Chapter 14: The Savior and the Saved

A/N: So this chapter is the important one, just so you know.

Dilandau was having trouble maneuvering the guymelef. He wasn't sure what exactly he should blame it on, whether it was the fact that Karina's head was in the way because she was straddling him in the far too small cockpit, or whether it was the fact that she was straddling him in general. But he wasn't going to admit it was the latter, even if it was.

He could feel her, even through his armor, and there was a sort of terrifying thrill to her warmth pressed so close against him. And he could feel her warm breath on the skin of his neck, tickling ever so gently every time she breathed out.

They hadn't spoken since they had taken off in this position, partially because he needed to concentrate to maneuver with an extra person in the cockpit, but mostly because it was too damned awkward for speech. No more orders had come from Folken within the last half hour, and it was a little annoying to know that they had been virtually abandoned in the sky.

Of course he had seen little of these supposed threats' on his radar; they were little more than specks in the distance, and he had no doubt that they had completely lost their quarry, if they ever had a quarry at all.

It was Karina, her voice just as small and tentative as it had been a half hour ago.

he said, attempting to snap but having it come out as more far too hoarse to sound threatening.

When are we going to be there?

Dilandau closed his eyes, praying that something would give him patience. It was rather difficult, however, to pray when he didn't believe in anything. Anything, that is, but himself, and his sword.

Another hour, at least, he replied shortly. This stupid bitch was ruining his concentration, and now she was asking him stupid questions? So why didn't he want to kill her?

Karina sighed, and her breath teased a few of his platinum hairs out of their original position. She wondered how long it had been, how long she had been sitting in this position. If she thought about this in a humorous and light frame of mind (which there was no way in hell she would do), she would realize the incredible humor of her situation.

Instead, she was quite certain that she would die of embarrassment if she didn't leave the cockpit soon. She was unsure why it should bother her so much; he didn't really scare her very much anymore, or at least she wasn't terrified of him. And yet every time he shifted slightly in his seat she blushed, a scarlet tinge coming over her cheeks that she was impossibly relieved he couldn't see.

It would be so humiliating for him to see a reaction she didn't even understand.

Karina wondered idly what Folken would think if he could see her straddling his best General. Maybe he would hate her for being so willing to be on top of another man. Not that she was willing, and not that she had ever been on top of Folken, oh god on top of Folken—her thoughts were running away from her. But would he hate her? The thought sent a slight pang through her, but not as large a one as she had expected.

A voice crackled over the com channel and Dilandau and Karina gave a sigh of relief in perfect unison.

About time, Folken, Dilandau snapped, summoning as much venom as he could into his voice with the current distraction that was sitting on top of him.

I apologize for taking so long. Comfy, Karina? The voice was laced with humor, and for once Karina didn't feel a surge of warmth for the low, smooth tones. Instead she sort of wanted to hit him for putting her in this situation in the first place.

Yeah I'm comfy, she replied irritably, her bitterness starkly evident to Dilandau as she spoke in his ear.

I want you to land, Dilandau. There's a small house in the woods whose owners are elsewhere at the moment—we've already scanned the area—that you may use for shelter. The soldiers have become all too aware of your presence. You will have to wait them out.

Dilandau growled low in his throat. Why the hell can't I just rip them to pieces? He felt Karina stiffen as he said it, and instantly regretted the words. But why should he? That was what he did, rip people to pieces when they got in his way, when they angered him. He didn't have to apologize for his nature.

Your nature? a tiny voice in his head taunted him, the same voice that told him to call her by her first name. You don't even know your true nature. You're an experiment, a puppet, a creature that shouldn't actually exist. You're only half real. Who even knows if you have a nature?

I am real. he protested. He knew arguing with that stupid little voice would get him nowhere, but it was necessary for him to argue. He grinned ironically; it was his nature.

Because I won't risk any damage to Karina. Folken's voice came again on the com channel, and Dilandau's eyes narrowed at the syrupy tone his voice held as he said her name.

Back the fuck off, the tiny voice snarled inside him.

Fine. I'll land, we'll wait it out. But this is the last time I'm playing escort to your telepath. With that he roughly switched off the channel, cutting him off from his stupid superior. No, not his superior, his superior had been the man before, the man that had been whole. Not this shadow of a man.

I'm not his. Karina's lips brushed against the outside of his ear as she spoke, and he started a little at the feeling.

he asked stupidly.

I'm not his. Not Folken's. I'm not anybody's. I belong to me, that's all. And I'm most definitely not anybody's telepath.Then why are you doing his dirty work?I don't want to die.Then you'll just be a slave.Isn't that what you are?

Dilandau pushed her away from him a little to look into her eyes. No. I'm not a slave, and I never will be.But you work for him. You do his dirty work.' I think that puts us in the same boat.I don't fear death.Then why work for him? You must fear something, if you work for a man you hate. Her eyes didn't waver as she looked into his; her gaze was becoming disconcerting. Even more disturbing was the truth in her words.

I didn't hate Folken. he said instead of answering her question.

What changed? There was nothing in her voice but curiosity; it was casual, inquisitive, but not prying.

He did.I don't think you really want to know.Why wouldn't I?It might destroy your perfect image of your loverboy. He somehow managed to tear his eyes away from hers and tried to concentrate on landing. He could see the location Folken was speaking of on his radar screen. It was a small cottage, not large, but big enough to serve their purpose.

