X-Men: A Bright New World

[SortOfBeautiful]

Dazzler.

Making her way to her own car, finding her way through the mansion back toward the main entrance, Alison was feeling...well, she didn't know what she was feeling. She wasn't familiar with it. It just felt...wrong. She didn't want to leave Charles. There was so much left unsaid.

But what was she supposed to do? He already knew that she was a stripper, on weekends. And now, she had signed a harsh contract that bound her to something much, much worse than just taking off her clothes. Charles Xavier deserved better than that. She did too, but alas, the deal was made. The damage was done. She wished she could explain. To tell him the truth so he knew that she wasn't leaving because she wasn't interested. There were just bigger things that she had to hold her end of the deal on.

Walking outside, feeling the sun on her skin, Alison walked around her car in a circle, examining it. If that charming Cajun damaged her car in any way, he'd hear from her. But it looked just as she'd left it. Only instead of being parked in her spot in the City, it was here, in Manchester. The last place she expected to see, ever. But always dreamed and wondered about.

Then, she found the note.

Only wanted you to be safe, chere. Didn't mean for you to get hurt in de process. Maybe someday you forgive Gambit.

Alison read it again. Then a third time. She knew the note had been left by Gambit. She knew it had been sincere. But...what did it mean? He wanted her safe? Safe from what? Did he know about her deal? If he did, then he should know she couldn't break it! No, there was no way he could know. Alison read the note again, slower this time.

Safe from him?

What did it mean?

After saving her last night, she thought that they had connected. That they had a good time just...enjoying each other's company. She didn't expect anything out of it, but the least he could have done was not leave her bed in the morning without a goodbye, and steal her car.

But maybe she should be grateful; it brought her here. She was reunited with Charles, and shown a new world that she'd been trying so hard to avoid. When she shouldn't. She belonged here. She was just like these people.

"Shit," Alison mumbled, her blonde hair blowing in the wind, falling loose from her ponytail.

It was decided. She'd stay.

 

[Lachiyous]

Quicksilver/Scarlet Witch

Two Weeks. In The Future. [Somewhere. In the Old World of Europe]

He was furious. She could see it. In the dilation of his eyes. The furrow of his brows. His clenched fists. And he couldn't sit still. Well. He NEVER could sit still.

"For the life of me. I CANNOT stand these goddamn deadends!" He grit his teeth.

She sighed. He may have been right. It was a whole lot of chasing. And not much to show for it. Time was running out as well. After all. She needed to get back. To..

"Are you even paying attention to me, sweet sister??" She peered at him. His ice blue irises locked on her form. Expectant. If not a tiny bit. Indignant. Little frosted silver spikes. Made up his hairdo.

"Yes. I'm sorry, Pietro. I just have a lot on my mind.." She began.

"YOU have a lot on your mind--!"

"..and I'm just as disappointed as you are! The closer we get, it seems the further away we are. From finding out the truth."

He reached for her hands. "That's all the more reason we need to stick together. There is strength in our blood. And our bond. Don't you see?" He was getting worked up again.

"Pietro." Hers was that of. Sadness. "I can't do this. You know that. I need to get back. I have a new home now." Letting go of his hands. She reached for her phone. He frowned.

"No." A sigh. A deep breath. A nod. He'd convince her. Just not now. She wasn't ready. Resolved. "I'll take you there. Myself. Do you really think I'd trust the most important person in the world. To a huge, mechanical beast. That is supposed to 'fly'? Not now. Not ever!"

She shook her head, allowing a little smile to play upon her lips. He did mean the best for her. Always.

"Besides. I picked you up, didn't I?" He winked, knowingly.

The man known as Quicksilver began the 'transporation' process. He allowed her to hold his hand first. Then. Vibration. To the atomic instensity. Pure energy. A myriad of colors.

Encased them. Both. And ripping them. Out of the mainstream time/space continuum,

*ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*
========================================================================
Saturday. Now. [Westchester, New York]

Just as it was before -- some four hours ago or so -- as it was. Now. Four seconds ago. The flash of lights. And hue. Swirled all over.

*ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*

Leaving two -- brother and sister -- behind. In a singular. Puff of smoke. Back at the Gateways' entrance to the Mansion. And not too far. From a Volkswagen Beetle.

"You're back. Safely. As promised, sweet sister.." Pietro spoke to Wanda at once, before the eye of some strange blonde girl caught his attention. "Can't fucking say ANYthing around here. Without some nosy BITCH listening in!" He scoffed venomously at the unfamiliar woman. Turning back to his blood. His bond. Strained. "Say the word. And I will take you. AWAY. From this place."

She opened her mouth to speak, but that's when he surprised her.

With his lips. Firm. Upon her own. Brother to sister kiss. Yet. Not in a brother to sister fashion. Quite the opposite. Really.

And when he broke contact. He spoke lowly, so only she could hear him. "I will always be there for you. No matter what. You let me know. When you need me. And when you're ready to get the hell outta here!"

Sneering at the blondie once more. And then.

*ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMmmmmmm*


He was gone.

Leaving the two female individuals....to...pick up the pieces...

 

[Remec]

Cannonball/Sam Guthrie

Sam was digesting Kitty's advice about the class he had been getting a head start on, while he waited to hear her response to his question. He had been sure that had been someone speaking telepathically, but he was still unused to the phenomenon and wasn't exactly sure if it had been---what was the term? broadcast---to the school or just something for his mind. That's silly, boy. Why would someone talk to just you like dat?

He nodded in agreement with Kitty's appraisal, as well as to indicate he understood what she meant about just passing time. "Yeah, I think it was Betsy. Makes sense, yeah?"

"If you want to go flying, you should go! It sounds like a lot of fun, I just think I'm going to keep two feet on the ground today. I seem to be doing much better than you have, so far," Kitty said as she continued. Sam smiled, he had a trio of sisters who would talk your ear off seven ways from Sunday, but they weren't cute little spitfires like Kitty.

"Nah...if Ah wanna go flyin', Ah can always jus' go flyin'. Don't even need a plane," Sam said. He let his eyes run up and down Kitty once more and gave the briefest of shrugs. "So, you keepin' yer feet down...guessin' dat means more solo air time for me today. You wouldn't, by chance, be inclined to go flyin' with me sometime, would ya? I'm pretty sure I could carry you and I have more than enough thrust to fly more than jus' myself."

Even without realizing it, Sam found himself holding his breath a bit. His mind was so boggled his conscience and the echo of his mother that passed for good sense were both speechless within his thoughts. Well, damn...did I jus' ask a girl to go do something with me? A girl who looked like that? Ma was right, being away from home was making me big in the britches.

 

[heartofcourage]

As always no one seemed to jump at her offer. Betsy simply shook her head as she made her way through the winding hallways and out the front entrance. This certainly wasn’t like home. Her brothers Jamie and Brian were always jumping at the chance to climb aboard her plane and head off to parts unknown. Perhaps there was no one else there at the facility that had that adventurous Braddock spirit.

Still, it didn’t really bother her that no one else wanted to go. It gave her time to think through the problems of the day and time to mull over her current situation. As she made her way towards her car, she made up her mind that maybe today wasn’t the best for a flight. She wanted company. She wanted companionship that she’d been far too long without.

