The Long Road Ahead

Act I

Episode III

A Change for Once

They were already on the road when Tessa woke up. Her eyes fluttered open. The bright sunlight coming in from the windshield hit her gray eyes causing a brief momentary discomfort. She raised both hands, using them to shield anymore light form hitting them. Tessa had to let her eyes adjust. But that came quickly. The sun was just beginning to rise over the green hills. David must've driven through the night. He was still sitting in the driver's seat. But he was relaxed. David was leaning back, one hand on the bottom of the wheel guiding the car along while the other lay lazily on his leg.

Not noticing that she had woken up, Tessa eyed him a bit with her still half closed eyes. David was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, relax fitted around his legs. On his chest he had a white button up shirt, not a dress shirt, but made out of heavier fabric, something more casual, more comfortable. It was half-way unbuttoned, revealing underneath a black t-shirt. She let her eyes dart over him for a number of moments. The young man was wearing his black sunglasses again. He still didn't notice that Teletha had woken up. David's head was still straight forward, locked on the road.

Tessa made her presence known. Lifting her arms above her head and locking her hands together, she arched her back, stretching her muscles. Scooting forward in her seat Tessa gave herself a little more room to move about. "Goooood Morning!" Teletha squeaked as she let out a large yawn, finally falling back in the seat. A good night's rest is what she needed. The young woman felt refreshed, rejuvenated. Her mood improved as well.

David didn't turn his face from the road. "Good morning, Tessa." He said with a smile.

"Have we been driving all night?" She inquired immediately.

"Yeah, I've driven us through the night." He started with a nod. "You'll be happy to know that we will reach our safe house late afternoon. We can contact your people once we arrive." David seemed to be right back to business.

"Aren't you tired?"

The man shrugged. "A little bit. Nothing I haven't done before. Staying up won't be a problem." David then let out a little yawn, covering his mouth as best he could. "I-I-I don't plan on falling asleep at the wheel anytime soon." His words were long and drawn out as they came through.

Tessa giggled a little at the action. She saw that lack of sleep was getting at him.

"Not that I wouldn't mind sleep once we get there." David admitted, chuckling silently. "You're people will be looking for you right?" It was then he turned his head to Tessa, an eyebrow rising above the rim of his black sunglasses.

"Oh, of course!" Teletha chirped quickly "I'm sure they will be looking for me."

David gave another nod of confirmation. "Good. That's good. Hopefully your friends can reach you within a few hours of us letting them know where you are. The safe house isn't exactly difficult to find if you know the location."

"Do you think those men from 'The Collective' will be looking out for us?" Tessa said, placing an emphasis on the 'us.' She finally gave the name to the paramilitary men that were trying to hunt them down. Tessa only assumed it was the people from the file.

The man's head leaned to one side in thought. "I don't have any doubt they will try. It's more a question of your people getting to you before they get smart and track you down."

Tessa bit her bottom lip, a slight nervous sensation creeping up her spine. "What about you?" She questioned.

"What about me?"

"Those people are undoubtly going to come after you. You've helped me. You're at as much of a risk as I am, David."

This question gave way to a tiny pause. "I-I'm sure I can manage." David then said slowly, some thoughts running through his head by the look on his face. "I've made it this far haven't I?"

Frowning, Tessa wasn't exactly sure how to go about it. Although she did have the idea of taking this man with her back to Merida and Mithril, she wasn't able to fully make such a decision simply based on merit. David's employer was still a complete mystery to her. "I guess so, Mr. Reed." She muttered, once again forgetting to call him by his first name.

David began to chuckle, he sensed the awkwardness in the conversation. "It'll be fine. Remember, Tessa, we need to get there first. Let's not think of 'what ifs' just yet." He lowered his head just a little as he looked at her, eyes peering over the rims of his shades. "But you're pretty smart to think ahead. It's always nice to see someone who is willing to look toward future problems."

It was an odd complement to say least. But his words brought a little reassurance back to Tessa's mind. If this was a combat operation she might have been able to assist David more in getting them to safety. Yet, it wasn't. Teletha had to follow David's lead for the time being.

The car turned left and David began speaking again. "Sadly, we are going to have to travel through a number of small cities." The car turned again. "We are going to need to risk ourselves being seen just a little bit."

His words didn't exactly bring joy to Tessa's heart.

"Since they know what you look like, we are going to need to change that." David continued speak as a grin crawled across his face. "Also, I don't think you'll mind a change of clothes after yesterday."

Tessa's eyes perked up. "I won't mind at all, David!" She exclaimed happily. While a shower might be out of the question at least for a few hours, a change of clothes might lighten her spirits.

