Chapter Five


   If Aaron were dreaming he was sure his imagination could not have conjured a more surreal setting than that in which he found himself, but his anxious state and the driving wind that caused the tails of his coat to flap against his legs assured him that he was very much awake. It was early morning, and behind him the sun had just started to rise above the peaks of the Firewall, framing the mountains with a sliver of orange and casting his form in a long shadow on the ground before him.
   In the distance on either side were stunted hills indicating the range of mountains had come to an end, and before him was an expanse of red sand that stretched as far as he could see. Aaron had been here two years ago and knew that this was the great desert that lay on the other side of the Firewall, and at that time had decided not to venture further into the unknown. To his knowledge none had ever done so or knew what lay beyond the horizon, but he reasoned that it was best for some things to remain hidden from the eyes of men.
   Aaron turned his head to one side, away from the blowing sand that stung his face and eyes, and through narrow slits he could see Alita standing a short distance away, staring intently at the arena of battle that had been prepared for her. Far to the sides was a ring of armed men who stood close together, leaving barely a shoulder distance between them, and at the center of the circle stood Barius, looking toward the pair and waiting patiently for them to enter.
   "It appears that Barius enjoys having an audience," said Alita.
   Aaron didn't answer, instead shaking his head in wonder at how she could be so flippant at a time like this.
   Alita smiled and put a hand to her shoulder, adjusting the damascus weapon to a more comfortable position.
   "Well so do I."
   Without further comment, Alita strode purposefully toward the ring of men with Aaron falling into step beside her, pushing his tired legs through the shallow sand and looking nervously at the angry faces that returned his stare. After a moment they had reached the human wall but the men in Alita's path showed no sign of relenting to her. She neither paused or changed direction, instead of merely pushing aside the man in her way Alita grabbed his collar and threw him forcefully to the ground. A chorus of jeers and profanity rose among the audience, threatening to erupt in violence even before the two combatants had engaged. Barius raised a huge arm in a plea to silence the crowd, his voice booming through the cold morning air and echoing from the peaks in the distance.
   "Be quiet my friends!" he implored. "I know your thoughts and I share your hatred of this woman, but we will join in battle soon enough and you will see for yourselves that we fight for a just cause, for evil can never triumph over the righteous."
   Alita ignored Barius and continued toward him, coming to a stop fifty meters away from the marauder and looking about at the human chain that hemmed them in. There was no escape from this situation she realized, and if the unexpected were to happen and she should lose, Aaron would be at their mercy.
   She turned her attention toward her opponent and raised her right hand, pointing defiantely at Barius to add emphasis to her words.
   "I've heard enough of your lies," she said angrily. "And once I've defeated you then these people will see you for what you really are, a tyrant who manupulates the weak and destitute to further his own ends."
   Barius laughed and took a step forward, clenching his fists and assuming an offensive posture that caused some in the assembled audience to gasp in awe of his fiercesomeness. Alita answered his gesture with an expression of disgust, indicating to him that she knew he was playing to his audience and was not impressed.
   "I have no need of deceit," he answered her. "For I am nothing more than the embodiment of the will that resides within these people. Through me, they shall achieve victory over the foulness that has tainted this land."
   Alita made a concerted effort to control her anger and resisted the temptation to rush at the monster and strike him down. She turned to Aaron who stood close behind her and breathed deeply to expel her rage.
   "I'll need your help," she spoke quietly.
   Aaron nodded once, indicating that he understood what she was asking of him. Alita slipped the damascus weapon from her shoulder and held it out for Aaron to receive it. He grasped it firmly and was surprised at it's substantial weight, slinging it about his right shoulder as Alita had carried it. Next she pushed her coat aside and unfastened the straps which held a metal attachment to her left thigh, letting it drop to the ground at Aaron's feet. Finally she slipped the long coat from her shoulders, again revealing the slim form Aaron had seen two nights previous. He was at once struck by her feminine appearance and how small she was, and though he knew that she was a cyborg construct and a formidable combatant, to all present it appeared that Barius would triumph due to his great size and strength.
   Alita folded her coat in half and draped it over Aaron's left arm, and as he took it from her he noticed that it seemed quite heavy. He groped the folds of her clothing with his right hand and felt two objects buried within. One was obviously the bladed weapon she had given him during their first skirmish with the marauders, the second was a mystery to him.
   Aaron looked Alita in the eye and gave her a puzzled look that demanded explanation.
   "What's this?" he enquired, grasping the bulging pocket at the waist.
   Alita stepped forward and pushed her face into his, lowering her voice to a mere whisper.
   "A firearm," she answered quietly. "It's a special weapon that's been prepared for me, and if I should fail I want you to use it."
   Aaron was surprised at this and stared blankly for a moment before asking his next question.
   "I don't understand," he pleaded. "What is it you want me to do?"
   Alita closed her eyes briefly, adding weight to the importance of what she was going to say next.
   "Barring any unforeseen catastrophy I should win this fight easily," she began. "But I've never been one to underestimate an opponent, and judging from his display earlier Barius seems confident of defeating me, I wouldn't be surprised if he has some deception planned."
   Aaron said nothing and returned her stare, trying his best not to waver from her eyes or show any reaction to her words.
   "If I win then we'll be permitted to go free, Barius has given his word on this," she continued. "But if I should lose then you have a grave decision to make, and only a few seconds to react before those around us are upon you."
   Aaron swallowed hard and felt his pulse quicken. He knew this and understood that Alita was making no attempt to frighten, rather she was explaining the harsh reality of their situation.
   "Last night, after you had left the camp I loaded that weapon and made it ready to fire," she explained. "It holds the maximum of ten rounds and if you should use it, be aware that it's extremely powerful and must be held with both hands to counter the recoil."
   "But Alita I've never shot anyone before, and you've indicated that the weapon can only be fired ten times, it would be a wasted effort to even try and defend myself ."
   "I didn't say how you were to use it," she answered. "Barius has said that you would be killed, but he didn't say how or when this would happen. Knowing what these people think of me they may decide to torture you as an example. Death may come quickly or it might last for days, torture can take many forms and I would hate for you to suffer."
   Aaron now realized what Alita had intended the gun be used for and took a deep breath, feeling the resolve drain from his body and looking to the red sand at his feet. He suddenly wondered why this was so, perhaps some element in the earth was the cause, or maybe this place had been the site of many such battles and the ground had become stained with the blood of the combatants.
