Of Brick and Stone (open)

Aaly's eyes flicked with joy as she saw hate on Jonathan's eyes. She looked at Sebastian before her smile got smaller though it didn't disappear. She shrugged at him lightly.


"Oh, it's not a little threat, just stating a fact actually" She declared simply. How ironic, wouldn't think it would come the day she would actually have good feeling towards Jonathan's fiancée but absolutely bad ones towards him.
 
Jonathan glared at Aaly. He was done talking with her and so with a flick of his wrist the hood went back on.


The three hour trip from District 1 to the Western Badlands seemed to take forever and Jonathan filled the time by discussing next moves with Sebastian and filling in Obsidian on what was going on. Jonathan's thoughts would sometimes shift to the rebels and what had pushed Aaliya to join them. Whatever the reason was, she was his enemy now, and that was all that mattered.


The Hovercraft landed deep within the badlands and the hoods were once again removed from their heads. The door opened and the rebels were brought to the opening that lead lead out.


"I'd run reals fast if I were you," Sebastian grinned at the two. "I hear the hyper hounds are hungry this time of day."


With that Shotgun and Aaly were pushed roughly from the craft, their hands still cuffed.


"And if you do somehow make it back to your district," Jonathan called down to them. "You can tell them that you only live to draw breath because of my good graces. Know that I had your lives in my hands and I spared you."


"Hope that we don't meet again prince," Shotgun snarled. "Because if I ever see your smug face again, I will not show hesitate to take your life."


Jonathan smiled. "Funny. I was thinking the same thing."


The door to the hovercraft closed and was soon back in the air.
 
Aaly glanced up at the hovercraft before she stood up with a jump, stumbling a bit as she couldn't really make use of her hands as they were still cuffed. She stretched a bit before talking.


"Well that could've gone worst" She declared rather calmly as she looked at him. True they were still all beaten down but at least they were alive. Wouldn't be for long though if they didn't get moving right now.
 
"Define worse," Shotgun said looking around. He'd never been in these parts before and he wanted to get a good feel for his surroundings. "We should get moving, but I'm not sure which way leads to District 2." As he spoke Shotgun lowered his arms and stepped backwards through them one foot at a time so that his cuffed hands were in front of him instead of in back. "We should also find a way to get these off." The cuffs around his wrist were held together by magnets that clung to each other. Shotgun didn't know how to get them off without a switch.
 
"At least we're alive" She said as she did the same thing as him to have her hands on the front. She looked around as she frowned, the sun was already setting and that was a serious problem. She narrowed her eyes as she tried to think "Well... Relena did told be once this lands where to the East of District 2 so he should go to the West? So judging by the sun's position I would take a risk and say we should head towards it, as when the sun sets it sets on the West" She turned to him, doubt on her eyes. She had learnt that once but she was not sure about it anymore.


" Let's walk for now with these though, we're not sure about how to take them off anyway" She declared as she let out a sigh.
 
Shotgun smiled down at Aaly as he started walking to the west. "Wow look at you all geographical. What would I do without you? Okay so we'll go up that way," he nodded towards the sun with his chin. "I wonder how close we are to the border of District 2. However far it is, we can't sleep here, not unless we want to die. With all this blood we'll be easy pray for the hounds to seek out. On top of that we can't get any food or water from these lands either." Shotgun scoffed. "Wow that bastard really thought this one through, didn't he. I only wish I knew who really set off those bombs so I can thank them," Shotgun said bitterly. He swigged some spit in his mouth and spat out the remaining taste of blood. "I'm thinking we have a few more hours before the sun completely sets, it's a good thing those hound's eyes are sensitive to the light."


"You just left them there? Jonathan that place is dangerous, it is crawling with hyper hounds." Obsidian was returning to her room from her cello lesson when she decided to call Jonathan for an update on what was happening.


"That's the point. I don't care if the live or die. I was sending them a message," Jonathan said through the cell.


"Maybe you could have sent them a less aggressive message," Obsidian suggested.


"Like what, a slap on the wrist? They would do the same to me if the roles were reversed. You're too kind, Sid. You need to learn that not everyone is a friend."


"Well that does not mean that they are an enemy."


Jonathan sighed and Obsidian could hear the annoyance in it even through the cell. But she didn't care, sometimes Jonathan could be cruel.


"All I am saying is that you should have just sent them back to their own district, it is not like they can hurt us anymore. And she did use to be your best friend."


"Yes, use to," Jonathan said. "And that is why I didn't kill her. Hows that for a 'less aggressive message'?"


