Teb and Ange hugged for awhile. Teb pulled back a little, then flinched.
"Oh sh*t Ange." she said, and looked at her hands. She’d gotten paint all over Angelo. "Ohhh... I’m sorry Ange."
Ange looked down at his shirt and rather calmly said, "There’s only one thing to do about this, chica..."
"What?” Teb asked, as she saw Angelo pick up a can of spray paint.
“Oh..nonononono." she said as Ange shook the spray paint.
"What are ya doing with that thing, Ange?" she asked, as Ange test sprayed to the side.
Teb grabbed a can too, and said, "I fight fire with fire, Ange."
"Then you better light your match, Teb...” Angelo said and gave a devilishly charming smile as he sprayed paint all over teb.
She pressed the cap on her can and sprayed him too. They each grabbed another can and started running around the grounds painting each other.
Teb smiled at Ange as they circled each other, each had a fresh can of paint. She took off the pink cap of the paint she threatened Angelo with.
"Gonna paint me pink, chica?" Angelo asked.
Teb just smiled evilly.
"East coast girls don’t play fair." he said and they went at each other again.
~~~~~
The two sloppy multicolored teens slooped into the house. Cara looked at them, and almost burst out laughing.
"What happened to you?" she asked, trying to stifle the grin pulling at the corners of her mouth.
"This," Angelo said, indicating the paint, "is what happens during a paint fight."
"Yeah," said Teb, "but the fumes were getting to us."
The two walked upstairs holding hands, leaving multicolored footprints.
teb
Cara grinned as she watched Teb and Ange go upstairs hand in hand...what a cute couple they made. She looked at the footprints on the floor...and decided to skedaddle before Cyke or Storm came along and asked her to clean it up. She ran down the hall and disappeared around the corner.
*****
Cara was looking for Hank, she wanted to get a progress report from him about Jamar. Suddenly a cold chill ran through the air, and the hair on the back of Cara's neck stood up on end. A telepathic voice sounded in her head.
~Ah, little one...don't think that I've forgotten you, or your challenge. I will be waiting for you tomorrow, when you and your friends come.~
/You know what we are planning, Anon?/ Cara asked. She knew that silvery voice well.
~Yes, little one...I know of Sammi's vaccine, and the plans of your team.~
/Why hasn't Sinister ordered our deaths then?/ Cara thought.
~You are not dead, simply because I have not told Father about your plans.~
/Why have you not told him, Anon?/ Cara asked, a shiver running down her spine.
~The longer each of you live, the stronger I become...especially when you are in pain.~ the sound of Anon's evil laughter echoes in Cara's head.
~I'm allowing Sammi to create the vaccine because it will make it more of a challenge to kill you...I love a good challenge. I will gain a great deal of satisfaction and power when I kill you, and your friends...and it will be a slow death. Remember, Cara, I will be waiting.~
Rainfall
**Oooohhhh... I think ya scared her just a little, Anon. Look, she's shakin’. Can't you do better than that you second rate witch?**
**This is not your concern at the moment, Kyle. Father and I will deal with you in good time.**
**Heh Heh Heh! Oh come now... you're not even sure about that, are you, little one? Remember this well. I WILL DEAL WITH VISION-X AND ::CARA IS MINE:: TO DEAL WITH AS I SEE FIT.** A psionic backlash hits Anon, bloodying her nose beneath her mask.
/AAAAIIIIEEEE!!! I definitely gotta watch out for this one. He's a formidable opponent./
Cara listens to the exchange between Kyle and Anon. Her empathic senses flared as Jamar poked through the veil to deliver her a quick telepathic message.
**Get Zek...los and Xavvvvvvier quick!** Cara starts running in search of Xavier. If she could find him, Zeklos wouldn't be far behind.
Chaos
Jonas and Sammi both snuggled close under the covers, both sleeping, both dreaming. It didn't matter that tomorrow they would most likely go up against Sinister, one of marvels most dangerous villains... they were lost in each others arms, had found each other, even across death... nothing was going to keep them apart... NOTHING!
But from the door looked another figure. He could smell what had happen... now his daughter was in bed with someone that claimed to be someone that is dead, and what ever it was had used her love for Jonas to get her to this.
