Latice

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from X-men or DragonballZ…they are property of Marvel, A. Toriyama, and Funimation.

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Chapter Five-

Latice stepped from the strange jet they called Blackbird and looked around. They were in some kind of building that held many strange devices, all of which she was surprised to see on this relatively backwards planet. She warily followed the blue creature who smiled gingerly at her and led the way behind Rogue and Wolverine into a small room. The doors swished shut, and Latice was aware of a slight movement. Sexonds later, the doors opened, and they were in a house that contradicted where they had been before. While the previous hallway had been bright and covered in a silver alloy, with many technological devices that would have revolutionized the planet, this hallway was made mostly of wood furnishing and spoke of comfortable wealth.

"I am Nightcrawler, or Kurt Wagner," her companion finally said. "How did you meet Magneto and mein mutter?" Latice eyed him for a moment, aware of the curiosity of the two who accompanied them.

"From the time I was twelve, I was a slave in Cooler's army, a forced purger. For thirty-one years, I worked for him, forced to expand the Ice-jin empire. I lived only with the hope of one day becoming strong enough to kill the tyrant, then avenge my people by killing the murderer Frieza. Another Saiyan, of the first-class, named Tomatou was the only other one that I knew of. My father, the Prince, and a third-class were in Frieza's army.

One day, Cooler summoned me before me." She held up the arm band. "He had this placed on my arm, to suppress my power. I became nearly as helpless as a human." Her voice was now devoid of any emotion. "He raped me then. Nearly killed me. I was taken to the med bay, where I escaped and stole a space pod. I landed here on Earth about seven years ago, and spent two years hiding in the forests and wilderness until Magneto found me. He told me that he could take the arm band off. Like a naïve fool, I trusted him. He kept me locked up." Her fists clenched as her voice seethed with raw fury.

"He will soon learn that to betray a Saiyan has a high price." Nightcrawler gazed at her with large sad eyes, feeling slightly sorry for Magneto and whatever fate she would deal him. It was silent for a long moment, then Rogue spoke up.

"That's strange," she said. "Ah woulda never guessed that ya were that old." Latice's face showed surprise. "I'm not old!" she exclaimed. "I'm barely old enough to even be considered a seasoned warrior!" Nightcrawler gave her a sideways glance. "In Earth standards," he said, "Forty-three ist no young." The Saiyan scowled. "Just because humans have ridiculously small life spans does not mean Saiyans do. I will not reach my prime for another sixty to seventy years from now."

"You're telling' me," Wolverine muttered to himself. She looked at him curiously, and he gave a half-grin, and held up his claws. "Besides these babies, my power is also swift healing. I don't even know how old I am. I can't remember." He tipped his head at her. "How long do ya guys live, anyway?"
She shrugged. "Usually around 170 to 230 years. And Saiyans do no age physically like humans do. Our hair does not become gray or white, or our movement slow and feeble." Her eyes closed for a brief moment. "One day, when the time has come, I will close my eyes in an eternal sleep, never to wake again." Her eyes popped open once more. "If I am not killed in battle first, of course."

"Do ya'll ever get sick?" Rogue questioned. Latice tipped her head to the side. "It is extremely rare."

By this time, they were entering a large room filled with books and various items strewn about on the chairs, and large oak desk. An elderly man with sparkling, wise blue eyes and no hair sat behind it.

"I hope you don't mind," he said in a deep, soothing voice, "but I have been listening to your conversation. I hope you will tell me more of your people at a later date. I found it absolutely fascinating." He came from behind the desk, and Latice realized that he was paralyzed from the waist down.

"I am Professor Charles Xavier," he said. "Welcome to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Or less publicly know as, the headquarters for the X-Men."

Latice bowed. "I am Latice, of the House of Nappa, warrior sworn to the royal house of Vegeta-sei."

"I had heard that all the Saiyans were destroyed," the Professor said, leaning back in his hover chair. "Apparently, Lilandra was incorrect." Latice pursed her lips.

"I fear there are not many Saiyans left," she said. Then her voice bacam curious. "You spoke of Lilandra. The Empress of the Shiar Empire?"

"That is correct."

"Are you, then, the human that fought Lucifer?" Xavier nodded. "Yes. That was how I lost the use of my legs." His eyes twinkled. "I didn't realized I was famous."

"Such courage does not go unnoticed," Latice said, fighting a smile. They turned as the door opened.

"Ah, Cyclops, Storm, Jean," he said. "Just in time." He turned to the blue fuzzy mutant. "Kurt, can you take our guest and show her a room. There is an empty one next to Kitty's and Rogue's."

"Ja," he answered, then offered Latice is three-fingered hand. She raised an eyebrow, but placed hers on top of it anyway. In a *POOF* of sulfuric odor, he bamfed out of the room.

"You can teleport," Latice said, after getting over her surprise at being in a totally different room. "Ja," he replied. "If you should need anything, fraulein, just ask anyone you see." Then, he disappeared.

Latice blinked, then crossed over to the bed, pulling off her shoulder guards. Right now, she didn't care. She wanted sleep.

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R&R!!!!!!!!