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I dont know. I hope so.
He looks strange. I dont know...different.
Of course hes different, Leon quipped sarcastically from behind her. Hes an alien.
Hes not an alien, Kyle said impatiently. Hes the ShaRain.
Oh, my mistake, Leon said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
Kyle Franks worked for Cameron Bishop, the leader of the Freedom Kings. The Kings was a group of mutants that fought for mutant rights as the X-men did, but were far less warm and fuzzy about it. They robbed banks to finance themselves and blew up the offices of anti-mutant human organizations, trying to show that mutants would not go down quietly. Cameron Franks had a good number of mutants on his crew. One of them was a Seer named Joshua. He had whispered to Cameron, his Master, that hed had visions of a winged man with a large Mark, a tattoo of an emerald winged woman lying along the blade of a sword. This man would be powerful and strong, the perfect weapon for their cause. This man was the ShaRain, a word he could not explain, only that it was wrapped around Kimble in his vision. Cameron had responded eagerly by sending out Kyle to collect him. He was aware that Jael was also looking. A race that Cameron had now won, it appeared.
Kimbles eyes slid partway open. Fallen.... he whispered and reached out for her.
What did he say? Gail asked, leaning in closer to the pilot to hear.
Ive fallen and I cant get up! Leon giggled insanely.
Quiet! Kyle snapped. He sat down on the bed and took Kimbles outstretched hand. You okay, son?
I wants ta go home, Fallen...I feels sick.
Kyle cocked his head in amusement at Kimbles strange accent and mangled English. It was like a child had spoken. Youre too sick to go anywhere. Try to sleep.
Kimble curled up slowly into a ball, groaning. My belly hurts...
Get the bucket from the bathroom, Kyle said to Gail. Hes probably going to be sick again.
Kimble didnt wait for her. He heaved and coughed up another volley of grey gel. It was streaked with large bands of orange plasma. Kimble whined and started to cry. It hurts so bad....
Leon snorted. I thought he was supposed to be a big warrior or something. Look at him. Hes cryin like a little baby.
Warriors come in all shapes and sizes, Kyle said angrily. He had no love for Leon and it showed.
Gross... Gail said when she returned. Kimble had spit up all over the bed. It gradually shimmered as it cooled and then vaporized. Well, at least we wont have to clean it up.
Convenient, huh? Michael added with his usual comic laugh. He had helped himself to Kyles fridge and was slurping loudly on a can of soda.
Fallen! Kimble sobbed. He was in agony and wanted only her. Help me! Fallen!
Is that a name? Gail asked.
Sounds like it. Kyle rubbed Kimbles hand. Just take it easy, kid.
I wants ta go home... Im sick... Fix me, Fallen... Makes the pain go away...
Youre not going anywhere just yet. Whats your name, son?
Kimble curled up even more tightly. I wants ta go home...
Tell me who you are and well help you.
I hafta go home! Kimble insisted.
Wheres your home?
You know...the X-mens place .... Just like we planned... Fallen... I promise I wont be bad no more, just fix me, please... he babbled deliriously.
Oh, we are so screwed! Gail said, covering her eyes. Nobody said anything about the X-men being involved in this!
They arent anything we cant handle, Kyle said confidently. He should know, he used to live with them once so very long ago. He didnt stay long, he just couldnt buy into peace between humans and mutants without some kind of show of force by the mutants. Humans never seemed to take mutants seriously, except when they were beating them to death of course. He had lost many friends in this war. Of course he wasnt familiar with the current X-men roster, he had left many years ago, but Charles foolish ideals sometimes left him open for weakness. The more powerful and militant mutants usually got snapped up by Cameron or Jael. He didnt think the X-men would be anything Cameron couldnt handle.
Gail didnt quite believe, but she respected him enough to keep quiet about it. The others stirred restlessly, raising his ire. Kyle sensed the others hovering and felt they were in the way. He pulled away from Kimble and moved his crew aside. Im going to drop you guys off outside. I want you to go and report to Cameron. Tell him Ill bring the ShaRain over to the club when hes better.
Im staying here with him, Leon said. Ive got orders.
So do I. Report back to Cam. Now.
No. Hes not leaving my sight.
