Unity

Chapter ten:

Stevens' H.Q.:

"Yeouch!"

"Quiet! Do you want us to get caught?" the man with the glasses snapped.

"Actually, I'm more concerned about these robots waking up. What if they flick us off their shoulders? It's an awfully long drop."

"Less talk, more work," Stevens ordered, "I want that virus downloaded on at least half these things." The sentinels counted with a failsafe mechanism that kept them from endangering innocent bystanders while hunting for mutants; the virus the mousy-haired bigot was talking about was design to annul this safety measure. "That idiot, Rogers, made the sentinels obsolete. Mutie vermin have the nerve to mingle with us, as long as they do so, they'll be safe. We need this victory, we can't be queasy about breaking some eggs."

"I understand perfectly, sir," the one with the glasses replied, "But, aren't you worried about personal repercussions? What if the sentinels are traced back here? Your campaign will go kaput and you'll be sent to prison."

"Don't be stupid, I've taken precautions, even if New York City is reduced to rubble, evidence will show that I had nothing to do with it." Stevens checked his watch. "Let's go, the sentinels are about to start their patrol." The three of them left the gargantuan hangar. The only culprits will be two saboteurs who were too careless to cover their tracks, he thought with a wicked sneer.

*****

Xavier's school:

Moving swiftly through a field of floating rocks, Sailor Uranus leapt to the one below and threw a blast at the three bladed orbs that had been chasing her. One was hit, the other two picked up speed, turned and charged, only to be sliced in half by the Space Sword.

"Chikuso, these things are fast!" she cursed as she checked her flanks. She was ready to destroy more of those machines when a red beam blew them to smithereens.

"Keep your distance, these things are dangerous at close range," the X-Man recommended as he fired his eye-beam at a large cluster of those gadgets. "Thanks for gathering 'em, Jean."

"Any time." The redhead used her telekinesis to take control of two of the boulders and crush a large number of robots. "How many are left?"

"Not many," Neptune noted, "Deep Submerge!" The watery attack took care of the remaining orbs in sight. "I think that's all of them, it's hard to tell among these blasted rocks."

"Neptune, move!" her lover yelled.

"Nani?" the aqua-eyed senshi turned to see a boulder looming above her head. She was pulled away just as it crashed against the one she was standing on. "Phew, arigato, Jean-san, I should've been more careful."

"We can't afford any mistakes, Sailor Neptune, the smallest one can be deadly," the Professor's voice reminded, "Keeping that in mind is the whole purpose of this place. Computer, end session." The cosmic scenario flickered and vanished as the holographic projectors were put away.

"Motoki-kun should get one of these," the sand-blonde whispered into her ocean princess' ear when she came down, "he would retire a rich man in one weekend." They joined Cyclops and Jean at the elevator. "This danger room of yours is amazing!"

"You think this was impressive? You should have Henry show you his RPG's," the red-eyed man quipped. The elevator stopped and they all stepped into the control where they saw Charles and Pluto.

"Unbelievable," the time senshi huffed as she shook her head, "you two are playing videogames while I work my butt off gathering information."

"The kami forbid I become a stick in the mud," Neptune retorted with equally playful sarcasm, "How'd we do in the simulation, Xavier-sama?"

"Quite well, it's surprising to see newcomers achieve such high scores," the telepath congratulated, "However, Sailor Uranus, you tend to be highly competitive. A good quality, but a damaging handicap if you don't keep it in check."

"Hai, I'll keep that in mind." The sand-blonde disliked receiving reprimands, but she couldn't argue against someone who was right. The professor moved into the elevator. "Let's go see the others, they're impatient to hear what Sailor Pluto knows."

"I can't wait to tell them myself," the ruby-eyed woman replied, "and you don't need telepathy to notice."

The rest of the group was at the meeting room, along with Mystique and Magneto, who had recovered enough to walk about. The atmosphere was not pleasant, they were watching the news on the large monitor, it highlighted the various attacks committed by morlock and anti-mutant groups against each other last night.

