-Authors' notes-
Silverwolf & Life-of-L.A.: Egads, the first chapter of the new continuation is finally up! Again, we would like to remind all readers that the lovely Seta Kaede is working with us on this one. Let us begin with the obvious statement that writing after Seta Kaede's fabulous prologue was not easy. That said, you can all hear our excuses at the lateness of the first chapter. We originally meant to have it done by last weekend, you see. As you may have read from our two other recent updates, Silverwolf and Life-of-L.A. have been overwhelmed with excess work in the horror that is school. Life-of-L.A. is back in school, and in addition to coping with the anguish that plagues all 'damn-I'm-back-in-school-what-the-hell-happened-to-vacation' students, she has been busy organizing her club's event for her school's annual festival. And she also went to an animation convention, so she spent a weekend with that. Silverwolf meanwhile has spent the entire past week on college visits. The fact that she has not yet returned to school does not stop school from intruding on her life, it seems. Painful, yes, but it is reality. That said, we'll pass the baton to Seta Kaede, with apologies for a late chapter.
Seta Kaede: WOW!!! The girls have really outdone themselves with this chapter and I must say that I am more then impressed. While it may have taken a little time, which I can completely understand since the same thing will soon be happening to me, this chapter is not only lengthy but also incredible! I only hope I can live up to expectations with the next chapter; sadly it will most likely not be as long as this one since I am only one person while they are two. Again, let me say how thrilled I am to be writing this story with two such wonderful authors, the two of them are excellent and their stories and creativity continue to impress me. What will happen in the next chapter is still in the air and the three of us will be discussing it. Hopefully it will be posted sooner rather then later, but who knows? I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks so please remember to review for us, pretty please with sugar on top!!!
Review Responses (From Seta Kaede):
DemonRogue13: Thank you so much for the review; hearing the wonderful praise made me blush ever so happily, please keep reading and reviewing!
Kapparan Majic: We apologize for the late Freddy's death (holds a moment of silence) but it was vitally necessary to the plot so please enjoy!
LadyEvils: Again let us observe a moment of silence for Fred….and yes to both questions, both Wanda and the X-men will eventually appear in the story. We are Lance fans as well so we hope you keep reading!
Lily Handle: Sorry about the lateness of the update, but blame it all on Life-of-LA and Silverwolf! I hope you keep enjoying the story, so please keep sending us the reviews!
Meltdownbabe: Thank you for the review, I hope you keep sending them because we always love to get them! Please keep reading and tell us what you think!
pixie stix addict: That review made me so happy, I love it when people gush over stories, it always gives me a happy feeling, please keep sending them!
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Skye: Thank you for the effusive review and I hope you will continue reading our lovely story, please stay tuned!
Chapter 1. Something we've never known.
"It's all right."
Lance drew the quivering figure closer to him, his arm wrapped tightly around the younger teen's thin frame.
"Tabby and Pietro will be back soon, it's okay. Are you cold?"
Getting a faint nod in response, Lance quickly took off his overcoat and placed it over the shoulders of the shivering boy. Even if the action had been acknowledged and the fact that Lance was beginning to shiver registered in Todd's mind, he was too worn out to protest.
Lance took another look around to the opening of the alley, hoping that Tabitha and Pietro had not run into any trouble. With a soft breath, he let Todd lean further into him and readjusted the duster to better cover him.
"Don't worry..."
"Ignore them, 'Tro," Tabitha murmured as she picked up a pastel green sweatshirt and a white turtleneck.
"Sorry," Pietro apologized as he turned away from the side-ways glare. "Me molestaron. Nos miran como si seamos basura..." he muttered quietly.
"Sé. They annoy me too," Tabitha replied, gently taking the other's hand for a moment. "But just ignore them; we can't afford to get any attention."
"Yeah, I know." Noting that the other had an armload of clothes, Pietro motioned to the garments he was carrying. "I have all of the stuff for Lance and me; did you get everything Todd and you need?"
