Notes: okie dokie. I finally got my act together and cleaned this whole story up. This is the same story, just with no (I hope) spelling or grammar errors. Also, I changed a few words here and there. I have decided that I will (hopefully with much support from you readers), turn this story into a nice long piece of fiction. As always, feel free to leave feedback for me, and any suggestions or things you would like to see happen in this story. Im actually trying to keep all of the characters in character for this story, and if anyone has any suggestions or spies any faults in my writing, feel free to point them out to me. All the help I can get is appreciated
Disclaimers: The original characters of Zillah and Ghost belong to me. I will probably throw in a couple more of my own character down the road. The other characters in this (Pyro, Magneto, Cyclops, Wolverine, Professor Xavier, Nightcrawler, Strom, Marrow, Jubilee, Kitty, Colossus, and many more down the road) all belong to Marvel, and aren't really featured in the movie that much.
Storyline: This is supposed to take place post X2, with the idea that Pyro has joined Magneto, Deathstrike, Stryke, and Jean Gray are dead. The impending war between the humans are the mutants is drawing near, everyone is going to find out that there are more then one sides to pick from.
John Allerdyce woke up with a start. Where was he? This wasn't his bed, this wasn't even his room. Where was his roommate, Bobby Drake? The sun filtered in though the cracks of the scarlet velvet curtains. He looked around, he was sleeping luxurious 4 post, heaven wooden bed. Antique mahogany furniture were placed randomly, yet functionally around the room. Where was he? The mutant known as Pyro slid his feet to the floor and stood up. He didn't seem to be in immediate danger so he might as well take in the rich surroundings. Something he hadn't really had before.
John walked across the room where an exit to a small balcony lay though glass double doors. Pushing the doors open, he was greeted with fresh, cool mountain air. Why was he not in the mansion, why was in the middle of this mountainous area? Looking around the balcony, he saw that the mansion he was in wasn't just big, it was enormous. John smiled, so this is what it felt like to own more money then you know what to do with. Then it hit him, the attack at the school, Bobby, Rouge, Magneto, and finally turning his back on his friends and joining up with the bad guys. The bad guys, who's to say that Magneto and Mystique were the bad mutants anyway? They just didn't want to wait for the humans to turn on mutants everywhere. Was it so wrong to want to fight to survive? John shook his head, no, this is what he wanted, he knew Magneto thought his powers strong, and apparently useful. Much more then he would have gotten back at Xavier's school anyway. There, he wouldn't have been able to develop his powers to their true, destructive potential.
John shook his head again, clearing his mind and taking a deep breathe. The air was much nicer here anyway. So was the view, and no screaming kids to deal with either. Taking one last look at the evergreens that surrounded the home, he stepped back into the room, closing the double doors behind him. Quickly looking around the room, he spotted a door jutting off to the side. A quick crank of his neck, and he realized that it was the bathroom, complete with a large shower, and a wide jacuzzi. "Man, Obi-wan mentioned the dark side was powerful, but he didn't mention that they were loaded." He couldn't help but crack a small grin. Further snooping around the room, he came to a heavy set chest at the foot of the bed. He opened it and found to his amazement a decent selection of clothes, all in his size. Smiling again, he closed the trunk and opened the door to his room. He cautiously stuck his head outside the door and listened attentively for any signs that there was anyone else around. Hearing nothing, he continued out into the hallway, which was bright with sunlight and sparsely decorated. John continued down the hallway, and down 2 flights of stairs, coming to what probably was the entrance way to the mansion. Suddenly, John stopped in his tracks. He could faintly make out the aroma, of, coffee, which ment that someone else was up. Going with the the curious mood he was in, he followed his noes through a glass arch way, and though 2 more spacious rooms, to what appeared to be the kitchen and dining area. Expecting to see the people who brought him here, John found himself alone in the stainless steal kitchen. He was just about to backtrack, when someone spoke to him.
"Well now, take it you had a restful sleep Mr.Allerdyce."
John whipped his head around to find Magneto leaning against the doorframe.
"Uh, yea." He had no idea what to say. "Where are we?"
"Ah, a lot more quit then the school I assume? Yes, I never understood how Charles tolerated all those children. Well, no matter, you in a select area of mountain range located in upper Washington. That is all you need to know."
John frowned and kept his gaze on Magneto steady.
"Well now, we don't want you defecting back to that little school of yours and telling all your friends where we live now do we?"
"Don't worry, I have a feeling im going to be liking it here a bit more." John let the corner of his mouth pull up into a half smile.
Magneto eyed him for a brief moment and then he gave a barely noticeable nod. "That is what I though Mr. Allerdyce."
Had it actually been 6 months? 6 months since he had seen his friends, mutants like him, and gone to Xavier's school for the gifted? If he didn't know any better, John would have guessed it to be a mere 6 days. Time had gone back quickly for him. He found that he was always busy, now that he was with Magneto, although, there wasn't any real form of schooling taught to him.. With his time away from the school, John had learned much more about what his true powers were capable of. He had been able to, with the fine thing of Magneto, perfect his manipulation of the flame. John was able to hurl fireballs, and now waves, of burning power 10 fold of what he had been able to 6 months ago. In addition to his powers, he had been taught a little hand to hand combat, courtesy of Mystique. John winced at the mere thought of that women. Although quite disturbing in beauty, she was cold as ice. Something others had thought of him as a cold person, he didn't hold a flame to her, relatively speaking. Though their training, she had never shown any signs of relent or pity, not even when she kicked to hard and fractured something. Though, he was now quite a good fighter, even if he didn't have him mutant powers.
Fighting wasn't the only thing he had learned with those two. He learned that in the end Magneto was right. There was so much hate and anger towards mutants, all over the world. In those 6 months, John had witnessed so much misery and cruelness bestowed upon mutants by the human race. Medical experiments gone wrong, torture, hate. The professor was wrong, mutants should not have to work together with this race, after what they did to his kind. Working together, the 3 of them had managed to put a few anti-mutant facilities out of commission. Although he was never really allowed to discuss future plans with Magneto or Mystique, he still felt as if he was a strong part of this team. There had been times where he had been in trouble and his ass had been saved by either of them. John winced again. Like that time he had accidently hit a fuel tank with a fire ball. Magneto had pull together a nearby chucks of steel to shield him from the debree. He felt stupid about that move for days after that mission. The one they had gone to rescue a mutant being tested on, someone called Omega Blue, or what was it, Green.... It didn't matter.
John stretched out on the couch. The black leather couch was his favorite. For the past few days, he had just been lounging around the property. They hadn't really done anything in a while. Yawning like a lazy tomcat, John decided he was happy they were on vacation.
"Don't bother to get comfortable Mr. Allerdyce, we'll be leaving soon." Magneto was already in his battle wear, which John always thought of as a bit extravagant. "Infant, get to the helicopter right now. Mystique is already ready to leave."
