Author: Logan Berry
Summary: whilst Logan watches over Kaylan, she is attacked outside her apartment
Rating/warning & pairing: PG-13 language, violent scenes
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to any Marvel Characters. Kaylan O'Connor, Mist and Thor are fictional characters and is owned by the above author.
Thanx to Titan Motorcycle co. for the wonderful Phoenix ZSX custom bike in the Movies.
Feedback very welcome
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The scream echoed through the night air, bouncing off the walls of the surrounding buildings.
To anyone passing it was just another accent to the cacophony of night-time noises but to Wolverine it was like being stabbed in the head. The cry shook him from his contemplative vigil and he sniffed the air, "NO! Not again".
His thick-set, muscular body tensed; fists clenching, hairs on the back of his neck bristling. His lip curled revealing short white fangs as a spontaneous rumbling growl rose in his throat. Within seconds he was tearing across the roof of the disused warehouse, heading for the fire-escape. As he flew down the stairs he had time to glance across the street; his keen vision taking in every nuance of the scene before him.
It was just after 11pm, the street was nearly empty except for a young couple climbing into a cab and a drunk leaning against the boarded-up news-stand, swigging from a paper wrapped bottle. The street lights cast circles of yellow light on the pavement and the neon sign of the pizza take-away on the corner flickered pink and blue; reminiscent of some old 70's discotheque.
With one flight left he launched himself over the rail, dropping the last 12 feet to the ground with a thud and breaking into a run without missing a step; his short powerful legs carrying him effortlessly across the road and along the sidewalk, sensitive ears still ringing with the last of the echoing cry as he followed it into the night.
The sound of anguish he pursued filled him with anger, and he berated himself for his momentary lapse in concentration. "Ya shuda bin watchin'". He sprinted on, sniffing again; the air told him all he needed to know. "Just up a head…not too late". He passed the last street light; the darkness enveloping him, his acute senses undaunted by the darkness.. Twenty yards ahead a pale light seeped through the darkness; an alleyway.
As he drew level with the narrow entrance the air about him grew thick with a familiar scent of fear. A wave of pure loathing and aggression spread through his body, broken only by the dull throb in his fists as he unconsciously released six sharp blades.
Gazing into the pale light he caught sight of two figures; a large male and smaller female caught in an embrace. But this was no lover's lane. The two struggled; arms flailing, body's twisting, grunts and yelps filling the air.
With his keen senses he quickly assessed the scene. "Just one, where's the other one?" A couple of short strides and he was within a few feet of the pair.
"Don't ya know, it ain't nice to beat on a lady, Bub."
The low gravely tone of Wolverine's comment echoed down the alleyway, startling the two figures. For an instant the male loosened his grip and half turned towards the sudden interruption. The face that had been indelibly burned into Wolverine's memory stared back at him in sheer astonishment.
"Oh shit, not you again!" Thor muttered as his captive tried to wriggled free of his grip.
"Kaylan! Ya awright?" He shouted. Kaylan tried to nod, unable to speak for the arm wrapped round her neck.
Wolverine's form filled the path of the only escape route; legs braced ready to power him forward, arms raised, blades glinting in the soft light, his cold, clear gaze fixed on his opponent. The scent greeting his nostrils inflamed his already rising temper, she was afraid, but a faint shift in the odour filled him with a sense of relief, satisfying him that she felt safer, in spite of still being caught in Thor's grip.
The stillness was broken by the sudden rattle and crashing of trash cans to his right. The moans and groans of the other male echoed in the passageway. Wolverine shifted his stance, giving him the option of taking on a second assailant. From between the bins rose another familiar face; pale as ever and slightly dazed. As Wolverine and Thor turned their attentions to the staggering Mist, Kaylan forced herself free of Thor's grip, trying to drive herself towards her waiting rescuer.
Taking no chance for Mist to recover and teleport out Logan launched himself at the disorientated figure. "RRRAAAHHH!".
