One

Present day

The chestnut horse whinnied and dug at the ground with its hoof, eager to get the excursion under way.

"Easy Strider", Ivy whispered, gently stroking the side of his neck. "We will be off before you know it". Miles moved around the horse, rechecking every strap.

"Are you certain?", he asked gently, gazing up at Ivy.

"Miles, the idea of a war gives me nightmares and I will not allow it to come to that". She placed her hand on her sword hilt and gave him a reassuring smile, "All things going well, I will return in a week with good news and this madness will be behind us".

"Until then, you are more than welcome to stay here", she turned to Charlie, trying to give her a warm smile. "There is a horse called Stonewall that is fairly stubborn. You might get on well with him". As the group watched her ride away, they all couldn't help but feel that they had asked too much of this woman. After all, Bass may have called her friend once and trusted her, but would that still be the case?

Two

As Bass entered his quarters he knew something was different and, as the smell of spring flowers drifted past him, he knew what it was.

"Violets", he sighed, gazing around the darkened room, "You smell like violets". A ripple of soft laughter from his main window drew Bass' attention.

"There is no getting past you Bass", Ivy sighed. "I love what you have done with the place. The corpse hanging in the court gives it that rough edge".

Bass lit a nearby candle and walked over to the window, his smile broadening as he saw that familiar figure.

"You look stunning", he drooled, eyeing those gentle curves, "But you always did". He heard Ivy huff, her attention still fixed outside, "Please Bass. Give me some credit. I am not one of your bimbos and am not impressed by such talk". She extended her hand out, a small glass half filled with rum in it, "I would offer you a drink, but it smells like you have already started".

She turned, those green eyes icy and Bass was certain he knew what she was about to say. "Ivy, that attack was not one I ordered. Those men crossed", Ivy tapped him lightly on his cheek and shook her head. "While I am more than a little angry about what happened, that is not why I came here". She pulled her finger away and moved away from the window, "Something else has come to my attention. Something that needs addressing immediately".

Three

It hadn't taken long to wipe out the people in the settlement and the tall man had savoured every moment of it. He and his soldiers had swept through the small town quickly, taking all by surprise. Only two remained alive, their hands bound tightly behind their backs as the knelt before the soldiers. The man strode towards them, wiping the blood from his blade, not once taking those cool blue eyes from the two prisoners.

One was a man, at least 60 years old, with greying hair and dark eyes. He was easily 5ft 6 with a strong physique, but that had not helped him in the battle. Despite his every effort he was quickly subdued and made to watch as his friends were killed. The other filled the man now walking towards them with excitement. The young woman reminded him of Ivy. The one woman he yearned to have above all others. He could see fear in those hazel eyes and that only served to stoke the fire deep within.

"Who the hell are you?", the man spat angrily. It often surprised their captor just how brave and foolish his prisoners could be, even when their situation was dire. "Answer me!". The reply was not what he expected as the cool metal of the mans sword drove through him. Horror filled those dark eyes and his captor watched as the life slowly ebbed out of his body. The young woman let out a cry, making the soldier turn his attention to her.

"Don't worry miss", he sighed, kneeling down to her level, "I have other plans for you".

He ran his hand through his white hair and smiled, "You're going to send a message to someone very important".

Four

Two days had passed since Ivy had left Gettysburg and Miles was growing increasingly tenser. Yes, she and Bass had been close, but would that bond still be there? The chance of something going wrong had been incredible, but Ivy had insisted she see him. Now Miles wished he had been more forceful in getting her stay.

"She'll be fine", Nora murmured as she entered the room, "Ivy always is". She slumped down in the seat beside him, "I know this isn't what you had in mind when you asked for her help, but really Miles, she isn't going to take sides".

Miles nodded half heartedly, "I know. It's just that he's changed so much and I don't know if she realises it".

"Let's hope she does", Nora sighed, resting her head on Miles' shoulder. "Let's just hope she does".

Five

It was surprising to Ivy just how quiet Philadelphia was at night, especially given that it was the main hub of the Monroe Republic. A handful of guards silently patrolled its interior and more were stationed along the vast perimeter, their spot lights making it virtually impossible to not be seen entering. Ivy placed her hand on the window, the chill from outside giving her goosebumps and making her pull away.

"I'm sorry", Bass whispered, wrapping a blanket over Ivys shoulders. He sat beside her, his brow furrowed.

"I already said that I don't hold you responsible for what happened. Why apologise again?". Bass shook his head, taking her hand in his, "We didn't protect you. Miles and I let you down that day and I have regretted it ever since". Ivy knew what he was referring to and stood up, not wanting to dwell on the past. "It happened. There is nothing we can do to change it". She turned to face him and was struck by the pain in his eyes.

