Disclaimer: I do not own HHE or any of its stuff. Rory is mine, as is the Keeper.

I'm back, chickadees! Hope the last chapters were good. Sorry if they weren't. This chapter is back with Rory and still in 1st person POV. I love 1st person. :P

Warning: Language and sexual thinkings


Adjusting to a situation can be difficult. All you need to do is have confidence that you will get through it and you will. Believe that you will and you will.- My mother, Jessica.


I glanced down at the small blue stick, fear and dread settling in my guts, making them roil. I steadied myself with a breath and found the indicator. 'Whatever it is, I will be strong.' I told myself. 'Even if I have to be that...thing's mate, I will not be broken.'

I brought the stick up to my face and saw the colour. My stomach clenched and I thought I would vomit.

I had to sit down. My legs were shaking so badly I thought they would break. I settled with a shaky inhale on the toilet, mind reeling. I put a hand on my stomach, more to settle the nausea than anything. I had to tell Jupiter.

Standing was harder than I thought it would be. It was like a horrible mix between pins and needles and a charlie horse. I unlocked the door, turned the golden knob and swung the door open. The hallway seemed to dark to me as I made my way to the stairs. I moved down them slowly, robotic, the groans of the old wood seeming to have to different note to them. I breathed calmly, trying withhold the emotion that was flooding through me. I turned into the kitchen once I made it to the ground floor. Jupiter was still sitting in the same chair, chin resting on his knuckles and his gaze fixed out the window.

I cleared my throat when I entered. The mutant turned to me, his eyes becoming softer, almost fatherly. Then, the softness was gone, replaced with the hard, cold look that he had during our talk.

"Well?" He asked, his own voice reflecting the unsettled nerves that I had felt. I sat down at the table, tucking a strand of hair behind one ear. I looked into his eyes and spoke quietly.

"Negative."

Jupiter sagged in his chair, the same relief that I felt seemingly flooding through him. I smiled at him, shaking a bit. The tension left the room quickly, with the mutant smiling back at me.

"Good. I would hate ta have ta send ya back afta all ya been through, boyo." I sighed at the nickname. I guessed it was going to stick. Then, I noted, offhandedly, that his speech had gotten worse. I assumed that a lot of emotion made his accent thick and his speech poorer. It was a strange indicator, but I was glad I caught it. It was something that would make living here, however briefly, a lot easier.

"Ya seem relieved, boyo."

"Oh, yes, sir. I am." Jupiter smiled again. Then, he stood, holding out a hand to me. I took it and stood as well. The leader waved his hand at me.

"Go on. Go relax. You deserve it." And, there was the properly enunciated words. I nodded and turned to leave. Before I stepped out the door, I stopped and turned back to him.

"Thank you." I said, sincerely. He looked at me and nodded once. I left the room and went back into the little den where everyone sat.

All heads shot up when I entered. All the eyes were large and expectant. Even Lizard seemed curious. I settled a hand on my stomach and everyone seemed to cringe. Then, I grinned.

"Nope." At that, everyone cheered. Missy and Amber stood up and hugged me tightly, with the former whispering happy words in my ear. When they pulled back, I noticed that the Latina was crying a bit. I wiped her cheeks, smiling at her. Amber ruffled my hair, causing me to brush her hand away.

"So, yer stayin'?" Came a rough growling voice. We all turned to regard Lizard, who had stood away from the wall.

"Yes." I said, my voice becoming a bit cold. The mutant sneered, twisting his face even further. He approached me and Missy held on to my hand, squeezing it. Lizard moved so that we were almost face to face. He was taller than me by a small bit, so I had to tilt my head to lock gazes with him. I noticed, then, that his eyes were an icy balance of blue and gray. They were absolutely stunning. I gulped and met those eyes, not challenging, but not backing down.

"Alrigh' then. But, let me just make one thin' perfectly clear. Ya cause any shit, or hurt any o' my family, I will personally make ya acquainted wit the worst pain ya could imagin' and then I'll marry the two o' ya." He added that last part with a bit of awkwardness. I almost giggled, but then I realized how serious he was. I inhaled deeply and told him I understood.

"Don't expect any trouble out of me. You won't even know I'm here."

