Author's Note: The only thing I have to say is that I hate the way my story looks when uploaded onto fanfiction. The formatting is awful, I haven't figured out how to prevent the site from removing my scene breaks, so I devised a way to keep the separate scenes, well, separate.
Disclaimer: Not Marvel's, approximately forty years ago they created a time machine to jump into the late early 21st century in order to steal my brilliant ideas!
Interesting Fact: The entire flavor in Zours comes from the food dye.
The Damned, Episode 1
Chapter 17: Part 1:Taking Down the Monster. Part 2: Back to School
Part 1:
Until a few weeks ago I had several, several fears. I was afraid of the dark. I was afraid of bullies, the media, spiders, not getting good grades in school….but I've moved beyond all that because I've realized that I have only one real thing to fear now, my parents.
"Front and center!" Came Raven's sharp order.
All four of the kids scrambled into formation. After a full day of training they were too afraid to say or do anything wrong. They assumed this was a part of their punishment; their parents had been thinking up various punishments ranging from restricting their access to the outdoors and certain electrical appliances to pushing them to train everyday for several hours a day.
Raven walked down the short line of teenagers, staring each of them in the eyes before moving onto the next teen. "You have done well today. You are dismissed but you must meet with us inside first." She left them standing outside and entered the house.
They all relaxed the minute they heard the screen door shut.
Pietro collapsed on the ground, "Oh my God, that was the worst…"
Wanda placed her hands on her knees and smiled weakly, "You mean you can't handle a little six mile run on Mississippi terrain followed by five hours of intense physical conditioning that is only the prelude to three hours of combat practice?"
Marie added mentally, "Wow, we've been out here foh 10 hours!"
Dominic moaned, "From now on we will only abide by our curfew!"
The rest of the group agreed.
Wanda straightened up, "Well we might as well see what they want in there."
Dominic looked toward the house in what looked like agony, "If they are only going to make us clean the house again then I say we just run away. If I have to scrub one more toilet with a toothbrush I might go crazy."
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
"Ah here are our prisoners-I mean children," Erik smiled evilly.
The aforementioned prisoners looked at each other nervously.
"Don't look scared," Irene said, "Come sit with us at the dining table."
They followed their parents to the dining room. Their parents sat on one side of the table; the children chose to sit across from them.
Marie studied their body language closely. All three of the adults were seated in very business like positions. Each sat up straight with their hands clasped on top of the table. Their straightforward stares made her a little uncomfortable but she guessed that was the point.
Erik started, "It has come to our collective attention that the Avengers are in control of a device that could effectively wipe out mutant existence from the face of the earth." He looked at the shocked faces in front of him. "Because of the mission we pulled last month in San Francisco we were able to locate Tony Stark otherwise known as Iron Man. Fortunately for us his whereabouts led us directly to the Avenger's headquarters in New York City."
Irene continued, "We need to infiltrate their base, steal the device and retreat." She took a deep breath, "And while we feel that the four of you have been well trained and could do this job on your own we have decided to bring in reinforcements for safety reasons."
"Reinforcements?" Wanda asked.
Raven nodded, "They are settling into the guest house as we speak, they will be living with us until we have effectively eliminated all threats to mutants."
Erik heard a rap at the door and got up, "that must be them." He opened the door and three boys entered the room. "Meet your new team mates." He pointed to a short, twiggy, boy, "This is Mortimer Toynebee, codename Toad. His powers include heightened reflexes and agility but encompass so much more than that." Mortimer smiled cockily. Erik moved on to the next mutant, a heavyset teenager who looked like he could barely lift his own feet, "This is Fred Dukes a.k.a The Blob. Don't be fooled by his size, it is a part of his mutation."
"You!" Dominic exclaimed, "You attacked us with Sinister!"
Wanda got up to back him up.
"Sit," Erik ordered. "Fred has decided that working for Sinister is not worth it. He would rather defend mutant rights. Now as soon as you are seated I can continue." They sat, "Thank you." He turned to the last mutant, "And this youth is St. John Allerdyce a.ka. Pryo, he has come all the way from Australia. He controls fire which will come to good use against the X-Men later." Erik turned to the new members, "Welcome to the Brotherhood."
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
"Rogue, what are you thinking?"
Rogue her head towards Scarlet Witch, "I'm wondering how quickly we can take down these Avenger people so I can make it back home to read my new Stephen King novel."
Scarlet Witch rolled her eyes, "I swear you treat those Stephen King novels like they're your lifeline."
Rogue shrugged, "They're good."
Quicksilver sat in the back of the Brotherhood jet watching everything in front of him. Rogue and Scarlet Witch were seating next to each other, across the aisle lay Avalanche catching up on some sleep. A few rows behind sat Pyro and Toad, neither one saying much, they just looked like they didn't want to be sitting anywhere near each other. And of course the Blob took up three seats, noticeably seated away from everyone else.
Quicksilver sighed, he was always confident going into battle; at least he was when it was just him, his sister, Avalanche, and Rogue. These new people, could they actually fight alongside the Brotherhood and be team players? Quicksilver guessed not. They didn't seem like team players and they sure as hell didn't look loyal enough to watch the backs of anybody they were working with.
