X-Men: A Bright New World (IC)

[Lachiyous]

Gambit

Almost Two Years Ago. [In Parts Unknown]

"Say it many time 'want, Remy. Dat don't make it any de better!" How COULD he, 'they' were supposed to be a team?

"You know it not like dat, chere..." Why WOULDN'T she, listen. To him. Didn't she realize?

"Den tell de girl, jus' 'xactly how it like!" She huffed, her impatience overtaking her.

"De man you know. Since a boy. Work 'lone. Always 'ave, always will. Jus' de way of t'ings. One ain't nobody goin' change, eh?" He looked at her, his molden irises. Reflecting, before. Placing a hand, upon her own. To try and comfort her. "Dis, it be done. For de better. Don't know 'bout de w'at pain be felt, if you got. Mix up, in de line of fire. Wit' jus' Gambit, dere de not'ing to worry. 'e take care of 'is own, easy. D'accord?"

"But..." He put a hand to her lips. To gently quiet her, protest.

"Dere, dere Celeste. It w'ats best. An' 'fore you know, be back. Promise." Sometimes, all it took. Was a smile, from one. Remy LeBeau. Why, pray tell. The guy could have looked her, in the eyes. And told her, he was going to. Murder her friends, and family. But if he said it, with that smile of his. It didn't matter, at the end. Putty. She was, nothing more. Did he know this?

Well. For his own, the moment. And her. He did, very much. Extend himself, to her. In the form, of a smile. Allowing it, to very gracefully. Roll, fluidly. Off the contours, of his. Lips. And shine, in display. So that, she may be. Receptive, to the gift. Of warmth, of comfort. And him, all. Wrapped, within that. Smile...
========================================================================
Thursday. Now.

"I don't drink alone, especially if it's bought f'r me, better strap on y'r money belt Frenchie." The gruff, older man responded to him. At the mention, of alcohol. Curious. When was the last time, he himself. Paid for a drink? Had there been a time? There must have, though a memory escaped him.

When Logan warned them all not to use their abilities, and instead avoid conflict if possible. The Cajun couldn't withhold himself, from banter. "Don't know w'at you be 'fraid of out dere. It jus' de city in daytime. Ain't no graveyard at nite, non?" He flashed a grin, despite himself. "'Sides, w'at worse can 'appen. All of us, out an 'our or two. Back 'fore supper!"

As Alison and Jamie, fired off. What exactly, they felt. Was needed, to be accomplished. Once in the city, separating even an option. Remy couldn't bring, to mind. The one item -- or any the thing -- which compelled. Or urged him, unto the point. Of necessity. At least, not here. Not in this locale. There were, of course, other places. Which beckoned. Pulled, at him. Challenged, the fairly cool and confident. Composure, of the man. But for the moment, he was free of such. Responsibilities. Clear of struggles. Able to do, any. What, ever....

And, he thought. No, he knew what exactly that would be!
========================================================================
Over One Hour Later. Mid-afternoon. [Within the City]

The worn looking, white Volkswagen Beetle buzzed. Into an available parking space, on the street. A STARBUCKS, CVS, and BURGERKING were open, for business. Across, on the opposite side. T.G.I. FRIDAYS, a mom and pop bookstore, and a WAWA. Casting a gaze up the street, one could make out. Some more stores, places of business, also a gas station. And down the street, apartment buildings. Smaller, areas of residence. And far less, populated. From appearance. If not, a bit more. Dingy, and sketchy.

It was in that direction, that Alison needed go. What about the others?

When they exited the car, Remy took her aside. And let her know, in no uncertain terms. Just where he'd be. "You got t'ings t'do. Loose ends t'tie up. Dat fine wit' Gambit, jus' 'long as you don't mind. Dis Cajun 'long for de ride. Keep you comp'ny, chere. An' safe. Ain't no body want de trouble, like de last time, eh?"

 

[DeathsKnight]

James

James had stuck a cigar into his mouth, he lit it and listened to Gambit as he spoke to Allison, of course he was not supposed to hear it, but it did concern him,

"Hey Cajun."

He waited for Gambit to look at him, then he removed the stogie from his mouth,

"If you go with her don't start anything or I will shove that metal rod where you don't want it."

He gave the pair a smirk, stuck the stogie back into his mouth, stuck his hands into his pockets and walked away, following his nose so to speak.

 

[Lachiyous]

Russia - Betsy

"Продолжайте ездить. Это последний из них я верю." An exchange meant for the two men in the front seat, specifically. Passenger, to the driver. When the man, behind the wheel. Nodded, in response. The other -- whom, had engaged Betsy to begin with -- craned his neck. Around, toward her. "You think to kid. With us. With me, E-liz-beth." His accent, thick. Stretching her name out. Almost unnaturally. And demonstrating his, lack of. Much, wit. Or sense of humor. "If no vacation. Then, why have you come. To our country?"

She was able. To the best, of her mutant abilities. Reach out, to her team mates. Her companions. Her friends, with that of her mind. And psychically communicate with them. There seemed to be, no interference. That she could pick up. The metaphysical channel was open.

What's more, she spanned the distance. Across the mite of an ocean, and quite. The ways away. To send word, to her colleague. The Wolverine. Did such efforts, take the toll on the woman though? Exerting oneself, like such. Pushing herself, to such. The limits? Did -- HAD -- she even known she could have ACCOMPLISHED, such the feat. Of psionic strength? She was, afterall. Still, young. And not, by any means. Masterful, of her gifts....