John nodded, no questions asked. He stood up and headed for the grand entrance, making sure to grab his black leather jacket from its resting place on the wall. He walked ahead of Magneto to the small chopper pad in the center of the roundabout. Mystique was already buckled in, and briefly glanced at him as he got in "Where we headed?"
"Colorado." Mystique replied in her multi-octave voice.
"What are we going there for any way?" John watched Mystique start up the chopper. He turned to find that Magneto was on his way.
"New recruit." She flipped a switch, and the main blades of the chopper came to life.
Magneto stepped into to co-pilot side and turned to Mystique. "Are we ready?"
"Yes." Mystique flipped on a few more switches, and John heard the smaller propeller start. Soon they lifted off the ground and rose above the tree line, the afternoon sun was brite, but that didn't stop them.
A few hours later, John opened his eyes as he felt the helicopter decelerate to a hover. He hastily rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked down to see that they were over, what appeared to be a maximum security prison. ".....wha-"
"Unfortunately our government was able to get a hold of the mutant before we could." Magneto turned to John.
"How did they find out about it before us?" He was already getting out his lighter, the same one he's had for years.
"Dear boy don't you keep up with the news, the killings down in Michigan. 8 humans, massacred."
"....oh, I just hope the dude knows were here to help him."
Magneto turn back to Mystique. "Yes, im sure she will...." John didn't hear him.
"Mr. Allerdyce, please make us a landing area, preferably in the middle of that main security building down there."
"Sure thing." With a slight smile, John flicked opened his lighter and lite it in one fluid motion. Pulling the flame into his hand, he hurled it towards a large concrete building, watching as the fireball grew in size and exploded , leaving nothing in a quarter mild radius but debre and chaos.
Finding a larger patch of land unoccupied by burring rubble, Mystique landed the chopper and John hopped out, followed by Magneto. Sirens and alarms were going off left and right. A squar of guards came out and surrounded the three of them. John rolled his eyes and just looked over at Magneto, who was already handling the situation. Using his mutant powers, he yanked the guns from each of the guards, and before they could utter a protest, he hit them in the head with the butts of their own guns.
"There." Mystic gestured over to a particular building, as Magneto walked to it. Raising his arms he pulled off the entire wall.
John's eyebrows raised. SHE was the one that had caused the Colorado massacre?
"Ms. Rathen, my name is Magneto, this is Mystique, and this is Pyro. We are here to make you an offer, either you join us in our fight against the human race, or I can put this wall back on and we'll leave you to your own." Magneto talked calmly. Surprisingly though, That girl was just as calm. She sat slight and petite on the bed attached to wall. She had shoulder length black hair with two streaks of bright red in the front. Her features were strong Asian, and her skin was a soft caramel color. Her eyes were the only obvious sign of a mutation, her's lacked the colored pigment found in all irises.
She delicately placed one foot on the floor, followed by the other. Looking right into Magnetos eye's she smiled. "Glad to have joined the cause."
The corner of Magneto's mouth turned up into a small smile. "Respectable choice Ms. Rathen. Welcome to the Brotherhood."
John had been staring the whole time. He thought her quite attractive, but something puzzled him. What kind of mutation did she posses. It must have been something unique to have Magneto so interested in her.
Magneto looked around and addressed all of them. "Before we have the reinforcements arrive, we should take haste. Ms. Rathen, if you would like, I will further explain my offer in the helicopter ride to our residence."
The mystery girl nodded and proceeded to follow Magneto's lead as he and Mystique walked for the chopper. Ad she passed John he glanced at her and gave a friendly smile. "Hey."
She looked at him, and smiled back. Attractive, she thought to herself. "Hi there."
"Hurry up. Children." Mystique was already starting up the chopper.
John and Zillah jogged to the chopper and as soon as they were both in, it rose swiftly from the ground and made back for Washington, making for the beginning of a ordeal that would change the lives of both the Brotherhood and the X-Men in a way that even they couldn't begin to fathom.
Zillah smiled, she was going to like it here. Beautiful surroundings, interesting atmosphere. As soon as her cell had been torn open, she had known it must have been some mutant group. Zillah knew she was one of the more, skillful, mutants out there, and it seemed that this Magneto had taken an interest in her abilities, and obviously something more then that. .
Letting her mind drift back to the helicopter ride, she curled her feet under her body. The soft black leather was so comforting, much better then a springy, worn down mattress, which was what she'd been stuck with in the prison. She had taken a seat in the back of the chopper, next to that boy called Pyro. In the front, Magneto and the lady with the blue skin, Mystique was it, were discussing their escape rouit, leaving Pyro and Zillah to entertain themselves.
He had eyed her for a few minutes, fiddling with his lighter, a strange habit Zillah had though. He finally clicked it shut and turned to face her. "So, what exactly are your mutant powers?"
"Heightened senses, agility, strength, and an extremely fast healing factor."
"Wow, sounds like a mutant I know." John chuckled, "Got any adimantium in that skeleton of yours?"
Now it was Zillah's turn to chuckle. "Who do you think I am? The Wolverine? N, but now that you mention it, my skeleton isn't made of bone. My real power is in my ability to create pure diamond. Something about my spinal chord, when I was younger, the diamond started growing in just some of the vertebrae, but over time its replaced all of my bones completely."
Pyro had stopped playing with the lighter and was just staring at Zillah, mouth slightly agape. "How, how did you know about Wolverine?"
She blinked, "Oh, well, its kind of complicated. You know him, you know Wolverine?"
"He was one of the teachers, er, well, supervisors at a school mutants I..........used to go to."
Zillah nodded. "You went to Charles Xavier's's school for the gifted."
"Yes. You know a lot don't you." He had started to play with his lighter again.
"Let's just say I have, friends, who's job it is to know things. Enough about me, what is your power? Something to do with fire I assume, Mr. Pyro?" Zillah nodded towards the lighter in his hand.
John smiled at her, flicking open his lighter and igniting it. Waving his hand over the flame, he pulled it into his palm and molded it into the shape of single flower. "Manipulation of the flame."
Zillah put her hand close to his, feeling the heat of the still living flame dance under his total control. It was still burring, hot and alive.
"Neat. So how just how big were the flowers you hurled at the prison." Zillah pulled her hand back and leaned back in her seat.
"Huh? Oh." John laughed. "Believe me, the flowers I've learned to hurl at prisons can get pretty big. Oh, and call me John. John Allerdyce."
"Nice to meet you John." Zillah put her hand up to his, pressing her index and fore finger near his palm, where the fire was still burring. Using her mutant powers, Zillah formed a small diamond in the shape of a flame in the palm of his hand.