   Alita knew his thoughts and felt empathy for him. She shook her head and knew that it was time to begin, Barius was waiting on her and she wanted nothing more than to kill the marauder and be gone from this place.
   "I'm sorry," Alita spoke with sincerity. "You shouldn't be here and this was never meant to happen."
   Aaron raised his head and smiled weakly at her, he hesitated a moment then reached out his right hand and placed it reassuringly upon her shoulder.
   "No, this is what I wanted Alita. I'm responsible for whatever happens to me, it was my decision to remain with you and I have no regrets."
   Aaron removed his hand and looked past Alita to the monster that awaited her.
   "And besides," he said with a shrug of his shoulders. "We both know you're going to kick his ass."
   Alita put a hand to her mouth and smothered a laugh deep within the pit of her stomach. She suddenly felt buoyed and confident that she would triumph over Barius and Aaron would be awaiting her return. She smiled to him then turned and strode confidentally toward her opponent, her expression turning grim as she focused on the task at hand.
   As Alita walked away from Aaron the young man heard the footsteps of another approach him from behind. A moment later the tall man named Malcom stood close to him. Both men stared at Alita's receding figure, neither turning to acknowledge the other's presence.
   "Have you planted the device as instructed?" inquired Malcom.
   Aaron nodded in the affirmative and Malcom gave a smirked expression as he turned away, returning to the ranks of those awaiting the coming battle.
   "Good," Aaron heard him say. "You've done the right thing my friend, and you have my word that when this is over no harm will come to you."
   Aaron clenched his teeth and wrapped his fingers tightly about the strap of Alita's weapon, fighting the temptation to unsheath it and cleave Malcom's head from his body. He looked to Alita and stepped several paces backward. Of any assembled he was the closest to the pair and knew he was in a dangerous situation. No doubt when the two clashed the participants would range over the immediate area and he had no desire to be caught in their confrontation, but he was also careful not to get too close to the men around him.
   Alita stopped a short distance from Barius and looked to his eyes, trying to gauge when he would strike first at her. For his part Barius stepped forward suddenly in an attempt to make Alita back away. She had realized his feint and stood her ground, permitting Barius to remain within striking distance. Without warning the marauder lunged again and brought a massive fist down on the spot where Alita stood, striking with such force that the rock beneath the sand split with a loud crack, sending a funnel of dust into the air.
   Barius' attack was so swift and sudden that Aaron had not realized what had taken place until it was over. To all it appeared that Alita had been defeated with one powerful blow, the crowd erupting in cheers as they waited for the dust to subside, expecting to find Alita's crushed form among the crumbled stone.
   A murmer of surprise rose from about the audience, Barius himself stepping back a pace at what he saw, for Alita stood two meters to the right of where she had been standing a moment ago, coated with a thin film of dust but looking very much alive and unharmed.
   "I'm impressed," Barius said earnestly. "You were able to guess when I would strike at you and were able to avoid my most powerful attack."
   Alita shook her head in disagreement and began to circle her opponent, forcing him to turn with her lest he leave an opening in his defence.
   "There's no guess work involved here," she replied. "Though you may be of great strength your size betrays your movements, and it's impossible to mask any offensive maneuver you may attempt. Regardless of your physical prowess I'm faster than you and in some ways just as powerful."
   This enraged Barius and he clenched his fists, stamping the ground with his huge feet and creating tremors that were felt by the men around them. He lashed out at Alita with a powerful kick from his right leg, a move she easily side-stepped then leapt forward in a complete aerial rotation to land on her back beneath the monster. She bound to her feet and let out a piercing scream, punching her right fist hard against the marauder's left calf and smashing the armor plating. Barius roared in pain as Alita withdrew her fist, wires and metal twisted about her clenched fingers as she yanked them free.
   Barius raised his left leg and attempted to crush Alita beneath him, but he was slow to act in this and she responded by jumping back a safe distance and assuming a defensive posture.
   Alita put her hands down and regarded the monster before her with a look of disdain and pity. Barius was hunched forward, one hand placed against his injury and staring at her with hateful eyes.
   "Where are your boastful words now?" she taunted. "I doubt if those around us have ever seen you in such a state, and this is only the beginning."
   "Only a fool would gloat at the drawing of first blood," he responded angrily. "The battle is far from over Alita, and when it has come to a close I'll continue to grind your body into the earth until there's nothing left."
   Alita steeled herself and prepared for the next round. Barius was sure to be more cautious this time and she expected him to try a combination of strikes instead of a single killing blow.
   Aaron watched the scene intently, and as the rest of those assembled he was astonished at the damage Alita had inflicted on Barius. The monster was indeed strong but in comparison to Alita he was a novice in the art of combat. He thought of Malcom, somewhere among the men behind him. Despite the severity of Barius' injury it was still too soon for him to detonate the explosive without those around him becoming suspicious, most likely Malcom would wait until the fight had progressed to a point where both competitors were spent and there occured an exchange between the two. For Aaron, that moment could not come soon enough.
   "Now it begins," threatened Barius.
   He stepped forward and again thrust his right leg at Alita in a powerful kick. She leaped straight in the air to avoid the blow and Barius swung his right arm at her, striking Alita hard against the left shoulder and knocking her to the ground. She rose to her feet and stared angrily at him, his attack had resulted in little damage and her left arm felt stiff and less responsive.
   Again Barius attacked, this time swinging an outstretched arm at her in an attempt to grab hold. Alita knocked his hand away with a powerful kick then lunged toward him, her right fist striking Barius in his chest at where the human heart was to be found. The giant staggered back from the force of the blow and was barely able to prevent himself from falling over. He knew that he could not permit this to happen, his only advantage was his size and if he should topple he would be at Alita's mercy.
   Alita rebounded from her strike and landed on her feet. She watched Barius step away and swing his huge arms to and fro in an attempt to right himself. He was vulnerable to attack, and Alita ran toward him with the intent of striking at his right leg and forcing him to his knees. But Barius had seen this and as Alita rushed beneath him he leaned forward and wrapped a huge hand around her, plucking Alita off the ground with little effort and holding her high overhead. Barius was aware of Alita's strength, he had already felt the force of her blows and knew it would be a mistake to maintain hold of her for long. She squirmed in his hand and he could already feel her tensing in preparation to break free from his grasp. Barius slammed Alita into the ground before him as if she were a ragdoll, and at that very instant an explosion cracked the air and the battle came to a standstill.
