Disclaimer: Do Not Own anything, MARVEL owns it all.

A/N: Introducing Chapter 2, longer than Chapter 1 and holds better to the main plot and leads into the subplots better by keeping them subplots. Also tried to keep the various atmosphere characters from becoming cardboard set dressings.

-Chapter 2-

(Xavier's School for the Gifted)

Logan blinked at the scene that greeted him as the elevator doors slid open. Twenty minutes ago, Scott's team had returned to the manor. Fifteen minutes ago, all senior members of the team except Hank had reported to the Professor's study for a debrief. Five minutes ago, Hank canceled an intruder alert from the sublevels but requested immediate assistance. Five seconds ago, the elevator doors opened to a trashed hallway littered with unconscious troopers.

"Oh…Okay," He looked to Summers, "Looks like I've been down here."

Summers eyebrow rose above his ruby tinted glasses, "If it was you there'd be more blood and gore."

The two X-Men entered the hall to survey the damage. Scott tapped his ear commlink, "Cyclops to all personnel on sublevel one, report in."

Several seconds of silence was ended at a crackling response, "Scott, this is Hank. I have him contained but the danger room activated."

"I don't understand the kid was calm when we left you two in the infirmary," Scott frowned in confusion.

Hank's voice sounded exasperated, "I requested a blood sample, but the nurse on duty made rookie mistake in regard to the child's needle phobia. He panicked and transformed. When he exited the infirmary the bio scanners registered an intruder. The alarms and flashing lights are not best for soothing a panicked feral."

Checking that the closest trooper was still breathing Logan looked back to Cyclops, "Next time the Friends of Humanity have a rally, I am so taking this kid."

"Not funny Logan," Scott tapped his commlink once more, "Jean get Emma and Rahne. Hank has him trapped in the danger room, who was the last to use it."

"Me," Logan growled, "Set to level one, had Daken and Laura running through after their sneaking out this morning."

Seeing the medics arriving they moved on down the hall. Logan suddenly stopped, "Hey, infirmary is here on level one, but the danger room is down on level five…how did he get down there?"

The question was soon answered as they came upon a portion of wall that had been torn open. Logan gave a nod, "Taking the vents, not original, but well thought out."

Shaking his head Scott stepped up to the newly added passage between levels, "Come on, better get down there before he hurts himself."

"Himself?" Logan pointed back the way they came, "He just went through three squads of troopers. I don't think this kid is in any danger from a level one training program."

After jumping down they quickly made their way to the danger room's control area. Logan was surprised with what he saw from the observation window, "Hey Specks, you got to see this."

Scott's eyes visibly widened as he noted the boy sitting amidst the wreckage of the danger room's various weapons. The boy had reverted to his normal state and was watching the walls warily.

"Scott we are at the main door, what does it look like in there?" Jean's voice held a tinge of worry.

She was surprised by his replay, "You have to see it to believe."

With a nod to Hank he reset the door controls to open. The four at the door were all surprised as the door hissed open to reveal the danger room in a state worse than even the highest settings could do.

"Oh, my stars and garters," Hank looked around the room as they entered. The boy had turned upon hearing the door but seemed to calm at seeing Rahne.

Rahne leapt over the wreckage landing next too him quickly, "You are unhurt?" The boy held up his hand where a minor gash was already sealing itself.

It was Emma who noticed something else about the boy as she removed her cape and handed it to Rahne, "Hank, was the boy being scanned at the time of his panic?"

"No…curious he was dressed when he bolted from the Infirmary and was still clothed when I trapped him in here." Hank watched as Rahne quickly wrapped the boy in the offered cape. He then surveyed the area and noticed ripped and shredded cloth mixed with the rubble, "I have a theory, but I will need to review the security feeds to see if I'm right."

Jean sighed, "Rahne, I'll excuse you from Psychology today, please return to the infirmary with Hank and the child…we really need to get him a name or find out if he has one."

Emma smirked, "I'll accompany them as well, if little more than to reclaim my cape. This mystery surrounding the child is only growing more intriguing."

(An hour later Xavier's Study)

Charles Xavier wasn't sure what he was seeing. The recording being played for the viewing of the staff and MRD personnel leaders was slightly terrifying. The camera within the danger room had been destroyed but had caught quite a bit before it met its untimely end.

The footage showed the boy run into the danger room, the holographic projectors had been set to emulate the school grounds. The door snapped shut behind him, as Hank had shut them to contain him from causing further damage. This had unfortunately triggered the room to start the programed simulation.

At first the boy dodges the room's various weapons, but after he was caught by a metal cable his demeaner changed. The MRD regulation sweats and t-shirt had already looked tight on the transitional form the boy had taken. In moments the boy had quadrupled in size and obviously strength as he proceeded to directly attack the various weapons emplacements as they came at him.

"He had returned to his normal size by the time Logan and I had reached the control room," Scott pinched the bridge of his nose, "We knew from the CTC footage from the scene he was capable of increasing his mass, but we didn't expect this."

