NIRVANA LOST
CHAPTER TWO:
Guardian Wolf (Guardian Angel)
Serena was humming her lullaby still as they neared the mountain ranges. The drive had gone uneventful till that point but Kitty knew if the squad was on duty her passage would be harder to order her way through. Rolling her window down, she turned off the radio and asked Serena to be quiet. She could see black smoke rising above the trees in the distance and knew that an altercation had happened not long ago.
"Serena, do exactly as I say and keep quiet. These guys are hardened warriors and will not be so easily convinced as the private at border patrol."
Serena nodded, her eyes wide in worry at the tone of Kitty's voice. Kitty placed a hand on the young girl's shoulder and smiled softly at her.
"Don't worry, I'll look after you."
The young girl seemed reassured and rested her head against the door of the car. She began tracing patterns on the window again as they slowed their speed. Kitty could see helicopters resting on the flat surface of the road and several military vehicles blocking access to the mountains.
"Serena, pass me the documents from the border and the black box in the compartment in front of you."
Serena obeyed silently, her small fingers fumbling with the latch of the glove compartment. Placing the items in her lap, Kitty pulled her badge out of her pocket, balancing it atop the documents. The squad stood at attention as Kitty's car neared, their expressions hard to read.
"Ma'am, the road is closed. I suggest you turn around." A burly man that looked to be a cross between a bear and a pig, announced.
"I have documentation giving me passage to Fergus." Kitty handed the papers to the officer who seemed uninterested.
"I don't care what your papers say, ma'am, no one is to pass." He shoved the documents back through her window.
Kitty could feel her temper rising as she glared at the man. "Who is your superior on this detail?"
"Colonel Wise. He'll tell you the same thing I did." The man wasn't budging from his position.
"Sir..." Serena's voice came out as a squeak as she spoke, "my-my mother is very sick... She's on her death bed." Serena remembered the speech Kitty had given at the border. "We are going to visit her... Please sir, she doesn't have much time left." Tears rolled down the young girl's face.
The burly man, who's dog tags stated he was Lieutenant Goldham, leaned forward to look at Serena's face.
"You can talk to him but I'm telling you now that he will only tell you the same thing." Lieutenant Goldham stepped away from Kitty's door and gestured for them to get out.
Kitty placed a heeled foot onto the ground, holding out a hand toward Goldham so he could help her out of the car. As she stood up, the man took in her tailored uniform that hugged her figure. Seeing his eyes travel, Kitty lifted one side of her mouth in a smug expression. She piled her documents and small black box in Goldham's arms as she turned to help Serena out of the car. She caught Goldham appreciating her round behind in the side view mirror of the car.
"I'm sorry Auntie Katya..." Serena looked up at Kitty with sadness in her eyes.
"It's alright little one, you helped." Kitty kissed her forehead tenderly and the two followed Lieutenant Goldham hand in hand.
"What's this interruption? I told you no one is to pass! We have clean up and potential hostiles in the area!" Colonel Wise shouted at Goldham as he reported their visitors.
Kitty smoothed her uniform of wrinkles and stood as tall as she could while the irritated Colonel approached. Serena tucked herself under Kitty's arm as the man neared. Her little hands clung desperately to Kitty's clothing when Colonel Wise stared at them. Kitty didn't back down from his glare, hers only intensified as she felt the scared little girl at her side. He was clearly a lycantant-splice with his pointed ears and elongated canines. His human side was attractive, pale skin and sandy blond hair. He was engineered as an efficient hunter with enhanced senses and an excellent psyche. Knowledge of these genetically engineered soldiers wasn't widely known to the human population which was partly the reason for the ban on travel while they were in the area.
"Colonel Wise, I am Lieutenant Colonel Logan. I have urgent business in Fergus and cannot be delayed any longer."
"I'm sorry Lieutenant Colonel Logan but we have strict orders that no one is to pass. Rebels ambushed a convoy, the road is not safe." His eyes were calculating her expression.
