Authors note: Here's the next chapter it brings in several of my characters, the story should speed up now that the filler chapters are done so onto the story!
Disclaimer: I don't Own the All American Rejects song 'Dirty Little Secret'
Laceylou76: Thank you! Lol I didn't know I had added so much emotion into that chapter, this chapter sadly doesn't have Remy and Rogue but their coming back soon I promise!
Chapter 2: Valkyrie
"Thank you, please come again!" Chimed Elle, her long auburn hair bouncing as she walked over to clean off the table. As she cleared off the final table for the night she glanced at her watch, 11:00p.m. Great she thought sourly they had been held over for almost two hours and she wasn't exactly thrilled about walking home in the middle of the night in downtown L.A. Her sister had shown up earlier telling her that she had plans for the night and wouldn't be able to give her a ride home. Elle had agreed reluctantly.
Sighing she slipped the dishes into the bucket and hauled them to the kitchen. Stepping in she smelt the familiar fragrance of dish soap and heard the horrid singing of Mark the dish washer. He always kept his headphones in and sang at the top of his lungs after closing, sometimes almost loud enough to shatter glass along with Elle's eardrums.
Throwing the dishes into the sink she walked over and stood next to Mark. His eyes were closed and his was dancing around like an idiot singing into a dirty serving spoon "Dirty Little Secret." She had to force herself not to burst out laughing at the off key notes and horrid dancing. With ease she reach over and tapped him on the shoulder, which turned out not to be such a good idea. As soon as her fingers brushed his shoulder he jumped, flinging the spoon backwards and landing head first into the dirty dishwater splashing Elle.
Elle stopped and wiped her face of the nasty water trying not to threaten his life. The brown headed boy quickly pulled himself from the water and smiled sheepishly at her.
"Hi Elle!" he squeaked guiltily his blue eyes shimmering with mirth. "Your not gonna kill me are you?" He questioned guarding himself with the dirty serving spoon. Elle shook her head and laughed.
"No I guess not seeing as you have a spoon," she gestured towards his defensive stance "and aren't afraid to use it." The boy smiled and threw the spoon up in the air and in a valiant attempt to catch it slipped and crashed at Elle's feet.
"Nice shoes." He complimented her sneakers, before being hauled up by Elle.
"Thanks." she said, rolling her green eyes, she walked away and grabbed a dry towel and threw it at Mark. "I'm heading home, see you tomorrow." She said waving her hand towards him in a farewell gesture. Stepping through the kitchen doors she could hear him yell 'Bye' at her then an ominous crash. She giggled that boy was such an idiot. Stepping behind the counter she picked up her backpack and threw off the hideous Lime apron she had to wear revealing her long navy shirt over low jeans. Mindy the other waitress came up to her and handed her share of the tip money, Elle thanked her before pocketing the money and stepping out into the streets.
Turning she began to walk down the south side of the street into the cool night air. She sighed, it was a rather nice night so maybe it wouldn't be that bad of a walk home. She was glad she had only the company of the night tonight though, and was rather thankful that she had managed to slip away so easily; often when Mark knew Rouge wasn't going to pick up Elle, he would insist upon driving her home. A lot of things were going through her mind at that moment and she didn't have the patience to put up with the lost little puppy. Not that there was anything wrong with Mark he just had a tendency to ramble.....A lot, often leaving Elle with a wonderful migraine that could make a headache scream and run in terror.
Whistling she twirled her keys around her finger humming an old song from her childhood that she had never quiet gotten right. Truth was she didn't ever even remember learning it, but their still was that blank spot in her memories before sister Angelina had adopted her and her sister. Maybe her real birth mother had taught it to her, but she wasn't sure. Shaking her head she pushed those memories away, sister Angelina had always told her that her real birth parents had never wanted her and that they had left her and her sister in that store to die knowing it was going to blow up, and that they disappeared soon after the accident only to never be seen again.
