The Radix

"..." Talking
'...' thinking
((...)) flashback

Chapter Sixteen – Last Thoughts...



“It's just up ahead.” Cloe said reassuringly to Salene who stumbled after her on the narrow path.

The redhead wearyingly gazed at her surroundings. “Bray mentioned something about this being dangerous out here... wild animals and such.”

“Not this close to the perimeter.” Cloe smiled. “Besides, this time of day the worst we have to worry about is a rabid opossum.” At Salene's horrified look, she laughed. “I'm kidding.”

“Funny. You can't blame me for worrying though. What with all the security you've got around here. What exactly are you guarding against? Do you have trouble with rival tribes?”

“Not really. Tribes I mean. The entire preserve is fenced in. Back during the end times it was rumored that the government had loads of different animals placed here to keep them safe. Wild cats, dogs, even some zoo animals. But you know how rumors can be. After awhile people believed there were man eating lions in here.” Cloe laughed. “After we beat the Technos and ventured out, we found a couple small tribes in the abandoned neighborhoods off the highway. They pointed us towards Trader's port, which lives up to it's name. You can get nearly anything there... for the right price.”

“And they've never given you any trouble?”

Cloe shook her head. “Aside from a dodgy dealer now and again, they leave you to your business.”

“So,” Salene avoided tripping over a pile of dry branches. “If you're not worried about other tribes...?”

“Well,” The younger girl made a face. “The thing is, there are SOME dangerous animals out here. Wild boars, Fisher cats, even dogs that have gone feral. You definitely don't want to get stuck out here, defenseless, at night. But like I said, they mostly stay away from the perimeter and they're rarely a threat during the day. And just to be extra careful, we set traps to deter them from coming too close to the compound.”

Though she didn't look entirely convinced, Salene gave Cloe a small smile. “Guess that explains why you lot seem ready for invasion all the time.” She joked.

Cloe smirked before growing sober. “To be honest, I think that's exactly it.”

“Exactly what?”

“I think maybe, we ARE preparing for an invasion.”

Utterly confounded. “Who from?”

Cloe shrugged. “ANYONE. Look Salene, every time we've been taken over by some nut job, power hungry tribe or other, we've been unprepared. Things were always just starting to get better and we let our guard down because we thought we were safe. Basically, I think the whole thing has made us all paranoid. We're not about to be caught with our pants down again. Especially now that we've got something worth keeping.”

Salene considered such reasoning and admitted to herself that it was definitely better to be safe rather than sorry. She was about to ask her next question about rules when Cloe's gentle hand on her arm brought her from such thoughts.

“We're here... look.”

Looking around Salene realized they'd come to a small glade where the midmorning sun poured in, unhindered. The ground was covered with feather soft moss, small boulders scattered throughout. The beams of light caught remnants of pollen and ragweed floating in the air. It gave the area an ethereal quality, as though they'd come upon a bubble of magic in the forest. Adding to the elvish atmosphere was the faint hint of music floating in the wind.

“Oh my...”

Cloe smiled at the awe on her companion's face. “Up there.” She pointed.

Salene followed Cloe's line of sight and gasped. Above their heads were nearly a hundred wind chimes of all sorts. They were made of small stones, sticks, colored plastic, driftwood, feathers, reeds, leather, glass... all strung together with twine, string, bits of thin rope. They danced around in the breeze, some producing staccato drum beats, others a hollow, mourning sigh, while still others made sweet, high pitched whistles. Together they created a plethora of sound that was surprisingly pleasant and soothing to the spirit.

“Oh Cloe!” Salene found herself speechless as she walked about aimlessly, entranced by the sight. “This is...”

“I know.” The young teen smiled and perched herself on a smooth boulder.

“There are no words.” They said nothing for awhile, just absorbing the calm atmosphere. Finally Salene took a cleansing breath and smiled at Cloe. “It's beautiful. What are they for?”

“For those we want to remember.” Cloe whispered reverently.

“Like a memorial?”

