Disclaimer: This is a Tribe crossover with Roswell, completely original idea of how the author thinks some things should have been or could have been with these two shows. I do not claim ownership of any of the shows or characters other then the few of my own creation.
Chapter 2
Trudy had finally managed to get the Guardian to allow her to spend some free time with her daughter without being watched but she was locked into a room with no way out. Still, she felt better then she had since she'd first been abducted and hoped that Dal had truly made it out safely and back to her tribe. She knew that no matter what they were told, Bray would try and find her and she hoped that he wouldn't come to harm.
She was rocking Brady when she heard a young girl's voice from behind her, "Well, don't just sit there. You have a home to go to." When she turned she saw a girl standing there with her hand near the wall. "Well, come on. Bring the baby and we'll get you out of here. I don't have all day. I've got lots to do." As Trudy watched in confusion, a section of the wall seemed to disappear and the young girl stepped out and turned back to smile and wave. A soft giggle sounding from her lips.
"How did you..? Who are..?" Trudy couldn't seem to finish her questions as she stood and rushed out after the girl. As soon as she was out, she watched the girl simply wave her hand and the wall repaired itself. "What.?"
The young girl gigged, "I am Quixote, Quixote is girl." She said smiling as she took hold of Trudy's free hand. "Come along, little time. Silence only bends so long."
Trudy had no idea what the girl was talking about, but she was guiding her to the safety of the mall so for the moment that was all that mattered. She had all sorts of questions for this Quixote, but she had no idea where to begin. What she'd just seen couldn't have been possible and yet she had seen it clearly. It was barely dawn when they arrived at the safety of the mall and the grille was closed yet as they neared Trudy didn't hear the alarm go off and once again the girl waved her hand causing a section of the grille to disappear. "Go now, safe and sound." The girl said and Trudy walked through the section of the grille, turning just in time to see it repaired and the girl vanish in a flash of light.
Turning around, she looked at the mall and smiled. She was truly back home and whoever this girl was, she owed her. Not wanting to wake anyone, she started making her way to her room only making it a short way before the mall's alarm went off.
Everyone in Eagle's group made it safely to the mall when dawn was breaking and were greeted by the sound of the alarm ringing. Eagle and Wren stood in front of the others waiting for the people from their past to let them in and the first thing they heard was Trudy's voice, "Amber! Zandra!"
Trudy rushed over to the grille with a smile and Eagle smiled, "Trudy, it's so good to see you."
Trudy turned and yelled out, "Everyone wake up! Amber and Zandra are alive!"
Liz's room was nearest the grille controls and as she heard Trudy's voice she was instantly awake and rushing to the controls. Looking out over toward the grille she was surprised to see that Trudy was inside while the others were outside. She opened the grille and then rushed down calling out, "Everyone, Trudy's back and so is Amber and Zandra!"
Mallrats began coming out of room's, some instantly awake while others were still showing that they were exhausted. Liz had only known Amber and Zandra for a short time before they'd been involved in the explosion and believed dead. Seeing them alive was simply amazing to her.
As she joined the others that had gathered around downstairs, she noticed that there were others with the girls. After hugs and tearful greetings, the grille was closed and everyone made their way to the café, but Liz kept finding her gaze traveling back to one specific guy. She found herself eagerly waiting for introductions to be made. People were firing questions back and forth toward Trudy then Amber and Zandra and Liz was simply waiting for the confusion to die down.
Lex and Tai-San came up to the café' followed by Danni and Bray, both couples having needed to get dressed. When they arrived, both men froze in shock and to Danni and Tai-San's despair moved to embrace the women from their past.
Bray smiled as he saw Amber and rushed to embrace her after the initial shock wore off. "Amber! We thought you were lost to us."
Danni felt tears welling up in her eyes as she watched the scene before her, feeling certain that she had lost Bray to this woman from his past. The night before had been too good to be true with Bray asking her to marry him and she simply couldn't stay up here and watch everyone seem so happy when she felt as though she was crashing into a rocky chasm from a fall off a high cliff. Running down the stairs and back toward her room, she threw herself on her bed and gave herself over to her sobs.
Pride saw the girl run away and the look in her eyes had told him that she was hurting. He wondered who she was and what their journey would do to her and others. His thoughts broke off when he heard the guy saying something.
"I missed you, Amber. When I thought you'd died it took time before I was truly ready to move on." Bray shook his head, "I hope you can understand that I would never have moved on if I'd known you were alive."
Eagle put her hand up and backed away from Bray as she called out, "Please, everyone listen to me. There is much that needs to be explained and it should answer all of your questions. Plus, there are introductions to be made."
As everyone grew silent and took their seats, Eagle/Amber and Wren/Zandra stood by each others side as introductions were made. "First, Zandra and I were found and taken in by a tribe called the Gaian's. Pride, Wind Walker and Falcon are members of this tribe. Our newest friends that also came with us are Max, Isabel, Tess and Michael." As each person was introduced they gave a nod in greeting.
"We know you thought we were dead, you couldn't have known that we were trapped alive in a small pocket of rubble. I still don't remember everything about my life here, Zandra and I had amnesia that caused us to forget everything for a long time. Among the Gaian's I became known as Eagle and she became known as Wren." Amber continued in her explanation.
Zandra drew the papoose off her back, revealing the little boy inside as she looked at Lex, "Lex, I remember having been wed to you and this is our son. I couldn't remember your name when he was born so I gave him a Gaian type of name. He is called Fox." She picked up the little boy out of the papoose and turned him to face his father.
Amber followed suit with her baby, turning the basic newborn toward Bray, "This is our daughter Bray. I named her Morning Song."
Tai-San didn't know what to think or say. Instead, she moved through the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. Salene joined her and the two began working together to prepare the meal for everyone including the newcomers. Jack's voice drifted toward them as they did. "We've got some new people here as well as some that were here before, so maybe we should all give introductions as well."
Alice stood and said, "I think I'll do that to make it easier." She glanced around, motioning toward each person as she said their names, "Trudy and her daughter Brady, Bray, Lex, Liz, Maria, Kyle, Alex, Ellie, Jack, Dal, Tai-San, Salene, Ryan, Cloe, Patsy, May, K.C. , Danni is the girl that was here, Paul who can't hear, and I'm Alice." She finished as she looked around.