Elle shuddered at the memory of waking up after the accident, it had been horrifying she was only four at the time and had no memories of who or what she was. Angelina had told her of the tragic accident and told her she was going to be their mother from now on. Elle had only nodded her head and cried as Angelina held her. She and her sister Rouge had nothing from their past to prove who they were, or where they came from, so they started anew at only four. Both girls were smart beyond their years though Rouge had a bit less common sense than she. Seeing as she tried to complete stunts that could kill her on a regular basis.
Elle laughed at that, she wondered who she had gotten that from, her mother or her father? Climbing the stairs to her apartment, Elle shoved the key into the lock and pushed open the door. She stopped where was Rouge? She knew she was going out but she surely wouldn't still be out at midnight would she?
Throwing down her bag she flipped on a light and walked over to the table and written in bright red ink was a note from her sister that left Elle scowling, she was bond determined to get herself killed wasn't she?
Elle,
I'm going street racing tonight,so I won't be home til late, Oh and your closet door might have accidentally, note 'accidentally' fell off of hinges. You might wanna fix it.
Your loving sister,
Rouge.
Elle groaned and crumpled up the note. Her sister was the most reckless person she had ever met and the most destructive as well. Walking into her bed room she saw her closet door propped crookedly up against the wall, with a boot print prominent on its surface. Rouge had kicked in her closet door! Elle growled, sauntering over to the closet she began to dig through her belongings everything was accounted for, well except her savings.
"ROUGE!"
Twelve racers sat around a central ring in the underground parking facility of a large chain business. Each straddled a bike worthy of recognition, some that were so changed to increase their performance that their original frame was unrecognizable. Some bikes alone were worth more than the amount of money that could be won, but the thrill of the race left them not caring about what some considered was small pocket change.
Each racer listened intently as the rules were called out and as bets were placed. The rules were simple, everyone put in their wager, an even amount of five grand, and the first to make it through each check point on the loop around the city and to claim their banner won all of the wagers made. Concluding the introductions they moved to the starting point. As they waited for the onlookers to take their seats a small black bike shot through the outer ring strait to the starting line.
"Is it too late to join in?" The rider on the black CBR1000RR shouted out towards the officials. Taking off her helmet, locks of light auburn hair mixed with white cascaded down the girls back and thin sun glasses sat perched on her face. The officials began debating between themselves as the girl approached them.
"Looky what we've got here mate's." Came the taunting voice of a young man sitting on the back of a red Ducati 1098 S Tricolore "We've got ourselves a sheila who thinks she can play with the big boys." Running his fingers through his vibrant orange spiked hair he laughed along with the others and shouted out at the officials "Let 'er join, this will just prove that little girls who don't stay at home only get hurt."
The girl threw her money into the hands of the officials then turned to face the Aussie perched on his bike.
"Cocky aren't we?" the girl questioned, flipping her oddly colored hair back and stepping forward, face to face with the Aussie. He smirked and stepped closer.
"You sure are feisty for such a beauty," he coed snatching the girls hand and politely kissing the top of it, "maybe after I win this you will be going with me for dinner my little flame?" As quick as the words had left his mouth her hand had slipped from his and backhanded him.
"Little boy's who play with fire get burned." She retorted as she flipped her hair back and strode towards her bike. Throwing her leg over her bike she pulled her hair up into the helmet and leaned forward ready to begin.
The Aussie laughed and slipped his helmet on, turning to face the girl again he let a low whistle escape his lips. For the first time he took in the full appearance of the girl, she was clad in dark leather that hugged her body perfectly and wore combat boot that rode up to her knees. Her hair was astounding when it was down but with it up it gave her an air of mystery, all in all he was hooked. Maybe after he won this he really might convince the sheila to see him.
"Sheila!" He called tauntingly "True little boys get burned if they don't know how to play with fire, but, well, I must say I'm an expert." He stared at the girl as she ignored his taunting calls and kept her eyes on the roadway.
