The Radix
Cipher led the way down the steep incline with the others following close behind. Jay stumbled, finding it difficult to maintain his balance while holding Amber. After nearly falling forward, Lex, without so much as a word, turned and obligingly took hold of Amber's legs while Jay held her upper body against him. The lights from the village made it easier to see the path and the quartet made it the rest of the way without incident. Reaching the bottom of the hill they encountered a gate in the chain linked fence which surrounded the entire compound. Vines and other natural greenery were intertwined within the metal links. Standing watch was a guard whom Cipher regarded with another warning bird call.
"Cipher sir." The young teenage boy nodded his wild dark hair, feathers scattered throughout. "You're back early."
Cipher nodded slightly. "Malon."
Malon's equally dark eyes peered at the three strangers among his fellow tribesmen and frowned. "Is everything okay sir?"
Another nod as Cipher led the others past the boy. "Yes, is Brock back from the hunt?"
"Not yet." Malon shook his head and closed the gate behind them. "Though Jet says they're due back tomorrow." In the dancing light he noticed the puncture wound in Amber's neck. He smirked. "Is this your work Dozer?"
Dozer only gave the boy a devilish grin as he followed Cipher toward the main meeting house. Now on Terra firma, Lex let Jay take on Amber's full weight and looked about at his surroundings. Though there were few people to be seen, the village still hummed with life. Sounds of friendly conversation could be heard coming from all shacks and the hungry wail of a baby echoed from somewhere in the distance. There were small makeshift roadways between the shacks and Lex saw a large bonfire lit at the end of one. A few young kids, he wasn't sure of their ages, sat around it laughing and chatting excitedly. The meeting house was the largest shack by far and candle light shown from the small plexi glass windows.
As they approached the door squeaked open and out came three women talking in low murmurs. Their attire was different than that of Cipher, Dozer and Kye's camouflage look. All three wore dresses or skirts with a similar honey colored tie dye pattern. The fabrics flowed loosely and were decorated with several different objects of nature: small shiny stones, tiny shells, delicate feathers and even leaves of many sizes. A sudden chorus of laughter from the bonfire claimed Jay and Lex's attention and neither noticed as the women looked in their direction.
"Cipher!"
The familiar voice made Lex jump and he turned to see Taisan, his Taisan, approaching with a large smile. Lex's legs weakened as Cipher met her halfway and the two embraced. It was clear she hadn't yet noticed the others with him as she gazed up at Cipher warmly. She was more beautiful than Lex remembered. Her hair had grown longer, now trailing down her back like a lovely, dark cape, elegantly decorated with small colorful shells and a white swallow feather. Her rounded face bore a glow of happiness he'd only been privy to a couple of times in their doomed marriage. The simple sight of her was enough to make Lex feel faint. Though the vision was breath taking, he didn't want to believe his eyes for the image was so much like his dreams. Only Jay noticed Lex's sharp intake of breath as Taisan tilted her head up and kissed Cipher's cheek tenderly.
"You're back early." She said with a smile.
Cipher nodded. "Yes we uh... we ran into some... complications."
As Taisan frowned, Cipher leaned down and whispered quietly into her ear. It was then that Taisan looked beyond his shoulder and spotted Lex and the others. At first her face went white with shock and Lex was afraid that her rigid response was that of fear. Then her pretty eyes softened with moisture as her hands went to her mouth in disbelief. With dignity under pressure, which only she could achieve, Taisan timidly walked toward him. Lex however found he was unable to move and stood stock still, his eyes watching her every movement.
"Lex," She said softly and he felt himself melt at the sound of her voice speaking his name. How long had he waited to hear her say his name again? "I can't believe you're here." She gave him a small smile and his frozen muscles relaxed.
"I could say the same for you..." Was his breathless reply.
There was so much he wanted to say though even Lex knew nothing could ever express what was going through his mind, let alone his heart. They stood in a silence that seemed to last light years for Lex and he was startled when Taisan reached out and took his hand. Impassioned heat shot through his arm with the realization that she was real and not another imagining of his desperate mind.
"I..."
