Holy crap. I made it to fifty chapters!

I now suffer from repetitive strain injury (RSI). Doc asked why my right wrist joints were in such bad shape. "Have you been doing anything repetitive that would explain the pain and inflammation?"

Um… yeeeeaaaah.

Only Shadows Ahead

Chapter Fifty

Wheeler was distant — had barely said a word since their arrival. Head down, hands shoved deep into his pockets as they made their way along the gravel road.

The factory was visible just up and around the bend; the metal roof emitting an almost fluorescent glow. The sound of crickets were present — chirping loudly, as well as the rampant mosquitos that buzzed around Ma-Ti's head. He swiped them away every now and again, but Wheeler seemed unburdened by them.

"Are you all right?" Ma-Ti asked, watching him with concern.

"No," he muttered, crossing his arms as they approached the bend in the road — their path lit only by moonlight. Two timber posts loomed ahead, marking the beginning of the driveway. "Just wanna get this over with."

"You don't think she'll be here?"

"I needed to come," he said, trying to explain. "But my gut tells me we're bein' played."

"The wind element has returned, Wheeler, we —"

"What if Plunder springs a trap on us? Or maybe it's not Plunder at all?" Wheeler kicked a rock, sending it skittering out of sight.

"Let us worry about that later —"

"What if we find her body, Ma-Ti?"

Ma-Ti considered his words for a moment. "I am not ready for that either, but —"

"What if she's not here and I gotta walk away without her for the second time?" Wheeler sighed, eyeing the building in front. "Hard to move on when it's all dragged out in the open again, you know."

"Is that why you didn't meet us last month?" Ma-Ti asked, pressing carefully. Wheeler flinched, and Ma-Ti knew he'd touched a nerve. "After Linka's memorial? We missed you."

"Had other stuff on," he said quietly, keeping his eyes lowered. "You know how it is."

"Gi was upset," he said. "Didn't take it well."

"I'm not responsible for Gi's god-damn wellbeing," Wheeler snapped. He quickened his pace and Ma-Ti struggled to keep up with him. "Barely functioning myself."

"You know that's not what I meant," Ma-Ti said. "It is going to take time to —"

"Yeah, so everyone keeps tellin' me," he said bitterly.

"There is no time limit on grief, Wheeler. You need to allow yourself to —"

"Allow myself to what?" Wheeler rounded on him angrily. "Carry on like nothin' happened? Go back to partying my life away like my deadbeat friends? Allow my fuckin' ex-girlfriend to snake her way back into my life when she doesn't even fall into the same stratosphere as the only girl who I ever…"

He halted by the side of the road, fists clenched and breathing heavily. Ma-Ti could sense the waves of frustration flowing.

"None of us are coping, Wheeler," he said quietly. "We just show it in different ways."

"Just want her back," he said, rubbing his face tiredly. He let out a heavy breath, raising his eyes to the stars above. "Miss her so bad."

"I know."

"Never told her," he said despairingly. "I never even…"

"Wheeler," Ma-Ti said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know."

"I'll never forgive myself."

"Look," Ma-Ti said gently. "At the very least, we may get some answers or some information. Something that may help explain what happened."

"Yeah." Wheeler nodded, shaking himself slightly. "Damn it."

"Come," he said, pressing onwards and motioning for Wheeler to follow. "Let us get this over with."

"Yeah," Wheeler breathed. He fell into step beside Ma-Ti, passing through the front gates and making their way towards the shadowy buildings ahead.

"Place is in desperate need of some serious dustin'," Wheeler muttered, running his finger through the thick layer of grime coating the window sills of the factory floor. "Shit everywhere. Can't believe people have to work in this."

"Don't look at me," Ma-Ti said. "Spring cleaning wasn't exactly on my to-do list when I went to bed tonight."

"Neither was breakin' and enterin'."

"True."

Wheeler poked around the work stations, pushing scraps of fabric aside. Orderly rows of tables stretched up and down the concrete floor, separated by narrow aisles. The tables were covered in fabric, thread spools and antiquated sewing machines. A few were electric but most were operated by pedal power.

