Okay, here's the fifth chapter. Hope you all've enjoyed so far. On to the
story. And be sure to check out 'Life Happens' for a closer look into
Morgana's life starting before the beginning.
Chapter 5: To the Rescue
"Why don't they ever wait," Dodger said boarding the Blackbird with Logan. Hunter, Quinn, Scott, and Storm where already on board.
"Would you?" Logan asked. "Don't worry if there's one thing about Shadow that I've learned it's that she always lands on her feet and both Nature and Shadow are very strong girls. I'm sure they can hold out for as long as they need to."
"I hope so," Dodger said as the jet took off. *****************************************
When Saber came back around she found that both Nature and Shadow were staring at her. "Welcome back to the land of the living," Shadow said, "What are you doing here?"
"I was trying to rescue you two." she replied.
"Well, good job," Shadow said sarcastically.
"Quiet you two," Nature hushed. "The girl is right over there," she added, indicating the short dark-haired lady in a chair looking at a penny.
"Ya, she's a real threat," Shadow spat, "What's the plan? Do we have a plan?" The two women just continued to stare at her. "Okay, I'll take that as a no. Well,...Morgana, do you have a hair pin or any bendable material?" She shook her head.
"I do. Will this work?" Saber said holding a bobby pin.
"Yes, now you have to put it in my hands because I can barely move them," she answered. With a little fumbling around Saber did what she was told, "Okay, here's the plan. I am going to unlock you two, but don't move until I tell you. Keep your shackles on partly so it still looks locked up. I am going to have Saber cut the rope off then I am going to make a distraction while you guys go get help, okay?" she said in a commanding voice. Before they knew it they were unlocked and Shadow was free. "This is where we go out separate ways, good luck." With that she moved in the darkness then sprang on the pixie-like girl, knocking her to the ground. She got back up and ran after Shadow.
"Was it just me or did Shadow really come up with a plan and sound like Scott Summers?" Saber asked.
"I don't know. I think so. Either way we need to get going before she gets-if she gets-caught," Nature said as they made a hasty retreat to the door. They made it about half way, when there was a shock to Nature's neck. She fell to the ground in pain and let out a scream of surprise.
"What's wrong, Morgana?" Saber asked returning to her fallen friend's side.
"This...collar...it...shocked...me," she managed to choke out, "Can you get it off?"
"That would be a very stupid idea," Sabertooth said stepping in front of them. "It's rigged to explode if you try to remove it. How thick do you think I am?" he glared at them. Both too shocked to move. "Now to put you back where you belong," he said reaching out to grab Saber. He was interrupted by Shadow jumping down from her hiding spot on to his back.
"Forget my, big guy? Saber, RUN! Get some help." she yelled. Saber didn't need to be told twice. In a blot she was up and out the door. When Sabertooth tried to follow he was tripped up by Shadow, and fell to the ground.
"Oh, you're going to pay for that, little one." he growled. He rose, Shadow still clinging to his back.
"Only if you can get me..." Before she could finish, he gripped her foot and yanked her hard off his back, holding her so she was dangling upside down in front of his face.
"You were saying?" he hissed. "Without your powers or weapons you are no match for me." he said smirking at her.
"Ya, but at least I have friends." she said just before Morgana swept out his legs, causing him to fall and, in the process, drop Shadow.
"Nature, run!" Shadow said in a half sprint herself. Morgana snapped back to reality and ran with Shadow back into the dark room.
"I hope you know where you're going." Morgana said once inside.
"Not a clue. I will tell you when I get there." Shadow stated back. Then with one fatal step they both went tumbling to the ground. Both hit hard. Shadow was the first to try to get up, only to find something had grasped tightly around her ankle.
"I got them, bug Fuzzy!" the woman cried out.
"Don't let go, Pixie, and don't call me that!" Sabertooth shouted. They could hear his footsteps coming their way. They tried to pull free, but Pixie held them down firmly. For a small body she was stronger than any they knew. Sabertooth was raging mad when he got to the girls. They were both squirming to get free. He wasn't even sure they could see him in this light. First, he grabbed onto Nature.