John let his flame die away, his gaze glued to the forming diamond in his hand. This reminded him of Bobby, his former best friend, and how he would make figurines out of ice back at the school. The diamond formed quickly, tiny crystals building on one another. John didn't want to think about that right now. Right now there was this girl sitting with him, giving him a strange feeling deep inside. He couldn't explain it.
Finishing up the diamond figurine, Zillah pulled her hand back and leaned back against the seat of the chopper. Turning her attention towards the front of the vehicle, where the conversation had died down. "So, what exactly do you guys go about doing." This question was directed towards Magneto.
He kept looking straight ahead, "Let's just say, that, we look out for the well being, and, benefits of mutants, when humans turn inconsiderate towards us."
"And let me guess, you needed another soldier to fight for your cause.?"
This made Magneto turn around in his seat. "You could say that, but quite frankly my dear, it is not only your powers I was interested in. I would like to talk to your brother if you don't mind."
John frowned in confusion. What was this about.
Zillah's expression turned serious. "I can't imagine how you've come to hear of him the first place, but, if you and your methods are good enough to discover who my brother is, then I'm sure your deserving of at least an audience with him, and that is all I can do for you. Think of it as a token of gratitude, for getting me out of that shit hole back there."
Magneto nodded. "Fair enough."
Now John was really confused. So this really wasn't about her in the first place. Who and what was Magneto talking about?
No other words were exchanged during the ride back to the mansion. Everyone seemed to sense that the conversation would continue on in good time, which there would be plenty of in the future.
"So why exactly would Magneto want with this girl?" Wolverine frowned as he looked at a few photos of Zillah. Flipping though her file, he raised an eyebrow. "Wow, I like her mutations."
"Indeed Logan, though I have a slight inclination that there is something more to this then meets the eye. Though she posses incredible mutant abilities, it just doesn't seem logical why Magneto would risk such bad publicity for just one mutant." Professor Xavier gazed out the newly replaced windows of his mansion. Around him were his X Men, his children.
"Zillah Rathen. Responsible for the death of 8 humans. Sounds like an interesting little girl." Ororo picked up the character profile and the table.
"Rathen. Where have I heard that name before, where." Not breaking his gaze, the professor narrowed his eyes. He backed away from the window and turned to Scott who was leaning in the corner of the room. Though the immediate pain dealing with the loss of Jean was over, it was apparent that everyone, especially Scott and Logan, were still in grieving over the loss. "Scott, would you please look up Miss Rathen. Look for anything connected to her. There is something about her, something connected to the name Rathen, I just cant remember what it was."
"Yes professor." Scott turned and left the room, headed for the underground center.
Logan turned towards the professor, "Do you think she was involved in the Weapon Project with Striker? Her mutations would certainly be useful to him."
"I don't think so Logan, I've heard of her name before, but it was different somehow. Miss Rathen, who are you." Professor Xavier bearly whispered the last question, as if hoping someone in the cosmos would answer him.
Zillah let her eyes slowly close. Damn this leather was excellent. She could really get used to this, although, she was restless right now. Standing up, she headed towards the back of the mansion, though Turning hallways and countless doorways. If she had remembered correctly, Magneto had said there was a training facility located towards the back of the property. Sure enough, as she continued back towards the end of the house, a deep rumbling could be heard, shaking the floorboards beneath her feet. Her acute hearing picked up voices, what sounded like John and Magneto?
"Not bad Mr. Allerdyce. You've greatly improved since your graduation from the silly school."
Peaking out around an open door, Zillah saw John standing there, with his back towards her. There was burring rubble and what looked like pieces of large shrapnel littering the ground. Magneto was standing a few feet from him.
"Yeah, the Professor didn't believe in showing off your powers."
"Ah good old, Charles. Always the conservative one." Magneto eyed John with amusement. He suddenly caught sight of Zillah and beckoned her to come to him. "Good timing Ms. Rathen, if you would be so kind to go though a demonstration of your powers?"
Zillah smiled sheepishly. She walked forward and came to stand beside John, who looked over and gave her a small grin. "Against John?" She let her eyes roam up and down his body. There was no way Magneto would want her to fight him. No way she'd be able to beat him in long range fight, and just he same, she'd decimate him in a pure melee fight.
"Why not? Don't think I can handle a little girl?" John's grind widened. He had to admit, he liked her, although he didn't really know her.
Zillah raised an eyebrow in mock arrogance. "I'd toss you into next week Friday little boy."
John ran a hand though his hair and laughed She had a sense of humor, nice.
Magneto observed the interaction between the two of them, defiantly something there, but there were more important matters at hand. He still wanted to arrange a meeting with Zillah's brother, and the fabled band of mutants he lead. Never the less, Magneto still wanted to see the extend of this girls fighting ability. "No not against Mr. Allerdyce. That would prove ineffective. You say your more of a melee fighter?"
Zillah simply nodded at Magneto.
"Then im sure Mystique would prove more then a challenge for you."
Zillah didn't need to turn around, her hearing picked up the already quit foot steeps of the women behind her. She also head the scraping of boots on the concrete. John was moving away from her, and so was Magneto. So they were going to test her out right here, right now. Taking in a breathe Zillah sighed. Here we go, she thought to herself.
"Ow." Damn did Mystique hit hard. Zillah rolled on the ground rubbing the back of her head. She knew that Mystique was going to hit her, but she had not clue that it was going to be this tough. As the pain quickly subsided, she sat up and shook her head, clearing her senses. It seemed as though she'd have to put more effort into this fight then first planed.
Mystique was expressionless, she tilted her head to the left and gazed at Zillah. Was the girl really this easy to beat? With all of her supposed training, even Pyro was a better hand to hand fighter then this girl. Mystique found herself surprisingly disappointed. She was hoping that she would finally have someone on her level to spar with. Apparently she was she was wrong.
"Ok, here we go again." Zillah pulled her feet together and stood up straight. If Ms. Blue wanted to play hand, she could play hard too.
With almost no warning, Mystique somersaulted twice towards Zillah, crouching at the last seconds to kick Zillah's legs out from under her but this time, Zillah was ready for her. As Mystique swept her foot across the ground, Zillah pushed her own weight forward, grabbing onto Mystique's shoulders, flipping over her. Reacting, Mystique slid both her legs backwards, rolling at the same time, entangling her foot with Zillah's and kicked out, sending Zillah to the ground. Recovering at the last second, Zillah was able to meet Mystique face to face as she too flipped to her own feet. Mystique was a good 10 inches taller then Zillah but that didn't matter. They traded blows at an equal pace, both of them refusing to give in.
John watched the show of both acrobatics and aerobatics in aw. Although it seemed that Mystique was starting to gain ground, Zillah showed no sign of letting up herself. His eyes didn't leave Zillah the entire time. He was mesmerized by her. Grace, agility, style, they all seemed to accentuate her beauty. That and the fact that she was going toe to toe with Mystique and not getting the crap kicked out of her was impressive.
