*~*~ You can touch, you can kiss, you can try 2 resist but u know, dont u know, that ya...Cant Fight The Moonlight*~*~ Part:1 "Y'r insane Lex!" Amber yelled "You got any better idea's Queen Eagle?" "Maybe an underground ressistance would be better, build up the freetribes!" Bray rorted "Are we gonna get them outta there or play Robin Hood?" Ebony snarled "Since when do u care about the Mall Rats?" Bray snapped Everyones silence was broken by a yawn from Lex. "Fine then, shall we go bust in?" Amber said sarcastically as a reply for lex. "Well we can overpower the chosen at the Mall so we can free the Mall rats, well have 2 see about the rest..." said Pride "GREAT!! We leave at first light!" Lex said and they settled down for the night. *~*~*~*~ Ebony came and sat by Lex b4 going 2 bed. "Y'r going about this the wrong way.." Ebony said. "How so?" Lex casually asked "Y'r Letting y'r longing to see Tai-San again prevent u from seeing the bigger picture" Ebony said quietly "Since when do u care so much?!" Lex asked, "Has there ever been any1 more important 2 u than u?!" Ebony sighed and rolled her eyes. "You were never a Mall Rat, why are you so keen to rescue them? They held u prisioner, stole y'r slaves, caused a riot they nearly lost u y'r tribe..I believe were y'r exact words when I asked u 4 help when Top Hat and his mob invaded the mall!" Lex said. "Why should u care now?!" "That was a long time ago Lex, u gotta let the past go...its the only way.." Ebony said "Well we can see Amber knows that, Bray doesnt..." Lex said "He'll get the picture...when Amber saves the Mall Rats and goes back 2 Queen Eagle of the jungle freaks...y'll see!" Ebony said confidently "And if not?" Lex questioned "Let me guess umm...u guys had another baby! Yeah! and the eternal triangle re-emerges!" "SHUT IT LEX!" Ebony snapped "Get some sleep like a good boy, play times over!" *~*~*~ B4 they knew it Pride crept into the Mall with all the Gaians waiting outside, he signalled for Lex 2 follow, Lex knocked over a picture of Zoot on the wall, a chosen guard came 2 investigate. Pride grabbed his neck and knocked him out. "Be more careful Lex" Pride said "WILL DO!!" Lex said Egarly and put on the chosen robe. Pride exited and Lex went 2 find Tai-San............ Lex covered Tai-Sans eyes and then she turned around. She and Lex embrased in a big hug then passionate kiss. *~*~*~ "Eagle, do not worry so much!" Pride said "They'll be fine!" "They need backup!" Amber said pacing up and down the room. "Bray needs to come in and see the guardian, then we come..." Pride replied. "What if they take him hostage?" Amber said frightened "Bray knows what he's doing!" Said Pride "Bray follows his instincts, not common sense! U have no idea of the dangers of the tribe who control the city..." Amber said "I think i've seen enough of the chosen 2 make my own determination of it" Pride said "ok, the chosen are namely the worst, did u recieve the wrath of the locos or demon dogs?!" Amber said, "Zoot? his second leader, Ebony?" "Have u any idea of the pain and torture she caused?" Amber continued, "Did u give up y'r dreams of a paridise home in the country to save a young girl who needed help and find a lonely shopping mall, be stupid enough to let Lex stay, let Bray in, fight to keep democracy alive in this trashed world?" Amber said with a tear in her eye "I endured so much standing alone, being told i was looking to the past, strove for a better world?!" Poor Amber couldnt help but be dragged into a bunch of meaningful and painful memories ***"U know the rules Amber, look after number 1!" said Dal "She needs help!" said Amber "We all need help, thats just the way things are.." Dal said "Y'll have 2 go without me....I cant leave her, Dal!" Amber said sadly "Hey, thats ok, we've come this far together!" said Dal **We've gone through too much, just 2 stand aside and let some1 else take over, so if they want what we've got...they're gonna have 2 fight us 4 it! And we're gonna win, am i right?" Amber shouted "yes" Every1 quietly said "I SAID AM I RIGHT?!?!?!" Amber yelled "YEAH!!!!!!" Every1 shouted as the alarms went off. ***"Isnt it worse 2 live a lie? Pretend 2 be some1 y'r not? I mean what about love, Amber? Doesnt that count for anything?!" Bray said. ***"u keep outta this! Its nothing 2 do with u!" amber shouted "Maybe not, but then again i've never taken y'r advise Amber, why start now? Look, i dont know why u think he's in love wiv Ebony but y'r wrong, y'r so wrong its not even funny!" Lex said, "If he wanted 2 run off with Ebony why did he comeback and rescue us?! Because he loves u.. and u love him! Thats y'r cue 2 kiss her, do i have 2 tell u how 2 do everything??"*** "Eagle I..." Pride said "It doesnt matter Pride, but i cant leave Bray in there alone, he'll get himself hurt! I cant leave him, i'm sorry..." Amber ran off to the Mall b4 Pride could stop her............ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 2: "Bray?? BRAY?!" Bray turned around and smiled "Just like old times, eh?!" He said The trip alarm went off, amber jumped into Bray's arms automatically from the shock without realising what she did. He held her tightly an longingly. The moonlight rays shimmering over her skin, she was so beautiful he wanted to hold her forever. Realising what she did, she pulled away and mumbled an appology. Bray could see how she really felt, why was she hiding it? Bray heard the guards comming and begged her 2 go back to Rebel HQ "I'm not leaving u alone!" she stubornly said "PLEASE AMBER!! I cant risk losing you again!" He begged She moved aside as the guards came in and hid behind a tank in the sewers. The guards found Bray and dragged him to the guardian, Amber cautiously followed them without being seen.... *~*~*~*~ Lex and Ebony watched the Mall in their stolen chosen robes, Lex saw a chain guard hasseling Tai-San and couldnt take it anymore, his attempt to lunge at him was stopped by Ebony "R U CRAZY?!" Ebony asked "TOO RIGHT!" Lex snapped "Y'r an oxe head Lex! Who's side r u on?" "MINE! I'm on my side! And Tai-San's! Look at what those creeps are doing!" Lex snapped "They'll do alot worse if u try anything now!" She said "BUNCH OF MANIACS!" Lex rorted "Maniacs?! That the best name you can call them?!" Ebony laughed Lex rolled his eyes "What do we do then?!" Ebony asked "Take Miss Supreme Fruitcake over there hostage!" Lex said triamphantly "And u really think the chosen would care? They just used her 2 capture us, and Brady she'll be kicked out soon enough!" Ebony said "The guardian?" Lex questioned "Get him, u got em all" Ebony said Lex let out a sly grin. and walked into the Mall *~*~*~*~ Bray was being held, the guardian. "We meet again my brethren" The Guardian said confidently. "This should be the last..." Bray replied "Indeed it shall, Zoot will be expecting you soon....." The guardian said with a sly grin "NOT IF I HAVE A SAY IN IT!!" Bray said Amber signalled the Gaians and they all came to attack. Finally when the chosen situated in the Mall threw up their hands in defeat, Bray held a spear to the guardian's throat. "Get a feeling we've been here b4?" asked Bray, "I refused, they say we learn from our mistakes and dont repeat them....." Bray said "If it is Zoots will..then yes, but his teachings SHALL go on...." the guardian said Bray tightened his grip. "Wheres Danni?" Bray asked "With the other leaders!" The guardian said "WHERE?" Bray demanded "Kill me and y'll never know!" the guardian said. "Dont listen 2 him!!" Trudy yelled, "He's tricking you, Bray! Danni's already dead, i'm sorry!" Trudy said as an attempt to get onto the winning side. Bray turned in shock, his automatic responce was to look 2 Amber for support. Amber felt a tear form in her eye, she never knew Danni, but she felt Bray's pain, it was a thumping piercing pain, she felt a lump in her throat, she threw her arms around his neck, "I'm so sorry Bray..." Amber said "Bray held her close, kissed her hair lightly, he missed her so much.. They were separated by realising the chosen army had marched in to help the chosen. Amber and Pride signalled the Gaians to leave, Amber and Bray managed to grab Cloe as they were running out. The rest of the Mall Rats remained captive. It was just the Gaians, Pride, Amber, Bray, Ebony, Lex and Cloe out, it would take a miracle 2 get the rest of the mall rats out......let alone the city!................. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 3: "Its gonna b dark soon" Ebony pointed out "Ah! Little miss state the obvious re-emerged?" Lex asked "SHUT IT LEX!" Ebony said "Awww! Arnt u just soo happy about our little triamph 2day? We really defeated em! U really made him sorry! We did absolutely nothing! We've blown our cover, they're gonna built up faster!" Lex commented "Then so have we!" Amber snapped "At least we got Cloe out! And the Mall Rats know we're ok and gonna get them out!" she continued "And when exactly will that be?! U think y'r eco-munchkins will save the day?" Ebony commented "AWW! SHUT UP EBONY!" Amber yelled "What did u say?!" Ebony stupidly asked "U heard me, y've caused enough trouble, u dont like it u can go..no one will miss u!" Amber replied. Ebony stared at her evily, Amber was back..... They left for the Gaian camp and stayed the night there....they had a tough day ahead of them............ *~*~*~*~*~ Bray heard a knock on his bedroom door in the morning, he had a splitting headache. "aww, err, come in" He said softly Amber came in with a breakfast tray "U ok? U had a nasty hit, u hungry?!" She asked "Yea! Thanks, starved! Queen Eagle serving brekkie in bed?!" he commented "Dont u get used 2 it!" She laughed "U had a nasty bump, i was worried" "u were worried about me?" he questioned "I am human u know! Somethings DO scare me!" she joked. "u remember what happened?!" she questioned "Not that much, just up to where we got out and a chosen knocked me out, i remember you jumping to the alarm in the sewers!" he laughed. Amber blushed and looked embarressed. "You remember the guardian.." Amber asked "Yea, history repeats itself...alot" "How so?" Amber asked "Well one minute u can kill the guardian, u have absolute power, then the army show and y'r history!" Bray said. "u know wot he sed 2 me on the beach?" "What?!" Amber asked "That it was amazing because i had the blood of Zoot in my veins and no VISION...!!" "No vision?" Amber said, "Thats wot u live on!" "Yeah well, he also said it was my foolish dreams that cost me the lives of the two women i loved...." "My so-called death wasent y'r fault..." Amber admitted "But Danni's was..." Bray said "Bray I......" Amber said "Dont Amber...." Bray said interupting her, "I'm over it, u gotta let the past go..its the only way..whats done is done!" Bray said sharply "u may feel that way now but...one day it'll hit u and her death will hurt you alot, u will hurt and it always helps for some1 2 be there...." Amber said "I dont want u 2 feel an obligation to look after me because u feel sorry for me or are worried..." Bray said sadly "I'm not," She interupted him, "Anyway isnt that wot u did when Sasha left me?" Amber asked "No! No! I was crazy about you way before Sasha even came along! All that time I spent moping around 4 u, I despised Sasha for the way u felt about him, i thought, why cant she love me like she loves him?! He cant possibly love her as much as I do!!" Bray continued down memory and, "And I did, Amber! I really did! I still do.." Bray quietly said. Amber got a bit uneasy in the conversation and felt an urge to express herself 2 him, but couldn't, "I'm sorry Bray, we got a very long day 2 get through, i'll get some herbal remidies for y'r head and asprin from Dal, not much we can do 2day, Prides gonna spy around the city and we'll do something 2morrow, try and get some rest......." Amber said and left. Bray was very upset, he pushed her too far, she felt the same as he did! She was just scared of the Amber she used 2 be, Amber wasent dead, not at all, she'll come through she has 2!! But what if she never comes round? Bray started humming a song that reminded him of the new her.... "Do you believe we could start again? Be the way we were then? Am I wrong in thinkin' that we could turn back the clock? You never knew how much I really needed you too, and now y'r gone its too late 'cos i've lost u..... This is the place where we laughed, where we danced, where we walked in the rain, now its not the same. This is where you cried and I wiped all the tears from y'r face, This is the place. I really wanna hear u call my name, and tell myself that we could do it again, should be really easy not the end.. We're made for each other, a friend and a lover. I really wanna lose myself in you, No one else could love you the way that I do, and everytime I find somebody new... Thats when I discover, theres nobody other, other than u..... You never knew how much, I really needed u 2, and now y'r gone and its too late cos i've lost u....... This is the place where we laughed, Where we danced, where we walked in the rain now its not the same. This is where u cried and i wiped all the tears from y'r face.... This is the place. Do you believe we could start again? Be the way we were, the way we were then?