"Make sure the other doesn't move!" Shadow could feel the other tiny hand grip the other ankle. No matter how hard she kicked, she couldn't shake them off. In the dark, she could hear Nature being re-shackled to the wall. **********************************************************
The Pack and the X-men had just reached the reservation. There they met up with Spotted Fawn, who pointed out which way they should go. Without any words, they were off. A few minutes onto the path Logan stopped. "They've been here." He sniffed the air.
"Is that their blood?" Scott asked.
"No. It's rabbit blood. They must have been field dressing a kill when they were attacked."
Hunter, Short Circuit and Dodger had listened to this while looking around. They had found their bows and quivers abandoned by hoof prints. Hunter had sniffed the area where they found the bows. "This way!" he screamed, running into the woods. Quinn and Dodger quickly followed, the X- men soon catching on. Hunter caught another, familiar scent, but before he could determine it, Saber appeared across the meadow.
"Sean!"
"Illya!" He ran and took her in his arms, comforting her and himself. "Thank God you're alright." About this time Quinn and Dodger ran up.
"We have to hurry." she said. "I think they still have them."
"Who is it, Illya?" Logan asked running up to them.
"I don't know. I think his name is Sabertooth."
"What!?" Wolverine growled. And without warning, took off.
"We best follow." Dodger stated. He, Quinn, the X-men, and Hunter, carrying Saber, followed. **************************************************************************** ****
Nature and Shadow had been recaptured and re-shackled. Sabertooth had Pixie tie the knots double tight. He was now ordering her to find Saber.
"I think fur brain here looks like Saber." Shadow nonchalantly stated.
"What?!" Nature screamed.
"Saber. She kinda reminds me of him." She indicated Sabertooth. "Did she happen to tell you who her father was?"
"She didn't know her father, and her mother died when she was young."
"What was her moms name?" Shadow asked, a sparkle in her eye.
"Svenda Polav."
"Hey, fuzzy." she screamed. "Do you remember a Svenda Polav?"
Enraged, Sabertooth ran over and back handed Shadow across the face. Her lip started bleeding, but she knew it would heal once they got the collars off. Right now, she hurt everywhere. "I guess that's a yes."
"Now, listen up, little girl, I don't care how you know that name, either of you, but don't talk about her."
"Ooh, sore spot." Morgana cried. She received his other hand across her face. Quickly, not wanting to hear anymore, he gagged the two girls.
"That's enough of you two." ******************************************
Wolverine and the rest stopped at the high fence. Using his claws, he cut a hole large enough for the group. Saber, still in Sean's arms, led them to the entrance.
Irona had just snapped out of her daze. Where am I?" she asked looking around. "I'm suppose to be doing something. But what?" About that time, she spotted the large group, and Luke. "Luke?" she softly mumbled.
"Irona?"
"The dark-haired pixie?"
"Irona, what are you doing here?" Hydro asked walking the short distance to her.
"I don't know. It feels like I just snapped out of a daze."
"Have you had any more panic attacks?" Luke asked. Everyone else didn't care.
"Hydro, come on. We have to save the girls." Logan yelled.
"You. I'm supposed to stop you."
"Why?" Luke asked again.
Jean stepped forward. Placing her hands on the short woman's head, she quickly peered in. "Someone's been using her. Against her will, but I can't see how."
"Figure it out later, chere. We got t'save the girls." Gambit said, walking towards the door.
"Wait?" Irona cried. "He knows someone's coming. He planned that. The door is rigged to blow. I just set the alarm. But it wasn't me."
"Why help us?" Storm asked.
"It doesn't matter." Quinn said, climbing a drain pipe to the roof.
"Right. Through the vents in the roof." Irona stated. "He's right."
Everyone followed Quinn. Jean and Storm softly lifting some onto the roof. Hunter slung Saber onto his back and climbed up the drain pipe as well. When all had reached the top, Pixie showed them the vent leading straight into the room the girls were in. Nightcrawler, with Dodger, disappeared, leaving Dodger cloaked in the room. The others could find their own way in. He could check on the girls. Looking around, he spotted them shackled to the wall. He quietly walked over and began to untie Shadow.
"What the..." she managed through the gag.
"Easy, pet." he whispered in her ear, his hand over her mouth. "We're all here. I'm going to loosen your knots." She nodded her head. He quickly loosened the ropes. Then, as planned, he walked over behind Sabertooth, and was going to knock him out when he seen the man's large size. He looked back and noticed Shadow motion to him. "What?" he loosened the gag.
