by Lisa Jade
I nod. Today marks a week since Max, Adam and I sent the kill code and shut the bots off. The experience was tremendous; the deafening clatter as a million bots came to a standstill, crumpling into useless heaps of scrap. The joy that coursed through me as I realise it was over, finally over, and we could finally stop fighting.
The thing is, we can’t stay in Lumis forever. The bots may have been dangerous, but the entire city was based around them. Without them, we’ll run out of everything. We have no choice but to move along, leave the dome and try to find a new home somewhere. I’ve given a lot of thought lately to what’s outside the gate. The map that Robert showed me flashes in my mind, tempting me. I’m shocked by the mere scale of it. I can feel it already, the building desire to explore every part of it.
The door swings open and a small group find their way inside. Among them I spy the Scouts, Max and Minni. Minni runs up to me, wraps an arm around my shoulder and grimaces.
“Are you up for this?”
I simply beam in response. It may have been a few days, but it’s still weird having the people from Street here in Fairground. I’d had no idea that when Max left to find me, he’d been forced to sacrifice his position first. All that moaning came to a head, and his friends decided he was no longer worthy to lead them. Luckily, when he returned and told them all we could go, they came gladly. According to Minni, they hadn’t done very well without him – even for a day.
“I’m so excited for this,” says Minni, pulling me toward her. I smile. I didn’t realise how much I missed having her around. How much I missed her and Marcus and Thomas and Max. Especially Max.
I look across the room and meet his eyes. He’s bathed since I last saw him, and shaved too. His skin is pink and flushed, but his hair is still in blonde springs around his neck. He smirks at me and I feel a shudder running through me. I don’t know how I never clicked before, never noticed how handsome and kind and brave he is.
I stand up, somewhat unsteadily, and look around. The infirmary is all boxed up, packed and ready to be taken with us. The whole place seems empty and sad, and I feel like a child moving house for the first time. Sad and excited and happy.
We bundle out of the door to find everyone outside. They pack what we have into boxes, strap it to any form of transport we have, load bags onto their backs. Standing not too far away is John, watching the packing, occasionally offering a tidbit of advice. Bree stands by him; and again I’m blown away by how big and strong she looks. She’s practically a woman already.
John turns when he sees me and Dr Newton following the others out.
“Ah, Newton. Good to see you. I trust everything’s going well?”
“Of course,” he replies, “and out here?”
“Yes. We’re just about done – we can head down at any time.”
But then his face changes, into a childish, selfish expression, and I wonder why I never noticed it before.
“I can’t wait to get out of that gate, Newton. I can’t wait for the two of us to lead these people to a new future.”
Dr Newton stops, and then his eyes flick back to us.
“Actually, about that… I had a thought. Why don’t we allow the ones who saved the city to leave first? It’s only fair.”
John scoffs.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Adam’s just a boy.”
I chuckle. Since we got back and told our story, plenty of people have been shocked that I could do what I did. It led to a rumour that Adam, being the Scout leader, orchestrated and completed the whole thing. He’s a hero in our community now, a pleasure I’m only too happy to let him have. I’m finally happy with not being a hero.
“Nevertheless, plenty of us feel the Scouts should be the ones to step out of that gate.”
“Be realistic, Newton. We can’t let children lead us.”
“Hey!” snaps Minni, but I wave for her to stay quiet. John rolls his eyes.
“I can’t believe you’re even entertaining this idea! I’m the one who runs this place day to day. Those brats get lucky and they become heroes? Oh, no. I’m the one in charge here!”
Suddenly Bree steps up, a scowl on her face, and rounds on John.
“You are not in charge. This is a democracy – though by the way you act, you’d never think so. You are a horrible leader and not a great person, either. A good leader would allow the saviours of the city to be recognised.”
John gapes, but then throws his hands up in the air.
“F-fine then! Let them do it! See if I care!”
He starts to walk away but then stops, waving for Bree to rush to his side. But she steps back, her arms crossed, her jaw set.
“Oh no, John. I’m afraid I’ve outgrown you.”
The older man scowls, but seems to realise he’s been beaten. As he walks away Bree turns to us, hugging me at the waist. I pull her close, a smile breaking out on my face. Thank goodness. I feel like she’s finally found her way back.
We walk in a massive group, and reach the gate by midday. It’s a massive thing, metallic all over, with systems up top to open and close it. Adam leads, the Scouts close behind, but I hang back with Max and Minni. I step over a broken down mecha as we head to the gate, pushing it into the dirt with my foot. There’s something about the motion that makes me feel smug, proud… and happy. So, so happy. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much in my life.
We roll to a stop near the gate, and Adam looks back at me.
“Come on.”
I shake my head, but he waves me forward.
“Come on! All of you!”
I hesitate, but Max and Minni step forward, pulling me with them. I find myself standing between Adam and Max, our arms down by our sides, unarmed for the first time in nearly twelve years. There’s something about it that feels wonderful to me, that feels like home. No longer two worlds clashing, this feels like the start of something new. I feel Max’s fingers against mine and touch them, entwining them with my own. We exchange a momentary glance, something warm and tender between us. I close my eyes and remember the kisses in Street, the warmth of his touch. A smile plays on my lips.
Then the gates begin to shift, and I can feel the satisfaction in the air. As it opens a rush of wind comes in, cool and lovely. It soothes my skin and makes it easier to breathe.
Adam looks up and down the line, and I know in that moment that I’ll follow him anywhere. He’s my leader, my friend, my Boss. Any adventures we have out there will be all of us, and I never want to be separate from them ever again.
I reach into my pocket with my one good hand and pull something out. The movement is discreet, and the others don’t notice as I lift it to my face. Worn leather gloves, black and familiar, a small white ferris wheel embroidered on them. My fingers tighten around them and I smile. She would have loved this.
The light bursts through the gates and Adam smiles.
“Is everyone ready for this?”
The others cheer; I nod and grin. This is it. The end of it all, and the start of something much more. Whatever’s out here, I can’t wait to face it and fight it and discover it.
We look out into the light and take our first step into freedom.