A/N: Yup, folks, it's Sunday which means that here I am. (grins)

Before letting you get to the chapter, though… THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for your fantastic reviews! You do realize that they're priceless, don't you? (hugs)

Awkay, because I don't have the heart to keep you waiting any longer… Let's go! I really hope that you'll enjoy the ride.

Hello, Goodbye

From her fifteen years long career news reporter Reneé Darling couldn't remember a lot times when it would've felt like sitting in the studio on that particular day did. She was barely able to hide how her hands trembled while she looked into the camera, doing her best to keep her expression even. To grasp on just what was happening.

A government building had been destroyed. Several agents had died. But somehow something else caught the attention.

"Just hours ago a protest against the war between humans and the Others began. Since then the crowd has been growing in number. At the moment the estimated amount of protestors is somewhere between four and five hundred."

From her signal a baffling bit of footage was shown to the public. A river of people walked through the city, their tear stained faces showing nothing but steel hard determination. Each of them was holding a candle while they made their way towards those that made the important decisions. A candle along with the name of a lost loved, innocent one tattooed to the backs of their hands. The tattoo on the other hand said 'NO MORE'.

Reneé had to compose herself for a moment. Right there she let go of her professional front. "Far too many innocent lives have been lost. Perhaps now the age of terror will finally end."

By the time JJ, Will and Maeve made it to a isolated, carefully hidden airport there was a small chaos waiting for them. Several people were running around, making sure that a jet was ready to take off. For a while JJ could only stare, unable to believe that they were really on their way to safety. That the nightmare was almost over.

All of a sudden a familiar voice met her ears. "Mommy!" Henry smiled radiantly while running towards her. "Mommy, you came!"

JJ didn't hesitate for even a second before closing her son into a firm, nearly crushing hug. Inhaling his scent. Desperately wanting to shelter him from all the horrors of the world. She didn't know if there were tears running down her cheeks nor did she care. "Of course I did, silly. I missed you. So much." She ruffled his hair. "We'll go to our new home, now. Together."

Henry blinked twice. There was a great deal of curiosity on his face. "A new home?" he inquired, accepting with childlike ease. "Where is it?"

JJ tried to grin. She feared it didn't come out right. Yes, where indeed? "I… I don't know. It's going to be a great big adventure."

Just then Maeve bolted off and it took them only seconds to figure out why. A quite familiar car that looked like it'd gone through a hurricane was parked nearby and after a few moments a group they knew very well began to emerge. Aaron jumped out first, as always, quickly followed by Derek who'd been at the back of the van with Emily. David came next, with Penelope almost right behind him. They all had grim looks on their battered faces and a lot of cuts, bruises and burn marks marring the skin they could see. One could only guess how much damage was hidden.

Maeve froze, feeling like someone had smacked her. Because one face was missing from the group. "Where's Spence?" she whispered, her voice nearly ending up being lost into the chaos.

That was when they moved just enough to allow her a proper visual to the van. Her heart ached but at least it wasn't smashed to pieces when she stared and understood. Standing up was a struggle all of a sudden. Somewhere behind her JJ gasped loudly and sobbed once but she didn't even notice.

Spencer was unconscious but alive. It was easy to see that a lot of bones had been broken and she preferred not trying to guess the extend of internal damage. Spencer's breathing sounded absolutely horrible and she wasn't even very close. So he was alive, yes, but for how long?

"We should get going", Emily announced in a tone that held far too many emotions for them all to be deciphered. "There's a medical team in our destination that knows his condition. But we need to hurry."

As though such wasn't blatantly obvious. While they rushed towards the waiting aircraft Maeve took Spencer's hand and squeezed with all her might, trying to ignore how cool his skin was against hers. I'm here, she wanted to say. And you're finally out of there. So don't you dare leave me alone now.

While they were boarding the plane and a couple of people who claimed that they were medical professionals began to examine Spencer Emily pulled her to the side. There was a atypically soft look on the woman's face. "I… talked to your parents, a while back. They're safe but they miss you very, very much. They're protected."

For a moment Maeve could only stare. Then, slowly, she melted into a teary smile. "Thank you."

Aaron stood there, watching the others rushing towards the plane and feeling uncharacteristically lost. Unsure of what it was that he wanted to do. And then something told him to turn around. As soon as he did he saw Jack.

His son grinned impossibly brightly at the sight of his father. Seeing the boy's excitement Jessica, who'd been holding the child's hand, chuckled. "Didn't I tell you that your dad would be here?"

Aaron couldn't produce a sound. And fortunately it seemed that Jack wasn't expecting him to speak. Instead the boy ran to him at a speed that shouldn't have been possible and sealed him into a embrace that took his breath away. Aaron hugged back, with absolutely all his might. Determined to never let his child out of his sight again.

