DISCLAIMER: You can call me "not the owner of ALIAS characters" that I truly am. This will serve as the end of the first half. To everyone, who cared to read but wasn't able to make it through the reviews, SPAZEEBA still. For the people who are so thoughtful, you made me fulled from this hunger! God bless!

CHAPTER SIX

"Come on."

"I can't hold my rifle right…"

"Come on!" I pulled her by the other arm. We started to run again- both exhausted from chasing Lhuzikov. Just in time, we closed the door and automatically it locked. I reached for the bandage on the table and took all other available medical equipments. We've just lost five of the guards.

"Liun we're already in the medical room." I kneeled to attend to Reyes' wound. She took off her jacket to see her wound. "Reyes is still bleeding."

"Lhuzikov's already preparing to leave," he radioed back. Suddenly Sydney intercepted.

"We are already moving out of the building," Sydney radioed breathlessly. "How are you?"

"We almost got Lhuzikov but he escaped. He's preparing to leave now."

"Delta Team's now infiltrating towards the basement, I'll make sure someone will help you there."

"Copy that," Reyes managed to radio back. The bullet is not deep on her right shoulder; I made a cut on the wound. Reyes tried to make herself calm. "Make sure all prisoners will get out of there."

"Copy. I'll follow you as soon as they're secured."

"Ilinova, how long will you stay there?" Liun intercepted.

"I don't know." The sweat rolled down my face. I could see the bullet and touched it with the tip of the knife. I told Reyes to take a deep breath; just as then, I lifted it out. I placed the plaster and bandaged her arm. "We're fine. We'll be moving in no time."

"Hold this," Reyes told me. She swallowed hard and injected directly on her shoulder some anesthesia. "Let's go. I'll be alright in a minute."

I peeked to the door. Liun cleared our passage. We had to leave our rifles and dress into lab coats. Pain still showed on Reyes' voice as we tried to keep our communication. We climbed up the stairs to prevent any more encounter.

"Ilinova, move faster. You might not make it to Lhuzikov."

"He's not getting away," I answered. I opened the cover of the exhaust pipe to crawl unnoticeably to the armory room. "Can you still crawl here?"

"Of course."

Reyes followed closely. We tried not to make any noise as we almost choked in the heavy air. A ray of light shone from beneath. We looked down the grills and saw Lhuzikov, packing his things. Among his things, I saw a familiar bundle of tools. I looked closely and confirmed; they weren't just tools, we use them to torture some captives- to interrogate them. I pushed harder to move on. I knew who was just being interrogated. The time span for those who will be used with the tool is only four hours, and I've already wasted two hours. We were almost out of the exhaust; I could see another stream of light. I pushed it open then crawled out of the pipe. I landed on the table and helped Reyes out, careful on her shoulder. We took some guns in the ammo shelf.

"Lhuzikov is in the next room," I whispered to Liun as we got equipped. "You saw the interrogation tools?"

"Yes."

"Where could have he hidden Nikolas?"

"LOOK OUT!" Reyes called as a guard aimed on me. I dived towards Reyes in time. "Crawl towards the other door! I'll cover for you-"

I dragged the rifle behind me as she continually exchanged shots with the guards. As soon as I reached the door, I helped her with the shooting. She soon joined me out of the room- endlessly, tirelessly running again. At the same time, Lhuzikov came out of his door. Taking notice, he pulled his gun, shooting too on us.

We dropped to the next block. Reyes shouted in pain as she landed on her right shoulder. I forced her to stand then leaned her on the wall as I continued to shoot for our survival. There was continuous exchange of shots. There was no other way but to run again.

"We have to go," I whispered to Reyes. She had no reply, she was breathing furiously. I took another shot and my gun clicked on the empty barrel. I took Reyes' gun, there were only three bullets left. There was more tension when I remembered Nikolas' survival possibilities; I looked at my watch- there was no more time. Finally, I had an intercept. I took another shot- two more bullets left.

"I've sent five men there-"

"They aren't here!" There was another shot from the other side. Chinks from the walls showered on us. "And Reyes' wound is getting worse."

"I'm on our way, Liun's trying to access to the lab near you. Try to keep them-"

"ILINOVA!!"

