Disclaimer: I don't own any of Mutant X. Only Rosalie and Misha are my own
original characters.
Author's Note: Jesse and Emma may have to take a back seat for a while now. I think I'm going to be concentrating on the Firefly storyline, and if I can include their relationship too, I will, but don't expect too much!
Chapter 12: The legend
Her breathing became slower and more even as she relaxed into her meditation. The scent of newly cut grass smelt crisp and fresh and the sounds of the birds gave her a sense of calmness and freedom. As she opened her eyes and took in her surroundings, she mused how she had always come to the park when she felt troubled or confused. This was her favourite spot, under the weeping willow. Its hanging branches felt like a familiar embrace, hiding her from the world around her. Not that there were many passers-by at this time in the morning, but she needed the security. She wasn't sure what to make of what Brennan had told her. Surely both him and Adam were making a big issue out of nothing. How could they think she was Firefly? *Reign with blood and fire?* she thought. *All I want is a bit of peace for a change *
This was as good a time as any to practice her new powers, so she concentrated on forming a ball of heat in her left hand. Her palm glowed orange as the ball grew in size. *Well that was easy enough,* she thought as she made it dissipate. She raised her right hand and tried forming a ball of cold, but as she did, it flew out of her hand and froze some of the hanging leaves surrounding her. This was definitely going to take more practice. Maybe she should be doing this in the safety of the Sanctuary, but she needed time on her own to sort her mind out.
She concentrated once more on her right palm, trying to make it tingle with cold rather than blast a stream of ice. Her palm glowed a pale blue as she felt a slight tingle. She felt elated for a moment, but it was short-lived and it went out before she could keep it there. She threw her hands down in frustration. It was never this difficult with the fire, but maybe that was because she only had warmth before she found she could shoot fire.
She was so intent on her hands that she didn't see the black van pull up close to her until the doors slid open noisily and three men rushed out. Her head jerked up and she fell into a defensive pose. One man dropped to his knees and bowed his head whilst another one turned to the third and asked,
"Are you sure?"
The man on his knees lifted his head and gazed reverentially at her.
"Highness, we are honoured and awed by your presence."
"What the hell is going on?" she asked, not moving from her defensive stance.
One of the other men turned irritated towards the one on his knees.
"Imbecile, you know she is unaware of her true nature. We must take her now."
"You're not taking me anywhere," she spat at them as she flung a stream of fire at the nearest one.
"She is truly the one!" he proclaimed from the floor.
"Highness, all will become clear once we get you home," the awed one spoke as he neared her. "You shall fulfil destiny."
"Not a chance!" With two bolts of fire, she floored the remaining two men, concussing the third and ran off before they regained consciousness.
Ten minutes later, she stormed into the lab to find Adam at the computer.
"What the HELL was all that 'Firefly' business about Adam? You've gotta tell me about it!"
Adam raised his head from his work. "Why? Has something happened?" he asked worriedly.
"Oh, not much," she feigned casualness. "Only a few men proclaiming me 'The One' and trying to get me back 'home' so that I could fulfil destiny." She glared at him, her eyes glowing once again from the adrenaline of the recent fight. "I want some answers!"
Adam sighed. "There is a legend about Firefly. She is said to have reigned centuries ago, burning all the unbelievers and people not deferential to her. They say she created fire itself and had the ability to fly, hence the name 'Firefly'. She terrorised the people for nearly a century, growing no older herself. They say she had also discovered the secret of eternal life and immortality. She was eventually killed by her right hand man. He was a being said to have been able to withstand the extreme temperatures she created. He rose through the ranks and gained her confidence, always concealing his ability. He almost sounds like a molecular impervious. Eventually, he beheaded and burnt her. It was thought that it would be the only way to prevent her from coming back."
"Although the vast majority of people rejoiced, the most devout of her followers formed a sect which vowed to constantly search for the return of Firefly. It has survived all these centuries, and they now believe that she has returned. These people are willing to go to any lengths to bring her back. I should have told you all this as soon as you mentioned the name Firefly, but I was hoping it was a misunderstanding, a one-off. They obviously believe that you are Firefly."
"But why? I know I'm not her. I would remember, surely."
"Of course, but if they are so totally convinced, they will stop at nothing to bring her back. You must be very careful. I'm surprised they only sent along a few men to take you back. Maybe they thought you would know you were The One." He put a hand on her shoulder. "You realise what this means. We must take precautions. You're not to go out alone from now on. Now that they're more certain that you're what they want, and they know what you're capable of, they'll be sending larger forces next time."
"Why hadn't I heard of this legend?" she asked him.
"It's a legend that has only thrived in the deepest underground. Very few people know about it, or at least, know the full repercussions of it." He paused in thought. "I suggest we let the others know so that they are aware of what they'll be facing. I'll call a meeting. In the meantime, go rest. You look exhausted."
