilogue-
The woods smelled of smoke and charred flesh, desperation mingled with the scent of freedom and hope.
Ed held Nancy tighter on her leash as he walked through the dark forest, letting her hunters nose lead him where his human eyes couldn't see. The shapes that had blurred past his hut had thinned from the torrent to a slow trickle and then to the odd straggler and the echoes of gun-fire had long since faded.
To Ed that meant that the worse was still to come, the inevitable whir of helicopter blades and shrill sirens would begin to fill the air foreshadowing the frantic search… no, hunt that would occur in too short a time and so he had precious seconds before the woods would fill with the baying of dogs and the sounds of motors ruining the stillness of the night.
"Faster girl," he urged and the bloodhound quickened her pace dragging him along for the ride. His aged bones protested the quick movements and he cursed his body for growing old without him, the grey hair for sneaking in amongst the brown and muscled physique of his youth for turning on him. His thick, heavy denim jeans and washed out checked shirt protected him from the elements as he fought his way through the familiar undergrowth, the years of tending the woods as gamekeeper becoming an asset as he searched.
The acrid smell of smoke filled his nose as he came closer to the blazing inferno showing even between the dense foliage of the forest. The flickering flames illuminating the night as clearly as the sun did the day.
His torch shone on the ground, the grass broken and damp, trampled by heavy feet and made sodden by perspiration and blood.
Too much blood.
"Anythin' girl?" he whispered even though there was no one around to hear him.
Nancy suddenly pricked her ears, her sudden attention telling him more than words ever could and he grabbed her leash tighter, letting her lead him further into the forest, closer to the burning wreckage of that place.
Ed was so intent on following the bloodhound that he almost didn't hear the telltale whir of rotor blades signalling that his time had run out and it was time to get home now.
He was about to turn and pull the dog back when he saw it. Half buried in the lush vegetation of the autumn to come. The leaves draping over the fallen figure like a natural blanket, in crimson and green. The green being the only natural colour.
At first Ed's mind couldn't comprehend what his eyes were seeing but as the torch shone brightly on the slick redness, the details came into view.
Long matted raven-hair, skin so pale it was almost translucent and a movement so slight that, at first, he thought he'd imagined it.
But there it was again, a slight rising of the chest; it was alive.
Ed crouched down, cursing his arthritic knees, and pushed the matted hair away from the bruised face, saturated by still seeping blood and dust; a female face, her lashes dark half-moons against her face.
With a brief exhalation Ed shifted his arms so that one lay under her shoulders and one under her knees and he heaved.
For such a tall girl she weighed next to nothing and Ed cradled her against his chest, trying to stop her head from lolling over his arm. Her head splayed over his heavy forearm exposing the back of her neck and the telltale barcode tattooed on her delicate nape.
"I got ya," he murmured. Nancy whined and his head snapped up as he heard shouts in the periphery of the woods.
They were coming.
"Home girl," he called and Nancy bounded ahead, leading the way while Ed followed hurriedly with his precious cargo.
They didn't have to fight the undergrowth, almost as if the forest knew the urgency of his getting back quickly and they dodged the screams of sirens and crunch of footsteps so elegantly that they were at the edge of the woods before Ed knew it.
His car lay by the road, hidden in the undergrowth and it was the work of a minute to lay the girl comfortably on the back seat.
Ed hurried around to the driver's side, pausing briefly to stare back at the forest where the fumes of smoke rose haughtily over the dark trees, like an elegant Queen dominating the landscape.
The searchlights had come out and the distinct sounds of dogs and soldiers could be heard in the distance searching for their quarry, their prey like hunters in the night.
Ed swallowed.
"Wherever you all go; where ever you all are. Heaven help you and stay safe."
He climbed into the car and let the taillights trail behind him down the road.
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THE END.
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Wow, that's it. It's done. I honestly can't believe it but there ya go. A few things to say if you'll bear with me.
First and foremost THANK YOU to everyone who has reviewed this story. You are what has kept me and mine going all this time. You've helped me to make these characters come alive and they have really taken on lives and personalities of their own. Thank you for reading, thank you for enjoying and thank you even more for reviewing and making me smile.
Second- I'd like to apologise for the death of Steve and Mets—but I won't because they died heroically.
