Chapter 1: 3 years later
- Mary Jane! Where are you?
The young girl lifted her head slightly, looking away from the pencil drawing she was doing at the drawing board. She grimaced with annoyance, but chose to leave the pencil next to the paper as she straightened, turning to face toward the opened door. A tall, thin and nervous-looking woman entered the room lit by the morning sun that managed to break through the curtains.
- Drawing again in the half-light?
- Until this comes out I'll have to keep the curtains drawn, mother
The frowning woman picked up the artbook to inspect the drawing.
- Metal structures? It looks like boys' stuff - she looked at the walls, where all sorts of paintings and sketches were hung -. It doesn't resemble anything you've done before
- It's just an experiment – answered the girl with a shrug
- Do you really think you can live of these?
- I won't be a painter mother, I've told you a hundred times. Adaland Art's University is the best on this side of the world, with all the specialties you can possibly imagine... so I want to study there and see how far I can go
- That's a clear point. You sent your application without asking us first - the woman grunted
- I knew you would say no
- Of course we would say that! - exclaimed the woman planted in jars - Adaland is miles from here and we can not support you if you go that far
- I can do it alone – said the girl pulling out a number filled sheet of paper from a desk drawer - The University is public, so I don't need to pay tuition. Also, if I work at the Youth Center as I used to, everything will be okay.
- Let me see - asked the woman snatching the paper. She looked suspiciously at her daughter before checking the numbers
- I don't know why you are so concerned if I can defend myself – she said casually, doing some stretching exercises – True that I never won a martial arts tournament, but ...
- What concerns me is that you might be doing this only to see that William Cranston
The girl almost fell forward at the mention of the name.
- Damn! – she cursed with a drop on the neck – I was silent often and I should have spoken. If not for my stupidity, at this point I would not have even half of the frustrations I've got
- Careful with that tongue, Mary Jane Dupont! – exclaimed the shocked mother - See? I told you that guy and his friends were a bad influence
- Of course not! Only father and you think that of them
- How could we not think so? You always were a good girl until we moved to Adaland and started to run away in order to meet them
Mary Jane turned her back frowning, without uttering a word.
- Others can say what they want, but I stick to the facts - the woman insisted – You were hanging out with people much older than you!
- It's only a 3 years difference...
- In addition, Cranston has become very famous - interrupted her mother - He invented a lot of things...
- Complex systems, founded a laboratory... - the girl turned to her – I know all that
- Such a young man is surrounded by any number of women willing to do anything for money, fame or both. Not that you're not pretty, but you're far from a supermodel
- Well, I never considered modeling as a career - growled the girl with her half matted hair between the fingers of her right hand – Also, Billy is not that sort of person - she added in a whisper
- Time, but especially money, changes people. So please be realistic, Mary Jane. A teenage crush is not a life lasting love.
The girl sat on the bed avoiding the sight of her mother.
- How am I supposed to know if I stay here? – she murmured - How may I know what I can do if I am still under the roof of two people who are not even my real parents?
- Mary Jane!
- I was happy in Adaland, so please don't try to stop me - said the girl firmly as she got up
- All right, little miss adult. Do whatever you want - murmured the lady, and with a loud slam of the door, she left the room
Mary Jane sighed heavily with her hands in the pockets of her green denim shorts, approaching the nightstand next to the bed. She opened the drawer to take out a picture of 7 smiling teens.
- To think I was once a Ranger who protected this planet! I only had 13 years, but felt capable enough to face any danger. Although I wasn't alone, really...
She ran her thumb over the corner of the photo and placed it on the bed.
- I became a Ranger with my friends, defeated evil, and once everything was over we buried our powers together. Maybe that was the first big mistake, because from that point, we drifted apart.
Mary Jane walked to the window and parted the curtains, watching the blue sky. Would Billy Cranston remember her? That shy and gifted boy who created inventions left and right? The boy who, with his enthusiasm for all branches of science and human knowledge was able to attract her and share his energy to learn new things everyday?
Furthermore there was another thing: who were her real parents? Were they alive? And if so, did they know she existed? She couldn't dream to look for them while living under the Dupont's roof, as they were so strict with her.
- Well, there's only one way to find out – the girl said firmly -. National University of Arts & Crafts ... Here I go!
...
Of course that those intentions were easier to say than to do. As soon as I arrived with my luggage at Adaland, I studied like a maniac: the University is public, but has its places counted. I got the smallest rented room I could find, scattered my books, connected the PC and took refuge in studies once more in order to avoid anxieties.