Tabitha nodded, heading over to the cash register. "All done. Todd and Lance must be tired, waiting; let's finish fast."
"When am I not fast?" Pietro gave her a grin, but it was short lived, and he quickly turned to the register and put the load down.
Watching him for a moment, Tabitha let out a quiet sigh, but she too moved over to the counter and placed her things next to Pietro's pile.
Wordlessly they waited as the employee packed the things in a bag, Tabitha handing some money over as Pietro took the bag. They left as silently as they had entered, though they still received wary looks from all around, and the general population of the store was glad to see them go.
I wonder if I'm early? Man, Nicolas better not be late, or we'll be late for class together! I can't believe his printer died on him the night before our presentation is due! We have the worst luck.
Hm, it looks like it's about to rain. And on the one day I forget my umbrella. Damn weather forecasts; they're never right.
Oh man, I'm definitely going to be late for work... I'll blame it on traffic; they don't know my car is at the mechanic's for repairs. I need my morning coffee.
Is today her birthday? Or is it tomorrow? What is the date today, anyhow? I hope it's tomorrow, because otherwise I'm going to have to hit the mall later. What should I get her?
Damn all this traffic. Maybe I should've just taken the bus. Walking would be faster than this!
Lance grimaced as some of the stronger thoughts around him broke into his mind with blaring headlights.
'Please... just let me have nothing... it's better than all this...'
Eyes closed tightly, he mentally sighed, not wanting to upset the teen in his arms by being vocal in his discomfort. With a deep breath, he focused on making them go away, and fortunately, he was able to after a minute or two. Luck had been on his side, or at least mercy, this time in the least.
Opening his eyes once more he noted with alarm that Todd wasn't moving, but let the tension go when he realized that the tired boy had merely fallen asleep.
Moving his arms so that he could draw the coat closer around the youngest of his family, Lance looked over at the entrance of the alley, wondering if Pietro and Tabitha had indeed, run across interference. But his worry subsided as the two walked into view a moment later, the first with a bag, which Lance presumed to be of clothes.
The two sixteen year olds nodded as Lance motioned to Todd, indicating that their youngest brother was asleep. But they had already known, by the silent welcome they had gotten from the brunette, rather than a verbal one from both.
"We got the clothes," Pietro held up the bag, speaking softly lest he wake the boy.
"So we just need to figure out what we're going to do for shelter tonight," Tabitha added, her voice equally cautious in nature.
Lance nodded. "How much money do we have left?"
The only sister of the group shrugged. "I don't know. Let me check," fishing out the three wallets they had pick-pocketed, she counted up the change. "Twenty-three dollars, seventy-one cents."
"I can go get-"
"It's all right Pietro. I'll go later," Lance assured, not wanting the obviously sleepy teen to be even more tired. "I think we're going to have to check into that motel we saw earlier. Weather's not looking too good."
Sitting down next to the two, not at all bothered by the dirt, Pietro looked up at the sky, his expression creasing in concentration. After a moment he nodded. "Yeah, it's going to rain... maybe a storm... around late afternoon. Or early evening... I'm not sure."
"Don't worry about it, Pietro," Tabitha sat down next to the white-haired teen. None of them wanted to wake Todd up, so they would wait while he slept.
"...How is he?" Pietro asked after a moment.
"He's tired," Lance sighed. "So are you guys. Did you get anything to eat?"
"You're tired too," Tabitha replied as she pulled Pietro near, having him lean on her.
"And no, we didn't eat yet," Pietro added after her, letting her put an arm around him.
They sat there for a while, just leaning against each other in silence.
Pietro woke with a start, sweating and drawing in sharp, panicked breathes. Eyes wide open; he searched around before noticing the hand on his shoulder, and hearing the comforting voice.
"Shh Pietro, it's all right."
Relaxing immediately, Pietro leaned into the arm around him, his panting slowing down.
"I'm here," Lance spoke softly and quietly, unobtrusive but supportive.
"I had a..."
"I know," Lance wiped the sweat beads off the white-haired boy's forehead. "I know."