   Alita staggered to her feet and stepped back a safe distance from Barius, who had also ceased his attack to look at the cloud of dust twising into the air from where Malcom had stood a moment before. All about the immediate area was flesh and cloth, and of those unfortunate to have been near Malcom some bore superficial wounds to their face and arms while others had been laced with his blood. As one the crowd expressed horror and revulsion, reeling back from the scene and wondering what had happened.
   Alita threw Aaron a puzzled stare which he answered with a sheepish grin and a shrug of his shoulders, however Barius raised his fists high in the air and shouted in rage.
   "You traitor!" he roared. "How dare you defy me and help this woman, for that I will kill you with my own hands when the battle is done!"
   The humour drained from Aaron's face and he felt his knees grow weak. In his heart he knew he had made the right decision in planting the explosive on Malcom, but in doing so his fate now rest in Alita's hands. If she should fail in her battle with Barius his own death was a certainty.
   Alita turned toward Barius and focused on her objective. She looked to her opponent and stared at the area of his chest she had attacked previously. Her blow had failed to penetrate the dense armor but Alita saw a marked crack in his shell. One more strike and she was certain to penetrate his skin and kill him, an action that would both liberate and enslave her.
   She rushed at Barius and eluded his defenses, striking at his left knee with an elbow as she raced past him. The marauder turned with her and punched empty air as Alita lowered her head and felt his fist sail past. In following Alita Barius had twisted his upper body and was out of form, he could turn no further to his left without lifting his feet to plant them in a new position, and Alita intended to make him do just that. She shifted to her right and Barius responded by raising his left leg from the ground, and in that instant Alita launched herself in the air, her entire body a lethal projectile that slammed against his chest and sent him crashing to the ground.
   The crowd roared in astonishment as they saw their champion upturned by a small girl. Only Aaron raised his fist before him and smiled at the sight of Alita standing atop Barius, one hand gripping the armor at his throat to steady herself. The crowd fell silent as they awaited what was to come. It had been expected that Barius would defeat the girl easily, but now she wore the title of victor and they were unsure of what she would do next.
   Alita continued to hold tight to his metal shell and with her right hand she raised a clenched fist to her ear. She knew that Barius was still very much alive and suffering the effects of a concussion. He may not regain consciousness or he might revive quickly, and if the latter happened she was prepared to kill him in an instant if he threatened.
   After several tense minutes Barius stirred and shook his head from side to side, opening his eyes to see Alita straddling his chest and ready to deliver the killing blow. Barius was defeated, he realized this and breathed deeply, letting his body go limp and resigning himself to his death.
   "You think you've won," he said unexpectedly. "But there are others to take my place Alita, many wait for the chance to fell the city you serve and I doubt if even you could fight them all."
   "I don't care about any of that," she replied angrily. "I was sent here to complete an assignment and take back what's mine, and once I've killed you all will be set right."
   Barius looked to her and laughed, causing Alita to clench her teeth against the desire to tear his throat out and silence him.
   "I see," smiled Barius. "Now I understand your true intention in coming here, if such is the case then kill me. For all you've done is cut the tail from the lizard so that a new one may grow in it's place. My body may die, but my spirit shall live on in the hearts of others."
   From the corner of her right eye she saw Barius raise an arm to strike her, Alita responded by driving her fist hard against the damaged area of his chest, thrusting her hand within as if searching for something deep in the recesses of his body. And at that instant Barius erupted in an explosion of flame and billowing smoke, causing all in attendance to fall back and shield their eyes from the horrific sight.
   Aaron turned away from the fiery wind that singed his hair and cupped his hands to his ears, and after the scorching wave had passed he looked to the devestation before him. The main of Barius' torso was still intact, but various pieces of him lay strewn about the area. Charred metal and blackened limbs were all that remained of the behemoth. Aaron looked frantically among the ruin searching for any sign of Alita, and after a moment he spotted her, a small body lying a short distance away having been thrown from the epicenter of the explosion.
   "Alita!" he shouted.
   Aaron dropped her coat to the ground and raced toward her, oblivious to the men around him which as one had started to advance on the scene with slow, deliberate step, tightening the circle and cutting off any hope of escape. Aaron reached Alita and knelt next to her, placing one hand behind her head and gently resting it in his lap. Even to his untrained eye it was obvious she was in grave peril. He glanced at her scorched body and saw that her right arm was horribly blackened and scarred. Several fingers were missing from her hand and about the chest were deep lacerations that exposed her inner makings. Common sense told him that no one, flesh or construct could have survived such a horrendous ordeal, yet he did as anyone would and raised his voice in an attempt to revive her.
   "Alita, can you hear me!? It's me Aaron, please don't die."
   Alita let a moan escape her seared lips and shook her head in an effort to regain her senses. Aaron felt his heart leap in his throat as she responded to his imploring words.
   "Thank God," he smiled at her. "You're alive Alita, you've defeated Barius and we can go home now, it's over."
   Alita didn't immediately respond to his words, instead she raised her left hand and clutched the collar of his coat, drawing his face close to hers.
   "It was not within him," he heard her whisper.
   Alita withdrew her arm and Aaron sat back on his haunches, puzzled by her strange remark. What was not within him, he wondered. Aaron had no idea what Alita might be referring to but he naturally assumed that she must be suffering the effects of her ordeal and was in a state of shock. Regardless, he resolved that he would take her to a safe place and have her injuries attended to. She was his responsibility now, and he would not abandon her under any circumstance.
   Aaron raised his head and saw Barius's men advancing on their position. All of them held grim expressions that betrayed their sense of loss and it was clear to him they intended to kill Alita and himself. Aaron still had Alita's damascus and he laid her carefully upon the ground, rising to his feet and unslinging the weapon from his shoulder. He frantically tugged away the sheath around it then held the folded blade under one arm as he desperately tried to depress the metal clasp that released it. The device wouldn't relent to his efforts and he placed one thumb upon the other, squeezing hard and gritting his teeth against the pain in his hands. Suddenly the blade sprang forth with such startling result that he nearly lost it from his grasp. He brought the two lengths of handle together, assuming a defensive posture and thrusting the weapon forward in a gesture of defiance, warning the advancing army to keep their distance lest he strike at them.
   "Stay back!" he shouted. "I don't want to harm anyone, but if you try to kill us then I'll be forced to hurt you!"