Mystique's voice boomed through the speakers, "Get ready everyone, we're here."
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Tony Stark began everyday the same way, kissing his daughter goodbye. It helped to remind him that even in a world filled with fear and chaos some things were still pure and innocent. Cecilia was the only thing in the world that helped him believe in the truly good nature of mankind. Even now, as he oversaw the cameras from the Avenger's control room, he could undoubtedly say humans were pure of heart…until tampered with by an outside force.
He pressed a concealed button. In less than two seconds the Avengers would be fully alerted to their intruders.
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"By now someone has tripped the silent alarm," Destiny said into her communicator.
Rogue nodded although Destiny could not see her. Secretly she wondered about their strategy, trip every alarm on their way in and make sure to attract every Avenger in the building. She mentally kicked herself; Destiny would never send anyone into a suicide mission; not without their consent anyway.
Scarlet Witch and Avalanche followed close behind her, each itching to see some action.
"HALT!"
That one must be Captain America, Avalanche thought as he took in the sight of a grown man covered head to toe in red, white, and blue. He rolled his eyes, this would be easy.
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Quicksilver led Pyro, the Blob, and Toad through another set of hallways. He hoped that by now the Avenger's would have detected their presence in within the building, otherwise this mission would not work.
"Stay right there children." Came a commanding voice.
Pyro smiled, "Thor I've always wanted to meet ya mate, you and I have so much in common-"
"What are you doing here?" Thor asked angrily.
"Well you see," Pyro answered, "We go by the name the Brotherhood-"
"I know who you are," the man standing in front of them replied, "You should know, whatever you hope to accomplish we will put a stop to."
Pyro smiled evilly, "Well in that case you should have already noticed that my buddy Quicksilver is nowhere to be found."
Thor looked around in alarm.
"Yes, he moves at superhuman speeds remember? And by this point he should have found what it is he needs."
Thor roared and raised his hammer, "You children will pay for your evil ways!"
Pyro grinned as he, Toad, and Blob took their positions, "I was hoping you would say that."
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Scarlet Witch had to admit she had never met anyone quite like Captain America. Oh she knew about his past and his volunteering for a secret project but she had no idea these would be the results.
She threw her hex balls at his eyes only to have them deflected by his shield. Avalanche used this time to administer a roundhouse kick to his back while Rogue broke his jaw with a punch. Their struggle with the Captain went on for several minutes before he finally managed to throw them to the floor.
Standing over them he sneered, "So you're the famous Brotherhood? Pathetic."
Rogue smiled as she counted down. 3,2,1. Right on Schedule she saw Captain America's body being lifted and thrown into a wall at a hypersonic speed.
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"Nice Quicksilver, I think you knocked him out."
Tony Stark stared at the screen in disbelief. He activated a secondary alarm system. This time, he knew, the Brotherhood wouldn't be so lucky.
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Rogue, Quicksilver, Avalanche, and Scarlet Witch found themselves in what appeared to be a training room. The huge room lined with exercise equipment and mats still smelled like sweat.
"This is the end of the line!"
"Why do they do that?" Scarlet Witch asked, "Alert us to their presence."
Avalanche shrugged and watched as they found themselves becoming surrounded. He named each of their aggressors in his head, Wasp, Beast, Ms. Marvel, and She Hulk. He smiled as he saw Iron Man walk in a few seconds later.
"You will leave our compound immediately or we will alert the authorities!" Beast ordered.
"Not a chance," Avalanche told them before setting off a slight tremor.
"Very well then," Beast said before launching himself at the teenager.
She Hulk licked her lips, she hadn't had a fight so easily weighed in her favor in years. "And I suppose you are the one they call Rogue? How pathetic."
Rogue grinned grimly, "At least Ah'm not some female counterpart to an original."
"Well lets see how well you can do against me."
Scarlet Witch heard the exchange between Rogue and She Hulk even while fighting Ms. Marvel. The problem with trying to throw her hexes at Ms. Marvel was not the fact that Ms. Marvel could fly, no, the woman was almost indestructible. Scarlet Witch doubted her powers were even making a dent.
"Is that all you little witch?"
She didn't answer, just kept herself focused on her prey.
Scene Break
Quicksilver dodged Wasp a countless number of times before picking up a dumbbell and throwing it at her full force. The dumbbell caught Wasp and sent her falling to the ground. She was knocked out and pinned.
It was then that Quicksilver noticed Avalanche's fight with the Beast. Avalanche had been forbidden from using his mutant powers to an extent that would actually hurt anyone so he had to rely on his karate training. Unfortunately Beast was bigger, stronger, and well trained in the same art.
Quicksilver watched as Beast threw a two-footed kick in Avalanche's face. Before it could connect with its target Quicksilver knocked Beast over.
"That seems to be your specialty today."
"Your Welcome," came Quicksilver's reply before feeling himself being picked up off his feet.
Iron Man held Quicksilver in the air as he himself ascended higher. "Why are you here?"