"My sister is dying, she doesn't have long. I wish to bring her daughter to her in her final hours." Kitty dropped his gaze to look at Serena.
"I'm sorry to hear, but the road is not safe. You'll have to wait until we've cleared the road."
"How long will that be?" Kitty had slight annoyance in her tone.
"A week." Colonel Wise stated dryly.
"Jupiter is my favourite planet too." Serena's quiet voice squeaked.
"What did you say?" Colonel Wise stared blankly at the young girl.
"Serena..." Kitty shook her head slowly at the girl.
"Come with me please." Colonel Wise dismissed the other officers as he lead Kitty and Serena into his temporary office.
"I'm sorry for her speaking out of turn, it'll not happen again." Kitty apologized for Serena's odd out burst.
"Who are you, really? Why do you want to travel to Fergus so badly?" His eyes penetrated Kitty's.
"We're not going to Fergus, we're searching for a refugee camp."
"Serena!" Kitty scolded the girl, pulling sharply on her wrist.
"We can trust him." Serena smiled up at the man before them.
"Refugee camp? Why..." He paused as he sniffed the air. "Why can't I smell you?"
Kitty had instinctively gone intangible as soon as Serena had spilled the beans. Colonel Wise stepped up to the women and pointed his finger at Kitty's nose. Cautiously poking his hand through her head he snapped back immediately. His eyes narrowed into a glower at the two of them.
"Do you know what a position you've now put me in?" He asked almost rhetorically.
"Kitty, Uhh Auntie Katya was only trying to keep me safe!" Serena shrunk back even more as Colonel Wise's face grew angry.
"It's my duty to report all unregistered mutants, let alone ones posing as officers!" He slammed his fist down on his desk causing Serena to yelp in fright.
"You are scaring her." Kitty grit her teeth together as she moved Serena behind her.
"You are endangering both of your lives by doing this. You should have stayed in hiding." As angry as he seemed there was hesitation and concern in his voice. "If the others find out..."
"You could always say that I'm a diplomatic refugee that needs transporting. You could escort us through the mountains and drop us off on the other side. No questions asked." Kitty suggested softly, her eyes appealing to him.
"Yah, do it for Jupiter." Serena peeked her head around Kitty and smiled at the man.
Colonel Wise pressed the communicator on his wrist and waited for the click of response from the other end.
"Lieutenant Goldham, please come to my office and take our two visitors to the temporary brink. They'll be staying the night until we can secure the area."
"Roger Colonel." Goldham's voice buzzed.
"Don't try anything, I've turned on a power inhibitor. You'll be staying the night until I've decided what to do with you."
Goldham knocked loudly on the door and entered as Wise opened it. Two other genetically enhanced officers escorted them to the temporary brink in the center of their camp. Colonel Wise stood watch as the two women were locked behind the bars of the cell. He dismissed the three officers before speaking to Kitty.
"You can't do this! What about Jupiter?!" Serena sobbed as she hugged Kitty's waist.
"Enough Serena." Kitty tried to gently hush the young girl.
"You seem intelligent and quite natural at impersonating an officer. I'd suggest you use this time to reflect on where you went wrong." Wise finally stated.
"I tried to save the life of an innocent child." Kitty answered, her stare burning into him.
He seemed to think about her answer carefully as he looked from Kitty's face to the frightened child in her arms.
"Try to sleep." He added over his shoulder as he left them.
Kitty sat down on one of the cots in the cell, bringing Serena with her. The young girl curled up in the blankets, resting her head on Kitty's lap. Absently stroking Serena's hair, Kitty looked around the cell, trying to form a plan of escape.
"Serena, why did you tell him about where we were going?"
"Jupiter told me he'd help us."
"Who's Jupiter?"
"I-I don't know!" Serena sobbed as she buried her face in Kitty's lap.
"Hush, it's okay." Kitty began to hum a lullaby she learned from her stay in Scotland.