Before she could get out another word, Lex embraced her tightly and kissed her with an unbridled passion which had been bottled up for the last year. Taisan slightly stiffened in his arms though the burn of his kiss had her head spinning. She'd forgotten what Lex's kisses were capable of making her feel.
For a few embarrassed seconds, Jay and the others tried not to stare at the reunited couple. It was then that Jay caught the dispirited look on Cipher's face as he stared at the ground. For reasons he wasn't sure of, Jay had an inkling that Cipher's sadness had nothing to do with he or Amber at the moment.
Slowly Lex pulled out of the warmth of Taisan's mouth and still holding her close, pressed his head to hers and stared into his favorite pair of eyes. She gazed back lovingly, a contented smile playing lazily on her lips. Lex breathed out a shuddering sigh as her soft hand ran along the curve of his face. It was strange, the things he had missed. Something as simple as a touch made him want to weep with forgotten happiness.
"Lex," She whispered though she didn't seem to expect an answer. As though she were relishing the name as it rolled off her tongue.
"Hmm," He sighed in response his hand slowly exploring the familiar curve of her back. He didn't notice Taisan tense up as his hand made it's way around her waist. Lex was surprised to find Taisan's usually small waistline altered as his hand came across a subtle protruding bump.
Taisan now stood as still as a pillar of salt, a slight expression of pain on her pretty face. Jay again noticed Cipher's eyes flicker with unrecognizable emotion as Lex stepped back and looked down puzzled. He knew what it was but his mind wouldn't believe it. It couldn't be possible. Pregnant?
'Taisan can't be pregnant,' Lex thought to himself rapidly. 'She can't be because I haven't been around. And if I haven't been around then it can't be mine.' Lex blinked a few times as the realization continued to slam into him. 'It's not mine. It's not mine. My wife is pregnant and it's not mine!' He finally looked up to see Taisan's eyes were closed as she awaited the onslaught of his reaction to this unexpected discovery.
"San?"
Lex's inquisition was halted as Amber moaned and brought attention back to the more pertinent issue. Seeming relieved Taisan turned to the unconscious girl whom she hadn't noticed before.
"Amber," Taisan was surprised to see her old friend and quickly reached for her neck to check her pulse. "Playing with your toys again, Dozer?"
Though her voice held a hint of disapproval and urgency Dozer smirked slightly. "She'll be fine."
"Unless she's had an allergic reaction." Taisan chastised.
"Reaction?" Jay was suddenly worried again as he watched the exotic beauty examine his girlfriend.
Taisan didn't look at Jay as she gently lifted Amber's eyelid. "It's common with this type of herb." She glanced at Cipher. "We need to get her to the infirmary."
In a sudden burst of life, several more people came out of the meeting house, two of which caused Dozer to suddenly bow his head humbly. The two young women each wore forest green robes and had a regal heir about them and Jay guessed correctly when he assumed they were leaders. Each wore wooden talismans around their necks similar to Ciphers but with different symbols. Surrounded by a small entourage they approached and Cipher shared a respectful nod with each of them.
"Glad to have you back safely." The tall blond regarded Cipher and Dozer with a deep but gentle voice. Her sandy hair was piled up on her head in a complicated mass of crimpy waves and feathers of all colors. She looked at the three strangers with cautious yet friendly eyes.
Her black haired companion was not as welcoming. Her brooding eyes narrowed as she swept her long tresses over her shoulder in annoyance. "What is this?"
"We have visitors Lyric." The blond stated the obvious.
Lyric turned accusing eyes at Cipher. "Why did you bring them here?"
"They need help." Cipher answered simply offering no details.
"They seek sanctuary." The blond leader spoke as though she already knew the story. Her eyes rested on each of the travelers, pausing for a moment longer on Lex who didn't appear to be aware of what was happening around him. He stood silently staring into space, an expression of pained shock on his handsome face. Sweeping her light green eyes over Taisan she frowned with understanding. "You must be exhausted after your travels. You're welcome to stay and refresh yourselves tonight." She turned to a tall male in her group. Half of his head was shaved, while the other half gloated a gorgeous wheat colored mane of waves. "Rider, you and Zeal take them to the guest quarters. See that they're fed and comfortable."
