The Radix

This chapter's for Eli... thanks for your interest and constant encouragement.

Chapter Twelve – A Medley of Hidden Truths

" " TALKING
~ ~ THINKING
(( )) FLASHBACK

“So how are you feeling?” Slade finally spoke after a painfully tense silence that had lingered between he and Ruby for several agonizing minutes. Despite being worried about her over the last week, he wasn't sure what to say now that she was awake and coherent. He considered just telling her how he'd been feeling; the guilt, the concern, the anxiety... but it wasn't in Slade's nature to divulge something so intimate without cause. He instead chose to act casual as though nothing of interest had even happened to any of them since leaving Liberty.

“I'm fine.” Ruby gave him a small smile recognizing his tone. She knew Slade well enough to realize it would be silly to hope for even a hint of worry to show in his eyes. The fact that he'd even asked was good enough. She watched as he stood poised against the wall, arms crossed and looking untouchable.

The problem at the moment between Ruby and Slade was that they'd already covered the safe topics. He'd explained where they were and how they'd gotten there. Filling in all the blanks about beaver fever and the severity of her wounds. Ruby now knew about the Mallrats finding their missing friends and had already asked how they were all doing three times. Each avoided the subject of Ebony leaving nothing else to discuss except Ruby's alleged pregnancy.

Slade believed whole heartedly that Ruby had been honest with him about being pregnant. She was his friend and he'd taken her at her word. Because of the truck and the miscarriage that might have followed he was unsure of how to proceed. Even Slade was aware of how sensitive a topic this was. On the other hand, Ruby assumed that he'd been told the test was negative. Since she'd been out of it for a week or so, there was no telling how much gossip she and Slade's situation generated. Still feeling disappointed, Ruby had no desire to talk about what might have been. The baby was her only chance at winning Slade over. And now that chance was gone. Though she was clueless as to why, she knew he'd chosen Ebony and the very thought made her sick to her stomach.

His careful eyes watched as she pointlessly stirred her porridge. “Not hungry?”

Shaking her head Ruby set the spoon down. “Not feeling up to par. Can't imagine keeping anything down.”

“Well that's to be expected.”

Assuming he was talking about her recent ordeal Ruby simply nodded and went back to staring at her uneaten breakfast. She didn't catch the hint of relief on Slade's face as he smirked. Didn't know that her statement had subdued his worst fears. She certainly didn't realize that he thought she was suffering from morning sickness. And she most definitely wouldn't have believed this assumption had Slade feeling just a bit warmer inside.

“So I guess I'm stuck in this bed for awhile.” Ruby finally spoke again with an exasperated sigh, setting her bowl on the bedside table.

Slade smirked. “Think of it as a long overdue vacation.”

She tried to smile. “If only I had a crossword puzzle.”

Chuckling, Slade took a step toward the bed. “You and your crosswords.”

“Well I need something to keep me from dying of boredom.”

“Not sure I can help you with that.”

Ruby feigned shock. “Are you saying there's something even YOU can't handle? I never thought I'd see the day.”

Smirking at her teasing tone he sat on the edge of the cot. “Well, I suppose if it means saving my reputation...” He paused in thought. “I'll ask around. See what I can dredge up.”

“My hero.”

He gave her one of his signature smiles and Ruby's pulse spiked. As she held his gaze she thought for just a moment he might feel it too. He looked away before she could open her mouth to even acknowledge it but not before she caught the flicker of sadness in his expression.

“Are you alright?”

“Is there any reason I shouldn't be?” Slade answered innocently.

“You seem off. Like some thing's bothering you.”

A pause. “I was thinking about Josh... Mega.” He clarified quickly. Slade glanced at Ruby briefly before returning his gaze to the floor. He hadn't admitted it out loud but since leaving the city, his late brother weighed heavily on his mind. Seeing how Mega was considered a tyrant who's arrogance had driven them from their home, Slade wasn't foolish enough to assume anyone would understand nor care about his feelings. He wasn't even sure why he was confiding in Ruby now. Maybe it was because she'd always been so mindful of his emotions before or that he was simply feeling vulnerable. Either way, she didn't disappoint him.