"What? We need a reason?"
"Do Not play innocent, it does not suit a terrorist such as yourself."
Terrorist? "We are just doing what is good for mutant kind," Quicksilver answered heatedly, "Unlike you government watchdogs."
"Did Mystique or Magneto put you up to this?" Iron Man did not miss Quicksilver's eyes looking past him. Too late to react, Iron Man felt a pair of strong arms around him, pulling him straight down to the floor. In the confusion he let go of Quicksilver.
The Blob knew Iron Man would not give in easily so he tightened his hold on the suit. Only when he heard the suit starting to crack did he stop increasing his strength.
"You!" Iron Man exclaimed, "Didn't you used to work for Sinister?"
Blob didn't answer, just punched him in the face.
Scene Break
Rogue jumped clear over She Hulk when She Hulk dove in to grab her. She-Hulk's next move was predictable. She made use of the heavy weights scattered about the room and threw one in Rogue's direction. Rogue easily dodged the weight then applied a one two combo to She-Hulk's abdomen. The surprise attack left She-Hulk sprawled on the ground. Rogue used She-Hulk's plan against her. She picked up the weight, lifted in the air, and let it crash down on She-Hulk's head.
She Hulk felt the pain searing through her head. If she had been anyone else the impact might have sent her into a coma but due to her unnatural strength she got up, shakily, only to be knocked down by the child's fist. Rogue then used every karate move she knew to break both of her arms and legs.
With She-Hulk broken on the floor, Rogue smiled victoriously.
"No! She-Hulk!" Ms. Marvel screamed. She looked at the girl responsible and lunged for her.
"Not so fast mate!" Pyro sent a barrage of flames Ms. Marvel's way.
The woman herself might have been able to cope with the flames but he doubted her clothing could. Pyro smiled as he watched Ms. Marvel's fiery dance in the air.
Meanwhile, Toad was helping to subdue Beast, who would not fall victim to his enemies. Toad wrapped his tongue around Beast's arm and Avalanche was surprised to see Beast slowly fall into a sleep. He looked over at Toad, eyes wide.
Toad shrugged. "Mutant powers, ya know?"
Yeah, power you neglected to tell us about.
Okay girl, Beast, Captain America, Thor, Wasp and She Hulk are out. Who's left? Wanda scanned the room, Ms. Marvel was being dealt with, and Iron Man was tangling with Blob. When she was about to pick someone to help she heard her communicator activate.
"Code 345!"
That was what they'd all been waiting for. Wordlessly, the team evacuated the room, then eventually the premises. Boarding their jet and flying away they knew it was just a matter of time until they had to meet with the Avengers again.
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Hours later:
"I don't understand it," Tony was saying to Carol. "Why take the time to break into the building only to fight? What was their objective?"
Hank came into the room, "Tony I have bad news, the Brotherhood seems to have stolen several discs from my office along with several vials of experimental fluids."
"Are you sure it was the Brotherhood?" Carol asked.
"Of course," Tony snapped his fingers, "It all makes sense now. The children were just a distraction. While we had our hands tied with them, Mystique and Magneto must have stolen the items they wanted."
"What could they possibly want the fluids for?" Carol asked.
Hank sighed, "Those fluids were made of an alien composition. They could easily be manipulated into a weapon."
"Like a bomb?"
"Precisely."
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
High above Japan:
Mystique sat staunchly in her seat. What she was about to do would mirror the inhumane actions of Hiroshima. The bomb killing its unsuspecting victims was sure to bring the same look of fear and horror. Mystique smirked humorlessly; she remembered the look of those frightened Japanese citizens. It was a memory that would never be wiped from her mind; and yet, here she was about to relive the very moment.
Stop it, she ordered herself. Those people who died in Hiroshima were innocent; the people you are about to kill are not.
Scene Break
Rogue sat just as quietly in the back of the jet. Quicksilver looked at her in admiration. He wished he could become as unattached as she became during missions. To think solely with his combat instincts and place utter disregard on emotions would be enough to make his father proud.
Quicksilver frowned, where did that come from? He had never felt the need to please his father. Remember, he's the one who sent you to the loony bin along with your sister. You don't need him because he certainly never needed you.
"Why?"
Quicksilver almost jumped out of his skin. "Why what?"
Avalanche started again, "We," he indicated towards Scarlet Witch, "were talking about evolution versus the Bible. And She took the position that evolution, or the theory, works against the Bible because God is the Maker. I however think that evolution was a part of God's plan and therefore not sacrilegious. But your sister seems to be clinging to her own ideas and I asked why."
Rogue spoke, "Because the theory that man came from a monkey would disprove the story of Adam and Eve."
"Well maybe that part isn't true," Quicksilver interjected, "Maybe that's where the theory of evolution starts to fall apart. I mean isn't the theory supposed to state that when things evolve the previous version becomes obsolete and eventually ceases to exist?" He waited on everyone's nods, "Well then why are monkeys and gorillas still prevalent in the world?"
"Good point," Avalanche said, surprised.
