Chapter Nine

Ebony couldn’t remember the last time she had seen the mall so rich, alive and full of people. There were so many, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of young children, teenagers and young adults milling about, talking excitedly about how they were going to reclaim their City, chase away the invaders and get their lives back to normal. Ebony had not believed so many of the City tribes had actually escaped from the Technos initial raid, yet here they were, crawling out of the woodwork, working together in hopes of defeating the army in black.

Yet as more and more individuals seeped through the mall’s many entrances, answering the call to war, Ebony felt despair creep over her. There were so many of them. So many more than ever fought the Chosen. They would destroy the Technos, they would become a frenzied mob, killing every last individual dressed in the black Techno uniform.

Ebony knew she could not allow it, could not allow the slaughter of innocent and deluded individuals, and yet at the same time there was absolutely nothing she could do to stop it. Yes, she was the City Leader yet in a moment like this it seemed that it was the City that was in control of the reigns.

She expelled a long sigh as she turned her attention away from the gathering crowds below. She knew if she stood any chance of keeping them somewhat under control she would have to be in the front, leading them in the attack. Of course if she was in the front that would also mean she would be one of the first to lay eyes on Jay, that there would be nothing to distract her from his face and his eyes that still had the same affect on her that they did years ago.

“Damnit, Jay.” She muttered as her fingers clenched into fists. Why did he have to make things so complicated? How was it that in all those long months and years that she ached to see him again he only resurfaced now, now when she was vulnerable? And why was it that he had to resurface in the face of her enemy, her City’s enemy.

She closed her eyes tightly, trying to regain her flimsy control over her emotions. Since she had banished Bray from the City it had been proving more and more difficult to do. It seemed that every thought of her heart was bubbling close to the surface, just waiting to be released or exposed. She knew she could not afford to show that kind of weakness to anyone, especially not now when her City so desperately needed her.

“Ebony,” The familiar sound of Panther’s voice broke into Ebony’s thoughts, jarring her back to her present reality. “The three hours is nearly up and the City is asking when you’ll be down.”

“Hum.” Ebony nodded, looking over at the beautiful young Gaian who had changed out of her typical black suede skirt trimmed in gray fur, opting for a more practical pair of black leather trousers. “In a bit. Could you do me a favor, Panther?” She paused long enough to see Panther’s agreeable nod then continued, “Find Amber. Let her know that I’d like her in front with me. I could really use her support right now and the City respects her. Also, if you see my sheriff anywhere, tell him the same.”

“Oh, I don’t think that will be that difficult to do.” Panther grinned suddenly, making a gesture towards the other end of the mall.

Ebony furrowed her brow as she glanced over to where Panther was motioning, seeing Amber and Lex leaning against the balcony rail, quietly talking as they stared down at the amassing crowd below. “When are those two going to get it together?” She sighed heavily, ignoring the sudden twang of jealousy. How long had it been since someone had looked at her the way Lex was looking at AmbeR?

“Hopefully soon.” Panther muttered, flicking her braids of her shoulders in one deft movement. “Maybe I can give them a little encouragement.”

Ebony shook her head quickly. “No, don’t Panther. Just deliver my message and I’ll met them downstairs.” She hesitated, seeing Panther’s let down expression. “Don’t worry, Panther. They’ll find each other in their own time.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Panther agreed softly. “It’s just been too long since I’ve seen Amber this happy. Actually, sometimes I wonder if I’ve ever seen her happy like she is when she’s with him. Back at the village she was constantly thinking about Bray, even if she wouldn’t admit it, and once they were reunited she realized how foolish she had been. He had changed so much, become such a different person. But then again, so had she.”

“We all have.” Ebony commented, her voice dropping so low that Panther had to strain go hear her. Her lips twisted up in a rueful smile as she recalled fondly the Jay she had fallen so deeply for that summer at her grandparent’s, the summer before the entire world had fallen apart.

Jay had been so different back then. When she had awoken that night so long ago, her entire body trembling with fear after the first of many terrorizing nightmares he had been so concerned about her, staying by her side long after her grandparents and Ved had headed back to bed.

“You know,” Jay said softly as he began to make his way towards Ebony’s room. “If it helps at all, I get them too.”

“Get what?”

“The nightmares.” Jay’s tone dropped even quieter, he turned to face Ebony, his dark eyes filling with a mysterious light. “I used to get them every night. They’re terrible, and the most horrible part is that I know they’re not just nightmares. They’re what’s to come.”

“What are you talking about?” Ebony’s voice quivered, feeling a cold knot form in the pit of her stomach. “Are you saying you can see the future?”

