The New Guardian (open)

[cain]

Love, a four letter word with more then one meaning. Others looked to it as a weakness while others a strength. To Cain, it was just new. He knew what love was, knew that it was Sky that he loved. It is his love for Sky that caused him to be in the woods near the mansion now.

He had seen Rose wandering the grounds with the Ian boy, and as much as he wanted to kill Ian and destroy the school, he had to keep his promise. Rose was not to be harmed, and to cause Ian harm would no doubt cause her harm as well. He used the nature around him to hide his form, using the trees to hide him, or sinking into the earth.

For now he just sat in a tall tree, like a vulture keeping an eye on the surroundings for a fallen prey. Something caught his eye at the school, something was happening. The faculty seemed to be more active of late, and Xavier hadn't been seen on the grounds at all lately. Granted he rarely left the school, but this was too long. He knew Shadow would know doubt be against both Sky and himself now, but he didn't care. He was Rose's guardian now, and he had to protect her from everything, even his own army.

[Rose North]

((Because you just made it so blasted tempting....))


Hazel and Hank had released Rose from the Infirmary earlier in the day. Her first course of business? Get ouf of the school! She was sure that Ian guy wouldn't be to happy, not with the way he trailed around behind her like a lost puppy, but she needed to get away from everything. Everything her former self knew. Hazel had told her to just enjoy herself for the rest of the day, that she would handle Rose's packing for her trip tomorrow.

She wanted to know where she was going, but as long as it was somewhere knew, she really didn't care. This place was just torture! Whenever she ran into someone else they just looked at her with expecting looks, or looks she just didn't understand.

Rose had only been awake five hours, and already word about her amnesia had spread. And some students were taking advantage of it. A few annoying boys her age had been following her around, speaking louder then necessary, talking about her. None of the things were good things though. She just had to tune them out. Finally, it had gotten so bad Rose lashed out, something that was starting to feel natural for some reason. Why was it so easy to use a defensive power like hers to attack?!

They'd been on the grounds, the boys words finally making her so angry that she turned back to them and literally 'put' them in a box. One of them ran into the barrier hard enough to just about break his nose. Rose didn't care, it'd serve him right. With the boys momentarily occupied, she turned and just ran. No idea where she was going, she didn't care where she was going. Away from the stupid boys. She vanished in the trees of the forest when her barrier dropped around the guys. They gave chase for a minute, following her into the trees. After a few minutes of searching though, they gave up, muttering about how easy it was to get on this new Rose's nerves. They liked it. The old Rose would have just taken in it silence. Then, they were gone, heading back to the school to find something else to do.

Rose didn't head back though. She'd run a ways into the forest, stopping only when her legs couldn't take it any more. How she hated everything right now. Those stupid guys that kept telling her lies about what she used to be like, that Ian for seeming to be completely over protective, Parker for yelling at her, herself for not being able to remember a Goddamn thing! She just sat on the ground, her face buried in her arms. She may not have realized it yet, but Rose didn't know the way out. She couldn't remember it. So now, she was officially lost.

[cain]

Cain had been keeping an eye on the school, so it was easy for him to see someone running. His perch high in the trees and he noticed that a young girl was running towards the woods in his directions. He also noticed two boys chasing after her, not caring about who she was. He would've found it humorous, had he not noticed that it was Rose that was the one running. His first test as guardian had begun.

He studied the boys who had left her, and decided he would take care of them later. He watched as Rose ran into the clearing where he was, sitting down and almost giving up. He mentioned someone say "new rose" and her not remembering. Not remembering? Had she lost her memories? What had happened when he sent Ian after her. It was time for him to investigate.

He jumped down from the trees, landing softly in the woods nearby. He walked towards her, standing near the clearing. As he walked, he just studied her, wondering what had become of the powerful mutant he saw in the video. This wasn't her, not the one that had fallen so easily.

"If you wish from me, I can make sure they never bother you again, Rose." he said, a look of seriousness backed by a cruel smile at the things he could do to them.

[Rose North]

If Rose had known another person would bug her, she wouldn't have stopped here. She'd just keep running. As it was though, she didn't notice the man jumping from the tree tops until she heard the 'thud' from impact. Slowly she looked up, bewildered and confused. Who the hell was this guy? Something went off in her head though. He was dangerous, very dangerous!

Rose didn't move though, she just stared at him with confused, even more so when he spoke that name everyone kept calling her. A name she was still getting used to. A wish? Why was he saying something like that? He really was dangerous.... It sounded like... He was going to hurt those boys. They were just being jerks, she didn't want them to get hurt!

A few moments passed, trying to figure out why this dangerous man knew her name, why he would say something like that to her... Finally she gave up. "Who are you..?" She didn't realize it, but Cain would probably be even more shocked by her question then Parker had been when she'd said the same thing to him. How could someone forget someone like Cain? Someone who had made the life you couldn't remember a living hell.