And then, there was this situation. With which, she was. No, they were all. In. Why, had they all come here. Again? Maybe the Russian, in the front. Had a point, in inquiring....

To further that, he was sure to add. "And please. No kid. Not this time."
========================================================================

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Shadowcat.

She had tried to warn Sam, to tell him that she was coming so he would wait for her. But the connection made him cut out. Could he even hear her?

"Sam? Hello? Sam, are you there?" She called out loudly from the back of her cab, quickly giving up in trying to speak to him, but she hoped he at least heard that she was coming. Would he wait, or would he go on without her?

She wasn't even thinking about her fight with Betsy anymore, all she could think about was Piotr. There hadn't been any signs of him, and she could barely even remember their last conversation together.


"Are you sure I can't come with? Your family will love me!" She beamed with a grin, the smaller girl having already pouted while the two of them stood next to the cab that was supposed to take him to the airport. Just watching him loading his bags into the back seat of the car made her miss him already. Her best friend. Her Pete.

"Katya..." He started, and she already knew what he was going to say. She just hated seeing that look in his eyes that suggested to her that perhaps he didn't want to go, but knew he had to. For his family. It would be selfish to ask him to say, and even more selfish to ask to come with.

"I know, I know." She sighed, idly fumbling with her fingers nervously. "I'm just going to miss you." The older student, her best friend, was completely obvious to her crush on him. Perhaps she was, too. He'd always been older. It had never been appropriate. But now...why couldn't he see her like that? She was eighteen, and growing up every day. Why couldn't he love her, like she loved him? It was hard, but she valued their friendship more than anything. Pete had been her first friend at the school, and it would be hard to break that bond, regardless of the fact that he didn't see her as anything else.

Surprising her, Kitty gasped as Piotr grabbed her and wrapped his big arms around her. She always looked even more tiny whenever he hugged her, but she felt safe in those big arms of his, and she smiled. He had lifted her to where her feet were off the ground, and she wrapped her smaller arms around his neck to keep from falling. Not that he would let her.

"Don't forget me, yeah? Call me as soon as you get there." She made him promise before Colossus set her carefully back down on her feet. He still held her, gently, as if she would break, and Kitty Pryde's cute head tilted back just in time for him to kiss the top of it.


Katherine Pryde was still trying to recall all the little moments of that day, and at first, she hadn't even noticed that her cab had came to a stop. Wait, they were still in the city, why were they stopping? It wasn't until she sat up straighter that she found that another car had stopped in front of them, and the driver was getting out. He was tall, almost as tall as her Pete, and he was wearing a jacket that she wished she was. Perhaps that would help her warm up in this awfully cold town.

Intense eyes watched the man walk all the way over to her cab, and much to her surprise, he opened her door, grabbed her arm, and pulled her out of the cab. "Wait!" She exclaimed, quickly snatching her bag. "Wait, where are we going?" So confused and overwhelmed the small Kitty Pryde couldn't even gather up the thought to phase away from him. At least, not until she was seated in the back seat of another cab, with someone else she didn't recognize.

His eyes were ice blue, his blonde hair spiked. He was grinning at her, while she stared back in confusion.

"Как восхитительно, чтобы встретиться с вами. Miss Pryde..." he'd said to her, obviously, the only words she recognized were her name. But she knew the language. Or at least, knew it enough to know that it was the same that Piotr spoke.

"How do you know my name?" She asked, her eyes looking everywhere. From the backseat, to the doors, to where they were driving, to the strangers in front of her again. "What do you want?" She asked, and used that time to communicate to Betsy. She didn't want to; they hadn't exactly left on the best of terms. But she was in trouble, and Betsy certainly wouldn't let her fend for herself, just because the two girls weren't getting along.

"Betsy! I've been taken. Two guys, one really tall, dark hair.." She went on to describe the other male in her head, and that headband he wore, just in case anything happened to her, at least they'd have a lead. But it was soon discovered that Betsy had been taken too. They all had.

"Who are you?" She blurted out more questions, wondering how much information she could get out of these people, before she phased out of the car and escaped.

 

[Remec]

Madrox

"Hey Multi-man, you have a typer, send a message to ol' Charlie, tell him that Betsy and her group is in trouble. Should we go now," Logan was saying as he paused to glance in Alison's direction, "or first get blondie out of her tight spot with a contract?"

"Gotcha," Jamie said as he broke out one of the special phones that the Professor had issued to all of them before he had left for whatever special meeting or duties or whatever. Heck, for all I know, he had made vacation plans that even the arrival of so many people at the same time couldn't dislodge.

As they rode into town, Jamie sat in the front seat and reacquainted himself with how the device worked. He had been practicing over the past several days, not ever having had the need or the funds for such a thing until now. Once he was secure in how it all worked, he proceeded to send the message for Logan. He went ahead and gave his phone as the callback, since Logan had had him send it to begin with--but he made sure that he told the Professor that he was sending the message, asking the question, on Logan's behalf so that way the Professor could decide for himself whom to respond to.

Once they were all parked and out of the vehicle, Jamie repeated that he wasn't going anywhere that he would need to drive to, and headed across the street towards the hotel that sat across from the "gentleman's club" as the sign out front proclaimed it to be. Jamie still hoped to maybe get to visit it and check it out for himself. Luckily, he had always looked a bit older than he was and had the skills to have secured an ID that claimed he was 22. Before now, he had only really used it to purchase this and that for the farm or deal with people who might have had a problem with his being "alone" at the age he was when his parents had died.

