I know how it feels to cry in the middle of the night
But nobody else from my side no...no
If you need to escape the dark, let me be your light
So know that you don't have to be alone in this fight, no
-Lyrics to 'Conquer the World' performed by Jessie J and Brandy

Crimson Bonds Part 78

The heavy rain made finding a prime spot to call a safe haven more than challenging for Broderick.

Unlike most Vampires, rain did not practically bounce off him and he was not able to see through the darkness as clearly as his hunter. However, he did manage to made the lead into the canyon a difficult one for Damien.

Finding long coils of steel wire that were meant for trapping game should he find himself fortunate enough to snare food, he instead used it to rig the area surrounding the wide cave with hidden 'alarms' to alert him of a visitor.

Twigs, rocks, the buckle and metal notches from his belt... anything Dawson could get his hands on that was small and would make noise were strung to the buried cords. It was the same method he used when he was tracking down an elusive Infected.

Only this time, he was not looking to cue himself in on the whereabouts of his prey. This was for self-preservation.

Satisfied that he had done all he could with what he had in arming his surroundings, the Hunter made his way into the deep cave he had picked out amongst dozens like it. Soaked to the bone, he lowered his heavy pack and removed what weapons he could make out in a hurry.

That meant settling on the laser pistol and jagged skinning knife while the rest was secured in their carrier close to his side.

Lowering himself to sit on the ground, Broderick stared out to the mouth of the cavern.

He wouldn't chance making a fire to heat and dry himself. Only the occasional flash of lightening illuminated the world beyond. That was more than enough for him to see.

There was no reaching for water or rations. Having a full stomach meant very little if it might cost him the hair of a second he would need to defend himself.

No. Dawson could only sit and watch in wait for the next time he met Damien. And he silently prayed that he would be ready when that moment came.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Just as she had come to like everyone she had come to know in the past few hours, Emma liked Relena from the moment she met her.

There was something naturally kind and easy about the Vampire that made it easy for the child to open up to her, even though she was initially intimidated in learning of the Councilwoman's position in the World Council.

After the initial introductions and some friendly banter were behind them, their time together turned into one of a more serious nature. Peacecraft requested if she and Carol could continue their meeting with the child alone. Emma complied, but meekly asked if Wufei could be there as well. Smiling, the scaly Vampire agreed without hesitation.

So, the four sat at the round table in the safe house's study. Armed with her sketchpad, the pixie-haired youngling had her first sharpened pencil ready.

Folding her hands together, Relena gave the living across from her a warm grin. "Emma, my dear, we're going to have to go over the names and descriptions of everyone you came in contact with outside of Duo, Anna, Solo and Celeste. We need to know everything you know so that the Preventers know what they will face when we locate Septum's base. The more information we have, the better for when the time comes to handle everyone tied into this."

"Okay," the child nodded as she unconsciously shifted closer to the Infected beside her.

Chang smirked and rested a hand on her shoulder, reassuring, "It's alright, Emma. Take your time." Gesturing to the politician, he informed, "Relena is a Seer and will be able to keep her ability open to anyone who is far away enough from Solo's shield against our powers to be picked up."

Her green eyes widening, the orphan turned her attention to Peacecraft. "That's right, dear," the beautiful Infected nodded. "Wufei will be a bit too preoccupied to have this ability's window open, but I can. Sooner or later, someone is going to be making their way to the surface and into range for me to reach them. From there, hopefully, we'll be able to locate and take the base along with everyone in it. So, the more names and faces you remember the better."

Suddenly grasping the important role that she was about to play, Emma's green eyes grew. "You're not alone in this anymore. We all need you and we're all on your side," Wufei stated when he noticed her fidgeting. "No one is going to hurt you again so long as the rest of us exist. You'll be the one to lead us in the charge to making sure that the people responsible for this won't ever put another Vampire or living through this again."

Her courage mounting, Emma rolled her shoulders back against the weight that fell on them. "Not everyone is bad," she began, the urgency in her voice making it clear how ready she was to play her part. "There' s Broderick and Doctor Gloria. They worked out the escape plan and tried to get away with all of us."

The immortals around her blinked in surprise. Never before had they considered anyone who was working for Millers to turn and aid his prisoners.

