DISCLAIMER: You know I find it incredibly strange, that MY DOTTED LINES WONT SHOW UP ANYMORE! Making everything look so annoying and sloppy *Angry face* Well, This is, the last official chapter, but reading the epilogue would totally be advised, you in for a bit of a treat if you do, it's going to take you wayyyy back, about ten or so chapters, maybe fourteen who knows, and some certain events depicted, but not explained in the end of the chapter, that left you hanging for so long, well yeah, they will all be explained. Trust me, so hang tight.

I really hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did, I loved writing it, it's probably one of the greatest accomplishments of my fifteen years on this earth. You know,, Everything has to come to an end sooner of later. I learned this from one of my favourite authors on fan fiction actually, who's story brought me to tears.

After all this, "What You Mean To Me" Was my first, and first ever finished story, so yes, despite some grammar mistakes, and confusion which i will go back and correct, I have the pride, and deserve to say that *sniff* I'am proud of myself, and I love all of you reviewers, you really gave me motivation to continue, and I hope after reading this, who knows, maybe you learned some life morals, like never go to a creepy gas station, or don't fall inlove with a cannibal! Most of all, never, ever, EVER abandon the people you truly love, friends or family, who deserve a rightful place in your life. Fights with them may be harsh, and unforgiving, but in the end, all you have is eachother, and cherish that until the day you die. I love you all 3

( I hate how the dashes don't work now I have to use X's!)

xoxo-Indietro

"Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be...Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before."

-Author Unknown

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself. ~Alan Alda

CHAPTER 31: Oasis

x

The mutants scurried about, moving quickly through the blackened Hills of the New Mexico desert. Platinum grains tossed up and down, with the occasional brush of a prickly spine against their worn leather clothing. A deepened determination was wielded in each and every one of of them, as they realized the clock was ticking, and it was ticking away quickly. At any moment, the girls could be gone. It was their job to retrieve them, and bring them back to what they deemed as safety. Discipline would certainly be severe. Some of it, would be distributed between the women unevenly, meaning one of them was to receive it the worst.

"Goggle hurry yer` slow ass up!" Lizard's hand collided with Goggle's head resounding in a loud "Thwack" sound.

Goggle's hands reached up to cover his face, grunts of protest seeped through his lips as he paced to keep up with the fast amphibian before him. His hand placed tightly upon his Top hat, having some strong determination not to lose it.

Pluto dwindled behind holding Ruby on his shoulders, who was extremely uncomfortable with the situation. Persephone was left so irresponsibly at home, figuring that big brain would tend to her. Which if it hadn't hit anyone that moment, Big Brain was a hair shy of being able to take care of himself.

Lizard let out a loud huff in dismay, pressing his hands against the cliffs edge and glaring down, eyes wide, and out of breath they'd been running for quite some time, but if they wanted to reach the Gas Station it would be a long ways to go. Lizard was swift. He was also old, and exhausted, dragging his now compared to him, swift siblings along with him on his rescue.

"So she wan` leave why nah` let`er?" Goggle asked a bit flustered by the whole situation.

"Don't think s`worth spendin so much time after thems."

Lizard flashed Goggle an incredulous glare, snapping his fingers rudely in front of Goggles face.

"You fuckin` idiot, tha` girl.. those girls gonna get themselves killed out there, you not understand?"

Goggle raised one of his flaps in protest,only then to wave his hand in dismissle of the subject, it would be unwise to argue at the moment, they had places to go, people to see, and things to do. He couldn't cause an uproar just yet. It would only irritate his family members drastically. but, unwilling to surrender Lizard continued on.

Causing Goggle to protrude forward and listen to his brothers incessant bickering once more.

"Hades on tha` move still, you think he's giving them up that easily, well nah uh..He wants em` bad, and it'd be easy to see they ain't guarded no more, so lets get moving you sonofa` shit head."

Goggle gloated at him momentarily. His arms folded high above his chest, letting out a snort in response, which indicated he'd go along because he wasn't going to win this anyway.

"They the ones tryda` leavin.." Goggle claimed melodramatically.

It was all silent for a moment, as everyone registered what Goggle had said. Goggle was arrogant at most times. A fine snicker appealed on Pluto's lips, one that sent Ruby to cover her mouth and look away with a hint of embarrassment at her brothers actions.

Goggle jolted his head from left to right confused.

"Wha?" Was the question he demanded to be answered.

No sooner than later a flashy buckskin colored boot came flying at his temple, knocking the hat clean off his head. Goggle toppled over, struggling to stand, hopping ever so terribly gracefully on one foot thanks to the heavy hands searched for his once well seemed hat. What hit him was indeed Lizards workboot, clear off his foot. Goggle made a loud hiss, as his brother strutted off nonchalantly to retrieve his boot. His shoulders shifted with every step he took in the darkness, his back hunched over like some kind of animal ready to leap on it's prey. With one hand, he stuck four fingers under the sole of the boot and scooped it up to rest by his chest. Not a moment later, Lizards eyes jammed shut at the impact of a returned powerful blow. once more, the boot landed and rest in it's lonely place on the darkened soil.