   Alita heard Aaron's nervous threats and opened her eyes to see him standing over her, waving the damascus about as if he were performing some strange dance. If their situation had not been so perilous she might have laughed, as such all she could do was surrender to the tiredness in her body and close her eyes, caring not at all if it were for the last time. ***
   She had no idea of how long ago she had regained consciousness, minutes or perhaps hours had passed since she had chased the darkness away, only to see the green canopy above her and feel the jostling of the truck beneath as it bounced over rocks and climbed steep hills on it's way to an unknown destination. Alita lay on a rough hewn blanket and similiar had been draped over her and pulled to her chin. She turned her head to one side and saw the damascus weapon. It had been folded and was wedged between two red canisters to keep it from rolling about the bed.
   Alita was in full command of her faculties now and knew it was necessary to assess her battle readiness, a task she was hesitant to perform in dread of knowing the results. She attempted to raise her right arm from the shoulder and found that she couldn't. This was as she had expected and Alita crossed her right leg over her left, assuring herself that she was still able to stand and walk about, though there was a noticible lack of response from her left leg that meant she was unable to move with the quickness she had displayed in her fight with Barius.
   She raised her left hand to her chest and felt the deep lacerations in her skin, knowing that she was in dire need of repair to her body. Despite the severity of her injuries Alita was still a formidible opponent in a conventional confrontation, especially with the damascus in hand, but against another such as Barius she would barely be able to mount an offence.
   Alita tilted her head back and saw Aaron sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, eyes looking straight ahead and glancing occasionally at his rearview mirror. The sun shone brightly through the grimed windshield and illuminated Alita's body from the waist down, leaving the rest of her in shadow. She surmised from the angle of the sun and it's intensity that Aaron was driving east and it was still morning, though how many days had passed since her confrontation with Barius she could only wonder.
   "Aaron," she spoke to him.
   The vehicle came to an abrupt halt and Alita heard the screech of metal gears clashing in discord. The engine ceased and Aaron turned around, looking down on Alita and presenting her with a look of astonishment.
   "You're finally awake," he smiled at her. "Thank God Alita, I wasn't sure if you were going to survive the trip back, but from the look of you I'd say that you're going to be fine. Just leave everything to me and I'll see that you're taken care of."
   "Where are you taking me?" she asked.
   "Well, farm twenty two is the closest facility to us," he replied. "It's stll a fair distance from here but I've been there before and I know the way, and I'm sure there are people there that can help someone in your condition."
   Alita stared blankly for a moment, allowing her mind to absorb Aaron's words and ruminating over what she recollected of recent events.
   "No," she answered with a shake of her head. "We can't leave the mountains Aaron, not just yet."
   Aaron pulled his head back and gave her a puzzled look.
   "I don't know what you're talking about. It's over Alita, Barius is dead and you've fulfilled your assignment. We came through this alive and you should be happy, and when you're feeling better the first thing I'm going to do with my chips is buy you a drink at a little place not far from where we're going."
   Alita ignored his pleasentries and shifted her body in an attempt to raise her shoulders from the bed, bracing her left hand against the metal sheet and pushing her torso upward.
   "Help me," she asked of him. "It's necessary that I find out if I can stand on my own and move about."
   Aaron was miffed at her response to his enthusiasm, but he reasoned he knew Alita well enough by now that he should have expected this. He climbed from the truck and shut the door behind him, Alita listening to his footsteps as Aaron walked to the back of the vehicle and loosened the straps which anchored the rear of the tarp to the bed. He raised the flap and flung it over the roof, bathing Alita in bright sunlight and causing her to raise her left arm over her eyes and shield them from the glare.
   "Give me your hand," she implored.
   Aaron reached forward and Alita clasped her left hand about his wrist, letting herself be pulled gently toward the sun and swinging her legs over the bumper of vehicle. Alita released her grip on Aaron's arm and sat upright, slumping forward and oblivious to the rumpled blanket that slid to her waist. Aaron immediately grabbed the edges of the fallen blanket and pulled it to her chin, wrapping it tightly about her neck to stay in place. He wasn't sure if somone such as her felt cold or discomfort, but it was a natural reaction to someone in need.
   So fragile he thought, looking at her weary face. Quite unlike the fiery combatant he had seen slay a monster many times her size. Aaron shrugged off the sudden inclination to put his arms about Alita and give her a reassuring embrace, he was unsure of how she would react to this and decided against it.
   Alita raised her head and let a deep sigh escape her lips, searching Aaron's face for the answers to her questions.
   "Tell me what happened," she asked.
   Aaron placed his hands against his hips and cocked his right shoulder to his ear, unsure of how to answer her.
   "A lot of things," he replied. "Too many to tell and not enough time to explain it all. But this can wait Alita, we're losing time just sitting here and I'd rather you get the attention you need, there'll be plenty to talk about once you're feeling better."
   "I need to know," she answered him. "Start with what took place after I had defeated Barius, the last thing I recall is you standing over me and waving my weapon around as if it were a toy."
   "Yeah," he replied sheepishly. "Those men were advancing on us and I had to do something. I wasn't going to let them harm you, not without putting up a fight."
   "I appreciate that, but how did we survive their onslaught? No offence Aaron, but I've seen you handle a damascus blade and I doubt if you were able to kill them all and survive without a scratch."
   Aaron grinned and leaned forward to add emphasis to his words.
   "It was as Barius promised," he replied. "You were the victor so his men spared us, in fact they could have cared less about you and me and left us completely alone. But I didn't expect to see them surround his body and start to hack away at what remained. It was a horrible sight, and as they were so busy in killing Barius a second time I simply picked you up and carried you away from there, running as fast as your weight would allow me to."
   Alita looked away in thought before turning back to him.
   "I'm not surprised at this Aaron, Barius may have been admired by some but he was feared by others. If I had lost that day his people would have gone on living under his tyranny and resting their hopes on his false words, but as he was defeated they were freed of his oppression and vented their hatred of him. No doubt many feel as he did and despise Tiphares, but given the option most would choose to live peacefully in that remote village rather than mount a futile campaign of terrorism."
   Aaron understood this and stared at the ground without answer. After a moment he raised his head and continued with his explanation of what had taken place since the battle.
   "After that I carried you on my back for days," he explained. "Resting during those times when you became too heavy. I was able to find edible plants and berries occasionally and there were some moments when you had revived to a state of semiconsciousness and I was able to force food down your throat. You doubtless don't remember any of this, do you?"
   Alita shook her head and Aaron took a deep breath before he continued.
   "Good," he said thankfully. "It wasn't a pretty sight. Anyway on the third day we were caught in a thunderstorm and that's what saved us. Water was what we were in need of most and afterward I was able to continue until we arrived at the stone barrier we first encountered. Obviously the truck was still there and hadn't been damaged in anyway, and there was still some food left among our supplies."