A nod. “It was Rider's idea actually. Have you met Rider? Funny guy that one.” Cloe looked distracted for a brief moment before shaking her head. “He says there's a tribe in Cambodia that doesn't believe in marking a person's death. Instead they celebrate their lives with wind chimes like these. They believe that when the wind blows and they dance, it's really the spirits of those that have passed on saying hello.” She sniggered lightly. “Or something to that effect.”

“It's a nice thought.” Salene nodded. “A lot more comforting than a grave stone.”

“That's what I think.” The smaller girl moved towards the outer circle of chimes and pointed at one made from pieces of blue and red bottle glass, multi colored beads, a couple bright feathers and strips of some gauzy material. “That's for Patsy.”

Standing next to her pseudo daughter, Salene placed an arm around the slim shoulders as they both stared up at Patsy's wind chime, the translucent colors dancing on their skin. “She would've loved it.”

Swallowing back thoughts of the past Cloe pointed to another chime. “See the one made of river reeds? The one that sounds like an actual flute?” Salene nodded. “Dozer made that. Not sure for who. You wouldn't know it to look at him but he's really good at the nature stuff. Better than Taisan even. He made this antidote for snake bites from the venom. Saved more than one life with that. Mine included. He kinda reminds me of Pride.” Salene stiffened at the name. “A warrior for nature.” She paused. “I miss him sometimes.”

“Who? Pride?”

“Yeah. When I saw all of you I'd hoped he had come here too. But I guess I'm not too surprised he went back to the Ecos. He never did like the city.”

“No,” Salene looked down mournfully, memories threatening to overwhelm her. “he didn't.”

Catching the change in tone, Cloe studied her friend's expression. “Salene? What's wrong?”

“I'm sorry Cloe. It's just... Pride didn't go back to the Gaians. He... he died.”

“Oh Salene. I'm so sorry. I know how much he meant to you.”

Waving off the young girl's attempts at comfort, Salane forced a smile. “It's alright. He's in a better place now.”

“How? When?”

Salene swallowed, remembering the circumstances leading to Pride's death. “The Technos. Just after we brought Ram down.”

“Oh. I'm sorry.”

“It's not your fault.”

“I know. It's just...” Cloe faltered,

“I wasn't taking a shot at Ved.” Salene assured quickly. “I mean Archer. I know you care about him.”

“He's really not that bad.” Cloe smiled coyly. “I mean, I know he was never nice to any of you but...”

“But he was nice to you.”

“Yeah. At least MOST of the time.”

“So, are the two of you... ya know?”

A blush. “Sort of. I'm still putting him through the paces. He has a lot to make up for.”

“Dangling him from a string are we?” Both girls giggled. “Why Cloe, you little minx.” There was a pause. “Do THEY know... that he's a Techno? Or at least WAS?” Cloe nodded slowly, her smile fading. “I just wondered. I mean, considering their attitudes towards Technos and everything. He seems to fit in all right.”

“Not at first. When he came here, he was in a bad way. Ram had done something to him. He told me it was because he found what Ram was hiding. Information about this place. He was looking for me.” She blushed again before clearing her throat and continuing. “Anyway, he was branded a traitor in their eyes. The Technos treated him worse than the rest of us. I couldn't believe they would do that to one of their own. On top of that, none of the others would have anything to do with him.”

“Not even you?”

Cloe looked embarrassed. “I was angry with him Salene. He was horrible to me and he lied about The Game and how dangerous it was. Actually, I think it was kinda good for him in a way. He learned what it feels like to be treated like rubbish.”

“A bit of humble pie I take it.”

“Yeah.”

“So what changed their minds about him?”

“Kye actually.”

Salene frowned. “Which one is he?”

Laughing Cloe shook her head. “You'll figure it out eventually. He got Ved interested in Archery. Helped him find his feet and all that.”

“Slapped some sense into him then.” Salene laughed and Cloe joined her.

“That's it. He started trying to be nice to people. But I guess the clincher was when he took a really awful beat down... for me and a couple other kids. It's when the Technos started torturing us for no reason. Ved saw it and tried to stop them.” Cloe hugged herself. “Oh Salene, it was awful what they did to him. We didn't see it but we could hear his screams all over the compound. Afterward they just threw him outside and left him in the dirt. He was unconscious for weeks!”