“Alright, pizza then since flying doesn’t interest anyone. My treat.” She sent out that same mental message as she unlocked her sleek black Mustang convertible, which had been a gift from Jamie for her last birthday.

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Kitty could feel Sam's eyes on her, but she didn't think anything of it. She was young, and still had a hard time telling the difference between a boy who was attracted to her young curves, and a boy who just didn't know what to think of the little firecracker. But Sam was kind, friendly, and while they didn't hang out or talk much, fate seemed to give them a chance to do just that. They wouldn't have even been having this conversation if she hadn't literally made him fall out of his chair.

"So, you keepin' yer feet down...guessin' dat means more solo air time for me today. You wouldn't, by chance, be inclined to go flyin' with me sometime, would ya? I'm pretty sure I could carry you and I have more than enough thrust to fly more than jus' myself."

Kitty was a little stunned, turning her head to look back at Sam as he had plainly asked her to fly with him. He wasn't asking her to fly on a plane. He was asking her to fly with him. The thought and idea of it all sounded absolutely exciting, and scary, all at once.

"Really, Sam? Wow." She shook her head, realizing that she had already made up her mind what her decision would be. "That sounds awesome! Are you sure it's safe though? I mean, I don't weigh much, and I'm small, but...have you ever flown with anyone else?" She asked him, tilting her cute little head to the side, curious. She, too, was learning how to include other people in her powers. Piotr had been trying to help her, and the two of them were working on it before he had taken off. So, that lesson had been put on hold for the past month or so.

"Maybe tod--" She started, but her own words were interrupted by thoughts that weren't hers. Not thoughts, but...well, Kitty didn't know how to really describe it when someone was telepathically communicating to her, and anyone else in the building.

"Mm, pizza. I'm starving." Kitty bit her bottom lip, placing a hand on her hip, torn. She was looking forward to getting some reading done to pass the time, but even though she had just eaten breakfast...how she could turn down a free meal? "How much do you want to bet that everyone in the school will be going, though? We could go and check it out, if you want. Go outside and see what's going on. Think you could put down the books for a few hours? If we get bored, you can show me those flyin' skills of yours you keep bragging about." Kitty was grinning, and she gave Sam a playful wink as she reached forward.

Without even letting him think long about it, she was grabbing his wrist and making his decision for him, leading him out of the library, leaving his books right where they were.

 

[Tight_n_ready]

Wanda

Wanda stared in shock at the hole in the air where Pietro had just been. The kiss had been entirely unexpected, and her mind was still reeling after he had disappeared. Why had he done that? Did it mean...? Could it...? She stepped back, as though moving away from the area would make it easier to understand. It didn't.

The last two weeks had been as frustrating as they were painful. It had seemed that at long last they had found an answer, that eventually they might have found what they needed. It had all been useless, almost a waste of time. At least they had moved, perhaps one step closer to the truth.

She looked around, and for the first time it truly penetrated her mind that she was outside the School again. It had happened in less than a second. Pietro had always been fast, but he had never transported her around the world so fast, with so little effort, and he had never kissed her like that before. She looked at the woman Pietro had snarled at, and cocked her head, the face floating up through her memories until she realised it was the one she had seen in the kitchen with the professor. She smiled uncertainly at the woman and, completely oblivious of the time travel, walked towards her.

"Hey again, you were the Professor's friend right? I'm Wanda, you decided to stay after all then?"

 

[Remec]

Madrox--Prelude, part I

6 weeks ago....

Life on a farm has a peculiar sort of rhythm to it for those not used to such things. Jamie Madrox had never really lived anywhere else, though, so it was nothing for him to get up at the crack of dawn and begin a good half dozen different tasks before breakfast. Since his the death of his parents, it was closer to a dozen tasks. And making breakfast.

He stepped out onto the porch and began ringing the large triangle hanging from an eave off the room above the kitchen. "Break time!" he shouted, "Finish what you're doing and come eat!"

Moments later, the great dining room of the farm's main house was full to bursting with over a score of men stuffing their faces and carrying on small talk like they hadn't just repeated this scene over dinner fourteen hours earlier. Jamie stood and motioned for quiet so that he could address the group.

"As you know," he began, "we have been having some problems with the harness Dad left us. I checked out some sources on the internet, and even drove into Springfield to check the local libraries--town, county, and the research one at the university. You know how Dad had perpetual access based on who he was, right?" The group nodded and muttered acknowledgement. Jamie let out a small sigh. "Well, it can't be helped. The largest authority I've been able to identify is Dr. Reed Richards in New York City. I've got my bags packed and am headed out to try and speak with him in person since Skyping and email has only gotten me the runaround."

"You're leaving?" asked a brown haired young man in the middle of buttering a fresh hot crescent roll.

"Yes, Jamie."

"To New York?" piped in another young man as he set down his glass of milk from the batch gathered that morning.

"Yes, Jamie."

"Today?" asked one more in a voice that was more whine than actual question.

"That's what I said, Jamie."

The whole room broke out into a general hubbub as everyone wanted to know what that meant for them, for the animals and the farm, for the whole family business. "Jamies, calm down," Jamie told them. "The only real difference is my not being here. I'm going to need money to keep coming in, so you all will remain and keep the farm running just like you have been for a few weeks now. Or has no one noticed how little I've been doing outside of the house for the last little while?"

This was greeted with a more subdued round of nods and murmuring assents. Jamie nodded as well. "Okay, then," he said as he pointed to two young men, "Jamie and Jamie, you're in charge of meals and keeping the house clean and tidy. The rest of you, stick to the routine we've been doing. I'll try and be back as quickly as possible." He worked the room, shaking hands and saying goodbye, then picked up a pair of bags from the hall outside the dining room and motioned one of the young men to him.

"Okay, Jamie," he said, "drive me to the airport. I have a plane to catch."

 

[Remec]

Cannonball

Sam's brain was still mentally admonishing him for actually taking a step towards getting to know one of his fellow students. Or, to be more precise, for working a step closer towards getting to know one of the female students. Kitty was younger than him, but she was in at least one of his classes and had already taken some others that he was about to or would take in the near future. Xavier's was, apparently, run more along the lines of a private college as opposed to a high school when it came to students their age.

Which was appropriate, now that Sam thought about it, seeing as most of the people whom he was in classes with were already of college age, for the most part.

He tried to keep up with Kitty's train of thought and the words she was saying, but found it hard to really break with his personal tradition and just jab words in any old place. "Are you sure it's safe though?" she was saying, "I mean, I don't weigh much, and I'm small, but...have you ever flown with anyone else?"

Just my Pa. Which hadn't ended to well. And Paige, which had ended...oddly.

Before he could find his voice for his thoughts, Betsy's thoughts had come across to the pair of them and he found himself echoing Kitty's desire for pizza. Especially free pizza. Her small hand found his wrist and, before Sam was aware of making a decision one way or the other, they were off and out the door...out the building...and headed across the quad towards the source of Betsy's broadcast.

Braggin'?

