Disclaimer: Wish I could but I obviously don't own the kawaii guys in Weib and Schwartz. Don't own the X-men, but I am the proud creator of Kasumi Minamoto/Russian.
Characters:
Japan:
Weib, good assassin group out to rid Japan of its scum -
Aya Fujimiya, aka Abyssinian (real name: Ran) - katana(sword)-weilding redhead
Youji Kudou, aka Balinese - wire-handling blonde with green eyes
Ken Hidaka, aka Siberian - tiger-claw user with brown hair and eyes
Omi Tsukiyono, aka Bombay - arrows/bow gun/darts user with blonde hair and blue eyes
Persia - leader of Weib
Birman - Persia's secretary
Kasumi Minamoto, codename: Russian (Blue) - acrobatic assassin who uses a stiletto and twin admantium fans
Schwarz, bad assassin group and enemy of Weib -
Brad Crawford - American, power: precognition
Shuldrich - German redhead, power: telepathy, mind/dream control, super-speed
Nagi - Japanese, power: telekinesis
Farfello - Irish psychotic sadist, power: feels no pain
America:
X-men, good mutants under Charles Xavier -
Charles Xavier - telepath and founder of the group
Wolverine - healing powers and admantium claws; due to healing powers and suffered trauma, his past is unclear and his true age unknown, known only as Logan
/ / - German
* * - French
~ ~ - Japanese
Retribution IV
Another night, another mission.
It had been a month since their botched up mission and having taken care of it, they were on a new one. It involved a hi-tech computer software that was being smuggled out of the country to be sold on the black market. This software was created for the Japanese military to control their latest weaponry. However, the creator had stolen it from the military base he worked in with the intent to sell it to the highest bidder.
Russian looked down from her post at the roof of the building across the warehouse. It was at the run-down warehouse that the creator would meet his contacts. Abyssinian and Balinese were stationed at the warehouse while Siberian served as backup and Bombay as look-out. A computer freak, Bombay, was the most excited about the mission. He'd get to run through the program before handing it over to Birman. She in turn would give it to Persia, who'd make sure it was returned to its rightful owner.
"Here they come," Bombay said. "...Oh shit."
"What's wrong?" She asked in worry.
She looked below to see the parked black car and a handsome man in his late twenties come out of it. Dressed in an expensive suit and wearing light-framed glasses, he wasn't the target. Probably a bodyguard. The man opened the backdoor of the car to let out their target. The target was followed out of the car by a much younger Japanese man and a strange foreigner with a shock of white hair and an eyepatch. The driver came out next, a redheaded German with his shades perched on his head.
The voices in her head cried out once more. Danger.
The redheaded man looked up to look directly at her, a smirk on his face.
"What is it?" Abyssinian asked impatiently when Bombay didn't speak.
"Schwarz..." He finally hissed in reply.
"Great. Just great," Siberian muttered.
"The redhead just spotted me," Russian cut in.
"Shit," Balinese cursed. "Well, we know what we have to do. Let's just do it."
"Then, what are we waiting for?" Abyssinian said. "Russian. Bombay. Come here."
"No let me come to you." A voice from behind her said.
"Shit."
Russian whirled around in surprise to face the smirking redhead. How the hell did he get here so fast? She flicked open her admantium fan, holding it ready as she eyed the other warily.
"What's the matter, Russian?"
"Looks like carrot-top here wants a one-on-one," she said dryly in reply to Abyssinian's query. She ignored her teammate's curses as she concentrated on the man in front of her. Boy, she would just love to wipe that smirk off his face.
"Actually the name's Schuldrich."
"I know. I've read your files."
"What little Weib has, you mean. We, on the other hand, know so much more about you than you know about us."
"Did you have to study for a degree in smugness or were you born that way?"
"I see you aren't without humor. I must admit that your presence surprised us."
"Oh, so you're going humble on me now?" She said sarcastically. "Please don't. It ruins your image."
"Thank you for telling me. You know, another thing that surprised me is why you joined Weib when you have the potential to be so much greater than them."
"Who I go with is none of you business. And what? Are you trying to subtly offer me a job with you guys? No thanks," she scoffed.
"Don't be so quick to decide, Madchen(girl)."
"Don't patronize me, you sonvab*tch. I'm not a little girl." She said sharply. He tilted his head as if he was listening to a voice only he could here, then he spoke.
"You speak German?"
/Yes. Does it matter? Let's get to business, so that I can kill you. You are beginning to bore me./
/Ah...all business, I see. But, we ARE doing business. Like you said, I'm trying to recruit you./
/And I am NOT interested./
/You should be...you are like me, you know./
/I'm nothing like you./
/Oh, I'm hurt. Really I am. ...Have you ever heard voices in your head - voices that tell you things...things about those around you? You have, I know./ He laughed loudly at the look of restrained fury on her face, but still her fan did not move. /You don't belong with Weib. Aya...I mean Ran...has Sakura now. He doesn't need you anymore./
/That's not true./ She protested.
/And Youji? Well, once a playboy, always a playboy. And you know the truth. You're just a replacement. He'll never stop loving Asuka. Imagine. Whenever he touches or kisses you, he's thinking about her. Not you. HER./
/No...no...that's a lie...he loves me...he told me so.../
/Oh, come on. Don't lie to yourself. He must say that to every girl he's attracted to. And as for the others? Ken and Omi? Well, they were doing fine before you came along. What makes you think they'll miss you? Face it. You're better of with us. You're special like we are. And you're like me. You have the gift...the gift of telepathy and mind control. Would you like me to teach you? I could show you how to use your gift, instead of letting it use you. Imagine the power of being able to hear another's thoughts and to control them. Imagine the power.../
/And at what price? My soul? My ethics? Everything I believe in!/
/You are young. Such an idealist. but, you must learn that there is no place in life for idealists. Only a place for the strong...for those who know that sometimes you must sacrifice things in order to survive./
/Enough!/ She screamed. She was scared. Her resolve was slowly weakening at his tempting offer. Mind control...that's what it was...mind control...
