A/N: Wow, you guys are so awesome! When I checked my reviews, I felt so special at all the things you guys said! I'm really glad you guys enjoy this fic. I never dreamed that it was gonna get so popular! XD It's going to get even better, but I have to admit...this chapter will be fun. (evil cackle) Now, to answer your reviews...
To Mskatee: Thanks, I'm glad you like this! I don't mind about you writing an Antauri/OC, I know there are lots of other people who adore Antauri as much as I do. (sniff) Larissa isn't the only OC that likes Antauri, I'm certain. LOL! You're so considerate to tell me this, though. Thanks for being a cool reviewer! :)
To princess-tikal12: Thanks, Antauri and Larissa's relationship will continue to grow, right now they are just close friends. And I like the friendship between Jinmay and Dana, I think they would make really great BFF's! Thanks for being so faithful to review!
To AliJo: Awww, thank you so much!! I often worry about not being in character with Antauri, because he's a difficult character to pinpoint, personality-wise. But thank you so much for the compliments! That made me feel so special! ^__^;;
To Caraqueen: Glad you like this fic, thanks again for letting me use Dana! I hope I've been in character with her. By the way, that is an AWESOME Scripture verse, it really does relate to Larissa and Dana!! XD That's so cool!!!
To 4EverMonkeyfan: Sorry I didn't answer your review sooner, I'm glad you're enjoying the story too. I have to admit, I like the name Larissa too. I really enjoy writing this story and seeing as everything falls into place. Thanks!
Whew! One more thing before I start...none of you guessed why I named that one chapter "A Different Kind of Chemistry", so I'll go ahead and tell you. (Though it might be pretty obvious, do'oh!) XD Chemistry sometimes means a beginning of a blooming romance, and Gibson is used to the science-related chemistry, so I decided to use a play on words. XD Get it? So anyway...yeah. Here is the next chapter, I hope you guys like it! XD This is gonna be fun.
Chapter Seven: Operation Mind-Reading
Larissa beamed truimphantly as she laid aside the remote control, the words "Winner--Larissa" flashing on the large screen. It was her first time trying out a video game, and she had won the first round. Sparx's mouth dropped open clear to the floor. Otto, Chiro, and Nova bursted into laughter. They had been watching the whole time. "Oh yeah?" Sparx snarled and hastily snatched back his remote control. "Let's see if you're so lucky this time, Larissa."
Larissa shrugged at the others casually and picked up the controller. She won that next round, then the one after that, then the one after that. Nova eventually grew bored and went to her training room. Chiro and Otto began a game of checkers as they waited for Sparx and Larissa to finish. After Larissa had won the fifth round, Sparx growled and looked at her. "Huh, beginner's luck."
Larissa shrugged a dainty shoulder and looked away. Finally, after a few moments, she leaned toward him. "Do you wanna know my secret?" she whispered.
Sparx glanced at her, wanting to say yes but his pride wouldn't let him. Curiousity finally got the best of him after a while so he glanced around to see if anyone was watching, then nodded. Larissa smiled in amusement at the cocky red monkey and arched her eyebrows. "Do you promise you won't tell?"
Sparx waved a hand nonchalantly. "Yeah, yeah," he answered dully, obviously more eager to hear about the secret. Larissa grinned and whispered into his ear. "I can read minds."
Sparx's mouth dropped open as he stared at her in disbelief. After he gained his composure, he crossed his arms. "No, you can't," he said with a grin. "You had me goin' for a minute there, Larissa." Larissa frowned at him and narrowed her eyes. "I'm not joking," she replied. "It's true."
"Oh yeah?" Sparx arched his brows, as if daringher. "Well, then. Let's see if it is true. If you're psychic, then tell me what I'm thinking right now."
Larissa sighed and shook her head in frustration. "I'm not psychic, Sparx. I can just read minds." She kept her voice low for the sake of Chiro and Otto, who were close by. Sparx rolled his eyes. "Oh well, same diff." He shrugged casually. "Just read my mind already!"
Larissa almost laughed at Sparx's impatience but she held her tongue. She closed her eyes and concentrated, then slowly seeped into Sparx's open consciousness. Then she heard Sparx's voice ring loud and clear in her mind, though she knew he wasn't talking. It was what he was thinking.