David squirmed a little in his seat before glancing down behind the steering wheel at the gas gauge. It was nearly on empty. "It'll give us a chance to stretch our legs…" He began, another smile coming across his face. "…and to get gas in this truck. We aren't exactly going to get any farther without fuel."

The pickup crept toward the clothing store. Tessa felt the car jolt as they went from street to parking lot. For the first time since yesterday the pair entered a decent sized town. It was small. And there were buildings no bigger than two or three stories high, save for a large old grain mill off in the distance. People walked freely from store to store in what might be called the downtown area. This area was located on one small two lane street. It wasn't that hard to be seen in this town. The place was small enough that people could sometimes pick out a car that wasn't a regular. Tessa noticed a few gazes from the people who walked on the sidewalks as they slowly rolled across the town. On occasion one might wave to them, perhaps thinking she and David were friends of theirs or maybe they were just being cordial. But it was a peaceful looking place. Large green trees lined the cracked streets and it lacked the hustle and bustle of a large urban area.

David pressed his foot against the brake and turned the wheel, slowing them to a stop in one of the parking stalls marked with thick yellow lines. With a few shifting of gears and a look around he nodded. Parked, he and Tessa both looked inside a small building with large glass windows. Through the glass they could see a few large isles of clothing, more than enough to switch Tessa out of her more noticeable attire. David reached back and pulled his backpack out from the place behind his seat. He leaned forward and swung it around his body. Reaching across Tessa's lap he opened the glove box. With one hand he pulled out his pistol. Tessa couldn't make out the model, yet it looked similar to what Mithril soldiers often sported. Like always he would stuff the weapon in his belt behind his back, hiding it with his white shirt.

The man was about to get out of the car when Tessa spoke up. "I'm afraid I still don't have any money. This girl is totally broke at the moment!" She confessed with a smile, face turning red. "And I don't think you want me using my card!"

Almost to the door handle David stopped. "Ha! Oh, that's right!" He mentioned, remembering back how he had to purchase her food the night before with cash. Using one hand he reached into his back pocket, pulling out a leather wallet. Using his fingers he pried it open, pulling out a sizable number of bills. David held them in Tessa's direction. "I think this will be enough…" He began, starting to laugh as he opened his side door and stepped out of the car. "…Just don't go crazy. I know how you women like your shoes."

Tessa didn't find the joke funny. Her face scrunched, slightly offended. But she did notice the amount of money David had given her. It was huge, if even just for things to wear. Following close behind she too stepped out of the car, taking a few quick steps to catch up with David who was already on his way towards the store. "That wasn't very funny, Mr. Reed." She grumbled once again not calling him by his name.

David was still chuckling to himself. "It was a joke, lighten up Tessa." He tilted his head down to the young woman, looking at her through his sunglasses. "I apologize if I truly offended you."

"Apology accepted, David." Teletha muttered pointing her chin in the air with closed eyes, trying to display some form of anger. She wasn't really angry, but more trying to get some other reaction.

"So, what do you plan on buying?" David asked politely as they walked toward the entrance.

Tessa could only shrug, slightly surprised by his interest. "I have no idea." She said with a huff of air. "I don't exactly get the chance to purchase civilian clothing that often."

"Really?" He replied, looking down at her, genuinely surprised.

"Yeah, I mean…I've worn them, I have them. I just usually don't get the chance to buy stuff like other people." Tessa scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. But she smiled, white teeth showing through her parted lips. "You might say with what I do, I don't get many vacations days."

This caused a huff of amusement from David. "So, would you consider this a vacation?" He said slyly, the same joking smirk on his face he had before. They reached the door to the store. With an outstretched arm David pushed it open, letting Tessa pass through first.

"I don't think getting shot at counts as a vacation, David!" She replied light-heartedly, passing through the door with David close behind.

"Good point." He chuckled again.

Tessa glanced around at the long racks of clothing. It wasn't like a megamall in Tokyo, but its selection would suffice for her. "Say, David?" She peeped nervously, turning around to look at him.

"Yeah?" David murmured quickly, taking his sunglasses off as he looked about the store. His eyes darted around, looking for anything that was out of place.

"How about, after I pick out clothing…" She paused for a moment, thinking over the words in her head. "…can you come see if everything looks ok? I think you should tell me if I'll fit in or not. You seem to know what works and what doesn't!" Tessa gave the man a smile, hoping for an answer.

