(13)
The mansion stood tall and majestic. It was settled a friendly distance
from the little town of Bayville, but also not far from the cliff beside
the calm ocean. The water lapped at the rocks along the shore, and crashed
against the cliff side in the coves. The sun glistened off the turquoise
water; gulls settled themselves of the sun-warmed rocks or flew through the
clear blue sky.
The residents of this regal looking mansion never saw this wonderful picture painted in the early hours of the morning, because of their distaste of rising early. All were still cozy in their beds, wrapped in their dreams. In this dwelling, early risers were few and separate.
Ororo was seen as the only really morning bird in the mansion. She loved the calm and quiet that surrounds her. There were only few chances, no more then seconds in the day when she would have this same peace. This time she put towards thinking, reading or really to just live in the moment of quiet. To enjoy it. However, today was not one of those days. And Ororo wasn't the first to rise.
The room was blanketed in darkness. It could almost be believed that it was still the middle of the night within. Dixion lay curled up under the warmth of her comforter in a half-awake state. She knew she wouldn't fall asleep again, but she loved more then anything at that moment to stay in her warm bed. She rolled over to stretch out when she encountered a large, unmoving lump on her bed. Rubbing her eyes, she looked over to study it in the almost complete dark.
The form was long and lean. It started to take on a human form to Dixion adjusting eyes. It was turned away from her, so she could study its broad shoulders and back. A disordered mop of silver blonde hair, rested on the next pillow.
"Ah yes," Dixion murmured to herself, "Pietro stayed in here last night. The debate now is do I wake him?" She flopped down on her back again to stare at the ceiling. Thinking deeply at this time in the morning wasn't good for anyone because things that seem wrong when you're wide awake, could look pretty good at this time. An evil thought of putting her cold hands on his bare back came to mind, but Dixion ignored it. She didn't really want him pissed at her. So as quietly as she could, she rose from her warm bed and onto the cold floor. Biting back a yell, she crossed the room to her too big closet.
Not having enough clothes to fill the closet never discouraged Dixion. It wasn't as if she didn't have any clothes. Her wardrobe consisted of 5 pairs of jeans, varying in style and length. Next, she had 3 pairs of capries, also in varying style and color. She had a wide variety of shirts. Tank tops, dress shirts, t-shirts, mini t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, the list goes on. Some brand names, some old favorites you can't bare to part with. And some where in the back she was sure she had some sweatpants or leggings. Now she really did agree she needed more shoes. She had 3 pairs. One pair of sneakers, a pair of sandals, and a pair of boots.
Deciding she should go jogging, she dug through the mess, found a pair of legging and a tank top and changed.
Even with the noise she made, Pietro didn't move an inch. Just to be on the safe side, Dixion checked to see if he was still breathing. Before she left, Dixion opened the thick curtains, letting the light spill in, and opened the doors to the balcony. Dixion strolled from her room, Pietro still dead to the world. ************************************************************************
Dixion was out jogging for an hour before she decided to come back. She was completely dead and drenched in sweat, but she felt better now.
Silently coming into the mansion, she wasn't surprised to find no one up. She crossed the house to the kitchen were she found Ororo reading at the table.
"Hi Ororo. I'm not disturbing you, am I?" Dixion began searching through the refrigerator for a bottle of water.
"Of course not. I'm just surprised to find someone else up at this time of the morning." Ororo closed the book on the table, watching Dixion. "What are you doing up so early?"
"Well I couldn't sleep anymore. Once I'm awake, I can't go back to sleep."
"Was there something you wanted?"
Dixion came over to the table and sat. "Well no not really." she played with the bottle in her hands.
Ororo sat quietly, watching her. "Dixion, you have nothing to be nervous about. I am here to help you in any way. So are Logan and your uncle. But I believe you would be more comfortable talking to me then Logan." She gave Dixion a motherly smile. "He isn't the friendliest person ever."
Dixion gave Ororo a rueful smile. "Don't I know it. I got enough threats from him last night to join the witness protection program."
Ororo rich laughter echoed off the silent walls for moment, before all becoming quiet again.
They flowed into silence again. Dixion had drunk half the bottle and was playing with the cap now.
"Um, you don't think you could maybe help with training me. I mean with my powers since you have pretty much the same."
Ororo smiled calmly. "I would be happy to. Would you like to start now?"
Dixion looked up, shocked. "Right now? Well, sure. I don't see why not."