The two men locked eyes. Kyle was older and wiser, but Leon was much more powerful and part of Camerons Inner Circle. Kyle had no choice. All right. But keep quiet.
Kyle grabbed Michael and Gail and dropped them off outside. They ran off, grateful to be free and disappeared into the darkness of the night. He returned to the aerie quickly, not wanting to leave Kimble alone with Leon for too long. Leon was sneaky and crazy, he couldnt be trusted.
Kimble was moaning and thrashing on the bed when he arrived back upstairs. Leon stood over him, just a little too closely, a strange twisted grin on his face. Leave him alone, Kyle barked.
I wasnt going to do anything, Leon said, backing off with his hands up. He sat down at the table. He looked around him impatiently. Dont you have any TVs or anything?
No, Kyle answered, sitting next to Kimble on the bed. Try reading a book. Kyle was an intelligent man. He had many shelves with books on all subjects.
Leon snorted and turned away. He was small and weasley, not a very nice person. He was largely illiterate with no desire to expand his horizons. His power enabled him to protect himself and dominate others, he was a bully and more than satisfied with it. Hed been brutally sexually and mentally abused by an uncle when he was a child and it showed in the nasty way he carried himself and argued all of the time. He was filthy and not pleasant to be around. Kyle tried his best to see past all that to the boy underneath, Leon was only a teenager, but his childish and cruel manner made it difficult. For reasons yet to be explained, Cameron had insisted Leon go out on them with this trip and apparently wanted Leon close to this pilot.
Kyle ignored his rude teammate and touched Kimbles fevered face. The creature was still quite warm. If he overheated again, Kyle would be forced to bring him back to the bathroom and cool him off some more.
Kimble felt him there. He reached out and snatched Kyles hand, grasping for any kind of comfort. Help me...
What can I do?
Thirsty...So thirsty...
Kyle got up carefully and got a glass of water. He returned and Kimble grabbed at it greedily. He drank the water down in big gulps, then retched and coughed it all up again. Kyle was at his wits end. He got a towel and cleaned the mess, not sure of what he was doing. He was afraid that Kimble could still die and all of this would be for nothing. Kimble was clawing at his throat, gasping and moaning.
Kyle went to the kitchen, thinking of what to do. He opened up the freezer and took out a large block of ice. He found a pick and stabbed at it viciously, venting some of his pent up frustration over this whole mess. He gathered the chips and dumped them into a bowl before sitting back down next to Kimble. He slid some chips into Kimbles mouth and the pilot took them gratefully, chomping on them and drooling with relief.
Wh-what happened ta me? he asked in a weak scratchy voice. He looked a little more aware.
You got hit by a plasma burst. Youre lucky to be alive.
Plasma... Kimble shuddered. He vaguely remembered Fallen saying something about plasma energy being harmful to the hologram. He reached for more chips and Kyle gave him some, careful not to give him too many.
Its all right. I think youre going to be fine.
Kimble squinted up at him. Whore you?
My name is Kyle Franks. My friends and I found you outside the bar. Youd been attacked by a gang of mutants. We drove them off, but you got hit by a stray plasma burst.
Some of what Kyle said sounded right to Kimbles blurred memory, but not all of it. He had a vague recollection of hurting this man, but wasnt sure why. The marks he had made grabbing for Kyles eyes had faded, he didnt see them and Kyle didnt remind him about it.
Where am I?
This is a safe place. This is one of my homes. No one will harm you here. Now, tell me your name.
Names Kimble.
Kimble?
Yeah, Kimble. Just like that. Kimble. He closed his eyes and took a ragged breath. Its so hot in here...
Kyle took Kimbles hand again. Try to sleep.
Stay with me.
Im not going anywhere.
Kimble spent most of the night in a kind of stupor. He would doze off only to wake and vomit again. The streaks of orange grew less and less with each purging and Kyle could see he was getting better. Even though he was a stranger, Kimble wanted Kyle close to him and finally fell asleep, his head in Kyles lap.
Kyle looked down into Kimbles sleeping face and brushed his hair back gently. Kyle found himself oddly attracted to his sparkling beauty and other worldliness. He was an alabaster winged Adonis, his physique perfect and chiseled. His skin seemed to glow unnaturally and his whiteness suggested purity. Kyle ran his hands gently over his leathery wings, unable to stop his curiosity. He felt Kimble shudder with pleasure from his touch. Kimble mumbled something in a strange musical language and half opened his eyes.