"Sweat shop?" Ma-Ti rifled through the garment racks, pulling out an assortment of t-shirts and dresses on wire hangers. "Plunder will be paying them in peanuts, no doubt."

"Don't even know where to start looking," Wheeler complained. He backed up against the wall, lowering his ring which was currently the only source of light now available to them. Turning on the factory lights would alert people to their arrival. "No one's even —"

"Heart."

Ma-Ti closed his eyes, rubbing his ring with the pad of his thumb; seeming to scan whatever otherworldly frequencies that were available to him.

"Gettin' any —"

"It is difficult," Ma-Ti said, frowning. He spun around slowly, scratching his head and looking confused. "I am not… I cannot tune in on her specifically, but there is something —"

"Like a damn radio —"

"Oh God," Ma-Ti whispered, taking a startled step back. He blinked several times, gazing down at his ring in wonder. "Blue?"

"Huh?"

"Blue," he said. Ma-Ti raised his eyes to Wheeler; a joyous smile spreading across his face. "For the first time since… It's been so long since I —"

"Spit it out, Ma-Ti."

"I think she's here."

The hairs on the back of Wheeler's neck stood on end. The adrenaline was already pumping and he straightened, listening intently.

Ma-Ti hurried down the aisle and through the door in which they'd entered, muttering under his breath. Wheeler followed close behind, watching him pause every now and then — rubbing his ring as if to recalibrate his thoughts.

They spilled out into the night, heading towards the boundary fence line. A copse of trees was nearby and they sprinted onward, wanting to avoid being out in the open. Barbed wire separated them from the cotton crops, stretching as far as the eye could see. Ma-Ti stopped, steadying himself against a gnarled trunk; refocusing his attention on his ring.

"Can you —"

"Shh."

The suspense was killing him. "Don't shush me."

Ma-Ti threw him a look. "Just give me a moment."

Wheeler rolled his eyes, folding his arms across his chest and resisting the urge to shake him.

The crickets were almost deafening, croaking loudly in the branches above them. The moonlight was casting elongated shadows, creating an almost eerie atmosphere.

A noise sounded from nearby, and Wheeler ducked behind a tree just as the dark outline of a man appeared from one of the buildings. The figure wandered towards the main factory they'd just vacated, swinging his weapon idly.

Another appeared. Wheeler squinted, watching a red glow emanate from near the second guard's mouth. A cigarette was being lit and he briefly considered giving the guy a helping hand — albeit on a much larger scale.

"Don't even think about it," Ma-Ti warned.

"Dude, for God's sake," he said. "Is she here or not?"

"I can't lock onto her," he complained. "Usually I can focus in on each of you, but her energy is scattered. Maybe that is why Gaia couldn't —"

"Bunch of pansies gonna stand there whinin' all night?"

Ma-Ti yelped in fright, and Wheeler whirled around. A tall silhouette stood at the edge of the trees. His face was in shadow and Wheeler stepped forward, raising his ring.

"Put ya goddamn ring down," the voice hissed. "I'm the least of your fuckin' problems right now."

"Says who?"

"Says the five assholes on night patrol over there with semi-automatic machine guns."

Wheeler lowered his ring, stunned to see the stranger turn and hobble away. The man stayed close to the fence line, hunched over and moving slowly as if in pain.

"You idiots comin'?

Wheeler glanced at Ma-Ti, who looked just as surprised as he did. They hurried to catch up, keeping the mystery man in sight just in case he tried anything.

Wheeler's mouth was dry. Nerves had set in. "Is it Bleak?" he said softly.

Ma-Ti shrugged. "No idea," he whispered back. "I have tried… I cannot tell."

"Convenient," Wheeler said, leaning in to be heard. "Picked a great time to lose that telepathy, Ma-Ti."

"I don't think it has anything to do with —"

"Just sayin' —"

"Shut the fuck up," an annoyed voice floated back, and Wheeler abruptly closed his mouth.

They criss-crossed their way around various sheds and crop machinery lying about. A barn loomed ahead and Wheeler's eyes bored into the back of the unknown man's head as he swung open the heavy door and slipped inside; still trying to get a read on him.