"The collars. On the table. Put it on him." Nature looked at her at this. 'Dodger' she mouthed. He slipped the gag back on, and went to the indicated table. He took one of the collars, switched it on and snuck up behind Sabertooth. He had to make sure he got it on right. When Sabertooth turned to look at Shadow and Morgana, Dodger slipped between his arms, catching him off guard, and snapped the collar on.
"What?!" he growled. The rest of the rescue team stormed in. He was still strong even with the collar.
Quinn ran to Morgana, untied her and removed the gagged. She fell into his embrace, tired and relieved. Dodger ran back to Shadow. He loosened the rest of the ropes around her hands. As she untied her legs, he pulled the gag off and softly wiped away the blood on her lips. She uncharacteristically hugged him, glad to she him, and the others. Still kneeling on the floor, he pulled something out of his back pocket. "Found this in the woods next to one of you daggers. It was pointing the way."
She took the King of Hearts card, "Guess he watched out for me instead." He laughed with her, them helped her up. She was still weak, and the collars weren't letting her or Morgana use their healing abilities.
"We've got to get these off." he said rubbing his fingers over the metal collar, in search of a clasp'.
"We can't. They'll explode if we take them off." The rest heard this and noticed Morgana ha one, too.
"Pixie, can you help us?" Sean asked, still holding Illya.
"Maybe..." Irona stated weakly. "Wait...I remember. There's a code you have to type in on these"
"Well, what is it, sug?" Rouge asked.
"I can't remember. I was told to forget it."
Logan walked over to Morgana. After a series of letter buttons pressed, the collar fell off.
"How did you know the code, Logan?" Scott questioned.
"Just something from the past." He walked over and entered the code on Shadow. About this time, Spotted Fawn ran in.
"Mother!" Morgana cried, running to her mother.
"Oh, my dearling. Thank goodness you're alright." They joined the Pack and the X-men. "You, too, dear." She said to Shadow. "Logan, it's been a long time."
"Yes, it has, Fawny."
"We should talk." Spotted Fawn said. Then turning her attention back to her daughter said, "So, introduce me to the rest of you Pack."
"Mom, these are Sean Hanrhan and his sister Gabby. This is Darian Wells. He's from England." Dodger bowed softly. "This is Luke Lawson. He hasn't been admitted to the group, yet. And this is Jackson Hooper."
"Of the California Hoopers. I've heard the name." The X-men, feeling this was a private moment, had left. All but Logan. Luke was talking with Irona in the corner. "Are you two dating?" Spotted Fawn asked.
"Yes, ma'am." Quinn said politely. "We are." "Your father's law firm won a case for us two years ago. Helped us to get back land that was originally ours. Jackson Hooper; after your grandfather?"
But before he could answer, unknowingly Pixie screamed, "I thought you were Short Circuit! That's what you always go by. That or Quinn."
"Is this true? Morgana, what's going on?" She just looked at Alex, scared.
"I am Jackson Hooper. I am also Alex Quinn or better known, Short Circuit."
"Did you know this?" Spotted Fawn directed at Nature.
"I've been tracking him for three years. I was going to turn him in, but we started this team and he promised to give up stealing, which he did."
"That doesn't matter. He's still a thief. And he uses his gifts for evil. Not good."
"Mother, you don't understand." She was crying now. "I love him."
"You what? No. I forbid it. Earth, you will not see this young thief again. Working is one thing, but you are not allowed to date him! Do you understand me?" Morgana dropped Alex's hand and ran. Knowing where she might go, Shadow followed her, leaving Dodger's side.
"Fawn, she's twenty-eight years old. You can't forbid her to love..."
"No, Logan. That was the problem. That's what happened to us. She will not make my mistakes. She will marry someone from her tribe. Before it's too late."
"Was she a mistake?" Logan asked. "I didn't even know I had a daughter until six weeks ago when she showed up sick."
"That doesn't matter. She will not marry a thief." At this Quinn broke in.