"Come with me then."
And Ororo lead Dixion away. ************************************************************************ Ororo had lead Dixion into a large room she had never seen before. The dizzying height of the ceiling was close to 50 feet. The walls and dome ceiling were covered with panels of steel. In the middle of the ceiling sat a room, a control center, which spanned almost the entire ceiling.
"This Dixion is the training room." Ororo's open arms meant to encompass the whole room. "It is where all the X-men come to train. Each has their own special training simulation because each has a different power. You will have your own too after you have been tested."
Dixion looked around, nervous and a bit edgy. "Tested?"
"Don't worry child. Nothing to horrible."
"That's good." Dixion mumbled. "I was never very good at tests."
Ororo had crossed the room, where a small panel had opened to reveal a screen and keyboard. She pushed a sequence of keys, and Dixion gasped as the steel walls disappeared and were replaced by a rolling meadow and a blue sky, dotted with clouds.
"Is this real, or am I seeing things?"
Ororo chuckled lightly. "It is real in some sense. It's like a huge virtual reality. This is so I can test you."
Ororo walked back over to stand beside Dixion. "Now, something simple first. A light breeze. Just concentrate on it. Picture yourself doing it. I'll show you." Ororo stood calmly looking ahead of her. Slowly her eyes changed from their baby blue to white. She swept her arm in a regal arch. A light breeze came up ruffling their hair. "Now you try."
Dixion blew out a breath. She closed her eyes and pictured her surroundings. Within her mind, she watched herself mimic Ororo. When she opened her eyes, they were black. Going through the steps, she followed what Ororo did. At first, nothing happened. 'Concentrate. Come' on concentrate.' she urged herself.
Then she felt it. It was weak, hardly enough to move the air, but she felt it. And it grew stronger. Soon a cool breeze washed over her face, pulling at her hair. It died away.
"Very good Dixion. I think you will do fine." Ororo's encouraging smile made her feel much better.
Dixion's watch beeped quietly. "Ororo, can we work on this later? I think it's about time to eat something."
"Of course. I think I should start on breakfast for everyone."
Dixion shook her head quickly. "Oh no, don't worry about that. I'll do it."
Dixion strode off, not waiting for a reply. When she made it into the kitchen, the clock said it was 9a.m. That gave her 30 minutes to an hour before anyone got up.
"Plenty of time." she assured herself. ************************************************************************ By the time 10 rolled around, Dixion had made pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon, muffins, coffee and fresh orange juice. Still no one came down.
"I can't believe this." she fumed. "I'm down here; making them breakfast and they don't even come down to eat it. Well if they don't come, I'll make'em."
Dixion raced up the stairs and came to a sudden halt at the top. Rubbing her hands together and an evil grin on her face, she entered her first victim's room. Evan's.
Evan's room still looked like the mess it was the last time Dixion saw it. She wasn't surprised in the least. She made her way around the junk to his bed. Evan laid fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in a rhythmic fashion. Dixion silently moved her hand to just above his face. Concentrating deeply, she focused on her hand. When she opened her eyes, little drops of ice water dripped from her hand, splattering against Evan's face.
Evan sat up startled, almost knocking over Dixion in the process. "Damn Dix, what was that about? I should kill you!"
"Oh, you wouldn't do that," she teased. "I'm your angel, remember? Anyway I made breakfast and if you don't get down there now, you're gonna get a cold shower in bed."
Moaning about indecent treatment, Evan stumbled out of bed. Dixion pushed him out the door and towards the stairs. Then she started towards the next door.
Dixion repeated this to each person, each with a different reaction. Some more dangerous then others. She almost lost her hand when Scott opened his eyes without his shades on, and Kitty phased through her bed, slamming against the floor.
When she finally reached her room, she felt drained. She stumbled in and flopped down on the bed. It took her a minute to notice Pietro wasn't there anymore. She could hear the shower in her bathroom. With some effort, she lifted herself from the bed and moved to the bathroom door, which she immediately leaned against.
"Hey Pietro! Get your ass outta my shower and downstairs now. I made breakfast and it's getting cold."
No response.
"Pietro you better not be in there wasting water or I'm gonna beat your face in."
Still no response. However, the shower did turn off.
Growling irritably, Dixion pushed opened the door. Standing there, with the towel resting on his hips, Pietro stood in front of the mirror, doing his hair.
