Chapter 4:
With a swift move, Orube slashed at Frost with her sharp adamantium claws only for Frost to dodge it and counter with a palm strike to Orube's chest sending her flying back towards a tree. But Orube flipped back and kicked off the tree and back at Frost and stabbed him in the chest with her claws which sent him to the ground.
"Nice move, runt!", Frost said with a smirk before he grabbed Orube by the neck with his right hand and pulled her away from him which in turn pulled out her claws from his chest giving him time to quickly heal. "Now it's my turn!", he said as Orube swiped at him cutting Frost across his face making him drop her. "Argh!"
Thinking quickly, Orube knocked Frost back with a back-flip kick making him stumble back a few feet followed by a flying kick knocking him against a tree. As he sat against tree, Frost began to heal from all the attacks. Seeing this, Orube began to cut at a nearby tree with her claws. Once Frost was healed, he got up ready to beat down Orube.
"When I get my hands on you, Runt, it'll take you days to heal!", Frost said as he glares at a smirking Orube. "What are you smirking at!?"
Orube the pointed up while still smirking. Frost looked up to see a large tree coming down at him.
"Aw crap.", Frost said in a deadpan tone before the tree landed on him pinning him to the ground. "Argh!"
Orube then slowly walked towards her mini-jet and opened the cockpit and took a small hand saw out and walked over to Frost who was trying to get out from under the tree. She then dropped the saw next to him yet it was a bit out of reach.
"Very funny.", Frost grunted.
"You'll reach it after a while.", Orube said before walking off. "But I'd hurry if I were you.", she said with a smirk. "It'll be dark soon. And you know what that means.", she said as she hopped I her mini-jet and started it.
"I'll get you for this, Orube! You hear me!?", Frost yelled as the mini-jet slowly took to the sky. "You'll pay for this!", he yelled as the craft flew off.
Frost then began to reach for the hand saw when suddenly the sound of a wolf howling was heard from a not so far off distance causing Frost to stop for a moment.
"Peachy.", Frost said as he went back to reaching for the saw. "Just peachy!"
Frost then heard the sound of something walking in the snow. Frost then looked around to see a small pack of wolves walking towards him slowly while growling at him. A smirk slowly grew on his face as his sharp fingernails began to extend a bit.
"You want some!? Then bring it on, boys!", Frost said ready for a scrap.
The wolves then charged at Frost who was more than ready for them. If someone were there, in the distance, they could hear the sound of on heck of a fight followed by the sound of whimpering and yelping wolves. As for Orube, she was flying back to the institute when the mini-jet's communication's systems were being contacted.
"Orube here. What's up?", Orube said.
"Orube, it's Himerish. You are needed in Heatherfield.", Himerish said.
"What's going on?", Orube asked.
"It seems that we may have a problem here when it comes to some possible new students.", Himerish said. "But I need you to first pick up Nerissa, Peter, John, Angelo, and the new students coming with them."
"Say no more, Doc.", Orube said. "I'm on my way.", she said as she steered the jet towards Heatherfield. "Orube out."
"I only hope you can make it in time, my friend.", Himerish said as he laid on the bed in the room he was in.
Meanwhile, at the Lair home, Cassidy and Irma were sitting outside on the porch of the house. Cassidy was trying to tell Irma why she should come with her to the Institute.
"This institute sounds pretty cool and all, Cass.", Irma said. "But why shouldn't I just go with the government who probably could help me control my powers as well those at the institute?", she asked.
"Because they'll turn you into a weapon, Irma.", Cassidy answered. "They'll help you gain control but they'll also train you into being a living weapon that'll fight for them."
"Well... Is that so bad?", Irma questioned. "I mean, shouldn't it be an honor to fight for our country?"
"Yes. But that choice should be yours and yours alone.", Cassidy said. "It shouldn't be forced on you just because they helped you learn to control your powers. The institute, on the other hand, helps you learn to control your powers. After that, the choice is your to help fight the good fight."
"What do you mean?", Irma questioned. "What does the institute fight?"
"Sorry, little cousin.", Cassidy said. "But that's something you'll have to see for yourself if you decide to come to the institute."
"I still need time to decide, Cass.", Irma said. "Finding out that your a Mutant is one thing. Learning that there are all these people that want you to come with them to learn to control your powers is pretty big."
"I understand.", Cassidy said. "But I won't be here for long. If your other two friends decide to come with us, then I'll be leaving with them. It's not to safe to stay around when you have the government lurking around."
"I still find it hard to believe that the governemt has spies in almost every city and town looking for any signs of Mutant activity.", Irma said.
"It's true, Irma.", Cassidy said. "There are agents just about everywhere.", she said as Tom Lair came driving up into the drive way of the house.
And he didn't look to happy. Once on the porch, he looked at Irma and Cassidy before opening the front door.
"Something wrong, dad?", Irma asked her father.
"Inside. Both of you. Now!", Tom said as he held the door open for them to go inside.
Once onside the house, Tom closed and locked the door before taking a seat in his recliner chair and breathing a tiring sigh. Anna Lair, who was sitting on the couch reading the newspaper noticed this while their son, Chris, was playing his portable video game.
"Something wrong, Dear?", Anna asked her husband as Irma and Cassidy sat on the couch with her. "What happened at the station?"
