Season two
"YAHOOO!" I howled in joy as Logan and I sped down the highway on his bike, I could hear him chuckling from in front of me revving the bike faster and faster, I was completely full of happiness when I knew I shouldn't be because of the circumstance. Just thinking about it made me calm down, I rapped my arms around his waist and sighed. Logan noticed my lack of excitement and slowed to a more common speed.
"You all right back there?" I smiled at that, and nodded my head. It made me feel great to know he knew I was feeling down.
"Is it wrong to feel happy that I'm performing my family's funeral?" Logan made an unsure noise; you know the noise you make when you want to spare someone's feelings.
"Uhhh, not really... Just so long as you love them everything should be fine whatever you feel." I giggled and just hugged his back happy with his answer. The forest all around us was a great home for me years ago. The trees near here grow very tall and thick making it very hard to see inside. We road like that for a few hours until a certain sent reached my nose making me tap his shoulder signaling him to stop the bike.
"We're here." Logan looked around confused; we were in the middle of the high way with miles of nothing but forest around us.
"You sure about that pup?" I laughed and pointed to a dirt road trail leading into the woods.
"That way." He shrugged his shoulders and drove down the road slowly and carefully. It was a bit bumpy but we managed to get a mile in until the sent got stronger making Logan sniff curiously.
"What is that?" I giggled and shook my head.
"You'll see." The trees were so thick and leafy that it was difficult to see anything other than the dirt path that is until we reached a huge clearing. Logan stopped his bike and gawked at the sight. "Awesome is in it?"
"You can say that again pup." Within the clearing was a large cabin big enough for a family to live comfortably. Yet the cabin was not what caught Logan's eyes, it was the vibrant field of flowers that covered nearly every inch of the clearing. The flowers came in colors so bright that it seemed that they glowed. The petals of the flowers carried in the wind sending the bright colors in the air dancing around sending their sweet sent into the sky. Just being there made me feel at peace, and I'm sure Logan felt the same. I climbed off the bike and motioned Logan to follow me inside the cabin, he hesitated not wanting to leave the sight of the flowers and I didn't blame him.
"They were planted by mom, I think she put a little bit of her love into each one of those flowers." I picked out one and gently plucked it out of the ground. The flower was so beautiful. The petals are white laced with rainbow colored tips. "The petals shed constantly and are so light that they rise into the air easily and spread trough out the forest. The smell they give out fades and they disintegrate after a few minutes from leavening the stem but they fertilize the ground making the trees grow tall and strong." I looked around and smiled, they definitely did their job. The forest is huge, it made me feel proud. Logan smiled and walked up to me taking the flower and giving it a long whiff. Suddenly an odd look crossed Logan's face, he was blushing and smiling very silly.
"These smell 'sniff' great… really 'sniff' great…"He almost purred out the words, and he had a very faraway look in his eyes.
"Logan? Are you ok?" he chuckled and dropped the flower to embrace me and a hug.
"I'm great puppy, I feel all warm and fuzzy right now hehehee." Ok… to say I was worried was an understatement, the only time I ever saw anyone acting like this was when the police officer came by to take me to the orphanage. The dog he had with him started barking funny and rolling around weirdly in the flowers… oh crud. "Let's get you inside big guy."
He just chuckled as I dragged him inside the cabin closing the door behind us. The place was just as I left it before… if not covered in a few layers of dust. I sat him down on the couch and he laid down and snuggled into the plush red cushions.
"Wow this feels nice." I just shook my head chuckling at his silliness.
"Just wait here, I'm going to check to see if my mom left anything about her flowers." He smiled and grabbed my hand dragging me on top of him. "Hay!"
"Just stay with me for a while puppy." I tried to get loose from his embrace but he started kissing my neck making me shiver.
"Logan?" I tried to call out to him but he just yawned and started to fall asleep.
"Sooo.. sleepy… I ….ZZzzz" just like that he was out like a light. I quickly got out of his arms and stood up dusting myself off I looked back at the big lug.