Sam released a light chuckled. "Why wait for boredom? Or the chance on the pizza being gone 'fore we get there?" he asked. He pulled back his arm and scooped Kitty against his chest as he kicked off his power and skimmed along the ground like, well, a cannonball. He barreled along, bright orange and yellow energies cloaking him and Kitty, protecting them from the air friction and funneling back behind his feet to mingle and become like flame as they propelled them both towards their goal.

"How's dat fer braggin'?" Sam added as they moved along.

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Dazzler.

Alison was still at her Volkswagen outside the gates, debating with herself internally on whether or not she was making the right decision.

"I'm not feeling well," She spoke on the phone, after having called the strip club. "Yes, I know what I signed. You can tell him whatever you want, I don't care. But I'm telling you that I'm not feeling very well, and it's probably bad for business to get the club's members sick, wouldn't you say? Yes, I understand. I'll call and check in tomorrow." Alison promised over the phone, and as soon as she hung up, there were flashes of lights and a whiffing breeze right in front of her.

Gasping in surprise, Alison took a step back. Was that her doing that? She looked down at her hands, her arms. No, she was just fine, the light wasn't coming from her. Suddenly, two figures appeared, and Alison recognized the girl almost immediately.

"You're back safely, as promised, sweet sister.." The boy spoke, before turning his head once he realized that they weren't alone. "Can't fucking say anything around here without some nosy bitch listening in!"

What the fuck was this guy's problem? She was the one standing there first, they were the ones who just showed up out of fucking no where. Alison had never seen anything like it before. She'd heard stories. Even seen some amazing heroes with powers on TV. But never in person, not beside seeing what her own abilities were. It was amazing.

"Who are you calling bitch, asshole?" She mumbled, letting the two of them finish up their conversation while she grabbed a couple things from the backseat of her car and put them into a bag. By the time she was turning back around, the familiar girl and the asshole were kissing. The boy left the way they came, but not after giving her a glare.

The girl from the cafeteria was still there. She seemed a little awkward, even a little unsure of herself. Maybe it was her brother's angry tone.

"Hey again, you were the Professor's friend right? I'm Wanda, you decided to stay after all then?"

Ah, so she recognized her too. Alison smiled and nodded, stepping closer to her.

"Nice to meet you, officially, Wanda. I'm Alison." The two girls didn't shake hands. This wasn't a business meeting. "I think I might stay for the rest of the day, and evening, if I can find a place to sleep. Is...everything okay? I'm sorry, I couldn't help but notice, he seemed really upset. He was...you brother?" Alison was guessing, since she remembered hearing the boy calling her his sister. And yet...that kiss. No one in her family had ever kissed her like that before.

 

[Remec]

Madrox prelude - part II

3 weeks ago

New York was certainly the town that lived up to almost every idealized fantasy of the big city that Jamie Madrox had ever heard or read about or saw in the movies and on television. No matter how much cleaning, rezoning, and general gentrification of the assorted boroughs they managed to do over the years, once you were in the city--especially if you had begun living there as opposed to just visiting--all the good stuff (or bad stuff, depending on your point-of-view) came slithering out like cockroaches in the night.

This was fine with Jamie. He was here on business and the city could just carry on like usual as long as it didn't get in his way. Unfortunately for him, even before the Incident, it was a difficult task to get in to see Dr. Richards. Back then, he was simply busy with research--both his own and assorted governmental or corporate projects he had been retained as a consultant on. Now, however, he was Mr. Fantastic in addition to still being Dr. Richards and getting an appointment had gone from difficult to damn near impossible.

Jamie finished up making a tape for himself. He did this now and then, finding it easier than keeping a memopad. He would just talk until the tape was full then mail it to be transcribed and the information sorted and filed properly. Dad had always taught him that proper records were the best foundation for research and building towards a future that ran with as few problems as possible.

"I think that stupid robot in the lobby is the problem," he was saying. "She may be designed as a receptionist, but humanoid firewall is probably more accurate. At least this last time I got her to finally take the packet I prepared about Dad's work on my restraint. Maybe that will help." Jamie sighed as he shut off the recorder and put it away in his jacket. Then there came a knock at the door.

"Who is it?"

An odd sort of voice responded from the other side of the door. "I have a message for a Mr. Jamie Madrox. Is he in residence at this time?"

Jamie was off the bed and to the door in a flash. He undid the deadbolt and opened the door. In the hall, there floated a robot. It was vaguely humanoid, with a body, arms, and a recognizable head. It turned to meet his eyes more squarely and asked, "Are you Mr. Madrox? You do seem to meet the image I was downloaded with."

"Um..er..yeah, I'm Jamie."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am H.E.R.B.I.E. and I have a message for you from Dr. Reed Richards. May I come in?"

Finally! Hell yeah!

Jamie backed up and motioned for the robot to enter as he said, "Yeah, yeah, come on in. Is he going to help me? When is our appointment to meet?"

H.E.R.B.I.E. settled himself onto the hotel room's table and slid a panel on his chest to one side to display a video monitor. It came alive with an image of Reed Richards. He was the his blue uniform of his team and a fairly generic white labcoat. "Hello, Jamie, I have sent you this in lieu of actually meeting as I do not think I am the person you need to be speaking with."

Jamie pulled up a chair and say to regard the image. It was not a live feed, but a recording of some sort. Reed's face continued. "I have reviewed the data you gave me on your the device your father built for you. It has some interesting possibilities that I have earmarked for further research and development. I have a colleague with Trask Industries who might have a use for some of your father's findings. But I digress."

"Your unique ability, which your father does not actually address in his notes, appears to be something genetic--a rather unique mutation of a number of your chromosones that the device was designed to balance with a combination of electrical impulses and an absorption of kinetic energies that might impact against your physical form."

"As such, what you need now, in fact, what you should have started a while ago, was to begin weaning yourself off the device and gaining more active control over this power you have. H.E.R.B.I.E. will be giving you a picture, address, and contact information on a Professor Charles Xavier. He lives upstate and maintains a school, but he is a noted researcher on genetics and would be much more valuable to you then I would. Thank you for you inquiry, best of luck."

With that, the video monitor shut down, the robot covered it back up and then printed out the information Reed had mentioned and handed it to Jamie. "Here you go, Mr. Madrox. I will let myself out. It was a pleasure to have met you. Good-bye."

Jamie looked at the print-out and sighed. Charles Xavier, huh? Never heard of him, but guess that's where I'm headed.

 

[Lachiyous]

Gambit

Almost Ten Months Ago.

Drip.

.

Drip.


The sky came ablaze. Mreow. A cat called. People walked.


Drip.

.

Drip.


The night blew a craze. Woooot-oot-oot. Cried an owl. Cars honked.

Drip.

.

Drip.


Yet, it was all. Insignificant. Because. He...could not stop. Or escape. The....the...

Drip.

.

Drip.

Pain. Nor should he. Ever want to. One -- HE -- need always be reminded. Of. What was. Forever lost....

Drip.

.

Drip.

Another sky came ablaze. Very soon after. A night blew a craze. Here. Here. HERE, he'd remain. Until. Well, until his heart could leak. The no more. That was, after all, the least he could do. The only thing he knew how to do. To allow for it...

Drip.

.

Drip.

To eat him the hell up. Inside. For when there was. Nothing. Left. Then perhaps, he could do. Something. About it all. That was the pipe dream. In the meantime. Tears. Screams. And agony.