"I was called down there to talk to an Agent Miles of the FBI.", he said causing the three women to gasp in surprise.
"What did he have to say?", Anna asked.
"That he knows about us seeing that Drakar guy about Irma.", Tom began to explain. "And that it would be in our 'best' interest to let Irma go with them instead of Drakar."
"But how do they know that Irma is a Mutant?", Anna questioned.
"Maybe they have spies lurking around, like in the movies.", Chris said while still playing his game.
"Good guess, Chris.", Cassidy said.
"But how did they find out about me?", Irma asked.
"Irma. Is your power the ability to freeze things?", Tom asked his daughter.
"H-H-How... How did you know that?!", Irma asked in surprise.
"Because Agent Miles showed me a video of you using your powers to freeze some water in Heatherfield Lake on his iPad.", Tom said scaring Irma.
"You have ice powers?", Cassidy asked Irma.
"Cool!", Chris said. "I want ice powers, too!"
"I didn't mean to get caught!", Irma said. "I just wanted to see what I could do! So I went to Heatherfield Lake, in Heatherfield Forest. I figured that no one would see me use my powers!"
"It's okay, Irma.", Tom said. "I'm not mad. But I am worried about what the agent said."
"What did he tell you, Uncle Tom?", Cassidy asked.
"That I had forty-eight hours to think about working with them before they got a warrant and come to take Irma by force when he gave me his stupid business card.", Tom said. "But that's not going to happen! Irma, you're going with Cassidy to the institute."
"Don't I get a choice in this!?", Irma asked. "Maybe I want to go with the FBI!"
"Excuse me?", Cassidy questioned.
"Well... If they're willing to go this far to get me, maybe they think I'm special.", Irma said. "I could be a butt-kick super agent!"
"Is that what you think?", Tom questioned getting a nod from Irma. "Well, guess what? You're sixteen. Which means that you're underage and that you still have to do what we tell you, young lady! And guess what!? You will be going with your cousin!"
"What!?", Irma questioned.
"That's right! I want you to be safe, Irma! Not forced to be some kind of weapon by the government! Do I make myself clear!?", Tom said giving Irma a look that told her he meant business. "No go upstairs and pack a bag. From what Cassidy told me, you'll be leaving tomorrow."
"Tomorrow!?", Irma questioned.
"Sorry, Cuz.", Cassidy said. "But when Agent Miles told Uncle Tom that he had forty-eight hours to decide, he really meant thirty-six hours before they go into action."
"I figured as much.", Anna said. "Go pack your bag, Irma."
"But..."
"NOW!", Tom yelled making Irma jump a bit.
Mumbling to herself, Irma went upstairs to her room to pack her bag. But Irma saw her father throw Miles' business card in the small trash can that was next to his recliner chair. A small smile grew on Irma's face as a plan started to grow in her head. As for Tom, he picked up the phone to call Himerish and tell him that his reluctant daughter would be going with them to the Institute. Meanwhile, Orube had just arrived at Heatherfield Airport and found the X-Jet. She landed the mini-jet on the back of the X-Jet where it's magnetic locks clamped onto the mini-jet holding it in place. Once that was done, Orube got out if the mini-jet and got into the X-Jet to get some rest in one of the seats before she had to move out to pick up the others. Now in another part of Heatherfield, Tom Lair had just called Himerish to tell him that his daughter would be going with them to the Institute.
Whether she liked it or not.
"I see.", Himerish said with a grin. "Well, we'll try and make your daughter feel as welcomed as possible, Mr. Lair."
"Thank you, Dr. Drakar.", Tom said. "So where should we meet you tomorrow?"
"How about at the Silver Dragon around the same time we met today.", Himerish said.
"That works for me.", Tom said. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"I'm looking forward to it. Good day, Mr. Lair.", Himerish said before they hung up their phones. "Well, that's all three of them. Now all I can do is wait.", he said as he left to get something to eat.
Later that night, after having a good meal, the Lair family said their goodnight to each other before hitting the sack. Well, all but one. Waiting until midnight, when everyone was sleeping, Irma got up from bed and quickly but quietly got dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a black t-shirt and white sneakers. Once dressed, she reached into her dresser and pulled out Agent Miles' business card that she snuck out of the trash when her father had her take it out. Irma then took her cell phone and dialed Agent Miles' cell phone number that was on the card.
"This is Agent Miles.", Miles said as he answered his cell phone. "Who is this?"
"Hello? Agent Miles? This is Irma Lair. Tom Lair's daughter.", Irma whispered on the phone. "Ummmm... You talked to my dad today at the police station."
"Yes. Yes, I did.", Miles said. "How did you get my number, young lady?"
"Well... My dad threw your card in the trash.", Irma explained. "But I nabbed it when he had me throw the trash out."
"Clever girl.", Miles said with a smile. "You would make a good agent. That is if you were to join us that is."
"Really?!", Irma questioned getting a bit excited.
"Of course.", Miles said. "But of course you'd need you parents permission."
"Aw, man!", Irma whined.
"Of course, if you were to somehow meet me somewhere that your parents didn't know about, then you could possibly come with me.", Agent Miles said.
"So is it true that you know about me being... you know... a Mutant?", Irma asked.