Wheeler and Ma-Ti followed. There was a musty smell in the air, dust long-since settled.

"You can light your ring now, lug-nuts."

Wheeler flicked his finger over the stone, illuminating the way. Timber boards creaked under his feet and he made a mental note not to ignite his ring any further, or else the whole structure was at risk of going up in flames — with them in it.

"Spotted you two morons on the security feed," the man said, squeezing through large bags of cotton as Wheeler followed. "Why don't you announce your arrival with a god-damn marchin' band next time?"

"Maybe we will," Wheeler shot back. "Why the hell did you —"

The man halted suddenly, doubling over and groaning like he was in pain. His bald head glowed by the light of the ring, and Wheeler inched forward, circling him slowly.

He straightened, and for the first time Wheeler caught a glimpse of him. Haggard, bearded face and piercing eyes — his once-muscular frame whittled down.

He was a shadow of his former self.

"Holy shit," Wheeler gasped. "Oh fuck, Ma-Ti, it's —"

"Feel wrecked," Argos Bleak said, wincing in pain. He sagged against a timber beam, barely able to hold himself up. "Can barely keep my god-damn eyes open. Doesn't stop the boss from —"

"Where is she?" Wheeler bellowed, striding forward and shoving him hard. The back of Bleak's head hit the beam and he gasped, wrenching away, but Wheeler pressed on, grabbing Bleak by the throat and slamming him again. "Tell me if she's —"

"Is Linka here?" Ma-Ti's voice joined his own, urgent now. "How did —"

"Had to move her," Bleak said. He slid down to the floor in a heap, gesturing towards a ladder that led to the loft. "Guards were gettin' antsy around her."

"Is she here?" Ma-Ti repeated. "Where have you —"

Bleak's voice echoed in response but Wheeler was already gone. He dragged himself up the ladder two rungs at a time until he was eye-level with the loft floor.

A darkened mass lay in the furtherest corner, just under the window. Tangled hair and a small hand lying palm-up, extended in his direction — almost as if beckoning to him. The rest was hidden behind old canvas bags and discarded farming equipment.

He hauled himself up and over, pushing himself to his feet and scrambling towards her. That hand again, closer now. So dainty, just as he remembered it. Fingers curling and twitching slightly as he finally reached her.

"Jesus," he croaked, dropping to his knees beside her. Tears of relief slipped down his cheeks and he wiped them away with shaky hands. "Ma-Ti, she's here!"

Linka was lying on her side, draped in an old plaid blanket. Her hair was filthy; tangled with leaves and dried blood, along with other unidentifiable objects. He leaned over her, cupping her cheeks, desperate to rouse her; needing to hear her voice after all this time.

Ma-Ti's worried voice floated up from below. "Is she alright?"

"Ma-Ti, get your ass up here!" he bellowed in response.

He clutched Linka's outstretched hand in his own, threading his fingers through hers carefully. He'd seen those delicate fingers engaged in a variety of seemingly mundane tasks over the years. Clutching a spoon over her breakfast cereal. Turning the pages of whatever book she was engrossed in at the time.

But those hands were dirty and torn and bleeding now. Broken nails. Whatever she'd been through, she'd put up one hell of a fight. He swallowed the panic rising, concentrating on rousing her.

"Wake up, baby." He patted her face frantically, brushing the matted hair out of her eyes. "Linka?"

He hauled her into his lap. She was a dead weight in his arms; limp and unresponsive. Her head lolled against his shoulder as Ma-Ti finally reached them, sinking down beside them, his face reflecting the same bewilderment as Wheeler.

"Oh my God," Ma-Ti murmured. "Oh my—"

"What the hell happened to —"

"We need to go," Ma-Ti said softly, trailing the backs of his fingers against her temple. She was hot to the touch, burning up with fever. "She's not well."

Wheeler nodded, reluctant to relinquish his hold but knowing it was too dangerous to stay any longer. Together they managed to man-handle her limp body down the ladder. Ma-Ti descended first and Wheeler took the brunt of Linka's weight, lowering her into Ma-Ti's waiting arms.