Serena only cried more. Kitty was trying to remember the words to the song as she pulled the blankets over the girl's small frame.
"Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee,
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night.
Angels watching, e'er around thee,
All through the night.
Midnight slumber close surround thee,
All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night." Kitty looked down at the sleeping girl and gently placed a pillow under Serena's head so she could stand.
Hours seemed to pass and not a single person had come to check on the two. Kitty could see the sun lowering in the sky and Serena was still fast asleep. When darkness filled the area Kitty pulled one of the metals from her uniform and fastened a small tool from it to pick the intricate lock that held them prisoner.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You'll get an electric shock." A voice from another cell warned.
"Noted, thank you." Kitty stopped trying to pick the lock and turned in the direction of the voice. "What's your name?"
"Paige, Paige Guthrie. Who're you?" The girl asked curiously.
"Katya Logan." Kitty didn't want to reveal her true name to this strange woman.
"What's your REAL name." Paige scoffed.
"Not really any business of yours, now is it?"
"Whatcha gettin' all defensive about? I just saved you from electrocution." Paige seemed a bit insulted at Kitty's tone.
"Sorry, just not really in the mood to make friends." Kitty slumped back down on the cot beside the sleeping Serena.
"You not really in the G.C. army, are you?" Paige asked nosily.
"What was your first clue?"
"Other then the fact you are in a squad brink and they have inhibitors running in your cell? The way you carry yourself isn't like a desk jockey. You walk with an air of grace that speaks of combat training and ballet. Usually those higher up the rank walk like they have a stick up their ass."
"And I'm to assume you are here because you were one of the ambushers from this morning?"
"Ding-ding we have a winner. Pretty and smart, Wise has his hands full with you. I was scouting out the convoy and things didn't go according to plan. I had to hide out to wait for reinforcements but the squad showed up before they could get me out. Wise tracked me down and locked me up. He's a softy though. Hasn't reported me to the higher ups yet. He's got a soft spot for ladies." Paige was hinting at Kitty quite obviously.
"You don't say?" Kitty had a plan forming in her mind.
"Not sure why he's running the squad when he shows signs of sympathy toward mutants. Doesn't seem like the right fit for him but what can yah do? Works in our favour. Even more to your favour cuz of the kid with you."
"You talk a lot." Serena said sleepily from her spot on the cot.
"Hey little one, what's your name?"
"Serena... Kitty, is she a mutant?"
"Ahhh Kitty is your real name, no wonder you didn't want to tell me. Makes you less intimidating to have a name like Kitty. I used to know a girl with that same name. And yes Serena, pleased to meet you, I'm a mutant. My friends call me Husk."
That name, it was familiar to Kitty. She couldn't quite place it at the moment, as if it was buried deep in her mind.
"What can you do Husk?" Serena sat up, interested in their fellow inmate.
"I have camouflage skin. Can change to any surface I want, rock, bark, mud, you name it!"
"Ohhh can you do peanut butter?" Serena asked in delight.
"Can't say I've ever tried but I'm sure I could. I just wouldn't try to eat my skin, doubt it would taste good."
"Ewwww." Serena giggled as she made a face.
A loud explosion caught their attention as men rushed by with weapons.
"Ah my backup is finally here!" Paige chimed.
The camp filled with black smoke as gunfire sounded in the background. Kitty tried using her powers in hopes that their equipment might have been turned off. To her dismay the inhibitors were working full power still.
"Don't worry, my friends will get you out." Paige said positively from her dark cell.
