So I had thought I had this all sorted out and then I started writing and basically rewrote the entire last half. I had said there would be a party in this one… but actually that's going to be next chapter. I promise I am not teasing, the first few pages are already written and I am so pumped to write Usagi/Mamory scenes. I also wanted to explain a few things, just in case it wasn't clear.
Some of the names us the English Manga translation versus the English Anime (mostly because for those of you North Americans who remember Usagi's voice in Season three and Four never want to hear it again). The reasoning for this is most of them would have grown up in the States so they would logically have English names… except Haruka because there was already an Xmen who had her English name (Amara) and I didn't want to cause any confusion. I chose to have her sort of replace Boom Boom (sorry to any of the hardcore fans) because otherwise the cast would just be outrageously large.
If you guys do have any questions, comments, concern or advice please feel free to post them in a review. It makes me sad if no one's reading and I know ya'll are doing it!
Finally, I would just like to shout out to everyone who has reviewed and encourage those who stray upon this to do so as well. Champion Of Justice, you were my first reviewer and continue after each chapter, I look forward to hearing from you again! Same to you Sousie
Also thank you to JJBrowneyes, PrincessSerene15, SailorVengeance19, Idsprincess, (hope to see you guys back here again!) ally0212, a rose by any other name715, krissymoon, Taeniaea, Disney Princess Belle, cocochan94, Krys7 and Neokstar (I assume the face is one of happy?)
I do not own Sailor Moon or Xmen and am profusely thankful the creators let us carry on in our own geeky way.
CHAPTER 6: The Dream
The night was cold and tasted of snow. Below her, buildings whizzed past, quilted statues of black. Her vision narrowed, carefully scanning the scene below. The wind was sharp, but her sight was sharper. There, she noted with intrigue. With a quickening of her pace she watched as her feet left the rooftop and she glided through the air.
Her landing was silent hardly even a click as her toes met with the frozen earth. A sudden cry split the night, strange words she knew by heart. A great force shot forth, thick waves speeding toward a dark, snarling figure. It turned, last minute and in its talons she saw the prone form of a woman, her head bent awkwardly in a painful slump. Her breath caught in her chest as it leapt up, dropping the body.
Beside her a shimmering figure cursed, and with a flick of its gloved hands dispelled the water.
"What kept you?" She saw her head shake and motioned to the unconscious form before them.
"Mars alright?" the glittering figure seemed to sigh, though she could only catch glimpses of her.
"Drained by the looks of it. Jupiter's already had to drag off Generals One and three." Before she could learn more, long dark tangles erupted from the darkness, their filaments wrapping the subject tightly. A stab of fear ripped her heart as the dazzling form dropped, its body fading behind walls of pulsing black.
Her view became frantic, panicked. Something hard sprang into her hands and she watched as it grew. Without another thought, she sprang towards the tendrils, striking them swiftly until they dropped, twitching, to the ground. She cried in alarm- the form still lay bound and motionless by the attacking tendons. Her feet carried her quickly, bitter air clawing her lungs.
There was a sudden silence, as though all living things froze simultaneously. Then, only pain as something dark and terrible ripped through her. She bit her lip and tasted blood. She screamed.
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Haruka rubbed her eyes wearily. Over the past month she had almost grown accustomed to Bunny's erratic sleep patterns. Tonight, however, was a clear exception. Flicking the lamp beside her, she groaned as the room broke into a dim light.
Across the room she watched the girl whimper. Her eyes tightly clenched, her blankets discarded by her feet. Every so often she parted her lips as though to speak before clamping resolutely shut. Haruka stood and walked the short distance between the beds. Bunny's pale face glistened beneath sheens of sweat and her entire body shook. Beneath the sharp edge of her front teeth her bottom lip was trapped, and a small drop of crimson pooled about the pearly dagger.
"Hey," she spoke uneasily, worried by the girl's erratic breath. Her hand reached out to feel her cheek before withdrawing suddenly. It was cold as ice. "Dumpling, come on, wake up." Her hands grabbed Bunny's shoulder's, shaking them firmly. The silver child stilled suddenly, her eyes parting and Haruka sighed in relief.
There was no warning, no deep breath, no blink: just a rapid and harsh shriek that seemed to shake the walls and tremble her heart. Within seconds the doors flew open and footsteps clambered down the hall.
The shriek burned her ears and she released her hold. Haruka dropped to her knees, arms cradling her head and she thought her mind might explode. Wonderful, so this was her power: as though the mansion were lacking in blare. She faked a smirk only to yelp in pain The door flung open and in an instance Haruka felt the Professors hand on her.
What happened? He spoke not aloud, but into her mind. For once the fiery girl did not mind Xavier's intrusion. At least it was silence.