"Ms. Lair, it's our job to know.", Miles said. "I know that you were told some things about us by one Himerish Drakar."
"He told me that you take Mutants and train them to become living weapons.", Irma said.
"I wouldn't say living weapons.", Mile said. "We simply help Mutants learn to control their powers and then train them to become special agents for the government. We at the government get a bad rap."
"I knew it!", Irma said. "I knew that the Drakar was some sort of bald quack! I don't care what my parents say! I'm not joining my cousin at that institute."
"Your cousin?", Miles questioned.
"Cassidy Chacon. She's been trying to talk me into going to the Institute that Dr. Drakar runs.", Irma explained.
"I see.", Miles said. "To bad she won't come with you. Oh well. No use crying over spilled milk. Now where should we meet for you pick up, Ms. Lair?"
"Ummmmm... We can meet at Shell Beach.", Irma suggested. "It's on the outskirts of town."
"Very well then.", Miles said. "But I need you to go there now and wait until tomorrow. I need time to get a warrant to take you from Heatherfield. That way, your parents can't stop you from coming with me. Can you do that?"
"No sweat!", Irma with a smile. "I'll head there ASAP, Sir."
"Good girl.", Miles said. "I'll see you tomorrow, soon to be agent-in-training.", he said making Irma smile a beaming smile before they hung up their phones.
Irma then went to her closet and took out a tin box that had a lock and unlocked it with a key she had with a thing of keys. Once she opened the box, she looked at a thing of money she had in it and took the money out of it and put some in her wallet and the rest she rolled up and put in a small side pouch in her suitcase, that she had packed. She then grabbed a family picture, she had on her dresser and put it in her suitcase before zipping it up. She then opened her window and dropped her suitcase out of it and formed an ice pole that she slid down to the ground with. She then grabbed her suitcase and ran across her family's yard and onto the sidewalk. She then stopped and took one last look at the home where she grew up in.
"Goodbye guys.", she said as a lone tear ran down her face. "I'll make you all proud of me.", she said before making her way to Shell Beach.
Soon morning arrived and the Lairs were up and eating breakfast. Well, all but one.
"What's taking Irma so long?", Anna questioned as everyone else was sitting at the Dining Room table ready to eat breakfast.
"She's just being upset about what happened yesterday.", Tom said. "Let's just eat our breakfast and leave Irma a plate of food to heat up.", he said. "She's does this whenever we ground her."
"I guess you're right.", Anna said.
So after saying grace, they ate their food hoping Irma would come to her senses. But Irma wouldn't be coming down to eat. For she was waiting for Agent Miles to come pick her up. Right now, she was eating one of two breakfast burritos that she had bought with her money at a local fast food restaurant. It wasn't like her mother's home cooking, but right now it would have to do. She was sitting in a cave that was at the beach to keep hidden from her family if they came looking for her.
'I can't wait to go with Agent Miles and train to become a secret agent!', Irma thought to herself with a smile as she was chewing her food. 'Secret Agent Irma Lair. Wow! That sounds so cool!', she thought with glee. 'Let Cassidy have her stupid little institute. I'm going to fight for my country and show that not all Mutants are bad!'
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Sesamo, the Cook family along with Nerissa were standing out in a field waiting for the ride that would come and take Taranee with Peter and Nerissa. They would of had more time to spend together, but Nerissa got a phone call from Himerish Drakar about the FBI being in Heatherfield and that they had to move up the pick up time. Understanding the importance of time, Nerissa had to break the news to the Cooks who sadly understood yet wished to have more time with their daughter and son. But with so much at stake, they didn't want to risk losing their daughter to the government if they were to send an agent to their house. So with heavy and sad hearts, Lione and Theresa Cook had to say farewell to their daughter, Taranee, just like they had to do with their son, Peter, a few years ago.
"Oh, Taranee!", Theresa cried as she held her daughter close. "I'm going to miss you so much!"
"I'm going to miss you, too, mom.", Taranee said as she hugged her mother. "But I'll be okay."
"I know. I know.", Theresa said as they ended their hug. "You have a good head on your shoulders.", she said making Taranee smile. "Know that me and your father love you and your brother very much."
"I love you, too, mom.", Taranee cried as she and her mother shared one last hug.
"Take care of your sister, son.", Lione said to Peter as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, dad. I'll keep her safe.", Peter said. "And who knows, she may end up saving my butt a time or two.", he laughed making his father laugh.
"With you two, you never know.", Lione said before hugging his son. "Stay safe, son. Know that I'm proud of you. I love you, son."
"I love you too, dad.", Peter said returning the hug.
Once they ended their hug, Peter went to say farewell to his mother while Taranee went to say farewell to her father. Watching this was Nerissa who couldn't help but smile while shedding a tear or two at the touching moment. She then began to think back to when...
'No!' she thought to herself while shaking her head. 'Now isn't the time to be thinking about that. The important thing is to safely get Taranee to the Institute.', she thought to herself as she watched the Cook children say farewell to their parents.
"Look at you. Sixteen and already leaving home.", Lione said to Taranee as he ruffled his daughter's head a little making Taranee smile a bit. "What you're doing is very brave, Taranee. Always know that your mother and I will always love you. And that you have a home to come back to."