I turned and Lhuzikov's gun pointed on my chest. I froze instantly, my breath became the only thing that escaped from me; I glanced from his gun to his face. There was victory in his eyes. He pulled the hammer of his 45, loading the gun. Another move and he pulled the trigger; the slide slipped on its way and it touched the head- the bullet released. My lungs lost every air in its chambers; my body slammed against the wall, banging my head with it. Knees losing balance, I kneeled down in weakness, my hands catching the floor. I couldn't see clearly, I lacked oxygen. Unable to hold the trembling any longer, my body helplessly approached the floor. I saw Reyes struggle as they restrained her. My vision went black; one last chocked sigh and I stopped breathing.

----------

"Aaaaah!" I gasped as soon as I have awakened.

I panted as I touched my vest and located the bullet. I took it off and threw it away; somehow I wished that I'd been killed. My shoulder felt dislocated and I sat down, trying to straighten it back. With a loud cracking sound, the bones zapped back to its place. My voice echoed in the room and someone suddenly moved behind me.

"I did not intend to hurt any of you. Even Nikolas. He has been my friend for years," he confessed speaking in Russian. He locked me in a laboratory room. I looked up and saw him watching behind the glass. "Look beside you."

I glanced. There was Nikolas. Sitting, tightly tied on a torture chair. The tool was still stuck on his side. I tried to catch myself; I felt warmth lining my cheeks. I grabbed a chair and sent it flying towards Lhuzikov. It bounced back towards the wall.

"It shouldn't have ended this way," he added. I heard nothing. I tremblingly wiped my eyes then approached Nikolas. Taking the tool off would bring more pain, that's how it ends the victim's life. I felt his pulse; it was faint, but there was still hope. I loosened him. Lhuzikov continued. "You should have been there, that night when we kidnapped the KGBs. We could have persuaded you then to join us."

"Where's Reyes?"

"The CIA just got there in time- when we were about to restrain her after putting her to sleep."

"You should have killed her then. Or maybe you intended to keep your killer alive." He chuckled then shook his head. Nikolas jolted in pain when I tried to lay him down on the steel bed. The pain would ease if he lies down. I whispered to him; keeping my voice calmed. "Try not to struggle."

"Pathetic."

"I'll stuck this same tool on your throat."

"I know you could, you've been trained in top military trainings- but how Ilinova? How are you supposed to get out of there?" he insulted. "You know I've equipped that room with biological weapon. However, I may not kill you. You know why?"

"'Coz you want me to kill you." Nikolas gave another moan and I couldn't stand it; my tears rolled down my cheeks. He coughed, making his muscles in his side contract. He shouted in pain.

"No, because I want you to watch your handler die."

Nikolas gripped my arm. I held him down to prevent him from moving. His breath choked as the pain pierced through his contracted muscles. He gave out a sound.

"C-Clio…"

"I'm here…" I braved. My heart pounded and my stomach churned in pain. I held back my tears as I reached for his hand. "I know it hurts."

"No… it doesn't." He smiled. I smiled back to his favor. He locked his gaze. He held tighter. And with another smile in his eyes, he loosened. His hand slipped off. The smile was left in his eyes. The smile curved back to a rest- the rest. The last breath breathed.

I leaned on him; laid my ear on his heart. One last thump, nothing followed next.

I stayed lying there. Quietly crying in agony. Sharing whispers with the air. No one heard.

----------

"It was painful, wasn't it?"

"…"

"You're crying now."

"I know."

"You'll have to overcome it."

"I will."

"'You killed Lhuzikov?"

"No."

----------

I hysterically tried to break the glass. Lhuzikov watched. Criticizing with his looks, he analyzed my behavior. When he finally noticed I was pulling C4 out of my wristwatch, the coward ran. I attached the minute bomb on the steel door's lock. I covered Nikolas' body as I triggered the remote control in my watch. It busted open. It could've been too late if ever I did it earlier; he was already dying.

The CIA traced my signal and they arrived in – to another of Lhuzikov's lab. Only, they weren't able to capture him. Reyes wasn't in the team; she was still confined in the hospital. But there was Sydney and Liun. Jack was also there. They understood that I didn't speak a word. I was only staring on the other chopper as they took Nikolas' body.