"From what I can tell the boy is not fully aware of his limitations," Hank sighed, "In fact he does not even remember what occurred within the danger room itself."

Xavier looked towards Emma, "Did you scan him?"

"Yes, though I could tell by his conversation with Rahne that he was being truthful," She bit her lip in thought, "His combat prowess is not natural. The surface thoughts and feelings Jean scanned through at the scene have me worried. With your permission I would like to set up a deep scan with you and Jean."

Jean frowned, "He spoke to Rahne?"

Emma nodded, "Yes, briefly. While Hank was running a test, and he thought I was not observing them. He was very concerned he had done something bad. He clamed up once he saw me watching."

"So, we have another terrified six-year-old who more likely than not has been experimented on," Logan snarled, "Sometimes I think Raven has the right of it. The sick fucks like Hodge and Trask should be put out of our misery."

"I will try not to take offense of your personal feelings towards my regrettable actions of the past." Standing at the door was Bolivar Trask, "I have paid my debt to society for what I did. I do hope to one day be redeemed in the eyes of both human and mutant communities." He walked over to the Professor's desk set his brief case down, "I am sorry to intrude upon what no doubt is a very important faculty meeting, but I come baring some distressing news."

Xavier frowned, "What has happened?"

Trask sighed, "It seems to be that a prototype X gene scanner has mysteriously vanished from my research lab in San Diego. I would not be so worried had the follow up review of all projects not revealed two sets of blueprints for power dampeners have just as mysteriously vanished." Rubbing his brow, he cleaned his glasses before continuing, "I am happy to report nothing from Sentinel R&D was taken, but since all Sentinel research is handled in my Dallas facility it proves the thefts were done on site."

"An inside job?" Xavier noted his former students were trying to bite their tongues.

With a shake of his head Trask pulled several sheets from the briefcase and handed them to Xavier, "Everyone who works on these projects are vetted by MRD, FBI, CIA, and a host of other acronym agencies. Security at all Trask facilities is handled by MRD, so a security leak is also out of the question."

Frowning Xavier looked across the room to the only other humans present besides Trask, "Major Wilkes, have you been aware of this?"

The oldest of the three, with salt and pepper hair and dressed in a uniform sporting MRD logos sat tight fisted, his teeth grinding was nearly audible before he spoke, "No sir, this is the first I have heard about any thefts. My nephew and I are going to have a very long discussion, as soon as this meeting is finished."

The black-haired man to his left sporting a three-piece suit sighed, "Go easy on him Oliver, you promote your kin into positions of responsibility before they are ready. You should not be surprised they are fearful of reporting failure."

"Please get off your high horse Henry. You Wainwrights are a dime a dozen in the MRD as well." The third man, younger than the other two but already balding. He adjusted his lab coat slightly, "Wainwrights and Wilks, I'm sure the Senate and House oversight committees would love to hear about our own Hatfield's and McCoy's. Uh, sorry no offence Hank."

"None taken Doctor Seiko," Beast turned to Trask, "Is there any clue as to the perpetrator of the crime?"

Trask sighed, "Thanks to Miss Maximoff's actions of three years ago I can rule out SHIELD, SWORD, and the Avengers. That also eliminates Stark Industries, and thanks to that buffoon's tendency to be targeted by corporate espionage AIM, Hammer Industries, and OSCORP no doubt already has access to these plans. That only leaves Genosha, the Weapon X program, Hydra, Latveria, and a thousand and one other hostile nations or organizations."

Xavier sighed as he leaned back in his chair, "As the MRD is equipped to handled Raven, we can rule out the Brotherhood. Since Emma's defection and Mastermind's death the Hellfire Club has kept a low profile." Charles went silent as a stray thought reached him, "What was that Bolivar?"

Jumping slightly Trask turned to the telepath, "Sorry, it was nothing." He went quiet before he seemed to think better of it, "No, it may be something. About a week before the first theft was discovered we played host to a group of senators. They and their aides were given a full access tour of that facility."

"I remember hearing about that." Wainwright sat up straighter, "There's a small movement in the government to create another law enforcement branch. Since MRD is a private contractor with government oversight, and active in many other countries they want to start something they have more control over."

"Yes, the Sentinel Services," Emma glared, "This is the brainchild of Senator Kelly. He has never gotten over the embarrassment he suffered in regard to Project Wideawake."

Xavier looked to Wainwright, "Get someone close to the Senator. Find out through legal mean if he had a hand in these thefts. We still have friends within the FBI and the Pentagon. Call in any favors you have to."

Standing Wainwright moved towards the door, but stopped with his hand on the handle, "Do I have authority to mobilize X-Force?"

Wilkes spoke up, "If you must. Just keep Wilson on a short leash."

(Undisclosed Military Facility)

A young soldier approached a large man with a metal arm. He was in the process of doing pullups on a salmon ladder. Either he had not heard the soldier approach or did not care as he ignored him.

