Part 3

After two hours, Max was starting to feel beat. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept. He had practically wolfed down the food Rocky brought them but he had slowed when he caught Angel smiling at him, her green eyes laughing silently.

By the end of the day, the ship was still being fixed. "It probably won't be ready until late tomorrow," the mechanic, a small blue guy, with no hair and holes for ears, said when Rocky went back to check on it.

"Look, we need to be out of here by tomorrow, so please hurry."

"Yes sir, I will." The mechanic smiled and waved them off. Max could tell Rocky wasn't happy with the delay.

"Well, we'd best find someplace to stay." Rocky muttered as they started off again. The venders were starting to close up and people were going their separate ways.

"You mean they have hotels here too?" Max asked, amazed.

"You bet." Rocky said.

An hour later they were settling down in a small room. Angel was in a separate room and Rocky and Max were across the hall in their room.

Max sighed as he fell on the bed. Rocky smirked as he took off his jacket and laid his gun on the bedside table. "Why don't you get undressed and take a shower before you sleep?" Rocky said, nudging Max.

Max groaned but he got up. Rocky had picked out some clothes for Max to change into and Max was so relieved to finally get out of his dirty and smelly clothes. The shower helped too, although the hot water didn't work out to well. When Max was done he walked back to the room to see Rocky cleaning his gun out.

Rocky looked up and then back to his gun. "I forgot, I got you something."

Max frowned. "Rocky, you already got me clean clothes, you didn't have..."

"It's over there, on the table." Rocky interrupted, nodding his head over to the bedside table.

Max went over to the table and saw a small black gun. Not as fancy as Rocky's yet it could still kick out the power to kill. "You can't be serious..." Max said, turning to see Rocky looking at him.

"I am. Max, we're in dangerous country now. It'd be best for you to be armed just in case. I know you can use it so I'm not going to give you any pointers."

Max looked back down and automatically began checking it, opening it up and making sure everything looked okay. Unlike the old guns that used to use bullets, these guns shot lasers. A never-ending bullet. But it was tricky to use. Max knew how to use these guns though. Ever since he was little, his dad and Rocky had taught him how to shoot and use a powerful laser gun like them.

"Thanks." Max said after he was finished examining it. "I think."

Rocky chuckled. "You'll thank me when you're in a hot spot and you'll need to use it. Now get to bed. We'll have to be ready to leave tomorrow."

The next day look just as dark and gloomy as the last and Max didn’t want to get out of bed, even though the mattress felt like a board. His back ached and he heard it crack at least ten times when he sat up. Rocky went to wake Angel as Max got dressed. He quickly slipped his new gun into his belt and put on the leather jacket Rocky had gotten him. It felt weird to have the heavy metal object next to him and Max hoped he didn’t look obvious that he was a new gun owner. Of course he knew how to use one but his dad had never gotten around to buying him one of his own. A lump formed in Max’s throat as he thought of his dad.

“Okay let’s go.” Rocky interrupted his thoughts and throwing Max back into the present.

Max felt like he still needed sleep as the three of them made their way back to where their ship had been kept. Max kept looking in Angel direction. She looked just as pretty as yesterday. He quickly looked away when she turned in his direction and smiled at him. Man why couldn’t he just be himself? Why was he acting this way?

“Everything’s fixed sir. You should have no problem with her.” the mechanic said making his way towards Rocky. “I put in a new engine and carborator and she’s purring like new.”

“Good. How much?” Rocky said, not taking his eyes off of the ship.

Max held back a grin. A stranger would never knew the real Rocky. On the outside Rocky was gruff and mean, but inside he had a heart of gold. The poor mechanic looked nervous and edgy standing infront of the big man and Max couldn’t blame him. Rocky did that to a person that didn’t know him. Max had never felt that way around him since he had practically grown up with Rocky but he’d seen the effects that Rocky had on people that didn’t know him well.

Rocky paid him and they quickly loaded up the food and supplies they had gotten yesterday. Max noticed the mechanic quickly disappear, glad to be done with the ship and Rocky. Max couldn’t help but snicker. He’d have to talk to Rocky about his manners.