It took long before he managed to focus on Jessica. He swallowed hard before the words agreed to come. "Thank you."

Jessica nodded. Her eyes didn't seem entirely dry. "Take good care of him, you hear? For Haley." She then gestured towards the aircraft. "Now get going already or they'll take off without you."

Aaron nodded. His mouth opened until he realized that there was absolutely nothing he could've said. Instead he turned and began to walk on with Jack right beside him, wondering if he'd ever see Jessica or his former life again.

As soon as Aaron made it inside the door slammed closed, marking the end of one life and the beginning of another.

Considering the amount of people in the jet it was surprisingly quiet while the plane took off. Most of them looked out the windows, giving a once last glimpse to everything they were letting go. Sparing a one more thought to the people they were leaving behind.

Penelope thought about the family she still had left, even about Kevin, then wiped her eyes roughly although more tears appeared immediately.

Aaron thought about Beth, hoped that she was alright and that perhaps one day she'd be able to forgive him for leaving like this.

JJ also sent out a prayer for her remaining family members, hoping that they were safe.

Helping Maeve tend to Spencer Derek gritted his teeth hard when his thoughts strayed towards his mother and sisters. He wasn't a religious man. But he did wish, from the bottom of his heart, that one day he'd be able to hold them all in his arms once more.

The team also thought about Alex. Wondered where she was, if she'd managed to find a shimmer of hope amidst all the chaos. They wished that they wouldn't have been forced to leave her behind like this.

They thought about all those people. Then, as though out of mutual agreement, let go. Knowing that they had to do so to be able to grasp on the lives they were headed towards.

The plane disappeared into horizon, taking them towards the unknown together.

Right outside the view of anyone hovering around the jet Diana Reid opened her eyes. It took a few moments to blink away the tears gathering into them. Bizarre, how her heart could be rejoicing and tearing to pieces all at once.

"Well?" Jason demanded from her right.

"He's still fighting", she murmured. "He's safe. His other family will look after him from now on." All she could do was let him go, again. And it hurt almost more than she could take.

"We'll see him again", William, who stood on her left side, murmured. Clearly unable to tear his eyes from the jet as it took off. "Him and our grandchildren."

I hope not, Diana mused to herself although even thinking of it hurt. Because she knew that the time of chaos wasn't over. She'd sensed another telepath somewhere around the government building. A powerful one. Diana hadn't been able to grasp much but she'd sensed horrible cruelty, a threat. Whatever this new arrival brought along wasn't going to be good.

But now… Now wasn't the time to worry about that. Because tonight she'd grieve and pray. And at the dawn of a new morning she'd gather herself for another battle, just like she always did.

By the time she came back to the present the jet was nothing but a memory. Not bearing to look at the empty sky anymore Jason began to take his leave. The man gave William a nod. "See you, William."

William returned the gesture in kind. "See you." There was a barely noticeable motion towards her. "Take a good care of her."

Diana rolled her eyes. "I don't need anyone taking care of me. Surely you know that much."

Both men gave a secret smile. Then Jason turned, starting to walk away. Diana was about to follow until William spoke once more.

"Diana." William's eyes held something she couldn't quite read without overstepping unvoiced boundaries. "You… saved my life. If you hadn't come and distracted those guards both Spencer and I…" The man swallowed, seeming to be in a fight with himself. "I just… Thank you."

Diana understood, even without using her powers. She nodded with a small, melancholic smile. With that she turned around and began to follow Jason.

Upon leaving she felt William's eyes watching her. She responded with giving his mind a tender brush that held a million 'thank yous' and apologies all at once. She tried to tell herself that it wasn't a goodbye.

From a safe distance the person who just broke a number of Spencer's bones watched with a degree of morbid curiosity how people, humans and the Others alike, kept working on the ruins of the government building. All of them calling out to anyone that might still be alive amongst the rubble, ignoring the still lingering radiation. There were tears on their faces and blood staining their hands. Such a level of emotional attachment towards beings they'd never seen…

No wonder the human race was too weak and blind to realize how close to the brink of destruction they were, the observer concluded.

The sounds of nearing steps brought a wave of alarm. A pair of sharp eyes darted towards a figure that was approaching without a hint of hesitation. "I'd suggest keeping your hands to yourself. If it came to it I'm fairly sure that I'd manage to kill you faster", a female voice the skilled torturer had never heard before pointed out. "It'd be a shame if I'd have to end you, though. Because I'd have a great deal of use for you."

One eyebrow bounced up. "Sorry, love. But I may turn out to be too expensive for you."