For a moment Logan considered killing him in bed right now, no matter what or who he was... one thing he was sure of was that soon he would be dead.
In his anger he could not see the other peeping tom, Rouge... she was outside the window looking at the two snuggling persons. Her heart cried, she was so glad for them both... and for herself.
When Jonas died, she fled the mansion and had stayed away until he came back, and still she didn't talk to him. She would find the perfect moment to welcome him back, she would wish them both the best of luck in life...
Rouge pressed her hand to the window and a tear ran down her face; it felt like a son she most likely never would have, had first died... and now returned.
"Cute is it not... love I mean." A voice said to her side. Rogue jerked to her side to see a dragon hover in mid air.
"WHO THE..." she started but was cut off quickly.
"Fear not, and ruin not this moment with words. Gaze upon your *son*, see that he has found love in the arms of someone who loves him more then life itself."
"I am Azmaru, Guardian of Amanda... you have a strong will and a wounded soul, may we meet again fair lady, but watch over them tonight, and sway the animal back on it's path."
Azmaru disappeared, leaving her alone again to gaze on the two sleeping beauties... she smiled,
/My son.../ she thought.
Admiral
~In the kitchen~
Charles and Amanda were in the kitchen, discussing the days events. While Charles was talking, Amanda was monitoring the events upstairs. She was happy for Jonas and Sammi. They deserved to be happy. That, and she had some ammunition against any teasing from Jonas. She was concerned about Logan. His protective attitude was a little too dangerous for his own good. She would have to have a talk with him. Preferably in the Danger room.
(I would prefer you not to injure any of my people. We're running out of room in the med-lab)
(You never let me have any fun.) Amanda teased.
(I have nothing against having fun. In fact I was thinking of having a little myself.) Charles returned.
Amanda blushed slightly and replied (Why, Charles, I do believe I may have corrupted you a little. I think Sammi may be right about people being unable to control hormones. Is that a problem here?)
Charles laughed. (No. It isn't.)
Both looked into each others eyes knowing that their time was running out. They had known each other such a short time, but it felt as if they had known each other for ages.
/Maybe Sammi was right on with the soul mate concept,/ Amanda thought.
Amanda got up from her chair. Charles signaled his chair to follow her. He didn't say a word until they were outside. His curiosity was getting the better of him.
(Where are we going?) He asked.
(The mansion is so crowded with so many different conflicting thoughts. I just wanted to get away. I thought I might spend the night watching the stars. Care to join me?) she stated with a twinkle in her eyes.
Charles remember the last time they watched the stars and smiled.
(I would love to.) He replied.
A.C.
Cara ran as fast as she could through the long corridors of the mansion.
/Why does this place always seem to get bigger and bigger when something is URGENT!?/ she thought with breathless annoyance.
She rounded a corner, and almost catapulted into Beast.
"Hey, Hank! I can't stop now... got something to do... I want to talk to you later though!" she shouted over her shoulder as she continued running. She wanted to talk to him about the Lady in the medlab.
Finally, Cara saw the door of Xavier's study. She burst in...
"AACK!!! No one's here!!!" she said, and took off running again.
/I know, they're probably outside...only one way to find out!!!/ she thought as she made her way to the door.
She ran outside, and soon spotted Amanda and Xavier talking. She ran up to them.
"help!anonknowswhatwe'replanningkylehurtherjamarsentmeyouhavetocomenowwhere'szeklos!!!" she said in a very rushed voice.
Amanda and Xavier both stared wide eyed at her... they hadn't understood a word she said.
"Calm down, Cara... take a deep breath, and start over from the beginning. Slower this time. What is wrong?" Xavier said.
Cara took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.
"Anon knows what we're planning... Kyle hurt her... Jamar broke through long enough to send me a message... you and Zeklos have to come, NOW!!!" Cara said in an urgent voice.
Zeklos stepped out of the shadows.
"It is true, Xavier...'First One' has called us both...we must go."
Charles sighed and looked at Amanda...he may need her help, but after the last time she tried to help Jamar... he didn't know if he could ask that of her. What if...