Lizards fingers tensed, grasping the concept of what had just happened. Ruby and Pluto had clenched jaws, hoping that the events taking place wouldnt cause a large conflict at the time, or in the future.

He placed his hand directly below his lip, wiping a bit of forced saliva from his chin. His eyes burned with hatred, and revenge.

Though Lizard was overtaken by his never ending emotions of negativity, Goggle was not. Goggle stood tall, in fact much taller than his brother, his hands pressed firmly inside the pockets of his trench coat. A dusted off hat placed on top of his head, with eyes narrowed downward at his sibling.

Lizard said nothing, but gave Goggle an impatient shove to clear his way. As Lizard cantered off angrily, The wind blew vigorously, causing Goggle to clear his throat before he began speaking in a volume that could be heard clearly over the storm of sand. Truly, Even though it would be be a difficult thing to admitt, Lizard was not baffled or angry that Goggle had struck him in such a manner, he was feeling more on a lighter note. Which he would never show. He was secretly proud, though the evidence of this was kept very will hidden, and discrete.

"If she mean tha` much-" Goggle revealed.

With the slow beat of footsteps to accompany Lizard.

"I got somethin` you migh' wanna hear." Goggle concluded wisely, and honestly.

Lizard was eye level with Goggle, Blue eyes met brown, a blistering frown met a blank one. She didn't mean that much. He just wanted her around. With that big white smile of hers, even though it was forced, with those tiny but motivational driven hands she had, and how angry or defensive she would get over the tiniest things, because she was nervous about his betrayal towards her, predicting that one day it would happen so she had no choice but to stay cautious. Somebody had to take care of Ruby, and Persephone, and he wasn't about to let her slip away scot free. He wasnt going to let her be happy, if he himself couldnt even be happy. Why did she deserve such an admirable feeling, when he didnt get that satisfaction of having it four five minutes out of each and everyday? Despite the fact he was greedy, and he knew it. Maybe she really did mean that much to him. If he desired her unhappiness so much, because he couldnt be happy, maybe she really did have a significance to him. How was he able to deny the obvious facts any longer?

Goggle on the other hand, did not need Victoria, did not need Summer, and did not need Kelsi. However, he wanted them around, and not for his own selfish needs. Goggle was just as much of a brute as his own brother, but he was not a nihilist. He believed, though never revealed that everything in life had a special significance, there was a reason why the things that happened did as so.

He also believed in bonds with people. They were very real to him, and could be proven, in his past he'd had many. A majority not positive, but feelings and emotions for another being are undeniable.

Things were rough around the edges with the girls at first. Especially with Victoria and Kelsi, but in the end, those are the two he really felt a bond with. And could say he initially cared for in general. Life would not be the same if Kelsi hadn't beaten his ass everyday for laying a finger on her in the past and the present, he would have nothing to do if she hadn't walked by on him, spit on his name and cursed him out to the point of no return. She was cocky, bold, persistent, defensive, smart, and had the strength of a rhino. He found humor in her, even though most times she did not with him.

When the two were selected to go the the craters together, and lug Victoria's suitcases back to the test village. They talked. Oh boy did they talk. They yelled, screamed, and yet there was apologies, and unlawful, unnecessary laugher. She lived with him for a very long time. Nearly a year. And if he was willing to forgive her, for biting off a few of his fingers. She was willing to forgive him for attempted rape and murder..Well, maybe not fully.

As for his connection with Victoria. She truly was his friend. From his peace offering with a dead bird, to staying up late at night with him on nightly strolls, or watches. They could talk about nearly anything. What was on tv was definitely out of the question.

They could also play around, occasionally every now and then, they would wrestle a bit, or drink together, or even hunt Bunny's or coyotes together. Not that she ever touched any of it, she would immediately feel bad. She wasn't a heartless scoundrel.

Though their were times Goggle could clearly remember being pounded in the head by her, because of his clever stunts of chasing her with dead snakes, or rabbits. That, she didn't like.

Summer was usually just there, she was more Cysts friend. Goggle didn't mind her, he never got the chance to really establish any sort of connection with her, he'd made an effort, but it seemed she'd already picked dibs on her BFF there. And that was her Trigger happy tumor.

So while Lizard had intentions of bringing them back, Goggle couldn't care either way, it was their life. Infact he wished them the best, because they truly were important people in his life. Goggle only came along for a proper goodbye.

Lizard crossed his arms ostentatiously, the tapping of fingers resounded in the night. His head turned in a stubborn way facing north of Goggle, but was forced to return eye contact back to him. Seeing as Goggles gaze never left his, Lizard gave a peeved growl of defeat.

His teeth clenched, and eyes drooped low, already bored with the conversation that hadn't even began yet.