As Zeal and Rider stepped forward Taisan gestured to Amber. "This one needs the infirmary." To this another young man stepped up without command to assist her. Jay was not eager to release his girlfriend until Taisan touched his hand gently. "She'll be safe with me I promise. No harm will come to her."
As Amber was handed over and Taisan began to walk away, Lex came back to life suddenly reaching out and grabbing her arm. "San,"
His voice was barely above a whisper but the confused hurt in his tone shot through Taisan's spirit like a siren. Looking back at him, his expression begged for an answer. Taisan's lip trembled as it often did when she was encumbered with emotion. In Lex's eyes she saw her match, the only man to ever steal her heart without permission. There was so much to be said and in that instant Taisan wanted nothing more than to lose herself in his arms and tell him everything, regardless of the consequences. She felt weak and powerless in his penetrating gaze. Swallowing hard Taisan gently pulled from his grasp.
"Not now Lex." She spoke in a strained whisper.
Perhaps it was the surprise of her dismissal that shocked Lex into open mouth silence as he watched her walk away. He stepped forward, but it was Cipher's firm but soft hand on his shoulder that stopped him.
"Tomorrow." Was all he said and before Lex was aware of what was happening Cipher disappeared with the others while he and Jay were led away by Zeal and Rider.
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"I can not believe you brought them here!" Lyric snapped as she threw her robe, which signified her role as leader, to the ground. "Does our safety mean nothing to you?"
"Our safety means everything to me." Cipher narrowed his eyes though he never raised his voice. "It was for our safety that I brought them here."
"That doesn't make any sense."
"What would you have me do?" Cipher leaned against the center table of the leader's circle, tempering his rising annoyance. "If left on their own they would have eventually found us. And without our guidance they could have caused more trouble than they already have."
"There are more I presume?" The blond asked calmly as she sat watching Lyric pace in irritation.
Cipher nodded. "A boat load. They used it to escape the city."
"A boat?!" Lyric gasped and then laughed sarcastically. "Well that's perfect. They could have the virus."
"Lyric, calm down." The black haired girl glared at the blond but dared not speak and resumed her frenetic pacing.
"They left before it was released." Cipher explained.
"And I'm sure they told you that right?" Lyric frowned finding it impossible to control her anger. "Am I the only person in this room who noticed that one of them is a Techno?!" She shrieked.
"I've been told he isn't one anymore." Cipher spoke through clenched teeth. Though defending Jay pained him to no end, he felt the truth was more important than his personal feelings.
"Well that symbol on his forehead says different." Lyric retorted and looked to the calmest of the trio. "Jet, surely you can't agree with this."
Sighing Jet fiddled with a ring on her finger. After a moment of silence she looked up at Cipher. "Are there any others beside Mallrats?"
Unsurprised by her insight Cipher shook his head. "According to Lex at least."
Lyric spun in confusion. "Mallrats?" She looked at her fellow leaders with curious eyes. "Are you saying those people are your city tribe?"
Cipher nodded slightly and without thinking brushed a couple of fingers along the pentacle on his cheek.
"Didn't you see the symbols on their hands?" Jet asked as Lyric's anger quickly dissipated into genuine interest.
"The only symbol I saw was the angry T on that boy's forehead." Lyric's voice had calmed though she seemed slightly irritated with herself. "Besides how could I have seen such a thing in the dark?" She glanced at Jet. "How did you? You didn't even seem upset by their presence."
Jet gave a small smile. "I admit, I recognized Lex first." Having been the former leader of the Gulls, a well known city tribe, Jet knew the Mallrats and their politics.
Lyric rolled her eyes. "City kids."
Unlike her fellow leaders, Lyric had never been to the city. Growing up in the countryside, there she remained even after the virus. Though she came of age away from the chaos and violence, she had her own perilous struggles in an ever changing wilderness. During an unusual venture to the coast, Lyric and a few of her tribesmen were attacked by Technos and she was brought to the encampment. The fate of her companions still remained a mystery. At that time she'd hated and feared all city dwellers having been taught they could never be trusted. Over the months her trust was eventually gained. Still, a year since the incident, Lyric often felt ostracized as many of the others shared the same histories of a city full of lost friends and unfamiliar foes such as the Locos and the Chosen. Her hate for the Technos was made even stronger since one had attempted to have his way with her.