Liz had listened to the introductions and the person that she had been looking at, she learned, was named Max. She couldn't help but feel drawn to keep looking at him but she couldn't figure out why. Kyle came up and placed his arm around her and she had the sudden urge to brush it off, though she didn't. She didn't want to hurt Kyle.
Pride observed everyone in silence, first paying attention to the girl who gave the introductions. The girl was a big woman, red hair. She seemed the type that was formidable and he had the idea that perhaps she was the protective sort. From where he was seated he couldn't see her eyes but she was a lovely sort. Her expression spoke of leadership as well, made him think that maybe she spoke her mind when needed. He smiled as he watched as she sat back down.
Then his gaze move to take in the girl she'd called Trudy who was holding a baby. There was something there that reminded him of a frightened mouse, she seemed tense despite the smile on her face and he wondered about that. She was also dressed in a very strange garment, a yellow robe sort of item and the baby looked like she was in ceremonial vestments as well. He had to admit his curiosity was piqued.
His eyes next fell on Bray who was looking at Eagle with confusion plainly written on his face. Pride wondered what his story was, it seemed as though only moments ago he was trying to tell Eagle something. Was he telling her that he loved someone else? Pride shook his head, knowing that he'd learn the answer at another time more then likely.
He looked to see Wren handing her son over to the man named Lex who didn't seem comfortable with holding Fox. As he perused the man, Pride thought he seemed nervous and even perhaps a bit scared. What the reason for this could be, he wasn't all that certain though he thought perhaps it was because he wasn't sure how to handle a baby.
The girl Liz had dark hair and she seemed focused on looking at one specific person. Following her gaze he noticed that she was looking at Max and he was looking right back at her. Smiling, Pride returned to observing the girl. Something about her was shy, nervous even. He half expected to see her faint when the guy, Kyle placed his arm around her.
Kyle instantly struck Pride as the jealous jock type and he felt there could be some trouble there. Pride shrugged slightly and turned to observe the rest, Maria seemed anxious and he could see something in her hand that she kept smelling. He couldn't help but think she must be easily stressed. The boy Alex he noticed wasn't paying attention to anything being said, instead as he followed the boy's gaze he saw that Isabel was the focus.
He had to grin at that sight as well. Maybe for some of them, this journey wouldn't be quite so bad after all. Next he looked at a young blonde girl who Alice had called Ellie. She was sitting with a pencil and pad in hand, writing things down. The boy Jack kept glancing over at her and he had a feeling there was something already started there.
Next came Dal. From looking at him, Pride guessed he was probably a great deal wiser then most his age. The boy's eyes spoke of knowledge and he seemed to be taking in what was being said with a relaxed expression. Ryan stood nearby, his stance seemed tense and as though he was ready to go do something.
The girl May he found was looking right at him. Pride was a bit shocked to find the girl's gaze looking right at him, but he smiled slightly in greeting before turning to observe the rest. K.C., Cloe, Patsy and Paul seemed to be the youngest. Looking at K.C., Pride got the feeling the boy was sneaky. The girl's seemed to be entertained with the dog at their feet though Patsy many times seemed to be doing sign language with the boy Paul.
Pride's gaze wandered over to the two girls in the kitchen, Tai-San and Salene. Neither of them seemed to be concerned about what might be happening as they seemed to just simply accept more mouths to feed and went about prepping a meal.
He shook his head, curious as to how all of these people had come together. Some of them simply didn't seem likely to be all that similar to each other.
Salene finished the meal with Tai-San's help and began handing the dishes out, first to the children and then to the other girls before finally feeding the men. She went to sit beside Trudy as everyone started breaking off in their own little groups to talk. As she sat down with her meal she looked at Brady and Trudy with a smile, "It's so good that you're back, Trudy. How did you get out of there?"
Trudy shook her head, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, it's hard for me to believe and I saw it." She laughed wryly. She shrugged, "I don't know, the only thing I can say is I met the most amazing little girl and the things that she did were simply... unreal." She couldn't seem to find the word and simply settled for one.
Salene grinned, "Well, the important thing is that you are free and back home with us."
"Of that I am glad, Sal. I never want to go through what I have. The people that had me were crazy." Trudy started, "They were worshiping Zoot like he was a God and not truly dead but waiting for them in some version of heaven. It was horrible."
Amber sat with Lex, Bray and Zandra as the four discussed what had happened. As she looked over at Pride she felt guilt as she noticed that he was looking at her with sadness. She didn't know what she could say to make him feel better about these things. She did care about him, but with her memory returning she was remembering other things and seeing Bray again had brought back a rush of feeling. She wanted to comfort Pride and yet a part of her wanted to hold Bray. She didn't know what to do.
She turned back to the conversation at hand when she heard her name. "Amber, I need to know.. have you been happy even without knowing who you were?" Bray asked her and she honestly couldn't say no.
"Yes, Bray. The Gaian's are a wonderful tribe. Their way is so like what I'd been looking for when Dal and I first set out." Amber replied, leaving out Pride whom she had only recently started considering her boyfriend. She didn't want to ruin the chance to find out where she stood with Bray.
Bray nodded, "Do you think we can talk later, in private?"
"Sure. I don't see a reason why we can't." Amber replied and they both fell silent while listening to Lex and Zandra.
"I'm serious, Lex. I am not the same girl you married. Sure, I still like to look nice, but I don't need a roof over my head to be happy now. I can sleep under the stars and cook on an open fire. I've also been a mother to our son for nearly four months. He's really helped me to grow up. Not to mention, I have a great deal of help from the other Gaian's." Zandra was saying with a smile.
Lex was rocking Fox, looking completely unnatural. "So, what have you done the entire time you've been gone?"
"Well, we've simply learned how to survive outside of the city. I've learned about plants and basic nature. I can make a shelter without a problem and I can do some small fishing." Zandra would have added more had she not been interrupted.
"You... fish?" Lex looked incredulous.
"Yes, she does." A voice came from nearby and as Zandra looked up, she smiled.
