Disclaimer: We do NOT own anything in this story except Fiona, Ryan, and Snake Eyes. They are our own characters. This story is strictly for fun, so please don't sue us.
Written by: Chani and DuneManic
A Place to Call Home
Two Months After the Defeat of Magneto:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Twenty-year-old Fiona Calhoun walked into the computer lab with her best friend Alicia Norris, feeling very happy. It was a great day; she had passed all her tests, gotten a date to the dance on Friday, and had moved up in her Karate class, the day before. Just then someone bumped into her, and she fell against the computer. Anger coursed through her body, along with something else, something she couldn't quite recognize. Turning around, her temper boiling, Alicia stared at her with horror. Fiona almost squinted because of the white haze running in front of her eyes
"What?" she asked alarmed.
Alicia pointed at her and started to back away. Turning to the window she gasped, her eyes were glowing white, her hair was standing straight up as if electrical shocks were running through. With horror she realized they were. Suddenly her eyes turned completely white and tiny sparks of white electrical energy flashed. Then something struck through the room, and the energy was all released. Slumping against the desk she put a hand on her aching head. Looking up Fiona gasp in horror. The room had gone dark, no power, nothing, and along with that, a hole in the ceiling and a burn mark on the floor suggested lightning had struck the room. Fiona backed up, with a dreadful feeling; it had been her doing. The kids who weren't hurt or unconscious stared at her, terrified. Turning she grabbed her backpack and hurried to the outside door. Before she left Fiona caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and her eyes flew wide open. Instead of her brown hair and hazel eyes, there was a completely different appearance. Her hair had turned as white as snow, and her eyes had turned light blue. Blinking back tears, staring at what she'd done, she flung the door open and ran out, into the world that would hold her future.
One Day Later: Portland, Maine
Seventeen-year-old Ryan Francis slammed a hand down on his dresser. Would they ever stop fighting? Sighing he ran a hand through his blond, spiked hair. He was getting really angry and sick of this. Finally he couldn't take it anymore and grabbed his jacket. His blood boiling, he went to fling open the door, and was suddenly surrounded by golden light, feeling as though he was flying at a high force. Then as he stepped forward, he found himself almost falling off his front porch steps. Ryan stopped and looked around. 'How in the hell did I get down here?' He turned back to the house and cautiously walked back towards the front door. Finally all the weight of having exams, and of his parents arguing, got to him, and all he wished for was to be in his bed. Without warning, Ryan was surround by the gold light again, and then found he was sitting on his bed. He opened his eyes wide when he realized that the only way that could have happened was to somehow get transported.
"But teleportation is impossible!" Ryan exclaimed out loud.
Then he realized, with dread, that something was very wrong. He didn't know what was wrong, but he knew something terrible was going to happen. Ryan ran to the door, and flung it open.
"Mom, Dad!" he screamed.
Then he heard someone scream, there was a bright light, a loud noise, and a vibration that shook so hard he flew to the floor. 'An explosion,' he exclaimed in his head. Closing his eyes he concentrated on being anywhere than there. Ryan heard one more huge bang and felt an intense heat, and then suddenly felt himself hit the ground. 'What the…' opening his eyes he looked up. He was sitting outside on the grass across the street from his house. Jumping to his feet, he saw that his home was on fire, and that the windows, and some of the wall were broken. Somehow his house had exploded, how he didn't know. Tears in his eyes at his parents' brutal death, and his guilt that he had escaped due to what he now truly believed was Mutation. As people came out of their houses to stare, he ran down the street away from what had one been his home.
Meanwhile at Professor Xaiver's School for the Gifted
Storm groaned, and then went out in the hall. "John," she called.
A few minutes later John came running down the stairs, looking very uneasy. He stopped in front of her. "Yeah?"
She took a deep breath. "Somehow the living room couch caught on fire and I can't help but think you had something to do with it.
John let out his breath. "Well…I was seeing if I could throw fire. It worked, for a ways. But I had thrown it towards the other end of the couch. Before I could lift it over, the couch caught on fire. Bobby put it out before it got too big."
Storm sighed and put an arm around his shoulders. "I know you were just trying to see what you could do, but you shouldn't until myself, the professor, Jean, or Scott is around. Now you're seventeen, I think you can be responsible enough to know better. You've been warned. Don't let this happen again. All right?"
He nodded. "All right, can I go now?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yes."
John gave her a smirk and ran back up the stairs.
Storm let out a frustrated cry, and threw her hands up into the air.
Stalking down the hall she screamed. "Scott!"
A head poked out of the doorway, and Scott gave her a strange look.
"Yes?"
"I'm sick of it," she stated walking towards him. She grabbed him by the collar. "It's just that plain and simple."
He raised an eyebrow at her mood and stared at her. "You're sick of what."
"Of the students. They are old enough and smart enough to understand what responsibility is. I mean John just set the couch on fire."
Scott turned his head to try and hide his grin, then cleared his throat and turned back. "Well they aren't always so irresponsible Ororo. You know that."
"Ugh, you're a big help," Storm said angrily. Then she let go of his collar, and strode away.
He frowned and stared after her. 'What's gotten into her.' Turning he went back to his class.
Two Hours Later: Canada
Logan drove south on a highway, having to take a break on his search. Especially since he was finding nothing. Now he was driving through a town, on his way back to Westchester, New York. He smiled at that. He really hadn't figured he would be going back. But he had nowhere else to go, and also he had promised Rogue he'd be back. Turning to look out the window, Logan noticed a teenage boy staring at him. Frowning at the same expression he had seen in the Rogue's eyes, now in the boy's, he turned back and kept going.
Ryan stared at the man in the truck. As he passed him, the driver turned to stare out the window, and met the kid's eyes. Boy did he wish he could just leave like that. As the car passed and kept going, Ryan turned and walked down the street with a sigh. After a minute, he bumped into someone.
"Jeez, I'm really sorry," he apologized to the stranger.
The man glared at him then shoved him. Ryan fell to the snow covered ground with a thud. The man and his companion laughed and kept walking. Ryan pulled himself up, and brushed some snow off. He closed his eyes and wished he was somewhere besides this place, preferably in that guy's truck. Suddenly he felt the high force flying sensation. 'Oh brother!' Then he felt himself sitting.
Looking around he saw he was in some kind of car. Then the brakes slammed, and he went flying forward. Catching himself on the dashboard, he turned to see the man in the truck, staring at him, claws coming from the man's hand, pointed at him.
"Who the hell are you, and how did you get in here?" the man demanded angrily.
Ryan was at a loss for words, but when the guy brought the claws closer, he just started babbling.
"Look Mister, I'm really sorry. I don't know how I got here. Well
actually I do, I mean I've done it before, but…"
"Just shut up. Explain it to me, now."
Ryan got a hold of his nerves and took a deep breath. "Well you're never
going to believe this, but I teleported here."Logan opened his mouth to say something and frowned. "You what?"
"I teleported here. I concentrated on being in this truck, because I needed a ride, and you seemed nice, and bam I was here."
Logan shook his head, brought his claws back in, and leaned his head on the steering wheel. "Why me? Why do you kids think I'm so nice as to give rides? I'm not a chauffeur."