Drip.

.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Puddle.
========================================================================
Saturday Afternoon. [Between the Here and the There]

A river of silver. Hair. Luscious emerald eyes. Same, form fitting black, body suit.

"Surprised to see me again, sexy?" She winked at him.

He froze. Stunned. How did she--? As if reading his mind...

"It wasn't easy to find you. I confess, I may have had some help..."

Another someone. Approached. Honey blonde. Ringlets. Liquid blue. Orbs. She wore....a familiar trench coat. Was that his...?

"You took off before I could thank you properly enough, Gambit." The new girl flashed him a smile.

"Chere, what the meaning of all of dis?" He looked between the two girls. And couldn't make the connection. There WAS none to speak of. How did they get in touch with each other? How, then, did they find him?

The Volkswagen Beetle just now...came into view. Yes. That was the second woman's car! It...was on fire! Crackles of flame threatened to eat away at the vehicle. Tires. The hood. Windows. Everything was becoming engulfed. As smoke rose.

And yet, neither of them seemed to acknowledge this!

"Sacre bleu! De car is on fire! It's---"

Yet still. Nothing. No flinching. No reaction. Not until...

"It's your fault, you know." He blinked. It was the blond. "If you hadn't stolen my car. And ruined my life. None of this would be happening..."

"Uh....hrm....chere....."

"Cat gotcher tongue, stud?" The first one couldn't help but grin. At his expense.

"I want you to admit it now, Gambit. That you were wrong! That you had no right! That you were the worst thing to have happened to me...ever."

Before he could...even...dig deep inside for a response. One. Last. Figure. Materialized.

"Remy...."

Oh no. Not..not that voice.

"You left me...alone..."

This...this can't be happening! Wasn't possible. Please God. No.

*ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*

?

The last one continued..."You were the best..thing...to have happened to me. Yet. How could you...let me....."

Gritting his teeth. Clenching his eyes. Don't say it. Don't say it. Don't say it.

"...die...?"

"...back safely, as promised, sweet sister." A different voice. Male. One that he had never heard before. He couldn't tell where it was coming from. "Can't fucking say ANYthing around here. Without some nosy BITCH listening in!"

Huh??

"Who are you calling bitch, asshole?" That voice. In response. Was...the blonde. But...

*ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMmmmmmm*

?

"Chere..?"

She was looking at him still. Along with the other two. Women. They didn't seem to register. The strange voice he had just heard. What's more. Their forms, they were. Vanishing...

"Hey again, you were the Professor's friend right? I'm Wanda, you decided to stay...

Blip.

"..decided to stay..."

Blip.

"...to stay after all then?..."

Blip. Blip.

Blipppppppppppppppp.
========================================================================
Saturday Afternoon. Now. [Westchester, New York]

"Mnruuuhm.....don't no body trust Gam--"

Huh? Sun. Light. Day. Time. Sitting up. Blinking. Ah, yes. Must've passed out. Needed to catch up on a few winks. After last night. After today. After...

He surveyed the interior space -- what was afforded him -- of the vehicle he inhabited. Cloth seats. Couple of CD's. Some fliers. He was lying on his trench coat. Shirt was on the floor. Yes. After heading out of the school. He made his way back. Here. To the Volkswagen Beetle. That's where it all started in the first place. Exhaustion over took him quickly at that point. He remembered getting the door open. And crawling into the back seat. It was cramped, but certainly manageable. Why, one could probably even...

"Nice to meet you, officially, Wanda. I'm Alison. I think I might stay for the rest of the day, and evening, if I can find a place to sleep. Is...everything okay? I'm sorry, I couldn't help but notice, he seemed really upset. He was...you brother?"

Peering over his shoulder through the window, he could see the two women talking. Right there at the Gateway. Twisting. Manuevering. And opening the door.

"You two make 'nough noise to wake de dead, non?" For what it was worth, the Cajun put on a smile. For the new girl he had not yet. The pleasure and a half in meeting. Hm. Or had he? Something about...water?? And...the blonde woman. From last night. This morning. In his dreams. And out of them. Her car she had. Mistakingly pinpointed him as stealing. The same car. He had just. Well. Napped in. Yes. For what it was worth. Honest to goodness. Elation. Spread throughout his being. And lit up his face. At seeing her here. Right now.

He had gotten out of the car. And now stood. Shirtless. His trench coat held under his left hand. As he faced the ladies. Inside his right hand. A single white rose. From before. She mustn't have seen it. As he made his way over to them. He made sure to offer the flower. To Alison. For it belonged to her. His red irises flickered brightly as they engulfed her. "Good to see you, chere. Glad you don't be goin' off 'way from dis place. 'least not yet, no?" His hand reaches for her, but then stops. Remembering the last time they were face-to-face, her mannerisms were less than impressed with his. He...hesitates. If but for a moment. Holding back then. He pulls his hand away, allowing her the time to process him. Here. Before her, once more.

He takes the opportunity to look at the other female individual. Had she run into him. Earlier. Literally? Hmm. He had been tired then, and couldn't be sure. But there was a vague sense of familiarity. He reached for her hand. Gently. Bringing his lips to the top portion. Kissing. "Gambit's de name, Mad'moiselle."

Bowing with a flourish, his gaze drinking her in. Before returning to Alison's. "Lov'ly ladies. Lov'ly day. De pleasure is DIS Cajun's!" Slinging the trench coat over his shoulder. And smiling. It's amazing how replenished one can get from a simple couple hours of sleep!

Maybe now. He could set things right. The way he had meant to. From the get go.
========================================================================

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Kitty Pryde.

One minute, Kitty had two feet on the ground. The next, Sam was pulling her into his arms, holding her against him as they cannonballed out of the library. She squealed girlishly as she grasped on to his shirt and clung to him. By the time the shock wore off, they were out of the library and Kitty was bursting into a gleeful laughter. How fun! They were fucking flying!

For a moment, she thought to phase them. To phase Sam with her, so he didn't have to twist and turn them down the halls and past other students. Instead, she could phase them through the fucking mansion and they'd be with Betsy in no time! But, no. She hadn't practiced in over a month. Not with other people. Not since Piotr left. She'd never really done it on her own before. Not without help. Could she?

No.

She couldn't put Sam at risk like that. And with him using a power of his own, an awesome one at that, she didn't think she had the control.

But Kitty didn't let it get her down. She laughed all the way until they were outside, and Sam let them both down on the grounds by the gate that would lead them to the garages. Is that where Betsy was? They weren't even completely sure. Back on her feet again, Kitty's hands came up to Sam's shoulders to balance herself. Her head tilted back, she was still laughing softly, breathlessly as she beamed up at him.

"That was awesome. You have a right to brag now." She bowed, playfully, and laughed again. "Was that payback for knocking you over in your chair earlier? Well, you win." Shaking her head and smiling, Kitty take a step back and caught her breath. Her little heart was still racing from the excitement. "How long have you been able to do that? And what was that thing around us, can you control that too?" So many questions, and Kitty wondered if they even had the time.

"I hope Betsy hasn't left without us. If not, I guess I know we have different means of transportation now." She grinned up at him, knowing he'd know exactly what she was talking about.