"But the question still remains, if these people are the famous Mallrats, what's a Techno doing among them?" Lyric asked.
This time Jet looked to Cipher for the answer. He in turn gave an uncharacteristic shrug. "I'm not entirely clear on that one. I think he left the Technos and joined the Mallrats. As for his attire," Cipher shook his head. "it's anyone's guess."
There was silence as the three sat engrossed in their own thoughts. Jet finally cleared her throat and stood. "As a leader, Cipher made a decision and we will abide by it. In the morning you'll take the strongest and best climbers to fetch the rest of them."
"You're going to let them stay?" Lyric was surprised. "With no explanation?"
"By our laws we must at least let them state their case. They'll have their chance to do that tomorrow when Brock returns. We wont make any final decision without him." Jet glanced at her fellow leaders for their reactions. "In the meantime I see no harm in showing them courtesy. Who knows when they last had a decent meal."
"Fine." Lyric picked up her robe and draped it over her shoulders. "But I'm ordering further watch over them. I don't think Cipher was deceived but until I hear sufficient evidence, that boy is still a Techno in my eyes." Expecting an argument, she was surprised when the other two nodded in agreement.
"Be sure to keep an eye on Lex as well." Cipher advised. "After seeing Taisan, I'm not sure what he might do."
Though slightly confused Lyric nodded. "What of the girl?"
"If I know Dozer, she's not moving anytime soon." Jet arched an amused eyebrow.
"Speaking of such," Lyric shook her head. "Cipher you really should talk to him about those darts. One of these days he's going to get the dosage wrong and kill someone."
Though he intended to do no such thing Cipher gave the girls another nod before letting himself out of the leader's room. He knew that Dozer's knowledge of weapons in nature was better than most people's knowledge of their own minds. He doubted his best friend would ever risk anyone's life messing with things beyond his skill. Cipher found that Dozer's creative battle tactics assisted in protecting their village in the safest manner possible. He would never meddle with his friend's fondness for nature's hidden treasures. After the door was closed Lyric turned to her blond companion.
"What does Taisan have to do with this Lex character?"
Jet sighed. "He was her husband before..." She trailed off.
"Oh," Lyric gasped. "Well then, I'll be sure to keep that watch on him."
"Good." Jet made a move toward the door.
"Were your two tribes close?" Lyric suddenly asked from behind.
Surprised by the question Jet turned. It wasn't like Lyric to ask about the city tribes. Naturally prejudiced against the city and all in it, Lyric showed little interest in anything that even pertained to life outside the country. As far as she was concerned, their old lives were behind them now, thanks to the Technos, and the Radix was their new priority.
"Not especially." Jet finally answered. "In all honesty, the Mallrats were peace keepers but spent more time being public enemy number one." She sighed at Lyric's confused expression. "All they wanted to do was bring us together. Like we are now. Make a better life, a better future. Most of the city rebelled against their ways, my tribe included. Whatever they tried to build, we managed to knock down."
"The instinct to destroy." Lyric said quietly trying to picture the peaceful leader reeking havoc in the streets.
"All they ever wanted was what we have now." Jet continued as her eyes clouded over slightly. "They were the only ones willing to fight for it. And they lost a lot of good people doing just that." Lyric watched Jet's face as her voice grew quiet. There was a hint of melancholy in her green eyes as though she was pained by some memory Lyric could not see. Suddenly remembering herself Jet gave a weak smile. "Anyway, that's how I know they're no threat to us now." Lyric nodded her black head as Jet opened the door. "Goodnight."
As she made her way across the village Jet's eyes began to sting with tears and she was grateful to make it to the privacy of her shack. Once inside she fell back against the door and tried hard to get control of her emotions. Talking about the Mallrats and life before the Technos was very painful for Jet. It was a past she didn't care to speak of often and rarely shared even with others who'd gone through the same thing.
After she was taken away by the Chosen, Jet was sent to a mine with many of the city's tribe leaders. It was there where her spirit was continually broken and she watched kids who refused to bend to the will of the Chosen injured or worse. Those who thought it best to go along with the Chosen demands, including Jet, were still punished and kept to work in darkness on little sleep and even less food. Some kids dropped right before her eyes from illness and hunger. She had no idea what had become of her tribe and was ashamed for not having been stronger for their sake. After the Chosen fell from power Jet and other lost souls wandered the countryside. Some were afraid to go back to the city while others had nothing to go back to at all.