"Alright, Alright-fine what is it?" He snapped quickly with a sneer.

Goggle raised a hand in instruction, with the other, he offered Lizard support to stand, and Lizard approved.

With a grin almost smitten, the new leader three man trio, (not including Ruby," gave heavy indication of what to do, and what not to do, he had everything all planned out.

"This's how we doin et`...-"

x

The wood attached to the old Gas station walls rattled in the night. A door was heard opening and slamming several times out in the front courtyard, someone had obviously been in a hurry to leave the station.

A reving of an aged car engine was heard burning through the night, several clicks and pops of the motor occured, as the car door slammed and keys jingled singing a song in the air.

Victoria sniffed the air for a minute, it was dry, tasteless. She was almost positive she was numb. There was no way that Chameleon was there. Once again he was there to defeat their escape plan, and he had a chance of being successful too, seeing as Jeb was so anxious to leave, or at least thats what it sounded like. jeb probably heard Hades clan coming from miles around, and you could bet that, that old crook would be the first to bounce up and out of there when that time came around.

The silhouette of his calcium caked ridden figure, stretched across the floor of the room. Though he was outside, just his sight was enough to put them in a frozen terror.

Kelsi slowly brought her arms forward around victoria's mouth, and pulled her back into the dark of the room. As quietly as possible.

Summer staged next to the two. In a very low whisper she asked,

"Do you think he heard us?"

Kelsi'd eyes narrowed unsure to summer, she gave no response, she just brought a finger to her lips, ever so coolly. And closed her eyes.

Pots and pans chimed noisley in the room, as the mutant lifted one foot inside the window. His neck hung forward sniffing the air, frequently repeating this to try and pick up a scent.

"We cant just sit here." Victoria admitted quietly.

"I know." Kelsi returned back.

Victoria's eyes wandered above her head, searching for the cause of that ever so piercing sound. Pots, and pans. It was clearly an old kitchen. Not that it's serve as much use for one anymore.

"it's a kitchen,,We're in a kitchen." She noted calmly.

Kelsi gave an indecent frown at her friends analysis.

"So what? Are you hungry? What is that supposed to mean? I mean thanks for mentioning it, bit we're in a bit of a issue here."

Victoria raised her lip, and squinted her eyes, as chameleon made his way into the room, his full body now inside. Roughly scaled feet scratching at the doors. She could feel Kelsi's heart beat race from behind her, even worse she could hear it, slow, and dramatic. Not to say at this point, recognizing her nervousness, that her heart wasnt doing the same.

"No, that's not what I meant." She stated clearly.

Holding her breath for a moment, and squeezing her eyes shut as the creature drew closer, she felt her heart rejoice loud thumps. Almost like she could hear it clear in her ears. They had to act, and had to act quick, because if she could hear this, than so could he without a doubt.

"Summer, I need you to creep away from our direction a little bit, to the other corner." Victoria suggested hesitantly.

"What!" Summer hissed in a low whisper.

"There's no way, I can't do it."

Chameleon was no more than ten feet away from them, by the look of his face, it was positive he picked up on not only their heartbeats but their voices. With that, he began to pace almost quickly near them.

That was it, Victoria needed to distract them, and yet keep them safe at the same time. While she still had the time to remain unseen, her hands shot out and pushed summer to the right of her, sending her the other corner of the kitchen causing her to trip over a few things, and make a large amount of noise. Summer groaned in agony, mostly because it had been so unexpected. The plan went perfectly well, a wonderful distraction. His attention was now focused on the other side of the room where Summer was, where he now strutted angrily and confused towards her, making out her figure clear as day. As he turned, and was half way on the ball to her, Victoria ripped down a large pan, and went after Chameleon. She took one giant leap, as Summer was unveiled to him, and smacked him roughly and painfully upside the head with the pan.

"Look for something- Quick!" She ordered Kelsi, who was already ontop of the kitchen table searching through utensils in a panic.

He was pissed. Royally pissed. He let out a loud howl of anger, whipping around and back handing the darkness, which unfortunately had been her. As she was hit, she fell to the ground with a thud, landing on her back upon a blunt object, which was even more painful then the fall itself.

It was like a game of hide and seek, the corners and crevices were dark, and dreary, you could not see a thing, but once in the middle of the room, where the light of the window was, he could easily find you.

Summer crept back into a corner unseen, as did Kelsi.

Chameleon took angry breathers in between his chared teeth confused. His gaze shot around the room, only knowing of two. Yet the other was hiding, and he did not know where. Kelsi was the third, and unseen.

As his attention returned back to Victoria, he yanked her up by her neck, his veiny grip tightening, as her legs kicked, and she let out muffled coughs of dust, and saliva.

Just as he was ready to make another move, straight through the darkness came a flying piece of metal, striking him right in the hand.

He let out a baffled and scratchy scream, dropping her, again. for the ninth time she had been dropped or fallen.