Jay chuckled a little and shook his head. “Not really. Its more like shadows of what is to come. I know that something happens to everyone, or at least mostly everyone, the adults anyway.”

“And everyone forms tribes, right?” Memories of other nightmares suddenly came rushing back to Ebony like a flood. She had been having dreams like this, shadows as Jay calls them, for months now, though none of them had been as clear as the one she had dreamed while in her dream.

“Yeah.” Jay nodded sadly. “But my dreams have changed lately. They’re not as terrible, not as frightening. I still can’t remember them, but I know I don’t wake up screaming any longer.”

“I see.” Ebony pursed her lips, suddenly recalling the night before when Jay had found his way into her bedroom and kissed her. “Do you, uh, ever sleepwalk?”

Jay nodded, a strange smile cracking across his face. “Yeah. That’s why my bedroom’s door is always locked, though tonight it couldn’t be because of you.” His eyes twinkled mischievously.

“Hey, I’m really sorry about that, okay?” Ebony felt her cheeks flushing with color as she thought of the rather attractive image of Jay dressed only in his adorable Scooby Doo boxers. “Aren’t you ever going to let me live it down?”

Jay thought for a moment then shook his head. “Nope never.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I better let you get back to sleep. We have a pretty full day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“What’s tomorrow?”

“Oh, didn’t Elaine tell you?” Jay frowned a little. “We’re all going to town. There’s a huge fair/carnival type thing happening. It only comes by once a year and lasts for a week. It’s sort of tradition for the entire town to go out on the first time.”

“The whole town?” Ebony squeaked, thinking of Josh. She really didn’t want to bump into him.

“Well, mostly.” Jay smiled. “It will be fun. You have to come.”

“Alright, I’ll come.” She grinned, “But only if you promise to ride the Ferris wheel with me.”

“The Ferris wheel?” Jay paled.

“Yeah. It will be fun. I always love the Ferris wheel. Especially when they stop you at the top and you can see for miles! I’m sure you can see much more out here in the country than I ever could in the city.” Ebony gushed, closing her eyes already imagining herself ridding the wheel with Jay.

“Uh, Ebony, I don’t do too well with Ferris wheels.” Jay gulped, backing away slightly.

“You’re kidding me.” Ebony chuckled. “Are you saying you’re afraid of heights?”

“Not exactly afraid, but I do have a great respect for them.” Jay’s voice tightened.

“I can’t believe it!” Ebony leaped out of her bed and began hopping around her room, her lack of sleep finally catching up with her. “Jay’s afraid of heights! That is too funny!”

“How is that funny?” Jay glared at her.

“Well,” Ebony pranced right up to him, her flannel pajamas hanging on her slender body rather loosely. She had always complained that her pajamas were too tight, so her mum finally relented to buying her ones that were a size or two too big for the petite girl. “For one it shows that you’re human, that you’re not perfect—“

“You think I’m perfect?” Jay interrupted Ebony before she could continue.

“Well, yeah.” Ebony shrugged her shoulders, looking down at the carpet, suddenly embarrassed that she had said that aloud. “I mean, look at you. You’re amazing. You’re smart, funny, gorgeous. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Jay, I…” She trailed off, her voice catching in her throat.

Jay let out a small chuckle, stepping closer to Ebony and placing his hands on her shoulders. “And all this time I thought…”

“You thought what?” Ebony found the courage to look up at Jay’s face. His dark eyes reflected his every emotion, and suddenly Ebony found completely lost in his eyes and never wanting to find her way out.

“I thought,” His voice broke a little as he spoke in a low whisper, “I thought that you were too good to be true, far too good for me. Ebony, I think I’m falling in love with you.”

“You think?” A smile curved on Ebony’s lips, “I know I’m falling in love with you.” She took a step closer to Jay and melted into his arms, laying her head on his chest, listening to the steady thump thump of his heart beat. “I love you Jay Peterson.”

“Oh Ebony.” Jay moaned softly, lowering his head as Ebony stood on his tiptoes. “What did I ever do to deserve this?”

“You were bad, Jay.” Mirth played up Ebony’s lips. “You were very bad.”

Tears stung the back of Ebony’s eyes as she wrapped her arms tightly about herself, wishing that it was Jay holding her instead. But the Jay she knew and loved was gone, replaced by a cold and unfeeling man who wore a jet black uniform and who had kidnapped her friends and family without a second thought.

“We’re going to get them, Panther.” Ebony hissed suddenly, glancing over at the concern-filled face of the Gaian. “We’re going to get them and we’re going to drive them out of our city. I swear it to you, if it’s the last thing I do. Every last Techno will be gone.”