Ryan sighed in relief and leaned back. "I don't know, I mean you look like you could protect someone. I thought that maybe you could help me. I mean you're like me."
Logan raised his head. "No I'm not kid."
Ryan rolled his eyes. "Oh so those claws are just a normal everyday accessory. I just see a lot of people running around pointing claws at each other."
Logan glared at him, so he immediately shut up. After a second Ryan spoke up again. "Are you going to kick me out?"
Logan was silent for a minute, then sighed. "No, but if you don't keep your mouth shut I'll shut it for ya."
Ryan nodded and grinned.
"I can't believe this," Logan muttered and started driving again.
-------------------------------------
Fiona walked sullenly down the street. The young woman was angry, and it wasn't just going away. She had seen the looks of terror, but also the looks of hate on her classmates faces. They didn't have to hate her for something she didn't know how to control. Picking up her pace, her blood started to boil. Fiona suddenly ran into someone and fell backwards onto the ground. She looked up and gasped. The guy she had run into was wearing a black hat. But underneath she could she see his face quite clearly. He was definitely different. He grinned and winked at her, then offered a hand. Grabbing it, Fiona felt him pull her up. He was strong.
"Hi, the name's Toad. What's yours?"
Fiona grinned at his friendly manner. She shook the hand he offered. "I'm Fiona."
Toad put his arm around her shoulders and tilted his head towards her.
"I know what you're feeling. You're angry at the people who would fear and hate you for something you can't control. But I can help you. I'm part of a group called The Brotherhood. We feel that if the people don't like us, it's time to do something about it."
Fiona stared at him in amazement. "Like what?"
"Like get even. They have made us suffer unbearably. It's time to repay them."
Fiona opened her mouth in surprise, jeez this guy sure did get to the point fast. "Get even? I don't know." She thought about her place in the world and the people who would destroy her if given the chance. Turning back to face him with a hard expression she gave him a grin. "I'm in Toad. So are you the boss?"
Toad grinned, "Not really, I'm what you could call," he spread his arms wide and then, tilting his head, looked back down at her, "the recruiter."
Fiona smiled and took the arm he offered. She laughed at the little skip he did. "Well you're doing a good job."
--------------------------------------------
Ryan was sitting quietly, eating his burger that Logan had bought for him. He looked out the window and saw that the weather was really getting bad. Turning back to Logan he swallowed his bite. "You know you should really wear your seatbelt."
Logan let out a frustrated sigh and suddenly slammed his hand down on the steering wheel. The horn honked and Ryan held in a laugh. Without warning a tree slammed down and before he could stop the truck slammed into it. Logan found himself flying through the windshield again. Ryan's head slammed down against the board, as Logan went sliding about 25 feet out.
Ryan lifted his head, blood running from his nose and forehead. His eyes widened as he saw Logan lying on the ground, not moving. He tried to open the door only to find it jammed. Closing his eyes he concentrated on standing right next to Logan, and when he opened them that's where he was.
Just as he knelt down, Logan sat straight up. Ryan jumped back, and stared at the man, who was grumbling and brushing himself off. As he stood the bruises and cuts to his face suddenly healed completely. Logan looked at the boy and pointed to his face. "You all right?"
When Ryan nodded, Logan went nuts. Without warning he suddenly started yelling and stalked back to the truck. "I can not believe this. Why did this happen? What am I a magnet for flying through windshields. Dammit, this is crazy. What do they think I am, a punching bag."
Ryan stared, his mouth open as Logan continued his ranting. He watched as Logan extended his claws and looked around. After a minute or two he brought them back in and climbed in the truck. Then he turned and stared at Ryan who was still standing there.
"Come on," he yelled.
Ryan sighed and ran over to his side. He tried to pull the door open but it refused. Feeling very frustrated he screamed at it in his mind. 'Just open, you stupid thing.' To his complete surprise, the door flew open. 'Oh no now what?' Catching the look on Logan's face he decided to worry about it later.
---------------------------------------------------------
Toad led Fiona into quite possible, one of the grandest buildings she'd ever been in. It both awed her and scared her at the same time. Maybe it wasn't just the building, but the people in it. As Toad led her deeper into the ' citadel ' she noticed a woman with raven black hair suddenly change shape in front of her, to a strikingly sinister looking version of herself, only blue. ' Like a chameleon, ' thought Fiona.
Toad was so happy with himself. Here he was bringing in new members to the brotherhood and Sabertooth the stupid git wasn't doing anything productive. Besides this Fiona was very pretty.
Mystique walked over to him and grinned. "Hmm, Toad who is this little lady?"
Fiona glared at the woman at being called a little lady. "If you must know, my name is Fiona. Got a problem with that?"
Mystique grinned at Fiona's attitude, "Not at all, I rather like it. I'm Mystique."
Fiona shook the hand that was offered. She liked this woman. Mystique looked interesting and had a pretty good personality already. Sassy, and confident. Maybe this was the boss who was going to help her learn to control her powers, as Toad had promised on the way here.
Toad looked around. "So where's the kitty?"
Mystique gestured to Magneto office, "In a meeting, getting yelled at, again."
Toad laughed. "Well if you'll excuse my ladies, I'm going to get some lunch." He bowed and leaped up to a doorway about 15 feet up. Then Mystique turned to Fiona.
"Well before you meet the boss, we have to figure out what kind of powers you have. So what have you done?"
Fiona was quiet a moment then related her story, of feeling electrical charge through her body, somehow shorting out the power in the computer lab, and calling upon lightning.
Mystique was grinning by the time she was done. "Hmm sounds like you conduct electrical currents. We'll call you Electra."
Fiona smiled at her new name. "All right."
Just then Sabertooth came storming out of Magneto's office.
"Oh Sabertooth, you look awful, maybe I can get some catnip for you."
Sabertooth growled, and leapt at her. She quickly stepped out of the way and kicked him in the stomach as he passed. He fell to his knees and then snapped out his claw to strike Mystique. But before it could even touch her Toad's tongue wrapped around it and snapped it back. Sabertooth flew back and landed on the ground. Toads jumped down, "That's not nice. Leave the lady alone, and go take a bath, you stink."
Sabertooth growled but stalked out of the room. Toad tilted his head towards the ladies and did a little jig. Fiona laughed. Then they all headed towards Magneto's office.
---------------------------------------------------
Scott walked out of the classroom and immediately went in search of Storm. He found her in the kitchen, muttering to herself and getting a drink of water. He leaned against the counter and waited for her to turn around. Storm turned and was startled by him. She jumped and some of the water sloshed. "What do you want?"
Scott straightened. "Are you OK? Tell me the truth."
Storm sighed and set her glass down. "I'm just really stressed. I think I need a vacation."
Scott laughed. "Well then you should take one."
Storm stared at him. "Are you nuts? I have too many responsibilities here."
Scott came over and placed an arm around her shoulders. "Jean and I will cover you. Take the weekend off. Somewhere far from here. You need the vacation. Don't worry I'll clear it with the professor."
Storm thought for a minute and then grinned. She gave him a hug and said. "Thanks, I'll leave as soon as I can. See you in three days."
Scott shook his head as she walked out. 'Boy I hope that is OK with the professor.' He walked out and heard a commotion down the hall. He ran down there, and sighed as he saw John and Bobby arguing, about to get in a fight.
