Alright, due to um... the rather persuasive (yeah, that's it!) tactics of some of my list sisters... *looks at Susan for a moment.. innocently, of course* ;-) I have yet another part out! And would you look at that, my pre-reader is so very prompt! I send this in before I go to bed, and when I get up, BAM! she's read it! THANKS SAKURA GIRL!!!! ANYWAY, apparently this chapter is 'waffie and dark' (is that possible?) Just thought I'd warn you. ::: Meredith proceeds to take laptop and duck behind Peter's rather large stack of wall street journals, just in case she needs to avoid things being thrown at her. From her safe hiding place, she, Demando and Dia can observe the chaos about to ensue, without harm. (I hope!) Demando: (whispering) Dia, how crazy do you think she is? Dia: She's crazier than you! Demando: (sneaking glance at Meredith) That is NOT good.::: ^_^;;; And ON with the show>>>>>> Cadre Sister 4/? by Meredith Bronwen Mallory (soon to be Holt) mallorys-girl@cinci.rr.com The pain was everywhere. Mostly the burning fire stayed on his back, but his eyes hurt from crying, his throat hurt from screaming, and he just wanted to die, if that meant the pain would go away. Darien lay flat on his stomach, naked save for a pair of underwear, flinching with each breath he took, for, in some miniscule way, it stretched the skin of his back, thus causing him unbearable pain. Heıd been flogged. It was his punishment, they said, for getting lost, for not paying attention, for not representing the Negacorps to the best of his abilities, for a dozen other crimes he couldnıt remember, because all he could think of was the burning pain of the leather strip as it came down on his back again and again and again... Suddenly, and so unexpectedly that it caused Darien to gasp, warmth and security flowed out to him, engulfing him in a warm, crystalline sea that seemed to go on forever and ever, searching towards infinity with nothing but happiness to offer. he welcomed her presence in his mind, opening his mental Œarmsı to bring her psyche closer. She had been with him all though out the flogging, whispering careful, soothing words to him even as the skin of his back cut, even as blood flowed from the wounds. Trying to distract him from the pain, sheıd sent images of Paris, of playing in the streets when it rained and standing outside the bakery breathing in the delicious smells. It hadnıt really worked, but he appreciated her attempts. Eventually, Serena had taken part of Darienıs pain on herself, though he protested with what energy he had left. As the guards carried him back to the Cadre House, Serena had softly told him she needed to go, that Molly needed her as well. Darien had told her not to worry about it, though in his heart of hearts he wanted her to stay with him. He didnıt say that though, it was selfish. And Molly *would* need her friends, all of them, if she was to survive the Œeducationı center. The young boy shuddered, fighting off his own memories of that place. But now Serena was back, her silver mind voice filtering through their newly erected whisper line. she asked. Darien caught the sensation of warm water on his back and realized that Serena must be in the bath tub. he replied, though they both knew it was a lie, fear, pain, guilt, longing, sadness, Darien assured his friend, Serena wanted to know. Darien made a face, it made sense. he replied, and left it at that. He could feel Serena nodding, then felt salty tears as they trailed down her cheeks. She was crying. Serena confided. Then she was gone, with drawing to the farthest edges of their whisper line. Darien could hear muffled voices on the other end, and knew that was where their whisper line ended, and the one Serena shared with her friends began. Heıd almost lost Serena again, because of her friends and family, Darien thought with some bitterness. Theyıd been afraid to let her have a whisper line with someone in the Negacorps, even if it was the same some one who had helped her escape. In the end, it had been Serenaıs pleading tears that had allowed them to keep it open, though she later confided that she would have kept it even if theyıd said no. For some reason, that made Darien feel warm inside. With Serenaıs retreating psyche also went the warmth of the water, and Darien realized his body was cold. Gently, he removed the new blanket feeling and placed it over himself. Serena had given it to him only a few hours ago, after discovering how worn the other blanket feeling had become. He knew she expected him to get rid of the old one, but somehow he could not. Like everything from Serena, everything about Serena, it was special, and he could not bare to part with it. His stomach growled loudly, and Darien closed his eyes, trying to ward off the pain. Opening them, he gazed longing at the tray of bread and water Ms. Augustine had placed just out of reach on the nightstand. Once again, the poor, starving young boy watched hopelessly as his fingertips grazed the cold metal handle, but didnıt go far enough to