----------

"When will his burial be?"

"On the other day," I answered. She forced to smile so my attention would be diverted.

"I would like to explain to you your parents' death."

"No, no. You don't need to. Lhuzikov already told me," I smiled back to clear her conscience. They died- they weren't killed. They saved Irina. She sighed then I continued. "Unfortunately for him, I was able to record his stories."

"But you're not fine," she frowned.

"Irina, it will mend. It is natural for our profession to see our companions leave us."

"That's good," she added. She realized how it mattered to me so she decided not to mention any more. She finally got back. "Clio?"

"Yes?" I answered formally.

"I hope this would be the last time I'll see you around here. Promise me."

----------

I headed back to my cubicle. They had my things taken care of. They helped me lessen my work because I still have too many to arrange. The CIA simulated a televised car accident to cover for Nikolas. We also have to arrange the evidences for the trial in Russia. Too many, so many ideas; I couldn't hold all of them in my confused mind. Someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned.

"You didn't tell me you've been shortly subjected to Project Christmas."

"The DNA? Well, it didn't matter that much then."

"I know what you're thinking. Jack said Irina told him to give these to you." Reyes handed me an envelope. She forced her leave in the hospital. I opened the brown envelope and reached for the pictures in the paper- my parents. I thanked her and she handed me another. "Your sketches. You're good."

"Thank you, again. Are you coming?"

"Yes. You need company. And someone to help you cover," she added. "You're really quitting, aren't you?"

I nodded. But she wasn't contented. She knew I have something more than quitting. She pleaded that I let her accompany me.

"Only to the Russian hearing. You can be my lawyer."

"If, they'll still conduct one. When do we leave?"

"After I've finished these packing… After I've thanked everyone," I told her spotting the Bristow's.

Sydney approached me with her father following closely. She gave me a hug. Jack stepped closer and tapped me on the shoulder. I asked him how the hearing was and naturally, not answering. He formally thanked me and I thanked him back. And so did Marshall; too shy to give a hug, I decided that I better give him one. He handed me something instead, a small gift. He volunteered to drive us to the airport but Liun was already waiting. More greetings and farewell followed. I gave my most important farewell to Irina, as I knew soon, she would be leaving her cell.

----------

"And so we headed back here in Russia. Liun was left in Los Angeles to help me with my own assessments."

"He stayed in the CIA?"

"Yes. He was officially admitted and promoted."

"And… How was the funeral?"

"Deep. His family couldn't accept it."

----------

It was raining. Nikolas' wife stayed on the gravesite despite the weather. Reyes and I tried to convince her to leave but she refused. She didn't even want to have an umbrella. It was a long day's work, for the papers, reasons, and explanations. We weren't almost permitted to leave the residence but soon they believed. I understood, no one could accept things that easily, especially for me. I lied to Irina- deep wounds do not heal quickly for me. It only melted my heart more to join Nikolas' family in his burial. I would cry at nights before the days for the trial started.

----------

"…Alright, Clio, listen carefully. You have done your part now. I want you to wake up when I count back from three. And when you open your eyes, you may feel worse but I think you'll need it soon. All right?"

"…"

"Ok. Three, two, one… -Are you alright?"

"I-I'll be fine."

"Ha, I know."

"Agent Ilinova, now you've given us your statement, you've completed your part. We hope that the therapy's not making it worse. We just had to make sure of the truth."

"No, Mr. President- the issues' not to be argued. It is my job."

"Hmm… I see. Speaking of your job, we'll let Reyes take care of Lhuzikov's capture. She's a very productive agent, as we all know. We also congratulate you for a success back in Ukraine. However, we still have to finish Derevko's trial in Los Angeles before we conduct one here. And we are aware that you already know about the KGB's liquidation."

"Yes, sir."

"And, as I was saying, you're quitting your job, is that right?"

"Yes, Mr. President, sir."

"As agreed to your approval of being subjected to regression therapy, you also want your memory erased?"

"…Yes, I do."

"Well… we will have no more objections. Mr. President? Your final approval?"