He looked across to the marquee as he stopped to open the door to the hotel and saw there was a large banner that read "CANCELLED" strung across the poster outside. Just the barest bit of the headlining act's hair could be made out still. Hmm...I wonder if the replacement will be blonde also?

As he entered the lobby, the desk clerk looked up and furrowed his brow slightly. "Mr. Madrox? I thought you were in your room," he said.

"Slipped out the side for a moment," Jamie said. "And I, uh, need a new key card."

"Of course. Here you go. Your stay ends in another day or so, I think. Did you want to renew for another week?"

"Not positive. I think I'll probably be departing once the time is up. You have an express checkout even for long-term stays?"

"Certainly."

"Great, I'll let you know, then," Jamie told the man with a smile and then slipped into the elevator and headed up to his room. Hope I have some interesting things to learn from myself.

 

[Wolfias]

Kurt

Appearing in his quarters out of a black sulfurous cloud, Kurt had returned from on of his disappearances. Stretch out on the bed with his hands behind his head, legs were crossed at the ankles as he relaxes a bit. Spying an envelope labeled in the hand of the Professor, with arched brows he sat up taking envelope in hand. ''Now what could this be from the Professor?'' Deftly opening the end of the envelope, removing the note and the economy class tickets to Russia?

Kurt

Join Betsy and the others, when you're able. For Piotr!

This was all the motivation Kurt needed, POOF to the closet to don his overcoat and broad brim hat. Reach to the top shelf with the prehensile tail, wrapping it around a certain box, bringing it down into his grasp. Opening said box removing the five digit disguising gloves, along with the custom fit disguising boots. Hiding in plane sight was a novel idea to Kurt ''This could be quite an interesting experience.''

Placing the lid back on the box it's returned to it's place, backing to the bed Kurt sat pulling on the boots. Wiggling two toes on either foot comfortably, a sharp toothy grin appears on his blue countenance. He slips the gloves on they're surprisingly comfortable, wiggling two fingers on each hand looked realistic. Reaching into the pocket of the overcoat, retrieving his special phone in blue obviously.

Typing in a local cab company owned by a Mutant, a pleasant woman with a Indian accent answers the phone ''Hello Kurt nice to hear from you young man.'' He checks the time on the phone as he spoke ''It is nice to hear from you too Marta...I'm in need of a ride from school to the Airport.''She is heard to be typing a moment. ''Your cab will be there in about in 15 minutes Kurt...you must visit for dinner my Isha will make chicken for curry you.'' Rolling his red eyes at what Marta was up to. ''Yes I will do this soon.''

Reaching between his legs down under the bed, pulling out a small bag for a few changes of clothes. A Poof to the closet again for his clothes, holding the bag with his tail he folds each piece packing. Poofing into the bathroom to gather toiletries, placing them into an overnight bag ready to go. Calling Logan he leaves him a voicemail ''I've just returned and the Professor is sending me to Russia for Piotr.''

Poofing just outside the schools front gate, a couple minutes later the cab arrives. Holding up his hand it kept the cabbie stays inside, opening the car door getting in placing the bags inside. ''Good day Sir you'll be at Airport in no time at all.'' Kurt tips his wide brim hat as it shadowed his face. ''Good day to you.'' It was a relatively traffic free ride to the Airport, paying the cab fare Kurt made his way right the terminal.

The line was short at the ticket counter, and the man accepted the tickets. Following everyone into the plane. The Steward stows Kurts bags into the overhead, seating himself he got comfy for a long flight. Surprisingly the Captains voice came over the speakers. ''Welcome aboard flight 3501 we're cleared for take off hope you enjoy the flight.'' Buckling his seatbelt the plane taxis to the runway, making the turn throttling up to takeoff. Picking up speed the plane liftoffs smoothly, Kurt was finally on his way to Russia.

 

[Lachiyous]

Russia - Wanda

When things, aren't. Often, as they seem. Or should, seem. Questions and concerns. Make themselves, the plentyful. And one -- she, perhaps -- could, very well. Find oneself, at the butt. Of, the process. Interrogation. Because, details need. Be discovered. Actions, accounted for. Mysteries solved. Who better to, ask. Than, her?

"У нас есть мальчик. Что из другой девушкой?" began one. Another, sure to follow. With...

English. This, in her ascension. On foot. From the reclination, on. Back. "It is. Slowly. Careful, now." It couldn't be difficult, to see. The flush of color, upon her. Once she rose. "You need...you must not. How to say? Be too rash now, yes?" What was this guy getting at?

To take in the man. Was it a man? Men, as there were a few of them. And there was an, armor. Which their bodies, were. Encased, within. From the neck, down. A most brilliant, scarlet red. Visors covered, eyes. Helmets, the top of heads. An insignia was most apparent, upon each. Left breast. A sword over a shield, and. One five sided star, before. Its center. Within that, a hammer crossed over. With a sickle. Toward the bottom, of the militia like emblem. Read КГБ. What the....

Yes. These...local people, were. Inquiring of her. When she turned, to give. Heed, to the distant noise. Behind her. Did it enable her, to. Make the voices out, more. Clearly...?

"--thrie, where. These comrades are?" a similar man, one not unlike he that was near him, had probed...

Speaking of which, he was not. One, to be ignored. So easily..."Miss Wanda. We sorry. Yet. What it is. You are looking for?" Was that NOT a damn good question?

Yet before she turned back, to the man. That's when she heard it. Back. In the distance. "--Ah don't know, to be honest. The ones who were with me wandered off, maybe to use the little girl's tree...." That was NOT, spoken. With a Russian accent. She...knew that voice! Didn't she?