Kyle looked quickly at Leon, but hed fallen asleep, his head on the table. Kyle knew Leon was homophobic as a result of the abuse hed received and didnt want him to misunderstand his careful explorations of their guest. He was merely curious, nothing more.
Kimble slurred more pleasant gibberish and rolled onto his back to look up into Kyles face. He was clearly stoned, the plasma had made him high even as it made him sick. His pupils were fully dilated, making him look even more strange. He whispered something, laughed, and reached up to touch his fevered fingers to Kyles lips.
Kyle took his hand, pulling it away gently. Sleep.
Caint. Too hot. I felt ya touchin me.
Ive never seen anyone like you. Dont be afraid.
I aint scared. You kin keep touchin me, I don mind. I likes it.
He rose up slightly to kiss Kyle, but the older man pushed him down firmly in a gentle refusal. He was a little confused by Kimbles apparent desire. He knew Kimble had been at the bar with a woman. Hed actually seen Kimble there a few times without knowing who he was. Each time, Kimble had gone with a prostitute. Maybe Kimble was just really high. Still, he made his position on the matter clear. Im not gay and I dont want you that way. Im sorry if I confused you.
I aint no man. I aint no girl. Im Kimble.
What does that mean? Kimble?
S my name.
Well...Kimble. I was curious about you, but thats all, Kyle repeated, firm about this.
Kimble withered a little. Sall right. Don be mad at me.
Im not angry. I was just wondering what you are.
Kimble laughed, relieved, and said, Im Kimble. Im a pilot, as if that explained everything.
A pilot, huh? Ive never seen a pilot quite like you.
Thats cuz there aint no pilots like me. Im the only one.
The only one? Dont you have parents?
A dark sadness crossed Kimbles face. Gots no parents. I aint even real.
You seem real enough to me.
Well, I aint. Kimble rolled onto his side, turning away. The plasma was buzzing in his head like hed drunk too much whiskey. It enhanced his senses but exaggerated his emotions. Hed been aroused when Kyle was touching him, now he felt a sadness so profound he thought it would swallow him up whole.
Kyle touched his shoulder, concerned at Kimbles rapid change in mood. I meant no offense.
I wants ta go home.
Youre sick.
Kimble tried to rise, wanting only to get out of here. He had to find Fallen. He swayed drunkenly as the room began to spin wildly. His stomach heaved and he gagged. Kyle grabbed at him, not letting him fall. Kimble leaned back against him, letting the other man catch him. Kimbles head flopped back and he found himself looking up into Kyles eyes again. Kimble started to shake in fear. Hed never been this drunk, this high before and it frightened him. Helps me...
Im trying, but youre not co-operating.
Whats happenin ta me? He had no memory of the night before or of Kyles explaining all this already.
You got hit with a plasma burst. You absorbed it and its made you sick. You need to rest.
Kimble closed his eyes, feeling horrible. Im scared.
Its all right. Ive got you now. Kyle lay Kimble back down on the bed and covered him up with the blankets. Sleep.
Kimble grasped his wrist. Stay with me.
Kyle looked down at him, confused. Joshua said this was the ShaRain. The ShaRain was supposed to be some kind of powerful fighting spirit. He had gone on to say that not only would the ShaRain be an asset and a powerful ally, he was also destined to find some kind of special object of power called the LaRoo, another word Joshua was at a loss to explain. It all sounded kind of hokey to Kyle, but Cameron was all over it. Kyle decided he would just treat Kimble like any other recruit and bring him into the fold like the rest. He turned on his best charming smile. Of course Ill stay with you.
Kimble released him and curled up next to him. Kyle petted his head gently until he heard Kimbles breathing change and he knew he was asleep, hopefully for a while this time. He stood up and saw Leon was out cold as well. This was as good a time as any to sneak off and call Cameron. He was sorry now hed never installed a phone up here, but he hated telephones and wanted the isolation. There was a payphone just down the street. He stepped out onto the fire escape and dropped down to the alley below.