"Man, who does Larissa think she's kidding? She's starting to get on my nerves. And if she lost her memory, how can she remember her powers? It just doesn't make sense."
Larissa's heart pounded and her eyes snapped open, where Sparx was waiting with a smug look on his face. "In answer to your question, I don't know how I can remember my powers. It just comes as a second nature to me," Larissa explained, to which Sparx's eyes were growing wide. "Just my flaming hands and my ability of reading minds."
Sparx sat there frozen for a moment, then let out a nervous laugh. "..Did I say that out loud or somethin'?" he asked. Just then another thought of Sparx's sounded off in Larissa's mind.
"Wow, can she really read minds?! Totally awesome power! But how can reading minds help her win the game?"
"Yes, I can really read minds," Larissa answered with a smile. "And no, you didn't say that out loud. I won the game by reading your mind and finding out how to beat you, by discovering your weaknesses." She chuckled. "Simple, really."
Sparx's eyes widened in fascination. A big grin spread slowly over his face. "Okay, now that's a cool power. I believe you now." He started to turn back to the game when an evil, daredevilish grin appeared on his face and he gave a long sideglance at Larissa. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" he asked.
Larissa laughed. "Sparx, I know what you're thinking," she reminded him.
Sparx chuckled. "Oh yeah." His grin got even wider as Larissa read his mind. She pondered his idea and at first felt guilty. Larissa had never used her ability to intrude on people's personal thoughts or feelings; she had simply used it to come in handy for missions Mandarin had sent her and Dana on. But now, Larissa found herself liking the idea and thought that it would be fun. Why not? I haven't been able to have this much fun...all my life, really.
"Whaddya say?" Sparx's voice brought her out of her thoughts. Larissa was sure her grin matched Sparx's at the moment as she nodded. "Let's do it."
* * *
"Let's start with the kid." Sparx jabbed his finger in Chiro's direction. "How far can your mind-reading thing go?"
Larissa shrugged as they turned off the video game. "As far as I want it to," she answered. They both quietly moved to a corner where they couldn't be seen but had a perfect glimpse of Chiro and Otto playing checkers. So far Otto was winning and he looked like he was having fun. Chiro looked incredulous.
Larissa giggled and closed her eyes and breathed softly, focusing entirely on Chiro's open mind. After a few seconds, the boy's frustrated voice came filtering through in her mind.
"How does Otto always win this game? It's like he knows my every move! He can sure surprise me sometimes, switching from dumb to smart like that."
Larissa reported Chiro's thoughts to Sparx, who chuckled, then she moved onto Otto. This is gonna be good, she thought. Larissa put her full concentration on Otto's bubbly mind. Within seconds an enthuisastic, deep voice sounded.
"Cool! I'm winning again! I wonder what's for dinner tonight? I hope it's sloppy joes! I love those things. It makes me wish my name was Joe, because then I'd be named after sandwiches! How great would that be?! Man, now I'm huuungry!"
Larissa almost laughed out loud at Otto's rambling. It was as if his thoughts ran together. It seemed nearly impossible for him to be thinking on one topic for more than two minutes. Larissa reported to Sparx what Otto had been thinking. Sparx laughed quietly. "I can't say I'm surprised," he commented.
Quietly they snuck over to Gibson's lab.
* * *
"Gibson is soo cute, and he's so sweet to offer to give me science lessons. Science does sound interesting, and I've always wanted to learn about it. But I know Mandarin wouldn't approve. It's as if he just wants me and Larissa to waste our lives working for him...Oh, Gibson's talking to me again! I love it how he makes me feel so important like that..for once in my life. I just love his sophisticated British accent. Gibson is so intelligent..I wonder if it's hard being a Science Officer? Gibson sure seems to take it in stride."
Larissa's brain hurt when she finally pulled away from Dana's mind. She had never known Dana to be so talkative. But it seemed like she cared for Gibson a lot, even if she wasn't paying attention to his lecture. "Well? What is Dana thinking?" Sparx whispered.