"This is Falcon. He's the one that's been helping me with learning everything while I was there." She explained with a proud expression on her face directed toward the man before looking back at Lex. "Falcon, this is Lex. He was my husband before the accident that caused my memory loss."
Amber could see from the expression on Lex's face that he wasn't sure how to take the way Zandra had worded her comment to Falcon.
Later in the day...
Alex and Jack were disappointed that their project hadn't worked and excused themselves to go work on it. Isabel decided that she wanted to follow, find out what they were doing. As far as she was concerned, as soon as she heard generator, she had the idea that whatever it might be, she might be capable of helping. She was certain the boys were surprised by her interest in what they were doing, but felt that if she had the free chance she'd give them a real surprise.
Following them up to the roof, she smiled as she was shown where the solar panels were set up. Isabel shook her head, "I see part of the problem. In order to collect solar energy you want the panels to be set up in an almost reflective manner." She took a pair of protective gloves from Jack and stepped over to the panels, shifting the way they were placed, tilting them at a slight angle. When she turned back around, she smiled. "Solar energy won't be able to collect as well if it's not set at an angle because the best of the suns rays won't touch the panel. Unless the sun ends up completely overhead to where you have to look straight up to see it, it would only receive a small charge."
Alex looked at her with amazement and Jack asked, "How do you know this?"
Isabel laughed softly, "I used to read a great deal of experimental journals through school before the virus. Now we just need to shift the other panels, two toward the west and two toward the east. That way it will collect all day long. Then we wait about half an hour and check to see what sort of charge the generator is showing as having before we'll know if something else is wrong."
Jack seemed to be a bit embarrassed as he started mumbling, "Never thought that a.. umm. well would.."
"Go ahead and say it, Jack. Never thought a girl would know this sort of thing, right?" Isabel said with a smile and Jack nodded apologetically. "Don't worry about it, there are a lot of people that have thought the same in my past. I don't mind showing them that I am different from most. In fact, I enjoy knowing that I am different from most. Speaking of which, does anyone have access to cars around here?"
Alex nodded, "We can access some, but it's gas that's the problem. Petrol is in short supply."
"Not if we set up solar collectors on a car as well." Isabel commented.
Alex and Jack both nodded and began talking in more depth with Isabel on her idea.
Maria and Liz were seated in Liz's room going over the days events while Maria was painting her nails and Liz had her journal open, writing. "You know, there is something really odd about those people that showed up here. What do you think is going to happen now? I mean Lex was getting ready to get married, but his wife is back! It's so strange." Maria looked over to see Liz lost in thought. "Liz! You aren't even listening!"
Liz looked up distracted, "Oh, sorry Maria. What were you saying?" She didn't admit that she was thinking of one of those newcomers. Max. There was something about him that was simply drawing her toward him. She wanted to get to know him and couldn't understand why. She smiled slightly as once again her thoughts returned to him, remembering his dark brown hair and brown eyes. He had such a kind look about him.
Maria sighed, "Chica, what is going on in your mind?"
Liz shrugged, "I'm just thinking about everything." She turned to look more fully at Maria, "What did you think of Max?"
Maria rolled her eyes and shook her head, "Liz, you are with Kyle. Why are you thinking about a man that we just met?"
"I know I'm with Kyle and he's dependable and all. I just.. I can't stop picturing Max." Liz admitted as she looked at her best-friend. "I don't understand it myself, Maria. Haven't you ever felt drawn to a guy?"
"Uh, hello, Chica. Your talking to me. I haven't even dated since the virus and when I was... they weren't much to think of. Drawn to them would never be the word for them." Maria grinned as she spoke. "As to your situation, well I always did think Kyle was wrong for you, so maybe you should try and figure out what exactly draws you to this Max."
Danni sat in the room she shared with Bray, waiting for him to come back from his talk with Amber. She couldn't stop the tears from falling after seeing how he'd looked at Amber when he'd seen her. It was obvious that he still loved the other girl and since it looked like he was a father, Danni couldn't compete. She glanced over at her clothing, packed and ready to be carried, wondering if she should even wait around to get the boot. "I should have known I'd find you here." She heard the voice of Alice in the doorway and looked up.
"What are you doing here, Alice?" She asked the bigger girl curiously.
"Doing what I just did with Tai-San, checking on you." Alice stated as she walked in and sat beside Danni, "So, what has you packed up and ready to go? Are you planning on leaving without fighting for him?" She didn't give Danni a chance to respond, "If you are, you certainly have shown to be different from what I expected. You don't strike me as being a quitter."
"Alice, it's not like that." Danni said as she wiped at her tears, "She's got his baby, I can't stand in their way."
"Why don't you wait and see what Bray decides? Before you go off deciding for him, give him a chance to work out what he feels." Alice advised simply. "It's the same advice I just gave Tai-San."
"What did Tai-San say?" Danni asked wondering if the other girl was of like mind. Sure she'd clashed with her over the Bill of Rights, but she considered Tai-San to be a friend, even though the others still didn't know the truth about the virus.
Alice laughed slightly before she answered the question, "She said something about having to balance herself and that she would be well once she was able to align her chakra's." Her expression showed how crazy she thought this sounded.
Danni couldn't help but smile slightly, "I have no clue what that's supposed to mean." She admitted and yet didn't say anything more as she thought silently for a moment.
"I think it's her way of saying she'll survive. And no matter what happens, running away won't solve anything for you, Danni." Alice responded.
"Maybe not, but it will keep me from being around to see him with her." Danni commented in a near whisper.
Amber sat across from Bray, their daughter held on her lap as she rocked her to sleep. "Bray, I wish I could remember more about how we were together. I honestly didn't come back to cause any problems with your new life. I saw the girls that ran off, were one of them with you?" She asked, they'd just sat alone in the café' to talk.
Bray was silent for a moment as he simply took in the sight of Amber, still having a hard time digesting the fact that she was truly alive and that she had a baby she claimed was his. As far as he knew she hadn't been pregnant, but it could have been a possibility. Still, he wasn't quite liking the idea. He was a father now, but how could he choose Amber and keep from hurting Danni or vice versa? For that matter how could he chose at all. He loved Danni and had finally won her back, but Amber he'd loved for some time. Could he keep Danni holding on while he tried to decide just what he wanted without hurting her worse if it turned out to be Amber and what about Amber if he decided on Danni.