"Miss Fawn, you're right. I am a thief. My parents don't even know. But that's in the past. I no longer steal things because,..." he paused, "because I know that it does not please you daughter. And I know it does not please you. All I want is for Morgana to be happy, and have the respect of her tribe. And if having that respect means I can no longer be with her, fine. But you can't stop me loving her. You can stop her seeing me, but you can't stop how we feel." and with this, he walked out with all the dignity born in him.
Shocked at this, Spotted Fawn quickly changed the subject. "We need to get back to the village. There were poachers close when I left." She walked out.
The others watched then turned to Wolverine. "I'll talk to her...but, I don't know what good it'll do." They all walked out and headed back to the reservation. **************************************************************************** ****
Meanwhile, Shadow had caught up to Morgana at her favorite childhood tree. Slowly, she approached, noticing she was still crying. "Morgana," She turned around. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know. I haven't felt this war forever. This time it's different. Everything hurts. Physically, mentally, everything. I feel sick. Like I've been held in that gas filled room again. Only this time there's no cure."
"It'll get better." Shadow tried to comfort her, but with her past, she was no good at it. "Morgana, it's your life. You have a right to do what you want with it. Not someone else pushing your buttons."
"Shadow, you don't understand. I'm bound by the basic principles of morality. I can't..."
"Can't what? Love someone? You weren't allowed to hunt either, remember? Now, you are. Times have changed. We've all changed. So you're in love with an ex-thief. Big deal. At least he loves you back."
"I guess you're right." Shadow helped her up.
"Of course I am. I've been through too much not to be."
"Cocky kid."
"Better believe it." With this, they headed back to the village.
When they reached the village, they noticed Xavier talking to Whispering Wind. Her mother was there, too. They walked up to them.
"Earth, young Shade, I am glad you both are all right. I spoke with the other girl, Saber, she's doing much better, but there's a ways to go." Whispering Wind said as way of greeting.
"The chief here told me you've been having trouble with poachers." Morgana nodded her head. "I told Whispering Wind that I would be honored if I was allowed to pay for property signs being posted. He agreed seeing as how you've been staying with us for awhile."
"And you've saved her life more than once now. We owe you greatly."
"That's great news." Another of the tribe came up and said something to Spotted Fawn. Morgana, of course, understood.
"The warriors have returned." and Spotted Fawn left.
"Warriors?" Shadow asked. "They protect our lands." With that Shadow took off. Xavier noticed the hesitation Morgana showed when she didn't immediately follow her mother. He didn't want to pry, so he asked. "What's troubling you, Morgana?"
"I don't want to talk about it now. If you'll excuse me, my father's one of the warriors." and she was gone. Xavier followed, dropping the subject.
They met up with the warriors, and Morgana hugged her father. "We found these. The poachers must have killed the one's mother." He stepped back revealing a cougar cub and a black panther cub. Shadow instantly ran and scooped up the panther cub. Saber instinctively stroked the cougar. "We also found this." and this time he revealed a large, middle-age, white wolf with large blue eyes. "We thought he might be blind, but he's not. We took them from the poachers hands. They surely would have died or worse."
"Wise." Spotted Fawn stated. "They will need good homes." Morgana went and pet the wolf. Though he was shy at first, he soon warmed up to her. "I wish I could take you." she whispered to him.
'Why don't you?' rang in her head. She looked around and noticed the looks on Shadow and Saber's faces. They had heard that, too. 'Yes. All three of you heard me.' Charles mentally projected, then continued aloud, "Why don't the girls take them and care for them. It could be good therapy for them."
"Are you sure, professor, they can be handled?"
"You'll have to visit my school." he laughed. "Well, I'm sure we hate to, but we should get back. It was so nice meeting you." He shook hands with Morgana's parents and the chief, then headed to the Blackbird.
Hydro, Hunter and Dodger were walking to board the Blackbird, with Pixie following close behind. "Hey, guys, what are we going to do about her?" Hydro asked, stopping to look back at the small girl. Pixie caught up to them that time.
"Um...I know this is taking a giant leap, bit is there anyway I can catch a ride with you guys? I have a feeling I need to apologize to some people and maybe see if your professor can help me."
"I think that might be a wise choice. Come, we'll see what Charles says, but I know he'll be okay with it." Luke said leading her inside. Pixie's face lit up and she smiled a heart felt smile.
"Oh, thank you, thank you!" She hugged each one of them, a little too tightly by the expressions on their faces.