Bobby suddenly formed a large ice ball and threw it towards John, who in turn held a large ball of fire in his hand. Before the ball of ice hit him, it melted. Then he threw is own ball, which Bobby put out. Scott stalked over and grabbed both boys by their ears.
"Oww!" they both yelled.
"I hope you have a good explanation for this, cause if you don't I'll take you to talk to Professor Xavier."
"We can explain," John cried.
"All right in the living room, now."
Both boys complied and when all three were in the room, Scott folded his arms over his chest. "Well start explaining."
Bobby sighed, "Well, it was about Rogue."
Scott groaned. "Were you guys trying to impress her again."
Both boys blushed and John spoke. "Yeah we were."
Scott glared at him. "Don't start."
John shut up and nodded.
"All right, I'll let you go this time, but if I find you fighting again, you will be punished. Got it. Now you're best friends. Shake hands and get over this."
They complied and left. Scott grinned. 'Teenage boys.'
------------------------------------------
The sound of the dented, beat up, truck stopping was what woke Ryan up. He looked around and frowned. "Where are we?"
Logan looked at him. "Westchester, New York."
Ryan turned to him. "Why are we here?"
Logan pointed, "Because of that."
Ryan looked out the windshield. He saw what looked like a castle standing in front of them with a gate and brick wall in front. A sign on the wall said Professor Charles Xavier's School for the Gifted.
"School for the gifted?" he repeated questioningly. Logan nodded and smiled, "Yep."
The gates opened and they pulled into the driveway. Waiting outside was Scott, Jean, Professor X, Rogue, and some other students. Logan got out of the truck and went over to them. He hugged Jean and Rogue, shook hands with the Professor, and then turned to Scott.
"Well pretty boy, I'm back. Did you miss me?" he asked sarcastically with a grin.
Scott shook his head and smiled. "Oh of course, claws. By the way, you owe me a motorcycle."
Logan grinned and then rolled his eyes, when he saw Ryan still in the car. He beckoned him over and then introduced him. "This is Ryan Francis. He can…teleport."
Jean looked at him, "Really?"
He nodded. She smiled, "Come inside, we'll see what your powers are."
Ryan nodded and followed Jean in. On his way in he spotted Rogue looking at him, and gave her a smile. She stared, open mouthed, after him as he went in. 'Wow,' she thought, 'He is…wow.' Bobby shot John a glance, who slapped a hand to his face.
"Well, how was your search Logan?" the professor asked.
Logan sighed, "I'll tell you later. Right now do you think you can spare some food."
Scott laughed and they all went into the school.
--------------------------------------------
Fiona was happy. Magneto, and Mystique had already began to help her learn to control her powers. Now she could, with a lot of concentration, absorb a small amount of electrical energy and direct it out her hands. Right now she sat outside, looking at the stars. Suddenly someone sat down next to her. She turned to see Toad sitting there, and smiled. Fiona liked Toad a lot. He was funny, loyal, and a good friend. She was a little nervous though because she knew she liked him more than just a friend. "Hi," she said softly.
Toad stared at her. 'Wow is she beautiful. I like her. She's nice, smart, and friendly. I wonder what she would do if I kissed her.' So instead he just asked her what she was doing.
Fiona grinned, "Watching the stars. I was always lonely, and the stars helped me find peace." He smiled and put an arm around her waist. She smiled and looked down. When she looked back up, he leaned in towards her. Fiona lifted her chin, and their lips met. It was almost magical. She had been kissed before, but this was different, special. She knew it.
Toad pulled back, smiling. He was suddenly very happy. Fiona was special, and he vowed now he would protect her till he died. He held her tighter as she leaned her head on his shoulder, and for once watched the stars. Finally after a while, he turned to Fiona who smiled. He stood up and pulled her up. Putting his arm around her shoulders they strode in. Mystique gave them a grin as they entered and pointed to the boss's office.
They nodded, and all three went into Magneto's office.
"Toad, take Fiona tomorrow and go find us another recruit. Sabertooth you'll stay here and help me. Mystique, my beauty, you will sneak into Xavier's school and be a spy, no interaction. Do all of you understand." They nodded. "Good, tonight we're going to have some fun at our friend's little school."
-------------------------------------------------
Ryan looked around the room he was assigned to. His roommates were two guys about his age, Bobby and John. They seemed nice, but they argued over someone named Rogue and Ryan assumed it was a girl at the school. When they had gotten in the room, they had raised eyebrows but had been pretty friendly. Now it was almost midnight and he was bored. Walking out of the room, he sat on the steps.
"Can't sleep?"
He turned his head to see a girl with a white streak in her auburn hair standing besides him. "No it's been a long day, and Logan was kinda…well he was…interesting."
She laughed, "Yeah I know I rode with him before, but he's really nice. Say do you mind company?"
"No, not really."
She smiled and sat down. He noticed she wore a nightgown that was long-sleeved and went down to her feet. On her hands were gloves, and around her neck was a dog tag with Wolverine written on it. She held out her hand, and he shook it.
"I'm Rogue."
"I'm Ryan."
Rogue leaned on her knees and looked around. Ryan looked around too, then turned to her.
"So why do you wear that long of nightgown, and gloves to bed?"
She laughed, "Well I don't normally wear the gloves, only when I get up. But I wear all this because my power is that I can take another mutant's gift, along with their life energy if they touch my skin. What are your powers?"
"Well it seems I have teleportation abilities, along with developing telekinetic powers, and as you could say, a danger warning when something bad is about to happen."
Rogue nodded. "So have you ever teleported?"
He laughed, "Multiple times, that was actually how I met Logan."
She stared at him, "What do you mean?"
"Well I teleported into his truck. He wasn't very happy, to say the least, but he let me stay." He paused then asked a question. "Why do you wear that dog tag?"
Rogue grinned. "It's Logan's. When he left before, he told me to keep it and that he'd be back to get it. I tried to give it to him today but he told me I should still hang on to it, since he's only taking a break."
Ryan nodded but then frowned. "So you and Logan…ah…well…you see each other."
She burst out laughing, "Are you kidding? No. He's way to old for me, and besides he's like a big brother to me. That's our relationship."
Ryan smiled and then was quiet. Suddenly his head snapped up.
"What?" Rogue asked in alarm.
"Something's about to happen," just as he said that, gunfire was heard and bullets, rocks, and stones came flying through the windows. Ryan, making sure he didn't touch Rogue's open skin pushed her down and protected her with his body. A bullet was suddenly flying at them. Ryan held out his hand and screamed in his mind for the bullet to stop. Thankfully it did, and he grabbed Rogue, pulled her up the stairs, and they kneeled behind the stair railing. Finally everything stopped. Rogue let out her breath and they heard footsteps running down the hall. Scott appeared besides them as they stood up. He put a hand on their shoulders. "Are you OK?" Rogue said nothing and just stared down at the windows where things had come flying through. Ryan nodded to Scott, who ran down the stairs to inspect the damage. Jean met him down there, but Logan who had caught sight of Rogue and Ryan hurried over to them. Taking Ryan by the shoulders he ran a quick inspection for wounds, then turned to Rogue and did the same thing. Rogue had tears in her eyes, which made him even more concerned.