Since my arrival, there was no local newspaper or news program who did not speak about Billy Cranston. Although he was still in college, he was already labeled as "the best scientific mind of Cherokee". Moreover, they weren't sure of the exact name of his career, as it could be physics, mathematics, mechatronics, biology, chemistry or whatever. He had the best grades on the campus, as well as the title of developer in the laboratory designed and built by him, where he also gave advice to students of lower grades. Of course that I knew something of all that thanks to the Internet, but since our farewell I had not contacted him directly. And the truth was that seeing him almost in every corner made me very nervous. What had I done during those 3 years we were apart? Studying at school (9 of average), practicing kung fu and tai chi chuan, giving drawing lessons, working as a cafe waitress, babysitting... In short, nothing unusual. He was a celebrity while I was like the rest of the people.
When I had time to take a walk, I went to some of the places frequented with my friends (the Adaland Highschool and Youth Center), but did not dare to go in. Instead I got into a small cafe with almost no people in, ordered a foamy chocolate and sat there, facing the street. I was carrying my art book and several sharpened pencils, just in case I encountered some interesting scene. I'm not quick for doing sketches of people for example, but if something impresses me enough, I can produce a decent sketch. From there I work and mold until it becomes a quality product, although the term sounds inartistic.
However, about fifteen minutes passed in the peaceful local and nothing relevant happened. The television stated the daily news, and among them it mentioned a Billy Cranston discovery regarding the molecular behavior of gene pairs with the help of his research team at the prestigious university blah blah blah ... Nothing better to bother me. Surely a spectator ignorant of the situation would be surprised: What was a pretty girl doing, sitting alone in a cafe with an expression of dissatisfaction with the world? Because I know that I draw attention: I'm fair-skinned, with honey brown colored eyes and a hair lit by a tone that tends to be golden in the sun. When I lived here I kept it shoulder length, so that its tendency to fall into rebel curls passed unnoticed. But one day while going over an encyclopedia of Oriental art, I found a woodcut of a beautiful courtesan with an irregular haircut that fascinated me. I made an adaptation of it in the nearest hair saloon. The front of my head has bangs and a layer up to the cheeks that looks straight but with movement, while a cascade of curls fall until mid back. I can be proud of the fact that no one I know has such a haircut, especially because not just anyone would dare to do such an experiment.
- Meijei! You're Meijei, right?
I almost jumped to the ceiling and turned. How was that possible?
- Cassie? – I confirmed in a whisper of wonder
- I knew it was you, my little girl! - cried my beautiful oriental friend, sitting across from me and displaying her usual energy - You've grown lots!
- But Cassie… – I babbled, still surprised by how well my nickname sounded after such a long time - You ... well, we don't have too different ages
- You've always looked younger – she said with a wink – Oh Meijei, I feel as if it had been years since you left!
- 3 years – I pointed out before taking some chocolate
- Well, I meant many more – my friend laughed - But why didn't you tell us you were here? When did you come? Is it just a visit? You know I went into the Music Conservatory, right? Did you see Tommy already? What about Billy? Why aren't you with him?
I almost chocked with so many questions, especially with the last two.
- Isn't it school time? – I replied
- Little one, did you hear what I said? Con-ser-va-to-ry. Many practice hours, but plenty of free time between them. And our friend Billy, well, he's a genius. He can skip school without any problem in order to see you. Moreover, I think I should phone him at once - said taking out her cell
- Please don't bother!... – I exclaimed overwhelmed - I gotta go now, I have to prepare my admission to Arts & Crafts ...
- Wow! - Cassie said getting up at the same time as me – So that's how it is. Very well little girl, you couldn't have done a better choice! And I think I understand everything now. First you get accepted to college and then you prepare a feast to confirm your comeback, so that Billy can have a heart attack because of the surprise.
- Well ... - I said with a huge drop in the neck - I think that's not the intention...
- Of course not! – my friend exclaimed, laughing - Because if something happens to him, you too would have an attack, right?
How much I liked Cassie! She had no boyfriend but understood very well that kind of situations. She was extremely talkative, as that was her only way to drain the energy left after singing and composing. I used to do such marvelous duets with her!
- But I think something is wrong – my friend said, looking at me earnestly for the first time - You scarcely speak and seem to evade my questions. I know I do a lot, but ...
- It's just that I haven't readjusted yet - I replied with a drop in the neck
- I see. You need time. And I guess you don't want me spreading the word that you came back… even if the guys and Aisha miss you lots.
- Sorry - I said with a little bit of sadness - But don't worry, I'll see them again sooner or later.
Once again, Cassie looked at me intently, as if I was X-rayed by her eyes.
- Just hurry up. Where is the little Meijei that competed with me in energy?