Blocking a quick session of blows from Zillah, Mystique found an opening and took it. With a quick blow under her chin to stun her, Mystique followed that up with a lighting quick roundhouse which sent Zillah flying backwards. Taking no attempt to lighten up, Mystique front quickly flipped to gain momentum, and launched herself in the air, aiming to bring her right foot down in the middle of Zillah's chest. Rolling to the side at the last minute, Zillah kicked out hard with one foot, throwing Mystique off balance on her landing. This was all she needed. As Mystique tried to front flip off the ground, Zillah caught a hold of her foot and yanked, pulling her underneath her. She pinned Mystique under her and pressed her hand to her throat, quickly, Zillah formed a rather sharp knife out of diamond and applied pressure to Mystiques neck
"Give?"
Mystique smiled and morphed into the form of Zillah. "I Don't think so sweetie."
Zillah was caught off guard, she lost her concentration for a moment, allowing for Mystique to bring up on of her legs, knocking Zillah off.
"Enough."
Zillah had forgotten that they were being observed. "Not many have been able to keep up with Mystique. Quite a nice display Ms. Rathen."
"Thanks, I guess." Zillah let the diamond knife dissipate in her hand.
"Well then, we have some business to attend to. Mr. Allerdyce, would you be so kind as to show our newest member around?"
John stepped forward and glanced at Zillah. "Yeah."
Both Magneto and Mystique were already on their way back into the mansion. Magneto was almost though the doorway when he stooped. "Oh and Ms. Rathen, I would like to have a word about your bother with you later tonight."
Zillah nodded, unsure of whether that was a honest question or a subduable demand. It didn't matter, Magneto didn't stick around long enough to wait for an answer. Turning back to her male companion, she cracked her knuckles. "So, where do I board up for the night Johnny?"
"Johnny?" John flipped his lighter open and close in his hand.
Zillah smiled innocently, batting her eyelashes up at him.
John eyed her. "My bed is always open...."
Zillah chuckled. "Don't bite off more then you can chew Johnny...."
"Got it." Scott hit a few keys on the keyboard, bringing up a screen displaying a character file. The profile showed the picture of a expressionless, young man with dark glasses. He had milky white skin, spiky silver. "An albino, is this him?"
Professor Xavier looked at the file. "Yes, Ghost Rathen, but where is the rest of the information?"
Scott typed in a few more commands, but all that came up were blank files, and deleted entries. "Is this all there is ? There's no date of birth, no description of mutation, no resident address."
"No, there seems to have been more at one point. Someone went though a lot of trouble to wipe this many files out." The professor narrowed his eyes. Suddenly he nodded. "So Eric, your after the Legion aren't you. You really believe it exists old friend?"
The clicking of heels against the floor caught Scott's attention. Ororo Montgomery walked into the information center, and stood between the Professor and Scott. "Is this what you were looking for Professor?"
Xavier tapped his index finger against his chair. "Yes and no. Tell me, have either of you two ever heard about the mutant Legion?"
Both Scott and Ororo shook their heads.
"I have head about de Legion, Not to intrude on de contestation."
All heads turned towards the entrance. There stood a blue skinned mutant, his angular tail lashing behind him.
The Professor gestured to an open chair. "Please Kurt, continue."
Nodding, Kurt Wagner padded across to the control room, perching more then sitting in the chair. "Thank you Professor." He addressed the three mutants and started his story slowly. "After I vas able to escape from de circus, I met a mutant who had mentioned something about de Legion. Dazzler, I think her name was. She had asked if I had ever heard of dis Legion, as she knew someone in it. She had said dat it was a, society, for some of de most powerful mutants from all ova de globe."
"Did she tell you how to find this, Legion?" Scott arms were folded across his chest.
"Nein." Kurt shook his head. "I asked de same question, but, she had said dat one could never find de Legion, dat they could only find you."
Ororo gestured to the computer screen. "I'm guessing that this Ghost character, has some type of connection to this fabled Legion Professor?"
The Professor seemed to be gazing into the future, or was it the past. "I've been told that the leader of the Legion, was no one mortal, but that the Legion was lead by a ghost."
"Why haven't I been able to pull any information about this legendary Legion?" Scott was back at the computer, inputting one command after another.
"I do not know the answer to that question yet Scott, but I will use Cerebro to try and find out more."
"And what of that girl Magneto broke out of prison?" Scott was now pulling up a different character file. This time it was about someone else. A petite Asian girl was displayed on the screen.
Xavier studied the character file. "She is his sister, and I believe, as Magneto does, one of the only ways of finding the Legion."
"Augh!" Bobby Drake went flying a good three feet though the air, landing hard on the concrete basketball court.
"Ah, my apologies Bobby. Sometimes I forget my own strength." Peter Raspitune winced as he watched Bobby scrape himself off the ground.
Bobby coughed once. "No problem man."
Peter walked over, and with just one hand, hoisted Bobby up. He passed Bobby the basketball. "Here, your turn to check in."
Bobby smiled and shot a quick look over his back to Rouge. She waved back at him, and blew him a kiss, then went back to talking to Kitty Pride. Bobby was just about to check the ball in, when something came flying over the basketball hoop.
"Fight! Someone get an adult! Fight!" Everyone turned and looked at the kid who had just cleared the 12 foot basketball hoop.
Kitty stood up. "Michael! What is going on?"
The boy stopped jumping. "No one knows who started it, but Jubilee and Marrow are duking it out in the court yard!"
Rouge joined Kitty in standing. "Kitty, quick, go get the professor."
Kitty nodded and was already on her way. She phased through the basketball fence and ran right though the walls of the mansion.
Bobby dropped the basket ball and started running. "Come on you guys, we've got to try and do something." Rouge and Peter joined him as they raced to the courtyard, there they found the rest of the students watching, all at a loss of what to do. Although they the fight, the students had retreated a good quarter mile away from the two girls in the middle. One of them had short orange hair, and what seemed to be bones protruding out of her upper body. She screamed as a barrage of lights combusted in her face, blasting her body back a few feet.
On the other side of the clearing, stood another girl. This one had spiky short black hair, and a large yellow trench coat. She was yelling something. "You still think your so great? Who's hot shit now Marrow!?"
The girl on the ground pulled herself to her knees and grabbed bones that jutted out of either sholders. In obvious pain, she pulled until twin boomerang shaped bones slid out. "Shut up bitch!" Marrow dashed forward and hurled both bones towards Jubilee.
Pressing her arms forward, a large explosion of light hit the projectiles, but only succeeded in shattering one. A look of horror swept across Jubilee's face. This, was, going, to suck. The bone s pun forward, heading right to where Jubilee was standing, and missed. It sailed through a cloud of blue smoke, implanting itself into a tree a few yards back.
