Chapter Thirty-Nine

Zandra used to love being the center of attention, and nearly a year ago when she had still been a Mall Rat she would have reveled in the attention she was now receiving, but now, after going through so much Zandra found she could not stand being the object of everyone’s stares and she yearned to pull the blankets up over her head and hide.

“Oh Zandra, it’s so good to have you back.” Cloe murmured at her side, smiling broadly at the woman. “We really missed you.”

“I missed you guys too.” Zandra forced a smile as she looked around the group at the familiar and the less-familiar faces. Amber, Cloe, Ebony, Danni, Panther and Silver. The only face that seemed to be missing was Lex. She knew he was in the village. She had heard people talking about him, but since she had awakened she hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him.

“I can’t believe how close we were all this time.” Danni shook her head, her eyes reflecting nothing but admiration. “I was so positive you were Amber. You seemed so much like her…”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Zandra studied Danni carefully, a slight twinge of pain hitting her as she realized that she was indirectly responsible for the once lovely young woman’s marred face. “And as much as I’d like to just sit here and have you guys tell me how much you missed me, I have some very important information you must know.”

“We’re listening.” Silver leaned forward, her dark braids pulled away from her face for sheer practicality. Though her face was covered in dirt and grime Zandra was still amazed at the beauty of the woman who had once led the powerful tribe who called themselves the Cheetahs.

“Lioness, the traitor, she’s the Guardian’s sister.” Zandra stated. “She and Jaffa know things that no one should know. They knew who I was, they knew that Amber was Eagle and they knew about Great White coming from the Southern Province with reinforcements.”

“How do you know all this, Zandra?” Ebony inquired, studying her with careful eyes. “Did The Guardian tell you while you were serving under him?”

“No.” Zandra shook her head. “He did not trust anyone, not even his lieutenants, and especially not me. Apparently he knew that I would betray him all along and just toyed with me. Or at least that’s what Lioness said.”

“So how do you know all this? That is if you don’t mind me asking.” Amber smiled down at her, her fingers going through her unraveled Zulu knots, separating the kinky blonde hair into several different chunky parts.

“Lioness.” Zandra closed her eyes as she said the name, imagines of the brutal young woman flashing in her memory. She had stabbed her, thinking that she would kill her, but she hadn’t. If it hadn’t been for Xenia…

“That traitorous b!tch.” Panther spat, her eyes flashing in anger. “We should have killed her when we had the chance.”

“I think that woman has nine lives.” Zandra commented bitterly. “She told me many people have tried to kill her but no one has ever succeeded.”

“So why did she tell you all this?” Cloe frowned. “She knew that you weren’t with them any longer.”

“I know, but obvious she hadn’t seen enough corny detective movies before the virus.” Zandra smiled a bit at Cloe’s question. “You never let your entire plan out of the bag until you’re positive they’re dead.”

“What if she didn’t let her entire plan out of the bag?” Ebony spoke up. “What if she only told you what she knew you would figure out sooner or later? What if they have a darker more deadly secret that they’re keeping from us?”

“Like what?” Amber whispered with fear stricken face.

Ebony pursed her lips, her eyes locking with Amber and Zandra sensed that there was some sort of nonverbal communication going on between the two women. It made her slightly uncomfortable, though no one else seemed to notice.

“Let’s not think that way, okay?” Silver stated optimistically. “If we’re going to win this war we have to keep our chins up. Things may look pretty bad now, but we’re still strong. Look at us. We’re going to make it.”

“I agree.” Cloe voiced, her eyes shining brightly with Silver’s encouraging words. “We can beat this lunatic. We survived the Locos, Tribe Circus, starvation, Eagle Mountain…” She trailed off meaningfully. “We can do this.” She whispered fiercely, “I know we can.”

“I’m with you, Cloe.” Zandra murmured, pushing a lock of near sapphire blue hair away from her face. “We’re going to beat this guy or die trying. Right everyone?”

The women surrounding her beside all quickly agreed, but as Zandra looked around she saw that neither Amber nor Ebony looked very encouraged. There was something unspoken that both those women knew, or felt, something that unnerved Zandra and chilled her to the core.

“We should probably get going, let you get your rest.” Danni smiled down at Zandra. “We don’t want to wear you out on your first day up, right?”

“Thank you.” Zandra nodded, stifling a yawn. “I do feel a bit tired.”

“Rest well, Zandra.” Amber impulsively leaned over and planted a quick kiss on her forehead. “We have a war to fight and I have a feeling you’re going to be a very important key.”

~*~*~

“The closest fuel supply would be located here.” Ebony furrowed her brow as she poured over the map of the city and surrounding area, Amber peering over her shoulder making note of the locations Ebony pointed out. “That is if the Guardian hasn’t moved it. The one closest to the village other than that one would be here.” She placed her finger on a location more than thirty kilometers further away. “Needless to say that would be quite a journey.”