"Thanks, dad!", Taranee said as she and her father shared a loving hug. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Taranee.", Lione said as they continued to hug each other.
"I know that you took a great risk in coming back here for your sister, Peter.", Theresa said. "I only wish that neither of you had to leave in the first place.", she said as some more tears began to run down her face.
"I know, mom.", Peter said knowing this was hurting his mother. "But you know what? You and dad were brave for letting me go to the Institute. And now you're showing the same courage in letting Taranee come with me, too. And your courage give the both of us courage to do what we have to do to gain control of our powers. Thank you for that."
No words were said when mother and son shared a loving hug.
"Take care, Peter. I love you.", Theresa said to her son.
"I love you, too, mom.", Peter said to his mother.
After their hug, the Cook family shared one family group hug with all the love they had for each other. As they wee doing this, a loud sound caught their attention causing them to end their hug.
"What is that!?", Theresa questioned.
"Our ride.", Peter said looking up at the sky.
"Our ride?", Taranee questioned as she looked up at the sky along with everybody else.
It was then that they all saw the X-Jet coming towards them. Once it was close enough, it landed in the field at a distance from them. Nerissa then had everyone follow her to the jet as the back hatch opened to show Orube walking out from the jet.
"How's it going, Nerissa? Peter.", Orube said with a smirk.
"Himerish said you'd be picking us up.", Nerissa said. "Any idea how bad things are?"
"Not a clue.", Orube said. "All I know is that we need to get to Fadden Hills and then to Heatherfield fast!"
"Then let's get going.", Nerissa said as she was about to board the X-Jet when Theresa stopped her.
"Thank you for doing this for our daughter.", Theresa said with a kind yet sad smile. "You've done so much for our son. I know that you'll do the same for our daughter."
"She will be safe.", Nerissa said returning the smile. "You have nothing to worry about."
"You ready, Taranee?", Peter asked his sister.
"I... I guess so.", Taranee said feeling a bit nervous. "I'm just a bit nervous."
"So was I when I had to leave years ago.", Peter said. "But it all begins with one step.", he said as he took his suitcase along with Taranee's suitcase and boarded the X-Jet with Nerissa.
Not wanting to say farewell, but knew she had to, Taranee went and gave her parents one last hug knowing it was going to be a while before she would see them again.
"Hey, kid!? Not to rush you or anything, but we have to go.", Orube said. "There are others that need picking up."
Taranee then got on the X-Jet knowing that her life would be changed forever. Orube then gave Lione and Theresa a nod, that they returned, before boarding the X-Jet. Once on board, she closed the hatch and got to one of the pilot's seat while Nerissa was in the other.
"Everyone strapped in?", Orube asked as she began to flip some switches.
"Yeah.", Peter said as he and Taranee were in their seats and strapped in for the ride.
"Good.", Orube said. "Here we go!", she said as she had the X-Jet rise into the air.
Watching the X-Jet rise into the air from a distance were Theresa and Lione Cook. Both parents shed their tears as they watched the X-Jet fly off.
"They'll be okay, Theresa.", Lione said as he had an arm wrapped around his wife's shoulder.
"I know.", Theresa said as she rested her head on her husband's shoulder. "I just wish that they didn't have to go through this/
"I know, dear.", Lione said. "I know.", he said as they both watched the X-Jet fly off until it was out of sight.
Once they could no longer see it, they got in their car and drove back home praying for both of their children to be safe. Now on the X-Jet, Taranee was still getting over how fast the X-Jet was going. She was scared and yet she was marveled at the same time. She then looked at her brother and saw how calm he was. Peter then looked at Taranee and saw how freaked out she was.
"Don't worry, Sis. It'll be okay.", Peter said.
"Does it have to go so fast?", Taranee asked.
"Sorry. But we need to pick up some more friends and student that are going to the Institute as well.", Peter explained. "Just give it time. You'll get use to it."
"I hope so.", Taranee said as the X-Jet flew through the air at great speeds.
Meanwhile, outside of Fadden Hills, Susan and Will was standing near a forest with John and Angelo waiting for the X-Jet to come and pick up the Vanders and Will who had a suitcase packed a ready to go. But right now, Susan was saying farewell to her daughter.
"I'll miss you, Sweetie!", Susan said as she hugged her daughter. "But I know that you'll be in good hands with John and Angelo."
"I'll miss you, too, mom!", Will said as she returned the hug. "I'll write you once a week to let you know how I'm doing."
"And I'll write you back.", Susan said as they continued to hug. "I love you, Will!", she cried as she held her daughter close.
"I love you, too, mom!", Will said as she held onto her mother.
Once they ended their hug, Will an Susan smiled at each other know that things were going to be okay. Susan then walked up to John to say farewell.
"Thank you for doing this.", Susan said to John with a smile. "It means a lot to both me and Will.", she said.
"Hey. You two are family.", John said. "We may not be related, but you're still family. And you help family.", he said before they shared a hug.
"Thank you, John.", Susan said.
"No problem, Susan.", John said as they ended their hug smiling at each other.
"So how big is the pool at the Institute?", Will asked Angelo.
"It's pretty big.", Angelo said. "It even has a low diving board and high diving board."
"Sweet!", Will said. "Uh-oh! Don't look now but I think my mom wants to say goodbye.", she said with a grin.