Yelling from the tents further out caught Kitty's attention as she recognized Colonel Wise's voice. The men seemed to be getting closer as more explosions and gunfire rang out. Serena hid behind Kitty again as their captors came into view. Their backs were to the cells as they formed a protective barrier. It was hard to see through all the smoke and bolts of energy where the attackers were. Each of Colonel Wise's men seemed to fall to their mysterious attackers. Kitty watched as the Colonel expertly maneuvered around his opponents. He tended to use his gun to keep his attackers at bay but had a strength to his kicks and punches when they ventured too near. Attached to his back were magnificent looking wings that she hadn't noticed earlier when in his office. The sound of metal on metal clashed in their ears as a mutant with claws was tearing through the cells, freeing what mutants were inside. The young man looked to be no more then twenty and had an intense expression as he sliced through the bars. An electrical pulse surged through him each time his claws connected to the metal, but he persevered. Kitty was taken aback by his three claws that protruded from his knuckles, it reminded her of the man who taught her everything about self-defense and honour. His blue eyes stopped when he saw Kitty in her uniform. A new expression crossed his face as rage filled his eyes. His handsome face twisted into a fearsome sight as he began shredding the bars between him and Kitty. Serena screamed in fear as the clawed mutant wildly leapt at them. Luckily his frantic slashing had tore apart the cell's inhibitor. Kitty grabbed Serena and phased her way past the enraged mutant, running through the chaos before them. Colonel Wise saw the feral mutant stalking Kitty and Serena, his senses telling him that they were in danger. Kitty had to get Serena to safety, she knew that her ability would keep them from harm only for a short while before the young girl would faint.
"Give her to me. I'll get her to safety." Colonel Wise extended his hand toward the women.
Kitty looked at him skeptically as her eyes bounced from him to the feral mutant.
"I trust him Kitty." Serena spoke out, her small form trembling against Kitty.
"Promise me you won't let any harm come to her." Kitty gave him a determined look.
"I promise." Colonel Wise said with sincerity.
"If anything happens to her I'll hunt you down and kill you." Kitty threatened.
"I have no doubt that you will."
The Colonel took Serena in his arms and spread his impressive wings. Kitty watched as they flew above the mess, her eyes following them until she could no longer see. She looked around to find herself surrounded by the rebels. The inmate named Husk peered at her curiously.
"I had no idea they locked up their own. Kinda ironic that you got freed by the very people you hunt." Paige was covered in a rocklike skin as she advanced on Kitty.
Bracing herself for a fight, Kitty grabbed a metal bar that had been cut from the cells. The five assailants circled her like hungry sharks. As each attempted to land a hit, Kitty blocked them, her bar acting as an extension of her arms. With an eery grace she managed to evade their attacks, twisting and striking when they exposed themselves. The feral mutant had been holding back, observing her movements and waiting to strike. When his fellow teammates had been subdued by Kitty, he decided to lunge at her back while she was catching her breath. Kitty had been waiting for him to make his move, feigning fatigue as she was resting her hands on her knees. He was surprised to find himself on the ground, face first with his claws stuck. He had passed through her as if she were a ghost. In his stunned state, Kitty pounded his back with all her might using the metal bar. Using the bar as a launching pole she spun in the air to nail him with a kick to his head as he tried to stand up. He lay motionless on the ground but she knew better then to turn her back on him. If he was a clone or some copy of the man she once knew, he was playing possum. To coax him from his ruse, she phased herself and began to walk away. Again he lunged at her back, his body floating through hers like a cool breeze. This time Kitty solidified the moment he cleared her and landed a deadly punch to his abdomen with a density greater then flesh and bone. She would only be able to slow him down but she hoped it would be enough to get some distance. As if on cue Colonel Wise soared above her like a Guardian angel watching from the heavens, or in this case the night sky. He touched down, blocking her path and offered his hand.
"Need an exit?"
"You have impeccable timing Colonel."
Kitty allowed him to wrap an arm around her waist and lift her into the night. She slipped her arms around his neck as she felt the height he climbed with his wings. She wasn't afraid of heights but usually she was in control of how high she traveled, not a stranger. He finished his ascent at the top of a mountain where a small opening appeared. Kitty could see Serena waving madly at them as they neared. It was dark and damp but it was better then staying around the camp getting sliced and diced by the feral. The Colonel had a few supply packs tossed in a pile with some food and blankets, enough for a few days. Once Serena fell asleep Kitty left her to find the Colonel who had taken watch outside of the cavern.