I don't know, she was having a nightmare and then she just- the older man had no need to dismiss the curious faces at the door. Already Logan blocked their way, growling at anyone who dared trespass.
Bunny, he willed himself against the onslaught, attempting to break whatever trance the girl seemed imprisoned by. She did not answer, but bolted, the scream halting as she sprang to her feet, a wild look in her eyes.
"They are down, the lot of them!" she hardly seemed to notice the multitude of eyes staring at her, bewildered and alarmed. Her paces brought her to the window, her fingers desperately trying to unlatch the high lock.
"Logan, children, give us a moment please." Haruka did not move as the beefy man glared at the masses, causing them to back up. A moment later the door closed and the three were left in silence. Bunny turned, as though realizing their presence for the first time.
"We must hurry! They are dying!" Her eyes closed and Haruka imagined the scar flare to life.
"Who is dying, Bunny?" She seemed not to have heard them, or not to have cared. Grabbing hold of the thick curtains, she hauled herself onto the wide sill. Now able to reach the iron locks she lifted them in seconds. Xavier jumped in alarm.
"Calm yourself," he tried to focus his thoughts and still the frenzied girl but no matter how he tried, he could not reach her.
"No!" She cried out, pushing the windows open. A gust of strong wind poured through. Haruka watched as it sucked at her tiny figure, and her stomach clenched as Bunny wavered dangerously over the edge. "They have been attacked, it…" she seemed to be struggling for breath, great tears rolling over her cheeks. "I-it does not know what it does…" she leaned against the glass, hysterics racking her body.
In a single leap Haruka cleared the bed, landing gracefully at her side. She grabbed the small girl and pulled her in her arms. She struggled. "Please," she whispered her urgency pressing and frightening. "We must help them." Haruka caught the Professor's eyes. He nodded encouragingly.
"Who is 'them' Bunny? We can't help if we don't know how to find them." She heaved a great, shaking breath before ceasing her fight. She seemed to be returning.
"I- I do not know…" her head leaned back and Haruka felt her breath catch. A set of swollen, bright eyes gazed up at her imploringly. "I, I feel them, I know I can find them…"
"Are you sure it wasn't just a dream?" She sniffed.
"No, I could feel them," she clenched her stomach tightly, feeling suddenly weak. "Please," she begged. His consent was quick and unarguable. They moved with incredible speed. Haruka stood intent on following them.
The Professor halted her with a single look, a single shake of the head.
"Not this time," he uttered and she watched as Jean and Scott appeared, front and centre. Of course it would be them; she scowled, secretly wondering where this desire to protect the silver child came from. In moments they were gone, vanishing the length of the corridor before emerging below in a sleek black sports car.
Logan stared at the distraught girl, her shoulders shaking beneath the thin night-shift she wore.
"Right, which way?" he would ask nothing further… not yet. There was time for questions later. Bunny pointed forward.
"Here, left down the road way." A sudden pain shot through her chest and she felt the dizziness return. Leaning forward, she clutched the smooth leather interior with pale fingers. "Hurry," was her only plead.
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Darien could hear his breathing, feel the sensation as his lungs filled and his blood pumped. He knew he was alive. Yet, he could not move- not an inch, not a flicker. He lay facedown in the dirt with not even the strength to blow the blade of dried grass tickling his nose.
He could not tell if Michelle was alright, or if the other soldiers had managed enough of a recovery to return to the hunt. If his body could have allowed, it would have shuddered at the thought of what this monster could do to the people of this city. A cold fear gripped him- was this truly to be the end?
When he began fighting all those years ago, he knew, of course there would be a final battle as there was a first. He never suspected it would be so soon, he never thought it would be so easy to lose.
The air was growing thicker and he found his vision blackening behind his closed lids. No, he struggled, willing to feel that connection with his planet, willing for the crystal within him to spark to life. He could not lose this way- there was so much yet he did not know. Where had these powers come from? Who were these strange enemies who seemed to come from no where and yet knew so much of them? What were these dreams?
Even now, as his blood slowed, as his heart skipped he could see them, strange, impossible glimpses of a past he never knew. He tried to focus on that instead of the painful tingles in his limbs, instead of the prickles in his chest, instead of the vague fear he knew to come if he succumbed to sleep. To death... The darkness grew strongly and he fell.
Abrupt was the bright light enveloping him, kissing the darkness until it ebbed gently away. The weakness that dizzied him disappeared; his pained limbs faded until he felt light and warm and strangely energized. His lids peeled back and were it not for the biting cold he would have sworn he slept still. A pair of cerulean eyes caught his. There was a flash of white, a warm smile. Then they were gone.
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Logan ran in the direction she had darted to, his feet pounding against the hollow earth, his lips chapped against the wind. A few yards ahead he caught glimpse of something, then frowned. It was the jacket they had wrapped her in, in such a rush she had refused even to changed from her nightgown. His eyes scanned the darkness- nothing. It was quiet.