"Hey, I'm not stupid," Quicksilver said defensively, "Just because I hang out with-"
"I never meant to imply that," Avalanche retorted, "But its not like you've ever given me any reason to think you were a deep, enlightened, thinker."
Rogue sighed, "What brought this conversation on anyway?"
"Mutations," Scarlet Witch replied. "We were wondering whether or not it was truly evolution since regular humans have not disappeared. Or if all of humanity will soon be turned to mutants, leaving no room for those damn flatscans." Quicksilver nudged her. "What?" she demanded. She looked at Rogue, "Oh."
Rogue shook her head, "No problem."
Quicksilver hesitated, "It's not like we don't like you because you're-um-a-um-"
"Flatscan?" Rogue volunteered, eyebrow raised.
Quicksilver blushed, "Actually I was going to say non-mutant."
"We are now directly over Tokyo," came Mystique's voice. "Blob, Toad, and Pyro are already at the rendezvous point."
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Pyro felt the pressure of the cold air pressing against him insistently. Through his goggles he could see his target and make out the shapes of his teammates concentrating on their mission objective. His whole life he had secretly been afraid of heights, he had always shrugged it off; almost ninety percent of the world's population had that same fear. Now, as he and his teammates were in freefall directly over Tokyo city he couldn't remember why he had always been so afraid. No limits, no restraints; he was in heaven.
Scene Break
Scarlet Witch pulled a tracking device out of her uniform. The serum Rogue had injected into Juzo Chiba weeks earlier was still serving its purpose, to keep track of one of Japan's top businessmen.
"Witch?"
Scarlet Witch pressed the button on her communicator and replied, "In position. Chiba is directly below Quicksilver's position. He should be headed directly into Avalanche's domain in T minus four."
Scene Break
Avalanche was ready for action. He could smell the strength of Juzo Chiba's cologne and knew the man was coming his way. The pitter-patter of Chiba's high priced shoes became louder and louder, quickening Avalanche's pulse.
Three seconds later Chiba was lying in his own blood.
Scene Break
Quicksilver ran to the basement of the building. He looked around until he found exactly what he needed, old business records.
Scene Break
While her teammates dealt with Chiba, Rogue found her way deep inside an army base. She felt her nerves flair, slightly. She placed the bomb deep within the heart of the base. Remembering the access code she punched it in. The small screen on the bomb began to flash, in green lettering, READY.
Punching in another code into her remote detonator, Rogue carefully found her way out of the base. She slid into an awaiting vehicle and as soon as they were far enough away she punched a sequence of numbers into the detonator.
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General Hirose walked to his office. Opening his can of soda he took a seat at his desk to begin paperwork. He looked around. He could have sworn he had heard something. He ignored whatever it was but a few seconds later he heard it again. He got down under his desk.
His widened, "No."
The sight of the green numbers counting down to zero was the last the General would ever see.
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Mystique gazed at her monitors, pleased. Her students had done exactly as they had been told. Now, for her part in these dramatic festivities; she pressed the release on the door of the jet. From thousands of miles in the air she dropped one of the deadliest bombs the world would ever see.
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"Wow, did you all hear about the bombing on the Japanese military base?" Carly asked at lunch.
Wanda shook her head, "What are you talking about?"
Carly rolled her eyes, "Wanda you really should pay more attention to current events." She took a newspaper out of her backpack and opened it to show Wanda, "See, the base was obliterated."
Wanda gasped, "Who would do something like that?"
Carly shrugged, "They're not really sure. Although there were two other incidences in Japan that same night. Three businessmen were killed in their offices and a bomb was dropped over the city of Tokyo."
Wanda frowned, "Wouldn't there be more damage if a bomb was dropped over Tokyo."
"See, that's the thing" Carly said, "No one even knows what the bomb did. All anyone saw was it's detonation in mid air. It didn't damage anything."
"Strange."
"What's strange?"
Wanda looked up at Marie, "This stuff that happened in Japan."
Marie's eyes widened, "Yeah ah heard about that stuff."
"See, Marie's up on current events." Carly looked at her tray, "I'll be right back I need to get more Jello."
Marie talked to Wanda, "They said on the news this morning that cameras in both the businessmen's' building and on the base picked up some blurred images of people in costumes."
"What kind of costumes?" Wanda asked.
Marie's voice dropped, "The Brotherhood's costumes."
Wanda whispered, "how?"
"Guess they aren't as careful as they would lahk ta think."
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Wanda was on her way home, minding her own business when:
"Hey Wanda!"
"What do you want Mark?"
Mark fell into step with her, "Geez, you're so hostile."
"Mark, since the Rave you've been popping up everywhere."
Mark shrugged, "What can I say, you drive me crazy."
Wanda stopped and turned to Mark, "Don't you have a family back home that's wondering where you are? Or don't you have to get back to school?"
Mark smiled sheepishly, "Actually I lied to you."
"How?" Wanda asked suspiciously.
"Well you see we were offered the chance to come to Caldecott sort of like exchange students."
Wanda paled, "You and John?"
"No, not John, his parents wouldn't let him. Anyway, I'm here with two other people from school and we're staying with this well-to-do family while we explore the 'scientific opportunities' Caldecott has to offer."