Obsidian rolled her eyes.


"She's not my friend Obsidian," Jonathan continued. "She's a rebel. And she is the enemy. You should forget about what she did for you, I'm sure it was just part of an agenda."


"I guess you are right," Obsidian said. But she didn't want to forget. She liked to see the good in people even when no one else did. And what Aaliya did was definitely good. "Where are you?"


"I'm flaying back to District 1 right now. I need to get this craft back before my mother finds out it's gone."


Obsidian smiled. "You stole your mother's hovercraft? Who is the little rebel now?"


"Ha, you're very funny," Jonathan said sarcastically.


"I am funny aren't I," Obsidian said proudly. "Call me when you get back home okay?"


"Yeah."


"I love you."


"Love you too."


Click.


Obsidian shut her cell and opened the door to her room. She stopped once inside and made face. Something was wrong, but she didn't know what.


"Watch your back!" someone yelled from behind slamming the bedroom door shut.


Obsidian screamed and while whipping around threw her cell at her attacker.


"Ow," the man laughed rubbing his chest. "Did you just throw your cell at me?"


Obsidian relaxed when she recognized him.


"Dearest, are you okay?" King Kannin called from downstairs.


"Yes dad," Obsidian called back. "I just tripped and fell." She then turned back to the man, a pout on her face. "Prosper, what are you doing? You gave me such a fright."


"Hey, hey. I told you it's Alabaster now." he said.


"Oh yes," Obsidian said remembering. "That is such a dreadful name, why not keep your real one?"


"Too many ties. And besides, I like it." Alabaster was holding a bag in one hand and a hoverboard in the other.


"What are you doing here?"


"I'm robbing you," Alabaster said holding up a diamond necklace. "What else?" He tossed it in his bag.


Obsidian should have figured. Pros-- Alabaster only came around when he needed money.Not that she ever minded. She always left her valuables out by the vanity for him to take when ever he came by.


"How have you been?" Obsidian asked sitting on her bed.


"I should be asking you that. I heard about the bombing."


"Everyone has," Obsidian sighed. "But I'm fine."


"Good. because you know I wouldn't be happy if you went and got yourself killed," Alabaster said seriously. "Let me ask you something. Do you like this life?"


Obsidian made a face. "What kind of question is that?"


Alabaster shook his head. "Never mind." He zipped up his bag and headed for the window."


"You should come back home," Obsidian said standing up. "Your parents miss you."


Alabaster laughed bitterly. "Now we both know that's a lie."


"I miss you," Obsidian said truthfully.


Alabaster turned around and smiled. "You're the only one who does. Don't change Sid, you're a good person. There are too few of those left in this world." he said heading for the window again.


"Why did you ask if I liked my life?" Obsidian asked stopping him again. She wanted to keep him around as long as possible because she that once he left, she wouldn't see him again for a while.


Alabaster turned. "Do you love Jonathan?"


Obsidian nodded without hesitation. "With all my heart."


"Even though you're being forced to marry him?"


"I am not..." Obsidian stopped. That was a lie. Even if they didn't want to get married, they still would have to. Their marriage wasn't thoughtfully put together like the average person's. It was strictly a power play. So that two of the strongest Districts in the world would forever be allied. "I still love him even though we are being forced to marry."


"Don't you see? People should be allowed to choose who they fall in love with. They should be allowed to choose their life."


Obsidian knew where this was coming from. It was one of the main reason's that Alabaster chose to run away. His parents didn't love each other, never had. And Alabaster had to grow up with that.


"There was a time when people chose their lives," Obsidian protested. "And look at what happened. They almost destroyed everything."


"Oh dear sweet cousin," Alabaster sighed. "You are just so stupid."


Obsidian gave him a mean look at the insult.


"watch your back Sid," Alabaster said cutting into her thoughts. "Something big is happening. I just wish I knew what," the last part he said more to himself.


With that Alabaster was out the window. "Don't tell aunt or uncle I was here," he called over his shoulder.


"I never do," Obsidian called back.
 