End chapter five. Six coming. Sad face. I'm going to cry!
Chapter 5: To the Rescue
"Why don't they ever wait," Dodger said boarding the Blackbird with Logan. Hunter, Quinn, Scott, and Storm where already on board.
"Would you?" Logan asked. "Don't worry if there's one thing about Shadow that I've learned it's that she always lands on her feet and both Nature and Shadow are very strong girls. I'm sure they can hold out for as long as they need to."
"I hope so," Dodger said as the jet took off. *****************************************
When Saber came back around she found that both Nature and Shadow were staring at her. "Welcome back to the land of the living," Shadow said, "What are you doing here?"
"I was trying to rescue you two." she replied.
"Well, good job," Shadow said sarcastically.
"Quiet you two," Nature hushed. "The girl is right over there," she added, indicating the short dark-haired lady in a chair looking at a penny.
"Ya, she's a real threat," Shadow spat, "What's the plan? Do we have a plan?" The two women just continued to stare at her. "Okay, I'll take that as a no. Well,...Morgana, do you have a hair pin or any bendable material?" She shook her head.
"I do. Will this work?" Saber said holding a bobby pin.
"Yes, now you have to put it in my hands because I can barely move them," she answered. With a little fumbling around Saber did what she was told, "Okay, here's the plan. I am going to unlock you two, but don't move until I tell you. Keep your shackles on partly so it still looks locked up. I am going to have Saber cut the rope off then I am going to make a distraction while you guys go get help, okay?" she said in a commanding voice. Before they knew it they were unlocked and Shadow was free. "This is where we go out separate ways, good luck." With that she moved in the darkness then sprang on the pixie-like girl, knocking her to the ground. She got back up and ran after Shadow.
"Was it just me or did Shadow really come up with a plan and sound like Scott Summers?" Saber asked.
"I don't know. I think so. Either way we need to get going before she gets-if she gets-caught," Nature said as they made a hasty retreat to the door. They made it about half way, when there was a shock to Nature's neck. She fell to the ground in pain and let out a scream of surprise.
"What's wrong, Morgana?" Saber asked returning to her fallen friend's side.
"This...collar...it...shocked...me," she managed to choke out, "Can you get it off?"
"That would be a very stupid idea," Sabertooth said stepping in front of them. "It's rigged to explode if you try to remove it. How thick do you think I am?" he glared at them. Both too shocked to move. "Now to put you back where you belong," he said reaching out to grab Saber. He was interrupted by Shadow jumping down from her hiding spot on to his back.
"Forget my, big guy? Saber, RUN! Get some help." she yelled. Saber didn't need to be told twice. In a blot she was up and out the door. When Sabertooth tried to follow he was tripped up by Shadow, and fell to the ground.
"Oh, you're going to pay for that, little one." he growled. He rose, Shadow still clinging to his back.
"Only if you can get me..." Before she could finish, he gripped her foot and yanked her hard off his back, holding her so she was dangling upside down in front of his face.
"You were saying?" he hissed. "Without your powers or weapons you are no match for me." he said smirking at her.
"Ya, but at least I have friends." she said just before Morgana swept out his legs, causing him to fall and, in the process, drop Shadow.
"Nature, run!" Shadow said in a half sprint herself. Morgana snapped back to reality and ran with Shadow back into the dark room.
"I hope you know where you're going." Morgana said once inside.
"Not a clue. I will tell you when I get there." Shadow stated back. Then with one fatal step they both went tumbling to the ground. Both hit hard. Shadow was the first to try to get up, only to find something had grasped tightly around her ankle.
"I got them, bug Fuzzy!" the woman cried out.
"Don't let go, Pixie, and don't call me that!" Sabertooth shouted. They could hear his footsteps coming their way. They tried to pull free, but Pixie held them down firmly. For a small body she was stronger than any they knew. Sabertooth was raging mad when he got to the girls. They were both squirming to get free. He wasn't even sure they could see him in this light. First, he grabbed onto Nature.
"Make sure the other doesn't move!" Shadow could feel the other tiny hand grip the other ankle. No matter how hard she kicked, she couldn't shake them off. In the dark, she could hear Nature being re-shackled to the wall. **********************************************************
The Pack and the X-men had just reached the reservation. There they met up with Spotted Fawn, who pointed out which way they should go. Without any words, they were off. A few minutes onto the path Logan stopped. "They've been here." He sniffed the air.
