Chapter Four


   Aaron had never felt so alive as he did at this moment. All about him the earth burst with exquisite detail and the air seemed fresh and pure. True, he had slept well the previous night and that might account for at least part of the heightened sensation he was feeling, but there was something more to it. After the battle he had collapsed on the ground, curling into a fetal postion and succumbing to complete exhaustion. He had not dreamed, rather his mind had plunged into a darkness that would not subside until his conscience had taken it's fill. Thankfully Alita had not disturbed him and allowed Aaron to arise only when the burning sun had touched his face and chased the darkness away. She must have realized his need for sleep and left him alone.
   He only experienced his nightmare upon waking, for the earth about him was splashed with blood. Flesh or metal, he could not tell what part of the anatomy these things had once been, only that Alita had caused it and for that he was still alive.
   Aaron looked to Alita who walked several paces ahead, her head bowed in thought as she stepped carefully around a small shrub in her path. Such a study in contrasts, Aaron realized. She could take the lives of men and feel no remorse, yet she made a conscious effort to avoid crushing an ugly plant beneath her feet.
   He was fully aware that she had saved his life on two occasions and this weighed heavily upon him. It seemed the most appropriate of things to thank her yet he had not. It wasn't a matter of his being unable to express sentiment, rather he was unsure of what her motive had been. In the five days Aaron had traveled with her he recognized that Alita was as comfortable in the outlands as he was. His participation had been mute for the most part with the exception of helping her find the trail between the mountains of the Firewall, and admittedly he had been more of a hinderance than a help, particulary on the previous evening. If he had died during the battle he was sure she would not have missed him.
   "You did get good last night," he heard Alita say.
   Aaron was startled by her remark and stared after her, shaking his head in disagreement.
   "I was terrified," he admitted to her. "I'm no fighter Alita, if you hadn't been there I would be dead now."
   "There's nothing wrong with being afraid," she answered without turning around. "It's perfectly normal to feel this way, particularly under such circumstances as those we encountered last evening. It's really a question of what you do with your fear. Do you succumb to it and let it control you, or do you use it to your advantage and strike back at those who would harm you? I'm afraid for my life sometimes but I fear losing even more."
   Alita shook her head and looked back at him.
   "No, that's not true." She continued. "I hate to lose, and I won't give in to anyone. And this is what gives me the resolve to fight in the face of overwhelming odds."
   Aaron wondered at this and suspected that Alita was trying to console him, he couldn't imagine her being afraid of anything. He vividly recalled lashing out at his attacker and plunging the long knife into his leg. A symbolic gesture more than an effective one, but it did indicate that he had not lost hope and wanted very much to live. Perhaps that's why he felt so invigorated, for never does life seem more vital than when one has cheated death.
   "But why did you save me?" he asked. "We both know that you could have killed those bandits with much less effort, but you stood your ground and shielded me from their attack. I don't understand Alita, it's obvious that you don't need me anymore and at this point all I'm doing is slowing you down."
   "It's simple Aaron, if I were to let you die then what kind of person would that make me?"
   At these words Aaron clamped his mouth shut and looked away. He knew she was being truthful in this, for there was no other reason for her to have saved his life. He suddenly felt guilt at his cross words toward her the previous day. Alita was not lacking of human sentiment, rather she was one driven by challenge and would not accept failure.
   Silence fell between them and Aaron trudged after her, following Alita over a terrain of stones and dry earth until they came upon a face of sheer rock on their left. Alita was the first to reach this and just as she passed by it she stopped suddenly and placed her left hand against the stone, forcing Aaron to a halt. He looked past Alita and saw the cause of her action. Twenty meters away stood a tall man, leaning against the rock and regarding them with an expression of hatred. His blond hair was tied in a tail and his coat was so long that it brushed the top of his shoes. Alita walked confidentally toward him and stopped just five meters away with Aaron a few steps behind her. She said nothing, for she knew why this man was here and would allow him to perform his task.
   "You don't look like much," he said in a tone of disgust. "I'm at a loss as to how you defeated nine of our best men."
