X-Men: A Bright New World (IC)

[Lachiyous]

Invitation -- David

To sculpt, life. Is to know, life. With ones' hands. Having the gift, to create. Something, out of. Nothing. With simple, with precise. Gesticulations, and. The mite, of. Concentration. It's phenomenal. It's magical. It's...art! Might also be, soothing. Therapeutic, for. Those, in necessity. A way, to cope. An outlet, provided. Something on hand, through the hand. Even, significant. For someone, caught. On the outer brink, of the. People's people. Perhaps from, being a somewhat famous. Artist. Most probably, that of a. Mutant. A human, naught for the. Genetic anomally, inside. Which blessed -- or cursed -- said individual, with. Extraordinary powers.

This, of which, the world at large. Had no clue, about. What-so-ever. Nor did he, himself of course. When he came, to. And if it wasn't, for. Well. The Professor, reaching out. To him, and. Taking him in. Educating him. Can he even IMAGINE where he'd be, without? If and, he were by himself? Just what would happen to him...out there, if it were found out...just what he was. And what he could do? People would NOT be too understanding, now would they?

Seemed, the sun had. Made its way, far. Across the sky, in its. Descension. When he, stepped foot. Inside the silent, of the. Mansion. That's when he noticed, two things. A presence, ahead of him. And the low, buzz. Of his smart phone. The text message read:

Hit the City with some new blood. Come out if you'd like, Kid.

Logan

Hm. Didn't know much about, the older teacher. But it was curious. Since when the hell did HE figure out how, to send texts? Maybe he had help? That thought reminded him, of the 'presence'. And he noticed, a redhead. Padding up, the stairs. To her quarters. Rahne Sinclair. What was she up to? Did she receive the message too? Perhaps they could...travel together....
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[DormantEvil]

Her room was neat, the few belongings that she had were still where she had left them several days earlier. Her classes, they had to wait during these few days, just like she would have to wait for the moon to pass it's fullness. There was something about the moon, it's white circular magic calling out her inner desires. To run. To hunt. To feast. To mate. To be alive and free, and to care little for the world she had only recently entered.

She felt a presence, heard the creaking of floorboards, but also felt the overwhelming security in knowing that they were alone. Just the two of them. Her. And him. The returning one. Perhaps she could have one more hunt before others returned.

When she had left, she wore jeans and a hooded jacket, now she walked the hallways naked. Blood and dirt, mud and grass stuck to her body, scratch marks scattered across her skin from running through the undergrowth without a care. From sleeping anywhere, naked, and happy.

Perhaps he had spotted her climbing the stairs just a few minutes before.

The hunt had gone well, and as she stepped into the running shower that had been steaming up her bathroom, the crimson evidence washed from her hair. She had feasted fully, tearing flesh and tendon from bones, picking at marrow, and bathing in the blood of the victim. A deer. Luckily. She had wandered too deep into her primal urges, a hunter or a innocent hiker could have been the prey just as easily.

Charles would be disappointed. He'd been trying his best to teach her control. To resist the primal call. But she enjoyed the hunts, she loved to chase her prey, to watch the terror in its eyes as she crushed the life from it. Watched as it's soul departed for another world, before ripping it's frail body to shreds. Digesting the delicious life sustaining meat. Drinking the blood. Rolling in the remains.

Diluted blood ran down her naked form, pooling at her feet before dribbling down the drain. She ran her hands, now lacking claws and fur across her chin. The dried caked blood flaking off and joining the torrent of water. She swallowed the water that filled her mouth, not wanting to simply spit the taste of her kill down the drain. Mud and dirt clung to her knees and feet, and she took a harsh brush, scrubbing the skin until it shone smooth and human again.

But she could still smell the kill. She would smell the blood for days. Savoring the memory.

Dressing, she wore cheap attire. Forgoing bras, since she lacked a prominent breast to contain. She was feminine, her chest petite but womanly a 32B. But she didn't require support, and for the number of times she had ripped underwear to shreds, she forgo the cost these days. She wore a stretchy tank top, and another hooded jumper from the closet, a copy of the others that hung identical to the side, and slipped it over her head. A pair of black leggings, with a skirt attached, tight yet with enough stretch to accommodate her hybrid form, pulled up over her toned legs, covering the cuts that were already healing. The jumper stopped just below her buttocks, enough to cover her up. She wore a pair of fingerless gloves, and black boots. Her red hair, short cut and messy, was hidden under the hood. Her silver eyes, slowly fading back to blue as she regained her humanity, but she still looked predatory.

The message was read. Russia. A place of stalking. Of wolves. Of bears. Of harshness. Like the cold hills of Scotland. She missed her home, in the woods. Living off livestock and wild animals. She would go to Russia, and looked forward to running through it's wilderness.

The stairs contained the traces of all students and teachers that had haphazardly ran their hands over the polished railings. Oils and skin cells deposited within the small cracks and joins lasting until the cleaners went over the area again. And as Rahne Sinclair, Wolfsbane, the Wolf Girl, traversed the decline, she paused halfway to sniff at one particular spot. Logan. His scent was obvious, that masculine aroma, mixed in with sweat that made her heart beat just a few times faster per minute. She couldn't say that they had something going on, but of all the mutants to call the mansion home, Logan was by the one she was the most curious about. He was the most like her. Understood the urge. The anger. The hunt.

Taking in his smell for the briefest of moments, she snapped her neck around and looked downward. It was time to seek out the other presence. The look in her eyes was one of primal emotion, and she licked her lips.

Finding him, she was neither quite nor loud as she approached. She neither stepped heavy to alert him nor had silent foot falls to stalk him.

"Hello, David," she announced, walking towards him as if studying his every muscle movement. She was slow with her pace, each step well placed, and each second giving her delight.

She still wanted to chase something, to smell it's fear. But she knew this was a student. She knew she would not be allowed to remain if she feasted upon him.

Arriving before him she licked her lips again. She was still a little hungry.