"Unbelievable," Ororo gasped, "they're told to jump off a bridge then they go ahead and do it. Don't they have minds of their own?"

"That's propaganda," the master of magnetism said, "if people are led to believe in something strongly enough, they will stop at nothing to support it. Stevens and other politicians know of this sort of manipulation." Dr McCoy shot a disapproving glare. "I know I'm in no position to criticize. I do have more class, however, and I am on the winning side."

"There are no winners in war," the blue-furred man retorted, "History books speak of victories, but not the cost." On screen, paramedics were carrying an injured child. "Whatever the future brings, these people will change from persons to mere numbers."

"Hey, it's their fault," Mystique stated, "All we did was show up, they're the ones who started with the torches and pitchforks."

"We've had this argument a thousand times before," Logan piped up, "and repeating it won't get us anywhere." He glimpsed at the set and started pacing. "Where's Pluto? Is she going to tell us what the deal is or not?"

"I understand how you feel, Logan-san," Uranus said as she and the others entered, "all this waiting around is maddening." She turned to her mocha-skinned sister. "So, Pluto, did you do your homework?"

"Hai, but you won't find the news so amusing." Everyone sat down, eager for answers. "Let's review, our foe is a nameless demon, thousands of years old, provokes violent incidents in order to feed out of them, utilizes hypnosis and occasionally possesses people. Now, the first fact you ignore, is that our enemy is of extraterrestrial origin."

"An alien? You mean this is all a plan of invasion?" the white-haired girl asked in disbelief.

"Not invasion, annihilation," Pluto corrected, "Like a virus, it invades and destroys its host as it multiplies within; Earth will become an utterly empty rock by the time this creature has gathered enough energy to create spawn and send them to other worlds."

"I see what you're getting at," Jean said as she crossed her arms, "There's a link between the tale Magneto told us and the brawls we're seeing now; first it was Arians vs Jews, now it's humans vs mutants."

"There are street-fights between humans, those who support us and those who don't," the blue-skinned woman added, "and I saw an argument go bad at Stevens' headquarters. Apparently, every time two different opinions meet all hell breaks loose."

"I see now, each person is led to believe that his or her point of view must be absolute. The demon stokes and thrives on hatred and intolerance," the professor figured out, "and if things continue the way they are, it won't be long before war occurs." Pluto confirmed this with a somber nod.

"And don't forget, mutation is not the only cause for discord," Neptune reminded, "There is also religion, race, politics, this hate-demon will take advantage of them all no doubt."

"Everything is fair game!" the time senshi exclaimed, "We're sure to see racists fighting over which form of execution is best, and mutants about their powers. Pretty soon, subjects such as favorite sport, music, color, dish… all of those will become an excuse for murder."

"Sounds ridiculous," Logan countered, "then again, we are a ridiculous species." The feral man looked up. "Last night, you mentioned how a queen and her soldiers faced that hate-demon. Now it's time for you to tell us the whole story."

"Hai, I'll try to be as brief as possible." The time senshi took a deep breath began her narrative. "We never knew when it arrived, only after a lot of death and destruction did Serenity-sama become aware of the hate-demon's existence. It was an exhausting search, and there was an incredible battle once the senshi of the Silver millenium found it. It had grown too strong to eliminate, all her majesty could manage was to weaken and contain it."

"Do you think she can stop it again?" Scott asked, "If she reincarnated too, that is."

"I'm afraid she didn't," the wind senshi answered, "but I think we can manage on our own. Remember the battle last night? If the hate-demon can't keep up a force-field and giants at the same time, it means that it's yet to reach its full potential. So we may be able to completely destroy it if we pool our own powers."

"Our first obstacle is to find it, though," Eric pointed out. "Considering what Mystique went through, it must be collaborating with Stevens," the white-haired villain deduced, "that man's position and resources are a useful tool."