/No. It is only the truth./
/Liar!/ She let loose her fan, which he barely dodged in time. /Leave me alone!/
/But, you don't like being alone. You know that. And once I teach you how to use your power, you never will be./
/Stay out of my head!/ She wailed, instinctively mind-blasting him with a power she never knew she had.
His face crumpled in pain at the unexpected blast. She whimpered as his unshielded mind screamed in pain for her to hear. He gave her a look of shock before his body fell to the ground with a thud, unconscious.
She staggered back in shock, weakly leaning against the roof's metal railing. She collapsed into a trembling heap, head bent with tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked. She forced herself to calm down, telling herself that everything would be alright.
"Russian? Are you alright?" A faint-sounding voice cried.
She looked at her communicator, which had fallen to the floor earlier. She told herself to calm down as she got up on her shaky legs, holding onto the railing for support. She started to pick the communicator up, then stopped and turned away, ignoring the frantic voice. She bit her lip, a look of determination on her face.
She knew what she had to do.
Youji sat at the kitchen table, head buried in his hands, while Aya leaned against the wall with an unreadable expression on his face. Ken and Omi exchanged worried looks, unsure of what to do. They'd regrouped soon after the Schwarz had surprisingly retreated with the target still alive. Upon discovering that Kasumi was missing, they'd frantically searched the surrounding area with no success. There was no sign that she'd even been there.
They all jumped in surprise at the phone's high-pitched ringing. Omi grabbed it shakily with everyone staring intently at him.
"Hello?" He croaked.
"Omi, it's me."
"Kasumi?!? Where've you been? We've been worried sick..."
Before he could continue his tirade, Youji snatched the phone from him with Aya right behind him.
"Kasumi, where the hell are you?"
"I need to be alone for some time, Youji," she said softly. He'd never heard her sound so vulnerable. He strained to hear the background noise. The muffled buzz of rushing people and a loudspeaker. What was it saying? A flight...the airport...where was she going?
"Kasumi, what did that bastard do to you?" He begged, half-frantic.
"I'll come back when I'm ready...I promise," she continued as if she hadn't heard him. Her voice sounded distant as if she was already far beyond his reach.
"Where are you going, Kasumi? Don't leave me...please," he choked back a sob.
"Goodbye, Youji."
"Kasumi..."
Anya Malenkov stood in the midst of the bustling crowd in the New York airport. She stood alone with no baggage, just a borrowed set of clothes and a purse, a forged passport, a false name...and an address.
She popped another painkiller into her mouth, wincing slightly at the bitter aftertaste. Her headache was killing her. After mindblasting the redheaded German, her telepathy had come in full force. Clamoring voices now sounded in her head, driving her half-mad.
...I'm going to be late...shit, I promised Jeanie I'd be home for dinner...where the hell did I put my ticket?...damnit! can't these planes ever take off on time?...
She slowly made her way to the exit and hailed a taxi.
"Where to?" The man with a beer-belly and a soiled shirt asked, wiping his nose with an already filthy handkerchief.
"1604 Greymalkin Lane, Salem Center, Westchester County."
He gave her a curious look, but she was already looking out the window with a far-off look on her face. She leaned back on the leather carseat with half its stuffing coming out. The voices weren't so loud now. When there was only a few people around, she found it easier to block out other people's thoughts, but there was still a faint buzzing in the back of her mind.
...pretty lady...wonder what she wants with those mutants...must be one of them...funny...she doesn't look like one...but you can't tell nowadays...wonder if she tips big...frankly I've got nothing against them...but some of them are really whacked out...I hope Mellie makes some pot roast tonight...boy, do I love that woman's pot roast...
She smiled wryly to herself. A mutant...that's what she was...
She watched the taxi speed away into the dark, then looked warily at the big mansion behind the tall iron gates. She firmly pressed the intercom button and waited for someone to reply.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est(What is it)?"
She raised an eyebrow in surprise at the accented voice and the fluent French used. Probably a Cajun from down south. But, undoubtably American.
*I'm here to see Logan.*
There was a brief pause and a stifled gasp on the other end.
*I see. And you are?*
*A friend from Japan.*
Another surprised gasp. A friend of Logan...a Japanese woman who spoke fluent French?
She gave a slight smile as the gates swung open, then began the long walk up the drive. By the time, she reached the front door, she was exhausted. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. She wearily rang the doorbell, grimacing at the loud ring that could be heard from within. The door immediately opened to reveal a tall handsome man with a ladykiller grin on his face.
*I am Remy LeBeau. And you are?*
She opened her mouth to speak when the soft buzz of voices rose up again in an overwhelming wave of noise. She tried to speak again. Then, everything went black and for once the voices were silent.
...Logan's friend...he's gone off again...Jubilee...they had a fight...she's grown up...the woman's from Japan...she needs help...a mind barrier...strong...but with holes in it...pretty good for an amateur...latent telepathy...someone ripped through her mind...the telepathy emerged...she's lucky...strong mind and will...
She listened to the soft voices that spoke, pushing away those that spoke in her head. Three people. The Cajun. Another man with a deep voice. A woman with a gentle voice. What had happened? She remembered Shuldrich manipulating her and her telepathy emerging. Her heart ached at the memory of leaving Weib and saying goodbye. Getting the things she needed from Yukio. The tiring airplane trip across the ocean. The taxi ride. The Cajun at the door. Fainting in his arms. She blushed at the memory of it.