To read more click here : http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2608701/1/Shattered
He looks strange. I dont know...different.
Of course hes different, Leon quipped sarcastically from behind her. Hes an alien.
Hes not an alien, Kyle said impatiently. Hes the ShaRain.
Oh, my mistake, Leon said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
Kyle Franks worked for Cameron Bishop, the leader of the Freedom Kings. The Kings was a group of mutants that fought for mutant rights as the X-men did, but were far less warm and fuzzy about it. They robbed banks to finance themselves and blew up the offices of anti-mutant human organizations, trying to show that mutants would not go down quietly. Cameron Franks had a good number of mutants on his crew. One of them was a Seer named Joshua. He had whispered to Cameron, his Master, that hed had visions of a winged man with a large Mark, a tattoo of an emerald winged woman lying along the blade of a sword. This man would be powerful and strong, the perfect weapon for their cause. This man was the ShaRain, a word he could not explain, only that it was wrapped around Kimble in his vision. Cameron had responded eagerly by sending out Kyle to collect him. He was aware that Jael was also looking. A race that Cameron had now won, it appeared.
Kimbles eyes slid partway open. Fallen.... he whispered and reached out for her.
What did he say? Gail asked, leaning in closer to the pilot to hear.
Ive fallen and I cant get up! Leon giggled insanely.
Quiet! Kyle snapped. He sat down on the bed and took Kimbles outstretched hand. You okay, son?
I wants ta go home, Fallen...I feels sick.
Kyle cocked his head in amusement at Kimbles strange accent and mangled English. It was like a child had spoken. Youre too sick to go anywhere. Try to sleep.
Kimble curled up slowly into a ball, groaning. My belly hurts...
Get the bucket from the bathroom, Kyle said to Gail. Hes probably going to be sick again.
Kimble didnt wait for her. He heaved and coughed up another volley of grey gel. It was streaked with large bands of orange plasma. Kimble whined and started to cry. It hurts so bad....
Leon snorted. I thought he was supposed to be a big warrior or something. Look at him. Hes cryin like a little baby.
Warriors come in all shapes and sizes, Kyle said angrily. He had no love for Leon and it showed.
Gross... Gail said when she returned. Kimble had spit up all over the bed. It gradually shimmered as it cooled and then vaporized. Well, at least we wont have to clean it up.
Convenient, huh? Michael added with his usual comic laugh. He had helped himself to Kyles fridge and was slurping loudly on a can of soda.
Fallen! Kimble sobbed. He was in agony and wanted only her. Help me! Fallen!
Is that a name? Gail asked.
Sounds like it. Kyle rubbed Kimbles hand. Just take it easy, kid.
I wants ta go home... Im sick... Fix me, Fallen... Makes the pain go away...
Youre not going anywhere just yet. Whats your name, son?
Kimble curled up even more tightly. I wants ta go home...
Tell me who you are and well help you.
I hafta go home! Kimble insisted.
Wheres your home?
You know...the X-mens place .... Just like we planned... Fallen... I promise I wont be bad no more, just fix me, please... he babbled deliriously.
Oh, we are so screwed! Gail said, covering her eyes. Nobody said anything about the X-men being involved in this!
They arent anything we cant handle, Kyle said confidently. He should know, he used to live with them once so very long ago. He didnt stay long, he just couldnt buy into peace between humans and mutants without some kind of show of force by the mutants. Humans never seemed to take mutants seriously, except when they were beating them to death of course. He had lost many friends in this war. Of course he wasnt familiar with the current X-men roster, he had left many years ago, but Charles foolish ideals sometimes left him open for weakness. The more powerful and militant mutants usually got snapped up by Cameron or Jael. He didnt think the X-men would be anything Cameron couldnt handle.
Gail didnt quite believe, but she respected him enough to keep quiet about it. The others stirred restlessly, raising his ire. Kyle sensed the others hovering and felt they were in the way. He pulled away from Kimble and moved his crew aside. Im going to drop you guys off outside. I want you to go and report to Cameron. Tell him Ill bring the ShaRain over to the club when hes better.
Im staying here with him, Leon said. Ive got orders.
So do I. Report back to Cam. Now.
No. Hes not leaving my sight.
