First time author first story. Be gentle but honest. I want to get better and will take all constructive feedback to heart. Also, I don't know if this is necessary but I see a lot of other authors put a disclaimer, so I suppose I will just in case:
**I do not own any Marvel characters, except for Pharaoh. Some of the characters are historical and these renditions of them are my own take and imagination, some based on history, some altered.
Author's Notes: I'm a history buff, so Pharaoh's past is heavily influenced by that. I'm also passionate about languages. You can expect a lot of Easter Egg references to those two things and feel free to ask if you think you have found one.
Story Notes: Pharaoh's past is complicated and I'd like to reveal in bits in pieces mixed in with the current story. I plan to incorporate many of the other usual X-Men, including Xavier, Logan, Magneto, Mystique, Remy, Rogue, Beast, Ororo, Nightcrawler, Deadpoole, etc... Besides the main pairing of Pharaoh and a special someone, I will be touching on other pairings, including a few LGBTQ ones. These are based upon my interpretation of the characters and what Marvel has revealed about the characters' orientation. If you disagree with this, please do not comment with hate. Instead, just don't read it.
CHAPTER 1
*brrgggrrrrrrrrrr* The engine purred as Logan pulled up to the Mansion's garage. He'd been on a longer excursion than usual this time around. Usually he went off for a few days at a time at most, but he'd spent a whole week on the road. The Professor and the staff thought that he was using this time to find something out about this past, but he'd become resigned that his past was more trouble than it was worth. Now he just enjoyed the freeing wind whistling past his ears. 1 month after Alcatraz, after Jean had recovered from the Phoenix leaving her body, she had given Logan the closure he needed. Right before she and Scott eloped, she told him that is was the Phoenix that was attracted to the animal in Logan. Now that she was dead, Jean just thought of Logan as a colleague. Nothing more. It stung, but he knew better than to mess with a marriage. He had too much respect for the both of them.
It had been months since his crush disappeared and there was no one new to occupy his thoughts. So his time on the road helped soothe his physical needs. He pulled into the garage and parked Scott's bike next to one of the many luxury cars within. He noticed there was a sleek looking Japanese bike that he didn't recognize. Perhaps a visitor for the Prof.
He walked in to the Mansion's foyer and saw Scott casually talking with Ororo and Jean by the stairway. They all turned to greet him.
"Logan! Welcome home. We didn't know if you were coming back at all this time." She grabbed him for a warm hug. Ororo had always treated Logan like family and he was glad that his pseudo-sister had finally found someone that he semi-approved of and respected, Beast.
"Yeah, thanks for crushing our hopes, Logan," said Scott sarcastically. Jean rolled her eyes at his rude playfulness and gave Logan a brief and hug and kiss on the cheek. "Welcome back. Where did you go this time?"
"Oh, just...around," Logan said mischievously. It wasn't in his M.O. to give details about his life. "Hey, who belongs to the nice looking bike in there?" pointing to the garage. "I'd like to take it for a spin, if it will hold me."
The others looked at him strangely. "What bike...?" Ororo started to say, but just then the Professor rolled in with Hank, who was sharing some notes from his research. "Welcome back, Logan." His eyes stared off into the distance for a moment and his eyebrow raised quizzically. "Can you all accompany me to my office? I believe we have a guest waiting there for us."
They headed down the hallway. The six of them entered the Professor's office and Logan blinked several times to make sure he was seeing clearly.
A striking woman dressed in black from head to toe, stood facing the picture window behind Xavier's desk. Her outfit communicated wealth and poise as well as a rebellious disregard for conservative fashion and propriety. Starting from the bottom, she sported black leather ankle boots with several buckles, atop a thick 3 inch heel. Moving up her long legs, he realized that she was perhaps 1 of 20 people in the world who could pull off leather pants without looking ridiculous. They hugged the thick muscles in her thighs and had a moto style ribbing at the knees and studs rounding along the back pockets. Tucked into her pants was a flowy black tank top which scooped down to the middle of her breasts, where there was hung a thin chain necklace. The attached pendant was hidden just below the neckline, causing Logan to imagine just what that pendant was and causing the Wolverine to imagine what framed it. For most people a leather moto jacket would have been overkill on top of the leather pants, but her confidence and attitude supported the intensity of the outfit. A long loose black cotton scarf hung from her neck down, hanging just inside the jacket and flowing to her hips.
She reached to take off her sunglasses and set them beside the motorcycle helmet and gloves, confirming the ownership of the impressive Kawasaki Ninja, Logan had noticed at the garage.