Should she trust these people? Well, Logan obviously did and he was an excellent judge of character.
"Well, it seems that our Sleeping Beauty has awakened." She opened her eyes to see a big, blue furry...man?...hovering over her. The Cajun and a stunning woman with hair the color of Aya's stood behind him, concern written on their faces. "How are you feeling?"
"Never been better," she smiled weakly, pushing herself up on the white bed. Apparently, she was in some kind of infirmary.
"I must say that you've got an amazing recovery rate. You weren't even out for an hour. And from what we know of you, you've been through quite an ordeal."
"What do you know of me?" Her voice was deceptively calm, but inside she was at an edge. She stared intently at the redheaded woman. Kasumi immediately recognized her as one who also possessed 'the gift'. What had this woman drawn from her head while she lay unconscious?
"Only what Gambit's told us..."
"I thought his name was Remy?" Kasumi asked suspiciously.
"Gambit is my codename, cherie."
"So, you're a friend of Logan," the other woman continued.
"Yes."
"Well, unfortunately, he isn't around right now and we don't know when he'll be back. ...But, that isn't why you're here, is it?"
"No. I must be broadcasting pretty loudly," Kasumi said with a wry smile.
"Actually, you're mind shielding pretty well, considering that from what I can tell your telepathy has only emerged recently."
Kasumi nodded in agreement.
"I left Japan as soon as it came out. Logan told me about this place before. About how you help mutants who can't control their powers."
"Yes, we'd be glad to help you. It'll take time, but considering how you were able to set up a passable mind shield with no help at all, I'm sure you'll learn quickly." Kasumi let out a sigh of relief that made the redhead smile. "You have friends waiting for you in Japan?"
"I hope so," she muttered, causing them to give her a strange look.
"So, what is the petite's name? She has one, noh?" The Cajun finally spoke up to break the uneasy silence.
"Oh yes, and how rude of us not to introduce ourselves," the blue beastlike man spoke. "I'm Doctor Hank McCoy. This is Jean Grey Summers. And, of course, you've met our resident charmer, Remy."
"I'm Kasumi Minamoto." She smiled as the Cajun kissed her hand. The resident charmer, huh?
...Youji...
A look of pain crossed her face.
"Is the petite alright?" The man asked worriedly.
"Yes. Just a slight headache," she fibbed, hoping that the other telepath wouldn't see through her lie.
"Maybe, you should get some more rest," the woman said kindly as the blue-haired doctor nodded in agreement. The two silently left so that Kasumi and the Cajun were alone.
"Rest, petite. We can talk tomorrow."
He patted her hand gently before he too left. As she watched his silent tread, she immediately noted. A thief...but what is a thief compared to an assassin? She thought bitterly. This place has strange people in it...and I'm just another one. Then, she searched the room with her eyes for her purse. There on the table by the door. She slipped out from under the bed covers and examined the purse. Untouched. Good. What would they think if her name did not match her passport? What then?
She sat at the window seat of the spare room she'd been given. It was a beautiful day. Looking out of the window, she saw Remy, Hank and two women playing volleyball outside. One of the women, the one with auburn hair and a skunklike streak going through it, spiked the ball over the net. The other woman with coffee-colored skin laughed at something Hank said as she returned the volley.
Then, Kasumi's gaze wandered to the small dock just beyond the volleyball court. A slim, dark-haired figure sat alone on one of the dock's stout wooden posts. She lightly reached out with her mind, proving her suspicion of knowing the girl to be correct. The girl was the one Logan often spoke of. Jubilee. She was really more of a young woman than a girl. Kasumi wondered what she and Logan had fought about. Logan had always spoken of the other woman in the best of terms.
Kasumi turned as she heard the sound of knocking at her door.
"Come in."
"Hello, Kasumi," Jean said with a smile. "I thought you'd like to start your lessons now."
"Yes, please."
"Follow me."
As they walked down the carpeted hall and stairs, Kasumi carefully studied her surroundings and memorized distinctive features. A person could get lost in a house of this size. Finally, they stopped in front of a big oak door on which Jean knocked softly. She opened the door after a moment although no voice had asked them to enter. Telepathy... Kasumi guessed. She followed Jean into the spacious study to find a tall man with strange red eyewear and a bald-headed man behind a large, ornate desk.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady. I'm sorry that I wasn't here for your arrival. I was away on business and only returned this morning," the man at the desk said with a smile.
She nodded politely in reply. Jean moved to stand next to the other man by the French windows that opened to the extensive grounds.
"Kasumi," the other woman said, looking fondly at the tall man, "This is my husband, Scott Summers, and this..." Turning to the man at the desk. "...is Professor Charles Xavier. He is the owner of this mansion, as well as, our mentor. This is Kasumi Minamoto, a friend of Logan. Her telepathy has emerged just recently and she has come to ask for help in controlling it."
"I see. Leave us," the professor said to the other two. Kasumi smiled wistfully, thinking of how much he sounded like her father. When Jean and her husband had left, he came out from behind the desk. She looked in surprise as he emerged in a strange hovering device. "This must be a great change for you. But, you're taking it remarkably well."
"Thank you."
"So, you want to learn how to control your telepathy?"
"Yes...and..."
"And..." He prodded encouragingly.
"I think I may have the power to control people's minds, too." The words came out in a rush. What would he think of her? She didn't know why she was so worried of what he thought of her.
"I see... Mind control is often found with telepathy. But, still such cases of the power are rare." She shifted uncomfortably under his solemn gaze. Then, unexpectedly he asked, "Do you think you're a good person, Kasumi?"