She finally found the courage to return to the city and brought together what was left of her tribe. Then the Technos attacked and the Gulls were lucky not to lose anymore members. This time Jet refused to sit back and do nothing like before so she joined the resistance movement started by Pride. But the Technos were different than the Chosen and soon fooled and won over most of the rebels with their gifts of food, water and electricity. While Jet still felt there was something worth fighting for, she couldn't convince her tribe or the others. She was all that was left to deliver the harsh blow to Pride that he was now on his own.
He had the last laugh, even if he wasn't aware of it, for some weeks later Jet and another of her tribesmen, Rider, were taken under cover of night. They soon found themselves at the compound and Jet was furious that she hadn't been able to convince the other leaders of the resistance to stand behind Pride. In attempt to make amends for past misgivings, she then poured all of her energy into rallying her fellow prisoners against the Technos.
Rebellious tears slipped down Jet's cheek despite her best efforts and she pulled her leader's robe from her shoulders. Sitting down on the bed, a hay mattress supported by knotted rope, she wiped at her damp face. Contrary to popular belief, her experiences with the Chosen nor the Technos weren't what pained Jet the most. It was the memory of a boy. With a trembling hand the sandy haired girl reached into an old box of nicknack's and removed a crumpled picture. The faded smile staring back at her made the tears come faster.
Their tribes had been estranged but she respected him for his kindness and courage. They'd shared one night together before their world was torn apart by the Chosen and they were forever ripped from one another. Even now Jet could feel the softness of his touch and the way his genuine smile warmed her heart. In one night she'd fallen in love and for months she wondered what had become of him. It wasn't until she'd returned to the city that she was told by one of his tribesmen that he'd died fighting the Chosen.
Jet found the grief unbearable. He died fighting for a freedom that she had simply handed over. What Jet wouldn't do for another chance to go back and change history. Perhaps if she'd been brave enough to stand against the Chosen, innocent people like him would have had a better chance. Even if she'd died, as he did, there was a comfort in knowing they would at least be together. Jet stared at the photograph as she'd done countless times before and imagined he were sitting beside her, as he had done that night. She could still hear his voice. She thought of the last words they ever said to one another:
"I don't think we should tell anyone about this." Jet said sadly.
"I know. Things are so..." he paused letting the words hang in the air. "When will I see you again?"
Jet shrugged as she tried to hide the uncertainty in her eyes. "It might be awhile. It'll be hard to sneak away."
"I know." he nodded. "Same for me."
"I'll write you." She finally looked into his eyes wishing desperately to be able to stay with him.
"Okay," he smiled slightly and gently brushed a few strands of her sandy hair from her face. Jet sighed at his warm touch as she leaned in to kiss him.
"I'll write you..." She repeated before walking away.
Her eyes fell from the picture and gazed about the room, resting on Brock's antlers. They were his most prized possession and came from the first buck he'd killed hunting nearly eight months ago. Brock and the other hunters would be back tomorrow and Jet was aware she would have to hide the picture again. Brock knew little of her heart and would be no doubt jealous if he realized she pined for another. Though kind, Brock was a proud man who had once been a Demon Dog, one of the most feared tribes in the city. Jet looked back at the smiling boy. Brock would be back tomorrow but she still had tonight to remember. Lying down, the picture pressed to her chest, Jet's shoulders shook as she sobbed silently.
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Some shacks away Taisan was also sitting on her own hay bed in deep thought when Cipher knocked gently. She knew who it was before he entered and didn't look up as he let himself in. Cipher was sure Taisan would be emotionally wrecked after her surprise encounter with Lex and sat beside her in silence. There had always been a hope that they would see their friends again. Though time replaced the desperate desire with a quiet wanting that they no longer spoke of. A year after they were taken the Mallrats became more and more a whisper in their past and all thoughts of a reunion dimmed into a vague impossibility.