The students turned to the sound of Nightcrawler reappearing behind them. In his arms was Jubilee, unscathed. "Enough of this you two, someone is going to get severely hurt."
Marrow frowned. "I thought that was the point."
"Marrow, Jubilee, you two must learn not to abuse your powers, and to help you grasp the severity of the concept, I would like the each of you to write a 10 page report on the Nazi party during World War 2, due tomorrow morning." Bodies parted to let the Professor though. "And while your at it, I suggest that the two of you, as well as everyone else, consider the sever consequences of another occurrence like this again."
Marrow and Jubilee nodded. muttering apologies to one another, as well as to the Professor.
"Alright then, everyone please go to class."
Bobby slipped his arm around Rouge, as the joined the rest of their classmates going back into the mansion.
Zillah took a sip of her water. She was doing something that she'd never thought she would do. She was telling outsiders about the Legion. Her brother's Legion. Although she was sworn to secrecy, she owed theses people her freedom. One would think her brother would get mad at her, but he never did. Regardless, on their own, they would be considered strong mutants, each displaying amazing control over their powers, maybe Ghost would indite them into the Legion. Who was to say.
"So about the Legion?" Magneto was sitting across from her. He was dressed in simple but neat black slacks, and a wool sweater. Mystique, au natural, and John, in a black slacks and a long sleeve, fitted shirt were also sitting around her.
Pausing for a second, Zillah looked at the floor. "If I tell you this, you know your lives are now a compromise."
John raised his eyebrow.
"Yes, that is something I assume Ms. Rathen. And in that case, why don't you tell me all about this Legion?" Magneto sipped something out of a mug.
Zillah nodded. "So do you know anything specific about the legion, or am I going to have to start from the beginning?"
"I don't know much, only that your brother is the leader of the group."
"From the beginning then. It started around the mid 1980s, when I was born. My brother was already around 10 at the time, and that was when we were abandoned to the streets of London. My brother took care of me, as well as a few other orphaned mutants then, until our group was hit by a government raid. My brother and I were the only survivors." Zillah hated reminiscing. "Technically, those killed in the raid were the original Legion, but with all of those mutants terminated, my brother had to start from fresh. He started to recruit the strongest mutants he could find from all areas of the country. Even at the young age of 10, Ghost could do it. He did do it."
Magneto leaned forward in his chair. "How could such a child, unite so many like that?"
"It's his mutation. Ghost can interface with any computer system he comes into contact with, becoming alive within the system, so to speak. Once he learned to control his powers, information became free to him. Names, dates, places, codes, anything he wanted to know, he could."
Magneto smiled and nodded slowly. "And with that information, came the power and the respect."
"Yes." Zillah took another sip of her water.
"How many are there? In the legion that is." John too was had leaned forward in his chair.
She shrugged. "One, two hundred? I'm not that sure. It's been a while since I've checked in."
"What is the Legion's purpose then?" Mystique's crystal voice was quit.
"Information and unity basically. Loyalty is held as the number one ruling in the Legion."
Magneto was staring at Zillah. "Intriguing, how come no one has heard of this organization before?"
"We never discuss such things with non-members. Information leaks are dealt with as soon as they let anything slip. My brother makes sure that whenever any information regarding the Legion gets out, it is immediately wiped."
Something occurred to John. "What about mutants who want to join?"
Zillah smiled at him. "Ghost hand picks each member of the Legion. You don't find out about it unless he wants you to."
"So my dear, when do we get to meet this brother of yours?" Magneto placed his mug onto the glass coffee table at his feet.
All pairs of eyes turned to fall upon Zillah. She looked at each f them, her gaze lingering on John's face for a brief moment, then she looked Magneto in the eyes. "As soon as we get to Ireland."
Kurt padded though the kitchen quietly, as not to wake up any of the sleeping children. He hated the nights where he could not sleep. He came to the kitchen and stopped to look at the drawings on the refrigerator door. One of the drawings caught his attention. It was a simple one, stick figures done in crayon. It was a scene of a man and a women, and a child between them, holding their hands in the epitome of a happy family. Kurt traced the figure of the mother and the child, his heart twisted as he gazed at the picture.
"Do you like it? Sebastian, drew it for the Professor last week." Ororo steeped into the kitchen. "Can't sleep?"
Kurt blinked slowly and looked back at the picture. "I never knew mine mother. I vas raise by a troop of gypsies. Dey had said dat dey found me floating down de river in a blanket." He retraced the figure of the women. Dey had also said dat mine mother had probably abandoned me."
Ororo studied Kurt's expression. "Would you ever want to find her?"
Kurt's eyes fell to the floor. "Yes I would. She would be de only family I have."
"Even knowing that she abandoned you?"
"Yes, ven she left me, she must have had a good reason for her action. I do not harbor any, ill-feelings towards her. She is mine mother, I could never hate her."
Ororo nodded. "I envy you Kurt."
He looked up at the women with ebony colored hair. "Vhy is dat?"
She nodded again. "Yes, even after everything, your heart is still so open and forgiving."
Kurt smiled. "Von day, you too will learn to let go of de hate and de resentment, and find dat all dat remains is something pure."
"Perhaps I one day will."
Kurt nodded. "Goodnight Ms. Ororo."
"Goodnight Kurt."
With a muffled blamph, Kurt teleported away. Leaving Ororo to her own thoughts.
John had to admit, through his 6 months working with Magneto, he learned that the man wasted no time. At this very moment, just an hour after the talk about the Legion had come to an end, they were already packing their bags. Their flight to New York would leave in just under three hours. From there, they would catch an international flight straight to Ireland. Zillah would lead them from there. Zillah, John thought to himself. Although he didn't really know her personally, he was already quite hooked. She was intelligent, beautiful, funny, and seemed to be able to hold her own quite well. In the past, at the school, there wasn't really anyone that John had felt close to, besides Bobby. Not like any of the girls hadn't taken interest in him before though. John knew he was good looking, but no girl ever seemed to be able to hold his attention for very long. Zillah was different. She was special in a way. John wondered if she felt the same about him.
Stuffing the last of his clothes into the duffle bag, he reached into his pocket, making sure that his trusty lighter was there. Its smooth metal surface brought comfort at its mere weight in his hand. Pulling it out of his pocket, he licked it open, giving the flint a quick pull. The small flame danced to life. John studied the flame for a second before he waved a hand over it, pulling it the flickering tongue into the palm of his hand. Feeling the slight tingle in his hand, he manipulated it into the shape of a heart, gazing at the way it pulsated. "If I gave this to you..................no way. What am I thinking." He closed his hand around the flame, smoothing it. A thin tendril of smoke slipped out of corners of his closed hand. "Come on Pyro, after 18 years, do you dare go soft now. She doesn't want you anyway." He clicked the lighter closed and sighed. Grabbing his bags, he headed out the door and to the waiting car.