Nodding enthusiastically to them, the child insisted, "They're good. Broderick was Anna's personal guard. I think he started to really love her." Taken aback, the scaly Vampire froze when she rushed to explain, "Not like you love her, but... he really cares about her. He told me one time that she saved him. Solo told me the same thing about her, too.... when no one else was listening."

The corners of his mouth curling up, Chang relaxed and shook his head in amusement. "That's my Chosen," he all but whispered. "She's always had a way with people."

Only missing her mother all the more, Carol cleared away the lump in her throat and suggested, "Then we'll focus on the good thoughts for you first, sweetheart." Readying her pencil, she said, "Let's start with Broderick..."

*   *   *   *   *   *

It didn't take long for the first string of alarms to sound. And from that initial chime of change ringing, the other signals followed, increasing in volume as the creature breaking through their lines neared the cave at rapid speed.

Closing his eyes, Dawson remained seated as he shut out every thought and sound other than the rush of air that became a roar as he came straight for him. He could hear the snap of fangs growing in. His ears picked up the crushing of stones beneath the feet of his oncoming threat.

He was in his element. This was what he did... what he had devoted his life to.

And then his attacker was upon him.

Broderick sent the long knife in his right hand up in a swift, powerful swing until it met something solid with a loud 'thunk' and a crack of bone that reverberated up his arm at the violent contact. All that he could hear then was the animal like howl of pain just before the being at the end of the blade pulled away at the same time his steel eyes snapped open.

Springing to his feet, the Hunter leapt at the bloodied Vampire that was reeling from the blow that bit into his shoulder blade. Caught completely off guard, Damien snarled and desperately bit at the living as they wrestled on the ground. Kicks and punches were delivered on both ends until Dawson was finally able to get a hold on the hand-grip of his rifle.

Broderick grunted in his effort to press the weapon's barrel against his attacker's chest, only to find himself in a vice grip between the Infected's arms that closed in around him. Struggling to breathe as the constriction on his chest became more intense by the second, he stared into the gold-ringed eyes boring into him.

"Ha!" Damien laughed past his red-dripping fangs and sliced bottom lip. "You are good! I knew that this kill would be fun! Too bad it has to end now." At that, he began to lean in, ignoring the fact that the rifle butt was aiming straight up past him in the midst of his hold.

Glaring at the monster, Broderick's vision was turning black around the edges from the lack of air as he just managed to slip his finger onto the trigger. When he pulled back, he sent a deafening surge of rounds less than an inch away from his would-be-killer's face.

The noise and shock of the shooting caused the Vampire to cry out as he released his prey. Not wasting the brief opening, the living climbed up and screamed as he shot up the ceiling over their heads without removing his finger from the semi-automatic gun once.

At the first rumblings, he grabbed his pack and dove away from the cascading wall of stone and broken dirt before it could bury him along with the Infected.

Coughing violently from the small particles hanging in the air, the Hunter scrambled along the floor to push himself from the floor and into a headlong run out into the open. There was no need to look back at the new end to the cavern that he had created behind him. Putting as much space between him and the Infected was his only concern.

Beneath the crushing pile of rock, Damien snickered darkly. "Oh, finally... an opponent worthy of me."

*   *   *   *   *   *

"That's him," Emma nodded at the sketch shown to her. "That's Mark... the guy who captured me. I don't really know the others working for Septum, but that's what everyone I met looks like."

Carol praised, "Great work, kiddo. You made my job easy." Lowering the paper of the mug shot she had drawn up, she wrote the Hunter's name at the bottom and added it to fourteen other rough images she'd created.

Most of the young men and women that the child had recalled were small players in Millers' game. Guards, lab assistants, background workers that the orphan had come to . But there were four clear standouts...

Broderick Dawson, Doctor Gloria Adodera, Doctor Berg and now Mark Barnett. And from what was described of them, there was a very clear understanding to who they were and their place in Septum's ranks as well as who could be trusted.

Pulling the child against him in a squeeze, Wufei told her softly, "Thank you, Emma. I know that wasn't easy, but you did fantastic." The girl beamed up at him, her little frame leaning all the more into his side.