"I believe so." She thought that she could see where this conversation was headed and she wasn't sure she liked it.
"There aren't a lot of good people nowadays," he remarked sadly as he moved to the big windows to look outside. "And, of course, even they aren't completely good. I don't think anyone can claim they are. ...The power to listen and control other people's thoughts is a great responsibility."
"With great power comes great responsibility," she said wryly, thinking that it was the appropriate thing to say.
"Yes." He smiled. "From what I've heard and seen of you, I think that you are a good person at heart, Kasumi. But, there are shadows in you, too."
"Yes," she whispered softly, turning away to watch the people at play outside. She hesitated for a moment before asking. "Does that mean you won't teach me?"
"Of course not," he said, obviously surprised. "You came here for help and I'm not going to deny it from you...especially since it would be better if you learned how to use it properly..."
"Instead of letting some maniac teach me and corrupt me in the process..." She said dryly, turning to look back at him. She repressed a smile when she noticed his slight blush.
"That isn't the way I'd put it..."
"But, it's the same thing, right?'
The professor sighed.
"Once you learn how to use your power, it is really up to you on how you'll use it. Just do what you think is best. You'd just better hope that I'm not some maniac..." He muttered the last with a faint smile on his face. She let her smile show this time. Then, he took a deep breath and continued. "I know that at times, this power seems more like a curse than a blessing. I'd be the first one to admit that the life of a telepath isn't easy. Sometimes, you're so tempted to listen in on a person's thoughts or to change a person's thinking just a little bit. ...Go with your better judgement. No matter how good the cause may seem, don't believe that the end justifies the means. Please understand that I'm not trying to force you into my way of thinking, I just want you to do what YOU think is right."
She nodded in understanding. She'd relaxed since she'd entered the room. This man or the redheaded woman was not like Shuldrich. They wanted to help her for her sake. They wouldn't go through her mind without her consent or force her to think in a certain way. She chided herself when she realized that the professor was still speaking.
"One of the benefits of telepathy is that you don't have to worry about telephone bills," the professor gave her a boyish grin at that, which she gladly returned. "Another is the special bond with a person that allows you to share that person's mind almost completely."
As he said this, he smiled paternally at Jean and Scott who'd gone outside. The two were sitting cuddled together at a loveseat, watching the people at the volleyball court. They were silent, but love and happiness radiated from them at such a degree that Kasumi easily felt it. However, it didn't have the same effect on her as it did with the professor. She looked away with a pained expression on her face.
...Youji...
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She avoided the professor's curious look and quickly changed the subject. Pointing to the young woman at the dock, she asked, "Is that Jubilee?"
The professor sighed softly and nodded.
"Logan's told you about her?"
"Yes. He always spoke of her in the best terms yet I've heard that he left because they had a fight. What could she do to make him angry enough to leave?"
"I don't think Logan's angry. Scared is more likely."
Kasumi raised an eyebrow at that.
"Are we talking about the same person? I've never heard the word 'scared' attributed to Logan."
"Probably not. But, I think that he's...how do you young people call it?...'in denial' when it comes to his feelings for Jubilee."
Kasumi's forehead furrowed in a frown.
"But..." ...what about Mariko?... Echoed in her mind.
Sensing her distress, he looked at her in worry.
"But what?"
Kasumi opened her mouth to speak, but was at a loss on what to say exactly. It really was no business of hers. She had no right to interfere with a possible relationship between Logan abd this woman. Mariko had passed away some time ago and Kasumi was sure that her friend would want Logan to be happy. So, if this other woman made him happy, who was she to object?
"Mariko was my friend," she finally said in a soft voice.
"Ahhh..." Understanding came to the professor and he looked worriedly at her.
"But, I know that she'd want Logan to be happy. If Jubilee makes him happy, then..." She shrugged casually. But, she saw that the professor understood and was reassured by her words.
A loud knocking at the French windows interrupted them as the professor taught her the last of the basics in mind shielding.
"It's lunchtime, Professor." A cute blonde all-American type guy stood outside with a wide grin.
"Alright, Bobby. We'll be there in a moment."
She followed the professor out to the terrace where a long wooden table was set for lunch. She was uneasy about what the others would think of her. Only the professor, Hank, Remy, and the Summers knew about her and her reason for being there. The others probably wondered who she was and what she was doing at the mansion. Except for those who'd meet her, everyone eyed her curiously.
While the professor headed for his place at the head of the table, Kasumi stood behind the chair that Hank offered. Her face was calm despite all the attention directed at her. Not even her hands, clasped easily at the back of the high-back chair, revealed her nervousness. She smiled gratefully at Remy's sly wink. But, the woman, who'd been his partner at volleyball, obviously didn't appreciate the exchange for she elbowed Remy in the stomach. The professor waited till the curious murmurs died down and gestured towards Kasumi.
"This is Kasumi Minamoto, a friend of Logan. She'll be staying with us for awhile. Kasumi, this is...
...Dr. Cecilia... The smiling coffee-skinned woman on the other side of Hank.
...Rogue... The beautiful Southern woman who'd elbowed Remy.
...Warren... A handsome blue-skinned man with metal wings and an arrogant air.
...Betty... An Asian-looking woman beside him. A ninja, no doubt.
...Bobby... The blonde guy with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
...Ororo... A stunning African woman with long platinum hair and milk-white orbs as eyes.
...and, of course, you've met Hank, Remy, Scott, and Jean." Then, the professor frowned. "Where's Jubilee?"
"She said she's not hungry," Bobby said.
The professor looked at the lone figure at the dock and shook his head sadly before turning back to them. Only then did they take their seats.
"If your Logan's friend, do ya know where he is?"
