This is a very ambitious first attempt at a bit of fan-fiction. Any sort of input would be welcome. I have played a little fast and loose with the x-men time-line, so please bear with me. This story is directly inspired by the Archetype Association, written by James R. Mcbriarty. I have borrowed William Riley from his story; I hope that I do him justice. I have borrowed a batch of mutants from the Marvel Universe (any X-men fan will recognize them). I am not making any money off this so good luck suing. Melanie, Erick, Larry, Gayle, Anna, and Gabriel are all my own creations. Emeralda's personality is my own creation, but the character concept comes from a Squaresoft game. If you like the way they are written, feel free to borrow them for your own inspiration.
 

A Note to the Reader:

Unchained Hearts has been approved as an alternate reality 'sequel' to The Archetype Association, breaking off from the 'main' timeline of my work just after the end of Movement Two, and taking place approximately five years later. The stories should be considered independent of one another; although I am sure that Mr. Rosnawski and I may play off one another as our respective works progress.

I was very pleased and entertained by Unchained Hearts. I hope you will be, too.

Jim R. McBriarty

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Her voice was very soft when she started her story. This was only the second time that she had ever opened up to anyone, and she was by nature a secretive person. She relaxed as the story continued. The tension was gone from her body and was replaced by a deep sadness.

When she reached the part of the story about her capture, she couldn't continue for a moment. She expected him to turn away, and she started letting the tears flow when he drew her close. She continued her story, even while the tears were flowing. This is what bothered her. She wasn't at fault for not being in control.

But he couldn't say that, not while she was opening her heart. Instead, he just held her and comforted her as well as he could. Her sadness didn't go away, but it faded into the background of her mind. But the most important thing was that she had gotten it off her chest.

When Monet was done with the story she simply stayed there in his arms, totally relaxed. The tears had long since stopped, and there was a serene happiness in her mind. She had been worried that he would turn away from her, that he would not be able to understand. When he pulled her into his arms, for the first time ever, she felt at peace with her past.

Monet turned to Gabriel and smiled. She felt embarrassed for having shed tears, but Gabriel had understood. She got up and laughed. She felt free. For the first time since she had first confronted her brother, she felt free of it all. "Well I think the party is still going on. Do you want to go back; it is your party after all?"

Jean was surprised to see the two of them come back. She didn't know what Monet had given Gabriel, but first for the first time in a long time, it was as though she wasn't hiding anything. Her mind was clear and open to a startling degree, and she had a smile on her face that was clear and unguarded.

It came to Jean in a flash. She must have said something about her past. Monet must have finally opened up to someone. Quickly, she snuck a peek in her mind and confirmed it for herself. Monet was so relaxed and relieved, that Gabriel must have dealt with it exactly right. Her hopes for Monet, long buried, began to reappear. If Monet could finally let go of her past, then maybe she could grow into the person that Jean knew she could be.

Gabriel shut the door to his room and took a deep breath. The party had gone on for a good part of the night. Gabriel wasn't use to social gatherings, but he had found himself loosening up and having a good time. After she had told him her story, Monet had really surprised everyone with her good mood.

Monet's surprise was truly the gift of the night though. The fact that she would trust him so completely, that she would open her heart and risk everything, it filled his heart with an indescribable happiness. Maybe, just maybe, things would be all right.