"Don't forget about the morlocks, Eric," his old friend reminded, "their resentment should be considered an energy source. We must search on both sides."

"We better get started," the red-eyed leader said, "finding a particular morlock colony among miles of tunnels is a feat all its own. And locating Stevens won't be easy either."

"Leave him to me," the metamorph offered, "A quick visit to a government building and a little data download should give us much necessary information."

"Widening our will save us time," Neptune added as she and her sisters got up, "Let's keep in touch as we find out more." The intercom started ringing, someone was at the front door.

"Of course, we can't forget about the school," Ororo reminded, "Jean and I will hold the fort, you guys find out how to defeat this monster." Everyone left. Pluto decided to stay at the institute so that she and the remaining X-Men could come up with a proper strategy. Eric was in need of more rest, and Charles accompanied him to his room.

"This situation scares me to death," the telepath confessed, "The end of humanity at its own hands, my personal nightmare come true."

"I'm reminded of the holocaust," his white-haired friend replied, "One man, one creature uses manipulation and drives the world mad." They got to the infirmary where the mutant extremist came to a halt. "Charles, I will collaborate in every possible way. But keep in mind that I'm doing so to aid our kind, not the humans."

"Hi, Jean," one of the students greeted as she came into the hall, "Giselle's parents are here, I'll go get her."

"Really?" The redhead went up to the couple, they looked worried and impatient. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, you're here to visit Giselle I presume."

"Yes, Miss Grey," the man responded, "Could you please call her, we're in a bit of a hurry."

"I'm here," the green-scaled girl announced. She happened to be passing by. "Mom, Dad! How come you're here a week early?" She then noticed that her mother was carrying a trench-coat and wide-brimmed hat. "Umm, what are you doing with those?"

"We're taking you home, dear," the black-haired woman answered, "Come, put this on and get into the car."

"No way!" Giselle shouted. She sprinted up the wall before they could reach out for her. "I like it here! You're not taking me away from my friends!"

"Giselle, listen, we want you to be somewhere safe," her father insisted, "Haven't you been watching the news? These radicals are attacking everywhere there are mutants present, it's dangerous for you to stay here, at Xavier's."

"I suppose you idiots can do much better," David mocked defiantly, standing at the foot of the stairs. "You're not qualified to protect Giselle, we are. She has to stay with her own kind."

"David, we're in no mood to argue," Giselle's father replied angrily, "So quit pestering and let us on our way."

"Think you can take me, old man?" The mutant teen emphasized this threat by making his claws grow. The yellow-eyed girl let herself drop and hissed right at his face.

"Lay one finger on him, jerk, and I'll shove those things so far up your-"

"Okay, everyone quiet down!" Jean scolded, "Now, Mr. & Mrs. Anderson, I understand your concern, but frankly, I do believe your daughter will be much safer in the institute."

"I know, she told us about security here," the man replied, "but I don't care if defenses are tighter than at Fort Knox, I'm Giselle's father and I know what's best for her."

"Hello!" the girl in question raised her voice, "Don't I have a say in the matter? It's my life you know."

"Quite right," Charles said as he showed up, "In spite of our experience, none of us has right to choose for Giselle." He turned to the reptilian girl, "You have matured since you first came through our doors, therefore I will trust your judgement."

"You don't miss the chance of turning everything into a lesson, do you, sir?" The green-scaled girl gave her mother a glance, she saw her anxiety and sighed. "Give me a minute to pack my things and I'll be right with you."

"What!?" her dark-haired boyfriend couldn't believe what he'd just heard, "Are you crazy? How can you just…" David realized there was no point in arguing. "Fine! Do whatever you want, lizard hag, see if I care!"

"Dave, wait! Oh, what's the use?" Giselle's mother came close and put her hand on her shoulder. "I'm okay… You guys want to wait at the rec-room? I won't take long."