"Yes, one of them is with me. Her name is Danni, she's similar to you in some ways. What sort of things don't you remember that maybe I can help with?' He asked, unsure what else he could say or should say. This was far too confusing. And the only laughable part was that he knew Lex was going through a similar situation.
Amber nodded, hiding her disappointment at hearing that he was with someone, but she couldn't blame him. He'd thought she was dead and she had been rather close to death. Besides, she could only remember that they'd been together. She couldn't remember how they'd gotten together or things from before they'd started a relationship for that matter. "Honestly, I can only remember that you and I were in a relationship. I still don't remember basics, like how we met, how we got together or anything like that." She admitted sadly.
Bray leaned forward slightly and nodded, "Well, I'll do everything I can to help you remember."
Lex had been watching that guy flirting with his wife all morning and most of the afternoon until he'd finally managed to get Zan away and start talking to her about things. He'd been tempted many times to knock the guy out. In fact, during the last half hour of sitting with Zan and going over things from their past with her, trying to help her remember, he was still wanting to find this Falcon and pound him into the ground. Zan wouldn't stop mentioning the kid and it was getting to him. So what if she hadn't been around him the last few months? She was still his wife.
Lex was silent for a few as he looked across the room at Zandra who was now seated on her bed while he sat on a nearby chair. "Zan, how much does this Falcon guy mean to you?" He had to ask, wanting so badly to hit the man in question wasn't exactly the best idea or thought but he certainly couldn't help feeling as though he wanted to knock him to the ground. Lex had moved on, getting involved with Tai-San and considering marriage with her, even thinking that maybe there was going to be something else that could happen in the future. Now that Zan was back and alive he had no idea what to do or how to feel.
In the end, he had found that he truly had loved Zan and thinking that she was dead had torn him apart. Now, here she was back and with his son. A child he had thought he would never have the chance to get to know. He was certainly confused about whether he should try and keep his marriage going or if he should simply tell her about Tai-San. Either way he needed to know how Zan felt about everything before he could find the ability to make a decision himself.
There was a time when he wouldn't have cared what she felt, because as far as he was concerned, she was his wife and there was nothing that would change that. He'd only realized recently that he couldn't continue thinking of people as possessions. That's something that he had learned from Tai-San even though it had originally annoyed him to have that become the case.
Zandra was silent as she tried to decide just how to answer her husbands question. Falcon had always been there for her, tending her when she was sick, helping her before and after the birth of her son. He'd been supportive of her through everything and had even admitted that he cared deeply for her, but she had always had this feeling that there was someone out there that she had to see. Now, sitting across from Lex, looking at him while their son was sleeping beside her on the bed, she couldn't decide how she felt.
She remembered the day of their wedding, remembering well how it had been a day she had dreamed of, but what she couldn't remember was what had led up to it or some moments after that. Finally, she answered softly in the only way she could, "I'm really not sure, Lex. I'm really feeling confused since it's only been a couple weeks since I remembered being married."
Lex nodded and was quiet for a moment before asking, "Zan, tell me what your life's been like?" He had to know what she'd gone through, wanted to simply hear her talk about things so he could get to know her all over again.
"What can I say? When Amber and I were trapped by the explosion, we tried digging ourselves out. Losing oxygen rapidly. By the time we got ourselves out, I was exhausted and so was she. We tried to make it out of the rest of the debris but more collapsed and we were both hit." Zan shook her head as she looked down at her baby, "Next thing we knew, we were wandering around and found by Pride and some of the other Eco's. They took us to their camp, but by that time we didn't remember what had happened or who we were. Pride and Falcon were the only two men that were around us, tending us while some of the women were helping as well."
"Falcon and Pride were very good to us, taking us in and helping nurse us back to health." Amber explained to Bray. "We needed names and because of how both Zandra and I were when we were finally back in good health, the Tribe gave us the names Eagle and Wren. We were welcomed and cared for among them and it was a peaceful life. Zan and I tried to remember our past, the healers in the Tribe worked with us every couple of days and it wasn't really helping. I'd have dreams about you, but couldn't figure out from the dreams who you were to me and I'd see the others and it was the same. It wasn't until I gave birth to our baby that I had some of my memories return."
Bray listened in silence as he fought the urge to take her in his arms. She still had a place in his heart even though he also loved Danni and he couldn't keep himself from feeling as though he was being pulled in two different directions.
"It wasn't until I was talking with Amber and felt a little faint that I remembered anything. It seemed a bit odd to me that she and I remembered some things around the same time, but it also made some things easier on both of us." Zan concluded as she looked at Lex. "I don't know why I came here, other then the fact that I knew I had to let you know about our baby and see you along with the others. Our healers even felt that maybe seeing people from our past would help us remember more."
Isabel and Max had decided to take a small walk, talking amongst themselves. "Max, are you going to try and help Eagle and Wren even more then you did?" Isabel asked, wanting to know whether her brother was thinking similar to her on the different matters or not. She was proud of her brother for helping the girls in the first place, even though she knew it was a risk because before Nacedo had died, he'd warned them that there were other aliens on the planet that would hunt them down.
Max shrugged, "I'm not certain if there will be a way for me to do it again without being too obvious. If I can find one, you can count on me helping them further. I couldn't help Mom and Dad, but if I can help them, then at least I've managed to do some good."
"Max, you tried, it wasn't your fault." Isabel told her brother softly as she turned to face him, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You said yourself that what you felt was completely unnatural. I could have lost you too if you'd somehow absorbed it while healing them."
Max nodded, his eyes wet with unshed tears, "I know, Iz. I just can't stop feeling like there was something I should have been able to do. What's so great about having powers when they can't help those you love?"
"You aren't God, Max. Remember that, you are as human as I am and there is nothing we can do other then hope that we can continue as we have. We are of two worlds and some things aren't meant to be explained." Isabel commented softly as she embraced her brother before whispering, "Mourn them, Max. Don't hold in the pain."
Max let himself lean on his sister, welcoming the comfort she always gave him and for the first time since their parents had died, he cried.