Am I just imagining Rogue's hostile tone? Kasumi thought. I don't think so.
And neither did Remy.
Characters:
Japan:
Weib, good assassin group out to rid Japan of its scum -
Aya Fujimiya, aka Abyssinian (real name: Ran) - katana(sword)-weilding redhead
Youji Kudou, aka Balinese - wire-handling blonde with green eyes
Ken Hidaka, aka Siberian - tiger-claw user with brown hair and eyes
Omi Tsukiyono, aka Bombay - arrows/bow gun/darts user with blonde hair and blue eyes
Persia - leader of Weib
Birman - Persia's secretary
Kasumi Minamoto, codename: Russian (Blue) - acrobatic assassin who uses a stiletto and twin admantium fans
Schwarz, bad assassin group and enemy of Weib -
Brad Crawford - American, power: precognition
Shuldrich - German redhead, power: telepathy, mind/dream control, super-speed
Nagi - Japanese, power: telekinesis
Farfello - Irish psychotic sadist, power: feels no pain
America:
X-men, good mutants under Charles Xavier -
Charles Xavier - telepath and founder of the group
Wolverine - healing powers and admantium claws; due to healing powers and suffered trauma, his past is unclear and his true age unknown, known only as Logan
/ / - German
* * - French
~ ~ - Japanese
Retribution IV
Another night, another mission.
It had been a month since their botched up mission and having taken care of it, they were on a new one. It involved a hi-tech computer software that was being smuggled out of the country to be sold on the black market. This software was created for the Japanese military to control their latest weaponry. However, the creator had stolen it from the military base he worked in with the intent to sell it to the highest bidder.
Russian looked down from her post at the roof of the building across the warehouse. It was at the run-down warehouse that the creator would meet his contacts. Abyssinian and Balinese were stationed at the warehouse while Siberian served as backup and Bombay as look-out. A computer freak, Bombay, was the most excited about the mission. He'd get to run through the program before handing it over to Birman. She in turn would give it to Persia, who'd make sure it was returned to its rightful owner.
"Here they come," Bombay said. "...Oh shit."
"What's wrong?" She asked in worry.
She looked below to see the parked black car and a handsome man in his late twenties come out of it. Dressed in an expensive suit and wearing light-framed glasses, he wasn't the target. Probably a bodyguard. The man opened the backdoor of the car to let out their target. The target was followed out of the car by a much younger Japanese man and a strange foreigner with a shock of white hair and an eyepatch. The driver came out next, a redheaded German with his shades perched on his head.
The voices in her head cried out once more. Danger.
The redheaded man looked up to look directly at her, a smirk on his face.
"What is it?" Abyssinian asked impatiently when Bombay didn't speak.
"Schwarz..." He finally hissed in reply.
"Great. Just great," Siberian muttered.
"The redhead just spotted me," Russian cut in.
"Shit," Balinese cursed. "Well, we know what we have to do. Let's just do it."
"Then, what are we waiting for?" Abyssinian said. "Russian. Bombay. Come here."
"No let me come to you." A voice from behind her said.
"Shit."
Russian whirled around in surprise to face the smirking redhead. How the hell did he get here so fast? She flicked open her admantium fan, holding it ready as she eyed the other warily.
"What's the matter, Russian?"
"Looks like carrot-top here wants a one-on-one," she said dryly in reply to Abyssinian's query. She ignored her teammate's curses as she concentrated on the man in front of her. Boy, she would just love to wipe that smirk off his face.
"Actually the name's Schuldrich."
"I know. I've read your files."
"What little Weib has, you mean. We, on the other hand, know so much more about you than you know about us."
"Did you have to study for a degree in smugness or were you born that way?"
"I see you aren't without humor. I must admit that your presence surprised us."
"Oh, so you're going humble on me now?" She said sarcastically. "Please don't. It ruins your image."
"Thank you for telling me. You know, another thing that surprised me is why you joined Weib when you have the potential to be so much greater than them."
"Who I go with is none of you business. And what? Are you trying to subtly offer me a job with you guys? No thanks," she scoffed.
"Don't be so quick to decide, Madchen(girl)."
"Don't patronize me, you sonvab*tch. I'm not a little girl." She said sharply. He tilted his head as if he was listening to a voice only he could here, then he spoke.
"You speak German?"
/Yes. Does it matter? Let's get to business, so that I can kill you. You are beginning to bore me./
/Ah...all business, I see. But, we ARE doing business. Like you said, I'm trying to recruit you./
/And I am NOT interested./
/You should be...you are like me, you know./
/I'm nothing like you./
/Oh, I'm hurt. Really I am. ...Have you ever heard voices in your head - voices that tell you things...things about those around you? You have, I know./ He laughed loudly at the look of restrained fury on her face, but still her fan did not move. /You don't belong with Weib. Aya...I mean Ran...has Sakura now. He doesn't need you anymore./
/That's not true./ She protested.
/And Youji? Well, once a playboy, always a playboy. And you know the truth. You're just a replacement. He'll never stop loving Asuka. Imagine. Whenever he touches or kisses you, he's thinking about her. Not you. HER./
/No...no...that's a lie...he loves me...he told me so.../
/Oh, come on. Don't lie to yourself. He must say that to every girl he's attracted to. And as for the others? Ken and Omi? Well, they were doing fine before you came along. What makes you think they'll miss you? Face it. You're better of with us. You're special like we are. And you're like me. You have the gift...the gift of telepathy and mind control. Would you like me to teach you? I could show you how to use your gift, instead of letting it use you. Imagine the power of being able to hear another's thoughts and to control them. Imagine the power.../
/And at what price? My soul? My ethics? Everything I believe in!/
/You are young. Such an idealist. but, you must learn that there is no place in life for idealists. Only a place for the strong...for those who know that sometimes you must sacrifice things in order to survive./
/Enough!/ She screamed. She was scared. Her resolve was slowly weakening at his tempting offer. Mind control...that's what it was...mind control...