“Come on, lets get loaded and out of here.” Rocky said, already picking up a box and moving towards the ship.

Angel grinned at Max and shrugged then picked up a box and followed the ex-lieutenant. Max felt his heart flutter. Why did everytime Angel look at him like that he felt weak and helpless? Shaking his head he bent to pick up the last box of supplies when suddenly the ground shook and a loud banging noise came from behind him. Max jerked up to see about ten troopers march in.

“There they are! Get them!” a shout was heard and suddenly all hell broke loose! Max dove for cover as laser beams shot out at them. He instinctively took out his gun and turned to see both Rocky and Angel also go for cover. Rocky was already shooting back, one of his shots hitting their mark.

“Watch where you’re shooting men!” a voice was heard about the gunshots. “We need them alive!”

Max swallowed his uneasiness and began to fire. The gun, he found, was easy to shoot and just right for Max. He had to remember to thank Rocky yet again for it, if they got out of this in one piece that is. Shoving that thought down, he shot again, wounding yet another soldier. But more were coming through the door!

Blue and red laser shots were bouncing back and forth through the hanger. One shot nearly hit Max but he ducked behind his cover just in time. He swallowed hard, praying that Angel and Rocky were okay. He turned to see Rocky firing from the ship’s door. Angel wasn’t very far away. How was he going to get to them? The troops were starting to spread out and surround them. He had to make his move fast.

In a quick motion and started firing anywhere and dove behind another set of containers. He did it again and again until he was closer to Angel. “Are you okay?” he yelled to her.

“Just fine. We have to get out of here!” she yelled back.

Max fired again and turned to Rocky. They caught each other’s eyes and Rocky nodded his head toward the ship. Max knew the plan. Rocky would cover for them as Angel and Max would make a run for the ship. It was risky but Max didn’t know what else to do. “Angel, we’ll have to run for the ship when I say so, okay?”

Angel seemed perplexed but she nodded quickly in understanding. Max turned to see Rocky suddenly wave his arm...the signal for them to go. “GO!” Max shouted. In one huge lunge, Max followed Angel, firing his gun like there was no tomorrow. He knew Rocky was doing the same.

Suddenly a shot hit the ground right in front of Angel. She cried out and lost her footing. Max quickly grabbed her arm to help her up but the slip had lost them ground. Max saw one trooper running towards them. He shot, killing the man but another was behind him. That trooper shot his gun and in that instant, Max felt a shock of tremendous pain shoot through his body! He cried out in pain and crumpled to the ground. His legs seemed numb and the pain had him writhing on the ground.

“Max!” Angel shouted and quickly dove for him, shooting the one trooper that had shot Max. “Get up Max! Hurry!” she shouted, dragging him up by the arm.

But Max couldn’t get his body to comply. His sides felt like they were on fire and he put a hand to his rib cage, hoping to soothe the awful pain. That’s when he felt the stickiness and warm feeling of liquid under his fingers.

“Max please hurry!” Angel’s voice ripped through his muddled mind and he knew he couldn’t risk Angel’s life. With the last of his strength, he lunged himself onto his feet. The ship was only a few feet away. He could make it.

His right side was now feeling numb and his right leg wouldn’t work. Lasers were bouncing all over. He felt terror that they wouldn’t make it to the ship in time. But just then, Rocky was beside him. The Lieutenant easily supported Max and in no time, all three of them were on the ship. “Close the door!” Rocky shouted and Angel quickly shut the metal door. “Here, watch out for him, I’ve got to get us out of here.” Rocky said, gently laying a now white Max on the floor. Angel knelt down next to Max as Rocky ran for the cockpit.

“Come on baby.” Rocky muttered as he started the ship. Luck was again on their side as the ship stuttered but roared into action. Rocky looked ahead to see the hanger doors shutting. “Shit, hold on!” Rocky shouted and he gunned the ship. It almost look like they wouldn’t make it but with another boost, Rocky got the ship through the hanger doors just before they closed. “Yes!” he said, smiling. But his smile faded when he saw five trooper ships following them. Red laser shots were already firing at them. One shot hit the ship, sending it rocking.

Angel suddenly came running. “Rocky, he’s bad. We have to get help.”

