"Sands Slays"

In this world, after the huge destruction of seedlings, two people were born. One is normal, another is mutant. The seedlings were, although gone, still able to implicate human beings by introducing mutations into their children as well as themselves. The mutants gained special power, such as the ability to telepathy, telekineseis, become clairvoyant etc.Three years have gone by........

*******************************************
"Munch munch."

"Hey, stop that distracting sound!"

"Crunch crunch."

"Did you hear me? Stop eating!!"

"Slurp slurp."

"Okay okay! Fine, I will help you with your homework, okay?"

Elle Sands smiled at her victory. Her brother, Sam, rolled his eyes in frustration and put away his guitar. Elle needed help in her diffcult papers but Sam insisted on playing his guitar. Elle resorted to a way she knew would make Sam mad and give way. She started eating and drinking noisily. She was afterall, a glutton. Glutton knew no bounds.

"Jeez, if you keep resorting to this, I am going to tape up your mouth and shut it up. I need guitar practice!" Sam shook his head as he reluctantly took Elle's papers.

Elle just smiled. She knew her brother loved her regardless. It was Sunday.

********************************************
Elle and Sam went to the same school, Gashton Academy, where elementary to high school students were taught. Elle was a fifteen years old girl, with raven hair and eyes. Sam, seventeen years old, was on the opposite. He had light blond hair and blue eyes. Elle was adopted by Sam's family.Gashton Academy was the only different school in the whole world. It not only taught Normal but also Mutant.

In the whole school, only those Mutant could be the student councillor. As of now, there were six people inside the student councillor society. They were called the "Six Roses." Four were women and two were men. Although there might be more Mutants in the whole world, only the six of them, students, were rich and fortunate enough to survive. Hence, they were considered as a valuable asset to the country and world, especially with their powers. They were also beautiful and handsome.

was the beginning of the end of vacation. The students were gathered in the large hall for a talk by the student head.

"Welcome back to Gashton Academy. It is going to be tough for the next few days as all of you catch up with the exams and studies......" The student head, Luke Xander, said. He had the power to see the future.

Next to him at the table were the other members. Diana Feres, with beautiful blond hair, flawless face and high cheekbones, was the secretary. She had the power to telepathy. Gina Kines, with dark red hair and an equally pretty face, was the vice chairman. She had the power to telekinesis. Betty Brown, with blond hair and appealing blue eyes, had the power to electrifly. She was the treasurer. Nami Ras, with raven curly hair and intensing brown eyes, had the power to become invisible. Kazumi Yoshi, a japanese student, had the power to move fast. Elle yawned as the talk dragged on.

"Shh! Do you want to get punished?" Elle's best friend, Melinda, scolded quietly

But it's boring! Yap yap yap about our future and schoolwork. I am sorry but I am not interested." Elle complained.

Melinda sighed. "This is the student head. We can't disobey him. Just listen patiently. It will be over soon."

Elle rolled her eyes and tried not to yawn again. Tears formed in her eyes as she struggled. Finally, they were let go. Lessons started.

"I hear your brother will be having a basketball competition, is he?" Melinda stuffed a brown hair back from her face.

"Yeah. He is also practising guitar for band practice. Jeez, somebody should tell him to relax and enjoy life. " Elle poked her straw into her carton of drink.

"Well, I admire him for doing both. He really is gifted."

Elle sipped and replied, "He does have the talent and intelligence. Sometimes, I almost hate him."

Melinda gasped, to which Elle grinned. "Don't be so shocked. I am just kidding. Well, maybe a bit."

"But, Elle, he is your brother!"

"So? We are not biological siblings."

Melinda sighed. "You should be more understanding and get along with him even if you two are not biological siblngs."

Elle grinned. "Yes, madam."

The bell rang to signal the end of break.Just as Elle started to follow Melinda to class, a wind blew past. Elle stopped and frowned.Oh jeez, not now! Of all the stupid time!

Elle did not return to class.

************************************************
Melinda, worried, immediately called Sands home after school. Elle answered. Melinda sighed in relief. "Are you okay? The nurse said you do not feel well and go home."

"Yeah, I got a terrible headache so I decided to go back and rest.

"That's okay, then. Take a good rest. See you tomorrow."

"Okaydokey."Elle rang off, gasping. She had rushed home after her assignment so that Melinda and her parents would not get suspicious. She went upstairs and slept. Now, she really got a headache.

*********************************************
There was an organisation in this world that attended to the Mutants all around the world. It was called 'Vis'. The adult mutants were assigned to 'Assignments' that required them to do jobs.

*********************************************
At the student councillor room, they were having a discussion

"Did you see that the school was ruined in the future?" Diana asked Luke.

Luke nodded. "It's not all of it. Only the old school building was destroyed."

"Maybe it's the famous Destroyer gang of Mutants," Betty stated.

"Anyway, we should take precaution," Kazumi suggested.

Nami remained silent, having a bad feeling it was not that simple.

**********************************************
Elle's phone rang. She sighed and received it.

It was after school."Why do you reject my call earlier?!" The other person demanded loudly.