 

[Lachiyous]

Russia - Sam

As the young mutant, divulged. Information, on the. Whereabouts, those of his. Female companions(Wanda, Theresa, Betsy and Kitty -- yep, all girls!), it was the. Bit of displeasure -- or was that annoyance? -- upon, the face. Well, mouth. As that was all that could be seen. Visor in consideration. The reaction, to Sam's southern antics. Certainly wasn't. Positive, and filled with. Humor. No, there was no. Laughter, or. Smiling. Some of them, looked at one another. Others, void of emotion. Immobile. The one, with whom. He was sharing, the mite of. Conversation, English at that. Visibly, grit his teeth some. If only for a moment...

But it was enough, to know. The gesture -- his -- wasn't very appreciative. Was not, wholly receptive. THEY were not on the same, 'page'. Were they?

After some quiet. And a hand up -- perhaps to quell the 'troops'. Said individual, broke the. Silence. With a hint, maybe. Of irritation, in his voice. "We speak not. Of any farm, at this time..."

The other, of the two. One of his comrades, interrupted. "Мы не должны задерживаться больше! Приведем его сюда."

To which, he took. Whatever was spoken, into account. Nodded visibly. Before addressing Sam. Again. "In fact, it best. If you join us. At this time..."

Once more, he could. Just, barely. Catch the sound, of. Distant voices, over the hill. Before him. In the original direction, he had been heading. Before, he was. Stopped. And if, maybe. With concentration, he'd be able to. Make out, the 'garble'..."--anda. We sorry. Yet. What it is. You are looking for?" More broken English...?

The man, pressed on. Vocally. As well, as took. Another step, toward him. Everyone did. In unison. "Mister Guthrie...?"

 

[Remec]

Sam

Sam wasn't always the sharpest tool in the shed, as his siblings were fond of saying about him, but he had to deal with helping to raise them while his dad worked such long hours that his mother had no one to really fall back except for Sam and his sister, Paige. That training in what was essentially a form of parenting had combined with the skills in picking up on nonverbal cues once he had been old enough to join his father in the work force. The noise levels could be harsh, and quite often you had to "speak" with gestures, hand signals, and eye movements.

He was not liking what he was picking up from the Russians. If that's what they are. Though they seem to be speaking it, if I caught that right. The last clearly spoken sentence had seemed to be lamenting the time they were taking and wanted Sam simply brought to them.

That's why they're so gosh-durned hot for me to join their little group.

Sam looked subtly in the direction from where he thought he'd caught someone saying Wanda's name. When it heard what was definitely English...if hesitant and broken...he took a step that way. The sound of his foot was echoed behind him and he pivoted to regard the people near him.

He might not have reacted had only the man speaking with/to him come closer; but when they all did, Sam felt more than a little weirded out. "Mister Guthrie...?" the man began, but Sam cut him off.

"Y'all are stalling me! I'm out of here!" Sam shouted as he suddenly bolted towards the small hill and flung himself into the air and ignited his blast field to launch him into the sky and, hopefully, blow several of the crowd back into one another. <<BETSY!! Cannonball away!>> he shouted in his mind while he vocally shouted, "Wanda? Theresa? You guys around here somewhere?"

He zoomed high and hovered over the farmland between the hillock and the buildings they had seen as they'd driven onto the property. While hovering, Sam reached inside his jacket and pulled out his special goggles the Professor had given him to help him in spotting things while in blasting mode. Quickly donning them, he began scanning about for either of the women.

 

[Remec]

Madrox

On unlocking the hotel room door, Jamie caught two things right off. Steam was still flowing out of the bathroom and fogging the mirror by the sink area just inside the entryway, and his taste in music seemed to have expanded by the sound of the video channel playing on the hotel's television. He lightly shook his head and sighed.

I wonder how eclectic I'd really have been without the chance to explore almost anything I want to get more exposure to?

"Trish? That you? I thought I said I wouldn't need maid service today," said a familiar voice from the bathroom. Jamie gave himself a look as he stepped out into the doorway, one towel wrapped around his waist and another in his hands roughly drying his hair. "Oh, you're back. How's the school?"

"School's fine. How's 'Trish'?"

Jamie smiled. "More than fine," he said, "although nothing to compare with the singer/dancer that went AWOL from the club across the street. You should see the publicity shots they have hanging by the door. 'Dazzler' is definitely an appropriate stage name for that one."

"Well, I'll find out when we merge later," Jamie told himself. "But I'm here to collect the rest of the luggage and see if you want to come out to the school, head back to let the ones at home know how things are going, or is there any reason to renew the hotel room and have you stay here in town? Any reason besides Trish, or anyone else, that is."

They both laughed.

"Nah. I'll come back with you and see what all the fuss is about."

"Fine. Slip out the side way and meet me slightly down the street. There's a yellow Volkswagen Beetle parked there. That's what we came in to town in. We'll figure out if there's enough room to go back or if we need to make trips."

"Gotcha. See you in a bit, then." He started to leave but turned back as he put on a jacket. "Oh, Trish is a stacked, but short, redhead maid. Just in case you run into one who seems to know you, if you get what I mean."

Jamie laughed. "Man, I had no idea I was so incorrigible when it came to such things."

"You said learn things and experience stuff. Well, that's what I've been doing."

The duplicate left Jamie alone in the hotel room and he quickly packed all that was still there, then headed down to the lobby and checked out with the clerk. While he was taking care of the bill, the duplicate headed back to Alison's car.