"Aw, nuts!", Angelo said as he turned to see Susan looking at him with some tears running down her face. "Aw, don't cry Aunt Susan. It'll be okay. We'll take care of Will and keep her safe."
"I know.", Susan said as she hugged Angelo. "I just want you two to be careful.", she said.
"Don't worry. We will.", Angelo said returning the hug.
Once they ended their hug, Susan wiped her eyes and smiled trying to be brave for her daughter who smiled back at her. It was then that from out of no where Jecht landed among them with a smirk on his face.
"What the... Jecht!?", John questioned as the one in questioned scooped Will up in his arms.
"Hey!", Will shouted as she tried to fight off Jecht.
"We go now!", Jecht said as he hopped off.
"Will!", Susan cried fearing for her daughter.
"Why that little... COME BACK HERE!", Angelo demanded as he ran after them.
"Stay here, Susan!", John said. "We'll get Will back!", he said as he began to run after them as well only for Dash and another Mutant to get in his way. "Dash and Lazer! Why am I not surprised!?"
Lazer was five years older than Dash and had red hair with green eyes. He was dressed in a pair of black jeans with black leather boots and a white tank-top and a brown leather jacket and black finger-less gloves.
"What's up, Vanders?", Lazer asked with a smirk. "Let's play!", he said before he fired a energy blast from his fist sending John flying backwards.
"John!", Susan cried as she watched John fly backwards and land on the ground next to her red car.
"Staty out of this, lady!", Lazer said to Susan. "Once we're done with him and his nephew, we'll be taking your daughter!"
"No!", Susan yelled as she glared at Lazer. "I won't let you take my daughter!"
"Try and stop us?", Dash said. "I'll go help Jecht.", he said before running away at super-speed.
"Good.", Lazer said as he cracked his knuckles as his hands glowed with energy as he walked towards John. "That's leaves the old man and me alone to duke it out."
Suddenly, Susan jumped on Lazer's back trying to stop him.
"Stay away from him!", Susan demanded before Lazer flipped Susan off of her and onto the ground.
"I normally don't fight women.", Lazer said as he raised his fist. "But you're starting to really tick me off, lady!"
Suddenly, Lazer got hit by a red metal fist sending him flying backwards and falling to the ground. Susan looked up to see John coated in what looked like red metal.
"J-John?", Susan questioned as he helped her up. "W-What happened to you?"
"This is one my powers, Susan.", John said. "I can coat myself in a type of armour depending on what type of solid I touches. Like the metal of your car."
"I see.", Susan said as Lazer got to his feet. "Uh-oh! Looks like you didn't hit him hard enough."
"Looks like.", John said. "Go get in your car, Susan. And don't get out until I tell you to."
"Okay.", Susan said as she headed for her car. "Good luck.", she said as she got in her car.
"You'll pay for that, Vanders!", Lazer snapped as his fist glowed with energy.
"Do you take cash, check, or credit card?", John joked as he charged at Lazer.
Meanwhile, Angelo was running after Jecht when suddenly, Dash ran up behind him and knocked him down.
"And where do you think you're going?", Dash questioned with a smirk.
"You're here, too, huh?", Angelo questioned as he got to his feet. "Why am I not surprised?"
"You shouldn't be.", Dash said as he ran at Angelo and punched him yet didn't knock him down. "You may be strong, Vadners, but you'll go down sooner or later!", he said as he ran at him and hit him again.
"Don't think so!", Angelo said as he formed a force field around himself just as Dash ran at him again only to get knocked back and against a tree falling to the ground. "Later!", Angelo said as he dropped the force field and used his strength to jump far in hopes of catching up with Will and Jecht. "I'm coming, Will!"
As for Will, she was doing her best to fight her way out of Jecht's grip.
"Let me go you creep!", Will demanded.
"I'm not a creep, little lady.", Jecht said as he hopped from tree to tree. "I'm your friend. And so are the other mutants I work with. We're fighting for a world in which we rule and the Humans bow down to us. Don't you want to be in a world in which you don't have to worry about being hunted down and possibly killed?"
"Yeah! But your kind of world involves hurting innocent people!", Will yelled as electricity began to crackle around her. "And I want no part of that!", she yelled when a burst of electricity shot out from around her electrocuting Jecht who fell to the ground letting Will go.
"Aaaaah!", Jecht cried as he blacked out.
Not taking any chances, Will ran back to where her mom, John, and Angelo were only to have Angelo land a few feet in front of her.
"Will!", Angelo said as he ran up to a surprised Will.
"Angelo!?", Will questioned. "How were you able to do that?"
"It's one of my powers.", Angelo said as he scooped Will up in his arms. "Hang on!", he said as he turned around and began to jump back towards where Susan and his uncle were.
"Whoooooa!", Will screamed as she held on to Angela.
As for John, he and Lazer were still fighting each other. A good amount of the metal coating was broken off of John but he was still giving Lazer a good beating due to him having superhuman strength. But John was holding back seeing as he didn't want to hut the boy to badly.
"Give up, Lazer! You won't win!", John said as he saw how he was beating Lazer.
"Fat chance, Vanders!", Lazer snapped. "You may be strong but I still have enough fire power to take you down!", he said as he fired an energy blast from his hands.