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bray thought long and hard about amber, how was he going to win the love of his life back? Would the real Amber ever come back? Or is she really dead and buried?!?!?! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 4: Hey Lex.." Amber said "Yes?!" he grunted "Whoa, waz up wiv u?" She asked "I'm worried about Tai-San! Wheres Pride?!" Lex snapped "He's alot more capable than u of keeping an eye on things" Amber sed "When why did Ebony and I find him?" Lex asked "Maybe he wanted u 2, he'd neva b seen unless he wanted, he's got skills that u wont get in the city.." Amber sed "What jungleman/Robin Hood?" Lex commented sarcastically. "I know I shouldn't expect more of u Lex, but please take this seriously..." She continued, "This is our choice between life and death.." "Maybe, but then again i've never taken y'r advise Amber, Why start now?" Lex said "Y'll never change, same old Lex!" Amber said a bit annoyed at his efforts of co-opperation. "Yeh?! Well same old Amber!" He rorted, "Bossin ye way in and takin over!" "U got alot 2 learn Lex!" amber said. "And take it easy, Brays injured and had a rough time..." Amber said sympathetically "Wot u and loverboy got it on already?!" Lex said sarcastically "Lex go make y'rself useful, wherever that is!" Amber snapped and walked out.... "Gocha girlie! its only a matter of time b4 u break...." Lex said. ~*~*~*~*~ You are missin' in my heart...... Tell me why I cannot be there where u r.. Show me the meaning, of being lonely, is this the feeling...I need 2 walk with? Tell me why..I cant be there, where you are?! Theres somethin' missin' in my heart.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amber walked into Brays room. "Back so soon?" He questioned "Ah well, u know its only been 6hours!" she joked "SIX HOURS????" He asked, "How long was I asleep?" He said shocked "I think u may have answered y'r own question......" She said "Prides back, we got good news.." she said, "and bad" as her voice trailed off "what?!" Bray asked "Its the chosen...." Amber said "How bad?" bray said "Not too much, yet, they've left the city.." "Surely thats great news?!" Bray said "No Bray its not......Theres more...and about me, i didnt tell u b4, well because I thought Ebonys lies were true, but..." her voice trailed off... "Amber, please! Just tell me....." "Ok but dont upset y'r self over it....." "It was a long time ago, but feels like yesterday........." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 5: "Amber, please just tell me!" Bray said desperately "Its not that bad, well not 4 me but the chosen...." Bray looked at her worridely as if the chosen had hurt her. "Well...After the explosion, after I was made a Gaian..Pride and I were scouting the forest, before the chosen attacked, they were living in that old building, about a few miles from the farmgirls, they have big resources there, Bray. Now that they've left the mall, they're up there adding to their main army right now, our attack opened their eyes, theres no way we can defeat them now..." Amber said sadly. "What are you suggesting we do?!" Bray asked confused "Theres not much we can do right now..." Amber replied. "We cant just do nothing!" Bray said "That's not what I'm suggesting!" Amber said "Then wot, Amber?! What do we do?" Bray asked very worridely "Wait, catch them off their guard, get the Mall Rats, then gather the free tribes for underground ressistance." Amber said, "Once we have the Mall Rats....The chosen will think we have what we want, and think we have no reason 2 fight them anymore...." She continued, "We'll just have 2 hold off for longer....." Amber said. "At least come back 2 the mall!" Bray begged "Its unsafe, Bray. Besides, my home is with the Gaians!" she said, "They need me!" ***Amber had a flashback of when Sasha wanted her 2 leave the mall rats.... "Come with me, Amber!" Sasha begged "I cant! I just cant! They need me, the Mall rats are my family I cant abandon them!" Amber sobbed ****"We're at the beggining of something new here...not the end! We are now Mall Rats, joined in family unity as brothers and sisters forever, more than a name...its a future." Tai-San sed *****"How are you? Bray asked "I'm ok, " Amber smiled, "You?" "Oh er never better!" Bray replied "Bray...It this Top Hat guy really that bad?" Amber asked "Lets hope we never get 2 find out..." Bray sed, "But I brought you something, a token, incase well.." Bray said and handed her a key ring with three keys on. "The peace symbol." Amber smiled "From before I thought I could change the world...Before it changed forever without telling me first.." Bray sed "What are they?" Amber asked "Thats my front door, back door...and...padlock to my first bike!" Bray and Amber laughed. "The keys to my heart.." He said "I havent got anything 4 u..." Amber sed feeling guilty. Bray shrugged. "No, wait.." Amber said and put the keys down and took a ring off her finger and handed it 2 him, "This ring...my dad gave it 2 me" Amber said. ***** ****"Hey that was not fair!" Trudy saod running down the stairs following amber. "Ok so i'm a monster but some1's gotta hold this place together!" Amber sed "I know! And salene was just helping by making the kids happy!...Look I know y'r upset about Bray...." "Its not just Bray!" Amber shouted desperately "Fine then whatever it is y'r not being rational!" Trudy said "I beg y'r pardon?" Amber sed confused "Amber! This rescue plan...its not realistic!" Trudy sed "So u think I should just drop it?" Amber asked "Yes!" Trudy shouted, "Y'r gonna get y'rself killed and anyone who's helping you!" "Ok then...What If Ebony had taken Brady instead...Would u just leave her there...?" Amber asked painfully "Thats not the same!" Trudy sed defensivly "Isn't it?!" Amber asked, "y've got the person u love most in the world right here with you! Mines being held prisioner, so dont tell me theres something wrong about trying to get him back!" Amber shouted and ran off. ****"We've gone through too much just 2 stand aside and let someone else take over! So if they want what we've got....They're gonna have 2 fight us 4 it!" Amber said as tribe circus was about 2 attack.***** Amber snapped outa the painful memories and almost broke down in tears...but couldn't show her weak side 2 Bray..... "Amber..Amber?!!" Bray sed "What?!" Amber asked "Please, just promise y'll come back 2 the mall with us!" Bray begged "I cant promise that Bray...." amber said "No! I refuse to believe the Amber we all know and love is dead...shes right here! Hiding under a new identity cos she thinks if she shows shes still Amber...Shes scared of getting her heart broken!" Bray said Amber sighed sympathetically, "No, Bray.." "Dont Amber! You know i'm right...you left because you thought i betrayed you! Now you know the truth! So why are you still hiding?!" Bray asked tears streaming down his eyes. "Y'r wrong Bray.." Amber sed "That so?!" Bray asked, "But why? Please tell me why?" He sobbed. Amber remembered the pain in his eyes and that she felt 4 him when he found out Danni was dead... "Ok, I'll come back 2 the mall!" Amber agreed out of sympathy for her true love, "But I must see the gaians regularly and get guards for safety, Pride will lead the Gaians in my absense and Panther can come with us..And Tally." Amber compromised "Who are they?" Bray asked "Panther is like deputy...and a good friend..strong and dependant like Lex, but not so rash or basic idiot" she laughed. "And Tally?!" Bray asked "She's like a little sister 2 me...shes only a year younger than me...but..shes like Cloe in a way...well I have that kinda relationship with her...i couldnt leave her!" Amber said "Like you couldn't leave Cloe?" Bray asked ****she remembered saving Cloe "You know the rules Amber, look after number one!" Dal sed "She needs help!" Amber argued "We all need help thats just the way things are, lets just go..." Dal said "Y'll have 2 go without me..." Amber saiud sadly as her voice trailed off...Dal looked at her in agreement and understanding "I cant leave her!" Amber said "Thats ok, we've come this far together..." Dal said *****"Amber its dark! We could get lost down here!" Dal said "Dal, lost only matters when you have a home...." Amber sed "Thanx for reminding me, Amber!"**** Amber snapped out of the trail along memory lane...."Yeah kinda like that!" Amber smiled fondly at the memory. "Ok we'll go back 2 the mall tomorrow, you need the nights rest!" Amber said and left "Nite Am!" Bray sed Amber smiled, "Goodnight Bray." ~*~*~*~*~ Amber saw Lex by the camp fire later that night. "I guess Prides told you we're going back.." Amber sed "Yeah.." Lex said "Arnt you happy 2 be going home?!" Amber said "and you its y'r home 2 Amber" he sed "it WAS" Amber sed, "I'm with the gaians!" "I'm the last person y'd expect 2 admit this but...it was difficult without you!" Lex admitted, "You were our friend and we're y'r family...why'd u feel different?" Lex asked "It was a long time ago" Amber sed "You and lover boy seem close again" Lex said changing the subject "I knew you were 2 good 2 be true a minute ago lex!" Amber laughed "Dont get 2 close Amber" Lex said "I dont plan 2!" Amber sed defensivly, "But tell me why you think so?" Amber asked "Cos he'll dump you 4 Danni when he finds her!" Lex sed sympathetically "Shes dead Lex" Amber reminded him "And I suppose u were 2?" Lex questioned, "You really think the Trudy is trustworthy?!" Lex asked "Well she certainly isn't the Trudy I knew..." Amber sed "Yeah well, she probably still has feelings 4 him, and told him Danni was dead.." "Lex!" Amber said uneasy at his suggestion, "Dont, u think like this, keep false hope..y'll get Bray hurt all over again, dont mention this 2 him, Lex! Its the last thing he needs...He gets false hope from you and believes Danni's still alive...he's gonna lose her all over again! And he's not prepaired 4 that." Amber tried 2 explain. "That idea threaten you?!" Lex commented "Get some sleep, Lex! We gotta go back at first light..." Amber sed and departed Amber couldn't sleep. What if Lex was right? Was Danni still alive? If so...what would that mean 4 her and Bray? She still loved him so much, couldn't lose him yet, couldnt let her feelings out.....what was gonna happen???? ~*~*~*~*~* "We ready?" Amber asked every1 nodded. Lex and Bray were really enthusiastic "Are you sure y'r making the right desision Amber?" The pretty tall blonde, blue eyed 14y'r old asked. "Well have 2 see, Look its gonna be ok, Tally! We just have 2 stick together!" Amber said and Amber, Bray, Lex, Dal, Ebony, Panther and Tally left..... ~*~*~*~*~ They finally arrived back at the Mall...it was in ruins...the Zoot picture's scattered broken glass on the walls and 'Zoot' 'POWER & CHAOS!!' spray painted everywhere. "Just like old times!" amber commented everyone else speechless at what those maniacs had done to their home! "We can fix it!" Tally said confidently, "It needs alota work...but not impossible!" Tally reassured them. They all made their ways to their separate rooms....somehow....behind the changes...it didnt feel the same.... ~~~~This is the place where we laughed, where we danced, where we walked in the rain Now its not the same. This is where you cried and I wiped all the tears from y'r face.... This Is The Place Do you believe we could start again? Be the way we were...The way we were then...?