Chapter 25: Message Beyond the Grave

Time moved slowly as Lar'ja carried me back to the building. I wasn't fully asleep but the exhaustion of transforming, running, fighting, and from the emotional battle within myself, I wouldn't be surprised if I passed out right then and there. But the scent of sweet rain kept my conscious. My eyes were closed but I could still sense Lar'ja with just his scent alone. It was sweet.

We didn't talk much but my thoughts kept turning to the moment when Lar'ja and I were fighting and the words he spoke to me still ran through my head as if he just said them.

Because I'm in love with you!

It was still difficult for me to fully admit since I didn't believe I deserve something like that. I was a monster, created to become a soldier in a war between human and Yautja that may or may never come. But I knew war is coming.

Right now, I just wanted to enjoy this peaceful moment with Lar'ja carrying me in his arms that were surprisingly soft like marble but still had a strong hide. I still don't know if I deserve his love but he wasn't a liar. I knew that he really did love me.

But . . . can I love him?

After such a long time, my eyes shot open when I heard Rory's and everyone else's voices calling to me.

"Anya!"

Rory comes scampering to Lar'ja and me, grabbing the front of my torn shirt and squeezing it tight. His forehead pushed onto the middle of my chest and then I could feel the wetness of his tears soak through and on my skin.

"Anya . . . You scared me. I thought . . . we lost you."

His cries rang throughout my body. I worried Rory . . . I touched Lar'ja's bicep as an indication that I wanted to get down. I was still tired but I needed to make sure Rory was okay. He looked down at me for a moment until he slowly unwound his arms until I was able to stand on my own two feet. Rory moved for a bit until he ran back into me, folding his arms around my chest. I held his small frame into mine, rubbing his back so he would calm down. After a few seconds, he moves back from me, wiping his eyes from all the wetness.

"Rory. Are you okay?"

I asked with a little worry and uncertainty but Rory stares at me and gives me a smile.

"I'm okay. I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You scared me."

"And us. What the fuck were you thinking!?"

I chuckled at the sound of McKenna while he walked closer to me. His posture showed a 'pissed off' mode with his hands folded across his chest and tapping his foot on the ground like I was required to give him an answer. I would've fought him there were if not for Rory who was already an emotional wreck. Besides, I was wrong in all of this.

"Sorry . . . I just had to get out before I hurt someone. Before I hurt anyone of you."

McKenna relents a little and I looked behind to see Brackett with concern in her eyes and a little from the rest of the guys but they stood back a little. I flinched a little since the last time I saw them like that, I was a Yautja and the results of that were to chain me. How the world fucking works?

"Well, looks like our big boy here got all the brunt force of your anger I see."

I would have praised Nebraska for talking like that towards Lar'ja except that I didn't like him saying that to him. I don't know if it was either that I was the one who did the damage that I regretted or that I was acting possessive for Lar'ja. I had no clue but one was for sure, the anger inside me began to grow.

I glared at him to send him a warning but Nebraska kept continuing.

"Hey. I still worried that you would get hurt but you're a tough woman and I love tough women."

I huffed in surprise. Really Nebraska? Would you ever give up?

I didn't even need to give Nebraska a warning when Lar'ja comes between me and him, using his body as a shield for me. His low, warming growl rumbling in his chest was a sure message to back off, even without his body posture looking menacing.

"If you ever try to flirt with her again, I will rip your intestines out and feed them to you."

Nebraska would have taken it nonchalant but that destroyed his swagger completely, making him back off a few feet from us. In one way, I was glad that Nebraska would leave me alone now but the other, I knew he would just keep on trying until either one of us is dead.

Lar'ja made a step forward and I began to worry that he might attack. With a quick decision, I got between and faced Lar'ja, grabbing and holding his hand in both of my hands as if pleading.

"Lar'ja . . . He's not worth it. Just please . . . don't kill anyone."

My words must have done the trick as he slumps his shoulders down but stayed very close to me. He was my protector and I was glad to have him with me but at least I hoped he wouldn't kill anyone because they were trying to advance on me. I moved back to his side and let go of his hand although I wanted to keep it there.

When I saw their faces with shock in them, embarrassment was settling in me but I quickly dismissed it and got to the point.

"So . . . any updates on the rest of the videos? Just curious . . ."