As she walked out of the lab, Adam tapped some buttons and a female face came up on the screen.
"Adam!" exclaimed the woman. "Nice to hear from you again! To what do I owe the honour?"
"We have a problem," he replied, getting straight to the point as usual. "Do you remember about 20 years ago, we heard of the Firefly legend?"
"Oh, yes I think so. That load of nonsense. What of it?"
"It's no nonsense. They've surfaced again. One of my team has the ability to blast fire and ice, and they've latched on to that and are trying to take her back and make her ruler again. They're convinced that this is going to be their return to power."
"But that was only a story. You mean there's a chance it could be all true?"
Adam nodded resignedly. "I'm afraid its turned out to be much more than a silly story. There's a very real possibility that Rosalie IS Firefly, and any memories she may have from back then are buried somewhere deep in her subconscious. I believe Rosalie is in real danger. I need your help."
"What could I possibly do?"
"Keep your ear to the ground. I need all the information I can get on this group."
"Well, I'll see what I can do. How is she taking it?"
"I've reassured her that she's not The One."
"Is this wise? Surely she deserves to know the whole truth, to better prepare her for what may happen."
"I don't dare tell her any more. If it was true that the man who killed her was in fact her lover, there's no knowing how that will affect her current relationship."
"You think her friends are in danger too?"
"No, I think her boyfriend is in danger."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A little later, Emma, Shalimar and Jesse were gathered in the lab.
"What's the problem, Adam?" asked Jesse, voicing the others' curiosity at the sudden meeting.
"Where's Brennan?" interrupted Rosa.
"I don't know," replied Emma. "He said he was going to go look for you."
"What time was this?"
"A while ago now. You haven't seen him yet?"
"Not since this morning in the kitchen."
Adam's face grew darker as his worry increased. Rosalie glanced over and saw that this was probably more serious than Brennan's usual disappearances.
*This is something to do with the Firefly story, it's got to be,* she thought as she turned and left the lab. She could hear Adam's voice as if through a fog, calling her back. Her one worry now was finding Brennan. If this was worrying Adam so much, Bren could be in trouble now.
She ran from room to room within the Sanctuary and had to conclude that he wasn't in. *Where would he have gone to look for me?* she racked her brain. Suddenly a crackling or her comring broke her concentration.
"Rosalie, be sensible. Come back and we'll organise a search party to look for Brennan," came Adam's voice.
"No time, Adam. I have to do this now," she replied.
"Rosa, let's do this sensibly," argued Emma in her most persuasive voice. "Can you hear m.?" The voice faded out as a cracking sound became louder.
"Hello?" came a man's voice over the ring.
"Who is this?" demanded Rosa.
"Firefly," he sounded smug. "We met at the club." Rosa's blood ran cold. How did he get through to her comring? "They've got your friend, Mulwray. If you want to know where he is, meet me at Creation tonight at 10. Come alone."
"How did you get through?" she demanded.
"The wonders of modern technology," he replied before the crackling was replaced by Emma's voice.
"Rosa? What's going on? Where are you?"
"At the dojo," she replied, feeling beaten.
"Stay there, I'm coming to get you."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Emma ran up to her, worry etched on her pretty features. "What happened?"
"I can't find Brennan," she replied miserably. She didn't want anyone to know about her meeting that evening. She was worried that they might try to stop her.
Emma looked at her intently. "That's not all. What's going on?"
Rosalie felt a flash of anger. "Will you stop playing around in my mind, Em!"
"Sorry, Rosa," she apologised, "but when the emotion's so strong, its difficult to ignore. You know you've always been able to confide in me."
"Yeah, but can I trust you to be on my side and not tell the others?" she hypothesized.
"Why? Has something come up that the others should know about?"
"No! No one has the right to know what I'm doing, especially when it's to do with my life, my future."
Emma put her arm round Rosa's shoulders. She could feel the frustration, anger and fear radiating from her friend. "I wouldn't tell anyone if you didn't want me to," she reassured her. "But if I can help, I will."
Rosa thought it through in her muddled mind. She was so scared for Brennan that she couldn't think straight. Maybe it would be a good thing to have a telempath in on the whole situation.
"I got a message from that man in Creation. He says they've got Brennan and I should meet him at the club tonight if I want to see him again."
Emma's face paled at the thought of losing one of her closest friends. "What are you going to do?" she asked.
"What else can I do but go there tonight?"
"I'm coming with you."
"No, I was told to go alone."
"Well, then I'll stay in the shadows away from you." Rosa paused, not knowing what to do for the best. "I can help," Emma insisted. "Adam told us all about this weird Firefly sect, I know what I'm getting myself into, don't worry. Plus I couldn't live with myself if I thought there was something I could have done for Bren."