Luke paced outside the room where The Guardian was, trying to figure out just how to word the recent news without ending up getting wasted. Even being the Lieutenant, he knew his life could well be forfeit. Drawing a deep breath, he made his way into the room after knocking. "Zoot Be Praised." He greeted as Guardian turned toward him.
"What news have you for me, Luke?" Guardian asked after giving the same greeting and motioning for Luke to come closer.
"I'm afraid that it isn't good news, Guardian. It seems some of the Chosen are not worthy of Zoot's excellence. They have allowed the Supreme Mother and the Divine Child to vanish from their sights." Luke drew in a sharp breath as he waited for Guardian's temper.
"How can this be! Zoot told me we would have victory! I want them found and brought back here immediately. And I want those responsible for their escape punished." Guardian exclaimed angrily as he began pacing.
Luke nodded and gave a slight bow, "As you wish, Guardian. I shall see to it immediately. Is there anything else you wish?"
When the Guardian motioned his dismissal, Luke rushed out and began issuing orders before taking a small group to search for Trudy and her baby. The two Chosen that had been on guard when the girl and child disappeared would be waiting for punishment when he returned from the search.
iDanni Journal Entry One
I'm not even sure why I am even bothering to write in this thing anymore. I have nothing good to share at the moment. Bray is talking to his beloved Amber and I am surely losing him. I should never have returned to the mall with him. If I hadn't it would have saved me from falling in love with him and also kept me from being hurt now.
I can't help but feel that Alice is wrong in trying to convince me to stay here and she seems determined now to keep an eye on both me and Tai-San. Every time I've begun to leave, she was right there to stop me. Of course, she won't admit that her reasons are because of my running from things. Instead, she keeps reminding me of the danger that's out there. I'm not stupid, I know it's dangerous. However, at the moment I couldn't care less. It's dangerous to my heart the longer I remain here and wait to see how long it takes for Bray to tell me we're through.
It doesn't help that I haven't told anyone the truth about the virus, even though I know that Jack and Ellie are still searching for the answers./I
colorredJan smiled as she marked the page and closed it, noting that several of the others had fallen asleep. To Drake, she smiled and spoke softly, "We should go get some sleep ourselves. I think we'll read more tomorrow before everyone has to return to work."
Drake nodded as he stood, stretching and yawning. "Sounds like a good idea to me, love." They made their way into the bedroom they shared whenever Drake came over to visit./color
colorred The next morning, Jan and everyone had breakfast before gathering around the living room once more to begin reading again. First though, they all had a discussion over the contents of the previous day.
"I can't believe that some little girl somehow dissolved an entire section of a wall." Proud Wolf commented with a look that showed his disbelief.
"Why would they make it up, Pride?" Drake questioned as he grinned and then added, "Besides, your great grandfather saw the same little girl vanish. Do you think he would make it up?"
"Well, no... but I.."
Jan laughed and cut him off, "Look, there are strange things that even today can't be completely explained, so if they say they went through something extraordinary, I say we have no right to say that it's impossible." She couldn't help but think of something that had happened when she was younger./color
The little girl, unknown to the others was watching their moves around the mall. She couldn't help but find humor in everything that was happening even where she felt sympathy for their plights. With a smile, she decided it was time to play again and with a flash of light, she placed herself in the room where Guardian was. Altering her voice she spoke, "Guardian, here my will."
"Zoot?" Guardian questioned, glancing around.
"You have done well, Guardian. My message is spreading and chaos is beginning to rule. The time has come to plan the largest move. Forget waiting until you hold the Supreme Mother and Divine Child. You will have them again when the time is right. Now, go and fulfill the cleansing of Babylon." She had to keep herself from laughing as she flashed out of the room and back to the mall where she used a frightened child's voice to sound from outside the mall.
"The Chosen are coming!" She called this over and over again, letting her voice get louder and then fade away. With a smile, she watched and waited to see what would happen next.
"The Chosen? Who are they?" Amber questioned as she heard the call along with Bray, the two making their way toward the grille and others were also coming out to join them. Amber bounced her baby on her hip as she waited for a response.
"Some creeps that kidnaped both Dal and Trudy a few weeks ago, Dal was released to give us a message while Trudy was held until she escaped shortly before you arrived. She still hasn't had the chance to explain what happened or even how she got free." Bray responded and looked to find a very frightened looking Trudy standing at the top of the stairs.
Pride stood beside her, having been talking to her and a couple of the others. As Bray watched, Pride placed a comforting hand on Trudy's shoulder and said something to her quietly before they started walking down to join the others. As soon as they reached the group, Amber asked softly, "Trudy, what are these Chosen people about?"
Trudy was silent for a moment, taking a shuddering breath before she responded simply, "They believe that Zoot is a God. They wanted me because of the fact that I am Brady's mother and since she's his daughter they wanted her. They are being led by a guy that calls himself Guardian, but I knew him before the virus as Jaffa." She tried her best to keep herself from sounding as concerned as she was. She found that she was glad her voice sounded calmer then she felt as she looked around at everyone.
Jan glanced around at the others, her throat was sore and she was beginning to grow tired of reading. "Anyone want to take over the reading. My eyes are growing too tired and throat sore." She smiled as she held the book out as though to show that she was willing to give it over for someone else to read.
Marcus was the first to reach for the book, "I'll read. I just can't get enough of this. Do you think we'll ever know if it really happened?"
"If we can find survivor's we can find out." Wolf responded calmly, though doubt was apparent. If there were any survivor's they'd be in their hundreds by now and probably not all together there. Still, he settled back in his chair and smiled as he thought about how it would have been to live the life that was being revealed to them in this book. His imagination bringing to life the words as Marcus read.
Ebony sat in her office at the hotel when a couple of her militia made their way in without knocking or announcing themselves. Standing, she glared at them and said simply, "What is the meaning of this?" She started around the desk when more people entered, robed with faces covered. "Who are you? What makes you think you can simply barge in here?" She asked angrily.
"Ah, Ebony. You certainly haven't changed all that much." She heard the man in the white robe state and tried to determine where she recognized the voice from. Suddenly, she remembered. It was Jaffa. Alice had just left, heading toward the mall after letting her know that the Chosen were on the move, but she hadn't expected the hotel to be the first place hit by Guardian. Kyle had managed to get himself into the Chosen's employ and act as a spy for both sides. She was surprised that she didn't see Kyle among the numbers.