Zillah packed the few things that she had, a change of clothes from Mystique, some cash from Magneto, into a small bag she had pinched off of John. Once she was able to reach her brother, he would see that she got some new clothes, and basically anything else she needed. Although they didn't see much of one another, Ghost and Zillah were close. She was his little sister after all. His most trusted friend and ally. Zillah missed him. When her cell was first torn open, she had thought it to be someone from the Legion, but it didn't bother her that it wasn't She knew Ghost wouldn't have allowed for her to remain in prison for long. She found herself thinking back to the Legion. She was always the youngest one, especially when she was an active member, but that was so long ago. What had it been? 2 years? Zillah narrowed her colorless eyes, 2 years since she had parted from the Legion, 2 years since a certain mutant had turned his back on her and the Legion, walking right out of both. Still, after 2 years, she was still hurting over him. Things never were settled between them. Zillah stomped her foot in frustration. Why was she thinking of this, of him? She had hurt too much over him already, no more. Instead, Zillah found herself thinking about the situation at hand. Bringing in outsiders. Magneto, Mystique, and Pyro. Zillah smiled as she thought about John. He was cute one. And funny, and sweet. He would never be interested in me, Zillah thought to herself, besides, this was business. She glanced out the window, John was loading bags into the luxury car parked in the circular drive way. Strictly business.
The morning light filtered down through Logan's bedroom curtains, waking him from his deep sleep. He gave a muffled grunt and rolled over, burrowing his head under the nearest pillow. Just as he began fall back asleep, a blaring noise in his ear woke him with a start. Giving a feral roar, he unsheathed his claws and brought them down into the body of the defenseless alarm clock that rested on his small bedside table. Looking at the remains of the small clock, Logan moaned and let his claws retract back into his wrist. He flopped back into bed, and was just getting comfortable, when there was a knocking on his door.
"Logan? You awake in there?" It was Scott, good ol' one-eye.
"No, I'm not." He didn't even bother to move.
"Good, get ready then. The Professor was able to track down that Rathen girl. At the moment, they're on a flight from Washington to New York. Their plane will touch down in about an hour, were the welcoming committee."
Logan muttered something along the lines of an agreement as Scott continued down the hallway. He would get up shortly, right now, the bed was holding him prisoner. Logan rolled over, scratched his head, and promptly fell asleep.
"Hey, let me get that for you." John reached down and grabbed Zillah's small bag.
"Thanks." Zillah smiled.
John smiled back. "No problem."
They stood there, just looking at each other. Zillah blushed and turned away. "Maybe we should get going, Magneto and Mystique are probably already waiting at the next gate."
"Yeah." John hoisted the bags over his shoulder, and started down the crowded hallway leading from plane exit to the international flights. They didn't really talk as they walked, both too shy to initiate a conversation. John began to think again. He wanted to talk to her. On the flight to New York, they had spend the entire time just talking, getting to know one another quite well. He found that, although she held a strong personality, she was still soft in some ways, giving way to a more feminine feeling about her. John liked her, a lot, over the last couple of days withe her, he knew at least that much. Although he had the slight idea that she felt the same way, there was only one real way to find out. He looked over at Zillah. She turned and looked right back at him. John bit his lower lip, better now then never.
Zillah kept glancing over to look at him. "John? Something bothering you?"
"I, no nothing." He forced a smile, and faced forward, but out of the corner of his eye, he could have sworn he saw Zillah's face fall. Was it disappointment?
He stopped walking and turned towards her. Zillah stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. "Zillah, look. I, I just wanted to let you know that I have........" John shifted his weight from one foot to another. What was he doing? And why now of all times?
Zillah's expression was unreadable. "You have what?"
John looked into her eyes. "That I have fe-oh, shit."
Zillah followed John's gaze to the people behind her. Standing around 50 feet behind them were two men. One wore what looked like a strange, ruby colored visor around his eyes, while the other many had a more feral guise to him. Both men were dressed in fitted, black leather outfits. Zillah raised an eyebrow.
John took a steep backwards. "We have to go." His eyes never left his two ex-teachers.
"Friends of yours?"
John took another steep backwards, and motioned for Zillah to follow his lead. "Not quite. They're two, instructors, from that school I used to go to."
Zillah started to follow John as they started to backtrack though the terminal. She glanced back at the men. "That man. That's Wolverine, isn't it?"
John's pace started to increase as he threw a look over his shoulder. He and Zillah let the crowd come in-between them and the 2 X-men. "Yeah, come one. Maybe they didn't see us."
Nodding, Zillah was at John's side as they increased the distance between them and the men.
"John? John!" Cyclops was already making his way towards them. "John, Zillah, we just want to talk to you."
Zillah stopped and looked back. "John, maybe we should just talk to them."
John stood next to Zillah. Both Cyclops and Wolverine were now gaining ground on them. He looked at Zillah pleadingly. "Zillah I cannot go back with them." They were getting closer. John panicked. "Oh shit. Um, run." He dropped the bags, and took a hold of Zillah's slim wrist, pulling her in the opposite direction of X-Men. Behind him, John heard Wolverine curse, and start to give chase
Racing though the hallways, Zillah followed where John took her. Looking back, she saw that the two men were right behind them. "John, we've got to loose them."
"Here." John spotted the exit to the garage complex. He lead Zillah down a single flight of stairs and came out though a door into the middle of a large concrete parking area. "We can hide here."
Their feet pounded the cement as they raced behind row after row of parked cars. Ducking behind a large SUV, John noticed that he was still holding onto Zillah wrist. He looked at her and decided to take a chance. He slide his hand from around her wrist to intertwine their fingers. As he did this, John heard two pairs of feet racing into the same area as their hiding spot. He looked to Zillah, and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She looked at him, and for a brief moment, he forgot how to breathe. When she gave him a soft smile, and squeezed back, John let out a soft sigh. The foot steeps came to a halt in front of the SUV, and John found himself reaching for his lighter. What was he thinking? Fight his former mentors? He had to. He couldn't go back, he couldn't face any of them after what he had done. He stole a glance at Zillah, she was frozen in place, eyes glued to the SUV. He knew they were here for her, and he couldn't let them take her away. He squeezed her hand again, and brought out his lighter. If this is how it was going to happen, so be it.
