DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone except Carmen.
Authors Notes:
We rode to the mansion in silence. My instincts screamed at me to get out of the car, run back to the woods. But I knew all I would find in those woods is death in the waiting hands of Sabertooth. Pain and memories and death. So little to return to. I sat next to the window; Xavier and Wolverine sat up front. Trees and fields passed by us as we sped towards my prison. That's how I viewed it; a prison that prevented Sabertooth from killing me, but trapped me in a perfect world where only good can prevail. Fairy tales come to life. We pulled up in the long winding, driveway that leaded to the Xavier Institute. I opened the car door and grabbed my things from the trunk. "In a hurry, kid?" Wolverine asked. I just looked at him, unemotional golden eyes burning away his tough exterior. He visibly shuddered, and turned away to busy himself with Prof. Xavier. I turned around to face the large building. It shown with an inner glow in the bright moonlight. Horrid place, I thought, not able to give up my disgust just yet. I watched the professor and Wolverine head towards the mansion, and I followed. The large doors loomed over me, guards standing watch over all that entered. I saw the dull sparkle of moonlight on plastic, and turned to see a camera hidden in the shadows. I shuddered, feeling that this place was even more like a prison than I thought. We entered the doorway, and I tried not to gawk. The place was almost as expensive looking as a museum.
"If you will please follow Logan, he shall lead you to where you will be staying." Xavier whispered. The house was silent except for Wolverine's and my footsteps, and the mechanical hum as the professor rolled away. I clutched the bag I had closer to my side, and walked in an awkward silence behind Wolverine. I searched the hallways, trying to count the cameras that lined the walls. I stopped when I reached twenty, shaking my head in doubt. I wasn't sure now that the Institute was such a good idea. I would be constantly watched, analyzed, and whispered about. After all I was one of the Brotherhood. We turned down the halls, past wooden doors that hid Xaviers stooges. Wolverine finally stopped outside one of the doors and took the key out of his pocket. I felt a bit angry, my pride slightly burned. They knew I would choose them over the homeless shelter, I thought. They had everything planned out. I glared at Wolverine's back, angry at my predictability. But I just let it go. It was too late at night to get worked up over something like that. I picked up my bag when he pulled the door open, and I walked in silently. I laid the bags on my bed, and looked out to the balcony. The room was faced to the mountains, and would have a beautiful view of the sunset. I turned when I heard the nearly inaudible click as Wolverine closed my door. I turned back, seeing the moon low in the sky. I collapsed on the bed with my clothes on and slept a restless sleep, full of nightmares and monsters of my past.
We stood on the dock in New Orleans, just Todd and me. We watched the sun set, his arms intertwined with mine as they rested around my waist. I leaned my head against his shoulder, and smiled as his grip tightened on my hands. A ship was coming into the dock, but I hardly paid it any mind. When it honked the horn, I looked to the deck and saw Andre waving at me. I unlocked one of my hands with Todd's and waved back. But when I put my hand back down, I felt fur under my fingers. I looked up, and screamed when I saw Sabertooth's leering face. I pulled away, and grabbed a knife off the ground. I plunged the blade into his heart, and watched in shock as blood poured from the wound. I jumped when the passing boat whistled, and turned back to Sabertooth. Only it wasn't Sabertooth. Blood fell in rivers from Andre's mouth. Then it was Todd, pain and disappointment clouded his eyes. I cried, tears blinding me. I dropped the weapon and ran from his dying body. I ran down the empty streets of New Orleans, crying tears for Andre, Todd, and for me. I ran past the park where I slept and past the bench where the old Cajun man had sat. I ran until I fell the ground, scraping my palms and my knees. I lay down on the hard street, curling my body as small as I could. I cradled my bleeding hands, and sobbed for my friend, my lover and my enemy.
I sat up in bed, sweat and tears running from my face. I wiped them away, trying to forget the look of pain on their face. It was a bittersweet dream, giving me my greatest dream and worst nightmare all at once. I put my feet on the carpeted floor and walked to the bathroom. It was connected to my room, so I didn't have to bother with leaving my bedroom. I took a hot shower, trying to forget the dream. I had had ones like it before, only they were never so vivid. I wondered wearily if I had screamed in my sleep. I didn't doubt it, but the walls seemed pretty solid so maybe no one heard me. I grabbed the soap and scrubbed my face, trying to wash away the salty feeling of tears. I turned the shower off and dressed quickly, my hair still wet. I changed to my alligator skin, tired of hiding it. I walked to the rumpled bed and straightened the covers out a little. I pulled my bag out from under the bed, where I assumed it had fallen from my thrashing around during the night. I unzipped it, and pulled out the wrinkled wad of clothes. I noticed for the first time that I had slept till 1:54 in the afternoon. I pulled out my dirty cape. It had been my wall, my protector for so long. It had hidden me from the world. I no longer needed it, but I had the oddest feeling that I owed it something. I folded it carefully, and placed it in one of the four drawers of my bureau. I unpacked the rest of my clothes and put my lighter and first aid kit in the bottom drawer. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten that day. It was a Monday, so I hoped that no one would be down stairs. I could handle Xavier and Wolverine, but I wasn't sure I could keep all my nasty remarks in if I met up with the other X-men.