 

[Drakkwall]

His room was not much of a room really, ever since his powers had awakened was it a combination of a garage and a model room, he took to living in a room above the garage, a big room were heh ad gathered models of planes, cars, boats and even miniatures of different wargames. He was experimenting with these things, finding the limits of his powers, he had discovered that if he was to be able to manipulate a vehicle it had to have at least the basic concept of movement, he could for example manipulate a car to do all manners of agile things, but a regular wagon could only do so much, and the wargame miniatures were unable to move at all they lacked the parts needed for movement.

When the text message arrived he was a bit worried, he had yet to be on a mission but then again he had yet to leave the mansion since coming to it so it would be good for him to leave it for a bit. Now hopefully he wouldn't have too much problem with the other student as he had not been the most social of them all, since if he spoke the wrong thing he could make a coffee maker spew coffee over someone. So he went for the inner parts of the mansion and soon found himself looking at a blood and dirt covered Rahne moving back to her room, totally naked.

David Bond was many thing, a sculpture, an artist, a mutant and many other things. but one thing he was not was a coward, ever since he had survived the plane crash was he finding himself more or less fearless of most things, sure he still got nervous, startled and a bit frightened but not in such a margin as before. Though she had been covered in dirt and blood was Sinclair still a pretty girl, and after she had cleaned up was she still pretty though without the whole wild girl theme.

He kept himself firm and steady in his movements, knowing she was more animal then most other students in this school, so she used instincts and senses to determine people's place. David had done a lot of artwork on animals and even gone so far as to research the animals in question so he knew a bit above the average about them, not by much though. Making sure to keep eye contact with Rahne David nodded in greeting and spoke up with a charming smile. "Good day Rahne, I take it you had a good hunt?"

 

[DormantEvil]

He hadn't backed down, or appeared to cower, that was good. She kept his eye contact, a grin forming at the corners of her mouth as she buried her hands inside the pockets of her hoodie. The hunt? Yes, it had been very enjoyable. But she knew that many students got rather intimidated with her vivid and detailed descriptions of what happened to those she caught. And since she wanted to simply exchange a greeting and get to the airport, she shrugged her shoulders.

"It was relaxing, but game was rather flighty. If I didn't know any better, something else is keeping everything in the forest on it's tip toes."

Pulling the plane ticket from her pocket, she examined it closer. The specific time wasn't specified, an open ticket leaving from the closest Airport and arriving in Russia. Rahne didn't particularly enjoy flights, they were long and cramped and her pacing often caused the people around her to feel uneasy. But it was necessary. Her last flight had been alongside Moira, but this time she would be going it alone.

Why the Professor hadn't contacted her with his powerful mind tricks, wasn't exactly beyond her. In her state currently she was under control, yet had urges still, yesterday she hadn't been able to stop herself engaging in a long hunt. The day before she had changed into her hybrid form against her wish. Today she felt better, slightly.

"I'm heading out, have you seen the others?" she asked, slipping the ticket away again. Usually she would take her motorbike, but there was no way she was leaving it at the airport for an unknown amount of time until she returned. She enjoyed the feel of the wind in her face, the scents that rushed past her and the freedom of not getting cramped. The bike was much more enjoyable than a taxi.

 

[Drakkwall]

"Iie(No), I am afraid I have yet to see anyone else today, I've mostly kept to my room, working on my power and doing some sketches for some future artworks. Plus with the message I receive from Logan I believe we're travelling the same way. Now I believe we have some things to do, and I got the way to get us there. Meet me in the garage in five minutes if you have to get things ready. I already have my things done and ready." Raising his hand to show the car keys to his personal favourite car he swiftly walked towards the garage with a wide grin on his face, eager to get his beauty out on the road.

"I hope you don't mind a bit of rough 4x4 drift with a stamepe of horse power beneath the hood Rahne." He stated with a grin as they entered the garage and he pressed the button on his key-chain, a loud beep-beep was heard and he spoke up while walking towards the door of the garage. "Jeep Cherokee Country XJ Unlock Doors, drive in front of garage main entrance door and open driver and front passenger seat doors." With a sudden growl moved the black painted 4x4 car out of its spot in the garage and with an almost magical movement it put its wheels to the test and put int oa quick burst of speed before jerking the breaks and then glided across the floor before stopping by the opening garage doors, opening its two front doors.

Getting inside David strapped on the seat belt and closed the doors, he then spoke out as Rahne entered the car and drove out onto the front yard of the house, his hands not even touching the wheel as he put in a CD marked Imagine Dragon. As he grasped the handles of the car and pressed down his foot on the gas and sent the road monster of metal and rubber roaring down the pavement he spoke up in a calm voice. "Open gatehouse, activate DC Track 12, Song, Radioactive."

Sliding the jeep past the open gatehouse David spoke up calmly as he put the car to the test, the music pumping out of the speakings. "Close Gatehouse." Not even looking back as the gates closed themselves as he drove the jeep towards the city. "Anywhere you want to go before heading to the airport?" He asked with a smile as the jeep kept to the speed limit, at his command of course, man was it good ot get this beauty out on the road at last.

 

[DormantEvil]

"Logan, huh?" she spoke up, wondering what he was up to. If he was in town, and she needed to go through town to get to the airport then catching a lift was a good idea. It would safe a lot on cab fair. She didn't need any belongings, no brush to comb her hair, no make-up to powder her nose. No scent to block her nostrils. She was a light traveler, something you got used to when not able to carry much stuff whilst in her full form. Not speaking until they were on their way, Rahne had been rather impressed with his voice controlled car, and all the doors and gates to the property.

"Does the Professor know you can hijack all of this stuff? Seems like quite the security risk considering just how much you could do with your abilities. Not saying you're going to...just pointing it out is all."

Rahne wasn't very considerate of feelings or emotions, they got in the way, on a hunt you had no room to second guess whether to kill. If you wanted to eat, you killed the moment you were offered the chance.