"Is that their blood?" Scott asked.
"No. It's rabbit blood. They must have been field dressing a kill when they were attacked."
Hunter, Short Circuit and Dodger had listened to this while looking around. They had found their bows and quivers abandoned by hoof prints. Hunter had sniffed the area where they found the bows. "This way!" he screamed, running into the woods. Quinn and Dodger quickly followed, the X- men soon catching on. Hunter caught another, familiar scent, but before he could determine it, Saber appeared across the meadow.
"Sean!"
"Illya!" He ran and took her in his arms, comforting her and himself. "Thank God you're alright." About this time Quinn and Dodger ran up.
"We have to hurry." she said. "I think they still have them."
"Who is it, Illya?" Logan asked running up to them.
"I don't know. I think his name is Sabertooth."
"What!?" Wolverine growled. And without warning, took off.
"We best follow." Dodger stated. He, Quinn, the X-men, and Hunter, carrying Saber, followed. **************************************************************************** ****
Nature and Shadow had been recaptured and re-shackled. Sabertooth had Pixie tie the knots double tight. He was now ordering her to find Saber.
"I think fur brain here looks like Saber." Shadow nonchalantly stated.
"What?!" Nature screamed.
"Saber. She kinda reminds me of him." She indicated Sabertooth. "Did she happen to tell you who her father was?"
"She didn't know her father, and her mother died when she was young."
"What was her moms name?" Shadow asked, a sparkle in her eye.
"Svenda Polav."
"Hey, fuzzy." she screamed. "Do you remember a Svenda Polav?"
Enraged, Sabertooth ran over and back handed Shadow across the face. Her lip started bleeding, but she knew it would heal once they got the collars off. Right now, she hurt everywhere. "I guess that's a yes."
"Now, listen up, little girl, I don't care how you know that name, either of you, but don't talk about her."
"Ooh, sore spot." Morgana cried. She received his other hand across her face. Quickly, not wanting to hear anymore, he gagged the two girls.
"That's enough of you two." ******************************************
Wolverine and the rest stopped at the high fence. Using his claws, he cut a hole large enough for the group. Saber, still in Sean's arms, led them to the entrance.
Irona had just snapped out of her daze. Where am I?" she asked looking around. "I'm suppose to be doing something. But what?" About that time, she spotted the large group, and Luke. "Luke?" she softly mumbled.
"Irona?"
"The dark-haired pixie?"
"Irona, what are you doing here?" Hydro asked walking the short distance to her.
"I don't know. It feels like I just snapped out of a daze."
"Have you had any more panic attacks?" Luke asked. Everyone else didn't care.
"Hydro, come on. We have to save the girls." Logan yelled.
"You. I'm supposed to stop you."
"Why?" Luke asked again.
Jean stepped forward. Placing her hands on the short woman's head, she quickly peered in. "Someone's been using her. Against her will, but I can't see how."
"Figure it out later, chere. We got t'save the girls." Gambit said, walking towards the door.
"Wait?" Irona cried. "He knows someone's coming. He planned that. The door is rigged to blow. I just set the alarm. But it wasn't me."
"Why help us?" Storm asked.
"It doesn't matter." Quinn said, climbing a drain pipe to the roof.
"Right. Through the vents in the roof." Irona stated. "He's right."
Everyone followed Quinn. Jean and Storm softly lifting some onto the roof. Hunter slung Saber onto his back and climbed up the drain pipe as well. When all had reached the top, Pixie showed them the vent leading straight into the room the girls were in. Nightcrawler, with Dodger, disappeared, leaving Dodger cloaked in the room. The others could find their own way in. He could check on the girls. Looking around, he spotted them shackled to the wall. He quietly walked over and began to untie Shadow.
"What the..." she managed through the gag.
"Easy, pet." he whispered in her ear, his hand over her mouth. "We're all here. I'm going to loosen your knots." She nodded her head. He quickly loosened the ropes. Then, as planned, he walked over behind Sabertooth, and was going to knock him out when he seen the man's large size. He looked back and noticed Shadow motion to him. "What?" he loosened the gag.