   Alita gave him a look of serious intent and circled around him to his left, forcing the tall man to turn with her.
   "You're welcome to find out," she answered. "But I don't think Barius would like losing another dog, especially since that's not the reason why you're here."
   The tall man threw his cigarette aside and stepped forward, stopping just barely inches away and glaring down on Alita with an intense hatred.
   Aaron took two steps back and kept his mouth shut, preferring to let Alita do the talking in this situation.
   "I would like to try you girl, really I would. One of those you murdered last night was my own brother. But as you've said that not why I was sent to greet you, Barius has agreed to your request and I'm to guide you to him."
   "I thought as much," answered Alita. "It seems this Barius of yours isn't as stupid as the men he leads, and the idea of losing more of his soldiers doesn't appeal to him."
   "Don't speak of him this way," the tall man replied. "If Barius had wanted you dead you wouldn't be alive now. You interest him child, he's fascinated by the idea of one small girl attempting to interfere in his affairs."
   Alita couldn't help but grin at this. It was the gravest of mistakes for one to underestimate an opponent.
   "If Barius doesn't want me dead then why was I attacked last night?" she asked.
   The tall man pulled a crumpled cigarette from his coat pocket and lit it, blowing a plume of gray smoke in Alita's face.
   "A test," he answered simply. "Barius likes to know what he's up against, and that attack last night was for no reason other than to gauge your strength and resolve. If you had died then so much the better, but since you're so intent on meeting with him he's decided to grant this request before he kills you."
   The tall man strode away from her, leaving Alita with no choice but to follow him. She waited until he was out of earshot then motioned for her guide to join her. Aaron stepped forward and Alita turned to face him, lowering her voice to a whisper.
   "I'm releasing you of your obligation," she said to her surprised companion. "You've fulfilled the terms of your contract and guided me through the Firewall."
   Aaron frowned and looked past Alita toward the tall man.
   "It sounds as if you're trying to get rid of me," he answered her.
   "I am Aaron, and it's for you're own good. This is my affair and it no longer concerns you. That battle we experienced last night was nothing more than a minor skirmish compared to the danger that awaits us if you stay, most likely when we meet Barius he'll have the main body of his army with him. If you leave now there's the possibility that you might encounter pockets of resistance on your way back, but you've lived in the outlands for a long time and might be able to elude them. Your chances of surviving are much better than if you remain with me."
   Aaron lowered his head in thought for a moment before replying.
   "Thanks for the offer Alita but I've decided to stay way with you. I may not have been a part of this when we began but I've seen it through this far and I'll finish it. I'm not sure what assistance I can offer but I won't let you down, twice you've saved my life and I owe you for that."
   This wasn't the response Alita had expected and she had no answer for him.
   "And anyway," Aaron continued. "I doubt if you would be going to meet this Barius unless you had a plan for defeating him."
   Alita tried to suppress a smile but found it was impossible to do so.
   "We'd better hurry and join our friend," she remarked. "I don't think he's the kind to wait on us." ***
   For the next two hours the three marched in silence, the tall man leading the way with Aaron at the rear of the procession. Alita knew that they were indeed almost through the range of mountains called the Firewall. Soil surrendered to sand and there was no plant life to be found. A hot wind blew through the pass, indicating that a desert was perhaps only half a days journey from here.
   Their guide lead them over a worn trail marked by stones scuffed with the black of boots and the ground littered with all manner of refuse. Alita took little notice of these things and concentrated on what was to come. Aaron had been correct in his assumption of her having a plan for defeating the marauders, but it's success or failure would be determined by Barius himself.
   Just as the trio reached the lip of a steep canyon the tall man put out his hand and motioned for his charges to stop. He then raised his right arm in the air and waved at a peak high on his left. To Aaron and Alita it was obvious that he was signalling someone, most likely a sentry.
   "It's safe to procede now," he said to them. "Our encampment lies at the bottom of this ravine."