Kaylan was halfway to his side when she felt the hard grip of Thor on her arm pulling her back.
"Not this time girlie, you ain't gettin' away".
Fear, anger and disgust filled Kaylan's every fibre. All she wanted was to escape from these evil men, and for the second time in two weeks they were after her. She had always been a reserved person; never wishing to upset or hurt others, never raising her voice or arguing, but this continued barrage of attacks and the pain they inflicted brought emotions to the surface the likes of which she had never previously experienced.
This was the last straw; no more, rage shook her body and as Thor tugged at her arm, a silver haze filled her vision bringing the world suddenly into sharp focus. She felt suddenly like she was outside her body; seeing and hearing everything around her, fully aware of her actions but no longer in control. Everything seemed to be in slow motion.
Spinning on her heals she swung her fist, landing Thor squarely in the jaw, the sound of crunching bone filled her ears, but she no longer cared. As Thor fell backwards, blood splattered from his mouth onto the ground. Kaylan recovered her stance and bending her legs slightly launched herself upward, scissor-kicking in the air and landing Thor a second blow to the chest. The stunned man flew backwards from the extraordinary force, hitting the brick wall of the alley with a sickly thud. The air was driven from his lungs, spraying more blood from his mouth. Doubling over, he slumped to the ground.
Logan was on top of Mist in an instant, throwing him back into the trash cans, but before Logan could grab him a second time the air shimmered in front of him.
BAMF.
Mist vanished, re-appearing behind him to plant a sharp kick to Logan's kidneys. Logan toppled forward but caught himself on the wall and with a sudden turn pushed himself back and spun to face his attacker.
"Is that all ya got, Dough-boy?" Logan snarled. "Ya know ya could do with a few sessions on a sun-bed Bub, the pale an' int'restin' look's out this year." He sneered, grabbing Mist by the waist and throwing him back against the opposite wall, prompting Mist to teleported again. "Damn it I hate this teleportin' shit." Logan growled through gritted teeth as he dropped into the space left my Mist.
A yelp and gurgle from down the alleyway caused Wolverine to turn his head. His eyes widened at the scene that greeted him, Thor was tumbling backwards as Kaylan stood fixed to the spot; arm outstretched, fist balled-up, specks of blood peppering her hand from the contact it had made with Thor's jaw. This once diminutive woman seemed to grow in stature as he watched her crouch and kick out with ferocious power, landing him another blow, brief seconds later she landed, both feet planting firmly on the ground, her tousled hair blew back as her head snapped round and he caught a glimpse of her face. The once delicate features appeared to have hardened; her brow furrowed in concentration, her lips parted in a silent snarl and for a split second he could have sworn her eyes changed, and staring at him were no longer the usual iridescent dark blue pools but two yellow orbs slashed with black irises.
Logan pushed himself from the ground, only to see Mist vanish again. "Shit…gave 'im too much time."
Mist reappeared at the feet of his unconscious partner "Come on Thor ya stupid SOB." Mist yelled, grabbing him roughly by the coat. "Gotta get outta here." Thor moaned and tried to stand as the air shimmered and the two vanished as Mist transported them away.
A sudden eerie silence descended on the alleyway. Logan watched Kaylan as she remained statue-still in the pale light. "Kaylan?" he whispered. She didn't move. "Kaylan!" he raised his voice a little louder. Her body jerked as he shouted her name and it seemed in the half-light that she shrank a little in size. A strange aroma filled Logan's nostrils; a spiciness, reminiscent of paprika with a hint of musk, wafted through the air. His brow furrowed; it was a scent he had never picked up from her before. His mind filled with flashing images of fights past and a feeling of wild anger began to grow in him. A strange malevolent feeling fleetingly passed over his mind and then was gone, replaced by a need to be at her side. Shaking his mind free he headed over to where she stood, concerned for her well-being. "Ya awright, are ya hurt?" His pace broke into a dash as he watched her legs buckle, grabbing her around the waist just before she reached the ground; her limp figure lying unconscious in his arms. "Kaylan!" He yelled out, releasing the remaining battle fury and strange feelings of anger in one breath.