Bracing himself, John took the hit which broke off the rest of his coating but he was able to run at Lazer and knock him out with a hard right.
"Told you to give up, kid.", John said when Angelo landed in front of him with Will in his arms. "Welcome back."
"Glad to be back.", Angelo said as he set Will down to her feet. "Lazer too, huh?"
"Yep.", John said as Susan got out of her car and ran up to Will.
"I'm so glad you're safe!", Susan said as she hugged Will.
"I'm okay mom.", Will said returning the hug. "But I have to ask. Is stuff like that normal for you guys?"
"More or less.", Angelo said. "You learn more at the institute."
"Wait! You mean that you fight other Mutants?", Susan asked.
"Only those that cause trouble.", John said. "This guy and the other two are part of a group that believe that Mutants should rule over Humans. The man we stand by believes that Mutants and Humans can live together peacefully. So you can guess that there are some confrontations between us."
"Never a dull moment, huh?", Will asked.
"Not in our line of work.", Angelo said with a grin when the sound of the X-Jet caught their attention.
"What is that?!", Will asked.
"That would be our ride home.", John said as the X-Jet came into view.
"Oh my goodness!", Susan said as she saw the jet.
"Whoa!", Will said as the X-Jet hovered above them.
It was then that the back hatch of the jet slowly opened where Peter walked out onto the stairs of the hatch dressed in his uniform. He then jumped out from the hatch while his body burst into flames allowing him to fly. He then flew down to John and the others and landed while his fire went out showing that he was okay.
"We have to get going! Dr. Drakar needs us!", Peter said as he flamed up again and flew back up to the X-Jet.
"How does he...?", Susan began to ask.
"He has the power to create flames and use them in many ways.", John said as he picked up Will's suitcase. "Flying being one of them. Once we're gone get in your car and head back home."
"Okay.", Susan said with a nod.
"Time to go!", John said as he used his strength to jump up to the X-Jet and landed right on the stairs of the hatch.
"I love you mom!", Will said as she hugged her mother on last time.
"I love you too, Will!", Susan said returning the hug. "Be safe."
"I will!", Will said as they ended their hug.
"Ready?", Angelo asked.
"Let's go!", Will said with a nervous smile before Angelo scooped her up in his arms. "Whoa!"
"Hold on tight!", Angelo said before he jumped up to the X-Jet with a screaming Will who was holding onto Angelo who landed on the hatch. "It's okay, Will. We made it."
"Not letting go until we're safely inside.", Will said as she held onto Angelo with her eyes closed.
"Fair enough.", Angelo said as he walked inside of the X-Jet.
Once further inside, John pressed a button next to the hatch causing it to close.
"Okay, Will. You're safe now.", John said with a grin.
Will slowly opened her eyes and saw that she was further inside the X-Jet and let Angelo go as he set her on her feet.
"Feel better?", Angelo asked with a grin.
"Much.", Will said as she took a seat across from Taranee. "Hi! I'm Will. Will Vandom."
"Taranee Cook.", Taranee said with a shy smile. "So what can you do?"
"Electricity. I think.", Will said. "At least that's what I think it is. What about you?"
"Fire.", Taranee said. "I can only do so much, but I think it'll grow in time."
"So what's going on?", John asked Nerissa and Orube.
"No clue.", Orube said. "All I know is that Dr. Drakar needs us in Hetherfield ASAP!"
"Is everyone okay?", Peter asked.
"Don't know.", Orube said. "We'll find out soon enough."
"Then punch it!", John said as those that weren't in their seats got in them. "The sooner we're there the better."
"Punching it!", Orube said as the X-Jet took off..
Watching the jet leave was Susan Vandom who was praying for her daughter's safety.
"Good luck, Will.", Susan said as she watched the X-Jet get smaller and smaller as it got further and further away.
Once the jet was out of sight, Susan got in her car and headed for home leaving Lazer lying in the dirt. But he soon came to and got to his feet.
"Crap! I thought I had him!", Lazer said just as Dash and Jecht showed up.
"Let me guess. Vanders beat you.", Dash said.
"Yeah.", Lazer said. "I'm tired of getting beat by those X-Punks! One of these days, we're going to beat them and beat them good!"
"But for now, let's head back to base.", Dash said.
"What about the girl's mother?", Lazer asked.
"What about her?", Dash asked. "Boss man said to get the girl. Nothing more."
"But we can use her to force the girl to come with us.", Lazer said.
"We don't need the Feds coming after us for kidnapping a Human.", Jecht said.
"Jecht is right. We don't need that kind of problem.", Dash said. "Let's head back. Now!", he said as they headed for their mode of transportation.
'You and Rebel won't be leading forever, Dash! One day, I'll be calling the shots!', Lazer thought to himself as he followed behind Dash and Jecht. 'Count on it!'
Now in Heatherfield, we have Cassidy walking up to Irma's room hoping that she would come out.
"Come on, Irma!", Cassidy said as she knocked on her cousin's door. "Don't be like this. Please come out.", she asked to which she heard no sound of movement from within the room.
'Okay. Something is up.', Cassidy thought to herself before she used her telepathy to see if Irma was awake only to find that she wasn't in there. 'What the?!', she thoguht as she used her telekinesis to open the door.