wrap around it. Heıd tried to sit up once, but the pain had been so intense it made black spots dance before his eyes. It was hopeless, Darien thought sadly, he wouldnıt be able to eat until he was able to sit up. Life wasnıt fair! Heıd suffered so much humiliation, being bodily dragged to the flogging room in front of all the other children, being forced to watch as some of the nastier ones laughed at him, as even *Beryl* turned away in scorn. True, Andrew, Zoicite and the others had been sympathetic, but they hadnıt been able to be there for him, not like Serena had. The worst part had been when theyıd brought him back to Cadre Omega, watching his playmatesı amusement at his current predicament, seeing the smug look of triumph of Seiyaıs face... ³Darien?² it was Seiya. The young boy opened his eyes to see his room mate standing over him, something approaching pity on his face. Between his long fingers he grasped a piece of bread, holding it out to Darien, offering. Somewhat unsure and more than a little suspicious, Darien reached out to take it, surprised when Seiya didnıt yank it back like he thought he would. Gratefully, Darien ate the bread, all the while watching Seiya curiously. ³This changes nothing,² his arch-nemesis informed him bluntly. Darien started to retort, but his vocal chords hurt from all the screaming, so he merely nodded. Satisfied, Seiya turned his back and went to take a shower. Serena had returned. It never ceased to amaze Darien how much brighter the world seemed when her psyche was whispering to his. In his mindıs eye, he saw her, dressed in a worn pink nightgown that was a bit too small, laying in the back of a pickup truck. The area behind the cab had been converted into a bed of sorts, padded with pillows and patchwork blankets. She wasnıt alone, she was leaning against a raven haired girl -Raye. Lita, another girl, lay opposite Serena, her arms behind her head as she gazed wistfully up at the stars. Mina was already asleep, her blond hair billowing around her, moving a little as the desert wind whipped around the truck. he sent simply, feeling Serenaıs weariness mingle with his own as it came over the whisper line. They didnıt speak for a moment, they just sat, or laid, there, minds touching, feeding each other an endless loop of love and comfort. At last, Darienıs eye lips began to slip over his dark blue orbs, and he felt his breathing deepen. he sent, Serena sent. Along with the words came a feeling of her hand gently stroking his injured back. It didnıt hurt, and Darien realized that she was really petting Rayeıs hair, and just sending the feeling to him. It was nice all the same. Slowly, a low hum over took the whisper line, and Darien gradually realized that Serena was singing to him in his mind. Thus Darien fell asleep, feeling truly content for the first time in years. But his dreams did not reflect the peace he felt. Perhaps, if Ms. Tsukino had known how Darien tossed that night, worried that he might some how betray Serena, she herself might have slept better. --------- Three days later, Darien was able to return to school, and though most of the kids laughed sat him, the ones that mattered, his friends, did not. With Serena safely in his mind and heart, Darien managed to make it through the day, drawing from the endless pool of love and support she fed him with. As the last bell rang, Darien and his friends silently made their way towards the Œeducation centerı. Today, the newly procured children would be released, and Darien was intent on keeping his promise to Serena. He would be there to meet Molly. The day was overcast, as they all seemed to be. Perhaps the Negacorps had such power that they could make even the weather bend to their will, forcing the days to be gray and cloudy, so that they, and memories attached to them, ran together and lost all form. Slowly, one by one, the children, of various heights, ages and builds, walked form the building in a straight, single file line, each dressed in the uniform of the Negacorps. The girls wore a dark blue blouse and a long black skirt, while the boys wore black pants, and black button up shirts. All of them wore the Negacorps pin, and most of their eyes looked dead. One girl caught Darienıs attention. She looked exactly like the mental picture Serena had sent him, her red hair reaching just above her shoulders in a wavy cloud. However, the green bow that usually secured a few select strands behind her head had been exchanged for a black one, but, other than that, and the bruise on her cheek, she looked fine. She too, seemed to be searching for someone, and Darien noted with satisfaction that there was still life in her hazel eyes. Stepping forward, he pulled her aside. ³Hi, Iım Darien,² he told her, patting her shoulder. That little gesture of humanity, the first Molly had seen in three days, brought tears to the young girlıs eyes. With a little, choked sob, she threw her arms around the boy, who hugged her back a little uncomfortably. ³Serena said youıd be here, but I wasnıt quite sure until just now,² Molly said, by way of apology, as she pulled back. ³Donıt worry about it,² Darien replied, taking her hand and leading her over to his friends, ³Iıll look after you and help you learn the ropes, okay?