A bit away, near the main gate, Kitty could see a car and some people standing around it near the center of the courtyard. She squinted her eyes to see better, to make out who it was, but alas, she was not gifted with super-vision.

"There are people standing outside the gate, and a car. Do you think they need in, or should we let the professor handle it?"

 

[Tight_n_ready]

Wanda was puzzled, the rest of the day? The evening, so had she left and come back, she'd seen her and the Professor together, they had seemed to have more than just simply friendship between them, why hadn't she stayed? She frowned in confusion. The woman asked her about Pietro, and that would have been fine, except obviously she had also seen the kiss, and clearly found it strange. She was about to answer when she heard a strange voice speaking, she turned to see a man, shirtless. He looked vaguely familiar and she searched her mind, realising he was the man she had run headlong into on the day she'd left the mansion. Why was he still here? And why was he sleeping in the car instead of in the mansion? Had he been out here for two weeks? She was beginning to realise that something wasn't quite right here.

Confused as she was, she couldn't help but blush as the shirtless, muscularly defined man lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. She couldn't help but trace her eyes down his muscular form, shamelessly admiring the defined muscles on his chest and abdomen. After a moment she managed to tear her eyes away, back to the woman who had originally been talking to her.

"Yeah... errr... sorry, my brother's a little... well he doesn't deal with strangers well."

SHe smiled awkwardly, apologetically on his behalf, "I'm Wanda by the way, what's happened since I left?"

 

[Remec]

Madrox

Present time

"Graymalkin," the driver said with the usual monotone that Jamie figured was part of the training that drivers of public transportation vehicles went through. "Graymalkin Lane," he repeated just as Jamie had pulled on the signal to ring the bell and let the driver know someone wanted off.

He watched it move on down the road and turned his head to regard the road he needed to take. Graymalkin Lane was not merely secluded, one might call it isolated. Even from the start of the roadway, Jamie could tell there couldn't be more than a handful of homes even on it, not a one of which could properly be said to be neighboring any of the others.

Before setting off, Jamie took a moment to remove the backpack he carried. He had had most of his luggage forwarded on to a hotel in Salem Center when he arrived from New York, but still had a pack with several days of clothing, some personal hygiene items, and a steadily thickening folder of information about Charles Xavier and his school. A quick ruffling of the papers found him what he was looking for, a picture of the campus and its address. After putting everything else back, Jamie wandered along, picture of his destination in hand, and mentally crossed his fingers that Dr. Richards had sent along word of his impending arrival.

On reaching the gates, he noticed that the campus had security cameras in place, but that the public access was unobstructed. This wasn't unusual, being a school probably carried a mandate of some sort to allow open entry unless there was an emergency. From the roar Jamie could just hear dying off as he walked through the portal and began crossing the parking lot towards what he assumed to be the main administration building--being the tallest and most spread out of the handful of structures on the premises--he was certain they must have a practiced emergency protocol.

"What school would have classes in rocketry without a checklist of what to do when things blow up, right?" he said to himself. Ahead, he could see just a couple vehicles, but there were two women and a man. The fact that the man was shirtless hadn't quite registered with Jamie as he was still sorting out how shapely the women seemed even at the distance he was viewing them.

As he walked across, Jamie waved one hand over his head and called out, "Excuse me, I'm looking for the Charles Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. Am I at the right place?" He continued moving towards the trio even as he awaited a response.

 

[Remec]

Cannonball/Sam

As he let his power die back down, Sam did a slight stumble step as he dropped to the ground and let his body rid itself of the inertia of being propelled at the speeds he could get up to when blasting. Doing so allowed him to hold Kitty against his chest for a few moments more, the scent of her hair and body filled his head as he instinctively took in a deep breath while landing.

He looked down at her as she laughed and returned to throwing questions around him that he could barely manage any sort of vocal response to. But then she made a motion down the walkway and to one side, in the public parking lot.

"There are people standing outside the gate, and a car. Do you think they need in, or should we let the professor handle it?"

"Ah'm not sure da Professor's on campus, right now," Sam answered. "But," he paused to squint just slightly, not having noticed how his eyesight had improved in the last several months, "I think that blonde was just leaviing, from the way she's standing there. Maybe it's new students or some more staff or faculty? Don't seem like we have near enough teachers 'round here, does it?"

Sam broke into a large grin. Large enough, especially with his frame, to be properly called a goofball grin. "Ya wanna go be nosy while we're looking fer Betsy? Ah mean, she's prolly down in the parking lot, right? 'Cause either she was going to town fer pizza, or she was waiting fer it to be delivered, right?"

He gave Kitty a once over, again, both to see if she was handling being within his blast field as well as she seemed to be and just to because she was, after all, cute and curvy. "What sorta pizza you like best? Ah'm partial to just regular sausage and pepperoni with lots---ah mean lots of cheese."

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Dazzler.

"You two make 'nough noise to wake de dead, non?"

Alison jumped, and gasped. Gambit! Had he been there the whole time? Jesus, she had just been in her backseat to get a bag, and she hadn't even seen him! Of course, it didn't help that her mind was somewhere else right now. She knew for the rest of the day she would be thinking about work. Charles. Shit, Charles! She still had to tell him that she had decided to stay. She was sure he would be happy with the news.

She eyed the Cajun as he stepped closer to introduce himself to Wanda. Seeing him shirtless was nothing new to Alison. She'd seen that, and much, much more last night. But why was he still here? And more importantly, why had he been sleeping in her car?

"Steer clear of that one, Wanda. I'm Alison. And he...Gambit, is trouble. Speaking of, don't you have a shirt? Put it on." She eyed Gambit, hoping he had clothes somewhere else besides that trenchcoat. It was too warm outside for it, she knew, but still! Just seeing him without the shirt was making her remember last night more vividly. The two of them in her bed. Kissing. Making love. Laughing.

God, she felt sick. What a fool she'd been, to let this stranger into her bed, simply because he'd saved her life, and had a charming smile.

"You've only been gone for maybe an hour or so, Wanda. I'm not sure what you've missed. I'm sorry, I'm still...new to all of this. I still don't even really understand where you went." Alison laughed nervously. She was new to this. To other mutants, using their powers right in front of her. Sometimes she forgot that she was different too, unless she was working.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for the Charles Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. Am I at the right place?"

"Shit!" Alison cried out, yet another voice coming out of no where and startling her. Where the hell were these people coming from?

Alison spun on her heels and looked over at the young man with the backpack. He had a handsome face, but Alison tried not to stare too long. He was waiting for an answer.

"Yes, you are. Are you looking for Charles? He's in his office." Or at least, that's the last she'd seen him. He was last in there with her, kissing her, pressing her against the wall...

Fuck, Alison really needed to figure out her shit with all of these men walking in her life.

"I can show you, if you'd like. I was actually going to head back inside that way."

 

[heartofcourage]

Psylocke

Betsy sat in the front seat of her convertible, dropping the top back to enjoy the beautiful day in this part of New York. She reached carefully into the glove box and pulled out a pair of aviator shades, slipping them on and waiting for the others that were coming. Just as a slight breeze picked up and brushed through her long black hair, she felt the nearly static charge of other thoughts pushing in on her mind.