 

[heartofcourage]

Besty

Betsy listened to the men as they talked in the front seat about having rounded them all up. Perhaps they thought that, but she knew that more from the school would be arriving at the first hint of trouble. The man who was talking directly to her thought that he would get his answers. He thought she was joking with him. That was a mistake.

"Who's kidding?" She asked the man seriously, pulling a pack of cigarette's from her pocket and a lighter. "I'm here for a five star resort and a spa. Unless you have evidence that tells me otherwise, I guess you'll have to trust what I'm saying."

Putting the cigarette between her lips, she lit the end and drew in a deep breath of sweet smoke, considering the man for a long moment.

"You do know that kidnapping is illegal, right? Especially of foreigners. Imagine the international incident you'll cause when the people I'm meeting up with discover that I haven't arrived. And you know that it's not hard at all for me to contact them." She said, taking in another long breath and slowly blowing it out. "In fact, I could almost bet you I can get out of this car without you even moving to stop me."

 

[Wolfias]

Kurt

Kurt awoke to the sound of the captain say something like welcome to siberia, keeping his head down so nobody would see his face. Is blue Xphone as he preferred calling the gadget, a few touches the screen his latitude and longitude. Another few touches and the same for Piotr's Farm house, hiding a mischievous yellow eyed toothy grin. Plucking a little pack of peanuts he opens it eating a handful, walks to the planes facilities he steps inside.

Locking the door to do what most do except twice standing, zips up and flushed as the peanut pack got tossed in. Just as he thought the passenger flys right over the Farm, closing his eyes he considerates hard on his destination. POOF and an instant he was on Piotr's farm house roof, right about the time Sam blasted of blowing little red men down.

Clicking Cannonball Sam's Xphone vibrates on his pocket ''Nightcrawler to Cannonball pick up or prepared to be borded.'' Grinning with a snicker and POOF he's on Sam's back, wraps his prehensile tail around his waist and arms around his neck. ''Hello Sam fancy meeting you here no?'' With a mischievous cackle a strap held Kurt's hate on, the look of surprised was humorous on Sam's face.

''Heir Professor gave me a ticket to Siberia, for Piotr his note read and here I am cool no?'' Sam could easily maintain his course it wasn't a problem, Kurt wasn't very heavy and could hold on as easily. ''Where's the girls have you lost them Sam? No matter we shall save them if need be. By the way those red armored men Russian?'' Sam was really fast but Kurt was enthusiastically thrilled, this silly scene it must have had the Russians bewildered. They gestured wildly as they spoke far below the two, Kurt couldn't help but giggle at this.

 

[NekoMata]

Rogue

The "plane" soared silently through the night sky. If she had been awake to look at it perhaps she would have found the view of the star filled sky, far above the clouds and away from the glaring city lights, somewhat peaceful. But there would be no peace for the young female. The girl, known as Rogue, was curled up slightly in the comfortable seat. It was easy for her to fit all of her rather slight frame into the confines of the chair, and curled up in such a manner she looked almost innocent. Her short auburn hair was messy, falling about her shoulders and spreading slightly across the back of the chair. The white shock that marked her bang fell gently into her face and across her eyes.

Though she seemed to be sleeping peacefully, her upper body covered by her black leather jacket, there was the telltale flickering of her eyelids. She uttered a soft sound, like a whimper and shifted slightly in her sleep. In her head she was reliving the nightmare that was her memories and the memories of others she had stolen. She was trapped; tormented by images, sounds, memories, all of which she had no power to control. With a sudden jerk she bolted upright her eyes flying open. Her jacket fell to her lap, her gloved hands digging into the armrest. Her eyes flickered wildly about her as she struggled back to reality.

"No...! Ah didn't...ah don't...!" she muttered incoherently as she lowered her head to her hands.

After a few deep breaths she had gathered herself sufficiently. Lifting her head from her hands she ran her fingers lightly through her hair. If only there was a way to get the nightmares to stop. Then maybe, just maybe she would find her abilities a bit easier to bear. She leaned her forehead against the window glancing out into the darkness.

"Jesus... Ah'm no 'count if Ah'm feeling all out of kilter..."

 

[Lachiyous]

Gambit

Ten Months Ago. [Parts Unknown]

Death.

And the shattering of a dream. The light that once was. Snuffed, out. In the darkness. Of the moment.

First. Overwhelming pain. And sadness. At the loss.

Then. Anger. An instinct for...vengeance. It's only natural, right? Something as significant like LOVE. Just like that. Lost. And one -- he -- wanted, to. Lash out. Take back. Make it right. Or wrong. Make something happen. Or...just...make 'it' go away.

The hurt.

The emptiness.

Does...does it EVER, go. Away?

How is it, that he. That he. That he was able to find his. Well. Apparently, his other. His one. The true of a love, and. And then she was....taken from him? Where is the sense, the reasoning in that? What purpose, what grand scheme....could possibly have been...to allow such the beauty of a girl. To leave this world. With so much potential. So much to give. SO MUCH MORE TO LIVE?

Why? And..

Will he ever heal, from this? Will there ever be...another?

How could there...?
========================================================================
Thursday. Over One Hour Ago. [NYC]

The four of them had squeezed into Allison's automobile, for. A nice little ride. To leave the mansion behind. And enter upon the City. To take care of some things...

"I need to go downtown, to stop by work and give my notice in person. I'd prefer to do that alone..." The lovely blonde had spoken, having made eyes with him. In the rearview mirror...

