Reaching Salvation: Post-Acer Part 9

"So anytime after I'm finished eating. Which is..." Luke started, finishing off what little he usually ate. Where once he had been stocky and muscular, now he was more lean, or more accurately, skinny.

"Anytime from now," he finished with a grin once he was done.

"Heidi, if you don't go today you're never gonna get out," Paul insisted, "Besides, you're looking a little pale."

Joey headed over to the twins, gently shaking them to wake up. "Hey, it's time to get up guys."

"I'm always looking a little pale. Genetics, y'know. Benji's th' same way," Heidi countered.

---

Kira smiled, quickly finishing her share, and pushing herself to her feet. "Okay, let's go, then."

Paul thought for a second. "...I'll make you some home made vodka?" Better yet, I'll teach you how to make it.

"Y' said it yourself, I shouldn't be drinking."

Eric looked through the glass window to what appeared to be a hospital room. Inside was that woman he took, a bunch of tubes stuck to her, measuring her vital signs. The teen had decided he wouldn't think of the woman as human, more like a vessel for the master. All he wants is the kid in her. Once he has that we'll trade her for the kids that were left behind... including Josh and Al.

Would they remember him? He hoped so. It took a good couple of months for them to forget what their parents looked like. He lasted a bit longer...

A few more days and they'd be able to determine the sex of the fetus. A few more days until he could start the plan to get his brothers back.

---

Al blinke dhis eyes open, looking over at the older people.

"...Idiot..." Neo groaned once he heard Paul.

"Alright then," Luke nodded, Dublin accent becoming prominent again as he didn't really pronounce the 'ght' at the end of 'alright'.

-----

"Sounds fair," Tom agreed, willing to join him.

"Hey." Joey said, noticing Al openning his eyes. "Time to get up."

"And have you listened to me one bit?" Paul raised an eyebrow, then sighed. "...would you please come to the pool? I'd appreciate it if you came outside this once."

Kira started walking towards the Acer village, smiling to herself. Luke's accent was cute.

---

Heidi sighed. "Fine, but not 'fer too long. I burn easy," she muttered reluctantly.

"Funny stuff," Paul grinned, "I can get you some sunblock."

"I don't like sun block..." Heidi sighed agitatedly.

Al nodded, shaking his brother awake, who had been snoring moments before. "We're getting closer."

Luke limped along behind her, half-humming, half-singing to himself absentmindedly as he followed.

"I was joking," Paul chuckled, "Do you have a swim suit?"

"How much longer do you think?" Joey asked, as he began packing their stuff back onto Ven.

Kira hesitated a bit at the forest's edge, looking back at Luke.

---

Heidi raised an eyebrow. "Does anybody?"

Luke smiled encouragingly, laying his free hand on his shoulder as he helped her forward gently.

"Well I suppose that's a good point," Paul blinked, thinking.

"Guessing about three more days, four tops." Josh said, getting to his feet as Al rolled up the sleeping bag.

Joey nodded. "Godd." He said, a determined look on his face.

"So, it's about time I asked...what can you tell me about Eric?"

"He's really good at controlling and making machines," Al replied. "That's his 'Flow', I think. And he likes this white haired girl named Alison."

Joey nodded, contemplating that first bit of information. "Uh-huh...any reason why he would take Erika?"