Leaning against the doorframe, Dixion looked him over. "Now don't you look cute? You're worse then a girl. Are you deaf or do you just like ignoring me?"
Pietro shot her a smug smile. "I did hear you. Why do you think I got out?" He put down the comb and turned to her. "Can you move? I need to change."
Dixion moved from his way but not before, she placed a cold hand to his chest. He squirmed and jumped back. "Sorry. It's only fair if I do this to you too." Dixion shrugged.
Pietro zipped down to his room as Dixion flopped back down on her bed. She was just getting comfortable when Pietro came back and joined her. He brushed the hair from her face. "Aren't you going down for breakfast?"
"Hmm." was the only response he got.
He laid his head down on her back and closed his eyes. He could feel the warmth coming off her and could hear her steady heartbeat. And he felt at peace.
Dixion started to move restlessly. "Ok, now I have to get up. Not that I don't love laying here...nice warm bed...no I'm getting up. My stomach is going to eat its way out of my body if a don't have something soon."
She got up from the bed, dragging Pietro behind and made her way downstairs. ************************************************************************ By the time, the got there not much was left, but nobody looked pissed at Dixion anymore. Thanks and compliments were thrown in her general direction as the others rose and left to return to their rooms.
"Ok guys, get back here now. I'm sick of everyone being so uptight around each other," The other teens turned, looking shocked and somewhat embarrassed at Dixion. "Hopeless, all of you. Now can't you guys at least be nice to each other for my sake. Try to do something together. Anything." All looked at her, still dumfounded. She threw up her hands in defeat. "Fine then be that way, but if I flip out again, it's going to be on all your heads."
With some uncertain looks, everyone started to move. Kitty and Lance came back and cleaned up the dishes. Kurt, Evan and Scott challenged Todd, Lance and Freddy to a basketball game. The guys were followed outside by Kitty, Rogue and Jean. When the door closed behind them, Dixion collapsed into a chair.
"I don't know if I can stand this." She watched as Pietro scraped together what was left of breakfast. "You guys are just like little children. Because someone tells you the other is bad, you just automatically believe it. Don't you have minds of your own?"
"You can't really blame us," Pietro replied around his eggs. "We haven't really been in a situation where we have all been nice to each other. I mean a lot happened before you got here."
"You're all hopeless." Dixion repeated, picking at a muffin. "I just don't understand it." ************************************************************************ Same as before.
The residents of this regal looking mansion never saw this wonderful picture painted in the early hours of the morning, because of their distaste of rising early. All were still cozy in their beds, wrapped in their dreams. In this dwelling, early risers were few and separate.
Ororo was seen as the only really morning bird in the mansion. She loved the calm and quiet that surrounds her. There were only few chances, no more then seconds in the day when she would have this same peace. This time she put towards thinking, reading or really to just live in the moment of quiet. To enjoy it. However, today was not one of those days. And Ororo wasn't the first to rise.
The room was blanketed in darkness. It could almost be believed that it was still the middle of the night within. Dixion lay curled up under the warmth of her comforter in a half-awake state. She knew she wouldn't fall asleep again, but she loved more then anything at that moment to stay in her warm bed. She rolled over to stretch out when she encountered a large, unmoving lump on her bed. Rubbing her eyes, she looked over to study it in the almost complete dark.
The form was long and lean. It started to take on a human form to Dixion adjusting eyes. It was turned away from her, so she could study its broad shoulders and back. A disordered mop of silver blonde hair, rested on the next pillow.
"Ah yes," Dixion murmured to herself, "Pietro stayed in here last night. The debate now is do I wake him?" She flopped down on her back again to stare at the ceiling. Thinking deeply at this time in the morning wasn't good for anyone because things that seem wrong when you're wide awake, could look pretty good at this time. An evil thought of putting her cold hands on his bare back came to mind, but Dixion ignored it. She didn't really want him pissed at her. So as quietly as she could, she rose from her warm bed and onto the cold floor. Biting back a yell, she crossed the room to her too big closet.
Not having enough clothes to fill the closet never discouraged Dixion. It wasn't as if she didn't have any clothes. Her wardrobe consisted of 5 pairs of jeans, varying in style and length. Next, she had 3 pairs of capries, also in varying style and color. She had a wide variety of shirts. Tank tops, dress shirts, t-shirts, mini t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, the list goes on. Some brand names, some old favorites you can't bare to part with. And some where in the back she was sure she had some sweatpants or leggings. Now she really did agree she needed more shoes. She had 3 pairs. One pair of sneakers, a pair of sandals, and a pair of boots.