“We have to stay alive first. We’ve got tails, five of them, coming fast.”

Angel’s face turned white as she noticed a blinking red light coming on. “They’ve hit the one of the thrusters. We won’t be able to outrun them.”

Rocky felt his heart in his throat. “We need to find cover.”

“The only planet close is Earth. We’ll have to land there.”

Another blast rocked the ship again, almost sending Angel to the floor if she hadn’t held onto the seat.

“Damn, the hit the second thruster. I see no choice. Brace for impact.” Rocky growled.

Angel nodded and ran back to where Max was laying, a blanket covering him. She quickly pulled him into a corner and with one hand holding Max and the other gripping a bar, she bit her lip and said a quick prayer.

Rocky was praying himself. Earth was looming ever closer. They hit the atmosphere and Rocky could see the ground coming up. He did notice the troopers slowing down. Right now Rocky couldn’t think about them, he had to land this thing. “Come on baby...come on.” Rocky muttered, wrestling the ship under control. But with two thrusters out, the ship was having trouble steering.

Before he knew it, ground was rushing up to them. “Come on...get straight!” Rocky said bracing himself for the impact. Just at the last second, Rocky was able to get the nose up and the belly of the ship hit ground. The force of the impact knocked Rocky out of his seat. Glass shattered and the lights flickered as the ship drug itself across the rock terrain. It seemed like forever before the ship finally slid to a stop.

Coughing, Rocky got to his feet. His head pounded and his shirt was ripped in several places. He looked out the window to see the five ships of the troopers flying overhead. It would take them some time to find a place to land, but Rocky knew it wouldn’t be long. He had to get them out of here and to cover.

“Angel! Max!” Rocky yelled, running to the back, gun in hand. He heard Angel cough and knelt down next to them.

“I’m fine.” she muttered, brushing back her brown locks from her eyes. She immediately looked with concern at Rocky’s face and Rocky felt the blood trickling down his cheek from a cut on his forehead. But there was no time to take care of injuries.

“Come on, we have to get out of here.” Rocky said, gently picking up Max and cradling him to his muscled chest. Angel nodded and grabbing Max’s gun, led the way out of the broken ship.

The troopers were not in sight but both knew they would be back. “I know this place,” Angel said, looking around. “The monk caves are just over there.”

Rocky looked to where she was pointing and saw several dark caves hidden in the rocks. “Well lets go.”

With Angel leading the way, the small group slowly made their way to the caves. The roar of returning troopers made them go faster and they reached the caves just before five trooper ships flew overhead.

“They’ll trace our steps.” Rocky said, turning around.

“Yes, but they won’t find us.” Suddenly Angel knocked on the cave wall. Three beats.

“What are you doing?” Rocky asked, looking around. “There’s nowhere to go.”

“Wait.” Angel said. Suddenly a small door opened from the rocks. A small man in brown robes appeared. He looked at Angel then at Rocky and Max. Turning back to Angel he nodded. Angel smiled and bowed her head then turned to Rocky. “They’ll help us. Get inside.”

Rocky pushed back his uneasy feeling and followed the monk into the small lair. Torches lit the hall way, casting eerie shadows on the rock walls. Suddenly the hall opened up into a huge room. Three other monks were standing there, watching them.

The one monk that had helped them in went up to the three and whispered to them. All eyes turned to Max, who was looking gray and very bad. Cold sweat was already breaking out on his forehead and his hair was damp. Blood was soaking through the blanket from the wound. Rocky felt sick. How could he have let this happen? He was suppose to protect Max.

One of the older monks walked up to Max and Rocky. He laid a hand on Max’s forehead, looked up at Rocky and then turned to his companions. He nodded and the other three bowed their heads and left the room.

“Follow me.” the man said, turning back to Rocky.

Rocky looked to Angel and she nodded and followed the monk into another room where a wooden table was set up. Several shelves lined the cave walls with tons of bottle and other stuff laying on them.

“Put the boy here.” the old monk said, motioning to the table.

Rocky obeyed, cringing when Max groaned in pain. His eyes were closed and his breathing growing more shallow. Rocky felt a hand on his arm and turned to see Angel looking at him. “They will help Max, we must leave.”