~*~*~

The City was strangely quiet, much like it had been days ago shortly after the Technos had returned to their base after their first invasion of the once proud place. However, unlike before, this time Amber knew exactly where the City’s population was – behind her. They were silently following behind their elected City Leader, putting their trust and confidence in her to rid them of the Technos. Amber could only hope and pray they were successful and no one got hurt.

“Amber, are you okay?” Lex’s soft voice sounded close to her ear as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “You look a little pale.”

“Just a little worried, that’s all.” Amber told him, looking over at the man who had ensnared her heart once and for all. It still hadn’t quite sunk in that he loved her, that she could actually be open about her feelings to him and that it was really his hand holding hers tightly. It was still so new and amazing to her and so unlike anything else she had ever experienced.

“About the attack?” Lex’s eyebrows shot up. “Why? We have quite a force, or hadn’t you noticed?” He chuckled, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

“I know, I know. It’s just this feeling I can’t shake.” She murmured softly, slipping deeper into Lex’s comforting embrace. “I’m scared, Lex. What if something happens to you? I don’t think I could bear the thought of loosing you when I’ve just now found you.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Lex promised her quickly, planting his lips against her own. “Nowhere at all. I know I haven’t always been the best guy for someone to count on but I’m going to remedy that, starting right now. I swear to you, Amber. I will always be here to protect you. And that you can count on.”

Amber forced a weak smile and nodded, however she could not still the niggling sensation of fear in the back of her mind. Something was going to happen today, and somehow Amber knew it would not be good.

~*~*~

Jack awoke with a start, his heart pounding and his pulse racing wildly. He was covered in a cold sweat and his head felt as if it were reeling. He instantly knew he was no longer in his cell, room, or quarters, whatever the Technos were calling it. The room he was in was much, much larger and inky black, not to mention cold. If it were actually light enough, Jack knew he would be able to see his heavy breathing in the chilly, still air.

He suppressed a small shudder as he began to rub his hands together trying to generate a little bit of heat for his numb body, slowly trying to regain his bearings and try and figure out just where on earth he was. He remembered being awoken that morning and taken out of his room then given what could only be called a medical examination.

Once the Techno who examined him pronounced him fit for testing he was ushered down a long corridor and into a room that reminded Jack of the old interrogation rooms the police used to use when questioning suspects or witnesses. He sat in that room, staring at what he knew was a double-sided mirror for what felt like hours, studying his reflection. And then there was nothing.

Jack let out a low moan, shaking his head slowly, wishing that he had something a little warmer than the thin cotton of his typical button-down Hawaiian shirt. “This just keeps on getting better and better.” He muttered softly to himself, rising to his feet, cautiously feeling out the area above his head to make sure he did not crash into a low ceiling or something.

As he rose the room he was in was suddenly filled with a brilliant flash of light. Daze, Jack took several steps backwards, trying to shield his eyes from the blinding light that had appeared seemingly out of no where. The room temperature seemed to gradually grow warmer and instead of silence greeting his ears Jack heard the familiar noise of people laughing and talking.

Blinking several times, Jack opened his eyes, hoping that the bright light had diminished in intensity. “Wh-what the…” He stammered, his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. No longer was he in the strange dank cave, rather he was back in the Phoenix mall, standing in the corridor just beyond the sewer entrance.

He furrowed his brow trying to figure out if he had been in the sewers, but he knew that was impossible. The lighting in the sewers was extremely dim and it was hard to see ones way around down there unless you had a flashlight, however the place he had been was pitch black, darker than the darkest hour of the night. Besides, he would have remembered walking out of the sewers and into the mall, wouldn’t he?

“Hi Jack!” Jack whirled around suddenly at the sound of Patsy’s familiar voice. She was standing less than a hundred feet away, a spongy ball in hand and a huge grin plastered across her face. “You wanna play with Paul and I?”

“P-Paul?” Jack stuttered, an uneasy feeling filling him. Paul had been missing for over two years now, how was it that Patsy was inviting him to play with them? And why on earth did she looked eleven again?

“Oh, never mind.” Patsy made a face at him. “You never want to play. You’re no fun. I’ll go see if I can find Cloe.” She stuck her tongue out at the bewildered Mall Rat then flounced off, giggling happily as she went to search for her best friend.

Jack watched her go for several seconds before realizing that he could not just linger in the doorway. He had to explore, try and figure out just what was going on…find Ellie. The thought of his blonde girlfriend filled Jack with a sense of excitement and he quickly headed off in the direction of the stairs that he knew would lead him up to his workshop.