"Too late." I flinched at his words. He stayed staring at me harshly for a few more seconds before turning away and leaving the room. I stood there, immobilized. Missy tugged me by the hand. I tried to smile at her. Then, Brenda spoke up from her couch.

"Rory, don't let him scare you, alright?"

I bobbed my head, trying to remain cheerful, but Lizard's warning was stuck in my mind. I sat down on a couch arm and watched everyone interact. I didn't notice that Brenda continued to look at me worriedly, but I did see that everyone was enjoying themselves. I tried to follow suit, letting the threat slip into the background.


That night, everyone began retiring to their rooms. Brenda wished me a good night and went upstairs where I assumed Lizard slept with her. Amber and Letch left the house and I asked them where they were going. Amber explained that she and her mate lived the house next door, with another mutant I hadn't met yet and Goggle. As they left, I asked Missy where I should sleep.

"I'm a good ground sleeper, if that's what needs to happen." I told her. She waved me off.

"No, no! If we ask Mama, I'm sure there is somewhere you can crash. The couches, maybe?" As she spoke, she took me by the hand and walked me into another small den area. We heard Clyde call her as we walked and she yelled back.

"Be right there, mi corazon*!"

Once we entered the second den, I immediately saw Jupiter sitting on a couch with Mama, the woman who was cooking before, watching a small television. A black and white movie was on and two men fought with swords on the screen. Both of them looked up at us. Jupiter held up a hand and Missy returned the gesture.

"Sorry to bother you, but where do you want Rory to sleep? She can sleep on the ground, she says. I don't mind if she comes over with me, though." Mama scoffed at that. I winced and tucked myself a bit behind the Latina.

"That's fine. Let her . We will get her a mattress in the morning." Jupiter hmm'd in agreement, turning back to the t.v.

"There are some spare blankets an' pillows in the closet." Jupiter said. Missy thanked them both, as did I, and we left back through the way we came.

I followed Missy up the stairs, holding on to the railing as I went. I realized that I had gotten more exercise today than I had all my life. The older woman turned into the room that Brenda had taken me into before, the one with the Dio poster. Clyde was jumping on his bed when we entered. The young boy smiled broadly when he saw his mother.

"Mom, mom! Guess what? Guess what?" He exclaimed, leaping off the bed. Missy held out her arms and knelt. Clyde ran to her and hugged her.

"Yes, darling?"

"Chameleon said that he would play hide and seek with me tomorrow!"

"Oh, really? You don't think it will be too hard?"

"That's what makes it fun!" The boy giggled. Missy smiled and laughed as well. She stood and petted Clyde's hair. I stood in the doorway and waited, not wanting to interrupt. Seeing the tight bond they had was so sweet. The Latina began to rummage through the closet, pulling out a large red blanket and setting it on the bed. Clyde saw me and waved. I waved back, timidly. The child padded up to me and crossed his arms.

"Your name is Rory, right?"

"Yep. And your Clyde?" The boy beamed proudly, uncrossing his arms to rest his hands on his hips.

"Yes, ma'am! Clyde Ignacio Juanito Martinez.*" The long name surprised me. I chuckled a bit at the pride the boy showed. "Do you get to sleep here with me tonight?" I shrugged, not entirely sure myself. Missy approached us, then, with a pillow tucked under her arm. She motioned to the bed.

"Bed time, mister." With a reluctant moan, Missy's son crawled into his bed and pulled the covers over himself. The woman handed me the pillow and blankets. I took them with gratitude. I went out into the hallway to wait for her. I heard her whispering sweetly for a few moments. Then, she told her son goodnight and she came out to the hallway, closing the door behind her. She gave a me a look that was tired, yet caring and tipped her head back towards the stairs.

"Let's go." She said, quietly. We went back down the stairs and out the door onto the porch.

The nighttime sky was a deep, quiet shade of blue-black and I could hear the crickets chirping softly in the distance. Missy beckoned me to her side, which I quickly occupied, enjoying the warmth she put off. She looped an arm in mine and leaned close to my face.

"So, you doing alright?" She asked.

"Of course." I answered, grinning at her. The woman didn't seem convinced.

"No, really. Are you alright?" She stopped walking at that point and turned to me, eyes searching my face. "I know Lizard really spooked you." I nodded slowly. I recalled the look on the mutant's face as he spoke. It chilled me to the bone.