"Then again, he lets me roam the halls without supervision..."

As they entered the city, Rahne had enjoyed the drive. It felt like when you bounded through the trees, or over boulders and through streams. It felt alive. Free. Even if it was a car. This car had attitude, it had personality. It had it's own spirit.

"No, I'll check in with Logan but then I better get to the airport fast. I have a feeling I'm already several days behind. One drink, won't make me any more untimely. Can you look up flight times, to Russia? So I know how long I can stay off those bloody winged cages."

She didn't know how to use mobile phones, or how to drive, barely enough to use an ATM which she had been surprised was the golden ticket to her funds. She was a cash person. Old school living.

 

[Drakkwall]

"He knows, I specifically told him every possibility of my abilities, especially when I made a simple clock spin its arms so fast that it flew off the wall and through the window of his office. I have to focus on what I am talking to, as to keep myself to affecting one thing at a time, or keep myself unfocused to not affect machines, it is hard but I am getting there" As he spoke he pressed a pair of buttons and a GPS screen and a computer screen emerged in front of Rahne's passenger seat. Driving the car David looked out at the sky with a smile and calmly spoke up to the car.

"Activate computer, Activate GPS, get location for Subject: Logan on GPS and provide flight times to Russia from New York's Airports on computer screen." The two screens bleeped on and a mechanical computer voice spoke up from the speakers of the interior of the car.

"Subject Logan located outside Brazen Fox Club, giving coordinates by vocal directions." Driving through the streets David began to test out his powers a bit subtlety, manipulating vehicles with pure thought was harder then you'd think but he managed to make a path through the thick New York traffic by slowly making cars slow down, move to the side or speed-up, making it look like a complex puzzle as he drove through the streets without a single hindrance in sight and he spoke up to Rahne as he drove.

"We're going to arrive within 40 minutes or so, I will just send a text message to Logan to notify that we're approaching his location." Pulling out his smart phone David texted the message intended for Logan, simply stating There in 40 Minutes, Signed, David, before sending it.

 

[DeathsKnight]

James

Logan slipped the device back into his pocket after having sent the message, he had no particular love for them, he wasn't a complete inept with them. He looked at his companions,

"A'right, Frenchie you take Wonderkid and do some scouting around the building. We have some reinforcements on their way. I will take a different route and meet you back here in twenty minutes."

He lit a new cigar,

"Better start crackin'"

With that he headed away from the door in the opposite direction of Gambit and his new charge, Logan glanced over his shoulder with a wicked grin,

"Don't lose this one as well Frenchie!"

He chuckled and disappeared around the corner.

 

[DormantEvil]

Rahne enjoyed the scenery as it sped by, liking how efficient and quick David was at getting them to their location. What should have taken an entire hour only took forty minutes, and if there wasn't a traffic jam due to a minor incident, it would have been even quicker. Lights changing color, lanes becoming open or closed. Considering Rahne didn't really enjoy walking around in the city, it suited her fine to pass it by as quickly as possible.

But as they arrived on the opposite side of the city block to the Brazen Fox Club, they were stopped by traffic. And...a parade? Something to do with gay pride and equality, a reason that Rahne couldn't object too for any specific reason. But it was a kink in their plan.

"Let's cut through the arcade, think you can find a park along here?" she asked, looking at a couple of men that walked past the car down the center of the road.

"Don't they have to give notice for these things?" she said, waving a hand at the parade. About ten cars were trying to reverse back and turn around, many getting rather hot headed.

 

[Drakkwall]

David just chuckled and steered the car through the swirling labyrinth that was the city. His hand casually held the gear as he kept shifting it as he drove down the streets, gliding and spearing through the streets without any hindrance. "Aye. But then again, they always give them out too late or don't bother." They soon emerged into a street alongside a large park and David spoke up his curiosity about their destination as he drove down the street. "So why did you want to get to the park?"

 

[DormantEvil]

Rahne was having a hard time following their route, since he had turned off away from the Brazen Fox Club rather than slipping into an empty parking spot within walking distance. It wasn't until he spoke up about trying to find 'the' park, that she blushed rather obviously. There were several times that her use of slang had caused problems for her. And this was one such time.

"Oh, I...uh...meant a parking spot, to pull into. So we could cut through the arcade and find Logan. Not an actual 'park'. Not that I don't appreciate the effort, or wouldn't enjoy a run away from people, but I think we should make a bee-line to the club. Thanks, though."

She slouched down in her seat, trying not to say much more in case it caused further confusion. If she could, she would have pulled her hood up over her head. Whilst her accent wasn't very strong, she did need to be more careful. Not many people could understand her Scottish tones.

 

[Drakkwall]

"Actually I took the quickest route, see here." David then turned to the right and the jeep emerged down the road, on the other side of the whole parade. As theydrove through the split in the whole parade they both could see police officers and cars investigating severa cars while holding off the people with signs and vocal amplifiers. Smirking as he continued onwards to the club he jerked a thumb back at where they had come from. "When we stopped earlier I manipulated some of the vehicles to make several car alarms give out noise, causing the police to block off the parade on that path for a short time. It gave us the window we needed."

He then drove forward and could see the club soon enough as they swirled through the concrete jungles of the city. He soon pulled into a perfect slide and parked around one block from the club. Putting around ten dollars worth of quarters into the parking meter before bowing before his fellow mutant while motioning for the club. "I hope you enjoyed our ride madame, shall we venture on to find our fellow extra ordinaries?"

 

[Lachiyous]

Gambit

Ten Months Ago. [Somewhere. In the Old World of Europe]

He, mutant. Thief extraordinaire, was. Robbed, but...it...it hadn't been, in. Riches, or of any possessions. No, 'twas far more. Precious. His heart. She, she was. Stolen, from him. Pertinently. She had, been. Murdered...