"It was locked... I couldn't get out... I couldn't find you, or Tabby, or Todd, or..."
Something passed the brunette's face, both knowing the last name that would have followed. But he just nodded, his hand reaching out to hold Pietro's.
"I know... but it's all right. It was just a bad dream. It's all right."
It wasn't much comfort at all, Lance knew. It was a bad dream. But unlike most other cases, he couldn't say it wasn't real. All he could do was reassure the teen that they were with him.
"...Do you want me to try to make them go away?"
"No," Pietro quickly turned to face Lance directly. "It's all right. You don't have to."
"I will if you want me to," Lance repeated, deep brown eyes calm.
"I'll be okay," Pietro insisted. Changing the topic, he looked at the youngest of the fou... three brothers. "Has he been sleeping all this time?"
"Yeah. You weren't asleep that long. Tabby went to get some food a little after you fell asleep. She should be back soon."
"What time is it?"
"I'm not sure. But I think you've been sleeping for about an hour. It should be around eleven."
"I shouldn't have dozed off," Pietro murmured, pulling his jacket closer around him.
"No, I'm glad you got some rest," Lance paused, turning to look over at the entry way once more.
Tensing up, Pietro too directed his gaze down the alley to the opening.
"Is it Tabby?"
After a second, Lance relaxed, nodding. Pietro slumped back, taking a moment to pull the jacket that had shifted with their movements back securely around Todd.
Sure enough, a figure walked through the small passageway, where morning light streamed in, halfway down the path. Just outside the reach of the rays, Lance and Pietro could still clearly see that it was indeed their sister.
"Sorry I took so long, but I got us a duffel bag for all of our clothes. Nights are still cold and all, so we should keep them, just in case," Tabitha explained, holding up the good-sized black duffel bag. She frowned at seeing their slight shivers, worry marring her face. "We'd best get going. Lance, can you carry Todd?"
"Yeah; Pietro, get that bag, will you?" Lance motioned to the bag of clothes they had purchased earlier.
"Sure," getting up, Pietro picked the bag up, shaking his head when Tabitha offered to carry it instead. "You carry the duffel bag, I've got this."
Moving carefully, Lance eased their last member, still slumbering, into his arms, standing up, but despite his caution, the boy stirred, opening his eyes. "Lance?"
"Sorry, Todd. I didn't mean to wake you."
"No, it's okay. Where we going yo?" Todd asked, rubbing his eyes for a moment as Lance put him down.
"We're just going to get a room at that motel we saw, so we can get changed and eat something."
Nodding to Tabitha's words, Todd pulled off the coat around him, handing it back to Lance. "I'm not cold," he insisted before Lance could raise any arguments.
"Here," rummaging around his bag and fishing out the sweatshirt that Tabitha had picked out earlier, Pietro handed the garb to Todd. "Wear that over your uniform."
Giving him a small smile in thanks, Todd took the sweater and pulled it on.
Reassured by the new layer the boy was wearing, Lance put on his duster as well.
"All right, let's go."
Pietro clenched his fists, reminding himself of the situation and forcing himself to calm down. They were presently in the lobby of a motel, trying to acquire a room; the third and last motel around.
"Look, I have the money, we just need one room," Lance struggled to keep his voice even.
"I'm sorry, sir, we have no rooms available." The hotel manager's tone was one of forced courtesy, but the other staff members had refused to even provide that service, glaring at them.
"To hell with this," Pietro muttered, starting towards them, but Tabitha put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know how you feel. But we can't start anything. Lance'll work it out."
"Guys," Todd's voice drew their attentions to the teen.
Fists trembling in anger, Lance scowled. "Fine, have it your way," he snarled, swerving around and walking back to the waiting three. "Didn't work," he murmured, voice calming down as he spoke to them, but unable to shake off the anger.
"What do we do now?" Todd asked, looking around. They had no other place to try, and even if they had, they didn't expect the reaction to be any different.
