Loyalties Pt. 1
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������A lone spacecraft could be seen retreating into the gray, desolate sky. Strung across the ground was the rest of the alien fleet. It had been destroyed. Mixed within the foreign rubble were the heroes that had been gathered to save the world from a fate worst than death, enslavement. They have suffered the same fate as their opponents, death.

������A solitary figure, hidden within the shadows, sneaked through the death and debris taking in the cold, bleak surroundings. He knew that the world was safe for the time being. But who would be there when evil again rose?

~*~*~*~*~* Thirty Years Later*~*~*~*~*~



�������Jacob, get back here!� A holler rang out over the previously calm mansion.
������In the spacious kitchen sat the team leader of the Guardian�s, James Anderson. Across the table from him sat the second in command, a beautiful woman of Native descent, Kai Long. They each shook their heads although neither of them took their attention from their morning coffees as another yell rang out through the quaint country style home.
�������Do you think Hope will catch him this time?� Kai asked as she put another lump of sugar into the dark liquid in front of her.
������James shrugged as Ace walked into the room and yanked the fridge door open violently although not hard enough to pull it off its hinges, which she was fully capable of doing.
�������Ruse locked himself in his room.� She informed them as she pulled out a jug of orange juice. �You better hope Hope doesn�t bring out her sword.� She said leaning against the counter across from the others.
������James again shrugged. �After the number of pranks he�s pulled lately, he deserves what ever he has coming to him. And I for one don�t care.�
�������Why Cell,� Renegade said with a mischievous grin as he stood in the doorframe of the kitchen. �Did you finally get some sense beat into you the last training session?�
������James looked at the younger man with irritation in his eyes. �You didn�t beat me, we had to end the match in order to make it to the briefing.�
������Zen nodded unconvinced, which showed in his eyes. �Sure, Cell, what ever you say.�
������He shifted his gaze to Kai and Ace. �Hello ladies.� He said as he walked over and placed his hands on Kai�s shoulders. �And how are you doing this morning?�
������She moved his hands. �I'm too old for you.� She got up and placed her then empty mug into the sink.
������Zen had followed her movements with his eyes before focusing on Ace. She shook her head. �Don�t even try it Renegade.� She said as she stood up and followed Kai out of the room.
������He watched them both go before flopping down in the chair Kai left vacant. �I must be losing my touch.� He looked up at James who was snickering lightly. �What are you laughing at? You never even had it.�

������Simon Peters, the brain of the Guardians, shook his head when he heard Hope Freedman�s initial holler. He pushed his hair from his eyes as he stretched his large frame that had been hunched over a station in the spacious research lab on the first sub level.
�������I must have left the ladder hatch open.� He thought. That would have been the only way someone could be heard through the sound proof barrier. He heard a squawk behind him. He turned around to see Garret; Hope�s hawk perched upon one of the station tables.
�������What are you doing here?� He asked. His only answer from the bird was a slight head tilt. Simon shook his head. �Like you�re going to tell me. Simon old boy you need to get your head checked. You�re loosing your wits.�
�������It happens when you reach your mid thirties,� came a cheerful, kind voice from the entrance.
������Simon turned around to see Hope walking over to the bird.
������He crossed his arms as he watched her call Garret onto her gloved left arm. �Well, you�re not too far off from that age.�
�������I�m twenty four.� She said as he turned back to his work. �Not quite old enough for a psychotic episode.� She spoke as she walked up to him and peered over his shoulder to see what he was working on.
�������I�m doing tests on Ace�s DNA.� He informed her, knowing what she was bound to ask. �I�m trying to figure out why�� he broke off his sentence as he shook his head.
������She nodded. �Why she literally blew up when she was in danger yesterday during her session?�
�������Yeah.�
������Hope picked up an empty test tube and started to play with it. �What did she tell you?�
�������Not much.� He confessed.
������Hope smiled, not the least surprised. That�s our Ace.�
������Simon nodded. �I know; she only told me that that wasn�t the first time that her powers have saved her.�
������Hope looked confused. �Saved her?�
�������Her termination. She doesn�t understand her powers in the slightest most minimal capacity.�
�������Nor can she control them.� Hope said setting the test tube down. �Sometimes I think she has more power than she knows what to do with. More power than the rest of us combined.�
������Simon placed his hand over hers, knowing the reason for her distress. �Do not worry Hope. You�re still young, and your powers will continue to develop for many years yet to come. Have patience.� She nodded as he looked into his microscope. �More than you have shown with young Jacob.�
������She laughed lightly. �He deserves it. Spying on me the way he does� not to mention the endless pranks.�
�������He has a crush on you, this is simply how he expresses it. Just wait for his powers to develop a little more, he�ll turn trash into roses to win your innocent heart.�
She looked at him with a smile on her face. �Why doesn�t he go after Kai or Ace?�
�������Kai�s too old for him and Renegade already told Jacob that he has dibs on Ace. Plus Jacob�s scared of her.� She nodded silently. She had a distraught look on her face that he couldn�t help but notice. �I�m sure you�ll find someone who�ll place �dibs� on you soon. One who�s old enough to vote.�
She smiled as she stood up straight. �If I don�t I�m blaming you.� She again laughed lightly as she quietly moved towards the door.
������A few minutes after she left a head poked into the open entrance.
�������Psst. Simon, is she gone?�
������Simon turned his head to see the cause of Hope�s previous distain standing in the doorway. �It�s okay Jacob, she left.�
������Jacob sighed slightly before walking into the lab. Simon laughed lightly as Jacob sat down beside him.
�������What?� Jacob asked him.
�������I just realized why you were so insistent about taking on the code name Ruse.�
������Jacob smiled proudly. �Well, that�s me. The comic relief section.�
�������So what�d you do this time?�
������Jacob shrugged. �Toothpaste on the toilet seat. It may be an old one, but it�s a classic.�
�������Well as your tutor, I must advice you to cease these pranks before you cross the line that you are so close too. At least for a while, until we are in need of the comic relief that you are so willing to provide.�
������Jacob saluted. �Will do teach. So what�s planned in the learning department today?�
������Simon thought a moment before changing slides under the microscope. �Chemistry for an hour, Math for an hour, then you are scheduled for an hour lesson with Zen where you will help him fix the Custodian. Then you have lunch followed by an hour English lesson, and then Kai wishes to have a discussion about communication, which will take about a half hour. Your day will end with a training session with James on control of your mutant ability.�
�������Cool.� Jacob said with a smile. �Will I be turning live grenades into duds again?�
������Simon shook his head. �No, a live target today.� Jacob looked at him semi confused. �Ace. She�s the only one who can survive any slip ups you may make.�

Kai, Hope and Ace stood in the three story high training session and simulation room, called the Chamber for short. The former two were wearing workout uniforms. Hope had a gauntlet hanging from her belt and a sword in its sheath that was over her back.
������They watched silently as James exited the control room. �Ok, Hope, Kismet this one�s set up for you. Ace will spot from the control room. Now I have to go and mediate. Sampson says it�ll help with the headaches.�
������Hope looked at him. �But why isn�t Ace participating too? I mean why couldn�t Zen look after us?�
�������Renegade is trying to get the Custodian off the ground again. And as for Ace, she�ll get her exercise when she tests Ruse�s powers.�
������Hope only nodded as James left. �Besides Serenity,� Ace said as she left the pair, �I�m scheduled for a late night session with Renegade.�

������The machines around Kismet and Serenity came to life immediately after Ace entered the control room via a secondary door within the Chamber itself. Serenity whipped out her sword and almost instantaneously it turned a light, bright purple color. Kismet stood in a defensive stance; her blue eyes searched the perimeter for any hidden traps.
������She found one in a cable of metal the came from the ceiling. Stream after stream attacked them. Kismet had no trouble emitting a golden blast from her hands and eyes, sometimes in two directions at once. Behind her Serenity was making good use of her sword. She swung the impenetrable metal blade at the rapidly flying metal disks that were headed for both her and Kismet.
�������Why couldn�t� Kai deal with these� damn things!� She said as she deflected another wave of metal disks. �Her powers are better at projectiles.�
�������That�s the point of this exercise Serenity,� Ace said over the intercom. �There may be a battle where you�re forced to deal with projectiles on your own. You won�t have a baby sitter then. No kid gloves there or here.�
������As the level changed and the pair in the exercise were allowed a small breather Serenity looked at Kismet. �I hate it when she has a point.�
������Kismet smiled slightly before firing a karmatic blast of energy to a wall blaster that was aiming at Serenity�s head. They were allowed a moment to asses the situation. There were wall blasters, more cables plus the added threat of moveable attack machines (AMs).
������Kismet looked at Serenity. �I don�t suppose you brought Garret.�
������Serenity smiled as she pointed to a perch close to the ceiling where Garret sat. �Never leave home without him.�
�������Good. Get him to distract the cables, you keep the attack machines busy while I take out the blasters.�
������Serenity nodded before moving away from Kismet. �You heard her Garret, shake a tail feather!� She yelled as she moved into position between the attack machines. She ducked out of the way as one fired. She was able to lift her sword to deflect it at one of its comrades. Serenity jumped when it blew up.
������She quickly looked at the control room. �I know you said no kid gloves, but I think you�re taking this a little too far.�
�������Simon can piece you back together.� She heard Ace say as she took a swing at another machine. She was able to sever one of its ammunition arms. She used the leverage that the busted AM gave her to clearly back flip over the other two. As she landed she drove her sword into the machine she didn�t harm. As she retracted the blade the AM started to spark. As Serenity dove out of the way it blew up; she started to grumble.
�������If I had Cell�s powers I could kill these buggers in one blast, but noooo I have to have the power that deals with thoughts.� She climbed off the ground and climbed to her feet. When she looked for her sword she noticed it behind the remaining AM. It had its full ammunition aimed at her.
������Before she could react her sword, the AM blew up in a golden blast. Serenity looked over to see Kismet looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
�������I know, I know,� Serenity said as she grabbed her sword knowing what Kismet was about to say, �Watch your back and don�t loose the sword. Trust me I know.� As she spoke she recharged the sword and swung it at the cables when Garret informed her that he was getting tired. With one slice she took out three of the cables.
������After she did the room fell silent as the buzzing died down.
�������Good news Chickadees.� Ace said over the intercom, �You both passed. But for future tests Hope check the attitude at the door.�
������Hope looked at Kai. �This coming from her.�
�������Kai you better his the med lab and get that arm looked after. Ace over and out and hitting the hanger.� Ace said over the intercom. After it was mentioned, Hope looked over to Kai and sure enough her arm was bleeding from an encounter with a wall blaster.
�������I�ll walk you.� Serenity said before looking up at the ceiling where Garret was perched. �Come on! Play time�s over, I�ll get you some lunch after we fix up Kai.� She looked back at Kai only to see her smiling. �What?�
�������Even after all this time, it still amazes me to see you speak to that bird the way you do.�
�������Why?� Hope asked her. �I mean didn�t your people have tales about people who could talk to the animals?�
�������Yes, but you must also understand that my people also believed the white man was poison.�
�������I have always considered the First Nations People to be of high intelligence.�

������Ace crossed her arms when she saw the large number of parts that were strung out over the hanger deck.
�������What the hell are you doing Renegade?� She asked looking up at the man standing by one of the wings. He had a bandana in place of his regular headband and he was topless.
�������Hey Darlin�,� He said walking over to the toolbox he had sitting out. �What can I do for you?�
�������I came to see if you needed a hand, but it looks as though you don�t need it. What you do need is a miracle. I thought you were supposed to be fixing the Custodian, not making it worst. What is all this?� She asked pointing to the parts.
�������The flight jet. Ruse is coming down in a little while to have a mechanics lesson. When he does I�m going to get him to put it together.� He smiled mischievously.
������She looked at him. �Why are you getting him to work on something so vital? Couldn�t you get him to work on something that we don�t need? Like the seat belts?�
�������Why are you always doubting Junior�s abilities?�
������She shrugged as he wiped some of the grease off his hands. �I don�t.� He looked at her not believing a word she said. �Well, not while I�m testing them.�
������Renegade nodded as he walked back over to the plane. �Speakin� of abilities Darlin� did Sampson and Simon figure out what�s wrong with yours?�
������"No,� She said as she walked up beside him. �And if you ask me there isn�t anything wrong with them.�
������He looked at her over his shoulder. �Darlin�, there�s a hole in the gym wall.�
�������Granted, they are out of control at times but, they�re� they�ve caused me a lot of pain but, when they come to life within me I don�t�� she stopped as she tried to find the words she was looking for. Expressing her thoughts in words had always been difficult, that was one reason she never tried, one reason she didn�t say much.
�������You don�t feel so alone.� He offered.
������She nodded slightly. �I suppose so, they took a lot away from me, an entire life, but they gave me a lot too. A sense of security; it makes it worth the searing pain it causes.�
������He turned around and looked at her. �Maybe it�s not just your powers burning you up Darlin�.�
�������What�s that suppose to mean?�
������He shrugged. �Well, you have a lot of secrets, maybe you should tell someone.�
�������Someone as in you?� She shook her head before taking a few steps away. �What about you Renegade?� She said pausing, �I�m not the only one with secrets. What�s your last name?�
������He again looked at her. �What�s your first?� He countered. �It�s quite simple Darlin� I�ll tell you my secrets when you tell me yours.�
������She again shook her head and headed to the hanger door. �Oh and Renegade,� she said pausing in the entrance.
�������Yeah?�
�������I ain�t your Darlin�.�

������Hope walked into the kitchen with Garret on her gloved arm. At the table sat Kai, James and Simon.
�������Where�s the rest of the Calvary?� She asked as Garret left her arm and settled on his perch on top of the fridge.
�������Renegade and Ruse are still in the hanger, and Ace is in the back quarter.� James said into his coffee mug.
������She nodded as she opened the fridge door and pulled out a plate of meat.
�������What happened to the pledge of solitude from the temptation of animal protein?� Simon asked, nodding to the plate.
�������What?� She asked.
�������When did you start eating meat?
�������I haven�t. I�m a devoted vegetarian,� she said before pointing to Garret, �But he�s not.�
������Garret then looked at Simon and squawked at him. �Why do I get the feeling that he�s telling me off?�
������Hope smiled as she looked at Kai. �How�s the arm?�
�������Nothing major, just a scratch. I�ll be all set to go when the Gorgons finally decide to come out of hiding.�

�������MOVE IT!� A woman with a green complexion yelled down to two members of her team. She was the leader of the Gorgons, one of the most evil mutant teams ever assembled. She left her office and walked down to the lower level. The target of her stare was Discord, one of her newer recruits. �Why aren�t you working?� Medusa demanded.
�������I must recharge. It has been almost a week since my last radiation treatment. I can feel my powers fading.�
������Medusa scowled. �If you were a mutant you wouldn�t have that problem, now would you?�
�������No, I wouldn�t. But unfortunately I�m just a human, but my powers have proved useful� no?� She said between gritted teeth.
������Medusa turned away from her. �Maybe so. Charge, then I expect no excuses. I want to proceed to our next step by Saturday.�
������She nodded and bowed. �Yes my lady Medusa.�

������Discord walked into a room where two men were standing beside a power consol.
�������Is that better Sniper?� The shorter one asked. The taller and the noticeably more mutant man beside him shook his head. �No. Crash, try boosting the power reserves in the main engine�� He stopped when he noticed Discord behind them. �Shouldn�t you be doing something?� He asked.
������She looked away from his unblinking eyes. �Do you have to keep that form?� She asked in disgust.
������He smiled evilly as he scanned her memories for a person, one deceased, that he could take the form of. Once he found one, his appearance misted into an elderly woman who had a pale, wrinkled, complexion. He guessed it was her grandmother.
�������Better my dear?� He asked in a womanly tone.
������Anger flashed in her eyes as she raised her hand, releasing a black haze that traveled toward Sniper. He changed his form into that of his own brother that died at the age of thirteen.
������Before the haze could touch him the water particles in the air condensed and formed a protective shield around him.
������Discord looked up at the person responsible for stopping her attack. �Tsunami!� She hissed at the man who was walking down the stairs towards her. Both his hair and eyes were glowing with the use of his powers. �What are you doing?�
�������You�re supposed to be in your chamber charging! I suggest you go!� He boomed. She huffed before complying with his order. He watched her go before looking at Sniper and Crash. �How are the power reserves on the flyers coming along?�
������Crash shrugged. �Not overly good, we�re having a hard time figuring out the language, even translated the alien�s grammar is appalling.�
������Tsunami looked around. �Where are It and Isis?�
�������They�re in the hanger. They�re finishing up on the hides.�

������Tsunami entered the hanger with his customary frown. The two mutants he sought were, like Crash informed him, working on the outside covering of their transportation. Small two people hover crafts; the outsides were crafted into the appearance of vicious wild animals.
������The smaller and the noticeably female of the two was coating the outside with a beam from her hands. Protective light particles he guessed. When the beam stopped she, Isis, signaled to her teammate to put the �brute� that she was working on back to where it was suppose to be. It, a very strange mutant, lifted the two-ton bundle and walked with it to its proper place.
�������Isis.� Tsunami called when she was done.
������She turned with a frown. �What?�
�������Get ready, you and I are going to the coast.�
�������Why?� She asked slightly confused and mostly irritated.
������He held up a hand ready to slap her. �Don�t use that tone with me.�
������He was about to bring his hand down across her face when she used a variation of her power just discovered. She, instead of refracting light began to absorb it, turning herself invisible. She moved so she was behind him.
������He nodded. �You�re reflexes are better. Come, Medusa wants us to pick up some new recruits before her plan enters stage two.�

������Cell looked up from the controls out to where Ruse and Ace were standing. Cell smiled slightly when he caught sight of Ruse�s frightened demeanor; he knew that it wasn�t the session that scared young Jacob, but rather who was in the Chamber with him.
�������This is simple,� he informed them through the intercom, �Ace will make fireballs; at half intensity,� he reminded her, �Were Ruse will change their physical properties to something else once she releases them. This is a basic test designed to test your how well your power is developing. Don�t worry, it�s not a life and death situation, so Ruse� relax.�

�������You should follow your own advice android.� Ace told Cell before looking at the nervous Ruse. �What�s your problem?�
�������You�re not going to loose it are you?� He asked nervously. �I�m not going to end up like the gym am I?�
������She crossed her arms. �Keep talkin� and I�ll make sure you do.� She shook her head before taking flight towards the upper part of the Chamber.
�������Ace,� Cell scolded, �He�s nervous enough as it is. Ruse, while Ace is creating a fireball concentrate on it just like you did the grenades. Commence.�
������Ace created a fireball, one that glowed with only half the intensity that it would have normally. After she released it she pressed her personal intercom button located on the breast of her uniform.
�������Cell, you told him that I can�t stop the fire after I let it go right?�
������When Cell didn�t answer she knew that he hadn�t. She again shook her head as she swooped down lower to help him if he needed it.
������She was surprised to find that he didn�t. Ruse had concentrated on the fireball since it�s release and half way to him it began to change form into something white in color and fluffy. It took Ace a moment to realize that it was a cloud. He looked a little tired but none the worse for wear.
�������Good,� Cell said approvingly through the intercom. �Do it again.�
������They repeated the exercise two more times. Before Ace could form a fourth fireball Ruse collapsed on the floor. She landed beside him and picked him up.
�������Take him to the med lab.� Cell informed her. �Genesis should be awaiting his arrival.�

�������How is he doing?� Hope asked Simon as he joined her in the Control Room.
�������Jacob is presently sleeping in the recovery area of the Med Lab. He was utterly worn out.�
�������It�s not hard to see why.� She said before looking back out the unbreakable glass window to where Cell was in the middle of his session. She shook her head in disbelief as he used a finely focused beam to break a lock without leaving a scratch on the door. �Incredible.�
�������What?� Ace, who had just joined them asked.
�������Cell. He has such precise control over his abilities.� Hope said in awe.
������Ace leaned over her shoulder to get a better look at the team leader. �Too bad he has such a long stick up his ass.�
�������Ace!�
�������What?� She said with a smile as she made her way to the control room�s sliding door. �I can�t tell where he ends and the stick begins. I got to get changed. Bye.�
������Simon looked from the then empty door to the dazed Hope.
�������I can�t believe she said that.� Hope said still looking at the door.
�������Well, you have to admit that he is a bit restricted, or in the words of Ace and Renegade �he�s a bit of a tight ass.��
�������Genesis! He is our team leader, and he has immense responsibilities��
������He held up his hand to silence Hope�s ongoing defense for James. �I know you admire the man but I think you are taking things a little too far. Unless�� he stopped to only start laughing.
�������Unless what?�
�������Unless you feel about him what Ruse feels about you.� He again laughed.
�������I do not! I merely admire his control.�
�������Sure you do kiddo.� He said standing. �But you should be careful,� he said as he leaned towards her. �He�s a telepath and will know when you start daydreaming about him.�

�������How was your training session?� Kai asked as her and James neared the second sub level elevator.
�������I have completed level six of the program Sampson has designed to increase my power maneuverability. Do you have word on the other�s individual progress?�
������She nodded. �Serenity is on level four of control program Alpha; Ace is on level 3 of control program Gamma. Ruse is on level one of power development program Alpha while Renegade is on his individual power maneuverability level five. And I am presently on level seven of my power maneuverability program.�
������He nodded once she was finished. �And today�s team progress?�
�������Serenity and I have passed the desired point in our program. You are aware of Ruse�s progress, and Renegade and Ace are due in session within the hour.�
�������Watch their progress. Set the difficulty level to four.�
������She again nodded. �Where will you be?�
�������The shrine. It�s getting harder to repress my telepathic abilities. The meditation helps but it doesn�t hold out as long as it used too.�
�������I will head to the control room once I check on Ruse.�

������Kai walked into the darkened med lab. She walked into the recovery area; where Jacob was suppose to be. She shook her head, not overly surprised to find him missing although she had a good idea where he could be.