He's not my lover, Dilandau. On impulse, she gripped his chin in her hand and turned his eyes back to hers. Tell me.We're landing. And indeed they were, Dilandau's strong hands setting them gently down on the ground next to a small cottage.

The cockpit opened but Karina didn't move to leave it. Instead she sat there, stubbornly waiting for Dilandau to answer her question.

He raised an eyebrow as she stayed put. Are you going to move?Not until you tell me.You are a stubborn bitch, aren't you, Karina?

She blinked at the use of her first name, but nodded, brushing it aside as a fluke that he would correct with some insult as soon as he could.

With that he scooped her up in his arms and climbed, mostly one-handed, down the guymelef, ignoring her protests.

Dilandau set her down when they reached the ground and for a moment they stood there, far too close for Karina's peace of mind. His hand was still on her waist, her arm still on his shoulder, and she could see something different flicker behind his eyes. She wasn't sure what it was, but in some ways it terrified her far more than his hate had.

The moment was ended by Dilandau, as he broke away to examine the cottage, making certain it wasn't occupied or protected by some hidden booby-trap.

Karina walked up to the front door instead, putting her gloved palm against the door. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. Slowly she pulled her glove off and pressed her bare palm to the wooden door. She could feel the house's owners, almost see what went on behind this door. But there was nobody here now, nor had there been for a long time. The traces of people were almost gone.

Karina started at the sound and dropped her glove, hurrying over to where Dilandau now stood, frowning and clutching his hand.

What happened? she asked, trying to keep the concern from her voice.

There was broken glass in one of the windows. His frown deepened. I ruined my favorite pair of gloves.

Karina looked down at his hand and rolled her eyes. And you've got glass stuck in your hand. She took his hand in her still-gloved one and gently pulled off his glove, working around the glass. Carefully, she began edging the glass out of his skin, ignoring the blood that was oozing from the wound. The glass was almost out when her finger brushed his bare hand.

A flash of hooded figures, sharp needles, a girl crying out in pain. And then a boy screaming, pleading with them to stop. A young man killing a man, looking down at his bloodied hands in horror. Clutching his cheek as blood seeped between his fingers. A red-haired woman who glared at him ferociously as he laughed at her.

Karina pulled her hand away as quickly as she could, staring up at Dilandau. His breathing was rough; he had been all too aware of the intrusion into his mind. And his eyes wouldn't leave hers.

I'm sorry, she whispered. I didn't mean to, I forgot that— I'm sorry.

Dilandau said nothing, merely gripped the piece of glass and finished pulling it out, then turned and walked into the house.

Karina called, hurrying after him. I swear I didn't mean to. I took off my glove to feel the house and then I forgot because you were hurt and I had to get the glass out and— She stopped as a voice not hers or Dilandau's echoed through her head.

I lost track of them. Where could they have gone? Rook to bishop, to do you see them?

Karina hardly dared to breathe, waiting for more. But nothing came, and she looked frantically around the room; where the hell had that come from? Then it came again.

Bishop to rook, no sign of them yet. Wait, I'm picking something up on the radar. A house, I think, and there seems to be a trace of—there's a guymelef down there!

Telepath. Woman! Karina! She broke herself out of her trance to find Dilandau grasping her shoulders, shaking her roughly. What the hell was that about?

She frowned. I don't know. I heard people talking, like over a com channel, and they were talking about finding someone. Or people I think. But I couldn't tell where they were or who they were talking about.I know who they were talking about. Dilandau said grimly. Us. They're wondering where we are. Well, shit. For once Folken's right and we should stay put.I don't know if that's the best idea. They thought they saw something, I think it was this house, and your guymelef. Dilandau cursed loudly and ran a hand through his hair. We're sitting ducks here, we have to move.And where do you suggest we go? Karina asked mockingly. We can't fly, they'll spot us and you're too slowed down by me to fight properly.I can fight anybody, no matter what. Nobody can stand against me, he finished smugly.

Whatever. I think we should stay here. If it looks like they're going to find us, we can make a run for it. They'll never find us in the woods.You think they won't? After being around our technology for so long you think they won't find us?Well, do you have anything better to suggest, Mr. High-and-Mighty General! she shouted, becoming thoroughly pissed off with his ridiculous lack of cooperation.

Yes, actually I do! I— Karina interrupted suddenly.

The dull hum of machines could be heard above them, a tiny vibration in the air. And with it came the voices.

Ready.

Aim.

Fire.

Oh, shit. she whispered. It's going to hit the front of the house.

Time until impact, ten seconds.

Ten...

Karina grabbed Dilandau's bare hand tightly in hers.

Nine...

They began running toward the back of the house, as far away from the impact site as they could.

Eight...

Karina tripped over a knocked over chair, wincing in pain as she hit the ground.

Seven...

Dilandau scrambled to help her up, and they ran forward once more.

Six...

We're not going to make it out of the house, Karina panted.

Five...

Behind here! Dilandau cried above the roar of the guymelefs above, ducking behind a large overturned table.

Four...

How much time left? he asked, though he didn't know why he was asking her.

Three...

Three seconds. Get down!

Two...

Karina threw herself on top of him, unsure why she was protecting him.

One...

The last thing she would ever feel was being pressed against him, their bare hands clutched tightly together.

Zero...

There was a deafening sound and an enormous tremor as the explosion shook the earth. Karina could see the light through her tightly closed eyes, felt a flash of pain.

And then her world went dark.

A/N: So? How do you like it? I might not be able to update for another week or two because I have this music camp. But this chapter was EXTREMELY important, at least if you're paying attention to details.