"We'll wait outside," the black-haired woman answered, "it's a sunny day." Giselle went one way and her parents the other, leaving Jean and Charles to themselves.

"Professor, are you sure about this?"

"Mr. Anderson intends to take his family away from the city; as far as we know, that's beyond our foe's influence. And giving them peace of mind is important, even if it chips away at mine."

"There's something else that's worrying you, isn't there?"

"The nature of our school has been kept a secret to most, and we are prepared for a possible attack." The telepath linked his hands and frowned. "Now that the subject has been raised, however, I'm afraid I might be pushing my luck. I better pay heed to caution and make a phone call."

Upstairs at their bedroom, Rogue, Kathy, Hotaru and Chibi-Usa were helping their green-scaled friend pack.

"I don't know, Giselle-chan," the petit princess commented, "even if it was for my own good, I wouldn't be fond of the idea of being locked up in my room."

"Oh, it won't be like that at all," Giselle replied, "Dad bought a beach house recently, lots of room, plenty of privacy, swimming, sunbathing…" She made a pause then broke out laughing, "I'm gonna look like an iguana."

"We're going to miss you, even if our time spent together was so brief," the amethyst-eyed girl said, "Here, don't forget these photos." One was a picture of the whole gang, the other, of herself and David. The young mutant looked at it and took a deep breath.

"Umm, Giselle," the streaked brunette started, "why don't you take a minute to talk to David before leaving?"

"Dad won't wait, I can tell he wants to get behind the wheel as soon as possible, and Dave's too stubborn to talk and solve this." Giselle closed her suitcase. "I'll call him when I get there."

"That's probably a good idea, I saw David-kun as he went down the corridor, and he needs time to cool off," the odango-headed girl said, "Besides, you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"Or forgetful," Giselle added, "Who says Dave won't fall prey to some other girl's flirting? I mean, look at me, this is way worse than acne."

"Are you actually worried about your appearance?" Hotaru inquired in amazement, "It's the first time I've heard you do so."

"Umm, I…" The scales on Giselle's cheeks took a reddish hue and everyone laughed.

"You've got nothing to worry about," Rogue assured, "You two have been steady for six months now, it'll take more than a pretty face to steal him away."

"Yeah, you're right. Well, I'm off. Don't see me to the door, I wouldn't keep my self from crying and that'll ruin my image." A couple of more hugs and good-byes and the longhaired girl left.

"Giselle-chan has nothing to worry about," Chibi-Usa assured, "Cupid-in-training, Tsukino Usagi, shall keep this thread of love going strong!" A baffled Rogue turned to a sweat-dropping Hotaru, who wordlessly recommended not to intervene. The ruby-eyed girl then noticed something amiss. "Is something wrong, Kathy-chan?" she asked, "Pardon the expression, but you've been awfully quiet." The silent mutant's response was to point out the window. "Trees? Leaves? Green?…Jealous, you're jealous of Giselle-chan?" Kathy nodded, though her pinching gesture indicated that it was only a little. "How come?"

"Simple," the pale mutant explained, "most of us have been practically forsaken by our families." She beckoned everyone to look out the window. They saw Giselle being fitted with the coat and hat as she was led into the vehicle. "Those scenes are rare, a lot of parents wish to have nothing to do with a mutant child. Oh, don't get me wrong! I'm still very fond of Giselle, and I'm glad that she's so lucky, even if I can't help a little envy."

"But, is it right to feel that way about your friends?" Chibi-Usa asked.

"The grass is greener on the other side of the fence," Hotaru quoted, "Especially to those who've lived in barren yards. I must confess, Chibi-Usa-chan, when we first met, I felt a little envious because of your friends and family." The pink-haired one was quite surprised to hear this.

"Well I…I guess you couldn't help it. But, you know, Hotaru-chan? I too was jealous of you, and I still say your healing power is a wonderful gift." The white-haired girl agreed with a firm nod, then tapped her choker and spread out her hands. Destroying with one's voice could never be considered a gift.