"Too quiet," he growled. "Wolverine to Cyclops, come in." A small communicator crackled to life in his palm. Momentary noiselessness met his ears before a small cry erupted.
"Cyclops here- any signs of Bunny?" He lifted the leather from the hanging branches and felt his chest rumble.
"No." He heard the teen speak quietly before returning.
"None here either, but Jean senses something else." Logan tensed. Now was not the time for a fight, not with the newbie on the loose.
"You kids hang tight, don't go lookin' fer whatever's there, hear me?" but the receiver had begun to quiet, a thick rustle of static breaking Scott's words into mere fragments. Logan cursed. "Cyclops? Jean?" Something akin to a howl answered him, as unearthly and terrifying as nothing he had ever known. The communicator gave a final sputter before clicking into naught. "Shit," he crumpled the plastic handheld and dropped it to the ground. Sniffing the air he caught their scent. The lil' one'll have ta wait, he thought, trying not to imagine her having met the fate the older charges presently faced. In moments he was gone, the empty branches swaying into black.
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Scott felt the tree bark scratch his shoulder and he hissed.
"Jean!" he cried, his blurred vision searching desperately for the tall red-head. The air filled with burning, a hot sizzle that tore his eyes and blazed his nostrils. The bark tightened against his skin and he gasped as his lungs narrowed. Precious air gushed from his lips, scattering in a pale fog. He fought against the vice grip, feeling it tighten instead crushing the vessels pulsing to his hands. "JEAN!" he screamed, his voice cracking with its last breath, the night melting away beneath a crimson haze. He felt light as his glasses fell from his face and in a moment of jubilant hope peeled back his lids to blast whatever this 'thing' was.
A shock of black blasted him and all he knew was silence.
---------------------------------------------------
Logan leapt the air in a great spring, hands curling forward beneath the long adamantium claws protruding from his knuckles. His cry pierced the night, mingling with the growls emanating from the hunched figure before him. With no greater warning he felt the metal slice the thickened stem followed by the painful crunch as Scott's body connected with frozen soil.
The monster howled in pain, immense jaws spreading to reveal glistening fangs.
"Scott!" the boy groaned, head lolling side to side. With a simple thought he called the Professor, alerting him of the situation. He scoured the area, looking desperately for a flash of red. His lips curled into a snarl.
The monster raged forward, its splintered limbs reforming as it charged, black light exploding into the air. It dragged a limp form behind and Logan tensed, muscles bulging. "Ready ta' fight somethin' yer' own size?" his voice, like gravel poured into the night and he bounded the distance, spinning over the creature's large scaly head. What was this thing? Before he could strike however, something whipped about his legs, hurtling him feet into the air.
Twisting expertly, he watched as the ground flew to meet him before landing gracefully beside the surprised creature. Frustrated, it hurled something his way. Recognizing the flying form as Jean, he caught her, carefully laying her to the ground. He need not feel a pulse to know she lived. The smell of death was nothing new, and this girl certainly did not carry it. "What the hell are you?" Logan did not expect a response, but a set of thick vines encircled him. Instinctively he struck out with his fists, only to find them tightly bound. "Fu-" his swear broke into a wail as waves of heat ripped through him. His body twitched, frantically trying to break free.
He felt his powers struggle against this force, vessels rebuilding before collapsing, bones mending before breaking again. Then, a chill crept inside him. His eyes sprang wide in alarm as the creature grinned.
"Yessss…" its menacing gestations broke around him. He was being pulled in infinite directions at once- head over heels, spine curling and coiling against the attack
Images flashed before him, memories long forgotten, smiles long erased. For once in all his life, Logan felt his powers betray him. The bones ceased mending, blood flowed openly from the gashes on his skin and beneath the surface he felt it pool and swell in great bruises. He tried to swallow hard, but the tendons tightened about him, a cruel cackle breaking the air around him. In a panicked moment he tried to scream yet only a drowned gurgle sounded.
Something whistled past his ear. Logan opened his eyes wearily, his body twitching beneath him. His head flopped lamely and spotted a bright rose protruding from the ground beside him. Something glowed from the crimson petals and he felt strength flow back to his bones.
Strange words flew and a hellish cry broke the night. The air seemed both to sizzle and freeze, to cackle and melt and Logan felt his hairs stand on end. With a final blow that sent the air whipping past, Logan stirred and pushed upright. Raising a thick fist, he wiped the blood from his lips and sniffed. That creature, whatever it may have been, was gone. Beside him the two teens roused.