[cain]

He was shocked, but for only a moment. So she doesn't remember, not anything. he couldn't help but feel the many ideas forming in his head. Not only would he be able to keep his promise to Sky, but to Shadow as well. Rose would be out of the way, giving Shadow a clear shot to Parker, and Rose herself would not be harmed. In fact, he could make her trust in him grow, and the trust in the others fail.

"My name is Cain Milena," he said, giving her a small bow, "I'm not here to cause you harm, but to protect you. I gave my promise to Sky, your sister, that you would not come to any harm from anyone."

He walked up to her, those thoughts still playing in his mind. He would have to report to Shadow as soon as he was done here, she would be more then pleased to know that she didn't have to worry about Rose anymore. He held a hand down to the girl, hoping she would take it and allow him to help her up.

"I will answer any questions you have for me, but first we must get you away from this place. I'm sure you've noticed it's not safe for you, not where everbody knows you, or who you use to be."

[Rose North]

When the man said his name, Rose froze. She knew that name. Ian had mentioned it! He was one of the people trying to kill her! Fear started to build inside her, before suddenly turning to confusion. Wait, if he was trying to kill her... Why hadn't he already? Why wasn't he doing anything?

Sky's name was still unfamiliar to her. The others had told her she had a sister named Sky, but she'd told them to keep her away. Especially after how Parker had reacted. She didn't know what her sister looked like, which made her eager to meet her, but at the same time she still didn't want to. She hated being by these people who knew her and wanted her to be normal again.

"They told me you wanted to kill me." She finally spoke, with little indifference in her voice. Rose really had changed. She didn't fear death right now. Not when everything had been horrible so far. Perhaps death was even a little welcomed. Maybe she'd actually remember everything when it was all over... "Why would you promise something like that..?" She didn't dare say Sky's name. She didn't deserve it yet. She didn't know the woman.

Rose stared at his offered hand, suddenly suspicious. Don't trust strangers. She completely ignored the offer. If he wanted her to stand he'd just have to forcibly bring her to her feet. Now she was starting to get annoyed with this man, Cain. He knew her. He'd expect things from her two, wouldn't he? "How do you know?" Was he trying to draw he away from the school to get rid of her? Or was his promise to Sky real? Either way, he couldn't already know that they were going to send Rose away the next morning. Wait, why wasn't it safe though? "Why isn't it safe...?"

[cain]

"My dear, if I was trying to kill you, you wouldn't be talking to me right now." he smiled at those words, but it soon faded, "Because my devotion to her is strong, and because of that I keep my promises true. She cares for you and wants you to be safe, she misses you."

All he had said there was true, even if Rose didn't mean it. He could see she was being cautious towards him, and if she had truely known him, she would've known why. But no, she didn't know him, she didn't know anything about him or anything else for that matter. When he saw she wasn't going to take her hand, he just lowered it. He would let his words gain her trust then.

"Have you not been wanting to get away? Get away from a place that knew who you were, not who you are not? People expecting things from you, expecting you to remember things. I'm sure the boy, Ian continues to act like you two are still together. Yes, I know him to. He's as much of an annoyance to me as I am to you. They say I am a dangerous man, but again, if I were dangerous, why am I not causing you fear or harm? Why am I talking to you, trying to reason with you?"

[Rose North]

Rose almost hesitated. Exactly. If he had intended to kill her, she'd already be dead. What did he gain from talking to her if he just planned on ending her life? But this guy.... Was he saying he liked her older sister, that she didn't know? Okay, that was a little creepy.... "I don't want to see her." Her resolve was absolute. "She'll just be like-" Rose suddenly stopped herself as Cain spoke again.

His words....

She looked away, her gaze on the ground. Why did he have to know how she felt? Why did he have to say it in a way that sounded like he understood. She was feeling conflicted. She wanted to follow the people at the schools advice and stay clear of this man, but... he was the first person to know exactly how she was feeling! Everyone else just kept telling her she'd remember in no time, that everything would be okay. That they still wanted to have the same relationship with her, relationships she couldn't remember!

"I hate it all..." Everything about this place, she hated. The people, the unfamiliar rooms that she'd probably walked through hundreds of times, everything!

A thunderous sound rang through the air.

The source was a tree, the closest tree to her. Unknowingly, her anger was reaching out, just like it had before her memory loss. Chips of wood were flying everywhere, all from one spot at the base. Suddenly, there seemed to be an explosion, a gaping hole left where a force field had expanded inside the tree. A moment passed, before the tree fell backwards, away from them. The sound was loud, enough to probably be heard clear at the school. Which wasn't the brightest idea. It meant Cain only have a short time before someone came to investigate.

[cain]

"Sky understands you more then you know, Rose. She wants you to remember, but is willing to wait until you remember on your own time."

He couldn't help but smile when she looked away, knowing he was winning her over more and more. He had to get her away from the school, and to a place where nobody would know to find her, and she would be at peace and safe. He would let Sky know, but not Shadow, he would instead tell Shadow that he had taken care of Rose, and the way to Parker was open to her. He wouldn't be lieing either.