“And one we need to be prepared to make just in case.” Amber nodded, her expression grim. She turned her attention to the other two women in the falling down lodge, watching them with careful eyes. “Danni, Cloe,” Amber spoke the words carefully, “You two have tended the wounded the most… Do you think they’ll make it if we do have to go to the second supply station?”

“It would mean waiting an extra day, but I actually think that could help some of them.” Danni sighed heavily, her hands self-consciously resting on her growing abdomen, causing a jealous knot to form in the pit of Ebony’s stomach. She quickly banished the thought, reminding herself that Bray was scum and there was no way she’d want his seed inside her.

“I agree.” Cloe added her voice to the conversation, brushing her sweeping dark bangs away from her face. “Some of the wounded aren’t ready to be moved yet. An extra day could give their injuries just enough time to heal so that they won’t rip open during transport.”

“So you both think it would be better to go for the further dump?” Ebony stared at them, determined to keep her facial expression neutral.

“Yes.” Cloe nodded instantly.

“I think so too.” Danni spoke a bit more hesitant, clearly not comfortable meeting Ebony’s gaze. “Besides, wouldn’t the Guardian almost expect us to move on the closer supply station?”

“That’s what Ebony and I thought.” Amber affirmed. “But we’re hoping he won’t even think we’ll try such a bold move, especially not when our forces are so weak.”

“But the Guardian plans for everything.” Ebony let out a weary sigh, a headache beginning to form at her temples. “He’s a tactical genius. It’s frustrating.”

“So are you.” Danni stated, her voice quiet so that Ebony had to strain to hear the words she had spoken.

“What? Frustrating?” Ebony quipped, flipping her long braids over her shoulders. “That’s not the first time you’ve told me that, Danni.”

“No.” Danni’s cheeks were flushed but the pretty brunette was smiling almost shyly. “You’re a tactical genius. Your plans are brilliant. They always have been. I just wish Bray and I had listened to you back before the Chosen took over the city.”

“No use crying over spilled milk.” Ebony waved off Danni’s words, though her indirect apology had meant more to the braided beauty than she was willing to admit. “We’ve got to plan now how we’re going to stop the Guardian. Blowing up one of his supply stations will slow him down, but it certainly won’t stop him.”

“And we need to decide who goes on the mission and who remains here.” Amber added as she fidgeted with her loosened Zulu knots. Ebony knew Amber hated having to think when her hair was down, she always played with it and made it look frizzy and ridiculous, or at least in her words.

“It will be dangerous both ways.” Ebony picked up where Amber had left off. “If the Guardian wants to collect those who were left behind after the raid he’ll be doing it any day now, while we’re still weak, so we need to leave enough strong defenders behind to at least give a little resistance.”

“Plus we shouldn’t send that many on the mission in case, well, in case it doesn’t go exactly like we have planned.” Amber added, her expression still grim. “So the question is, who goes and who stays?”

“I think we should send no more than five on the mission.” Danni stated, pushing a shortened lock of dark brown hair away from her face. “And I’ll volunteer to go.”

“No.” Ebony and Amber both exclaimed at the same instant.

“Why not?”

“It’d be bad for the baby, Danni.” Amber explained. “The fumes are toxic, plus could you journey thirty kilometers and keep up with the rest in your condition? I don’t think so. You’re tender hand will be more use here at the village.”

“Right.” Danni glanced down at her stomach, her hands spreading lovingly over the bulge. “I keep forgetting all these things. I never really knew that much about pregnancy and prenatal care.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Amber smiled comfortingly. “No one really knows much at all. That’s why we’re here for each other. What one of us doesn’t know the other just might. I happen to know for a fact that Ebony knows a thing or two about babies.”

Ebony felt her cheeks grow warm and she looked down at the map to keep herself from becoming the focus of everyone’s attention. “Anyway,” She cleared her throat, trying to guide the conversation back to the topic at hand, “I think Silver, Panther, Lex and I should go. Both Silver and Panther are quick and I know for a fact that Panther is pretty deadly. Lex is always a good addition to any mission and I’m the only one who knows exactly where the depot is.”

“I don’t think we should send Lex.” Cloe argued. “He hasn’t seen Zandra yet and that seems just a tad cruel if you ask me.”

“I agree.” Amber voiced.

“You’re right.” Ebony nodded. “I hadn’t thought of that. Well, Amber, which would you advise out of Hawk or Jaguar? They’re really the only men left in the village.”

“Hawk.” Amber stated instantly. “He’s much better at tracking and such. Plus he’s a bit quicker. You could send him ahead to scout if need be.”