I was a little hesitant to ask but not because I was fearful of what else I would find but because I was worried that the others would react badly after my little stunt. But I guess they were okay since they relaxed a bit but Rory was a little uncertain and from my experience, he found more.

"Well . . . we did get more video recordings but only a few. The rest were so corrupted or damaged that it was impossible, including Mia Jones' journal. I just hope it's enough."

Rory looks down on the ground and I just smiled. He did so much for me and I'm really glad that he came into my life. I softly patted his head and he tilts his head up with concern until it changes to happiness when he saw my smile.

I looked back at everyone, reassured that I wanted this.

"I want to see the videos. We might find some other things that can help up in some way. Come on."

Without letting any of them have a chance to stop me, I walked through everyone, heading towards the building with Lar'ja on one side and Rory on the other. I looked at each one of them and smiled a bit and then did the same in return. I inhaled deeply before I crossed the threshold of the entrance, embracing myself for anything that I might find. I could hear everyone else soon following, no longer questioning me about it.

Eventually, we made it back to the control room with the panels still running. I stood to the side while Rory gets in position and presses codes on the panels. Lar'ja stood by my side, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I nodded so that he knew I was okay with this. His expression still had a hint of concern but he nodded as well, seeing as I have already made up my mind.

With some more codes, Rory pulls up the next video and it plays on the screen.

"Video Recording #54 - July 2008"

The screen brightens up and begins to show a small, meeting room with a table and set of chairs all around it but the four figures inside didn't go to anyone. They just stopped as they gathered in a little circle near it. At first, I couldn't see who they were until I focused on them and realized that it was my 'mother' along with Ted, Harry, and . . . her husband Robert.

My 'mother' was the first to speak out.

"Alright. I know that this is unusual for me to call you all like this but we need to speak privately. I made sure that the cameras are switched off so Stargazer can't hear or see us."

"But Mia, why all this secrecy? What have you got that you can't tell in the open?"

When Harry asked the question, Mia swiped her head back and forth to make sure no one was listening and then looked back at the rest of the group.

"I will tell you straight to the point. I'm going to get Anya out of here."

There was complete silence at that point. Everyone stood frozen in their spots in shock except for Robert who looked more furious than ever. Mia stays still and focused, showing her determination in whatever she's got planned.

Ted shuffles nervously a bit before asking.

"What do you mean by this Mia?"

"I mean getting Anya out of this life. Out of this lab and into the world. She's been through so much and I can't watch anymore as they torture her like this."

"I know Mia and we want to get her out of this too but . . . how can we? Stargazer will have our heads if they knew what we were planning."

My 'mother' didn't change her expression but I noticed Robert was getting tenser as this conversation goes on. His face could no longer hide his anger but he stays silent across from everyone else. My 'mother' keeps on going.

"I've got it figured out but it's risky and I can't do this alone. I trust you all with this but before you commit to this, I want to let you know everything before you say your answer. Cause from this point on, there's no turning back."

The whole room became serious. Ted and Harry focused on my 'mother' who still carried a look of determination. Robert was still fuming but stayed where he was but I was certain he wouldn't be able to handle anymore. In a calm manner, my 'mother' tells her plan.

"In three months, most of Stargazer in this building will be going away for a summit with headquarters along with Director Traeger, leaving almost this building almost entirely defenseless. In that time, the plan is that I would hack into the security to allow access for all of us through the building along with disabling the video cameras. That way, Ted and Harry will cause a distraction to get the attention of the security so that I can make my way to Anya without trouble. After that, it should be clear for me to get out of the building with her."

Ted nodded but still asked one important question.

"What about you? When they find out that you took Anya, they will hunt you down for all your life and hers. What will you do then?"

That is when my mother's expression changed from determination to slight uncertainty but still strong nonetheless.

"I will find a way. Either that or let her be tortured for the rest of her life. I want to free her and I will do whatever it takes to make it up for not doing this for her sooner."

A small tear ran down her cheek and the sadness in her was so potent that it was starting to creep into my chest. Still, I remained strong so the others didn't need to worry. My 'mother' wiped it away and looked back at everyone else.

"So now that you know . . . Will you help me? Even if it means that we all go down?"

Both Ted and Harry turned and stared at each other for a moment. When they looked back at my 'mother', both nodded in approval of her plan, saying their answers in unison.

"We'll both help. We owe it to Anya. We're in."

