Title: Not a Cookie Cutter Kind of Person

Tale 1: Weird

Fandom: The Tribe

Author: PinkTribeChick

Summary: Are you daring enough to think outside of the box?

Extended Summary: A collection of unconnected one-shots, each focusing on a different Tribe character, from their point-of-view, in an unexpected way. Each varies as to which series of the show it is set in, and many contain material that is PG-13 or higher.

Rating: Mature

Pairing: For Weird – I'm not going to tell you until the end of the story! I want to see if you can figure it out for yourselves!

Author's Notes: These one-shots do not connect together or occur in the same universe/series. Most contain mature language, violence, and/or sexual situations. Read at your own risk! This first one was written one night when I was in a really weird mood, and yes, I know that it's very vague as to who "he" is. Many thanks to Brett The Mole, Ariannya, Whit, Will, and my mom (who proofed the most violent of the bunch) for their help along the way as each of the tales was written!

Disclaimer: All characters, situations, and song lyrics remain the property of their respective owners. Any original characters are sole property of me, PinkTribeChick.

Not a Cookie Cutter Kind of Person

Tale 1: Weird

"Isn't it weird . . . isn't it strange . . . even though we're just two strangers on this runaway train . . . we're both trying to find a place in the sun . . . we've lived in the shadows, but doesn't everyone . . . isn't it strange how we all feel a little bit weird sometimes . . ."

Hanson

Dear Mall Rats,

By the time you read this note, I will be long gone from this place, from the city. Strange, how what used to feel like home feels more like being in a strange land with hostile natives. And I know running away from my problems won't change how they are or make them go away. Salene, you've told me that many times. But I just didn't know what else to do or where else to go. And I just don't know how to live life without him. I just can't anymore. It's gotten old, trying to fit into this mold of what you guys think I should be. As if you know who I really am on the inside. I really doubt any of you do know the real me.

We're living in a world where people are no longer defined by who they are or what they achieve. It's all about what tribe you're with, and whether you're the kings of the city or not. It's about laws and controlling each other. And it's about hatred. Hate . . . for a one syllable word, it sure seems pretty powerful. And I'm tired of the constraints it puts on my heart and my mind. I'm tired of its shackles. I long to be free to be able to think as I please and love as my heart desires. I long to finally be able to be me again.

Love doesn't exist in our world anymore. And I was a fool to ever think it did. Where did love get me? Alone, with a child of my own, no one to help me raise it. And then it got me to here - a point where I can't even look at any of you anymore, you all hurt me so much. You tell me not to love who I choose to love, because you're afraid it might start war. That this other woman that he once loved, she still loves him, and she will do anything to keep him, even kill others. Yes, she may have the powerful army of the Technos on her side, but good always wins over evil. You tell me that I can't love him, because he is who he is and has never pretended to be anything else. He is even one of you, and you judge him, just in the way that you have judged me. Move on, is what you tell me, Pride. Time heals all wounds, that's what you say, Trudy. Well, guess what? I say that's bullshit. How do you move on when you know something is right? And time doesn't heal a wound that deep. Time doesn't make a love like that go away. Time doesn't make you forget about true love. And you all cannot make me forget about the only person other than my son that I truly love. The one person that actually allows me to be me and loves me in spite of it.

True, I may sound bitter. But who are you to tell me what I can do with my life, who I can be with, and who I am? You've grown so proud, so arrogant and heavy handed in your power that you think you can even control the weather itself, telling the sun when to shine and the clouds when to rain. Pride - you've tried to stop me, out of your jealousy, which you mask by calling it love. Cloe - you hate to see anyone hurt, even if it is someone you can't stand, so you try to talk me out of how I feel. Dee - even you, who claim to be so open-minded, such a hopeless romantic let the fear and hatred of this city control your thoughts. You all, just like the rest of the people in this world, are no one. And I refuse to let you make me one of you. To let you make me become a mindless no one. My little baby Bray and he are everyone to me. And I can't let you take that from me. You've already driven him off, along with that woman he no longer loves. But that wasn't enough. You drive me off as well.

So, with a somewhat heavy heart, I write this letter to each and every one of you. I charge each of you with betrayal of the highest form - selling out a friendship. You all hold friendship with such a low regard, though I must admit, you've done a wonderful job to fool yourselves into thinking otherwise. But I don't wish you ill, have no fear. Because I know each of you is already rotting in the prison that is built within each of you. A prison you have made. A prison that your hatred has forged. A prison whose walls are built high around this mall and around this city, but are so well concealed that no one can see them. A prison that none of you will ever really break free from. And this is why I must leave. I have to break free, for myself, for my son, and for him. He is waiting for me, outside the city, right now. And I go to meet him. And to never see you again.

Amber

Please review – I'm anxious to hear your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

(Okay – so, anyone figure out who "he" is? In case you didn't – it's LEX.)