"I'm fine, Missy. He scared me out of my wits, but I know that he is just being protective. I'll just avoid him if I can. I don't mind just laying around the house and stuff." Missy's mouth turned down at the corners. She squeezed my shoulder a bit before turning to walk once more. I trailed her until she led me up to another house. This one was a bit larger, with curtains drawn in the windows and we stepped wearily up the steps to the door. There was a worn out mat on the ground in front of the door that read 'Welcome'. Or, at least, I assumed it said welcome at one point. Now it was just 'wel'. I drew my booted feet across the mat as Missy opened the door.

This house was of a similar format as Jupiter's, but there were less doors lining the hallway and no staircase. On our right, there was a large entry way. It was maybe four men wide and one man tall. Missy turned to me, eyes unreadable, and flicked on a light in the room. Instantly, I spotted a worn sofa against the wall and a single chair in the opposite corner. My companion tossed the blankets and pillows onto the couch and sighed, resting her hands on her hips.

"Well, this is it. Make yourself at home. I'm sorry that it is just a couch, but in the morning, we will get you a real bed." I stood at the edge of the couch, taking it in. There was no dust on it and it seemed comfy enough, so I sat down heavily. The cushions sunk under my weight. It felt so good I almost cried.

"Oh, man, I have not been this exhausted in a looong time." The sentence was mumbled. Missy shook her head with a wry smile before glancing behind her.

"Cham and I are just down the hall, as are Letch and Amber. If you need anything, just holler or come poke us." I giggled at the idea of screaming for someone and Letch stomping in, dressed in pajamas. 'Do you have any idea what time it is?!' I imagined him growling.

"You said someone else lives here with you? Who?"

"His name is Cyst. He's a big dude with a neck brace. You will meet him before tomorrow, I'm sure. Now, get some sleep, Rory. I'm sure your tired." Yawning, I couldn't deny that she was right. I began fluffing the pillow I had selected as being the softest and pulled the blankets up to my waist. The Latina clicked off the light and crossed the hall with light steps. I was alone. Very alone.

The house was silent now. I couldn't hear anything other than the occasional creak of the wood or a chirp of a cricket. I settled into my little nest of blankets, trying to make myself comfortable, but failing miserably. I stared into the darkness for a brief moment before turning on my back and locking into a staring contest with the ceiling. I blinked first, needless to say.

I kicked out one leg, then the other, from the under the woolen cover, trying to find a position that made me relax. Nothing seemed to work. My mind took over at that point. Memories of the past month zoomed through me, once more. I tried to rid myself of them, but to no avail. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to count sheep, but instead I ended up counting how many women Hades must have raped. Switching to another tactic, I tried singing quietly. I succeeded in creeping myself out with 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and 'London Bridge'.

Deciding to just let sleep come when it would, I laid and focused on breathing deeply and calmly. It did manage to ease the tension from me for a short minute or two, but then my breaths became shuddering gasps as tears began to spill. I cried, silently, stuffing my face into my pillow. Anguish spilled through me, making my loneliness harder to bear. Biting my lip and clenching my hands into fists, I poured everything I had into the pillow. All my anger, my frustration, my hatred, my homesickness; all of it came out at once.

The tears slowed once I began feeling ill. I curled around the pillow and closed my swollen eyes, drained and sick. I drifted in and out of an uncomfortable rest for close to an hour when I heard another creaking sound. This one was in the hallway. The sound was followed by heavy thudding steps that came closer to where I was. Fear took me and I buried my head under the blanket. Breathing through my nose, I waited. The steps got closer, moving into the room. Within seconds, it was at the couch side. Nothing happened for a horrendously long time, then a hand touched my shoulder. I flinched and peeked my head out from under the blanket.

A very large man stood there. His skin looked tight and shiny and hued a sunburnt red. A thick metal brace was set on his shoulders and wrapped around his neck. He was mutated, as well, with similar bumps as Letch and Chameleon. A long barreled shotgun rested in the crook of his arm. I met his gaze, too nervous to say anything. The man was silent for a while before he spoke in a throaty voice.

"S'okay. I'm don't hafta worry bout me. I'm gonna sleep in the chair ta watch over ya tonight." I poked my head out further from my protective cover.

"O-okay. Sure thing. Your house, man." At that, he walked to the chair, sat down and propped the gun up against the wall. I stared at him for a few moments longer before I wiggled back into the couch.