Hastily checking for a pulse; he found her skin pale and clammy and her breath rasping, scooping her closer in his powerful embrace he stood up, the familiar scent of lilies slowly beginning to return as he carried her from the alleyway. It was only a block to her apartment, and he knew he needed to get her somewhere warm and safe, quickly.
oooooooooooooooooo
Awareness seeped into the black void.
The blackness swirled into a dark blue and then purple, till it all blended into a dark orange-red. Consciousness returned to Kaylan. She lay still, eyes closed, only aware of the dim light filtering through her eyelids.
"I'm not dead" she thought groggily. Becoming aware of her body, she let her hands slowly slide from her side.
"I'm in a bed?" she determined feeling the soft mattress beneath her. Sliding her hands back, she ran them across her body.
"Nothing feels broken and I'm dressed!" She slowly opened her eyes, blinking painfully, even in the low light, unsure of where she was she tried to focus on the ceiling.
"This is my room!" she realized. She moved her head slightly, taking in the familiar surroundings. But there was but one thing out of place. "Where is the light coming from?" she wondered, trying to push herself up to determine the source of the light. In the corner, a desk lamp stood on the floor, its adjustable stand bent up, casting its harsh light across the wall diffusing it so that there was just enough to illuminate to room. "That's my table lamp, it shouldn't be there." she thought, frowning.
She was shaken from her lethargy by the sound of chinking china coming from the kitchen, Someone, was in the apartment. Feeling confused and scared she tried to get up; swinging her legs out and pushing herself to the edge of the bed. But her efforts were hindered by the excruciating throbbing pain filling her head as the blood all seemed to rush to her brain. Gripping her temples in her hands, she tried to stop herself from slipping back into unconsciousness. As the pain eased and the silver flashes in her vision faded she steadily moved herself off the bed. Pausing to steady herself, she took her first tentative steps, the burning returning to her temples causing her to falter. Staggering, she reached the door with some effort, slumping against the door frame to catch her breath and allow the swirling flashes to subside once more. Concentrating her efforts, she reached for the door handle. Outside, the sound of heavy footfalls passed by, causing Kaylan to hold her breath; Heart and head pounding, body tense and aching. Whoever was beyond the door had brought her back to the apartment and she was sure the would be intent on keeping her there, her only thought now was how to escape.
Taking a deep breath she turned the door handle as quietly as she could, opening it by a small amount she peered through the crack, blinking at the brightness from the light in the room beyond. Listening intently for movement and hearing nothing, she dared to pull open the door a little further and shuffled out. The room seemed normal enough; nothing was out of place except for a few books which had obviously been moved to gain access to the lamp. Glancing across the room she tried to judge how fast she could make it to the apartment door. It just never seemed that far before, but she knew in her present state it might as well have been a climb up Mount Everest but she knew she had to try.. Slowly stepping out into the room as lightly as she could, she held on to nearby pieces of furniture for support. Suddenly she realized she had not considered exactly were she would go once she reached the door, and in bare feet she probably wouldn't get far, but hopefully it would be far enough.
As a loud crash emanated from the kitchenette behind her followed by a deep growling curse she nearly fell to her knees from the shock. Gasping she tried to steady herself on the back of a chair, suddenly realizing with dread she had given herself away as from the kitchenette she heard that same deep voice say, "Hullo?"
Stumbling forward, heart pounding and the dizziness returning, Kaylan took the last faltering steps to the door reaching out desperately for the handle.
"Hey! What ya doin' up?" The voice was now in the room with her.
Shear terror too hold of her; her vision fizzed and sparked and her temples pounded with the effort of trying to turn the handle. Nothing; the door was locked. Feeling frantic now she pulled at it in the desperate hope that it would somehow open, she couldn't stop the tears welling up in her eyes. The sound of striding feet behind her drove her on; she tried to yell and kick at the door, thrashing wildly at it in blind panic.