While he screamed and ripped the narrow object from his arm, which happened to be a knife. Victoria crawled right off, by the time he wielded the tiny weapon, he could no longer see her. This was indeed begining to frustrate him. The games little girls can play, are only known to them.

Victoria pressed her back against the wall. She was now seated next to a crouched summer, who had picked up and had in hand her fallen pot. Summer gave her a crooked smile.

"You bitch." She mumbled with a bit of happiness in her tone, realizing that she never intended to let her get hurt.

Victoria returned a small smile through her aching body, but said nothing to that.

"Did you throw that?" She asked summer obliviously.

"No." Summer replied eyeing the back wall.

"Kelsi must have found something back there, and hopefully something more useful than just that knife."

Summer grabbed Victoria's hand tightly and squeezed it, as Chameleon began to raid the room, in a tirade. He tore the pots, and pans off their hooks, leaving them strewed upon the floor, and shook cabinets full of useless materials, that he thought they might be hiding inside or behind.

Though Kelsi was not behind, or hiding in anything. In fact, a place where he hadn't looked was where she was. "On top of."

She stood with her back arched behind him, on top of the kitchen table. Her hands raised in the air, a metallic reflection shone once. It was something, no two things, two very large things.

Summer's heart dropped in reaction, watching as Kelsi prowled ever so sneakily behind him, what she was holding was too out of sight for her to view.

Victoria hit her shoulder several times as she peered in horror, a bead of sweat forming on her face.

"Whats she holding- Whats she holding!" She demanded baffled.

Summer shoo'd her friends hands away.

"I don't know!" She growled horsely.

"I'll try to get a closer look."

As summer stuck her figure out into the open of the light, Chameleon immediately caught sight of her, and let out a sound which could be resembled to that of a pig squeal.. If the pig was being slaughtered.

He immediately tackled her, and sunk his teeth into her neck furiously. She kicked and screamed, having the pan in her hand, but being so in hysteria her aim was way off.

"Summer!" Victoria let out a cry, and she bolted from the back of the room, empty handed, ready to go at him as she was. A dangerous, and risky move.

She jumped on top of him, covering his eyes, and pulling his head back away from her. He was clever enough, to roll over and pin her down, as the bleeding Summer held her neck.

With his knife raised high, he held it right above her chest. Bringing it down, she yelped in panic, His knife hadn't even had the time to graze her shirt before Kelsi came out full throttle. With one long leg, she drove her knee straight into his stomach, so powerful it sent him to press his hands against his stomach in a dry heave.

Better yet, what she had been carrying the whole time, were not harmless butter knives. The girl was armed with a full fledged butcher set. Double handed. Though Victoria would have loved to stare in amazement, she grabbed Summer automatically giving her comfort, taking her hand, and pulling her away from the reach of Chameleon.

"Close your eyes." Kelsi insisted, as she brought both knives down on a shrieking chameleon.

Victoria held Summer in her arms, and tightly closed her eyes, shielding summers with her own hands.

They sat there, and held tight, until no screaming was left to be heard.

x

"Move!" "Move!" "Move!"

Lizard pushed passed Goggle rapidly increasing in speed, only about a corner away from the gas station. Goggle fumbled lazily a few feet behind, as his brother strided for the station.

They heard it all, from scream, after scream, to a single gun shot.

Who was alive, they were all too unsure of.

Lizard licked his lips nervously, wiping the fallen sweat contents from his brow, and finishing his pace slowly to the gas station.

His back rested against the wooden wall. Goggle joined, and gave a sigh. He folded his hands beneath his chest, and waited for Lizard to begin speaking again. Giving him hope that the girls would be alive, and that they would be returning back to the Test Village.

When a sound was never heard, and Ruby let out a soft cry on top of Pluto's shoulders coming to realize what might of happen.

Goggle made an attempt to prevent the water works by starting a conversation with Lizard.

There was no blood, no evidence in clear view that a battle or a brawl went on. Then again, Hades could have just kidnapped them, and killed them there. Lizards mind was set on the worst.

"So.." Goggle began.

"Don` look like much wen' on, they probably left.. gone al`redy." He reassured Lizard, sounding as optimistic as humanly possible. Though he was unsure himself, if what he was saying could be true.

"Probably too late." Lizard moped, in distaste.

"I can` fuckin believe this, No one `ere. Not even Jeb."

Goggle gave the roll of his eyes.

"Not like y` really care Ny`ways." Goggle objected.

"You only wan` them to be sad. Be hurtin` every day. S'no good."

Goggle would never take back those words, no matter how many times Lizard bitched, or moaned. His words would always be true. Lizard never cared until they were gone. His own feelings he would never admit, he promised that he would hurt her, terrorize her when he found her, and now that she's not around, he wants her back. Life doesn't let you choose. You don't get to decide the fate of other people in the end. Karma does. You can only control a person for so long, before their long gone and over you. So Let Karma do it's job.