"Yes, Mr. Secretary. I officially agree."

"We're going to hand you now to Katerin."

"Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Secretary."

"Now, you know the consequences."

"Yes, I do."

"I really do not recommend this therapy, you know. It just hides you of the truth."

"I know. You're not the first to object."

"Reyes? Where is she?"

"She left, earlier before the therapy. We had an argument. We'll she has a better excuse. Irina's trial starts on Monday and she volunteered to be her lawyer. Can we keep it going?"

"Fine, ok? Relax. Mind this I tell you. When you wake up, you will be in the hospital. All you will remember is the life you had before you had the accident- a businesswoman. You work for a bank, the same bank you used for cover. You'll be the assistant CEO."

"Ok. Copy."

"Now, the most delicate part is, as I've told you, I do not recommend this because you had just been subjected to regression therapy. And up to this extent, you might suffer years of vision and dreams of the reality. Also, the memory loss might become effective no more if you will undergo regression therapy again. This government will also not to be held responsible whatever life you choose after the operation. Do you understand?"

"Of course, I do. You've told me already a hundred times."

"It's just, I'm regretting that you're running away with this."

"You don't know what I've gone through."

"Alright, I don't want this to be any more sentimental. Come here… Let me give you a hug. You take care of yourself."

"I will."

"Lie down… Close your eyes and listen to my voice. At the count of three, I'll be briefing to you again the operation's manual. Say yes when you're ready."

"Yes, I'm ready."

"I'll count now… One, two, three."

----------

"Good morning."

"Hey… How was your trip? You're, early."

"Yeah, I know I promised I'd be home last night. It's just, there was an emergency."

"Hmm… sometimes I think about how that bank uses every hour of our life. Don't you think it's abusive?"

"But you do understand, don't you?"

"Well, of course. I used to be an employee there."

"I still think that you shouldn't have quitted."

"…Are we going to argue over this again?"

"No. If that's what you want… What's wrong? You're too secretive today."

"Nothing, 'just, one of those dreams again. They're getting more and more confusing."

"Really? What is it now?"

"A woman."

"That accident really had an effect on you."

"And I thank you for being there."

"…I'll give you something, stay there."

"What is it?"

"Just wait. Stay here."

"Wait! Your phone's ringing… Alex? A-lex. …Hello?"

…Mrs. Liun? May I speak to your husband?

"Wait a second… It's a woman."

"I'll be back in a minute. Hello…? …Shi, shi- yes, of course, I do. I did not forget. …-No! You know, I better call you back."

"Angry with your Chinese again? 'Seems something's wrong."

"No, 'just, a very 'understanding' client. Hey, this is for you."

"…Thank you. It's lovely."

"And, remember the appointment with the psychologist?"

"Oh, for the dreams? I almost forgot. When will that be?"

"Today! I'll just change my clothes. You better get ready too."

"Huh, ok. Oh-…Hello?"

…Agent Ilinova? Is Agent Liun still there?

"…? I'll tell him you called back."

I want to speak with you.

"You want to speak with me?"

Yes.

"Who is this?"

Agent Reyes. Did he give you the necklace?

"Y-You must have mistaken me with someone else."

Tell him to remind you about the psychologist.

"What is it that you want?"

You haven't change a bit.

"-Honey, are you ready?" I'm hanging up now…

"Agent Reyes--??"

"Hon…?"

"…She called back through my number."

"Who called?"

"The woman you were talking with a while ago."

"…That can't be."

"Why can't that be?"

"…W-What did she tell-"

"It doesn't matter. Who is she?"

"…"

"Alex, …I'm waiting."

"Clio-"

"I just asked you a question. Who is she!?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"W-why do you say that?"

"You leave me with no other choice."

"…Are you with her?"

" …"

"… Who… Who are you people…?"

(A/N: To derevkobristow-spawn, wahaha!!!!!!!!!! Salamat talaga. I'm very flattered. The story must be very lame but thanks!!!!!! You're one of the inspirations I have for writing! SPAZEEBA!!! Reregaluhan kita sa pasko, hehe. To all readers, thank you for the special gifts for this coming Christmas!)