"Yes, this school wants you to be who you were, but you're not that way anymore." he turned when he heard the explosion, seeing the tree he was sitting on shatter and split, falling to the floor. Again he held a hand out to her, hoping she would take it this time.

"We haven't much time. Come with me, and I will explain everything to you. Your powers, and who you really are."

[Rose North]

Hadn't Sky been at the school... When Rose had woken up? She could remember them telling her that Sky and Parker were waiting for her. But Sky hadn't come to see her, force them to let her see Rose like Parker at. So... Did Sky understand? She had no idea. She was just so confused!

Who was she supposed to believe? These strangers who claimed to know her, but were trying to force her to remember.... Or Cain and her sister Sky who seemed to know how she was feeling? Or Ian, who wanted her to be the way she was, but was willing to be friends with this new Rose? "I don't know...." She was muttering to herself. What was she supposed to do?

Cain gave her a deadline. If she would believe him and Sky, she had to go with him now.

Then, Rose decided. She'd rather go with people who understood, then stay with people who didn't. Slowly, hesitant at first, her own hand reached up to meet his....

[cain]

"Stop! Don't do it Rose!"

Cain looked up, his eyes narrowing at the voice. He couldn't believe the timing of some people. Ian stood at the other end of the clearing, staring at Cain the way Cain stared at him. Dam, he thought, did he have to show up now? Cain helped Rose to her feet.

"Rose, if you want to know a hint about your power, it is triggered by emotions, use it and prepare to defend yourself."

"You're not taking her, Cain, I'll die before that happens." Ian said, preparing to fight.

[Rose North]

Rose froze when she heard that voice. It was... Ian? The Rabbit Boy...

Before she could really react though, Cain had pulled her to her feet, speaking of her power this time. Did he... Was Cain trying to tell her to attack Ian?! She looked up at him, bewildered. Or... did he think Ian was going to attack her? Fear started running through her veins. But.... her fear seemed to fuel something else. An emotion that utterly terrified her. Suddenly she wanted to attack him. As if that was all she knew. The emotions caused by the chance of battle... were bringing things back to her. Memories that everyone had been dreading. She was remembering her Nightshade training first.

Rose tried to fight the feelings. Why was she thinking like this?! Why was her head suddenly filled with ways to stop Ian if he did anything? Why wasn't she looking at him like he was a person anymore?

[cain]

"good, you're starting to remember who you really are."

Cain could tell she was starting to remember from the look on her face. Cain planted his feet into the ground, the material from the earth changing his form as it always did. He didn't want to attack first, mainly because he was going to make Rose believe that Ian was the one who wanted to cause harm.

"She is not yours to protect, boy, go home and leave us in peace."

"I'll leave you in peices, Cain!"

Ian was quick to move where the tree had exploded, grabbing a branch and moving just in time to dodge a fist that was coming at him from Cain. He began speeding around Cain, striking off chunks of his form as he passed. Cain's body jerked with each hit as the parts of him were knocked away. Having the form of earth wasn't the best idea. He tried to strike at Ian and each time Ian tried to grab for Rose, Cain made sure the earth struck out at him before he could.

"She doesn't belong with you!" Ian shouted between strikes.

"She belongs where she chooses!" Cain continued to lash out at Ian with his powers, protecting Rose in the process.

[Rose North]

Rose just stood their frozen as blows were exchanged between Cain and Ian. Were these... feelings really who Rose was? She couldn't recall memories yet. But... these feelings were hers... She wanted to lash out herself. But who would she attack? Cain who was giving her the choice, go with him and be free of these people with expectations. or Ian, who only cared that she stay there. It wasn't that hard to decide.

After all, Rose didn't like being ordered around.

Like all Nightshades, orders made Rose angry, the feelings she was remembering were telling her that. She didn't need to follow orders. Orders were there to restrict you, lock away your true potential...

A force slammed into both them, expanding so quickly that both would be send skidding backward. So strong even Cain was sent back in his hard form. And Rose... Rose looked angry, the look resembling the same expression Shadow wore when she was angry.

"I don't like being ordered around..." Her wrath suddenly turned on Ian. Cain had left the choice. Ian hadn't. So he'd pay for it...

[cain]

Cain and Ian continued their assault against each other, but it was soon stopped by a force that seemed to separate them. Cain and Ian slid along the ground, Cain's form returning to normal and Ian immediately stopped from his speed. Cain looked and saw the anger rising in Rose, and he just smiled. She had remembered, but it wasn't the memories he thought would come out.

"Rose, finish him. He will go and tell the others, and they will come looking for you."

He looked from her to Ian after he had said this, seeing the look of fear that now showed on Ian's face. Ian looked from Cain to Rose, his eyes filled with disbelief. Ian hoped Rose wouldn't listen to him, that she was on their side and not Cain's. He once again looked from Cain to Rose and then spoke.

"Rose, please don't do this. You're not like them, you're good."

"You are who you believe you are, Rose, the choice is no one's but yours." Cain's spoke in a quiet voice, hoping to manipulate Rose's decision even more.