The undeniably beautiful woman with long, blonde hair and dangerous eyes smiled. Reminding him of a predator preparing for an attack. "I could offer you something much better than money." She went on before there was a chance to interrupt. "I could make you one of the most powerful people in a brand new world. But first we'll have to create that world."

Well, that certainly piqued interest. Creating a new world would, without a doubt, mean destroying the old one. Perhaps this wouldn't be entirely boring, after all. "How exactly do you plan on doing that?"

"There's a pair of twins. They're still growing in their mother's womb but once they're born and grow up a little they'll be the most dangerous beings ever seen." Her eyes flashed. "I already felt it when I brushed their minds. Their power… It's intoxicating."

The one listening wasn't convinced quite yet. "Fascinating. But that sounds like awfully lot of waiting."

The woman chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. I'm sure that I'll manage to keep you entertained. Before the twins are ready we'll have a lot of recruiting to do and even more people to… handle."

It wasn't hard to figure out the hidden meaning. A smirk revealed a row of perfect white teeth. "Now that sounds much more tempting."

"I had a feeling that you might feel that way." The woman smiled in a manner that on anyone else's face would've been sweet. "Welcome to the winning team, Daniel Reid. My name is Ashley Seaver. And I believe that we have a lot to talk about."

Spencer woke up to the realization that he couldn't really figure out where he was. Panic took over and his eyes flew open to find a mercifully shadowy dusk. His eyes darted around, taking in a plainly yet elegantly furnitured room and a massive bed. Those, and Maeve sleeping soundly right beside him, with one of his hands in a tender, determined hold. Spencer's breath caught and he blinked rapidly, his eyes growing blurry all of a sudden.

Was he… dreaming, or dead? Because surely this… This couldn't be…

It was around then the pain came rolling in, convincing him once and for all that yes, this was all very much real.

"Well hey there." Emily's voice claimed his attention. She was just entering the room, a bit of hesitation in her motions. "I was wondering if you're already awake."

Spencer frowned, his head feeling foggy and heavy. What in the world was going on? He was just crushed to death and now… "Where… are we?" he rasped out, glad that his pathetically quiet voice didn't disturb Maeve.

"In Sussex, England", Emily revealed. "I… know someone from the British government. He and his brother are both among the Others, and he owed me a favor. He promised that you can all use this mansion of his for a while."

Spencer nodded slowly, trying to grasp on the situation. Panic surged through when he once again remembered how much he had to lose. "Is…?"

Emily gave him a comforting smile. "Everyone's alright, although your parents and Gideon chose to stay in United States. Some bruises, cuts and burns, that's all. They're resting now but they're anxious to see you. We've been worried about you."

Spencer sighed, feeling a sting of guilt. "Sorry."

Emily's eyes darkened considerably. "What they did to you was hardly your fault", she pointed out. She bit her lip when the sound of her cell phone cut the silence.

Right there Spencer understood. His heart sunk. "You're leaving."

Emily nodded. Reluctance and determination were both loud and clear on her face. "I have to. There's so much left to be sorted out."

Spencer swallowed. He didn't like the taste lingering in his mouth. "Will you come back?"

Emily sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's… not that simple. I'm a war criminal, Reid. And… I can't drag all of you into that life. But I'll be keeping an eye on you. I promise."

By then she stood by his bedside. On the spur of the moment Spencer took her hand, gave it a squeeze. She held back, their eyes meeting and holding firmly. Somehow everything each of them had wanted to say became transmitted in those few quiet moments.

And before he could fully prepare himself for it she was already walking away. One backwards glance was all she gave him before closing the door between them. Although Spencer's heart was heavy and there was moisture gathering to his cheeks he managed a tiny, shaky smile.

She gave him the chance to say goodbye, this time.

After gathering himself for a few moments he focused on Maeve, who was still fast asleep. Moving the best as his injuries allowed he shifted closer to her, buried his face into her hair and placed his free hand to her stomach. Of course it was still far too early but he could almost feel the lives growing inside her.

His family, right there beside him, safe and sound.

There was a lot that needed to be sorted out, a lot of healing that needed to be done. A lot of grieving, aching and fear lingering. But as he fall asleep, with Maeve in his arms, Spencer dared to dream of a better tomorrow.

TBC

A/N: Soooo, it's almost over. Only the epilogue left. (sighs) But now the ball's in your court. How would you feel if this turned into a trilogy? It'd mean the official introduction of the mini-geniuses. (grins)

PLEASE, do leave a note to let me know your thoughts! I'd be super happy to receive a line or two.

A busy bee is busy so I've gotta dash. I really hope that I'll see you all at the epilogue, folks!

Take care!