"Hey," he called, standing slowly. The ground shifted below his feet and he felt that same wave of weakness wash over him. His arm pulsed and he winced- not entirely healed. "Who the hell are you?" The figure hovered in the shadows and though he tried, Logan could not focus on it. He narrowed his eyes. Within the strangers arms he noticed a familiar form. "If you hurt a hair on her head," his claws popped out, the skin bleeding thickly around the wound.
The figure seemed to smirk but nodded its head. Dipping low, it seemed to deposit the delicate package, laying her softly on the ground. As he arose Logan saw her wrapped in something dark and silky. In the fractioned moment between that gaze, the stranger vanished. Logan raced the several feet between them, but nothing remained of the stranger.
A distant rumble broke his thoughts and Logan heard the Professor. His brows darkened, troubled, but he hoisted the girl over his pained shoulder and trudged to where the older charges leaned unsteadily against the other, backlit by a set of bright headlights. Wolverine clenched his jaw- once again his instincts proved correct.
"Nothin' but trouble."
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Beryl waited beneath the stars, shadowed by the columns that housed their place. She shivered despite herself and pulled the furs lining her neck tighter. It was late in the winter season, the Yule celebration mere weeks away. A slip of a grin met her red lips and she could not help but feel a twitter of excitement. Finally, Elysian would unite with the North Kingdom. Who knew? Perhaps, with the Earth Prince beside her, they could move on and claim their rightful place as rulers of the Silver Millennium.
Thinking of her Betrothed she could not help but frown. He behaved strangely this past year. Forgetting appointments, appearing late for events. There were moments the woman was almost sure to glimpse something beneath those stormy eyes. They stared beyond her, farther than any sight could travel.
The wind howled and Beryl stood abruptly, her spirits frozen. Could it be her imagination, or did she hear whispers? Fool, she chided herself. No one but the Prince and his Mate were permitted in the heart of the gardens. Not even she had been allowed- yet.
She took the steps quickly and silently, summoning the air to warm against her. It stifled her footsteps, allowing her to float the length before arriving before the leafy archway. Not even her magic would consent her entry for these spells followed the earth to its formation. She cursed.
"Yes, yes." Her Beloved's voice, she bit her lip curiously. Who could he be instructing so urgently? A pause, Beryl shook. "I shall be there, on my soul I shall be there." Did he laugh? The Prince did not laugh, never like this. It was a strange sound, light and free. "You force me to forget myself…" his voice dropped and whatever he mumbled seemed lost in the air. Beryl swallowed against the jealousy raging in her blood.
He was beside her the next instant, having rushed so quickly through the gate her presence went unnoticed. She moved aside quickly enough, watching him stumble with a certain sense of justice.
"Enjoying the night, my love?" she questioned, her lips drawn tautly. From the corner of her eye she could have sworn there was a flash, but her magic sensed nothing and she continued. The Prince took her momentary distraction to straighten himself, the rosy light of his cheeks fading. His arm crossed before his chest and he bowed politely.
"I fear I have angered you, My Lady." Thick black locks fell before his eyes and she reached to brush them away. He made no effort to move, simply nodding appreciatively before standing.
"You are late," she said crossly. "Again." His head dipped quickly.
"I apologize, Mage Beryl." His eyes slipped longingly to the sky. "I seem to have lost myself among the stars this eve." He chuckled, the same tight-chest laughter he always employed. "It seems the General is a terrible influence." Beryl turned snappily, awaiting his arm to guide her up the stairs. Did he really think her such a fool?
"It seems you forget much these days," her fingers coiled against his stiff arms. "We were to meet tonight, by the columns." Her voice became quiet, a sad whisper. The Prince felt shamed and allowed his gloved hand to fall upon hers. She seemed to brighten somewhat. "How many times must you be asked to remove these formalities between us? After all," she reasoned primly. "We are married."
"Betrothed," he spoke curtly, the stiffness returning to his form. Beryl shrugged.
"All the same, is it not?" her voice took on a dreamy edge, though it did not lose that ferociousness he was accustomed to hearing. "My darling Prince, together our union will bring together the Shadow and Golden worlds." She smiled, nestling seductively against him. Endymion sighed, trying to place a subtle distance between them as she continued. "Perhaps even…" The Prince stopped completely.
"Do you still desire the Silver Millennium?" Beryl turned, surprised at his outburst. "There are things in this Universe, My Lady that cannot be attained no matter our desires." Beryl scoffed.
"You side then with the Lunarians, those foolhardy usurpers?" The Prince frowned.
"Caution, My Lady.. You speak of things you do not understand." Her eyes narrowed, their hazel depths darkening.
"You think me a fool, Endy." He flinched at the name.