Clearing his throat, the soldier held out a printed message towards the man, "Sir, orders from Westchester. X-Force is hereby on notice to be ready for immanent mobilization."

The man paused in his set dropping easily to the ground. Turning to the soldier he snatched the orders from him. His cybernetic eye seemed to glow brighter as he read the sheet. A smirk crossed his face.

"Sir…Sir, how should I respond?" the Soldier was obviously fearful of him.

The man snorted as he pulled out a cigar and lit it, "Cut it with that sir crap boy. The names Cable, and you'll respond that X-Force is always ready." He surveyed the room where several other mutants were either exercising or tending to their weapons, "Hey Psylocke, go get Wade out of the box."

Sheathing her katana, the Psionic powered mutant glared, "Do I have to?"

"Unless you want to be left behind here playing babysitter, then yes." Cable watched her leave to collect their only missing teammate. He then turned back to the soldier, "Is there something else?"

"Um…no sir…I mean Cable," The soldier seemed to fall over himself to leave the training room.

(Xavier's School for the Gifted)

Being called away to help deal with the problem in the sublevels had been only a brief respite from the looks she was getting from her classmates and teammates. There was a mix pitying, understanding, and guilt among them all. Though only a handful had gone to Big Sky, word travels fast, especially among their tight nit social circles.

Rahne had only been excused from Jean's psychology class, so after promising the boy she would be back after her last class she darted back up to the mansion proper. Reaching the technology class just after the second bell she breathed a sigh of relief at the AV cart stationed at the front of the class.

A prim and proper MRD agent sat going through role but indicated her vacant seat without marking her late. Finished with role the Agent stood up, she was shorter and unfamiliar to Rahne. She faked clearing her throat, "Hmm, Hmm, as a few of you are aware Forge is off site on special assignment. As Dr. McCoy is also indisposed at the moment the Professor felt it best we use one of Forge's instruction videos to fill our time. You'll need to work on your projects during your free time when Dr. McCoy is present to supervise."

There was a low murmur of grumbles as Forge's videos tended to be long lectures on things no one except Beast and him would understand. It was also the loss of project time which caused some of the grumbles. Luckily, she was already way ahead on her project, only waiting on a couple components needed to finish it.

As the lights dimmed Dani leaned forward on their shared workstation, "So what had you running out of history like Demon Bear was attacking the school?"

"Eh, if only it was something so mundane." She looked around to make sure they didn't have an audience before continuing, "That kid we found this morning. Some stupid infirmary nurse let him see the needle they were going to use to draw blood. He didn't take it well. Tore up the lower levels until Dr. McCoy got him trapped in the danger room."

"Uh, so where is he now," Dani looked around like he was hiding under their station.

Rahne rolled her eyes at her friend, "Still in the infirmary. I told him I'd come get him after our last class ends. Until then he is supposed to help deal with all the injured his little temper tantrum created and apologize to those he hurt."

Dani frowned, "How? I didn't think he could talk."

Sighing Rahne shook her head, she had forgotten Dani unlike her came from a happy family. Yes, they may all have died prior to Dani coming to Xavier's, but she was not forced to live alone on the streets or in the wilds as Rahne had.

Glancing around she noticed the student behind her gesturing with a note for the one across the aisle from her. She quickly flicked the note to its designated recipient before turning back to Dani, "He can talk if he wants to. Having the lot of you staring at him like you did for the entire flight back made him uncomfortable. He thought you were staring at his ears and claws."

Wincing at the veiled reprimand Dani dropped her head onto her arms, "Damn, that's what Karma was berating the guys for between classes." She looked to Rahne through the corner of her eye, "Sorry Rahne, we didn't mean to make him uncomfortable. It was just…shocking when we made the connection."

"Don't start with that again. Until the lab tests come back we can't just assume he's some test tube experiment created from my DNA." Rahne huffed, "That's something that happens to Mister Logan…most of the time."

(Three Hours Later)

Rahne entered the infirmary to find it much less crowded than when she left. A couple troopers with head and neck injuries were being monitored. Some nurses and lab techs were going about their business. The Beast though was hanging upside down reading some notes and cross referencing with data running across the screen.

"Doctor McCoy?" She walked over to him as he silently waved her over, "Where did he run off to now?"

"Ah, the boy…yes the Professor, Jean, and Emma are preparing to do a rather in-depth scan." Beast released the hold of one of his feet turning to face her, "Perhaps you can assist them."

Rahne was surprised by the suggestion, "Assist? I'm no telepath."

"No, no, not with the scan. You do seem to have a calming influence over the child. It also seems he accepts you as some sort of authority figure. He was quite agitated about leaving the infirmary before finishing the task you set him to." Hank rubbed his chin, "Yes, most interesting. Could it be something to do with your similar mutations?"