² He hadn't actually told the guys HOW he knew Molly, he hadnıt even told them about Serena. But some how, his friends just accepted it. After all, they knew Darien was like a strong box when it came to secrets. ³I canıt thank you enough,² Molly told him in a low whisper, ³I thought Iıd never see anybody real again.² Darien nodded, his throat dry as he remembered the horrible, illusionary monsters the Negacops used to torture new children with. ³Guys,² Darien said as they reached his group of friends, ³This is Molly Osaka. Molly, thatıs Jadeite,² Darien gestured to his friend, who took a slight bow, and asked politely to be called ŒJedı. ³Jedıs from Cadre Alpha,² Darien told Molly. Though the girl didnıt have a detailed knowledge of cadres yet, she got the idea, ³Thatıs Andrew, Andy for short, heıs from Alpha too. Kunizte and Zoicite, um.. Zoey for short,² the boys, save Zoicite and Kunzite, exchanged somewhat uncomfortable glances, ³theyıre from Cadre Prime, that means they were born here, instead of being brought here like the rest of us. And Neph here is from my cadre.² ³Hey there,² Nephrite said, extending his hand to Molly, who shook it shyly. Introductions made, the little group began walking down the cherry tree lined path, talking amongst themselves and trying to get Molly aquatinted with her new home. ³We have challenges every Friday after lunch,² Andrew explained. ³Whatıs a challenge?² Molly asked. The boys sweat-dropped. ³Maybe you better let Dar show you how to do it,² Jadeite suggested. ³Hey, Iıll show her how!² Nephrite said, ³I almost beat Darienıs score last week!² ³Yeah, almost,² Kunzite pointed out. The two boys gave each other the evil eye, looking about to break into a friendly fight (if there was such a thing). ³Break it up, guys,² Darien said, coming between his two friends, ³Youıll scare her!² ³Itıs alright,² Molly assured them, ³Raye and Serena fight all the time!² The other boys looked confused, while Darien smirked inwardly. ³Theyıre friends of mine,² Molly explained. ³Still free?² Zoicite wanted to know. ³Uh-huh,² Molly nodded. ³Well, donıt let the guards find out about it,² Nephrite told her, ³Theyıll grill you for sure!² They all grimaced, knowing full well the terror that could be induced by the expressionless Negacops. ³So, what cadre are you in?² Andrew asked. ³Bet sheıs in Beta,² Zoicite said knowingly, ³Thatıs where theyıre putting most of the newbies.² ³Nope,² Molly said, ³Iım in Omega.² ³Great!² Nephrite said with a little too much zeal to go unnoticed, ³Youıre in my cadre,² he sweat- dropped, noticing the stares he was getting from his friends, and added, ³And Darıs too, of course.² A moment passed uncomfortably, before Jadeite saved it, somewhat awkwardly ³The girls are playing volleyball again, whoıs in to go watch?² he asked. ³Sure, why not?² Andrew said, trying to act nonchalant. The boys could see right through it, they knew their friend had a thing for Rita. ³Andyıs got a girlfriend, Andy's got a girlfriend!² Zoicite teased annoyingly, jumping around and clapping Andrew on the back, until Kunzite elbowed him. ³Zoey, shut up,² Kunzite said. The other boy instantly quieted, and the group resumed their walk. ³Anyone else?² Jadeite wanted to know. ³Iım gonna walk Molly back to the Cadre House so she can meet Ms. Augustine,² Darien explained, taking the girlıs hand, ³Besides, I have homework. I missed a lot while I was laid up.² ³Yeah, thatıs right,² Kunzite said, as though only just remembering. Darien was thankful for it, though he knew it was fresh in all their minds, ³How is it?² ³No too bad,² Darien replied, flinching a little even as he spoke. The rough wool of his uniform itched painfully against the raised welts on his back. ³So, what about you, Neph?² Andrew asked, referring to the volleyball game. ³Um, naw, Iıll walk with Molly too,² the red head replied slowly. At the fork in the path, they parted ways, Zoicite and Kunzite headed off for some unknown destination, Jed and Andy walking towards the volleyball courts, while Darien, Molly and Nephrite stayed on the main path, the one that would take them Œhomeı. They were silent most of the way there, though Darien could hear slight murmurs from the whisper line with Serena. He had a feeling she was talking with Molly, whoıs eyes were far away, not focusing on any of the passing scenery. She walked in between the two boys, each of them holding one of her hands, knowing that second hardest part of her journey was coming up. Ms. Augustine was Œthe craziest wako I ever met!