������Ruse walked over and sat beside Renegade who was working on a piece of the Custodian�s landing gear.
�������Shouldn�t you be in the med lab resting?�
������Ruse looked at him. �You heard?� Renegade nodded. �Three!� Ruse said in disgust, �I only lasted through three of Ace�s fire balls.� Jacob shook his head and sighed heavily. �How pitiful.�
�������Don�t talk like that Junior. I have full control over my powers and I can�t even last through an Ace attack.� Ruse smiled at the older man a little. �But what really brings you here?�
�������I got troubles?� Ruse admitted; his previous smile had disappeared.
�������What kind?� Renegade asked as he set the part he was working on down.
�������The worst kind.�
�������Women?� Renegade asked as he raised an eyebrow at Ruse who nodded. �Well, you�ve come to the right place. Dr. Zen is here to help. So what�s the problem?�
�������How do you get a girl to like you?�
������Renegade placed his arm around Ruse�s shoulders. �Ah, the age old question. Truth is there is no set way. We all know that the bugging way doesn�t work on Hope and the sweet talking don�t do nothin� for Ace��
�������Does anything work for Ace?� Ruse asked cutting in.
�������Nothin� I�ve tried yet, but that�s the thing, you have to keep trying new things until you find out what works. And nothin� is more rewarding than when you do find it.�
�������And nothing is more discouraging than when she repeatedly turns you down flat until you realize that she doesn�t like you.�
������Ruse and Renegade turned towards the open hanger door to find Kismet walking towards them. �Which is something that Zen has yet to learn.� She turned her attention solely to Renegade. �Why are you filling his head with such nonsense?�
�������K, Renegade�s full of nonsense.� Ace said from behind her. �It�s part of his charm. Speaking of which, I get to beat it out of him in our training session. You coming or are you chickening out on me?�
������Renegade stood up. �And miss the closest thing to a date I can get with you? Hell no; but I do have one request.�
�������What�s that?� She asked as he neared her.
������He smiled his famous crooked mischievous smile. �That what you hurt, you kiss better.�

�������Alright,� Kai said into the control room�s intercom, �It�s all set. Remember, you two are a team, depend on one another and look for each other. Although this is a simulation and the ultimate safety is on, if you enter a situation that you would normally die in you will be notified. This will be done by the alarm in the buckle of your belts sounding. Good luck.� She said as she started the simulation.
�������Well,� Hope said as Kai sat beside her, �This ought to be entertaining.�

������Ace and Renegade took their defensive stances once a simulated background setting appeared around them. They were in a sand pit surrounded by trees.
�������Ace,� Renegade said as he moved so they stood back to back, �Can you see if anyone�s coming?�
������She nodded. �I�ll try.�
������She then closed her eyes to concentrate. When her eyes opened the white pupil dilated and allowed her to see the air movement created by anything other than the wind and trees. She looked around before stopping when she noticed a large amount of air movement coming from her right flank.
�������Three o�clock.� She informed him. �Get ready, they�re close.�
������On her word Renegade held up his right hand and instantaneously four throwing knife, dart like transparent, bright blue discs formed between his fingers. Just as the glowing dulled a little, their opponents appeared. Their opponents turned out to be a group of ten attack machines, much like the ones Kai and Hope had faced in their session, and 4 giant robots.
�������Shit,� Renegade said looking around. �Ace, you gat any plans?�
������She nodded. �Yeah; I take to the sky and take on the giant aluminum cans while you get the AM�s.� She didn�t wait for his approval before taking flight. �And I thought I�d be fighting Zen.�
�������Why Ace,� he said into his uniform�s intercom once he heard her statement. �You called me by my first name. Don�t I feel special?� He paused to throw the darts at four approaching AM�s. Three blew up while the fourth only lost two of its four arms. �Maybe you should tell me yours so I can return the favor.�
������He dodged out of the way as an AM positioned behind him fired.
������Ace shook her head at him as she maneuvered between two of the robots. �If you don�t watch your back there won�t be anything left of you for me to tell.� After she spoke she was grabbed by one of the robots. She tried to break free but the giant had her arms pinned to her sides. Ace felt the familiar heat spark within her as a feeling of helplessness overcame her. �No,� she said through clenched teeth, �Not again.�

�������What the�� Kai began as she looked at a computer screen that showed the data sent from the sensors within Ace�s work out suit.
�������What?� Hope asked trying to get a better look at the screen.
�������Ace, her body temperature has doubled, by these readings it�s at over 185 degrees Celsius.�
�������She should be dead or worse.� Hope said looking back out the window. Renegade had destroyed all of the AM�s and was working on one of the robots while the other three were surrounding Ace. The hand of the one holding her had begun to melt.
������Hope punched the intercom button. �Renegade, help Ace. She�s loosing it!�

������When Renegade heard Hope�s yell he looked up to see Ace, she had begun to glow red.
�������Shit,� he said to himself as he pulled out two of the twelve daggers that he always carried.
������He shook his head as he charged it with the same Electromagnetic Radiation (ER) that he used to create the darts. He hardly ever used ER on another object, only when he needed a really big explosion. Once the daggers were glowing blue he tossed it at the two robots closest to him. They both blew up upon the daggers impact. He took out two more daggers and repeated the process.
������When the robot holding Ace exploded she fell to the ground. Renegade ran to her but couldn�t touch her because of the heat that she was giving off.
�������You okay?� He asked her.
������She nodded. �Yeah, but I have major power build up. I think my uniforms melting to me.�
������He looked back to the woods as a group of five more robots and 20 more AMs showed up in the sand pit. �Looks like you�ll get a chance to discharge that power.� He said as one of the Robots fired the laser cannon located in its chest. �Look out!� He yelled as he pushed them both out of the way and onto the ground.
������He could barely stand the heat as he lay on top of her.
�������I have an idea.� She said rolling so she was on top of him. �Stay still and leave the rest to me.�
������He nodded as she got to her knees to face the approaching army. She held her arms straight out from her body and forced all the built up energy within her into the space between her outstretched hands. When she could no longer feel the energy within her she hurled the giant ball of energy towards the group of robots and AMs before again laying on Renegade.
�������This way,� she explained to him, �I can protect you from the�� the end of her speech was cut off by the explosion caused when the energy hit its intended target. The force of the eruption threw dust straight up in the air before spreading like the after effects of an atom bomb.

�������Holy shit!� Cell said in disbelief as he and Simon entered the control room after Kai informed them about the situation. �What was that?� He asked looking at the orange cloud.
�������Ace,� Kai informed them.
�������Are they alright?� Simon asked as he moved to the control panel that Hope and Kai had been positioned at earlier.
������Hope nodded as she moved out of Simon�s way. �Renegade�s showing only the normal signs of using his powers� but Ace is showing nothing. The heat she dispersed must have melted the sensors.
�������According to these readings,� Hope continued as she looked at the computer consol next to the one Simon was standing by, �That explosion had enough force to put a tornado to shame.�
������Simon shook his head. �I�ll prepare the med lab. Tell them that I want to see them; if there is anything left of them.�
������Cell watched him go before looking back out the window to where the dust had begun to settle. �She needs control. She could have killed somebody.�
�������What are you thinking?� Kai asked although she already had a pretty good idea.
������He placed his hands on his hips. �The final decision is Sampson�s but I�m thinking restrictive duty.�
�������Grounding her?� Hope asked. Cell nodded. �I�m glad I won�t have to be the one to tell her that. She isn�t going to like this.�
�������I know,� Cell admitted, �But right now she�s a safety hazard.�

������Ace staggered to her feet after the dust had cleared. She offered a hand to Renegade who gladly accepted it. Although she herself was much cooler her uniform was still smoldering and was noticeably melted to her body.
�������You okay Ace?� He asked her.
������She nodded while trying to regain her breath. �Yeah Ren, just peachy keen.�
������They turned to the control room window when Cell�s voice echoed over the then empty Chamber. �You two check into the med lab pronto.�

������Cell entered the dark office. It wasn�t like any of the offices he had ever seen before moving into Sampson�s home and care at the age of 16. It was small with two couches on either side of the door. On the wall to the Cell�s left was a floor length window that caught the morning sun, but at that time the curtains were drawn. On the wall to Cell�s right were portraits of every team member of the Guardians just after they joined the team. And in the middle of the wall was a giant group picture taken less than six months before. On the wall-facing Cell was a giant screen with a speaker above it. There were similar speakers placed all around the house although James wasn�t quiet sure if it was used for Sampson to hear them or talk to them.
������His pondering was interrupted when Kismet opened the office door.
�������What are you doing here?� He asked her.
������She shrugged. �I don�t know. I was going over some progress reports when Sampson told me via wall speaker to report to his office at once.�
������James nodded before looking at the screen that had begun to turn from black to white. In the middle was a figure hidden within a plaguing shadow.
�������Sit,� the shadow instructed them through the speaker. His voice held very little emotion.
������James and Kai, Sampson�s first students, did as they were told.
�������Now,� Sampson said once they were in position, �James, would you mind explaining why you feel Ace should be taken from the field team?�
�������If you are aware of why I�m here then you must also be aware of the session that her and Renegade just completed?�
������The shadow nodded. �I am.�
������Cell stood. �She doesn�t have the proper control over her powers. Within the last week she has blown up in the Chamber twice, blew a hole in the gym and almost killed Renegade, not that that�s totally a bad thing. Since her arrival her control has gotten worst, not better. I just think it would be better for herself and all others concerned if she was restricted from the field.�
������The shadow looked to Kismet. �What do you think Kai?�
�������I think James has a right to be concerned; Ace does possess great power, as much or more than I have ever seen wielded by a single person. But there could be a reason for her lack of control. In my tribe there is a legend. One of a person, gifted with the power of the elements, fire, earth water and air, given by Mother Nature herself. The person becomes Natures servant; it�s pawn. They will have no control over it and will never command it. But in return for their service the power will forever protect the holder. Through the ages, whenever a force threatens the earth and those on it, Mother Nature chooses another warrior to defend it, another pawn to preserve the earth and its resources.�
�������And you think Ace is this warrior, pawn, whatever?� Cell asked. �I never would have thought you would believe those tales, Kai.�
������Kai shrugged. �We also have a story of a woman who talks to animals, one I never believed until I met Hope. Why shouldn�t I believe this one when there is proof?� She asked as she raised an eyebrow. �Besides,� she said changing the subject, �Even with Ace we are struggling in the field. Our chances will be even less without her there.�
������Sampson had sat quietly through the entire exchange within the comforting shadows. Once Kai and James fell silent Sampson reached out and pushed an intercom button.
�������Attention all team member, report to my office immediately.�

������No words were spoken within the office until the last team member had entered the office.
�������It had been suggested,� Sampson informed them, �That for her safety and for the safety of the entire team that Ace be placed on restrictive duty.�
������Renegade, Ace, Simon and Jacob all looked surprised.
�������What?� Ace asked standing up.
�������That�s crazy.� Renegade half yelled.
������Sampson held up a shadowed hand. �Renegade, Ace sit down. This issue not only deals with Ace but with the whole team. Therefore I wanted you all to give me you opinion on what I should do. The floor is open, feel free to give your opinion.�
������Hope was the first to step forward. �Ace isn�t the only one who doesn�t have control and is a threat of sorts. I mean, take me for example, I have the potential to kill with a single attack one that I have no control over. Does that mean that I�ll be grounded because of �what ifs�?�
�������Hope�s right,� Renegade agreed. �Even those of us who do have control can loose it. The only way Ace can hope of gaining control is by using her powers and dominating them. She can�t do that if she�s stuck here while we�re out in the field.�
�������Genesis,� Cell addressed the friendly giant, �What do you think?�
�������If she�s not in the field, you will need another team member to create the full field team; which means that either Ruse of myself would have to accompany you. And Ruse does not possess the know how to be an effective field member, thus I will the one to accompany you. Which also means that I will not be able to work in the lab, I won�t be able to work on Ace�s DNA.�
������Sampson nodded as Simon finished. �Ruse,� he addressed the younger mutant, �You�re a part of this team you are entitled to have your opinion heard.�
������Jacob shrugged. �I don�t know what to say. I mean I can see why she should stay on the team and also why she should be grounded.�
�������Ace stay behind,� Sampson said after a moment�s thought, �The rest of you are dismissed.�

������Renegade shook his head as he paced in the hall outside the office where he, like the others, was gathered.
������He looked at Cell. �It was you who turned her in wasn�t it? Your own team member!�
������Hope stood up. �Zen! He was only doing what he thought best for the entire team.�
�������Serenity, will you remove your lips from Cell�s ass long enough to come up for air?�
�������Renegade!� Ruse yelled. �Don�t talk to her like that!�
�������Jacob, shut up!�
�������Enough!� Sampson�s voice boomed through the wall speaker. �You are acting like children. Remember, all of you, I saved you and I can easily send you back. You are a team, so act like one!�
������They looked away from the wall speaker and towards the door of Sampson�s office when Ace stormed out. Renegade and Kismet rushed after her while the other four entered the office.
�������What happened?� Cell asked.
�������Ace has left.�
�������The field team?� Hope asked.
�������No,� Sampson corrected, �The Guardians.�

Stay tooned for The Guardian's #2- "Loyalties pt.2" Coming July 2001 & also watch for The Guardian Files #2, coming soon. 1