"Then it's settled. It's Creation time tonight."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
As always, keep the reviews coming.
Author's Note: Jesse and Emma may have to take a back seat for a while now. I think I'm going to be concentrating on the Firefly storyline, and if I can include their relationship too, I will, but don't expect too much!
Chapter 12: The legend
Her breathing became slower and more even as she relaxed into her meditation. The scent of newly cut grass smelt crisp and fresh and the sounds of the birds gave her a sense of calmness and freedom. As she opened her eyes and took in her surroundings, she mused how she had always come to the park when she felt troubled or confused. This was her favourite spot, under the weeping willow. Its hanging branches felt like a familiar embrace, hiding her from the world around her. Not that there were many passers-by at this time in the morning, but she needed the security. She wasn't sure what to make of what Brennan had told her. Surely both him and Adam were making a big issue out of nothing. How could they think she was Firefly? *Reign with blood and fire?* she thought. *All I want is a bit of peace for a change *
This was as good a time as any to practice her new powers, so she concentrated on forming a ball of heat in her left hand. Her palm glowed orange as the ball grew in size. *Well that was easy enough,* she thought as she made it dissipate. She raised her right hand and tried forming a ball of cold, but as she did, it flew out of her hand and froze some of the hanging leaves surrounding her. This was definitely going to take more practice. Maybe she should be doing this in the safety of the Sanctuary, but she needed time on her own to sort her mind out.
She concentrated once more on her right palm, trying to make it tingle with cold rather than blast a stream of ice. Her palm glowed a pale blue as she felt a slight tingle. She felt elated for a moment, but it was short-lived and it went out before she could keep it there. She threw her hands down in frustration. It was never this difficult with the fire, but maybe that was because she only had warmth before she found she could shoot fire.
She was so intent on her hands that she didn't see the black van pull up close to her until the doors slid open noisily and three men rushed out. Her head jerked up and she fell into a defensive pose. One man dropped to his knees and bowed his head whilst another one turned to the third and asked,
"Are you sure?"
The man on his knees lifted his head and gazed reverentially at her.
"Highness, we are honoured and awed by your presence."
"What the hell is going on?" she asked, not moving from her defensive stance.
One of the other men turned irritated towards the one on his knees.
"Imbecile, you know she is unaware of her true nature. We must take her now."
"You're not taking me anywhere," she spat at them as she flung a stream of fire at the nearest one.
"She is truly the one!" he proclaimed from the floor.
"Highness, all will become clear once we get you home," the awed one spoke as he neared her. "You shall fulfil destiny."
"Not a chance!" With two bolts of fire, she floored the remaining two men, concussing the third and ran off before they regained consciousness.
Ten minutes later, she stormed into the lab to find Adam at the computer.
"What the HELL was all that 'Firefly' business about Adam? You've gotta tell me about it!"
Adam raised his head from his work. "Why? Has something happened?" he asked worriedly.
"Oh, not much," she feigned casualness. "Only a few men proclaiming me 'The One' and trying to get me back 'home' so that I could fulfil destiny." She glared at him, her eyes glowing once again from the adrenaline of the recent fight. "I want some answers!"
Adam sighed. "There is a legend about Firefly. She is said to have reigned centuries ago, burning all the unbelievers and people not deferential to her. They say she created fire itself and had the ability to fly, hence the name 'Firefly'. She terrorised the people for nearly a century, growing no older herself. They say she had also discovered the secret of eternal life and immortality. She was eventually killed by her right hand man. He was a being said to have been able to withstand the extreme temperatures she created. He rose through the ranks and gained her confidence, always concealing his ability. He almost sounds like a molecular impervious. Eventually, he beheaded and burnt her. It was thought that it would be the only way to prevent her from coming back."
"Although the vast majority of people rejoiced, the most devout of her followers formed a sect which vowed to constantly search for the return of Firefly. It has survived all these centuries, and they now believe that she has returned. These people are willing to go to any lengths to bring her back. I should have told you all this as soon as you mentioned the name Firefly, but I was hoping it was a misunderstanding, a one-off. They obviously believe that you are Firefly."
"But why? I know I'm not her. I would remember, surely."
"Of course, but if they are so totally convinced, they will stop at nothing to bring her back. You must be very careful. I'm surprised they only sent along a few men to take you back. Maybe they thought you would know you were The One." He put a hand on her shoulder. "You realise what this means. We must take precautions. You're not to go out alone from now on. Now that they're more certain that you're what they want, and they know what you're capable of, they'll be sending larger forces next time."
"Why hadn't I heard of this legend?" she asked him.
"It's a legend that has only thrived in the deepest underground. Very few people know about it, or at least, know the full repercussions of it." He paused in thought. "I suggest we let the others know so that they are aware of what they'll be facing. I'll call a meeting. In the meantime, go rest. You look exhausted."