His musings were interrupted by the sudden movement of Amanda resting her hand on his shoulder.
/It is alright, Charles...I can do this...I will be fine. We must go now./ she responded.
"GREAT!!! It's settled then...we're going! Come on you GUYS!!! Hurry up!!!" Cara said as she rushed back towards the mansion.
"How did Cara know what we were thinking?" asked a shocked Amanda.
"I didn't!!!" shouted the retreating Cara, "I'm empathic...I knew what you were feeling! Let's go already!!!"
"Perhaps Cara should be elsewhere while we deal with Kyle, Professor...'First One' would not like for her to be hurt." suggested Zeklos.
Rainfall
"Are you sure about this?" asked Charles.
"I'll be fine. He caught me unprepared the last time. Besides, I'll have you with me." Amanda assured him.
In his mind he heard, (Don't start getting unprofessional with me.)
(Can't help it. I love you.)
Amanda smiled at the simple statement. She then used her powers to inform the rest of the telepaths and empaths to stay away from the mansion. She was afraid of what would happen if Jamar let off a psychic backlash again. She also wanted to keep Anon away from the rest of the team.
(Charles, maybe we should use this opportunity to draw Anon out onto the psychic plane. See what she's got.)
(I am not going to let you fight a one on one battle with her.)
(You got to stop reading my mind. Besides you'll be there if I need help. We got to see what she can do. I'll have my dragon guilds to help. You know I'm right.)
(All right. Talk to Cara first. try to get some information first.)
They had just joined the rest of the team when Amanda decided to do something that would make Charles relax. It would take his mind off of the danger for a second or two. She waited till they were surrounded by the X-men, when she bent down and deliver a passionate kiss on there stun leader. She didn't stop until he responded fully. Then she grab Cara's arm and led her away.
She turned around and over her shoulder shouted, "Relax, Charles. I'll be fine and we'll finish that discussion later. It was most stimulating."
Cara gasped and whispered in her ear, " I can't believe you just did that."
"I needed to get his mind and everyone else's off what we were about to do. Anon can read minds, remember? We need to stop projecting our thoughts. I want you to tell me everything about her and about this little challenge you made."
A.C.
Cara took a deep breath.
"Right before Jonas came back, I was on the cliff, and I contacted Anon. I told her that I was coming for her...she accepted my challenge. I know it was a stupid thing to do...I know that I'm totally in over my head. Anon is holding me to it though." Cara said.
Amanda nodded, and said, "I see, please continue."
"Now, this is what I have learned from my conversation with Anon." Cara continued, "She is a very powerful telepath who can turn people into stone," Cara shivers as she rubs her right arm, then continues, "... is homicidal, psychopathic, and intelligent. She is connected to us...feeds off of us...off of our misery and pain. It makes her stronger. She knows what we are planning, and knows about the vaccine Sammi is making...and she hasn't told Sinister anything about it. Anon likes a challenge...I could feel it. She's only allowing us to continue, so she can have the pleasure of killing us first hand."
"One more thing, Kyle knows Anon, and he hurt her telepathically. He's planning on destroying all of us. We need to stop him, Amanda...before Jamar...is...lost!" Cara said with a shaky voice. She could feel that Jamar was losing the battle. Something had to be done, and it had to be done NOW!
Rainfall
Sabretooth watched as Ryan’s chest rose and fell with each breath. She looked so peaceful sleeping.
/How is it this frail gets under my skin so much,/ he thought to himself.
He pushed a stray piece of hair out of her face and caressed her cheek. Victor was so mad with her earlier but when he looked at her sleeping form all that anger melted away. Victor realized how much in love with her he was. He thought for a moment about asking her not to leave, but to stay with him instead. Victor knew he couldn’t do that though, what if she said no?
He didn’t think he could take the thought of her not wanting to be with him. Still he also realized that she needed to go back to her own world. He didn’t want her to live in this world and deal with all the anti-mutant hate he has had to put up with. __
Ryan dreamed of fields and children laughing. The entire scene looked like something from the sixties. People with flowers in their hair and long flowing dresses that danced in the wind. She smiled at the scene. It was so peaceful and so carefree, the kind of life she wanted. The scene was broken though... everyone turned and looked at her with terrified expressions. Suddenly, everyone was screaming and running.