“That's horrible!” Salene shuddered.

“I know. I guess everyone thought differently about him after that. By the time he came to, we'd unofficially made him one of our own. And of course I decided to give him another chance.” Cloe had a faraway look on her face. “I mean, he must really care about me to go through all that.”

Salene gave her a small smile. “Yeah. I'm sure he does.”

Pulling herself out of dark thoughts, Cloe beamed at her surrogate mother. “Did you have a good time earlier? With Dozer and Trudy?”

“Um...” Salene took a moment to consider this as flashes of the morning ran through her head. Dozer had been like a little boy in a sweet shop. One could almost forget that he was handling what was once LIVE animals. It had been surprisingly clean as he took great consideration of his squeamish audience. Brady even helped him salt a Stag skin. She gleefully poured, he rubbed it in (just as giddy as the preschooler in his company). Trudy, she noticed, seemed happier than she'd been in quite some time, if the bright smile playing on her lips all morning said anything. All and all, though it wasn't exactly Salene's cup of tea, it had at the very least, been enlightening. “It was... interesting. Dozer kept his word and took me round the animal pens. It really is amazing what you lot have accomplished here.”

“I know. It's nice to see everyone working together. It's like being apart of a family again. Like the Mallrats used to be.”

Salene frowned. “USED to be? Cloe, I know we had it rough but we were always a family.”

“I dunno Salene.” The younger of the two shook her head awkwardly. “Towards the end it seemed like we were more of a drop-in refuge.”

“Yeah well...” The redhead didn't exactly have an argument for that.

Cloe stood, obviously uncomfortable with the subject. “And we certainly didn't work together. Not really. I mean, not like we did in the beginning.”

“Cloe, we fought like mad cats and dogs in the beginning.”

“Yeah, but we still worked together. I mean, Bray got us what we needed, Lex kept us safe in the mall and Amber took care of everything else. We all got a say in what happened to us. It wasn't perfect but it was home. And then we got the antidote and everything changed.” her pretty face clouded over. “Everyone was doing their own thing, Bray and Danni decided everything FOR us, no one took care of each other anymore. We were too busy trying to change everyone ELSE. It wasn't worth being the richest tribe in the city.” She shook her head in annoyance. “It's no wonder the Chosen took us over.”

Salene sighed. “Cloe, I'm sorry we couldn't protect you from that. But even the most perfect of families have problems.”

“I guess,” Came the unconvinced reply. A dreadfully awkward silence filled with years of unspoken frustrations and disappointments passed between the two girls before Cloe cleared her throat. “We should go back.”

Sad eyes followed the brunette before Salene stood and whispered. “If only it were that easy.”

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“Are you feeling any better?”

Ruby gave Lottie a small smile. “A bit. Have you been behaving yourself?”

“Sure she has.” May offered while the little girl beamed with pride. “And she's made loads of friends already.”

“That's great.” She made to sit up further and winced. May gently lifted her shoulder and placed the pillow behind her back properly.

“Does it really hurt that much?”

“What do YOU think? It's fractured. Didn't they tell you anything?” Ruby's tone was on the side of annoyed. She was sick of being cooped up in bed. Regardless of how much her body needed it.

May had the decency to look chagrined. “Right. Stupid question.”

“Ruby, can I brush your hair?”

“Yes you may.” The blond corrected her charge gently. “I can't imagine how bad my bed head must be. I haven't looked into a mirror in ages.”

“Oh you're holding up just fine honey.” May assured.

“When will you be able to get up?”

Ruby shrugged at Lottie. “I don't know. That Taisan says my body aura is improving a bit more everyday...” May rolled her eyes at that. “but she's not certain when I'll be fit to move about.” Pale eyebrows knitted together in thought. “I have a feeling that weird girl Quinn knows.”

“How?”

“I don't know. She just has that way about her. Like she's keeping some sort of secret. And she's always saying the weirdest things to me offhandedly. Just yesterday she told me that I'd be up and making the same mistakes within a fortnight.”

“The cow!” May quipped irritably.

“But she wasn't even rude about it May. I don't think she meant it as an insult. It was as if she was simply trying to comfort me.”