Standing in silence for a moment Rahne was about to speak when the Professor's voice entered her head, 'Ah Rahne you are close. Come to the private exam room two doors down on the right.'

Beast smirked, "The Professor calls. I should have these lab results done shortly. At least the preliminary ones. There are a few others that will take a couple days to finish."

"Thanks Dr. McCoy." Turning back to the entrance she heard the distinctive sound of Beast dropping into a handstand before settling back on his feet. It only took a few moments to reach the indicated exam room. It was a cramped space. So, cramped in fact that the Professor was forced to use a standard wheelchair instead of his hovering one.

The space that was normally meant for a single patient and a couple medics at most was now playing host to three telepaths, an indifferent Logan, and a pensive Sam Guthrie standing next to him. The boy was sitting quietly on the bed, but had a wary look directed at the others.

It was surprising at how immediately his demeanor changed upon noting her arrival. The wariness seemed to slip away as a thousand-watt smile appeared, and she was sure if he was in full wolf form his tail would be wagging in greeting.

As Emma moved to allow Rahne access to the bed the Professor began to speak, "Thank you all for being here. I know we try not to deep scan children, but the circumstances around this particular case deem it necessary." He looked to Sam, "Mister Guthrie's will be responsible for ensuring everyone's safety with the use of his kinetic barrier." He then glanced towards Logan, "Mister Logan knows why he has been asked to be present." He next turned to Rahne, "As Miss Sinclair has developed a bond with the child in question we will rely on her to guide the session. Rahne, you will ask him the series of questions we normally use on intake. While he answers those questions Jean, Emma and I will begin to slowly move deeper into his subconscious and hopefully discover his origins."

(Half hour later)

Emma Frost was the first to make it through the boy's impressive mental shields. Yet few could hold up against the White Queen, a former host of the Phoenix Force, and the man touted as the greatest telepath on earth. She had almost thought she hadn't made it through when she entered a world of nothingness.

'This isn't right…Professor are you here?' Jean's mental voice echoed through the darkness.

The Professor's was just as echoey, 'Yes Jean, and I sense Emma is nearby as well. By the echoing of our projected voices I believe this is some kind of cavern.'

Emma felt a warm wetness that seemed to surround them, 'Close Charles, but I have a suspicion we are somewhere we should not be capable of being.'

'Oh, I think you're right Emma.' Jean seemed closer now, 'How did we reach so deeply, and how does this even exist?'

'I concur, I was trying to guide us to his earliest memory,' The Professor created light in his hand that illuminated the dark world. The light only allowed them to see each other and not the world the boy's mind was creating for them, 'The boy has an eidetic memory. Though this memory exists within his subconscious it would be inaccessible to his waking mind without hypnotherapy.'

'Doesn't this disprove our theory he is Rahne's child? As we all know she has never been pregnant in the years she's been in our care.' There was a hint of hopefulness to Jean's projection but was filled with doubt.

Emma stepped closer to the other telepaths, 'If you don't mind Charles might I take the lead here. The child no doubt has many memoires even he is unaware of.'

'No Emma I believe it will be more productive if we were to split up. You find out what you can from these memories locked away in his subconscious. Jean you will seek out the cause to why he doesn't recall the incident in the danger room as well as who those attackers were. I will seek out our young friend and find the face of the demons that hound him.'

(Jean's Path)

Jean Grey had thought she had drawn the easy assignment this time. Yet she was proven wrong upon reaching the barrier between the conscious and subconscious minds. Whoever crafted these mental barriers was a skilled telepath, but not skilled enough.

With a flick of her wrist the barrier cracked just enough for her to pass. The shifting world of the subconscious mind gave way to something she wasn't expecting. Standing before her was a little girl with honey brown hair and green eyes.

The girl blinked at her in confusion, 'You aren't supposed to be here.'

'Who are you?' Jean approached her carefully, 'Are you the one who made the barriers?'

Nodding the girl waved her over to an alcove beneath a tree, for the first time Jean realized they were standing within a massive forest, 'We have to be quiet. Bigger big brother got loose so I'm trying to trap him again.'

Jean quietly joined the girl in the alcove, 'Do you mean when he gets really big?'

This time the girl shook her head, 'No, Bigger isn't this big brother…he's our bigger big brother. He doesn't have a body of his own anymore, it's gone. He's supposed to make big brother like him…'

The girl's language skills were confusing, but Jean quickly caught on. Apparently, there was a psychic parasite similar to the Shadow King lurking within the boy's mind. Jean narrowed her focus on the girl, 'You aren't part of this mind…where are you…outside of this place?'

The girl looked at her hands, 'I…I don't know. When I'm scared or lonely I think of big brother and I come here. Big brother was going to find me, but Bigger found out. He could tell his twin in another brother. They found big brother because he crossed paths with another brother.'