   The three started down a steep incline, weaving their way about huge boulders and tredding carefully over loose stones that if they gave way might result in a nasty tumble down the hillside. Alita looked to the floor of the canyon and saw the shapes of men dart about. There were also buildings of a simple design and several fires to provide illumination and warmth against the coming night. But as the trio came closer Alita was surprised to note that not all of the shapes were of adult males. There were women here, and children as well. She had expected a war camp of bandits and before her was a village of familes, hidden deep in the mountains far from the influence of the sky city.
   And their presence above had been noticed by the inhabitants. It began with the shouts of excited children who pointed upward at them, followed by the hateful stares of their elders. Gradually the activity of the entire encampment came to a standstill as all eyes turned toward the interlopers, curiousity and anger accompanying Alita and Aaron as they thread their way toward the settlement.
   When they had reached the canyon floor Alita saw that the men of the village had pushed the women and children back, taking up offensive positions all around them. Some had conventional weapons of the sort she carried while others bore firearms. All manner of people lived here, some were full flesh as Aaron while others were cybernetically enhanced to varying degrees. They pressed in on she and Aaron with a look of hateful resolve. It seemed to her that there was more to their demeanor than one of self defence, rather she was representitive of what they considered a greater evil.
   "Leave them be," shouted the tall stranger to the rest. "Barius has given them his word that they won't be harmed."
   As one the mob expressed disgust and anger, retreating to the sides to allow Alita and Aaron to enter their domain.
   The guide turned to his charges and pointed to the human path that had been made for them, indicating for the pair to proceed. Cautiously Alita stepped forward with Aaron following close behind. She looked at the gaunt faces on either side, hungry eyes and torn clothes that were the legacy of abject poverty and desperation. To Alita it was apparent that Barius was inclined to use the contraband he had stolen from Tiphares as a means of purchasing weapons and explosives rather than feed those under his rule.The adults glared in anger however the faces of the children were a different matter for they had no knowledge of adult things, rather they regarded Alita with fascination as she passed them by, an exotic of dark hair and mysterious eyes.
   Aaron stared about him as well, and though he was deathly afraid for his life under the given circumstances he couldn't help to be overwhelmed by the plight of those around him. The air was fouled with the smell of decay and unclean bodies, and closing his eyes only made the faces of thin children seem more vivid.
   Eventually the pair found themselves backed against a wall of smooth rock that Alita judged to be about twenty meters high, surrounded by the mob that had closed off their avenue of escape and trapped them in a tight semi-circle
   Aaron looked at Alita who stood next to him and noticed that she had not drawn her weapon. Curses and threats drifted from the crowd but Alita refused to intimidated. She looked those closest to her squarely in the eye and let her intentions be known, if she were attacked then those near her would be the first to die.
   "Look at these people," remarked Aaron shaking his head. "I can't believe that these are the ones you've been seeking Alita."
   Alita nodded once as she continued to look at the sullen faces around her.
   "They are Aaron, and my objective hasn't changed. Though as you are I'm surprised at the presence of children and others who have no involvement in this matter. My dispute is with Barius and those who aid him in his crimes. Why do you think that I haven't armed myself? It's because I have no quarrel with most of these people and I have no wish to harm them."
   "But Barius, where is he?" asked Aaron. "I don't know what or who he is, but if he doesn't appear soon then someone's going to take the first swing and all hell's going to break loose. I don't want to die Alita, and I'm damn sure these people don't realize how dangerous you are."
   "That's up to them," she answered. "I won't make the first move, but if one of them decides to strike at me then I have little choice. Sometimes the innocent die Aaron, and it's their own fault."
   Aaron could easily picture Alita slashing a path of destruction among the people around them. They would both surely die in such a confrontation due to the overwhelming odds, but not before Alita had killed a considerable number. The tension in the air was so thick Aaron found it difficult to breathe, and he found himself becoming dizzy, taking short, rapid breaths to replenish spent lungs and feeling several beads of sweat worm from his temples to his chin.
