Me: Alright, so here's another update. I noticed that I have someone who favored this and there are two watchers of this so...here's the next update! I'm in the process of tying loose ends and I think I've almost got one tied and another in the process of being tied. Anyways, here we go! *plays the opening*
Xavier Institute, Foyer
"Five minutes ago I received a mutant signature that is more than likely Gage's," Xavier said to Logan, Ororo and Hank, "I want you three to scout out the area and if you find something, report back here and if you find Gage, bring him back."
"Alright," Ororo said with a nod, "let's go."
The Cave
When Gage awoke, it was darker in the cave than it had been before and he was warmer than he had been when he had fallen asleep. Feeling around, he noticed that there was a winter blanket on him. Clutching it, he stood and wrapped it around himself before he made his way out of the cave as quietly and quickly as he could but when he got to the mouth, he heard low growling.
"What are you doing out of the cave this late at night," Minamoto asked. Gage turned, looking at the Sandclaw and fear crossed his features. "We'll return you home tomorrow, right now it's..." Minamoto halted and sniffed the air and within moments, Wolverine pounced onto him and Minamoto managed to untangle himself from Wolverine long enough to transform. When the quick transformation was complete, he snarled at Wolverine who held back slightly. Minamoto growled at Wolverine who snarled in return before the two jumped at each other. Beast and Storm finally arrived at this point.
"Mister Logan, don't hurt him," Gage called out, watching with a horrified expression as the two were in heated combat. Minamoto and Wolverine were fifteen feet apart now as they glared at each other ready to attack each other when Gage sprinted in between them. Minamoto and Wolverine both halted; Minamoto sooner than Wolverine.
"What are you doing," Wolverine asked.
"He...he's my friend," Gage stated, looking up at Wolverine, drenched in fear.
Xavier Institute, Rider's Room
Lilac sat quietly on Rider's bed who was preening his feathers just as quietly, removing broken and damaged feathers before finally looking at her. "Are you alright?"
"Who...who is Nicole?" At this question, Rider remained quiet as he brought his boombox given to him by Tabitha the previous year over to her.
"Track six," was all Rider said and she nodded, selecting the correct track. Rider sat down beside her and the song he had sung with Nicole back at the KG Bar (now renamed to the KC) proceeded to play.
Nicole smiled at Rider as the two stood above the city. Nicole was happy, smiling as he looked out around himself. They were standing on a solid air platform that was shaky at best but Nicole didn't care and Rider could tell.
"How long have you had your powers," Nicole asked.
"Not very long," Rider replied, "and my powers aren't that strong right now."
"Well, I think your powers are awesome," Nicole replied, "all I can do is heal people."
"Healing people is something that makes you good," Rider stated, "those who heal are innately good and knows the difference between good and evil, right and wrong." Rider approached Nicole and hugged him lightly. "It's what makes you who you are just like wind manipulation is a part of me. I'm not afraid to show people who I am or what I am." Nicole smiled up at Rider who smiled in return.
"Then I'll be the best healer I can be," Nicole replied breaking from the hug and standing in a heroic pose, "from this day forward, I shall be known in battle as Healer!" Rider smiled at Nicole's enthusiasm and took him into a playful hug.
"You're not gonna be in that many battle sessions," Rider stated, "you're too young to fight."
"No I'm not," Nicole replied, wiggling out of Rider's arms, "I'm just old enough! I was given these powers for a reason!"
"Oh really," Rider said, grinning, "then you should use your powers but only when you need to."
Nicole looked at the air they were standing on and raised an eyebrow, "you use your powers for self gain."
"I use them to be with you," Rider corrected and Nicole smiled.
"Wow, he has a beautiful voice," Lilac said when the song ended and Rider looked at her.
"He was an awesome friend and healer as well," Rider stated. "He was hyperactive and energetic always eager to please but he did have a rebellious streak. It wasn't a bad one, just a disobedient one...then again, he was just a teenager." Lilac giggled lightly. "I want to tell you something I told him long ago." Rider looked at Lilac just as Pietro's voice filled the room singing God Help The Outcasts. "I want to tell you what I told someone else. Healing people is something that makes you good," Rider stated, "those who heal are innately good and knows the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. It's what makes you who you are just like wind manipulation is a part of me. I'm not afraid to show people who I am or what I am." Lilac nodded. "You shouldn't be afraid of who you are, you have a voice and you should use it more often. You shouldn't let people push you into doing what they want you to do." Lilac nodded and then looked at Rider.
"Nicole was your boyfriend, wasn't he."
"Certo."
Xavier Institute, Katida's Room
Shadoween and Katida sat together in their shared room in silence. Katida was working on homework at the desk in the room while Shadoween just laid on the bed with papers scattered all over it, humming to himself quietly as he swung his legs lightly in the air. He had a cell phone next to him that would vibrate every so often and he'd pick it up and send a text before going back to work.
"I hate homework," Katida cried out suddenly and banged his head on the desk, "why do teachers have to assign so much of it?" Shadoween rose an eyebrow at Katida before he swiftly sent a text and put all the papers in a stack on the bedside table.
"Come here, Kat," Shadoween said to him and the Felinus obeyed, going over to his boyfriend.
"What is-" Before Katida could finish, Shadoween gripped the front of Katida's shirt and pulled him into a passionate kiss which was turned into a feverish make-out session by Katida. After about five minutes of this, they pulled away mutually and looked at each other. Shadoween giggled slightly and Katida had a grin on his face. "Why can't we tell them the truth about us?"
"Don't you like sharing a room with me," Shadoween asked, running a finger down Katida's now shirtless chest and then looked him in the eyes. "Plus, I like the thought of pretending to be a gay male."
"But, Hon, how do you deal with your hormones?"
"What hormones?" Katida cleared his throat and looked at his lover. "Oh, THOSE hormones." Shadoween reached inside the bedside table and pulled out a black bottle and showed it to him. "These pills are made to shut down the estrogen making process of the body. One of these a day and I'm a guy for the day. I take two when I'm on my monthly."
"That's why you're never worried about getting pregnant," Katida decided and Shadoween nodded.
"Yes, that's why I'm never worried about getting pregnant," Shadoween replied. "I love you." She then kissed her boyfriend again on the lips.
"Did you really have to pretend to be a guy when you met them?"
"Yes, I have to pretend to be a guy," Shadoween replied, "it's to protect us."
"What do we need protection from?"
"You know what we need protection from, Katida," Shadoween stated, hugging him, "we need to keep ourselves safe from the Great Shadow Creature and the Lady of Darkness."
"I love you," Katida stated and he kissed her on the lips softly.
Me: Yes, Shadoween is a female pretending to be a guy. I don't know if any of you had your suspicions, but yes, he is in fact, a she. See you all on the next update. ^_^