As the girl's story became more confusing Jean began feeling an oppressive force drawing closer. Glancing out among the trees she saw a massive misshapen figure lumber closer. It was roughly humanoid, one arm and connecting shoulder was massively swollen into an unproportionate size to the other, both legs and feet were too small to truly support this creature. It's ashen skin and blue markings nagged at her mind with an unsettling familiarity.

'That's Bigger, I've tried to get rid of him, but I don't know how.' The girl looked towards her longingly, 'Can you get rid of him?'

Biting her lip Jean frowned, 'Perhaps, but I'll need to get some friends to help'

(Emma's Path)

Emma Frost slipped from one useless memory to the next. The only problem with someone with an eidetic memory was the amount of useless information their minds record on a daily basis. If deemed unimportant most was relegated to vaults like these deep within the subconscious.

Even people without eidetic memory had these vaults, what differentiated them though was the capability to access them. Passing unnoticed within these deep places was simple enough. What was irritating her was the fact someone had been actively tampering with the child's mind at this level. She had no qualms about rooting around here for information but preventing the child from accessing portions of his memory should only be done as a last resort or for his own good.

The wall separating her from the places where memories of some import should lay were of a different construct from those that made the psionic barriers littered about his mind. Those were not hindering his mental capabilities. This wall actively rejected any attempt to pierce it, thus her repeated encounters with the useless day to day memories.

As she was contemplating her next attack Jean's voice echoed around her with a tone of panic, 'Professor, Emma I have discovered something distressing. Come quickly.' An image of a path leading to the child's waking mind came vividly to her, along with an image of a little girl and what could only be described as a monster.

Charles's voice was edge with worry as he responded, 'Jean! We are on our way. Emma, can you find your way from where you are.'

'Of course, Charles, have you found what you were looking for?' Emma asked as she abandoned the wall to aid Jean.

It took a moment before the Professor responded, 'Yes, but it took some coaxing to pull him out of the place he was hiding in. There are so many walls and barriers within his mind. I have never seen such a battlefield within the mind of one so young.'

'If we remove that thing perhaps we can begin healing his mind.' Emma's statement was unanswered as they both needed to prepare to battle that misshapen creature.

(Xavier's path)

After parting company with his former student and ex enemy he made his way to find the boy's self-representation. The part of his mind that represented the boy's true self. It wouldn't be a difficult task, as he felt the boy's presence nearby since their arrival. While the boy was not a telepath, his control over his mind could rival their own.

While locating the boy was not difficult, actually reaching him proved problematic. A labyrinth of mental barriers was arrayed around the boy's mental sanctuary. Along with the barriers, another set of walls that oozed malice seemed to entrap the labyrinth entrances.

While strong the walls were easily shattered by Xavier. He felt the boy's mental tension ebb upon the destruction of the first wall. 'So, you are not fond of these walls either? Then allow me to rid you of them.'

With his years of experience, he reached out for all the nearest wall. Once he had found all those within easy reach he shattered them with the same ease as the first. With the walls gone he stepped unhindered into the labyrinth.

It was easy for him to find a route to the center. There he found the boy, curled up on a bed of leaves in his full wolf form. He was very small, comparable to a cub. The wolf appeared to be sleeping, though shivering as though it was cold.

Kneeling next to the wolf he projected his voice in a calm tone, 'What are you so afraid of? Those walls were meant to keep you trapped here but why?'

The image of a misshapen creature appeared within his mind. At first, he thought of the Shadow King, but realized it was something else. The mental powers of this creature were far inferior to that ancient telepath. No, this creature was far more sinister. It was not trying to gain control, its purpose was to break its host, to make them more susceptible in the real world.

It was at this point Jean's message was received. As he prepared to go confront the parasite he noticed the boy had transformed into his transitional state, 'Come, we may weaken this beast, but it must be you who expels it for good.'

(Back in the mental forest)

Jean grabbed the girl and dodged out of the way as the tree they hid beneath was ripped from the ground and tossed away. The creatures projected voice was menacing and angry, 'Found you. This one belongs to me, so get out.'

As it readied the larger of its arms to crush them Jean raised a shield to defend them. She felt the girl adding power into the shield. The parasite's blows came down repeatedly.

As a small crack began to appear in the shield. He sneered, 'That shield isn't going to last much longer…I'll crush you and anyone else stupid enough to come in here.'

'That's what you think gruesome.' The creature paused leaving his arm pressing down on the shield to turn towards Emma Frost, 'Jean, I'll take it from here.' Raising her hands two streams of crystalline shards flew at the creature pushing it away from Jean and the girl.

As it was driven back Jean released the shield, pulling the girl along ran to stand next to Emma, 'Thank you, where's the Professor?'

'Here Jean.' They all saw the Professor arrive with the boy in tow. Xavier glared at the creature, 'I know not how you came to be here, but it is long past time you left.' As it roared in defiance he looked to Jean, 'We must drive it into the astral plane beyond the confines of the child's mind. Call the others, we need to weaken it.'