"Hey, I am in class. You can't expect me to take the call then can you?" Elle retorted.

"Well, whatever. There's trouble brewing!"

"What is the matter now?"

"A clairvoyant predicted danger in your school. So-"

"Okay, I know what you are going to say. Take a patrol around it, right?" Elle interrupted.

"Yeah. Well, good luck." The other person hung up.

"Good-bye to you too," Elle said sarcastically. She sighed again and went to say an excuse to Melinda.

************************************
It was night. The student councillors were hanging around the building."Jeez, what a night. You are sure it is tonight that your event takes place?" Diana grumbled.

"I have a feeling. And even Nami agrees."

Nami nodded.Before Diana could complain, there was a crash inside the building. Everyone rushed inside.They had an amazing view. A girl in their uniform was brandishing a sword. The sword was glowing red. The girl saw them and frantically waved them back.

It was then that a black mist gathered around a wall and peeled off the wall into a....monster.The demon's eyes glowered golden at them. Its green scales shimmered. It roared.

"Damn! I never expect audience. I am going to have to explain," the girl muttered under her breath.

The demon lunged at Diana, who stared in horror. Gina quickly forced the demon away by teleporthy and it banged into the wall to which it disappeared. Having a flash, Luke jumped aside as the demon appeared at the wall beside him. Nami had become invisible to survey the situation. Kazumi was moving at fast speed to help his fellow members as well as to evade the demon. Betty was preparing electricity and then threw it at the demon. It dodged and at almost the same speed as Kazumi, dashed towards Diana again. The members were too slow to help her. The demon was about to attack when it yelled in pain. He stepped aside with his chopped claws.The girl held the sword in front of Diana, grimacing.

"Step back!" The girl yelled as she swung her sword in a flash. Everyone jumped aside.

The demon roared as a red slash appeared in front of its body. It started burning up. "By the god of Power, I hall order the demon to be banished to Abbadon! As I will it, shall it be!" The girl held up her sword which turned golden.

The demon yelled one last time before it vanished.Everyone was gasping for breath at the exciting events that took place. The girl started to walk away.

"Wait, who are you?" Luke asked.

"Are you a Mutant too? But, then how come you are not inside the student councillor society?" Kazumi asked too.

The girl smiled secretively. "I am a demon slayer." Then, she dashed off at almost like super-speed. Everyone looked at each other in disbelief.

*********************************************
Elle climbed up into her window. Thank god for her super strength. It makes her escape and returning easier at such a situation. She wheewed as she finally slipped inside her room."Looks like everybody believe I am sleeping," Elle gasped. "I really want to kill Vis! Imagine sending me on a night assignmnent AGAIN. This job sucks, big time," Elle muttered as she climbed into her bed. The next morning came fast.

*********************************************
"For God's sake, wake up! It's already six thirty!" Sam shook Elle.Elle moaned and slowly stirred awake."I am going to school now. Don't be late," Sam called out as he left.

Elle hastily shot out of bed, shaking her head from sleep. She had only four hours of sleep last night. Without much thought, she dressed. Elle reached school five minutes late.

Melinda was reprimanding her. " You had damn well hope that the teachers didn't report to the principal or the student councillor will have your head! How can you oversleep?" The Academy was very strict on discipline.

"Okay, okay, I know, okay?" Elle mumbled in an irritating tone. Oh boy, how she wished she could tell her about last night.

"Did you have a restless sleep last night? You got serious panda eyes." Melinda looked closer at Elle's face.Elle immediately shot to her feet, nervous like hell. She did not like anyone too close to her, not even Melinda and Sam. "Sorry, I need to go to the toilet." She apologized and dashed off.

Melinda stared after her with a puzzled frown. Elle had always been like this. She refused to let anyone touch her or get close, even in a game. Ever since that first game, the whole class stirred clear of Elle and never asked her to participate in a game again. Elle had squeaked when her elbow was brushed against. Very loud too.

Elle breathed in and out in her stall. She hated this feeling. She knew Melinda was nice and her best friend but she could not control the urge to get away. From all human beings. It was like her body detested them. Maybe it did. Because her heart certainly did a long time ago.

*********************************
"Did you believe that girl?" Luke asked at his fellow members.Kazumi looked thoughtful. "Well, she did kill that monster in front of us.""What puzzled me the most is why on earth is she not registered as a Mutant. She obviously had its 'power', " Betty stated."You know, I checked with the principal with your instruction to ask but he said adamantly that we are the only Mutants in the school," Diana nodded towards Luke."That's weird, "Gina said."I have also checked the files and computer data with Nami of the students who enrolled here but we still couldn't find her details," Luke informed.Nami nodded."That's totally strange,"Diana frowned. "Is she not a student then?""But I swear she was wearing our uniform! I could see well in the dark!" Kazume protested."At any rate, we can do nothing about it. Let nature take its course, " Betty said reasonably.

***********************************
Nature or as its name was, Fate, certainly brought bad luck to Elle. She was seriously cranky with lack of sleep and wanted her bed when her blissingly silent phone rang.