<>Careful with what you are about to say. And do.<>

And for what? Because of what? Why, even? It was...his fault. There wasn't -- couldn't be -- another, explanation. As the lifeless of her, being. Kissed, the surface. Of the ground, unto. The spilled pool, of her essence. He released her, finally. Along with, one. Final. Tear, allowing it. To fall. With her. For her. Upon her...

Eyes shut. The world gone.

Deep, deep breaths.

Standing. Eyes open. The world, at his throat. Again. And he shot, daggered. Irises, at. The dark figure, before him. "Dats it. Done deal. Don't want de NONE of dis no more!"

One more look, at. Death, and the crumbling loss. Of his only. Before, he left. The other.

<>This is who you are. What you are. At the end, LeBeau...you'd do well to remember: you belong to me.<>
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Almost One Week Ago. [Outside of the Brazen Fox. In NYC]

Ever have, another. Dream, come true? Have Lady Luck -- fortune, smile. Upon oneself? Honestly, has one been. Struck, by lightning. Twice, in the form of. Truest, most potential...heart's desire? L'Amour...

It was the, cry for. 'Help!' which, had. Caught his, attention. And quickly, saved her. A pretty blonde, dancer. From unsavory, drunken. Patrons, from wanting more. He...came, to her rescue.

"Who are you?" She was the first to, breach. The silence. Grattitude, soon thereafter. "Thank you."

"Shhh. It be okay now, chere. Gambit a friend...." he gently, responded. "An' friends don't allow each ot'er. Walk home 'lone..."

Their very first, chance upon. Meeting. Which, led to. Almost, preordained. Intimacy. The shared, the. Night, together.

More significantly, she. Was also -- like him -- a mutant...
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Five Days Ago. [West Chester, NY]

And yet, things weren't to be. Scripted, easily. For him, at the least!

"--snake, you know that? God! I thought you were a good person, so I let you in my home. My bed! And you steal my car? Give me my keys, now. Then I'm going to make sure you get kicked out of here. You don't belong here." She spat out, furious. With him.

He could find nothing, the better. To do, in response. Than shower the blonde, with. Laughter. Before, "Gambit try and protect you, chere. Made sure dat car. Wasn't in your grasp no more. Didn't want risk you getting hurt. If you couldn't get back to dat place, den you be safe! Dat was de intention de entire time." He moved to, comfort the woman.

That...set her off. "Don't you dare step any closer, Gambit. I can't promise I won't do to you what I should have done to those men last night."

People certainly like to push others, away. In the heat, of the moment. Why do they do that? In the after, of math. It was one, a. Professor Charles Xavier. That had, recruited. The both, of them. And one, Jamie Madrox. Unto the X-Men, over the course. Of the next, several of days.

Allowing, the embers of. Hate, be stamped out. By love's, fulfilling passion. Just so, to help. Strengthen the two, their relations. With one, the other. Kissing, always was. So much more effective. Than hitting!
========================================================================
Thursday. Over One Hour Ago. [NYC]

Her lovely, voice. Clear as day. After she'd spoke, about having to visit. Downtown. "Once I finish here, I hope to stop by my apartment to grab a few things, and that should be it. My place is within walking distance, so if someone needs my car, you're welcome to use it."

After the four of them -- his lovely blonde companion, the Multiple Man, and The Wolverine -- had reached the, destination of. The City. Exiting her automobile, and splitting up. Mostly. He vowed to her, "...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?"

Some things need be said, so. That things can be clear. For the present, and the. Future...
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Now.

Nightmares, they're. Reoccurring phenomenons. Or, constant. Curses. One doesn't pick, when. When and where, they could be. Experienced. Just, sort of...happens. But believe one, truly. It's unmistakable, when one -- he -- could ever, possibly. Be living, through. That of a nightmare....

"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."

Remy parted his lips, to speak. After the short, stout man. Had an exchange, with the. Bouncer, before turning to him. Jamie appeared. "Is that me? Cool. So, do we know what sort of trouble yet?"

Another crease, furrowed. The Cajun's brow, at the. Prospects. What trouble(s) COULD she have been in? She hadn't been looking forward to this...encounter with the Club. What happened? His team mates, had. Continued, conversing. Logan, at the helm. "...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..."

...this, still. Couldn't be happening. How on, earth. How, in the heavens. How, in God's name...could this....would this....HAD this, happened? Some. Something transpired. Someone, did. Some. Thing.

Gritting his teeth, hand into a. Fist, the. Churning, began. From within. If one hair on her head, was out of place. If she was harmed in ANY way--! If, if, if.

He would make, whomever was. Responsible, PAY. And, DEARLY!

Red irises, flared out. As the, intensity. The conviction. Set itself, up. Inside.

The Wolverine, piped up. Once more, "A'right, Frenchie you take Wonderkid and do some scouting around the building. We have some reinforcements on their way. I will take a different route and meet you back here in twenty minutes."

Sure. He had, gathered. The two of them. Here. At The Brazen Fox. Let them in, the. Know how, on. The situation. But now, more than ever. He wanted -- needed -- to do things. Alone. He gripped, the youthful. Madrox, by the shoulder. Exiting the front, and rearing the corner. Unhearing the older man's, jab at him. Sure of isolation, his rather. Intense gaze. Caught Jamie's, brownsome one. "Work de perimeter. De rig't an' de left. Dere a back door, see maybe. It be unlocked. Gambit try somet'ing else...entirely!" Before he left, Remy shoved him. To create, necessary. Force -- friction -- which, might. Potentially, inspire. His team mates, particular. Mutant power, of. Duplication...

He hadn't stuck around, to see. Back, along the ally. Originally, where upon. He'd first -- significantly -- met Alison. The setting, the moment. That night, it really was. Quite vivid, still. Within his mind.

"Help!" She. Her cry.

"Uhhh, whadduya complainin' about?" Stranger.

"That's right! It's time you gave us our own lil' performance. Ain't that right boyz?" More, strangers. Of night.

"Please someone! Mmmpphhh--" His, damsel. As per, fate. At the end, the four. Knew not, what hit them. By the time, he was finished. With them. And she....well. She was safe, with. Him. Him and her, together...