/No. It is only the truth./
/Liar!/ She let loose her fan, which he barely dodged in time. /Leave me alone!/
/But, you don't like being alone. You know that. And once I teach you how to use your power, you never will be./
/Stay out of my head!/ She wailed, instinctively mind-blasting him with a power she never knew she had.
His face crumpled in pain at the unexpected blast. She whimpered as his unshielded mind screamed in pain for her to hear. He gave her a look of shock before his body fell to the ground with a thud, unconscious.
She staggered back in shock, weakly leaning against the roof's metal railing. She collapsed into a trembling heap, head bent with tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked. She forced herself to calm down, telling herself that everything would be alright.
"Russian? Are you alright?" A faint-sounding voice cried.
She looked at her communicator, which had fallen to the floor earlier. She told herself to calm down as she got up on her shaky legs, holding onto the railing for support. She started to pick the communicator up, then stopped and turned away, ignoring the frantic voice. She bit her lip, a look of determination on her face.
She knew what she had to do.
Youji sat at the kitchen table, head buried in his hands, while Aya leaned against the wall with an unreadable expression on his face. Ken and Omi exchanged worried looks, unsure of what to do. They'd regrouped soon after the Schwarz had surprisingly retreated with the target still alive. Upon discovering that Kasumi was missing, they'd frantically searched the surrounding area with no success. There was no sign that she'd even been there.
They all jumped in surprise at the phone's high-pitched ringing. Omi grabbed it shakily with everyone staring intently at him.
"Hello?" He croaked.
"Omi, it's me."
"Kasumi?!? Where've you been? We've been worried sick..."
Before he could continue his tirade, Youji snatched the phone from him with Aya right behind him.
"Kasumi, where the hell are you?"
"I need to be alone for some time, Youji," she said softly. He'd never heard her sound so vulnerable. He strained to hear the background noise. The muffled buzz of rushing people and a loudspeaker. What was it saying? A flight...the airport...where was she going?
"Kasumi, what did that bastard do to you?" He begged, half-frantic.
"I'll come back when I'm ready...I promise," she continued as if she hadn't heard him. Her voice sounded distant as if she was already far beyond his reach.
"Where are you going, Kasumi? Don't leave me...please," he choked back a sob.
"Goodbye, Youji."
"Kasumi..."
Anya Malenkov stood in the midst of the bustling crowd in the New York airport. She stood alone with no baggage, just a borrowed set of clothes and a purse, a forged passport, a false name...and an address.
She popped another painkiller into her mouth, wincing slightly at the bitter aftertaste. Her headache was killing her. After mindblasting the redheaded German, her telepathy had come in full force. Clamoring voices now sounded in her head, driving her half-mad.
...I'm going to be late...shit, I promised Jeanie I'd be home for dinner...where the hell did I put my ticket?...damnit! can't these planes ever take off on time?...
She slowly made her way to the exit and hailed a taxi.
"Where to?" The man with a beer-belly and a soiled shirt asked, wiping his nose with an already filthy handkerchief.
"1604 Greymalkin Lane, Salem Center, Westchester County."
He gave her a curious look, but she was already looking out the window with a far-off look on her face. She leaned back on the leather carseat with half its stuffing coming out. The voices weren't so loud now. When there was only a few people around, she found it easier to block out other people's thoughts, but there was still a faint buzzing in the back of her mind.
...pretty lady...wonder what she wants with those mutants...must be one of them...funny...she doesn't look like one...but you can't tell nowadays...wonder if she tips big...frankly I've got nothing against them...but some of them are really whacked out...I hope Mellie makes some pot roast tonight...boy, do I love that woman's pot roast...
She smiled wryly to herself. A mutant...that's what she was...
She watched the taxi speed away into the dark, then looked warily at the big mansion behind the tall iron gates. She firmly pressed the intercom button and waited for someone to reply.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est(What is it)?"
She raised an eyebrow in surprise at the accented voice and the fluent French used. Probably a Cajun from down south. But, undoubtably American.
*I'm here to see Logan.*
There was a brief pause and a stifled gasp on the other end.
*I see. And you are?*
*A friend from Japan.*
Another surprised gasp. A friend of Logan...a Japanese woman who spoke fluent French?
She gave a slight smile as the gates swung open, then began the long walk up the drive. By the time, she reached the front door, she was exhausted. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. She wearily rang the doorbell, grimacing at the loud ring that could be heard from within. The door immediately opened to reveal a tall handsome man with a ladykiller grin on his face.
*I am Remy LeBeau. And you are?*
She opened her mouth to speak when the soft buzz of voices rose up again in an overwhelming wave of noise. She tried to speak again. Then, everything went black and for once the voices were silent.
...Logan's friend...he's gone off again...Jubilee...they had a fight...she's grown up...the woman's from Japan...she needs help...a mind barrier...strong...but with holes in it...pretty good for an amateur...latent telepathy...someone ripped through her mind...the telepathy emerged...she's lucky...strong mind and will...
She listened to the soft voices that spoke, pushing away those that spoke in her head. Three people. The Cajun. Another man with a deep voice. A woman with a gentle voice. What had happened? She remembered Shuldrich manipulating her and her telepathy emerging. Her heart ached at the memory of leaving Weib and saying goodbye. Getting the things she needed from Yukio. The tiring airplane trip across the ocean. The taxi ride. The Cajun at the door. Fainting in his arms. She blushed at the memory of it.