Then another thought hit her. What if Kyle hadn't known the full plan and the mall was being taken over at the same time? Could the others be in danger? If they were, would any of them make it out? She held out hope for Bray, knowing that if anyone could make it, it would be him. It had to be. Bray had to make it out. "So, Jaffa.. what brings you to my neck of the woods?" She asked, hoping to keep him talking.
"The name is Guardian now. Jaffa died in the beginning of Zoot's greatness." Ebony had all she could do not to laugh at the white robed maniac.
"Oh really. Hmm, too bad you aren't dead too. In place of Zoot." She responded instead.
"When I finally die, it will be the most wondrous of gifts to stand beside Zoot in his holy throne." The Guardian replied.
Ebony shook her head. "You are one high class fruitcake. What exactly do you plan to do?"
"Cleanse this city of Babylon." He answered, "And those that do not choose to follow Zoot's will shall be terminated."
"Oh, that's original." Ebony taunted despite her situation of being surrounded by the Chosen. Knowing she was in a bad position didn't keep her from trying to figure out a way out of it. "You seem to like ripping off bad movie cliche's."
"Take her away," Guardian ordered, his face flushed with anger.
"Wait!" Ebony called as the men grabbed her arm. "I was Zoot's queen and I know who has positions of power in the city. I can stand at your side and help you guide people to Zoot." She said, having not really thought before speaking.
"No one trusts you, Ebony. You betrayed Zoot by living with those who sent him from this Earth." Guardian said and without another word, she was taken from the room and led into another. Thrown inside, she righted herself only to listen as the door was locked. She was placed in one of the few windowless rooms and knew that there was no other way out.
"Bastard!" She muttered as she sat back and waited, trying to decide what she would do.
The man took a form that would allow him instant access into the Mall, one that he knew wasn't going to be there. Her name he knew was Ebony and he'd observed her quietly while she'd spoken with the Guardian and knew enough to where he was certain he could easily pretend to be her. Walking through the city, he made his way to the mall and stood outside the grille as the alarm went off. "Turn this damn thing off and let me in. We need to get some planning done."
Those assembled turned as the alarm went off and seeing Ebony, Ryan moved to raise the grille only long enough for her to enter. "What's going on out there, Ebony?" Bray questioned.
"Other then the fact that I just managed to escape from the hotel before these freaks in robes took it over, I don't know. I need some volunteers to go with me and try to learn what we can. The rest of you will want to get whatever you can and get somewhere safe. The mall won't be safe, not from everything I overheard while I was hiding in the air ducts."
Ebony's response caused fearful cries from the younger kids and Salene, Pride and Trudy moved to try and calm them down. When no one volunteered right away he spoke again, "Look, I don't have all day. Let's get what information we can or let's simply hand the city over to these Chosen as they call themselves."
Pride, Max, Kyle, Ryan, Lex and Michael stepped up to volunteer and he inwardly hid a smile. These guys were suckers. Then he was surprised to see that Danni, Bray, Alice, May and Salene also stepped forward. "Falcon, can you tend my son for me?" One of the girls asked from one of the nature boys that stood there.
"Sure thing, Wren. I would be honored." Falcon responded and took the child in his arms.
"Good, thank you." She started, "I'm going with them. I can move much more silently then most of them, except for Pride." She stated and he couldn't help but wonder who she was. None of his intelligence had mentioned her or even some of the others that he was seeing now.
"Who are these new people?" He asked in Ebony's voice.
"Oh, they were with Zandra and Amber when they returned." Salene began explaining, "That's Max, Michael, Isabel, Tess, Pride, Wind Walker and Falcon. Plus Amber and Zandra have babies. Amber's is a girl and Zan's is a boy."
"Congratulations," 'Ebony said with only a slight hint of sarcasm and looked over at the girl that must have been Amber. The look 'she' received was filled with hatred and he wondered why this Amber hated Ebony.
Cloe spoke up excitedly, "Yeah, Lex and Bray are daddy's!"
Both guys seemed to color slightly at the little girls announcement.
Danni still has no idea where she and Bray stand, but there was no way that she was going to let him go out there without her to back him up. Before she walked out with them, she grabbed her cloak and placed it over her, using it to hide the crossbow that she still had in her possession. There was no way she was going to walk into possible danger without something to help protect her.
Bray was walking at her side and as she glanced over at him, she saw him watching her. Tearing up, she decided to say something, "No matter what you decide, I love you Bray." Then, she walked ahead of him, catching up to Ebony and Max. She didn't want to wait and hear the 'I don't know what I want' talk that she was certain would come.
After Danni's words, Bray wasn't certain what to do. He hadn't meant to let her feel as though things were bad and he'd hoped to have the chance to talk to her. Yes, he still loved Amber, but he was already certain that as much as he wanted his daughter to be a part of his life, he also wanted Danni to be his wife and Amber a friend. He watched Danni for a few minutes before he moved to catch up with her and pulled her away from the others. "I'm still going to be marrying you. That is if you want to marry me still, even knowing I have a daughter. I love you."
Danni looked at him as though she wasn't certain she could believe his words but she found that for the first time since she had entered into a relationship with him, there was nothing haunting his expression, nothing missing or hidden. "You mean that?"
"With all my heart. As soon as this Chosen thing is over, I want you to be my wife." He kissed her, wrapping his arms around her.
"Okay, lover boy. Let's not waste time here." Lex's voice interrupted and when the couple turned they found Zan and Lex both watching them. Zan seemed upset but Lex was smiling. "Sorry for the interruption, but I thought you'd like to know we're almost at the hotel."
Bray looked at Danni, "We'll finish this later." He promised silently and they walked on hand in hand.
While the party went scouting, the rest of the Mallrats began putting together what few belongings they would take with them for the trip. They didn't know where they would be going, but they knew that they had to be ready at a moments notice. Amber was in Trudy's room talking to her when a shout from downstairs caught her notice. "Trudy, stay here. I'll be back to let you know what's going on." Amber picked up her daughter and rushed down the stairs. She didn't see anything, but suddenly she heard voices that were unfamiliar and moved to duck behind the railing.