This, late afternoon. This, late afternoon. The ally...was empty. With, not a clue. That he, could ascertain. He touched, the asphalt. Concrete wall, before him. And glanced up, a second story window. Peering down, back at him. Grimacing. Grunting. The Cajun, took to. Scaling, the side. Of the building. Clinging, to every the. Crevice, a. Nook, and cranny. As he, ascended. Making way, improving tracks. And eventually....pulling himself up, and. Over, the ledge. Onto, the second. Story. The window, itself.

Click. Tinker. Mrrrm. Claaaank.

Unlocked! He lifted it, and re-entered. The building, this time. From above.

'old on, chere. Remy gonna save you. Now. De no mat---

BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeep
BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

"W'at de 'ell...."
========================================================================

 

[Remec]

Madrox

"A'right, Frenchie you take Wonderkid and do some scouting around the building. We have some reinforcements on their way. I will take a different route and meet you back here in twenty minutes," Logan had said. That had been a couple of minutes, now, as Jamie and Gambit had gone around to recon the building as requested. Everything had seemed okay, not suspicious or anything that seemed out of the ordinary for an alley behind a club.

What had seemed out of the ordinary was the way Gambit had seized Jamie once they'd gotten out of sight of Logan. The older man's hands gripped Madrox' upper arms and he turned the young mutant so that their eyes met. Gambit had already impressed Jamie as more than a little off--the rambling speech, the almost lackadaisical way he moved or just stood, but those eyes were the clincher. Even their normal appearance was a bit intense, and when they lost all sign of pupil and became a solid, glowing, red iris...Jamie wasn't sure that maybe he should have stayed in New York and kept trying to speak with Dr Richards directly or just gone back to the farm.

Remy said, "Work de perimeter. De rig't an' de left. Dere a back door, see maybe. It be unlocked. Gambit try somet'ing else...entirely!" To emphasize what he was saying even more, Remy had given Jamie a shove into one of the alley's lining walls and Jamie barely had time to protest before he struck brick and found himself fuming with himself over the way Gambit just slipped away.

"Great," Jamie said. "What now?"

"You asking me?"

"Sort of. I mean, rhetorical questions are usually just left in the air to dangle, but some people say it's a way to speak to yourself out loud."

"So it was to me."

"After a fashion."

"'Kay, well, I think we either merge back--since Logan didn't want us using powers in town, follow Gambit--together or seperately, or I could stay and watch for signs that Gambit needs help, while you meet with Logan like previously arranged."

"Sounds like a plan."

The Jamies nodded and one took up a position to watch the back door of The Brazen Fox, while the other finished the recon of the areas around the building and made to rendezvous with Logan. Before he left, he caught his own attention and said, "Call if anything happens. Use Logan's number, I don't think your phone can call mine. We'll have to run some experiments later or look it up on some tech sites."

"Gotcha."

With that, Jamie moved around the side of the club and headed to the meeting spot.

 

[DeathsKnight]

James

He used the rain gutter to scale the wall, once on the top he looked around, no cameras, no alarms. Moving along the edge of the roof he was just in time to see a brown trench coat enter into a window, followed by an alarm,

"Oh f'r Pete's sake."

He took out his phone and dialed Jamie's number, there was two rings, one from the back of the building and the other to the side.

"Kid get to the front, I'll meet you there. Just hope our reinforcements comes in around about now."

He moved to where he climbed up and dropped down the side of the building, landing in a crouch which would have incapacitated or killed most people. He got up, waited a moment for his healing factor to sort out the kinks and walked back to the front as casual as he could.

 

[Lachiyous]

Russia - Sam

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

Yes. The cannonball, as he was. Still, being. Fired upon, from. Down below.

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAP!

It was intent.
It was sharp.
It was...the manyment, of. Lasers. Not any of which, was. Friendly. Had the professor warned him...of such. Dangers? Had he instructed him, on such. Violence? Was there anything on this Earth, which could have prepared Sam. For ANY of this?

Plenty. There certainly were. Down. Down below...amidst the burnt land. Heavily armoured forms. Many bundled up, in the warmest. Of apparel. Every, the single one. He could notice. Adorned some thing scarlet, upon them. But what was it...twenty...thirty....FIFTY of them, swarming around down there? Hard to...lock down a definitive count, blasting all around --

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

-- and dodging! Up here. Yet, there were masses of them. Where did they come from? Didn't, really. Seem to be...a fixed "spot" or position. Location, even. That...mm...spawned, the any of them! Right? Over the roll, of the. Land, down. To the expanse, of. An area...location....location. Was THIS not the location -- from Kitty's map -- of their team member's...their dear friend's...Piotr Rasputin's homeland. His family's pride and joy. The farm? And in that, in that....in that, did he not reach his destination? Did Sam not do as was required of him? As Charles had asked, when the mission was. Specified?

The 'enemy', so many. All below, his rocket form. Oh. Right. The big man, still. Not a trace. Yes. One -- he -- could suppose THAT were more important than, actually. The FARM, and such. Although....a start was a start? And...and...what of his other team mates? Wasn't it, the not. Too long ago. The two ladies, had been. By his side....

ZAAAAAAAAAAP!

He manipulated his mutant power, so that. The field surrounding him, sought to overtake. The enemy, upon impact. As he bowled through them. Sending some figures, even a weapon, up. Into mid air. Curses following! Along with more...

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAP!

Just so many of them. Because let one, be realistic. It was HIM.....versus....an ARMY, at the moment. But he was not, yet. Contained. And had another move, up his. Sleeve...

His smart phone device. The very moment that Sam Guthrie pressed, on the panic alert. That's when he felt it. Them. The impact?

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP! ZAAAAAAAAAP!

Just how much was, absorbed by his powers? Just how much was, felt? Just how much of this warning, was received by those he could call...friend and companion? Just how much.....