Right then, my 'mother' smiled big and looked like her world had lit up. However, it was short lived as Robert couldn't take it anymore and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. All three glanced at him and then back to themselves. My mother's smile had disappeared and another single tear falls down her cheek as the video fades.

"End of Video Recording #54"

That was . . . unexpected.

I had no idea that my 'mother' was trying to get me out of there. She didn't tell me of a plan that would release me from the labs. She must have been planning this for years cause it sounded so well organized. And Ted, along with Harry, was in on it. This was getting more confused.

"Are you alright Anya?"

Lar'ja pulled me out of my thoughts and I shook my head so I could get rid of them. I turned to face Lar'ja and his eyes showed the same worry in them. His golden eyes piercing into my blue ones. I acted quickly so that he didn't think I needed to stop all of this.

"I'm fine Lar'ja. Just was thinking. Don't worry about me."

To reassure him, I placed my hand on his arm and he began to relax under it. I knew it wasn't enough to convince him but at least he didn't stop me from going through with this. I let go of him and faced towards Rory. He didn't even have to ask me as he plays another video that comes on the screen.

"Video Recording #61 - August 2008"

It was almost the same scenario as one of the last videos. There was my 'mother' and Robert who were at each other throats again. No doubt it was me but their conversation turned into something worse.

"This is bad Robert. How could this happen?"

"Well . . . who the fuck told Stargazer about this?"

Robert's voice sounded sarcastic or annoyed but he definitely was not as angry about this like last time. In fact, looking at his posture, he seemed like he wanted this or whatever they were talking about.

"This isn't a joke Robert! Someone must have told the government about Project Ironclad and now, they are sending agents to investigate. Stargazer is in a panic now and this changes our plans dramatically. We have to do it tonight!"

I could only piece together that the U.S government must have done something that made Stargazer panic but I had no idea how this could affect them. This makes no sense.

My 'mother' continues berating Robert as she begins to lose control of herself.

"They don't want anyone to know that we've been experimenting on clones. It's illegal! If they find out, then Stargazer will be shut down."

"Well, I don't know why we should be concerned about that. It's better this way."

Then, my 'mother' stomps towards him and punches him straight in the face, causing him to fall back a bit. The anger she has kept was unleashed and Robert took the brunt of it.

"Robert! We should be! Stargazer is making sure that they don't find out so they are completely destroying all evidence of Project Ironclad. Which mean . . ."

Tears were beginning to flow from her eyes and I was scared, thinking that it was serious. She breathed heavily and then spoke.

"It means . . . they're going to kill Anya."

That stopped my heart from beating a second. I knew that Stargazer was a bunch of crazy people but this . . . Everything I knew was being destroyed. After all this time, I had no clue as to how far they will go to save themselves.

Robert rubbed his cheek and got up slowly, having a blank expression on his face and not even reacting to my 'mother' as she was showing anger like him a video ago.

"Then that's good. We will be rid of her finally and then we can move on. It's better this way Mia."

She couldn't believe the words that were coming out of his mouth or at least that is what I could see in her eyes. She was shocked beyond anything else and that made her angrier. The rage was almost visible to me and probably to everyone else. All my 'mother' could do was stare in disbelief.

"I don't know you anymore. You're sick and evil! I wished that I never met you!"

My 'mother stormed out of the room and left Robert standing there. No expression could be seen and before the video fades, Robert swiftly punches the nearby wall, leaving a dent in it as well as smeared blood from him.

"End of Video Recording #61"

I didn't dare to move to see everyone else's faces. The more I watched these videos, the more that I've learned that many secrets were kept from me but none too devastating like the last one. Despite everything and the risks, my 'mother' was doing everything she can to set me free, even letting her marriage with Robert fall apart. I was still upset at her for the secrets but it was beginning to dull from watching more of these videos.

"Is there more?"

I looked at Rory and he nodded slowly.

"There's one left and then everything stops. I think this is the last video before the operation fell apart."

I knew what Rory meant by what he said but had no guts to say it out loud. The day when I escaped . . . I remained silent but I could sense everyone's eyes on me like daggers but had no energy to tell them off. I just gave one look at Rory and he began the video once more.

"Video Recording #70 - August 2008"

This video was completely different from all the others. It began with so much chaos and screaming that it was hurting my ears. Lar'ja came from behind and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. The heat from them eased my conscious and I took a huge, calming breath, closing my eyes a bit before watching the video once more.