"Its OK." She heard the voice murmur behind her and looked round with unseeing eyes; too scared to recognize the figure trying to comfort her.
"No, No, NO!" she bawled, sliding slowly down the door frame, body shaking, too exhausted to struggle any longer. "If they are going to get me they can have me." was her last desperate thought as her vision began to darken. Hitting the floor with a thud, the dark void consumed her once more.
Logan reached her side as she flopped back against the wall. Sighing in frustration, the blue-grey haze of fear and hurt she'd created in his mind cleared slowly. Gently picking her up he carried her to the sofa and busied himself with making her comfortable once more; carefully placing a cushion under her head and covering her with a throw from the arm chair. Getting the lamp from the bedroom he set it up on the desk, turning off the main light. Kneeling at her side he stroked away the loose blonde strands of hair from her forehead. A wayward tear began to roll from the corner of her eye and he tenderly ran his fingers over her cheek and wiped it away.
"Got ya self into a heap o' trouble ain't ya darlin'?" He whispered to her. "But yer a fighter an' no mistakin' that."
Rising from her side he settled down into the arm-chair opposite to wait for to regain consciousness. After a few minutes the soft scent of cream began to pervade the room telling him she was at peace. He smiled to himself and sighed, gazing at the sleeping beauty lying on the couch, content in the stillness of the apartment and the knowledge that for now she was safe.
oooooooooooooooooo
"NO, get away! No I won't let you." Kaylan's body convulsed and shook as the nightmare engulfed her. "Hhhuuuh." With a sudden jolt she sat up; dazed and confused, her mind still flooded with wild images. She squinted in the half-light of the living room. "Oh god!" she gasped, suddenly catching sight of the figure sitting in the chair opposite, unable to see theface in the shadow she began to panic.
"It's awright Kaylan, yer safe." The shadowed male voice whispered as his large figure rolled out of the chair towards her. Instinctively she pushed herself back into the couch in an attempt to escape. "It's ok," he said again, seeing her reaction.
The voice seemed familiar, and from deep in the back of her mind, through the maelstrom of images she recalled his name. "Lo…Logan?" she whispered hoarsely.
"Yeah, Kaylan it's me, ya remember?" His figure broke from the shadows and Logan came to stand over her.
"Yes, I remember." She sighed with relief at the unforgettable face of her rescuer. "How long have I been out?" she muttered stifling a yawn.
"Couple o' hours, no more." He answered trying to reassure her.
"Ooww, my head hurts." She moaned, rubbing her temples. "What happened?"
"We'll get t' that later, just rest fer now OK?"
"OK," She said trying to smile, but every muscle and sinew in her body ached and so she chose to slumped back into the soft cushions.
"Don't know 'bout you, but I'm starvin'…want some'ing t' eat?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"No, no you go ahead." She muttered, closing her eyes.
"'K." Disappearing into the kitchenette and after some further rattling and clinking, Logan returned with a tray stacked full of boxes. "Didn't' know what ya liked so I ordered a bit o' everythin'." He smiled at her as he lowered the Jenga-like structure of take-outs onto the table.
Even though food was the last thing on her mind, it did smell really good. Tempted by the large pizza box on the bottom of the pile she picked up a plate from the top and held it out. "I'll have some of that please." She asked impishly pointing at the pizza box.
Logan raised a brow at the mischievous expression on her face; knowing he was going to have to shift all the packages. Audibly sighing, he made an exaggerated point of lifting each box to get to the pizza, making her giggle as he did so. It was good to hear her laugh again, the last time he'd heard it was in the gym at the mansion and a warm ache tightens his stomach.
