Memories
Creation
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Hank smiled at Logan and Tora.
"Physically, he's fine. He's just an average, teenage mutant boy. Eight claws, two that extend from each hand, two wrist claws and two foot claws that extend from between the toes."
"So like Laura with an extra claw in each wrist?"
"Precisely."
Curt gave a big grin.
"This place is so cool! I heard there's a cool room I can fight in! Please can I go down later?"
"You're a child Curt, despite the fact your body is that of an adolescent."
"But…"
"No buts. Maybe later. But not straight away."
He groaned.
"Pleeaase…"
"No."
"But…"
"Upstairs. We're giving you a room of your own until you adjust."
Curt grinned.
"Can I have Cat with me?"
"Cat?"
Tora smiled.
"I can do better than that. Give me an hour or two."
She walked off and let Logan and Hank talk to Curt. She walked into her room and sat cross-legged on the floor. Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. And dived into the heart of herself.
It was odd. Each facet of her personality sat on a crystal throne. Xii, Marie, Tora, Dark Dragon, The Beast. And Tigress. Tigress was the wild side of her, the free, powerful part of her. The Beast, the part of her that was Poacher's main personality was chained to her throne. Tora, as the dominant personality had the largest chair at the apex of the semi-circle. Tigress and Xii, the next two, sat on either side of her, with Marie and The Beast next to them. Dark Dragon stood behind The Beast, hands firmly on her shoulders. That was the truth of Dark Dragon. Created by Tora to protect the world from the worst facet of herself. A jailor, created so that if Tora, Tigress, Xii and Marie were all indisposed, The Beast wouldn't have free reign. Dragon lay curled up at the base of the semi-circle.
Tigress. I can give you your freedom.
Tigress inclined her feline head. She looked rather like Hank, the bestial version of Tora from another reality. In the same way, Marie was a toddler, Xii a twelve-year-old girl, Dark Dragon looked as she had when she materialised, in burgundy and tarnished silver and The Beast looked identical to Poacher.
I liked being separate.
Marie and Xii both nodded. They had no desire to lead the body, as Marie was shy and Xii insecure. Tigress meanwhile was ambitious and often asked why Tora hadn't seized control of the pack. The Beast snarled.
Why does she get a body of her own?
Because you are too dangerous to be allowed out. She won't kill unless absolutely necessary.
Tigress inclined her head.
As in the Poacher business.
I will find a way of making the construct permanent, with help from our lodger.
Dragon let out a low chuckle.
It is a good idea. I'd keep her linked at all times. That way, you know what the Hatchling is doing.
Tora, Marie, Xii and Tigress all nodded.
I don't want to be called Tigress though. I want a real, human name. You are Tora. She is Marie. Even Xii has a name that sounds real. But I? I want a name.
Tora inclined her head.
Etana spoke of her friend, Jeanne. As in Joan of Arc. Would that name be suitable?
Jeanne? I like it.
The newly christened Jeanne smiled. The Beast growled.
She gets a name. Why don't I?
Xii rolled her eyes and made a slight motion with her hand. Instantly, Dark Dragon grasped The Beast around the throat.
Silence.
The words thundered around Tora's mind.
You are the worst of us all.
Marie raised a hand.
Yes?
They all had a soft spot for the little girl. She was shy and sweet, a sign of what Tora could one day have been.
May I go with her? Just a little bit of me?
Jeanne, do you have a problem with a part of Marie going with you?
No. There won't be a problem. I assume you'll only sent a little bit of her?
Of course. About the same amount of you that will remain here. So we are decided?
They exchanged looks. First Jeanne spoke.
Oui.
Xii nodded.
Oui.
Marie gave a big grin.
S'il vous plait!
Dark Dragon nodded. She rarely spoke, as she had was normally engaged in a battle of minds with The Beast. Finally, The Beast snarled.
Fine! She can go!
Tora looked at Dragon.
Your thoughts?
I like the idea. I'm in.
Tora smiled. And left.
As soon as Tora left the heart of her mind, everything that had happened slipped out of her memory as all segments of her personality merged to create the normal Tora. She took the bits she knew had to be used and closed her eyes, allowing the power to flow through her. The water trickled from her fingers forming the cat, which span as muscles, internal organs and fur were formed. The cat form was finished but still appeared as water. Tora repeated the progress with the tiger form, then linked them together. And finally worked on placing the part of her into the body. Then she finished, tying the part of her in the cat to her main mind.
"Hello…Jeanne."
The cat grinned.
"Hello."
Tora tried to stand up but toppled as her legs tried to adapt from the position they'd been in for over an hour. The cat slid herself under one hand and help Tora lever herself up.
"Next time, tell me when I've sat in one position for…one hour, twenty-nine minutes and thirteen seconds. You can come in now!"
Logan stepped into the room and frowned.
"What took so long?"
"I wanted to be perfect."
His mouth dropped open as the cat proceeded to talk gently, calming Tora.
"Relax. Just calm down. Shhh. It's fine."
Tora smiled and managed to stand up, swaying slightly.
"Logan, meet Jeanne. Jeanne, meet Logan. I mean, you do know each other as Jeanne is a part of me, but she's now sort of separate so she should properly be introduced."
"I think you should go and lie down."
"Good idea Jeanne. Just go say hello to Curt…"
The cat nodded and padded off. Logan managed to catch Tora before she collapsed and managed to manhandle her onto the bed.
"Get some sleep."
"Stay with me."
"I have to go. Curt needs someone to stay with him."
"I'm with him."
"You're here."
"Jeanne is with him. She is me. I know what she is thinking, where she is. It's all in here."
She tapped the side of her head.
"Stay with me Logan. I need someone to keep me anchored."
"What?"
"Stay. Please."
He glanced at the door and then sat down on the side of the bed.
"I'll stay."
She smiled and caught his hand.
"Stay with me. Always."
"I'll never leave."
"But you had to leave didn't you? Oh, you had years. Centuries. But in the end you decided to go."
"Everyone goes."
"But he didn't have to."
Death closed her eyes.
"You cannot make a man undying for he will curse you with all his soul."