It was deja vu all over again. The same alarms sounding off that horrible noise . . . the scattering of scientists all over the halls . . . and the blood that smeared everywhere. This is it! This must of been when the attack happened. But what caused it?

However, the video kept going in and out, barely giving a proper view of the scene. It started to get stronger until a clear picture comes into view, showing my mother crouching near the wall and that is when I noticed that it was the time when my 'mother' pushed me into the air vent.

I couldn't move at all when I realized that this will show me what events happened after I escaped from the building.

Mother . . .

But then, a loud bang shattered everything. Even my ears began to sting from it and I faintly saw the others doing the same and Lar'ja surprisingly. My 'mother' quickly pushes the metal panel back on and rushes to her feet. And with another huge blast, the doors swung open violently. Millions of pieces of it scattered across the dome-like room. My 'mother' had to flinch and cover herself from the blast with her hands but none were close, allowing her to get out of it unscathed. Then, a whole bunch of soldiers rushes through and of course, Traeger came in front and it made my blood boil. I swear that man doesn't even need to be in the room to make me angry.

He stopped just a few feet away from him while his 'little' soldiers pointed the gun at her. She remained focus and kept her eyes on Traeger but a hint of rage was inside her facial features. Traeger only grinned and chuckled a bit.

"Dr. Jones . . . I figured that you would be in the middle of all this."

"What do you want Traeger?"

"The Asset. Where did you take her?"

The seriousness of a leader came to Traeger's face. He was definitely not happy but his posture remained unchanged. My 'mother' did the same thing and kept her mouth shut. I could see Traeger losing his patience with her and begins to raise his voice.

"Where is the asset!?"

My 'mother came back with the same force in her voice like his.

"I don't know where she is!"

Traeger kept clicking his tongue as if disappointed in her. But then he begins to laugh in his lungs and with a quick nod behind him towards one of the leading soldiers, they turn around as Traeger faces my 'mother' again.

"Really? Don't lie to me, Dr. Jones. We know that you were behind the explosion you planted in the far section of the building. Clever distraction to get your 'little toy' out of here . . . but not good enough."

"I have no idea of what you're talking about."

Again, Traeger laughed as if he couldn't believe the words my 'mother' spoke to him. It was like a game to him and I was about to have enough as well as my hand gripped the edge of the panel really hard.

"Guess you leave me with no choice. Bring them in!"

On command, two pairs of soldiers carried the bodies of Ted and Harry, dragging them across the floor before unceremoniously dropping them between my 'mother' and Traeger. Both grunted in pain as I could see bruising and blood dripping down their heads. They took quite a beating.

My 'mother's expression changed into one of horror at the scene before her. She didn't move but reached out as if she caused those injuries herself. She looked straight back towards Traeger, still grinning as if he had already won.

"Now, here is your choice. Either you tell us where the asset is, or both of your colleagues die."

Other than the alarms and screams, I would have been able to hear a pin drop to the floor. My 'mother' kept switching her head from Traeger to Ted and Harry on the floor, unable to decide what to do until Ted and Harry made that choice.

"Fuck you . . . asshole. We'd rather die . . . then. . . let you have Anya."

"Same here . . . asshole."

They didn't look at Traeger but stared into my mother's eyes, supporting what they believe in until Traeger does the unthinkable.

"So be it."

And before anyone could react, Traeger pulls out his handgun and shoots Ted first in the back of the head, killing him right then and there. When Harry sees this, he miserably tries to crawl away, hoping to escape but Traeger shoots him in the center of the back. Harry struggles a bit before his head hits the floor hard and he takes his last breath while soaking in his own pool of blood.

My 'mother' gasped, shocked from witnessing the death of her friends but with Traeger, he just wiped the handgun clean of powder residue. She then roars at him with infinite rage.

"How could you!? You murderer!"

"And you will be next."

Then, Traeger points the gun at her and she freezes immediately, lifting her hands in the air. I could see her clearly having trouble breathing and her eyes were wide open but she remained still. Traeger went on with his little speech.

"You were such a novel. You could have gone far if you haven't got so emotionally attached to the asset but how could you not? After all, she is your daughter by blood right?"

My 'mother' surprised look made a clear confirmation that she had no idea that Traeger and Stargazer knew about this. Traeger just chuckled in amusement.