Sleep came soon after that. It was awkward, sleeping with a large mutant watching me, but my eyes found their way closed without my consent. Night slipped on and dreams came to me. They were violent at times, but peaceful in others. Horses galloped on clouds and honey and milk flavoured the air. The scene changed and men shouted, guns cracked, and blood seeped from every pore, but then, it was over.


Morning was swift, as was noon time. I woke up, rested and feeling airy. Missy was there in Cyst's place, reading a magazine. Once I was awake, we folded the blankets and left the house. Missy told me that I had slept all the way until the afternoon. I was shocked, but I had, sort of, expected it.

We returned to Jupiter's place and we were greeted almost instantly by Clyde, who came practically bounding up to his mother. The two embraced and I saw, behind Missy's son, two other little children. A boy and a girl stood, holding hands and staring at me. It was a bit creepy. The girl's face was crooked, like Pluto's and the boy's skin was a tone I had never seen before.

I waved at them, trying to appear as pleasant as I could. The girl waved shyly back while the little boy ducked behind her. He never took his eyes off of me. At that point, Clyde ran up to me. He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to the two blonde children.

"This is Mercury and Venus! They're brother and sister!" He explained, pointing first to the boy, then the girl. I bent my knees, crouching next to Clyde.

"Hey there, Mercury. Nice to meet you, too, Venus. You guys gonna play a game with Clyde?" The girl, Venus, nodded slowly. She held out a hand, in which she had a small doll. It had pink pigtails and a blue dress with crumbs all over it. She whispered something I couldn't make out.

"What was that, sweetie?" I asked, walking forward in my crouch.

"This is Sprinkle. She is 3 an' a half years old and she likes cookies. Do ya like 'er dress?" Her accent was just as thick as Lizard's so it took me a second to understand what she said. I nodded, grinning, in response.

"It's very pretty. Your dress is pretty, too, Venus." The girl giggled excitedly and ran inside, dragging her brother after her. Missy took her son by the hand and led us both into the house.

Everyone was there that I had met the previous day. Pluto, Brenda, and Lizard were in the living room, already munching on sandwiches. Jupiter was in the kitchen, drinking something out of a mug while Mama cooked bacon in a pan. Amber and Letch were sitting around the table and next to them were two younger people I hadn't met yet.

Sitting at Amber's left elbow was a young man, not too much younger than Brenda. He had a mop of messy brown hair and a stupid grin plastered on his face. He laughed at something Amber said and turned to the woman at his side. She was timid looking, with a small smile and a gaze that never stayed up from her feet for too long. She wore a red hoodie and she kept tugging on the strings. Everyone looked up as we entered.

"Good fucking morning, sunshine." Jupiter directed the comment at me. I pouted and scuffed my foot.

"It's afternoon, Pa." Brenda chirped. The Clan leader just huffed at her and took another sip. Mama served me a bacon, salami, and cheese sandwich*, sitting me next to the young, hoodie-sporting woman. I introduced myself to her and the boy and they did the same in return. Bobby and Ruby told me they were delighted to meet me. In reality, it was more like a 'sup' from Bobby around a mouthful of food and a soft 'nice ta meet cha' from Ruby.

After we ate, Mama insisted that someone take me around the town to get to know the place.

"Can't have the poor dear cooped up, now can we?" She asked to no one in particular. Pluto raised his hand and waved it around like crazy. Mama smiled affectionately and told him he could take me. The large man stood and stepped to my side. It only took him two steps. It looked up at him, expectantly. He smiled that big sweet smile and held out his hand. I took it and let him raise me to my feet.

"Ah'll take ya on tour. Will be fun, I prooomise." I giggled as he tugged me out of the room.

The big mutant took me around the village, pointing out which home belonged to which family member. We passed by a small swing set and a see-saw. I made a mental note to take those mannequin kids off of the swings. They were creepy! Pluto showed me all around the village before stopping me back off at his Jupiter's house. I thanked him, even opening my arms to hug him. The man laughed innocently and picked me up, twirling me in the air before setting me back down. Dizzy, I weaved my way up the steps and into the home.