Thirdly, with the transgenics scattered to the winds I would love suggestions on what they'd get up to. Also helpful would be anyone who lives on the West coast who could email me with a brief description of their town where some of the gang could go. Names of places in particular bearing in mind I live in England and have only ever been to NY and Vegas.
Finally just leaves me to say "We thank you for flying Flight 09er from Left Behind to Alongside. For those who wish to connect to Surging Forwards (provisional title) please be aware that there will be a short delay and we urge you to partake of refreshments in our canteen. We will be landing soon so may all passengers disembark collecting all your baggage and leaving in an orderly fashion. Thank you for flying with Fayth airlines today and we hope you have a pleasant stay."
Meri- I know, I couldn't believe it either, just glad that it was so well received. But wow, it's over. I cried!!!! You think BJ and Anna need to get together? Hmm, don't know about that.
Mely- Really? Even better than the Ben chapter? Ooh I like that. although I think this last one is possibly my favourite. Or the Dek one. Nah you haven't told me how much you love Biggs- grins they really were incompatible weren't they? Euch!
Kat461- Cheers pet, hope this was wow too!
Geminangel- one split into three. Maybe I should have paced it slightly. But I wanted you to see it for what it was in its entirety. Ooh I'll miss this!
Restive nature- Thanks, the feng shui thing was funny. You probably weren't laughing through this. Of course you have to read it over and over, until I can come up with a decent sequel. That'll be fun.
Jade-k- Just emphasising the difference between the trannies and humans. Its fun! Reality sucks big time and I don't hold with encouraging it! Biggs way overreacted, but it was cute as all hell! Hope you got plenty of hankies in!
Ronda TIW- Yup, although it had to be split into several pieces, damn it was long! Thank you fro beinga devoted Cult member. You really made my days. Cheers pet.
Raven- evil with a conscience, does that mean I'm nasty but tortured by it? Kind of an Angel deal? Hmm, whatever. There is a possible sequel. As soon as I recover from this damn epic! You'd never believe it was intended to be a five chapter deal with Left behind.
Sassycanuck- LOL, scream all you want, I'll write it. they are like family, mine! G enjoy!
Sigma1- Oh good, Anna has issues but I think she redeemed herself slightly at the end. I think if I'd have given another cliffie I'd've got pushed off it! I have no idea what pairing I have for Emma- kinda mute for Steve now though.
Keekee- cheers pet, bye!
Kim- she is a bitch and somewhat of a voyeur, but she's dead now so that's okay. I adore Dek, he is the sweetest and I will miss him… just kidding. Oh he is so in the sequel. Vicky wont get a chance to tell anyone about Flex and Alec. Hehe.
Black Rose9- Nah, evil Victor. Poor Biggs! I think he was ready to have heart attack!
Fanged angel- a sequel to the sequel? Oh this could go on forever! Yeah I think most of the facility are selectively deaf, dumb and blind! They'd have to be t miss some of what goes on! Victor was a dumbass!
Natasgi- yup making people cry- well I did anyway! No way, Alec may be noble, but he ain't stupid. He wants Max. no sacrifice for my boy he goes after what he wants! Posting new one when I have finished the first few chapters, to see if the rhythm works.
Jynx- yeah I know what that is like! Oh they are so keeping the heat thing quiet for now, I think Alec would go off the deep end if he knew about it! Oh come on Chance's sweet talk was perfect for those at Manticore. It made Zan smile anyway! Ending. Sorry!
Marielle- the sequel will be them finding each other and trying to make it in the big bad world. Thus far anyway. Cheers pet, any ideas?
Givenalias-Of course it's something big—it was 43 pages! That's a lot of paper! I want to say more soon… but…
Aleclovemax- I fixed it1 thanks for liking the pics on my site, they take time to do so I like it when someone sees them! Ohh Zan with no shirt… drool!
Moonlite star- beat up Vicky? Okay! I can do that! no idea where Max went, probably to sulk. I know I would if I wasn't paired with Alec.
Senorita dhl- nah dot be sorry for Vicky- he likened Alec to a lab rat he deserves pain! well Maxie told him and he told her and all was well with them. now if only the same could be said for my guys. RIP Steve and Mets. sobs
Lynn- 50670- that I did, and will again soon. I have many stories. You are most welcome pet an di thank you for reviewing. You made me smile and tell you what you rock!
