Chapter 9

-Division X: Part 2-

They arrived at Division X, a large complex of square and glass. It looked quite ominous, really, if one stumbled upon it and did not know what the complex represented. The only thing that made Division X the slightest bit welcoming were the sleek hedges out front. But even that looked calculated and precise.

Elsa plucked disappointedly at her wrap around coat. All the models seemed to pull it off effortlessly, pretty and poised no matter what angle. She had pinned her hair and actually made an effort to wash her face. She knew she was meeting others; she had tried to make herself presentable. Emphasis on the word 'tried'.

Elsa felt a hand clasp her shoulder.

"This way," smiled Charles.

Elsa stared with curiosity. She had never entered a government facility. She had always expected dark, grey hues and large steel structures. She wasn't proven otherwise.

As they traversed through the various corridors and hallways, all Elsa saw were grey, almost white walls. Barren and deprived of colour and change. Everything in this facility was purely there for function. Nothing frilly and distracting; straight forward and to the point.

No distractions.

The trio came to a pair of great double doors. It supported two frosted glass panels, making it impossible to see through them.

"Charles!"

Charles, Erik and Elsa turned around. A woman was standing not far from them, several metres away. Her sleek auburn hair fell to her shoulders and her pretty face was clear from rogue pieces of hair and excessive make up. But that was where her femineity ended. She was clad in a formal suit jacket and skirt, black stockings and a cream waistcoat. She probably worked in the CIA, hence the masculine taste of her clothing.

She waved to Charles and beckoned him over.

"Uh, excuse me a moment," muttered Charles, before running over to the woman.

Elsa was left with Erik, feeling more and more belittled by the second. Erik stood tall and composed, unfazed by anything, completely in his own.

She bit her lip, unsure as to whether what she was about to ask was appropriate or not.

"You survived the Holocaust?"

Erik chuckled bitterly. "Is that a question or a statement?"

"Both,"

"Yes I did," he sighed, "I saw humanity at its worst I'm afraid."

"I think I can relate," Elsa said quietly.

"I doubt you were old enough to remember,"

"You needn't have survived genocide to know that Man is cruel."

Erik looked at Elsa, quietly intrigued. She seemed knowledgeable, for someone so young. There was a lot Charles knew about her, information he had not, or rather, would not disclose to Erik. At least not yet.

"You're German," Elsa said suddenly.

"You really need to sort your questions from your statements," replied Erik coolly, offering a small smile.

"That was a statement,"

"What gave me away? The name? Or did you simply read me?" asked Erik.

"It was a combination. That's two things we have in common," She held up two fingers and wiggled them a bit. For some reason, she wanted his approval. And for some reason, no matter how pathetic she felt for it, she felt safe around him. Perhaps it was his height, his cool disdain or a combination all of those things. What she wanted to make sure of was that she didn't feel like a fart cloud to him; constantly trailing behind.

Erik shook his head and though he had looked away, Elsa had seen his smile. Elsa turned as Charles trotted back.

Charles clasped his hands together and chuckled. "Sorry about that. Come, we'll introduce you to the others."

With a single push, the double doors swung open.

Elsa was pleasantly surprised. A pin ball machine in one corner, a record player in the other. A smart, red fridge with a small dining table in the middle. It was most unlike the rest of the division. For an amusing moment, Elsa was reminded of the dentists' office. The waiting room was always decked with story books, toys and games, as a distraction to the fearful children who would soon sit in the dentist's high chair. Fatten them up and then eat them.

Elsa tugged at her clothes, feeling sweat collecting on her palms. She spotted six individuals seated in the sitting area in front of a large, rectangular glass panel; two females, four males.

So these must be the other 'exceptional young people'.

They were laughing and chatting amiably, clearing already acquainted.

Erik cleared his throat and instantly the noise died down. "Everyone?"

The youths turned in their seats.

"Charles, you're back," smiled one of the girls, pretty and blonde. She snapped her fingers and smiled at the others. "Damn! We were thinking of having some fun today!"

"Thank you, Raven. I feel so appreciated." Charles chuckled, "Now, this is Elsa. Our last recruit. Your new team-mate. Please make her feel welcome,"

Charles gave her a final smile and Erik a final pat on the back.

Elsa felt like screaming 'don't leave me! hold my hand!' as Charles and Erik left. She turned back to her new group and instantly she was reminded of her first day at Preston Academy. Stripped bare and exposed for the whole world to see.

"Hello," said Elsa quietly.

"Hello," they all replied uniformly. A couple of them broke into giggles. Namely the red haired boy on the single seat and the tiny girl with the dark hair.