   He had all but given up hope of their surviving when he noticed the crowd become silent and expressions of hatred turned to those of fear. Alita noticed this as well and grasped the strap about her shoulder with her right hand. As one the mob withdrew, granting the intruders a wide berth and allowing Aaron to breathe a sigh of relief.
   "What's happening?" he whispered to Alita. "It's as if they've suddenly become afraid of us."
   Instead of answering him Alita shook her head, staring at the earth about her feet as if searching for something. Suddenly Aaron found himself flying through the air to crash into the ground several meters away. Alita had grabbed his coat with both hands and leapt to safety, holding Aaron close to her as she retreated from a huge shadow that swallowed the sun and split the earth where they had stood a moment before.
   Alita was the first to recover and bound to her feet. She spun to face the dark figure that loomed over her, again not drawing her weapon but ever at the ready. Next to her Aaron moaned and rolled over on his back, opening his eyes only a crack at first, then staring wide in terror at the sight before him. It was Barius, it could be no other. He had leaped from the cliff above them and very nearly crushed the pair beneath his massive form. Only Alita noticing his shadowed descent had saved them.
   Barius was unlike anything Alita had ever seen. Almost three times the height of the average man and sporting thick armor about his legs and torso. His face was nothing more than it's creator had meant it should be, but if Barius were fitting of such a countenance he was a cruel man indeed. Narrow eyes that struck terror in his opponents and a mouth of white teeth that grinned in anticipation of the kill. His color was of light gray with hands curled into massive fists that he held at the ready. Alita studied his form and noted the sophistication with which he had been constructed. She was representitive of the highest achievement of Tipharean technology and was without equal, but Barius was sure to be of great strength and resistant to conventional attack. Alita wondered at the possibilities of his origin, it was unlikely that such a thing could have been constructed in the outlands but perhaps the body had once belonged to a gladiator.
   A low rumble rose from the marauder's throat as he stared at the anxious faces about him. He then turned his attention to the diminutive woman at his feet and tossed back a mane of long white hair from his shoulders.
   "So you're the girl who's been looking for me," he remarked.
   Alita was mildly surprised at the tone of his voice. He sounded neither threatening or boastful, rather he presented an air of fatherly concern. She didn't answer him immediately, instead she roamed her eyes over Barius' massive form, looking to his chest and arms. Aaron noticed her odd behaviour and wondered at what she was searching for. He assumed that she must be looking for any sign of weakness in his armor, perhaps some advantage she could use in the event of a confrontation.
   "I'm here to kill you," Alita answered with little hint of malice. "You've committed several crimes, each of which are punishable by death, but worst of all you've taken what should never be possessed by an outlander."
   Barius shook his head in disgust, it was just the answer he had expected.
   "I've taken nothing that doesn't rightfully belong to myself and to all of us here," he answered, waving a huge arm over the crowd assembled.
   He took two steps forward until he was directly over Alita, regarding her as as child who has much to learn.
   "Look at these faces girl," he continued. "Each of us is an outcast of the world you serve. Some are from the city while others worked at menial tasks on the great farms. When they had lost their usefulness they were discarded as so much trash, never being allowed to share in the harvest they had wrought for the skycity. Is that fair payment for a life of servitude?"
   Alita shook her head, not in anwer to Barius question, but as an indication that she had no interest in these things.
   "None of this is of concern to me," she answered. "I won't engage in a debate over such matters, the only absolute is the crimes that you've committed, and for that you deserve to be punished."
   "As I suspected," replied Barius. "You're nothing but a puppet on a string, a child's doll that does the bidding of it's masters. If you had an ounce of human compassion you would join us and rid the world of those fools in their tower, for they are the scourge of humankind, the remnants of an arrogant species that inhabited this world ages ago and brought about it's downfall."
   "Tiphares will never be conquered by the likes of you," Alita answered angrily. "All you've done is bring hardship on these people. Didn't you realize once you started your campaign that Tiphares would respond in kind? You've expressed concern for those around you but I wonder. Perhaps there's another motive for your actions."
   Barius grunted and stepped back, regarding Alita with a look of contempt.
