A change in the air
By Todd fan
Disclaimer: "I could even eat a baby deer. Tra la la la la la la".
Thanks to my reviewers.
Okay, i'm putting this up without knowing much of what happened in 'X-teeme measures', except that Kitty learned how to 'drive', but i don't care!. Do you know why i don't care?. I'll tell you. Because there's a Toad eppy on next week and i won't see it for ages (and this is me assuming Britain will eventually show it). All that Todd!. The eppy i have been waiting for since i started watching Evo a year ago. Damn thee fate!!!!!!! Damn thee crappy British TV!!!!....As you can see i'm a little...upset. I think i'll go cry in the corner now..
This is it people, the final, extra-long chapter. Those of you that get upset easily, i suggest you get out the tissues, this is a real tear- jerker. Heck, i got ME upset, and i was writing it! If THAT doesn't make you read it, i don't know what will!
Chapter 24 - Where the heart is.
Sidney was sitting in the living room when the mutant walked through the door. The second she saw him he squealed in shock.
"Draco?", she asked, blinking.
"I have vital news for you Sidney", he said , his head hung low, "may we speak somewhere in private?".
Sidney noticed that the Brotherhood were gathered around the door, looking at Draco with awed expressions.
"Errr..yeah..sure", she said, closing the door on her teamates. She then turned to the dragon shape-shifter.
"Draco, what are you doing here?"
"Forgive me for bringing you this news, but..... Mirim's dead".
"Dead?".
"She was killed. After that broadcast that outed us, a group of farmers grew suspisous. They raided the village. She sent us all out and faced them alone. They tied her to a bonfire..they..they...burned her alive. I...failed. But i still must preform my duty as the body-guard of the matriarch".
Draco then bent down on the floor. He reached into his pocket and brought out a pendant, a large gemstone on it.
"As second in command of the Avalonians. It is now your sacred duty to lead us", he said, putting the pendant around Sidney's neck,"I am sorry to take you away from your home and those you love but...".
"I know", said Sidney with a sigh, "i can't back out of it. Give me time to explain to my team...my FORMER teamates".
"As you wish my lady", said Draco with a bow.
"Man..i guess i'm going to have to get used to that", muttered Sidney as she left the room.
"You have to leave?", said Lance, stunned.
"Just because your the leader of some old clan?", said Pietro, crossing his arms, "i don't buy it".
"The order of the Avalonians has been around for a long time, since mutants walked the earth", said Sidney, "they took me in while i lived in Wales, taught me how to use my powers. They live all over Britain, but their main home is a small village, which, belive it or not, is inside a mounatin. They work on a matriarchal system. Their leader, Mirim, chose me to be her sucsessor. Then...then i left to come here and forgot all about it".
"Well can't you just give the job to someone else?", asked Fred.
"I can't", said Sidney with a sigh, "i took a sacred oath. To go back on it....i, just can't".
"So, i guess i'm going to loose you again", said Todd.
The group turned to look at him. He'd been silent for most of the time that Sidney had been speaking. He looked down at the floor.
"I'm sorry Todd, i really am. But..i can't stay, trust me, i want to, but i...i have to leave".
"When are you going?", asked Todd, closing his eyes.
"Tomorow morning. They can't be left without a leader for long".
"Fine", said Todd, he got up and walked out. Sidney sighed and closed her eyes. He wasn't taking it was well as she had hoped.
"I suggest you go and find him", said Draco, leaning on the doorway, "you should get everyhting clear before you leave. Trust me, i know".
It didn't take Sid long to find Todd. He was in their old childhood hangout, sat on the lookout point. Sidney turned into a cougar and climbed the tree. When she reached the top, she sifted back to her normal form and sat down.
"I'm sorry", she said.
"It's not your fault", said Todd with a sigh, "i....i just wish you didn't have to go. But i know ya have no choice in the matter".
Sidney nodded sadly and looked at the pendant around her neck.
"You think you can do it?".
"What?".
"Become a leader".
"I doubt i'll ever match Mirim, she was a great leader, but i can try. Geez, all the mutant population of Britain is in my hands. I never really thought about it until now".
"I think you'll make a great leader", said Todd, "your kind and trustworthy. You protect the people you care about, and god help anyone who tries to pick a fight wit' ya".
"Thanks", said Sidney with a small smile.