“Do you believe her?”

Ruby shrugged and winced as Lottie caught a knot. “I don't know. If it were anyone else I wouldn't take it as fact. But with her... There's just something UNREAL about her.”

“Oh great. Another psychic kook.” Ruby laughed. “Next thing ya know, you'll be having your palms read. Why can't people like that just TELL us what's going to happen in terms we can all understand? I mean, if she knows WHEN you'll be on the mend, can't she just say, 'you'll be better by next Wednesday' or something?”

“I take it you've had experience with this before? Ouch!” She frowned at the little girl brushing her tresses. “Gentle Lottie. I'm not a horse.”

“Sorry.”

“You could say that. Living with Taisan was certainly an EXPERIENCE. I'll never understand what Lex sees in her. I mean if it was just the s...”

“May...” Ruby cut in, a warning in her tone as she motioned towards the child in the room.

“...Physical, CREATURE comforts,” The brunette corrected herself with a sly grin. “Then I could understand. I mean, she is cute in an exotic kind of way. But he was almost... obsessed with her. Where she was, who she spent time with. And even now, he's hanging on her elbow like some stray dog at a butcher shop window. I don't get it. They're nothing alike.”

“Have you considered that he might LOVE her May?” Ruby asked reasonably. “Weren't they married before the Technos?”


“If you can call what they had a marriage. Taisan didn't even believe in marriage. She only did it to keep him on a leash. Besides, Lex doesn't know the first thing about love.”

“I don't know.” Ruby shrugged and relaxed into Lottie's brush strokes. “He may not be my type, but he did seem pretty hung up over Siva. Those kind of feelings go a lot deeper than the physical. Anyway, what's your problem with Lex? Or is it Taisan you don't like? What's it to you what they get up to? It's not like you fancy him.”

“No.” May huffed exasperated. I'm just... oh I don't know.” She dropped down at the foot of the bed in irritation. “I'm not having a good day.”

“It's not even Noon.” Ruby giggled.

“Which makes it worse.”

“Well, tell me about it. You'll feel better.”

A pause. “Well... I think it's MEN for one. Or maybe it's me. It's just... I can't seem to attract the nice guys to save my life. Take Lex; I was able to seduce him for one night. But someone like Taisan gets his proposal. Then there's Trader who only ever wanted one thing...”

“Did you?” Ruby's eyes blazed with curiosity. “With him, I mean.”

May shrugged, somewhat embarrassed. “Only once. I HAD to. Salene was sick.”

“Are you two talking about sex?” The little girl sniggered.

“Lottie.” Ruby chastised and May grimaced at her childish response. “Go on.” The blond gently coaxed her friend.

“Then we get here and the first guy to even look at me, thinks skinning dead animals is a good time. Whatever happened to a walk through the lane?” Ruby tried to stifle her laughter but at May's wary grin she gave in. They took a couple minutes to compose themselves before the brunette became sober. “Oh, and let's not forget that the one guy I ever loved, used me and then wound up dead because of me.”

“Don't do that May.” Ruby intoned, suddenly as serious as her friend. “That's a dangerous line of thought.”

“I know, I know.”

Ruby regarded her companion's solemn expression for a moment. “Hey, it's not just you. Look at poor Trudy. She's one of the nicest people I've ever met. And as if it isn't hard enough finding a guy on our own, she's got a kid. Her man jumped into bed with her best friend behind her back.”

“I know.” May shook her head, as though the whole situation was fascinating. “I couldn't believe AMBER, patron saint of all that is moral, would do that to Trudy. And she forgave her. Forgave them BOTH.”

“And Jay came out smelling like roses. Like all men do.” Ruby tsked.

“Scumbags. The whole lot of them.”

“And let's not forget me.” The blond grimaced. “The last guy I was with left me for the anti-Christ.” A couple seconds of silence passed between them before they both broke out in laughter.

“Oh she is the Devil incarnate.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I haven't met a guy who wasn't traumatised by her.”