   "Nonsense child, I seek nothing more than freedom for all men, that they may share in the riches of this world and never again have to bow under the yoke of oppression."
   "All you offer is death," Alita retorted. "You say you offer freedom yet these people are bound to do your bidding. I wonder how you would respond if some of them decided to leave."
   "Enough!" bellowed Barius. "You are the embodiment of all that we despise, and to kill you would be to strike an even greater blow to Tiphares than the waylaying of their trains."
   Alita placed her hands on her hips and stared into Barius' eyes, offering him an open challenge.
   "Then kill me," she responded. "I think that it would be a simple enough task for a monster such as yourself, unless perhaps you're afraid of me."
   Barius was visibly angry at these words and snorted a lungful of air, raising his head and looking over the anxious faces of his flock. In challenging Barius Alita had maneuvered him into a position from which he couldn't withdraw. She suspected that the people around them both respected and feared their leader, and this was undoubtedly the first time someone had posed a threat to his authority. For Barius to decline her offer or assign others to fight on his behalf would result in a grievous loss of respect.
   "I accept your challenge," he grinned at her. "But not without condition."
   Alita had expected this and remained silent, letting Barius define the parameters of battle. She considered such things to be a pointless gesture, for regardless of how her opponent might try to stack the odds in his favor the end result would be the same.
   "I make the rules here and as such I've decided that we will fight unarmed. No doubt you have weapons at your disposal that would give you an unfair advantage."
   "Agreed," Alita answered him. "I have no need of such things to defeat you, but since I've complied with your demand I think it only fair that I make one as well."
   Barius turned his head slightly to one side and regarded Alita with suspicion.
   "If you are victorious you'll have what you want," she said. "But if I win then you have to agree that my companion and I will be allowed to leave here unharmed."
   Barius threw his head back and let out a frightening laugh that resounded through the canyon and was heard by all assembled.
   "It will be as you have you have asked," he answered after a moment.
   "Then proclaim it," Alita demanded. "I need assurance that your instructions are heard and understood by all of your followers."
   "Of course child, I'm a man of my word."
   Barius looked past Altia and ran his eyes over the teeming mass about them.
   "My friends, I am to do battle with this agent of Tiphares. No doubt I will triumph as our cause is just, but if this girl should win then she and her companion are to be allowed to leave this place unharmed. These are my instructions and they are to be followed without question."
   The marauder turned back to Alita and smiled confidently.
   "That should satisfy your demand," he laughed. "Though I promise that you and your friend face certain death."
   Barius looked to Aaron and stared intently into his frightened eyes. It was the first that Barius had taken notice of Aaron and the young man felt his soul burn under such hateful scrutiny. Alita noticed the marauder's intimidation of her companion and stepped forward, putting herself in the path between the two and assuming a defensive posture with arms raised.
   "If all is settled then let it begin," she said angrily. "I see no need to delay the inevitable."
   Barius stepped back and folded his huge arms across his chest, wearing an expression of smugness that suggested he would have none of this.
   "I will kill you girl," he began. "But now is neither the time or place, the sun will soon be lost to us and there are many about who would be injured in such a confrontation."
   Alita knew this was true and she relaxed her guard. Her fight was with Barius and she had no wish to harm those who had no part in this.
   "To the west of here is a plain of red sand that opens onto the great desert," he explained. "Tomorrow as the sun touches the earth you are to meet me there, and then we will do battle as promised."
   Alita nodded in agreement and stepped back, dropping her hands to her sides and pushing back the red tide that had swelled within her a moment before.
   "We will leave here and make camp a short distance away," she said quietly. "And in the morning I will face you on the red plain, but if any of your men intrude on us during the night I guarantee they won't return."
   "There is no need for deception on my part Alita, I fight for the cause of all people while you are nothing but a hound on a leash, a tool for those who would enslave the world for their own ends."
   At the mention of her name Altia spun about and gave the marauder a look of surprise.
   "You know who I am," she wondered aloud.