"Milady, I think you no more foolish then any other human." Beryl seethed at his words. "I ask you to call me by my birthright. Pet names are unbecoming." His gaze softened and he captured her arm once more. "Come," he sighed. "Let us continue to the castle. I have had my fill of this cold." Her qualms forgotten, the crimson-haired mage fell into step with the Prince. Despite her worries, she smiled as behind them the moon's light left them, barred by the thick, wooden doors. Soon, she nodded. Soon.
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She gazed from her dark fortress, grinning as the girls face tensed in dreaming. A pale finger found a hard corner on the throne in which she sat.
"Mother," a voice hissed from the darkness. Her lips curved upward as the sleeping form fought against the images.
"Not now my son." The boy beside her frowned, his dark features spreading demonically over his flesh. "Time is short child, and our moment comes too soon." Her hand reached to the sight before her, the red head child panting fearfully, clutching her chest.
"How can it? He has not yet awaken." His complaint was bitter and she rubbed his head playfully.
"Not yet," she repeated mysteriously. Beyond the glass they watched as the figure jerked upright, her hair mussed and hand clutching her chest. She panted a moment before straightening, a wry grin painting her pretty pout. Standing from the bed she approached them, her hands running idly through the crimson locks floating about her shoulders.
She sat before them, her eyes gazing back to her reflection lit by the moon.
"Endy…" she whispered, her dark eyes staring confusingly back to her. A shadow winked and she smiled. With a sigh she sat back, pulling a small bottle from the cluttered surface and rubbing scented lotion over her palms before returning to bed. Beyond the looking glass the boy smirked.
"This is your plan?" the woman chuckled, watching as the figure settled back to sleep.
"We have something they do not, young one." He rolled his eyes.
"Yes, time. I know." The woman did not frown when she looked at him, instead staring stonily his way. He seemed to grow anxious beneath her gaze and mumbled a quick apology. The woman relaxed her face.
"Ah," she lowered herself into the throne. "But they, my child, do not."
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Rogue spotted her hunched form, sitting in prim display in the centre of lunchtime chaos. A half eaten burger sat, soggy and cold on a rumpled Styrofoam plate. Her fingers poked it, disinterested while her vision seemed unfocused and far off. Nearly two weeks had passed since her vision, two weeks since they were attacked in the dark, two weeks since their search began for the masked figure.
"She said anything 'bout it?" Haruka sighed, shaking her sandy hair.
"Nah. Professor won't spill either." Her hands raked her messy locks, still moist from track practice. "And I think we both know Mr. Boy Scout is a lost cause." Rogue rubbed her thin thoughtfully, pursing her dark lips.
"There's always Jean," Haruka laughed mirthlessly, pausing a moment to down her soda.
"Great idea. Play mind games with a psychic." Rogue scoffed. Haruka spun on her heal, casting a final worried thought to the anxious girl sitting alone. Had she stayed a moment longer, she would have seen a tall, handsome teen stride towards her. Rogue felt her eyes widen in a stunned silence. Across the room, he stopped and she stumbled as the line jostled her forward.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Bunny whirled, surprised by the sudden interruption. Days had passed since her strange night-vision and on her life she could not shake the eerie sensation that something was out of place. Diamond did not wait for an answer but sat beside her, a look of expectancy spreading over his handsome features. "Wait, let me guess. Trying to decide what to wear for tonight?"
"Tonight?" she repeated, confused. His brows arched majestically.
"Don't tell me you forgot. It's the social extravaganza of the year," he winked and she shied blushingly.
"R-right," she stammered, suddenly intrigued by the apple before her. Diamond chuckled heartily. Beryl eyed them from across the room, ignoring the waves of heads bobbing incessantly before her. What the hell is he playing at? The new girl leaned into the handsome boy, a look of wonder etched over her face. Beryl scowled.
"I have something for you," Bunny jumped in her seat, her hands clapping excitedly.
"A present?" she exclaimed as he withdrew a small box from the bag by his feet. She gasped, completely enthralled. "Oh Diamond!" He leaned casually into his chair as she pounced on the parcel, secretly admiring the way her hair curled around her blushing cheeks, how her slim arms pulled enthusiastically at miles of ribbon he'd wrapped expertly. Finally, she lifted the delicate lid, her lips curling into a wide grin.
"This year's theme is 'masquerade'." She fingered the delicate mask with great care, admiring the glittering intricacies carved into its porcelain surface. Diamond watched her turn the mark over, tracing a faint outline with her slim fingers.
"Beautiful," she whispered. He grinned, small and lopsided.
"The mask's not bad either." Her face reddened at his compliment. This was too easy. Motioning to the upturned lid, he nodded. "Directions are there, party starts at nine."
"Thank you," she managed finally, sounding breathless and flushed. She caught his eye, and for a moment Diamond felt his guard flicker beneath her gaze.
"Save me a dance?" she beamed.