Relena was on her feet and gathering up the mug shots as she said, "I'll get these back to Treize and Lady Une to circle through the Preventers along with an update on everything that's happened up to now. We'll need every agent on high alert to be ready to move on a moment's notice." She eyed her silver armband, frowning, "Of course, these trackers will make this whole situation all the more complicated. Gathering that many Vampires in one spot is going to raise some eyebrows."

Waving a hand in the air, the Councilwoman muttered, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. In the meantime, I already have the window to my Eye open for any one of these individuals in case they step beyond Solo's shield."

A warm smile returning to her face when she had the papers neatly stacked and hugged against her chest, she looked to the little one and asked, "Now, we should find a safe place for you to stay until all of this is over."

Emma swallowed roughly and peered back up at the scaly Infected. Though she had held out hope in Anna's promise to take her in, the girl wasn't at all prepared or sure enough to mention their pact without her.

Chuckling deeply, Chang rubbed the top of her head. "If I know my wife, she never would have stood for you to be on your own, so she probably already beat me to the offer," he smirked. Her green eyes blinking widely, the orphan held her breath when he declared, "The formalities can be sorted out later. But, I'd be honored to have you as a daughter, if you'd accept."

The child gasped in disbelief. It was just as it had been for Anna... she was the one being asked if she would join their Clan. She was wanted and cared for the way she had always hoped she would be again since her parents' passing. Caught up by the request, she couldn't find the words to speak as her mouth opened and closed.

"Say 'yes'," Carol whispered with a wide grin as she leaned towards the child. "We're a pretty cool family."

Tears streamed down Emma's face as she laughed brokenly and cheered, "Yes! I'd love that!" Whimpering, she threw her arms around the scaly Infected's neck. "Thank you," she half-sobbed by his ear. "Thank you so much."

Wrapped up by her emotional reaction, Wufei closed his shimmering eyes with a smile and wrapped her up tightly. Kissing the top of her head, he murmured back, "No need to thank me, sweetheart. I know everyone will be happy to welcome you as one of our own."

Leaping to her feet, the redheaded youngling exclaimed, "You've got that right, Dad! I have a new little sister!" As soon as the newly adopted living was freed, Carol bent down to pull her into a firm embrace and a kiss on her temple. "Come on," she urged as she took the mortal's hand. "Charles, John and Angela are going to be thrilled to hear about this."

Unable to help the splitting grin on her glowing face, Emma gladly followed her big sister out of the office.

Relena brushed away a stray tear from her face as she rounded the table and hugged her friend when he got to his own feet. "She's a very lucky girl to have all of you," she complimented sincerely. Chang gave her a small smirk of appreciation, unable to trust his voice right then.

Fanning out the top few mug shot sketches, the Councilwoman frowned in deep thought when she stopped at Broderick Dawson's image. "Why does his name sound so familiar?" she mused quietly. "It's been bothering me ever since Emma mentioned it."

"Me too," Wufei nodded as he stared at the picture of the rugged face staring back at them. A thought suddenly coming to him, his back turned rigid with a breathed, "Wait a minute."

Thinking back to one of his darkest memories of one particularly challenging Rogue, he recalled aloud, "Dawson... One of Vladimir Akulov's kills was a Michael Dawson. If I remember right, he left behind his wife and their son..."

"...Oh my God!" the wide-eyed Vampires shouted to one another when the realization hit them at the same time.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Broderick growled as he tied off the hem of his black T-shirt around the gash on his left bicep and inspected the rest of his person for any other bleeding cuts or marks that could leave a trail behind.

Considering how his last encounter with Damien had gone, he'd escaped their first skirmish with minimal damage. A couple of cuts on his face, the gash in his arm and a few scuff marks on his legs that weren't covered by his khaki shorts were the extent of his injuries. Had he not fought a way to his rifle, he wouldn't be standing as he was at that moment.

He had to keep moving.

Until this hunt was over, this would be his life... running and waiting. The further he got away, the better the chance he had to win another advantage.

All that Broderick could hope now was that he could hold out longer than his assailant.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Sitting on the front deck of the Yuy-Barton Clan's safe house, two immortals stared out to the beach a few yards ahead of them from the chairs that they occupied. Lost in their thoughts, the sand and rolling waves framed by a picturesque clear day was all but ignored by both of them.