Aaly grinned at him as she shrugged


"You would be lost without me" She joked in response to what he had said earlier "I know... God you don't know how much I wanted to land a punch on his face, at least one" She declared rather frustratedly. She blew her bangs out of her face before starting to walk "Come on. I'm not sure how far is it but I don't want to even think what will become of us if those things find us"
 
Shotgun watched his environment very carefully as he walked, his limp making his pace that much slower. Nothing looked like it could harm them, yet. The only thing that was getting to him was the heat, in these parts during this time of the year it could get pretty hot, and the pollution in the air wasn't helping him stay cool at all. A hour passed without shotgun saying a word, he kept thinking about Tydus and the others. The fact that they were completely powerless to stop their deaths killed. He wondered if District 2 had seen the feed yet. Relena would be devastated. Shotgun did not want to be the one to break the news to her. Shotgun also thought about his little love speech to Aaly. If he would have know that they would still be alive a kicking he never would have said it. He was kicking himself on the inside, he probably freaked her out. Did he just ruin their friendship? Idiot! Shotgun whipped some sweet from his brow with his cuffed hands, he let them fall back down where they hit something in his front pocket. What was that? He moved his hands to his left pocket and felt it. His eyes widened.


"Holy crap Aaly, we have our cells!" How stupid he had been for forgetting this important detail. "We can call for help. We just need a number, any number."
 
Aaly had walked just as silently as him though the only thing that occupied her mind was her dear friend, Relena. Aaly knew Relena loved her father dearly and finding out he would be executed and that they were powerless at that matter would pain her greatly. She bit her lip as she dragged her feet, she was getting rather tired of walking on that hot weather. On her mind, right now, there was no place for the events that had been going on between Shogun and her at the cellar. She had jumped lightly when Shotgun had suddenly raised his voice, breaking their silence.


"You idiot! You scared me!" She hissed at him. She then blinked as understanding overcame the horrible feeling the surprise had left on her "Uh... Relena! I know Relena's number!" She exclaimed as she moved her hands to one of her pockets, taking out her cell.


It had been pretty uncomfortable but she managed to dial Relena's number as she placed her cell on her ear, holding it against it with her shoulder.


"Well that comes in handy. Thanks Relena, hurry up unless you don't want to find only what is left of us" Aaly sighed with a mixture of relief and sadness as she shoved her cell to her pocket. Judging by Relena's tone of voice.. She knew nothing about Tydus execution. But why? She bit her lower lip before talking "She's on her way" She muttered softly, not lifting her gaze from the ground.
 
"Good, then I guess we wont die here,"Shotgun said falling to a sitting position. He didn't see the need to walking when someone was looking for them. "I just hope they hurry, it looks like we have about an hour left of sunlight," he said checking the time. "Do they know our exact location?"
 
Aaly smiled as she tapped the spot just below her eye


"Can you believe it that she told me something like: 'I implanted a tracker on that eye, there's no way I'm losing track of that baby'?" Aaly imitated Relena's tone of voice before shivering a little "Seriously, Shotgun. She scares me sometimes" She added before plopping down by his side with a grin on her face.


Her smile then slowly withered as she let out a sigh


"She still doesn't know... And I really don't want to be the one telling her" Her voice was full of anguish as the thought even crossed her mind.
 
"That girl is creepy," Shotgun said shaking his head. He shifted his gaze to the skies and let out a sigh. "I was sure she would have seen it by now with how they are always playing the feeds in city hall. I do not want to see her when she finds out that her father is... is going to die." Shotgun closed his eyes. He had respected Tydus ever since he was a boy. And when his father died he had kind of saw him as a father figure. Knowing that he really was going to die was hard. He couldn't imagine how hard it would be for her.
 
"I know. Somehow I wish she never finds out" She admitted as she looked up at him. She then blinked, but it was not only Relena's loss it was hers, his and everyone else's loss. Even for the families those other Rebels belonged to. Only those years had been enough for her to look up to and to care for Tydus how would that feel to those who had been raised under him and his ideals? She bit her lip softly before leaning her head lightly against Shotgun's arm "He will not die in vain"
 
"No, it wont," Shotgun said opening his eyes. "District 1 will not get away with this. And where heck is Trent? He wasn't one of the four captured so where could he be? You said you saw him when the bombs went off, right? Could he have gotten out before District 1 went into lock down?"
 
Aaly closed her eyes with a sigh.


"I can just hope. I did saw him, that I remember correctly" She rubbed her temple lightly "It would be really chaotic if we were to lose our two leaders in a row" She declared.
 
"How would xiii cope without it's fearless leaders...?"


Twenty, thirty, forty minuets passed and the sunlight was near gone. The hyper hounds would be coming out soon and in this state they didn't stand a chance. Shotgun heard a low hum and his guard went up into overdrive. He looked around expecting to see a hound but instead saw the outline of a hovercar in the sky.