"Dr McCoy will find out how to let you talk again," Rogue said, "he even says my power can be put under control." She leaned against the windowsill and sighed longingly. "But sometimes the wait is too much to bear, especially when everyone calls you a freak." Kathy took Rogue's gloved hand and Chibi-Usa gave Hotaru a squeeze. Hardships become easier to bear with the company of good friends.

"Hey, what are you doing cooped up in here?" Remy called from the door. "Come on, a day as beautiful as you four must be enjoyed." The girls laughed merrily as they followed the teen Creole outside. Jolly hearts are a great help too.

*****

Hephestus' colony:

"A kidnapping?" the magma-skinned leader questioned.

"Yup," the horned morlock answered, "Actually, it's only a rumor I started two days ago, kids being stolen and taken to the southeastern subway tunnels. (chuckle) And the stupid humans swallowed it hook, line and sinker."

"Your plan has its merit," Hephestus noted, "The authorities can't be called since no crime has actually been committed, so they'll have no choice but to go after the fictitious children themselves."

"And they'll walk right into a trap! Isn't it a beauty?"

"It will cause fear and uncertainty, which I like. There's one flaw, however, there's no way of knowing when the humans will actually show up."

"Uh yeah, I didn't figure out that part. I thought you could send over some soldiers and they could wait, it shouldn't take long considering how edgy everyone's been lately."

"Do you really think I'm going to send my men to an abandoned station, where they'll have nothing to do but wait around?" the ash-haired man growled, "I have a major project underway and I need all available manpower, so get out of here and stop wasting my time."

"Yeah, but-"

"BEGONE!!" Hephestus roared as he shot a blue fireball at his subject's feet, the horned one got out of there as fast as possible. He wasn't all that disappointed, there wouldn't be a big battle, but he knew the witch-hunt was a sure thing. Years ago, the colony at the southeast had him expelled, and he'd been keeping a grudge ever since.

"They're all wimps, not one among them can put up a fight, and the humans will arrive with rifles and machine guns." The horned one smiled wickedly. "Come to think of it, things will work out a lot better with Rob out of the way." He started laughing cruelly as he thought of the upcoming massacre.

*****

Haruka and Michiru drove their way back towards the school to pick up Hotaru and Chibi-Usa. This gave the racer a chance to unwind, as well as time for the couple to talk.

"So we're not letting Usagi-tachi know, ne?" Michiru asked.

"Hai, we must keep that demon as far away from the ginzuishou as possible." Haruka ran her hand through her hair. "We're sending Chibi-Usa-chan and Hime-chan away for that same reason."

"I know, as long as the hate-demon mistakes Small Lady for her mother she'll be in danger." The aqua-eyed girl leaned back and sighed. "And so will Hime-chan, she has sworn to protect her friend; and even though Saturn has great power, she lacks experience."

"All the more reason to act logically and send them back home as soon as possible, it's the most practical choice," Haruka insisted, "Besides, we're not leaving them high and dry, I'm sure Mako-chan will enjoy looking out for them."

"Hai, she is a very responsible girl and the most qualified for the job." Wanting to change the subject, Michiru took out her Aqua Mirror. "And you, if only you would show us something useful we'd have a lot less headaches. Nani?"

"What is it?"

"Something's up in the air." Haruka pulled over and the image became clearer. "It's Ororo-san, and she's flying right above us."

"That'll teach you to question your talisman," the shorthaired girl teased. She stepped out and looked up. "I think that's her, the speck heading west."

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Michiru murmured as she narrowed her eyes, "You get the children, I'm going to follow Storm."

"Hai, please be careful." The violinist grinned reassuringly as she went into a secluded area so she could henshin. Haruka got back into the van and her cellular rang. "Moshi, moshi."