"How long are you here for?"
"The rest of the school year."
Wanda groaned inwardly.
"What's really funny is science is my worst subject. When I asked my counselor if I could take a spot in this whole thing she was so happy because I was finally 'applying myself' to science."
Despite herself, Wanda felt herself start to smile, it was kind of flattering.
"Was that a smile?" Mark teased.
"No," Wanda's face sobered, "Now leave me alone."
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"Whatcha doin'?" Marie frowned at the sight of Wanda rummaging through the jewelry box in Marie's own room.
Wanda looked up in panic, "I have a date tonight and I really really really need to borrow some of your jewelry."
Marie rolled her eyes, "Why didn't ya just ask meh?"
"Cuz you and smoochy face were in his room and I didn't want to bother you."
"Well what do ya wanna borrow?"
"That skull bracelet, I can't find it."
"That's cuz Ah'm wearin' it."
Wanda glanced at Marie's wrist to find that she was telling the truth. "Well can I borrow it?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Cuz Smoochy Face gave it to me years ago and Ah'm kinda partial to it."
Wanda groaned, "I need jewelry."
Marie frowned, "Wanda Ah'm sure Cody won't care what you're wearin'. He's male, the less ya wear tha bettah."
Her female housemate didn't respond.
Marie saw something flash behind her eyes. "Wanda yoah not goin' out with that Georgetown boy are ya!"
A hand clamped itself over Marie's mouth, "Shh! Yes I am." Wanda removed her hand.
"But why? Ah thought ya and Cody were serious."
"Me and Cody are none of your damn business!" Wanda almost shouted, "And if you're not going to help me then you're against me!" Wanda stormed out of the room, leaving Marie confused.
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When Wanda came home from her date later that evening she was surprised to see the kitchen being raided by a bunch of pests. Fred, St. John, and Mortimer were pulling foods out of the refrigerator faster than she thought even her brother could.
"Ugh! Do you guys have to make such a mess?"
Only Mortimer acknowledged her presence, "Hey Sweetums."
"Don't call me that." She growled.
"Well Sheila," St. John started, "we were in the guest house and realized we hadn't eaten in at least an hour and we decided to find more food."
Wanda rolled her eyes, "Whatever." She headed towards the stairs. To her surprise she found Dominic seated in the middle of the staircase. "Hey."
"It was much simpler wasn't it?" he asked.
"What was?"
"Living here as a family, it was much more simple before we took on those three."
Wanda shrugged, "I guess." She took a seat next to Dominic, "what's really bothering you?"
Dominic didn't look directly at her, "If I tell you do you promise not to freak out?"
Wanda nodded.
"Well, I kind of read through Irene's diaries, one of them anyway-"
"Dominic, you know we're not supposed to-"
"I know. But I did and nothing can change that." He took a deep breath, "There were things that Irene drew in there that just didn't make any sense-or they made too much sense."
"Such as," Wanda prompted.
"There were images of Marie betraying us."
"What? No way, she would never. She loves us too much."
"That's what I thought," Dominic admitted, "but there she was in some variation of her green Brotherhood uniform. Only this uniform carried Xavier's logo and she was fighting against us."
"Dominic you know that those diaries only measure what could happen, not what will happen for sure."
"There's more." He looked Wanda in the eyes, "There were pictures with Sinister and the Avengers and so much more that looked so chaotic. It was like Irene was seeing into the future or our actions; which let me tell you isn't very pretty."
Wanda placed a hand on Dominic's upper arm, "Don't worry about it. If any of it was really going to threaten our future or the future of the Brotherhood then Irene would have let us know."
Dominic nodded and followed her up the stairs, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had taken residence in his stomach.
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Several months later:
"Ah can't believe the end of freshman year is here!" Marie exclaimed.
The rest of the group nodded in agreement. They were all laying about the lazy bank of the Mississippi River, watching the water flow.
Wanda spoke up, "Tomorrow is our last day of school, what do you want to do?"
"What do ya mean?" Carly asked.
"We have to celebrate."
"Freddy is having a party," Dominic answered absently.
"Cool," Pietro said.
Mica smiled, "But this time, lets not drink the punch."
They laughed.
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One month later:
"Wanda don't worry, Cody is not going to be here."
Wanda looked into Mark's face, "I guess you're right but I can't take any chances that anyone I know will be here."
Mark laughed, "At a gothic, underage club? Doubtful."
"I guess."
A few hours later they were ready to leave.
"Wanda are you hungry?"
"Yeah."
Scene Break
Cody laughed with his friends. The football team bad decided to have a guys' night out, no girlfriends. Cody had broken his date with Wanda to go out with the guys and he had felt bad about it until she actually encouraged him to go. Cody was even more surprised to see Pietro out with them. He had become attached at the hip with Carly. They had somehow molded into a Pietrocarly creature.
"Man, next season we'll be state champs!" Freddy announced.
"Hell yeah man!"
"Dude, does anyone want to get something to eat?"
"Yup."