"Hey, she's here," Shotgun said nudging Aaly.
 
Aaly blinked, jumping a little. She had eventually fallen asleep and when she had been woken up with such a sentence she couldn't do anything but panic


"What is here?" She asked in a whisper, aware that noise wouldn't help them to get away from the hounds. However, when she saw the dim light which was approaching them on the sky she let out a relieved sigh, unaware that she had been holding her breath the whole time "I swear it, Shotgun. One of these days you'll kill me" She complained as she lightly pushed him to the side, standing up herself.


"Hop in!" Relena yelled as she stopped by them, an amused look on her face as she looked down at them.


"Took you long enough!" Aaly joked as she herself hoppen in the hovercar "Hurry Shotgun unless you want to stay behind and greet the hounds" She grinned as she looked at him
 
Shotgun cleared his throat uncomfortably, and ran a hand through his hair. Relena's smile made him feel guilty.


"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming," Shotgun said forcing a smile. He slid into the hovercar beside Aaly and shut the door behind him.
 
"Seriously guys you really do manage to land yourselves in trouble quite often, don't you?" Relena chuckled as she drove back to District 2 calmly "Oh was my Dad with both of you? Uncle Trent hasn't told me anything but I figured he must have been with you guys. Will he be arriving later?" She huffed "Getting me all worried like that"


Aaly leaned back on the seat a little, relief spreading through all her body until it was abruptly cut down by Relena's question. Her throat closed for a second and she just wanted to disappear. How was she supposed to tell her Tydus was soon to be executed? She shifted nervously before clearing her throat


"Relena the truth is that... Tydus he..." Aaly clenched her fists softly "Did you know I brought the contact lens I told you my dad had invented with me?"


Relena blinked, a happy expression appearing on her face soon after


"You did?" She exclaimed excitedly "Can't wait to get my hands on it"


Aaly forced an smile, she couldn't do it, she had find a way to divert Relena's attention because she was a coward and she just couldn't
 
Shotgun cleared his throat again. "Did you say that Trent is in District 2? Did he tell you anything about what happened at the ball?" Shotgun was trying to work up the nerve to tell Relena about her father.
 
"Not really. He told me my Dad had stayed behind to handle some other things" It was pretty obvious he hand't told her anything about the bombing either.


Aaly looked down at her hands before looking up at her. Why was it she couldn't seem to find her voice? Was Shotgun really be the one to tell her? Aaly couldn't bring herself to do so, there were even times when she believed herself to have been happy if she had not been told about her parents death years ago. But she knew Shotgun had lost his parents too and that made her feel like a coward as she regarded him as someone with guts.
 
Shotgun knew Aaly wasn't going to be the one to tell her so he cleared his throat once more. Shotgun reached over and put the hovercar on autopilot.


"Lena," Shotgun said making her look at him. When he was told that his parents were gone and not coming back, all Shotgun wanted to do was run and hide. But he also wanted to feel like he wasn't alone, so that was how he was trying to make Relena feel. "Um... there was a bombing at the ball and... and a lot of people died. So because of this... because of this King Julian. Okay," Shotgun cleared his throat, he really needed to stop doing that. "District 1, they said that xiii was the one responsible for the bombing and... well pretty much the whole world, everyone within the New World Order agreed and because of this they want to hold an execution of... for... Relena what they're planning on doing is killing the rebel who they blame for the bombing. Four of then." Shotgun looked away and then back at Relena. "Lena, your father, Tydus is one of them." Shotgun blurted out the last part as quickly as he could before he lost the nerve. "He's going to die," he finished.
 
Relena blinked her smile completely dying out as she heard the last sentence. Her lips quivered a little before she forced herself to speak


"Oh I see.." She mumbled, her eyes falling on Aaly for a moment just to find her looking down at her hands with a rather sad look on her face. "I see" She repeated with an alarming calm tone of voice.


Aaly forced herself to look up at her. Relena's blue eyes void of any certain emotion as their eyes met.


"Relena we..." Aaly started before Relena cut her off


"I know" She mumbled under her breath. She knew it but that didn't change anything.
 
"I'm so sorry," Shotgun said. "And if there's anything that we can do..." he trailed off. Of course there wasn't anything they could do. They tried to do something and failed. "we're not going to let them get away with this," he said instead.
 
Relena tried to give them a smile but failed "I know guys" She muttered calmly before turning back to the front, closing her eyes softly.


Aaly bit her lip softly and kept silent, there were no words she could come up with at the moment.
 

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