Turning to look towards the other gate, she noticed a small crowd starting to form. Lifting up her glasses, she narrowed her eyes and watched them carefully. She didn’t like the energy they put off. It was too tense. Too disruptive. Yet there were people asking for Professor Xavier.

“Fuck,” she said to herself as she crawled out of the car once more and straightened her jacket. She didn’t want to have to deal with new people on today of all days. It was a day for relaxation, not introductions.

She made her way across the campus quickly, her long legs eating up the distance until she was close enough to hear the sweet melody of a Cajun accent. She loved Southern men but found that they were rather boorish in their mannerisms. This man, at the moment, was stripped to the waist with a cocky smile on his lips. She instantly disliked him.

“Excuse me, but unless you’re a male model, put your damn clothing back on.” She hissed as she came upon them, her accent crisp and sharp.

Turning towards the others standing there, she placed her hands on her hips and regarded them with a tilting of her head. She didn’t get any terribly crazy vibes off them which could either be good or bad.

“I’m Betsy Braddock and I’m a TA here. Can I help you?” She said, regarding everyone that was there before her.

 

[Remec]

Madrox

Jamie couldn't help but crack a smile at the way Alison reacted to his, what he thought was pretty innocuous, question. The blonde struck him as familiar, but it was probably just a similarity to some one he'd seen before. More than most, Jamie Madrox was quite aware of how many people seemed to have others who looked remarkably like them.

"I can show you, if you'd like. I was actually going to head back inside that way," she told him and he nodded in response. He had his maps and more than one diagram of the interior of some of the buildings, but a guide was always handy. Especially a stunning, older, blonde like Alison.

"That would be really helpful," he said as he came closer to the blonde, the redhead, and the man who seemed to have just gotten up from sleeping in one of the cars in the parking lot. He offered his hand to Alison and smiled in a manner one of his favorite film noir detectives might have used--slight, but strong and inviting. "I'm Jamie Madrox. I was referred here for assistance with a problem, and I hope I haven't arrived before my letter of introduction did."

He was young, easily just out of high school or in the middle of his college years, with short brown hair and brown eyes that flitted from Alison to Wanda and back as he spoke (with occasional glances towards Remy), and wore a fairly nondescript long jacket over jeans, sneakers, and what seemed to be a skintight t-shirt with an odd sort of pattern to it.

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Kitty Pryde.

"Ugh, Sam, I'll eat dirt at this point if we don't eat anything soon. I'm so starving!" She confessed with a cute, soft laugh. Damn it, they were promised pizza! So where the hell was Betsy?

It was hard to make out who the other people were at the main gate to the mansion, and curiosity was definitely getting the best of those two young students. Fine, they'd forget Betsy and find their own entertainment. Maybe see just what was going down by the Volkswagen parked at the main gate.

"Ya wanna go be nosy while we're looking fer Betsy? Ah mean, she's prolly down in the parking lot, right? 'Cause either she was going to town fer pizza, or she was waiting fer it to be delivered, right?"

Kitty looked back at Sam, a mischievous look in those pretty eyes of hers. She was completely oblivious to any look that Sam was giving her, at least that of attraction, and she wasted no effort in hiding her excited smile from him.

"That sounds like the best damn idea all day. Besides eating pizza, of course." Before he could offer to take them over, she placed her hand on his arm. "How about you do that...thing again." She suggested, hoping he was willing and able. God, it had been so much fun. Flying! She wished that Piotr was here to see this.

"This time, faster." That mischief didn't leave her eyes as she stepped closer to him, this time standing on top of his feet while her hands rested on his shoulders. She was standing so closely, but it didn't bother her. She was excited.

While she stood there on his shoes, hardly weighing anything, her hands squeezed his shoulders. She didn't know why he was hesitating.

"Come on, let's go check it out and see who's over there! Grab on to me, Sam, I don't want to fall." She urged him, incase he was afraid to do it again. "Here, my waist." She grabbed his hands and guided them to her hips. Then, tilting her head back to look up at him, she glared playfully.

"You drop me, you die."

 

[SortOfBeautiful]

Dazzler.

The new boy that had approached was rather attractive. Good looking, but young. God, that was just what she needed to add to her drama; getting involved with a minor. But, damn it, she had a pair of eyeballs, and working the..."entertainment" business, she knew when a man was checking her out. If he was trying to hide it, he wasn't doing a very good job.

It made her smile, and she introduced herself. "I'm Alison." She nodded over at him, intrigued. She ignored the Cajun for now. Even if he was still shirtless, and always so impossible to ignore.

“Excuse me, but unless you’re a male model, put your damn clothing back on.”

Alison hadn't even seen the other girl approach, and she laughed loudly at her demand to Remy. She would have liked to say that it would make him obey and do what he was told, but this girl obviously didn't know him like Alison did. Or at least, what she knew of him after spending the night in bed with him. It was very likely that he'd have something smart to say right back.

Curious and nosy, that blonde wanted to know all about Jamie, why he was there, and what his 'problem' was that he needed help with, but it seemed that this other girl was a TA. She actually went here, unlike her, Remy, and the new boy. She had more...authority than the rest of them. But none of them knew Charles intimately like she did. Or at least, she hoped not. She thought she had that to her advantage, especially if it meant she could get Charles to listen to her and help her and the new people settle in.

"I was just getting my things far my car. Charles asked me to stay. I...wasn't going to, but I'd changed my mind. Me and Wanda here were just chatting. Remy, weren't you leaving?" She eyed him, unsure as to whether or not he was staying or going. Why else would he be sleeping in her car.

"Anyway, I had just came from Charles' office, he should still be in there. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if we all went back there to speak to him. It seems there's more than a few of us that need a place to sleep tonight. Unless you'd like to give us some kind of tour, or at least show us back inside. " She offered the untrusting girl, hoping she'd ease and loosen up a bit.

Did either of them actually look that dangerous?

 

[Shadowlace]

Theresa had awoke from her nap and looked at her self. She was a mess still from her and Wanda's little tryst earlier. She yawned and scratched her flat belly as she enjoyed the warm rays of sun that coalesced on to her bed from the old antique windows. The mansion was a beautiful house and she did enjoy being here, the very air breathed excitement and the various guys and girls always brought alluring possibilities.

The red head got up and adjusted her hair in the mirror and than looked at her mess of a room. She loved this room and knew it to allow her to be as loud as she wanted as the very rooms was sound proof, the walls, ceilings and floors about to take the brunt of her vicious sonic blasts. She was after all Siryn!

As she looked about she found what she wanted and slid from her shirt and sild on her simple light green sun dress and than headed to the door. She hoped she could find some boy to tease or maybe catch Wanda again and go for another round. Wanda was a fun girl to be with, she had beautiful hair and a beautiful voice. I mean the sultry sounds she made when she and her enjoyed the very nooks and crannies of each others tight bodies was amazing!

She put on her nice slide on shoes and as she did she spotted the note. She thought it odd to get an note and she thus pulled it from under the door and read it. It was from Wanda, the bloody girl had gone and left her here. At first Theresa thought she would be sad, but she went to mad first and than with a burst she flung open the door and headed to the front of the school.