Rich walnut colored skin that reflected the light in peculiar angles created a glimmering effect on her cheekbones which were prominent on her square face and slightly peachy, warmed from the energy of everyone's stares. Her glossy black hair fell in voluminous waves to her mid-back. Adding to her allure, was the curiosity of her lips, eyes, and hands, which were all obviously affected by her mutation. The full, cupid bow mouth was a matte black and not from the painting of makeup. She had no visible irises, rather within her almond lids was a midnight shade to match her clothing. The ebony of her eyes were complemented by a strong black brow. At the tips of her elegant hands, her fingertips faded from the honey-caramel color of the rest of her skin to match her hair and eyes, appearing to be stained by whatever magic flowed out of them.
She was tall and statuesque from afar but upon closer inspection, Logan could see that her body curved like a Grecian statue. Strong arms and legs supported a fleshy woman's figure, the only kind he truly desired. Full breasts lifted as she breathed, standing into her her hip with one arm resting where her waist dipped in and fanned out widely, framing her soft tummy with hips that were meant to sway as she walked and be gripped tightly for other, more lustful activities. She was athletic, but soft. A large enough frame to project power and majesty, but also wonderfully demure and feminine, with a mouth that turned upwards, ever so mysteriously, as if to say silently that she was aware of her beauty and the power it had over men and women alike. Yet her face also showed modesty. She was a queen and knew how to compose her body and actions in order to demand respect and to ensure that others felt respected. Logan couldn't even think of an age approximation for her, she had wisdom in her carriage but maintained a refined beauty to seem ageless.
Logan breathed out and realized he had been holding his breath as he took in the sight of her. Upon breathing in for the first time, his nose was overcome with an intoxicating and complex aroma: first a light spray of anise and orange blossom, then a strong heart of roses, honey, wild berries, and cinnamon, ending with a trace of vanilla and forest woods that lingered on the top of his lip. His body felt as though her scent was massaging every muscle and when paired with her visually, it began to massage more than his muscles. A small growl rumbled in his chest that no one seemed to notice, except he say her eyes flicker to him for the briefest of moments.
After what seemed like hours but was only a few seconds, she began to speak, her voice as musical and hypnotic as the rest of her."Hello Charles. It's been a long time. So sorry to appear so suddenly." She smiled and spoke with a light accent that Logan couldn't place. It sounded like a bit of everything.
"Hello Eve. A long time, indeed. I did not expect the pleasure of your company ever again based upon our last conversation, but I am delighted none the less. And not to worry about the suddenness, you are more than welcome here. Please allow me to introduce some of the staff. This is Dr. Jean Summers and her husband Scott..Ororo Munroe...Hank McCoy...and Logan. Everyone, may I introduce Eve Amma Mutentaret."
Each of the staff extended their hands in turn, welcomed her and offered their preferred code names. When it was Logan's turn, he grasped her hand lightly in his rough palm, taking in the softness of her skin, and said gruffly, "Uh, Wolverine but Logan is fine." She nodded back to him, "Pleasure to meet you all."
"Do you have a preferred code name, Eve?" Storm asked politely.
Eve smiled back at Storm and answered after the briefest of hesitations,"I am addressed as Pharaoh when the occasion calls for it." An interesting way to phrase that, noted Logan.
"Pharaoh? Hmm? May we also inquire about your mutation, my dear?" asked Hank, echoing his partner's curiosity about the new guest.
Eve paused more noticeably this time and glanced over to the Professor who responded by quietly saying,"They are all in my confidence and trust, Eve, but you may choose to tell them as much as you wish."Logan furrowed his brow, familiar with the Professor's respect for each individual's privacy, but also bursting with wonder about this mysterious woman.
Eve replied to Hank, "My mutation is complicated in more ways than one, but for now I will tell you that I am a matter creator and manipulator. A magician of sorts."
"How fascinating," cried Hank, "I hope that if you are staying for a while, you will let me take some blood samples. I have a lot of ongoing research regarding mutant DNA and evolution."
"I'd be happy to oblige" Eve said as Hank beamed. "However, first, I would like to speak with you privately, Charles, if I may." The Professor nodded and the staff left his office, Logan lingering a little longer than the rest so as to soak up a little more of Eve's scent. He finally walked out and shut the door.
The Professor pointed to a seat and offered Eve some tea or biscuits, both of which she refused, before beginning to speak sternly to him. "Charles, I know that the last time we spoke, I had explained my inconspicuous lifestyle and the unlikelihood of us meeting again, but after hearing about your concerning escapades on Alcatraz Island, I had to use my clairvoyance and saw just how much trouble the recent events between mutants and humans has caused." Eve sighed with disappointment and looked at the Professor expectantly.