"The very first," she touched his arm gently and it took all his reserves not to pull her into him, and wrap her tightly in his embrace. Tonight, he reminded himself. Instead, he settled on a wink before turning from her, only to meet a set of very angry hazel eyes.
For those who attended Bayville High, it was a well known fact that Beryl and Diamond had courted, on and off for their entire High School career. Both came from ridiculously wealthy families, both seemed attracted by the power of social hierarchy and both possessed a certain harshness that was never far below their surface. Both also happened to share a childish propensity for jealousy. They got what they wanted, when and how they wanted. You were a fool if you thought their scraps were up for grabs.
"Something the matter Beryl?" the shapely redhead maintained her glower.
"What do you think you're doing?" she hissed, casting a disgusted look to the silver haired girl behind them. Catching the coloured flash in the girls hands her frown deepened. Without warning she reached forward and snatched the mask from the surprised girl. "What the hell is this?" Bunny stood instantly, her eyes following the glittering mask as it waved before her. Diamond shrugged.
"I believe it's called a 'mask'." She clucked her tongue, rolling her eyes furiously.
"I know what it is." Her thumb jerked backwards and Bunny jumped. "What the hell is she doing with it?" At this, Bunny became cross.
"It was a gift," she stated, one palm reaching forward expectantly. "I would very much appreciate if you returned it to me." Beryl did not bother to hide her chuckle, her hip jutting haughtily in Bunny's direction. The air in the cafeteria stilled, eyes drawing to the ensuing battle. A crowd began to gather, eager to see the Queen Bee's oncoming drama.
"Don't tell me you think you're coming tonight." She snorted highly, tossing the mask carelessly. Bunny lunged for it, slipping on the plastic linoleum as her hands reached out. She winced as her elbows burned against the floor, though the mask dropped safely into her palms. "It's by invite only," she added, offering the girl no aid as she stood. Diamond stood, his face impassive as ever.
"I invited her." Beryl's face froze, caught momentarily off guard. She turned slowly.
"Did you?"
"Yes, he did." Diamond flinched, Bunny's interjection echoing the ears of the startled onlookers. Beryl's eyes flashed ridiculously, as though she now sported an extra limb. The falter vanished instantly to be replaced by a dark smirk and she slinked forward. More precisely, she approached with the calm, calculated steps of a trained predator.
Diamond watched with a mixture of grim horror and curious enthralment. Still, he tried to catch Bunny's eyes, to send some non-verbal warning. But the young girl stood her ground as the redhead advanced. Her petite frame squared, arms clenched firmly at her sides, chin thrust proudly out. A swell of pride filled him to see her fearlessness.
The crowd could not contain their gasps as her pale hands fell upon the girl's shoulders. Bunny herself eyed the girl wearily in an attempt to pierce her tactics. A set of sparkling teeth shone from beneath thick, crimson lips.
"Well," she purred, cocking her head thoughtfully. A lump of something foreign caught in Bunny's throat and she gulped. Finally, a sigh escaped the towering figure. "I suppose any friend of Diamond's is a friend of mine." Behind them, Bunny caught annoyed expression. Anything for a crowd, his eyes spoke. She could not help but smile. Beryl's face tightened. "I'll see you tonight then. Make sure and dress up, this is not your average soiree." And she was gone, hips swaying until she disappeared behind the thick set of metallic doors serving as the exit.
For a moment the room stayed as it was, frozen, silent. Somewhere in the depths of her stomach Bunny felt a fearful churning, as though she had inadvertently accepted conceded to some secret war.
"Don't worry, she's harmless." His lips pursed and he seemed to reconsider his words. "Bitchy," he decided. "But harmless. I'll seeya Bunny. Don't forget our dance." And as the crowd began to chatter, their drama quotient reached she was left alone, watching his form fade behind the buzzing students.
Rogue strode past the milling students, stopping before the dazed girl. She wondered what excactley had gone under as she was waiting for her daily grease fix. Noticing the open box, invitation and mask it was all she could do to contain her awe. She chocked on half a fry, her coughs breaking the girls thoughts.
"So," her southern drawl was deep and raspy. Bunny fought the unease, swallowing thickly before grinning brilliantly at the pale goth girl. "Whacha' gonna wear?"
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She did not look up as they entered the room, the clicking of her keyboard sounding endlessly throughout the room. Her glasses reflected light from the monitor, giving her a slightly comic look. Zoicite could not contain his smile.
"Well?" the fire priestess asked crossly, her arms crossed before her chest. A dark purple bruise peeked from below her dark fringe, framing her geisha-worthy beauty. The short haired girl frowned, finally snapping the screen down in frustration.
"Nothing, not one bit one her!" her hands flew up in exasperation, ripping the thick frames from her pixie-like face. She had gone through national and international files since the battle, in an attempt to learn as much of this new girl that she could.