"Yes?" Elle snapped.

"Wow, someone's in a really shit mood."

Elle tried to relax her tense neck. It wasn't working. "Stop with the idiotic comments. Try waking up after a hard day and with only three hours of sleep. If you are asking with a job, then pardon me to refuse it. My little energy that is left is used up."

The voice on the other end chuckled. "I know you will say that. Look, I know you are tired and everything and god knows I will never disturb a tiger's sleep. However, Vis commands me to order you back to the headquarter NOW. Appears that some serious thingie is occurring."

Elle sighed, knowing that resisting Vis was fruitless. He would drag her out of bed. However, she could still bitched about it.

**********************************
The meeting was surprisingly fast. Unfortunately, the dinner afterward for Higher Order was not.

"So boring, don't you think?" The same voice as just now spoke into Elle's ear softly.

Elle nodded and whispered back. " Jeez, like nobody knows that the world is doomed blah blah. For heaven's sake, they had talked about that in the past few years and with the exact same opening too. Couldn't they just skip that and went to the more important part? The 'doing' part?"

The man beside her nodded, and Elle noticed that his eyes, like her, were dropping closed. A man slightly farther up in the table glared at them in reproach. He had obviously heard their conversation and disliked their disrespect.

Well, put a sock over your head. Like we care, Elle thought. Finally, finally, the man talking said what they were required to do. It was not any different than usual anyway. Patrol, patrol and more patrol.

"That's a relief. I thought he will never shut up. God only wonders why he had such a big mouth."Elle giggled as the man sighed in bliss.

"Maybe Vis liked his voice."

"Shh! He might hear! I swear, that man can eavedrop like crazy!" The man looked around furtively as if expecting Vis to jump out anytime.

"Relax, Byrd. He won't bite." Elle giggled again at his anguished look

Yeah, you thought. He never chewed my ears off when he shouted at me the last time." Byrd snorted. "Try failing your mission badly and have him furious. I won't be a pretty sight."

Elle smiled gleefully. She was one hundred percent sure that Vis would never shout at her. Not only was she 'ancient' and highly respected, Vis was certainly not a shouting type. The only reason he even went beyond talking was his laid-back brother, Byrd.

*************************************
Vis and Byrd were twin brothers. They were born as Mutants and outlived their parents and siblings, who had died during the 'destruction'. They had the ability to fly individually and when they touched hands, they could teleport. Their rich inheritance and condition made them determined to create an organisation that would shelter the other Mutants and find them a job.However, some Mutants held the organisation in disgust or generally despaired of life. People who were normal despised the mutants, even avoiding or outcasting them. The mutants, in anger, killed some of the other innocent Mutants in the organisation and Normal people. Since the Higher Order mutants had much more powerful ability, they were often dispatched to eliminate the Mutant threat as well as patrolled a certain area for safety. Even if they were powerful, they were no match for a crazed bunch of Mutants, hence they were paired up. Byrd was with Elle.

********************************
Elle was pleased to get her sleep. She was not pleased when she was woken up after one hour by the pounding on her door. She was further infuriated at who stood at the door.

"What the heck are you doing here? I was sleeping soundly, Faith!"

Faith smiled innocently, which Elle knew she was not. "Oh, I was in the neighbourhood and thought I should visit you, dear cousin." They went downstairs. No way on hell was she inviting the condescending and vain Faith into her small bedroom.

"Yeah right. More likely you have a favor to ask. Where's Sam, your beloved 'boyfriend'?" Elle sneered as she got out an ice-cream container from the refrigerator. She was always eating ice-cream when Faith came over.

Faith frowned. "Aunt Melissa said that Sam had gone out for bowling." Elle nearly choked as she tried to stiffle her laughter. Sam must have begged his mother not to tell her she's home and sneaked out from the back door. Sam was a handsome guy and certainly anyone might have fallen under the beautiful Faith's feet. However, Sam did not like Faith, yet the vain Faith refused to accept that a guy was refusing her and kept pestering. In the end, the only thing Sam could do was to sneak out, which unfortunately left Elle in Faith's mercy.

"Where's my mother anyway?" Elle asked while licking her spoon.

"Aunt Melissa said she needed to buy something and that I can chat with you."

Thanks a lot, mother, Elle thought. You must as well kill me.

"Why are you sleeping at this time in the evening? Surely, school isn't that tiring."

Elle did not bother to reply. She continued eating. As usual, Faith did not disappoint her. She continued talking.

"I still don't understand why Sam and you insisted on going to that filthy school. I mean there are unhealthy people in it! You should all come to my school! It's so delightful!"

Yes, it is delightful if you are not inside, Elle thought. In actual fact, she knew why she had to go to Gashton Academy. She had a sneaking suspicion that Sam wanted to follow her choice and avoid Faith.

"Listen, I need to go somewhere so....." Elle pushed off her chair and stood.

"Of course, of course, I will come again," Faith said hastily and stiffly left.

Elle washed the spoon and placed the half-eaten ice-cream container back into the fridge. She was not lying when she said she needed to go. It was patrol time.