Along the way he passed Zandra arguing with Lex, telling him it was through, but Jack paid little attention, not even stopping to wonder why Zandra was suddenly in the mall again when she perished on Eagle Mountain.

When he at last reached his workshop he was only mildly surprised to find Amber standing inside, looking over the water filter that he and Dal had been working on so long ago. It was not nearly completed and Amber’s expression was worried.

“Jack,” She turned to him, obvious relief written across her features. “There you are. How’s it coming along?”

“Huh?” Jack stared at her blankly, a strange feeling of déjà vu sweeping over him. “What? How is what coming along?”

“The water filter.” Amber explained patiently, gesturing to the apparatus on his worktable. “We’re nearly out of water and the Demon Dogs have been on the prowl lately. It won’t be very safe for us to keep going to the river to fetch a drink of water. We need this filtration system, and soon.”

“Right, right.” Jack nodded his head before he really knew what he was saying. “I’ll get to work on it right away. Um, have you seen Dal?”

Amber’s facial expression changed abruptly, her lips curling up into an angry sneer, her eyes narrowing. “Look, I need some batteries and I need some batteries right now. I don’t care what Amber says, I’m the leader of this tribe and what I say goes. Now hand them over.”

Jack blinked at Amber, startled. It was not her own voice that had passed her lips, rather Jack recognized the distinctive vocal tones of Lex. “L-Lex?” He stammered, suddenly becoming very confused, even more than he had been moments before.

“Come on! I don’t have all day!” Amber growled, taking a menacing step forward, succeeding in her attempt to intimidate Jack. “Give me the damn batteries.”

Just as Jack was turning to go behind his work table and fetch the batteries that Lex speaking through Amber’s body demanded the room began go flicker, then slowly fade away until he was standing in an entirely blank, white room. There was no sound, no shadow and Jack realized he was completely alone.

“What the—“

He was suddenly cut off when Simon appeared out of no where, an annoyed expression on his face. Simon was dressed in his Techno uniform, though the mask, communicator and zapper was gone, being replaced with a headset strapped to his right ear.

“Just what the hell was that, Jack?” Simon scowled at him, his eyes narrowing. “You call that paradise?”

“Um, no.” Jack shook his head slowly. “That was the mall.”

“The mall. Right. Of course.” Simon rolled his eyes. “Well, it was supposed to be paradise. How are we supposed to test the paradise program on you if you don’t have any half-way decent fantasies?”

“Paradise program?” Jack frowned, things slowly beginning to click into place. “You mean that was virtual reality or something?”

“Of course it was virtual reality. What did you think it was?” Simon sighed impatiently.

“It was just so real.” Jack shrugged his shoulders. “Well, until Amber started talking and sounding like Lex. That wasn’t right.”

“Right.” Simon drew his lips together in a thin line. “That’s a glitch we have to work out of the system.” He hesitated then added, “I suppose there is nothing else we can do with you today. We need this room for someone else. You can take your headset off now.”

“My headset?”

Simon rolled his eyes. “Lift your arms and act like you’re taking a helmet off. Now.”

Feeling pretty stupid, Jack did as the Techno told him, surprised when he felt his fingers brush against hard plastic. He slowly lifted the plastic helmet thing off his head, blinking several times as his surroundings abruptly changed. He was no longer in the white room but rather a small room with several computers in it. Simon was at the station connected to the chair Jack was in, the same irritated expression on his face that he wore in VR.

“That’s enough for today, Jack. I’ll have someone escort you back to your quarters.” He paused, rising to his feet and walking over to Jack, his eyes threatening. “A word of advice, Jack. Unless you want to be sent to a work camp you better start thinking of some good fantasies. No one would pay to see junk like that stuff you showed in there. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind and send you to the work camp now.”

“Yes sir!” Jack quickly jumped out of the chair he had been in and hurried away from Simon, feeling the Techno’s angry eyes on him the entire way to the door.

~*~*~

“Well, here comes the resistance your brother was looking forward to, Jay.” Java announced in a loud voice, alerting everyone in the small control room that Ram had ordered to be set up. One entire wall was covered with TV monitors that kept an eye on the entire city through a network of cameras they had quickly put into place during the invasion. “Quite a large number too.”

Jay looked up from his computer screen where he was working on a detailed report for Ram concerning the food rations. He had been expecting an attack any day now, however he was not concerned. No matter how many people from the City came to attack the Technos, the Technos would be victorious.

“Patch it through to screen four, Java.” Jay instructed, shifting his gaze to the large monitor that was big enough for everyone in the room to watch from wherever it was that they were seated.

