Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I appreciate them. Anyway, I think I made a mistake in the last chapter regarding Biggs' designation number. I think its 510. And I know I haven't included much B/S in the fic right now. But don't worry – it's coming. Anyways, hope you enjoy this one.

Fire and Blood

By: human28

Chapter Sixteen

Ames White had been pacing in his office for some time now, occasionally knocking off some random object, enjoying the noise it made as it crashed onto the floor. It was becoming almost completely impossible to locate even one, one transgenic. Given the fact that the X5s and X6s looked exactly like normal human beings, it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And the non-human transgenics had enough sense in them to go into hiding.

White only wished that he knew where they were hiding. It would be one bloody feast for him. These transgenics were an insult to nature, and most especially to them – to his family.

And to make things worse, there had been no sightings of X5-452. And that was making him very, very angry. Suffice to say, he was not a patient man, and when he wanted something, he wanted it immediately.

A knock sounded on his door.

"What?" he barked. He was starting feel a headache coming on.

A nervous-looking computer-tech poked his head into the room. "Agent Gottlieb has something to show you, sir."

White didn't answer, but pushed the tech rudely aside before making his way into a slightly smaller room. "This had better be good Otto." He muttered to himself, slamming the door shut behind him.

The room was painted a dull gray, and it was completely vacant save for a large metal table that stood in the middle of the room. Various computer equipment were on the table, and another computer tech was busily typing things on the keyboard, his fingers moving at a rapid pace. Otto stood beside him, and looked up the moment White entered the room. "Good morning sir."

He did not return the greeting, but went to stand next to Otto and the tech. "What am I looking at here?"

"Thermal imager. Fifth generation. Very high sensitivity." Otto replied, gesturing to the screen.

"And I should care about this because…?" White trailed off impatiently..

"Hey Jack, bring him in here!" Otto yelled behind his shoulder. The door opened and a guard walked in with an X5 chained and evidently drugged. White stared at him, feeling his headache starting to recede.

The guard positioned the transgenic in front of the thermal imager. Otto motioned towards the computer. "Take a look." He pointed at the X5's image on the screen. "See how the image is whiter? That's because the X-series run an average basal body temperature of 101.8 degrees, which is three degrees higher than a normal human being. Scan the crowd with the thermal gating set at, say, a hundred…"

For the first time in weeks, White smiled. "It picks out transgenics." He clapped Otto on the back. "Otto my friend, you have earned your pay this week. Requisition as many of these as you can, and get them out in the field ASAP."

"Very good sir."

…

It seemed that the news about Terminal City had spread pretty quickly among all those who had gone into hiding within the city of Seattle and its neighboring cities because as Sam had put it – it was supposed to be swarming with transgenics. Max and Alec had once again cut work to see this place – the 'safe haven' that her twin had told them about. But as far as transgenics were concerned, Max doubted that there would ever be a safe place for them to live in. Not until the world accepted them for what they were and stopped hunting them down.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Alec asked, glancing around dubiously. "Not exactly 'swarming' with transgenics now is it?"

They had stopped in front of what used to be a toxic waste dump. A rusty metal fence that stood about eight feet high surrounded the whole place, and they were adorned with numerous signs telling people to 'keep out', and warning them: 'DANGER: BIOHAZARD.' Behind the fence seemed only darkness.

The metal gate was locked and chained up. They could have easily scaled the eight foot high fence, but it was broad daylight and people were milling around, going about their daily lives. If they were seen…she didn't even dare finish that thought.

"Maybe we should try going around?" Alec suggested.

Not knowing what else to do, she agreed. They went around, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. It already seemed bizarre enough that they were wandering around near an old abandoned waste dump. They finally made it to the back part, which was nothing more than an empty alley.

"Do you think Sam tricked us?" Alec asked.

"I don't think so," Max shook her head.

And that was when they heard it.

Guns cocking all around.

They were surrounded.

…

"Don't move."

Slowly, figures started to emerge from the shadows. Nomalies. Max thought startled as they came into their view. For years of living in Manticore, she had heard stories about them, seen glimpses of them. But she had never seen one up close. Except for Joshua of course. But he was different. He was like a child looking for his father.