"Pietro," Lance sighed. "I don't know... we can't spend another night outside. It's all right now, but in the evening it'll get colder."
"And it's going to rain," Pietro reminded.
"We'll think of something," Tabitha reassured, patting the white-haired boy on the back. "Come on, let's get out of here, we can find some place to eat and think of what to do later."
"...I am hungry," Todd admitted.
"No wonder, it's one already. All right, let's do that," Lance sighed, and picking up their duffel bag, he motioned towards the door.
As she made her way out, Tabitha glared at the people that simply insisted on making things harder. For once she was somewhat glad that they were out of action, because otherwise she had a feeling this place would be leveled by now, either because of her, Pietro, or Lance. And while that would be a temporary stress-reliever, they would regret it later.
As Lance closed the door behind them, he glanced back, catching a glimpse of the hotel staff members' eyes.
Good riddance. Damn punks.
Finally, they're gone.
Lousy hoods. Next time I'll call the police.
Turning around, Lance left the building.
Watching them eat, talking together, making jokes... they used to take it for granted, being allowed the freedom to eat when they wanted, to eat what they wanted, to sleep when they wanted, to dress in what they wanted... to spend time together.
Sure they had often run out of money, and they might have missed a meal or two here and there, not to mention a couple showers when the water was cut.
But never had they needed permission to be together. To just sit around, momentarily forgetting everything else, just enjoying each other's company...
It was what made all this, despite the anxiety, the panic, the fear, worth it. Just being able to be together.
Tabitha smiled as she watched Pietro and Todd debate the contents of the sandwiches they had just eaten, though they were both getting to lean towards turkey rather than chicken.
Next to Todd sat Lance, and in between Lance and Pietro, Tabitha handed the oldest of the family a bottle of water to drink along with his meal.
They had managed to find a park nearby, and had decided to take up one of the tables- it was free, and there weren't many people around, due to the fact that it was school/work time.
Plus, none of them could pass up the chance to be near the green.
It was amazing how much one could miss even the simplest of things. For instance, the feel of sitting in a shade under a tree. Hearing the wind rustle the leaves. Watching the squirrels play.
Never before had they even noticed these things, but being deprived of them, they realized how fortunate they were to just be able to breathe fresh air outside.
She noticed a few passer-bys giving them odd looks, and almost chuckled. It was an unusual sight, when she thought about it. Four teenagers out in the middle of a park at this time; dressed strangely at that. They were all still in uniform, since today had been the first time that they had had the vague chance to buy new clothes for themselves.
Tabitha fingered the zipper pulls on her pocket, wondering, not for the first time, how they had managed to get into this situation. But pushing that thought out of her mind, she glanced around her friends- her family, a faint smile making its way across her features as she noted their clothes.
Their uniforms weren't as attention grabbing as they had been before all this, but nonetheless, they weren't exactly 'blending' either. They had all taken off their eyewear, but even without the sunglasses, goggles, and other protective garb, such as their gloves, they weren't exactly wearing every day clothes.
Lance had on his black duster undone, dark gray uniform visible underneath, along with the metal plates on them, as well as a number of other metal accessories. His boots were just as out of the ordinary as his clothes, the metal plated theme continuing.
Todd had on the sweatshirt now, and seemed the least conspicuous out of them, with the possible exception of his footwear, the metal on the boots rather unusual. Not to mention that something occasionally gleamed around Todd's neck, the metal collar there reacting to the exposure of sunlight, despite the fact that most of it was covered by the hood of Todd's top and his hair.
Pietro had his jacket zipped up, and from waist up, looked like he was just wearing something resembling a motorcycle jacket. However, from the waist down, his battle gear was more distinguished, the light blue streaks on his black pants a stark contrast to the overall black motif of his uniform.
Lastly Tabitha's thoughts wandered to herself, and looking at her own garments, she realized that her jacket, similar in nature to Pietro's, might also pass for 'regular' garb, but her boots would never work. Not to mention the fact that her metal wristbands, akin to those the rest of the Brotherhood wore, were more visible, contradicting the darkness of her long gloves.