Arwen-amy- Hehe, sorry I wouldn't want any readers to die of a heart attack, just think what that would do for my rep!
Crimsonshadoe- yeah this was even longer- and that much more painful! Ooh I cant believe it either! And yeah I cried, it was hard. But I get to play with them in a new setting when they broke out that was fun… or will be. Aiden and Emma seemed to be a favourite pairing but I never really saw the two of them like that- more very good friends. Eww ew ew ew ew Max and Biggs getting busy! Its just wrong! UST RST, just T generally methinks. yup she died, that was cool.
Honey00- I know, poor Biggs, the guy was in shock! I love overprotective Alec too.
Feenian- aww pet, save your tears because you damn well needed them here! I love them all so I can guarantee you that e haven't heard the last of them.
Mrs ackles- yeah year jerker- long tear jerker. Sadness too. Uh kinda hard for J to be with Mets now isn't it? sheepish sorry for leading you on but I wanted it to be a surprise.
Nora- love me love my stories, hate me for what I did to Mets and Steve. Ooh poor guys! They will be missed.
Ganko- well I hope that the euphoria lasts for ya pet, float for as long as you can and I vow that I wont make you wait too long for a continuation. I think half of the behind the scenes stuff id more interesting than what goes on 'on screen'. maybe I'm being arrogant. I get your request and I thank you for it. mwah!
JG- Okay, well Max and Alec are featured in most of the chaps with additional parts and thoughts, it might be worth reading just for that. You never know.
Sanna- Uh that would be Mouse. He's best of best but so's Max and Biggs. esh!
Lyndsay- See I can do funny as well as tragic. That was funny this was harsh. But at least we know now, right. glad I could make you laugh pet.
Miasalter- hey pet, like I said I love Zan too, and Zack. Ooh more Zack needed. Glad that I can make believable characters for ya as you hate most fics. I wouldn't hurt your friends!!!
Sanna- who's against you? Ooh I'll get them for ya! Short review! But thanks for taking the time love. Cheers.
Talichernin- I know pet, I'll miss this too. I already do and I haven't finished posting it yet! You don't want to see me when I'm cranky- classic Flex line methinks.
Elfie- there is that, poor Anna. But characters I tend to dislike I think I take so much extra time trying to be fair that others like them- like Cece and Vicky and now Anna! Yeah 2nd Gen X5's are slightly older than X6s. yeah Max really was shown a new side of the nomalies bless her! plus that part gave me the creeps! Pix has been very good for Chance, she's grown as a person…character- whatever. I think those on the front row could hear Zan and Chance- pissing themselves I think! I think Mets just wanted to do things by the book- forgetting that our girls are decidedly unconventional. cringe you like-d Steve? Don't hate me!!! Why Mouse? Clueless, just seemed like a good idea at the time. Cece can be sweet and I have to say that I didn't use her much but I have plans for her in the sequel- big plans. I missed the link between Link and Mets- ooh subconscious talking there!!! Flex is a breath of fresh air isn't he, doesn't have all those boundaries, he reminds me of an honest Alec- 'If I wanted someone I'd tell her- Skye I want you.' But he'd mean it I think. Yeah Alec did kinda remind me of Ben a bit there. Scary huh?
Lynn- that's okay, better late than never. Zan is adorable and it's a side that we don't get to see that often unfortunately. I felt real bad for Emma during that chap and even worse because she'll have hundred of human emotions surrounding her and they aren't as controlled as transgenics. Dek I think is somewhat of a sadist, he likes his girl tough. Its cute. Alec is not god, he's sexy but he has issues too ya know g like his need for redecoration! LOL. Uh Dek and Drew have hard times ahead but never fear… I mean hey this is me!!
Chaosti- see didn't forget you and all the wonderful ideas that you gave me. It'll all be okay you'll see. Just need a few more QOTD to get me through this!
Also for chapter 24a- Mrs Ackles, Lyndsay, Linuz, arwen-amy, Natasgi, talichernin, Sigma1, kim, kat461, Quinn, ellenemi, restive nature, Senorita DHL,miasalter,