"Search the mall, the Guardian wants all the Mallrats, especially the Supreme Mother and Divine Child. Anyone you find is to be rounded up and watched right here near the entrance, now go!" The voice making the order wasn't one she could say was familiar and as she inched her way back so that she was less likely to be detected, she felt fear for Trudy and her other friends.
Cries of alarm went up all around the mall and as Amber rushed toward the sewer entrance, she knew she had to get somewhere so she could let the others know what was going on.
"Liz!" Maria screamed as she saw her best friend fall. Rushing over to her side, she was about to try to help her when she saw the look on her friends face.
"Go, Ria. Get out of here and warn the others so they don't come back to a trap. I'll be alright. Go!" When Maria looked like she was going to object, Liz screamed, "HELP!" Then looking at Maria, "Go, or you'll be caught too."
Liz watched as Maria left and hoped her friend would make it out. While she waited, she was surprised to find Alex joining her and simply sitting with her. "I'm not going anywhere."
Isabel, not really known to them rushed over, "Come on, let's get out of here."
"I can't, my ankle is twisted or something." Liz responded.
"Stop right there. You aren't going anywhere." Voices called and people in blue robes held weapons toward them.
Isabel was tempted to do something, but she couldn't risk revealing herself to these humans, so instead she moved to stand in front of the wounded girl and Alex. "Can we help our friend up? She's been injured." She heard Alex ask.
"Get her up and follow us." One of the men said and she turned to help Liz stand. With Alex on one side and Izzy on the other, Liz was able to stand and soon they were being guided down the steps.
Jack and Ellie were in the middle of talking about this Chosen business when they heard voices and Jack instructed Ellie to hide and remain quiet. Both of them hiding in separate places, Jack watched in silence as a guy in a blue robe walked in and began walking around, inspecting the area. Ellie had slid under the bed and when he saw the guy start to bend down to look there, Jack stood from his hiding place. "Creep." He said simply and then ran out of the room, the guy hot on his heals.
He'd never been brave before, but the idea of Ellie being hurt when he could do something about it had spurred him into action. Thus, he was determined to remain free long enough to give Ellie the chance to get away safely. He ran out of the room, along the second floor and then to the stairs that led to the roof. Making his way up them, he tripped over a stair and barely caught himself before his head would have hit the cement.
Stumbling to his feet, he started back up the stairs but this mishap had cost him precious time and suddenly he was pinned against the side of the stairwell by two of the guys in robes. "Let me go, imbeciles."
"Stop struggling or you'll end up getting hurt." One of the guards said and Jack stopped trying to get out of their grip. What good would he be to anyone if they were able to injure him?
"What do you want with us?" He questioned instead as they started guiding him back into the mall.
"You'll either convert to our ways or be slaves." A guard with blue hair responded.
Trudy heard calm footsteps and turned with a smile, expecting Amber. However, a scream rose from her throat the second she saw the robed figures standing in her doorway. "Supreme Mother, you and the Divine Child must come with us."
She picked up Brady and held her protectively, "Leave my daughter alone!"
"Guard her here. Do not let her escape." The man told a couple of armed people. "You'll be seeing the Guardian again soon." He told her and then turned and left.
The Guardian waited patiently for word from his lieutenant about how things had gone. He was certain that he would have victory. Zoot in his wisdom would not have guided them to take action now if victory were not assured. He paced the office that he had taken over and tried to decide what he was going to do with Ebony and the other Mallrats. Suddenly, he heard Zoot start speaking to him.
"Guardian, you will have to send some of these unbelievers to the mines. I will tell you who through my prophet, a girl wearing black and silver. She will be at your side to tell you of my will."
"I understand Zoot. I hear you." Guardian responded.
"Power and Chaos!" Zoot said and then his voice was silent.
Guardian smiled as he sat back down behind the desk and folded his hands together in a steeple. "Zoot's will be done." He muttered and wondered when this girl would come to him.
Quixote laughed as she flashed away from the hotel. These humans were so easy to manipulate and she was having fun. As far as she was concerned, this was a game that was going to keep her well occupied and in the same time let her learn who was truly a good person, worth her time to help. Sure, she'd helped the girl Trudy and her baby escape, but that had simply been a way to help set certain things in motion.
She didn't feel guilt over the things that were going to happen, in fact other then childish glee over the game, she had no real emotions. She'd never learned them and didn't understand them. For the time being, she decided to simply watch and bide her time. She knew that there were things that would really be interesting. Flashing into the mall, she remained hidden in the rafters and watched as several of the kids were captured and rounded up.
She planned on trying to determine who she would have him send to the mines and who would remain in the city. Who she would set up to escape and who would have to wait until their tribe set up a rescue.
I Liz's Diary Entry
I'm not really certain how to explain it. We've been taken captive, some of us, but we've been given permission to use our own rooms and we are given rations rather then being able to make our own meals. Still, these Chosen aren't quite what I expected. Though they keep ranting about this Zoot person and shouting Power And Chaos, some of them seem normal. Guardian took some of the captives away and I don't know where they went. I've tried asking his Lieutenant but he hasn't been very forthcoming with the information. I'm scared that something might have happened to Maria and Kyle. They both aren't among the captives and I haven't seen them. I think maybe Isabel is just as worried about those that she was here with.
I learned that Max is her brother. I can't imagine what she's feeling since she's stuck here and he's out there somewhere. She keeps saying that she has faith that all our loved ones are safe. I think maybe she's doing that more to convince herself then to convince us. At least, I have Alex with me. She doesn't have anyone. Tess was here, but they took her away too. /I
Isabel sat down in her room, relaxing on the bed as much as she could. So far, she hadn't been able to catch Max or Michael asleep anytime she'd tried to dreamwalk them. She really was beginning to feel lost. Before they'd taken Tess away, she'd reminded the girl that it wouldn't be prudent to reveal her powers so she really needed to simply go along with things. When Tess was gone, Isabel found herself truly alone. How could she continue on without someone that knew what and who she was? She couldn't stand this.
"Isabel." She heard someone call from outside of her room and she knew without looking who it was.
