by Van Forson
***
In the mouth of the cave, a small fire roared.
“Your outdoor skill and ingenuity with those bits of wood are outstanding,” Max said making a note of it on his aero pad. “I’ve only read about such amazing feats.”
“I learnt traditional fire making in Commania. They make everything from the nature around them, food, clothes, shelter, everything. I learned a lot from the Saps. They even made your gift box.” I said gesturing to the small hand-carved wooden box I had given to him containing his silver keyring.
“The IM has a time encrypted message for you. Keep it safe.” I reminded him, not that I needed to. He wouldn’t forget.
“Fascinating.” Max said, looking at the handiwork of the container, “And very kind. Thank you. I would have loved to have accompanied you to Commania and studied the ancient Sap variables. I - I mean people.”
“I wish you were there too. But it just wasn’t meant to be. I'm glad you’re so interested in what I experienced. It's important for you to know that it isn’t just people in the Upper Worlds that have phenomenal talents and skills. And knowledge doesn't only come from books and screens.”
“That’s very philosophical Kid. I guess you learnt that from the Saps too.” Max said, pushing his specs up the bridge of his nose.
“I figured that out on my own. But their way of life has taught me many things, like trusting my instinct. That's why I asked you to come here.”
Max avoided direct eye contact, and his demeanour dropped, “I’m so sorry about what happened to Wain.”
I swallowed hard, battling to control my emotion.
“Fulfilling The Prophecy has brought challenging times for all of us, this journey was never just mine to take, and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know for helping me carry the load.”
Max looked at me through his fringe, “You're so different Kid, so self-assured. What happened to you? Did your Code Type kick in?”
“I’m not a Code Type, Max. I’m Human.”
“Human?”
“Yep. Beautifully so.” I spun around so he could take in the splendour of what it meant to be a real-life Human being.
“But how is that possible? They're extinct!”
“There are many things in this world above your genius level of understanding, Max.”
He pushed his specs up and nodded slowly trying to take it all in.
I sat next to him and held his face in my hands, “Whatever has happened and whatever will happen I don’t blame you. You know that don’t you?”
Max looked directly into my eyes, “Why did you do this Kid?” He took off his specs and wiped away his tears. “Why did you insist that I come here? You are public enemy number one. You know I couldn’t logically come to meet you without the Authorities finding out.”
“That's the logic of your mind Max, but what would your heart have wanted you to do?”
“I'm a Brainiac Kid, not some airy fairy Type like your mother. You should have gotten away when you had the chance. You shouldn't have made me do this!”
Max grabbed my arm and plunged a serum into it.
“Ow!” I pulled away from him.
“Why Kid? Why did you make me do this?” Max wailed uncontrollably.
The effects of whatever Max had given me took hold instantly. I nodded my head feeling woozy.
“I didn't make you do anything, but I knew you would betray me, Max. It had to be you.”
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” He turned away, shamefaced.
“The Prophecy of the Soul Survivor is real. This is the last piece of the puzzle. For the beast with the three eyes to be captured there is just one eye to go. The last eye is me. Myself. I.”
I stumbled, feeling my essence begin to drain away. I grabbed onto Max and looked him square in the face. This was something he needed to know, something he must never forget,
“It’s not your Type which determines your life, but your choices. Even when a situation seems impossible, there is always a choice. You can break out of the box they put you in and be whatever you want to be. Your life belongs to you. Choose well.”
Max cowered at the fierceness flickering in my pupils; I half smiled before my eyes snapped shut.
Kid fell to the cold rocky floor.
“It's done,” Max whimpered quietly into a lapel mic.
Within seconds Dr Djaba, surrounded by dozens of White Coats, tentatively made their way into the cave as if about to face the most hideous of creatures, instead of a sixteen-year-old girl.
To prove his leadership, Dr Djaba took charge and grabbed Kid's lifeless body. As he did so, a brilliant bright light illuminated her.
“Arrrgh!” The White Coats screamed as the glare stung their eyes.
Dr Djaba trembled but did not relinquish his grip, “We’ve got you, we’ve finally got you!”
The light faded and the cave was once again a hollow dank space.
Now that the Kid no longer posed a threat, more Officials and Guardians swarmed in.
“Dr Djaba, what shall we do with her?” A White Coat asked fearfully.
“Keep the body on ice and take her for testing. The Admiral himself wants a report on every line of her DNA code.”
Max watched pitifully as White Coats rushed around Kid carrying out his orders.
“Boy, what are you staring at? Get him out of here.” Dr Djaba commanded.
Two White Coats ushered Max roughly from the cave towards a waiting vehicle. Rows upon rows of Elite Guardians lined the hilltops surrounding the cave. It was a mission of gargantuan proportions.
“State your name and business here.” A Guardian aimed a pop con at Max.
Max nervously stumbled, dropping the ornate box containing the silver keyring to the ground. The parcel landed softly in the brown mud.
“Step down! He’s the bait; he led us to her.” A White Coat snapped.
“Yes, sir.” The Guardian made way for the White Coats to march Max to his vehicle.
Max looked desperately towards the box, it was in touching distance, but there was no way he could pick it up discreetly.
“What are you waiting for? Your job here is done. Get going.”
The White Coat pushed Max into the back of a cruiser, and it drove off but not before Max caught one last glimpse of Kid’s limp body being hauled ruthlessly out of the cave. He sucked on his lower lip to fight back his tears.
“I’m so sorry Kid.” He whimpered. “What in the world have I done?”
All the while a peaceful smile stayed fixed on Kid’s face. She had fulfilled her role, and the baton had been passed on in the form of eight special keyrings. Now everyone else had their part to play in The Prophecy, and only time would tell if they would.