Much to Rachel's relief, Karzor made no more startling appearances in her head after that one conversation. His manifestation had been almost ephemeral, Rachel thought, too short and unbelievable to make much of an impact. Or at least, she liked to think so. What place could there be for such a weird monk in her life?
Almost a month had passed since Rachel had shown her monstrous side, and the topic had been long abandoned. Unbeknown to Rachel, Xavier had gathered the mutants together and warned them to say nothing about it to Rachel. He had kept his explanations to a minimum level, saying nothing whatsoever about the evil presence that had tried to take over Rachel. The mutants had looked as if they were thirsting for much more information, but Xavier had been adamant. Unless Rachel gave her consent, nothing else was to be disclosed.
Now, the X-Men were enjoying the weekend lazing around the mansion or the garden, several of them asleep. Rachel was meditating in her room, levitating several feet above her bed, eyes shut, when Kitty knocked and entered.
"Hi, Rachel. Well, this is a most relaxing day, isn't it?" Kitty smiled. "Why don't we hang out in the city somewhere, us and some of the others? Or we might die of boredom here."
"Yes, I suppose we could."
"Come on, then."
In the span of ten minutes, Kitty had gathered Amara, Roberto, Rahne, Bobby and Jubilation together. All of them had been rather lethargic and bored, but immediately brightened up as Kitty suggested they head to the city for a hanging-out session.
"I think it's time we help Rachel buy some new clothes," Jubilation piped up. "Now that I think about it, we've never seen her wear anything but those black-and-blue clothes. I say we fill out her wardrobe for her!"
"Now, now, Jub," Kitty admonished, wagging her finger comically, "don't say that without her permission! I think Rachel's clothes are great, even if they are slightly outlandish."
Though happiness had long been an alien to Rachel, she managed the slightest smile.
"Rachel, you would like that, wouldn't you?" Jubilation said coaxingly, patting her shoulder.
"Nope," Rachel admitted. "I wouldn't be caught dead wearing all your fancy clothes. You can buy them if you wish, but for yourselves only."
"Oh, come on. Be a sport. Just this once?" Rahne smiled.
"Don't you guys every give up?" Rachel enquired dryly.
"Nope. And that's what defines us as the proud X-Men!" Bobby grinned. "Alright. Me and Roberto will head off to do some boy's stuff. You girls can go do whatever you like." He winked and gave them a 'thumbs up' sign before leaving with Roberto.
"I sure hope their 'boy stuff' doesn't involve drinking or too much gaming," Rahne snorted.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they did," Amara giggled.
"Well, whatever it is, it's time for a major shopping spree!" Kitty grinned, rubbing her hands gleefully. "And I say we start shopping for some nice black clothes for our friend here. Rachel would like that, isn't it?"
"I suppose saying no isn't an option now, is it?"
"Then what are we waiting for?" Kitty took Rachel by the arm and literally pulled her along, hurrying her to her favourite store. "There's plenty of black Goth clothes here," Kitty said cheerfully. "Now, take your pick. I've enough money to pay for it."
"So, this is your idea of bonding, huh?" Rachel remarked dryly.
"Hey, are you reading my mind, then?" Kitty demanded playfully.
"I don't have to see into people's minds all the time to know their motives."
"Gosh, I would hate having to try to keep a secret from you," Jubilation sighed.
"I think this would suit you," Rahne called out, from the opposite side. With a grin, she held up a black dress. "Rachel, I really think you should try this on."
"I wouldn't be caught dead in that thing," Rachel replied, wrinkling her nose.
"I don't think dress is that bad," Rahne replied.
"Nope, it's too…plain," Kitty said. "Rachel will need something much sexier than that. Like this, for example." To demonstrate her point, Kitty selected a low-cut, strapless dress of black and held it up.
"I'd rather wear a sack than that."
"Then let's fetch a sack from somewhere and toss it over you."
"Really? You would dare try?" Rachel retorted, her lips twitching.
Jubilation opened her mouth to make a cutting reply, but something else grabbed the group's attention first. Outside, a woman screamed shrilly, shouting something about a man running off with her purse. A man's deeper voice rang out, bellowing an angry order. The girls cast each other a single look and immediately bolted out onto the streets, eyes open for trouble.
"There!" Rahne shouted, pointing a finger at a fleeing figure. His right hand was clutching a bright red purse, and a man was chasing him several feet behind, obviously the woman's husband.
"That's a pretty good runner! How on earth are we to…" Amara broke of her sentence mid-way and looked at Rachel as if she were the very answer.
"Well, then, let's see what happens when you're too lazy to tie up your shoelaces." Rachel moved her hand subtly, her lips set in a straight, grim line. Her friends couldn't see what exactly Rachel was doing to the thief's laces, but it became all too evident as he suddenly lost his balance and tripped over heavily. Within seconds, the woman's husband was kneeling atop him, keeping him down on the pavement while the woman hurriedly retrieved her purse, shaking a furious finger at the thief as she yelled at him, cursing in with rather colourful, coarse language.
"Whew." Kitty blew out her cheeks, watching as a newly-arrived police officer arrived and handcuffed the man, leading him away to his patrol car. "I think he really should learn the importance of tying up his shoelaces all the time if he really is that desperate to pick-pocket someone." Kitty chuckled at her own joke and clapped Rachel on the shoulder. "You've just earned yourself some new clothes for free! Now, girls, shall we head back to that shop? I think Rachel really deserves the sexiest dress on display."
Rachel gave one of her rare smiles, looking half-annoyed, half-amused at the same time. "I suppose I should have left the thief to one of you instead."
Laughing, glad that Rachel was willing enough to make a little joke of her own, the group headed back to the store.
Good work, Rachel.
Rachel automatically turned her head to look back. Unbelievable as it sounded, she actually saw Karzor standing several meters behind her, clad in his long white robe. Rachel narrowed her eyes, wondering if they were playing a trick on her.
Remember that I'll be watching you closely from now on. Karzor raised a hand as if in farewell and retreated, until he was barely visible. Rachel blinked, and then he was completely gone as if he had never even been there to begin with.
Rachel cast a final look at where he had been and decided not to even think about him anymore. After all, she already had such good friends in the form of the X-Men. Why should she want to leave them for some unknown realm?
Yup, I know this chapter was dull, but I just wanted to show Rachel bonding with the X-Men. I'll try to make the next chapter better…with some fluff.