No one knew entirely what happened that battle. From what Darien had told he, by all logic, should very well lie six feet deep. Rei, having suffered a massive drain and cranial abrasion was unconscious for the lot of it, Michelle passed soon after while the rest of them had appeared moments too late, finding the soldiers down, the monster struggling but approaching and the girl lying overtop of him, out cold.
Mina frowned, leaning against her boyfriend.
"Well this just doesn't make sense. What about her school records? Birth certificate? Social Insurance number?" Lita nodded enthusiastically.
"What about passport? Can you track maybe where she's visited?" Rei snorted.
"Please, if Ami's been looking and finding nothing, something is definitely up." Darien took a quiet sip from his beer, enjoying the soft buzz relieving the ongoing muscle ache.
"So she's not a transfer student then?" his fingers picked idly at the label. "She can't possibly be from here- in fact, that accents like nothing I've ever heard." Zoisite shook his long mane, the gentle waves floating about his shoulders in well-groomed layers.
"That's the weird part. All her records are in order- birth certificates, school administrations, hell even honour role certificates," he smirked. "Which, for general interest, stopped right around the third grade." Jadeite laughed, choosing to ignore the withering glare from his more argumentative half.
"However," Ami continued. "All these places she attended no longer exist. The small town she was born in was destroyed in a fire three years after her birth, the school she attended closed down last year." Nephrite raised his thick brows.
"That's a lot of coincidence." Kunzite merely frowned.
"Strangely enough, I can't get a hold of any of her supposed 'contacts'. None of the teachers working while she attended can remember hearing of her, none of their supposed 'neighbour's' have any memory of her…" she groaned, nodding graciously as Zoicite handed her a glass of swirling wine. Their fingers lingered as they touched. Despite the current seriousness, Mina could not help but smile.
"She exists completely on paper, totally legal, nothing bizarre." Kunzite nodded at the ex-surfer's meaning.
"Almost as though someone created her entirely," his pale locks fell over his eyes as his thoughts deepened.
"It's interesting she would be at Xavier's School," Darien piped, eyeing the slowly decreasing foam. Lita nodded slowly in understanding.
"That's that school for mutants, right?" Rei shook her head.
"Unofficially," Darien shook his head.
"I don't think it's as simple as that."
"I'm sure lots of them flee their homes, take on new identities and all that for their protection." Lita reasoned. She had yet to meet this enigma and yet something told her the girl was not responsible for this new enemy. "Who's to say that's not all this is?" Nephrite nodded, slowly.
Behind them they heard the door click open, the group turned to meet Michelle's flushed face before revealing a slightly taller figure behind her. Darien raised a brow.
"You're late," Haruka snorted.
"Thank you captain obvious." Michelle clicked her tongue reproachfully. Not for the first time in his life, Darien was infinitely thankful for his patient nature.
"Haruka, nice to see you," he paused. "Again." Then, only partially beneath his breath added "so soon". Since that fateful night two weeks prior, Haruka had been attending their meetings, suddenly interested in joining forces she had tried to fight so hard against.
The men stifled their grins to avoid the darkening glances from the women. It dawned on them quite suddenly how much estrogenic constantly surrounded them. Unconsciously, they all took giant swigs from their bottles.
"Sorry," she apologized, removing her long overcoat to reveal a floor length gown, turquoise in colour and embroidered with shining golden thread. For that matter, Haruka stood behind her dressed in a dressy white tuxedo, both sporting rather elegant and fancy makeup.
"For us?" Jadeite spoke, shaking his hand teasingly. "Ah, you shouldn't have." Michelle ignored the comment, approaching them before seating herself gracefully on the remaining couch.
"I'm attending E.I.'s Hall tonight." she smiled. "We're both playing in the orchestra," she added, noting their curious stares.
"Oh, you're a musician too?" She shrugged and plopped casually onto the armrest, leaning ever so slightly against the brunette's stylish up do.
"Actually I'm a racer," noticing the quick jerk of Michelle's arm, she added a half smile and softened her tone. "But, I hit the ivory okay." Her look became serious once more. "What did we miss?" Jadeite rolled his eyes, unimpressed by her constant attitude.
"Not much, mostly because we can find very little on her." Ami saved what she was sure would beget a most unpleasant argument. Haruka snorted.
"Well of course not. People don't just drop out of the sky like that everyday." They raised looks of surprise. It had taken two weeks of constant prodding by Michelle for her to agree to give up what she knew. Although it was ultimately minute, she could not help but feel slightly treacherous, as though these were facts only Bunny should reveal.
Darien perked at her words, suddenly very interested at what she might divulge.
"What do you mean?" he said slowly. She met his gaze.
"I don't know exactly what happened, but from what I hear she just sort of appeared out of nowhere, nearly got herself hit when Jean and Scott were driving home." Rei frowned.