"Ye ain't the only one who can get on a plane 'n go ta Europe! Bloody girl gettin' me all wide eyed and wet for her an what do she do, she goes ta Europe? Damn Wanda When I find her i am so gonna spank her"she spits as she walks towards the gates pissed. When she gets close she sees a few students and faculty there and raises her eyebrows as she sees Wanda there. She hadn't left yet, God be praised she was still here.

"So wait whats goin' on here?"She says looking at all of them and than looks at Wanda"And Wanda whats up with this 'ere letter, i mean you scared me, I thought ye would be at the airport by now and yet your still here, I thought ye were goin' ta Europe?" She said holding up the note as she stood in that green sundress and looked at the others than back at Wanda.

 

[Remec]

Cannonball/Sam

Sam's brain was still processing two things and only half heard much of what Kitty was saying. First, the fact that she wanted to go flying again so soon after their jaunt to the walkways that lead to the parking lots; and, second, that she was touching his arm---then both arms---and then standing really, really close and placing his hands on her slender, shapely hips.

Her hair really, really smells nice.

For half a moment, Sam considered whether displaying his power might not be so wise considering they didn't know who was over in the parking lot, but then he looked down into those bright, tempting eyes and the only thing on his mind was holding Kitty close and blasting off with her again.

So he did.

"Alrighty, you hold tight, as tight as you think ya need ta, but Ah ain't gonna be droppin' no one. 'Specially not when they're as cute as you," Sam told Kitty as he drew his arms back to press their bodies even close together and nudged her arms to indicate she should throw them around his neck instead of just holding his shoulders.

"Here we...go!"

He gathered the energies around him and blasted mostly straight up, but turning as he did so to orient them towards the parking lot--moving parallel to the ground. Sam maneuvered them around some of the trees lining the wakway, and rose up to be sure to clear the inner gates. During the initial lift-off, he had had to spin them a few times along their spinal axis, but now they flew along with his body over Kitty's. His hands having slid from her hips to a more bracing position along her spine--one in the middle of her back, its arm helping, while the other drew its arm against her hip and rested itself at the small of Kitty's back. The force of the flight and inertia helped to keep her legs along his own.

Even with the roar of his blasting field, Sam made Kitty hear him by speaking directly in her ear. "I think Betsy is over there now, and who is that girl in the green dress?" he said, but added, "Where do you want me to set us down at?"

 

[Lachiyous]

Professor Xavier

Saturday Afternoon. [Within Xavier's study, in Westchester, New York]

How much time has passed by, how much really has changed since the last. Moment. Years ago. Huh dearest Alison? Yet, hours ago -- fleeting at that -- you were to be by my side. Unto my grasp. And most receptive of my...affections. The best I could do. Let you go. Away. Once again. On out of my life!

He frowned. Rubbing at the top of his head once more. If there were ever, truly one that may have gotten away. It was her. The enchanting blonde woman. One Alison Blaire. And he...let her get away. Again.

BeepBeeeeeeep.

Email. Charles turned to the monitor before him. Cursor scrolling down the 'from' column. To the bottom.

-MacTaggert, Moira
-Richards, Reed
-Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division
-Shaw, Sebastian(new)

And clicking on the last entry.

All,

This is a reminder that your countenance is favored at the upcoming World Summit Assembly in exactly 6 days time. Any absence shall be documented, and...reflected badly upon.

Regards,

S.S.

He'd have to make the appropriate preparations. In order. To take time away. From his home. His School. His...students. Hmm. Something...

Residual. On the meta physical level. The psychic plane of existence. It was Betsy. He put an index finger to his temple. Closed his eyes. In concentration. To discern something. Anything. As it related to one of his most trusted of students. And pinpointed her exact location. In front of the Main Gate's entrance. She was not alone...
========================================================================
Saturday Afternoon. [Outside the Main Gate's entrance, in Westchester, New York]

Slowly. The Main Gate's parted. Giving way to one. A professor. By the name of. Charles Frances Xavier. Professor X, to his students. A bald man in a button down shirt. Safari-esque epaulets adorning the material over his shoulders. With a pair of slacks. Proper.

To the each of everyone around, Charles gave notice. First a hand upon Psylocke's shoulder, "Thank you, Betsy. For speaking up for me in my stead as always. I'd like a word with you in my office in a bit as well. If you please."

He turned to Scarlet Witch. Feint surprise and concern registering on his face, "Wanda, did you change your mind? What happened to your trip to Europe with your brother? Do you have everything you need for it? Ahh.."

He smiled to Siryn then, wondering if the lovely carrot top had somehow convinced the brunette to stay. It was no secret the two had been rather close as of late.

And before sending his acknowledgment to the three newcomers -- two of which, had all ready been here earlier...one arguably very significant in the grand scheme of things -- he cast a gaze up. Catching sight of. One Cannonball. And. One Shadowcat. Pride displayed. For the young man. Whose power. He was maintaining. Whilst hoisting about. Kitty. He waved to them both.

Then, he turned. To Gambit. The unfamiliar man from earlier. The same one that stole her car. He remembered the Cajun had walked off from before. Apparently he didn't get too far away. And lost a shirt in the process. "I see you have stuck around after all, 'Gambit'. There must be a reason for that. Please. Indulge me." His gaze met up with the Multiple Man, "And you must be Jamie Madrox. Doctor Reed Richards sent me word of your forthcoming arrival. I have been expecting you, young man!" To them both, his right hand out respectfully, a curt smile on his lips. "I am Professor Charles Xavier. Welcome to my home."

Last but not least. Ahh, yes. Dazzler. He turns to the woman that left him. Alone. In his office. None too long ago. His expression calm. His lips still curved in a smile. "Alison, didn't think you'd get away that fast did you? There is a purpose you are still at my residence. I'm willing to bet on this day. That you'll tell me why. And I'll convince you to perhaps stay even longer!"

As soon as his last two students landed, "Everyone. Please. Come inside..."
========================================================================
Saturday Evening. [Within Xavier's study, in Westchester, New York]

He waited back. In his office. It was where he could be alone. To conduct activities. Privately. And if the necessity arose. Hold a conversation. Between himself. And a student.

When Betsy arrived, he thanked her for coming to him. Before cutting right to the urgency. Of the matter. "It's been one month, Betsy. One month since Piotr has been gone. Two weeks past his latest stated time of return too. It concerns me greatly to have not heard back from him in so long a time. Far exceeding what was intended as a simple vacation." He paused, licking his lips. His options having weighed over, this way and that. In his mind. This was no simple frivolty. No. They were ready for this. She was, as ever as could be. "I want to send you, along with the others. Out there. To Russia. To investigate. And above all. To find Piotr!"

He let her know that she would be in charge. Out on the field. And if need be. He could always be reached. They should leave come tomorrow, Monday morning at the latest.

Taking her hand in his, gently. "Thank you Betsy. I am with you always. And KNOW you can do this. Please be cautious, and remember everything that I have taught you!"

In the meantime. He had work to do. In personally working with the three newest individuals -- mutants -- here. At his School for the Gifted. Charles would task this to no one but himself. For he had to assess each person. Separately. View the ability in itself. Place a value on the level -- if any -- of control to the power that was present. And then formulate a structured plan. A pathway. Orderly. Attainable. And reasonably safe. This was all from the professional -- business -- aspect. It spoke nothing to any preconceived thoughts. Feelings. Notions about just who these people were. Such as a possible thief. Someone referred to him by Mister Fantastic. Or...a potential lover.