"Rogue what is it?"
She turned to him. "Why? Why did they do this?"
He put an arm around her shoulders and sighed. Logan didn't know who had done this, but he knew it wasn't the Brotherhood, at least that's what he thought. It must have been townspeople. He looked over her shoulder and nodded at Ryan who immediately understood, and taking Rogue by the arm led her to her room. Logan sighed and walked down the stairs to where Scott, Jean, and the Professor were. "How bad is it?"
Scott ran a hand through his hair. "Nothing we can't fix, but I just wonder why the people who did this, did it. I mean it's obvious they don't like mutants, to shoot at the school, but how would they know anyway. Unless it was the Brotherhood, or people informed by the Brotherhood."
The Professor turned, "Well let's all get some sleep. We'll look at this again in the morning."
--------------------------
Early the next morning, pounding suddenly awakened Fiona. Groaning she rolled out of bed. Quickly remembering the fun the Brotherhood had had last night, she felt herself wide awake and full of energy. Opening the door she found Toad standing there. Fiona smiled and gave him a quick kiss.
"What are you doing here so early?"
Toad rolled his eyes and grinned, "We are supposed to be going out looking for another recruit."
Fiona nodded and then went back into her room, leaving the door open. She grabbed her clothes and then headed into the bathroom. Before she went in she saw him still standing in the hall. "You can come in."
He entered and sat down on the bed, as she went into the bathroom. About five minutes later she appeared wearing her black pants, her dark blue shirt, and her knee-length, no sleeved jacket. Her white hair was pulled into a ponytail that went everywhere. Fiona also had on gray eye shadow, and blue lipstick. Toad jumped up and circled around her.
"Well it could be a little better…"
She jabbed him in the chest with her elbow, he rolled his eyes, and pushed her out the door. Putting on his hat, Toad led her to the helicopter pad. They got in and in about 20 minutes landed in a grassy area by the park.
Then he took her hand, "We have to look normal."
Fiona nodded and they headed into the heart of the city.
----------------------------
Professor Xavier had five of his students in his office and listened quietly as Ryan and Rogue related what had happened. Logan shook his head and leaned against the doorframe, while Jean sat in a chair, and Scott sat on the edge of the desk.
"So then Ryan pulled me down, and the next thing I knew we were waiting behind the stair railing. Then you all came."
"It's lucky Ryan felt something or it would have caught you guys completely off guard, and I don't even want to think of what could have happened," Jean said.
"Yes and it is fortunate, Ryan, that you had enough concentration to control that bullet," the Professor stated as he wheeled out from behind the desk. He went over to the door, which Logan promptly opened. He led them into the hall, where Scott almost bumped into Kitty. "Sorry Kitty."
"That's OK," she said and watched them go down the hall. Grinning she turned to the office door, her eyes becoming those of Mystique. Entering the office, she looked around for any information that she could find. Finally Mystique found a piece of paper in a drawer. She smiled in delight at what she saw. It was a list of the most developed students so far. It included Bobby, John, and Ryan. On the bottom was a message that was even more intriguing. It seemed that when Storm returned these students would be told of the lower levels of the complex. Which basically meant they would trusted with the entire knowledge of the X-Men. Even though some of them probably had a lot of work left on their skills. Pleased with herself Mystique left the room and walked down the halls. Then she quietly walked up the stairs.
-----------------------------------
Toad sighed and looked around, he wasn't having as much luck as he had had yesterday and it was getting to him. Finally he spotted someone he was looking for. Tugging on Fiona's hand he pointed to a tall skinny boy leaning against the wall with a bottle of beer. Grinning Toad led the way over to him, and when he was finally standing next to him, was a little surprised. Sure the guy had looked tall, but up front he was well over 6 ft, probably more like 6'5". Almost ten inches taller than he was. Also the guy had a black jacket sweater with the hood pulled up, hiding his face.
Toad took a deep breath and then reached up and knocked on the guy's hooded head. The guy grabbed Toad's arm, as Fiona stood off to the side. Leaning down, the man whispered. "You leave or you will regret it."
"Well I made a vow to myself that I'll never regret anything. So I guess I'm sticking around," Toad flicked his tongue out a little then brought it back in. The guy backed up, but jumped forward again, when a small shock went through him. He turned to see Fiona looking innocently up at him.
"I didn't do anything," she said as she walked around and laced her arms around Toad's.
"Who the hell are you guys."
"We're part of the Brotherhood, something I think you could benefit from," Toad said with small smirk.
"Oh and how's that?"
Toad tilted his head and grinned, "We can get you the thing you most desire. Revenge."
That definitely got the man's attention. He nodded to an alley by the building he had been leaning on. Toad and Fiona followed him and waited for him to speak.
"Who are you," he asked.
Toad bowed sarcastically, "I'm Toad, the friendly, deadly, jester and this is the electrifying, Princess Fiona. Now my good man who are you?"
"I'm Snake Eyes. You want to know why?"
"I would love to hear your sad story, so long as it's not to long." Replied Toad, with a tilt of his head.
Snake Eyes pulled down his hood, and Fiona stared at him in surprise. She definitely knew why they called him that now. His eyes looked like a snake's, and scales were visible around his eyes and on his cheekbones. He grinned and two pointed fangs showed, along with a snake-like tongue. Toad's jaw dropped open, "Well at least you never have to socialize, that's a big plus."
Snake Eyes glared at him, "So what can you do for me?"
Toad smiled and strutted towards him. Then when he was right in front of the guy he stared at the guy's chest for a second then tilted his head up.
"We can help you get revenge. You join our cause we help you learn how to control your power better."
Snake Eyes laughed, "As long as I get to beat up some people you got it. Basically I can already control my powers, venom from the claws and these fangs, and I have very sharp, quick movements."
Fiona plastered a smile on her face, "Then I think you will be an asset to our team, so long as all you say is true." 'Jeez this guy is a moron.'
Suddenly without warning he grabbed her by the neck and slammed her into the wall. "Told ya' I was quick, sweetie." Angrily Toad stepped forward to beat the crap out of him. Fiona stared at him, with a smirk, feeling energy build around her, her eyes started to glow. Snake Eyes stared at her. Fiona's hair started to stand on end. Concentrating hard, she brought her hands up to his head. Electrical energy shot out of them. He cried out released his hold on her, grabbing his head. Using the opportunity, Toad kicked Snake Eyes against the wall, anger very obvious in his eyes. Turning to Fiona who had gone back to normal, he placed a protective arm around her.
"Next time choose your ways of proving your talents elsewhere," Fiona said icily.
He was still holding his head, and glared at them. "So am I still invited."
Toad rolled his eyes, "Of course, as long as there's no more funny business. Save it for the enemy."
With that he and Fiona strolled out into the street. Snake Eyes pulled up his hood and followed them.
-----------------------------------
Ryan grabbed his book from his nightstand. 'Great I'm going to be late.' Suddenly he frowned. 'What am I talking about, of course I'm not going to be late. Stupid.' Then closing his eyes he teleported to right outside his classroom. The Professor and Dr. Grey had said that eventually he would be able to teleport without closing his eyes, but not yet. Entering the room he made his way to the free seat by Rogue and Bobby. Bobby gave him a grin as he sat down. They were really good friends now, especially since Ryan had found out that Bobby and John had at first thought he liked Rogue. He had assured them he didn't like her, but was only a good friend. In fact he kinda liked Jubilee. Just then a woman with white hair, came in looking very happy.