~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~So I'll sail from coast 2 coast 2 find the place I love the most...where the skies are blue....I'll see ya once again....my love~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 6: Amber tossed and turned in a cold sweat all night replaying the explosion in her mind. She woke up...barley consious. Her immediate reaction was 2 snuggle close 2 Bray, she leant over to recieve comfort from Bray, he wasent there. Amber fully awoke and convinced herself it was just force of habit, the last time she slept in her own bed in the mall Bray was with her. This was the very same place, her home, where she belonged. Amber finally realised that, things were just so different, the place was trashed yet it held so many painful and happy memories. Ambers deep thoughts were disturbed by Tally bursting in "Amber!! Amber!!" Tally yelled "What?" Amber satup worridly "Its Bray come quick!!!" Tally shouted Amber ran after her.....Was Bray ok? *~*~*~*~*~ Dal crouched over Bray trying to revive him, he got a nasty fall. Amber rushed to his aid, worried she prayed he'd be ok. "WHAT WAS HE DOING OUT IN THE DARK SO LATE??!!!!!" Amber asked angrily. "He was meeting with Pride at Rebel HQ for the rescue mission for the Mall Rats" Panther informed her. "Why was he alone?" Amber said "Why does Bray do anything?!" Salene sighed, "Hes a loner, Amber! Always has been, no one knows where Bray goes" Tears started rushing down Ambers eyes, she never showed emotion, it weakens the character but she couldn't help it, she loved Bray and he was slipping away. *~*~*~*~ Lex and Pride got Bray onto Amber's bed. Amber walked in and said, "Hey Lex u got the wrong room!" she sighed "Too bad!" Lex rorted, "I aint carrying Mr Potatoe sack anymore!" and walked out "Whats beating him?" Amber asked Pride "He's just upset about Tai-San" Pride explained, "He's been like this most of today" Pride explained, "Do you want me 2 move Bray?" he asked "No, its ok" Amber said, "Leave him where he is for now" Pride looked unhappy with the idea but nodded in agreement and left.......... Amber lay down on the bed next to Bray, he was so peaceful, she missed the nights they spent together.....he was gonna pull through.....he had 2 she needed him.... Amber snuggled next to Bray, he was barley awake but managed to respond by resting his head next to hers...they both drifted off to sleep. *~*~*~*~ Amber was jolted awake by thumping and screaming downstairs. She recognised that voice and the sounds, there were chants of Power & Chaos....... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 7: Amber froze. She was sure she heard them... "Power & Chaos!!" "Zoot be praised" She wasent dreaming, she knew it! "BRAY!!" She tried 2 wake him up, "BRAY!!" He just mumbled and went back 2 sleep. She satup and got out of bed and ran down stairs. "Whoa, Amber what are you doing there?!" Lex asked "Quick Lex get everyone out!" Amber yelled "Why?" Lex asked "The chosen!!" Amber shouted, being restrained by Lex while she was trying 2 run out. "What about them?!" Lex asked "They're here!" Amber shouted "Who goldylocks and his funny looking bears?!" Lex joked "Call them whatever u want! The fact remains! Let go Lex!" Amber squirmed, "Let go!" "You've gone mad! The chosen are in the woods, Prides watching them! They're not here!" Lex said, "You look rough, Amber...Bray's gonna be ok and you just need rest!" "This is real Lex! I'm not imagining it! I heard them!" Amber desperately tried 2 get him 2 listen "I was down here guarding all night Amber!! I didn't hear a thing!!" Lex reasoned Amber threw her arms in defeat and stomped up 2 her room ~*~*~*~*~*~ "Whats all the noise about?!" Ebony asked quite anoyed at being woken up. "Amber" Lex rolled his eyes "What about Amber?" Ebony stupidly asked "She thought she heard the chosen, had a fit, got really adgetated. "Amber over reacted like that?" Ebony said surprised. Lex nodded. "Well whoever thought?!" Ebony said "Enough about Amber! What do we do about the real chosen? They've got Tai-San!!" Lex said "I know! Even if we were all blind, deaf and dumb we'd know all about her! Will u shut up already, Lex?!" Ebony said really anoyed "All we gotta do is go in!" Lex said "I know u can't read Lex, try counting!" Ebony shouted. "Hey we could've done it if Bray haden't got in the way!" Shouted Lex, "What happened 2 cutting the head off the snake?" "It didn't work out!" Ebony sourly said "It still could, we just ditch Lover boy and Amber..." Lex said "Why?" Ebony cut him off, "Why leave Bray and Amber?" She questioned. "You really think they'd finish the job?" Lex asked "And you could?" Ebony rolled her eyes "Let me give you a tip lexi! Dont waste y'r time with stupid scams and knicknacks! Its not worth the risk......" Ebony said "Who snapped your knicker elastic?" Lex cut her off. "Listen...I used 2 run the biggest outlet there was!! And now i'm running from it! And I dont plan on doing it forever!!" Ebony shouted "Didn't know you had so much fire 2 let out" Lex said intimidated "Plenty more where that came from!!" Ebony roared "Ok ok!" Lex said, "Lets calm down and get back on subject!" "There's nothing more 2 say Lex, unless we can convert Amber or Bray 2 finish the guardian off and not go by the goody two-shoes line, there's nothing we can do....." Ebony sighed "You think we can convince them 2 kill the guardian?" Lex asked "Well we cant do it alone!" Ebony reminded him "I got Zoot!" Lex said proudly "That was an accident, Lex! As much as y'd like 2 take credit from that....." Ebony said "Ok then!" said Lex, "We gotta convince Amber that ours is the only way 2 go...but how?" "Its gonna take alot, but we can do it!" Lex said confidently rubbing his hands together. ~*~*~*~*~*~ "Hey!" Bray said and walked into the room amber was alone in. "You hiding?" Bray smiled "From what?" Amber asked "The world of Power and Chaos?" Bray teased her, "I heard about y'r little outburst." "Oh...that!" Amber cringed "Yeah" Bray smiled, "You always were...on guard" Bray said trying to find the right words to describe her. "I'm glad you put it so nicely" Amber laughed "It got me thinkin, ya know...." She said "About what?" Bray asked "Reality" Amber said bluntly, "Look, as long as we're here, we're not safe...it's too risky, I have 2 go check out the chosen, rally defenses, that stuff, away from here" Amber said "I'm comming with you!" Bray said quickly "No, you cant..." Amber said Bray looked at her "I mean, someone has 2 stay and mind the mall..." Amber reminded him "They've got Lex!" Bray argued "And he will be rational? Look after the tribe? Be a goodleader? Keep democracy alive?" Amber asked, "Please! Lex only ever looks after number one!" Amber said "He saved me from the chosen on the beach" Bray commented "Oh sure, Lex has his moments, we all do! I'm talking overall, he can't handle it! The tribe needs you!" Amber said, "You were a born leader....I remember having 2 convince u of that a hundred times when we were....when we were....all living in the mall" Amber said trying to avoid the end of her sentance. "Well alots happened and maybe i'm not the leader you thought I once was....." Bray said. Amber was silent "They need you, too Amber!" Bray continued, "What will happen if you go!" "It's a few days Bray!" Amber argued, "And anyway....they we're fine without me before!" Amber said Bray was shocked she said this and remembered after she died...... ********"We've lost two friends today, two fellow mall rats, Amber...our friend, someone who cared, so intelligent, so full of life, a natural leader, someone we could look up 2...we must carry these on in the future...." Tai-San said "What future?! What's the point in carrying on?" Dal asked "Look Dal....Amber meant more 2 you than any of us....." Tai-San said "We trusted you Tai-San! Now Amber's dead, whats the point in carrying on?" Dal snapped, "We trusted you, shes gone forever! Why didn't you see that in your Cristal Ball?" Dal asked***** ******"Look Amber's gone, Bray! I'm sorry..." Lex said sadly "No your lying!!!!!" Bray yelled "Look...you and I are on the same boat, we gotta hold it together or this tribes gonna fall apart!" Lex said "WHAT DO I CARE ABOUT THE TRIBE?!?!??!***** "How can you say that Amber?!" Bray asked tears in his eyes "You wernt there! You didn't see us grieve you....." Bray said "Did you?" Amber asked "How can you ask that! Of course I did!! We all did, Amber!!" Bray shouted "I'm sorry...." Amber said seeing she'd hurt him and threw her arms round him. She was wearing a dark purply turtle neck ong sleeved sweater, he smelt her hair and neck, he missed this, she had the most beautiful smell about her, it hadent changed a bit. "Its ok Amber, everythings gonna be ok!" he said. "But" Amber said "What?" Bray asked "I do have 2 go.....and 2nite would be best" Amber said "No Amber, please just stay a little longer!" Bray begged "The sooner I go...the sooner I return!" Amber reminded him. He agreed. "Come on! Lets go tell the others!" Amber said, she was very confident, same old Amber. ~*~*~*~*~ Tally came into the cafe and made herself a cup of hot cocoa and sat by Cloe. "Hi," Tally said "Hey" said Cloe they hardly knew each other but seemed 2 get along ok yesterday. "So, what did those chosen do 2 u? If u dont mind me asking" Tally asked Cloe "No, I dont mind" Cloe said, "Not much, just put limits on food and made us slaves!" "Slaves?!" Tally asked, "But dont they have enough of those mindless zombies running around for them? Why'd they use you as well?" Tally asked Cloe shrugged and said, "To force us to join them" Cloe cringed at the idea "Did anyone give in....Besides Trudy" Tally asked "Yeah Salene, May and my so-called best friend Patsy" Cloe said sourly "Sorry" said Tally "May only ever looks after number one, Patsy was sucked in before I should of expected it of her but Salene......" Cloe said, "After we thought Amber died, Salene was lik a big sister to me, she was my role model, now she goes and does this..." "Well u think you know someone...." Tally said "What do you mean?" Asked Cloe "Eagle...er Amber! I didn't know she had another life here...." Tally told her "Hey, Cloe, Tally??" Dal shouted "What?!" Asked Cloe "Amber's having a meeting come on!" They walked down 2 the phoenix statue ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Well, as you all know, the chosen are a huge threat" Amber said opening the meeting "Little miss state the obvious" Ebony whispered 2 Lex "Anyway" Amber said trying 2 shut Ebony up, "I have decided the best thing is for me to leave and scout after the chosen and find out what I can" Amber said The silence was broken by Tally, "You can't!" she shouted "I have 2 Tally, If I don't they'll come sooner or later, I wanna be safe than sorry and make sure they're not planning to attack right away!" Amber said defensivly. Tally and Cloe looked disappointed. Ebony didnt look to pleased, Lex seemed happy, Bray was sulking in the corner, not wanting Amber 2 go, he thought it was 2 dangerous. Amber left 2 say her goodbyes 2 everyone, and Bray. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "You don't seem happy" Lex commented to Ebony "I'm not sure Amber leaving is the right thing" Ebony said honestly "Thats the first" Lex said sarcastically, "You we're the one who drove her out last time wern't you?" Lex asked "Oh shut up Lex!" Ebony said, "Just remember one thing...when this is all over i'm outta here, I wasen't the queen of the locos for nothing! Y'll be all alone, Lex! With no big bad Ebony 2 protect you" Ebony snapped and left. "That was a bit over it Ebony" Lex thought 2 himself. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Please Amber!" Bray argued "Nothing you say or do will convince me!" Amber stubornly shouted "We need you!" Bray shouted "Not as much as we need 2 know what the chosen are planning!" Amber argued Bray remembered Ambers strength how were they going 2 survive without her?? ********"We've gone through too much, just 2 stand aside and let someone else take over! So if they want what we've got....they're gonna have 2 fight us 4 it!! and we're gonna win, am I right?!" Amber asked "yep, yeah" Every1 quietly said "I SAID AM I RIGHT?!" Amber shouted "YEAH!!!!" Everyone yelled Amber smiled********* "Amber, you we're the life and soul of the tribe, the spirit, Tai-San said y'r strength provided a reason and solution for everything, so intelligent, so bright, so full of life, a natural leader, someone we could look up 2!" Bray said "I'm sorry Bray but....." Amber said "I can't lose you twice!" Bray pleaded "There's no point in us arguing, I'm going, and thats that!!" Amber said stubornly "I'm sorry" She said and picked up her backpack and hugged Bray and gently kissed him on the cheek and was about 2 walk out when Bray pulled her back and passionatly kissed her, they embraced for a few minutes then pulled out of a kiss into a powerful hug, much like the one they shared on Eagle mountain. Amber was surprised he did it, but happy that he did. "I'll miss you so much" He whispered in her ear. "I'll be back soon," Amber promised "I'll see you in my dreams" Amber said and they both had tears in their eyes as they parted.................. ~~~~~~How can you just walk away from me? When all I can do is watch you leave... 