Should she trust these people? Well, Logan obviously did and he was an excellent judge of character.
"Well, it seems that our Sleeping Beauty has awakened." She opened her eyes to see a big, blue furry...man?...hovering over her. The Cajun and a stunning woman with hair the color of Aya's stood behind him, concern written on their faces. "How are you feeling?"
"Never been better," she smiled weakly, pushing herself up on the white bed. Apparently, she was in some kind of infirmary.
"I must say that you've got an amazing recovery rate. You weren't even out for an hour. And from what we know of you, you've been through quite an ordeal."
"What do you know of me?" Her voice was deceptively calm, but inside she was at an edge. She stared intently at the redheaded woman. Kasumi immediately recognized her as one who also possessed 'the gift'. What had this woman drawn from her head while she lay unconscious?
"Only what Gambit's told us..."
"I thought his name was Remy?" Kasumi asked suspiciously.
"Gambit is my codename, cherie."
"So, you're a friend of Logan," the other woman continued.
"Yes."
"Well, unfortunately, he isn't around right now and we don't know when he'll be back. ...But, that isn't why you're here, is it?"
"No. I must be broadcasting pretty loudly," Kasumi said with a wry smile.
"Actually, you're mind shielding pretty well, considering that from what I can tell your telepathy has only emerged recently."
Kasumi nodded in agreement.
"I left Japan as soon as it came out. Logan told me about this place before. About how you help mutants who can't control their powers."
"Yes, we'd be glad to help you. It'll take time, but considering how you were able to set up a passable mind shield with no help at all, I'm sure you'll learn quickly." Kasumi let out a sigh of relief that made the redhead smile. "You have friends waiting for you in Japan?"
"I hope so," she muttered, causing them to give her a strange look.
"So, what is the petite's name? She has one, noh?" The Cajun finally spoke up to break the uneasy silence.
"Oh yes, and how rude of us not to introduce ourselves," the blue beastlike man spoke. "I'm Doctor Hank McCoy. This is Jean Grey Summers. And, of course, you've met our resident charmer, Remy."
"I'm Kasumi Minamoto." She smiled as the Cajun kissed her hand. The resident charmer, huh?
...Youji...
A look of pain crossed her face.
"Is the petite alright?" The man asked worriedly.
"Yes. Just a slight headache," she fibbed, hoping that the other telepath wouldn't see through her lie.
"Maybe, you should get some more rest," the woman said kindly as the blue-haired doctor nodded in agreement. The two silently left so that Kasumi and the Cajun were alone.
"Rest, petite. We can talk tomorrow."
He patted her hand gently before he too left. As she watched his silent tread, she immediately noted. A thief...but what is a thief compared to an assassin? She thought bitterly. This place has strange people in it...and I'm just another one. Then, she searched the room with her eyes for her purse. There on the table by the door. She slipped out from under the bed covers and examined the purse. Untouched. Good. What would they think if her name did not match her passport? What then?
She sat at the window seat of the spare room she'd been given. It was a beautiful day. Looking out of the window, she saw Remy, Hank and two women playing volleyball outside. One of the women, the one with auburn hair and a skunklike streak going through it, spiked the ball over the net. The other woman with coffee-colored skin laughed at something Hank said as she returned the volley.
Then, Kasumi's gaze wandered to the small dock just beyond the volleyball court. A slim, dark-haired figure sat alone on one of the dock's stout wooden posts. She lightly reached out with her mind, proving her suspicion of knowing the girl to be correct. The girl was the one Logan often spoke of. Jubilee. She was really more of a young woman than a girl. Kasumi wondered what she and Logan had fought about. Logan had always spoken of the other woman in the best of terms.
Kasumi turned as she heard the sound of knocking at her door.
"Come in."
"Hello, Kasumi," Jean said with a smile. "I thought you'd like to start your lessons now."
"Yes, please."
"Follow me."
As they walked down the carpeted hall and stairs, Kasumi carefully studied her surroundings and memorized distinctive features. A person could get lost in a house of this size. Finally, they stopped in front of a big oak door on which Jean knocked softly. She opened the door after a moment although no voice had asked them to enter. Telepathy... Kasumi guessed. She followed Jean into the spacious study to find a tall man with strange red eyewear and a bald-headed man behind a large, ornate desk.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young lady. I'm sorry that I wasn't here for your arrival. I was away on business and only returned this morning," the man at the desk said with a smile.
She nodded politely in reply. Jean moved to stand next to the other man by the French windows that opened to the extensive grounds.
"Kasumi," the other woman said, looking fondly at the tall man, "This is my husband, Scott Summers, and this..." Turning to the man at the desk. "...is Professor Charles Xavier. He is the owner of this mansion, as well as, our mentor. This is Kasumi Minamoto, a friend of Logan. Her telepathy has emerged just recently and she has come to ask for help in controlling it."
"I see. Leave us," the professor said to the other two. Kasumi smiled wistfully, thinking of how much he sounded like her father. When Jean and her husband had left, he came out from behind the desk. She looked in surprise as he emerged in a strange hovering device. "This must be a great change for you. But, you're taking it remarkably well."
"Thank you."
"So, you want to learn how to control your telepathy?"
"Yes...and..."
"And..." He prodded encouragingly.
"I think I may have the power to control people's minds, too." The words came out in a rush. What would he think of her? She didn't know why she was so worried of what he thought of her.
"I see... Mind control is often found with telepathy. But, still such cases of the power are rare." She shifted uncomfortably under his solemn gaze. Then, unexpectedly he asked, "Do you think you're a good person, Kasumi?"
"I believe so." She thought that she could see where this conversation was headed and she wasn't sure she liked it.