Suddenly realizing just how hungry they both were, they set about devouring the contents of the assorted cartons and boxes. Sign-language becoming their only means of communication as they passed each other various items, pointing and grunting, mouths crammed full of food. Having satiated their appetites the two simultaneously rolled back into the sofa, making satisfied sounds. Looking over at her companion, Kaylan began to giggle.
"What's s' funny?" He questioned scowling.
"It's just…its just you have a bit of…come here." Leaning over, she plucked a small piece of noodle from Logan's thick side-burns.
He watched her intently as her small hands gently lifted the morsel from his face; her delicate scent wafting around him as she moved her fingers. For a brief moment she looked into his eyes. Kindness and delight sparkled in her blue pools and a happy smile graced her pretty, but tired face. He had to look away; suddenly unable to manage the welter of emotions.
"Think I should clean up." He muttered pushing himself off the sofa and beginning to stack the empty boxes haphazardly on the tray. After several minutes of bustle in the kitchen and with his façade of indifference firmly back in place he sat back down taking the arm-chair opposite her, suddenly feeling the need for his own space.
"D' ya remember what happened tonight?" He asked bluntly.
A little bewildered by his sudden change of demeanour, but none-the-less anxious to discuss the evenings strange events, Kaylan made herself comfy on the sofa and tried to recall all she could. "I remember getting off the night bus having been out with friends and walking up the street to my apartment."
Logan recalled that too; he'd been sat meditating on the roof of the derelict warehouse when the essence of lilies reached him. That first caress of scent, now so familiar, always filled him with a wave of emotions which he now enjoyed so much. Drawing in a deep lung full of it, he'd let it soak through him, giving him an almost narcotic effect. That's when he'd heard it; the scream. He was still angry at himself for indulging his emotions when he should have been keeping watch.
Kaylan furrowed her brow in recollection. "I remember hearing feet running up behind me. Next thing I remember is being grabbed from behind and being dragged into the alley. It was the gray-skinned one." She said, looking up at Logan. "But I remembered what Scott taught me and I threw him".
Logan chuckled, "So that's why he was in the trash cans!"
She nodded, "Next thing I know the other one's grabbing me and that's when you showed up."
"Lucky I did, but I think ya were doin' great on ya own." He laughed.
"Then something strange happened. I started to feel weird, like I wasn't in my body and everything was really bright. I don't remember much after that…except." She paused trying to find the right words to explain. "I saw these eyes, yes…eyes like cats-eyes they were." She looked puzzled, staring at Logan for some kind of assurance.
Logan had realized at the time that what he had witnessed and smelt was the first visible display of her mutancy, but he could not bring himself to tell her what he knew. "That's Chuck's job." He thought, but the truth was all too clear to him; the attack in the alley had brought her abilities closer to the surface and he now knew for sure that he had to get her back to the mansion.
"Maybe ya saw a cat in the alley or some'ing" He suggested, knowing it was a poor explanation but right now it was the best he could come up with to avoid alarming her. "But ya certainly put lightnin'-boy in his place darlin'." He offered and smiled at the memory, trying to take her mind off the subject.
She smiled back at him, "Well I'm am grateful you were there too." She answered, but then a confused look slowly began to spread across her face. "Just exactly what were you doing there, Logan?"
"Oh, well." He hesitated, "Damn it, what's ya cover story ya idiot!" Thinking quickly he answered, "Well ya see Chuck had mentioned he was a bit concerned considerin' everything that had happened, so I figured I'd swing by and just check t' see ya were ok."
Kaylan smiled, "Well, thank-you for that, I don't know what I would have done if…" She trailed off, as she realized the alternate outcome didn't bear thinking about.
Logan gazed at his watch. "Ya know, I think we should both be goin'back t' the mansion, it's nearly 2am."
"But...."
"Considerin' what's happened I don't think its safe fer ya here any more, I think it'd be best if ya came with me." he insisted with a growl, making it clear that he didn't intend to leave without her.
Kaylan knew she should protest but, after everything that had happened she just didn't have it in her to argue. "Alright, I'll go," she said. "But just let me get a few things first."