Seconds later the monitor flickered to life, showing a very large crowd of angry teenagers heading directly towards the Techno stadium. Jay was not surprised in the least to see that Ebony was in the lead, her head held high, proud and confident, just like she always had been.

What did surprise him was the blonde on her other side. Amber. She too walked with an air of importance and Jay quickly realized that Amber must be one of Ebony’s second in commands or however the City had it set up. She had not mentioned that in their conversation earlier that day, though Jay had conveniently not corrected her when she assumed he was the leader of the Technos.

“What is that? Six, seven hundred?” Ram murmured as he wheeled his chair closer to the monitor, clearly pleased by the large turnout. “Why Jay, I think they mean to throw us out of their precious City.” Java chuckled at Ram’s attempt at humor, but Siva remained unusually quiet.

“How would you like me to handle this, Ram?” Jay queried in a bored tone, knowing that Ram would tell him to decide for himself. However whenever Jay actually made a decision without running it past Ram first he was lectured later and threatened with expulsion from the Technos. Keeping up with Ram and trying to second guess him had become quite tedious.

“Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s our lovely little Ebony leading the pack. We mustn’t have her getting hurt, now can we?”

“No, of course not.” Jay sucked in a deep breath, covering for the annoyance he felt towards his commander. He watched Java make a disgusted face and roll her eyes behind Ram’s back, as was her habit whenever Ebony’s name was brought up.

“Do what you’d like with them, Jay.” Ram declared, snapping the flexible rubber of his gloves loudly as was his custom. “Just make sure not a single hair on Ebony’s is hurt. I want my collection to be perfect and in mint condition.” He chuckled loudly, wheeling his chair away.

Jay shot Siva a sympathetic look but she wasn’t watching him. Instead, her eyes were glued to the monitor, wide in disbelief. “What is it, Siva?” Jay inquired as he quickly approached her, keeping his voice soft so Java could not overhear.

“That man…” Siva murmured, her eyes never leaving the monitor. “A couple of rows behind Ebony, next to the girl with short dark hair. Who does he look like to you?”

Jay followed Siva’s gaze, having to bite his tongue to keep from exclaiming in surprise. “Ravenscroft!” He breathed out softly. “What is he doing with them?”

“He’s obviously not his prisoner.” Siva stated coolly, causing Jay to flush with sudden guilt. “He’s with them, Jay. He deserted and if Ram finds out he’ll kill him.”

“I’m sorry, Siv.” Jay quickly apologized, knowing that Siva had been fond of Ravenscroft. He had felt guilty about telling Siva a lie in the first place, but it was necessary for everyone to think that Ravenscroft had been captured and had not defected. Besides, Jay had not know for sure that his friend had abandoned his post, he had just suspected. “I would have told you but—“

“No, it’s alright, Jay.” Siva drew her lips together in a fine line. “You did what you had to do. I understand.” She hesitated for a moment, her eyes still fixated on the screen. “I’m assuming you’re going to send a force to meet them?”

Jay nodded. That had been his plan, though he would be sure to equip all the Technos with non-lethal zappers. It seemed as if nearly the entire City that had not yet been taken prisoner had marched upon the Technos and these individuals would be necessary later for the next stage in their plan. He could not allow any of them to be wasted.

“Please, make sure Ravenscroft is not hurt.” Siva murmured softly. “Or Lex for that matter.”

“Lex?” Jay shot up his eyebrows in a questioning manner. “Who is Lex?”

“The man with the longer dark hair.” She pointed to him. “He bought me a drink last night. He’s a real decent guy. He was looking for his girlfriend or something, though it seems like he’s found her. She’s with him.”

Jay looked up to see who Siva was referring to and was once again surprised when he noticed it was Amber whose hand was interlocked with Lex’s. A strange feeling fluttered in Jay’s stomach, but he pushed it down. He would have time to deal with his feelings later. Right now he had an attack to brace for.

“I’ll do my best, Siva.” Jay promised her, his voice soft. “Though if anyone else recognizes Ravenscroft…”

“I know. I know.” Siva nodded. “Now go. They’re nearly here.”

Jay offered her an encouraging smile then hurried away, speaking out orders into his headset as he walked, all the while his mind was distracted, occupied by the two beautiful women who seemed to be leading the attack on the Technos – though mostly taken up by the one in braids.

“Oh Ebony.” He murmured softly, shaking his head sadly. “Why did it have to come down to this?”