"Any sign of them?" Kitty asked.
"Not yet. I think they are raiding our camp. The feral mutant might be able to track us but he'd have to figure out which direction we traveled first. I think we are safe for the night."
"Serena seems okay. Surprised she's taking all of this so well."
"She really admires you. She told me that you're not really her aunt. Who is she to you?"
"The G.C. we're dragging her down the hall of my apartment building. Seems her step-mother turned her over. She hasn't even manifested any powers yet, just tested positive for mutant potential." Kitty sounded disgusted as she spoke.
"It is required by law." Wise reminded her matter-of-factly.
"She's only ten years old. They were dragging her by her hair while she screamed for help. I couldn't allow them to take her."
"I don't agree with their tactics but if she were to manifest while at school or out in public they might have shot her on spot."
"You're trying to justify their actions over something that might never have happened? We don't even know what her powers are, they could be something subtle and unnoticeable."
"I'm not trying to justify anything. It's just in the best interest of everyone that they contain her early before her manifestation."
"Best interest of who?! A tyrannical government that wants to suppress mutants because they are afraid of us?"
"Without order there would be chaos." Wise spoke almost mechanically.
"If you haven't noticed your so-called 'order' has created Armageddon!"
"It's complicated." He looked away from her.
"You're going to try to tell me that it's 'complicated'?! You aren't being hunted down for being born a mutant. You don't have to watch all your friends die trying to fight for freedom. You don't have to worry every night whether you are going to wake up. You never had to watch your family murdered before your eyes because they loved you." She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes and she was angry at him for making her feel.
"You're right, I never experienced any of that because I was created in a lab. I have no family and I have no friends. I was designed to follow orders without question, a slave to the G.C." His voice had a hint of hurt to it.
"I'm sorry." Kitty felt instantly ashamed of her rant.
"For what?"
"For dismissing your situation." She turned to look into his eyes.
"I don't have much choice, but you do." Wise said softly as he returned the gaze.
"I was born a mutant, I can't be cured, as much as they love to advertise it. This is who I am."
"I'm talking about your choice of fighting for freedom or hiding. I have to serve, I have to follow orders. It's what they made me for, it's what they programmed me to do."
"You do have a choice Colonel, it just might be one you are afraid to make."
"Like your choice of coming out of hiding? How long have you been Lieutenant Colonel Logan?"
"Almost four years."
"That's a long time living the life of someone else."
"You do what you have to, to survive. What made you help us?"
"I'm responsible for your well-being until you are out of my custody." Wise looked away from her and into the night sky.
"So you are still planning on turning us in." Kitty straightened up, her emotional numbness starting to surface.
"I didn't say that. I just said that I'm responsible for your well-being. Nothing about turning you in. As far as I'm concerned we were attacked by rebels and you disappeared in the fight. All our records were destroyed so your false identity is still intact."
"Thank you." Kitty whispered softly in his ear.
"You're welcome..." He looked thoughtfully at her in the moonlight.
"My name is Kitty, Kitty Pryde." She offered him her hand to shake at her introduction.
Smiling, he took her hand and gently squeezed it as they shook. "Caine Wise."
"Nice to meet you Caine."
"Like wise Kitty."
The muffled noises of Serena brought Kitty back to reality as she slipped away from Caine.
"Everything okay sweetie?" Kitty asked the restless girl.
"Can you sing me that lullaby again?" Serena gave her a pouty lip.
"For you, anything." Kitty laughed as the girl giggled.
Caine tilted his head toward the cave as Kitty's voice carried through the hollow space.
"Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night. Angels watching, e'er around thee,
Guardian angels God will send thee,
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night.
All through the night.
Midnight slumber close surround thee,
All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night
"Kitty... Is Mister Wise our Guardian Angel?" Serena asked innocently.
"Yes Serena, yes he is." Kitty looked out the cavern to where Caine sat, the moonlight glowing around his silhouette.