"I'm going to miss you, ya know", said Todd.
"I'm gonna miss you too".
"So...what do we call you now?", asked Todd with a small smile, "your highness?. Your ladyship?".
"How abour just Sidney?", said Sidney.
"Sidney i can cope with", said Todd.
The couple left it at that, and watched the sun go down together for the last time.
The next day, Sidney found herself saying farewell to the Brotherhood. They were at the airport.
"It's not gonna be the same without you around without you Sid", said Fred.
"Hey at least you won't have to take tons of Antihistamines anymore Freddy", said Sidney, giving him a hug, "you take care of yourself, you hear me?".
"Sure thing", said Fred with a smile.
Lance was the next to step up.
"Wel Sid living with you has been an...experience", he said.
"I could say the same for you Rocky", said Sidney, giving him a hug, "talk to Kitty, i bet she misses you tons. Besides, SOMETHING has to keep her off the roads".
"Yeah, i will", said Lance.
Pietro walked over to her with his arms crossed.
"I won't miss you , you know. I won't", he said, pulling a face, "at least i won't have TWO mutants putting threats on my life".
"Yeah, now you just have to deal with your sister", said Sidney with a chuckle.
"Don't remind me puddy-cat".
"Hey!", said Sidney, drawing herself to her full height, "i am the matriarch of the Avalionians. You can't call me Puddy cat any more".
"Well i'm sorry, your highness", said Pietro giving a mock bow.
Sidney chuckled and gave him a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you , you freaky speed-nut".
"Yeah", said Pietro, with a sniffle, "i'm not crying, really, i'm not".
"Yeah right you wuss", chuckled Sidney, giving him a shove.
"Hey look, if you ever need allies otu there....".
"I know", said Sidney with a grin, "but i'm not going to be using an eight ball to make my decisions for me. I think you should dump that idea too".
"What's wrong with my stategy?", protested Petro.
"Where do you want us to begin?", asked Lance.
Suddenly the intercom buzzed.
"Fight 126 New York to Manchester is now boarding".
"Thats us", said Draco.
"I know", said Sidney with a sigh, then walked over to Todd.
Todd sighed and gave her a half-smile.
"You know when you'll be commin' back?", he asked her.
"I.....i don't know if i'm coming back".
The couple both looked down in silence. After what seemed to be an eternity, Todd spoke.
"What am i gonna do without you?".
"You survived without me before", said Sidney, "listen. This is killing me to say this but...I might not ever see you again. I....i want you to forget about me".
"But...".
"No, Todd. What if you wait for me?. What if someone perfect for you passes you by, because you were waiting for me to come back and i don't?. I don't want to be the reason your alone".
"I could never forget about you Sid. I love you too much".
"I....i would be lying if i said i didn't feel the same way. But i....i can't do this to you. I'd never be able to live with myself. Todd, someone else will come along, and she'll be a lucky girl".
"I don't want anyone else, only you", said Todd desperately.
"Todd. You know it won't work. Please, don't make this any harder than it already is".
Todd sighed. He didn't want to belive it, but her knew what Sidney was saying was true.
"I...i don't know how to say goodbye", he said, closing his eyes.
"You just said it", replyied Sidney, giving Todd a hug, "look after yourself. Goodbye Todd".
Before he could stop her, Sidney picked up her bag and guitar and walked towards the gate with Draco. Sidney waited until she and Draco were seated in the plain before she looked back at the airport. She felt tears trickling down her fur, she closed her eyes and looked away, she couldn't bear to look into the airport windows. Saying goddbye to Todd was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. It had taken every ounce of her will to do it, now she was spent. She closed her eyes as the plane took off, taking her away from America, Bayville and the love of her life. She started to sing quietly to herself.
"For a shield, from the storm
For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you
For the strength, to be strong
For the will to carry on
For everything you do, for everything that's true
I turn to you".
She started to sob, unable to keep it in any longer. A few of the other passangers gave her worried glances. She felt Draco's hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry", he said.
Sidney gave a sniffle and turned her head to the window.She didn't see Todd watching the plane leave. He watched until the aircraft was nothing more than a dot in the sky. He sadly closed his eyes and sighed.
"Do you want to ride home with us?", asked Lance quietly.
Todd shook his head.
"I take it your staying at your grandmothers then"?, he asked, "see you later..and be carefull..okay?".