Rocky wanted to argue. He didn’t want to leave Max with these strangers. But did he have much of a choice? He slowly followed Angel and the first monk they had seen into the big room. The door to the smaller room shut behind them.

“If you would, please give me your guns. We don’t allow blood weapons in our house.” the monk said, holding out his hand.

Rocky frowned but Angel didn’t hesitate and handed over the handgun she still carried. She turned to Rocky and raised her eyebrow.

The monk also turned, his face serious. Rocky had never turned over his weapon. As a man in the army, you were taught that only in death would you turn over your weapon. But this wasn’t the army. And Rocky knew these people would help, not hurt. Reluctantly he handed over his gun and watched the monk bow in thanks and walk off towards another room. He immerged a minute later, without the guns, and walked into another room.

Angel sighed and sank onto a bench. “It’s okay Rocky. They’ll help Max and they’ll protect us.”

“How do you know?” Rocky asked, sitting down beside her, already feeling naked without his gun.

“I grew up around monks. They live for peace and harmony. I knew where to look to find their lairs but others don’t. We’ll be safe here until we have to go.”

Rocky nodded. He suddenly felt very tired and hungry and sore. He grimaced as he touched his forehead.

“You should have that looked at,” Angel said, looking with concern at the still bleeding head wound.

“I’ve seen worse and felt worse. It will wait until they’re done with Max.”

It felt like hours until the old monk finally appeared from the room where Max was. “He will be fine, but he needs rest.” the monk said softly.

“How can I thank you for what you’ve done for us?” Rocky asked, feeling much better with the news.

“You can repay us by never telling anyone about us or our locations. That is all we ask. Now, let us look at your wounds and then we’ll give you something to eat.”

Rocky followed them only after shooting Angel an amazed look. She just smiled and followed him into another room. As the monks tended to them, Rocky was antsy and wished they’d hurry up. The stitches stung but his mind was only on Max. “Can we see Max?”

The old monk turned from a bowl he was mixing something in. “I think it would be best if you rest and eat. He, himself, is resting. We gave him something for the pain and he will be out for sometime.

Rocky frowned but remained silent. Much to his disapproval, he’d have to put his faith and trust in these monks.

After Angel and Rocky were patched up, washed and given clean clothes, the monks then brought them food. Rocky had never tasted anything so good in a long time. Once the monks left them alone, Rocky turned toward Angel. “What makes these people be so kind to perfect stranger?”

Angel smiled. “I’ve been taught that they are God’s chosen people and are here to help all of God’s little ones. They believe that the more good they can do, the better Earth will get. But I don’t think they know just how bad Earth’s gotten.”

“Hmmm.” Rocky muttered, scooping another spoonful of the delicious beef soup into his mouth. They sat in silence for several minutes when Angel spoke up.

“How do you think those troopers found us so quickly?”

Rocky frowned. “I’ve been wondering that. Someone must have tipped them off.”

“But why? I don’t understand why they’re after us.”

Rocky sighed and turned toward Angel. “They’re not after you, just Max and I. I..I think it best if you don’t know more.”

It was Angel’s turn to frown. “Look, if I’m traveling with you I think I’m intitled to know what I’m putting my life in danger for.”

Rocky saw the determined look on her face and smiled. “Just like your father.” He muttered. “Fine. I’ll tell you. Have you ever heard of the Legend of the Golden Sphere?”

Angel nodded slowly. “I’ve heard of it. Something about a human born with a sphere shaped key in his hand that will save all of humanity. But it’s just an old legend. It’s been told around campfires for ages.”

“It’s true.” Rocky said softly.

“What?” Angel said in disbelief. “Come on...”

“It is true. I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it. You see Vadar knows about it and that’s why he’s after Max and I. He wants the key so he can save himself and keep himself from being destroyed.”

“You..you’re not saying...that..” Angel’s face showed confusion and bewilderment.

“Max is the Chosen One.” Rocky finished her thoughts. “He has the Golden Sphere in his right hand. His dad found out and Vadar grabbed him. I’m all he has left.” Rocky leaned closer to Angel. “Max is more important then he even knows. If we can succeed and somehow get Max to the other sphere, Earth will be saved and rejuvenated.”