"I don't know if I like this or if I should see if I could end it…." I looked down at him and cringed, I then ran up to my parent's room as fast as I could. The book should have something about the flowers; they were mom's pride and joy. They were as vital to her as breathing. When I entered their room I felt a sense of nostalgia, just being there reminded me so much of mom and dad. I sat on their bed and sighed, rubbing the Spirit-band subconsciously. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and stood up looking for what I came here for. Thankfully I didn't have to look hard; the book was on a pedestal right next to the side of the bed.
"Ahha!" I smiled down at the book and ran my finger down the leather spine. The book itself was very unique, on the cover was a triquetra with the head of an animal on each point, a snake, a raven and a wolf all surrounding a crescent moon. I always wanted to read mom's book but dad didn't want me messing around with her magic when I was so young. I was older now so it couldn't hurt right? I opened it up and looked at the first page, this is what it read.
'Welcome all, this book holds knowledge past down by the Coven of the Moon. These pages were written by each and every member of the coven. Please use this knowledge with caution, and treat this book with great care.
And to my dear children know that I love you and wish for this book to guide you through life and show you all that there is to magic and its wonders. Please be safe and true to your heart.
May the azure moon forever shine on your dearest dreams,
Lunaria Aura'
A small tear fell from my eye as I read the passage. It felt like she was really talking to me. I smiled and turned to the second page with a picture of mom's flowers.
'The Lunar Lilly
This beautiful flower was cultivated by the coven since the beginning of its founding. It was first found in the grove of the Lunar Goddesses first son the Great Wolf Crest.
Note. The nectar of the flower is an Aphrodisiac for animals that have powerful sent glands and can be used as a healing slave. Please use caution when animals are near.
"CRUD!" I slammed the book shut and rushed down stairs to find Logan... what I saw when I found him I will never un-see. There face down on my couch was Logan wearing nothing but his black boxer briefs. His cloths were tossed aside as he laid there grinding into the couch.
"Ughhh Hot… so hot." My mouth hung agape as I checked the thermometer, it was deep into the near freezing tempter.
"It's not even lukewarm!" It was the middle of winter and yet he was sweating up a storm. He turned his head and looked up at me with a yearning look in his eyes. He looked so miserable; I felt so bad for him.
"Oh pup Ugh…. I need… Where's the restroom?" I pointed down the hall and he bolted for the bathroom door. I walked up to it and knocked concerned.
"Logan? You ok?" the only thing I got as a response was a loud series of moans and gasps. I blushed so hard I thought I was going to pass out. I shook my head and walked back to the couch to read mom's book, sadly I couldn't concentrate with the endless moaning echoing out of the bathroom. I couldn't take it anymore; I started smacking my head with the book trying desperately to knock myself out. Suddenly the moaning stopped and I sighed in relief. I got through about two chapters when Logan finally left the bathroom. He was shivering like leaf and I could hear his teeth chattering.
"Logan… you ok now?" he nodded with a look and smell of shame.
"Um… pup… where's my pants?" I pointed to the ground and tried my very best not to crack a smile as he bent over to grab them. Once he was dressed he sat down on the couch and sighed. "Just what kind of flowers does your family raise here?"
"Apparently an aphrodisiac for animals." he gave me a questioning look.
"Why?" I shrugged and pointed to the book.
"It said they have sentimentality to the coven. They came from the garden of Crest." He leaned over and peeked at the book intrigued.
"Say what now?" I chuckled.
"They are the equivalent of crucifixes." I tried to explain. "just with healing proprieties."
"Ooohh. So… what does it say about funerals?" I sighed and flipped to a page with a picture of an odd yet very beautiful flower.
"I have to plant a special flower in a grove that belongs to the coven… it's not too far from here actually… OH SWEET!" I jumped up in excitement startling Logan a bit.
"What is it?" I think I had the biggest smile I ever had on my face.
"It's near Madam Lulu's house!" He still looked very confused. "Madam Lulu is the Matriarch of the Coven. She was my mom's tutor and a very great friend of the family. She would have adopted me if I didn't…." I paused and felt my breath leave me. Logan looked at me concerned.