"She's gone!", Cassidy said as she looked into the room. "Uncle Tom! Aunt Anna! Irma's gone!", she shouted as she ran down the stairs.
"What?!", Anna asked.
"Irma's gone!", Cassidy said.
"When did she leave?!", Tom asked.
"It had to of been last night!", Cassidy said. "But where did she go?"
"She could be anywhere right now!", Anna said worried about her daughter.
"I saw that she was acting weird last night.", Cassidy said. "I would of read her mind but it wouldn't of been right to do that."
"This isn't your fault, Cassidy.", Tom said. "This is Irma being stubborn. Why I would be surprised if she went looking for that Aganet Miles guy!"
"How would she reach him?", Cassidy asked. "She'd need his card to get his number."
"Card?", Chris asked. "Uh-oh!"
"What is it, son?", Tom asked. "Whatever it is may help us find your sister.
"Well... after Irma took out the trash, yesterday, I saw that she was sticking something small and white in her pocket.", Chris explained. "At first, I thought it was nothing, but it could of been the card that you threw in the trash, dad."
"Which Irma took and got Miles' number.", Cassidy figured. "That's not good."
"What do we do now?", Anna asked.
"I'll contact Dr. Drakar and then we go looking for Irma.", Cassidy said as she sat on the couch and closed her eyes as she began to telepathically contact Dr, Drakar.
'We have a problem Dr. Drakar.', Cassidy said as she contacted Himerish.
'What is it, Cassidy?', Himerish asked.
'Well my aunt and uncle want Irma to go with us, but I believe that my cousin has run away to join the FBI.', Cassidy explained.
'That is a problem.', Himerish said. 'Have you tried to search for her telepathically?'
'Not yet.', Cassidy said.
'Then let us search for her together before we have to meet up with the other families at the Silver Dragon.", Himerish said as they began to search for Irma telepathically.
Now in another part of Heatherfield, we have five teenagers who haven't been in Heatherfield in a long time for they have been with the one known as Magus working on their powers and abilities. For you see, these five teens are Mutants. Mutants that have been through some bad times when they were discovered as Mutants. That is until Magus came to them and offered them a place to live without being persecuted by people. A place to gain control of their powers. A place to call home. They accepted the offer and went with Magus. And in time they gained control of their powers and joined up with Magus and his crusade for a world where Mutants ruled. Which is why they are back in their hometown of Heatherfield. Magus has sent them there to collect Irma Lair, Hay Lin, and Cornelia Hale to add them to their ranks. Plus, this is a bit personal for them seeing as they know the three girls they are after. Normally they would be in the uniforms Magus gave them, but to blend in they are dressed in normal clothes.
The one leading the group is a 16-year-old boy with blue eyes and spiky orange hair with a medium build. His name is Uriah Dunn. His code name is Torch. Walking with him is another 16-year-old boy with blonde hair and blue eyes. His name is Kurt Van Buren. His code name is Shakedown. Another of the teens is a 16-year-old boy with brown hair and green eyes. His name is Laurent "Clubber" Hampton. His code name is Clubber. As for the other two teens, they were both sister who were brunettes with blue eyes one was 16 while the other was 15. They were Bess and Courtney Grumper. Bess' code name was Psyche, while Courtney's code name was Knockdown.
"I still can't believe that Hale is a Mutant!", Bess said with a smirk. "This is priceless! After how she and most of the school treated us when we were discovered as Mutants, it'll serves her right when we expose her as one of us."
"Don't forget about how Lair did us on the school radio show.", Uriah said. "That big mouth of her made our lives a nightmare!"
"Well soon the shoe will be on the other foot.", Kurt said with a smirk. "But I don't think it'll fit them so well once they get a taste of what happened to us."
"Got that right.", Clubber said. "Let's see how they like it when they get rotten fruit and trash thrown at them!"
"I so look forward to them begging us to take them away with us.", Courtney said with a smirk.
"Of course we'll have to offer them a place to go to that's safe first.", Uriah said.
"But those X-Men, Magus warned us about, may show up.", Bess replied.
"Let those X-Dorks show up!", Uriah said. "We'll kick their butts and send them packing!"
"Let's try and find Lair, Lin, and Hale before those X-Men do.", Kurt said as they headed for the Silver Dragon knowing that was where they'd find Hay Lin.
'Soon we'll have some new members of the Brotherhood!', Uriah thought to himself with a smirk.
Now walking into the Silver Dragon was Tom Lair along with Anna, Chris, and Cassidy. After doing a telepathic scan of the city, Cassidy and Himerish found that Irma was now on Shell Beach hiding in a cave waiting for Agent Miles to show up and take her away. But Himerish had a way of fixing that for the Lairs who want Irma to go with Cassidy. Once in the restaurant, they saw that Himerish was there waiting for them along with the Lins and Hales.
"Hello friends.", Himerish said. "I take it that Cassidy told you about Irma and where she is."
"Yeah. And I still find the whole telepathy think a bit weird.", Tom said. "But then again, a lot of weird has been going on in the last few days."
"I totally understand.", Himerish said as he handed Tom a thing of papers. "Now once you sign these papers, Irma will become a student of our school and cannot be taken away unless you say so."