Larissa froze. She certainly didn't want to reveal any of Dana's personal thoughts. Especially to Sparx. Larissa didn't trust him completely, although he was fun to be around. "Uh..Dana was just thinking about how interesting Gibson's lecture is, and how grateful she is that Gibson is giving her lectures," Larissa fibbed.
Sparx rolled his eyes. "I think they're meant for each other," he joked with a wink. "Just for fun, let's see what ol' Brainstrain is thinking." Larissa focused on the blue simian's thoughts and she ended up being surprised.
"According to my calculations, if I should convert the tiniest drop of cibaric acid, the mixture of the chemicals should then obtain so much pressure that it should heat immediately, thus causing it to become a neutron...Astounding, it seems as if Dana is listening very intently. Nobody has ever been interested in Science like I have been, and even I have to admit, it has been quite nice to have an acquaintance. Although nobody suspects it, I do get very lonesome at times."
Larissa pulled her conscience away, feeling as if she had intruded upon Gibson's personal feelings. She did feel bad that Gibson got lonesome, and she was glad that Dana helped fill that void. And though either of them probably knew it, Gibson was help filling the void in Dana's heart, as well.
Larissa turned to Sparx, who was waiting with raised eyebrows and a smug smile. "Gibson..was just thinking what he's saying to Dana," Larissa lied again. All her life, Larissa had never felt guilty about lying. It came like a second nature to her, being raised up evil and all. As they turned to leave, Larissa overheard Gibson finish his lecture and turn to Dana.
"It appears you have been listening attentively, Dana. Why don't you try the experiment this time, and let's see what you've learned?"
Dana was quiet for a few moments. Then: "Meep."
"Is something wrong, Dana?"
"No, no, of course not." Dana emitted a nervous laugh. "I'd be happy to."
Larissa covered her mouth and tried hard not to laugh as she and Sparx slipped away.
* * *
Larissa was sure to be very, very careful while sneaking up on Nova. After a few days of staying here, she already knew Nova had quite a temper, and she had eyes like a hawk. And quick reflexes. What if we get caught? Larissa shivered at the thought. She and Sparx quietly went up the yellow transport tube and snuck around the corner, peeking inside. There she was.
Nova's back was to them, and she was beating the heck out of a punching bag. It didn't even seem to be that much of an effort for Nova as she pummeled it with her giant yellow-and-pink fists. Larissa closed her eyes and relaxed, letting all other thoughts seep out of her mind, as Antauri had taught her to do during her Power Primate and meditation lessons. She gradually poked her way in Nova's consciousness, and felt successful when she heard a loud, feminine voice come to her mind. Nova.
"Just pretend the bag is Sparx. Imagine beating the scrap out of him...surprisingly, it really helps me punch harder. I guess Antauri was right when he said to use your imagination. Who knew. But what's even more surprising...I don't hate Sparx all that much. In fact, I kind of like him... GET YOURSELF TOGETHER, NOVA!!---I made that mistake of loving once...and where did it lead me? I can't let that happen again."
Needless to say, Larissa was surprised when she finished. She had no idea such thoughts could come from the tough, tomboy-ish Nova. That..that was deep. I wish I knew what she was talking about...about this love stuff. Is it really that bad?
Larissa motioned to Sparx that they needed to leave. Sparx nodded and led the way out. Before she retreated, Larissa glanced back at Nova, who was delivering the hardest blows she had ever seen. Her heart ached slightly for Nova as she followed Sparx out the door.
* * *
"Nova really thought that?" Sparx grinned, obviously pleased. "Can't say I'm surprised. Who doesn't want me?" He added, striking a pose.
Larissa giggled at Sparx's silliness. She started to enjoy having him around. Sparx was very humorous and a lot of fun to be with, even if he was impatient at times. She had only told him what Nova had thought up until when she thought that she kind of liked him. But Larissa hadn't missed the fond sparkle that shimmered in Sparx's eyes before he started cracking jokes. She knew that Sparx cared for Nova also. But why was Nova afraid of love?
"Where's Jinmay?" Larissa asked, changing the subject and the course of her thoughts. Sparx frowned slightly as he shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe she's back in the mainroom."