~*~*~

“We’re nearly there.” Grieco announced loudly as she gazed into the far horizon. She could already see the faint blue haze of the ocean and knew the Straight of Zoot was less than a two hour walk, however it was already late afternoon and Grieco knew they would not make it to Zoot’s Safe House before nightfall, even if they pressed their hardest. “We should camp here tonight and start fresh in the morning, though. The safe house is not someplace you want to approach in the dark.”

‘Why is that?” Bray chuckled. “Is the boogie man out and about?”

“No.” She shot him a cold look that could freeze the sun on summer’s hottest day. “But there are booby traps and if you don’t know your way around you might accidentally wander into one. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been here and I don’t trust my memory to find my way at night.”

“Sorry.” Bray quickly apologized, his pack already dropped to the ground as he had begun to gather sticks and other pieces of wood that were scattered about the place to make a fire. “I didn’t realize. Knowing me I probably would have just wandered into there blindly and gotten myself killed.”

“Probably.” Grieco gave him a wry smile as she set her parcel down and began to clear the rocks from the immediate vicinity. The night before she had given Bray the task of taking out the stones from the area they would be sleeping and she had ended up tossing and turning all night with rocks biting into her back.

A companionable silence fell between the two weary travelers as they began to set up their camp for the evening. After he had built the fire, Bray began to put some of the last of their food store in a pot they had discovered in an abandoned farmhouse two days previous. Soon the delicious aroma of Bray’s stew began to fragrant the air, causing Greico’s stomach to rumble loudly.

Bray heard the noise and looked up, a mischievous grin on his face, causing years of worry and anxious to fall away instantly. “Hungry?” He inquired, barely able to keep his face straight as he asked.

Grieco smiled back at him, shrugging her shoulders. After spending so many long hours of uncomfortable silence things had finally started to begin to change. Grieco couldn’t really put her finger on when it happened, but suddenly she was not always on guard around Bray. For some reason, despite everything she knew about him, she actually felt safe around him. Perhaps it was the excitement of seeing Zoot again soon or just the fact that its natural to begin to feel comfortable with those you are stuck with twenty-four hours a day, Grieco did not know, not did she even attempt to know.

“I guess I am a little bit.” She tied the final knot on the springy grass mattress she had put together for her to sleep on that night. She had made one for Bray as well, if he wanted it. “Where would I be without you, Bray?” She grinned as she made her way to the stew pot. “I can’t cook to save my life. I’d be starving to death out here on my own.”

“Somehow I doubt that.” Bray shook his head, disagreeing with her as he seemed to do with just about everything she ever said. “You have the look of a survivor, and survivors don’t die just because they don’t know how to cook.”

Grieco felt her cheeks flush with color, but she quickly blamed it on the proximity of the fire. She accepted the bowl of stew Bray offered to her and began to make short work of its contents, savoring every last bite. Bray was watching her eat, his crystal blue eyes not missing a single movement, but Grieco ignored it, and the strange fluttering in her stomach.

After they finished their supper, Grieco lay down on her grass mattress, content to stare up at the sky in silence as the stars began to show themselves in the blanket of blue above. Dusk was still a long way off, but when she closed her eyes she could almost see the starry constellations above and the beautiful pictures she had created in her own head.

Moments later Grieco felt rather than saw Bray pick up his mattress and drag it over to where she had laid hers out. She didn’t say anything as he settled onto it, moving closer to her, though still not brushing against her.

“So beautiful.” He murmured softly and Grieco slowly opened her eyes, glancing over at him to see he was looking at her and not the sky.

Grieco, pushing away any thoughts of being attracted to this man, frowned at him, scooting away from him and propping herself up on one elbow. “What was that, Bray?”

“Nothing.” He smiled a dopey smile. “I just think you’re a remarkable woman, Grieco, and gorgeous to boot. It’s a lethal combination.”

Grieco smirked, brushing her chunky bangs away fro her face. She had heard lines like this before. She hadn’t fallen for them then and she certainly wasn’t going to now. “Bray, look,” She stated matter-of-factly, “I think I know what you’re trying to do so let me save us both a lot of time and hassle. It won’t work. I think you’re a nice guy but my heart belongs to another.”

Bray said nothing as Grieco impatiently waited for him to respond. His beautiful blue eyes twinkled mischievously and he tipped his head back and let out a long hearty laugh. “Let me get this straight,” He shook his head slowly, “You thought I was hitting on you? Trying to get you in the sack or something?”

“Yes.” Grieco stated coldly, clearly not amused by his antics.