Creamy white skin flew over a keyboard. The hand was delicate yet strong, establishing a connection to internet. There, the airlines had an online flight chart, updated every 10 minutes for the convenience of their customers. Once the connection had been made, the ivory hand pressed itself against the computer screen, as the figure it belonged to stood very still. He was dressed extremely sharp, white silk shirt, immaculate white pants, and a long white leather trench coat. His face, expressionless, eyes concealed under a pair of some European designer sunglasses, remained steady as he withdrew his hand from the computer screen. The man turned away from the large panel of computers, and ran a hand though his crisp silver hair. "Zillah...." He slowly walked down the black marble hallway, thinking to himself. She hadn't made her connecting flight. None of them had. Undoubtably they had run into some kind of trouble in the airport. It had surprised him when the mutant know as Magneto had gotten her out of prison. He had already sent for her to be freed, and it was by a mere few hours that Magneto had gotten her before he had. The man dressed in white turned down a spiral staircase, and walked down a long hallway, doors passing him on either side. He would have to be patient, plan his actions carefully. He did not want to risk endangering Zillah in any way. As he continue through the last door, the man in white came to what appeared to be another computer control room. For now, he would just do more research on the people who his sister were with. Ghost proceeded to sit down at the counsel, placing his hand against the screen again. He closed his eyes. He would make sure that his little sister would find her way home. Soon.
"John?" Zillah leaned close as she watched him pull his lighter from his pants.
He motioned for her to remain quit. Both Cyclops and Wolverine were right on the other side of the SUV. What was he going to do? If he started to use his powers here, there would be no way that they would make it to Ireland any time soon. He leaned over to whisper in Zillah's ear. "You stay here. I'm sure its you they're after, but we need to get to Ireland. I'm going to talk to them."
As he stood to go and talk, Zillah held his hand tight for a brief moment. A silent way of saying she understood how he felt about her, and that she felt the same.
John walked out from around the SUV, and faced two of the people he had hoped he would never have had to deal with ever again.
"John....." Cyclops stared at him.
"You're here to take her back to the school aren't you." He griped his lighter tightly.
Wolverine stepped forward. "Okay, play time is definitely over. You've had your fun, running around with Magneto for a while.
Cyclopes glanced at Wolverine. "Logan, please. Look, the Professor just wants to talk to her, and you. We're not here to take you back John, we can't force you to come with."
John swallowed thickly. He had no idea how to respond. He couldn't go back there, everyone was going to hate him. Especially Bobby and Rouge.
"The Professor just wants to talk. You'd be free to defect back to the Brotherhood if you want." Wolverine shrugged.
Cyclopes began to walk towards John. "John, you know the Professor, he wouldn't do anything to hurt either of you."
Wolverine looked around. "Where is she anyway." He started to walk behind the SUV.
"Leave her alone." John reached out to grab Wolverine's arm.
On reflex, as soon as John's hand grabbed Wolverine's, he spun around, grabbing John from behind, pinning his arms behind his back. "John, were not going to hurt either of you."
John struggled in the arm lock. "What the hell, let me go!"
"Let him go." Wolverine's head snapped to look in the direction of Cyclops. Zillah had gotten him into the same hold that Wolverine had on John, with the one exception of the diamond knife that was being pressed to his throat.
Wolverine paused for a brief second, then released his hold on John. John rubbed his wrists and moved to stand besides Zillah.
As soon as John was free, Zillah released her grip on Cyclops, and allowed the knife to dissipate into thin air. Cyclops turned. "Your Zillah Rathen aren't you?"
She nodded.
"The Professor would like to talk to you Zillah, but both you and Pyro won't be forced to."
John shoot a dirty look at Wolverine. "Sorry, but we've got a flight to catch."
Wolverine narrowed his eyes at the arrogant teen, but that was all he could do. He watched as the two turned and started back towards the main area of the airport. No one was expecting what happened next. A single gunshot rang though the parking garage, its echo bouncing off the walls, chilling Wolverine to the bone.
Zillah caught John's body as it slumped over. She guided it down, and cradled him in her arms, looking to the end of the garage where the short had been fired.
There were a group of policemen there. All had their guns drawn, the one furthest in the front was barking at one of the others. "I said hold your god damn fire! They're just kids for crying out loud!"
One of the officers spoke up. "But sir! Both of them are considered class 5 mutants!"
Some one must have recognized her in the airport. Zillah looked down at John. Blood was beginning to well up through his shirt. "John?"
"Shit." He winced as he struggled to breathe. "Zillah, get out of here."
She buried her head into his shoulder. "No, don't worry, I'll stay with you." Behind her, she heard the two X-Men start to run towards the officers.
Beams of ruby energy shoot across the garage as the men hit by them flew backwards and slammed into the wall. Wolverine, roared and leaped forward as his claws were unsheathed.
The officers started to panic as they opened fire at the two attacking mutants. Cyclops threw himself behind a jeep, but Wolverine charged right towards them. Taking a bullet in his leg hardly slowed him, as he was slashed the guns out of the hands of the remaining two officers. He grabbed one by the head and slammed him into the hood of a near by car, knocking him unconscious. Wolverine let his gaze settle on the remaining officer, who was shaking in fear. The same man that had shoot Pyro. He was just about to punch him in the face when the officer twitched twice, and his eyes widened in shock. His gun dropped from his hand, and he fell to his knees. Wolverine backed up at and saw that implanted in the officers chest were what looked like duel crystal daggers. He looked back at the girl that cradled Pyro's body in her arms. She just stared at him. "He shoot John."
Cyclops had emerged him his cover went to stand next Zillah. "The school isn't that far from here, and we have a medical facility there."
John grimaced as he swallowed the blood that had begun to rise in his throat. "I can't go back." His body spasmed and he gripped Zillah's arm.
Zillah ran her hand through John's hair. "You don't have a choice."
John looked up at Zillah. She was right, he didn't have a choice, either he go back to the school or he bleeds to death right here. "Zillah...." He could feel the blood running down his side. He let his head fall against her middle, letting the darkness take up around him.
Zillah leaned forward and softly kissed John's forehead. She looked up the man with the visor. "Please, save him."
Cyclops nodded as Wolverine took John's limp body from Zillah. Together, the three of them walked to the Blackbird which was parked at the top of the building, its cloaking program disguising it as nothing more then an spacious roof.
An elderly man gazed out of the large glass walls of the airport. He watched as three figures with a fourth draped over one fo their shoulders emerged on the roof of the garage. Suddenly they all seemed to just vanish into thin air. Magneto could feel the ambiance presence of the Blackbird there, the visual illusion of the cloaking device not fooling his mutant powers. He could sense the huge body of metal, but he would let them go for now. It was just a mere setback to his plans.
A young girl dressed in a pink, floral dress skipped up and stood next to Magneto. If anyone had bothered to listen in on their conversation, they would have had to take a double take on the little girl. "So, how do we proceed from this point?" She hugged her teddy bear closer to her chest.
"We wait, and we watch. We'll make our move when the time is right."
"And what is Xavier is able to persuade them over to his side?" The little girl blinked her brite yellow eyes.
