disclaimer: i don't own dark angel

Chapter five:

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. The endless beat of the clock seemed to mock me. I sighed. Who knew being the undisputed leader of a superior race could be so…well, boring?

I mean, you'd think there'd be more action going on but putting aside the occasional heist and the familiar slaying, all that's left is paperwork and research. Lots and lots of researching. I heard someone approaching. Finally! 5…4…3…2…1…and:

"Hey, Max!" It was Alec. Ironically, his voice was the cheeriest thing I've heard all day. Of course, he couldn't know this. That would defy everything I've worked so hard for.

I fixed my face into a frown, albeit a not very convincing one. "I was concentrating, you know."

"Pshhh! Yeah, right! I could sense your boredom a mile away!"

"You could sense my boredom?" My tone betrayed amusement beneath the disbelief.

"Uhuh. I have ESPN."

I couldn't help it; I cracked up laughing. I knew he was just being stupid on purpose and I was touched by his concern.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Logan left this for you before he made his dramatic exit," he said with false nonchalance. But his eyes expressed his worry.

Those words brought a little pang through my heart. My powers had made me a little more emotional than I'd hoped. I was about to throw a paperweight at him for chrissakes! It was titanium, too! 'Although,' I couldn't help adding, 'I don't regret it for an instant.' Contrary to what I'd said, I did have feelings for the man. I might have even loved him at one point. But it wasn't strong enough to withstand his ego.

"What is it?"

Alec straightened, looking detached. "It's the cure."

I swallowed. Great.

I held out my hand. Gingerly, he gave me a glass vial with some blue liquid inside of it. It was very pretty actually. The cerulean liquid, which were the exact color me of Zach's eyes, seemed to contain swirling miniature diamonds, all in all creating a mesmerizing effect. The vial itself was also quite striking, with its gently curving neck and intricate design. Yet, behold so much beauty, I felt a little niggling in my gut, a distinctly doubtful feeling.

He must have felt my fear, because he took my hand in his. His warm palm sent waves of comfort throughout my body.

"At least it came in a pretty package."

I just rolled my eyes at his reponsed and dragged him out to H.Q towards Luke.

"Mornin' Max!" Luke called out as soon as he saw me approach him.

"Afternoon," Zane corrected him, appearing from my rear. I gave him a big grin, and hugged him tightly. He ruffled my hair affectionately. "Hey, little sis'."

I blurred to stand behind him swifttly delivered a kick to the backs of his knees, effectively causing him lay sprawled on the floor.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" I beamed.

"You know better than to mess with your little sis." Alec's decidedly smug voice penetrated my ears and smirked. I was about to thank him when he continued.

"Everyone knows only I'm the one that can kick her pretty booty."

I turned to him deliberately, my hips thrust to the side and a finger waggling.

"Come here, and prove it."

Ames P.O.V:

"Was Phase One of Project Deceit successful?"

"Yes, sir," came the Ulf's curt reply. The young familiar found murder a bit too entertaining but he did get the job done.

"Good. You are dismissed."

Only when the doors closed with a soft thud, did I let my eyes betray their weariness. I did feel some relief; the plan was in motion and 452 was getting closer to her death, eliminating some unneeded stress on my part. I pushed down my regret and feelings of recrimination; 452 had stolen my son and given him to Sandeman.

I was just about to relax into my chair when the transgenic bodyguard burst into the room, knocking the door of its hinges. Seconds later, Sandeman, himself, strolled through the doorframe, whistling a lively tune.

"Hello, son."

"I'm not your son," I snapped and glancing pointedly at the useless plank of wood, continued, "and you're paying for that door."

He cackled. The unpleasant noised filled my ears, driving me insane. But I forced myself to stay sane for the sake of my son.

"Project Deceit was successful."

Sandeman grinned maniacally. "As if there was any doubt. You'd think that for a supposed genius, that man would learn to find more reliable sources."

I shrugged. "I guess all that's left is for us to fly to Hong Kong and wait a couple of days."

He cackled again and I strove desperately to reign in my temper. But then I realized something. "Why can't we just capture her on the way there?"

His eyes hardened. "Because we can't. Alone, she has the power to bring down the entire familiar race, just think what she can do with a handful of guards."

"The Phalanx happen to be—"

"Even your elite aren't good enough to take her down. I would know. I created her, in case you forgot. When the scientists sedate 452 then, and only then, can we seize her. Then after 452 is disposed of, you can finally be able to conquer Terminal City."

I took special notice of the pride in his voice. Hmmm. "Why are you helping me again?"

He glared at me condescendingly. "How many times do we have to get over this? I was young and naïve; I thought I could create a race more superior than our own. But I know now that that is a mistake. She is reckless and impossible to control. She would probably kill me after she's killed you and the rest of that damned cult. Besides," his eyes glowed in glee, "you're paying me remember? Fifteen million dollars, a safe passage to Greece and a sworn testimony to the Covenant of my death so they can stop hunting me. A measly amount compared to the return of your son and 452, which would guarantee you an instant promotion into the Council, and even the Phalanx if you wish it."