And for how much longer....need....ANY of this, go on....the longer?

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP--!
========================================================================

 

[Lachiyous]

Russia - Betsy

It hadn't been, that long ago. Inside his office, when the Professor spoke with her. The one on one. And this very mission, was. Created. Not much time had passed. Yet, it did nothing. For her hesitations. Which of course, Charles knew before. It had even left her, pretty lips.

"Betsy, your apprehension is understandable. But believe me. This must be. You're tremendously capable, if not perfectly ready for this opportunity. I wouldn't put you in this position if it wasn't clear to me, that you could do it. You have my unequivocal commitment. Now lead my X-Men. And go find Piotr!"

Bu-bump. Must have been a rock. The automobile plunged, forward. On no, visible. Roadway, of any sort....

The mission! Russia, and. Piotr....

The X-Men! The others, why. She had...she had, mm. Decided to, split up the team. Allowing Sam, and the two. Girls, to. Truck ahead. Scout for information, search for clues. Find ANY, the. Thing. Whilst, well....the youth in Kitty, along with. Herself, stay behind. Because. Because...what was the reasoning? Oh yes....they were both "emotionally compromised", to the. Mission. To, Piotr. Specifically. On an intimate level, perhaps. Yet...

That was THEN, and. THIS is. Now. And now?

"No, uhm...talky talk. You see. Light. Smart girl, E-liz-beth." She couldn't make out, his thick lips stretching into. A large, rubbery grin.

She was, quite possibly detained. With the three 'locals'. The one in the back, seat. Still, a painfully tight hold on, her. Arms, something jabbing into her side, too. The passenger in front, jamming a. Weapon's barrel, right unto her. Face. Could she even speak, with that obstruction present?

It was, the. Moment or so, ago. Within her mind, she met. The plea from Sam, and. Anxiously from Kitty, as her team mates, were. Also, encountered. By locals of their own. Nothing from Theresa or Wanda, however....

Before that, she gave the. Fantastical effort, to extend herself. Her power. And reach half a world, away. Back to Logan.

Hm, communication....

BuzzzzBuzzzBuzzz
DeeetDeeetDeeetDeeet
BuzzzBuzzBuzzzBuzzz
DeeetDeeetDeeetDeeet

Wha...? Some...thing, on her. In her, pocket. The side, facing the door. It was, the smart phone device. Not an email, not a text message. It wasn't even a phone call. THAT was the panic alarm. And, it was from an X-Man....

Did...did her, kidnappers notice?
========================================================================

 

[Lachiyous]

NYC - Rogue

[The World Trade Center. In Lower Manhattan, New York]

Poor. Sweet. Alone and afraid. With no one, any where at all. To emphasize. And, and....who could blame the girl? She was an outcast. She was born, unto this world. Different. Was it a social anxiety issue -- was she abnormally shy around others? Or....or, was she some....some kind of an ugly duckling, that she....well...she just couldn't be allowed, in the company of others....because of her appearance...?

No. That, that wasn't it at all. Was it? She was a mutant. A gene existed inside of herself, which....further set her apart...from others. She could LOOK but not TOUCH, and the same for others around her. Not without help. Not without a barrier. And for the love of anything, NOT EVER flesh-to-flesh! Skin contact would activate her mutant ability, and...she would absorb. The life's essence out of...out of...out of Cody or anyone 'significant', or not so. In her life. The end. Game over. Without hope.

When Raven had found her, she. Understandably, was. Broken. With the cold comfort of steel, Mystique took her under her wing. Kept her out of sight. Out of mind. From the public eye. Instead of warm embraces, there was hand to hand combat sessions. 'Girl time' was replaced by aerobics. If she impressed, perhaps Rogue was gifted with a novel. Raven challenged her, tremendously. But she also greatly cared, for the girl. Was that just because Irene had prophesized, the extraordinary fortune the teenager would bring to them all? Nooo. Nonono. She generally CARED. All this time. It was a different kind of caring, but she--

"We're here." The hand that was, resting. Upon her own. Tapped, gently. As the vehicle, came to a stop. Otis came around to open, the rear door. For them, before. Hustling, to retrieve their belongings. Even early evening, there was still a hustle. Present, in the night. As was evident, from the cars on the street, to the. People on the sidewalk. The City was alive....

Yet there was no sign of, the three men. That rode the first taxi cab over. Where were they? What was going on?

After Mystique paid the driver fare, and got off the phone with -- she could only surmise the others -- the two entered the North Tower, the tallest building in the world. She turned to Rogue. An almost thoughtful expression came across the older woman's face, as she approached her. Closer. "I need you to know. That no matter what happens today, Rogue. I am proud of you, for how far you've come." She presented the girl with, an. I.D. badge belonging to a prestigious financial corporation, picture and all. Both hands upon her shoulders, chin up. "No matter what happens."
========================================================================

 

[Lachiyous]

Colossus

Seemingly, Not Too Long Ago. [Undisclosed Location]

In the, darkness. There. There was pain. Inside. And, and then. Weeping. The kind, that. Well, it reverberated so. Loudly, in the area. It , became. Him, from within...

And he could not see.
And he could not speak.
And he could not touch.

But, it was there. Ever present, in the. Darkness. The tears. The...hurt. When...when it was ALWAYS black -- the absence of 'light' -- how can one, possibly. Determine morning, from night? Day, to week? Distinctly, what could bring him this answer? Be, besides.....a miracle, of sorts.

And he could not move.
And he could not fight.
And he could not survive...this, much longer.

Or. Perhaps he'd, all ready been. Dead, and the. Agony felt, well. It was from his, family. And, they couldn't. Stop, their. Crying. Couldn't see them, couldn't feel them. But somehow, he knew. It was them. It always was them. And it burned him. To his core. At the helplessness. What happened? What caused this? How could it have?.....why? And then...

Thump! Thump! *Enccaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassed*

And...at the end....

