Disclaimer: The X-Men and Highlander characters belong to their prospective owners and not me. I only wrote this fanfic for my own entertainment and I'm making no money so don't sue me. It would be a waste of time.
Of Mutants and Immortals
by Animefreek
Chapter One
This can't be happening to me, this can't be happening to me. Yesterday my life was so normal. I went to school, did my homework and even went on the ocassional date now and then. Now I'm sitting outside an office wondering if I'm going to have a safe place to spend the night. I wish I could blame this on somebody, but how do I blame genetics and fate? "Catherine you can come in now." Duncan tried to sound reassuring but he is an awful liar. As I entered the Professor's office I wondered if he really knew what was going on with Duncan and I. "Yes I do Catherine, I've know about humans like Duncan and yourself for a long time." His voice had a soothing tone to it and I let myself relax a bit. "How'd you know what I was thinking? You're a telepath aren't you." "Yes, and the other students here are mutants as well. Even though you're not a mutant yourself, your father and I believe it would be best if you trained with the X-Men until its time for you to prosue your higher education." "I don't like hiding what I am but I realize why I have to do it. Are you going to tell the X-Men about me or do I have to come up some cover up story." "Theres no need for a story here Catherine its completely up to you to decide when or if to tell the others what you are." "Would they believe me if I did? Its not everyday you meet a kid thats been genetically engineered from two immortals and who has the potential to live forever." I had a smirk on my face but even that couldn't hide the fear or pain I was feeling inside. I wanted to curl myself into a ball and disappear. I hate hiding and I hate secrets. Why me.
Later on that evening I was introduced to the other students of the Institute, to my surprise the others were much older excepte for a young Chinese girl name Jubilation Lee. I don't think she likes me too much. The others were very nice, I especially like the one they call Gambit, he reminds me of my mom, Amanda. He's all smiles and charm, a real smooth talker. Hank reminds me of the Cookie Monster only smarter and better taste in snack food. The prof told me that Logan was a little rough around the edges and blunt , but I like that about him. I can tell he's a real softy underneath it all. What can I say about Scott, he's got a stick up his ass. The ladies of the house Rouge, Jean, and Ororo were very friendly, but they're definitely not use to having a "normal" teenager around. Am I forgetting someone, oh yeah, Bobby. He seems to be the practical joker of the group, he could be fun.
I sat next to Xavier at dinner that night, I wanted to hold his hand, but I didn't know him that well and I didn't want to look like a woose in front of Jubilee. "So Catherine tell us about your mom and dad." Scott was trying to cut the tension, but he wasn't helping. I decided to oblige him with the usual spleel. "My dad's name is Duncan Macleod and he's an antiques dealer who specializes in mideavil weaponry, we spend most of our time traveling between Paris, Chicago, and Scotland. My mom is, I found reason in sugar coating this, a world class theif and I spend the latter part of my year helping her earn a living." Needless to say that put an end to the questions, at least for that dinner. Logan nearly choked on his beer and Gambit looked as if he wanted to ask something, but Rogue shot him this look that would stop anybody in their tracks. It was kind of funny.
"Professor did you know her parents before you enrolled her?" "Of course, Amanda and Duncan have been my friends for a very long time and before you even ask Scott yes I knew Amanda was a theif and come to think of it she still is." "Professor what if she's a security risk?" "I assure you she isn't. She's here to train with us and to continue her education." "Why do I have the feeling this isn't the whole story?" " It isn't, but the rest of the story is up to her to tell." With that Scott left the professor to his work. Meanwhile on the other side of the mansion I was getting settled into my room for the night. Jean told me I had a session in the "Danger Room" , I think thats what she called it, in the morning so until then I'd better try to get some sleep. I hate sleeping in strange beds.