Deciding she should go jogging, she dug through the mess, found a pair of legging and a tank top and changed.
Even with the noise she made, Pietro didn't move an inch. Just to be on the safe side, Dixion checked to see if he was still breathing. Before she left, Dixion opened the thick curtains, letting the light spill in, and opened the doors to the balcony. Dixion strolled from her room, Pietro still dead to the world. ************************************************************************
Dixion was out jogging for an hour before she decided to come back. She was completely dead and drenched in sweat, but she felt better now.
Silently coming into the mansion, she wasn't surprised to find no one up. She crossed the house to the kitchen were she found Ororo reading at the table.
"Hi Ororo. I'm not disturbing you, am I?" Dixion began searching through the refrigerator for a bottle of water.
"Of course not. I'm just surprised to find someone else up at this time of the morning." Ororo closed the book on the table, watching Dixion. "What are you doing up so early?"
"Well I couldn't sleep anymore. Once I'm awake, I can't go back to sleep."
"Was there something you wanted?"
Dixion came over to the table and sat. "Well no not really." she played with the bottle in her hands.
Ororo sat quietly, watching her. "Dixion, you have nothing to be nervous about. I am here to help you in any way. So are Logan and your uncle. But I believe you would be more comfortable talking to me then Logan." She gave Dixion a motherly smile. "He isn't the friendliest person ever."
Dixion gave Ororo a rueful smile. "Don't I know it. I got enough threats from him last night to join the witness protection program."
Ororo rich laughter echoed off the silent walls for moment, before all becoming quiet again.
They flowed into silence again. Dixion had drunk half the bottle and was playing with the cap now.
"Um, you don't think you could maybe help with training me. I mean with my powers since you have pretty much the same."
Ororo smiled calmly. "I would be happy to. Would you like to start now?"
Dixion looked up, shocked. "Right now? Well, sure. I don't see why not."
"Come with me then."
And Ororo lead Dixion away. ************************************************************************ Ororo had lead Dixion into a large room she had never seen before. The dizzying height of the ceiling was close to 50 feet. The walls and dome ceiling were covered with panels of steel. In the middle of the ceiling sat a room, a control center, which spanned almost the entire ceiling.
"This Dixion is the training room." Ororo's open arms meant to encompass the whole room. "It is where all the X-men come to train. Each has their own special training simulation because each has a different power. You will have your own too after you have been tested."
Dixion looked around, nervous and a bit edgy. "Tested?"
"Don't worry child. Nothing to horrible."
"That's good." Dixion mumbled. "I was never very good at tests."
Ororo had crossed the room, where a small panel had opened to reveal a screen and keyboard. She pushed a sequence of keys, and Dixion gasped as the steel walls disappeared and were replaced by a rolling meadow and a blue sky, dotted with clouds.
"Is this real, or am I seeing things?"
Ororo chuckled lightly. "It is real in some sense. It's like a huge virtual reality. This is so I can test you."
Ororo walked back over to stand beside Dixion. "Now, something simple first. A light breeze. Just concentrate on it. Picture yourself doing it. I'll show you." Ororo stood calmly looking ahead of her. Slowly her eyes changed from their baby blue to white. She swept her arm in a regal arch. A light breeze came up ruffling their hair. "Now you try."
Dixion blew out a breath. She closed her eyes and pictured her surroundings. Within her mind, she watched herself mimic Ororo. When she opened her eyes, they were black. Going through the steps, she followed what Ororo did. At first, nothing happened. 'Concentrate. Come' on concentrate.' she urged herself.
Then she felt it. It was weak, hardly enough to move the air, but she felt it. And it grew stronger. Soon a cool breeze washed over her face, pulling at her hair. It died away.
"Very good Dixion. I think you will do fine." Ororo's encouraging smile made her feel much better.
Dixion's watch beeped quietly. "Ororo, can we work on this later? I think it's about time to eat something."
"Of course. I think I should start on breakfast for everyone."
Dixion shook her head quickly. "Oh no, don't worry about that. I'll do it."
Dixion strode off, not waiting for a reply. When she made it into the kitchen, the clock said it was 9a.m. That gave her 30 minutes to an hour before anyone got up.