   Alita bit her lip and thought much on what Aaron had told her. She knew that he had saved her life and realized how hard it had been to accomplish this. He could have made things easy for himself and abandoned her at any time, but he had not. And for that she was still alive and in his debt.
   "Thank you," she said with sincerity. "I can only imagine how difficult it was to carry me for such a distance, but how long have I been unconscious?"
   "Four days," he answered her. "And believe me I was pushing myself hard to get as far away from those people as I could."
   Aaron paused before he continued, his intention to change the subject of their conversation.
   "Now that you know the important details we'd better go Alita, you're not going to get any better sitting here talking to me. I'm sure I'll be telling this story for years afterward and I don't need the practice."
   As she heard this Alita turned her head sharply to him and spoke in a serious voice.
   "Don't say that," she replied angrily. "You're never to discuss any of what's taken place here, do you understand me? Your silence is all that can save you right now and even that isn't enough."
   Aaron was startled by her angry outburst and took a step backward. She seemed not to be upset with him, rather she was concerned for his safety and was simply stressing her point. Aaron was about to enquire as to what she was referring when Alita interjected with a question of her own.
   "How long has it been since we left the stone barrier?" she asked.
   "Four hours, if not more," Aaron replied. "When we arrived at the truck I immediately put you inside and got underway. To be honest, I could do with some sleep and a hot bath but those can wait."
   Alita's expression became grim and she rest her left hand on her knees, clenching a fist then flexing her fingers as wide as the joints allowed.
   "That means we're only a short distance from where Sharon and Elise live," she said.
   "Sure Alita, their home is only a couple of hours away but what's the point? I'd considered taking you to them to see if they could help, but I doubt if either of them has any knowledge of how to repair an advanced cybernetic such as yourself, it would be a waste of time."
   Aaron saw Alita part her lips slightly as if to respond to something he had said, then clamp her mouth shut and push herself from the truck to stand on weakened limbs. Aaron watched as she raised her left leg and took a step, and as her foot touched the ground her knee collapsed under the transference of weight. Only Aaron reaching out and grabbing her about the left arm prevented her from spilling to the ground.
   "You're in no shape to go anyplace but where I'm taking you," said Aaron sternly. "You may have been in charge several days ago but our contract has long since expired. Unless you intend to break me in half you'll go where I say, though in your condition I doubt if you could even hurt a fly, let alone me."
   Alita stood straight and shrugged off Aaron's hands, scowling at him as she took another step, this time successfully. She was not angry at him, rather at herself and the pitiful appearance she must present.
   "I must return to the home of Sharon and Elise," she said resolutely. "And I'm not asking anything more of you Aaron, if you won't take me there then I'll walk I have to."
   Aaron could feel himself becoming angry and bit his tongue in an effort to remain silent. Alita was the same as always, stubborn and determined to do things her way. She had saved his life and he had repaid the debt, and Barius no longer claimed a corner of the world as his own. As far as he was concerned their business was concluded and Alita belonged under a doctor's care. For some reason not realized by him Alita intended to return to the two women who had secluded themselves in the mountains. He knew it was pointless to ask why, Alita would only refuse to answer and insist that it wasn't necessary for him to know these things.
   "All right," he relented with a wave of his hand. "I'll take you there Alita, but I don't need to tell you that in your weakened condition you might die if something happens."
   "Yes," I'm aware of that," Alita replied. "I know that you've done much for me these past several days and I'm grateful, but bear with me in this matter. In defeating Barius I only completed part of my task, but the matter before me now is of a personal nature and I have to see it through to the end, can you understand this?"
   Aaron remained quiet for a moment then pulled the tarp over the back of the vehicle and fastened it down. He walked to the driver's side and opened the door, pausing to look at Alita who stood with her back toward him, staring off to the horizon.
   "If there's one thing I've learned during our time together it's that you would never do anything without good reason," she heard him call to her. "I suppose our drink can wait a little longer."
   "I'll hold you to that," Alita replied.
   She turned and walked cautiously toward the passenger compartment, mindful of every step and resisting the temptation to put her left hand against the vehicle and steady herself. ***
   "Stop here," Alita instructed.
   Aaron brought the vehicle to a halt and killed the engine, turning his head toward Alita and awaiting her next words.
   "How much further is to the house?" she asked.
   Aaron rest his arm atop the door and pointed toward a hill one hundred meters in front of them.
   "Just around this next bend," he answered her. "If that rock wasn't in the way we would be able to see their home from here."
   Alita stepped from the vehicle and walked around the front end, leaning back against the warm bonnet and narrowing her eyes in thought. It was obvious to Aaron that she was planning some strategy here, but in preparation for what he had no idea.
   Aaron joined her and hoisted himself atop the huge left fender, looking at Alita and wondering why she had returned to this place.
   "Why did you want to stop here?" he asked. "Another two minutes of driving and we'll arrive at their house."
   "No Aaron, that's just what I want to avoid and from here I go on alone. All I ask further is that you remain here and wait for me. Give me one hour, and if I haven't returned in that time you're not to come looking for me. I'll most certainly be dead and you would only suffer the same fate, or worse."
   Aaron felt nervous and fearful of what Alita was telling him, he had a dozen questions to throw at her but kept his mouth shut and allowed her to finish.
   "And here's the important part Aaron, if I don't make it I want you to run. You'll have to spend the rest of your life avoiding any contact with civilization, and under no circumstances are you to return to these mountains."
   "I don't understand any of this," he said anxiously. "When you were facing that monster Barius you were confident of defeating him, but now you're worried about two women, neither of which seems as if they've ever raised their voice in anger. Just what are you afraid of Alita?"
   "I've never been afraid of anyone in a confrontation Aaron, all I care about is that one of us makes it out of this alive."
   Aaron's eyes followed Alita as she walked around the vehicle and made her way toward the rear. He pushed himself from the fender and started after her when Alita raised her arm toward him, indicating for Aaron to stop.
   "I can do this myself," she ordered. "Stay here Aaron and keep a look out for any sign that were not alone, I'll return in a moment."
   Aaron did as he was instructed and turned his head in all directions to see if they were being watched, and as he did this he could hear the ring of metal being bumped against the bed of the truck and then two sharp clicks. The noise subsided and Aaron turned to see Alita returning to the front of the vehicle. Her right arm still hung limp at her side, and in her left hand was the damascus blade. She had detached it from the black handle and held it reverse fashion with the leading edge pointing back and her thumb against the pommel.