ı, at least, according to Zoicite. Whatever the case maybe, every child of Omega knew their Cadre Mother was a few bricks short of a load, and her punishments and requests were decidedly... odd. a silvery mind voice broke through the young boyıs somewhat dismal thoughts. He smiled, feeling the scent of fresh picked strawberries that always clung to Serenaıs mind voice. Heıd found that every mind voice had a kind of signature. Though children in the Negacorps were discouraged from communicating mentally, Darien and his friends had occasionally broken that rule. Andrewıs psyche, Darien discovered, reminded him of an arcade he dimly remembered visiting with his mother. Zoiciteıs carried with it the strange scent of cherry blossoms, while sulfur clung to Jadeiteıs. Nephriteıs really didnıt have a scent, it sparkled, like jewelry, or lightening. Darien had never mind spoke with Kunzite, so he wasnıt sure about him, but he knew Seiyaıs carried the taste of bitter Greek olives. He found you could tell a lot about a person, just from knowing what their mind voice carried. she gave him the equivalent of a telepathic hug, he hugged her back, holding her close as long as possible before allowing her psyche to retreat to itıs normal distance. Theyıd reached the gate, which Nephrite pushed open, allowing them to pass through. Serena replied. Theyıd been talking once, over the whisper line, when Ms. Augustine had entered the room. The Cadre Mother had sent Darien enough curious looks that the young boy feared she might have discovered them, though nothing ever happened. Since then, he and Serena had made it a point to remain silent while in the older womanıs presence. Darien replied. Then Serena was gone, as always, leaving a slight void in the young boyıs mind that he could never quite figure out. Carefully, the trio approached the heavy black wood door that marked the entrance to Ms. Augustineıs office. The two boys exchanged glances, the equivalent of; ŒYou do it!ı ŒNo, you!ı Finally, it was Darien who raised his small fist to knock on the door. Ms. Augustine sent. Darien shuddered, feeling her signal, but not her presence, in his mind. Her inner voice was not a pleasant one, it smelled acutely of various odd items, coconuts, turpentine, motor oil and lime, and gave the over all impression of faded yellow wallpaper. ³Ms. Augustine,² Nephrite was the first to regain his voice, now that the three some stood before the big cedar desk. Ms. Augustineıs hard black eyes stared at them awaiting explanation. If her mind voice was frightening, the older womanıs appearance was even more so. She was an intimidating six feet tall, and even sitting, towered over most of the older boys. Her long hair was rain straight, and so many different shades of brown, blond and gray that it gave the over all impression of being colorless. She, of course, wore the feminine version of the Negacorps uniform, with an added black jacket marking her status as Cadre Mother. came Ms. Augustineıs impatient mind voice. Only she, and other Cadre Parents, where allowed to address mentally. ³Well, we brought our new Cadre Sister to meet you, as we thought you would...² Darien trailed off, already feeling the older womanıs signal firing off again. ³M-molly Osaka,² the girl said, rather unsteadily. for a moment, Ms. Augustine was silent, considering, ³Yes.² Molly replied, sounding as though she was about to cry. It was rather intimidating to be made to speak to thin air. their Cadre Mother replied, Darien racked his brain, trying to put a face with the name. He thought he remembered meeting the bird-like girl in passing, but he wasnıt sure. Cadre Omega was one of the largest, so many of itıs members didnıt know each other as intimately as in other, smaller cadres. ³Yes, Ms. Augustine.² ³Youıll be right across from my room,² Darien told Molly as they walked down the hall, ³Mineıs 113.² ³I hate this place,² the girl replied, not even bothering to acknowledge Darienıs comment, ³First they take away my friends and family, now they take away my NAME!?² ³Shh.. sheıll hear you!² Nephrite cautioned, even as he put a supportive arm around Molly. ³Donıt worry Mol,² Darien assured her, ³Weıll take care of you, right Neph?² ³Sure thing!² The hazel eyed girl looked somewhat relieved as the trio passed by the empty common room. Inside, the T.V. was still on, blaring to no one at all. ³In todayıs news,² claimed the blond anchor woman, ³wanted revolutionist, Luna Temple, claimed responsibility for last nightıs bombing of Juuban Station. The train there was supposedly carrying a group of children to a Negacorps village just a few miles away. Though none of the children were harmed, two Negacops were killed. Their names have not been released yet. Luna Temple, and her husband, Artemis, have been responsible for several attacks against the Negacorps, and are leaders of the Mind Walkers movement, seeking to let telepaths live among normals. According to police, Ms. Temple and her husband are still at large....² --------- BWAHAHAHA!!! Evil Mad Scientist Laugh... ^_^ So, was this chapter as terrible as *I* thought it was? Let me know... BTW, I have a lot of other non-season one fics, all of which are posted at ASMR. Please, check them out! ^_^ Oh, and Sakura Girl, Endymion no Megami and Aimee's stuff are great! Check that out too!