'Right Professor' Jean reached out to the others in the waking world. She provided a bridge to bring their consciousnesses to aid them.

The three appeared suddenly. Sam was the first to realize something as he stumbled, 'Hey what's going on.'

'Calm yourself Mister Guthrie. This is the astral plane, more specifically it is the astral plane in regard to the child's mind.' The Professor turned to look at the recovering creature, 'There appears to be an unwelcome guest.'

Logan gave a grunt of acceptance as he pulled his cowl on, 'So chuckles over there needs to be cut out like a tumor.'

Rahne snarled as she took on her transitional form, 'Professor, what is it?'

'We are currently unsure Rahne, but whatever it is has been here for a long time.' Xavier turned to the boy, 'We can distract it, but you have to force it out on your own.'

With that the battle began. Logan lead the charge using projected platforms curtesy of Jean to parkour around the creature using his claws to slash into it. Sam kept it off balance as he slammed into it repeatedly from multiple angles. Rahne waited for an opening before using the same platforms Logan had to launch a series of blows at the creature's head.

Angered the creature roared as it seemed to grow in size. Emma frowned, 'Strange…I don't believe that size manipulation is this things power. Logan and Sam, keep him occupied. Rahne retreat for now.'

Following on Emma's thought Xavier turned to the boy, 'He is able to use your power against you. When I found you. You were small and afraid.' Xavier looked over as Rahne joined them, 'He wants you to be afraid. That is why he trapped you within that labyrinth, why you don't remember using your power in the real world, how you demolished the danger room. With you scared and powerless he can twist your will to suite his desires.'

Rahne knelt next to the boy, only half noticing the girl edging towards them, 'This is your place, your mind. Only you have real power here.'

The boy closed his eyes and his face pinched with concentration. Jean was the first to notice as Xavier pulled Rahne and the girl to a safe distance, 'Wolverine, Cannonball get back.'

They didn't need to ask why as they saw the boy grow taller than the trees and became more wolf like. He roared a challenge at the misshapen creature, who gave a shrieking roar in response. The creature suddenly looked confused as he hadn't grown.

With a snarl the boy smashed the invader into the ground with his fist. Picking up the now dazed creature he looked around like he was searching for something.

Xavier put his hand to his temple, 'Allow me.'

The starry sky seemed to split as a glowing portal of white nothingness appeared. The boy hurled the creature into the portal which snapped close quickly.

With the fight done Jean released her hold on the three she'd pulled into the mindscape returning them to their own minds and the waking world. As they faded away she noted the girl looked wistfully towards Rahne.

The boy quickly moved to the girl's side, 'He's gone…I'll come find you soon.'

'I think you are closer now than before.' She became pensive, 'The walls he made are starting to crumble. You are going to remember again…remember why we were made.'

'I won't be like them. I think that is why he was here, to make me like them.' A look of remorse appeared on his face, 'They got to our other…he's different now, wrong in the head. I stopped him for now, but he'll be back.'

The girl smiled before hugging him, 'We'll get him back…somehow.' She pulled back, 'You're lucky. Wonder what she thinks of us?'

'She's nice…she doesn't remember us, she can't.' His fists clenched, 'You better get back before someone finds you. Leave messages the usual way. I'll…we'll find you soon.'

Once the girl faded Xavier noted the various mental barriers shifted. No longer were there gaps along the mental periphery of his mind. They seemed to form causeways and gates between various regions. While tempted to explore further, he wished to cause no more damage than that creature had left in his wake.

Jean seemed to be of similar mind as she spoke, 'Perhaps now we may question him in a more conventional manner.'

'Agreed,' Charles turned to the two women, 'Emma return to the subconscious and sift through whatever that thing was hiding. Build nondetrimental blocks around anything you believe we need to help him work through. Otherwise leave everything as is.'

Emma smiled towards the boy, 'It should take only a few moments then I will cease intruding here.'

He nodded at her as Xavier and Jean faded away. He then turned to return to the center of his mind.

(Xavier's School for the Gifted)

As Jean and the Professor came out of their trances they saw Logan helping Sam who was dry heaving into a waste bin, "Yeah first time in another person's head can do that to you."

Rahne was one the edge of the bed holding her head, "When does the room stop spinning?"

Quickly moving to a small supply cabinet Jean collected water bottles and gave them to the younger mutants, "Sorry about that, I forgot it can be unsettling if released too quickly. Logan like most of my teammates are used to this."

Logan snickered, "At least we all ended up in the right bodies this time. One time when Jeanie let go too quickly Specks and his brothers got all mixed up. Took about a week to get them all sorted out."

Jean glared at him, "It wouldn't have happened had Emma and Mastermind not been meddling with things that didn't concern them."

"Jason was always aiming a bit out of his league," Emma broke her trance, "Professor we need to talk with the boy in private immediately." She turned to the others in the room, "Everyone out."

Logan frowned, "What's up Frost?"

