Brotherhood

Swan Song

Blake was freshly showered, in clean clothes, and fed. He didn't recall much of the trip back to the safehouse, except Adam working again to soothe his emotions. Uno had been surprisingly sympathetic. He'd waited, even asking politely if Blake would be alright before grabbing Adam and dragging the protesting empath back into his integration. Once more, Uno and Dos had blissful, happy expressions while One and Five seemed listless, almost drugged.

Three seemed oddly unaffected. She'd wandered into the studio in the rear of the safehouse and discovered a violin. Now she was skillfully playing it, the sound of it mournful to Blake's ears.

But now he heard Uno's voice, speaking rapidly in French, and the violin stopped. Blake heard Adam respond and started back, curious. He was stunned when he suddenly heard Adam sing.

"How dare you say that my behavior's unacceptable? So condescending unnecessarily critical! I have the tendency of getting very physical, so watch your step 'cause if I do you'll need a miracle."

Adam's voice wasn't like it was. It showed the effects of the damage Breaker had inflicted. The tone was still there, but there was a slight scratch to it where before his singing had always been clear. And then he reached for a higher note, and his voice cracked in a way that made Blake wince.

"Keep going!" Uno's voice was sharp, a whip-like command.

Blake clenched his fists and started forward angrily, but again Adam's voice came, picking up where he'd left off. This time, he avoided the higher notes, keeping to the lower register, and he was able to finish the song.

"Bravo, brother!" Dos's voice, cheering. "You are definitely improving."

"It's coming, yeah." Blake's heart ached at the note of relief in Adam's tone. "Long way to go, and I know it may never come completely back. But Dos, whatever you just did, it's better!"

"We will keep working on it," Dos assured gently.

He laughed. "I haven't been able to sing that song the whole way through since Breaker took me!"

"The monster who took us all fades a little more each day," Uno assured. "So long as Shelton doesn't take up his mantle..."

"Don't even consider that, Uno!" Adam was irritated now. "Blake won't ever become Breaker."

"Breaker may become Blake, Seven," Dos warned. "We must be cautious. I am concerned that he wants you, brother."

"We want each other, Dos. We're engaged now!"

"But when he becomes Father, he will not be completely himself," Uno agreed. "Our sister is right. We must be very cautious. Once you are completely integrated with us, we will..."

Adam groaned. "How many times do I have to tell you? I won't be integrated into your trio! You can't keep me!"

"You belong with us, brother." Uno again. "You were meant to be with us from the start, and we will have you!"

"Dammit, I'm not a prize to be won!" Adam was yelling now. "I'm sorry about your situation, but I won't be dragged away from my brothers. You cannot keep me! Get it through your heads!"

"Ne te fâche pas!"

"Yes, Seven," Uno urged. "Sit, stay with us, and talk."

"Just leave me the hell alone. Hey! Let go of me, Dos!"

"Come here, brother, to me."