These, however…Max stared at them, unnerved at their un-human faces. Their skins were akin to that of animals. Their eyes predatory. They were a far cry from the X5s who were perfect. Flawless. Beautiful. Alec glanced at her, his eyes telling her that they could take them. There were five of them. Five nomalies versus two X5s? Piece of cake. They spent most of their lives locked up behind bars in the dark basements of Manticore, while the X5s spent every single second in training. They were trained to become assassins.

But that wasn't what they were here for. Terminal City might just become their future home. Because admittedly, these nomalies were their family too. They were products of Manticore. They had been tortured just like them. They knew what it was like to be hunted. And it was the world against them.

"Woah, guys, slow down, will ya?" Alec said raising his hands to show that he was unarmed. "We're one of you." He turned around and showed them his barcode, Max did the same.

"No you're not." The one who resembled a lizard said gruffly. A cigar hung between his lips. "You're X5. We're the 'freaks'. You don't belong with us. Head on over to Oak Street with your kind." To their relief, they lowered their weapons.

"Don't belong?" Max echoed, appalled. Apparently, the other X5s weren't too friendly with the 'freaks', which was just wrong. "What are you talking about? Your just like us. Manticore-made."

The one with the eye-patch snorted. "Yeah right. Everyone sticks with their own kind. Xs with Xs, freaks with freaks."

"Max!" an all-too familiar voice exclaimed jubilantly from behind them.

"Joshua!" Max's face broke into a smile. She ran to hug him, ignoring the bewildered looks Joshua's brethren were giving them. "I'm so glad you're alive! I was so worried about you."

"Me too, Little Fella."

"Well, I guess that explains it." The one who had floppy ears said. "Care to invite them in Joshua?"

The lizard-man glared at him. "The hell he would!"

"Come on Mole, their different from the others." Eye-patch guy chided. "They actually seem kinda – nice."

Alec nodded. "That's what we are. Your all around nice guys."

Mole conceded. "Fine. But if they cause any trouble, I'll be dragging their asses off to Oak Street."

…

"Giles!" Buffy's voice cried to him from outside his office. This was directly followed by several loud knocks. "Lunch! And if you want some of that chicken, you'd better come quick coz' Xander's eating it all up!"

"I'm coming!" he yelled back as he gently massaged his throbbing temples. He had gone to bed at almost three in the morning and had risen at about six. Three hours of sleep. Not bad. He was used to it. Comes with the job description of being a Watcher. But for the first time, he hadn't gone to bed late because of Slayer business. He had gone to bed late because he had been caught up in translating Max's runic messages.

Being a Watcher, Giles was rather familiar with prophecies. And he knew one when he saw one. No doubt about it. He was always right.

He had just finished the translation. And the result intrigued him. It was just as fascinating as the prophecy about: 'one girl in all the world is chosen to fight evil, blah, blah, blah…'

Now this one, this one was unusual. Minoan language was rather difficult to translate, and the symbols had multiple meanings. But Giles, being Giles had learned the gist of it.

'When the shroud of death covers the face of the earth, the one whose power is hidden will deliver the helpless.'

And who exactly was this supposed to be? He, of course, had no idea. He was simply the translator. He had no business interfering in Max's world.

But if it concerned some sort apocalypse. There was not a doubt in the world that Buffy and her team would be there to lend a helping hand.

Giles sighed as he heard Buffy yelling for him again. He slipped the piece of paper that held the translation into his desk drawer and locked it, deciding to call Max after lunch.

…

After introductions had been made, Luke, a trench digger back at Manticore had been chosen to give them quick tour of Terminal City. So far, they had been through the cafeteria, the main headquarters (where the computers were located), a few bedrooms, and the arsenal.

"Where'd you get these?" Alec asked, looking at the table covered with guns. He picked one of them up and grimaced. "This looks like its been around for a while." He cocked it and shrugged. "Guess it still works."

"We stole them. They're a little old but they keep the ordinaries off our backs." Luke said. "Of course, most of them stay away from Terminal City, 'cause the biotoxins make them sick after a while."

"Well that's just perfect, isn't it?" Max said. "I mean, we're immune and they're not. That'll keep 'em away."

Luke nodded. He showed them around a couple more places before coming to a stop next to a rusty old sign that said 'Oak Street'. "This is the end of the line for me guys. This is the X5's territory." He turned and left the two behind.