Wheeler's feet finally touched the ground and he turned, glaring at Bleak. Bleak was still in the same position: slumped on the floor and using the beam to lean against.

"Don't suppose you brats —"

"What the fuck happened?" Wheeler exploded, rounding on him angrily. "Where the hell have you —"

"Tired." Bleak shrugged, staring at Linka who was now under Ma-Ti's careful ministrations. "Headaches are gettin' worse. I can't —"

"Tell someone who gives a shit, Bleak!" Wheeler seethed. "You lost your sympathy vote when you bastards ripped her outta my arms!"

"Nearly three months, Bleak," Ma-Ti chimed in. Linka was cradled against his chest, his hand perched protectively across her forehead. "Where have you —"

"Don't remember," he mumbled. "I can't —"

"Don't give me that," Wheeler spat. "You're so full of —"

"I can't fuckin' remember!"

"Where are your buddies?" Wheeler lunged forward, grabbing Bleak by the shirt and hauling him back up to his feet. "Where's Blight and that big sack of —"

"Why don't you —"

"If he touched her, I'll rip his —"

"They're dead!"

Wheeler recoiled. "What?"

"Blight and Kroi are dead?" Ma-Ti said sharply, seeking confirmation.

"Thought you said you don't remember anything —"

"They're dead," Bleak said tiredly, glaring at Wheeler. "They're on ice in a chest freezer in town until the boss can figure out what to do with them."

"Oh my God," Ma-Ti whispered. "What happ —"

"Got a hearin' problem?" he said in a low voice, refusing to meet their eyes now. "I. Don't. Know."

"How did you get my number? You said somethin' about holdin' up your end of —"

"Feet are bad," he said, seeming to not hear the question. "Gave her some meds. She's…"

"She's what?"

"I'm tired," he mumbled.

Wheeler snapped his fingers, trying to bring him back. "How did you know to ring —"

"Just followin' instructions."

"What instructions?" Wheeler snapped, unable to contain the frustration in his voice. He had so many questions. So many holes. Bleak seemed confused and disorientated. It wasn't lost on him that Bleak was looking just as battered and beaten as Linka. "Why are you helpin' us?"

Bleak didn't reply. Wheeler released his shirt, throwing him a look of disgust. He shoved Bleak again; watching the resulting downward slide back down the timber beam.

Wheeler headed back to Ma-Ti and Linka. "We're wastin' our time," he said softly. "He's not gonna give us anything."

"Nothin' to give," Bleak mumbled. His chin lolled against his chest.

"You and I are gonna have a conversation real soon, Bleak," Wheeler said, bending low and lifting Linka back into his arms. Ma-Ti wrapped the blanket around her and they headed back towards the barn doors and the cool night air. "Mark my words."

"Give her this," he said, rummaging around in his pocket. "When she's awake."

Wheeler turned, seeing Bleak toss a paper bag towards them. It hit the floor with a loud thunk and Ma-Ti hurried forward to retrieve it.

"What is it?"

"I'm guessin' they belong to her." He tipped his head back, closing his eyes and raising his knees to his chest painfully. "Maybe she'll make more sense of 'em than I can."

"What happened to you?" Ma-Ti said softly. "You both look like you've —"

Bleak grunted. His breathing was slow and steady — Wheeler already knew he was asleep.

He readjusted Linka's weight and carried her out, talking to her in hushed, soothing tones as Ma-Ti followed close behind.

Another flash of light.

A loud pop.

Wheeler stumbled, squinting at the sudden change of location and unprepared for the bright sunlight now beaming down upon them. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the glare.

Hope Island lay before him. The familiar sound of the waves crashed onto the shore and the peaks of the Crystal Chamber were just visible through the trees.

He glanced down and it was only then that the true extent of Linka's condition became apparent. The shadows of night had masked his vision, but the light here was harsh and unrelenting.

"Jesus, Ma-Ti," he rasped, collapsing onto the sand as he looked her over. Supporting the back of Linka's head within the crook of his arm, his other hand skimmed over her face and throat. Her body was a mottled patchwork of dirt, cuts and bruises. "What the hell happened to her?"