***********************************
Luke had a terrible nightmare. He wondered if it was the future or just a dream. In any case, he took cautions.

*****************************************
"Sorry to disturb you, Kazumi. I needed someone with power and you are the nearest, " Luke apologised.

Kazumi grinned. "No sweat, chairman. I was only three blocks away."

Luke explained about the nightmare of him being attacked by other mutants on the way back home from tuitions. He had no power to protect himself and the police would not be able nor willing to help.

"Sure. Don't worry, I will speed you away once danger is sensed."

was not certain about that. Future had a sense of taking place regardless of what was done unless someone powerful stood in its way. and Kazumi walked together to Luke's house. As he got nearer to his house, the sense of deja vu and danger got stronger. Suddenly, he got a flash and yelped as he pushed Kazumi and himself down. An arrow shot past in the air where they had stood before. Before they could stand, fire burst out nearby and arrows were shooting at them. Kazumi had no problem dodging with his speed but Luke had to roll and stumble and jump and run like a lunatic. Kazumi could not get near to Luke to speed him away. Luckily, Luke occasionally got flashes of visions and could instinctly avoided getting hurt too seriously. His hands and legs were bleeding and burned though.

As Luke got desperate, a bang shouted in the air. It was a gunshot. Luke and Kazumi froze in shock as two people came rushing over. They thought two more attackers had come. They were wrong.

"Are you alright?" The man asked gruffly, inspecting Luke's injuries.

Luke could only stared in amazement and surprise at the other person. It was the 'demon slayer' but without the school clothes. She was wearing a blue faded jean and black bear T-shirt. Kazumi was equally stunned. The girl was taking no heed of either of them. She was looking around as if scanning for the attackers.

Elle was mad. Very mad. Her lack of sleep was catching up with her. She had smelled a couple of mutants and immediately rushed over. Yes, smell. It was one of her rare ability. She was dying to kick some ass as her crankiness rose. And that was before she saw Luke's wounds. She had glanced over at Luke before Byrd caught up with her. The poor boy was head to toe covered in dirt, blood and burns. He did not appear too seriously injured and mutants had a higher level of healing than normal beings. However, the sight of Luke's injuries was enough to bring her to the top. She was even more frustrated to see that the attackers had escaped.

"Damn it, Byrd! They escaped! I told you not to shoot first!" Elle stomped her foot.

Byrd was calm. "If I don't shoot, they will have burned or shot this boy to death. Two minutes are different for mutants, Elle. We have to scare them away."

Elle sighed in resignation. She knew Byrd was right. But, there was something she could do.

"Byrd, look after them, will ya? I am going to scout for their residue. Hopefully, their powers are strong enough not to vanish in such a short time."Byrd nodded.

"You need back-up? Cos' I can call Vis."

Elle smiled and bared her teeth like a predator. It was not pleasant. "Do you know me to be so weak that I can't even handle some idiotic mutant children?"

Byrd did not say a word but instead called on his phone for an ambulance. Elle strode off briskly, trying to capture the faint wisps. Nobody knew why she had such weird powers. She could scan for mutants from a reasonable distance. She could even smell them from a far distance. She could grap a wisp of their power and teleport to their place. And that did not include her ability to slay demon and move fast, along with several other abilities. She knew why she had them even if they did not know.

Thankfully, although very weak, she could concentrate on a particular wisp. Apparently, they had a teleporter with them too. Elle focused and shut her eyes as a familiar disconcerted sense overcome her body. When she opened her eyes again, she was in a unfamiliar place. In an alley behind a bar.

Elle ambled into the bar nonchantly. Nobody noticed her because she did not look strikingly. Elle tried to scan around. Her smelling was pretty useless as everyone was apparently mutants. Yet, none were the attackers. She knew because they were mostly registered at Vis. She could not find the attackers.

Disappointed, she was about to leave when her instinct prompted her to look at a corner. Distinctly, she saw something shining. Nobody seemed to mind which Elle suspected was due to a mutant ability. Elle crept towards that spot, trying to blend in. Once she stood at the corner, she noticed a wisp of smoke rising from a shiny mini coin on the ground. Elle pretended to drop something and hastily picked up the coin. A blast of wind hit her and she was thrown backwards. She thought she would hit the wall but it opened up and she fell through it.

She gasped and tried to fathom where she was. She was in some sort of underground tunnel. Elle smelled them even before they appeared.

"Intruder! Intruder!" Somebody called out as he got ready to battle. Several others were already preparing to battle.

Elle hastily stood up and threw up her hands. A wild wind blew fiercely around her, and which protected her from the attack. A sword in red poofed into her hand.

A small battle erupted.

*******************************
Byrd was worried. He knew he should accompany Elle even if there were casualties. However, the dangerous gleam in her eyes and furious face had stopped him cold. He knew he should not. He knew Elle was not an enemy. He was even embarrassed to admit it. But he was afraid. Of Elle.

Elle had great powers, far far surpass them. Nobody even knew what she was. She was not a mutant, that's for sure. He was glad that she was on their side. He was certain she could took care of herself. Yet, he was still concerned. She was like a daughter to him.