As she walked out of the lab, Adam tapped some buttons and a female face came up on the screen.
"Adam!" exclaimed the woman. "Nice to hear from you again! To what do I owe the honour?"
"We have a problem," he replied, getting straight to the point as usual. "Do you remember about 20 years ago, we heard of the Firefly legend?"
"Oh, yes I think so. That load of nonsense. What of it?"
"It's no nonsense. They've surfaced again. One of my team has the ability to blast fire and ice, and they've latched on to that and are trying to take her back and make her ruler again. They're convinced that this is going to be their return to power."
"But that was only a story. You mean there's a chance it could be all true?"
Adam nodded resignedly. "I'm afraid its turned out to be much more than a silly story. There's a very real possibility that Rosalie IS Firefly, and any memories she may have from back then are buried somewhere deep in her subconscious. I believe Rosalie is in real danger. I need your help."
"What could I possibly do?"
"Keep your ear to the ground. I need all the information I can get on this group."
"Well, I'll see what I can do. How is she taking it?"
"I've reassured her that she's not The One."
"Is this wise? Surely she deserves to know the whole truth, to better prepare her for what may happen."
"I don't dare tell her any more. If it was true that the man who killed her was in fact her lover, there's no knowing how that will affect her current relationship."
"You think her friends are in danger too?"
"No, I think her boyfriend is in danger."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
A little later, Emma, Shalimar and Jesse were gathered in the lab.
"What's the problem, Adam?" asked Jesse, voicing the others' curiosity at the sudden meeting.
"Where's Brennan?" interrupted Rosa.
"I don't know," replied Emma. "He said he was going to go look for you."
"What time was this?"
"A while ago now. You haven't seen him yet?"
"Not since this morning in the kitchen."
Adam's face grew darker as his worry increased. Rosalie glanced over and saw that this was probably more serious than Brennan's usual disappearances.
*This is something to do with the Firefly story, it's got to be,* she thought as she turned and left the lab. She could hear Adam's voice as if through a fog, calling her back. Her one worry now was finding Brennan. If this was worrying Adam so much, Bren could be in trouble now.
She ran from room to room within the Sanctuary and had to conclude that he wasn't in. *Where would he have gone to look for me?* she racked her brain. Suddenly a crackling or her comring broke her concentration.
"Rosalie, be sensible. Come back and we'll organise a search party to look for Brennan," came Adam's voice.
"No time, Adam. I have to do this now," she replied.
"Rosa, let's do this sensibly," argued Emma in her most persuasive voice. "Can you hear m.?" The voice faded out as a cracking sound became louder.
"Hello?" came a man's voice over the ring.
"Who is this?" demanded Rosa.
"Firefly," he sounded smug. "We met at the club." Rosa's blood ran cold. How did he get through to her comring? "They've got your friend, Mulwray. If you want to know where he is, meet me at Creation tonight at 10. Come alone."
"How did you get through?" she demanded.
"The wonders of modern technology," he replied before the crackling was replaced by Emma's voice.
"Rosa? What's going on? Where are you?"
"At the dojo," she replied, feeling beaten.
"Stay there, I'm coming to get you."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Emma ran up to her, worry etched on her pretty features. "What happened?"
"I can't find Brennan," she replied miserably. She didn't want anyone to know about her meeting that evening. She was worried that they might try to stop her.
Emma looked at her intently. "That's not all. What's going on?"
Rosalie felt a flash of anger. "Will you stop playing around in my mind, Em!"
"Sorry, Rosa," she apologised, "but when the emotion's so strong, its difficult to ignore. You know you've always been able to confide in me."
"Yeah, but can I trust you to be on my side and not tell the others?" she hypothesized.
"Why? Has something come up that the others should know about?"
"No! No one has the right to know what I'm doing, especially when it's to do with my life, my future."
Emma put her arm round Rosa's shoulders. She could feel the frustration, anger and fear radiating from her friend. "I wouldn't tell anyone if you didn't want me to," she reassured her. "But if I can help, I will."
Rosa thought it through in her muddled mind. She was so scared for Brennan that she couldn't think straight. Maybe it would be a good thing to have a telempath in on the whole situation.
"I got a message from that man in Creation. He says they've got Brennan and I should meet him at the club tonight if I want to see him again."
Emma's face paled at the thought of losing one of her closest friends. "What are you going to do?" she asked.
"What else can I do but go there tonight?"
"I'm coming with you."
"No, I was told to go alone."
"Well, then I'll stay in the shadows away from you." Rosa paused, not knowing what to do for the best. "I can help," Emma insisted. "Adam told us all about this weird Firefly sect, I know what I'm getting myself into, don't worry. Plus I couldn't live with myself if I thought there was something I could have done for Bren."
"Then it's settled. It's Creation time tonight."
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
As always, keep the reviews coming.