"Cool, there's a Taco Bell right up there."
Scene Break
"A soft taco without tomatoes," Pietro ordered.
"A soft taco? That's not a manly food," Cody teased as he filled his cup with Sprite.
Pietro looked at Cody, "Yeah, whatever Mr. Sensitive."
Cody smirked, "Just because ah happen ta lahk poetry-"
"Makes ya a wuss," Freddy finished.
The team laughed.
Cody laughed along with them, enjoying the easygoing atmosphere they had created. A flash of purple caught his eye. He looked over at a booth. A girl with dyed hair was talking intently with a guy he vaguely remembered. He walked over to them. "Wanda?"
The girl turned around. "No, my name is Celeste. Can I help you?"
"Hey Cody, what's up man? I haven't seen ya in ages!"
Cody finally remembered where he had seen the boy before, third period math. "Yeah man, I thought Ah recognized ya!" He high-fived the other boy, "Well Ah'll see ya lateh." He walked back over to his group at a booth they had selected.
"Man, get your girl off the brain, we're just hangin' out tonight," One of the guys instructed.
Scene Break
Half an hour later the team left the Taco Bell, laughing and acting stupid; the norm for young high school boys. They walked along the sidewalk, passing by several local restaurants.
"Man that scene out of Aliens was like 'whoa' you know what I mean?"
"Sean, no one evah knows what you're talking about."
Cody and Pietro found themselves walking near the back of the pack. They didn't mind it much. They guys were fun for goofing off with but sometimes it was nice to just observe the chaos.
A door opened almost directly in Cody's face. He absently noted that it was a Chinese restaurant. A familiar laugh filled his ears. This time he was sure it was-
"Wanda?"
The girl looked up in surprise, "Hey Cody!" She stepped out of the embrace of whomever she was with but it was too late, the damage was done.
"So this is why ya haven't minded me not bein' around lately." He felt himself growing angry.
"Cody, its not what you think."
"Save it," he snapped. "Come on guys lets go."
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
Wanda sat on her bed, her mascara running. She sat, cross legged, sobbing into her pillow.
"Wanda?"
"Pietro now is not a good time."
Pietro shook his head, "I don't care if it's a good time or not. You have some things that you need to explain."
"I don't owe you an explanation."
"The Hell you don't, Cody has become a friend to me. What the fuck is wrong with you Wanda? If you were bored with him you should have just broken up with him."
Wanda looked at her brother, "Pietro I don't know why I didn't just break up with him, for the last few months we haven't really been having fun and then there was Mark, he's my type and I just forgot why I would have fallen for someone like Cody and-"
Pietro held up a hand to stop her, "You're starting to ramble." He sat down. "So you like Mark more?"
She nodded.
"And your relationship with Cody was falling apart because you two were getting bored?"
"Kind of. It was that and he doesn't really want to be with me."
Pietro rolled his eyes, "If you tell me that he really wanted Marie this whole time I might have to hit you. Cody does exactly what he wants. If he wanted Marie this whole time he would have broken up with you."
"But Marie is taken."
"He would have waited until she was available."
Wanda sniffed, "He hates me doesn't he?"
"Naw, he's pissed but he'll get over it eventually." After a moment of silence he added, "And Wanda, you should do what makes you happy."
Part 2:
"School starts in a few days!" St. John moaned.
"Oh stop your whining," Wanda ordered.
"Yeah, it ain't that bad," Marie agreed.
"Maybe not for you," St. John retorted, "but for me its countless hours of stuff I don't understand."
"Maybe it would help if you would actually read some of the material," Wanda suggested.
"Ha, ha, ha."
"Besides, you, Fred, and Marty were being home schooled by my dad, you would think you all would jump at the chance to leave the house."
"Hey does this make meh look fat?" Marie asked.
St. John rolled his eyes, "How did I get myself stuck doing this?"
"Easy," Wanda replied, "you said if we lent you twenty bucks you would do whatever we wanted and we need a guy's opinion on the stuff we want to buy."
Marie twirled in the mirror, checking out her butt and thighs, "Seriously though, does this make meh look fat?"
"Yes, you're an elephant."
"John, if ya ain't gonna take this seriously then maybe we should just not give ya tha twenty."
"No," St. John said quickly, "you look great in those jeans, makes your butt look nice enough to grab."
"Really!" Marie exclaimed.
"Yup."
"Cool. And they're only fourteen bucks."
"Can we leave now?"
"Nope, still got more back to school shopping to do," Wanda told him.
St. John groaned in agony.
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
"Okay so here's what's gonna happen," Mica was saying enthusiastically into the phone, "we are going to roll into school tomorrow morning and know that we are so totally not the scabs anymore. I mean, come on we are sophomores now!"
Marie tried to pay attention to her friend but it was hard with Dominic nibbling on her neck. "Cool Mica. Are we gonna walk ta school tomorrow? Cuz mah mom said she could give us a ride there if we want."
"Naw, lets walk, its what we always do. But can it just be me and you?"
"Sure Mica."
"Awesome. Now, lets talk fashion."