“Well that's only natural.” She said softly. “He was your brother. Nothing he did can change that.”

She didn't know it but Slade was comforted by these words. He knew Josh had done terrible things but in his mind's eye he would forever see a scared little boy, crying in a caravan. In many ways Slade blamed himself for there being a Mega in the first place. If only he hadn't left Josh, if he'd been able to get back to him sooner, if he had simply BEEN there for his little brother... then perhaps Josh wouldn't have chosen such a destructive path. Slade was convinced that Josh became a Techno because he had no other choice, and no one would ever change his mind.

Suddenly embarrassed though not sure why, Slade stood abruptly. “I should go and let you rest up.”

Though sleep was the last thing on her mind, Ruby knew it was pointless to ask him to stay. When Slade made up his mind... “Alright.” She watched him walk away, pausing at the door and them turning to her.

“Um... thanks Ruby.” He said quietly avoiding her eyes.

“For what?”

There was that small smile again. “For being you.” Then he was gone.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The morning soon became afternoon with the passing of another meal. The village had fallen into a quiet lull, it's inhabitants hiding from the hot, midday sun by retreating indoors and under the canopy of trees. It seemed as though an unofficial nap time had been called and even some of the Mallrats had gone back to their beds to doze. Salene found herself sitting with May, Taisan, Lex, Jay, Dozer, another young woman, Camille, and her baby girl. Salene had already decided that she liked Dozer, for when he wasn't poised for a fight, he was a great conversationalist with a friendly smile and a smart sense of humor.

“How old is she?” The redhead gestured to the child in front of her.

“Ten months.” Camille grinned proudly as the baby tugged her auburn hair.

“She's beautiful. What do you call her?”

“Felicity Bray.” Catching the confused look on Salene's face Camille explained. “I named her for Cipher since he delivered her.”

“Oh.”

“Why did HE deliver her?” May leaned in.

“Cause none of the Technos knew a thing about birthing babies. They didn't even know I was up the duff. In all actuality they weren't supposed to have taken any pregnant girls. I was already five months gone when they caught me but I was too scared to say anything. I thought they might take it away or something like with the Chosen. There was no way I was giving them my baby.” Salene flinched at the words but Camille continued without noticing. “So I just hid it and some of the others around here covered for me when I couldn't carry heavy loads or when I didn't feel well. Anyway, at seven months Felicity decided she was coming early. Took us ALL by surprise. The Technos weren't prepared for something like that and there wasn't time to send me away. They finally had no choice but to ask if there was anyonehere with that sort of experience. Cipher was the only one, saying he'd delivered his niece some time ago.” Camille shook her head at the memory. “I thought I might die, it hurt so bad. But Cipher was such a good coach. I seriously believe he's the only reason why we both made it.” Smiling, the young mother planted a wet kiss on her daughter's dark head. “I had no way to thank him 'cept to make her his namesake.”

“Where's her dad?” Lex turned to join the conversation.

“Lex!” May scoffed at him.

“What?” He narrowed his eyes back at her oblivious as to what had been so offensive about his question.

“It's not exactly polite to ask something like that.” Salene explained in the tone she always took with her wayward tribe mate.

Camille laughed. “It's alright.”

Before she could continue the group was distracted by a sudden commotion in the village. The noise level raised considerably as several kids raced by. The sound of the warning bell signaling an arrival on the main road rang through the Radix.

“What's going on?” Jay stood with the others, his posture stiff and wary.

Dozer gave him a reassuring smile. “Looks like the hunters are back.”

The small group followed Dozer toward the disturbance to find his assumption was correct. Already a large crowd had gathered to welcome home the rag tag team of hunters. At first the Mallrats didn't recognize any of the blue faced teenagers dressed mainly in leather though Lex guessed that the tall brunette male hugging Jet must be Brock. The eight hunters carried with them several large, overstuffed packs and two of them pulled a small cart loaded with what looked to be their kill. Suddenly Salene grinned and cried out.

“Cloe!”

The petite teen looked up and smiled brightly as she ran to her surrogate mother. “Salene! May!” Hugging her lost friends tightly she looked at them all in wonder. “What are you doing here?”