"Bass", Ivy knelt down, placing her hands on his, "What happened was not yours or Miles' fault. I have never blamed you. I blame Shapley". She paused, the mere mention of his name bringing back all those memories. Ones she would rather forget.

Six

2 years before the blackout

For months the horribly mutilated bodies of young women had been turning up, sending all on the base and in the outlying areas, into action. Whenever a woman went missing the military would work with police to try and find her. Each time they had been unsuccessful and the missing womans body would turn up, barely unrecognisable. Now, for the soldiers stationed on the base, it was personal. Especially for Bass and Miles. Ivy had been snatched during the night, that tell-tale dart in her room filling everyone with dread.

Now, days later, as they made their way through an abandoned factory, the two men preyed they would find her alive. An anonymous tip had come through about unusual activity at the factory and the police and military had sprung into action. What greeted them was something none of the men would ever forget. At the end of the warehouse, several small pillars had been set up, all facing the door the men had come through.

Tied to each of the pillars was a lifeless and mutilated body, the blood from each staining the concrete floor. It was what lay on the floor that had taken everyone by surprise. Her hands and legs tightly bound and mouth covered by a gag, Ivy lay on the floor. Miles felt certain that she was dead and watched as Bass ran forward, pulling the gag from her mouth.

"Ivy?", he whispered, brushing her blood matted hair from her face, "Please, wake up". Miles moved cautiously forward, willing her to wake up.

"Bass?", a raspy, but recognisable voice replied. Miles had always felt a touch of guilt at the joy he had felt. Their friend was alive, but those women were dead and they had no idea who was responsible. Despite their greatest efforts authorities could never find the culprit and slowly the number of investigators was reduced.

Ivy had been released from hospital after several days and always cursed the fact that she never saw her assailants face. Both Bass and Miles knew what happened haunted Ivy, for more reasons than one. Yes, she had been taken by a serial killer and survived, but there was one thing no one outside the authorities knew. When Ivy was found, her clothing was taken for testing and the investigators had found a note shoved in her pocket.

A note that explained why she had lived. 'Too precious for me to take. I will return for her. Then our lives together can begin".

Seven

3 years after the blackout

Was this some horrible nightmare? One that Ivy would wake from at any moment. Only a week ago she had been standing in front of Jared Shapley, along with a dozen other new recruits for the Militia. It had been her job to weed out the weak fighters from those with potential and she had seen something in this man that both intrigued and concerned her. It seemed to Ivy that he was holding back, refusing to show his true skill with a sword and Ivy could remember telling Miles and Bass how she felt about him.

"Sure, he is a great looking guy, with knock out sword skills but", she had paused, looking down at the floor.

"But what?", Miles queried, leaning forward and staring at her intently.

"Sometimes I catch him watching me and there is something in those eyes", she had gazed up at Bass, now concerned by her nervousness. "He scares the hell out of me. That man just is not right". Both men knew it took a great deal to rattle Ivy and decided that the best thing was for Jared to leave. But their order had gone out too late and Ivys deep concerns had proven correct.

His MO had not changed, knocking her out with a sedative delivered by dart gun and taking her to a quiet part of the city. Now he stood before her, those icy blue eyes locked on her.

"You're very special Ivy", he sighed, moving closer to her. "That's why I couldn't take your life that day", Jared closed his eyes and smiled. "And that's why I won't harm you today".

"You sedated me, tied me to a chair and are holding me captive to say you do not want to harm me?", Ivy huffed, wishing she could knock him to the ground. "Excuse me, but that is just messed up".

Jared opened his eyes and smiled, "I have a gift for you", he sighed, motioning towards the far wall, oblivious to her comment. Ivy turned her head, dreading what sight would greet her. And there it was, the remains of a woman, her body mutilated.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?", she spat, desperately trying to lift herself from the chair. "You are sick! SICK!". The smile faded from Jareds face and he moved towards Ivy, quickly making her regret her outburst.

"Your friends are here", he sighed, running his fingertips across her cheek. He leaned closer to her, kissing her cheek before standing straight again. "Until we meet again", he sighed, offering her a low bow before running from the room.

Moments later she heard the familiar sounds of Bass and Miles' voices calling her name, but Ivy could not reply. Even when her two friends reached her, cutting her binds and lifting her to her feet, she could not speak.

"Ivy, are you ok?", Miles asked firmly. Ivy managed a gentle nod, her eyes still focused on the direction that Jared had left.

"He is insane", she sighed, turning to face her two friends. "He is utterly insane".