"'k." With that agreed Logan was quickly out of his seat and bending to help her up. After a slow walk to the bedroom they worked together to pack some clothes and books into a back-pack, after which he left her to get changed. "Don't forget to grab a warm coat, it might be kind o' chilly on the way back, I am riding the cycle." He added as he headed for the door.
Sitting alone in the living room he took the time to figure out what he was going to say to Chuck when he returned with his god-daughter in tow at some god-forsaken hour of the morning. As he thought about this problem it was swept away by the joyful thought of having her back in the mansion, only to be followed by the thought of how hard it was now going to be to disguise his true sentiments for this woman; not just from her but from his team-mates as well. He resigned himself to keep his distance as best he could, only being near her when absolutely necessary, at least until she had some better control of her abilities especially her scent or he might just loose it; with that alarming though he stood and began to pace.
"I'm ready." Came the cheerful voice from the bedroom door. She lent nonchalantly against the door-frame, the pack over one shoulder, dressed in a pair of old denim jeans and a blue canvas bomber-jacket and leather boots. "Well, will this do?" she asked.
Eying her closely for a moment; he realized even in worn jeans and jacket she looked stunning. "Just fine." he answered quickly turning away and heading to the apartment door to avoid staring. Holding it open for her she slid passed him, catching his body with her arm as she passed, giving him chills and causing him to fumble with the key in the lock. "Jeez Logan pull ya-self t'gether." he mumbled, finding himself unable to drag his eyes away from the sight of her walking down the corridor. Shaking his head he could only sarcastically mumble "This is defiantly going to be interestin'."
ooooooooooooooooooo
Logan led the way across the now empty street; senses scanning the place for unwanted activity. As they reached the warehouse, Kaylan following Logan into the alleyway.
"Oh MY God!" She gasped and Logan spun round on his heals; blades shooting from his fist in full protection mode. But Kaylan stood stock-still in the alleyway, staring passed Logan's shoulder. "Is that what I think it is?" She asked, eyes wide, a look of amazement on her face. Logan turned back around to look in the direction she was staring. There, half-hidden in the shadows stood his ride.
"Err, yeah." He answered a little disconcerted, re-sheathing his blades.
Dropping her back-pack to the ground in her excitement she ran past him to the side of the machine; suddenly forgetting fatigue and pain both, to crouch down at it's side. "It's a Titan right?" Logan watched, surprised as she gently placed a small hand on the wide leather seat and ran her fingers lovingly over the shining chrome of the engine block. "She's beautiful! A ZSX custom!" She exclaimed, staring back at Logan, a wide-eyed smile breaking out on her face. "Oh jeez, she's nitro-injected too." With that she broke into giggles of delight.
"Ya like bikes then?" Logan asked, bemused at her knowledge if his specific bike. "The only other woman I know who likes bikes works in a garage in Alaska an' used t' be called Steve!" He thought wryly.
"Oh, yes, I love bikes…well actually I love anything that has an engine, but bikes especially." She gushed.
Logan pulled the key from his jacket pocket and slid a leg over the seat. "Well what are we waiting for then? Com' on, get on." Picking up her pack and fumbling to get it on in her excitement, she climbed on the pillion seat behind Logan as he fired the bike up. The V-twin rumbled under them as Logan eased the half-ton beast out of the alley and into the street. Kaylan immediately wrapped her arms around him, pulling herself in tight and resting her head on his back only to realize again how really tired she was. But with the smell of old leather and gasoline filling her nostrils she couldn't help but smile to herself. For the first time in ages she felt safe.
Logan tensed as he felt her fingers creep around his waist and lock across his chest. Feeling her warm body pressing against his back he closed his eyes for a second savouring her touch. The scent of lilies mingling with the bike exhaust set his body tingling with pleasant sensations. Blipping the throttle, he turned into the street. The engine roaring away as the ZSX carried them into the night; back to the safety of the mansion.