"Maybe she's in the bathroom?" Larissa guessed as they headed back down to the mainroom, sliding down the yellow transport tube.
Sparx shook his head. "We don't have a bathroom," he answered. Larissa suddenly felt foolish. Jinmay didn't have to use the bathroom; she was a robot, as was the rest of the monkeys, including her and Dana. But then Chiro suddenly flashed in her mind. "Doesn't Chiro have to use the bathroom sometimes?" she inquired.
Sparx opened his mouth to answer, then stopped as he really thought about it. "Huh..I don't know. I've never thought about it before."
Larissa laughed as they landed in the mainroom. She spotted Jinmay looking out the window in the corner and motioned for Sparx to follow. Quietly she and Sparx sat in round pod chairs and pretended to watch Chiro and Otto play the video game. But after a while Larissa closed her eyes and led her mind toward Jinmay's open one. Eventually Jinmay's soft, gentle voice floated into Larissa's head.
"I am so glad that the Monkey Team is back. Without them, I don't know what I'd do. Life feels whole now that I'm a part of the Hyperforce. When they went away and the people of Shuggazoom turned into those ghosts, I..I felt like a failure. Like I was letting down the Monkey Team. I'm glad they're back...but we still have many missions to accomplish."
Larissa was about to slowly back out when suddenly she heard her name.
"I hope Larissa and Dana never feel like that...like their lives have no meaning. I see the emptiness in their eyes, I see the pain and the haunted memories...even if no one else does. I know that feeling. I hope they can grow to trust and rely on us. But most of all...I hope I can be a friend to them like the Hyperforce has been to me."
When Larissa left Jinmay's consciousness and opened her eyes, she saw that her cheeks were wet. Quickly she wiped them away so Sparx couldn't see them, her heart touched by Jinmay's sincere thoughts. Sparx turned and looked at her questioningly. Larissa leaned toward him and whispered, "Jinmay was thinking about how glad she is that you guys are back...and that when the people of Shuggazoom turned into ghosts..she felt like a failure."
Sparx's eyes softened with sympathy as he looked at Jinmay. "She did the best she could," he whispered, surprising Larissa. "Jinmay shouldn't blame herself."
Larissa thought about Jinmay and her heartfelt words as she and Sparx sat for a few more minutes so they wouldn't look suspicious. Finally, they got up and left, unnoticed. There was one more person whose mind had yet to be read.
Antauri.
* * *
Sparx and Larissa peeked into Antauri's chambers, already feeling the warm, soothing presence that obviously dwelled in his room. Antauri's back was to them, and he was meditating in the same spot as always, floating in the air. Larissa's next Power Primate training didn't begin until a couple of hours, so Antauri wouldn't be expecting her this early. They were sure to be extra quiet, because even though he was calmly meditating, he was alert to everything around him. A pebble could move a mile away and Antauri would be aware of it.
Larissa closed her eyes and headed toward Antauri's mind, which, to her surprise, seemed blocked. She headed straight for his mind but it felt like crashing into a brick wall. Larissa grimaced and tried again. No such luck. Antauri kept his mind guarded very well. She wondered how on earth Antauri could do that.
Antauri was peacefully meditating in the powerful energy of the Power Primate when he felt a sharp nagging at his consciousness, as if something--or someone--was trying to intrude upon his mind. He always kept his mind blocked at all times, for safety reasons, but he could always tell when one tried to find its way into his mind. Antauri suddenly sensed something behind him, and as quickly as he'd sensed it, he knew who it was. "Sparx, Larissa, you may come in; I know you're there."
Larissa's mouth dropped open and her face clearly registered surprise. Sparx looked like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't have, though he'd clearly seen it coming. Antauri turned and smiled welcomingly at them. Suddenly he knew the source. Instead of voicing his thoughts, Antauri offered them some tea and a seat on the mat. "How did you know we were there?" Larissa asked when she received her tea.
Antauri smiled gently and handed another teacup to Sparx. "I can sense one's presence," was his only reply. Larissa glanced at Sparx in confusion, but the red monkey just shrugged his shoulders. "Antauri always talks in riddles," Sparx whispered.