As the girls started explaining, Lex had already grabbed KC, now sporting a shaggy head of indigo hair, with a falcon feather weaved into a small braid. The boy had sprung up several inches and was now looking his former mentor in the eye. He gave Lex and the others a cheeky grin as he too heard the story of their journey.

“What's with the blue paint?” Lex gestured to KC's face. “Shouldn't you be wearing green?”

“Believe it or not, blue blends in the forest better.” The boy explained as he accepted a hug from Taisan. When he was introduced to Jay he gave the older boy an odd look before shaking his head and smiling at his friends again. “You gotta see the buck we brought down. It's huge! Brock had us tracking it for a day and a half.”

“I can't believe you're a hunter.” May was saying to Cloe. “A bit out of character don't ya think?”

“I know.” Cloe laughed. “But what an adrenaline rush!”

“Isn't it dangerous?” Salene gave the girl a look of concern as she caressed the dark feather set in Cloe's tight bun.

The teen shrugged. “Sometimes. I don't do any actual killing. I'm more of a tracker really. Apparently I have a great sense of direction. Dane calls me the 'navigator'.”

As the friends laughed Salene looked around at the other hunters being welcomed home by their friends and families. She didn't realize it but she was looking for someone. A certain tall, blond someone. Just as she spotted him, May gasped quietly.

“Oh my God, it's Ryan!”

There he was setting his large pack on the ground. His dark blond hair had grown out to his shoulders and looked slightly bleached from the sun. He'd lost much of the weight he used to carry around but was still a force to be reckoned with. His gray eyes danced and a warm smile played on his lips as he accepted a short, dark haired girl into his strong arms.

“Ethos!” The girl exclaimed and buried her face in the hallow of his neck, her expression content as she enjoyed the strength of his embrace.

Salene felt the bile rise in her throat as the couple kissed and when they pulled away she could see the girl was holding a baby. Both May and Cloe gave Salene wary looks while she watched Ethos lift his little girl in his arms with a bright smile. Salene eyes narrowed as her mind registered the fact that this was really Ryan, standing there after all this time. He looked so different and it took her a few seconds to figure out why. ~He looks happy...~ she thought to herself.

“I'll be damned.” Lex suddenly noticed his old mate and gave a disbelieving laugh as he called out. “Ryan!”

The tall teen turned toward them, a confused smile on his face which grew when he spotted Lex. A second later his eyes landed on his ex wife and said smile evaporated as he went white. Gray met pale blue as the two stared one another down and Salene was surprised to see fear amongst the myriad of emotions playing out on Ryan's face. Without a word, he turned and quickly led his companion away leaving Lex to scowl at the abrupt dismissal.

“Well,” Salene sighed as she watched him go. “That went a little better than I thought it would.”

“I take it they all told you about him.” Cloe frowned sympathetically.

“That he hates me? Yeah I got the memo.”

“That's not what Alice said.” May chastised.

“Ethos doesn't hate you...” Cloe paused and made a face as though at a loss. “I think he just doesn't know how to deal with you. You remember what he was like... he doesn't handle drama very well.”

“He'll come to you in his own time.” Taisan offered gently.

Lex glared at the young women. “What are you on about?”

KC started to explain Ryan's behavior while Jay slowly segregated himself from the group. He felt somewhat out of place amongst the reunions. He was beginning to feel as though he didn't belong anywhere. He was neither a Techno or a Mallrat. He had no family to speak of and was in serious danger of losing his girlfriend to the father of her child. It seemed as though everyone had someone to whom they belonged except him. He'd never felt so alone and something inside of his chest began to ache.

“Jay?”

The downtrodden teen looked up from his boots at the familiar voice and gasped as he met blue eyes that matched his own. The mop of spiky white hair had grown into an unmanageable, windblown nest filled with shells and feathers which framed a blue painted face void of it's old childish arrogance. Clad in a pair of worn leather trousers and a fitted wool top one shade lighter than black, the young man before him stood as tall and sure footed as Jay remembered. Drawing in a staggered breath Jay swallowed in disbelief and shock.

“Ved!”