Todd mearly nodded and watched the rest of the Brotherhood leave. He sighed and walked over to on of the chairs in the lobby. He sat down and put his head in his hands. By the time he found the strength to stand up and walk the small jorney to his grandmothers home, it was getting dark. He said nothing to either of his family as he walked in. He simply walked out to the back yard and plonked himself down on the porch swing chair.
A few hours later, Todd felt a small tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Rosetta standing there with a cup of coffee.
"You look like you need this nipote", she said, handing him the cup.
"Thanks nonna", said Todd quietly, taking the cup, and string into it sadly.
"You miss her already don't you?", she said.
Todd nodded his head.
"I know it's hard for you Todd", she said, putting a hand on his shoulder, "but you can't change it, you know that. Che sarà, sarà".
"Yeah..but it still hurts", said Todd, hanging his head down, "i..i can't belive she's gone".
"It will hurt for a long time nipote", said Rosetta, "but Il tempo è un gran medico, you'll feel better soon, i promise".
"I hope your right", said Todd, "right now it feels like my hearts been riped outta my body an' someones jumped up an' down on it right in front'a my face".
Rosetta sighed and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"It's something you need to heal by yourself", she said, "don't stay out too late, huh?. I don't want you cathing cold".
"OKay Nonna", said Todd forcing a tiny half-hearted smile.
Rosetta nodded and left Todd alone. He sat on the swing and looked up at the stars. He sighed and closed his eyes, Rosetta was right, he couldn't stay like this forever, Sidney would have yelled at him if she knew he'd been out for as long as he had. He gave a sigh and walked indoors, hoping that in the morning, it would hurt that little bit less.
The end.
You like?. I bet your a saying. NO! no! no!, she's got rid of Sidney. She lied to us. Well i haven't lied at all, trust me, Sidney WILL be back. I have lots and lots planned for her yet :D. 'Il tempo è un gran medico' means 'time is a great healer' and 'Che sarà, sarà' means 'what will be will be'. And one more cry from the pity me leauge. Todd eppy! Wah! Please review, please.. Oh yeah, my musical is up now too, should cheer you up after this depressing chapter..
By Todd fan
Disclaimer: "I could even eat a baby deer. Tra la la la la la la".
Thanks to my reviewers.
Okay, i'm putting this up without knowing much of what happened in 'X-teeme measures', except that Kitty learned how to 'drive', but i don't care!. Do you know why i don't care?. I'll tell you. Because there's a Toad eppy on next week and i won't see it for ages (and this is me assuming Britain will eventually show it). All that Todd!. The eppy i have been waiting for since i started watching Evo a year ago. Damn thee fate!!!!!!! Damn thee crappy British TV!!!!....As you can see i'm a little...upset. I think i'll go cry in the corner now..
This is it people, the final, extra-long chapter. Those of you that get upset easily, i suggest you get out the tissues, this is a real tear- jerker. Heck, i got ME upset, and i was writing it! If THAT doesn't make you read it, i don't know what will!
Chapter 24 - Where the heart is.
Sidney was sitting in the living room when the mutant walked through the door. The second she saw him he squealed in shock.
"Draco?", she asked, blinking.
"I have vital news for you Sidney", he said , his head hung low, "may we speak somewhere in private?".
Sidney noticed that the Brotherhood were gathered around the door, looking at Draco with awed expressions.
"Errr..yeah..sure", she said, closing the door on her teamates. She then turned to the dragon shape-shifter.
"Draco, what are you doing here?"
"Forgive me for bringing you this news, but..... Mirim's dead".
"Dead?".
"She was killed. After that broadcast that outed us, a group of farmers grew suspisous. They raided the village. She sent us all out and faced them alone. They tied her to a bonfire..they..they...burned her alive. I...failed. But i still must preform my duty as the body-guard of the matriarch".
Draco then bent down on the floor. He reached into his pocket and brought out a pendant, a large gemstone on it.
"As second in command of the Avalonians. It is now your sacred duty to lead us", he said, putting the pendant around Sidney's neck,"I am sorry to take you away from your home and those you love but...".
"I know", said Sidney with a sigh, "i can't back out of it. Give me time to explain to my team...my FORMER teamates".
"As you wish my lady", said Draco with a bow.
"Man..i guess i'm going to have to get used to that", muttered Sidney as she left the room.