GAA-GAAASSPPPP. shoccckkkKKKKkkkkkkkkkkkkkk k k k k k p h z z z.

The MOMENT suffocated him, till the last few. Of his, burning. Essence was....depleted!

Then Piotr Rasputin, would feel not. One thing, any the more....
========================================================================

 

[Lachiyous]

Gambit

There was a moment, a. Time, for. Heroism, to brave all. Danger, and succeed in. Presenting it, favorably. Then there was, the flip. Side. Wherein, one. Must, save. Face, and. Be the, more. Concerned, with one's own. Skin. Survival, at its finest.

On the run. In, the out of. Shadows. Courage, stoutness had their, place. But they neither, helped. Nor perfected, his. Art form, of. Thief extraordinaire.

For when all odds were not in his favor.
When all cards stacked against him.
When it very well looked like he was going to LOSE

Please. If 'one' had, learned. Any the thing. Don't, dare. Count the Cajun. Out. Ever.

The eyes just, could not. Be, trusted. Nor, could he...
========================================================================
Thursday. Early Evening. Now. [The Brazen Fox. In Lower Manhattan, New York]

'old on, chere.

BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeep
BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

Once he had, passed. Into the threshold, of. The building, from the. Second story, window which was picked open. The intrusion alert, chirped. Loudly. Calling out, all the. Attention, on the individual. Responsible, for tripping it. Gambit.

"W'at de 'ell..."

Unbeknownst to him, within one. One of his pockets. Went off, the. Nother, of an 'alarm'. Emitting from, that of his smart phone device, one initiated by a team mate. Seemingly, an ocean and a half away. And in the mite of, a hostile situation. Sam Guthrie. Did the short, stout man and the youth in Jamie. Did they notice the communicative alert, from overseas? Even if they could, if they did....what good would it do them and him, MILES upon MILES the way, right? Plus, more immediate, pressing matters.

Yes. And, as stated, Remy was faced with. The building's 'defensive mechanism', still ringing out....

BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeep
BeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeepBeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!

But more, significantly...

"Don't move an inch!"

Standing, now. In the barely lit, room. The Cajun looked, down at the. Five different barrels, pointed. Directly, at him. This was a, no nonsense. Situation, clearly. The 'response time' was incredible. For these guys, to be here. That quickly. Un....less, something else. Had prompted, their presence....and wait a minute....

"Ahh, gent'men." Gambit slowly raised, his hands. In the air. "Did dat girl give de Cajun, de wrong address...or w'at, eh? Heh heh." He grinned for, the good of all humor. In spite. "T'ink maybe...jus' leave back, dis way...." Slowly he backed, up. Toward the window, and. Toward...an escape.

Cla-click. Cla-click. Click. Click. Click.

Still Aimed. Guns, now more than ever, at the ready! "Not so fast, pal. You're not going, anywhere." Then, into a receiver. "Yes, we got someone up here. We'll bring him down. Sure."

Weren't these guys -- something about them -- familiar , to him?
========================================================================

 

[Remec]

Madrox -- Lower Manhattan

Jamie was just about to exit the alleyway back onto the main street when his phone went off. He could just barely pick up an echo of a ring somewhere around the strip club, and when he looked at it he saw an image of Logan he had taken at some point during their training time with the older man.

A duality of voices answered the phone in perfect sync. "Yeah?"

Logan's gruff voice answered, "Kid get to the front, I'll meet you there. Just hope our reinforcements comes in around about now."

"Sure thing. Let me just take a moment to come around," the Jamies said. He waited at the edge of the alleyway for himself to come around the corner of The Brazen Fox, and then held out a hand. He touched palms with himself and took in a short breath and felt a slow, subtle shudder roll up his spine as he took the duplicate back into wherever they went when they disappeared.

Jamie then turned and headed to the main street and looked about for Logan. He just caught sight of him when the smart phone rang again. No, not rang. It was one of the alarms. A distress signal from the Russian mission.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath as he silenced the alarm and dashed towards Logan. I hope his reinforcements have some really fast travel powers.

 

[NekoMata]

World Trade Center (Rogue and Mystique)

Her smile was wistful as always, her eyes sparking that familiar mix of apprehension and excitement that thrived in them during these mission. The excitement a product of adrenaline and the apprehension the nagging part of her mind that always chided her about how anything that could go wrong most likely would. It was a feeling she had come to live for. She was ready enough, with her seventh sense and the combat skills she had both absorbed and honed on her own she was ready for almost anything.

Cocking her head to one side as Mystique pinned the ID card to her. Her gaze went to the building before them wondering as she always did what purpose had brought them to this place. Rouge knew without instruction or coddling what was expected from her. She was always vigilant and always ready, an effect of the life she had lived until this point. She heard the words Mystique spoke, could sense what sincerity there was to them. She smiled softly. Glad for them but recognizing how unneeded they were. They felt good but in this line of business meant little when it came down to the grind. Still it didn't stop her from gently squeezing her mothers hand in a brief but meaningful display of affection.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Logan

He found the kid in the front of the building, "Listen kid, next time I tell you to stick with somebody, you do that. That Cajun just got himself into trouble, charging into the building like some vigilante with a hard-on."

Fishing a cigar from the jacket's pocket, he lit it, "Learn from his mistake, don't ever go into a building before you don't have at least an idea of the lay-out, if you can get a grasp on the amount of people inside even better. He cost us the element of surprise, that means that somebody will end up hurt. Luckily I don't stay hurt for long, but it did take me a few knocks on the head to learn that much."

He took a deep drag, "Let's just hope that we get that reinforcements quickly, before the Cajun manages to talk himself into an early grave."

 

[Felix80]

War

The Brazen Fox. It was what old Olie the bartender had recommended when Sgt. Abraham Kieros had asked about a good titty club in the area. After Giuliani cleaned up the streets back in the 90's it was hard to find a good, safe titty club these days. Especially for a soldier who hadn't had a decent liberty since he got deployed six months ago. Not that he didn't like taking liberty while he was in Qurac, it beat working, but the only thing to do there was drink at the NCO club or go wander the desert. Weren't no titty bars in Qurac.