“Well Slade deserves whatever she can dish out, if he can't see beneath all that Maybelline*.” Ruby pouted. By now both girls had forgotten about the child in their mist who was watching the spectacular conversation like a Tennis spectator, the brush in her hand barely moving. “I could've made him happy, May.” She finished quietly. The dark haired girl nodded in sympathy. “He hasn't been back to see me.”

“No doubt it's the evil witch's fault. He's prob'ly trying to avoid a fight.” May comforted though thoughts of Ebony and Slade's attire (or lack there of) at the last Mallrat meeting ran through her mind. “Don't think about it.” She attempted to change the subject to something less hurtful. “Are you planning on taking the Radix vows?”

Accepting the switch, Ruby shrugged slightly. “I don't know. I'm not even sure I'll be able to go to the ceremony. No one's mentioned it. You?”

“Not sure. Been thinking I might just split. Start over somewhere new.”

“You're leaving the Mallrats?”

“That's just it. If we take the vows, we're ALL leaving the Mallrats. Besides, after everything I've done...“ May looked forlorn. “I'm not even sure they still consider me one of them. Since they let me join them, I've betrayed them at every turn. Especially Salene. Even when she was the only one to vouch for me.”

“That's all in the past May. You've got to let it go.”

“I wish I could.”

“If they've forgiven you, then you've got to forgive yourself.”

“Have they though?” Blue eyes gazed at her sadly. “I try not to think about it but sometimes I can't even look them in the eyes, wondering what they all think of me. Sometimes I even think they only let me stay with them because that's just what they do. I'm only in their good books now because I helped them commandeer Trader's boat.”

“Well, you were in MY good books long before that.” Ruby soothed genuinely. “You're a good person May. Someday you'll see it.”

The two friends shared a small smile in the silence that followed. Lottie soon grew bored and began to fidget. “All finished.”

“Oh,” Ruby flushed slightly. “Thanks Lottie. How's it look?”

“Perfect.”

Embarrassed that she'd spilled so much of herself in front of an audience, May stood and awkwardly played with her hands. She wanted to leave and yet she knew she didn't feel quite as comfortable anywhere else. “I'm gonna take a quick breather. You want anything?”

Ruby scrunched up her pretty face in thought. “Actually, I could use more of that great pain reliever Quinn gave me. It's better than paracetamol*.”

Nodding, the brunette made for the door. “I'll see what I can do.”

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Jay watched Amber bounce lil Bray on her knee, a content smile dancing on his lips. She was with a handful of the tribal women and their children, including Trudy, Alice and Ellie. Brady and a five year old boy by the name of Nathan had bonded over handfuls of granola. The small brunette apparently brought out the mischievous side of her. They both ran circles around the legs of their exasperated minders, identical giggles bubbling out of their sticky little mouths. His mood being as it was, Jay was tempted to join in with their infectious laughter.

His had been a pleasant morning full of surprises. Ved hadn't been exaggerating about his skills in the slightest. He'd followed his brother and Kye into the woods not far outside of the village perimeter. When he asked if they were the only archers in the Radix he was met with laughter.


((“Course there are others.” Archer stated what HE thought was obvious without offering further explanation.

Kye, seeing Jay's confusion, took pity on him. “What he means is that we won't need them for only a couple dozen birds. Pheasants especially. Archer could prob'ly take care of the lot on his own.” The blond admitted graciously. “But I'm not about to let him have all the fun.”

“That good eh?” Jay eyed his brother as he readied his bow.

“You doubt it?” The younger teen grinned impishly. “Kye, we have a disbeliever in our midst.”

“Can't have that now, can we? Demonstration?”

“Set me up.”

“How many?”

A pause before Archer shrugged slightly. “Try for... three to five.”

“Are we being modest?”

“No one likes a show off.”

Jay watched in ignorance as Kye rummaged through his pack and marveled at the display of playful banter. It had been a long time since he'd witnessed Ved without his usual defense mechanism of bristled arrogance. The two teens in his company acted more than familiar... they behaved like brothers. While Jay knew this development was a definite improvement, it couldn't prevent him from feeling a bit jealous. Finally Kye made a little noise of triumph as he pulled a palm sized package from his pack. From where Jay was standing, it resembled a small bean bag with a bit of string sticking out of it.