"Ha, you, hair brain, can't take no for an answer, can you?" She sneered glancing over to him, taking notice of his prominent stare. "How sad I must say though," she drawled her lip twitching ever so slightly "that your going to have to crawl home to mommy and daddy and explain that you got smoked by a girl."
This sent the Aussie over the edge as he shot a hot glare in the direction of the young female but quickly recomposed himself and retorted "That hurts Sheila," he whimpered pulling a low pout that made the other racers snicker, "don't you wanna kiss the boo boo you made?" He asked waggling his eyebrows and gesturing towards his face.
"No, I'd rather not kiss your ass.....oh I mean your face," she
put a finger to her chin and smirked "though there isn't much
difference." The group of men burst out laughing at the expense of
the Aussie, quickly causing him to loose his composure who did this
girl think she was?
"You've got quite the mouth on you sheila,"
he stated and looked her over one more time "The names Fireblade,
might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" No response came
from the girl as she settled herself into a racing stance. He growled
low in spite of himself, he'd never had this much trouble out of a
girl and it was eating him from the inside out. A low whistle blew
signaling the racers to get set. Pulling his bike forward he prepared
to shoot out first and take the lead. A young woman dressed in shorts
and a tank top walked out provocatively and waved the flag. With her
fingers she counted it down three, two, one...the flag dropped and
the racers shot forward the young woman quickly took the lead leaving
the men startled how in the world?
&&&&&&
Rouge laughed in spite of herself, she loved racing in general and tormenting the Australian had left her with more mirth that usual. Speeding past the first check point she swerved her bike quickly to the left and shot beneath the low lying under cove that seemed invisible unless you knew where to look. Speeding through the alcove she heard a bike rev behind her, glancing back she caught sight of the Aussie. Great she thought bitterly swerving over to the left lane.
With ease he pulled up beside her flashing a grin he shouted towards her "So your talented I'll give you that but can you keep up?" He revved his bike and shot forward ahead of Rouge. She only shook her head as she quickly shot up next to him keeping equal. He smiled and gestured for her to shoot ahead but instead she shot through the cut off leaving the Aussie stunned and mouth hanging agape, impossible.
Fireblade shot through the final check point clearly in the lead of the race, he hadn't seen Rouge since she had cut away from him at the cove. He sighed so maybe he'd given the sheila too much credit. He'd been hoping she'd put up more of a fight, but alas all girls left him disappointed anymore. Throwing the bike into overdrive he shot for the finish less that 1200 yards ahead, he revved it too full speed he had a clear shot at the win, well that was until a black bike shot out above him "sh......."
Rouge laughed as her bike flew over the Aussies and landed ahead of him fishtailing slightly before shooting off for the finish. She smirked she really loved knowing downtown L.A. Like the back of hand. Skidding into the finish she turned her bike as she came to a stop as the others pulled into the finish looks of disbelief on their faces.
"No way," Sean whispered as the girl dismounted the bike and walked over to claim her winnings. The officials looked stunned as the girl thanked them and threw the bag over her shoulder. A murmur rose through the crowd as the girl repositioned herself on her bike.
"Wait a minute!" Shouted a large man with dark hair and draped in leather to match as he strode over to the girl "You cheated, I want my money." With pure strength the man grabbed the girl by the shoulder only to be stopped suddenly as fire licked at his legs ready to consume him.
"Back away from the sheila, Conner," he growled his once vibrant green eyes now a dark flaming red. The man gaped, dumbstruck at the sight of the young man. His hand was extended in front of him controlling the deadly element at the mans feet.
Stuttering the man managed to shout "Your a mutant!" before shooting a menacing glare towards Fireblade. Spreading his hand more the fire became larger leaving scorch marks on Connors jeans. Before he could continue though a steel toed boot connected with the side of his head as Rouge spun herself out of his grasp.