Chapter Two
"Looks like Chuck enrolled a real fire cracker this time. I hope he knows what he's getting us into. Normal kids get hurt faster and easier than mutant kids." Logan said as he fixed his breakfast in the kitchen with Hank. "I am quite sure that our esteemed founder has sufficiantly briefed the young as to the ongoings of our house. Further more I have the feeling this particular lass can take care of herself." "Thank you Dr." Hank jumped and Logan nearly choked on his orange juice. I'd been standing in the doorway for most of the conversation. "How long ya been standing there darlin?" "Not long." I decided it would better to keep a low profile and get the lay of the land. "Sneaking up on folks in this house can be bad for ya health kid. Make some noise." " I don't do noise." And with that said I left the room. "Did ya hear or smell the kid Hank?" "No, it would seem that our newest recruit has some real skills underneath her beautiful exterior." Logan raised an eyebrow. "Beautiful?" "I'm smart dear Logan not blind, like you hadn't noticed." "She's a kid and the last thing I need is another tag-a-long." "How do you know she'll tag along with you?" Hank smirked.
My first training session was with the one they called Logan or as I came to find out, Wolverine. The lower levels of the mansion were really empressive. They probably had more equipment than the Watchers, not the years of experience, but definitely more stuff. I still had my ice wall up when Logan told me he'd go easy on me because I was the rookie. "Don't be gentle on my account I can handle myself." "Ok darlin, whatever you say." I don't like the way he said that. I found myself blocking a barrage of text book karate moves. He really was taking it easy on me. "I didn't ask for any special treatment, show me what ya got old man!" Needless to say he didn't appreciate that crack an I found myself staring done a pair of claws that came jutting out from between his knuckles. "NObody calls me old man kid" Wolverine growled. I really wanted to curl up into a ball and he knew it but I wasn't about to do that. I had to survey this situation. I noticed that his claws were made of Alamantian and he had made a mistake, he thought I was defenseless. I wanted to wait until later to reveal my skills to the X-Men but under the circumstances I wasn't about to get stomped. I quickly dropped to the floor and swiped my legs under his sending him to the floor, then rolling to the side I reached for the sword I'd hidden in my clothes. Mom was right a spinal sheath was more convient than the trench coats that dad always wore. He grinned at me until he noticed that I had a sword and it was Alamantian too.
"The kid had a sword professor she could have done some real damage." Scott said in his most soldiery voice. "Catherine is a very talented girl she knows how to handle it." "Why are you being so easy on her, if any of us tried to pull a stunt like that we'd be out of here." "Scott she is far more different than any us could be." "How different could she possibly be, she normal!" Xavier was starting to get a headache and Scott wasn't helping. "She has to tell you and the others how different she is and I'm allowing her do that in her own time. Her secret could someday cost her her life." The professor's brow furrowed and Scott took that as a sign to leave. "Cost her her life." Scott mumbled as he left the professor's office.
"The kid had a sword, I'm impressed." Logan said to Bobby as he finished his beer in the rec room. "Logan have I ever told you that you're really strange?" "Not lately popsicle, and if you do again its shaved ice for everybody." "Ok didn't mean anything by it." Just then Jean walked in and the boys took the opportunity to be nosey. "Hey Jean whats the story on the new kid?" Bobby smiled and tried to look nonchalant. "I know as much as anybody else on this one. The professor thought it would be her best interest that we let her tell us." "So in other words, none of our business." " Thats right so don't bother her about it Bobby." "Who me?"
Meanwhile I decided to take a walk around the grounds maybe that would cheer me up. I missed the barge in Paris and mom's Apartment in Chicago. I never thought I'd miss the two of them hovering over me or the constant drills in sword play. The Danger Room is definitly on a higher level though. That Logan guy is really intense, but then again Duncan can be too. Pulling out my sword really surprised him, they truly know nothing about who or what I am. I really wanted to be alone ,but it was lunch time and the prof thought it would be nice if we had a group picnic instead of eating in the dinning room. He means well but I wish he'd stop.