As the silence continued after Goggles word to the wise. Ruby's eyes widened, at a sight, but her mouth made no attempt to move. Lizard noticed this at once, and thought it was a bit strange. But didn't take note, that is until she visually turned her head to be looking at something. Pluto turned in the direction she was looking in confused. Not that he could comprehend what was going on anyways,

"The fuck you lookin` at Ruby?"

Ruby's head snapped back to him, and gave him no response. Yet out of the corner or her eye she glanced again.

"I said, what you lookin` at." He warned in his most sinister tone.

"It ain't nothing.." She replied sweetly. Causing Goggle's lips to rise up a bit in a cheeky smile. She had always been so innocent.

As Lizard was about to drop it, Pluto gave it all away.

"I see it!"

Lizards unrooted himself from the ground, and made a dash for the direction of the eye sight.

"See what!" He stifled.

"it's Toria`, Kels, and Summer.." Goggle let out slowly, in a soft to see that they were okay.

It sure enough was. Lining right up one by one, ready to bust the joint with their new getaway vehicle. Jeb's truck. They were a bit far away, but still in sight. That was all it took, to send Lizard flying off again.

Goggle held a blank expression as Lizard flew away with the constant screaming of curses. "Shit," "damn" "Fuck" and from all he could make out, something about "Toria" And "ass over here." Goggle was completely unphased, as were Ruby, and Pluto who expected him to do the same.

His hands sunk into his pockets, as he tilted his head back,and proceeded forward.

"This guy." He thought obnoxiously.

"Les` go getem`." He stammered sombrely, once more on his way to his brother.

x

Kelsi grasped Summer's hand, pulling her into the dark blue worn down pick up trucks passengers seat. Victoria knelt on the ground pawing around for the keys which were not in the ignition. Instead, Jeb was gone, there was his two barreled shotgun and zero sight of keys. And anyone better be damn straight that Victoria took that gun.

"Did you find it?" Kelsi questioned in a hurried manner, more than anxious to leave. There were no words. Holding the pistol in hand, Victoria got down on her knees and looked under the truck.

"Hey! I found it-" She grabbed the silver ring of keys. And paused. Not only could she see the keys below the truck, but a pair of boots.

Mens work boots. On the other side of the car.

"Kels?" She asked cautiously.

When Kelsi gave no response, she was quick to cock and reload the gun. She stood tall on her feet, pointed at her new assailant.

Kelsi stared blankly at the man with grey hair who had ever so slickly moved his hand through the trucks window to unlock it, on Summers side.

Victoria pointed the gun dead on, at the man with the magnum near Kelsi and summer. Who had not seemed yet to notice Victoria, since he was so busy encouraging his followers to hurry up.

"You've got three seconds." She threatened dangerously. Receiving his attention, with a shocked look adorning his face, and a perfect frown fitted for that cleft lip. His dark grey eyebrows furrowed together, sticking a hand up to itch his head full of distorted hair. He pressed the magnum tighter against Summer's temple, holding his finger against the top of the gun, almost in a taunting way.

"Or what?" He professed doubtfully.

She only pointed the head of the gun inside of the gun, above kelsi's head in a dead aim at him, causing her to squirm a bit lost in nausea.

They both had equal aim, if either one wanted to shoot each other, it would be more than easy.

"You've got three fucking seconds, to step back, or I blow your head off." She declared more comfortable with her decision to do so.

He eyed her, trying to read for any hints of fear, or sarcasm in her voice. There was none. She was more than serious, and if she wanted to kill him at that moment she could. And if he provoked her enough she would.

A smug look enveloped his face, like he knew the perfect thing to say, and that she'd never disagree with him on it, and most likely lose her cool.

"You?-Kill me?" A laugh almost slipped from his lips, more than one would have slipped if there wasn't a woman who would blow him to smithereens before him.

"I though y` loved me?" He questioned, attempting to rule over her emotions.

As he went back to study her face, she was no longer looking at him, she pointed the shotgun through the windsheild seeing the others arrival, a pulled the trigger. Both Summer and Kelsi screamed nearly mortified at the just simply demolished windsheild that now piled over them in shards, they were fine. Even Lizard was taken back by this, he was no longer anywhere near the window. His magnum was dropped inside of the car from his shock. Which summer got a hold of, and pointed it right back at him. Kelsi gave a smirk. How could he ever threaten them, when he had two very dangerous guns pointed at him? Guns that shouldn't ever be brought to the attention of seventeen year old girls. Everyone knows their hormones are off the roof, and their crazy emotional. Right? Right.

Victoria rounded the corner of the truck, to meet Lizard, her gun pointed at him slickly. Goggle, Immediately placed his hands in the air. Aswell as Ruby. Not so much Pluto, who didn't seem to care, or Lizard who thought he was indestructible.

"Toria I just wanna talk." Goggle insisted truthfully.

