Now Playing: You're Gonna Go Far, Kid by The Offspring

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"What the hell was that?" Aolani Ierome winced as Dante Nordstrom yelled at her for nearly jeopardizing yet another mission. "This was supposed to be a stealth mission, not whatever the hell you did." The hawaiian man pinched the bridge of his nose. His black hair had orange highlights, and his eyes resembled the flames of a phoenix. He wore a red and white flower patterned button up shirt and blue shorts. "Did you at least get it?"

Aolani scoffed, leaned to the side, and crossed her arms. "Of course I did." Her brown eyes blazed like dancing flames, and her dark hair that faded to a fiery red was tied in a ponytail. She wore a red and black hoodie with black fire-proof pants, black boots and gloves, along with a fire patterned mask. "What do you take me for?" Her left eye was bruised and she had a few minor cuts on her hands. She showed Dante a golden amulet with a bluish green stone in the middle that seemed to radiate an aura of power.

"Perfect," Dante beamed, getting up from his desk and walking over to her. "We need to keep this safe. If in the wrong hands," he paused and fear flashed in his eyes, "then we all are doomed." Aolani didn't like the look of fear on her boss's face. Fear didn't suit the founder of Dante's Inferno. "You weren't followed?"

Aolani shook her head. "No. I made sure of it." Dante smirked proudly. "I ran into someone," she spoke up when the gang leader turned his back to her. "Someone the world thought was dead." This got his attention. He turned and expectantly raised an eyebrow. "Gambit's alive and breathin', boss. I saw him fight with my own eyes."

"Oh, Lani, Lani, Lani," Dante grinned and chuckled manically. "This is good news. No, great news! If we can get him on our side, he could help us complete our ultimate mission! He has news on both Sinister and the X-Men! Imagine what his knowledge could do."

"So? We try to recruit him?" Aolani tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. Dante was known for not spilling his plans unless absolutely necessary. He was the reason Dante's Inferno had been on the down low for so long. If she were in charge, Aolani would've let the gang be known to the world. No longer would they hide in the shadows and be afraid of the world, like the Morlocks were.

"Even better. Track him down and gain his trust. Then we strike." Dante smirked and gestured for her to leave, much to Aolani's anger. "We need all the allies we can get. Do whatever you need to do, but make sure he trusts you and us." He gave her back the amulet for safekeeping and sat back at his desk, overlooking a map on said desk.

Aolani left his office and stalked back to her room. The temporary base was dark, cold, and dreary. Oh, and underground. Aolani lit a small pillar of flames in her hand as a source of light. As she walked, many other mutants who belonged to Dante's Inferno nodded to her and smiled. The gang wasn't as much of a gang but a family. Each mutant had suffered and was rescued by Dante. Dante had saved Aolani years ago, and in return, she helped me create Dante's Inferno. The bond between the mutants was just as strong as a family.

Her room was small but enough. A twin sized bed sat in the corner with a desk on the opposite wall with a mirror and a mini closet. The mutant flopped onto her bed and examined the amulet in her hands. Its origins were unknown and all anyone knew was that it was powerful. Very, very powerful. She shoved it back in her pocket and tried to get some sleep.

A scream jolted Aolani awake. The young mutant sprang to her feet and rushed to open her door. No one was running in fear. No one was dead. So, who screamed? Realization dawned on Aolani. She was the one who screamed. She pounded her fist on her door and snarled. It had been weeks since she had a nightmare. She had hoped they were finally subsiding. It wasn't fair. Why did she still have to keep suffering?

The amulet in her pocket glowed and faded as soon as Aolani shook her head and determined to ignore the anger and fear. She had a job to do. Putting on a new jacket and shirt, Aolani left the base and walked around the beach, smiling as the sun began to rise. The ball of fire rose beyond the horizon, flooding Aolani in light. The warmth spread across her skin and she felt more powerful than ever. Laughter erupted from her mouth. Yes, she was going to be okay. No one was dead or hurt.

The mutant scoped out Gambit's workplace and eventually found where he lived. After a few days of reconnaissance, Aolani was ready to put her plan into action. She would follow Gambit home and thank him for helping her. However, ever since her run in with those government agents, the town seemed to be filled with even more anti-mutant agents. Dante chewed her out for her recklessness, and Aolani now realized the consequences of her mistake.

That night, Aolani followed Gambit home, but she screamed as someone grabbed her from behind and shoved her into a brick wall. "You've been giving us a lot of trouble, Blaze," the voice of Agent Brock Rumlow growled in her ear. Aolani snarled and jammed her elbow into his stomach. He grunted and loosened his grip enough for Aolani to wriggle out and kick him back.

"So what if I have, asshole?" she smirked, fists engulfed by fire. "You struck first." She threw punches of fire at the agent. He shielded his face and grinned. Her eyes widened. "I can still kick your ass without my powers," she retorted. His suit was fireproof.

Bruck lunged and punched at her face. Aolani blocked with her arms. Pain flared up. Metal gloves struck again and her back hit the wall. Aolani narrowed her eyes and rolled to the side, sweeping her leg under his. The agent was thrown off balance and Aolani ran. Gunshots rang out. White hot, agonizing pain erupted in her thigh and lower stomach. She lost her balance and fell while Brock ran for it, not wanting to risk getting caught by the cops.

'Get up. Get up, dammit!' Aolani gasped for air as she crawled to her feet. Gambit's house was just around the corner. 'Just a little farther, Lani. Come on!'

"Took you long enough, cherie..." Remy LeBeau trailed off, eyes widening as he took in Aolani's bruised and bleeding form. She leaned against the doorframe, putting pressure on her stomach wound. "I need your help."

"I can see dat," Remy scoffed, dragging her inside. "What happened?" He pulled out a first aid kit and threw the multiple empty beer bottles in the trash. Aolani collapsed onto his couch. She hurriedly explained how she was attacked by an agent. Remy tensed.

As Remy stitched her up, Aolani pet Figaro. "I never got to thank you for saving me the other night. So, thanks for that, and thanks for fixin' me up." The cat purred and curled up closer to the mutant girl.

"Anytime," Remy nodded, tying off the last stitch. "Do ya have a place ta stay de night?" Aolani shook her head. Remy sighed and looked around. "Ya could stay de night 'ere an' leave in da mornin'." Never in his good conscience could Remy leave a kid out alone at night.

"Thank you, Gambit."

"Remy. Call me Remy." Remy shuffled around grabbing blankets and pillows for the young girl. "If ya need anyt'ing let Remy know."

"I will." Aolani curled up on the couch and hissed as her wounds stung. Once comfortable with the blankets and pillows (and the three cats all huddling around her probably since she ran warmer than most humans), she quickly fell asleep, and she heard horrible screams.

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Hello everyone!

I hope you enjoyed this second chapter! I am super excited to show you more. Comments and votes are appreciated. I love hearing from you all!

Have a wonderful day!

~Kat