The rest of the day was spent chatting with the family. At one point, Cyst came in, as did Lizard, but then they left. Ruby and Bobby asked me all about my home while Clyde, Mercury and Venus played cowboys and Indians outside. Missy cooked us dinner that night. Enchiladas were served that were filled with green chili, cheese, sour cream, and all the fixings. Pluto and I ate at least 4 slices each. I hadn't had enchiladas in so long that I had almost forgotten what they tasted like.

When we all dispersed for the evening, Mama drew me to the side. She asked me how I was feeling and I tried to put her worries to rest.

"I'm fine, ma'am. It's just hard to adjust." I told her. Mama nodded and caressed my cheek.

"If'n you ever need ta talk, I'm here. Don't ever think ya can't tell me somethin', ok?" I nodded, thankful. Then, I remembered something.

"Oh, ma'am?"

"Mama." She scolded jokingly.

"Mama, sorry. Do you think that...if I'm going to be here forever, I should try and have what all of them have?" The older woman looked confused.

"Them?" I bit my lip before answering.

"You know. Brenda, Bobby, Missy, Amber. They all love their...mates, regardless of the..."

"Mutations?"

"Actions. I mean, Lizard killed Brenda's sister, mother, and father, right? How can she love him the way she does?" Mama nodded and led me into the living room. It was empty at this point and we sat down on the couch. She turned to face me.

"Listen, Rory. I know it's is confusing for ya and it is hard to understand where Brenda is comin' from, but in their relationship, she has come ta terms with what happened. She ain't happy about it, no. She still cries about it. But, she has learned to see past what happened and see into who Lizard really is. She sees him for the strong, protective man he is. Same with Missy and Amber. Their mates killed their friends, but they show their true colours when they are around one another. In time, you will see that, too."

The small speech was very insightful and it put my mind at ease. I thanked Mama and left to wander over to Missy's little house. I met Chameleon on the way and he walked with me. He was quiet, as he usually was, and I thought back to what the Clan mother said. I tried to see past what Chameleon had done. The kidnapping of Missy was the most prominent in my mind. Missy had told me what happened with him. He had tried to touch her, down in the mines, and she spit at him. He got angry and slammed her onto a table, backhanding her as well. He had hurt her, badly, and he had brought her to Hades. How could she love him?

I thought about everything he had done for her in the past. Caring for her, bringing her little snacks while she was trapped in the mines, protecting her from Hades while risking injury to himself. He was a gentle soul, as she said, and he loved her and her son. I asked him what he felt for her. Chameleon looked at me, his eyes soft.

"I love her, more than anythin' in this world. I love her because she is strong, because she is beautiful, courageous, and kind. If she asked for somethin', I would not sleep until she got it. I would die for her, kill for her. I LIVE for her." I was taken aback by the mutant's words. He stopped walking and looked at me. I stared into his eyes, trying to find any trace of lies or deceit. All I found was truth and undying love. Tears welled in my eyes. I wiped them away and I smiled happily at him.

"Cool." Was all I could say.

When I entered my living room space, I saw that a mattress had been brought in. It was laid on the floor in front of the couch. It was already made up and everything. I flopped onto it, sighing contentedly. I rolled back and forth on it, getting used to the smell. While I reveled in the comfort, Cyst walked into the room. The mutant stood in the doorway until I was done. I glanced up at him, feeling beyond embarrassed. I composed myself, sitting and crossing my legs.

"Evening." I said, trying to hide my blush. Cyst went and sat on the couch, settling into it with a groan. I snuggled under the blankets and turned my back to him. I began to doze, still thinking about what Mama had said. My thoughts quieted as sleep took me, but one question still hung in my mind. 'Should I try to have what they have?'

I woke the next day earlier than I did previously. Cyst was still on the couch, head listed to one side and a small snore escaping him every so often. I rose, not wanting to disturb him and wandered around the house until I found a bathroom. I washed my face and hair in the sink and rinsed my mouth out. I met up with the two other women shortly after and we sat on the porch to talk for a spell. I asked the two about their feelings for their mates and received the same answer from both. They told me that it was hard to get over what they did, but that, in the end, 'who they were' won out over 'what they did'. I snorted, feeling as if my question would forever go without the answer it wanted. The two ex-soldiers asked me what I did before all of this, curious about my life.

"I lived on a ranch with my mother and father and two older brothers." At that, Amber aww'd and called me a baby. I flipped her off before continuing. "I was going to school for wildlife biology, but I had a minor in psychology. I like seeing what makes people tick."