"Wow, she's home really early," he heard Bobby say to Rogue.
"Who is that?" he asked her.
"Oh that's Ororo Munroe, just call her Miss Munroe."
Ryan shrugged and turned his attention on his lessons, but suddenly the classroom door flew open and John came in. He hurried to his seat and dropped into the seat next to Ryan. "Howdy."
"Where were you?" Ryan asked.
"Well, I kinda was locked in my closet." He glared at Bobby.
Ryan rolled his eyes, but John continued, "Oh and Scott told me that he and Logan would start me on staff lessons. You know to teach me coordination. Of course I don't know how I'll get anything done, if they teach me as a team."
Ryan laughed. After that he tried to pay attention to his classes. But he kept getting side tracked. Also he was really tired. Leaning his chin on his hand, he closed his eyes and yawned. He really wished he were up in his bed. 'Oh shoot,' he thought but it was too late. That sensation ran through him and when he opened his eyes he was lying in bed.
"Oh man," he groaned and buried his head in his pillow. After a minute or two a knock on the door came. Ryan rose to his feet and opened the door. Storm was standing there.
"I am so sorry, I really didn't mean too. It's just sometimes if I wish I were somewhere else I end up there."
Storm sighed, "I know. You can control that if you concentrate. If you wish you were somewhere, force your mind to allow you to remain rooted where you are. It sounds hard but it's not really. Now if you please can you come with me back to the class. And buster, if I hadn't just been on vacation, or if this had happened in Scott's class, you would be in so deep you wouldn't been able to see anymore. Don't let it happen again."
Ryan nodded. Then he left and started down the stairs. As they got there, they heard shouting from Scott's classroom.
"You are such a hard headed jerk. She doesn't love you but you are to metal-headed to see it."
"Oh sure one-eye, if you're so sure why are you even talking about this.
You have a real attitude problem you know that. Why don't we skip this conversation and you can go give the school a sunroof." Then Logan stormed out but turned right back around. Scott poked his head out to say something else, but never got to say it because Logan then flicked him off with his middle claw. Then turning to Storm he smiled. "Hi, how was your vacation. Ryan why aren't you in class?" Before Ryan could say anything Logan stalked off in the other direction, and Scott called out after him. " That didn't offend me," and slammed the door. Storm looked worried, really worried. Ryan, however, burst out laughing.
"Boy this place is great," he said and entered the room, where the students were staring out at the hall. Storm shook her head. 'Ah, it's great to be home.'
Scott slammed his fist down on his desk. 'Dammit, why did we go and lose our tempers.' Sighing he opened the door and left the room. He slammed into someone again and reached out to steady the person. Scott frowned when he saw it was Kitty. "Shouldn't you be in class?" he asked. She stared at him. "What class?" He looked into Storm's class and saw Kitty sitting by Jubilee. Turning back to Kitty, he grabbed her and flipped her over his shoulder. She landed on her feet. "Logan!" he yelled. He faintly heard what sounded like screw you and groaned. Suddenly Mystique's foot connected with his chest sending him against the wall. Then she leaped towards him as if to punch him. But pain-filled his vision and he had a bad feeling. Just then Storm's door opened. Mystique pulled back her fist, except it wasn't hers. It was Logan's. And the claws were out. Storm ran towards her and landed a kick to Mystique's head. Scott slid down the wall, grabbing his chest. Rogue's eyes flew open. "Logan!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. Ryan jumped about three feet when she screamed, and stared at her.
Logan flew around the corner and watched as Storm was thrown back against the wall. He released his claws and charged at Mystique. She caught his arms and kicked him. Then she landed a punch to his face. Logan staggered back. Then, very mad, he kicked her as hard as he could when she charged at him. Mystique flew out the window, and he took a breath. Letting his claws back in he went over to Storm, and pulled her up. She ran over to Scott, Logan standing behind her. The claws had stabbed him right on the left side of his chest, and blood was staining his shirt.
"We have to get him to the lab."
Logan nodded, and grabbing Scott's arm hoisted him onto his shoulder. Then he let Storm lead the way to the elevator. He caught Rogue's eyes. She looked horrified. He'd have to reassure her later, though.
-----------------------------------------------
Fiona had the strangest feeling she was being watched. Turning she saw the only other person in the room, was Snake Eyes. He gave her a grin and she shuddered. "I don't appreciate you staring at me that way," she said angrily.
He grinned, "But you're so pretty. It would be great if you agreed to go out with me. We could go somewhere…romantic, quiet."
Fiona turned to him and folded her arms over her chest. "I don't think so. I would never go out with you. Besides I'm with Toad."
Snake Eyes sneered and walking forward grabbed her by the arm, pulling her towards her. "I think you will agree."
Fiona glared and her eyes began to glow. But Snake Eyes held his ground. That is until something wrapped around his neck and hulled him backwards. He flew against the other wall, and slid down it, dazed. Toad's eyes were flashing fire as he went over to Fiona, whose eyes were still glowing. Her hair was now standing on end and as he went to hug her she held up a hand. "Don't, I don't want to shock you." Then walking over to Snake Eyes she decided to test the new control Magneto had been showing her. Raising her arms to the sky energy sparked from her hands, along with energy that sparked from her eyes. Snake Eyes lifted his head in wonder, just in time to see a bolt of lightning strike down through the ceiling, hitting the ground just a foot in front of him. Then Fiona let her energy dissipate and kneeled down.
"Next time just listen to the word NO," she hissed, then she rose and walked over to Toad, who wrapped his arms around her and gave Snake Eyes a dangerous look. "Next time you do that, I'll be the one to teach you a lesson." Then the two walked away, as Sabertooth walked in. He looked at Snake Eyes on the ground and shook his head. Snake Eyes shut his eyes and banged his head back against the wall.
-------------------------
Logan, Rogue, and Storm waited outside the lab, all of them quiet. It had already been five hours. Rogue put a hand on Logan's shoulder. Logan sighed and slammed his fist against the wall in frustration. He was angry, at Mystique, at Scott, and at himself. Sure Scott was a whining, brat, but Logan had heard him call, and he felt a little responsible.
"It wasn't your fault Logan, you didn't know why he yelled."
Logan sighed and walked away. He got in the elevator and stepped out in the school level. Just then he heard shouting from a classroom. Stopping, he leaned against the doorframe, unseen by the three kids in the room.
"He's dangerous, he can't control his temper," a boy said.
Ryan glared at the boy. "Just because he has some what of a temper doesn't mean he's dangerous."
"He doesn't belong here, he comes and goes as he pleases. We all stay here. What, does he have special privileges?"
"He hasn't been back once until now. He's searching for answers to his past. That seems a bit more important to me," Ryan yelled.
The boy then completely lost his temper and swung a fist at Ryan. But it stopped in mid air, about five inches in front of Ryan's face. The boy glared at Ryan and tried to move his arm, finding he couldn't. Then grabbing it with his other hand pulled. Ryan released the kid's arm, and the boy fell backwards to the ground.