"Well don't just stand there, sit!" said the girl named Raven. She pointed a seat nearest to the glass panel, a single lone swivel chair. "There,"

Elsa sat down, embarrassed at the squishing noise the chair made as she sat upon it. An awkward silence passed between them and so Elsa took the opportunity to study her new comrades. Besides 'Raven' was a young man. He wore glasses that reminded Elsa of Irene, the apparatus complementing his checker shirt and sky blue cardigan. Elsa didn't like to stereotype but he seemed the quiet, shy type. Easily embarrassed and easily frightened. Directly across him was a dark skinned, kindly looking boy, with muscles that bludged against his long sleeved polo. Beside him sat a pretty young woman, small and dainty with dark hair. It was a bit of transition, in comparison to the red headed boy who sat near her. He caught Elsa's eye and gave her a wink, prompting Elsa to shift her gaze to the last person in the room.

Blonde and built, clad in a leather jacket and jeans, the boy looked the type who hung around in groups and shouted at a lone girl from across the street. And when the girl tried to ignore the oh-so-original catcalls, they'd laugh and snort like mules, jostling each other. He seemed uncomfortable, clutching his Coke-a-Cola bottle as he swung a little in his seat. He avoided her gaze; apparently his feet were far more interesting than the new comer. Elsa couldn't her believe her moronic thoughts but she had to admit it…she was more than a little attracted to this blonde boy. And it was this initial attraction that caused Elsa to read him.

'Yeah. Yeah, she's pretty. Seven. I'll give her a seven. Maybe a six point fiv...s...se…seven. Six point seven. She sort of looks like Bambi.'

Elsa was mortified.

'He thinks I look like a talking deer,' Elsa thought to herself.

"So what's your full name?" asked the tiny dark haired girl, smiling sincerely.

Still reeling, Elsa muttered. "Elsa Müller,"

"You're a Brit," commented the red headed boy, chuckling to himself. He held his nose in the air and with a thick and very poor mock English accent proclaimed, "Tea darling?"

"Yes. I mean...y-yes to the first part, no thank you to the second." replied Elsa, a little sheepish.

"So what are you doing so far from home?" asked Raven, shaking her head at the red haired boy.

"It's complicated," Elsa muttered quietly. Raven gave a curt nod. She may not be a telepath, but she knew when to stop. Raven bit her lip before slapping her lap.

"Let's get the introductions into order," Raven smirked, "I'm Raven, in case you didn't hear,"

She gave Elsa a toothy grin Elsa liked Raven, though she had only known the girl for a mere three minutes. There was something sweet and kindly about the pretty blonde's face. Something deeper.

The bespectacled boy leaned in.

"Henry McCoy. Hank for short," he smiled, extending his hand. "How do you do?"

Elsa smiled and took his hand.

"Good thanks,"

The introductions rolled on.

"Armando Muñoz. But everyone calls me Darwin." said the dark skinned boy.

Following Darwin in quick succession, the dark haired girl spoke: "Angel Salvadore."

The red headed boy leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms out to both sides. "Sean 'the Almighty' Cassidy,"

The group giggled.

All that was left was the blonde boy. He seemed a little uncomfortable.

For a wild and inexcusable moment, Elsa thought the boy would say his name was 'Warren', but she shook her head. That was in the past.

"Alex," he muttered finally, offering Elsa a quick smile.

"I'm sorry, how old are you?" asked Angel, leaning forward, "It's just...you seem a lot younger."

" I'm eighteen," replied Elsa automatically.

"Looks like you're the baby of the group," chuckled Armando.

"So you all just met?" asked Elsa, attempting to seem sure of herself.

"Just yesterday," said Hank.

"And between yesterday and today, I've been thinking," said Raven, brimming with energy, "We should have secret code names. We're government agents now, we need codenames. I wanna be called Mystique,"

"Damn!" exclaimed Sean, "I wanted to be called Mystique,"

"Well tough, I called it,"

The group jumped back as a curious blue flitter of spikes travelled over Raven's body. It was followed by a strange rattling noise and now, instead of Raven, there sat a complete replica of Sean, accurate to every detail.

'Ah,' Elsa thought to herself, 'a shapeshifter.'

"And I am way more mysterious than you," said Raven, still in Sean form. Even his voice had been replicated.

With Sean particularly impressed, the group applauded Raven's talent. Elsa could feel her self-confidence slipping.

"How about you Darwin?" asked Raven.

"Well Darwin's already a nickname and you know, it sort of fits," said Darwin vaguely, "Adapting to survive and all. Check it," He got up from his seat and strolled over to the rectangular fish tank behind their seats. With a final smile, he dunked his head into the water.