Max was disgusted at the thought of her fellow X5s going practically racial. Alec saw her expression change and shrugged. "You can't blame them you know. Manticore made them hate the nomalies – made us fear them. The basement used to be every X's nightmare. To be punished and thrown down there – with the freaks. They've got a reason to stay with their own kind." He smiled softly. "Makes them feel safe, I guess."

Max sighed. "I guess your right. But look at them! Look at Luke, Dix, and Joshua. And hell, even Mole." She said, frustrated. "Do they look like monsters to you? Okay – don't answer that question. There's no need to judge a book by its cover. They're just as human as we are."

"Human?" Alec cocked an eyebrow.

Max rolled her eyes. "I meant human, as in human feelings and personalities."

"So, I guess we're here to change all of what's been going on here lately?" Alec asked. He looked at Max. "Because from the looks of it, they badly need a leader."

Max's eyes widened. She understood what Alec was trying to tell her. She understood it all too clearly. And she did not like it at all. "No way Alec. No way in hell."

"Oh come on Max, you'd be perfect for the job." Alec said encouragingly. "And besides, a lot of these nomalies would respect you after they hear about your wonderful friendship with the dog-man."

"And the Xs?"

"They'd respect you too."

"Right because I blew their home to pieces."

"Manticore isn't exactly what you'd call a 'home' Maxie. And besides, it wasn't you who blew their home to pieces. It was Renfro remember? The platinum-blonde-haired bitch? Remember her? You were practically the one who set them free, saved them from getting barbecued. Roasted. Fried. Inci -- "

"Okay, okay. I get what you mean. But it's not like they know that."

"They will. After I tell them."

"Don't you dare, Alec."

"Fine. I won't. I know how powerful you can er, kick. But you know what Max, I really can't think of anyone else who would be perfectly capable of leading this city."

"Well, there's always you."

"Yes, why not? The great 494." A familiar voice interrupted.

Alec spun around to see his partner-in-crime. "510! Great to see you again man!" They firmly shook hands.

"Yeah well, I go by 'Biggs' now." 510 said with a smile. "Awesome to be in the outside world, huh?"

Alec nodded. "Freedom has never tasted this good. So Biggs – suits you, by the way. For that big head of yours."

Biggs laughed good-humouredly. "And you go by what exactly? Mr. Ego?"

Max snorted. "He goes by Alec. As in smart-aleck."

Biggs burst out laughing. "That's just perfect." He looked at Max. "So you're 452 right?"

"Right." She smiled and shook his hand.

"So, what brings you to the infamous Terminal City?" Biggs asked, making an exaggerated sweep of his arms.

"The food mostly. I heard they served awesome toxic sandwiches."

"Ah, the sarcasm. Haven't forgotten about that." Biggs grinned. "So, what was I hearing about leading this city?" He glanced curiously from Max to Alec. The couple exchanged a glance, and both said at the same time.

"Her."

"Him."

Biggs' grin widened. "The two of you huh? Well now. Terminal City will never know what hit them."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Max and Alec both demanded.

"Well for one thing, you," he pointed at Max. "Are known for your mouth. And I'm guessing that M.A.X. stands for Mouth at Xtreme?"

Max shot him a death glare while Alec struggled to control his laughter.

Biggs raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I'm just kidding about the M.A.X. thing. But I'm certainly not kidding about that fiery personality of yours. I swear, you probably mouthed off to every single Trainer in the whole of Manticore."

Alec beamed and slung an arm around her shoulder. "That's my girl. You'd know better than to put her down or you'd be listening to a whole dictionary of swear words."

Max was positively steaming by now. But instead of saying anything rude, she smiled sweetly at Biggs. "And what about Alec? What is he famous for?" It was kinda interesting actually. She never knew what any of the other transgenics thought of her back at Manticore. All she had was Alec.

Biggs guffawed. "494? The cocky smart-ass who hit on every single blonde X5 in Manticore? We used to place bets if he was going to hit on Renfro next."

Alec and Max simultaneously gagged.

"Biggs, please. Are you trying to kill me?" Alec asked turning an ugly shade of green. Max grimaced and pushed him away.

"Frankly, I'm quite surprised that you got hooked on a brunette. Especially this brunette."

Max blushed.

"What can I say? She's a unique creature like no other."

Max rolled her eyes and swatted him playfully on the shoulder. "Alright boys. That's enough fooling around. Biggs, would you mind showing us around Oak Street?"

"Sure thing."

…

To be continued.

…

A/N: Please review.