   "What do you need that for?" he asked with concern.
   "It has it's purpose," she replied. "I only have the use of one arm so it wouldn't serve to keep the other part, and I'm glad that you didn't leave it behind."
   Aaron stared at the weapon, and though he had no knowledge of such things he knew that it was not of the generic sort he had seen others carry.
   "I figured you'd be upset if I didn't take it with us," he answered. "And I wanted something to defend with if I ran into trouble along the way, though I had to leave your coat and those other things."
   Alita nodded in understanding and slashed the weapon several times in the air as if she were fighting an unseen opponent. It had been many years since she last used it in this manner and was alarmed at how slow she was. She was not accustomed to holding the damascus in her left hand and her arm was stiff and unresponsive. Alita hid her disappointment at this and was sure it had escaped Aaron's notice.
   "You can't be thinking of harming Sharon and Elise?" Aaron suddenly realized. "I won't permit it Alita, those two have no part in this and showed us nothing but kindness."
   He moved to stop Alita from leaving, standing squarely in front of her in such close proximity that she nearly split his skull open with the weapon. Alita relaxed her arm and let the damascus rest against her leg, looking defiantely at Aaron and visibly annoyed at his interference.
   "Be reasonable," she said angrily. "Do you really believe that I would kill two innocent people who have no involvement in this? Things aren't always as they seem Aaron, you should realize that by now, and I've warned you before I let won't anyone stand in my way."
   As Aaron began to reply to this Alita nudged him aside and stepped past, ignoring the stunned expression and glaring anger. Suddenly Alita felt hands about her waist and she was knocked to the ground. Aaron lay upon her back, maintaining a firm grip on her as she struggled to right herself.
   "I won't let you do it!" he shouted in her ear. "No matter what they've done you have no right to take their lives. To hell with Tiphares and with you Alita, let those two live in peace and forget about them!"
   Despite her injuries Alita was still many times stronger than him and folded her knees to her chest, pushing upward and launching Aaron through the air to land on his back several meters away. He groaned and looked up to see Alita standing over him, furious for what he had done. She stared at him a moment then without a word turned and started for the house, leaving Aaron to wonder at this and knowing full well there was nothing he could do to prevent Alita from committing murder. ***
   The sun had reached it's zenith and to Alita it seemed much hotter than on any previous day. She walked toward the small dwelling, roving her eyes over the immediate area searching for any sign of movement. Dead silence abound and there was little wind, it seemed reasonable that the two were inside, taking refuge from the midday heat.
   Aaron had been correct, Alita did intend to kill one, or if circumstances warranted both of them, but he could not understand why nor was she able to tell him. She had arrived at her conclusion through simple logic, though there were still several questions that she soon hoped to have answered. Alita truly regretted what she was about to do, when she had met Sharon Alita had at once felt an empathy and a kinship with her, but she now realized it had been a lie, a clever deception designed to lead the curious astray.
   Alita came to a halt five meters from the small house and waited, looking to the windows on either side of the door to see if someone was peering back at her. There was no sound, not even the creak one would hear of people moving about in such a home. It were as if the occupants were standing completely still, hoping that Alita would be fooled into believing the house was empty.
   "Come out Sharon!" Alita called after a moment. "I know the truth of who you are, and we have a matter to settle between us."
   Alita was greeted with silence, waiting a full minute for a reply before she stepped forward and repeated her request.
   "I know you're in there, and if you don't do as I ask then I'll come in and drag you out, either way it makes little difference."
   Alita saw one of the curtains flutter as if someone had brushed against it. She could hear stirring within in and raised her weapon across her chest, steeling herself in case she should have to avoid an attack. The handle turned and the door slowly opened, revealing a darkened interior that seemed to go on forever. A figure stepped forward and presented herself in the bright sun, and when Alita saw who it was she lowered the damascus and let out a deep breath.
   It was the younger of the two, the one called Elise. She appeared just as Alita had remembered her, the exception being she now wore a blue dress with a strip of black about the hem. Her blank expression betrayed no emotion at all, as if she were neither fearful of Alita or the slightest bit concerned about why she had come here.
   "What is it you want?" asked Elise in a tired voice.
   "You know why I'm here," Alita answered. "Tell Sharon that she's to come out here this minute."
   Elise showed no response, as if she hadn't heard Alita's words or could care less about this. Alita was becoming angry and again raised the blade in a threatening manner, making her intentions clear to the young woman in the doorway.
   "I have no quarrel with you Elise, for the moment this is strictly between Sharon and myself. But if you interfere then you leave me with little choice."
   "Sharon is unable to speak with you," Elise answered immediately.
   Alita was surprised to hear these words. Not only was it unexpected, but the young woman had spoken as if this mattered little to her.
   "I don't understand," asked Alita hesitantly.
   Alita watched as Elise stepped to one side, her body now partially hidden in the shadows. She bent over and picked up something from the floor and in one swift motion stood and tossed it from her, as if the thing were no more than refuse to be discarded. Alita stepped back in revulsion as Sharon's lifeless body landed before her feet with a sickening thud. She looked down on the gray flesh and staring eyes that had once regarded her with affection, and immediately felt the anger well within her. So strange to feel this, she knew. For Alita would have taken the woman's life with her own hands, but to see her this way made Alita burn with rage.
   "What have you done!" she sneered at the young woman.
   Elise stepped forward and walked confidently toward Alita, stopping at a safe distance and clasping her hands behind her as a mischievous school girl who has been truant from class.
   "Only what you would have," she replied. "The difference being that she wanted me to."
   Elise was smiling now and Alita could barely control herself, holding the weapon tightly against her chest to prevent her from lunging forward and slashing the woman's throat. Then the realization dawned on her and Alita felt the anger subside, regarding Elise with a look of astonishment.
   "You and she were one in the same," stammered Alita.
   Elise closed her eyes briefly and shook her head in disagreement.
   "Not exactly," she answered. "It's true that all of what Sharon was now resides within me, but Elise never knew what Sharon intended for her. And now that I live within this body and know her feelings, Elise would have gladly surrendered herself had she known."
   "But you loved her," said Alita angrily. "How could you have done this to someone you cared so deeply for?"
   Elise shrugged her shoulders and looked to the body lying on the earth between them.