"Back off!" With ease Rouge flipped over the man, who was still stunned from the kick to the head and kicked him in the back causing him to tumble forward over his bike unconscious. Everything seemed to stand still for a moment until someone screamed. Then the whole place broke into unordered chaos. The two men sitting on Fireblade's right and left stepped forward, and pounced at him. With a flick of his hand they were both caught in flames, as he raced over to Rouge.
"Come on!" Fireblade shouted as he tugged at her shoulder, she quickly swiped his hand away.
"I can take care of myself." Rouge growled, turning quickly on her heal her hands shot out and caught the man about to tackle her by the collar. Suddenly it began to glow a dull red and with ease she threw him back as his shirt exploded leaving the man lying on the ground in a heavy daze.
Fireblade's heart skipped a beat, he'd only seen power like when his uncle was in battle, but it couldn't be. Turning the girl around he swiped her glasses causing her to slam her eyes shut and curse bitterly as her hand shot out and hit him across the face. Catching the glasses Rouge threw them back onto her face and grabbed Fireblade by the throat.
"Never touch my glasses, understood?" she growled bitterly. Throwing him onto the ground she kneeled down and planted her hands flat against the asphalt, suddenly the men racing towards the two mutants stopped as red kinetic energy danced at their feet holding them in place.
"One wrong move and it's all of your deaths." Rouge looked over each man carefully noticing the rage and aggression slowly melt away into fear and terror. Throwing her hands up she pushed men back, the energy still cracking at their ankles. Turning she kept one hand extend towards the men as she helped Fireblade up. After pushing him towards his bike, she raced over to her own, and with a flourish of her hand let the kinetic energy dissipate before revving her engine to life and speeding away with Fireblade quickly on her tail.
&&&&
Racing down the interstate, Rouge tried to lose the Aussie, figuring he could go back to whatever hole he'd crawled from but instead he persistently followed her, careful to make sure he didn't lose sight of her. She had long passed her exit that led to her home, and was now racing towards San Diego. Cursing she sped up ahead of a semi and slipped into the nearest exit ramp. Pulling her bike into the parking lot of the gas station she killed her bike and pushed it behind the building. Carefully she peered around to see that she had lost Fireblade and sighed in relief.
Kicking her bike back too life she sped away down the road looking for the next ramp that would send her back to L.A.
&&&&
Pulling across from the semi, Fireblade swore. He had missed the girl, she'd managed to take that exit ramp leaving him lost as to where to go to find her. He shook his head, he just wish he knew what color her eyes had been. Everything matched up with the description of his uncles deceased daughter, but he hadn't been able to see her eyes leaving him at a loss.
He felt sick at his stomach he was so sure it had been her. Though maybe it was just him mind playing tricks on him. Pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind, he decided to forget the events that had just occurred and swore to himself that it was only his mind having a break down. Pulling off on the exit ramp he sped into the Comfort Inn ready to retire back to his room before heading home the next day. He decided against mentioning his encounter with the girl to save from the heart ache it would bring his uncle.
&&&&&
Pulling her bike onto the side of the road, Rouge pulled off her helmet and settled it down behind her on her seat. Opening the bag she counted out fifteen grand and pocketed the money. Stepping off the bike she quickly ran up the stairs of the church orphanage steps before setting the bag down she clipped a small note to it and knocked loudly. Twisting around she raced off to the side and cut long ways across the grass towards her bike before revving the engine and speeding away.
As Rouge sped away, an elderly woman opened the door to find the bag sitting on the steps with a note stuck to the side.
Use it wisely.
Opening it up, the woman gasp, at least fifty grand was in the bag. She felt tears pull at her eyes. Someone must of sent an angel she thought as she pulled the money towards her chest. The orphanage was doing poorly and many of the children were suffering from the lack of money, but now with this the future looked brighter. Smiling she crossed herself before shutting the door to the frigid night as she raced to tell the other care takers of this strange miracle.
Authors Note: Woo finally! This chapter took me forever, I'm currently working on the next one and hope to have it up within the next few days! Til next time!