Elsa nodded her head with amazement. Darwin had grown gills, complete and working gills. Adapt to survive.

Thoroughly enthralled, once again the group applauded.

"And what about you Sean?" asked Elsa attentively, eager to look like she was in her comfort zone. Sean leaned forward in his seat and placed his hands together.

"I'm going to be...Banshee,"

"Why do you want to be named after a wailing spirit?" asked Hank.

"You might wanna cover your ears," he pointed at Elsa, "And you might wanna get out of the way,"

Confused, Elsa got up from her seat and stood behind Raven and Hank. She placed her hands over her ears, as did the others.

A wide smile spread over his face as Sean got up from his seat. His lanky stature was evident as his arms swung round his body, slightly resembling a praying mantis. He leaned over the table between the two sofas and drew in a long breath. He held on for a bit, feeling cocky that he was keeping his friends in suspense.

The action was over within a blink of an eye. Sean released his breath, a sharp whistling noise followed and with no warning whatsoever, the glass panel shattered, sending tiny glittering nuggets of glass everywhere.

The group gasped and giggled; they were going to get in trouble for that one.

Elsa took back her seat, giving Sean a nod of approval.

"Your turn," Sean said to Angel, taking back his seat.

"Well, uh, my stage name, is Angel," laughed the girl, standing up as she took off her jacket. She turned her back to the group and lifted her arms at the sides. Slowly, the tattoos on her arms lifted off her body and became a two pair set of glittering, insect like wings. "Kinda fits," she said.

Elsa felt a little relieved. Someone like her.

"You can fly?" exclaimed Raven.

"Huh-uh. And, um," Angel turned to the now empty panel cavity. She drew in her breath and then spat. Elsa was about to recoil in disgust, spitting was a ghastly habit, but held her tongue as she realised the spit was actually a flamed ball. Elsa smirked as the ball landed smartly on the bald head of the statue outside, quietly roasting his head.

Smiling, Angel looked to Hank. "What about you?"

Hank looked disgusted with himself, turning his head away.

Alex, who up until this point had remained relatively silent, pipped up. "How 'bout 'Big-Foot'?"

"Well you know what they say about guys with feet," scorned Raven, much to Elsa's surprise. She looked down to Alex's feet and raised an eyebrow, "And, uh, yours are kind of small,"

The group broke into a fit of laughter, slowly quietened down by Darwin.

"Alright now,"

"What about Elsa?" asked Sean, chucking a chocolate peanut at her. Elsa caught it and placed it back onto the table.

Everyone but Elsa seemed to have come up with fitting names. All were appropriate and moulded to shape. And as she said it in her head, Elsa felt embarrassed.

"I think…Valkyrie," she said finally.

Alex chuckled condescendingly, clearly not learnt his lesson. "Valkyrie? Really?"

Elsa squinted her eyes, a flame of annoyance kindling within her. She was wrong for thinking this boy was like Warren. Warren was sweet and compliant, Alex seemed to be a loose cannon. Alex seemed be strong willed, but harsh. Feeling irritated, the words left Elsa's mouth before she could stop them. "Oh yes? And what should we call you; Super Dickhead?"

"Oh snap!" exclaimed Sean, snapping his fingers.

The group laughed and despite the insult, Alex threw up his hands and laughed along with everyone else.

"Come on, ignore him," giggled Angel.

Feeling like she had made a good impression, Elsa got up from her seat. She slipped over her jacket and placed it onto her seat. In a way, she felt like she was imitating Angel's showcase. But what else could she do?

She turned her back to them and within seconds her wings were out at her sides, spanning their full length. They flexed twice, causing a slight gale breeze as they did (completely involuntary on Elsa's part) before folding into a more comfortable position.

"Wow," muttered Darwin.

"Thank you," smiled Elsa, shameful that she was acting like a sponge of good praise.

Hank seemed particularly impressed. His mouth was hanging open slightly, his eyes wide. He got up from his seat and examined Elsa's wings.

"That's impossible," he began.

"N-no it's not," interjected Elsa, "Angel can do practically the same thing,"

"With all respect to Angel," said Hank absently, "I wouldn't say it's quite the same thing. Angel's wings are imbedded in her skin, from what I've seen. And they're light weight, again from what I've just seen. Yours...these are proper avian-like wings. With bone structure and possibly heavy bone density. And they aren't even imbedded in your skin. They came out from within your body. If it's alright with you, later...do you mind if I take some scans? I mean, even for a mutation...it's incredible to think that your body is able to hold these things with breaking. Who knows what your bone structure is like? It'd be great to get some tests done."

Elsa felt like she had just sat through half a year's worth of Biology lessons.