She gave a gulp, her heart sank a bit, respecting the fact he had never lied to her, he was honest with her, and last but not least, he was her friend. A very good friend.

Goggle took a breath of air, as Lizard eyed him enviously, yet enraged he was engaging in normal conversation with her.

"Toria`, and Kelsi,,.." He gave a small wave and smile to kelsi in the front seat,but the small was not returned as she sunk back in her seat, and Summer pointed the gun in his direction. His eyes widened, as he turned his attention back to Victoria.

"Pay attention to me, she can hear you fine." She informed Goggle.

He gave a slight shiver,nodding his head in understandment. He never thought she would be the one holding a gun to them, that she would be the one holding them hostage,. The roles were really switched up there.

"First..I wanna` say I' sorry, nd' that I don't wanta` hurt you, or Kels, or short hair girl."

He waited for her approval to gon, and she gave it to him.

"Toria`, you my frien`.`, ain't found no one like ya`, nd' you made me see differn`bout' y` know..Thins` like life..nd' outsiders..Met you, nd' didnt even want to eat you. Jus` wanna talk. You listen. Il` miss that.

She felt her eyes swell, as she back further away with the gun, pressing up against the back of it. She couldn't express her feelings to him now, and if it wasn't now, she could never do it. She loved Goggle. He was like her family. But she had to leave that behind now, in order for a better life, she had to leave everything behind. As much as she's wake up screaming in her own bed, as much as she have those days where the trauma of this hits her, and she doesnt have to be strong anymore, so she can just cry, she'll remember all the times she didn't know how to be strong, and he was there for her. She'd remember silly moments like the clothes line, and the dead bird, or on the couch talking, him coming to save her in the mines, and getting to know eachother better on their long walks. Those things she's never forget. They are forever in her mind as much as he is. He was her emotional support in the Test Village when Summer and Kelsi couldn't stand to be around her. So yes. she had a lot to say to him but some things are better left simplified. Or better yet unsaid.

She gave a small nod of her head.

"Your my friend too." She ended.

"Nd Kelsi..Kels, You my frien` too." Goggle reminded , backing away behind Lizard, to stand with Pluto and Ruby, who didn't have to say goodbye. Or at least Lizard wouldn't let them.

"As for you." She shifted the gun to Lizard.

"You're right, I do love you." She admitted. She bit down on her tongue so hard to evade the tears, hoping none would fall, she hoped for a decent reaction from him. That he would want to be the one to wipe her tears, but.. No. Lizard was Lizard. He cannot be anyone else. He cannot be changed, maybe phased, but he will forever remain unchanged.

"You love me, but you wanna leave? Y` fuckin lied to me to keep you alive this whole time. Y` ain't nothing t` me but a torn up little bitch, shoulda known it from the begining."

"Letchu` breath, Letchu` eat, Letch` sleep! Should have killed you, right from th` begining. You ain't done us no good. only done us harm. Not to mention, you're a goddamn liar. And A deceitful little whore. Shoulda` let Hades have you that night."

"Hope you ain't never get no more sleep, hope when you think bout' us, yer` lungs squeeze so tight you can't breathe. Hope when you think bout' us you feel like you can't never escape. That we always gonna be there in the back of your mind, maybe one day, fear will consume you gain`.

"Hope yer` memories of us haunt you forever, and everythin` we did to you, you aint never get to forget. You ain't shit to me."

The words hit her heart like a thousand needles. It was obvious this good bye, wasn't going to be easy. And feelings were not going to be shared. There would be no "I love you's." Just like she couldn't admit her feelings to Goggle, Lizard would never admit to her. Ever. No matter how long she stayed. He'd always be indecisive about his feelings for her. She now knew that. Even though she wanted to kick and scream, whip out and hit him for all that he put her through, and yet all that she saved him from. Even though she wanted to break down in tears because she knew nothing better, and thought that maybe..Just maybe.. Under the stars on those nights, that they had something special..That he wanted to protect, and it was real..It wasnt. None of it. And She didn't break down. She didn't do it. Because none of that mattered anymore. Though it was wrong to love him she did. And she would live with it for the rest of her knew, when they were alone. Despite all his rage, and hate for her right now. When she got him alone, he did love her. Nobody had to know. If he wanted it to be that way, He and she could forever put it behind them. They could keep it like that. Because at the end of the day. Everyday, for the rest of their lives, they would be crawling in eachothers skin. Swimming in their veins, eating away the pain, and bringing more in. Causing an infestation like millions of cockroaches, that would tear them apart. Neither of them would win.

Simple fact is, the after math of love is hate. And the cause of hate is love. To hate someone, you once cared for them, loved them, or trusted them at one point. They had to do something, so bad, So horrible to make you hate them. They had to take every part of your body, mind and soul, crumple it up, completely DESTROY it. Destroy, and rip apart everything you know And then..Just throw it back at you, like it was nothing. Give everything you gave to them, back to you, ten fold. Without 's how hate begins. and that, is undeniable.