"The collars. On the table. Put it on him." Nature looked at her at this. 'Dodger' she mouthed. He slipped the gag back on, and went to the indicated table. He took one of the collars, switched it on and snuck up behind Sabertooth. He had to make sure he got it on right. When Sabertooth turned to look at Shadow and Morgana, Dodger slipped between his arms, catching him off guard, and snapped the collar on.
"What?!" he growled. The rest of the rescue team stormed in. He was still strong even with the collar.
Quinn ran to Morgana, untied her and removed the gagged. She fell into his embrace, tired and relieved. Dodger ran back to Shadow. He loosened the rest of the ropes around her hands. As she untied her legs, he pulled the gag off and softly wiped away the blood on her lips. She uncharacteristically hugged him, glad to she him, and the others. Still kneeling on the floor, he pulled something out of his back pocket. "Found this in the woods next to one of you daggers. It was pointing the way."
She took the King of Hearts card, "Guess he watched out for me instead." He laughed with her, them helped her up. She was still weak, and the collars weren't letting her or Morgana use their healing abilities.
"We've got to get these off." he said rubbing his fingers over the metal collar, in search of a clasp'.
"We can't. They'll explode if we take them off." The rest heard this and noticed Morgana ha one, too.
"Pixie, can you help us?" Sean asked, still holding Illya.
"Maybe..." Irona stated weakly. "Wait...I remember. There's a code you have to type in on these"
"Well, what is it, sug?" Rouge asked.
"I can't remember. I was told to forget it."
Logan walked over to Morgana. After a series of letter buttons pressed, the collar fell off.
"How did you know the code, Logan?" Scott questioned.
"Just something from the past." He walked over and entered the code on Shadow. About this time, Spotted Fawn ran in.
"Mother!" Morgana cried, running to her mother.
"Oh, my dearling. Thank goodness you're alright." They joined the Pack and the X-men. "You, too, dear." She said to Shadow. "Logan, it's been a long time."
"Yes, it has, Fawny."
"We should talk." Spotted Fawn said. Then turning her attention back to her daughter said, "So, introduce me to the rest of you Pack."
"Mom, these are Sean Hanrhan and his sister Gabby. This is Darian Wells. He's from England." Dodger bowed softly. "This is Luke Lawson. He hasn't been admitted to the group, yet. And this is Jackson Hooper."
"Of the California Hoopers. I've heard the name." The X-men, feeling this was a private moment, had left. All but Logan. Luke was talking with Irona in the corner. "Are you two dating?" Spotted Fawn asked.
"Yes, ma'am." Quinn said politely. "We are." "Your father's law firm won a case for us two years ago. Helped us to get back land that was originally ours. Jackson Hooper; after your grandfather?"
But before he could answer, unknowingly Pixie screamed, "I thought you were Short Circuit! That's what you always go by. That or Quinn."
"Is this true? Morgana, what's going on?" She just looked at Alex, scared.
"I am Jackson Hooper. I am also Alex Quinn or better known, Short Circuit."
"Did you know this?" Spotted Fawn directed at Nature.
"I've been tracking him for three years. I was going to turn him in, but we started this team and he promised to give up stealing, which he did."
"That doesn't matter. He's still a thief. And he uses his gifts for evil. Not good."
"Mother, you don't understand." She was crying now. "I love him."
"You what? No. I forbid it. Earth, you will not see this young thief again. Working is one thing, but you are not allowed to date him! Do you understand me?" Morgana dropped Alex's hand and ran. Knowing where she might go, Shadow followed her, leaving Dodger's side.
"Fawn, she's twenty-eight years old. You can't forbid her to love..."
"No, Logan. That was the problem. That's what happened to us. She will not make my mistakes. She will marry someone from her tribe. Before it's too late."
"Was she a mistake?" Logan asked. "I didn't even know I had a daughter until six weeks ago when she showed up sick."
"That doesn't matter. She will not marry a thief." At this Quinn broke in.
"Miss Fawn, you're right. I am a thief. My parents don't even know. But that's in the past. I no longer steal things because,..." he paused, "because I know that it does not please you daughter. And I know it does not please you. All I want is for Morgana to be happy, and have the respect of her tribe. And if having that respect means I can no longer be with her, fine. But you can't stop me loving her. You can stop her seeing me, but you can't stop how we feel." and with this, he walked out with all the dignity born in him.