David had to let the words sink in for a moment. He was still looking around in addition to listening to Tessa. Finally he looked down to her, giving back the same smile she gave him. "Sure, why not…I'm going to go look around a bit, make sure everything checks out. I'll see you in front of the dressing rooms over in that corner over there." He raised a finger and pointed to one corner of the large store. Located there were a number of wooden dressing rooms. "If you see anything odd, anything at all…Stay there and hide, I'll find you, Tessa."

Tessa didn't need to say anymore. She grinned at him and nodded, giving him confirmation that she understood what he said. Backing up a few steps she watched as David pivoted around, stalking down one of the hallways of clothing. She herself went the other direction, heading straight for the section which would have her size.

Standing alone in the tiny dressing room Tessa Testarossa began to redress. She happily hummed to herself, pulling up a pair of denim woman's shorts onto her body. On the far wall Tessa reached for a small light red t-shirt, just her size, which hung on a hook. Taking the piece of clothing she removed the hanger. The tune she hummed was something she had heard on the radio, something with a catchy beat that seemed to stick in her head. Lifting her arms she pulled the shirt over her torso. Tessa tugged on the fabric to fit it snugly. Much to her enjoyment she had lucked out on picking clothing her size the first time. For a while she looked at herself in the mirror. She stuck her feet in a new pair of sneakers. This was different than anything she had in Japan when she visited Kaname at her school. Of course, here in this country they didn't have uniforms. Tessa still hummed the same tune as she slid the dressing room lock over. Picking up her old clothes and cradling them in on arm she pulled open the thin wooden door.

Tessa had hoped that David would be waiting just outside for her. But he wasn't there. She moved her other arm to help carry her old clothing. Her head turned to the left and right, looking for the man. "David?" She said casually. "David, where are you?"

There was no answer.

"David, come on!" She asked again with a smile, hoping he would turn up. She thought he still might be held up somewhere else in the store buying something for himself. "Where the hell are you?" Tessa said again, this time a little louder.

Once again, there was no answer.

Looking toward their car, hoping he might be there, David was still nowhere to be seen. But her eyes did catch something else. In the parking lot rolled in another car. Normally Tessa might think nothing of it, but the way it drove made her uneasy. It passed by a number of open parking spots. Tessa couldn't make out the driver. There were no passengers. Yet the car continued on. It slowed down as it passed their pickup before speeding up again. The vehicle circled the lot once more before slowly inching in on an empty stall right next to the window. For some time Tessa watched. Then the driver got out. He stood up, looked around before reaching into the car once more. As the driver parted from his car Tessa caught the sight him stuffing a small black gun into his belt.

"Oh, Crap!" Tessa whispered, her voice immediately dropping. "David?!" She whispered again, this time with urgency. "David?!" She might be able to outrun him if he wasn't armed. But by no means could Tessa outrun a bullet if that man shot at her.

The man opened the store's front door.

Tessa dropped behind the nearest rack of clothing. She peered around the edge. That man was still there. If he was a shopper he might have already started toward the clothing. But he just stood there looking around, head pivoting like a radar dish. Tessa had no doubt that this man was looking for them

"God damn it, David!" She urgently whispered again, somehow hoping he might hear her.

David still wasn't around.

Her eyes caught the man moving in her direction. This store wasn't small enough to hide in for very long and with only one door she couldn't escape unseen. Tessa ducked quickly back into the dressing room. "Shit! Shit! Shit!" She repeated to herself as she scrambled onto the wooden bench inside. Hopefully by doing this the man wouldn't see her shoes as just pass by. Thankfully her new sneakers she planned on buying weren't as noisy as her business heels of her old disguise. As quietly as she could Tessa shut the door. With only two fingers she reached out toward the lock, sliding it back, sealing herself in the room.

The store fell silent for a few moments.

Just outside the door Tessa watched the man's shadow pass by. His feet moved slowly. She held her breath. Tessa's eyes remained locked on the floor just outside of the dressing room. The dark shadow paused right outside her door. Tessa's mouth tightened, making no noise. It waited for a few second…But it stalked away, leaving Tessa's view…

She opened her mouth. A wave of held up air left her lungs with a loud sigh.

In an instant the feet returned and the door burst open, the lock snapping off the door. Tessa had given herself away.

Tessa jerked backward, shielding her eyes from the debris from the shattered door and lock. Without having time to react she felt a thick muscular hand grasp her throat, yanking her off the bench and throwing her into the main store.

The young Mithril officer hit the hard ground with a harsh "Ack!" erupting from her mouth. Tessa rolled over, her arms frantically moving against the floor as she scrambled backward. Her back hit another wall, nowhere to go. No escape. She looked up at him. The man was massive.

A foot collided with her gut. She could feel the man's boot stomping on her stomach as she closed her eyes in pain. "You're dead you hear! Fucking Dead!" He shouted furiously. He pulled back for a second, pulling one foot back before delivering a swift kick to her ribs.