"Haruka-papa? This is Hotaru. Listen, there's been a change of plans. Kathy-chan remembered a sale she's been waiting for all week and she's awfully eager, so Jean-san is taking us to the mall."

"Nani? Hime-chan, we don't have time for that!"

"I know, I know, but Chibi-Usa-chan got so excited with the idea of going shopping that I couldn't bear to stop her."

"Mmm-hmm," the sand-blonde huffed sarcastically, "and you're not interested at all, ne?"

"Well…maybe a little, but mostly they're twisting my arm."

"Right." Haruka shook her head, imagining how badly her child was blushing. "Okay, you may go, but we're leaving as soon as I get there. Ja ne." Just as she was about to leave, the shorthaired girl glanced towards her right and saw two women about to go into a handbag duel. "The sooner we send them home, the better."

*****

Viewtiful Hills Mall:

"I don't think Rogue will be too thrilled about wearing that," was the fair-haired boy's response to his lecherous friend's question. They were passing by a lingerie shop and an outfit in particular had caught Remy's eye.

"Why not? It includes gloves, doesn't it?" Bobby shook his head.

"If Rogue were here she'd hurl you right through that window."

"Nah, she'd know I'm joking," the red-eyed teen countered, "I will buy her something though, an ascot or new gloves, something she can find useful. How does that sound?"

"Now that's a good idea," the cold-wielder agreed, "You go ahead, I'll be keeping an eye on the girls."

"Oui, I'll meet you there."

"Here, Hotaru-chan, try this hat on," Chibi-Usa suggested, "Hmm, not bad. What do you think, Kathy-chan?" The white-haired girl dragged her hand from her shoulder down to her waist. "Hai, it'll look better if you let your hair grow long."

"Forget it," the amethyst-eyed girl replied with a frown, "there's no way I'm going to do that."

"It's just a suggestion, you don't have to bite my head off!" Kathy gave a questioning gaze. "It's a long story, one that has to do with a person Hotaru-chan really dislikes." The pink-haired princess tried on another hat. "I should get something for Usagi, otherwise she'll get all… Eto, did anyone else feel that?" There was a strong tremor and the girls ran outside. Through the tainted-glass window they saw a frightful looking shadow. Fright turned into pandemonium when the walls came down and five sentinels came in.

"Mutant presences detected. Searching for individuals."

"By the kami, this is not good!" Chibi-Usa exclaimed.

"Less talk, more running!" Hotaru shrieked. She reached out for her friend's hand and fled, not noticing that she hadn't grabbed her friend at all.

"Ara, she's terrified," the odango-headed girl realized as she and Kathy followed. They were about to reach the escalator when it was blown away by a sentinel's beam, and backtracking was impossible thanks to another blast.

"Target has been contained. Proceed with capture." The gigantic robot reached out and was hit in the head by a bench.

"Stay away from them!" Jean shouted. The redhead had her work cut out for her, not only did she have to stop these purple titans and protect the students, she also had to make sure everybody else got away safely. "Bobby, get them down!"

"Right! Cover me Remy!" The cold-wielding teen made an ice column while the brown-haired one fired charged stones, using the scarf he'd bought for a sling.

"I'm barely slowing it down. Move it up there!"

"Keep your pants on, we're coming," the pale girl answered, "You go first, Chibi-Usa-chan."

"Hai." The pink-haired girl took hold of the icy pole and slid down to Bobby's arms. "Kuso, that chills. Hurry, Hotaru!"

"I'm right behind you. Come on, Kathy-chan, you're next." The silent mutant never got the chance, the sentinel broke the column as it caught Remy. A hopeless situation, but the bayou dweller's defiant gaze never faltered.

"Didn't your mama tell you not to play with matches?" He reached out with his free hand and used his power on the robot. Its wrist exploded and the hand flew away, along with LeBeau.