Magneto looked up towards the sky, his eyes following something that only he could sense. "Then we will have to come up with a new strategy."
Peter's heavy footsteps thundered down the hallway. He had to find Bobby. Bobby needed to know, even though the rumors had only started to fly around the campus. Peter hurriedly made his way to the left wing common room, where Bobby and Marie usually were. He turned the last corner and burst though the heaven double doors. There, on the couch, bobby and Marie were curled up together, their eyes glued to the large screen tv screen. Kitty was sprawled out on the floor. The three of them turned their attention from the tv to Peter.
"Hey big guy, where's the fire at?" Bobby lighthearted greeting made Marie and Kitty smile.
"Funny you should say that Bobby. Have you heard the news?"
Marie shook her head and Bobby's eyebrows drew into a look of question.
"John is back."
Bobby nearly jumped out of his seat. "John! Where is he?"
Peter watched Marie get off the couch and make her way towards the door. "He's in the infirmary. They say he's been shot."
"Christ. I have to go see him." Bobby leaped over the couch and headed straight for the door.
Peter stopped him before he could leave the room. "You can't. They've sanctioned the entire basement off-limits right now."
"When did he get here?" Marie had her arm on Bobby's back.
"Just 10 minutes ago. They had just arrived off the jet."
"Is he ok? What the hell happened to him? Is Magneto here too?" Bobby was beginning to get flustered.
"I don't know."
Bobby paused for a second, then he quickly pushed past Peter and out into the hallway. "I need to see him." He took off down the mansion.
"Bobby! Wait!" Marie chased after him.
Peter watched their bodies disappeared around a corner. He turned to see Kitty shrug and flop down on the couch, turning her attention back to the movie. Peter sighed and went back to see what more he could find out.
Bobby could hear Marie running behind him, calling him but he didn't slow down. He made his way to the secrete elevator, and nearly punched the control panel. The door slid open, and he jumped in. Marie slipped in just as the doors closed.
"Bobby, you can't see him. They're probably working on him right now."
"I don't care. It's John."
Marie didn't reply. She knew that John had been Bobby's best friend, even before she had arrived at the school. When John had left with Magneto, everyone had been shocked, but no one had taken his leaving harder then John. He had felt so betrayed and angry, but over the passing months, Bobby had pushed those feelings deep inside of him.
As soon as the door slide open, Bobby started running again. Down the steal hallways of the underground section of the mansion. He wasn't alone though, Marie was right on his heels. Taking the nearest hallway, Bobby went into the first room to he heard noises from. As soon as he steeped into the room, he froze. There, on raised metal table, lay John. He was shirtless and unconscious, a small red hole hear his hip rose and fell with John's steady breathing. Bobby and Marie watched as Storm walked over to John's side, and injected something into his arm.
"You two shouldn't be down here."
"Is he, alright?" Bobby voice faltered. John was so pale. "What happened to him?"
Storm looked at one of the monitors, then looked at a few others. "It's a complicate situation Bobby. Go back upstairs you two. John is going to be fine."
Glancing back at John once more, bobby turned and left the infirmary, Marie put her arm around his waist and the both made their way back towards the elevator. Bobby leaned against the wall as they waited for the door to open. "What the hell have you gotten yourself into this time John?"
John opened his eyes. Lord something hurt. He looked around and groaned . He knew where he was , the infirmary back the school. He couldn't believe he was back. He wondered if the students knew he was back. John looked towards the back of the room, his eyes falling on the little figure curled up on a single chair. Zillah was fast asleep. Although he felt like shirt that had been hit by a bus, he honestly didn't mind it that much. What had happened back at the airport had been worth what hand finally happened between Zillah and himself. He attempted to sit up and almost passed out. Ok, almost worth it, he thought. God, he was in pain, it was as if every muscle in his body was on fire. Looking down at himself he found that his shoes, socks and shirt were gone. A large bandage covered his abdomen. He winced again as he forced himself up, swinging his feet over the table and onto the floor. He slowly stood up, his body screamed in protest. Carefully, John slowly made his way over to Zillah's sleeping form. As he approached, she opened her eyes and yawned.
"John, your awake." She stretched her legs out. She wore a simple pair of black short and a red tank top, courtesy of the Professor undoubtably. She stood up and put her arms around his upper body for support, but also taking advantage of the fact that he was shirtless.
"Too bad I feel like crap, and I have a feeling that I'm going to be feeling worse the better my wound gets." He looked around. He had only been to the infirmary once before. It was on the first underground level below the school. Above them, the students, his classmates, his former friends, were probably all talking about him at this very moment. He didn't care.
Zillah helped him into the chair she had been sitting in. "Yeah, I kinda figured that." During the plane ride from Washington, he had told her vaguely about how he defected from the school. Nothing to detailed though, it still got ho him, what had happened that day at Alkali Lake, when he had chosen a different path over his friends.
"The Professor wanted to talk to you when you woke up."
"Ughhh. Have you talked to him yet?"
Zillah put her hand on his solder. "Not about anything important. He seems like a very compassionate person John, you shouldn't have to worry too much."
"It still feels like I disappointed him, and that I betrayed all my friends." John found that the warmth of Zillah's hand on his bare skin radiated comfort though his entire body. He leaned his head against her side, as he gingerly touched his bandages. John wondered just how badly the wound was. He gently pressed the area of the wound and immediately regretted doing so as he breathe hitched in his throat. "Damn it, this bitch stings."
Zillah smiled. "You think that hurts? Try getting knocked off a 12 story building with a brick tot he head."
John cracked a smile though his pain. "Yeah, I bet that must have stung too huh?"
Zillah shrugged. "Yeah I guess, but I just woke up with a huge headache. It sucked more for the girl that had hit me with the brick." Her hand slide from his shoulder to his upper back.
John exhaled deeply. "What happened to her?"
"When my brother found out what had happened, he scalped her."
John slowly nodded his head. "Remind me never to try and push you off a 12 story building."
"Can do." Zillah started to laugh.
John looked up at her and chuckled. As the laugher died down, they continued to face one another. The silence hung in the air was thick, neither of them wanting to break it. John slowly placed his hands on her sides, pulling her down slightly. Zillah let he hand slide back to his shoulder, placing her other on his neck. Pulling her towards him, John closed the distance between their faces. The kiss was soft and sweet, and surprisingly innocent Zillah found. She was the one that broke it, pulling back slightly. He looked at her with a slightly hurt expression.
"Zillah..."
"John, I'm sorry. I can't."
John's chest suddenly seemed to coil tightly in on itself. "Zillah, please don't."
Zillah let a single tear slide down her cheek. All she could do was apologize. "John, I'm so sorry." She pulled away from his completely and walked out of the infirmary, without looking back.