"He may not always stay here, but if you had paid attention to anything at this school, you would know by now that this is a place that any mutant who wishes help, can come to," Ryan said angrily and then stormed out. Logan grabbed him by the arm and pulled him to the side.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Ryan frowned, "They were dissing you. I was trying to stick up for you."
Logan placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "I know that, but don't worry, I don't need anyone sticking up for me." Then he walked away. Ryan stared after him, opened mouth, and slamming his fist against the wall, walked up the stairs.
-------------------------
Jean entered the lab, and walked over to Scott's bed. The Professor was already sitting there, so she went to the other side, and looked over Scott's vitals. He had been lucky. The claws had almost nicked his aorta, and punctured his lung, but he was going to live. Taking a new cloth she replaced it with the old one.
"He was lucky," the Professor said quietly, echoing her thoughts. "If it had been any higher, his heart would have been pierced."
"I know," Jean said. Just then Scott jerked up. He was awake. Grabbing at the tube that was down his throat, giving him air, he fought to sit up.
Jean grabbed his hands while the Professor placed a hand on his head to calm him. After a minute he stopped struggling. He pointed to the tube at his throat and Jean leaned over. Then she slid it out. Scott started to cough, but after a minute cleared his throat. "What happened?" he asked hoarsely.
"Mystique attacked you, don't worry your going to live, but she got away."
He sighed and then with them both protesting sat up. "Don't worry, I feel fine. Professor, if Mystique is here, trouble is coming. I just know it."
Professor Xavier nodded, "Yes I thought of that. But how could Mystique lead a war, even if Toad and Sabertooth are alive."
Jean was quiet for a moment. "Professor, when was the last time you checked on Magneto?"
The Professor looked at her, "About a month ago, but the guard said I couldn't see him just then."
Scott caught Jean's intent, and asked, "How many guards where there?"
The Professor frowned, "Well I only saw one at the time but…" He stopped. "Mystique."
Jean looked down at Scott who nodded. "Then that means Magneto is…"
"Loose," Scott finished.
-------------------
Sabertooth sighed as he once again tossed Snake Eyes like a rag doll. Mystique raised her eyebrows at Toad who shrugged. Magneto watched with a bored expression.
"Enough," he yelled. They both stopped and turned to Magneto, who stood and strode towards Snake Eyes. "I thought you were supposed to be deadly. Right now it seems that you are nothing. Electra has beaten you twice, Sabertooth has beaten you three times, Mystique has beaten you four times, and Toad eight!
Snake Eyes glared, "That's because you know my moves. Besides, I beat Mystique twice."
Magneto sighed then turned. "Well it will have to do. Tonight we attack the city. Everyone will be in the park, for the carnival. That is where we will make our stand and get a bit of pay back."
"What if the X-Men show up?" Mystique asked.
"Oh they will, in fact I'm hoping for it. This will be our chance for revenge on them as well. But for now continue to practice. Toad, Fiona come with me." The two walked behind Magneto into his office. "I want you to go out and wait in the crowd. When you get the signal, you know what to do."
Toad grinned, "We squash them like bugs." He grabbed Fiona's arm and did a little dance out of the office.
"Well Charles are you ready to find out what is going to happen tonight."
-----------------------------------
Logan met Storm and Jean outside of Cerebro, bringing along Bobby, Ryan, and John. When he got there Storm nodded. "The Professor is trying to figure out what Magneto is planning. Good you brought them." She gestured to the three boys who were looking around in amazement, their mouths hanging open.
Ryan tapped Logan on the shoulder and he turned. "Where are we?" he asked.
"This is the lower levels of the school. Professor X, Storm, Jean, and Scott are the X-Men. They fight the mutants who try and destroy humans, the Brotherhood."
"So why aren't you an X-Man?" Bobby asked.
"One word; Scott."
The boys laughed, and Logan continued. "And also because I travel to much. This isn't my home. But I will help you fight."
John held up a hand, "Wait a minute, help US fight?"
Storm broke in at that point. "Yes we would like you to join the X-Men on this one. We'll need all the help we can get."
Ryan stared at her. "What?"
"Yes, we want you to join us."
Bobby and Ryan looked at each other. "We're in."
Storm turned to John, "What about you?"
He looked around, "Well I don't know. I mean I don't think I'm the best person you might want for back up."
Storm placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't put yourself down. I would willing want you as a partner, not just back up."
John thought for a second and then bowed, "Alright, I'm your service ma'am." Then he smiled.
Storm nodded, and then the doors to Cerebro opened. The Professor came out.
"They are going to the carnival. And the results of what they will do, won't be pleasant."
Logan nodded, "Yeah and we'll be a man short."
"Think again, metal head."
They all turned to see Scott walking stiffly towards them. Jean's eyes were angry as he reached them. "Scott Summers you're…"
He held up a hand, "Don't, I'm going."
Logan turned to him. "Alright one-eye you can come but I lead this one."
Scott snapped his head in Logan's direction, "What? I don't think so."
The Professor held up a hand. "Scott, Logan is right. Let him lead, you are still injured."
Scott shut his mouth and nodded. "But Professor, this isn't a good idea. He'll just get us into more trouble than we'll already get."
Logan stepped towards him, "Why you little…" "ENOUGH!" the Professor yelled.
They both stopped and turned to him. "Scott, you and Jean ready the jet, Storm, Logan, you get Bobby, John, and Ryan uniforms."
They all nodded and headed off to do their orders. Logan and Storm lead the three boys to the ready room, and Logan reached into the lockers and pulled out three black leather uniforms. He handed them each one. John put his on and looked at Storm, "Now what?"
She grinned. "Boy are you feisty. Hold on."
He nodded, as Bobby and Ryan put theirs on. Bobby pulled at the neck.
"You guys really wear this?"
Logan raised an eyebrow. "What would you prefer, yellow spandex." He saw Scott shoot him a look and smirked. Then he headed towards the jet.
Ryan and Bobby glanced at each other and then followed. Bobby stopped dead in his tracks. "Holy…"
Scott walked down the ramp zipping up his uniform. "You like it?"
"Ah…well I don't fly to well," Bobby stammered.
John rolled his eyes.
"All right lets go," Logan called and walked up the ramp, passing Scott with a smirk on his way in. Scott rolled his eyes, and waited as the other got in. Then he saw the Professor hold a hand up, and did the same. Then he closed the ramp and went to the pilot seat. Strapping in he powered the jet up. The outside door opened up, and Scott pulled back on the throttle. They rose out of the hanger and he punched the engine power to full. The sleek jet took off into the night. Logan looked back at Bobby, who was squeezing his eyes shut, gripping the seat in a death grip. He grinned.
Storm sighed, "I wish we had someone there to scout around."
Ryan grinned, "Really?"
"Yeah, it would be a little easier."
Ryan laughed, "All right."
Storm's eyes flew open, "Ryan wait!"
But it was too late. Ryan was gone. Logan turned back to the front and sighed in frustration. "Wonderful."
Ryan landed on a bench in the park. He looked around and saw people streaming around, going into the fair. Then he started walking, and tapped the small headphones he had on. "You guys there?"
"Ryan where the hell are you?" was the reply. He laughed. "I'm in the park. There's a big pond here that you can land in. Boy this place is crowded. If Magneto gets his way, there could be a lot of devastation tonight."