It was a bit of a walk, especially while carrying his duffel, but he didn't have alot of options. He still had to report to this Xavier nut tomorrow.

He saw the gangbangers as he approached them. His combat training kicked in, almost like a fighter pilot's Head's Up Display. He was evaluating them as he approached. The white kid was the farthest away, no gun bulge, bangers weren't known to wear pocket holsters and tended to get something intimidating instead of effective. A .38 snubnose wasn't scary, but it was easy to conceal and had a round that could stop a black bear. It was what Abe carried when he was off duty, like today. He wouldn't need it though.

The black kid and the asian were closer. They were in position to be behind him when the white kid stopped him, probably with a knife. The black kid had a baseball bat. The asian had a gun bulge. Good sized too. They were all wearing the same gang colors. A mistake. It identified them as being all in one group. Uniforms had their place, but camouflage was used in the field for a reason.

Abe walked into the trap, springing it on himself. Sure enough, the black kid and the asian started walking after him when he passed them. The white kid stepped off the wall he was leaning on and flashed his knife. Before the banger could say anything Abe was already in action. He dropped to the ground and spun into a 180 degree roundhouse sweep, taking Whiey McSlashy-Slash off his feet. As Abe turned he swung the duffel off his back and up, slamming the hundred pound bag into Blacky McBaseball-Bat ina vicious uppercut. Between the weight of the bag and the centripidal force, Blackie was knocked off his feet, sent in the air a bit then came back down, hard. This put Abe in the right position to deal with Asian Delight. He took a half step forward as Asian Delight started to draw and gave Asian a nerve punch that slid down the ribs. There was a long nerve there and as Sensai had taught Abe many years ago, getting hit there made the pain overwhelming. Abe ripped the gun out of Asian Delight's hand as he fell, continued his turn, back 180 degrees and pistol whipped Whitey McSlashy-Slash. Whitey went down as Abe turned, pointing the gun at Blackie.

"Run."

Abe didn't have to say it twice. The black kid scrambled to his feet and took off running. Abe watched him run for a moment then checked the gun. .45, Smith & Wesson M&P. He dropped the mag and locked the slide back. Empty. Kid didn't even have one in the chamber. Idiot. But then, Abe was about to do the same thing, of course, he wasn't carrying it. He released the slide and shoved the mag back into the mag well. The weapon was loaded WITHOUT a round inbthe chamber. It was effectively a paperweight until someone racked the slide. Abe put the gun in his duffel, put the duffel on his shoulder and continued on his way.

He got to the brazen fox a few minutes later. There was an alarm going off and two guys standing at the front door. He approached the two guys and asked, "What's going on? Titty bar closed?"

 

[Lachiyous]

Calling -- Jean

Some Six Years Ago. [Frost Academy. In Snow Falls, Massachusetts]

"The absolute peril that this girl presents. To us ALL! Do not believe -- not even for a second -- that you yourself are safe. As it is, I've had to...go in and re-wire the poor lamb, so that....hrm. One moment." A single brow, raised. "Jean, love. Come here. Have I not impressed upon you. The importance of etiquette? You'd do very well to pay, your Head Mistress mind. Wait for me, in my office. So that we can discuss this further. I'll tend to you there, shortly..." An after thought, a smile played on her gorgeous face. <>Do not think to make eyes with the Summers boy. Either of them. They are OFF limits. Now run along...<>
========================================================================
Thursday. Earlier in the Morning. [Within one of Sebastian Shaw's Estates. In London, England]

"Remember, Jean. Like the previous occasions. I'll be away, on a business meeting. For two days time. I suspect you'll be fine in my absence." The back of his hand, upon the side. Of her. Jawline, whilst. At the same. Ran the length, of those. Auburn tresses. "It's too bad you can't come. With me. I certainly could use..." The other big hand, grabbed. The small, of her. Arm. "..your assistance." He laughed, loudly. Disengaging, the. Physical contact, and. Turning. To leave her. Standing, there. Alone....
========================================================================
Later in the Afternoon. Now.

It. It was a wonderous notion. Really. The...whole...freedom of will. Will of freedom. Of mind, of body, of...spirit? No bonds. No barriers. And absolutely, the none. A consequence. To run. To fly...

And be unafraid. Unconcerned, even. With any, the. Thing. Every, all things! No one to harm. No one to judge. Nothing was a trifle! It. All. Mattered. Not. The, any more. With.....with...with freedom.

Did she truly, want. Freedom of any kind? Could she even, seek. To dream such?

Shh. Head on, straight. Keep focus. Not a thought to stray. That was how one didn't....lose control, of. Oneself. Right? Because, it was quite imp--

Just then. Ga-asp. Flutter of eyelashes. Look. Out that window, and. Up! Noo, not literally. On the meta physical plane. Couldn't she *FEEEEEEL* it? Psionically.

Not....not painful. Not so much as an intrusion. Yet. Still....unfamiliar. New. And entirely...confounding? A voice, that of a female's....

<>This whole thing has gone pear shaped, Logan.<>

She could, well. Despite best efforts. It was almost, impossible. For her, NOT. To experience this. The communication. It....mm...its source -- the girl -- was hailing from...

*ConcentrateNow*

East. Perhaps, mm....in an eastern European country. And...the purple, irridescent like butterfly. Lasered across the realm, headed. Far, far. Westward.

Amazing! Beside her mentor in Emma Frost, and. Of course her own self. She hadn't known. Any other telepath. Did...did that mean, this person was. Was a mutant like herself? What was the deal? Who was this Logan? Jean Grey couldn't help but detect.....a level of anxiety within the. Tone, of the message. Psionically. It was subtle, but. Yes. It was definitely there...

Could this person be in trouble? What's more, what was she to do? All alone, and by herself. With two days...of....freedom...?
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