I opened the door, and peeked around the corner, looking for any signs of life. Seeing and hearing nothing, I took off quickly down the hall. No need to run the risk a chance meeting with anyone. I walked down the grand staircase, fighting the urge to slide down the railing. I walked through the dining room with the large table in to the brightly-lit kitchen. I blinked a few times, trying to get used to the glare of the sunlight off the spotless counters. I turned to my left and opened the fridge. The remains of the X-men's breakfast were put away in small Tupperware containers. I pulled one out and threw it in the microwave. I zapped it for two minutes and ate it with my fingers. It was only eggs and bacon, so it was pretty easy. I washed the bowl when I was done and set it on the counter. I was walking out of the kitchen when a loud crash made me jump. I ran from the kitchen to where I thought the noise came from. The scene I stumbled onto made me start to doubt some of the X-men's intelligence. Ororo was standing it the entryway, hands on her hips. Her back was to me, and she was staring at a sheepish Evan. He was picking up the pieces of a once whole vase. He threw the sharp shards into the garbage bag that Ororo was holding and stood up. He noticed me, and I saw his eyes narrow. He glanced at Ororo and growled at me, "What are you doing here?" I was taken back, but quickly slid an unemotional mask on. Ororo turned around and smiled kindly to me. "She is staying with us for the time being, Evan," she said, coming to my defense. I smirked at him and continued on my way back to my room. I continued on, even though the rest of the X-men bursted through the door only a moment later.
I had just settled down to read a book when I heard knocking on my door. I sighed and rolled off of the bed, walking slowly to the door. I opened it and found five of the six X-men standing there, smiles plastered on their face. No Rogue…I thought "Hi! Like, welcome to the Institute!" Kitty said. I turned cold eyes to her over excited face. "I wouldn't recommend that you go into acting," I said indifferently. Let's face it, their acting sucked. They didn't want me here anymore than I wanted to be. "Well hello to you too." Evan grumbled. I looked him, staring into his dark brown eyes. He turned away. Just like the others, I thought disgustedly. They can't look into my eyes either. I leaned against the doorframe, waiting for them to continue. Scott had started to fidget, looking to Jean for a bit of help. She cleared her throat, unsure of how to begin. "Listen, I'm touched that you would try to welcome me, after my past, but I'm afraid that I have to discourage you." I began, sick of staring at their perfect preppy faces. "I didn't come here because I wanted to join your side. I came for protection against my enemies. I'm sorry if I disappointed you, but I only have three words to remedy it," I said. They leaned closer, unsure of what I'd say. I erased any smile that was left on my face, and grabbed the door handle. "Get. Over. It." I growled, and slammed the door in their faces. I returned tiredly to my book, ignoring my conscience's admonishment and the hungry growls of my stomach an hour later.
*In the Institute's Dining room. *
"How was school?" Ororo asked. All of the X-men sat in silence, which was rather odd for five of them. "Fine," came the quiet mumbling from around the table. Ororo glanced at Professor Xavier, who looked back at her. They shared a silent message before turning back to the preoccupied students. Logan also sat in silence, but didn't seem to notice the silence. Jean stood up, plate cleared and walked to clean up the kitchen. Kitty followed suit a minute later, phasing through the door. The only sound from then on was the scraping of the chairs as the children put their dishes in the kitchen. Ororo stood up and set a plate for Carmen, seeing that she wouldn't be joining them for dinner. She put a domed top over it and walked into the kitchen, wondering if the silence was due to Carmen. "Will anyone volunteer to take Carmen's plate to her?" she asked, testing the nearly full kitchen. A chorus of 'no's and 'no thanks' went around. Curious, she turned to Kitty. She usually helped with everything she could. "Why not?" she asked, oblivious to the events of the afternoon. "She's so, like, hateful Storm! Why would anyone, like, want to give her dinner," she said, eyes wide and surprised at the notion. Rogue just snorted and walked up to Ororo. "Ah'll do it Storm," she said, taking the plate from her and heading up the stairs. She was heard mumbling about 'big chickens' when she closed the door behind her.
Rogue knocked on the door and called to the closed door, " 'Ere's you're dinner!" The door opened and a small oval face peeked from the crack. "Thanks," Carmen muttered, taking the plate and shutting the door. Rogue walked down to the rec. room. "I don't know what ya'll are so afraid of. She seemed fine ta me," Rogue said, sitting on the couch and grabbing the remote to the TV. The other X-men just stared at her like she had lost her mind.
*Outside the Building*
A shadowed figure was crouching in a tree near Carmen's open windows. He looked in the room, and saw her small body lying on the bed, reading some book. The figure just chuckled, and jumped to the ground. There was no escaping him now…
R&R! And thanks to all who reviewed in earlier chapters. It was not in vain. Plus, when the story is over, (which shouldn't be for a while,) I'll make a page just for ya'll! Names and comments shall be posted. Thanks again!