We ended walking together to my small room. We discovered that we didn't live so far away, so with a little more encouragement, she bade me farewell and ran to meet her great love: the guitar. For my part, I was ready to continue studying.
Only the building's janitor's radio betrayed me: the story of Billy Cranston and the gene pairs resounded through all the place before I closed the door behind me.
...
Someone else was listening to the news via podcast, without paying much attention. Several white gowns moved from one place to another without a moment to lose at a lab equipped with the latest technology. At the main research cubicle, the computer screen showed a half-finished report. The cushioned chair was empty because its 21 years owner was watching the green hills by the window.
- Is something the matter, superior Cranston? - Asked one of the young men who swarmed around
- Nothing - Billy answered kindly - I was just thinking that the enrollment period in Arts & Crafts has begun
- You also paint, superior? - said the youth totally amazed
- No, not me. You wanted something, Peter? I see your samples have produced results
...
- What a crazy week... but it's over! Although the test was horrendously ugly...
There I was, walking through the Adaland University Complex after taking the test. Trying to figure out how to get out, I came across a signal pointing the way toward the Applyed Sciences University. I paused, undecided. Apparently I was very close to the laboratories.
- No, no way. I'm not even a college student yet, and this is THE Sciences University not only at Adaland, but all throughout Cherokee.
I crossed my arms while watching the signal.
- Ush, okay. I guess a look won't hurt...
Now, of all these imposing buildings filled to the brim with laboratories... which one would be Billy's? I had to pay close attention to the several signs to find it. Huge glass doors allowed me automatic entry and I noticed there was more security than at common universities. It even had a reception desk, so I went there and asked the smiling young woman:
- Excuse me, is it possible that William Cranston receives me?
- If you don't have an appointment it is nearly impossible, Miss
- Oh ...
That was unexpected. What could I do? If they cried my name out loud it would be unbearable.
- Although the superior Cranston usually makes exceptions with his friends ... - continued the receptionist
- No, better leave it that way. I practically came due to curiosity
- I see. You are a newcomer, right?
- Yes - I lied quickly - By the way, would it be too much bother to ask where is the bathroom?
- Oh, well, I don't think ... – she muttered uncomfortably. I had already imagined that not everyone could use the facilities there
- Please – I whispered approaching her slightly - Is that day of the month, you know?
- Ah, I see. If you go down that aisle there is one at the bottom left. But be careful to not be seen, as you do not have an ID card, OK?
- Thanks – I replied in a confidential tone, and went straight there
As soon as I arrived, I snuck into a central compartment, locked it and stood over the toilet seat. From my small bag slung across one shoulder I took out some hairpins, wooden sticks and rubber bands (one never knows when they will be useful). I started to assemble a sort of hook that would allow me to reach the door from that distance. Fortunately there wasn't many people at the bathrooms, so I could work with all the calm and patience in the world, waiting ...
At last my chance came: in the compartment on my left someone put her purse close to my side, with her ID card hanging cheerfully out. I extended the hook very quietly to take the card, and once it was safe in my hands, I used the device once more to open the door with a huge crash.
- Aaaaah, someone stole my ID! - cried the girl, running out of the bathroom – Don't let her go away!
She went toward the bathrooms' door, thinking that I had gone already. I stored the hook in my bag, approached the exit and slid out cautiously.
Now I had to act quickly. Fortunately, the ID card had no picture (they had relied too much on the bar code), and the lockers in the dressing room were completely generic. I removed my coat and changed it for a lab gown. As I was moving upstairs I took note of the emergency exits just in case. Actually my background as a Ranger was a great help, as it was a fairly improvised assault.
I took the elevator to the top floor and my heart began to beat violently. At any moment I would see him again ... but for my part I was going to make the best effort to conceal my presence. I just wanted to be sure that he was OK, otherwise I would not have gone through such a trouble.
The access to the top floor was protected with a card reader, and I prayed so that mine wasn't reported yet. I slid it on the reader and yes! the gate opened without problems. I walked in quickly and looked for the great door marking the entrance to the laboratory...
...
Billy left his cubicle to review some results with the research team. They were discussing what to do next, when one of the younger assistants came to him:
- Sorry to interrupt, but I think you should see what I found
The intrigued young man went with the assistant, who took him to a light cannon which showed some enlarged samples.
- But this is ...
- An altered genetic code. While it doesn't influence but certain tendencies within the cell cycle, it still is a progress
- Very well Yuu - said Billy looking the youth carefully – The fact that at your level you can decipher a genetic code and detect such specific features is a clear sign that this is your vocation. Tommy will be very happy when he finds out
The boy by the name of Yuu looked down for a fraction of a second.