After a long silence to process everything that he had just learned, Quatre peered over to his friend and stated, "I get your concerns about Duo and what he's going through, Heero. Granted, he'll struggle coming to the reality that he's been Shinigami all along and in that a creature that can kill at will. He's tried to deny that part of himself for all of these years when now the truth can't be ignored."

His arms crossing against his shuddering body, Yuy grunted an affirmative. Already dreading what was to come when he did find his Chosen only because of how difficult it was going to be for Duo, he swallowed roughly.

"But he has you," Winner smiled. "And I've seen you help him through a lot over the years. Right now, you might not know how to approach this, but you will. That's just what Others and Chosens are- exactly what the other needs."

That very simple bit of logic was impossible for Heero to argue against. Instead of worrying over whether or not he would be able to see Duo through this trying time in his existence, he should have already known he would be without question. Wufei had been more than proof of that when it came time for him to face Anna following her release from prison.

Laughing at his own foolish concerns, the Vampire shook his head. "Thanks, Quatre," he told the scientist sincerely. "You're right." The smirk on his face fading, he shrugged, "I just hate seeing him suffering in any way."

"Ah," the Companion nodded firmly. "Well, as a man of science, I can tell you that I've seen the mind do some pretty incredible things when it comes to self-preservation even under incredible circumstances mounted against it. My guess would be that Duo's flip into this corner of himself is a block against whatever Millers might be putting him through. But I don't think that his mind's natural defense to protect himself and others is anything to fear the worst over."

Biting his lip, he added, "He does have a few added variables to complicate the matter. There's Anna in a very delicate state in carrying your babies. My hope is that when they're all safe from any harm, he'll be able to come to grips with everything with relative ease."

With another rough swallow, Heero nodded. Under his breath, he sighed deeply, "Here I thought I had enough when I imagined there only being one baby involved... but three... I can definitely see that there would be a tipping point. I'd be killing everyone in my way to see them to safety. And Anna..."

He paused at the hitch in his voice and he stared out to the ocean. "God, Quatre, if anything happens to her because of the pregnancy, I'll never forgive myself. And I know Duo wouldn't, either," he managed, timbre thick with emotion.

At that, Winner shifted in his chair to face the Infected as he stated, "Based off of what Lucie told you, it's safe to assume that Anna is not at serious risk yet. So long as Millers doesn't sense the walls closing in on him, we can hope that we manage to get to him before that changes."

It may not have been the most reassuring notion, but it was all that Heero had to cling to. Now that they had Emma, there was an opening for another chink in Septum's chain that would lead right to him.

The front door to the beach side estate opened to Wufei and Relena, their faces pale and gazes haunted. On instant alert, Quatre and Heero got to their feet and approached them. Resting a hand on his wife's arm, the Companion asked, "What's wrong, love?"

Her head shaking back to return to the world, Peacecraft smiled sadly, "A ghost from the past is rearing their ugly head this way. It appears the son of one of Vladimir Akulov's victims had played a big part in Emma's escape... Broderick Dawson."

Yuy's eyes widened at the familiar surname. "Oh my God," he breathed. "Michael Dawson's boy. We left gifts for him at his father's grave site for years."

Nodding, Wufei handed over the sketch of the Hunter to his brother as he replied, "We need him. Apparently, he was Septum's closest ally until he met Anna and Duo. He'll be able to tell us everything from where they're being held to what we can expect when we infiltrate the base."

Before any more could be said on the matter, the front door opened to Emma peeking her head out. Peering up at the scaly Infected, she announced, "Daddy, I just thought of someone else that came to the base for a visit."

"Septum had a visitor?" Chang frowned. Holding a hand out to his adopted daughter, Chang invited her to step onto the porch. As she settled against his side, he asked, "Who was that, Cub?"

Beaming at her nickname, Emma turned, her green eyes falling on the Councilwoman to tell her, "I never got to see him, but Broderick told me about a Senator from the World Council that stopped by to meet with Septum around Christmas time."

The mole responsible for the dirty vote that brought on the new registration laws. Everyone standing around froze with enlarged eyes as the shockwave of that realization settled in.

Quickly lowering herself to her knees, Relena took the child's hand into her own and urged quietly, "Did Broderick happen tell you his name, dear?"

Humming an affirmative, Emma answered, "Senator Dobson."

TBC...

 

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