She'd lost some weight. Not a lot, but enough to notice. Her face was pale and waxen — cheekbones more prominent than he remembered, skin covered in insect bites and abrasions.

His face hardened as he looked her over. He sensed Ma-Ti drop down beside them, taking Linka's hand and inspecting a cut running down her palm. A faint groan issued from her lips.

Wheeler's pulse quickened. "Linka, honey — can you hear me?"

No response. He stared at Ma-Ti, still coming to terms with the events of the past hour.

"C'mon, babe, wake up."

"It's deep," Ma-Ti said, still inspecting her palm, prodding her skin gently. "Might need stitches."

"Babe," Wheeler said louder, lowering his mouth to her ear. "Lin, can you hear me?"

Ma-Ti leaned over, turning his attention to her arm and inspecting the misshapen wrist. "Broken? There's a lot of swelling."

"Goddamn," he said in horror, noting the deep contusions around her neck that looked suspiciously like finger marks. "Look at her fuckin' neck, man?"

"Are they bruises?"

"Looks like someone's choked her out," he whispered. He bit his lip, sweeping more hair out of her face and finding more remnants of dried blood in her hairline. "Jesus, Ma-Ti. What the hell?"

"We need to —"

"If fuckin' Bleak laid a hand —"

"We don't know for sure —"

"What the fuck happened to her, Ma-Ti?" he exploded, the repressed anger and frustration finally finding an outlet. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing his mouth against the crown of her head, rocking her back and forth. "Looks like she's been through a God-damn war zone!"

Ma-Ti looked completely baffled. He shook his head, still clutching her hand. "I don't know —"

"Look at her," he said, wiping his face briefly. "Sweat's pourin' off her."

"Infection?" Ma-Ti asked, moving down to her ankles and bare feet. "Bleak said something about her—"

"What the hell happened to —"

"Oh God." Ma-Ti looked physically sick. "Her feet are a mess."

"What —"

He pursed his lips, inspecting the damage. "Looks like she's walked through the remains of a plate glass window or something."

"This is insane!" Wheeler repositioned her in his arms, stroking her cheek with the pad of his thumb. Long, dark lashes fluttered against pale skin, but her eyes remained closed. "C'mon babe, wake up."

The scent of lavender was suddenly present. Another pair of hands descended. Gaia crouched down beside them, passing her hands over Linka's prone body.

"I don't understand this," she said softly. Gaia's hair draped over Linka's face as she leaned over, inspecting her injuries.

Wheeler laughed bitterly. "None of this is makin' much sense."

"It's strange," Gaia explained, eyeing them with concern. "Her energy is still scattered. She's here... but in a way, she's not."

"Bleak was the same, Gaia," Ma-Ti said, pressing Linka's hand against his chest. "I tried to read him. Almost scrambled, I guess. I do not understand —"

"She has open wounds. Infection has set in."

"Medical kit?" Ma-Ti said, jumping to his feet. "I can —"

"Yes, but the best thing is to get her into the water first," Gaia said. "The salt water will help cleanse —"

"Christ," Wheeler muttered, glancing at Ma-Ti worriedly. He'd surfed and swum enough here to know that tackling the water with even a small scratch could be downright painful. "If she's not awake now, she certainly will be."

"She'll be all right, Wheeler," Gaia said. "Against all odds, she made it home to us."

He rubbed his face tiredly, taking a moment to breathe, still waiting for everything to sink in. The sound of the ocean went a long way towards soothing his nerves.

"I'll bring the others," Gaia said, touching Linka's forehead and smiling down at her sleeping face. "Welcome home, darling. You've been dearly missed."

"Okay," he said with a heavy sigh. "We doin' this?"

"Beach or bay?" Ma-Ti asked, helping to lift Linka into position again as Wheeler got unsteadily to his feet.

"Don't use the bay," Gaia replied, already beginning to fade. "The bacterial content will be higher."

"Alright," Wheeler muttered. He kicked his shoes off and began treading the sand towards the waves. He glanced down at Linka's sleeping face as he readjusted her weight. "Looks like we're goin' for a swim, hon."