“Alright.” Ebony began to scratch the names down on a slip of paper. “So I’ll be leaving with Hawk, Silver, and Panther at first light.”

“Perhaps you should leave a little before first light.” Danni spoke up. “If Hawk and Panther know these forests as well as the rest of the Gaians seem to, I can’t think that the darkness would be any disadvantage and then you’ll have a few extra hours to work with.”

“Excellent.” Ebony approved instantly, a little surprised at herself when she flashed Danni a smile. “Then I ought to head to bed, right after I inform the others that we’ll be taking a little field trip in the morning.”

“Be careful, Ebony.” Cloe whispered, her dark eyes suddenly full of fear. “You don’t really know what’s out there.”

“I know, but believe me,” Ebony flashed Cloe a wicked smile, “Whatever nasties are out there, I am nastier. Isn’t that right, Danni?” She winked at Danni and was pleased with the brunette allowed herself to laugh a little at Ebony’s quip.

“I’ll be seeing you girlies soon.” Ebony assured them with a bright smile. “Hopefully no later than tomorrow night.”

~*~*~

Bray had forced the children to let him stand up and move around after he had lain on the couch under the careful scrutiny for over two hours. Cougar had wanted to wait on him hand and foot, making Bray slightly uncomfortable and all the more determined that he would get off the couch as soon as possible and prove that he was no longer an invalid.

“I still think this is a bit soon.” Cougar fussed to his right, ready to offer him assistance if he needed any. “I’m sure Eagle won’t be pleased.”

“If it causes me pain, I’m sure she’ll be quite pleased.” Bray quipped, wincing a little as he put weight on his right foot. It was quite tender and he wondered who it was that had been vicious enough to attack the leg he already had been limping on.

“That’s not true.” Robin shook her head, running her fingers through her mousy brown hair nervously. “Amber is extremely forgiving. You wouldn’t be here if she wasn’t.”

“Yeah, I know.” Bray made a face as he hobbled over to the nearest chair where he could prop his right ankle up. Even though he wouldn’t be able to be up and about he would at least be sitting upright instead of being helpless on that couch.

Bray still couldn’t understand why Amber had been adamant that he not be thrown out of the house. He secretly hoped it was because she still harbored some feelings for him, but something inside him told him that was far from the truth. Amber would have shown mercy on anyone, even the sleaziest member of the tribe. That was her way and part of the reason he loved her so much.

“Can I get you anything, Bray?” Cougar offered as she batted her eyelashes, showing off her green catlike eyes. “Water? Juice? Food?”

“Water would be fine.” Bray informed her, though he had just drank a tall glass less than ten minutes before. He wanted to get Robin alone for a minute, knowing that she would be honest and frank with him where Cougar would try and candy coat the truth. Plus, Robin had been there, even if she hadn’t been downstairs when the decision was made.

“I’ll be right back.” Cougar seemed to glow under the prospect of being able to do something for him. She flounced out of the room, tossing her flaxen blonde hair over her shoulders in the process.

Robin turned to go as well, but Bray reached out and caught her hand, shaking his head. “Please, Robin. I need to talk to you.”

“Look, Bray, I’ve already told you too much as it is.” Robin stated, studying him with her thoughtful dark brown eyes that still had the power to unnerve Bray even after he had grown used to seeing them for hours. “If you want to know more about what happened that night you’re going to have to ask one of the others when they come back.”

“I know, Robin. You’ve done so much for me and believe me, I’m grateful. It’s just…” Bray trailed off, running his fingers through his matted sandy brown hair. Somehow in all of Cougar’s fluttering around him she hadn’t thought to bring him a brush to comb out his tangled hair. “You know Amber a lot better than I do now. She’s changed so much in the past six months, become an entirely different person.”

“Yes, she has.” Robin nodded, folding her arms against her chest.

“Please, I need to know, do you think I could stand a chance of winning her back? I love her so much and I-“

“No, I don’t.” Robin quickly shook her head. “In fact, I think you lost her long before you ever tried to rape her. Even long before she committed herself to Pride.”

“What do you mean?” Bray felt his heart begin to crumble inside his chest. He had been clinging to the slender sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, if Amber had been able to forgive him for the horrendous act he had attempted on her she might still love him, but somehow he knew the words Robin spoke were truth.

“If Amber had really loved you as much as you want her to, why was she so willing to leave?” Robin asked softly, her voice sensitive and almost caring. “From what I have heard from both Amber and Ebony, it was Amber who wanted to leave the Mall Rats, though why I’m a little sketchy on. Ebony was going to come with her, but then something happened and Amber went alone.

“If I were you, I’d be asking myself why she’d be so willing to throw away everything the two of you had.” Robin finished up, her eyes glowing with wisdom that was far beyond her eleven years.

