Story Note: Brief reference to depression and suicidal ideation. Avoid if this is upsetting.
Chapter 2:
It was just before 5 PM when Eve woke up from her nap. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and saw that the sun was beginning to set, the rays catching the orange and gold leaves of the trees outside her window quite beautifully. Eve loved rural areas. She learned early on in her life that urban settings made her feel so claustrophobic. Who in their right mind would trade looking at cold, steel buildings for reveling in natural beauty? she thought.
She headed into the bathroom to take a cold shower, another preference she had acquired from her long life. Warm water just never felt as refreshing. Since she rarely needed washing time to actually get clean, she used this time to examine her skin for any signs of deterioration. Though she was, for all intents and purposes, immortal, her mutation did not actively regenerate her. She had gained so much control over it in the past few thousand years, that she had to will it to start working. There were a few decades throughout her past when she had let her cells continue to age naturally. That was for appearances' sake. She needed people to believe that she was normal until her project at the time was complete and she could fake her death, fading into society without a question. She didn't like to have to do that though because it always felt she was giving into the cries of her children. She knew that they learned better by living on their own, without her intrusion...most of the time.
As she undid a few wrinkles here and there and faded a few freckles that had arrived when she was driving in the sun the past few days, she pretended the cold water was rinsing away her years. There was nothing wrong with looking older. On some people, it actually made them look better and it showed someone's wisdom and experience, something Eve valued more than anything. However, she had lived enough lifetimes to know that as a woman, people were a little less intimidated when she looked between 25 and 30. Heck, Charles was so relaxed around her that he had tried to pick her up in that English pub so many years ago. She was initially amused by him, but turned him down gently. She had sensed that he was too fragile both physically and mentally to handle an attraction with a woman nearly 5000 years older than he. Who could blame him? There were very few people she had met over the years who could relate to her experiences, let alone get around her instinctual motherliness.
She had confided that she was a mutant and learned about his team of mutants that he was collecting. He had offered her a position with them, but it had been the wrong time. She was still grieving from her blunder twenty years prior. So many children lost, because she hesitated. So stupid…, she cringed.
Eve cleared her mind, turned off the shower and stepped out. With a single thought she, she dried her body and the floor where the water had dripped off her. Another second and her long hair had dried back to the voluminous waves they had been before. Her powers had their benefits in everyday life for sure. She walked out of the bathroom, into the bedroom and grabbed her clothes, laying them out on the bed. She thought for a minute about what would be appropriate dinner wear and manipulated the atoms in the fabrics to resemble black skinny jeans, a plain black tank top and cozy black shawl cardigan that hung a bit below her hips. She stepped into a pair of black converse sneakers and was about to leave the apartment before she realized that she had forgotten to conjure a bra. She usually got away with it but she didn't want "the girls" to be a distraction as she got to know her colleagues a bit better. She closed her eyes for a moment and felt the fabric of a soft cotton and lace bralette surround her ribs and chest. It offered at least a little coverage and support. She could never get used to the trend of completely reigning in her bosom with wire and elastic. Even so, her tank top still rounded down her chest nicely and hugged her torso, before meeting the jeans which made her legs look particularly long. She decided to put her hair up in a loose knot with the pencil she found on the desk.
Walking out of her room, she found the hall to be empty and knowing that she still had about a half hour before dinner, she started exploring. It had been almost 60 years since she had been in the mansion. Lots of renovations and additions, I see.
Every hallway was covered with paintings and other art pieces. Some of them were clearly by students from the school, yet they hung naturally next to others by very famous artists. Eve had even met a few of the painters whose art she now admired. Cezanne, Degas, Kahlo, Picasso, and even a lesser known work by da Vinci. Leonardo was one of her favorite people that she had the pleasure of working with. She had even felt comfortable enough to reveal her mutation and history to him. So taken with her, he had asked to paint her and after many years she consented, though asking to change her appearance a bit so that her mutation would not show, nor would people become suspicious of how similarly she looked like the woman who now hung in the Louvre in Paris. Dear Leonardo had given her some advice before he passed that she reminded herself of constantly: Do not grieve the life that has been given to you, mio caro. It's done. You must now choose to make the most of it that you can.
Eve had contemplated killing herself many times before, especially when she grew frustrated by the violence and hate that pervaded the world. But Leonardo had made her see that the life she was given could have the value she wanted, if only she would let it. She tried to remind herself of that whenever her depression grew.
As she wandered through various classrooms and past the library, Eve eventually came to pass by the school gym which had a few glass windows looking in. There she saw Logan completing what looked like a very strenuous workout. He was lifting nearly 650 hundred pounds on the bench press! Wow, slow down, tiger. What's got your feathers ruffled? He was certainly fit. Eve thought she could sense some sort of metal within his body but it wasn't something that she had come across before. How could that be? His mutation must be unique… Eve's eyes continued to roll over his body unconsciously, until she realized he was looking back at her. Embarrassed, she waved shyly and shuffled away.
Logan smirked as Eve walked past the windows. He had gone to the gym after their meeting, needing to let out a little pent up energy. He couldn't get her smell out of his nose. It was intriguing and unique, sexy and sensual. It had to be her perfume. He had never met someone who's natural scent was so alluring. He'd have to do some digging and find out what that perfume was.
