Title:A Lifetime of Waiting
Genre:Drama/Suspense/Romance/Angst
Marvel:X-Men – trying to keep it all in keeping with canon but its haaarrrrrd
Pairing:Logan (Wolverine) / Alex (Sol) [Original Character]
Warnings:Slash, Angst, Violence, Language, Sexual maybe Death
Overall Story Rating:Mature though not till later
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Marvel/X-Men characters used in this story apart from my own. I also will give full credit to any animes (mostly Bleach and Naruto) for fight scenes that I may use later on.
Chapter 2 - Home, James, and don't spare the horses!
Climbing the stairs back into the Blackbird, Wolverine staggered slightly, readjusting the burden he carried before climbing the last few steps, gingerly placing the unconscious form on a body stretcher he bent over huffing.
"Why'd I have t' carry the kid?" He complained, glaring at a straight faced Cyclops. "Because you're the one who skewered the guy," he said coolly, "Just be thankful he appears to have a healing factor as good as yours. I'm gonna report to The Professor, he'll want to hear about this, probably still want Hank to take a look at him, make sure he's securely strapped in before we take off."
Glaring at the young leader Wolverine turned growling back to the oddity laid before him. Pulling straps across the body and securing them tightly he couldn't help but examine where his claws had been embedded, not moments ago. No holes, no scarring, a little blood stained the flesh and tight medical shirt. Examining the sleeping form of the man beneath him he wondered again if knew this person. He'd known him, by name and sight, almost immediately. Rubbing his eyes he shook his head slightly trying to make sense of everything. Looking back down he tried to concentrate on the physical features and not the strangeness surrounding their passenger. He would guess mid-to-late 20's; the kid had long blond hair matted with whatever fluid had contained him. Not a bad looking kid either he thought, not an obvious lady-killer like Ol' Gumbo, but not displeasing, a heavy bit of stubble covered his lower chin and neck, probably look younger without that. Body well toned, almost as muscular as himself really, not as large in the chest department but in perfect shape. Why was he in the middle of nowhere, hidden away like a dirty secret? Growling low he positioned himself in a seat next to the stretcher in case he woke up.
I can't move...was it a dream, am I still in that god forsaken tube...Logan...
Head swimming and a rushing sound in his head the man opened his eyes ever so slightly; he couldn't see green liquid, which was a good sign. Not a dream then. That sound, the jet from before? Why can't I move? Looking down he saw himself strapped down to a stretcher or sorts, for air-travel. Ahh that explains it. He closed his eyes again, the small physical; strain too much to bear. Where are they taking me? Squinting again he looked to the side, Logan sat head in hands just feet away. It really is Logan. He found me. Hope and happiness blossomed in his heart, squashing doubts and fears of experimentation; he'd be safe now surely. Surely?
Wolverine's head jerked up as a wash of emotions poured over him. What the hell? Why do I feel happy? Looking across he saw two bleary eyes staring at him. His heart jumped to his mouth, kid's okay, maybe Chuck won't turn me into a drooling vegetable now. Grinning he shook his head again, he shouldn't he thinking silly thoughts rights now, he looked at the boy again suspiciously. "Ya doing that kid? I don't usually do warm and fuzzy." As quickly as it'd come the feelings were gone, leaving a slight coldness where it was, suppressing a shiver he leaned forward and looked directly into those now focused eyes. "Can ya talk? Can ya tell me yer name? Kid?"
Looking into those diamond blue eyes seeing...nothing...no recognition...nothing... he didn't remember?...why was he here then? "Alex" Barely a whisper, he didn't want to betray his feelings, saying any more and he would surely cry and he barely had the strength to keep his feelings to himself at the moment anyway...
Without his sensitive hearing Wolverine may have missed the faint reply, he smiled awkwardly trying somehow to comfort the boy, he had, after all, nearly killed him. "We're takin' you somewhere safe Alex, a long way from that island, not gonna let anyone get yer from now on" getting a small smile put him at ease, this wasn't so hard. He turned to the cockpit and called through that their 'cargo' was okay and awake. "Just be a few more minutes kid, then we'll get yer outta that stretcher, know ya don't wanna be restrained after what yer been through." Speaking low, he found it quite easy to talk to Alex, maybe part of him wanted to make amends so he let himself babble away about what to expect when they landed. Apart from the mention of medical exam the kid seemed pretty fine with it all, well fine considering everything that's happened to him anyways, Wolverine snorted occupied by his thoughts.
Storm glanced back again to check if what she'd seen wasn't an illusion.
Nope.
Logan. Big, feral, beastly Logan, chatting to the boy more comfortably than she'd ever seen him. Sure he did most the talking but his audience nodded and listened intently. Smiling she turned to the man next to her. "Scott what do you think about this development then?" The visored man turned briefly as well, not as openly amused as Storm was. "I'm not sure Ororo, it's certainly strange to see Logan so talkative. I'm more concerned with those emotions we felt a moment ago, if that boy did that I'm worried what he could do at the mansion, we'll have to tell Charles as soon as we land, he could be a threat is he has more psychic abilities."