The Professor looked slightly abashed, a rare occurrence as their were few people who could make him feel like a child getting scolded. "Eve, I do apologize. The present situation is not how I envisioned either. However, I must beg for a little bit of compassion from you. Not everyone has your talents, nor your social enlightenment."
Eve's expression softened, "I'm just as aware of that as ever. I had only hoped that my previous words of advice to you would have been more influential. Your effectiveness at reigning in some of the more militant of my children, is not to the standard that I would have hoped." She winked at the Professor, knowing that they both knew of whom she was speaking. "If this back and forth war continues with you and Eric, too many of my children will perish and I cannot bear to watch this again."
Her voice began to choke and she paused to inhale slowly before continuing. "For nearly five thousand years, I have tried to only meddle in the affairs of the larger community when absolutely necessary. When I met you in '61, I was still getting over my failure and ignorance during World War II. Well, I'll be damned if I'm going to let millions more of my children be slaughtered!" Eve gasped with emotion and continued, "My involvement has become necessary again. Though you are foolishly idealistic at times, you are the smartest and most compassionate of my children to come in my hundreds of years. I am here to offer my guidance and support, though it is your responsibility to regain peace on this matter."
The Professor was calm as he processed her words, allowing Eve time to regain some of her composure as well. After a few minutes, he spoke, "Eve, I am moved and grateful by your reconsideration of what I offered you in '61. As I said when I first met you and learned about you and your history, I believe with my whole heart that you are the key to peaceful blending of our two worlds. You began it, Amma, and the solution ends with you as well. Besides your unmatched gifts, you have more experience and perspective into these matters than anyone alive. I am committed to your charge and delighted to have you at my side." He took her hand and kissed it reverently.
"I have been speaking with Eric much over the past few months and I believe he has consented to a more peaceful approach as well. It will take some time to recruit people for our cause and to determine a course of action but we still function as a school, and I can think of no better history professor than someone who has lived nearly all of history. Would you stay as a teacher and member of the team while we work on this project?"
Eve was suddenly flushed, apprehensive about stepping into a role which she had not held in over 300 years. Yet, teaching was near and dear to her heart, molding young minds and watching over children was instinctual and a primal part of her existence. She couldn't resist the offer. "Of course, I will stay here and assist as needed. I may need to spend some time working on my combat training. It's been awhile since I have worked in a group."
"I'm sure that can be arranged. Logan, one of the staff members you just met, is an excellent fighter and combat trainer. He'll be able to work with you individually. I'll fetch someone to bring you to a vacant room in the staff wing. We have a staff meeting tomorrow morning at 9 AM and I can fill you in on the specifics of our school then, as well as introduce you to the rest of the teachers. You will be able to meet some of the students over the weekend and then start teaching on Monday."
"Thank you, Charles." He nodded in reciprocation. "I believe Jean is here. She will help get you settled," he said as the door opened to reveal Jean with some fresh linens and a paper bag in hand.
Eve followed Jean down the ornate hallways and through several stairwells, until reaching a hallway with about 12 doors, 6 on either side of the hallway. Jean spoke cheerfully, "This is the teacher's wing. There are currently 10 professors here, including you. You haven't met Warren, Doug, or Kurt yet. But you will soon. There is an open room at the end of the hall just next to Logan's room. The room across from you is occupied sometimes by some folks who aren't teachers but help us on special projects sometimes. Raven, Remy, and Wade are their names. I think Remy is staying there at the moment. Here it is." She opened the door and Eve stepped in to a large 1 bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, small living area, and a full bathroom. "I hope this will do. I've got some clean linens and toiletries here but there are extras in the closets, along with pillows and blankets. I don't know your financial situation but rest assured that the Professor is always willing to accommodate your needs if there are additional purchases you wish to make to help this feel more like home. Just let us know." Eve nodded and Jean walked towards the door, turning to say," I'll let you get settled. There will be dinner ready at 6 PM and then some of the staff were going to play some poker in the Game Room if you'd like. The students are out on a field trip until tomorrow afternoon with Warren and Doug, so we have a little while to relax."
"That sounds great," said Eve. "Thank you for your hospitality." Jean nodded and closed the door behind her.
Eve sat down on the love seat across from the large windows looking out over the garden. What am I doing? Eve started to doubt her decision and then she looked over at the desk which held some pictures of the students. She walked over and picked one up, smiling at the faces of the children. No, this was right. It's time to come out of hiding.
Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Concerns? Leave them after the beep! :)
