Zero Hour I
Chapter 4
by
Nina
Disclaimer: All references to characters belonging to the X-Men Universe are © and TM the Marvel Comics Group, 20th Century Fox and all related entities.All rights reserved.
Author's Note: Bear with me, L/O lovers, the best is yet to come.
"She's waking up."
Hank went to the girl's side. Her dark hands flexed into strong fists and her eyelids fluttered, but thirty seconds passed before she completely opened her eyes. Brown, Ororo thought suddenly. Her eyes are dark brown. And her scars are gone. . .
The stranger swallowed and reached for her throat, but the tubes and wires connected to her hands inhibited her movements.
Hank cupped his huge blue paws behind the girl's head and he delicately placed a cup of water to her dark lips.
"Better?"
"Yes. Thank you," she said hoarsely. She blinked rapidly, staring at his hands, and suddenly gripped both of them. She choked down a sob and clung to his furry paws as a look of joy spread across her features. "Beast. . . "
He looked up, startled, and glanced around the room. She followed his gaze and, when she saw the other X-Men, her smile broadened.
"You. . . You have me at a slight disadvantage, child. You apparently know my name, but I do not know yours."
Her face collapsed. She shut her eyes tight, turned from Beast, and sunk her head into her pillow. The muscles in her square jaw worked dangerously. "It didn't. . . it didn't work. My name isn't important."
"It is to us, darlin.' You sorta came unannounced."
"It's not," she said quietly, but her voice cracked. "Sorry to have troubled you. I'll leave as soon as I'm fit enough to leave."
"Girl, it ain't like you've gotta choice here," Rogue said. "We're kinda curious 'bout stuff like this. 'Specially when it's so near to home, y'know? We'd kinda like to know why we had ta save your life."
She swallowed. "Please. . . Leave me alone."
"At least tell us your name, child," Storm said softly.
She began chuckling. Her alto laugh was deep and frightening. "Call me Nada. Now, please. I'm tired, now."
Cyclops was about to speak, but Beast raised his hand. "My patient has spoken, and I defer to her better judgment. You may all visit when she feels better. I suggest we forego our questions until then."
"Hank - "
"Tut, tut. The doctor has spoken." Hank gave them a threatening, Beast-like stare over his spectacles, and shooed all, save two, from the room. "That includes you as well, Wolverine and Storm. Scoot!"
Storm glanced at Wolverine, who had a few extra lines beneath his eyes. Apparently he hadn't slept well, either. He stared at Nada and a deep growl escaped from the center of his chest. Alarmed, Storm touched his arm, but he jumped from her grasp as if she'd shot electricity through it.
"Wolverine - ?"
His somber gaze wallowed between Storm's face and Nada's stubborn form. "She ain't talkin'. I gotta get some air."
He brushed passed Storm without saying another word. Unconsciously a white film clouded Storm's eyes, and a strong rain pattered the roof. She wanted to say more, or do more, but Beast's eyes were stern now, and he would not welcome her persistence. Before heeding his command to leave the room, Storm heard Nada choke back her tears. The shower outside grew into a summer thunderstorm.
We shall talk later, child. That is a promise.
All references to characters belonging to the X-Men Universe are (c) and TM the Marvel Comics Group, 20th Century Fox and all related entities. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, duplication or distribution of these materials in any form is expressly prohibited. No money is being made from this archive. All images are also (c) and TM the Marvel Comics Group, 20th Century Fox and all related entities; they are not mine. This website, its operators and any content used on this site relating to the X-Men are not authorized by Marvel, Fox, etc. I am not, nor do I claim to be affiliated with any of these entities in any way.