   Barius laughed and Alita heard a chorus of sneers and chuckles among the crowd. It seemed that this monster knew more of her than she realized, and she became angered at the thought of being the subject of a private joke.
   "Should this surprise you?" he asked. "I've been aware of your presence since you first entered the mountains and am prepared for the battle ahead."
   Alita walked away with clenched fists, Aaron rising to his feet and following after her as she pushed her way roughly through the astonished faces around them. She looked forward to her confrontation with Barius, not only to conclude her assignment, but because she now had a genuine hatred of the man. However she was content to leave him with the last word, for she knew that he had foolishly revealed more than he should have. ***
   Aaron leaned his shoulder against a rock and tilted his head up toward the night sky. It was a clear evening and a thousand stars swirled into the shapes of animals or gods, creatures of myth that he had no names for or beings familiar only to the dead of a thousand years. Of the many times he had looked to the sky he wondered if tonight would be his last, for tomorrow his fate would be decided by a battle between two titans, one a giant capable of slaying the strongest of men, the other being the diminutive girl who sat crossed legged on the ground before him.
   Alita stretched her legs before her and leaned back, closing her eyes and letting the wind tell her stories of a life borne of regret and tragedy. To Aaron she seemed not at all concerned at their situation, rather Alita was one of those rarest of people, accepting of the inevitable and never bothering with rumination over recent events.
   For his own part Aaron was an emotional disaster, presenting a calm exterior that masked a sea of fear, hate, and self loathing. As most people he had often thought on his own death and what form would it take. A disease perhaps, or maybe a mishap caused by his precarious existance, but never did he dream that he would die so young or know the time that it would happen. And there were other things as well, his involvement in this affair had left him unsure about where he stood on the issue raised by Barius. In siding with Alita was Aaron aiding in a just cause or was he party to a reign of oppression over the less fortunate of this world?
   "Alita, I have something that I want to ask you," he spoke hesitantly.
   She looked up at him and pulled her legs toward her body, resting gloved hands upon her knees.
   "I suppose you do," she answered quietly. "Though it matters little what I might say. There are some things that people have to decide for themselves. As for my part, I live for a single purpose and I won't let anyone, or anything keep me from my goal. Politics are for those who wish to impose their ideas upon others, and it never ceases to amaze me how the few know what's best for the many."
   "I understand what you're telling me Alita, but all I see are the faces of those hungry children in that camp. The things you're saying matter little to them, all that's important is that they get enough food to eat and have shelter from the cold and rain. So what is the crime of stealing from those who would hardly miss it?"
   "And what of the men who died defending that train?" Alita retorted. "Did they seem any less human to you because they were dead? Do you really see this as an issue of black and white? No matter what happens tomorrow there will still be hungry children in this world, and anyone so naive as to think otherwise is a fool."
   Aaron frowned and turned his head to one side as he pondered on how to answer her. He had admitted to being wrong in his initial impression of her, that Alita was cold and unfeeling, yet she was a person of such absolutes and singleminded determination that he knew it was pointless to discuss the matter further.
   "I don't know who's wrong or who's right Alita, all I understand is that there are people suffering in that camp who've done nothing to deserve it. Maybe Barius was wrong to destroy that train and kill those guards, but Tiphares is no better. It's just not right that some people should live in poverty while others look down upon us as being less than them."
   Alita shook her head and looked far to a single star that hung above a range of peaks.
   "As I've said Aaron, there are some things that people have to decide for themselves, and you don't need me to do your thinking for you. You know where I stand on this matter and if you think otherwise that's your decision, but I'm warning you not to interfere with my assignment. I have a job to do, and if you should ally yourself with Barius then you become my enemy as well."
   Aaron could feel himself becoming angry at this. He had not entertained thoughts on siding with Barius but he knew Alita was quite serious in this regard. To her nothing mattered other than the successful completion of her task, and she was prepared to take the life of anyone who got in her way.
   He braced his palms against the rock wall and pushed himself away, stepping carefully around the campfire at his feet then strolling past Alita without looking at her.