"That's why that's not going to happen," Logan said.
Ryan kept going and watched the people go onto rides. Then something caught his eye. Something green wrapped around a bucket of chicken and pulled it back towards someone. He saw it was a man with a black hat on, with a white-haired girl hanging on his arm, grinning as the guy grabbed the bucket and sucked in what was a tongue.
"Whoa, some guy just grabbed something with his tongue. I take it he's a mutant?"
Storm's reply was worried, "Yes that must be Toad. He has a tongue like that, be careful. He's great at martial arts, and he can crush you by jumping on you."
Ryan nodded. "All right, note to self, stay away from guy with tongue. How far out are you guys?"
"We'll be there in ten minutes," Scott said.
----------------------------
The jet came closer to the park, and Scott turned off the lights, to an infra-red version. He saw the pond that Ryan had told them.
"Storm," he said. Storm's eyes began to glow, and thick fog formed up on the pond. "All right hold on," Scott said. Then he brought the plane to a steep drop.
"Whoa, what are you doing!" Bobby yelped, as they all felt themselves leaning forward. Then Scott leveled the plane out and brought it closer to shore. Then when he was about 15 feet from the surface, he shut off all power. Bobby exclaimed in surprise as the jet dropped into water and jolted. "Sorry," Scott said as he undid his straps.
Logan stared up at him. "Jeez do you always land like that?"
They all went down to the ramp and saw Ryan leaning against a tree, waiting. "Nice landing," he called.
Bobby walked shakily onto the ground, "Man I hate flying."
"All right, now where?" Scott asked.
They all looked at Logan, Scott folding his arms over his chest. "What?" Logan asked.
"Well what do we do, fearless leader?" Scott asked sarcastically.
"Stop!" Jean cried and stalked in the direction of the carnival. John rolled his eyes as the other fell in behind her. He looked at Ryan raised his eyebrows. "Are they always like that?
John grinned. "Yep." Ryan rolled his eyes. Then they hurried to catch up with others. But before they could get there, someone dropped down landing right in front of them.
"Crap," Ryan yelled as he and John jumped back landing on the ground.
Rogue grinned and rolled her eyes. "Boy are you jumpy."
Ryan and John rose and brushed themselves off. "Rouge, where in the hell did you come from?"
"Well I…"
Just then the others came back. "What happened?" Logan asked but stopped when he saw Rogue. "What are you…"
"I just learned my flying ability after you left. The Professor said you might need some help."
"All right, you're here, let's go. We have to find Magneto to stop him," Jean said. "Logan take Ryan, Storm take John, Scott take Rogue, and I'll take Bobby."
They nodded and headed in different directions.
---------------------------
Fiona and Toad walked around. Suddenly a firework that formed the shape of a circled X, with a line through it went off, and Toad grinned. "Show time." She grinned and then stepped up to the Ferris wheel operator as Toad leaped onto another ride's operator. Grinning he pulled the control all the way back. The ride started spinning as fast as it could. He pumped a fist into the air.
Meanwhile, Fiona turned to the operator on the Ferris wheel. With one quick move she kicked him off the stand, then turned and slammed her fist down on the controls. Electricity surged and then the wheel lost all power. Her eyes sparked as she absorbed the energy. Then Fiona jumped down. Giving Toad a kiss, they took off in opposite directions.
Fiona ran through the crowd, and suddenly bumped into someone. It was a young boy, and another white-haired woman.
"Sorry," she said crisply, and then continued. Suddenly she stopped; those weren't usual outfits for pedestrians. Fiona turned and faced them.
John stopped. There was something wrong with that girl. Turning back he saw her raise her arms. Her eyes glowed white and suddenly all the lights around them burst. She then closed her fists. Electricity suddenly flew from the broken lights towards them. "Storm!" he screamed running towards his companion, knocking them to the ground. Then jumping up he pulled out his lighter. Lighting it over his hand, he threw a huge ball off fire straight at her, as hard as he could. The ball was suddenly propelled by a huge gust of wind and hit the woman in the chest. She flew backwards through a wooden building, which caught on fire. Storm grabbed his arm, and they took off running. They had to warn the others.
Rogue and Scott ran through a crowd of screaming people, running out of a big tent. Looking at each other, they ran into it. Standing in the middle was Sabertooth. He was holding someone by the collar and then tossed him through the stands. Then Sabertooth turned to Rogue, and Scott. He roared and charged at them. Scott let a blast of energy out of his visor. Sabertooth, using his agility dodged it, and landed in front of Scott, grabbing him by the neck. Rogue screamed and flew into the air. She went around to Sabertooth's back and pulled down hard on his hair. He growled and threw Scott across the tent into the stands. "Cyclops!" Rogue screamed and just dodged a punch taken at her. 'Ugh, how am I going to defeat him, my power is taking his gift, and flying. How can I help?' Suddenly Sabertooth grabbed her by the neck. She felt his strength course through her, along with other things. Just then a burst of red energy hit him and suddenly it was transferred to Rogue. She screamed as Scott's energy, along with traces of Logan's healing power, and Sabertooth's strength clashed with her mind. Suddenly he released her and flew out of the building, through the tent wall. Grabbing her head Rogue groaned. Everything felt weird, and she was dizzy, but also she felt stronger than she had ever felt. Shaking her head, to clear it, Rogue ran over to Scott who was standing, holding his chest.
"Are you all right?" she asked in concern. He nodded, "Yeah, boy that hurt. What about you?"
She nodded. "We better find the others."
Ryan walked along side Logan as they hurried through the crowd. Logan went into a tent to check it out, so he waited outside. Suddenly his sense told him to move. Reacting immediately he jumped to the side, just as Toad landed where he had been. Turning he saw the tongue coming at him. Ryan held up his hand and the tongue stopped in mid air. Ryan then reached out, grabbed it and pulled as hard as he could. Toad went flying past him, landing on the top of the next tent, and then jumped back towards him. Ryan felt feet hit his chest and he flew backwards into the stand across from them. Rolling to the ground after he hit, he looked around. Grabbing a water gun, he vaulted over the counter, and fired it at Toad, who in turn put his hand across his face and leapt onto the counter, dripping wet. Dropping the gun, Ryan kicked out, connecting with Toad's legs. Toad fell onto his back still on the counter. Ryan jumped up onto it, as Toad got up.
Tilting his head Toad did a little dance and then spit. Ryan who had felt it coming back-flipped off the counter and landed hard on his feet, as he watched the spit crust onto the wall. "Well a martial artist, impressive," Toad sneered. Toad leapt over him and kicked backwards. Ryan flew towards the power box and slammed into the wooden crate right in front of it, breaking it and going to the floor. He groaned at the pain throbbing in his head. Reaching back he felt the wetness of blood. He had to end this, now. Looking at the power box he had a sudden idea. Standing up, he saw Toad take a running leap to fly at him and yell, "Just die already." Grabbing a stick Ryan hit the power box as hard as he could and then teleported to where Toad at been standing. He watched as Toad flew into the box and was electrocuted. He slumped to the ground, still convulsing. Ryan looked around. "Where's Logan?"