It was a good thing most of them had their clothes out of sight for the most part; even Lance, with his it undone, had his coat drawn close around him, barely open.
All in all, however, they were a unique ensemble, and truthfully, despite the massive amounts of attention they attracted, Tabitha liked it that way.
"Are you sure about this?"
"We'll be fine, Toddy," Tabitha comforted, but the teen was not wholly convinced.
"What if you guys get hurt, yo?" he asked, worry clear in his voice and expression, though they couldn't see too clearly in the darkness.
Lance put a hand on his shoulder. "We won't. I should be able to do it, but since Tabby's going to be helping me too, we shouldn't have a problem."
"I don't know, we shouldn't push too far," Pietro mumbled, also not fully certain of the idea.
"We won't. We can make it," Tabitha gave them a thumbs-up. "Don't worry," she stated last, before reaching for Lance with one finger.
Lance nodded, giving the two a final smile of reassurance before meeting Tabitha's finger with his own, both teens having shed their gloves for the purpose. Within seconds they pulled away, panting slightly.
Pietro and Todd immediately moved over, Pietro helping Lance while Todd supported Tabitha.
"I- I- have it," Tabitha spoke between sharp breaths.
"And," Lance inhaled deeply. "So do I."
Taking a minute or two to recover, Lance finally nodded. "All right, I'm ready. Tabby?"
"Me too," Tabitha flashed a grin of confidence. "Let's rock." There was a brief pause before she reiterated. "I mean, come on.:
After a small chuckle at her words, Lance focused once more on the task at hand, nodding. "Pietro, Todd, you guys have to stand by in case we can't do this."
"What do we do if you guys... um, black out?" Pietro asked, not having the time to choose his words as well as he would have liked.
"Get us out of here," Lance answered, turning towards the entrance of the hotel. "But not too far; we'll wake up soon, and then we can move together. I don't want you guys over-exerting either."
"We won't," Pietro replied. "Can I-"
"No, don't hurt the hotel staff," Tabitha interrupted. Even without the aid of telepathy, she could catch onto his question before it was out.
"Damn," Pietro murmured.
"Todd, keep an eye on him," Tabitha winked, and with that, the four strode over to the doors of the hotel.
"When I say," Lance mumbled, opening the doors. As soon as they were inside, Lance spoke. "Now."
It had been a lucky shot.
Lance had known that the possibility for failure was as strong as the one for success, and personally, he had doubted that he would be able to pull it off. But with Tabby backing him up, they had somehow managed to get enough power to make the hotel staff believe, for one night, that they had given one of their rooms to a...
"Why did you have to go with a country music band, of all things?" Pietro mused as he walked out of the bathroom, now clad in the new, and definitely more comfortable and less noticeable, clothes they had gotten earlier.
Lance shrugged. "I don't know... someone had it on mind, I think. I guess I picked it up. It was the first thing that came to me."
"Well it worked, so it's all good," Tabitha commented on her way to the bathroom, clothes in hand.
"Yeah, but you guys are all tired now," Todd spoke, sitting on the bed, soon joined by Pietro.
"Nah, we're all right. Just need some sleep," Lance got up from the chair he had been occupying as Tabitha re-entered the room, uniform in hand instead of the clothes she had taken inside the bathroom.
As Lance took his turn to change, Tabitha walked over to the duffel bag they had, tossing her clothes in the pile that was their uniforms next to it. "So, you guys want to turn in now or a little later?" she asked as she sat down next to them.
"After Lance comes out," Todd answered, trying hard not to yawn.
"Yeah," Pietro nodded, also stifling a yawn.
"Waiting for me?" Lance asked as, he closed the door of the bathroom, adding his battle gear to the bundle, checking the locks as well.
"But of course," Tabitha smiled. "So how we doing this?"
Lance looked around the room. It was the cheapest the hotel had, its furniture collection consisting of a bed, a couch, and a small desk and chair."Todd and 'Tro- the bed, Tabby the couch."