   "I need to go for a walk," he remarked to her. "This may be my last night on earth and I'd like to be alone for a while."
   "Fine," Alita answered testily. "But just remember that renegade camp is only half a kilometer from here. Barius may have given his word that we wouldn't be harassed but there are sure to be sentries about to keep an eye on us, and I wouldn't want to wake in the morning to find you dead."
   "What would be the difference?" Aaron asked. "Tonight or tomorrow, it matters only a few hours to when I die."
   Alita gave a wry smile and spoke with a hint of sarcasm.
   "Have a little faith in me Aaron, I've had some experience in dealing with people such as Barius, and I always fight better when there's someone cheering for me."
   She watched Aaron's receding figure until he was lost from sight, then lay her head against her knees and closed her eyes. Alita was tired and knew it was best to sleep, better to face the morning with a clear head. But she decided to remain awake a little longer, at least until Aaron had returned. ***
   Aaron's reason for wanting to be alone had little to do with personal introspection, rather he just wanted to be away from Alita. Debating with her was akin to throwing stones at a wall and he wasn't sure which of them was the more stubborn. He didn't wander far, rather forging a route around the perimeter of the camp and careful to maintain line of sight with the fire. He knew full well there were sentries in the area, he had spotted several already and knew that it was impossible for him to sneak away even if he had wanted to.
   His eyes had accustomed to the dark and Aaron came upon a clearing. He stood at it's center and bowed his head, closing his eyes and trying to push all thoughts of the coming day from his mind. No sooner had he done this than he felt strong arms wrap about his waist and throw him to the ground. He had no chance to resist as a canvas bag was pulled over his head and his arms were tied behind his back. Terror seized him and Aaron cried out in protest as he felt himself hoisted off the ground by someone of great strength. He was being taken somewhere against his will, and he struggled in vain against his kidnapper.
   "Shut up," said a stern voice. "Anymore noise and I'll kill you."
   Aaron ceased his protestation and let his body go limp. He was at an extreme disadvantage and knew it was useless to resist, and the fact that he was still alive meant that there was yet a chance for him to escape if the opportunity presented itself. Strong hands gripped his legs and he lay across the shoulder of a man, feeling every step his abductor took as he was carried off into the night. He had no idea of how long he lay in the dark, but after a time his kidnapper came to a stop and Aaron again felt arms clasp about his body and he was laid upon the ground.
   "Be careful with him," he heard a voice say.
   The canvas sack was pulled from his head and Aaron took a deep breath, looking about at his surroundings. A large fire burned hotly several meters from him and he turned his head to one side away from the intense heat, and it was at that moment that he saw Barius. The marauder sat on his haunches, staring down on the young man's helpless form. Aaron was panic stricken and wanted to cry out, but he was unsure if this might result in retribution.
   "You have nothing to be afraid of," said Barius, recognizing the fear in Aaron's eyes. "I would only wish to speak with you, that is all."
   Aaron relaxed somewhat and closed his eyes, hoping that when he opened them Barius would return to the realm of dreams. The giant nodded once and Aaron heard, then felt someone straddle his back and work the knot about his wrists. His abductor stepped back and Aaron pushed himself to his knees, rubbing the stiffness from his arms.
   "Stand up," he heard Barius say. "I have questions for you my young man, and afterward you can return to that girl."
   Aaron did as he was told and rose to his feet, glancing to his right and seeing the tall stranger who had led them to the camp earlier this day.
   "What do you want?" he asked, turning to Barius. "You gave your word that we wouldn't be harmed during the night."
   "And no harm has come to you," Barius answered in a soothing voice. "But we have things to discuss you and I, and I've heard enough of that arrogant woman."
   Barius put a huge arm against the ground and leaned forward, his face barely a meter away from Aaron's.
   "What is your name?" he asked.
   "Aaron," came the reply. "And I'll tell you right now that I have no involvement in this business between you and Alita, all I did was guide her through the Firewall as I was paid to do."
   Barius shook his massive head in disagreement.