'Cos we shared the laughter and the pain, and even shared the tears.... y'r the only one, who really knew me at all.. so take a look at me now, Cause there's just an empty space and you commin' back 2 me is against the odds and thats what I gotta face..... I wish I could make ya turn around Turn around and see me cry, theres so much i need 2 say 2 you.. so many reasons why.... y'r the only 1 who really knew me at all So take a look at me now.....~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 8: Bray sat alone moping in his bed. How could Amber leave?! It was dangerous and cold out there, safe and warm in the mall. For the first time since they thought Amber was dead...the mall, their home, felt hole again, everything was complete. Everything was gonna be ok. Bray smiled he thought of all the times he felt so alone and lonely, all the dreams he had of Amber surviving, it all finally paid off. Amber was alive and well and she was back with him, the way it was meant 2 be ~~~~We're made for each other a friend and a lover. I really wanna lose myself in you No one else could love you the way that I do And everytime I find somebody new thats when I discover, there's nobody other, other than you.....~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bray still ached at the painful memories of when he just lost Amber, was he really willing to go through that again? ~~~~~Show me the meaning...of being lonely...is this the feeling, I need 2 walk with? Tell me why...I can't be there where you are...there's something missing in my heart.......~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ebony's words echoed in his ear....... ****"You know what's gonna happen if you keep thinking like Dal, your gonna lose Amber all over again....are you prepaired for that?!" -Ebony********* "Damn! Why is Amber so stuborn?!" Bray shouted ~*~*~*~*~ Amber moved slowly, it was freezing cold, she missed Bray, she was all on her own. She knew she should've brought Bray with her, but that was selfish...he was needed back at the mall! Amber shivered, the cold was almost unbeareble, the the snow was deep, and there was frost on all the plants. Suddenly, Amber spotted the chosen camp, it was as if it had come out of nowhere. She moved in for a closer look, the guardian was giving orders. Amber was shocked, they had the mall rats working under these conditions!! She had to get them out, NOW!! ~*~*~*~*~*~ Tally and Cloe were still sitting in the cafe talking. "What got into Amber?!" Cloe asked "She always has reasons," said Tally, "Doesn't mean I ever understand it!" Tally laughed as Bray entered the room. "What's so funny?" Bray asked "Amber" replied Cloe "What about her?" Bray questioned "How she always runs off!" Cloe said "Amber had reasons" Bray said quietly "Yeah chosen seem big reason's 4 everything!" Cloe said "Well, they are sorta!" Bray said "You know, if you trace a situation back to the beginning, there is always a source to blame" Cloe said "By which you mean.....?" Tally asked "Lex," Cloe said, "If he haden't killed Zoot...." "Y'd still be running for your life!" Tally reminded her "If Trudy haden't had Brady...if Bray had only killed the guardian on the beach...there are millions of mistakes, put right we'd have a whole different life and future, If Danni's dad haden't messed up! There lodes of things!" Tally said "Revolving around one main thing!" Cloe said bitterly "And the point going back and looking for blame is?" Tally asked, "It's done! Leave it! It doesn't matter Cloe, not anymore, we've gotta consentrate on the future, whats the point in looking back?!" Tally asked Bray looked at her, his jaw dropped "You sound just like Amber!" Bray said surprised "She taught me alot," Tally said, "She's always right anyway!" "Speaking of Amber, will she be ok on her own?" Cloe asked "I hope so..." Bray said trailing off a bit "I would've thought she'd at least take you with her, it's dangerous!" Cloe said worried "Well we all need somebody, even Amber..." Bray said. "Amber's changed alot!" Tally reminded them, "I think she deserves more credit than you guys give her!" "So whats y'r view on Amber then?" Cloe said "Well she can easily look after herself, always could!" Tally said and them smiled at Bray, "But that doesn't mean she couldn't use a hand!" Tally said Bray smiled, he knew what to do. ~*~*~*~*~* "Where are we?!" Patsy asked, "I'm cold!!" "Will you stop whining for five minutes!" KC shouted pulling his hair, "Your driving me crazy!!!!!!!!!!" "Where d'ya reckon we are?" Ellie asked Alice "I dunno, somewhere near the woods I should think," said Alice "Bray will be back soon!" Salene said, "We'll all be rescued soon, like Cloe was!" "Ok then Salene, if y'r so confident of that then why do you join and stay with the chosen?!" Alice asked inquisitivly "Leave her alone Alice!" May said "In it together then? chosen spies?" Alice said "Please stop!" Tai-San begged, "Hate and fighting is what the chosen want, deny them what they want!!" Everyone knew she was right, but how long would they last?! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Brrrrr" Amber said rubbing her arms. It was getting colder and colder. Something was moving in the bushes behind her, she spun around and confronted the tall dark figure "What are doing?!" Amber demanded the figure chuckled and came out of the dark into the moonlight visible to Amber "Only Me!" Bray smiled "God you scared me!!" Amber confessed He wrapped his arms around her "You think I could just leave you?!" He asked ~~~~~Out of the darkness A light shines Burning through the coldest nights and we can find our way..... together we'll make it! With every step we take, moving closer together If we're gonna survive the dream must stay alive..~~~~~~~~~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Amber and Bray hid and watched the chosen "There!" Amber pointed to an empty shed, "It will provide shelter!" "Isn't it a bit close to the chosen's camp?!" Bray asked Amber shrugged, "Sorry Bray, best 2 offer right now!" Amber led him into it As they entered the shed Amber gasped in front of them, was a 15yr old boy, quite short, chained to the chair, bright orange hair. He was sitting with gadgets all around, as if he had tried to use them 2 escape as the roof hatchet was made loose. Amber knew him, so did Bray, he looked just like.................. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 9: "Jack?!" Amber shouted. "Ellie?" Jack choked out barely contious "OH MY GOD! What have they done to you?!" Amber sed. "I......I tried.." Jack said, "I tried to save them...." Jack said sadly "Shhh! It's ok don't try 2 talk, we're gonna get u all fixed up!" Amber promised "You gonna help me?!" Amber asked a frozen Bray. "Yeah, Yeah, sorry Amber!" Bray said "Amber?!" Jack said puzzled "Bray...it's finally hit u!" Jack mumbled "What?" Bray asked trying 2 get the chains off. "No now Bray, get him outta this muck!" said Amber They got the chains off and dragged Jack out. "He's not gonna make it unless we get him somewhere warm and dry!" Amber told Bray. Was Jack gonna be ok? *~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Part 10: It was ok now, or so they thought.... Jack was out, Amber worried, how would the mall rats hold up without her and Bray? And Tally and Cloe? Where was Pride? She and Bray were at a funny stage where she wasent sure where they stood. ~*~*~*~*~*~ Ryan was getting fedup with Salene "Come on Ryan!" She urged "No Sal! You have your reasons!" Ryan compensated. "I want you in the fifth circle too!" Salene begged. "Amber and Bray will get us out soon...then what? Are you gonna rejoin the Mall Rats as if you haden't sold them out for 20 pieces of silver?!" Ryan accidently said. "You think that....?" Salene asked heartbroken. "I didn't mean....." Ryan said "Yeah well you said it!" Salene walked out. ~*~*~*~*~*~* Jack was now safe, but in a bad way. He was knocked out and a huge fever, Amber even questioned his ability to make it through the night, he was dilerious, he kept calling Ellie's name out every now and then. "Shh! It's ok," Amber nursed him with Bray, "You can see Ellie soon!" she promised. "The best we can do is hope he makes it!" Bray said sadly. He approached Amber...unsure but overcome with love for her. "You know how long I've dreamed of this?!" Bray said his longing contented. Bray led her to the bed where they spent the night lying in each others arms...for that one night the world stopped spinning, it was only the two of them, nothing else mattered, they were both so grateful that they'd found their way back together...forever. Just like Amber said, this time...it was for keeps. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I never had a dream come true, till the day that I found you... even though I pretend that I've moved on.. You'll always be my baby__ I never found the words to say, Your the one I think about each day And no matter where love takes me to A part of me will always....Love you... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was time to return to ither Rebel HQ or the mall, they had to get Jack better...then they would get more on the chosen. Jack was too weak for the journey, they would have to wait till at least tomorrow. "Hey," Bray returned from collecting firewood "Hi," Amber smiled at him being back "So soon?!" she asked surprised, "Ah, well, have you ever let me down?" "Once," he reminded her "What is my motto about the past?" Amber reminded him. He smiled, they were inseperable, and it was gonna stay that way...wasent it?! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There's no time to hesitate, Save me from this heavy weight.... Are you gonna walk the walk of life with me? Are you gonna share all the dreams you dream? Are you gonna walk hand in hand with me? Can you be the one that sets my shaddow free? Are you gonna love me to the best of your ability? Are you gonna walk the walk of life with me?! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 11: There was fire everywhere...Amber looked up through the heated flames, tears streaming down her eyes. Bray was with Danni, Danni turned around and smirked at Amber, "He's mine now...." Amber felt abandoned and bewildered....just like after the explosion on Eagle mountain..... Ebony's words echoed in her head, "He's a liar and a cheat!" "He'll break your heart everytime girl!" and Lex's words, "Don't get too close...when Danni's back he'll dump u in a split second, can you really trust Trudy after what she did? Danni's probably alive!" Amber felt pain shoot up and down her back. Amber woke up, it was just a dream, a prophercy? No, couldn't be! an omen? Amber turned around, she wasen't in the shed she, Bray and Jack had been in the woods! It wasent Rebel HQ ither!! She looked around...she was in her room, back at the mall. Tally walked in holding a tray, her eyes lit-up when she saw Amber sitting up in bed and looking around confused. Tally came up to her and said, "Amber!! Your awake! I gotta tell Bray!" Tally shouted Amber looked at her confused, but lay back down when she felt a huge ammount of pain rushing through to her head. Tally saw Amber's pain and got worried and screamed, "BRAY!!!!!!!!!" Bray came rushing into Amber's room. "She's awake....." Tally said shakily, "But she looks like she's in alotta pain!" "GET DAL!" Bray ordered her hastily Tally ran out the room to find Dal. Amber tossed and turned, what was the pain in her head, thumping so hard? What happened? She couldn't remember a thing. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "I Can't believe it!!" Alice rorted angrily, "How could the escape have failed?!" Patsy looked round terrified of the physilities they were in thanks to the rescue attempt. "It's alright for you and Patsy!" Alice said accusingly to Salene, "You guys are dining with the holy hooded ones!" "Leave her alone!" Ryan said defensively "Ok fine! Salenes pregnant she has an excuse, Patsy is a scared little girl, but May! Oh well she only ever looks after number one!" Alices outbursts lacked restraint from someone...Ellie. "Alice, your angry, you have a right to be but dont take it out on Salene, Patsy and May!" Tai-San reasoned "Where is May anyway?" Ryan asked "Still Trudy's hand maid!" he laughed Alice was silent "Alice___" Tai-San said sympathetically, "I know your worried about Ellie but____" "You know nothing about it!" Alice snapped "Yes I do!" Tai-San said defensively, "Lex is out there too!" she reminded Alice Alice muttered an appology and left. "You reckon she'll be ok?" Ryan asked concerned "Who knows!" Salene says, "All we can do now is hope Bray and Amber get us out soon...any other rescue attempt that doesnt get us all out...." she trailed off a bit. ~~~So I say a little prayer, and hope my sweet dreams will take me there, where the hills are green...I'll see ya once again...My love~~~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Ellie smiled at Jack. "It's sooo good to see you again" she said still finding it hard to believe that she was finally re-united with him. Jack smiled and hugged her. He still felt he was dreaming, he'd been through hell, and it was finally paying off, he was better and had Ellie back, to him, the rescue was worth it...but what would it mean for the other mall rats still captive? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Dal came out of Amber's room looking very distressed. "How is she?" Bray asked anxiously. "She's concust," Dal said, "As far as I can tell now," "Meaning?" Bray asked puzzled "Meaning, it could be something more, or it could get worse, best take it easy on her, she's bound to have a bit of amnesia up to a certain point," Dal warned Bray Dal left Bray and Amber alone. "Amber?" Bray asked chgecking if she was awake. "hmmm" she mumbled in her sleep. "Did you hear what Dal said?" he asked tryingly. "Not really," Amber answered quietly "Well...your concust and so your gonna feel sore for a while...and you may have amnesia" Bray said, "You remember what happened?!" "I remember you comming with me to track down the chosen...and finding Jack...everything else is a blank!" Amber said a bit distressed. "Well...we went back to Rebel HQ," Bray explained, "We got a bit of an army together...we got into the mall, and got Ellie, KC, Cloe,....and Trudy" Bray told her. "Trudy?!" Amber asked surprised, "We got Trudy out?" "Yeh," Bray proclaimed proudly "She's not completely trustable...yet, I mean we already know of one thing she lied 2 us about!" Bray exclaimed angrily "What?" Amber asked a bit puzzled as to what Bray was talking about. Bray stupidly almost letting his secret slip, he couldn't tell Amber...not yet...she was too weak, the stress would finish her off, he'd have to suffer in silence till she was better. That wouldn't be long...Amber was a fighter and a leader she'd be better soon! Bray assured himself. She had to... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Jack, Ellie and Tally were talking in the cafe, just joined by Dal. So far they had all gotten on pretty well. Tally was just older than Dal, around the same age as Ellie and a few months younger than Jack. Jack introduced Ellie and Tally a few days ago, since then...they had seemed like best friends. "How is she?" Tally asked noticing Dal's entrance. Dal sat down, "She should be ok, just a concusion, she'll be fine..." "Thank God!" Tally expressed relief "But.." Dal interupted "But what?" Tally asked suspicious "If Bray tells her about.." Tally nodded knowing what he was talking about, "The stress would be too much," Tally continued for him. "But how long do you think it'll be?" Jack commented eating a bar of chocolate "Wha d'ya mean?" asked Dal "Amber's not stupid, in fact she's one of the smartest round here." Jack reminded them "So your saying....." Ellie said "I'm saying, if Bray doesnt tell her soon, she'll find out herself!!" Jack said expressing concern. Tally looked worried. "Does she know about Amber?" Ellie asked gesturing towards a room, not saying the persons name incase Amber heard. Dal shook his head, "I guess Bray's got alot to sort out!" Dal said sympathetically "As long as it doesnt have the outcome of Amber getting hurt!" Tally said standing her ground. Bray walked into the cafe "Why the long face Bray?" Jack laughed, "Too many people to call on?" Ellie nudged him really hard at his lack of sensitivity "Owwwww!!" Jack complained, "What was that for?" "Don't be cockey!" Ellie ordered him "Sorry," he muttered to Bray Bray sighed. "What are you gonna do?" Tally asked inquisitively. "I dunno," Bray said worn out, "Amber doesn't need to deal with this right now...i guess I should be happy she doesn't remember..." "But u wish she would in time on her own so you don't have to break the news to her" Tally said understandingly. "Amber means everything to me," Bray explained, "And I'll do anything to ensure she's safe!" "Even if it means hurting...." Tally said "Shhhh!" Bray cut her off, "Amber has ears like a radar!" They all looked round, how was Bray gonna break the news 2 Amber. Bray excused himself and got up about t0o leave. "Hey! Bray!" Jack said "What?" Bray asked sleepily "Just remember this, what you told me: It's not about being a fighter...it's about not giving up!" But would pursuit prevent Amber from getting hurt from Bray's secret?! Everywhere that you go, I'm comming too, Anyway that you lead, I'll follow you! Got a feeling we, that we're gonna be alright, I know it will. Anything that you want, I'll see it through Anyplace that you'll be, I'll be there too! Got a feeling we, that we're gonna be alright, alright ~Meryl Cassie~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 12: "U think Amber will be ok?" Ellie asked concerned. "She should be...like u sed Ellie shes a fighter, a survivior and a leader, nothing can get rid of her!" Tally smiled Dal sighed, he just prayed that they were right. "Will u lighten up?!" Jack asked a dazed Dal "huh?" he mumbled "U been in a funny mood all day!" "Jack's back!" Dal whispered to Ellie and Tally. They laughed leaving Jack puzzled. "What happened to Panther?" Dal asked "He decided he was needed back at the camp," Tally replied, "Pride's gonna come and visit Amber soon, he's kinda worried bout her." "Well I can't wait till she's better, I mean I didn't really meet her properly." Ellie said. "You'll like Amber," Tally assured her, "She's the best!" "She's also bossy," Jack said hiding "Trust him to say something like that!" Ellie said "She's not bad, she's a cool leader," Jack casually admitted "Anyone seen Bray?" Tally asked "No, where is he?" Ellie asked "Who knows where Bray goes," Jack said "What do ya mean?" Tally asked "He's a bit of a loner, thats all Jack means!" Dal replied ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The dark figure looked up, tears streaming down his face, he emerged into light. Bray went deep into thought. He'd only just found Amber...was he gonna lose her all over again? He couldn't bare that. Amber was his soul mate, his best friend, and his true love, and he was gonna lose her over what happened in the past? It felt like the past had come back to haunt him, why did he deserve this? Amber certainly didn't!! He remembered how wonderful it was when they got back 2gether in Rebel HQ, **"I'm terrified of losing you again, Amber!" He said "You wont," she said in his arms and handed him her ring, "This time...it's for keeps!"** Bray held the ring and kissed it, he made his way down the hill, back to the Mall, Amber needed him...but for how long? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Amber sat up. She was feeling alot better, she'd had the nights rest, where was Bray. "Hey," Tally walked in with a cup of cocoa "Hi," Amber smiled sweetly "I brought you some cocoa, before Jack consumed most of it!" She laughed "Where's Bray?" Amber casually asked "I dunno, ither he's not up yet or he's gone out...i'm sure he'll come and see you, he probably think's your still sleeping" Tally reminded her. Amber nodded. Tally smiled and walked out she stood @ the door and said, "Amber," "Yeh" Amber smiled "it's good to have you up again, these past few weeks without you have been really awful, and i'm sure Bray would agree!" Tally said "Thanks" Amber sat up to drink her cocoa, Tally left. Amber wondered: Why was everyone acting like there was something she couldn't know? Something they wouldn't tell her ~*~*~*~*~* Tally returned to the cafe for breakfast "How is she doing?" Dal asked "Fine, she's up drinking cocoa!" Tally exclaimed. "Great, so Amber's better now?" Jack asked "I guess so," Tally answered puzzled "So is Bray gonna tell her?" Jack asked seeming concerned for once. "I doubt it," Ellie said "Obviously not yet," Tally explained, "It's too soon!" "But surely she'll find out with or with out Bray telling her...sooner or later," he said "We'll just have 2 pray she wont"! Dal said worried. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Amber looked up. Where was Bray? she wondered. She got up and decided to go to his room and find him. As she left her room, she saw Bray come out of another room, not his, Amber looked at him puzzled and hid as he walked past into his room. Amber wanted to know why he was acting so secretive, so she crept past and walked into the room he came out of............ She walked in and to her shock...there in the room sitting on the bed was a girl with long jet-black hair, quite pretty, black eyeliner and purple lipstick, Amber screamed, that was the girl in her dream...with Bray. Bray heard Amber's scream and came in, he held his head in shame at Amber finding out without him telling her..the girl turned around, her eyes were red and puffy as if she'd been crying. Seeing Amber also sent her into shock, they both stared at eachother knowingly... She was definately the girl from Amber's dream, and the girl recognised amber, so many people had described her, and how wonderful she was. "D....Danni..?" Amber whispered shakily The girl remembered something **"No one could ever replace Amber, Danni! Not even if they tried!" -Salene** Amber looked to Bray for an explanation, and the truth...she gave him a heart broken look as if 2 say, "Why?" He looked back at her pleadingly......... What was gonna happen?????????? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 13: Amber looked at Bray, why hadent he told her? "A....Amber I can explain...."Bray insisted "Forget it! I dont want your excuses!" Amber said. "What?" Bray asked puzzled "It's blaintly obvious what happened here! You came out of her bedroom, and you didn't tell me she was alive!" Amber said. "No...NO! You got it all wrong!" Bray pleaded, "Listen to me!" "No! Maybe once, but not again! Ebony may be a lying scheming evil person but her lies saved me from a lifetime of this! And my mistake was comming back here... how many times can you break a heart???!! Not this one, not again, I knew this would happen... But I believed in you!" Amber left quickly and went to her room. "Your good at this arn't you?" Danni asked still with puffy red eyes. "Amber doesn't get the full story, she can be a bit biast unless proved wrong!" Bray said. "Well that's one thing you have in common!" Danni sniffed "Huh?" Bray asked "Your both stuborn, heartbreakers and deserve each other!" Danni said sobbing "Look Danni....I never meant to hurt you..." "I finally find my way home, and then this...Amber died I thought you were over her...But you were still in love with her when we were together...that all I was to you? A rebound???!!" Danni said resentfully ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Dal walked past Amber's room and heard her cryiing, he walked in. "Amber...it's not that bad..." he tried to comfort her. "You knew?" she questioned angrily, "And you didn't tell me, you let me think Bray was being loyal to me???" "Whoa, Amber! First of all it wasent my place to tell you Danni was alive, and Bray and I felt it best you didn't know yet, this extra stress could harm your recovery, and since when has Bray been disloyal to you, and since when do I have knowledge of it?" Dal corrected her. "I'm sorry!" Amber broke down, "I should be used to it, I've been through this before!" Amber said "So many words for the broken heart?" "Too many," she replied "How could he?" Amber asked bitterly "Who knows why Bray does anything," Dal sed "I've lost everyone who has ever mattered to me, except you..." Amber said recalling. "You still have the The Mall Rats" Dal reminded her. "Yeah well, they thought I was dead and they were ok, why should they miss me?" "Amber there wasent a day that went by without there being an empty space with out you, we missed you so much, me, Bray, Cloe, everyone!" "I should never have come back...I belong with the gaians now!" Amber said "That doesn't mean there arn't ppl who need you here!" Dal insisted "I lost everyone, my friends, Helen, Emma, Jemma, Alex, Michael, Hannah, Sofe, Rick...." "You always were the popular one.." Dal smiled "I had my enemies," Amber said, "What about you? Don't you miss anyone" "Well I was an only child, unlike you, but I miss my parents and friends, but we've all lost them Amber, I thought you moved on?" "I never showed emotion, it's a deadly weakness" Amber said solomly "Do you miss your family most then?" Dal asked "I guess so, things were so different then, I mean Michael and Megan died because they were quite alot older than me then, they were 17 and 18. But Jodi, Becky and Josh survived, I only wish sometimes I went with them....." Amber said bitterly recalling before the virus hit "But we wanted to carry out our dream of the countryside.." Dal said "I even messed that up!" Amber said "You saved someone in need," Dal reminded her "Generosity doesn't keep you alive...like you once said 'look after number one' but I didn't listen, If I hadent stopped us we'd be out at our dream home, just you and me" Amber smiled at the thought "Think of all the things we've learnt from being the mall rats, how the virus had brought a new beginning, not an end. How to fall in love, how to be a survivour without following the locos, to keep desent in a trashed world, to stick together!" Dal reminded her. "Don't you ever look back and wonder what might have been? If we had gone with Jodi, Becky and Josh...none of this would've happened. "Becky and Jodi were or are kids, all they had was a big brother who's only 16 to look after them, you don't know what kind of life they have now, they could be worse off than us!" Dal insisted "You reckon the chosen got them? They wern't planning on going much further than the city, they could be there" Amber sed "Well, anythings possible in this world" Dal smiled, "Maybe you'll see them again sometime" "I wish," Amber said doubtfully. "I better go, Jack needs help with the computer, it may help if we get the maps and stuff," Dal explained "Sure," Amber sed "You'll be ok?" Dal asked "Yeah sure," Amber said sleepily rubbing her eyes, "Just can you get Taryn for me?" she asked. "Ummm...who's Taryn?" Dal asked puzzled "Oh...we all call her Tally" Amber replied "ok," Dal sed and walked out. Bray looked in, Amber didn't look well, had the stress caused extra damage? Even if Amber wasent willing to admit it, she was lonely, so was he....why couldn't she realise that he loved her, not Danni? ~*~*~*~*~* Dal entered Jack's workshop, he was on the computer "You seen Ellie and Tally?" he asked "In the cafe" Jack mumbled "Thanks," Dal replied and walked to the cafe and found Ellie and Taryn giggiling. "Whats so funny?" he asked "Oh nothing!" Ellie laughed "Amber found out!" Dal said sadly "Oh God is she ok?" Taryn asked "She looks like she's getting worse, she's asking for you, Taryn" Dal said "Taryn?" Ellie asked "Yeah, you can call me Taryn or Tally, I dont mind, she's asking for me?" Taryn said "Yeh" Dal replied Taryn dashed out leaving Ellie and Dal at the cafe. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Taryn knocked on the door and walked in. "You wanted to see me?" Taryn asked "Yeah Tally, Ummm...sit down" Amber answered Taryn sat down unsurely of what Amber was gonna say. "I'm going away for a few days, I feel it best you stay with the Mall Rats, You've made friends havent you? Jack, Ellie and Dal? I dont know when I'll bve back but..." "No!" Taryn responded, "You cant go..your condition is getting worse!" "Tally please...." Amber begged "No, Amber! What, you gonna run everytime you have a fall out with Bray?" Taryn shouted "It's not JUST a fall out!" Amber insisted "I dont care," Taryn said, "You belong here, I was a Gaian, but now i'm a mall rat, and it's the same for you, Amber! You can run everytime you get hurt, but you cant fight it when it finally catches up with you, your not fit physically or emotionally to go out on your own, or out of the mall at all!" "Look Tally..." Amber tried. "No Amber, do whats best for yourself and your own for once, I don't know exactly what happened between you and Bray, but if you leave, your doing it because of him, you really want him to own you forever?!" Taryn stormed out "TALLY!!!!" Amber shouted, but she was gone, Tally was right, but the loneliness was taking over her she couldn't stand it anymore, everybody needs somebody Bray watched her, feeling sad and overcome with the urge to run in and comfort her, but she'd just push him away, they were both so lonely and needed each other, somehow he'd prove his love to her.....somehow...... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 14: Taryn was sitting in the cafe, she was worried...Amber was stuborn...what if she left out of hurt for Bray? Jack came in moaning "God, that damn kid!" Jack said getting frustrated "KC!" Jack said Taryn smiled, "what now?" "He took the new laptop for the computer games he got hold of!" Jack responded "you tried the sewers?" Taryn laughed "We're all mall rats, unfortunately KC takes his group name a little too litterally!" Jack laughed. "At least KC's in his element!" Taryn laughed Jack smiled at her and she gave him a confused look. "What?" she asked "I got a smile and a laugh outta you!" he said triamphantly. "Don't get too big headed!" she laughed Ellie stood at the door, she felt uncomfortable watching Jack and Taryn get on so well. "Hi Tally," Ellie entered the room "Hey Ellie," Taryn smiled "What you guys laffin bout?" Ellie casually asked. "Oh, Jack was just cheering me up, I was worried about Amber, Jack's getting a bit bigheaded though!" Taryn laughed "Hey!" Jack said taking offend "I was kidding," she said laughing at him "Well Jack can be cockey, but at least he's not arrogant like Lex," Ellie commented "Yeah!!" Jack said gratefully "I'll leave you guys to it, I'm gonna c Dal!" Taryn walked out smiling "Cya later Tally!" Jack shouted after her. Ellie looked at him sternly. "What?" Jack asked innocently "What was all that about ya mean!" Ellie said sounding quite horrified. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lex was looking around the woods, eager to sneek into chosen HQ and see Tai-San again, he hadent told anyone, especially not Ebony! he remembered what she sed 2 him... **Ebony: "Wha'd'ya doin' wiv that?!" Lex: "Er oh nothin!" Ebony: "You wern't planning on seeing Tai-San again were you?!" Lex: "no...no!!" Ebony: "Good....cos if you take 1 step outta here alone....your dead meat!"*** Lex's thoughts we're interrupted by a noise in the bushes, he shrugged it off, probably just an animal. As he walked on the noise grew stronger...he turned around in a flash to see a dark figure dodging him back into the bush of which it emerged, Lex lept after it and found it.......he grabed the figure and shook it violently "Who are you?!" Lex demanded The figure remained calm, and quiet, Lex once again broke the silence. "Why are you following me..who are you?" he demanded. He got fedup with this and pulled the cloak off the figure which was covering it's face revealing whom it was........... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Bray entered Amber's room, she didn't seem to mind.... "Amber I been thinkin'....." he said "So have I," she cut him off, "and I've realised something...You once told me that you'd always loved me more than anyone...even when you thought I was dead and you were with Danni...and she seemed pretty upset so I pressume you told her about it and I don't know why I ever doubted you........I love you Bray....and just like you, I'm not letting go without a fight! Not ever!" Amber and Bray both gazed into each others eyes for a moment then kissed... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine....I'm leaving my life in your hands...ppl say I'm crazy and that I am blind....riskin it all in a glance...and how you got me blind is still a mystery....I cant get you outta my head...don't care what is written in your history, as long as your here with me!" ~Backstreet Boys~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What's happening between Jack and Taryn, a spark or just good friendship? How will Ellie see it? Who's following Lex? How will he react to the identity of his stalker? Whats in store for Bray and Amber, and will Danni have the same motto as Amber, not giving up without a fight........??? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 15: Taryn walked into KC's room. "Where's Dal?" she inquired KC scrambled from behind the bed sliding something under it he had been preoccupied with until she came in. She looked at him suspisiously for a moment then realised what it was. "Hand it over," she demanded with a sigh "No...please Tally!" KC begged "Jack's gonna flip!" she reminded him "Oh c'mon Tally, look see, I'll let you have a go," he offered "KC you cant bribe me, especially with some lame computer game! Now gimmie Jack's laptop, or do I have to take it off you?" Taryn asked getting impatient. KC gave her a mischievous look and she sighed. She could see why Jack got so fedup with him sometimes, she walked up to KC and yanked it off him and went to return it to Jack. Taryn entered Jack's workshop. He looked at her and smiled weakly but his thoughts preoccupied by the expression on his face. "What's up this time?" Taryn inquired "Ellie," he sighed "Whats she done?" "She thinks we're an item!" Jack chuckled but then went serious. "You and Me??!" Taryn asked a bit shocked "Yes, she can be so frustration!" Jack said almost yanking his hair out. "Look Jack, your a really great guy, your sweet, caring, loving, loyal, clever, cute and a brilliant friend, Ellie can see she got the lucky catch, she's just worried someone will snatch you off her because you have all the qualities a girl wants in a guy" Taryn said sincerely. Jack smiled a bit sheepishly and realised all Ellie needed was reassureance. "I got somethin' that'll cheer you up!" Taryn said proudly. "What?" Jack asked. Taryn produced the laptop triamphantly. Jack hugged Taryn tightly with glee, without either of them realising Ellie watching them observantly with a growing fiery expression. "Your the best Tally!" Jack said. Ellie walked in feeling territorial, she had been listening to their conversation for a while. She stared at Taryn enviously, what did Taryn have that she didn't? Taryn felt an argument brewing when Ellie entered. "I'll leave you to it," Taryn walked out. "Yeah I think thats a good idea!!" Ellie hissed. Jack opened his mouth to explain to Ellie but she silenced him. "I've had enough Jack...I can't take this anymore!" Ellie narrowed her eyes as Taryn walked past to the cafe. Jack saw this and how pathetic Ellie was being, she wasent the only one who'd had enough!! ~*~*~*~*~*~* Taryn entered the cafe to meet Bray, Amber, Dal, KC and Cloe. Amber was cooking but her attention was turned to a love-strucken Bray who wrapped his arms around her waist. She was so happy she was with Bray, she couldn't remember why she doubted him... Danni entered the cafe and coldly stared at Amber and Bray happily together. Amber felt a shiver down her spine and brushed Bray off, then realising she'd abandoned her cooking. Danni sat down, she seemed quite warm to everyone, but hadent yet had a conversation with Amber. Amber brought the pot of soup she was cooking from the kitchen to the table, she looked at the formula unsurely, the combination looked sickly, she threw it out and just gave everyone tinned stuff instead. There was a long silence broken by Bray asking Danni how she was feeling. "Oh..i'm ok," she replied sleepily "You sure?" Amber asked a bit concerned, "You look really tired!" "I'm fine I've just slept for the past 6 hours!!" Danni hissed. Danni's appearence after all this time had made everyone cautious around her due to her absence being replaced by Amber, which made her a stranger, Danni thought. Danni resented this feeling, it wasent like her to hate, but she was envious of Amber in many ways, Danni was uncertain about amber, whether she was likeable or not. There was a long silence. It was broken by Ebony rushing in, "What is it?" Amber asked seeing the expression on Ebony's face, she'd come to alert them. "It's Lex, he's missing, so is that chosen robe we stole off the chosen preachers, he's gone to see Tai-San!!" Ebony said catching her breath and retaining composture. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Lex stared at the figure in amazement, it's face was shaddowed by the dark, the tiny bit of *her* face he had seen from the shimmer of the moonlight had brought back a flood of memories. The figure eventually looked back halfheartedly, with regret...and relief. Lex narrowed his eyes looking up and down observing her every feature as not to make an incorrect assumption. She seemed intrigued by his taking so long observing her. "It.....It's really you isn't it?" Lex stammered. She nodded, with a tear in her eye. "It's me Lex," she said letting him hug her. "Oh God," he said for once showing deep emotion replacing his arrogance. "Oh Zan....I missed you!" Lex said ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 16: Danni looked up, tears streaming down her face, Amber and Bray had gone off together to find Lex, along with Ebony, Dal and Pride. Amber had convinced everyone Danni was still too weak for the journey, Danni wanted to prove she was stronger, and the whole experience had made her more independant, but how? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The remaining Mall Rats trekked up the hills, to find Lex, it took them a good few hours, by this time Ebony was fedup with time wasting and ready to kill Lex when she found him. Chosen HQ wasent far ahead. It was obvious the only business Lex had in these parts of the woods was to see Tai-San. "How much further ya reckon?" Dal inquired "Not too much longer now, we'll just have to pray he hasent gone in chosen HQ yet." Amber replied "Trust Lex to do this to us!" Ebony rorted But she was silenced by Amber, who seemed shocked, she streached her hand out to signal the mall rats to come to a hault, they all looked in the direction that Amber was, to see Lex, grief-stricken stuttering something to a girl standing infront of him, with her back to the mall rats so they couldn't see her face. "Typical," Ebony whispered to Amber, "That fruitcake the guardian is almost successfully recrooting our people as we speak and he's in the woods playing up lovey-dovey with Tai-San!" "No...Look at that girls hair," Amber replied quietly, "Very distinctive, wouldn't you say?" Ebony looked at her confused for a moment, then curiously back at the girl, Ebony stared at her...finding it hard to hurl in air to breathe. "The...the pink and blue hair...." Ebony said slightly quivering. "Exactly," Amber responded now calmed and out of shock, regaining composture. Lex's eyes trailed off Zandra and her new appearence she seemed more calm, quiet and generally mystical. He saw the rest of the uncaptured mall rats staring in shock. Zandra hurled around to see what Lex was staring at so hard, seeing Lex was enough of a shock, she stared for a few moments as they did, Zandra looked back at Lex solomnly, with something far from content, and back at the mall rats halfheartedly, she was a whole new person, as Amber had seemed to be as 'Eagle' when she was only with The Gaians. Zandra looked round, it was blaintly obvious her head was feeling hazy, Amber and Lex rushed to her aid, but she passed out...her pulse getting slowly slower....and slower.... All they could hear was the painful screams from Lex with tears running down his cheeks. "No Zandra! Please....I cant lose you! Not again........." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So I say a little prayer and hope my dreams will take me there, where the skies are blue..I'll see ya once again my love, over sea's from coast to coast, to find the place I love the most...where the fields are green...I'll see ya once again___My love ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "DAL!! HELP HER!!" Lex yelled. Amber rested her head on a log and attempted to revive Zandra, they had a pulse, but not much. "We have to get her back to the mall!" Dal announced. "In this condition?" Ebony inquired "If she stays out here much longer she'll die, this winter air and frost will finish her off!" Dal stated "We'll lets move!!" Lex shouted Bray and Lex carried Zandra together...it was a long way home..... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Jack, Ellie, Taryn, Cloe and KC were in the cafe, it was far from silent. Ellie and Jack were roweing and KC was snickering at them, Cloe was trying to shut him up and Taryn was looking at them all in disbelief. "I cant believe you Jack!" Ellie roared "nothing happened!" Jack insisted "Oh really? You and Taryn seemed pretty close when I walked in!!" Ellie said adamantly. "Nothing happened!!" Taryn sighed getting almost as irritated as Jack, "The only 'thing' going on between Jack and myself is pure friendship!!" "You see?" Jack said to Ellie, then turned to Taryn and said, "Thanks Tally." and smiled, Ellie noticed this and felt enraged. "So it's Tally now is it?" Ellie said spitefully, "That some sorta pet name?" "Everyone calls me Tally!" Taryn said sick of Ellie's insolence. "That was back when we were friends! Good friends! All of us and your prepaired to ruin your friendship with me, my friendship with Jack, and your relationship with Jack because you feel jealous that Jack has a friend thats a girl?" Taryn remarked with growing distaste towards Ellie. Taryn walked out fed-up...Jack wished he could do the same. Their thoughts were interrupted by a shriek from Cloe who had gone after Taryn. Cloe, KC and Jack stared in amazement and disbelief at what Bray and Lex were holding. Ellie and Taryn looked at Zandra observantly and curiously with confused expressions, they could tell this girl was someone everyone else knew. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was a good few weeks before Zandra regained contiousness, she was in a bad way. When she came round, Amber was nursing her. Zandra was confused at first, but then recognised everyone, Lex was constantly by her side, but one question he darent ask her till she was better filled his mind and everyone else's.....what happened to the baby she was carrying before the explosion??? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 17: "Hey," Amber said walking into Zandra's room holding a tray with breakfast on it. "Hi," Zandra replied sitting up. "How you feeling?" Amber quiried. "Much better," Zandra smiled "Umm...how much do you remember...before the virus? With the mall rats? After Eagle mt?" Amber asked "Everything, Like you did," Zandra replied. "So...your with a new tribe?" Amber asked. "Yes, like you were, a southern provinces one..." Zandra answered quietly "Do you know what made you pass out?" Amber asked "no," Zandra shook her head and got a bit tence at the subject. "Ok then we'll have to have Dal check you out to see what it was," she said and nearly walked out but stopped by Zandra shouting, "No..Please dont Amber!!" "But we need to see if it will come back!" Amber insisted "No..really I'm fine, see? I dont need that!" Zandra begged "Ok," Amber replied, "But get some rest ok?" Amber walked out leaving Zandra looking worried and scared. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Amber went and sat with Bray. "How's she doin'?" He asked "She'll be ok," Amber assured him. "Is she with another tribe?" he asked "Yes...but I'm not sure exactly where they are...they must be worried about her." Amber replied "You think they'd help us against the chosen?" Bray inquired "They're in the southern provinces," Amber sighed, "Most have turned their backs on city life...They'll be reluctant..but dont know the threat," Amber said. "Worth a try," Bray convinced her. "Lets take it one step at a time," Amber smiled, "First we need to get Zandra better then get her home safely!" "What's Lex gonna think of all this?" Bray asked "He doesnt know," she said "Have you asked Zan about her baby?" Bray asked "It's not my place," Amber replied quietly, "Besides, Zandra needs a checkup to see what caused her to blackout for so long, but when I mentioned it to her she was really ressistant and seemed scared of us finding out something!" Amber said concerned. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "I've come to appologise," Jack said entering Taryn's room. "For what?" she smiled "For Ellie," he sighed "oh that, why are you appologising for her behaviour?" Taryn asked. "Because it was my fault she got upset and thought she had concern to be...territorial" Jack said Taryn couldn't help giggiling at this, "Sorry" she choked out. "Hey its ok," she coaxed, "It takes two to tango!" they both smiled "Where is Ellie anyway?" Taryn asked "Sulking probably, ages ago she used to for days on end!" Jack sighed "Cept, I haven't seen her at all for days, since Zandra was brought in!" Taryn said "I'm sure she'll be ok," he replied adamantly "I hope so...with the chosen out there...what if they got her?" Taryn asked worridely. "Tally, dont worry, Ellie will be ok!" Jack assured her. Taryn wasent so sure. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Hey Dal! Wait up!" Amber shouted Dal stopped and said, "Hi Amber what can I do for you?" "Well see...it's Zandra..." Amber said "What about her?" Dal asked confused. "Well she doesnt seem keen on the prospect of being examined to determin what made her blackout, so could you do it while Zan's sleeping?" Amber asked unsurely "Not if Zandra doesn't wish it!" Dal said, "I'm sorry Amber, but it's her desision!" "Please Dal...Zan's suffered alot, it's for her own good, it could be anything! A tumour! Cancer!, etc!" Amber pleaded "Ok," he agreed "Thanks," she said and walked off ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Dal looked into Zandra's room...she was asleep..he crept in quietly. He quickly took measurements and listened with the stethescope, his findings made him grow suspicious, so he took a cat scan and was shocked at his discovery.... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Dal rushed into Bray and Amber's room waking Bray up. "What is it Dal?" Bray asked sleepily with Amber next to him. "It's Zandra!" Dal said quite out of breath, "I need you two and Lex in the cafe quickly!" Bray carefully got Amber out of bed and explained what was happening and she went to fetch Lex. ~*~*~*~*~* Bray, Amber, Dal and Lex gathered in the cafe, it was the middle of the night so everyone else was asleep. Lex was especially annoyed at being woken up at this time. "Its Zandra, well I discovered what it is!" Dal announced. "So what is it?" Lex groaned. "Well sometimes the stress of our bodies, exhaustion and the thing Zandra has combined together make our bodies shut down, because if anymore factors contributed...then it'd finish us off." Dal explained. "Enough with the medical mumbo jumbo!" Lex said rather annoyed, "What's wrong with Zan?" he demanded. "The thing thats made Zandra sick lately and blackout, etc.....Zandra...she's...pregnant again........" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 18: Lex looked around shocked and then walked out. Amber looked over at Bray. "You think he'll be ok?" she asked "Lets just hope he doesnt confront Zandra, anyway perhaps this is best," he replied "Best?" Amber asked puzzled. "Yeah, Lex has moved on with Tai-San, and it looks like Zandra has too," he reminded her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next day Amber went to see Zandra. "Hey Zan," she tried to sound cheery "Hi Amber," Zandra smiled. "Listen Zan, I'm sorry, we were worried about you...so I stupidly told Dal to check you while you were sleeping...it's just..you could've had cancer! or something, the virus!" Amber pleaded. "Zandra looked at her with a tear in her eye. "We....umm...Me, Bray, Dal and...Lex....we know about the baby." Amber confessed. "Oh God....Lex knows..." Zandra trailed off. "Yes....I'm sorry!" Amber pleaded "You have to get me home!" Zandra demanded "But you are..." Amber reminded her. "I'm not like you Amber, you chose to come back, I'm needed with my other tribe, can you imagine the grief and worry they're going through for me?" Zandra said. "Are you sure?" Amber asked, "I mean..are you well enough?!" "I'm fine Amber, just a bit of food for the journey thats all I need!" Zandra said. "Let me come with you, you can't go alone!" Amber insisted. "No Amber, I'm not the same old Zandra, I'm stronger now I can look after myself!" Zandra said "Still, please Zandra, just me and Bray and maybe Lex to be safe, who knows whats out there! The chosen are near there!" Amber begged. "Ok," Zandra agreed, "But we have to leave tonight!