Logan toweled off some of the sweat that was dripping from his muscles. He'd worked out hard and hopefully it would keep him tame enough to get to bed that evening. Jean had said that Eve would joining them for their poker match tonight. Hope she's up for it. Or at least that she's got some cash.
He walked back to his room to shower and change into a white tank and worn-in jeans. He threw a red plaid button-up on since they had "company." When he got to the kitchen, Storm, Hank, and Eve were already finishing up the cooking.
"Hey Logan, come on in," said Ororo. "Eve's put all our cooking to shame. Hank and I have been demoted to sous chefs." Eve blushed, "I didn't mean to take over. I just get excited when there's so much fresh produce. Too many possibilities."
Logan inhaled and said, "Well whatever you've got going, it smells great." Eve beamed at the compliment. "Can I do anything to help?" hoping to be able to get Eve to show him something personally. Hank shoved some plates and utensils into his hand, "Here. You can go set the table." Logan scowled.
Jean, Scott, the Professor, and Remy joined them in a few minutes. Upon being introduced to Eve, Remy let out a whistle and took her hand to kiss it. "My, my, mon chere. It is most definitely my pleasure to meet the acquaintance of such a beautiful addition to our staff." His charm was oozing as hard as he had ever let it.
Logan crossed his arms and frowned. Damn Cajun. Can't let a female bee fly by without trying to get some honey. He found himself hoping that the ladies man wasn't Eve's type. To his surprise and enjoyment, Eve laughed politely and replied, "Well thank you, child." Logan cocked an eyebrow.
"Child? Ol' Remy ain't no child. And he'd be more than happy to prove it to you later, sugar," he said with a wink. A growl rumbled in Logan's chest.
"You are too sweet. So sweet that I think you just might have to go without dessert tonight," she laughed with the rest of the staff. It was a polite but obvious turn down of Remy's not so subtle offer. Classy, thought Logan.
"You might be singin' a different tune when we play cards later," said Remy in a playful voice. "Remy here has been known to have more than a few desirable tricks up his sleeve. You might find yourself lookin' for a teacher."
"We'll see about that. I knew the man who invented poker personally, so you may find yourself begging for some of my tips." Eve spoke so playfully and casually that she almost didn't notice the everyone but Charles' jaws drop at her claim to be at least 200 years old. "What's the matter?" she asked.
"I'm afraid they are taken aback at your mention of your age. I haven't told them much about you, my dear," said Charles, amused by the others' reactions. Eve blushed again, this time out of hesitation and she went back to focusing on dinner.
They all sat down at the table, as Eve brought out a large veggie lasagna, roasted potatoes and corn, and a small plate of corn and cheddar biscuits. "Not so big on the meat, are ya' Evie?" Logan asked with a hint of disappointment, though the food did look incredible.
Eve grinned at his subtle nickname for her."When you've lived as long as I have, you realize that the best nutrition doesn't involve taking the life of a peaceful creature. That's doubly true with all the processing done these days. It can be a challenge to find toxin free plants, let alone meat products." Eve started to dish everyone's plate and soon the room was filled with "mmmh's" and happy tummies were all around the table. As they finished, Eve brought out a berry and apple tart, along with some coffee. Logan's love for meat aside, he was starting to appreciate more about Evie than just what she did to his primal side.
As they finished, Hank's scientific curiosity got the better of him and he decided to ask delicately, "Not to push you to reveal too much, but I am wondering just how old you are, my dear. Don't feel pressured if it's too uncomfortable for you," Hank said to comfort her, having eyed her stiffening at his first comment.
Eve sighed, "No, that's a fine question. I suppose I'm just so used to creating alternate identities and histories that I'm not used to talking about the truth in my life. I told you that I am addressed as Pharaoh as my code name, remember?" everyone nodded. "Well, that name isn't just a mirror of my talents, I...was a Pharaoh at one point in my life." The staff gaped at her.
Scott stuttered,"B-but that would mean that you are at least…."
"I'm over 5000 years old," Evie said with her eyes down. The room filled with mutterings of "Wow" and "oh my god."
"Well, you don't look a day over 2000, ma chere," said Remy cheekily, trying to get out of the doghouse with her.
"I have a very good moisturizing regimen. I'll definitely share those tips with you. Your eyes are starting to crinkle." Everyone laughed as the tension dropped and Remy looked suddenly self-conscious, feeling his face inconspicuously.
Jean dived back into the question, "So how did your powers manifest? Were there others that evolved so early?"
"I suppose it's time for a little history lesson. You are all familiar with the notion of gods and goddesses in Ancient Egypt, yes?" They nodded. "Well, all of the gods and goddesses that you have been taught are based upon early evolved mutants. Our powers were so extraordinary to people that we were revered and our lives became legend, myth, finally religion to the population. There were only 13 of us that evolved out of the Royal Family lineage. I think so many centuries of inter marrying must have caused our genetics to be so narrowed that it forced itself to diverge and diversify. Our powers were evident from birth," said Eve, gesturing towards her blackened facial features.