Shocked at this, Spotted Fawn quickly changed the subject. "We need to get back to the village. There were poachers close when I left." She walked out.
The others watched then turned to Wolverine. "I'll talk to her...but, I don't know what good it'll do." They all walked out and headed back to the reservation. **************************************************************************** ****
Meanwhile, Shadow had caught up to Morgana at her favorite childhood tree. Slowly, she approached, noticing she was still crying. "Morgana," She turned around. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know. I haven't felt this war forever. This time it's different. Everything hurts. Physically, mentally, everything. I feel sick. Like I've been held in that gas filled room again. Only this time there's no cure."
"It'll get better." Shadow tried to comfort her, but with her past, she was no good at it. "Morgana, it's your life. You have a right to do what you want with it. Not someone else pushing your buttons."
"Shadow, you don't understand. I'm bound by the basic principles of morality. I can't..."
"Can't what? Love someone? You weren't allowed to hunt either, remember? Now, you are. Times have changed. We've all changed. So you're in love with an ex-thief. Big deal. At least he loves you back."
"I guess you're right." Shadow helped her up.
"Of course I am. I've been through too much not to be."
"Cocky kid."
"Better believe it." With this, they headed back to the village.
When they reached the village, they noticed Xavier talking to Whispering Wind. Her mother was there, too. They walked up to them.
"Earth, young Shade, I am glad you both are all right. I spoke with the other girl, Saber, she's doing much better, but there's a ways to go." Whispering Wind said as way of greeting.
"The chief here told me you've been having trouble with poachers." Morgana nodded her head. "I told Whispering Wind that I would be honored if I was allowed to pay for property signs being posted. He agreed seeing as how you've been staying with us for awhile."
"And you've saved her life more than once now. We owe you greatly."
"That's great news." Another of the tribe came up and said something to Spotted Fawn. Morgana, of course, understood.
"The warriors have returned." and Spotted Fawn left.
"Warriors?" Shadow asked. "They protect our lands." With that Shadow took off. Xavier noticed the hesitation Morgana showed when she didn't immediately follow her mother. He didn't want to pry, so he asked. "What's troubling you, Morgana?"
"I don't want to talk about it now. If you'll excuse me, my father's one of the warriors." and she was gone. Xavier followed, dropping the subject.
They met up with the warriors, and Morgana hugged her father. "We found these. The poachers must have killed the one's mother." He stepped back revealing a cougar cub and a black panther cub. Shadow instantly ran and scooped up the panther cub. Saber instinctively stroked the cougar. "We also found this." and this time he revealed a large, middle-age, white wolf with large blue eyes. "We thought he might be blind, but he's not. We took them from the poachers hands. They surely would have died or worse."
"Wise." Spotted Fawn stated. "They will need good homes." Morgana went and pet the wolf. Though he was shy at first, he soon warmed up to her. "I wish I could take you." she whispered to him.
'Why don't you?' rang in her head. She looked around and noticed the looks on Shadow and Saber's faces. They had heard that, too. 'Yes. All three of you heard me.' Charles mentally projected, then continued aloud, "Why don't the girls take them and care for them. It could be good therapy for them."
"Are you sure, professor, they can be handled?"
"You'll have to visit my school." he laughed. "Well, I'm sure we hate to, but we should get back. It was so nice meeting you." He shook hands with Morgana's parents and the chief, then headed to the Blackbird.
Hydro, Hunter and Dodger were walking to board the Blackbird, with Pixie following close behind. "Hey, guys, what are we going to do about her?" Hydro asked, stopping to look back at the small girl. Pixie caught up to them that time.
"Um...I know this is taking a giant leap, bit is there anyway I can catch a ride with you guys? I have a feeling I need to apologize to some people and maybe see if your professor can help me."
"I think that might be a wise choice. Come, we'll see what Charles says, but I know he'll be okay with it." Luke said leading her inside. Pixie's face lit up and she smiled a heart felt smile.
"Oh, thank you, thank you!" She hugged each one of them, a little too tightly by the expressions on their faces.
End chapter five. Six coming. Sad face. I'm going to cry!