"Oh, we had known for a while now. We have eyes and ears everywhere in the world my dear. We didn't tell because we had a valuable asset that made it through so we played along. But the game ends now. We can't have anyone who knows the project to live. So I'm really sorry."

He cocks the gun so it was ready to fire and my other could only watch as time slowed down and Traeger slowly pulled on the trigger.

"Stop!"

Another voice stops everyone and Traeger and my 'mother' all looked at who called out. Next thing I saw, it was Robert coming closer to both of them and I had the same expression of shock as my 'mother' but Traeger just smirked.

"Welcome, Robert. I'm glad you decided to join us."

He didn't acknowledge Traeger and kept his focus on his wife. My mother didn't know what to make of this. She started to question him.

"Robert . . . what are you doing?"

All Robert did was look at her with no emotions and I could see bags underneath his eyes. He must have been exhausted, both physically and mentally cause there was absolutely no response from his. Like he was a zombie but with a voice.

"How could you do this? We were fine if you never had used our dead daughter's DNA. This would have never happened but you left me with no choice."

"What are you saying, Robert?"

Then all of a sudden, he pulls out a gun of his own and aims it at my 'mother' while Traeger put down his while smiling at this predicament. My 'mother' was in complete shock but still asked him with all her might.

"Robert . . . What did you do?"

"I told them everything. About what you did . . . about what you were planning to do . . . but I had to stop you so . . . I told the government about the project. I hoped that . . . it would end all of this . . . but you never stopped. You just . . . had to save it."

His voice began to crack like he was pouring all of his heart and soul to her. My 'mother' only stood silently as Robert kept going.

"You . . . are not the woman I fell in love with before all this. I . . . can't . . . stand this anymore. I had enough!"

No one had time to react or even contemplate what had happened as Robert pulls the trigger and a bullet runs through my mother's head. Blood splatters from her wound and she falls down on her back, never to move again. I had to cover my mouth as despair runs through me. I was having a hard time breathing properly and I almost fell to my knees as Lar'ja wraps his arms around my body, pulling me back onto his chest and holds me gently and in a protective matter.

Either way, the video kept on going as Robert shakily moves his body towards Traeger who was almost looking joyous that this occurred.

"Well done Robert. You finally freed yourself of this burden."

But Robert shakes his head in disapproval.

"No . . . not yet."

And then, he takes the gun and presses it on the side of the head. As quickly as it happened, he pulls the trigger and a single shot radiated through the building as his body drops to the ground.

Everything was silent until Traeger smirked and then chuckled, putting his gun back into his side holster.

"Guess he saved us the trouble of cleaning up the mess."

He turns back to his soldiers and leaves while everyone else follows. The video becomes static again and eventually stops.

"End of Video Recording #70

No one really said anything but I knew their focus was on me and my reaction. To be honest, I didn't know how to react. The emotional part of me wanted to scream in defiance and kill Traeger for all the pain he caused me and for indirectly causing the death of my 'mother'. Lar'ja still had me wrapped in his arms until I pulled slowly away from him. I leaned down on the panels with my head down.

"Anya."

I didn't know whose voice it was since I didn't pay much attention but then, many hands had pressed onto my back. One being definitely Lar'ja's but I was surprised that it was all of them. I turned my head a bit and saw everyone gathered around me, reassuring that I was not alone.

McKenna was the first to speak. "Anya . . . I know that you think that you don't deserve to be here in this world but . . . we care for you. We will always be there to help you. Trust us."

His words echoed into my mind. I glanced slowly at everyone and they all nodded in unison with resolve in their eyes. I looked at Rory and he just smiled. Then lastly, I looked upon Lar'ja and although he didn't show any obvious 'human' expressions, his eyes conveyed the same feelings. I wanted to cry right then and there but I pushed myself back up and everyone lets go. I rubbed my face a bit before I gave my most genuine smile at them.

"Thank you all."

That is all I could say at that time. The feeling of elation and joy was growing inside of me and for the first time in my whole life, I wasn't alone anymore.

But then, a beeping sound went off from the panel and Rory runs quickly to investigate. I followed right behind along with Lar'ja and everyone else. Rory was furiously pressing all sort of codes that I had no idea what he was doing of course.

"Rory, what's happening?"

"Something keeps popping up. Some sort of file that won't go away."

"What file?"