Angel could only stare in astonishment at Rocky. “I..can’t believe this. You mean that the Legend is true and I’m a part of it?”

Rocky nodded, his dark eyes serious. “I’ve sworn my life to protect him.”

Angel seemed to ponder all of this. Her green eyes turned from confusion to understanding and determination. “Then I will too. I’ve looked forward to the savior since my dad started telling me about the Legend. I will see it come true.”

Rocky nodded and patted her on the back. “We’d better get some rest now. As soon as Max is ready to travel we’ll have to make plans to bring this Legend into action.”

No matter how hard she tried, Angel couldn’t sleep. She didn’t know what time it was as she got up and walked toward Max’s room. Nobody was stirring so it must be late, she thought as she cracked open Max’s door. She let her eyes grown accustomed to the dim candle lights as she slowly made her way inside the room. Max suddenly stirred and he turned in her direction. “Well..hi.” he said softly and smiled.

Angel smiled back and walked toward him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to barge in. Just wondered if you needed anything.”

Max shook his head. Angel noticed that his color was back. The priests had done a good job.

“Are you feeling okay?”

“Perfect. Like I could run a mile.” Max teased, his smile revealing perfectly white teeth.

“Well, I wouldn’t try that yet. But that’s good to hear. Rocky’s anxious to go.” “Yeah, he doesn’t like being cooped up in one place for long, especially when we have troopers on our backs.” Max said, frowning.

Angel let her eyes wonder and noticed that Max didn’t have a shirt on under the sheets. She bit her lip and quickly turned away.

"Um, Max..I wanted to thank you...for what you did back there." Angel blushed and looked away. She hated thanking people and to top it off just looking at Max's handsome and sincere face made her feel very emotional in a way she had never felt before now.

"You're welcome." Max said smiling. He felt his heart beat faster as he looked upon Angel's face, softly illuminated by the dozen of candles that were scattered about the room. She was very beautiful and matched her name. "I never told you, how beautiful your name is."

Angel turned to look at Max. "Really? My dad said my mom chose the name because when I was born I looked like an angel." She smiled and wished she could make herself shut up. Now she was babbling.

"They’re right."

"What?"

"Your parents were right. You do look like an angel."

At that moment in time everything seemed to stop. Angel knew in her heart that she had fell instantly in love with this young man. She had never had much experience with guys and yet here was this stranger that she had fallen in love with almost immediately from first sight. "Thank you." she whispered, feeling her heart stop when he took her hand. She felt him caressing her fingers and his touch made her whole body shiver with delight.

She felt herself lean closer when he gently pulled her closer. She knew that she wouldn't be able to stop him if he pulled a fast one on her yet she welcomed anything he would do to her. They were so close she could feel his breath on her face. The touch of their lips sent a rush of feelings flowing through her.

The kiss was gentle, ever so gentle and when they broke apart, both young people felt like they could never part. To Angel surprise, she found herself bending down and kissing him back, a stronger kiss. She was telling him that she wanted more. He met that kiss and it got stronger as both their passions were met and joined.

Angel forgot her body and only concentrated on Max. The way his skin felt under her hands as she climbed on the bed with him and put her hands on his bare chest. The way his mouth felt on hers. She could feel the stubble of a few days on his chin. Everything about him made her yearn for more.

Everything in his past seemed to be forgotten as he looked into Angel's eyes. There was yearning in her and he felt it in her touch. He wanted it just as much and brought her closer. The feel of her lips, sweet and delicate, against his brought new feelings in him. She was innocent, just as he, and he could feel and taste it. Yet she got closer and went after him, much to his delight and surprise. Unlike her name she had her own mind and did what she wanted and Max knew that and it made him want more and more of her.

Neither of the teens noticed Rocky looking in. He shook his head and smiled, then left just as quietly. Yes more dangerous and hellish days were ahead, but Rocky knew that Angel and Max would make it through. They were tough and that flooded over their youngness. He sighed as he settled down in the cot that had been set up for him. He prayed that Max would find the strength to win against Vadar or all was lost.

Part 4