Ororo frowned slightly. Both she and Scott had felt the warming joy spread over them. Causing a moment's lapse in concentration, the Blackbird had bucked slightly. She was sure Scott was more embarrassed about this than the actual feelings, there was no hostility at all, just pure happiness, even though it had only lasted a brief time she still felt elated and didn't think that there was any problem. Scott was right though, the Professor would have to be notified. She looked again at the spectacle behind her; perhaps Logan felt some kinship with the boy, for he too had been subject to confinement and experimentation in his murky past.
Just then a bank of clouds parted and they saw their destination. The large mansion they called home spread out before them, centred within large grounds, the basketball court, maze and memorial garden were still peacefully quiet, masquerading the madness that would follow upon the residents awakening. Passing over the wall that bordered the entire estate a large plaque showed proudly 'Xavier Institute for Higher Learning'.
Turning the Blackbird about, Scott leaned and flipped a switch; a rumbling below signalled the basketball court below slowly disappearing to reveal a hanger beneath. Several pairs of eyes watched the aircraft slowly descend, wondering if they would have a new classmate and what they would be like, rumours rarely took long to spread amongst the curious occupants and soon everyone would be whispering assumptions and rumours about how many arms or tentacles the 'new guy' would have, which powers he could possess. Would they be cool? A goof? A girl or a boy? It was always big news when someone joined the rank of young mutants staying in the large mansion and until they were revealed, stories would continue to escalate.
Two people approached the blackbird as it landed both eager to meet their guest, if for different reasons.
"Hank, I am sure if what Scott told us is true he shall have no need for medical attention," one man commented looking up at his companion. Raising a giant paw to adjust the glasses perched precariously on his short nose; the large figure looked down at the clipboard in his other, equally large, mitt, brushing a few loose blue hairs from the form that had come loose. From where would be difficult to say as he was covered head to toe in a matt of fur, his mutation much more evident than the man in the wheelchair next to him. He smiled, knowing full well that Charles was more interested in the mental condition of the subject his team had been sent to investigate. He looked at the sparse form again. All he could put so far was guess work on what condition the young man had been contained in, he would need to actually examine him before he could add more."I do not doubt that, but I would like to make my own observations, necessary or not."
Charles smiled ruefully. He held his hands together in slight prayer and thought. What kind of hardships had this person been put through? What kind of condition would his sanity be in? He had run on impulse, scared, how could they convince him he would be safe with them?
They would soon find out as the team was now disembarking Scott and Ororo first, unable to contain their curiosity both men leaned slightly to look past them, the figure emerging gingerly, using Logan for support. Charles breathed a mental sigh of relief, his eyes were clear and bright, scanning the hanger and taking in the two people in front of him. He appears to at least still possess mental faculties, the man thought. This may be easier than I originally feared.
Hmmm, a little too sterile looking for my tastes, reminds me of...the man shook those thoughts out of his head as he followed 'The Professor' through the metallic corridors from the hanger towards a lift, the others forming a loose group around him. Even though the effect was quite unthreatening he knew the formation was quite well planned to lower his tactical options should he suddenly attack. The way they did it automatically made him think they'd practiced the routine several times before. Just what kind of place is this? He glanced over at Logan who seemed deep in thought, not really paying much attention to what the others were saying, Logan says he's been here a while, must be something special to make him settle down, I guess I can hear them out then, not like I have anywhere else in mind to go.
After exiting the lift he relaxed more. At least the mansion level had a pleasing feel to it, felt warm and homely. Deep woods and regal carpets, obviously quite old, looking at the architecture I'd say almost as old as you Logan, smiling at his own thoughts he felt eyes watching him, looking out of the corners of his eyes he saw many young faces peeking out of rooms and from the stairways at him. Ignoring them for now, he saw their destination.
Professor Charles Xavier, the door read, his office certainly. Closing the door behind him the blue furred one, Hank wasn't it; the doctor, turned and walked to join the small ensemble, gesturing for him to take the chair facing the desk that Charles had wheeled behind, smiling with genuine interest and concern. Well I can't feel any ill-intent so I may as well get this over with. With a quick glance at Logan who in his classic nonchalant manner was leaning against a bookcase, he sat in the seat feeling all eyes directed at him.
"Now, Alex I believe it was, I know you have been through much but we are here to help you." Smiling again Charles leaned forwards to convey his honesty to the boy. "I was hoping you may be able to enlighten us as to how you ended up in that place, and how you escaped." Eyes staring right at his showed no fear or uncertainty, fiercely intense eyes, Charles felt sure they had seen many horrors and it saddened him.
"Without sounding rude to present company I would rather give you any and all information in a confidential manner than to a large group sir." He spoke clearly and with thought, "I certainly have no desire to withhold information but I have learnt to be cautious and...there are certain things I must tell you first privately and many more questions I need to ask." He looked down at the last part, but he couldn't resist a quick glance at Logan, which was not missed by the now frowning professor. Thinking for a moment Charles sighed and motioned for the others to leave the room. "Hank I can fill in his Bio and send him for a physical after our...little chat, please wait outside the room all of you." Slightly put out the party left the room, none too pleased at their abrupt dismissal. Wolverine scowled at no-one in particular. The kid had listened to him and seemed fine, but wouldn't talk in front of him, was it his fault...because of earlier?