"Plenty of time." she assured herself. ************************************************************************ By the time 10 rolled around, Dixion had made pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon, muffins, coffee and fresh orange juice. Still no one came down.
"I can't believe this." she fumed. "I'm down here; making them breakfast and they don't even come down to eat it. Well if they don't come, I'll make'em."
Dixion raced up the stairs and came to a sudden halt at the top. Rubbing her hands together and an evil grin on her face, she entered her first victim's room. Evan's.
Evan's room still looked like the mess it was the last time Dixion saw it. She wasn't surprised in the least. She made her way around the junk to his bed. Evan laid fast asleep, his chest rising and falling in a rhythmic fashion. Dixion silently moved her hand to just above his face. Concentrating deeply, she focused on her hand. When she opened her eyes, little drops of ice water dripped from her hand, splattering against Evan's face.
Evan sat up startled, almost knocking over Dixion in the process. "Damn Dix, what was that about? I should kill you!"
"Oh, you wouldn't do that," she teased. "I'm your angel, remember? Anyway I made breakfast and if you don't get down there now, you're gonna get a cold shower in bed."
Moaning about indecent treatment, Evan stumbled out of bed. Dixion pushed him out the door and towards the stairs. Then she started towards the next door.
Dixion repeated this to each person, each with a different reaction. Some more dangerous then others. She almost lost her hand when Scott opened his eyes without his shades on, and Kitty phased through her bed, slamming against the floor.
When she finally reached her room, she felt drained. She stumbled in and flopped down on the bed. It took her a minute to notice Pietro wasn't there anymore. She could hear the shower in her bathroom. With some effort, she lifted herself from the bed and moved to the bathroom door, which she immediately leaned against.
"Hey Pietro! Get your ass outta my shower and downstairs now. I made breakfast and it's getting cold."
No response.
"Pietro you better not be in there wasting water or I'm gonna beat your face in."
Still no response. However, the shower did turn off.
Growling irritably, Dixion pushed opened the door. Standing there, with the towel resting on his hips, Pietro stood in front of the mirror, doing his hair.
Leaning against the doorframe, Dixion looked him over. "Now don't you look cute? You're worse then a girl. Are you deaf or do you just like ignoring me?"
Pietro shot her a smug smile. "I did hear you. Why do you think I got out?" He put down the comb and turned to her. "Can you move? I need to change."
Dixion moved from his way but not before, she placed a cold hand to his chest. He squirmed and jumped back. "Sorry. It's only fair if I do this to you too." Dixion shrugged.
Pietro zipped down to his room as Dixion flopped back down on her bed. She was just getting comfortable when Pietro came back and joined her. He brushed the hair from her face. "Aren't you going down for breakfast?"
"Hmm." was the only response he got.
He laid his head down on her back and closed his eyes. He could feel the warmth coming off her and could hear her steady heartbeat. And he felt at peace.
Dixion started to move restlessly. "Ok, now I have to get up. Not that I don't love laying here...nice warm bed...no I'm getting up. My stomach is going to eat its way out of my body if a don't have something soon."
She got up from the bed, dragging Pietro behind and made her way downstairs. ************************************************************************ By the time, the got there not much was left, but nobody looked pissed at Dixion anymore. Thanks and compliments were thrown in her general direction as the others rose and left to return to their rooms.
"Ok guys, get back here now. I'm sick of everyone being so uptight around each other," The other teens turned, looking shocked and somewhat embarrassed at Dixion. "Hopeless, all of you. Now can't you guys at least be nice to each other for my sake. Try to do something together. Anything." All looked at her, still dumfounded. She threw up her hands in defeat. "Fine then be that way, but if I flip out again, it's going to be on all your heads."
With some uncertain looks, everyone started to move. Kitty and Lance came back and cleaned up the dishes. Kurt, Evan and Scott challenged Todd, Lance and Freddy to a basketball game. The guys were followed outside by Kitty, Rogue and Jean. When the door closed behind them, Dixion collapsed into a chair.
"I don't know if I can stand this." She watched as Pietro scraped together what was left of breakfast. "You guys are just like little children. Because someone tells you the other is bad, you just automatically believe it. Don't you have minds of your own?"
"You can't really blame us," Pietro replied around his eggs. "We haven't really been in a situation where we have all been nice to each other. I mean a lot happened before you got here."
"You're all hopeless." Dixion repeated, picking at a muffin. "I just don't understand it." ************************************************************************ Same as before.