What they had now, was no longer love. It was hate.

Thats it, he said what he had to say, Goggle said what he had to say, Victoria said all that she wanted to say. it's over. No more sitting around and chit chatting. it's done. that was it for them. All they were to eachother, is lost.

It was over those few minutes of goodbyes, that it hit all of them, there was no stopping their last escape.

Victoria sucked up his words, and spit it back at him when she got the taste,

"Fuck you." She replied without another word. Her last words to Lizard, would forever be. "Fuck you."

Lizard gaped at her in disbelief, if she hadn't known any better, she would have swore she saw his eyes swell and tear. That is, IF she didn't know better.

Because they both know what those last words should have been. They should have been. " I love you."

She nodded her head, and got in the back of the truck the gun still pointed aimlessly at the unmoving group.

"Go." She advised Kelsi, who turned the key in the ignition, doing a U turn to face the road ahead of them. She began driving slow, but then picking up the pace, they were about thirty feet away, before Lizard began screaming.

"Toria`!" "Toria`!"

He dove after the truck recklessly which did not stop, it only increased in speed down the road to home.

She could see Goggle, on the ground sitting there, facing forward while everyone else stood. Just staring forward at the car driving away. Like there was nothing he wanted to do, but sit and rot. He removed his hat, as the truck was gone into the distance, watching Lizard finally give up, and stop chasing them. He sat his hat next to himself. As he heard Ruby begin to cry, as Papa Hades radioed in asking for them.

"Goggle!" The voice overpowered by static hissed.

"Hades getem`?" The voice on the walkie talkie asked. Goggle pressed the button to reply back, but as silent for a moment.

Until he finally replied with.

"Yes." and shut it off.

A loud scream from the road ahead resounded, it was Lizard. Hollering his lungs out. He could scream, and cry all he wanted, but that didn't change the fact that they were gone. And there was nothing more to be said, or done to them. Lizard decided at the last moment, he was going to tell her something. Well.. He decided too little too late.

Goggle buried his face in his hands, over exhausted, and ready to head back to the test village. He ran his nubby fingers over his blonde hair, and then brought them back to his face. He stared at the ones that were shorter that the rest, remembering exactly how he got them. And that he deserved it. With an honest sincere smile, for the first time, he's ever let be worn on his face. He placed his thin lips on his fingers. And blew a kiss forward into the wind.

That was his goodbye.

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The morning air was moist, and fairly cold. The condensation on the large newly done windows of the house, streaked down like a tear drop.

It was a symbol of morning dew, new beginings and letting go. In the large house with Newly furnished floors, couches, beds, everything, there were several rooms. Only two of which were occupied by people.

In the kitchen, A scruffy man, in his mid forties, sat reading the paper, a vase of flowers and the chestnut colored oak table he sat next to. A bowl of cereal before him. Which was only half eaten. The man looked, aged, tired, like he had been working all day. Perhaps he had been expecting something good to come of his daily routine. Working. coming home. Watching. Waiting. For a year, It was the same routine.

As for the second room that was occupied, a woman who appeared to be a small blonde possibly early thirties was folding clothes, in the master bedroom on her bed. She folded neatly, separated the whites from the blacks, pants from the shirts, undergarments from tank that didn't belong, was put back in it's original place..

She also looked like she had lived the same routine for the same amount of time as the man in her kitchen. Her husband.

An incense burned to set the mood, the woman and her husband were planning to go out that night. The woman was now accustomed to having a small family in a new home. With their cat, rabbit, and two dogs. She was a busy woman, and as far as she was concerned, those were here children, she had a responsibility to them, one that she hadn't felt she had, in a year now..

The peace ans serene was interrupted by a subtle shake, heard outside. Sounding much like a car. The woman made sure her husband went to see who it was. It was an old beaten down car. Per say truck. With it looked like, maybe a few homeless people in it.

As he opened the door, and peered outside, his wife joined him, her hand placed on his shoulder in concern. She asked who they were, yet he could give no response for he did not know.

Her green eyes, nearly boggled out of her head, when the figures stepped out of the care. First, it was the feet. She recognized the footwear, or so she thought, on one of their feet. it was almost similar too..

Next she recognized the way the tan one carried herself, clumsy but sturdy at the same time. She was not holding anything.

The next woman to come out of the car, was carrying something small in her hand. A mummer escaped her lips, as she whispered to the first girl who got out of the car, to get something in the back seat.

They were still unrecognisable to the woman and her husband.

As she first girl bloodied, brushed completely trashed looking, just like the rest of them, soaked in blood and dirt, came back around from the truck, once more stepping foot on their clean yard,

She came dragging something very large.

A shotgun.

The woman let out a gasp behind her husband, and her husband demanded to know, who they were and what they wanted.

So the one holding the shot gun responded.