"It's all legit, Tom.", Harold said. "Liz and I already sign ours."
"So have we.", Chen said referring to him and his wife, Joan.
"And so will we.", Tom said as Himerish handed him a pen that he and Anna used to sign the papers.
"There. It's done.", Anna said as she signed the paper. "So what happens now?"
"Now we go pick up Irma and head for the school before it's to late.", Himerish said before turning to the Hales and Lins. "I know that you wish to say your goodbyes to your daughters properly..."
"But you have to get going.", Harold said understanding what was going on.
All Cornelia and Hay Lin could do was give their families a quick hug before they got in the SUV Himerish had and drove to Shell Beach. But what they didn't know was that Uraih and his group overheard them as they walked out of the Silver Dragon. Once they saw Himerish drive off with the four teens, they stole a mini-van and headed for Shell Beach.
"To think Lair wants to go with the Feds!", Bess said. "Is she mental or what?!"
"Who knows and who cares?!", Kurt asked. "The important thing is that we get to her and do it fast."
"Then let's punch it!", Uriah said as he began to speed up.
Now in the SUV Himerish was driving...
"So let me get this straight. Irma is at Shell Beach waiting for that Miles guy to come and take her away with him.", Cornelia said after Cassidy explained everything to her, Hay and Yan Lin.
"Pretty much.", Cassidy said.
"Why would she do that?", Hay Lin asked.
"She somehow thinks that she can be a great secret agent.", Cassidy explained.
"Of course she does.", Hay Lin said as she slapped her forehead.
"Well let's hope we can get to her in time.", Cornelia said.
"That is the plan, Ms. Hale.", Himerish as he began to pick up the speed.
As for Irma she was waiting outside the cave she was hiding in hoping Agent Miles would show up fearing that her cousin may find her. All she could do was wait and worry hoping that Agent Miles would show up.
"What's taking him so long?!", Irma said as she paced back and forth in front of the cave. "He should of been here by now! What if my folks finds me?! I'll be so done for!", she said when a black hummer along with four SUVs pulled up. "What the heck?!"
Out of the Hummer stepped Agent Miles and another agent that was female while out of the SUVs came men and women dressed in riot gear who stood behind Agent Miles and the other agent.
"Hello, Ms. Lair.", Agent Miles said with a smile.
"Ummmm... hi.", Irma said getting scared.
"I apologize for my friends, behind me.", Agent Miles said. "But when it comes to Dr. Drakar, my bosses wanted me to be prepared.", he said. "Now the woman next to me is Agent Tompkins."
"Hello, Ms. Lair.", Agent Tompkins said. "I'd like to thank you for coming with us of your own free will. I wish there were more like you. Maybe you can be an example to others in showing Mutants that we only wish to help them."
"You mean like a spokes person?", Irma asked.
"In a way, yes.", Agent Miles said. "But of course, you will have to learn to control your powers first."
"Then let's go!", Irma said as she grabbed her suitcase ready to go.
"Looks like we got another one.", Miles whispered to Tompkins when another black SUV pulled up and out of it stepped Himerish, Cassidy, and Yan Lin.
"Looks like you spoke to soon!", Tompkins said ready to reach for her gun.
'No! Not now!', Irma thought to herself.
"Stay here, girls.", Himerish told Cornelia and Hay Lin who nodded.
"What are you doing here?!", Irma asked her cousin.
"Funny. I was going to ask you the same thing.", Cassidy said. "You know what your parents said. They want you to come to the Institute."
"Well I'm going with Agent Miles!", Irma proclaimed. "And you can't stop me!"
"Actually, I can.", Cassidy said. "You see, Irma, Uncle Tom and Aunt Anna signed a form making you an official student of the Institute unless they say other wise."
"They... They can't do that!", Irma said.
"Yes they can.", Yan Lin said. "They are your parents after all. And you are a minor. So you will be coming with us."
At first, Irma said nothing as she stood there letting her suitcase fall to the ground. She was so close to being a secret agent only for it to slip away because of her parents.
"It's not fair.", Irma said. "First I become a Mutant hiding my powers from my family and friends knowing that when they find out I'll be treated like a freak, fearing what this town will do to me. And then, when I get the chance to go and do what I want, you come and take it from me!", she snapped as she glared at Himerish. "Well I don't care what my parents want! I'm taking charge of my life from now on! And I'm going with the FBI!"
"I'm sorry, Irma, but your parents made it perfectly clear about what they want.", Himerish said. "You are to come with us. No questions asked."
"You'll have to make me!", Irma snapped.
"Don't do this, cuz!", Cassidy warned. "You will not like the outcome."
"I hate to interrupt this, but I came here to collect a Mutant.", Agent Miles said. "And by the looks of it, I just may get me more than one."
"You shall fail today, Agent Miles.", Himerish said.
"We'll see, Dr. Drakar.", Tompkins said.
"Well this just got interesting."
Everyone looked to see Uriah and his team standing on top of Shell Cave.
"Dunn?!", Irma asked surprised to see him there.
"How's it going Lair?", Uriah asked with a smirk. "Did you miss us?"
A/N: Looks like things are about to get ugly! X-Men vs Brotherhood vs the FBI! Who will Irma be going with?! Read on to find out!