"We all became drunk with the attention and reverence and of course, since our powers were so great, the people started to name us as gods based upon the powers that they saw, as opposed to per person. I was given several names: Mut, because I was the first female mutant to be born and I was the mother goddess to the rest of them as well as to all of Egypt. I was also born with black wings and so my animal hieroglyph was the vulture...What are you...Uh, they aren't there right now," she snapped at Remy, slapping his cheek gently, as he started looking up and down her backside.
"I was also known as Isis because of my magical gifts. I bestowed upon some of my priestesses my ability to heal others, but I saved my own more influential skills for myself. My brother Amun and I ruled for some time and created huge cities, but we got bored eventually and decided that we would give the people a chance to rule themselves again. With the legacy of our power and might still very much intact and worshiped, we were able to walk among the crowds masquerading as normal people. Occasionally, we would give advice to the king and queen of the age, but we were content to try to live peaceful, simple lives and being able to have so many lives, we began to have many...descendants integrate into the world."
Eve blushed at this last statement and glanced at Charles. Understanding her shyness to continue, he clarified, "What Eve is trying to say is that every mutant since her birth, is directly descended from her or her 12 brothers and sisters. Though their powers are nowhere near as strong, having been mixed with human DNA."
Eve nodded, as Storm spoke, "Is that why you referred to Remy as a child?"
"Yes, in a way, you are all my children and my own mutation requires me to care for you. That and it's clear to anyone within 12 miles of here that Remy's maturity has obviously been stunted." Everyone but Remy laughed again.
"Ah, come on now, ma chere. Let's go play cards and I'll make it up to you by being nothing but a gentleman." They all consented to meet in the Game Room in a half hour, after Scott and Remy offered to do the dishes. The Professor excused himself, due to phone call with Magneto that he need to make.
They met as agreed at about 8:30 PM. Storm offered to be dealer, as she wasn't one for gambling and knew that she could keep everyone honest. Hank volunteered to watch since he had an edition of Scientific American that he wanted to peruse. That left Jean, Scott, Remy, Logan, and Eve at the table to play.
"What say you all to $50 to buy in?" said Remy, greedily. Scott rolled his eyes and said, "How about $20?" Remy sighed but agreed.
Storm sorted out the chips and they began to play. Remy and Eve were obviously the most experienced, going back and forth on each hand that they won. Soon, Eve had knocked out Scott and Remy had beaten Jean with a full house. The two went over to the couch to watch the rest of the game. Logan, Remy, and Eve played a few more hands, trading quips back and forth as part of their mental strategy. Then Logan was down to only a few chips and decided to fold his next hand immediately. "I know when I don't got shit and don't have the chips to mess around," he sighed and slid his cards to Storm.
"So, ma chere, just you and me in this little dance, huh? Are ya' scared?" Remy goaded Eve, not realizing that Eve had picked up on his tell of overconfidence.
"I'm positively trembling, Remy. But I suppose it'd be okay to risk a few more chips in the pot, right? It's just a game after all. Why not live dangerously?" Eve was pretending to be weak, luring him to put all of his chips in the pot. Remy took the bait.
"I fully agree with you, sugar pie. And that's why I'm all in." Remy flourished his hands, rolling all of his chips into the middle. He was hoping to intimidate her into backing down and folding and was surprised when she matched his bet.
"How about we see if there's any merit to that, shall we?" Eve's eyes shimmered behind her cards. Remy looked down at his cards again. A straight to the Jack wasn't too shabby. What were the chances she'd best him?
Remy laid down his hand, facing up. "Jack high straight. Sorry, ma chere," he said as he started to reach for the chips.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, wait just a moment, big britches." She laid down her cards, "I do believe my Queen high straight...in hearts... has bested your Jack, sir." Logan let out a barking laugh and Remy sat back in his chair, pouting a bit. Logan chewed on the end of a cigar and said, "I think that's the first time I've seen you lose, Cajun."
Eve was immediately apologetic, "I'm sorry. Sometimes I let my competitiveness get the best of me. I can owe you a favor, if you like." Remy's eyes lit up and his charm turned back on in full, "Now that would be a mighty fine consolation prize, ma chere."
Logan growled, "Wait a minute, you've still got to beat me. Storm, deal us another."
This was definitely going to be the last hand. Logan had so few chips that he wouldn't be able to pay another blind. But he could still milk the betting for all it was worth. After they had their hands and the betting began, Logan put in all of his chips and said, "How about we make this a little more interesting?" Eve's eyebrow arched. "If I win, you owe me a drink when we go out to the bars next weekend." Eve grinned, "And if I win?"
"I owe you one." Eve bit back a smile at his flirtatiousness and laid down her cards. "Deal. Full House, Kings full of sevens."
Logan laid down his cards, a Jack high and other mismatched nothings. "Looks like I owe you a drink, darlin," Logan said with a smirk and purr.
Please feel free to comment!
Author Notes: For those of you keeping up with the movie X-Men Apocalypse which is set to come out next year, ***spoiler alert***I wrote this character before the plot of the movie was released and ended up adding in some more of her history because it fit so well with the Apocalypse character.