I honestly like the X-Men, I really do. I just miss my family as strange as it might be. My mother has been there for me since my first step and I've spent most of my life with her up until a year ago when everything went crazy. Last year my mom took it upon herself to tell me three things:
1. I had a father.
2. I was going to become an immortal someday.
3. My father was an immortal.
I think the fact that I had a father probably jarred me the most. I kind of found the third item hard to bellieve after all immortals can't have kids. I debated over the point for several hours with her until she told me about the genetic engineering that resulting in my "birth". It would appear that I was grown in a tank like a tomato and that my entire genetic structure came from a blood sample from Amanda and lock of Duncan's hair. Talk about throwing a girl for a loop. I can't complain though, Duncan had a much harder time excepting it. I don't know whether it was from pure denile or shock but he went into seclusion for about a month. Nobody knew were he was not even Joe and after he came back he had to talk to his "friend" Methos. Methos is the reason I'm "hiding" here at the Institute. Yeah right like anyone can hide from an immortal.
Chapter 3
I wish Duncan, or Richie, or even mom was here with me. I don't like this on my own thing, its seriously weirding me out. I've been here almost a week and the only person around my own age refuses to have a civilized conversation with me. "What's you're problem already? I've tried my best to fit in but you can't seem to give me any slack. Whats up with that?" I said in my most peeved off voice. "I don't like you!" Jubilee shouted. "Why what did I ever do to you? I came here because I had to. Don't you think I'd rather be on my barge with my dad or in Chicago with my mom or anywhere except for here!" My composure was gone and I could feel hot tear wash down my face. She was staring now. "Whats the matter never seen someone cry before? Its not my fault I'm here, it's not myfault parents are immortals, and its not my fault I'm being hunted at this very moment by a mad man who wants to kill me for no other reason that what may be in the future! Honey you not liking me is the least of my problems!" I was in histerics now and the hallway was starting to fill as the others started to rush out to see what was the matter. Everyone one was staring now, so the only thing I could do was scream.
Chapter Four
"Immortals? What's she talking about Chuck?" Logan said with a hint of concern. He'd come to like the kid and was impressed at the fact that she could constantly sneak up on him. Xavier was poised at his desk looking at a still shell shocked Catherine. "Its a very long story Logan."
Of Mutants and Immortals
by Animefreek
Chapter One
This can't be happening to me, this can't be happening to me. Yesterday my life was so normal. I went to school, did my homework and even went on the ocassional date now and then. Now I'm sitting outside an office wondering if I'm going to have a safe place to spend the night. I wish I could blame this on somebody, but how do I blame genetics and fate? "Catherine you can come in now." Duncan tried to sound reassuring but he is an awful liar. As I entered the Professor's office I wondered if he really knew what was going on with Duncan and I. "Yes I do Catherine, I've know about humans like Duncan and yourself for a long time." His voice had a soothing tone to it and I let myself relax a bit. "How'd you know what I was thinking? You're a telepath aren't you." "Yes, and the other students here are mutants as well. Even though you're not a mutant yourself, your father and I believe it would be best if you trained with the X-Men until its time for you to prosue your higher education." "I don't like hiding what I am but I realize why I have to do it. Are you going to tell the X-Men about me or do I have to come up some cover up story." "Theres no need for a story here Catherine its completely up to you to decide when or if to tell the others what you are." "Would they believe me if I did? Its not everyday you meet a kid thats been genetically engineered from two immortals and who has the potential to live forever." I had a smirk on my face but even that couldn't hide the fear or pain I was feeling inside. I wanted to curl myself into a ball and disappear. I hate hiding and I hate secrets. Why me.
Later on that evening I was introduced to the other students of the Institute, to my surprise the others were much older excepte for a young Chinese girl name Jubilation Lee. I don't think she likes me too much. The others were very nice, I especially like the one they call Gambit, he reminds me of my mom, Amanda. He's all smiles and charm, a real smooth talker. Hank reminds me of the Cookie Monster only smarter and better taste in snack food. The prof told me that Logan was a little rough around the edges and blunt , but I like that about him. I can tell he's a real softy underneath it all. What can I say about Scott, he's got a stick up his ass. The ladies of the house Rouge, Jean, and Ororo were very friendly, but they're definitely not use to having a "normal" teenager around. Am I forgetting someone, oh yeah, Bobby. He seems to be the practical joker of the group, he could be fun.