Luke and Kazumi were sent to the hospital. They were fine but had to stay a night for observation, especially Luke. Luke was still reeling from the incident and astonished at seeing the girl again. Yes, he had not missed what the man had called her. Elle. He decided to check the name in the computer when he got back to school.

Sam was concerned. His mother had found a note from Elle that she was going to stay at a friend's house. He had thought it was Melinda but she said not. He knew she was capable of taking care of herself. He had long suspected she was not what she was on the surface. Yet, there was some sense of urgency that something was happening. It was nearly midnight. He wondered where she was.

****************************************
Elle huffed and puffed. After half an hour of anguished fighting, her strength was really ebbing. Plus, her lack of sleep did not exactly made her alert. Her back had a huge slicing wound and was bleeding, so were her arms and elbows. Her forehead and knees had a small burn as well. She was not worried. Her regenerative ability will heal her nicely. She was glad that she had lied that she was staying at someone's house. She could not imagine herself climbling into her room, leaving blood everywhere, nor could she just enter the house in her state. Her mother would have a stroke or faint. She could not explain either. Luckily, from what she had seen and scanned, the attackers were eliminated. Not even wishing to walk back to Vis's office building to sleep, she just laid down directly. She fell asleep immediately and snored. It was not like any mutants that blasted in could kill her anyway. She was Unkillable.

************************************************
Before dawn, Elle staggered back to Vis's office building sleepily. It was a hell of two hours of walk. If her speed was normal, she would not even reached there until afternoon. She cursed herself for forgetting to bring her phone and money.She changed into clean school clothes after a quick shower. Her school backpack was even ready for her. Don't ask her why. Vis always seemed to know what she needed. She quickly called for the car that worked for the organisation to bring her to school. There was no bus nearby that could let her reach her school.

***************************************
Sam was visibly relieved when his sister called him back. She had forgotten to take her phone along with her, hence did not call him back, the clumsy girl. He was even more in a good spirit when he saw Elle in school.

"Hey, glutton! Had a nice time yesterday?" Sam asked.

Elle snorted. "It will be nicer if you hadn't forced Faith onto me. I have to escape somewhere so she can't find me."

Sam grimaced. "Yeah, I know. I purposely bowl until late evening to avoid her. Sorry for sticking you with her."

Elle smiled. "Don't worry, I understand the feeling."

"Good morning, Elle!" Melinda rushed up to them, gasping for breath.

"You are perspiring, Melinda. What happened?" Elle looked at her critically.

"My family car broke down. I almost couldn't get the bus on time." Melinda wiped her brow with a tissue.

"Hi, Melinda," Sam greeted.

Melinda greeted back. "Hi, Sam."

The bell rang, signaling the start of lesson

**************************************
Luke pored through the computer data of the Academy students. He finally found one on 'Elle'. However, it was marked confidential and a password was required. The paperwork files had no detail on her either. Luke went to the principal's office to have a talk.The principal denied knowing who Elle was nor did he know what the password was. He merely stated that only the person of higher status had the password to it. Luke could not contact that person involved either.

Luke was frustrated by the whole situation. Who the heck was Elle?

*********************************************
"So, whom did you stay at yesterday night? Sam called me and asked," Melinda demanded during break.

"Give me a break, you two! Sam and you are like two protective eagles watching over me. I am not a child!" Elle protested.

"Come on, who is it?" Melinda coaxed Elle.

"A very old friend, okay?" Elle took a bite from her bread. She was very hungry.

"Hmph." Melinda was miffed. She had always prided on being the most close friend to Elle. She was jealous of this 'very old friend.

"Yeah," Melinda suddenly recalled something and dug in her pocket.

"What now?" Elle asked while munching.

"Here, this is for you," Melinda held out something. It was a beautiful charm bracelet. Many blue beads were strung around in a circle along with a mini locket with the word 'friends forever' on it.

Elle was touched. "You make it yourself?"

"Yeah. My mother gave me the beads and I found the lockets so I thought why not make a 'friends' charm bracelet. See, I got one too," Melinda held out hers on her wrist.

"Wow, thank you so much!" Elle nearly cried with happiness.

"Hey, it's no big deal. I only spent one day to make it." Melinda was embarrassed.

"No, it's a very big deal to me, "Elle said softly.

Just then, the bell rang.

******************************************
A black ball on an altar shone brightly. Many people were gathered in front of the altar. They seemed to be praying or chanting.

, a person stood and shouted. "The Time has come! Release the black magic that has been bound and Free ourselves!"

Everyone cheered. The black ball shone even darker as in response.

********************************************
Elle simultaneously got a headache. It tore through her head with a terrible intensity. She nearly blacked out with the pain."Elle, are you okay?" Melinda asked in concern as Elle clutched her head and grimaced in pain, even lying her head on the table."Elle, do you need a doctor?" The teacher also noticed.