“Hey big brother.” Ved gave his older sibling a small grin which wavered with a bit of uncertainty. He and Jay hadn't parted amicably and he wasn't quite sure of what to expect. Jay in turn stared open mouthed at what he was sure had to be a vision. A hallucination brought on by his impending depression. After a moment of silence Ved sniggered nervously. “Nice outfit. Who woulda thought we'd both look so smart in leather?” When Jay failed to answer, Ved's smile faltered slightly. “Well, at least I do.”

Unable to formulate a reply, Jay's mouth had gone completely dry. This couldn't be possible. There was no way his little brother was standing there alive and well, wearing that incorrigible smirk of his. Not after Jay had finally reconciled the fact that he may never see Ved again. But it was true. Ved was here, staring at him as though he was expecting Jay to hit him. When several minutes had passed between the brothers without any acknowledgment from the elder, Ved sighed in exasperation.

“Well aren't you gonna say anything? Or are you just going to stand there gaping like a fish?”

Suddenly Ved found himself being hugged as Jay wrapped his arms around him in desperation. Caught off guard the boy stiffened in shock before relaxing into his brother's embrace. He couldn't remember the last time he and Jay hugged. Since the virus, Ved's desire for independence had driven them apart until their relationship was barely tolerable. The young teen had to admit, it felt nice to be close to his brother once more. Even if only for a moment.

“Don't you EVER do that to me again!” Jay finally gasped out, his voice slightly broken.

Ved blinked in surprise, thrown off by this unexpected show of affection. “Dare I say you missed me?” He joked.

Jay tightened his hold. “I mean it Ved! I thought I'd lost you...” His voice cracked as he trailed off.

Observing the slight tremble of Jay's body, Ved awkwardly rubbed his brother's back. Comfort was not his forte as Cloe was always quick to remind him. The thought that his older brother had actually been scared for him, gave Ved an familiar twinge of warmth in his chest. A traitorous tickling formed at the back of his throat and he had the suspicious feeling that he might cry if this continued.

“Hey man, it's cool.” Ved attempted to stick with levity to ward off the heavy atmosphere. “I'm all right.” Pulling out of the suffocating embrace, he regarded his brother's serious expression. “Really, I'm okay.”

Taking a moment to study the matching set of blue eyes, Jay nodded before dropping his arms and stepping back. He took a deep breath to calm himself before speaking again. “They said you weren't here.”

“Well if you're looking for Ved, technically I'm not.”

Jay chuckled at his brother's cocky smirk and nodded once more in understanding. “New name. I should've guessed.”

“New name.” The younger blond echoed.

“So what's your handle?”

“I've been dubbed Archer.”

Jay raised an intrigued eyebrow. “As in 'Archery'?”

“Yep.”

“You mean to say that you actually can USE that thing?” Jay gestured to the bow strapped on Archer's back.

“Yeah. Quite well actually. Turns out I have an innate gift for the sport.”

“My brother, the self proclaimed computer geek, is now an outdoors man. And they say there's no such thing as miracles.”

Archer chuckled. “Hey I had you speechless for a moment there. Wonders never cease.”

The brothers laughed for a minute before Jay grew serious once more. “Look, I'm sorry about how everything went down... about Ram and everything...”

“Forget it.” Archer brushed him off casually. “You tried to warn me and I made my choice. I know you think I was stupid for staying with Ram but, it was the only way I could find Cloe.”

Looking up, Jay followed his brother's gaze to where Cloe stood with the others who had been watching their exchange but had the courtesy not to interrupt. If he didn't know any better, Jay might interpret the look on Archer's face to be tenderness.

“She means that much to you?”

“Yeah,” The young blond nodded his shaggy head as though surprised at his own admission. “Yeah she does.” Another minute of silence passed between them before Archer whispered. “I'm glad you made it.”

Jay smirked. “Were you worried about me little brother?”

The younger boy scoffed as if insulted. “Worried about YOU? Get real. Like anything bad could ever happen to 'Captain America' here.”

Laughing Jay shook his head in amusement. Oh how he'd missed this. “Love you too Ved.”

author's note: Ved(Archer)'s picture has been added to my website under Tribal Artwork for those who are interested in seeing what he looks like in the story.

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