"You have to leave?", said Lance, stunned.
"Just because your the leader of some old clan?", said Pietro, crossing his arms, "i don't buy it".
"The order of the Avalonians has been around for a long time, since mutants walked the earth", said Sidney, "they took me in while i lived in Wales, taught me how to use my powers. They live all over Britain, but their main home is a small village, which, belive it or not, is inside a mounatin. They work on a matriarchal system. Their leader, Mirim, chose me to be her sucsessor. Then...then i left to come here and forgot all about it".
"Well can't you just give the job to someone else?", asked Fred.
"I can't", said Sidney with a sigh, "i took a sacred oath. To go back on it....i, just can't".
"So, i guess i'm going to loose you again", said Todd.
The group turned to look at him. He'd been silent for most of the time that Sidney had been speaking. He looked down at the floor.
"I'm sorry Todd, i really am. But..i can't stay, trust me, i want to, but i...i have to leave".
"When are you going?", asked Todd, closing his eyes.
"Tomorow morning. They can't be left without a leader for long".
"Fine", said Todd, he got up and walked out. Sidney sighed and closed her eyes. He wasn't taking it was well as she had hoped.
"I suggest you go and find him", said Draco, leaning on the doorway, "you should get everyhting clear before you leave. Trust me, i know".
It didn't take Sid long to find Todd. He was in their old childhood hangout, sat on the lookout point. Sidney turned into a cougar and climbed the tree. When she reached the top, she sifted back to her normal form and sat down.
"I'm sorry", she said.
"It's not your fault", said Todd with a sigh, "i....i just wish you didn't have to go. But i know ya have no choice in the matter".
Sidney nodded sadly and looked at the pendant around her neck.
"You think you can do it?".
"What?".
"Become a leader".
"I doubt i'll ever match Mirim, she was a great leader, but i can try. Geez, all the mutant population of Britain is in my hands. I never really thought about it until now".
"I think you'll make a great leader", said Todd, "your kind and trustworthy. You protect the people you care about, and god help anyone who tries to pick a fight wit' ya".
"Thanks", said Sidney with a small smile.
"I'm going to miss you, ya know", said Todd.
"I'm gonna miss you too".
"So...what do we call you now?", asked Todd with a small smile, "your highness?. Your ladyship?".
"How abour just Sidney?", said Sidney.
"Sidney i can cope with", said Todd.
The couple left it at that, and watched the sun go down together for the last time.
The next day, Sidney found herself saying farewell to the Brotherhood. They were at the airport.
"It's not gonna be the same without you around without you Sid", said Fred.
"Hey at least you won't have to take tons of Antihistamines anymore Freddy", said Sidney, giving him a hug, "you take care of yourself, you hear me?".
"Sure thing", said Fred with a smile.
Lance was the next to step up.
"Wel Sid living with you has been an...experience", he said.
"I could say the same for you Rocky", said Sidney, giving him a hug, "talk to Kitty, i bet she misses you tons. Besides, SOMETHING has to keep her off the roads".
"Yeah, i will", said Lance.
Pietro walked over to her with his arms crossed.
"I won't miss you , you know. I won't", he said, pulling a face, "at least i won't have TWO mutants putting threats on my life".
"Yeah, now you just have to deal with your sister", said Sidney with a chuckle.
"Don't remind me puddy-cat".
"Hey!", said Sidney, drawing herself to her full height, "i am the matriarch of the Avalionians. You can't call me Puddy cat any more".
"Well i'm sorry, your highness", said Pietro giving a mock bow.
Sidney chuckled and gave him a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you , you freaky speed-nut".
"Yeah", said Pietro, with a sniffle, "i'm not crying, really, i'm not".
"Yeah right you wuss", chuckled Sidney, giving him a shove.
"Hey look, if you ever need allies otu there....".
"I know", said Sidney with a grin, "but i'm not going to be using an eight ball to make my decisions for me. I think you should dump that idea too".
"What's wrong with my stategy?", protested Petro.
"Where do you want us to begin?", asked Lance.
Suddenly the intercom buzzed.
"Fight 126 New York to Manchester is now boarding".
"Thats us", said Draco.
"I know", said Sidney with a sigh, then walked over to Todd.
Todd sighed and gave her a half-smile.
"You know when you'll be commin' back?", he asked her.