Again, he continuously pushes more codes so fast that I had a hard time keeping up and the beeping just keeps going until it suddenly stops and a huge file comes on the screen. I was still confused but Rory must have seen something about it cause he turns slowly towards me with a shocked look.

"It's a message. For you."

Rory's words only made me more confused. "For me?"

"Yeah. From your mother . . . and is dated back the night before you escaped."

My mother? A message from her to me? What does she have to say to me?

"Rory . . . can you play it?"

He nods and then presses only one button on the panel and then the screen begins showing a single room and it looked completely empty until my mother appears, sitting on some sort of desk and facing the camera as if speaking directly to me. She looked tired as if she hasn't slept in days. The bags under her blue eyes and the pale color of her skin were proof of that.

"Hello, Anya. I hope you are doing well. If you are receiving this message, then I'm no longer alive."

She takes a deep breath as if to let out her emotions until continuing to speak.

"But that also means that you have survived and hopefully doing well since this message can't be open until the sensors on the panel detect your presence. But . . . I have a feeling that you might have found some of the videos that I tried to salvage before Stargazer shut this facility down."

It was then that I remembered the videos and how many of the files were destroyed or corrupted except for a few. Did she intentionally leave it behind so that I might see them someday?

"So you probably know the truth . . . about everything. And you might be upset with me about this and I completely understand but I believed you deserved to know."

Somehow, without me noticing, I got closer to the screen so that I was face to face with her at least. My entire focus was on her.

"But it's true. Before Project Ironclad, I was married to Robert and we had a beautiful daughter together named Maya who was the most precious thing in the world. I vowed that I would protect her no matter what and I was happy."

She pauses again and turns her head away a bit and a single tear falls down her cheek. Almost like my 'mother' couldn't handle telling the next part but she did anyway.

"But when she was diagnosed with pneumonia . . . my whole world collapsed and I was lost. When she passed away at only a few months old, I couldn't accept she was gone. I couldn't . . ."

She struggled even more and her tears began to flow a bit but she wiped them away quickly and then lifts her face to the camera once more.

"So . . . in an insane or selfish act, I took part of her DNA and brought it into the project since they had trouble creating a living hybrid. At first, I thought it would be a failure but when I got the news that the fetus had survived, I was elated. And that is how you were brought into this world. A small and helpless baby . . . and you reminded me so much of Maya that I named you very close to hers . . . Anya . . . and you were wonderful."

Although I still was a little angry at her not telling me this before, the sincerity in her voice was there and I couldn't deny it. My mother's breathing was becoming heavy but she pushed on.

"But then . . . when they weren't getting anything out of you despite teaching you the Predator language, they began to . . . to . . ."

She covered her mouth and closed her eyes tightly as if she was in pain. She didn't finish that sentence but she didn't need to. I knew what she was talking about.

"And that is when I realized that . . . I did this to you. I brought you into a world of pain because I was only thinking about myself. I maim you. I let them hurt you in many ways and I did nothing to stop it. I might as well did those things to you with my own hands."

Again, she began to cry again and it was starting to hurt my chest. I clenched it tightly but I kept my eyes on her. I didn't want to miss anything that she had to say. After some time, she calms herself down enough that she wiped her tears again and looked back at the camera.

"So I decided to give you a chance at a future. A future that was yours to choose from. Even if it means that I no longer live but I didn't care. I wanted you to be free Anya and I hope that you do after all this. But I have one thing to say to you."

My 'mother' leans closer to the camera and subconsciously, I did the same until both of us were inches away as if we could touch our heads together. Both of us stared into each other until she finally speaks.

"You are you, Anya. You may look like Maya but I love you as who you are now. You are so strong and I hope that one day, you can have the courage to forgive me. I may not deserve it but I can't help but hope for it. You control your own future. Choose the life you want and not as others tell you."

"But . . . I also hope that if you're seeing this video, you are not alone and that you have people who are at your side, who care for you no matter what and maybe . . . you may have something much more than friendship."

Right then, I turned to Lar'ja and saw the glow in his golden eyes. My body reacted suddenly and I couldn't help but blush, feeling the heat rising in them. Does she mean . . . love?

I looked back to the video and to the face of my mother as she continued again.

"There is something that you should know. The locked door on the side of the control room . . . I sealed it away before Stargazer could get inside it. I programmed all the doors in this facility to open for you with your DNA but for that particular door, it will also require a code that you carry. One that was branded on you a long time ago."