"You mean she attacked them?" Haruka shook her head.
"Nah, it was more like she was falling, and from damn high up to hit the pavement like that. They said she just sort of stopped the car, raised it right off the ground…" Lita clenched her husband's hands.
"Super strength?" Darien could not help but grin. The very thought of her skinny arms lifting anything heavier then shopping bags seemed so farfetched… that was until he remembered his own life. Normalcy is completely relative.
"Nope, just kinda," her hand flew up. "Lifted it, stopped it dead in its tracks a few inches from her and held it up until the wheels stopped spinning."
"But where did she come from? Is she like the others, a mutant?" Ami stared, puzzled by the girls story.
"I honestly don't know. She doesn't even know. Woke up a week later with no memory of anything, no hint of power, nothing like what Jean and Scott had described. In fact," she trailed on, unaware of Darien's sudden surprise. "That dream, that vision she had of you guys, that was the first sign of any sort of power I've seen from her."
"What if she was the light you saw Darien? Both events sound eerie similar." Rei nodded.
"Maybe she can't control her power…" she shook her head. "Even if she's not tied to the new enemy, she's a danger like that." Haruka frowned.
"I did some snooping, turns out whatever power she has, it's not mutant related. No X gene." Zoicite perked, he and Ami relaying excited glances.
"Could you possibly get us a copy of these blood tests?" Darien noticed her wary look, as though fearful of what this information could mean. Ami offered her soft smile.
"I just want to run cross references, research to see if we can't find out more about her.
"No memory," Darien whispered. He looked up, catching the sandy haired girls eyes. "You said she lost them all?" Haruka nodded.
"We don't even know if 'Bunny' is her real name. The Professor tried mind prodding but… nothing. Just a blank." Darien hid his face beneath another sip, the information sinking slowly. A sudden sympathy sprung for this girl, the strange whirlwind of a girl. He knew all too well what it was to lose everything. Who would have though such a carefree person could hold such secrets? Across the room, Lita nestled into her husbands arms, tightening her grip on his solid arms.
"She's just a kid," she murmured. In a flash she saw the day she lost her life, her parents, killed before her thirteenth summer. All she'd ever wanted was a family. Looking up she caught the knowing gaze of her soul mate and smiled reassuringly. Now that she did, she would do whatever she could to protect it. Rei frowned, her deep eyes tightening beneath her finely shaped brows.
"Please," she scoffed. "We're what, one? Two years older?" Kunzite and Darien both shrugged uncomfortably, both reminded of their slightly more mature status. "I would hardly call us 'kids'" Casting a sideways glance to Jadeite, she sighed painfully. "Well," she added. "Most of us anyway." The room filled with laughter, quiet at first, then building as the tension drained.
"Alright," Mina chortled, thoroughly amused by the utter defiance between the two. Slowly, the laughter died. "Well, on that note…" Haruka stood, waiting for Michelle to join her. Ami sighed wistfully.
"I still feel as though we're back to square one…" Zoicite rubbed her shoulder comfortingly.
"Don't worry, Haruka'll grab those files and you'll be back to plugging away in no time." She rolled her eyes, muttering something along the lines of 'unless you take it first.' Rei hooted.
"Go Ami!" Darien smirked at his friends, feeling suddenly very aware of his fifth wheel status.
"Oh, Darien, would you do me a huge favour?" Michelle piped suddenly, pausing as she struggled to layer up. He took another swallow, looking down to realize the bottle was now drained.
"What sort of favour?"
"I'm only playing until eleven tonight, but I have to carry the equipment back and Haruka only brought her cycle," she sent a glare to the taller girl.
"What! Scott took the car." Darien sighed.
"Sometimes I think I spoil you girls." Michelle clasped her hands prettily.
"Oh, you know we deserve it. Hey!" she added, awed that she almost forgot. "Be sure to come in a tux, we can grab you a mask there." He started backward.
"Uh, what?" She rolled her eyes.
"Well, if you're going to help me, you may as well stay for the champagne."
"I'll be driving," he said flatly. Her hand waved airily.
"You can still have one. I won't take no for an answer!" she chided, shaking her finger as they disappeared through the door. He stood there a moment, staring at the dark cherry wood door, the sudden news of the Dumpling head surprising and rather concerning him. How was it that she remained so infuriatingly light hearted? Did not knowing her past cause her no pain?
He thought of his own life, his own missing memories. The first eight years of his life did not exist, his earliest memory being a repetitive dream that followed him every night since then. Did he love his parents? Did he miss them? How can you miss people you cannot recall?
Yet he knew you could, knew from the way his heart pained him after these dreams. Tugging on his sleeve he checked the time- eight o'clock. He sighed. Enough time for another beer.