Well, I know that, Larissa thought. They sat in silence before Larissa blurted out, "Antauri, I have another power besides my flaming hands. I can read minds. However, when I tried to read your mind, it was somehow blocked."
Antauri sideglanced at her strangely. "Does this mean you have been reading others' minds, as well?" he questioned. Larissa felt her cheeks flame. Why was it that she always managed to humiliate herself in front of Antauri? "Yes."
"Busted," Sparx muttered.
Antauri frowned at them. "You two know better than to intrude upon one's personal thoughts," he reprimanded with a strict yet soft tone. "Sparx, you should've set a better example for our guest. Larissa, I recommend you only use your ability when it is needed."
Larissa nodded, her cheeks still burning. She sipped her tea to avoid talking. Antauri continued. "In answer to your question, I keep my mind blocked at all times to avoid danger. I would not a villain to be able to see what I am thinking. It would be crucial to the team." To this Antauri gave Larissa a knowing look, one that made Larissa's knees tremble.
Another silence ticked by when Larissa regained her composure and asked the silver monkey, "Will you teach me to do that?"
Antauri smiled and nodded. Then he glanced at Sparx, who had been silent for the whole time. "Sparx, would you mind going elsewhere? It is almost time for Larissa's training to begin."
Sparx nodded obediently and got up to leave. "Good luck," he said to Larissa with a wink. "You'll need it." Then he quickly departed.
Larissa finished her tea and set the teacup down on the mat, waiting patiently for Antauri. He turned and looked at her with those dark blue eyes that entered Larissa's dreams at night. "I sense that something is on your mind, Larissa," Antauri said softly. "You may speak, and do not be afraid to discuss it."
Larissa nodded, glad that she could rely on Antauri. She could always share anything with him...except the dark secret she was hiding. "I-I read Nova's mind earlier today. Don't let her know I told you this, but.." Larissa hesitated. Antauri waited patiently, hands folded in his lap, silently encouraging her to go on. She did. "Nova cares for Sparx. But..she said that she needed to forget about it, because she made the mistake of loving once...She said that she couldn't let it happen again." Larissa let out a sigh. "What does that mean, Antauri? Is love really that bad?"
Antauri smiled and floated down to her height, putting his hand over hers. "Not at all, Larissa. Love often involves caring for or identifying with a person or thing, including oneself. Love is a very important prospect to have in order to be a hero. It is a compassionate outreach and very often it's the only hope that holds one together. But sometimes..it can even be the one thing that brings freedom and victory." Antauri smiled, slowly removing his hand. "You just have to believe."
Larissa absorbed his words, her hand still tingling from coming in contact with Antauri's. Whenever she left Antauri's room, she always felt...peace.
Antauri continued, turning to looking out his window. "I believe what Nova meant was that when we were created by the Alchemist, we had a very special bond with him. We loved him, and the feeling was mutual." Antauri looked back at Larissa, and she saw the sorrow in his eyes. At once she had the overwhelming feeling to embrace him, but she remained where she was. "But when the Alchemist left us when he fell prey to the Dark Ones. They corrupted him." Antauri sighed. "We felt abandoned, but I believe the one who took it the hardest was Nova. She had a very special bond with the Alchemist, and they were very close. Nova has had past experiences in which losing the ones she loved. It has been hard on her."
Larissa felt shocked at this new piece of information. Her heart ached for Nova. Nobody should be afraid of loving someone. As if knowing her thoughts, Antauri patted her hand. "Not to worry, I shall talk with Nova soon. In the meantime-" A smile returned to Antauri's face. "-I need to begin teaching you how to block your consciousness from others. It can come in handy in many circumstances."
Larissa smiled and nodded as they began their training. Perhaps her and Dana's mission would not be in vain...though it would be in pain.
A/N: Whew, finally done! :) That was a fun little chapter to write. A little long, but it's about time I start making a long one instead of making those short ones. Larissa and Dana will continue to uncover more information...and pieces of their hearts. Just stay tuned! I'll try to get up the next chapter as soon as I can. NOW, REVIEW! ^_^ 'Kay y'all, I'm out! Peace!