Everyone started to cluster around Elle."Move back!"Elle roared, which made everyone jumped. Elle never shouted in class. Elle in super speed moved out of her chair and grabbed her backpack and left, without explaining why.

She never returned.

***********************************
Two days passed without any notice of Elle."Where can she be?" Sam asked anxiously.

Sam's mother was equally worried. Melinda, sitting on Sam's family table, was gnawing on her lips in anxiety."The police still haven't any information on her." Sam's mother fiddled with her fingers.

"Maybe she went to that 'old friend' house again?" Melinda said uncertainly.

"She would have called or at the very least left some kind of note, " Sam's mother could not stand it anymore and started to sob. Sam consoled his mother as Melinda looked ot the window, hoping Elle would come back. Yet, she knew that Elle would not. Elle was not irresponsible. Something wrong must have happened.

*************************************
Luke and the rest of the student councillors were having a meeting at one. Unexpectedly, there was an explosion outside the school and the blast shattered the windows. Everyone was blown to the ground as well. Kazumi, fast on his speed, had escaped unhurt but Luke and the rest suffered some scrapes and cut.

************************************
Meanwhile, at 'Vis', Vis was agitated. "Do you say that there's a hord of demons and mutants attacking people at Gashton Academy?"

"Yes!" The principal was speaking in panicked and fearful tone. "Help!"

"Okay, I will send people over." Vis was tense when he hung up.

"Did I hear wrongly or did you say what I think you say?" Byrd was staring at his brother open-mouthed.

"Yes, go quickly and arrange it! I will go as well, this is an emergency!" Vis said calmy with an undertone of urgency.

Byrd had never seen his always calm brother so hassled. He immediately got into action as Vis contacted the Higher Order.

**************************************
Gashton Academy was indeed being attacked. The student councillors were having a diffcult time defending themselves, let alone protecting others. The students had to go into hiding.

"I am scared, " Melinda said with a trembling voice and shaking body. Sam knew nothing he said would reassure her so he kept silent.

Fortunately, the mutants in Vis reached in record time to fight off the attackers. Vis and Byrd tried to help the remaining students to teleport to a safer place. It was a slow and nerve-racking process as everyone tried to be the first one to go.

"Luke, watch out!" Gina screamed as a demon with hideously huge claw went straight for Luke's throat. Luke was not fast enough to dodge. Just as the claws were about to rip his throat out, a wind blew faster and faster until it became a tornado. Everyone was swept off their feet, including the demons. Byrd and Vis lost each other.

A lightning struck down, blinding everyone. The wind died as fast as it appeared. Melinda, Sam, and everyone else rubbed their eyes and restored their vision slowly. They watched in awe and fear as a purple mist swirled around from where the lightning had struck. The mist cleared, revealing a girl with a red sword.

"Elle!" Melinda screamed in joy and relief.

***************************************
Elle looked around in the dark room. As if commanded, her feet moved on its own towards an altar. The black ball beckoned to her like temptation. Elle stared, non-seeing, at the black ball and reached to touch it. Before her fingers could feel the ball, she saw the blue bracelet Melinda gave her. Her head hurt again and Elle screamed in pain as she kneeled down. Memories flashed through her head. The black ball burst, surrounding everything in darkness.

****************************************
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to Elle, happy birthday to you!" Sam, his mother and Melinda sang.

Elle made a wish and blew out the candles. Everyone cheered."Here, this is my present for you," Melinda held out a gift-wrapped parcel. Elle unwrapped it eagerly and saw with delight that it was a pretty dress. Sam gave her three packets of her favourite biscuits, teasing her that she was a glutton. Sam's mother gave her a huge furry cute bear to which Elle hugged tightly ecstatically. Elle loved them all and thanked profusely.

It was Elle's fondest memory.

**************************************
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to Chu, happy birthday to you!" Elle's real sister and mother sang to her.

After blowing out the candle, Elle's mother cut the cake and gave her a huge piece of cake. Elle ate it hungrily. She did not have many presents but she was quite satisfated. She was just a bit envious of others having lots more. She did not say this to her family, not wishing to anger them.

Elle hated her real birthday.

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A demonic hole had appeared near Gashton Academy to unknown reasons. Many demons rushed out to attack humans. The mutants in rebellion took advantage of this situation and also attacked. They wanted justice and to sought revenge for all of their abuse and abandon. It was a messy situation.

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At a graveyard, Elle sat on a tree branch as she observed a man putting a bouquet of flowers on a grave. She knew the man although with no familiarity. It was like seeing him in her past but with no feeling that she actually knew him or even spoke to him. Her body was just the shell with her memories. She could not feel anything. She smiled in relief as the sadness and anger from her memories did not assault her. When he left, Elle had already left.That was her grave.

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Jing Ling was floating in mid-air. She saw a beautiful garden around her. A beautiful and touching melody was playing. She saw a golden light surrounding her body, keeping her warm to the heart. She felt carefree and happy, a feeling that she had missed a long time ago. She was finally dead.