When I realized the meaning of her words, I looked down at my arm that had my tattoo on it. Is this the code that we've been looking for?

"With the code and your DNA, you will be granted access to the room. Once you are inside, you should find a black, metal box within it. It contains my last gift to you. One that I've been keeping secret for a long time and I think that you are old enough to receive it. It's not much . . . but I hope that it will protect you in the near future."

I stared at her with confusion in my heart. What gift? What is it that she wanted me to have? But then her voice jumps out, making me tense a bit in surprise.

"Oh . . . and there's also something else inside. Another name."

A name? Other than Anya?

"That name is also one I wanted to give to you but Stargazer wouldn't let me. They didn't want you to know anything about what you are in fear of you retaliating back but . . . it's a name that I believed is most appropriate and defines you. I hope that you understand it."

And then, she leans back from the screen and places her hand on the screen as if trying to reach out to me. I did the same and placed my hand on top of hers. My chest began to sting but not out of pain or sadness but strangely out of joy. My eyes began to well up and did hers until she spoke.

"I love you so much . . . Live, Anya. And someday . . . I hope that you can forgive me for what I've have done or . . . what I haven't done for you. Keeping living and believe in yourself."

My mother then gives the most heartwarming smile to me. One that I haven't seen in a long time and I couldn't hold back the tears anymore and I silently allowed them to fall down my cheeks. And then, she says her final words.

"I love you . . . Goodbye."

And then, the screen goes black.

I stayed right as I was, repeating my mother's words in my head and feeling her warmth inside me. Even to my fingertips and toes, the warmth reached it and my body burned. I leaned my head on the screen, imagining my mother's forehead on mine. She sacrificed everything she had . . . for me . . . So that I could be free at last.

Then, I sensed a huge hand place itself on my shoulder and I was pulled out of my trance. I slowly looked back and Lar'ja was right next to me. The heat from his body soothed me and his scent of sweet rain filled my nose. I was content . . . I was happy.

"Anya. Are you okay?"

His mandibles tightened into his mouth while his eyes scanned my body, looking for any injury that I had but I just smiled a little and wiped my tears off of me.

"I'm fine. Better than before at least."

He tried to smile back at me by opening his mandibles a bit and forced his cheek muscles to move, making it look awkward. I only chuckled at him but he didn't say that it was annoying this time but his eyes glowed again and I smiled again.

Everyone else comes around me and does the same. All of them with smiles on their faces with Baxley's and Coyle's looking more goofy than happy. I appreciated it though.

"Thank you all. For everything."

We all nodded together and soon, my mother's words reached back to me and I remembered.

"Now . . . we got the access to get in that door. Let's see if it works."

Everyone became serious and I moved past them and placed myself in front of the secret door. Once I was in position, the door activated and asked the same question as before, which I was prepared for.

"Require number code and a DNA scan."

I cleared my throat a little and raised my hand up so that I could see my tattoo clearly so that I wouldn't make a mistake and that the doors would close forever. And then, I let my voice ring out in the open.

"Number code: #T49320."

At first, nothing happened until the door comes to life. A red glow shines through its cracks, revealing a unique pattern and then, the scanner starts up.

"Hold for DNA scan."

And like before, it did its little thing and shined a light on my chest until it vanished.

"Access granted."

Suddenly, the door shifts and groans loudly and I stepped back a bit. Soon, huge metal clicks rang over and over again and I wondered how many locks did it have that kept it shut like this. But I recalled that even Lar'ja was having trouble opening it before so it made sense.

The door opens from the middle and slowly moves to the side and all I could wonder is what lies behind the doors.

That was something I was determined to find out.

Hi Readers!

Again I apologize for the long chapter but this one was very emotional for me and I got carried away and I hope its worth it.

Finally, Anya got some closure that she needed for so long and now, her mother has left an important gift for her. But what is it? Why is it so important that it had to be locked away from Stargazer and for so long?

And what is the name that Anya's mother wanted to give that she wasn't allowed to have until now? I can tell you that the name Anya will have plays a very important role and in fact, it's the center of this story and much more!

So stay tuned for Chapter 26 that is coming your way. :)))

P.S. Break Free will be posted in about another few days. Got power maintenance coming up that will not allow me to work on this along with school (urgh!) but I guarantee that it will be posted this Sunday at the latest so keep in touch and enjoy!

Thank you all for your reviews and comments! :)))