   "But you are involved Aaron, don't you realize that. This girl I'm sure of, she's a hound sent to kill me so that Tiphares can continue in their oppression, but you're an outlander like us. Don't you see how you've become corrupted by associating with her kind, how can you help someone such as her, knowing that she represents the greatest evil in this world?"
   "I don't disagree with you," Aaron answered. "But I've been paid to do a job and honoured my committment. A man needs to live, and sometimes that means doing things that are in contradiction to one's beliefs."
   "Understandable," acknowledged Barius. "But there's more at stake here than you may realize. Alita stands little chance of winning over me in the coming battle, and as you know, if this should happen you will be put to death."
   Aaron felt his heart skip a beat as he heard this. He knew it to be true, but hearing Barius say these things made him even more fearful.
   "But what if Alita wins?" asked Aaron defiantely. "I've seen what she's capable of and you may have met your match."
   "The girl will fail," said the tall man.
   Aaron turned toward him just in time to see the stranger push his hand into the pocket of his long coat and pull it out again. Without warning he tossed a small object through the air which Aaron reflexively caught with his right hand. He opened his palm and saw a small metal disc, approximately the same size and shape as the buttons on his coat. Aaron turned it over and noticed that it was dark green on one side and black on the other.
   "What's this?" he asked of no one in particular.
   "It's an explosive," said the stranger. "Not a powerful one, but enough to kill or maim whoever may be wearing it."
   Aaron shook his head and stepped back. He knew immediately what was being asked of him and he wanted no part of it.
   "No!" he exclaimed. "I won't do it, if you're so confident in defeating Alita then you don't need me to help you."
   Barius frowned and let a low rumble escape from his throat.
   "The girl will lose regardless," he said angrily, "But it's important for all assembled that I be seen to triumph easily over her. We need you to plant that device on her, you're the only one who can do this. It will adhere to her skin and won't be noticed if you place it about her shoulder or spine. During the battle Malcom will detonate it and then my victory is assured."
   "Never," said Aaron defiantely. "I won't be a party to this."
   "Then you will die my young friend. You have the money Tiphares paid you, now I'm offering you your life. Do this thing and you will live, and if not for me then for those that suffer under the hand of the skycity."
   Aaron grit his teeth and clenched the explosive tightly in his fist. He was torn between his loyality to Alita and his personal convictions. He agreed in principle with what Barius was trying to achieve yet he loathed his methods. As for Alita, twice she had saved his life but she represented a system of inequality that he despised. Whichever answer he might give he would hate himself for it and bear the scar of a coward.
   "Well, what is your decision?" asked the tall man named Malcom. "If you're having trouble deciding then let me remind you that if you side with Alita you are sure to die, therefore the answer should be obvious to you."
   Aaron hung his head low and turned his back on Barius, ignoring Malcom's words as he stepped away from the pair.
   "I will do it," Aaron muttered. "Not because I believe in you, but for those children I've seen, no one should ever suffer such injustice as they have."
   Barius smiled and looked to Malcom who grinned from ear to ear.
   "Excellent," said the giant. "I was right in my assessment of you Aaron. You're a man of compassion as I am, and together we'll right this world and make it a paradise of equality."
   "You'll do it alone," responded Aaron. "All I ask is that once Alita is dead I be allowed to leave. I've spent my entire life avoiding the trappings of civilization, and whether it's a world ruled by benevolents or dictators, I want no part of either."
   "Of course," answered Barius. "Each man should be free to do as he desires, and if that is your wish then so be it."
   Aaron had nothing further to say and strode away from the clearing, he was soon swallowed by the darkness, leaving Barius and his charge to discuss what had taken place.
   Malcom turned to his master and gave him a puzzled look.
   Barius chuckled and pushed his massive body to an upright position. He stared into the night and watched as the black ink turned to a sea of red, his ears ringing with the screams of his victims as he crushed flesh to a crimson pulp beneath his feet.
   "Regardless of the outcome tomorrow I want you to kill them both."
Chapter Five