Latice
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from X-men or DragonballZ…they are property of Marvel, A. Toriyama, and Funimation, yada yada yada…
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Chapter Seven-
Latice spent the rest of the day conversing with Professor Xavier. For the first time in her life, she felt herself opening up to this strange, understanding human. She didn't know why, but her instincts told her that he could be trusted.
They talked about her life as a child, before Cooler, about her family. Her father Nappa, the prince Vegeta's bodyguard, was also the brother of the Queen. She spoke of her intense training, Saiyan traditions, and folklore. Eventually, they moved on to the Ice-jin Empire and the things she had done as a member of Cooler's army. She was surprised at the calmness in which the old human accepted the fact that she had literally killed millions.
"By the way," the Professor said as they finished the lunch that Ororo had kindly brought up to his office, "I understand that there is a slight -- shall we say?-- problem in regard to your tail and the moon."
Latice eyed him warily.
"If I did transform, I would not go on a rampage, if that is what you are referring to," she said cautiously. "I have enough control to keep my head." Before he could reply, the door opened and Wolverine came in.
"Hey, Chuck," he said, after nodding in Latice's direction. " 'Ro wants at know if ya need anything at the store. She's makin' me go along as a bag carrier." The telepath laughed and shook his head.
"No, but do you need anything, Latice?" he questioned. Logan interrupted.
"That's another thing. She says if you two are thru up here, then she wants Latice to go with her, 'cuz she needs new clothes. Running around like that'll attract too much attention."
"What is wrong with my clothing?" she demanded, slightly miffed, looking down at herself. Logan took the opportunity to look as well, admiring the lithe, powerful body in skintight armor. The bottom part was a dark royal blue, and the top was white. Her trim waist was exposed on either side, and strange writing decorated the golden armor. She wore white wrist gloves, and white boots that stopped midway up her calves. Simply, small golden hoops hung from her ears.
"Hey, don't yell at me," he growled defensively. "I'm just the messenger."
"I'm afraid that Ororo is correct," Xavier put in smoothly, obviously trying not to smile. "Your clothes will stand out, and it's sad to say that most people do not accept the unusual, and are afraid. The majority do not even realize that there is even life outside of Earth."
"That's absolutely ridiculous," she scoffed.
"Yeah, well, that don't mater much, especially when Storm gets an idea in her head," Logan said. "Believe me, you don't wanna mess with her."
Latice raised an eyebrow, and this time the Professor did not bother hiding his smile.
"Ororo's mutation allows her to control the weather, to some degree," he explained. "She can also use the wind to fly."
"I could still break her neck without even trying," Latice muttered, but she rose to her feet.
A few moments later, the Saiyan warrioress found herself riding in Ororo's candy apple red 2000 convertible Mustang. She sat in the back, eyes closed, allowing the wind to rush through her long, reddish-black hair. Storm smiled to herself when she saw Logan eying the woman through the mirror. He needed someone who could keep him in line.
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"What kind of ridiculous clothing is this?" Latice demanded, holding up the white sundress in disgust. "It would constrict any movement, and would never last in a fight." The former goddess of storm sighed.
"It is not clothes for fighting. You can use you armour if you ever need to fight. This dress is for relaxing around the house, or sitting in the sun. Simple things."
Latice still looked doubtful, but didn't argue anymore. Although she made it quite clear that she thought all the clothes Ororo bought her was ridiculous, she complied without a word. At least, until they reached Victoria's Secrets.
"What the hell is this?!" Latice demanded, staring at the undergarments Ororo had handed her. She looked at them thoughtfully, then nodded, switching the brands. "You're right," she said. "That looks a bit uncomfortable." Latice bared her teeth in exasperation. "What. Is. It. For?" she snapped though clenched teeth. Logan choked from where he was sulking in the corner after the weather witch had made him come in. Impatiently, Storm showed Latice the picture on the hanger.
"It keeps your breasts from sagging, for one," she hissed. "Maybe you don't need it with your armour, but you definitely will need it with your new clothes.
Finally, two hours later, the three pulled up into the mansion's driveway. Latice, nerves on edge and desperately trying to keep from blowing the entire mall off the face of the planet, grabbed all her things and levitated to the balcony outside her room. The other two were startled, but proceeded to carry the rest of the bags into the house.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Latice frowned at the strange knobs on the wall in the shower. Previously, with Magneto, she had simply raised her ki, which burned off any impurities. Now, Ororo had told her to shower and change into her new clothes. But the Saiyan had never seen showers like this, as all of the ones on Cooler's ship were automatic, and usually group showers. One side of the large room had showerheads, and the other was where you left your clothes. Simple.
Grasping one of the knobs, she twisted. Scalding hot water shot down, burning Latice. With a curse, she leapt out of the way, and glared at the pouring water. Twisting the knob again to shut it off, she examined her left arm, side, and leg. They were a bit red, but otherwise fine. Throwing open the door, she moved through her chamber and into the hallway. Delicately sniffing the air, she realized with a frown that she was alone in the house. She vaguely recalled Ororo saying something about the Professor and a meeting…
A husky, almost animalistic scent caught her nose, and she concentrated. It was the male, Wolverine. Logan. Whatever.
She made her way through the house, following the scent, and finally found him in a room with a variety of transportation devices. He lay halfway underneath one of them, as she could only see his legs and an occasional hand that switched various tools. His shirt was draped across a bench nearby.
Latice stepped between two vehicles and kicked at his legs. He made a surprised noise, then slide out from under the car, wiping his hands on a greasy rag. When he caught sight of her, his eyes widened and he froze. She stood scowling at him, arms crossed and wondered what his problem was. After a few seconds, Logan jumped to his feet, with a scowl to match hers.
"What are you doing?" he demanded. Rather then answer, she grabbed his arm and pulled him back through the house to her room. Too stunned to resist, he dumbly followed. When they reached her bathroom, she released him.
"Turn it on," she demanded. He looked at the shower, and a lazy grin slowly slid over his face. With a chuckle, he motioned for her to come closer to the shower.
"All right, Minx," he said, shaking his head. Pointing to one knob, he looked at her. "That one's hot, and this one's cold." Twisting both on, he adjusted them after feeling the water.
"That all right for you, Minx?" he questioned. Latice felt the water, then nodded.
"It will suffice."
He eyed her a bit doubtfully. "You sure? I can make it hotter 'r colder." She studied him for a moment, then tipped her head.
"A bit warmer then." He adjusted it and she nodded. Rising off the edge of the tub, Logan stretched. He started to leave, when Latice's quiet voice made him turn.
"What's a minx?" He grinned.
"It's a wild cat. I'll show you a picture some time." He gave her a look-over, eyes appreciative. "By the way, no more runnin' around naked, ya hear? While it's a great view, it ain't something ya do around here, not with humans, anyway." He quickly exited the room, leaving a thoroughly bewildered Saiyan.
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What do ya know, I finally updated! Review!!!