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Hey Lex," Bray entered his room. "Hi," Lex said. "Are you ok?" Bray asked "There are two possibilities here, either Zandra has moved on or...someone hurt her or abandoned her!" Lex said solemnly. "Well, Zandra insists on going back...Amber agreed as long as we go too, cause it's dangerous out there," Bray told him. Lex nodded and Bray left. ~*~*~*~*~* "I hear Zandra's leaving" Ellie said walking in on Taryn at Jacks computer. "Yeah....Amber, Bray, Lex and Dal are going with her...the chosen are based in the woods now!" Taryn replied not looking at her typing on the computer. "So where's Jack?" Ellie asked "How should I know?" Taryn replied still not looking at her. "Look Tally I'm sorry...." Ellie said "So it's now Tally again? When u made all that fuss over Jack calling me that saying it was a pet name and your now sorry? after all that nonsense, ruining your relationship with Jack and now sucking up to me to get him back? It's pathetic!" Taryn shouted and stormed out. Ellie narrowed her eyes at her....she will get Jack back!! ~*~*~*~*~*~* "We ready to go?" Amber asked "All packed!" Bray smiled. "Ok then, lets go!" Amber said walking out of the mall with Zandra, Lex, Bray and Dal behind her and Pride minding the mall. It was ages walking through the woods, but no one complained, practically everyone was silent, occasionally broken by Amber or Bray having a conversation with one another. Zandra came to a halt and smiled she whistled and her tribe appeared before them. A guy, about Lex's age came up and hugged Zandra, they both had tears in their eyes and passionately kissed, this made Lex uneasy "This is my old tribe..the mall rats...they rescued me when I passed out!" Zandra announced. At hearing they were 'The Mall Rats' another boy approached them and stared at Amber who had her back turned to him talking to Bray. "Amber?" he questioned puzzled. "Oh my God! Is it you?" Dal asked. "Dal! Hey!" the boy said. Amber recognised that voice and spun round to see him. "Oh my god!" She said with tears in her eyes and touched his face, "Is it you?" she asked in shock. "Yeah it's me Amber!" he replied and hugged her and lightly kissed her on the cheek. "You always were tough guy!" Dal smiled. "It kept me alive!" he replied. "But how?" Amber said hugging him tighter "Same as you, Am!" he replied Bray was very uneasy, he called her Am! They seemed pretty close, Bray felt threatened by this...who was he?! and what did he have 2 do with Amber? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 19: "B...But how?!" Amber stuttered "It's ok, Am! Your not the only tough cookie" "You mean?" Amber asked wiping a tear off her eye. "Yes, they're here too" The boy smiled at her. He walked off to fetch someone. "Who is that?" Bray demanded, "You seem close" Amber smiled at Bray's over reaction "Lets just say I have a closer relationship with my brother than you did with yours!" "You mean...." Bray said "Yeah Bray, that's my big brother Josh, he's ok he survived!" Amber said so happy. Bray hugged Amber, she was so happy "Amber?" a girl from behind her asked, Amber spun around to see a girl, about a year younger than her, with blonde hair and green eyes, very slim, and pretty, there was a bit of a resembleance between her and Amber. "Becky?" Amber asked confused, she'd changed, she was alot older. Amber turned to Bray "This is my sister, Becky!" Amber said "Where's Matt and Jodi?!" Amber asked "Josh?!" Amber said, "Where are they?" Josh looked down and didnt answer. "You promised you'd look after them!!" Amber sobbed. "Hey...Amber, it's ok, Matthew and Natalie are ok......" Becky replied "And Jodi?!" Amber wept, "She was our little sister you promised me you would protect her when Dal and I left for the country!" Amber screamed. She turned around and wept in Brays arms, he held her head up. "Hey, it's gonna be ok," he promised] "I dont want it to be ok I want my sister back!" Amber cried harder. "Amber...we lost Megan and Michael aswell, remember?!" Josh said solemnly "I dont think thats helping..." Zandra said hugging Josh. Amber turned around and saw them.... "Your...your with Zandra?" she stammered to her brother. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 20: Amber and the others had stayed at her brother's tribes camp for a few days now, still getting over the shock of seeing them again, and grieving over the news of her three year old sister, Jodi, died. Becky, her younger sister who was 14, had really changed, her looks and attitude. Becky used to have really light blonde hair, it was darker now, almost a light brown, she had mid green eyes. Becky was much taller and slimmer, Becky acted more like Ebony than Amber since last time she saw her sister. Josh seemed the same, Amber viewed him in a different way since she found out he was married to Zandra, and they were expecting. Matt also seemed older, he was also 14 like Becky, Amber wasent related to him, but had known him and his older sister Natalie since they were really young as their parents were friends, Natalie was now 15 about 6 months younger than Amber. Bray walked in. "Hey," he said smiling, "You ok?" "Just a bit worried, thats all," she replied quietly "Bout what?" he asked unknowingly "About this whole thing," she sighed, "What happens if Josh's tribe doesn't want to help us with the chosen, what happens then? To us...and to them..." Amber trailed off. "They will!" Bray said adamantly, "Josh knows the risks of if we leave it, he'll help us put an army together!" "I just hope your right," Amber replied slouching back into Bray's arms. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Ellie, Taryn, Jack and Dal were in the cafe, Ellie and Jack were argueing again. "I don't know why we stay together if you keep causing arguements!!" Jack snarled "ME?! You started it!" Ellie retorted. "Look, I've had enough of this!" Taryn said irritably and walked out, as she was walking out the door, she stopped dead in her tracks, the same piercing scream that had caused her to halt had silenced everyone else, and Ellie and Jack's arguement. They all scurried down stairs to see where the cry came from, Taryn reached the bottom first and stopped in shock at what she saw her eyes widened, Jack's eyes did the same, Ellie's narrowed at it. For there, on the floor, struggling to keep her eyes open, clothes torn and muddy. They stared at her for a moment until she could barely lift her head, they didn't know whether they should help her or not, was Trudy. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "So what you call us here for?" Becky inquired as the tribe entered with the Mall Rats. "We've come to a decision, about our futures, concerning the chosen." Josh announced Zandra at his side. "And naturally I'm not asked for my opinion!" Becky retorted "We had to consider all our options Becky, we didn't need you butting in with your two cents worth!" Josh snapped back. "Oh and Zandra's petty but in's you do, right? I'm just as much a part of this tribe as she is!" Becky said angrily, she looked alot like Amber when she was so fiery. "She's my wife!" Josh said defensivly "And I'm your sister!" Becky responded. "Lets just get back to the point of this meeting!" Natalie compromised. "So...what's the verdict?" Amber inquired nervously. "We don't wanna take on the chosen, I'm sorry Amber, it's just too risky." Josh looked at her timidly. Amber sank back into her chair, it felt like her heart sank too, Bray put his arm around her. "No, you can't!" Becky protested "Look Bec, the decision has been made!" "So we're just gonna lose our sister all over again?" Becky asked "Amber can take care of herself!!" "And what happens when its just her and her tiny tribe compaired to the chosen actually facing them?!" Becky pleaded "Look, Becky, it wasent an easy decision to make!" Josh explained frantically "Yeah?" Becky retorted, "Thats because it's the wrong one!" Becky stormed out. "Rebecca!!!" Josh shouted after her, but she just kept walking ignoring him. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "What did you mean by losing Amber all over again?" Natalie asked. "Nat, I meant, what if something happened, what if she died? For real this time? I couldn't go through that again!" Becky said Natalie frowned, "What do you mean go through it again? We didnt know she was left for dead on Eagle mountain...." "Becky!!" Natalie said, "Did you know something?!" "Nat, I saw it, I saw everything on Eagle mountain, I saw my sister die!" Becky confessed close to tears. ~*~*~*~*~*~*FLASHBACK~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Becky remembered herself standing on a hill near the observatory. She was wearing black, and had a black backpack on one sholder, black eyeliner and little makeup, her hair was loose and wavey, much blonder than now, black boots and looking a bit suspicious Curiously watching her sister walk in with other people she didn't recognise, except Dal. Next thing she knew it went up in flames. People seperately running out chaotically from the flames, Amber wasent amoung them. For a while she got worried but convinced herself not to make light of herself towards them, when they stopped looking, Becky knew Amber had gone, the feeling of a steel jagged knife thrusted right through her heart. There were the two graves, one had a name written on it,...Amber's. Becky wanted to go see it, but there was one more thing preventing her from sorrowing beside her sister's grave...Bray. Becky didn't recognise the boy beside her grave, he was crying frantically and uncontrollably dictating last words of love, he had Amber's ring, he kissed it and placed it under the stones. When he left Becky approached the grave, she picked up the ring and decided to keep it, to remember Amber and prove to the others what had happened. Becky felt the pain of losing Amber thud at her insides, she didnt have the heart to do that to her brother and friends, Amber wouldn't have wanted them to go through that pain, Becky swore to keep Amber's death a secret and replaced the ring beneath the stones where Bray had laid it, Becky got up wiped a tear away that had trickled down her cheek and left....... ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*FLASHBACK~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "We're leaving now!" Amber announced "So soon?" Zandra asked a bit disappointed. "Yes! We have friends to save, and my wife is being held prisioner by those maniacs!!" Lex said as a way of indecating to Zandra that she wasent the only one that had moved on with someone else. "I'm comming with you!" Becky announced as she walked in, she'd changed out of her tribal country clothes and looked more like a city kid again, wearing all black leather and her hair pulled back into a simple loose bun with the tips of her hair sticking out scruffily, she had her small backback filled with small essentials. Her style was very like Ebony's, although the two had never met. "Becky, your not thinking straight, the city is dangerous, your safe here!" Josh said adamantly. "No Josh, I'm finally thinking straight! It took a while, but the silver lineing has finally emerged from this pitch black cloud!" Becky said, "I'm not a kid anymore, I'm not gonna follow my big brother to lead me to safety, and look where we ended up, some dumb jungle/Robin Hood scene, its worse than being in danger in the city at least we're doing something! And I'll be with Amber, nothing's more draining than here!" Becky screamed "Rebecca!" Zandra said "Dont you dare scold me like I'm your five year old daughter, ever since Jodi died that made me the youngest, but I'm fourteen years old for God's sake!! So stop making my decisions for me! I'm going whether you like it or not Josh...and Zandra!" Becky yelled. And stomped off and caught up with Amber and the others leaving Josh, Zandra, Natalie and Matthew back in their tribe in the woods. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The others arrived back to the Mall, Becky gazed at it in awe, it wasent glamerous, but just the type of place she knew she belonged in, she loathed the country, she was very unlike her brother and sister. Amber looked round, something was wrong, she saw the trail of mud Trudy left, everything was silent. "WHERE IS EVERYONE?" Lex shouted Amber tried to silence him, detecting they wern't alone. "TARYN? JACK? DAL?" he yelled, but it was in vain, no one emerged. Bray felt this growing tention and nearly sprung something, someone emerged from behind Bray and Amber, grabbed Amber and spun her round holding a knife to her throat. The mall rats took a step back as to not lead Amber to further danger, except for Bray, who lunged at Amber's attacker, only endangering Amber more, the guy pressed harder at Amber's neck. "Stop where you are!" He demanded, "I mean it! Step back or she dies!!" "Ah, my brethren, tis wrong, last time was not our last meeting!" The Guardian entered smugly. "You!" Bray yelled and lunged but was held back by the chosen. "So this is the famous Amber!" The Guardian said triamphantly. "How do you know me?" Amber demanded. "I know everything of you, you are the spirit of the mall rats, you are the one preventing us from recruiting them, you are a threat," The Guardian said calmly and very gestureful. "And how do Zoot's diciples, the chosen, deal with these threats?!" The Guardian grinned ~~Yeah, oh.... Liberty, this is our destiny......~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Can't Fight The Moonlight

By Eagle