Chapter one
1887
She was, just as she had been before, standing in the Sanctuary. Or rather what would one day be the Sanctuary. Next to her was one of the mutants, with a burst of rage, Ashley sent her claws into its chest. Then the realization hit her…she too was one of these mutants, and for the second time in her life, she had no idea what was happening.
Ashley begun exploring, she seemed to be in a factory. All that could be heard was the sound of machines. Where am I? Suddenly, a young woman entered the room. Looking at Ashley, she spoke. "You can't be seen. My shift just ended, I'll take you home with me."
Incredibly, the woman who rescued Ashley got her back to her home unnoticed. They sat in the basement of the house. "So what's your name," Ashley questioned.
"Elizabeth Druitt, what may I call you?"
Ashley looked shocked, "I'm Ashley Magnus. My parents are Helen Magnus and John Druitt."
Elizabeth grinned, "I suppose I have myself a sister. You don't appear to be from this era though?"
"Just to clarify, do we have the same mother? She's never mentioned you. Oh yeah, an hour ago the year was 2009."
Elizabeth frowned, "No Ashley, I have never met my mother. I will do my best to return you to where you came from. Returning you may take time though."
Ashley jumped to her feet. "WHAT…what am I suppose to do until then?"
Elizabeth shrugged, "Father asked me to find a new handmaiden for Helen. Would you like to meet your mother?"
Ashley nearly toppled, "Yes!"
"You cannot tell them who you are or anything of their futures." Ashley nodded, "Stay here and I'll get you some proper clothing."
Ashley explored while Elizabeth was absent. She soon found herself staring at the walls, on them sat nearly every weapon currently known to man. "This is the game room," Elizabeth stood right behind Ashley causing her to jump.
She turned and looked at the clothes, "Hell no!" Ashley felt as if the room was spinning.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Hurry up and get dressed. I have to go change, meet me upstairs. It is dinner time."
Ashley struggled to dress herself, after nearly half an hour she made her way upstairs. She entered the kitchen, "Am I late for dinner?"
Elizabeth looked up from the book she was reading. "No they aren't here yet. I've come up with your cover story. Your name is Mary, you are from London, and your father is a tailor."
Ashley sat down awkwardly, "Why can't I keep my name?"
"Because at this point in time, Ashley is primarily a male name."
Why is she talking funny? Oh my God…she's speaking like me, no accent. Ashley was about to comment on Elizabeth's lack of accent when the front door slammed shut. Watching as Elizabeth stood; Ashley decided to follow her lead.
As they entered the room, Elizabeth spoke. "Father, I have done as you said. This," she motioned to Ashley, "is Helen's new hand-maiden."
What the hell… Ashley tried to make her dislike of John's arm being around Helen's waist unknown.
"Sit," John motioned to the table, "we shall enjoy dinner and perhaps get to know each other."
Ashley looked shocked as a maid brought in lamb chops with roasted potatoes. The maid then proceeded to fill everyone's glasses with wine.
Elizabeth turned to speak to John. "What's the occasion? We only ever eat lamb when you are treating Helen." She was obviously irritated.
Why do they all, even Elizabeth, have to speak with such odd accents? Ashley rolled her eyes.
John nodded, "Mr. Bach is in town." For the rest of the meal, only John and Helen spoke.
It was close to an hour later when dinner finally ended. Helen left to change for the concert and Elizabeth motioned for Ashley to go with.
She found herself in Helen and John's bedroom. Helen stood at the closet searching for a dress, she pulled out two. "Any suggestions," she asked Ashley though Ashley didn't see the point, the dresses looked exactly the same.
Ashley pointed to the one on her left, "That one."
"Thank you," Helen changed from one dress to the other. She quickly powered her face then stood. "I've to go, however I do not believe I know your name."
Ashley stuttered, nearly forgetting what to say. "Mary,"
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mary."
2009
John had just arrived in Helen's office. Elizabeth (who was now going by EDY) had visited him that morning as evident by his change in dress. John was dressed in 'modern' clothes; faded jeans, white tee-shirt, and a new leather jacket and sneakers. This is oddly comfortable.
Helen could not help but give John a one-over as he leaned against the fireplace with his hands in his back pockets. Dear Lord, I do not remember giving him permission to dress like that.
Will spoke, "there's an abnormal that's appeared on our radar." He leaned deeper into the couch. "This abnormal seems to be able to teleport, just as John does."
John's expression lightened, "I am aware of only one other abnormal with the ability to teleport. Elizabeth is a pest, but generally she only commits petty crimes."
"That's interesting John," Helen fumbled with the pen in her hand. "I haven't heard from Elizabeth since 1888."
John grinned widely, "I saw her just this morning. These new clothes were a present."
Will's head shot up, "Who is this woman?"
Helen frowned, "John's daughter Elizabeth. She used to live with us in London."
John had gone back to looking quite serious. "I am trying to text EDY."
Helen nodded, "Why don't you stay a while. Hopefully we can get EDY," she quirked her eyebrows, "under control." Helen indicated that the meeting had concluded. John however did not leave with everyone else. "Is there something you'd like to discuss?"
John moved from where he was standing and sat on the couch. He patted the cushion next to him.
Helen sat down next to him, "What is it John?"
John reached into his jacket pocket; he pulled out a rectangular box and handed it to Helen. "Happy Birthday love," she opened the box to find a beautiful silver chain with a diamond heart hanging from it.
Helen gasped and curled up in John's arms, he held her tightly. With little warning, John lifted Helen's head and gently kissed her. She egged him on and he teleported them to her quarters.