   "Because she asked it of me," Elise answered simply. "That body before you was diseased, and if left alive Sharon would have soon started to die a slow and painful death, stripped of her dignity and shamed to be in my presence. Can you imagine what that's like Alita? Wasting away to nothingness before the one you cherish and unable to return her love? Sharon lives within me now, her hopes, fears and her love for me are still here, and I'll tell you something else as well, though you only met briefly she was fond of you, even considering you her friend."
   Alita refused to believe what she was hearing yet she knew this to be true. Sharon had been nothing more than a vessel, harboring one dominant soul until the body had outlived it's usefulness then moving to another. And each time this occurred that person's thoughts and feelings were taken, each new host the sum total of the previous. Elise was as she had always been but now she was Sharon as well, and possibly many others before her.
   "And what of Barius?" Alita asked. "Was he nothing more than a monster created to do your bidding?"
   "Barius was just what I intended him to be," Elise answered. "In him I lay the seed of dissent, giving him a reason to exist so that I might be left alone. He hated Tiphares as I wished him to, and if he had taken the sky city at some point then I would have had no further use for him."
   Elise ran her eyes over Alita's damaged body and shook her head in disappointment.
   "Though I must admit it's a shame he didn't kill you as I hoped," she frowned. "Just how were you able to deduce the truth behind him?" '
   "There were several clues that gave you away," Alita answered. "The first was the stone wall we encountered after we had left here. Aaron and I were sure there were no sentries about which means someone else had warned Barius of our coming. You're the only one that could have told him this."
   "That fool," said Elise angrily. "I told him to take no such action, but that certainly wasn't the only thing that gave me away."
   "No, there were other things. Barius knew my name, despite my not having told him this, but there was one thing that confirmed my suspicions and left little doubt."
   Alita paused, forcing Elise to wait on her words, a strategy of placing oneself in the dominant position.
   "Something he said to me after our battle was over," Alita continued. "He said that I had merely cut the tail from the lizard so that a new one might grow in it's place. I wondered at this and what it might mean, and it sounded remarkably similiar to something you had said to me the night Sharon and I spoke."
   Elise burst into laughter and Alita waited until she had taken her fill, patiently waiting for Elise to confirm these things.
   "Cut off the head and the body dies," said Elise, clapping her hands together in glee. "Marvelous Alita, I'm quite impressed with your deductive reasoning. I had thought you were nothing more than a soldier but it seems you have the makings of a general."
   Alita lowered her head and answered as if she were thinking aloud.
   "No, I'm nothing more than what you see before you, and now that you've told me these things I have little choice."
   Alita shifted her legs to a combative posture and held the damascus in front of her, narrowing her eyes and staring at Elise with grave intent. The young woman responded by turning to her left and tracing a slow path about Alita, forcing her to turn in step as she circled round.
   "You intend to kill me?" Elise asked
   Alita nodded and continued to follow her, wary of any sudden move she might make.
   "I think you'll find that rather difficult to do," Elise spoke again.
   "What is there to prevent me from killing you?" asked Alita calmly. "You have no weapon on your person, and you're completely human and no match for me, even in this injured state."
   "Quite true," Elise confirmed. "As I carry with me the traits of my former hosts I do possess extraordinary strength for a female my age, though in a confrontation between us you would surely be the victor."
   Elise stopped suddenly and dropped her hands to her sides, seeming to resign herself in a decision she had made.
   "No Alita, I won't make any attempt to resist you, for the thing that prevents you from taking my life is your own conscience."
   Alita offered a smirking grin and waved her weapon as if to chase away the very idea.
   "Nonsense," she said with disgust. "I don't know who or what you really are, but you're the most contemptible being I've ever encountered. I've faced many before you, those who's motives ranged from the lust for power to the joy derived from combat, I know these things and I understand them. But never have I met anyone so selfish as to steal the bodies of others to continue her life. You've cheated death long enough Elise, and in killing you I'll be preventing more from suffering the same fate as Sharon."
   "Oh really," Elise smiled. "Is the dilemma before you so simple to decide? I may have created Barius but Elise had no part in this, Sharon cared for you yet she desired your death. What I am is the embodiment of a dozen lifetimes, each a distinct personality that resides within me and continues to live past the time they were destined to die. A young child, a loving mother, a soldier in the great wars above us. In killing me you end all their lives in a single stroke, innocents who have done nothing to deserve what you would do to them."
   Alita clenched her teeth and felt her resolve wither in the face of this. She had never before been in a circumstance where the distinction between right and wrong had been blurred to such an extreme, and she felt helpless, unable to decide on what to do. Alita couldn't allow Elise to live, neither could she take the lives of so many. She lowered the damascus to her side and hung her head low, turning away from the young woman's burning eyes and admitting defeat for the first time in her life.
   Elise waited a full minute before she smugly turned and started to walk away, confident that she had defeated Alita with that most powerful of weapons. She had only walked ten paces when she collapsed on the ground and reflexively curled into a fetal position. A dull ache grew from her stomach and encompassed her entire body, tearing at every fiber of her being as she felt the agony of a dozen souls crying out at once. Elise reached to her abdomen and clutched the bloodied weapon in both hands, her palms sliding over the razored edge as she tried to pull it from her body. A minute passed, then two, until Elise finally surrendered her efforts and released the blade, her hands falling to the ground.
   Alita walked to the body and knelt down, grabbing the damascus by the hilt and withdrawing it in a single pull. She stood and closed her eyes, wondering on if she had made the correct decision and listening for the answer deep within her psyche. Only the beating of her heart told her she was still alive as the world about her vanished in a blur of gray.
   She looked to the small house that beckoned her to enter within, drawing Alita against her will to see what lay inside. She entered the dwelling and glanced about the tiny rooms, ignoring the ghosts that moved to and fro, conversing among themselves and seeming to take no notice of her presence. Alita opened the door to a room she had not entered on her previous visit and saw a simple bed against the far wall beneath a window. A beam of sunlight burned away the darkness and she could clearly see all around.. She entered and shut the door behind her, leaving the spirits to continue their shadowed existance and looking to the walls and floor in search of anything unusual. She had no idea of how the item she sought might appear, but to perform it's function it would have to be of a substantial size.
   In a dwelling so small Alita realized there could be only one place to conceal such a thing. She pulled the bed away and found a hole had been cut in the floor and a ladder lay within to lower one into the darkness. She lay her weapon aside and grabbed hold of the topmost rung, careful to grasp the ladder firmly with her left hand as she inched her way down. After only a few steps she alighted on the soft earth and stood for a moment, giving her eyes time to aclimate to the darkness. The ambient light from the room above aided in this and after a time she could see clearly around her. The basement was roughly the same dimensions as that of the room above and in the far corner Alita saw what she had been searching for.