“No offense Grieco, and not saying I wouldn’t take you up on it if you were offering, but my heart belongs to someone else as well.” He sobered as he said the last part, his eyes getting that far away look Grieco had become accustomed to. “I just hope for your sake you haven’t blown it with whoever it is that has your heart like I have with Amber.” He hesitated for a moment, then impulsively leaned forward and brushed his lips against Grieco’s forehead. “Let’s get some sleep, okay? We’ve got another long day ahead of us.”

~*~*~

As the army of City kids crested the hill the Techno stadium came into view and Ebony’s heart leaped to her throat, her breath catching. In a matter of minutes she would be leading her friends and her family into war, a war that could quite possibly mean many of their deaths. The weight of that responsibility bore heavily upon her and she wasn’t sure she could do it. She knew they had to drive the Technos out before they got even more of a foothold in her City, yet was she really ready to pay the cost?

“You okay, Ebony?” Amber had come up alongside Ebony, her eyes studying the Ebony carefully, seeing through the carefully constructed façade of confidence and strength.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Ebony nodded, meeting Amber’s gaze evenly. “This is what has to be done and now is the time to do it. If we continue to let these Technos push us around we’ll be their slaves for the rest of our lives. And if they should fall another tribe would come along and take over. I refuse to be anybody’s slave.”

“Me too.” Amber set her jaw, her eyes glinting with a hard edge that Ebony would not normally believe Amber capable. Yet her words rang back to her, true once more. People change. She changed. Jay changed. Amber changed. Hell, even Lex changed.

“Let’s do this thing.” Ebony stated, then lifted her staff high in the air and let out an eardrum-shattered war whoop that was immediately carried on by the army behind her. “No one pushes us around ever again!” She screamed at the top of her lungs, knowing only those nearest to her could actually hear her over the low rumble of war cries and shouts.

Ebony spun around, nodded in Amber’s and Lex’s direction then began to run, her staff in hand and ready to crack it across the first Technos skull. When they arrived at the perimeter of the stadium, Ebony was not at all surprised to discover a force of Technos waiting for them. They had rigged cameras throughout the City and no doubt had watched their approach from miles away. She quickly scanned the Technos hoping to see a familiar blonde head, almost letting out a sigh of relief when she did not see Jay with them.

“Halt!” Ebony jerked her head upwards and immediately saw Jay standing on a water tank, elevated above the rest of the Technos by more than eight feet or so. “This is a restricted area. You may not proceed.”

“Oh shut it, Jay.” Ebony snapped loudly, her eyes flashing angrily. “You’re in OUR City. We can go wherever the hell we please. Now I will give you one chance for you and your Technos to stand down or else suffer the consequences.”

Jay held Ebony’s gaze intently, his eyes piercing into her soul as if trying to read what was written there. His lips quirked up in a an old familiar smile and he slowly shook his head.

“Very well.” Ebony said loudly, “Have it your way, Jay. This means war!”

A loud shout erupted from the army behind her and suddenly Ebony felt herself being pushed forward by the tremendous force of people driving forward. The sounds of Techno zappers and children’s cries ripped through the air and Ebony knew there was no going back now. Gritting her teeth and steeling her determination, Ebony pressed forward, her eyes locked on her one and only target – Jay.

~*~*~

The Technos were outnumbered, that was obvious, however their superior technology more than made up for their lack of numbers and Lex was realizing quickly that no matter how large an army they amassed, the City did not stand a chance against these invaders. However, this grim reality did not stop him from trying to take down as many Technos as possible as he pushed forward in the crush of people, his fist connecting with a Techno’s jaw as his leg kicked out and got another in the groin.

He had already felled half a dozen Technos, narrowly escaping their painful zappers several times. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ravenscroft valiantly fighting his former tribe, using his own Techno zapper against them, giving Lex an idea. He quickly ducked a Technos’ blow, dropping onto the ground and rolling until he collided with a Techno body. He grabbed the fallen man’s wrist and snatched up his zapper, familiarizing himself quickly with the technology before slapping it onto his wrist.

When he rose to his feet he noticed that many of the City’s army had already fallen and a second force of Technos had begun to drag the bodies away. Lex could only hope they were not dead. Spotting one of the Technos dragging Minxy away, Lex leveled his arm with the zapper on it and fired. The Techno fell instantly.

“Get him!” He heard a Techno shriek in a panicked voice. “He’s got a zapper!”

“Oh no you don’t.” Lex grinned, pointing his newfound weapon at the Techno who had alerted those around him that this Virt was well armed. The Techno crumpled to the ground immediately, filling Lex with a surge of adrenaline. He turned his attention to the next black uniform, not even hesitating to aim before firing. Another Techno down.