He certainly hadn't made much of that comment. Not at the time...
========================================================================
Five Minutes Ago.

The Volkswagen Beetle arrived, soundly. Carrying the lot of them, to their destination. As they departed the vehicle, the Cajun had taken the woman aside. And made her aware, of his intentions. From within the City. More specifically, that he'd be. Right there, with her. By her side. As to make sure, all went well. Whilst she took care of business.

The shorter, stout man yammered off. A playful warning at him, to which. He was able. To crack a smile. And retort back. "Heh. You an' w'at army, homme?" His red irises flickered, before he led Allison. Down, the sidewalk. Toward where she needed to go. He remembered well...
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Now.

"Mon Dieu!" One second, the two of them. Together. Were en route, on foot. Side-by-side, with one another. And now...?

"Chere!" And now...Remy furrowed his brow, frowning. The mite. The attractive girl -- his new team mate -- went and disappeared! How...how was this possible? She was WITH him! She was...right there. Beside him. She...

He stood still. Turned, all around. Scanning. There were few people, around. On this afternoon day. Within the dingier location, herein. No one...appeared...anymore suspicious than usual. Least to him. But then. One doesn't just, go on. And DISAPPEAR, all on her lonesome either! "Chere....Allison! W'ere you at?"

No response. No cry. Nothing.

Standing before him, now. The exterior building, to the nightclub. The Brazen Fox. That didn't sit well wit him, at all. He fiddled with the smart phone device. And sent communication to both. Logan and Jamie. A first for him, really. As solo was more his flavor. But this was important!

Allison is missing! Last seen near the nightclub. The Brazen Fox. Downtown. Find me at it.

Gambit

With him, one moment. Not with him, another. The deja vu was palpable. And the uncertainly of the unknown, didn't help. What the hell happened? How did he MISS it? How did he....did he...how did he fail her like this? He promised her, that he'd protect her. That he would be there, for her. Yet, in the blink of an eye, he allowed for her. To be gone. To vanish. To be encased in probable, danger. Instead of safely, enwrapped within his arms. How. Why. Why, did this happen?

Please, no...

Not again.

Not her. Not Allison. Not when...things were going so....great....when he felt he had made yet, ANOTHER. Rarest of rare, connections. With someone, special. And....and...and for what? For her to DISAPPEAR on him like this?

Please be okay...

Let not a strand of hair on her pretty head, be harmed. Or the heck, else--! He clenched his hand, into the bit of a fury. And entered the establishment, through. The front door...
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[DeathsKnight]

James

He fished the fancy phone from his pocket, opened the message and frowned, that was strange. He paid for the new jacket and shrugged it on, what was the coincidence of finding a perfect replica of his original jacket in such a short span of time? He walked out of the shop, lit his stogie and sauntered down the road to where he knew the Cajun would be looking for the blonde girl.

As he arrived he took a sniff of the air and looked at the club, her smell came from there. He took another drag on his cigar and walked up to the entrance, a burly bouncer stepped into his path,

"Club's not open for customers yet."

Logan frowned,

"Did a blonde come in here?"

"I didn't see anybody except you short stuff."

Logan grinned and puffed on the cigar for a few moments,

"Allright Bub, take off that chip and we'll try this again."

The bouncer glowered at him,

"What chip?"

"The one on your shoulder."

The bouncer swung a hard right, Logan swerved away, the fist connecting the wall and the bouncer grunted. Then he went dead still as a wickedly sharp blade rested against his throat,

"Ahl ask yah once more Bub, did a blonde enter here?"

The head nodded slightly,

"Yes."

"Now was that so hard?"

Logan slid the knife back into it's sheath and turned back towards Remy,

"Well there you have it Frenchie, she gave you the slip. She's in trouble with the people inside so we have two options, wait for business hours or slip in when Wonderkid arrives."

 

[Lachiyous]

Russia - Sam

"Черт! Теперь он находится в воздухе..." The young mutant's notion, apparently. Disagreed, vehemently. With the manyment of those, now. Below him. Fingers were pointed. Orders barked out. And as he rose, higher up. He could see. The swarming numbers of them. Dozens upon dozens! Man, were there like...a hundred of them down there....all over the place, too! Many in the same, scarlet red. Armor. Others, wearing. Thick hooded, parkas. Or moutons, on top of heads. To keep warm. One thing was clear. Everyone was together down there.

Immediately over the hill, from where he had originally been. He could have sworn. The fleeting glance. Something...red. Silk. And...and. Raven curls? Before, the image. The figure. It's gone. Sleight of hand? Trick of the mind, mayhaps?

Past. Past all of this. Further down, the road. The road. The road. It was further down, the road. Amidst all of them. And debris. Soot. Charred earth. Not a one, greenery. The plant, life. All entirely, absent. Which maybe wouldn't be, so. Strange or out of place, in this. Part of the world. Yes, yes. But. The problem. THIS location...

Was supposed, to be. A farmland. The Rasputin one, specifically. And yet...the land. Had been reduced. To nothing. No crops. No livestock. No buildings. Nothing but barren. Ashes. With all of these, swarming. 'Ants' all over.

What on earth happened here?

Sam had reached out, with his mind. To the one of his team mate. The pretty telepath. Betsy. As well, verbally. To the other two. Attractive, members of his team. Theresa and Wanda. A little bit ago. Didn't he just see--?

Then.

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

A laser nearly missed him! Followed by...

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

More. More lasers. Why...almost. As if. Hm...

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAP!