   She walked toward it and knelt down, studying it's construction and wondering at the genius it had required to make such a thing. Elise had lived many lives and in that time had most certainly acquired the skills necessary to do this. The main portion of the device was a large cylinder from which ran a jumble of colored wire to several boxes, and all of this mounted to a metal frame to hold it in place. She noticed as well a thick cable that ran from the cylinder to the near wall, obviously it had been thread through the frame of the home and led to the roof of the structure. She further recognized various components as having been part of the ruined train she and Aaron had visited.
   Alita took a deep breath in preparation for what she was about to do, for she knew that once the device was destroyed she would never more be alone with her thoughts or able to dream as her imagination designed. She brought her hand down on the cylinder, smashing it into a hundred pieces and as she did this a dormant part of her conscience flooded with a stream of jumbled images. Words and numbers, things familiar and foreign, all entering her mind at once and causing her extreme pain as the mind tried to absorb a flood of information that it was not capable of processing. Alita had expected this and dropped to her knees, lowering her face to the earth and waiting for the agony to subside. And as she suffered this the strangest of things occured to her. She suddenly thought of a historical figure she had once read about, a woman who had visions of god and was put to death for these things. Alita could easily imagine this woman's torment, both in life and in death. And though her body would cease what had been started would continue to flourish for a thousand years.
   The pain subsided quickly and Alita took several deep breaths to regain her composure. All was as it should be and she started for the ladder, knowing that she had little time left to rejoin Aaron and be gone from here. But there was still one duty to perform, she would take the remains of the two women and place them here, in this beloved home that they may be as Alita wished to remember them. ***
   Alita stepped from the vehicle and slung the weapon over her shoulder, her mind so wracked with exhaustion that she would have been content to stand in this spot for the rest of her days and not move from here. She heard the door slam shut on the other side and waited for Aaron to join her, and together they made their way to the entrance of the farming complex. Alita looked past the gate and in the distance could see a reservoir of clear water beyond which appeared to be a field of farmland. About the water were buildings of various design and purpose, connected by a series of simple roads and pathways.
   They halted at the gate and Aaron placed his hands on his hips, looking about at the small paradise so different from the world beyond it's fences.
   "I guess this is where we part company," she heard him say.
   Alita turned toward him and Aaron did likewise, each regarding the other with uncertainty about what was appropriate to say in such a circumstance.
   "Yes, I'll be leaving now," she answered. "I want to thank you for what you've done Aaron, if you hadn't been with me I would never have survived."
   "Likewise," he answered with a smile. "Though I'm sure that in the future you won't need me to guide you, I have a feeling that this has been taken care of."
   Alita nodded and prepared to leave, hoping that Aaron would say his good byes and not mention this further.
   Aaron took a deep breath and stared at his boots, he obviously had something on his mind and she waited until he had found the appropriate words.
   "Alita there's something I have to confess."
   "Yes, what is it?" she asked.
   "During your fight with Barius, do you recall when an explosion occurred and that man Malcom was killed?"
   "Of course," she answered. "It was just as I had expected, though I wish it had come a little sooner."
   Aaron was astonished to hear this and dropped his hands to his sides, wondering on how this could be.
   "I don't understand," he stammered. "You knew of Barius' plot to kill you during the battle and you said nothing, even knowing that I was the one to plant the device on you?"
   Alita smiled and looked away for a moment, letting Aaron stew in his own curiousity.
   "When you left the camp that night I followed you," she explained. "I was concerned for your safety and spied on you from nearby. But when that man, the tall one named Malcom took you I was unable to interfere as there was the danger you might be injured. I simply trailed you to your meeting with Barius and hid among the rocks, privy to every word that was spoken, and after you had left I hurried back to the camp and arrived before you. I should tell you Aaron that Barius intended to kill you, regardless of what you decided."
   "I expected as much," he said with a frown. "But why didn't you say anything? You knew that I was going to plant an explosive on you yet said nothing."
   "Because I knew you wouldn't," she answered plainly. "In each of us, Barius and I were qualities that you both admired and despised, but Barius had asked that you kill me, indicating he was not a man to be trusted in anything. There were times when I didn't tell you things but I had never lied to you, and I think that's what you based your decision on."
   "In part," he responded. "But there's something else as well. Despite their difference, when two people have spent a great deal of time in each other's company a bond develops between them. Sometimes they become friends, or perhaps enemies, but there's a feeling of familiarity that never fades no matter how many years may pass. I know we always didn't get along but I'd like to think that we part as friends and maybe someday we'll meet again."
   "Hold out your hand," she said unexpectedly.
   Aaron was surprised at this and hesitated a moment.
   "Go on, hold your hand out," she implored.
   Aaron did so and Alita placed her hand in his, and as he grasped her palm he could feel the warmth emanating from the woman beneath what he had only seen.
   "You are my friend Aaron, for few would have done as you have, and I know that I can trust you with my life if need be."
   Aaron smiled and released his grasp of Alita's hand. With a wave he turned and started for the truck, intent on getting to a small town two hours south of the farm and buying a night's lodging and a meal. Alita looked for a moment and then turned away as well, entering between the gates to the farming complex when a piercing flash of light stabbed her eyes and forced her to turn away. She knew what this was and spun on her heels, cheated of the opportunity to shout a warning to her friend. Alita was helpless to act as she watched Aaron fall to the ground and lie still, never knowing what had happened.
   Alita walked toward him and knelt down, turning Aaron on his back and looking into his calmed expression and tired eyes. A stream of blood flowed from his temple, indicating the use of a high powered weapon of the kind only she and a few others were able to obtain.
   She placed her hand against his chest and looked away, this should have been expected and Alita was angry with herself for not being more cautious. In time she could have implored of those who decided such things that he be left alone, but it was apparent that Aaron's fate had been predestined from the moment he accepted this assignment.
   "No!" she said suddenly. "I will not leave this man as he is, he was a friend to me and I cared for him. For all I have done grant me this and things will be as they were."
   Alita breathed a sigh of gratitude as she heard the reply and picked Aaron from the ground, carrying him to his truck and laying him gently in the bed of the vehicle. She pulled a blanket over his body then positioned herself behind the wheel. The engine roared to life and she turned the truck into the deep sand, heading west back the way they had come. Alita had no idea where she was going, only that it was far from the towns and farms of the desert toward the mountains and plains that Aaron loved so, and that he would let her know when they had arrived.
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