Meanwhile Logan had looked in the tent and run into an old friend. Now he battled Mystique. She jumped and did a turning kick. Logan felt himself fly back against a wooden beam holding up the tent. It cracked and he fell to the floor. Springing back up he released his claws. She rushed at him and swung a kick to his head, he blocked it with his arm and then swiped at her. The claws slashed her upper arm and Mystique looked at him as if she were saying "I can't believe you just did that." Angry she punched him hard in the stomach. He went stumbled backwards, as she jumped into the air and flipped over him, bringing down her foot, catching him in the head. Logan fell to the ground and as she came down, he stuck his claws through Mystique's arm and threw her as hard as he could out of the tent. Standing up, the cut on his face closed up.
A minute later Ryan ran through the door. "Come on we should re group." Logan sniffed a couple times, nodded, and headed toward the boy. Knowing this time he couldn't let her escape, he suddenly struck Ryan through the neck. Ryan slumped to his knees, but his eyes turned yellow, and Mystique's blue form came again. "How?" she whispered, more to herself than anybody.
"The kid's smart enough to know to teleport in here," Logan said. "Besides I know your scent."
She fell to the ground and he stood up straight. Walking out of the tent he saw Toad lying on the ground beneath a sparking power box. Ryan was standing about 15 feet away. His face lit in a smile when he saw Logan.
"Come on kid, we have to find the others," Logan said and started walking.
"But how will we know where to look?" Ryan asked, as he tried to keep up with Logan's fast pace. Suddenly the heard a loud noise and watched as all metal by the piazza, folded in towards it. Logan looked over at Ryan. "That's how."
They took off in that direction.
Magneto smiled at the metal cage he had holding 5 prisoners. It was suspended by the top of the 25 ft wide Piazza, hanging out onto the lawn, by a metal pole, about 5 ft above a 6 ft dunking barrel. However this dunking barrel was filled with acid instead of water and with one move he could let the metal hook at the top go. He turned to Snake Eyes who was leaning against the rail, bored. Just then they heard footsteps run up the stairs.
They both turned to find a young boy and a woman with red hair standing there. He turned to Snake Eyes. "This is your time to prove yourself." Snake Eyes nodded and headed forward.
Jean watched as a guy with snakelike eyes, and scales on his face started towards them. Bobby stood a couple feet behind her and to her right. She held out a hand, and he stayed where he was. Then she turned back in time to see the guy move with incredible speed towards her. She felt herself being lifted up and flung over his shoulder. Landing on her feet, she kicked out backwards, only to find her foot caught. Snake Eyes spun it and she felt herself flipped, landing hard on the ground. Jean turned and tried to use her telekinesis powers but found he was to fast. Just as he swiped, his hand stopped in mid air. She watched as ice spread up his arm and over his body. Then she saw Bobby was pointing his hand at the guy. This time when she used her telekinetic powers he flew backwards off of the piazza and into water. Then Jean climbed to her feet and went to stand by Bobby.
"Impressive," Magneto said with mock applause. Then they heard more footsteps, and the rest of the X-Men came to stand by her. Scott, still holding his chest, turned to the prisoners, and back to Magneto. "Let them go."
Magneto grinned, "Now why would I do that? They have shunned us since the day they were born. Hating us, fearing us, willing to destroy us. It's time for revenge. These people are some very important people. Their deaths will show the people how powerful we are."
Jean noticed that three of the five people were in fact important; one was the mayor, another a senator, and a third the sheriff. The other two looked like businessmen. "This will just make them hate you more."
Magneto sighed, "Yes I know, but at least after this they won't dare challenge our power. They will fear us so much, that they will worship us. And you will not stop me."
Suddenly Logan felt electricity course through his body, and in front of his eyes. Scott turned and saw a girl with white hair, and an ash covered face, holding her hands over Logan's head. Reaching his hand up, he went to shoot her, when he felt pain from his shoulders. Then he was being lifted up, and tossed into Logan. They both landed in a heap together at the bottom of the stairs.
Fiona came and stood next to Sabertooth as the other X-Men got ready to fight. Sabertooth stepped forward, and Storm who had already been gathering the wind, raised her hand. A funnel of wind suddenly appeared rushing at him. He was picked up and carried away. Fiona, angered, stepped forward, but before she could do anything, Rogue, who still hadn't felt the strength go away, let loose a punch. Fiona went flying off the piazza, through a tent wall, out the other one, landing on the ground, a hundred feet away. John gapped at Rogue, who was as surprised as he was.
Logan shook his head. It was pounding. Looking over he saw Scott was still lying on the ground face down, blood leaking from five cuts on his right shoulder. 'Wonderful,' he thought. Reaching over he checked for a pulse.
Scott jerked up and faced Logan, who let out his middle claw. Scott frowned and pulled himself up. Logan stood up and grabbed his shoulder as he started to wobble. "What's the matter one-eye, pain making you see spots."
"Maybe. By the way I like the hair. You look like a cat who just got done with a bath."
Logan was about to say something when they saw a woman go flying off the Piazza. They ran back up the stairs. Now all of them faced Magneto who was glaring angrily. "You may have won, but not in time."
With that he pulled the metal hook apart and the cage dropped. Jean and Ryan flung out their hands and instead of dropping down into the acid, the cage went out to the side, and then dropped, landing with a load thud on the ground. Magneto raised an arm, in rage, at the metal bars that were part of the Piazza ceiling. They came loose and the ceiling started to crumble.
The X-Men jumped off as bricks and stone fell down where they were standing. Then they saw a helicopter come down. Magneto floated up and opened the door, getting in. Toad was piloting with some difficulty, and Fiona, a unconscious Mystique, and Sabertooth were already in it. The X-Men then watched as the helicopter flew off. But they knew it wasn't the end.
Epilogue
Logan and the rest of them stood outside the school. He turned to them. "Well it seems that whenever I come here, I always end up fighting someone."
The Professor laughed, and shook Logan's hand. Then he turned to Jean and taking her hand brought it up, kissing it. Storm gave him a hug. "Be safe," she whispered.
Logan smiled and then came to Scott. "Well kid, trouble always follows you. Keep your EYE open. Oh and don't worry, we'll continue our discussion when I get back."
Scott shook the hand that was offered with a smile. "You're right we will. Be careful."
Logan nodded and then turned to Rogue, who carefully gave him a hug. She tucked her whit streak behind her ear and held out his dog tag. "Do you still want me to hang on to this?"
"Of course, I'll be back. Even if it's just to bring him back."
Rogue frowned and Logan pointed to the front door. They all turned to see Ryan come out carrying a backpack. He stopped by her and put an arm around her shoulders. "I talked to Logan and the Professor and they said I could go with him. I'm going to help him. Four eyes are better than two you know."
Rogue smiled. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. Oh and be careful with that new ability. You could break the whole house." Rogue laughed
Then he gave Bobby and John a slap on the back and headed over to Logan, who was standing by the newly furnished truck. They climbed in and waved as the pulled out. As the others all went in, Rogue looked down at the dog tag in her hand and then placed it around her neck. Then she felt another arm around her shoulder and looked up to see John. "How about a game of basketball." Bobby and Rogue laughed and they headed back into their home. Turning back one last time to see the truck turn into onto the street, she smiled. He would be back. Even if it was to fight a war they all knew was coming.