Her blonde hair barely blonde anymore due to all the dirt and blood, spoke.

"Dad?" She choked between a small sob.

At that moment the man was confused. He studied the other girls, who began crying too, and holding on to the tiny Blonde.

Had he forgot, who she was?

The mans wife screamed, and started crying she immediately ran to hug to little girl, her expensive brand white clothes, with pearls jingled covered the blood ridden little girl. That was her step daughter, Her step daughter Victoria.

And that was his daughter. She did not put down the shotgun, the look in his eyes screamed "EXPLANATION." But then another look screamed, "broken."

Yes. It was Victoria, Kelsi, and Summer. Her father had never gotten the opportunity to meet Summer and Kelsi, because Of Summer Living in Michigan, and Kelsi living in Florida. He had heard so much about them, suppose that this would be the perfect time to get acquainted with them.

Victoria, loosened her step mothers grip on her, and took a hold of Kelsi's hand, who grabbed Summers.

"I'am just going to take them to the showers." She stated without another word. She walked into the house, both bloody with her friends, and the guns.

Both guns were set perfectly on the table.

Her parents came back too shocked to comprehend, delirious, and in disarray.

"We need those." Victoria noted, before walking into the shower room.

Kelsi said nothing, she only turned the hot water out, and sit on the furry black rug of the bathroom, running her scared hands under the faucet.

Summer Gazed in the mirrior for several moments. At least that was what Victoria saw beofre she walked out of the bathroom into a differnt room.

The aroma was strong in the house hold, beautiful, and welcoming. She couldn't say she was impressed, she was not used to it.

She then, got a rush of adrenaline, and took off to a very small room. Inside was a cage. With a small furry animal inside. A rabbit.

Her rabbit. Which had apparently given birth during her absence.

"Nevay!" She cooed in a strange way, examining her white rabbit, yet it's dark, almost black infant. How strange that was. It's ears perked up ever so nicely, making it seem as if they were pinned that way. As if it were wearing a hat..

She blinked for a moment, confused, about how such a thing could happen. But then a small smile returned to her face.

"I know what your name is gonna be." She gave a low whisper into it's small ear.

"Goggle." She replied to the rabbit. A bit morbidly.

Her fathers voice resounded in the next room, he called for all of the girls. It was time to explain where they had all been for a year. It was time to explain the unexplainable.

She tried so hard, to act like nothing ever happened, to clear her mind. Her eyes sealed tightly, one tear sun kissed his cheek.

Now he wanted to talk. Not her father, Lizard. When she left him, that's the time he wanted to talk. That was one thing, she would never let go. All the things she could have said, all the things he could have said. Was probably what hurt the most.

When she opened her eyes, and the last tear fell. Two hands were infront of her face. Her wet eyelashes fluttered repeatedly at this sight.

Summer and Kelsi, were there for her, all the way. It was not her story alone to tell. It was theirs too. She gave one hand to Kelsi, and one to Summer. They all provided eachother with smiles, even if it was the fakest smile they had. Kelsi took a hold of Victoria's hand, and whispered gently,

"You're not alone."

A/N: Wow, this took me six hours to write. In one night, can you believe that. Six grueling hours. YEOW. Well, I hope you like how it ended, or maybe not liked, but were okay with it. If you didn't understand what was going on in the end where they arrived home i'll explain. It was basically a metaphorical way of me putting it. The "Two worlds" How they lived such a different life style in the Test Village, from their home in New York. ( Or Victoria's home) That coming back, they are notably confused, shaken, and awkward. They don't know how to act, that's why it seems like there a little, well. Not there. I feel it was a positive, and artistic way for me to end it, their actions aren't fully meant for you to understand. Only me, it'd be better if you thought of why they acted the way they did when they returned anyway.

I will never control your imagination, you decide if what they went through was enough to make them act a little bit kooky :) Aha.

Don't you love how her Rabbit is named Goggle? I do, I think It's perfect. I wish I portrayed Goggle as a stronger figure in this story,

if you didn't see him as a strong figure, just know that he was, and he deserves probably alot more credit then I gave him.

As for Lizard, and Victoria. They were star crossed lovers. Just remember you can never change a person, you may love them, and you can eventually over time try to mold them to how you'd like them to be. But it will never work. When two strong personalities clash, all you can be in the end is yourself. Thats it.

As for Victoria's promise to Ruby, to come back for her. I hope one day Victoria does, with Ak47's and what not lmfao. By the way, Jeb got taken away by hades clan, thats why he wasnt there.

Well guys, I had so much fun writing this, and i'am probably going to go back through the story and correct a bunch of spelling errors, so this isn't the last of me! I had so much fun doing this, I loved the story I feel accomplished. And I dedicate this to My best friend. KTJH! I miss you, and I promise we'll see eachother again. Thank you for supporting me through all of these hard times. You really are my world.

Anywho REVIEWS would make me extremely happy.

-Love Indietro always.