She didn’t understand why. Ryan looked down at her body, and she was the same as she was before. Nothing about her appearance would terrify anyone. Granted, some people freaked out about her tattoos and piercing’s, but nothing to make people this afraid. Suddenly, a little boy came up to her, completely unafraid.
“Why is everyone scared and running away?” She asked the child.
“Because of this.” He said and pointed to her heart. “You have an evil heart. Doomed to cause death and harm to everyone you are close to. Look at what you’ve done so far.”
Standing before Ryan, were the people she had once cared for. Her cousin who had hung himself, who she had found dead. One friend who drowned in the ocean because she couldn't fight the waves. Athena who had nearly died because of her heart problems. Jonas who had died and she nearly killed a few times. The field seemed to be filled with people who Ryan had met in her short lifetime. All eyes rested on her, some of them cold and dead... others alive, but no less cold.
“Everyone you know has been hurt in some way.. most not harmed by anything you’ve done, but only by the curse you carry.“ As the boy spoke he morphed into Sabretooth. “I’m here to make sure you don’t harm anyone else.” With that said, he slashed at Ryan cutting her stomach open spilling her guts.
Ryan awoke with a scream. __
“I don’t understand why you torment them so.” Sinister said looking towards Anon.
“I feed off of it.. it will make her weaker in battle. She is weak to us, you should let me kill her.” Anon replied.
“You shall get your chance. She will pay for what she has done.”
Le Fae
Athena and Bobby had been resting in their room. They wanted to spend all the time they could together. Athena was afraid that every minute might be their last together. She was still very perplexed by everything that was happening. Everyone else had something to contribute to the team. They were all here for a reason. They all seemed to have some important information or power or entity needed to combat Sinister and his minions. She had none of those things.
She still couldn't help but feel Sinister had just made a mistake by bringing her here. He must have intended to bring someone else. What importance could Athena possibly have? She started to cry. She realized there was no way for her to give her friends... her family, the help they needed. For the first time since the night of the costume party, she wished she had died.
snowbaby
Sammi heard Amanda's voice in her head. She needed to get out of the mansion. Even though her telepathic abilities weren't that advanced, she was still in danger. She didn't want to leave. She was comfortable... and she also knew that if she did, she would have to face her dad. She knew Logan was outside the door, waiting. So she did the next best thing.
She telepathically woke Jonas up and covered his mouth before he could say anything. She pointed to her head and told him about what Amanda was going to do and her warning. She also told him about Logan being outside the door. She pointed to the window and he nodded.
They got dressed and she quietly opened the window. And Jonas came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and he flew them out the window and down to the lake.
When She knew they were far enough away, she said,"I'm too happy right now to deal with my father. I know his is pissed, maybe we should have Rogue with us when we see him."
"That's a good idea." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. They sat down on the dock in each other's arms and looked at the stars.
jubilee_79
Teb stepped out of the shower and put on some clothes. She walked into the bedroom and lay down on the bed next to Angelo. He put her arm around her and went back to watching tv.
"Hey, Ange.."
"Hmmm?"
Teb sat up a little bit to look at Ange in the face.
"Can I tell you something? It’s a secret."
Ange smiled at the childish look she had, with nothing but a pair of boxers and one of his oversized teeshirts on.
"Si, chica."
Teb put her head back onto Anges chest. She could hear his heart beat.
"I’m scared of Sinister."
"Come here." Ange said, and sat up.
Teb sat up too til they were both on their knees, facing each other. Ange looked into Teb’s blue eyes. Teb played with Ange’s hair, rubbed the slightly rough skin of his cheek, and looked into his eyes.
"Ange.." Teb said, but was stopped by Ange’s mouth on hers.
Teb kissed back, and put her arms around Ange and pulled him closer.
~~knock knock~~
Teb and Angelo stopped, and looked at the door.
~~knock knock~~
"Hold that thought, chica." Ange said, holding up a finger, and he went to answer the door.
Jubilee, Ev, Paige, Monet, and Jono barged in.