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Elle saw a chaotic scene before her. Demons and mutants were spread around her. Without hestitation, she brought the sword down in a rush. A purple light cut through the air and many of the demons were cut into two and vanished. Every demons roared in anger and lunged at her. Elle skipped backwards and moved towards a bunch of demons without them noticing. Her red sword cut through them like bread. Elle gathered her energy and tossed a huge fireball to other demons. They combusted. The rebelling furious mutants immediately attacked Elle but was no match for her supreme power. Elle used her power of wind, fire, earth and water to blast and eliminate them all. In less than twenty minutes, every threat was gone. Everyone cheered.

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Melinda and Sam, as well as the others, were stunned as they watched Elle fight. It was very frightening yet awesome. Even Vis and Byrd were shocked at the exact amount of power that Elle had.

Elle made her sword disappear and whirled around to face her fellow schoolmates. Melinda was about to rush up to Elle and hugged her when the look on Elle's face stopped her. Elle's face had changed completely. Her face had blackened and started to decompose, making the students faint or scream in horror. Even Sam was blanching in horror. Byrd was shaking visibly. Elle took no heed of them and stepped closer.

"Where's my crystal?" Elle asked calmly.

Vis quickly fetched something from his pocket and hurled it at Elle silently. Something glowed from Elle's hands. She put it around her neck. Instantly, her face returned to normal.

"What happened? You never need your crystal before," Vis asked, watching Elle closely.

Elle stiffened and blew out a breath. "Nothing."

"Where have you gone? We are all worried sick!" melinda finally found her voice back.

"What's going on? And your...face....." Sam stuttered.

Elle remained silent. She whirled around and left.

Everyone could not move until she was gone.

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"Explain yourself, big brother!" Byrd demanded.

Vis gazed at him calmly. "Explain what?"

"Elle!" Byrd shouted anxiously. Sam and Melinda and the student councillors nodded.

Vis sighed. "I can't tell you. Elle's secrets should be told only by her."

And that was that. No matter how the rest pestered him, he refused to say anything more.

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Three years before....

"Who are you?" Elle asked a man standing before her.

"I am Vis. I help people with special abilities. Want to work for me?" Vis asked politely at the small girl before him. Elle had helped Vis took out the thieves who were threatening him, letting him see her power.

Elle hestitated. "Would I get lots and lots of money?"

Vis smiled. "Yes."Elle smiled back.

"Deal!"As Vis worked with Elle, he begun to know more and more about her. Unwittingly, Elle even leaked out that she had a painful past and the secret of her crystal. Elle gave her crystal to him for safekeeping as she needed to fight almost everyday.

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Elle sat on a rock, overlooking the sea. She had a deja vu feeling that she had done this before. Probably one of her past. The sea waves crashed onto the shore with a reassuring sound. Elle closed her eyes in bliss and relaxed.

Three years before........

Jing Ling drew a picture of a cartoon girl on a pad."What are you drawing?" The nun, Ophelia, who took care of the orphanage asked her.

"Me." She grinned.

"Oh. It looks so cute, like you," Ophelia smiled back at the dear girl. Jing Ling blushed madly and bowed her head down. She was so shy and not used to compliments. Ophelia felt a rush of sadness. She would not see this child again.

"Jing Ling, there's a family that is looking for adoption and you fulfil their requirements. Do you wish to be adopted?"

Jing Ling was surprised. She nodded and silently followed Ophelia to the family.Jing Ling was then adopted and her name changed to 'Elle' at her insistence.

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Jing Ling or strictly, her alter ego, was the Mother of the seedlings. Not surprisingly, she was the supreme ruler of the Mutants. Jing Ling had indeed died during the 'world destruction' but the power within her remained. This huge power, the Power of Nature, even created a new body for her soul and memories. She was 'revived.' Unfortunately, the Hatred also remained and recreated. It was thankfully bound into a ball crystal, turning it black.However, the rebelling mutants thought it was a powerful tool for revenge, the black magic to free themselves and kept adding to its power. The Hatred grew stronger and started calling out to Elle. Elle nearly succumbed to the dark power before she saw her bracelet made by her beloved friend. She restrained herself but the Hatred burst and became free. Elle had to go around helping to contain the pieces of Hatred that had spread around. It was the Hatred that caused the demonic hole. The world would be soon covered in darkness again.

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Elle returned to Sam's family in dread. She knew she should come back sooner but she was scared of what Sam might say or think after seeing her real face. The crystal contained half of her power. When Elle no longer had enough power within her, her body would decompose without the magic to preserve it. She would then required the crystal to help her temporary. The Hatred and the fight had caused her to lose her power tremendously. She knew everyone was horrified on seeing her face and thus did not return to school.

Elle did not know that Sam had already known part of this. It turned out that Vis had been the one who enrolled Elle into the school. He had set the password on her file to prevent people from knowing her identity. Vis reluctantly gave the password to Byrd. The student councillors, Byrd, Melinda and Sam looked at Elle's file. It did not say much except for the power. Including Dark Power. And that Elle was not a mutant.Elle went through the door, holding her breath. It was not quite what she expected when Sam's mother and Melinda, who was visiting again, jumped up and exclaimed as they hugged Elle. Elle tolerated the hug as best as she could.