"You all right?" I nodded and sighed.
"Y…yah… anyway, let's get going. The ride to her place isn't too far from here." I walked to the door with the book but I stopped and grabbed a small cloth handing it to Logan. "Cover your nose before we leave. Best not tempt fate. I can't have you meeting her with a boner." He blushed and nodded covering his face with the cloth. I did my best not to laugh and but he noticed.
"Yah Yah, very funny puppy."
/X-men\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Deep underground stood a woman with long green hair and a vicious smile that only a snake could have. She sat in a large throne room while many men in uniform stood on guard. Her gaze fell upon an odd man in an even odder red and black uniform and matching mask. She smiled slyly at the man placed her hand under her chin.
"We have heard much from you Mr. Wilson. And we have a special task for you." the man grinned so much that it was visible even with the mask concealing his face.
"If it's the job I'm thinking you're thinking about then that's a big hell yah lady!" much to the dismay of the people in the room the man began fiddling with his belt trying to remove his pants.
"NO! That is not what we are hiring you for…" the man moaned in disappointment.
"Of course, you want me to kill someone right?… 'Sigh' that's all people hire me for. For once I wish someone will make me actually work for my money." He said while shacking his rear. The woman sighed and snapped her fingers; suddenly a picture of a young man appeared on a large screen across the room, what made the man stand out was the wolf like ears atop his head and the fuzzy tail wagging behind him.
"Ooo. Where can I get one of those?" he said pointing to the large TV screen. The woman chuckled.
"We can provide you with many of those television screens if you kill the boy and return his body to us." the man shook his head.
"No! I mean where can I find a living Neko? MmmMMm! He looks tasty! Just want to tap that ass!" the woman cringed and raised her hand to her face exasperated.
"Will you take the job or not!?" the man chuckled and nodded his head.
"Why not?... No really why not? Never mind I'll kill him or whatever…. You sure don't want any loving?" the woman looked like she was about to shoot that man and nearly did when he decided to let himself out. "Bye baby cakes! See yah soon with one dead Neko boy!" the moment the man left, one soldier walked up to the woman and questioned her.
"Are you sure about sending a fool like him after the wolf Madam Hydra?" the woman smiled and nodded while lying back on her throne.
"It is best to send a fool for the role I have for the wolf… what a better way to test its power then to send a fool as kindling to the flame. He will burn and we will get to see just how powerful the azure flame can get." The soldier looked on confused.
"But why? Shouldn't we not send the Basilisk and end the boy before he can ruin our plans?" the woman laughed in glee.
"But what fun is that? Besides, the basilisk has his duties… just a few more souls and we will have no need of the Wolf… soon… so very soon the darkness of the serpent will be mine." She grinned and stood up raising her hand to the air. "And all will bow down to me. Hail Hydra!" the men in the room rose to attention and saluted the woman in admiration.
'Hail Hydra!'
/X-men\\\\\\\\
Logan and I stood in another clearing yet unlike the last time there was only a small patch of the flowers next to an impressive cottage. I was so giddy; it had been so long since I last seen Lulu. I missed her so much; she was one of my best friends. I was wearing my image inducer so that she might recognize me… it's kind of odd when I think of it, I changed so much in only 2 years. I walked up to the cottage but before I could knock on the door a loud voice made me jump.
"Hey there brotha!" I turned and smiled widely. There stood a man with wild orange hair that seemed to deify the laws of gravity.
"Wakka!" I rushed up to the man and hugged him tightly. "It's good to see you again!"
"Ben too long little brotha! How ya've been?" I smiled but a tear fell from my eye. He noticed it and wiped it from my cheek. "Hey its ok bra, I know you have had it rough."
"Thanks Wakka… I just… I missed you both a lot." I wiped my face clean smiled turning to Logan. "Anyway, I'd like you to meet my foster father Logan. Logan, this is Wakka, Lulu's husband." Wakka Smiled at Logan and padded his back.
"Nice to meet ya brotha… you take good care of my little brotha you hear?" Logan nodded and shook his hand.