"Um, yeah, sure,"

Alex raised his bottle to Hank and clicked his tongue. "You sure know how to swoon the ladies Hank. You dirty little womanizer, you."

"It's fine," said Elsa, placing a hand on Hank's forearm, "I've always wanted to know myself."

After everyone had settled down, Darwin spoke; "Alex, what is your gift? What can you do?"

Alex scratched his ear, rearranging his sunny hair. "It's uh...I can't, I can't do it in here,"

"Well could you do it out there?" asked Darwin.

"Yeah, why don't you just do it out there?" said Raven.

"Come on!"

Within moments, the group broke into a chant. "Alex! Alex! Alex!"

Giving in, Alex finally got up, setting through the empty panel as he tucked himself into a corner.

"Get down when I tell you," he muttered.

"Get down when I tell you," mocked Sean.

The group followed, standing at the empty panel.

Alex stood in corner, diagonal to the still burning statue. He was twisting his fingers. "Get back,"

The group obeyed him, then immediately disobeyed. Alex appeared irritated.

"Get back," he scorned. When he realised his orders had fallen on deaf ears, he simply shook his head and muttered. "Whatever,"

Still twisting his hands, Alex began to move his body in a circular motion. He seemed to be building up something, Elsa supposed.

And she was right.

Red, flaming rings began to appear around him, circling before finally shooting out like missiles and wrapping themselves around the statue, cutting it neatly in half. The group broke into an uproar, laughing and applauding with Angel and Raven jumping up and down.

Elsa was thoroughly impressed. Now that, was something Warren could never do.

"We're going to get in so much trouble," commented Hank, his hands flatly by his sides, his eyes glazed over. Sean shook his head smiling, twirling a glass in his hand. For a moment, his concentration broke, his hand slipped and the glass fell to the ground and shattered. Right on Darwin's foot.

Sean's mouth formed a perfect 'o'. "I am so sorry-!"

Darwin looked up from his foot, much to Elsa's surprise, with a smirk on his face. He crossed his arms over his broad chest and raised his shoulders. He turned up his chin at Sean.

"Is that the best you've got?"


Elsa watched her comrades in amusement. Since Sean's accidental attack on Darwin, the entire group had proceeded to act half their ages. Angel had turned on the record player and now, the 'Hippy Hippy Shake' was blurring at an unacceptable volume. Raven was dancing upon the couch constantly inviting Elsa to join her (Elsa of course, constantly and vehemently refused), Angel fluttered her insect wings about the place, a plastic cup in her hand. Hank was swinging upside down from the dome like ceiling light with his unusual feet, this clearly being his first time of 'letting loose'. Alex and Sean had taken to attacking Darwin with whatever instrument they could find, with Darwin yelling things like "Harder!" and "You're not hitting hard enough!". He had formed a rock solid barrier over his upper half, making any impact from Alex or Sean completely harmless.

She knew they were going to cop a hiding, but really...they were only just kids. She was only a kid.

Still smiling, a shadow caught Elsa's eye. Three of them in fact.

Even with all the commotion, Elsa could still hear Charles' voice.

"...they're an exceptional bunch of young people."

Elsa hastily pulled Raven off the couch and shook her head at the girl's protests.

"You're such a party pooper!" Raven complained, laughing heartily. Before Elsa could get a word out, an enraged voice broke through.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Immediately the youths fell silent. Alex and Sean stood still, huffing and puffing. Hank dropped off the ceiling light, Angel quickly fluttered to the ground.

Charles, Erik and the woman Elsa had seen before stood before them. The woman
(who Elsa had come to learn was Moira Mac Taggart) looked particular enraged, her hands on her hips, her mouth slightly open. Erik, as usual, seemed unfazed if a little amused at all the damage. Charles seemed quietly infuriated.

"Who destroyed the statue?" asked Moira, pointing at the flaming hunk of metal.

"It was Alex," replied Hank immediately.

"No, Havok," butted Raven, taking centre stage, "We have to call him Havok. That's his name now."

She pointed to Charles. "And we were thinking, you should be Professor X," she now pointed to Erik, "And you should be Magneto,"

Charles was completely unimpressed, whilst Erik seemed indifferent.

"Exceptional," he said flatly.

Shaking her head, Moira walked off, Erik following. As Charles passed the teenagers, he looked directly at Raven.

"I expected more from you," was all he said.

And with that, he left the youths in complete and utter silence.


AN: I gave you two chapters within a week (i believe) please reward me with reviews! Also, i might not update for a couple of weeks...you know school.

oh and i thinking the code name picking scene ran a little differently in the film..im not sure if angel or sean went first!

so anyway,

read, enjoy and review!