We chatted like that for close to an hour when Missy's stomach made it known that it was empty and needed to be filled. We repeated what we had done the past few days. We ate whatever Mama put in front of us, which was french toast and bananas, and we hung around the house. I went outside, just beyond the porch, and sat in the sun. The warmth felt so good on my skin and I decided enjoy for just a few moments.

Brenda came out to join me, saying that she needed to tan. I decided out loud that I should too, which made Brenda stick her tongue out at me.

"Oh, whatever, Miss Naturally-Perfect-Mahogany." I laughed so hard at her words that I snorted. For a moment, it felt as if nothing bad had ever happened to me. We lounged in the sunlight, enjoying the heat. Brenda talked about how much she missed going to the spa. I told her I had never been to one and she was shocked. Poor thing, she called me.

Once the blonde had concluded that she was bronze enough, she took me inside to try on more clothes upstairs.

"We have to find you more clothes! You can't just stay in those ones!" I believed she just wanted an excuse to try on clothes. In that room, we tried on different shoes, shorts, shirts and all manners of hats. I fell in love with a tank top that I stumbled across. In big bold letters across the front, it read: Ride, Love, Live*. The shirt itself was a deep purple and the words were dark green. I kept that on, discarding my old one, and tried on a pair of light blue denim Capri pants. I liked them, though they were a bit girly, so I left those on, as well. I pulled out a simple black bandanna and tied that on tightly. I was beginning to feel myself again.

As we fooled around, I heard someone enter the house. Words were exchanged downstairs and it sounded as if a few people left. I wondered what was happening. I glanced at Brenda, who was now sporting a coral coloured spring dress and a sun hat. I walked past her and looked out the window. I could see, in the distance, a group of people standing and crouching near one of the cars. I managed to make out Missy in the bunch, her skin tone unmistakable, and I thought I saw Chameleon. I watched for a few more seconds before whatever or whoever it was that was leaning against the car stood up. The group began to make its way back in the direction of the house.

I moved to go downstairs, turning back to Brenda. The blonde asked me what I thought of the outfit. I told her it was very pretty. She smiled and traded out the hats. I told her I was going downstairs for snack and she waved me away. Leaving the room, i walked as quietly as I could around to the top of the stairs. The door swung open and I heard Missy talking to someone about injuries and dehydration. I stopped, listening. The next voice I heard was Chameleon's, agreeing with her, followed by more of Missy's. She told someone to 'drink slowly' and then she began jogging up the stairs. I moved out of her way and the older woman caught my gaze as she got closer.

"Is everything...?" I started to ask, but she cut me off.

"You might wanna head downstairs. Go in the den." She said, cryptically. With that, she moved past me. I walked slowly down the stairs, unsure of what I would find. I thought, maybe, it might be one of my friends. My heart was pounding at this point. If one of my friends was alive, then I wouldn't be so alone. I realized, in the back of my mind, that I wasn't really alone here.

Once my foot hit the bottom of the staircase, there was a slight squeak. I flinched, but continued on. I turned around the corner into the den and I froze the moment I saw him.

The man sitting on the couch had his head leaned back, resting on the couch. His eyes were closed, but I could see his chest rise and fall at even intervals. He was wearing a blue jumpsuit, just like I remembered, and his long dark hair was stuck to his forehead and neck with sweat. I took a step forward, thinking to get closer, but the floorboards whined softly. Stopping, I waited for his reaction.

The steel coloured eyes opened, just barely, to rest on me. They pinned me to the spot. I waited. Almost instantly, Stabber sat up, eyes snapping open fully. His left hand clenched into a fist and he swallowed visibly. I mirrored the action before speaking.

"Hi."

Stabber nodded once, ever so slowly, before answering.

"Hey."


And, there's another. Hopefully it wasn't too boring or slow. It felt like it was. Review, my chickadees!

*Mi corazon- My heart/love in Spanish

*Clyde's name- Long names are common in Mexican families

*Bacon, salami, and cheese sandwich- This is something that we eat out at the ranch before a big day. Lots of protein and quick to make. And oh so delish.

*Ride, Live, Love- I own this shirt and it is my baby. Super comfy and I will usually wear it when I go out riding. :) I love this tank top (wife beater, whatever)