"Hey, do you guys got cable on the tv in here?" Jubilee asked, finding the remote and flipping through the channels.
"Stormy won’t let us use the main tv, til she finds out who left paint tracks." Ev explained, and sat at the edge of the bed with Jubilee.
Ange looked shocked at first, but then a little disappointed. "Oh..."
Jono and Paige took to the couch.
"We ain’t interrupting anything, are we?" Paige asked, and looked at Teb’s ruffled shirt and Ange’s LACK of clothing.
"I believe they were going to have sex..." Monet said and glared at Teb, who had no problem with glaring back.
Everyone looked at Teb and Angelo. Teb blushed bright red. Ange flashed Monet a 'I can’t believe you just said that out loud’ look.
"Um..we were just...ummmm..." Teb started.
"Who cares..." Jubilee interrupted. "They ain’t anymore, not when they got the only available tv in their room." she said firmly.
Everyone finally turned their attention to the tv. Ange gave Teb an 'I’m sorry' look and sat down next to her, and watched music videos with the rest of GenX.
teb
~ASTRAL PLANE~
**You just couldn't keep quiet could you? You had to go yellin’ to your smartass-touchy-feely-empathic girlfriend. Yeah, me and her are gonna have loads of fun.** Kyle's astral form licks his lips in a seductively feral way.
**Don't even think about it!!!**
**OOPS already did... wanna see?** Kyle projects the images of his perverted subconsciousness into Jamar.
**You sick twisted bastard!** Jamar screams. Sharp black crystal blades pop out of Jamar. His hands and arms elongate as he claws at Kyle. The slashing and crackling of purple fire erupts as he teleports and claws at Kyle.
Anon sits back watching the chaos and feeding off of the bad vibrations flowing on the astral plane. -------------------------------------------------
Chaos
It's alright Cara," Amanda soothed, "You won't lose Jamar... I will make sure of that. Now, you must go away from the mansion, what is about to happen may hurt you if you don't...I know you are worried, but you must go."
Cara nodded, and sighed shakily. She knew it was best for her to leave. She began to walk away in the direction of the forest.
*****
Just as Cara reached the first tree of the forest, she cried out and staggered, falling against the tree in pain. She clutched her head with both hands.
When the pain receded, Cara looked up, her face white as chalk.
/Kyle, you disgusting, perverted sicko! How dare you invade my mind like that!/ the dark twisted images Kyle had sent left her shaking...she felt sick.
Her tear-filled eyes suddenly hardened, and grew cold with anger.
/Kyle, if ya weren't a part of my boyfriend, I'd come in there right now and kill ya.../ she thought.
~Why don't you try, anyway? I know you want to...you really hate me don't you? So, come for me...Come to me Cara, I'm waiting for you.~ Kyle spoke in her head. He also knew Anon's art of subliminal messages.
Cara's eyes grew blank, and trance-like, she began to walk back toward the mansion.
Rainfall
Rogue looks on as Jonas and Sammi settle down and look at the stars, she fly closer and for a moment considering to speak to them, but decides against it... when.
"Rogue? Are you going to fly away, or are you coming down... please." Jonas said not looking in her direction.
"I don't want ta intrude..." she said and landed a bit away, slowly she walked over to sit beside them.
"Logan is going to kill ya both, ya know that, don't ya?" Rogue said with a warm smile. Both Jonas and Sammi blushed slightly.
"Ah am happy for ya both..." Rogue wanted to say more, but her voice failed her... and she feared that she would start to cry if she didn’t stop.
Jonas surprisingly wrapped one arm around her shoulder. "Thanks Rogue."
"When ya... died, I felt like I lost a son. I don't understand how, but ya both have gone right to ma heart." Rogue smiled and hugged them both.
"I hope ya two get everything ya ever want, and don't worry about Logan I’ll make sure he behaves." Rogue stood up.
"I'll leave you two alone." but as she started to walk away, Jonas grabbed her arm.
"Rogue, please don't go yet... everyone here has someone they bonded to... I am not the kind of person that does that easily, and now I fear rejection for this form I have become."
He let go of her arm, and before she could react, Jonas gave her a big hug.