“Like shooting fish in a barrel.” He muttered, firing a fourth shot and smiling in satisfaction as another of the masked individuals dropped to the ground.

~*~*~

Ebony swung her staff low along the ground, knocking a Techno onto the hard concrete, hearing his head smack loudly with a sickening crunch. She quickly jumped back up, kicking at the next Techno who came at her while using her staff to fend off another who was trying to flank her. She had been fighting her way towards Jay for the past ten minutes, hoping that another in her army did not get to him before she did. If they could capture Jay she knew they could crush the Technos. Unfortunately, Ebony knew Jay was thinking the exact same thing.

After felling her eight Techno with a swift kick in the stomach followed by a strong crash of her staff on his head, she had reached her goal. Jay, who had descended from the water tower within the first minute of the battle,  was standing before her, his eyes locked with her.

“So,” He stated slowly, his eyes reflecting none of the man Ebony had once loved, only the ruthless leader of a power-hungry tribe who wanted control of her City. “It has come down to this. You and me. Appropriate, don’t you think?”

Ebony glared at him, swallowing back her emotions and ignoring the pain of her heart crumbling inside her. “Quite.” She replied stiffly, readying her staff, summoning the last ounce of her strength and courage.

“Have you been hurt at all?” Jay asked her unrepentantly, his chocolate brown eyes still reflecting only ice and cold determination.

“What?” She stared at him incredulously.

“Have you been hurt at all?” Jay repeated carefully. “If so, by whom. Lord Ram wants you brought to him undamaged.”

“Lord Ram?” Ebony’s eyebrows quirked up, wracking her brain as to why that name sounded so familiar to her. “Who is Lord Ram?”

“Why, the leader of the Technos of course.” Jay smirked at Ebony’s astonished expression. “Why, you didn’t think I was their leader, did you?”

“You said you were their general.” Ebony spat, disgust welling up inside her. He had deliberately deceived her. The Jay she knew and loved would never have done that to her.

“And I am. But Lord Ram is my commander.” Jay explained simply. “And he would like a word with you. We could end all this madness, this pointless pain if you would willingly come with me.”

Ebony glared at him, a cold fire burning deep within her soul. “You forget, Jay. This is my City. If they see you leading me away it will only work them up into more of a frenzy. They will tear this building down stone by stone until they reach you and have your head.”

“They love you that much?” Jay seemed amused by his statement. “I find that hard to believe Ebony. Though you might have deceived a few, I’d wager the majority of them realize what a treacherous snake you really are.”

Ebony pulled back as if she had been slap, her heart dead inside her. She quickly bit down on her lip in an attempt to fight back the tears that immediately sprang to her eyes at Jay’s vicious words. “I’m not coming with you, Jay. This is my City and they need me. I will not speak with your Lord Ram unless it is to discuss the terms of his surrender. Now lets finish this.” She raised her staff, challenging him.

Jay slowly shook his head, a sad expression on his face. “It didn’t have to be like this, Ebony.” He said softly then raised his zapper, not hesitating for even a moment before he fired.

~*~*~

Despite the Techno zapper Lex had lifted off one of the invaders bodies, the City was still loosing to the Technos – and badly. Many had imitated Lex, taking up the technological weapons, however they were not nearly as skilled in them as the Technos proved to be and the Technos had begun signaling out those who had taken the weapons.

There were less than two hundred still standing and fighting for the City, the majority had slunk off or retreated on their own. Lex knew they needed to organize some kind of retreat, but he could not find Ebony amongst the crowds. For that matter, he could not see any of the Mall Rats and he was suddenly filled with a panic.

“Amber!” He exclaimed, turning away from the Techno he had been about ready to fight. He had lost sight of her less than two minutes before, after he had made sure she was armed with a zapper. She had been reluctant to take it, but Lex had insisted. Confident that she would be able to handle herself, Lex had left her, bringing down two Technos who had attempted to surround them.

“Amber!” He shouted again, quickly scanning the crowds again, this time for a blonde Zulu knotted head instead of braids. “Amber!”

“Lex!” He heard the familiar shout and looked up. Amber had climbed to the top of the water tower and had been acting as a sniper, knocking out Technos, not even giving them a chance. He smiled proudly and she waved, beaming back at him.

He was about to wave back when suddenly he noticed a flash of black directly behind her. He opened his mouth to shout a warning but it was too late. Two Technos had crept up behind her, double-teaming her. Amber rolled back over in surprise, shooting one with her zapper just as the other hit her square in the chest, knocking her backwards and towards the edge of the water tower.

“AMBER!” Lex screamed, tearing off in the direction of the water tower, his blood surging. “NO!”