She gave a sidelong look towards Rahne as she checked on the just waking boy, "There are some rather delicate matters we must iron out. I feel a six-year-old mystery is only the tip of the iceberg if what I've discovered is true the attack on a Montana town is only the beginning."

-To Be Continued-

-Added Scene-

(Inverness, Scotland 1977)

Moira MacTaggert walked calmly down the street flanked by two young men wearing enough combat gear to hide any detailing features and erase any individuality. Oh, she knew them both well by name. The one on her right was a fellow Scot, Wes Chamberlin the youngest member of the UK branch of the MRD. The boy was tense as this was his first field operations, and a bad one it was. The man to her left was a silent stoic man who she only known as Yuri, a defector from over the wall he was well suited to the MRD, having smuggled a number of young mutants out of the Eastern Bloc when he came over.

Looking over her shoulder to Yuri she asked him for an update, "Has Chamberlin Senior got the mob under control?"

"Yes mam, for now at least." The young man had worked hard at smothering his accent, "His last communication stated for us to hurry. Teams three and five have had no luck either so far. This kid is good at hiding."

Wes huffed, "Not well enough it seems. If them blokes down at the docks hadn't made such a big fuss about her sneaking a few fish we'd been hear and gone in a minute. Instead we have a bunch of bonkers locals raving about a werewolf. Probably gave the girl a right fright with them torches and pitchforks."

Yuri hefted his stun rifle, "Aye, and we be looking right friendly with these fancy shooters. No way she'd know they were meant for the locals and not her."

MacTaggert smirked, "True, but we try not to be doing any harm to the locals either. Orders are to retrieve the girl, would have been easier if her father weren't such a git. Fella was raving about her be possessed by some demon. Damn fool doesn't know enough that most often than not the mutant gene passes from the father."

"What's that?" Wes suddenly dropped into a ready stance, rifle raised.

Yuri looked down the alley Wes was poised at, "What did you hear? Probably just a cat knocking over a trash bin."

"No, it sounded like someone running…on two feet." He tapped the side of his helmet, "I have my acoustic sensor turned on."

Yuri took up position next to the alley, "You and Moira check it out. I'll cover you in case its some locals we missed in the first sweep."

MacTaggert nodded, "Right, Wes shoulder your weapon just in case. We don't want to scare her anymore than she already is. Just be ready with your sidearm if need be."

"Right, Yuri if some local fanatic comes up behind me I'm going to be very disappointed in you." Both men were probably smiling behind the face plates of the helmets.

Leading the way Moira was about to abort the search as they found the alley was not as long as they thought. A high wall separated one end of the alley from the other. All that was around was a pile of cardboard boxes that had been rained on recently.

"Well that was very anticlimactic. If it was her she probably scrambled up that wall and is halfway to who knows where." Moira frowned as she noticed Wes slowly walking around scanning the alley toughly, "Wes what is it?"

He stopped near the pile of boxes, "She's here mam…sure of it. It's hard to pick up on the sensor but there are three heartbeats right here. Yours and mine are relatively normal, a bit elevated due to the stress. The third though…it be practically bursting at the rate it's going."

Moira froze as she noticed a shape hiding in the box right next to Wes, "Don't move…she is right next to you."

Wes nodded, "Might be wrong about where she is mam…perhaps we move along."

The had barely made to move when a low growl came from the box.

Shaking her head Moira slowly indicated to stay still, "We're on her territory. This is probably her sanctuary…the place she feels safe coming back to. We need her to calm down and understand we mean her no harm."

"Right mam," Wes slowly reached his hands up to remove his faceplate and the balaclava worn beneath, "Mayhap she's a bit peckish. It been a mighty long night for all of us. Her running from a mob of raving mad citizens, us sweeping the town for her, even that mob must be feeling tired after screaming profanities at my dah all evening."

Moira smirked as Wes drew a granola bar from a pouch at his waist, "Oh, and somewhere in all them pockets you be hiding some food. Oi, you been holding out on me Wes, thought we were friends."

"Ah Moira, of course I meant to bring enough to share, but I could only snatch one granola bar from the vending machine before we left base." Wes went about dramatically pealing back the wrapper. They both noted the girl was watching them closely, "Now what have we here? What's a little miss like you doing out on a night like this?" He sarcastically pointed to the full moon above, "Don't you know there be a werewolf about?"

The girl shrunk, "I…I didn't mean to hurt him."

Moira looked sadly at the girl, "We know that darling. Sometimes these things happen."

Wes knelt down, "Well now, how about we introduce ourselves. I be Wes, and that fair damsel be Moira. Who might we have the honor of meeting this fine evening?"

"Rahne…are you going to take me to jail? That's what they said you did with mutants who hurt people." Rahne looked to each of them like she was trying to read their faces.

Wes chuckled as he handed the granola bar to the girl, "Jail…for a sweet little thing like you. Nah, that's only for real bad people. You were just defending yourself weren't you. If I had a tail and some smelly old bloke grabbed ahold of it, I'd give him a right good bite on the shin as well."