He were being fired up at--!
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[Lachiyous]

Russia - Betsy

The driver bellowed out, a deep. Guttural laugh. To her word play. "You...lovely girl, E-liz-beth. Yet. You come. To our country. It past time, you be welcome so!"

Immediately, he cut the wheel. To the left, swirving off. The road, onto the dirt. And hitting the gas, the furtherment. The other passengers. One in the back, shot over. Forcing his big hand. Onto her under arm. Pawing at her, gripping tightly. And poking the side of her rib cage. With something cylindrical. The one in the front seat, twisting. Turning. And shoving the barrel, of a. Weapon, in her face. "Перемещение и ты умрешь!"

All of a sudden...something, something. Entered her. Mind. Katherine's panicked voice. She had been taken. Concentrating, she heard the message. The description, of the men. That took her. As well. Mm. Too, not long after. Sam communicating with her. He, was using his powers! Her team -- they -- were alive. And like her, had encountered, the locals!

"No tricks now." Behind the wheel, the man piped up once more. "It would be...misfortune, if something. Was to happen. Cause of that, да? And not just for you..."

The vehicle erratically continued, on its. Off-road course. The ride much more bumpy, than before. As for the destination....?
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[Remec]

Sam/Cannonball

Thoughts on where Wanda and Theresa had gotten to, or what that wisp of an image had been, fell away from the forefront of Sam's mind as he became aware of laser fire zipping past his hovering form. The swarm of people below him about the fringes of what had once been the Rasputin farm were not all wearing the fancy red armor, but those who were remained among the crowd.

Good thing. Ah hate dealin with jet packs.

Sam finished securing his goggles and let their sensors sweep about for not just life signs, so he could continue to know where his assailants were (and get a firmer count on how many of them there were) as well as possibly picking up on the whereabouts of his teammates. He then zipped across the sky above the unnaturally wasted fields, then turned and buzzed down over the masses beneath him.

"Yeah, I'm in the air. And you're not! You куча муравьев!" Sam shouted over the din of his blastfield. As he moved over them, he altered the shape and size of the field so that he could catch as many of the mob--esp the ones firing on him--as possible and bowl them over as he blasted past.

With the two women being missing, and no response from Betsy yet, Sam also reached into the pocket where he carried his school-issued phone and fingered the emergency button to send a prerecorded panic alert to all other Xavier devices. He knew there was no way Logan or any one else at the school would be there any time soon, but it would let them know when and where he had been when trouble started.

 

[Remec]

Madrox

Jamie was just exiting the hotel when he heard the chirp of a text message. As he read the note from Gambit, his eyes widened and took off at a run down the street towards the club Remy had mentioned. Jamie put the phone away as he ran, fighting off the urge to duplicate before knowing what was going on.

Ahead of him, just strolling towards where the Beetle was parked, he could make out himself. He passed close by and dropped the suitcase by his feet. "No time to explain," Jamie told himself. "Continue to the car, take this with you, and wait there."

"Wait for how long?"

"I don't know."

He sighed and shook his head. "I'll wait until sunset, then I'll go to the burger place over there," he told Jamie as he pointed. "If you're not back by actual dark, I'll leave an address on the car and I'm going to stay with Trish."

"Gotcha."

Jamie continued on, inwardly thinking he hoped it didn't take until nightfall and feeling oddly jealous of himself.

At the Brazen Fox, Jamie opened the front door and stepped into the dim foyer just as Logan was saying, "Well there you have it Frenchie, she gave you the slip. She's in trouble with the people inside so we have two options, wait for business hours or slip in when Wonderkid arrives."

A light laugh slipped past Jamie's lips. "Is that me? Cool. So, do we know what sort of trouble yet?"

 

[DeathsKnight]

James

Logan looked over as Jamie joined them, he grunted and looked over his shoulder at the bouncer who was still glowering at him,

"That phone call she received after the training session, from the sound of it she skipped out on a contract she has with these people."

He dragged on his cigar and gave a crooked grin,

"And I can guess what kind of work she did here since this is a well-known strip joint. In respect for ol' Charlie I'd say we'd leave her to figure this out, but since she is now one of the team, I will most likely not leave her behind."

He tossed the stub of the cigar aside,

"I think it's best we find a alternate entrance so that the big guy with the crooked smile behind me will not get the urge to warn his boss that we're coming."

 

[Remec]

Madrox

"Sounds good," Jamie said with a nod. He smiled and added, "After all, you're the expert, right? I'm just a beginner when it comes to stuff like this." In his head, Logan's words belatedly sparked a moment of deductive inspiration.

Wait...this is a strip club? And Alison worked here? I wonder if she was the blonde I told myself about? The passing jealousy he had had for himself returned and grew a bit larger. He had the feeling there was going to be a lot of really interesting experiences to share the memory of once he merged the dupe out by the car with himself again.

Jamie sighed a bit, but disguised it as a yawn and told Logan, "You lead, I follow."

 

[Lachiyous]

NYC - Rogue

Raven would not allow, comfort. Nor kindness, to envelope the girl. Especially not so, soon. From an important, the mission. No. She would allow, her. To fight, through. It, alone. And gather, the. Resolve, in necessity. Now, was not the time. The moment. For weakness. To cower. In fear.

She needed her, brave.
She needed her, strong.
She wanted her...ready!

And so, such, she should be. Weeks. Months. Years, it's come to this. The young girl's been at it, for the manyment. Of her life. Never on center stage. Or carrying out, in the. Real world. Only behind the scenes. Only and mostly. Alone. As anticipated, that....to change, tomorrow!
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Earlier. Before the Flight. [Undisclosed Location]

As everyone got, into. The transport, Irene. Would be bringing the lot, of them. To the airport. She held the girl, outside. For a time. With a hand on her shoulder.