It almost felt like the man had cracked into her side he had kicked so hard. Teletha heard a metallic click as the stomping stopped. Cracking open one eye and now cradling her bruised gut she watched as the man began pulling out a small black gun.

He was leveling the gun at her when another body burst into the fray. A loud gunshot rang out as the assailant fumbled his firearm. The bullet dug into the ceiling.

David was quick in his attempt to disarm the attacker. Their arms became entangled with each other's as they each attempted to remain in control while still punching at one another. The pair stumbled back into Tessa's dressing room. Grabbing at the man's arm, David began forcing it against the wall. He did so repeatedly, over and over. Sounds of this echoing about the store until the man was forced to drop his gun. David shifted his feet, kicking the gun towards Tessa.

Using David's momentary focus shift the attacker used his knee and brought it into the defenders stomach. David stumbled backward against the other wall of the dressing room, one hand grasping where the knee hit.

Tessa slowly picked herself up. Still dazed she watched the fight unfold before her.

Another kick to the chest knocked David against the mirror. It shattered in a mass of glass. His head collided with the hard cracked surface, stunning him, eyes rolling.

With both hands the assassin grabbed ahold of David's skull. Pushing and pulling with as much force as he could muster, the man repeated drove David's head into the broken mirror. Bits of glass began to fall to the ground as the reflected surface shattered more and more with each passing hit. David barely could right himself to defend. In the fray his own gun which he tried for fell to the floor in a clatter.

In an act of desperation David pushed against the wall, using his own body to knock the other man off of him. The pair tumbled to the floor just outside the dressing room. Pinning him against the floor, David raised a closed fist and brought it down like a hammer into the side of the attackers head. There was a harsh 'thump' as the blow landed. And the man's head jerked sideways. Still half dazed David tried this again. He only missed by an inch, his fist impacting the ground when the attacker's head tilted away. The other man was quick to roll away from underneath.

Scrambling on all fours the attacker noticed David's gun lying on the carpet. David, who now wreathed on the ground, holding his head and cradling his hand against his chest wasn't able to react. The man floundered toward the gun. His body flailed against the floor like a fish trying to make its way back to water.

Reaching out the man grasped the gun in his hands. Lifting himself up to his knees he pinwheel around, gun leveling at David's head. There was a metallic 'click' as the gun readied. His finger hovered over the trigger and started to squeeze.

A final gunshot rang out and echoed about the store.

The assassin crumpled to the floor in a growing puddle of red liquid.

David rolled onto his side, slowly regaining composure of himself. His chest heaved. Slowly he pulled himself onto his knees. Head still throbbing he looked at the man that now lay dead against the carpet. A small amount of red dribbled down the back of David's own neck. The hand that hit the rough carpet had the skin on its knuckles torn to bloody shreds. Stumbling, unable to stand just yet, he worked his way towards Tessa.

Tessa sat there nearly petrified. Her hands shook furiously. The assassin's gun in her hands shivered like it had a life of its own. For a moment she sat there, eyes wide. She couldn't stop her beating heart and heavy breathing. Finally, breaking out of her trance, she looked at the firearm she held in her hands. In one quick movement she threw it to the side. It skipped and spun on the ground until coming to a stop beneath a rack of clothing.

Pulling himself next to her, David leaned up against the wall where Tessa sat. They sat in silence, each now holding their bruises and wounds like a pair of injured dogs. Together they locked eyes on the dead man in front of them, the pool of red slowly going bigger and bigger with each passing second. Tessa had shot him right through the neck. A splatter of red liquid was on the wall just across from here he now lay. Reaching out David grasped Tessa's shoulder. He could tell by the look on her face and in her eyes that she disliked being so close and causing the loss of life. Not letting go he gave her a reassuring rub on the back.

"You know…" David uttered, finally breaking the strange silence that had fallen over the two.

Tessa didn't replied, only turning her head with a deeply troubled stare.

"…I should be thanking you now."

Author's Note's

There is episode three for you guys!

I hope you enjoyed it!

I'll be taking a few days off before updating and continuing to write the next number of episodes so I can polish up the final outlined details in Act II and Act III (Yes, this will be one long story. The reason there have been son many quick updates is that the first three chapters were pretty much written a while ago).

Anyway, please-please-please leave a review and let me know what you think. That would be awesome; reviews are really want can keep me going with a long story like this.

So, I'll leave you guys with that for a few days.

Enjoy!

Mr-Watch

P.S – Like always, PM me if you find errors and I'll be quick on the fix.