"There aren't a lot of good people nowadays," he remarked sadly as he moved to the big windows to look outside. "And, of course, even they aren't completely good. I don't think anyone can claim they are. ...The power to listen and control other people's thoughts is a great responsibility."
"With great power comes great responsibility," she said wryly, thinking that it was the appropriate thing to say.
"Yes." He smiled. "From what I've heard and seen of you, I think that you are a good person at heart, Kasumi. But, there are shadows in you, too."
"Yes," she whispered softly, turning away to watch the people at play outside. She hesitated for a moment before asking. "Does that mean you won't teach me?"
"Of course not," he said, obviously surprised. "You came here for help and I'm not going to deny it from you...especially since it would be better if you learned how to use it properly..."
"Instead of letting some maniac teach me and corrupt me in the process..." She said dryly, turning to look back at him. She repressed a smile when she noticed his slight blush.
"That isn't the way I'd put it..."
"But, it's the same thing, right?'
The professor sighed.
"Once you learn how to use your power, it is really up to you on how you'll use it. Just do what you think is best. You'd just better hope that I'm not some maniac..." He muttered the last with a faint smile on his face. She let her smile show this time. Then, he took a deep breath and continued. "I know that at times, this power seems more like a curse than a blessing. I'd be the first one to admit that the life of a telepath isn't easy. Sometimes, you're so tempted to listen in on a person's thoughts or to change a person's thinking just a little bit. ...Go with your better judgement. No matter how good the cause may seem, don't believe that the end justifies the means. Please understand that I'm not trying to force you into my way of thinking, I just want you to do what YOU think is right."
She nodded in understanding. She'd relaxed since she'd entered the room. This man or the redheaded woman was not like Shuldrich. They wanted to help her for her sake. They wouldn't go through her mind without her consent or force her to think in a certain way. She chided herself when she realized that the professor was still speaking.
"One of the benefits of telepathy is that you don't have to worry about telephone bills," the professor gave her a boyish grin at that, which she gladly returned. "Another is the special bond with a person that allows you to share that person's mind almost completely."
As he said this, he smiled paternally at Jean and Scott who'd gone outside. The two were sitting cuddled together at a loveseat, watching the people at the volleyball court. They were silent, but love and happiness radiated from them at such a degree that Kasumi easily felt it. However, it didn't have the same effect on her as it did with the professor. She looked away with a pained expression on her face.
...Youji...
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She avoided the professor's curious look and quickly changed the subject. Pointing to the young woman at the dock, she asked, "Is that Jubilee?"
The professor sighed softly and nodded.
"Logan's told you about her?"
"Yes. He always spoke of her in the best terms yet I've heard that he left because they had a fight. What could she do to make him angry enough to leave?"
"I don't think Logan's angry. Scared is more likely."
Kasumi raised an eyebrow at that.
"Are we talking about the same person? I've never heard the word 'scared' attributed to Logan."
"Probably not. But, I think that he's...how do you young people call it?...'in denial' when it comes to his feelings for Jubilee."
Kasumi's forehead furrowed in a frown.
"But..." ...what about Mariko?... Echoed in her mind.
Sensing her distress, he looked at her in worry.
"But what?"
Kasumi opened her mouth to speak, but was at a loss on what to say exactly. It really was no business of hers. She had no right to interfere with a possible relationship between Logan abd this woman. Mariko had passed away some time ago and Kasumi was sure that her friend would want Logan to be happy. So, if this other woman made him happy, who was she to object?
"Mariko was my friend," she finally said in a soft voice.
"Ahhh..." Understanding came to the professor and he looked worriedly at her.
"But, I know that she'd want Logan to be happy. If Jubilee makes him happy, then..." She shrugged casually. But, she saw that the professor understood and was reassured by her words.
A loud knocking at the French windows interrupted them as the professor taught her the last of the basics in mind shielding.
"It's lunchtime, Professor." A cute blonde all-American type guy stood outside with a wide grin.
"Alright, Bobby. We'll be there in a moment."
She followed the professor out to the terrace where a long wooden table was set for lunch. She was uneasy about what the others would think of her. Only the professor, Hank, Remy, and the Summers knew about her and her reason for being there. The others probably wondered who she was and what she was doing at the mansion. Except for those who'd meet her, everyone eyed her curiously.
While the professor headed for his place at the head of the table, Kasumi stood behind the chair that Hank offered. Her face was calm despite all the attention directed at her. Not even her hands, clasped easily at the back of the high-back chair, revealed her nervousness. She smiled gratefully at Remy's sly wink. But, the woman, who'd been his partner at volleyball, obviously didn't appreciate the exchange for she elbowed Remy in the stomach. The professor waited till the curious murmurs died down and gestured towards Kasumi.
"This is Kasumi Minamoto, a friend of Logan. She'll be staying with us for awhile. Kasumi, this is...
...Dr. Cecilia... The smiling coffee-skinned woman on the other side of Hank.
...Rogue... The beautiful Southern woman who'd elbowed Remy.
...Warren... A handsome blue-skinned man with metal wings and an arrogant air.
...Betty... An Asian-looking woman beside him. A ninja, no doubt.
...Bobby... The blonde guy with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
...Ororo... A stunning African woman with long platinum hair and milk-white orbs as eyes.
...and, of course, you've met Hank, Remy, Scott, and Jean." Then, the professor frowned. "Where's Jubilee?"
"She said she's not hungry," Bobby said.
The professor looked at the lone figure at the dock and shook his head sadly before turning back to them. Only then did they take their seats.
"If your Logan's friend, do ya know where he is?"
Am I just imagining Rogue's hostile tone? Kasumi thought. I don't think so.
And neither did Remy.