The two men locked eyes. Kyle was older and wiser, but Leon was much more powerful and part of Camerons Inner Circle. Kyle had no choice. All right. But keep quiet.
Kyle grabbed Michael and Gail and dropped them off outside. They ran off, grateful to be free and disappeared into the darkness of the night. He returned to the aerie quickly, not wanting to leave Kimble alone with Leon for too long. Leon was sneaky and crazy, he couldnt be trusted.
Kimble was moaning and thrashing on the bed when he arrived back upstairs. Leon stood over him, just a little too closely, a strange twisted grin on his face. Leave him alone, Kyle barked.
I wasnt going to do anything, Leon said, backing off with his hands up. He sat down at the table. He looked around him impatiently. Dont you have any TVs or anything?
No, Kyle answered, sitting next to Kimble on the bed. Try reading a book. Kyle was an intelligent man. He had many shelves with books on all subjects.
Leon snorted and turned away. He was small and weasley, not a very nice person. He was largely illiterate with no desire to expand his horizons. His power enabled him to protect himself and dominate others, he was a bully and more than satisfied with it. Hed been brutally sexually and mentally abused by an uncle when he was a child and it showed in the nasty way he carried himself and argued all of the time. He was filthy and not pleasant to be around. Kyle tried his best to see past all that to the boy underneath, Leon was only a teenager, but his childish and cruel manner made it difficult. For reasons yet to be explained, Cameron had insisted Leon go out on them with this trip and apparently wanted Leon close to this pilot.
Kyle ignored his rude teammate and touched Kimbles fevered face. The creature was still quite warm. If he overheated again, Kyle would be forced to bring him back to the bathroom and cool him off some more.
Kimble felt him there. He reached out and snatched Kyles hand, grasping for any kind of comfort. Help me...
What can I do?
Thirsty...So thirsty...
Kyle got up carefully and got a glass of water. He returned and Kimble grabbed at it greedily. He drank the water down in big gulps, then retched and coughed it all up again. Kyle was at his wits end. He got a towel and cleaned the mess, not sure of what he was doing. He was afraid that Kimble could still die and all of this would be for nothing. Kimble was clawing at his throat, gasping and moaning.
Kyle went to the kitchen, thinking of what to do. He opened up the freezer and took out a large block of ice. He found a pick and stabbed at it viciously, venting some of his pent up frustration over this whole mess. He gathered the chips and dumped them into a bowl before sitting back down next to Kimble. He slid some chips into Kimbles mouth and the pilot took them gratefully, chomping on them and drooling with relief.
Wh-what happened ta me? he asked in a weak scratchy voice. He looked a little more aware.
You got hit by a plasma burst. Youre lucky to be alive.
Plasma... Kimble shuddered. He vaguely remembered Fallen saying something about plasma energy being harmful to the hologram. He reached for more chips and Kyle gave him some, careful not to give him too many.
Its all right. I think youre going to be fine.
Kimble squinted up at him. Whore you?
My name is Kyle Franks. My friends and I found you outside the bar. Youd been attacked by a gang of mutants. We drove them off, but you got hit by a stray plasma burst.
Some of what Kyle said sounded right to Kimbles blurred memory, but not all of it. He had a vague recollection of hurting this man, but wasnt sure why. The marks he had made grabbing for Kyles eyes had faded, he didnt see them and Kyle didnt remind him about it.
Where am I?
This is a safe place. This is one of my homes. No one will harm you here. Now, tell me your name.
Names Kimble.
Kimble?
Yeah, Kimble. Just like that. Kimble. He closed his eyes and took a ragged breath. Its so hot in here...
Kyle took Kimbles hand again. Try to sleep.
Stay with me.
Im not going anywhere.
Kimble spent most of the night in a kind of stupor. He would doze off only to wake and vomit again. The streaks of orange grew less and less with each purging and Kyle could see he was getting better. Even though he was a stranger, Kimble wanted Kyle close to him and finally fell asleep, his head in Kyles lap.
Kyle looked down into Kimbles sleeping face and brushed his hair back gently. Kyle found himself oddly attracted to his sparkling beauty and other worldliness. He was an alabaster winged Adonis, his physique perfect and chiseled. His skin seemed to glow unnaturally and his whiteness suggested purity. Kyle ran his hands gently over his leathery wings, unable to stop his curiosity. He felt Kimble shudder with pleasure from his touch. Kimble mumbled something in a strange musical language and half opened his eyes.