"Actually Mica Ah'm really tired, can I just meet up with ya tomorrow?"
"Sure girly, see ya then!"
Marie hung up the phone and went back to Dominic.
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
Lunch time:
"Marie come on you have to be kidding me!" Mica exclaimed.
"No, Ah'm serious, Ah think on some level Wanda blames meh foh her break up with Cody."
"That's ridiculous!" Mica told her, "It was her cheating on him that broke them up."
Marie shrugged, "But, Ah don't know, befoh they broke up there was just some hidden aggression towards meh that Ah just couldn't place."
"Marie I'm sure she does not blame you. Besides I've talked to my cousin, he wanted his relationship with Wanda to last. He wasn't secretly vying for your affection." She missed Marie's expression drop a little, "Besides what would the point of that be? You and Dominic are like the Barbie and Ken of the punk clique here."
Marie laughed, "Thanks Mica, yoa always know how ta make meh laugh."
Mica shrugged, "Its the truth."
"Hey Mica, Marie!"
They looked up to see Carly coming their way.
"Can ya believe the group doesn't have the same lunch hour anymore?"
" I know!" Mica exclaimed, "Poor Pietro, Dominic, and Wanda will just have to find a new clique to eat with." Mica stopped to stare at a boy coming their way, "Speaking of new…."
"Hey Sheilas, got room for one more?"
Marie didn't miss the way Mica and Carly began to drool over the boy.
"Sure," the droolers said simultaneously.
St. John sat and began to eat.
"So, St. John, how does it feel to be in America?" Carly asked.
"It's very much like Australia, minus the Australian accents."
"But what about the lack of Kangaroos and alligators?" Mica asked.
Marie could have kicked her friend over the stupidity of the question.
St. John looked amused, "Actually I've never actually seen a Kangaroo up close." He took a bite out of his sandwich, "Oh, and please call me John, no one has called me St. John for quiet a while."
"Alright John," Carly said, "So why are you in the states anyway?"
"Well my parents died awhile ago and well one day the orphanage got this call that someone in the states would be interested in housing teenagers in need of homes. And well, now I live with Irene in that large mansion-like house." St. John told the story exactly the way he was told to memorize it. The truth was that Erik and Irene had searched high and low for young, powerful, mutants that needed a home and were willing to fight for their cause.
"Wow," Mica said, "You're so lucky Irene has a big heart."
St. John nodded, "Yeah, me, Fred, and Marty are dead lucky. We could have been left in those dirty orphanages."
"You poor boy," Mica cooed as she hugged him.
Marie was disgusted, never had she seen someone use their 'misfortunes' to grab the attention of a girl.
"Tell you what," Mica told him, "You're new so after school I'm treating you to a real lunch, not this crap from the cafeteria."
"Aww, you really are as nice as Marie said." St. John smiled into Mica's face as she blushed.
"What can I say? I like to make people feel welcome."
Especially if they're young attractive teenage boys, Marie thought. "Well ya'll have fun tryin' ta find anything eatable anywhere near this area."
The bell rang, ending the lunch period.
"Oh we will," St. John promised.
Scene Break Scene Break Scene Break
"La de da de da," Marie sang to herself.
She kicked a rock out of her way as she made her way down the dirt path. She breathed in the soft fall weather, thankful that summer was over, the heat had been killing her through her extra clothing. She felt the cool breeze against the back of her neck and giggled, it kind of tickled.
Varoom!
The sound of a truck's engine interrupted her thoughts. She frowned, the only reason she took the dirt road was because no one ever drove on it. Everyone chose to take the nice evenly paved streets. Marie turned and realized the approaching pickup truck was slowing down. She looked around nervously, no one ever accidentally ended up on the back roads. Her body tensed, every muscle ready to spring into action if needed.
The truck slowly came to a stop in front of her. As the passenger window rolled down she was surprised to see Cody seated in the driver's seat.
"Hey need a ride?" he asked.
Marie was about to say no but she thought he might think she was being rude. So instead she nodded her head. Cody leaned over and opened the door. Marie hopped into the truck, smiling stiffly.
Cody glanced over at Marie while he was driving. He smiled when he saw her nervously playing with a loose string on the end of her long sleeved shirt.
"Can ah ask ya something?" Marie asked.
Cody thought about pointing out the fact that she had just asked him a question but thought better of it; the girl already looked nervous. So instead he looked into her waiting eyes and answered, "Sure."
"Did ya evah suspect that Wanda was cheating on ya?"
Cody was silent for a moment and Marie felt like she'd overstepped her boundaries.
"Um, sorry, Ah-um-it's none of mah business," she stumbled over her apology.
He shook his head, "No, Ah was just thinkin' it ovah. Ah guess Ah kind of did wonder where that guy Mark came from all of a sudden. But it didn't evah occur ta meh that Ah should beh worried; just trusted her ya know?"
Marie nodded. "Yeah, Ah nevah worry 'bout Dom bein' around othah girls."
Cody nodded. "Now its mah turn ta ask ya a question."
Marie laughed, "Didn't know we were playing a game."