My dubiousness disappeared. He was right; it was a fair trade. I had no reason to doubt his intentions.

Max's P.O.V:

I cracked my knuckles and rolled my head a few times along with my shoulders. Alec, meanwhile, was bouncing on his toes in anticipation of the fight. When I'd challenged Alec, I hadn't realized the entire transgenic race was listening. I was kidding, too. But then I thought, why not? I needed to de-stress, anyway. It took a lot of goading and spoofing to trick Alec into a battle but seeing him now without his shirt on and his muscles flexing, made it all worthwhile.

"Are you scared, Max?" His voice was mocking.

"Yeah…of beating you to death."

"Aw, shucks. You're telling me you would mind me dead?"

"Of course, who would be my punching bag?"

He tensed at first, but then relaxed after seeing the twinkle in my eyes. Bored, I feinted to the right just to see what he would do. Then, a remarkable thing happened: Alec blurred and I could still see him. In fact, it was all in slow motion.

First, he was running towards me (it actually looked like he was walking) and then he reared his fist back with the intention of hitting me in the chest. I guess he wanted to end the fight early. But I fell back into a backbend easily and proceeded to do a back handspring while hooking my legs around his waist, using the momentum to pull him off the ground. I twisted at the last second to face him. Both of my hands locked his together, while he laid face first on the floor.

I had brought my feet to land before his body, effectively cushioning his fall. Hmmm. I guess something good could out of a lightning bolt. Hold on. Crap. I hadn't told anyone, except for Dix and only out of necessity, about my newfound abilities. I don't even know why.

Oh yeah, so they wouldn't think me more of a freak than they already did. I was going to tell Alec but after everything that's happened, I forgot. Well, here's my opportunity. Speaking of Alec, my position was instilling unwelcome sensations in my body.Get your head in the game, soldier!

But my musings had given Alec enough opportunity for counterattack. He got his hands out of my hold and twisted so that he was facing the ceiling instead of the ground. He then head-butted me.

I jumped off of him quickly, bringing a hand to my nose. It was starting to bleed and it hurt like a mother. But the pain disappeared as quickly as it had come. Apparently, I'd healed myself. Cool. That would have taken at least a few of hours for the cartilage to repair itself post-lightning. Luckily, my hand covered the bleeding and no one noticed the blood. I lighting-blurred to the corner where I took out a piece of cloth and wiped my hands on it, even having time to dump it into a nearby the trash can.

On my way back, time was still on stop mode. I had blurred so fast that no one even noticed me gone. Except for Alec. He was looking at me like he'd seen a ghost. I smirked and he shook his head, as if to clear his thoughts. Don't worry, Alec. There'll be time for explanations later.

"Max! Max! Max!"

"Alec! Alec! Alec!"

Simultaneously, we grinned at each other. It was endearing to hear that much support but it was also as much of a nuisance. My hearing had increased to incredible sensitivity and the shouts were like hundreds of cannonballs going off at once. My head was starting to pound achingly. I was about to lightning-blur over to him and end the fight when footsteps near the entrance caught my attention. Someone was coming. The rhythm was unfamiliar (having uber-hearing had me noticing little thing like these) and much to even and equally spaced for any of the transgenics in the room; being out of Manticore had made them a bit more relax.

Everyone had sensed my distraction and the noise level ceased to silence. Well, as silent as it can get.

A dirty-blond haired young man with impressive build and a face worthy of a transgenic fashion magazine, if there ever was one, appeared.

He was nonplussed even at the face of the hundreds of curious transgenics surrounding him.

I cleared my throat. Guess the fight would end early. Not that I mind; it was getting boring and it would cause unwanted suspicion.

"Hey. This, as you know is Terminal City. Before I welcome you, show me your barcode."

He nodded and dutifully turned around and lifted up some of his hair, revealing a barcode.

"Welcome, 667."

Ephialtes.

The word came from nowhere. It could almost have passed for a random thought.

"Please, call me Ephialtes." My jaw dropped.

Author's Note: Alright, I have the entire story planned out already. I don't think anyone's every thought of a plot line like it before. I slaved for weeks but I finally got something original! Okay, I put a lot of clues in there so you should be able to guess who Esphialtes really is... hopefully. Also, I think I kind hinted a little about the 'evil plan.' But it's not as transparent as i make it sound...Sandeman has a lot of hidden agendas as does his little assistant. As for the cure, max couldn't take it this chapter cuz then it'd reveal too much...(that's another clue)

Also, she can blur that fast bec. if transgenics can do it wicked fast than she can do it even faster. she's a hybrid for crying out loud! oops im saying 2 much: )