"Remy!" Bobby shouted, "Looks like he landed next to Kathy and Hotaru." The fair-haired boy checked on Chibi-Usa, a piece of debris had hit her head and left her out cold. "I better get her out of here, it's the only thing I can do." Already he was forced to escape the damaged robot. "Good luck, you guys, I'll see you at the school."

Jean was at the ropes against the two remaining robots. She'd beaten one using her telekinesis to throw anything she could find. Another had been taken care of by a young boy who had beheaded it by literally turning himself into a human cannonball. Unfortunately, a third sentinel had caught and placed him inside a compartment in its belly.

"I'm not complaining," the redhead panted, "but I could really use some help here."

"Ask and you shall receive," Uranus announced as she appeared, "World shaking!" The amber orb flew through the air and impacted the purple giant on the chest. It didn't fall, just stumbled back a bit.

"Severe damage, cancellation of mobile ability imminent. Execute preservation program." Rockets in their feet roared and they took off, right through the ceiling. Once they were in the air, a cloaking device was activated, making them nigh invisible. Down below, the X-Woman raised a shield to cover the heroines from the falling rocks, though she couldn't do anything about the dust.

"(cough) I don't know what's more annoying," the wind senshi grumbled, "those mechanized voices or the fact they've escaped."

"Save it," the redhead telekinetic replied, "there'll be time enough for griping once the kids are safe." She looked up and saw Bobby carrying an unconscious Chibi-Usa. "Bobby! Where are the others?"

"Over there, being chased by that monster. You gotta help them!"

"Hai, you get Chibi-Usa out of here. Let's go, Jean-san!"

Meanwhile, Hotaru and Kathy were pulling Remy out of the severed hand. The brown-haired boy was unharmed, but the crash had knocked him out.

"Kathy-chan, do you see that hole? It'll lead you outside. Take Remy-kun, I'll hold back the robot." The white-haired girl gave a questioning gaze. What could a healer possibly do? "I've got other abilities. Go!" The amethyst-eyed girl got ready for battle as her friends escaped. The sentinel's sparkling circuits were showing through its cracked face, providing a more terrifying appearance. The pale girl shook her head violently. "Tomoe Hotaru, get a grip! There's no time for your stupid phobia!" She summoned her rod, but before she could activate the henshin, something arose from underneath. "KYAA!"

Outside, a large part of the wall had conveniently fallen to make a slide, and that's how Kathy and Remy got out. They had almost made it through the parking lot when the sentinel burst out of the wall with Hotaru in its hand, who'd fainted out of fear. The giant robot turned its scanners towards its prisoner.

"Subject is not mutant. Discard and ignore." It let the violet-haired girl drop, luckily, she fell on the aforementioned wall and rolled down, saving her life. The silent mutant felt overwhelmed with victory, she figured out the bayou dweller had managed to break something. She let her friend down and sprinted towards Hotaru, which turned into a grave mistake. "Mutant identity confirmed. Proceed with capture." At that very moment, the sentinel's head exploded thanks to Uranus' World shaking. Kathy took a deep breath of relief, a little too soon. Tires screeched and a black van stopped just inches away from her, and before the white-haired girl could even blink, a man jumped out and zapped her with a stun gun. Two more raced to pick up Remy and Hotaru.

"Get your filthy hands off her!!" the sand-blonde roared. An agent saw her and threw a flare, blinding the wind senshi. "Chikuso, get them Jean-san!"

"Right!" The young mutant tried to concentrate, but sharp pain stung her brain and she fell to her knees. "Arrgh!"

"What's wrong? What the hell happened?"

"I wanted to read the driver's mind and find out where they're going. But I wore myself out in there, this was too much strain." Still dizzy, Jean got up and went over to Uranus. "Come along, we need to get you to Henry."

"But what about-"

"We'll rescue them, trust me. Right now we must tend to your eyes, you won't be able to help anyone if you go blind." The redhead looked over her shoulder in the direction the villains had gone. "They'll be all right, we have to believe that."