I sat next to Xavier at dinner that night, I wanted to hold his hand, but I didn't know him that well and I didn't want to look like a woose in front of Jubilee. "So Catherine tell us about your mom and dad." Scott was trying to cut the tension, but he wasn't helping. I decided to oblige him with the usual spleel. "My dad's name is Duncan Macleod and he's an antiques dealer who specializes in mideavil weaponry, we spend most of our time traveling between Paris, Chicago, and Scotland. My mom is, I found reason in sugar coating this, a world class theif and I spend the latter part of my year helping her earn a living." Needless to say that put an end to the questions, at least for that dinner. Logan nearly choked on his beer and Gambit looked as if he wanted to ask something, but Rogue shot him this look that would stop anybody in their tracks. It was kind of funny.
"Professor did you know her parents before you enrolled her?" "Of course, Amanda and Duncan have been my friends for a very long time and before you even ask Scott yes I knew Amanda was a theif and come to think of it she still is." "Professor what if she's a security risk?" "I assure you she isn't. She's here to train with us and to continue her education." "Why do I have the feeling this isn't the whole story?" " It isn't, but the rest of the story is up to her to tell." With that Scott left the professor to his work. Meanwhile on the other side of the mansion I was getting settled into my room for the night. Jean told me I had a session in the "Danger Room" , I think thats what she called it, in the morning so until then I'd better try to get some sleep. I hate sleeping in strange beds.
Chapter Two
"Looks like Chuck enrolled a real fire cracker this time. I hope he knows what he's getting us into. Normal kids get hurt faster and easier than mutant kids." Logan said as he fixed his breakfast in the kitchen with Hank. "I am quite sure that our esteemed founder has sufficiantly briefed the young as to the ongoings of our house. Further more I have the feeling this particular lass can take care of herself." "Thank you Dr." Hank jumped and Logan nearly choked on his orange juice. I'd been standing in the doorway for most of the conversation. "How long ya been standing there darlin?" "Not long." I decided it would better to keep a low profile and get the lay of the land. "Sneaking up on folks in this house can be bad for ya health kid. Make some noise." " I don't do noise." And with that said I left the room. "Did ya hear or smell the kid Hank?" "No, it would seem that our newest recruit has some real skills underneath her beautiful exterior." Logan raised an eyebrow. "Beautiful?" "I'm smart dear Logan not blind, like you hadn't noticed." "She's a kid and the last thing I need is another tag-a-long." "How do you know she'll tag along with you?" Hank smirked.
My first training session was with the one they called Logan or as I came to find out, Wolverine. The lower levels of the mansion were really empressive. They probably had more equipment than the Watchers, not the years of experience, but definitely more stuff. I still had my ice wall up when Logan told me he'd go easy on me because I was the rookie. "Don't be gentle on my account I can handle myself." "Ok darlin, whatever you say." I don't like the way he said that. I found myself blocking a barrage of text book karate moves. He really was taking it easy on me. "I didn't ask for any special treatment, show me what ya got old man!" Needless to say he didn't appreciate that crack an I found myself staring done a pair of claws that came jutting out from between his knuckles. "NObody calls me old man kid" Wolverine growled. I really wanted to curl up into a ball and he knew it but I wasn't about to do that. I had to survey this situation. I noticed that his claws were made of Alamantian and he had made a mistake, he thought I was defenseless. I wanted to wait until later to reveal my skills to the X-Men but under the circumstances I wasn't about to get stomped. I quickly dropped to the floor and swiped my legs under his sending him to the floor, then rolling to the side I reached for the sword I'd hidden in my clothes. Mom was right a spinal sheath was more convient than the trench coats that dad always wore. He grinned at me until he noticed that I had a sword and it was Alamantian too.