"I.....i don't know if i'm coming back".
The couple both looked down in silence. After what seemed to be an eternity, Todd spoke.
"What am i gonna do without you?".
"You survived without me before", said Sidney, "listen. This is killing me to say this but...I might not ever see you again. I....i want you to forget about me".
"But...".
"No, Todd. What if you wait for me?. What if someone perfect for you passes you by, because you were waiting for me to come back and i don't?. I don't want to be the reason your alone".
"I could never forget about you Sid. I love you too much".
"I....i would be lying if i said i didn't feel the same way. But i....i can't do this to you. I'd never be able to live with myself. Todd, someone else will come along, and she'll be a lucky girl".
"I don't want anyone else, only you", said Todd desperately.
"Todd. You know it won't work. Please, don't make this any harder than it already is".
Todd sighed. He didn't want to belive it, but her knew what Sidney was saying was true.
"I...i don't know how to say goodbye", he said, closing his eyes.
"You just said it", replyied Sidney, giving Todd a hug, "look after yourself. Goodbye Todd".
Before he could stop her, Sidney picked up her bag and guitar and walked towards the gate with Draco. Sidney waited until she and Draco were seated in the plain before she looked back at the airport. She felt tears trickling down her fur, she closed her eyes and looked away, she couldn't bear to look into the airport windows. Saying goddbye to Todd was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. It had taken every ounce of her will to do it, now she was spent. She closed her eyes as the plane took off, taking her away from America, Bayville and the love of her life. She started to sing quietly to herself.
"For a shield, from the storm
For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you
For the strength, to be strong
For the will to carry on
For everything you do, for everything that's true
I turn to you".
She started to sob, unable to keep it in any longer. A few of the other passangers gave her worried glances. She felt Draco's hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry", he said.
Sidney gave a sniffle and turned her head to the window.She didn't see Todd watching the plane leave. He watched until the aircraft was nothing more than a dot in the sky. He sadly closed his eyes and sighed.
"Do you want to ride home with us?", asked Lance quietly.
Todd shook his head.
"I take it your staying at your grandmothers then"?, he asked, "see you later..and be carefull..okay?".
Todd mearly nodded and watched the rest of the Brotherhood leave. He sighed and walked over to on of the chairs in the lobby. He sat down and put his head in his hands. By the time he found the strength to stand up and walk the small jorney to his grandmothers home, it was getting dark. He said nothing to either of his family as he walked in. He simply walked out to the back yard and plonked himself down on the porch swing chair.
A few hours later, Todd felt a small tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Rosetta standing there with a cup of coffee.
"You look like you need this nipote", she said, handing him the cup.
"Thanks nonna", said Todd quietly, taking the cup, and string into it sadly.
"You miss her already don't you?", she said.
Todd nodded his head.
"I know it's hard for you Todd", she said, putting a hand on his shoulder, "but you can't change it, you know that. Che sarà, sarà".
"Yeah..but it still hurts", said Todd, hanging his head down, "i..i can't belive she's gone".
"It will hurt for a long time nipote", said Rosetta, "but Il tempo è un gran medico, you'll feel better soon, i promise".
"I hope your right", said Todd, "right now it feels like my hearts been riped outta my body an' someones jumped up an' down on it right in front'a my face".
Rosetta sighed and gave him a kiss on the forehead.
"It's something you need to heal by yourself", she said, "don't stay out too late, huh?. I don't want you cathing cold".
"OKay Nonna", said Todd forcing a tiny half-hearted smile.
Rosetta nodded and left Todd alone. He sat on the swing and looked up at the stars. He sighed and closed his eyes, Rosetta was right, he couldn't stay like this forever, Sidney would have yelled at him if she knew he'd been out for as long as he had. He gave a sigh and walked indoors, hoping that in the morning, it would hurt that little bit less.
The end.
You like?. I bet your a saying. NO! no! no!, she's got rid of Sidney. She lied to us. Well i haven't lied at all, trust me, Sidney WILL be back. I have lots and lots planned for her yet :D. 'Il tempo è un gran medico' means 'time is a great healer' and 'Che sarà, sarà' means 'what will be will be'. And one more cry from the pity me leauge. Todd eppy! Wah! Please review, please.. Oh yeah, my musical is up now too, should cheer you up after this depressing chapter..