- I am grateful to the superior Oliver for recommending me to you. I am also convinced that microbiology is the science of the future
Billy smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
- I'm sure this is not the first time you hear it, but you're very advanced for your age. Just remember that a science can not exist without the others, nor could it move forward without the social sciences, sports, culture or the arts. That's why this is a multidisciplinary laboratory
Yuu nodded, but did not look too convinced. For Billy, it was as he was seeing himself as a teen, somewhat shy and insecure ... but he never had that slightly narrow vision about things.
- Keep going forward, you're on the good track – he encouraged before going back to the team that was discussing the advances in research
However, on approaching the door, Billy felt slightly uncomfortable due to a strange sensation.
...
It couldn't be true, it couldn't be... he was just a few feet away from me, I could reach him so easily... If only I could say something, anything... But seeing him so grown up, serene and confident... seeing the blue gaze heavily focused on work and his attractive demeanor... all of that had me fascinated and embarrassed at the same time. I did not dare take a single step forward.
- What are you doing standing there, miss? Aren't you going in?
I turned around quickly to met a vaguely familiar young man. He opened his eyes in wonder, saying:
- But ... you are Meijei, right?
- Will? – I muttered, recognizing him
- Yes - he answered excitedly - What an amazing surprise!
- Shh! – I whispered gesturing him away from the door
Intrigued, the boy followed me to a far corner.
- I don't understand all this mess, Meijei. Surely you stole someone's gown
- Bingo - I replied with a drop in the neck - But Will, what are you doing here? Helping your cousin?
- Yes. Billy has made sure that those who wish to do research in these labs can do it - said Will Cranston with a smile - So there are requests since Highschool to exchange the military service for a community service in these facilities
- I see - I said, quite surprised by the exemplary idea
- I'm not the only minor here, but even though most are "old", the atmosphere is pleasant. But now tell me, Mary Jane – he said, adopting a more serious tone - Why is my cousin's favourite helper out here in disguise?
- I ... the truth is ... – I muttered embarrassed - I shouldn't have come. Please Will, don't tell anything to Billy
- Why? – the almost laughing boy asked – You have always done such things to be able to meet your friends
- This time is more complicated. First I need to know if I was accepted into Arts & Crafts, otherwise I ... I don't know what I'm going to do
- Got it. You first want to know if you'll be able to stay here. Okay, I won't tell him anything. Although who knows if he'll twist my neck after that. Anyway, I'll get you a visitor ID card. Are you thinking on giving back the one you… borrowed?
- Of course, who do you think I am? - I answered stirred - You're talking to an honest person and...
- So that's where you were, Will! I didn't know you had time to flirt
A nice boy wearing glasses approached us. He was slightly like Billy, but I estimated he was the same age as Will, which meant he was one year younger than me. But what a shame! Surely he had thought my friend was saying something incriminating.
- You're wrong Yuu - said Will - This lady is a friend of superior Cranston
- Really? - confirmed the newcomer - Which lab is she in?
- Our dear Mary Jane Dupont is not a scientific like us, but she's by no means a mosquito brain - Will smiled - By the way Meijei, this is Yuu Hoshino, my lab partner and one of the best elements we have here
I shook hands with Yuu, still a little embarrassed. Do all volunteers here were supergeniuses?
- So she has managed to get here – said Yuu quite interested
- Yes, and she doesn't want the superior to know about it – Will nodded
- Believe me, the last thing I want is to cause problems - I hastened to say - I just need time to settle my affairs and when everything is ready, I'll come back again. So please, don't say anything. I'll be very grateful
- I don't understand the situation very well – said Yuu thoughtfully - but I guess it would be problematic if you present yourself now
- Although it would be fun - Billy's cousin smiled
- Will! - I protested
...
Billy looked back toward the door, as he thought he heard the voice of his cousin and not long ago Yuu had gone looking for him. But it seemed that there was a girl too. Why did he feel he knew that barely perceived voice? Why did it sound so familiar?
- I must be imagining things - thought the young scientist going back to his calculations
...
Footnotes:
*1 Cherokee is the equivalent of USA in planet Geo.
* The theme for this fanfiction could be the Zeo arc theme, as it is mainly based on it :p
So here it is, the first chapter. Sorry for having such a slow paced introduction, but as you can notice, I am starting at a mid point here. As Mary Jane is a new character, I tried to describe her roll too. But don't worry, there will be more action in the next chapter and we'll soon meet the other Rangers. Also, sorry about my bad english, I suppose I'm still unskilled with it u.u All kind of critics are welcome.
Sakura_Moonprincess
Disclaimer: all characters and trademarks belong to their rightful authors, except those created by me. I write fanfiction with no profit intentions.