"Well if ya don't want meh ta ask its fine, don't want ta make ya uncomfortable."
"No, no Ah asked ya a personal question."
"Okay, well how come ya always wear tha heavy clothing?" He inquired.
"Ah burn easily."
"No, people who burn easily wear suncreen with lahk an SPF of 1000." He glanced over at her, "You are hiding something."
Marie frowned, "Didn't ya momma evah tell ya it's rude ta talk ta a lady that way?"
He grinned, "Yes. And she'd box mah ears foh bein' so rude ta ya." He glanced in her direction again, "Seriously Marie, what's with the gloves and the turtle necks?" she remained silent, "Ah've asked Mica about it. Well," he smiled, "Ah've asked Mica several things about ya."
"What did she say?" Marie asked.
"That you're sweet and fun ta be around." He replied. When she started to blush he added, "And that you're tha prettiest girl in all of Mississippi, especially when ya blush."
"Oh shut it ya charmer."
Cody laughed. "Okay, ya get ta keep your secret. But Ah have ta warn ya that I get pretty darn persistent and annoying when Ah want ta know something."
"It's alright, Ah live with a bunch of boys, Ah know how ya'll are." She smiled. "So mah turn."
"Go ahead."
"When did ya get tha car and license?"
"End of July Ah got tha lisence, tha car is my mom's." He paused, "Where did ya live befoh ya came ta Caldecott?"
"St. Mary. Why do ya hate Dominic so much?"
The question floored him. How was he supposed to answer that one. "Ah don't hate Dominic."
"Don't lie ta meh."
"Ah don't, honest."
"Okay, cuz ya lied Ah get ta go again." She bit her bottom lip, thinking intently. "What do ya plan on doin' with ya life?"
"Honestly? Ah don't know. Not playin' football that's sure."
Marie looked out the windshield and found that they were approaching her house.
"Is Irene really your Aunt?"
"Yes." Marie thought about her next question as Cody pulled into the driveway. In a hushed voice she asked, "Are ya attracted ta meh?"
Cody put the car in park and looked at her in surprise. She held his stare, waiting for an answer. He didn't miss the eager look in her eyes and softly, so softly even he wasn't sure he heard it, he answered, "Yes."
They held each other's gaze for a few more seconds before Marie turned away, "Ah gotta get in tha house."
He nodded wordlessly and watched her get out of his truck and scramble into her house. He exhaled slowly and murmured, "Damn."
Chapter End Chapter End
He He He. Actually I was going to add more to that chapter but I think I'll just break in up into two different chapters.
Thanks to all the reviewers who continuously make my day!
Elrohithewriter: Aw, you're so sweet. Well I guess I answered your question regarding Wanda's love life. Teen drama is always the best way to go in any story; it's fascinating. And you are so totally right, Dominic should know better than to read the diaries of a blind woman. As for the confusing shift of locations, I hope I was able to make it easier by inserting my own self imposed Scene Breaks.
Bigtreydawg: Hey late reviews are no problem just as long as you've found yourself trapped in this same dungeon of fanfiction despair as the rest of us! Thanks for the compliment and I hope you don't get bored with the story.
Demiducky25 (x2): Hmmm, Stacy would have to be stupid to keep messing with Marie and Co. some more. I know that when I get beat up (granted it only happens to me on video games) I don't generally go back and get beat down again. Don't worry, I'm a huge Gambit/Rogue fan, and yes I get that drooly feeling over him too. Keep that Romy faith alive!
Enchantedlight: Yeah! Cool screen name person is back! I hope I didn't update too late. I promised I wouldn't leave huge gaps between my update dates and I think I let this one hang for almost a month. Oops. Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Off to the next one!
Star-Of-Chaos: Rogue should always kick people's asses. It's all kinds of fun for everyone! I hope I updated soon enough. I know I left like a month long gap in between posting new chapters.
Tammy: Ahh! So many questions! LOL. Love hearing from ya. Violence is always the answer (j/k) especially where Rogue is involved. I've kind of grown fond of Rogue and Dom's relationship too but I can't leave them together, it would interfere with my plans for Rogue in the future (or present) time. Yikes, I can't comment on the rest of your review, it might give away parts of my story, especially because I have loose lips and can't keep secrets. I've said too much.
Ishandahalf Fellow Passions fan, what is up? Yeah, those poor naïve kids. But hey maybe it was the alcohol that gave Marie the courage to kick Stacy's ass! Oh, so we have a Cody hater huh? Tsk, tsk. I'm just messing with you. Well by now we see that Wanda kind of agrees with you. She'd much rather be with Mark, which makes way more sense. You are not the only one with an obsession with Gambit. Actually sometimes while I'm writing this story I get the urge to write Gambit in as the new kid in Caldecott and have him sweep Marie off her feet. Then I realize it would screw up the rest of the series as I have it planned. Oh, this is so not Rogue related but what exactly prompted you to come up with your penname? I'm just curious.
Alrighty folks, this chapter is finally over and done with. It's time to get to the next chapter. Sorry folks, no spoilers this time! Here we go to the next chapter; Up, Up, and Away!"