In some ways, both Cipher and Taisan accepted this with comfort. Their lives had changed so greatly that they began to treasure what was fast becoming nothing but a memory and somewhat feared what pain a reunification could bring. Just as it had in the Radix, they knew that life in the city had gone on without them. And like Cipher and Taisan, they believed their fellow Mallrats now regarded their lost friends as nothing more than bittersweet memories.
When news of the virus mark II reached them they prayed that the Mallrats escaped the city safely and wished good fortune found them on their journey. Neither ever imagined that journey would bring them here. The arrival was so sudden that Cipher felt it brought with it more a sense of doom than happiness.
"Taisan?" He finally spoke softly. "You alright?"
She nodded though he could see her hands trembling as she protectively rubbed her bump. Reaching over Cipher placed a gentle hand over hers. Taisan slowly looked up at him with troubled eyes.
"How am I going to tell him Bray?"
Cipher sighed. Though Taisan fully supported his name change she sometimes slipped in intimate moments such as this. He never said it but hearing his name brought a mixture of pain and comfort. When it was spoken it was a reminder of a past he couldn't completely forget. A past plagued with both blissful and painful images that ran seamlessly together in the threads of his mind.
"He'll never understand." Her voice broke slightly.
"He will." Even as he spoke the words Cipher knew Taisan wouldn't believe them. He hardly believed them himself.
"I can't do it." She continued. "Did you see his face? He was disgusted with me."
"I think surprised is a better word."
"He was hurt. I hurt him." Taisan sighed and tried to calm herself by taking in a couple deep breaths. She hated how her pregnancy hormones weakened her ability to control her emotions. She was forever on the verge of tears and avoided confrontations at all costs. "I won't be able to tell him. I'm not sure I'll even be able to face him tomorrow."
Cipher gave her a comforting smile and squeezed her hand. "Perhaps I should do it. It might be better to hear it from me."
Looking only slightly relieved to have the burden off her shoulders Taisan looked at Cipher painfully. "He won't understand. You know how he is. He'll hate me." Her voice dropped to a whisper as the tears started to fall. Cipher reached an arm around her and Taisan welcomed the embrace as she rested her head on his shoulder. "He'll hate me..." She repeated.
Cipher wasn't sure what else to say so the two sat in silence as Taisan tried to stifle her cries. Since her pregnancy brought out Taisan's vulnerability, Cipher had become her steady hand. During their captivity the two of them had become immensely close, both sharing the pain of losing a love deeper than either had ever felt before. Often they only found comfort in one another, cutting emotional ties with the others in the village. No one saw Taisan cry except Cipher and she in turn was the only one who ever witnessed his unrelenting nightmares that caused him to wake in fits of hysteria.
"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?" He asked quietly.
Taisan wiped her eyes. "Isn't there someone else you'd rather be watching over?"
Cipher knew who Taisan was speaking of and thought of Amber laid up in the infirmary. He couldn't deny the temptation to sit by her bedside until she woke. He wanted to see her eyes, to know immediately what she was feeling when she looked at him once again. But then he remembered Jay and feared what he would find in Amber's expression should he stay with her. He feared even more what she might have to say. The morning would no doubt bring with it many explanations, the majority of which Cipher was sure would be heart breaking for most of them. Heartbreak that he was in no hurry to experience. Slowly Cipher shook his head as he pulled Taisan closer.
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As the village settled into nighttime silence, Lex lay awake staring at the dark ceiling. He and Jay were sharing one of the lower rooms of the stone compound building. The accommodations were surprisingly comfortable considering they were in the middle of the woods. They were both pleased to have military cots to sleep on after a week of nights spent on hard boat deck or uneven sand. Dinner had been brought to them though neither had much of an appetite. Despite the evening's events they both refrained from conversation, silently brooding over their own melodramas. Though Jay claimed he was too unsettled to sleep the tea they'd been brought knocked him out in record time and he now lay snoring gently. Their candle had long since dwindled out and Lex resented the darkness with a passion. He could see the moon out his window as it glowed in the black sky. Lex narrowed his eyes in anger. The dark night felt misleading and full of secrets. He couldn't wait for morning. The dawn would bring the sun and with it the answers he so desperately needed.
chap five <-----> chap seven