Bray nodded, swallowing the hard lump that had formed in his throat. “Maybe I’ll do that. Thanks Robin. I appreciate your honesty.”

“You’re welcome.” Robin murmured softly. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry she doesn’t love you. Not that I think you two should be together, because I don’t. But I know it hurts a lot when the person you love doesn’t love you back. Unrequited love is the sweetest torture we can subject ourselves to.”

Robin gave Bray a slight nod then hurried out of the room, her words lingering inside Bray’s heart and head as he began to reflect and wonder just what he was going to do with himself. Before he had spoken with Robin he was determined that no matter what he was going to win Amber back, but now he realized that was pretty hopeless. If Amber did come back to him, it would not be through something he did. It would be her choice entirely.

Bray closed his eyes, his hand reaching down into his pocket where he still carried the keys he had once given Amber. He had never given them to another girl. They had been sometime special, something he had planned on only giving to the girl he was sure was ‘the one’.

His hand closed tightly over the keys, the small points and grooves causing an almost pleasurable pain. “Goodbye Amber.” He whispered softly, his heart shattering. “I will always love you, deep inside. You were my first choice, always.”

~*~*~

Ravenscroft abruptly pulled away from Xenia’s lips, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand, even though he knew it could not get rid of the memory of her lips upon his. Ravenscroft had not believed Xenia capable of such emotion, but she proved him wrong, pouring every ounce of who she was in that fleeting kiss.

“Xenia, I…” Ravenscroft suddenly felt flustered, his thoughts immediately going to Danni. She had mentioned that she thought Xenia was jealous of their newfound love, but Ravenscroft hadn’t taken her seriously.

“Save it, Ravenscroft.” Xenia stated, her voice bitter. “I know how it goes. I know its Danni you want, not me. I don’t even know why I pretended I could change your mind.”

“Xenia, please.” Ravenscroft shook his head, feeling suddenly helpless. He hated having to deal with women and their complicated emotions. Everything was fine until it became complicated and then it just went all screwy and Ravenscroft was completely clueless on what to do. “You’re a beautiful woman and I think you’re really great but-“

“Yes, I know.” Xenia snapped, rolling her eyes. “It’s Danni you want. I already said that. Don’t try and make me feel better by lying to me.”

“But I’m not lying, Xenia.” Ravenscroft insisted, nervously gnawing on his lower lip. “I do think you’re beautiful. But you’re more than beautiful, you’re smart, cunning, quick thinking… You’re a fantastic girl, Xenia, but not the girl for me. I love Danni. I think I’ve been in love with her since I first saw her back when she was still with the Mall Rats.”

Xenia refused to look at him, staring off in the distance, her gray eyes shimmering. “Gee, Ravenscroft. You’re such a sweetheart.” She spat sarcastically as she struggled to stand to her feet. “Remind me to call on you next time I need to send someone a greeting card.”

Ravenscroft felt horrible, but he knew there was absolutely nothing he could say to Xenia that would snap her out of her rotten mood, nothing that wasn’t a lie that was. Looking away from the beautiful blonde, Ravenscroft chose to fill his thoughts with concern over Danni. He hadn’t seen what had happened with her, he could only pray she was alright, having escaped safely.

“Well, well, well.” The all too familiar voice of Lioness suddenly filled Ravenscroft’s ears. “I’m surprised at you two. Didn’t take the opportunity to escape?”

“Of course not.” Xenia snapped, using the same tone with Lioness as she had used with Ravenscroft moments before. “We knew you weren’t really gone. You were just testing us, looking for an excuse to kill us.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Lioness smirked her evil smile and at once Ravenscroft was grateful he hadn’t abandoned Xenia when Lioness had left that. The thought hadn’t actually crossed his mind, but he was grateful all the same.

“Anyway,” Lioness continued, seeming to be in a much better mood than she had been when she left. “We’re very near to the safe house now. If we hurry we can make it before nightfall. If we don’t, we’ll just be traveling in the dark.”

“The safe house?” Xenia arched an eyebrow studying the other blonde woman up and down, as if she were measuring her for a fight.

“Yes, the Chosen safe house on the Southern Province. We’re quite close to the Strait of Zoot, less than a kilometer away. Once we cross the strait it’s less than twenty minutes to the safe house.”

“Why is it called the Strait of Zoot?” Ravenscroft found himself asking, though he suddenly feared the answer.

“Because,” Lioness grinned evilly at him, her malicious eyes boring holes into his soul, “That is where my brother and I found our dearly departed leader after we were told the Mall Rats had murdered him. Pity they didn’t stop to take a pulse.”

“Wh-what are you saying?” Xenia noticeably paled.

“Why didn’t you know,” Lioness smirked. “Zoot is alive. Very much alive and he’s coming back soon.”