"Come in, Pride." She said softly and opened her eyes to look at him as he walked in. "How's everyone holding up?" She questioned, trying to seem as open to talking as possible. If it was before the virus, she would have simply been flirting with him rather then trying to talk. He was cute and she'd already come to know that he was very kind. Still, he was human. There were things she would never be able to let him know about.
"They are trying to figure out a plan to get out of this. I came to tell you that dinner is ready and they've decided that no one can take food to rooms anymore."
"I'm not hungry. Thanks for coming to let me know though." Isabel responded and closed her eyes, "I've been imagining being back beside the river and watching the sunset." She said simply.
"I've done that often myself. Would you like to join me in a meditation?" Pride asked softly, moving to sit on the end of her bed. "It's not good to go through things alone."
"Pride, don't presume to tell me what's good and what isn't. I have no idea whether my family lives or not. You saw some of the injured that were carried in and heard about some people dying when they tried to fight back. They took Tess somewhere and who knows if they killed her or what they've done to her. At least you know that most of your tribe lives and are safe." Isabel said coldly, instantly feeling herself drawing on her usual protective measures. She couldn't let anyone get close, couldn't risk it.
"Isabel, I.. I'm sorry that you feel that way. I was hoping that you could consider me as a friend. If you change your mind, I'll be in my room meditating after I eat." Pride said and with a sigh, he walked out of the room.
Isabel stood and moved to close the door to her room before sitting down on her bed and trying to think about what she should do. "Max never had a problem with being friends with the humans if we ever really got close to one and in school before the virus I'd been popular, had friends, but none of them were real friends. Other then Michael and Tess, I never had real friends at all." She whispered to herself. "What would Max do?" She
Shrugging, she simply lay down on the bed and closed her eyes. Once again, she drew upon her power, letting herself enter the dream plane and watch as orbs of different colors began to swirl about her, each one had it's own musical resonance. She listened silently, seeking only three specific tones.
Unfortunately, she didn't hear any of them and slipped back out of the dream plane and opened her eyes, pounding her fist against the bed.
"Poor Princess Vilandra." She heard and looked toward her rooms entrance, there stood a man that seemed somewhat familiar to her. "Well, do you remember me? I certainly remember you. You helped to betray your people for love of my master."
"Liar! Leave me alone!" Isabel stood and faced him.
"Oh, but I can't. You see, he's here and he's ready to reunite with you."
"I don't know who you mean. I'm not Vilandra. My name is Isabel." She responded.
"You are Vilandra and she is you. Antarian Princess that you are." He stepped toward her and she attempted to walk around him. Reaching out a hand, he grabbed her. As he did, she suddenly had a feeling that he was making a connection and she closed her eyes, images flashing in her head. Too many images.
"Stop!" She screamed as she saw herself standing over the dead bodies of her brother and Tess. The image showed her moving in front of the prone form of Michael as an energy bolt hit her. "Stop!" She could almost feel the pain from the images. Feel the emotions from the ones that showed her with Michael and then a man she had never seen before. Whatever this guy was doing, she didn't like it and wanted it to end. She tried pulling out of his grasp and instead felt his grip tighten.
The images finally stopped and she felt him withdraw the connection before he spoke, "My master is ready to see you, so my dear, you are coming with me."
"Never! I don't care what your master wants. Kill me now or leave me alone!" Isabel cried and with as much energy as she could muster, she released a bit of telekinetic energy forcing him away from her and into the wall. Running out of the room as fast as she could, she bumped right into someone. Instantly, arms held her and soft words of comfort were being muttered.
Kyle paced in the farm building outside of the city. He couldn't believe his girlfriend was being held captive and here he was trying to get the mallrats to decide what to do about it. "Damn it, we really need to get moving here. What's the plan?"
"Calm down, Kyle. We're going to figure out a safe plan to get them out, but we need an idea of what's going on. You were spying for them and us, so why don't you get back in there and find out what they've done with people. If we don't have an idea of where they are, what their strength and weaknesses are we won't be able to put together a good rescue strategy." Bray said calmly.
"Fine. I'll go and see what I can find out. But when I get back, you'd better have some information for me. Some plan that will get everyone out safely." Kyle said as he walked off and made his way through the countryside, back toward the city.
After he'd left, Max looked at Michael and they shared a look that spoke several volumes. "Bray, Eagle, can Michael and I speak with you in private?"
Max and Michael had been discussing for several days the fact that they should take the risk and let someone else know about their powers, especially since it might help them rescue Iz and Tess easier and sooner if it were part of the plan. Having decided to tell only Bray and Amber, they felt that after that, they would decide about other people at other times. Maybe, once they'd shared it, they might actually be able to sleep so they could be dreamwalked by Isabel, if she decided to try it.
Max was almost certain that she had done just that. It was probably beginning to scare her that she hadn't been able to find them, but they hadn't been able to sleep much, worry and lack of ideas had kept them awake.
As Eagle and Bray followed Michael and Max with a nod, heading out of the farm and a small distance away so that they had complete privacy and no chance of anyone overhearing anything, Max sighed and hoped he was doing the right thing.
"What you are going to hear, might seem unbelievable and strange, but Michael and I decided that you have the right to know the truth." He looked at Eagle, "When I was tending you after you gave birth to Morning Song, I connected to you enough to help open your mind to the memories you'd forgotten. You see, Isabel, Michael, Tess and I are not human. Not completely. We are hybrid. Michael and I might be able to help in more ways with the rescue because we can do different things." He nodded at Michael who held out a hand and used a blast of energy to cause a nearby rock to explode.
"We've only used our powers to protect ourselves and others before, but we are willing to do whatever we have to in order to rescue everyone safely. But, we don't want everyone knowing the truth about us. We've been taught from youth that it could be dangerous if others knew."
"The wrong people could seek to use us." Michael added.
Bray looked uncertain while Amber looked as though she was simply amazed and speechless. After a few minutes Bray smiled and nodded, "Alright, it would be a good idea to know exactly what you are capable of doing so that we can plan accordingly and your secret is safe with us."
Bray hadn't smiled before now, his concern for Danni had kept him spurred on to finding an answer because she'd been captured when Ebony had led them into a trap. Still, he couldn't blame Ebony because even she had been captured so it was obvious that she wasn't part of the Chosen.