"This little journey, Rogue. I cannot emphasize the amount of importance that it entails. And your role in it is extremely pivotal. You, my daughter, are about to change...everything!"

The sense of bewilderment, was easily. Painted, on the younger one's face. To which, Mystique smiled. "Don't be frightened. Just remember all I've taught you. You are ready for this opportunity. I know you'll make me proud..."

She embraced the girl lightly, betraying nothing. More, on the plans. To come...
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Now. Thursday, Early Evening. After the Flight. [LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York]

She quickly barked out orders, addressing everyone.

"You three will take the first cab. And we'll meet you there." The three men each, looked. At the one, another. And nodded, after.

Thinking. Then, anticipating. The woman sneered, with the some. Additional, "Remember: It's in lower Manhattan. Do not think to make a scene. Wait until we get there!"

Her team, they. Were all dressed up. As civilians. To blend in, with the. Ordinary, the. Everybody. The, no one. And so, it should be. When the second taxi pulled up, alongside the curb. Her crimson hair, all ready. Shifted. To stark black, tresses. A sweet, smile. Plastered across her face, as. The fat little driver hurriedly, got out. Eying both ladies, offered to take. What luggage, each. Had with them. Not before, opening the rear. Passenger door, ever so. Politely.

"My, aren't you just a sweet little thing.." viewing his name tag, as she entered the vehicle. "--Otis!"

The driver flushed, nervously responding. "Y-yes ma'am. Where..uh..might I take you...l-l-lovely girl...women...LADIES?" He offered a timid little smile.

Eying the rear view mirror, she placed a gentle. Hand, upon Rogue's. "To the World Trade Center, please!"
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[NekoMata]

Rouge

Queens, New York

Leaning back in the seat her eyes strayed to the window, watching the scenery as it went past. Or rather as they went past it. She was aware of her "mother's", of Mystique's, hand resting on top of hers. The gesture was not comforting, nor was it probably meant to be. But it didn't hold the abject terror that it once had for her. Before she had found physical contact unbearable. Now it was only a mild discomfort. Something she did not care for but had learned to deal with. That had been assured.

She glanced down, looking at the hand that rested atop the soft black material of her gloves, carefully placed so as not to make contact with the little bits of exposed skin. Perhaps long ago she had marveled at the transformative skills the woman possessed. But she had become accustomed to them, much like she had become accustomed to her naturally manipulative tendencies. She had many questions about the particulars of the assignment, but she would not ask. She knew there was no point. She just had to be ready either way. Everything would be revealed in whatever had been deemed to be the right time.

 

[Felix80]

War

144 W 44th St

They had flown him out of Qurac in chains, both hands and feet, aboard a C-130 for his inquisition. After what they saw with the satellites the big brass wanted answers and Sgt. Kieros didn't have answers. He didn't know what happened to him, even if he was human.

They carted him off to a room somewhere and grilled him incessantly. He described what happened but that wasn't enough. They kept asking him questions he didn't have the answers for. When they got on his nerves Kieros considered blowing up the room, but couldn't see how that was going to help him at all. Eventually he got the bright idea of asking for a lawyer. He didn't get a lawyer, but they put him in a hotel room on base. Turns out he was at Offutt AFB in Nebraska. Who knew? His only duty was answering questions, so for two weeks he answered questions for 8 hours a day and the rest of his time was his own.

Then he got orders. He was getting flown out to the navy submarine base in Groton, CT and from there he was to make his way to 1 Graymalkin Lane in Westchester, NY and report to a civilian consultant named Charles Xavier. They were odd orders, but Kieros was used to it. As a bonus his flight landed over 40 hours before he had to report to this Xavier nut job.

Kieros played his cards right and ended up at his favorite dive, a little bar on W 44th street in NYC. He was right in Times Square and only paying three bucks a beer. Life was good.

 

[Lachiyous]

Mission - Rahne

Freak. Terror in the Night. A girl, one. That's known every, the. Nothing of, normal. All, the. Isolation. More animal, than human. Less equipped -- prepared -- to be, within. Society, today. To exist, co-operatively with. Anyone, else. So much more, instinct. A lot less, compassion. And sensitivity. To the interaction, with. Others. She, distinctly, was...

A mutant. And it RULED her life, so! There were no qualms or misgivings about it. When Moira unhanded the girl, to. Professor Charles Xavier, it was through. Him, his teachings and his patience. That she could, perhaps. Reconnect, with her. More humane aspect. That of which, would continue to be challenging. No doubt.

As it was, whilst her mentor had. Gone over specific instructions, to her class mates. And team members. Let alone, increasing their numbers with. The influx of newer, people. She -- the Wolfsbane -- had been, quite simply. Out. And away. On an errand? Tending to a private matter? Even on a hunt? Only she could know, for sure. It was, whence she came back. To the School, that she realized. It was, the mite. Sparse, and. Vastly, quiet. All around. Except for the possibility, of. One other, individual. That may, have been. Present. One, David Bond. Did he...just get back, as she did? Hm..

And unto, the personal of her room. A note, for her. And her, alone.

Rahne --

Head to Russia, and seek out Betsy and the others. Find Piotr!

Charles

A mission. An actual mission! Is that...where...everyone else...was? Is that, where...he...would be, heading. Also? Below where the letter, had been. A plane ticket...
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