"Please... I need to know that you can handle what I have become, because I’m not sure I can yet."
Admiral
Suddenly, Sammi heard Cara cry out in pain.
"Cara!" She said as she got up and started running towards the forest.
Jonas and Rogue were right behind her. They saw Cara walking back towards the mansion.
"Cara, No!!" They yelled as the took off after her.
Sammi got to her first and tackled her. She snapped out of her daze and looked at Sammi and said,"Thanks."
"For what?" Sammi asked confused.
"Kyle was taunting me, and I didn't think before I thought and I challenged him. Somehow he was making me go back to the mansion. You stopped me and broke the link."Cara said giving Sammi a hug.
Sammi hugged her back and said,"Anytime, sis."
Cara pulled back and asked,"What do you mean by sis?"
Sammi looked down and said, "Well, your projecting alot about Jamar. And I know he feels the same, so in a way we're sisters. So, Sis, want to help me defend Jonas from my father? Cause he's coming." She pointed to the back door and they could see the silhouette of Wolverine coming, and it didn't look happy.
Cara looked at Sammi and asked,"What did you do?"
"Let's just put it this way... if we were Jean and Scott there would be a direct mindbond, ya know what I mean?" Sammi said looking at Jonas who just kept smiling.
Rogue smiled at the two of them...her green eyes sparkling with love and happiness for them.
jubilee_79
Cara was smiling at them as well...just then, she felt it...anger, hate and cold determination of considerable quantities, pouring out of one man...he was coming closer.
/Wolverine.../ she thought.
Cara turned and stared in the direction of the mansion; she saw Wolverine advance...the anger pouring off him was overwhelming. He really meant to hurt Jonas; she couldn't let him do that... she loved Jonas like a brother. She had to stay and try to convince Wolverine that this was really Jonas... But Cara was torn; For on the Astral Plane, she could feel Jamar calling to her... he was weakening. Cara had to go help him. Suddenly, she had an idea.
Cara quickly punched her fist into the palm of her other hand...two Caras suddenly appeared. Before Sammi, Jonas or Rogue could do anything, one of the Caras ran off back to the mansion. Rogue was about to follow and bring her back.
"Let her go, Rogue...I have a plan that should help Jamar...I've got to at least try. If I lose him, it will kill me." Cara said softly.
Rogue looked into her eyes...and set down upon the ground once again. She knew that look, knew what it meant. That was how she had felt when she lost Jonas. Rogue looked in Wolverine's direction...she knew how angry he was...he was going to try to kill her "Son"...she wasn't about to let that happen.
*****
The other Cara quickly made her way to the detention level where Jamar/Kyle was being held...as she entered, she saw Amanda and Xavier in front of the cell; Cara couldn't sense anything from them, so she knew they were probably on the Astral Plane fighting against Kyle.
/Oh, I really hope this works.../ Cara thought as she started to concentrate her empathic powers... She just hoped her theory about her powers was correct.
Rainfall
~ASTRAL PLANE~
**Amanda...AManda...AMAnda...Hey what's wrong... yer not scared of little ole me are ya? Oh, by the way, where's yer bald-headed boyfriend?**
Kyle floats there, chuckling as Jamar pants; his psychic form wavering as he tries to gather strength.
/Where's Xavier? I don't think I can handle him./ Jamar asks, wearily.
**Don't give up son, I am here.**
**Ah, Professor... how nice of you to join us.** A psi-bolt shoots past Xavier, barely missing him. **If you and Mandy are here, where's that second rate psi at? Zeklos, I know you're here... show yourself.**
**Sure thing Kyle.** Psionic arrows begin flying at Kyle but are stopped cold by the TK shield erected around him.**Nice try loser. Who's next?**
Pain begins ripping through Kyle’s subconsciousness as black tendrals of emotion crash in on his mind.
**Unhh!! Looky Looky Jamar. It looks like your girlfriend will be joining us anyway.**
Cara continues to pour it on. /I hope I can keep this up. I'm relatively new to using this power./
**We shall aide you my dear.** The dragons echo within the void as Amanda, Xavier, Zeklos, and Jamar link their minds and power to Cara.
Chaos