As the girl took the bar Moira quickly pulled out a canteen from her belt, "That brings up a good point Wes." She moved closer to the girl and handed the canteen to her, "Rinse and spit, that bar will taste better after you get the taste of that man from your mouth."

At the front of the alley Yuri was able to hear everything from his two teammates. Easily figuring they had the girl he radioed it in, "Sir, scout team eight. We have the package. Orders?"

As Chamberlin responded he could hear the angry mob in the background, "Yuri, your team has her?"

"Yes Sir," Yuri looked back down the alley before checking both directions on the street, "She was hiding in what appears to be a rarely used side street. Wes gets the win for this one. Kid had his acoustic sensor on."

Chamberlin chuckled, "Smart lad that one, a trick he picked up in survival class no doubt. Logan always impresses the rookies with his powers. Not like us old hands Yuri, we forget our own tools. Do you lot have a clear path to extraction?"

Another glance around and Yuri noticed people moving in doorways and other side streets, as he shouldered his weapon he responded, "Negative sir…seems some locals have slipped the perimeter."

"Rodger, I have an asset available. He's on his way. Might want to tell my son to turn off his acoustic sensor. I feel the asset will be giving those citizens a real earful." The humor in Chamberlin's voice made Yuri smile.

Wes had heard his father's conversation with Yuri so had quickly shut off the sensor. Moira noticed and frowned, "What is it?"

Smiling he glanced back to Rahne as she ate the granola bar, "Nothing much…some of the townsfolk made it past our roadblocks. Dah is sending Sean to give them a stern talking to."

Rahne jumped when she heard the recoil of Yuri's weapon, "Hey Wes, it'll be a few before Banshee can make us a path out of here. Mind giving me a hand with the locals."

Pulling his sidearm he flipped it, so he was holding the barrel, "Know you don't like them Moira, but I'd feel better that you have some way to defend yourselves."

Rolling her eyes Moira scoffed as she took the weapon, "What do you think I did while working for the CIA, answer phones and file papers?"

Smiling Wes turned and replaced his faceplate before readying his rifle and taking up position at the corner, so Yuri could retreat into the slightly better protection of the alley.

As the two troopers kept the locals at bay Moira searched the alley for an alternative means of escape. After a brief survey she was thankful the girl had never been found by others. Seeing Rahne about to panic and knowing it could have the undesirable outcome of her powers activating she made the girl look at her, "Listen to the sound of my voice Rahne. We aren't going to let them hurt you. I need you to close your eyes and cover your ears. When Sean gets here it will be very loud for a couple minutes. Then we are all getting out of here."

With a nod Rahne ducked her head into Moira's side while covering her ears. Moira watched as Yuri ducked behind a large trash bin. Rocks and bottles raining down against his shelter.

Wes leaned out to fire another volley of blue energy toward the crowd forcing them to back up. After he pulled back he looked towards her, "I know Sean likes to make an entrance, but if he doesn't get his Irish hide over here soon. I may have stop being so merciful and actually hit them."

A grunt from Yuri signaled his agreement. He popped up firing six shots before ducking back down, "I count seventeen…that's four more than were out there to start with. Where are they all coming from?"

Moira felt Rahne start to shake at her side. The girl started to whimper, "Make it stop, make it stop."

Her eyes widened with realization, "Sean's coming she can hear him."

Wes pulled a pack of wax earplugs from his belt, "Here they won't keep all the sound out, but it should stop it from being painful."

A minor struggle later, Rahne didn't want to move her hand to uncover her ears long enough for the plugs to be put in, she was calmer. Then a moment later a deafening sonic blast shook the street. Those not knocked out by the soundwave were quick to flee.

"Ah, where you all running off to. Can't stand the dulcet sound of my lovely Irish singing voice." Sean walked into the alley with an exaggerated bow, "Ah, here you are my friends. I've been looking everywhere for you lot. I do believe it is time for us to leave this lovely city. We have a boat to catch."

Moira sighed as she moved with the others to join him, "Sean Cassidy, cutting it a bit close, weren't you?"

"Well, not really. Got a wee bit lost until I heard these two firing off like a fourth of July celebration back in the states." Sean smiled down at Rahne, "This must be the cause of all this fuss." He held out his hand, "The code name is Banshee, but my friends call me Sean."

Rahne tentatively took his hand, "Rahne…you're really loud."

Sean smiled, "Aye, and sorry in advance but it'll be a bit loud for a while. I gave them a start, and knocked a fair few of them down, but the ones who fled will regain their courage eventually. Reason we best get moving."

Wes knelt next to Rahne and after some prodding from Moira she climbed on his back. The humans then took flanking positions behind Sean as he led them back onto the street. He made sure they stayed back as he sent out a sonic cry to keep locals from coming back too quick.

-End Scene-