Kyle looked quickly at Leon, but hed fallen asleep, his head on the table. Kyle knew Leon was homophobic as a result of the abuse hed received and didnt want him to misunderstand his careful explorations of their guest. He was merely curious, nothing more.
Kimble slurred more pleasant gibberish and rolled onto his back to look up into Kyles face. He was clearly stoned, the plasma had made him high even as it made him sick. His pupils were fully dilated, making him look even more strange. He whispered something, laughed, and reached up to touch his fevered fingers to Kyles lips.
Kyle took his hand, pulling it away gently. Sleep.
Caint. Too hot. I felt ya touchin me.
Ive never seen anyone like you. Dont be afraid.
I aint scared. You kin keep touchin me, I don mind. I likes it.
He rose up slightly to kiss Kyle, but the older man pushed him down firmly in a gentle refusal. He was a little confused by Kimbles apparent desire. He knew Kimble had been at the bar with a woman. Hed actually seen Kimble there a few times without knowing who he was. Each time, Kimble had gone with a prostitute. Maybe Kimble was just really high. Still, he made his position on the matter clear. Im not gay and I dont want you that way. Im sorry if I confused you.
I aint no man. I aint no girl. Im Kimble.
What does that mean? Kimble?
S my name.
Well...Kimble. I was curious about you, but thats all, Kyle repeated, firm about this.
Kimble withered a little. Sall right. Don be mad at me.
Im not angry. I was just wondering what you are.
Kimble laughed, relieved, and said, Im Kimble. Im a pilot, as if that explained everything.
A pilot, huh? Ive never seen a pilot quite like you.
Thats cuz there aint no pilots like me. Im the only one.
The only one? Dont you have parents?
A dark sadness crossed Kimbles face. Gots no parents. I aint even real.
You seem real enough to me.
Well, I aint. Kimble rolled onto his side, turning away. The plasma was buzzing in his head like hed drunk too much whiskey. It enhanced his senses but exaggerated his emotions. Hed been aroused when Kyle was touching him, now he felt a sadness so profound he thought it would swallow him up whole.
Kyle touched his shoulder, concerned at Kimbles rapid change in mood. I meant no offense.
I wants ta go home.
Youre sick.
Kimble tried to rise, wanting only to get out of here. He had to find Fallen. He swayed drunkenly as the room began to spin wildly. His stomach heaved and he gagged. Kyle grabbed at him, not letting him fall. Kimble leaned back against him, letting the other man catch him. Kimbles head flopped back and he found himself looking up into Kyles eyes again. Kimble started to shake in fear. Hed never been this drunk, this high before and it frightened him. Helps me...
Im trying, but youre not co-operating.
Whats happenin ta me? He had no memory of the night before or of Kyles explaining all this already.
You got hit with a plasma burst. You absorbed it and its made you sick. You need to rest.
Kimble closed his eyes, feeling horrible. Im scared.
Its all right. Ive got you now. Kyle lay Kimble back down on the bed and covered him up with the blankets. Sleep.
Kimble grasped his wrist. Stay with me.
Kyle looked down at him, confused. Joshua said this was the ShaRain. The ShaRain was supposed to be some kind of powerful fighting spirit. He had gone on to say that not only would the ShaRain be an asset and a powerful ally, he was also destined to find some kind of special object of power called the LaRoo, another word Joshua was at a loss to explain. It all sounded kind of hokey to Kyle, but Cameron was all over it. Kyle decided he would just treat Kimble like any other recruit and bring him into the fold like the rest. He turned on his best charming smile. Of course Ill stay with you.
Kimble released him and curled up next to him. Kyle petted his head gently until he heard Kimbles breathing change and he knew he was asleep, hopefully for a while this time. He stood up and saw Leon was out cold as well. This was as good a time as any to sneak off and call Cameron. He was sorry now hed never installed a phone up here, but he hated telephones and wanted the isolation. There was a payphone just down the street. He stepped out onto the fire escape and dropped down to the alley below.
To read more click here : http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2608701/1/Shattered