"There," said Alec pointing across the frozen white training grounds to White's deserted car.

"He's still here," asked a confused Max, "I thought that he would be long gone by now."

"Let's just be glad he's not, it leaves us on even ground. Come on lets go," said Alec jumping out of the car and running towards the burned out remains of Manticore.

He slowed to a walk as he approached the outer shell and looked around for any signs of a trap. Finding none, he ventured forth into the very heart of what had been his home for so many years. He pushed back the unpleasant memories that the charred remains offered up as he searched for the DNA lab.

"Max," he whispered.

"Here."

Alec motioned towards a door and Max quickly moved to hide behind it. Alec crouched into a sitting position behind the opposite door and waited as he heard footsteps approaching. He was ready to attack when he heard a small voice call out.

"Dad? Is that you?"

"Ray, I told you to wait in the car!"

"But is really cold dad."

"Go get back in the car!"

"But…"

"I'm coming too, now go."

The little boy turned and disappeared around the corner. Alec waited until White walked by then sprung from his hiding place. He landed on White's back and the force of his attack sent them both crashing to the floor. A small vile of clear liquid flew out of White's hand and landed harmlessly in a pile of ashes. Alec barely had time to register that small bit of information as a fist collided with his head, sending stars into his field of vision. Alec punched back but missed by millimeters. White retaliated by smashing Alec into the wall.

"Max, a little help here?"

White turned to see Max sprinting for the vile on the floor.

"Just keep him busy!"

"Sure, no problem," came the strangled reply.

White punched Alec hard in the stomach and then once in the throat for good measure before dropping him and sprinting off after Max.

Max turned to see White charging toward her like an angry bull. She sidestepped his attack and threw her fist out. She heard it collide with the side of his head with a satisfying thud.

"Want some more," she asked sarcastically as White regained his bearings.

He lunged for her throat but only caught empty air as she moved once more.

"This dance is getting old 452."

Max didn't reply, instead she kicked him in the stomach.

"Alec, a little help would be nice," she shouted in between blows.

"Just keep him busy," came Alec's still strangled reply. From his position on the floor Alec watched as White decked Max and threw her against the wall. He viciously snatched the vile out of her hand.

"Well this has been fun, but I have somewhere I have to be at midnight." He gave her a brutal kick in the head, then turned on his heel and vanished down the hallway and out of sight.

As soon as Alec was able to breathe properly again he moved to Max's side.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah I guess," she said rubbing her head, "you?"

"Never been better."

Max stood and started walking down the deserted hallway, "Alec," she said as her hand sought out her empty jacket pocket, "where's the bracelet?"

"What? Max that's not funny."

"I'm serious Alec, it's gone!" Max cursed, "It must have fallen out of my pocket during the fight and White picked it up."

Alec punched the wall in frustration, "Great! Now he has Ray, the bracelet, and whatever was in the vile!" He looked at his watch," and it's only four hours until midnight!"