"Are you okay?" Sam's mother held Elle at arm length, looking for signs of injuries.

"Gosh, I thought I would never see you again!" Melinda burst into tears.

"Thank goodness you are back!" Sam exclaimed.Elle muttered "I'm fine" awkwardly.

It was a happy reunion.

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"Elle, can't you tell us what's happening? You can trust us!" Melinda gazed at Elle intently.

Elle hestitated as Sam said, "Look, I know you don't want us to detest you or hear your bad side but we really want to know. Then, we can help."

Elle slowly inhaled and exhaled. She reluctantly explained about everything.

Melinda and Sam were speechless at her explanation."You mean, you are dead a long time ago?" Sam asked incredibly.

Elle only nodded. Melinda continued, "so this thing, your 'hatred' is going around harming people? Jeez."

Elle was silent, nervously awaiting for their reactions. They were shocked, of course, but they did not disappoint Elle. They were not disgusted, even extending their support and help to Elle, which made her relieved.

Even then fate had already decided what the world had for Elle.

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The pieces of Hatred continued wrecking havoc, whether by creating a demonic hole, or enhancing the power of mutants, or instilling formidable power in some human beings. Elle and 'Vis' had a tedious job of trying to maintain order as the thought of never being able to collect back the pieces got stronger and stronger with every passing day.

Half a month passed.........

Luke had a vision. He had an image of an open space within a thick forest. Inside a huge circle, a person stood waving her hands and chanting. The candles around her, placed as a circle, flickered madly. Around her, outside the circle, were thousands of demons snarling and trying to get inside but were barred. As the girl finished chanting, the demons all vanished and the trees shook violently, rustling their leaves wildly. A strong gale blew in and surrounded the girl. When all settled down, the girl and everything were gone. Luke blacked out. Elle did not say that she had the perfect solution.

However, as days dragged on, fighting for dear life, protecting others, the solution became appealing. She always knew about the solution. After all, she had always liked imagining all forms of adventure and this solution kept appearing in her 'ending'. She also had a happy ending, of course, but it never felt realistic. Besides, she wanted to die, for God's sake! Elle never wanted to be an heroine. She hated humans just like before. What even changed was that she met Melinda and Sam, the best, the kindest, the most understanding people ever. She joined Vis as a form of income, as a form of repayment to what Sam and Melinda had suffered. Melinda's sister was one of the seedling's inhabitant. She was killed by the police as defense. Sam's father had died in the chaos that reigned during the 'destruction'. Elle felt guilty, knowing it's partly her fault. She knew that Sam and Melinda would still stand by her even if they knew the truth, which made her even worse. And in the end, they did.

Perhaps, she was never meant to live. Perhaps, her Fate was to let her live to see them and then sacrifice herself. But, she had good memories now. Mike, Michael, Tina, Sam and Melinda had shown it to her. Even Faith had let her repent her actions. Now, everything needed to end. To balance the world, everything needed to resume its normal state. No more mutants, no more Hatred, no more Elle.

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Time turned backwards. The Power of Nature granted Elle's wish to return time. Three years never went past. Chu remained dead. Nobody except for her siblings remember her. Years passed and even they gradually forgot her existence. Everything became 'normal' again.Nobody remembered the incident. But Elle did, and she was finally peaceful.

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"Wait! Why can't we choose another solution?" Melinda shouted tearfully, trying to persuade Elle.

"There's no other way," Elle said sadly.

"But I don't want to forget you!" Sam yelled.Elle only smiled.

"Please, please, we can find another way out of this! With perservance, anything can be overcome!" Melinda desperately shouted.

Elle sighed. "Thank you. I am really glad to hear those words. I can finally be completely free of my past now."

"Damn it, Elle! You can't just treat your life like this! You already died once! And now, we won't even remember what you did for us!" Sam said, with tears in his eyes.

It was useless. Elle had already made her decision.

"Nooooooo!" Sam and Melinda shouted in despair as they stood helplessly watching Elle vanished.

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Even Elle could not predict that Sam fully remembered her and the incident one year later. His father had died of heart attack. When he visited his father's grave, he accidentally passed by Chu's grave. The memory stuck in his heart was so deep that it brought forth unclear pieces of memories of her even though he had no recollection of meeting her before. But, he remebered her and that was what's important. In the end, Elle's existence was indeed proven.

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Author's note:Not the best ending, I know but what heck, I am not getting paid and I don't want to do happy ending that much. You write a story with fairytale happy ending yourself.However, if I say there’s still another sequel, will you be surprised? I know, I know the lead lady had died and no, she hadn’t been revived. I wouldn’t want to repeat that line again and again do I? But, there is a sequel, although with a different girl. She may be similar to Elle in a way, seeing that she was cursed as well. Oh no, not that again. Oh well, this time round there’s some romance factor. But don’t get your hope up. I really suck at writing romance. And thank god no details. Thank you very much.There may be a happy ending. (?) Maybe. maybe not. Let's see.Anyway, enjoy it if you want.
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