“Fireworks.” The long haired boy answered his inquisitive expression. “Gets them out of the brush and into the air.” Holding a match to the end of the string he looked at Archer. “Ready?”

“Always.” Came the smug answer, though the tone was laced with humor.

The tiny, homemade bomb was lit and tossed. Just before the serene tableau before them exploded into a loud shower of sparks, Jay realized that his brother had yet to lift his bow. Pop! Snap! Sizzle! Crack! Pheasants took to the sky in panicked chaos, squawking their displeasure. The three teens briefly marveled at the scene with an appreciation that only adolescent boys can.

Suddenly, before Jay's eyes could register the motion, Archer's bow was poised and in quick succession he shot down four birds without pause. Blinking through the now clearing smoke, Jay stared at his little brother with awe. Archer wore the faintest of pleased smiles on his face before it melted into a cocky smirk as he turned to his companions. He raised a silent eyebrow at his older sibling causing Jay to chuckle.

“Alright, alright. You're obviously really good. What I wanna know is how?”

“My turn.”

Nodding to Kye, Archer took a fireworks pouch. “Found out by accident really. I saw 'Legolas'* here making a bow and asked if he knew how to use it.” Lighting the bomb, he tossed it and stepped back to let his friend work. “Then he offered to teach me. The rest just came naturally.”

“Except your technique.” Kye quipped as another small explosion sent the pheasants into a startled flurry. He paused before sending a volley of four into the air at once. Three hit their mark, their victims falling back down to earth in a graceful descent.

“Yeah well, we can't all be Jedi's*.”

Ignoring the vaguely familiar references Jay favored them both with a puzzled frown. “But how did you get so fast? And accurate?”

“I told you. I'm naturally talented.” Archer's playful smirk faded at Kye's sarcastic snort. One withering glare and the long haired blond went off to gather their game, smothering his laughter all the way. With a roll of his eyes Archer turned back to his brother. “Actually, I don't know where the speed comes from. I think it might REALLY be natural.” He favored his sibling with a small smile of pride. “The rest isn't much different than writing out computer programs, working equations. Ya know, E equals M C squared. I calculate the variables in my head for the best shot. Wind speed, angle, distance, weight... It's better than any computer game I've ever played.”))


Jay smiled again as the kids continued to elude their captors. He thought of the pride in his brother's eyes at having accomplished something he wouldn't have previously attempted in his dizziest daydreams. Jay wondered if the lack of his own presence may have done Archer some good. Given the teen room to grow without needing to fight his way from under his older sibling's smothering shadow.

A peal of laughter dragged him from his thoughts and he watched as Amber got down on the ground so that Bray could join in on the fun. Jay chuckled as mother pretended to be tackled by son. He loved watching the two of them together. It was obvious just how much Amber adored her child and would do anything for him. And little Bray looked up at his mother with an unmatched devotion. She was his definition of love.

Suddenly realizing that he wasn't alone in his observation, the blond turned to see that Cipher had discreetly joined him. Jay's body stiffened at the presence of the other man. He knew Cipher was gazing upon the scene before them with the same sense of awe. It angered Jay knowing the brunette had more right to enjoy the sight of mother and child than Jay ever would. Angered him knowing that it was this other man whom had given Amber the great joy of her life and not him.

"Do you love her?" Cipher spoke unexpectedly.

Though startled, he managed to answer without missing a beat. “Yes.”

“And him?”

The second question had Jay stumped for a few seconds before he realized what the absentee father was talking about. He nodded solemnly. “If she'll let me.”

There was silence as they continued to watch the others playing. Amber and Bray made no noticed that they had an extra audience. Both content and captivated with one another's company.

"Good." Cipher finally spoke again after many tense minutes. Then he turned and walked away from the happy sight.



*The name of a popular brand of cosmetics
*Pain killer
*You're forgiven if you're unfamiliar with “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Legolas was a blond, long haired elf who favored a bow. Think Orlando Bloom.
*However, you're not forgiven if you haven't seen a single “Star Wars” flick since it's first release in 1976. Nearly everyone in the free world should know what a Jedi master is. Come on young ladies... Hayden Christiansen!