"Where are you sleeping?" Pietro questioned.
Lance shrugged. "I can sleep on the floor."
"Oh no you don't. Maybe three of us can fit in the bed, yo," Todd suggested.
"Don't think so Todd," Tabitha said, noting the unstable squeaking of the mattress as well as its small size. Pushing off the bed, she stretched and walked over to the couch. Grabbing one of the two cushions on the sofa, she tossed it on the floor and leaning over, took Lance's duster, placing it beside the pillow-to-be. "Lancey, I'm borrowing your coat," she declared before lying down.
"Night guys."
Lance frowned at her action, moving over and nudging her gently. "Tabby, sleep on the couch."
"Nah Lance, I don't need it," Tabitha murmured, eyes closed.
"I'm used to the floor, I can sleep fine on it," Lance argued.
"Me too," Tabitha mumbled, falling asleep fast.
Sighing, but giving up, knowing that the only girl of the family would be quite upset if he moved her against her wishes, Lance looked at Pietro and Todd.
"Todd-"
"Shh," Todd whispered. "Pie' fell asleep."
"Oh," Lance walked up to the side of the bed. "You go to sleep too, Todd."
Fighting off closing eyes, Todd watched as Lance drew the sheets up to their shoulders, brushing a stray hair out of Pietro's face before turning back to Todd. "Lance..."
"Yeah Todd?"
"Thanks..."
A smile crossed Lance's face as he nodded, watching Todd fall into slumber. He was glad they had all fallen asleep so quickly, but then again, they were all extremely tired. A yawn forcing its way out, Lance walked over to the couch, pausing only to grab the extra blanket in the room and drape it over Tabitha's sleeping form and to turn off the light.
It had been days since they had been able to find decent shelter, and following that was a great loss of sleep, not to mention food. But by now they were used to naps instead of a full night's rest, and one meal a day was all they needed. Nonetheless, Lance wished that he could offer more for them. They deserved so much better.
Sighing, he sat down on the couch, momentarily debating the idea of moving Tabitha after all, but deciding against it. That was the thing about Tabitha- once she made up her mind, you weren't going to do anything to change it for her. Then again, that was kind of the general rule for everyone in the Brotherhood. They were just determined that way.
Looking over at them as he slumped into the couch, lying down, Lance thanked whatever fortune it was that let him use his powers, just for tonight if never again. Though he doubted that never again was an option, considering their current situation.
Arms behind his head, Lance contemplated their present circumstances. Here they were, running from one of the most powerful mutants on earth. They didn't even have their powers to use against Magneto, at least not unless Magneto decided to let them fight back.
Fingering the metal collar around his neck, Lance sighed once more. The collar would not let them have any control over their powers, old or new. Or, to be completely exact, the wielder of the collars' controller would not allow them such luxuries. And unsurprisingly, that person just happened to be the master of magnetism himself.
No matter how hard they would try, they would not be able to escape if Magneto found them and decided to take them back. Finding them wasn't any trouble either; their collars served not only to control their powers from the outside, but as tracking devices. And while, in the past, Lance might have had vague hopes of being deemed unworthy of the effort of retrieving, he knew that in their current conditions, even Magneto would not deny their value. Each of the four could be one of the strongest mutants around, if they were allowed their full powers. But the knowledge was useless to the Brotherhood members themselves, as they had no say in the matter.
If he hadn't been so used to it, Lance would be sickened at the fact that they had so little, if any at all, control over their own lives. But that was the way things were. All he could do was try to make the best out of it for Todd, Pietro, Tabitha, and himself.
Non-English Dialogue Translations:
Me molestaron. They annoyed me. (Spanish)
Nos miran como si seamos basura... They look at us like we're trash... (Spanish)
Sé. I know. (Spanish)
¡Pero éste es el lugar pasado! ¡Hay ningún donde ir! But this is the last place! There is nowhere else to go! (Spanish)
...Je ne devrais pas avoir perdu mon trempe. ...I shouldn't have lost my temper. (French)