"I will, so where is the misses?" Wakka smiled widely just beaming with pride.
"inside with the baby." I almost screamed with joy when he said that. Actually I think I did.
"Oh my gosh! Where!?" he smiled and pointed inside the cottage, I didn't even wait when I burst inside to find Lulu sitting with the baby cradled in her arms. When her gaze turned to me I felt frozen in place…
"Devlin?" she stood up baby in hand and walked up to me. I swear my heart skipped a beat; we left on such bad terms I just wish she didn't hold it against me. To my surprise she cupped my chin with her hand and smiled brightly. "I've missed you little one… although now you are not so little."
"Yah haha I grew up a kind of." She noticed my awkwardness and just shook her head with a clam smile on her face.
"I am not mad about how you acted, to tell you to truth I was the same way when Braska asked to adopt me." I was shocked; Braska was Lulu's adopted father, and a great man. He died protecting Lulu from a fire that burned down their home. Lulu fell into depression when Braska died but was saved from it by Wakka. When they got married mom made them my god parents but I….
"I'm sorry for what I said… I just… wasn't ready to emit Skylar was dead." I said some very crude and hurtful things when she asked to adopt me. Lulu smiled and hugged me as best she could with a baby in her hands but I returned it with a small sob. "I'm so sorry…"
"Shhhh, you're forgiven... now." she broke the hug and showed me her little bundle of joy. "Meet my son Vidina." I smiled down at the little guy, he was soooo cute!
"AWE!... He has his father's hair…" Lulu cringed at that.
"I know… I'm hoping the genetics stop at the color." Wakka chose that moment to enter the house.
"Hey! My hair is awesome!" Lulu and I looked at each other and just laughed. Wakka looked defeated while Logan walked inside, the moment Lulu saw him she glared.
"And you are?" Logan cringed for a second, heck anyone would when Lulu glares at them. It's like she sees into your soul… or she is just scary. He rubbed the back of his neck hesitant but I stood in for him.
"Lulu this is Logan, my foster father." Her glare only deepened at that realization. If she had Scott's powers Logan would be fired by now. I decided to break the tension. "Uhh. Lulu the resign I'm here is because I wanted to perform my family's funeral ceremony." Just like that her demeanor changed from scary to overjoyed.
"Oh! Well then I suspect you decided to perform the ceremony?" I nodded my head in agreement. I showed her the book and turned to the page showing the flower.
"Mom's book said there is a certain flower I needed to plant in the coven's secret grove. The location is near here, at least that's what book said it was." Lulu nodded.
"Yes, the grove is not too far from here… but I must ask… are you sure you are ready to accept their deaths?" There was no question to it, I nodded my head yes. She stood up and handed the baby to Wakka. "In that case, we must go alone. Only members of the coven are aloud within the grove. The men will have to stay here with the baby." She gave a look to Wakka and he smiled nodding his head.
"Ok, we'll hold down the fort, you two be careful yha?" I looked back at Logan feeling regretful that I could not bring him with me but I had to do this. Logan just smiled and nodded his head.
"You'll do fine pup." I hope he was right. Lulu wasted no time and led me out to the back of the cottage. There directly behind the home was a very small dirt path leading into the woods.
"Done this path will lead to many trials; to send your respects to the fallen you must complete these trials. It has been this way for as long as the grove has existed. We do this to prove are love to those in the goddess's eternal garden." I was very confused but decided to just role with it.
"What do I have to do?" Lulu handed me a small blue pouch just big enough to hold a few small pebbles.
"The moment you pass a trial a seed will be gifted to you. Once you receive three seeds one for each of the fallen you will be shown the way to the grove where you must plant the seeds. I will be awaiting you within the grove. Good luck and trust in your heart." Suddenly she vanished from sight. It was as if she was sucked into the shadows. I rubbed my eyes thinking I imagined it. Shaking my head I just walked into the darkness of the path, not really sure what was in store for me. Honestly I thought this was going to be easier than this. But if it meant I will get to prove that I love my family then so be it. I will go through any test to show that they meant the world to me.
"Well… here goes nothing."