Waiting as patiently as they could it has at least 20 minutes before the door opened and they were allowed back in. "Ororo could you please escort Alex to a room on the third floor, I believe that floor is mostly vacant at the moment so he can settle in without too much noise." Gesturing for him to follow Ororo led him down the corridor and up the first flight of stairs to the left. Logan's eyes followed them, frowning. The 3rd floor was TOTALLY vacant except for him since the Cajun had moved out, and he wasn't complaining. He enjoyed the solitude after a long day. What was Chuck playing at?
"So Charles what have you found out about this interesting individual?" Hank asked what they all were thinking, he more than eager to learn more information about his new patient, and it showed, his ears were twitching excitedly. Charles seemed deep in thought and obviously was choosing his words carefully. "Hank, firstly I think I should tell you that he expressed to me his intense dislike for medical faculties, and, after hearing his story, I concur that he should be allowed some time to recuperate. He has agreed to talk to you and let you perform small tests in a less imposing environment; he shall expect you to visit his room after we conclude our meeting here." He paused before continuing. "He has been confined for quite some time, after hearing it was 1995 he was shocked and saddened saying he'd lost so much time. We must be considerate that he may be unfamiliar with recent events and allow him time to adjust."
"Can we assume him to be older than he looks then Professor? And why was he confined?" Asked Scott, thoughtfully.
"Oh he is much older than we can even begin to understand. He has an unsusual degree of control and ability to change energy he comes into contact with, both physically and mentally, altering the type of energy to another, kinetic to electrical for example."
"I believe his body naturally absorbs incident energy, such as sunlight, even the magnetic and gravitational forces from the earth and stores it in some fashion. This explains his healing factor, his body using his stores to regenerate his cells at an alarming rate and slowing his aging to a crawl. As long as he has energy to spare I don't think he's likely to age more than he looks now. He wasn't entirely upfront about his entire past but he mentioned many events that happened even before I was born." He looked at Logan as he said this, there was something else in his eyes and his scent changed to upset and sadness. What ain't ya tellin' me Chuck? He knew the next thing said would be a half-truth at best.
"As to why he was confined I can't say. He is still recovering and his most recent memories are still blurry." Looking down at his hands he grasped them. "Suffice to say he remembers waking up and breaking out this morning, whatever method was keeping him sedated appears to either have stopped or malfunctioned. The events that followed concern your arrival."
Logan cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably, remembering his part in the day's events. "Um...Chuck...when we were on the way back the kid did something with ma head, made me feel...strange. You find out about tha'?"
"Yes Logan, Scott filled me in when you landed about that occurrence. He and Ororo felt it too, a wave of emotions that lasted a few seconds. He is empathic, part of his energy powers he tells me, both able to read and broadcast feelings to the immediate vicinity." Holding up his hand to quell Scott's next question he continued, "Although he told me empathy was the first sign of his powers he leads me to believe it to be a auxiliary mutation his body underwent to deal with the excess energy his body absorbs. He naturally expels leftover energy when he becomes saturated along this empathic line, unless he is using his powers. He tells me that holding back is like holding his breath, he can quell the feelings but it becomes uncomfortable for him the longer he keeps them in. I have granted him permission to broadcast on a trial basis. He says he has long perfected which emotions are broadcasted and promises to not allow negative feelings to interfere. We shall be monitoring it for the next couple of weeks." The looks of his colleague's faces were ones of uncertainly but he expected this. Scott pushed forward with his questioning. "Does he have any psychic powers to speak of; did you enter his mind and find out his intentions?"
Frowning at Scott's persistence he answered to the group, "I believe he may have had some form of psychic power, possibly part of his energy powers, maybe a secondary mutation, but he has forced it inwards, strengthening his mind, making it a maze of corridors, designed to trap any psychic foolish enough to enter his mind. He did allow me to enter with a mental avatar, but I could not navigate the labyrinth to any discernible degree, so I doubt he could be influenced by another. Nor do I believe he can use telepathy at all; his empathy powers are the only form he has control over."
"Now I understand there are many more questions you would like to ask, but I cannot answer, and he has given me more than enough reasons to trust him to begin with. I urge you all to make him feel welcome here and help him settle in. We will review his progress every week and see if he can participate in training and teamwork exercises. Now if you will excuse me I wish to fill Hank in on some facts for Alex's bio, and thank you for bringing him back safely." His eyes surveying them, lingering a moment on Logan as they all left his office.
I'm putting the notes at the end now, for those who'd rather just read the story
Notes on Chapter 2: I used this chapter of getting Alex to the mansion to describe a few things about him, his powers mainly and his inability to control exuding emotions. I'm setting it up for future chapters, so not too much happening in this chapter. Any tips of speech patterns would help too, it's hard enough to concentrate on one person, I dread when I have to do Gambit's. Little note I chose the year carefully, which will hopefully make sense in two chapter's time, when relating to locations in chapter 1, oh the fun of enigmas