There was no time to waste either. For he would be leaving soon....
========================================================================
Over the Next Week.

His students had left him. On a trip. A mission, really. Their first. To a whole different continent. Half a world away. It was that important. Piotr MUST be found and brought back.

So was this. As it has been. Initiating these three. Very. Different. Individuals. Each with a story of their own. One that may very well not be fully written. Or nearly enough divulged. Still. All the same. Charles opened his home. And his heart. To these 'strangers'. Because that's what he did. That's who he was. Mutation was a gift. Not a curse. Yet it also brought with it a level of responsibility. And promise. It was his job, if at all possible, to make sure. These people were given fair opportunity. To use their abilities in a fair. Positive light. With control. And comprehension. Far too often, it was those outside. Within the masses. That feared what they did not understand.

The man known as Gambit. Remy LeBeau was his real name. A dark, somewhat mysterious man. Who he was truly, and where he came from. It wasn't clear. And of course, he was by no means one to speak of such things. However, out of the three. He exemplified remarkable control of his kinetic energy. Which of course beckoned....where and how he learned to do so? What was his saving grace, perhaps, was the word of Alison. She vouched for him...finally. He apparently rescued her from a dangerous situation last Friday. Perhaps everything that followed -- including the point of his entry to the School -- had been one misunderstanding? For now, Gambit was in the clear...

The Multiple Man, Jamie Madrox. Doctor Reed Richards sent an email. A little over two weeks ago. On this young man. And his extraordinary duplicating ability. The key here was grasp of control. Both in the capacity of mental. And physical. For even the slightest distruption to either. And one. Minor. Bump. Could set him off. Into a spiral. Of chaos. The suit with which his father. Created. Has been replaced. With one. With lesser restraint. It's significance in helping to. Tame. His power. And yet, offer him the improved and necessary leeway. To learn the sense of control. By himself. With his own tools he possesses. No doubt, it'll be challenging...

The third and perhaps most...dear, the woman Dazzler. Alison Blaire. Definitely won't let her out of sight again. She had some ties to the city. Which she's obviously not comfortable in communicating about. For some reason or another. Her mutant power of light. Very much untapped potential here. Yet promising. Breathing exercises have been the start. For her. To focus herself on. As, through doing them -- successfully -- she should be able to. Find the confidence. She had been lacking. And the direction. She never had. Don't ever stop breathing, Alison. Or singing. God knows, a voice like yours. Almost impossible to come by. Regardless. She was now safe. Here. And would always be. Please don't go...
========================================================================
Thursday Morning.

It had been three days. Since his students flew off. To Russia. And five days. Since he started working with these other three. Long days. Many hours. But each one of them. Bless them. Fought through. Tooth and nail. Were circumstances different. Had he not been on such a tight schedule. Perhaps more time and less grueling hardships. Could have been implemented. They all reached the destination regardless. Today. He was leaving. However. Not before. Introducing...

"My newest X-Men! My home is your home now.." He smiled to the three of them. Knowing the toll they themselves have taken. And were able to rise above when called upon. For each was tested. And each have passed. His fabricated. Trials and tribulations. "I'm proud of you all. Your journey to work with your mutant ability. Is ever changing. And ever present. Yet I shall always be with you. Here. To help assist you along the way. Just as I am. To help guide you. My students. Out in the Bright, New World out there!" Taking the time to shake the each and every of their hands. In congratulations.

A smart phone device was handed out. Along with residence keys. And a financial bank card for emergency use.

Just now, a lovely Asian teenager wanders in -- a pretty face they have seen over the last several days here at the Mansion -- and Charles extends out his greeting to her. "Ahh, Jubilee. Perfect timing. I would like everyone to meet Jubilation Lee here. Formally at least, as you've no doubt seen her around. She will be here to keep you all...company. For the time being. Jubilee, please meet your new team mates in..." he gestured. "Jamie Madrox, Alison Blaire, and Remy LeBeau."

Clearing his throat. And nodding.

"Regretfully, I have a prior engagement that requires me to fly out of town. Should you need me. I am only a phone call or text away. Do not forget to practice what I have taught you thus far. It's very important to keep a consistent and constant routine about it. And..." as an after thought, he added, to no one in particular. "Please make sure to stay on the premises. For the time being. Thank you."

And with one briefcase in tow -- a few more parting words and notions -- Professor Charles Xavier was gone!
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[Lachiyous]

Interlude - Mystique

Undisclosed time. [Undisclosed location]

The time was nigh! Closer even. She knew better than to second guess Irene. Destiny. After all. Close friend aside. The lady was gifted at precognition. Which was invaluable. And she foretold. Of something big. And powerful. Happening soon. And to her...

Daughter. The scared child, whom she'd taken in. Upon her own. And cared for. Trained. Sought to better. The girl, she dare not allow. Leave. Out of her sight. Or off these premises. Not under any circumstance. For she was far too important. They were all so. Close, after all. Sooner then soon in fact...

Speak of the lil' devil. She decided to give her the news. For once. "Pack your belongings, Rogue. I expect you to be more than ready. Because we leave tomorrow!" A cool smile. Played out. For the young woman that perked up just now. Who had come so far. Under her constructive. Tutelage. Playtime's over...
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[Lachiyous]

Colossus

Almost One Month Ago. [Rasputin Farm, in Siberia, Russia]

He had received written word. The old fashioned way. From his parents. From мать. They had missed their eldest son. To the core. And would give anything to see him again. Who was he to refuse? It had been. A lifetime. So it seemed. All that was about to.

Change. Stepping foot. On the land that birthed him. For the first time. In almost four years. Piotr instantly noticed. Change. There were far less. Trees. All around. Sure, the mountain range was in the distance. But in these parts. Especially so close to Lake Baikal. Wooded areas -- forests -- were plentiful. Now. The amount of pines and spruces. Had all but. Dwindled. What's more. He could see crops of no kind present. Nor were there any animals -- sheep and cattle -- grazing. And not one reindeer was in sight either. The area was almost completely. Absent. Of any life what so ever. What had happened to his homeland? Where were his people?

What about his family?

The worn dirt road continued on. Up the hill. And that's when he saw it. Smoke. Rising. To the Heavens.

NO. мать. отец. Illyana!

He dropped both suitcases. And broke out. Into a sprint. No time. There was no time. He knew exactly what was burning. Faster, faster. These legs must go faster! The sight of his farmland. Barn. Wind and water mills. The fences in and around. All over. Everything. Burning, to the. Ground. The earth itself was scorched. Black.

Still. He would not stop. Racing. He felt nothing. Not his heart drumming. Inside of his chest. Nor the impact. His sneakers. Were making. Upon the makeshift. Pathway. Nothing mattered until...

And there it was at the end. The Rasputin House. Been a roof over the heads. Of many a family member. Throughout the generations. And his home. Burnt to all. Ashes. Not one sign, of his mother. Father. Or little sister.

NO.

Please.

...no...
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