"The kid had a sword professor she could have done some real damage." Scott said in his most soldiery voice. "Catherine is a very talented girl she knows how to handle it." "Why are you being so easy on her, if any of us tried to pull a stunt like that we'd be out of here." "Scott she is far more different than any us could be." "How different could she possibly be, she normal!" Xavier was starting to get a headache and Scott wasn't helping. "She has to tell you and the others how different she is and I'm allowing her do that in her own time. Her secret could someday cost her her life." The professor's brow furrowed and Scott took that as a sign to leave. "Cost her her life." Scott mumbled as he left the professor's office.
"The kid had a sword, I'm impressed." Logan said to Bobby as he finished his beer in the rec room. "Logan have I ever told you that you're really strange?" "Not lately popsicle, and if you do again its shaved ice for everybody." "Ok didn't mean anything by it." Just then Jean walked in and the boys took the opportunity to be nosey. "Hey Jean whats the story on the new kid?" Bobby smiled and tried to look nonchalant. "I know as much as anybody else on this one. The professor thought it would be her best interest that we let her tell us." "So in other words, none of our business." " Thats right so don't bother her about it Bobby." "Who me?"
Meanwhile I decided to take a walk around the grounds maybe that would cheer me up. I missed the barge in Paris and mom's Apartment in Chicago. I never thought I'd miss the two of them hovering over me or the constant drills in sword play. The Danger Room is definitly on a higher level though. That Logan guy is really intense, but then again Duncan can be too. Pulling out my sword really surprised him, they truly know nothing about who or what I am. I really wanted to be alone ,but it was lunch time and the prof thought it would be nice if we had a group picnic instead of eating in the dinning room. He means well but I wish he'd stop.
I honestly like the X-Men, I really do. I just miss my family as strange as it might be. My mother has been there for me since my first step and I've spent most of my life with her up until a year ago when everything went crazy. Last year my mom took it upon herself to tell me three things:
1. I had a father.
2. I was going to become an immortal someday.
3. My father was an immortal.
I think the fact that I had a father probably jarred me the most. I kind of found the third item hard to bellieve after all immortals can't have kids. I debated over the point for several hours with her until she told me about the genetic engineering that resulting in my "birth". It would appear that I was grown in a tank like a tomato and that my entire genetic structure came from a blood sample from Amanda and lock of Duncan's hair. Talk about throwing a girl for a loop. I can't complain though, Duncan had a much harder time excepting it. I don't know whether it was from pure denile or shock but he went into seclusion for about a month. Nobody knew were he was not even Joe and after he came back he had to talk to his "friend" Methos. Methos is the reason I'm "hiding" here at the Institute. Yeah right like anyone can hide from an immortal.
Chapter 3
I wish Duncan, or Richie, or even mom was here with me. I don't like this on my own thing, its seriously weirding me out. I've been here almost a week and the only person around my own age refuses to have a civilized conversation with me. "What's you're problem already? I've tried my best to fit in but you can't seem to give me any slack. Whats up with that?" I said in my most peeved off voice. "I don't like you!" Jubilee shouted. "Why what did I ever do to you? I came here because I had to. Don't you think I'd rather be on my barge with my dad or in Chicago with my mom or anywhere except for here!" My composure was gone and I could feel hot tear wash down my face. She was staring now. "Whats the matter never seen someone cry before? Its not my fault I'm here, it's not myfault parents are immortals, and its not my fault I'm being hunted at this very moment by a mad man who wants to kill me for no other reason that what may be in the future! Honey you not liking me is the least of my problems!" I was in histerics now and the hallway was starting to fill as the others started to rush out to see what was the matter. Everyone one was staring now, so the only thing I could do was scream.
Chapter Four
"Immortals? What's she talking about Chuck?" Logan said with a hint of concern. He'd come to like the kid and was impressed at the fact that she could constantly sneak up on him. Xavier was poised at his desk looking at a still shell shocked Catherine. "Its a very long story Logan."