This Chapter is going to be over the episode "Badlands" but will be slightly different than when I went over "Hunting Grounds" in Chapter Eight. Hopefully you are enjoying my series so much that you will not mind a little revision into the episode.
Also, for refresher, most ALL accents will be light so it will be easier to read.
Ps. I know the song 'we' are going to 'listen to' came out recently but…just suspend reality and pretend it came out years ago. I do not own "Some Beach" by Blake Shelton!
Chapter Eleven
Some Beach
"Come on, Chuck. Where the hell are ya?" Logan muttered down at the still form of Professor Charles Xavier. When no response came, the feral sighed heavily; rubbing his hand up his face and through his thick black hair.
Logan had been trying for the past two hours to get the telepath to respond. Yet, just like earlier with Forge and Hank, there had been no contact. Since his first meeting with Charles the day he brought Emily from the orphanage; the Professor had been silent as his still body encased in the dome. It was worrisome. It was concerning. It was so damn frustrating!
A kind of pattern had developed since bringing Charles to the mansion and he had somehow managed to communicate to the past. For days on end, they'd have contact…then…there were the weeks of silence. Though for Charles the time was only days, maybe minutes, in his future; the team would wait in sheer agony before contact would be reestablished. It appeared now that Logan and the other X-men were on another patch of debilitating silence. The feral growled in annoyance, gritting his teeth under his lips; Logan had hoped for some advice tonight.
A crisp swish of a door shutting closed came from the entrance of the room and a quick sniff of the feral nose told who had come in. Carrying a tall mug of coffee, readying for a late night of work ahead of him, Hank was oddly surprised to see the massively muscled gentlemen standing with his face in his hand. The furry blue mutant stated "You're up late, Logan."
"Just thinkin." Logan responded, wiping his hand from his face. He continued to stare down at Charles silent form as Hank walked up to his side. Hank inquired "Are you up to sharing these deep thoughts?"
Hank took a sip of his hot beverage as Logan smirked, saying "Caught Half-pint readin in bed."
Hank swallowed down his coffee and let out a humored noise. He glanced at Logan, stating dryly "There are worse things you could catch your child doing, Logan."
Logan frowned at the furry blue mutant, snorting out once, saying "It wasn't the readin part. I know kids will do little stuff like that."
The feral stared out into the distance, saying quietly "It was when I tried ta leave…"
Logan gazed back up at the interested Hank, crossing his bulging arms, saying with a worry hint to his vocal cords "Hank, she about begged me ta stay till she fell asleep tonight."
"And you have suspicions that it might have a connection with…" Hank inquired, raising an eyebrow towards the feral. Logan's shoulder stiffened, ice blues snapping cold, as he retorted gruffly "Yeah."
Hank nodded in understanding; taking another sip of his hot beverage. After he swallowed, he shrugged, sighing "We'll as Democritus wrote…It is better to destroy one's own errors than those of others."
Logan turned from him, staring back down at Charles, tightening his crossed arms. His face returned to a harden glare; the feral trying to will the telepath to wake. Hank watched him for a moment, until finally saying "You care for my advice?"
"Ya got any…I could use it." Logan responded, his voice not hiding the tiredness his mind was feeling. He looked to Hank, who shrugged, answering "If it happens again, ask her what is wrong. If she will not answer….then…."
Logan quirked an eyebrow as Hank paused in his sentence. The furry blue mutant gave the feral a gentle and reassuring grin, slapping his right clawed hand on his shoulder, finishing gently "Comfort her."
Logan appeared to lesson in tension at the thought as Hank removed his large hand from his shoulder. Hank continued to grin gently at the feral, adding "Show Emily that no harm will come to her, as long as her father is near."
The feral seemed to have taken the advice to heart; for a ghost of a soft grin fell upon his face. Hank nodded his head assuredly at the fellow mutant, turning his back to walk towards the computers and devices monitoring Charles Xavier's vitals. He took one last long swig from his coffee mug before setting it down upon the desk counter. Hank sat upon the swerving desk chair and looked up at the flat screens with a troublesome frown. Logan motioned to the screens, asking "Chuck said anything while I was gone?"
"Not a peep." Hank replied; his tone indicating clear frustration. Logan grunted out, huffing through his nostrils, and uncrossed his arms to wipe at his hair again. He had decided that maybe enough was enough for the night, when Hank added livelier "I do have good news, though."
Logan paused in his steps, turning to Hank, who continued checking the monitors. The furry blue mutant picked up a file from the desk, waving it slightly, before setting it back down, saying "We got a lead on Trask's facility location from an….."
He smirked, glancing at Logan, finishing dryly "Anonymous source."
Logan frowned then partially smirked, asking smartly "Would that be a certain swamp rat that shoulda told us he went undercover and not wait till he broke in through the damn vents?"
"Yes, he sends his regards…" Hank chirped back. He swiveled towards Logan in the desk chair, adding dryly "Oh and vous êtes un trou du cul pour brûler tout ce bon argent…"
Logan's eyebrows rose up as he stared at Hank with a humored look. The furry blue mutant smirked cheekily, rattling dryly in translation "You're an asshole for burning all that good money."
Logan smirked, his broad shoulders rising and falling in a smug fashion, as he rattled back "Had ta keep up appearances, ain't that what he always says? I ain't the one who decided ta use my connections with the Guild ta get us some leads and I ain't the one who went undercover without letting us know, till he was already knee deep in trouble.'"
Hank shook his head, grabbing at his coffee mug. Logan's smirk rose to a wicked smile, as he added smartly "Besides, he'd lost all that money in poker anyways."
Hank swallowed down his hot beverage and did not make a retort. However, the feral caught the rise of a knowing grin on the furry blue face. Realizing the time, Logan made his way towards the exit, before once again pausing in his steps. He stood at the door, saying to Hank with an ornery snap to his ice blues "But ya can tell Gumbo the next time ya hear from em, that I got a surprise while he was gone, and I bet twenty bucks he can't figure it out."
Hank stopped in his work upon the desk to pinch the edge of his nose and force down a smile. He muttered tiredly "My stars and garters."
"Ya want in, Hank?" Logan asked humorously, his wicked smile spreading as his ice blue eyes practically glowed. Hank removed his hand from his face, glancing at Logan, saying dryly "Thank you, Logan but you and Remy's testosterone induced heckling is not my cup of tea."
Logan's graveled voice ran out with a chuckle as he went through the exit door. Hank took another long swig of his beverage and sighed while an amused grin rose up his face. If Emily had ever thought this house was an interesting place to live now….just wait till a certain Cajun came back home.
xxx xxxx xxx
"Ya kno', Emily has been coped up at tha mansion fer weeks, Logan." Rogue stated, leaning against the bedroom doorway. Logan glanced up from his closet, the noon daytime casting a river of cool color upon the T-shirted chest of the feral. He shrugged, turning to grab his stealth uniform, retorting "Half-pint's got plenty ta do here."
Rogue couldn't help the sigh that fell softly from her mouth, setting her hands on her hips. She tapped her finger on her hip, before finally pressing more "I also noticed, an' so has Emma an' Storm, that Emily had no winter stuff in er' thin's …."
Logan's hand brushed against the black uniformed fabric; his eyebrow quirking up. He did not turn from the closet to face the twenty two year old, but gave a suspicious "Uh-huh."
The feral closed the wooden closet door and twisted the lock shut; walking over to lay his black uniform upon the king size bed. Rogue watched him do this, while adding "An' I don't kno' if ya'll seen, but that small sketchbook of er's is almost used thro…."
"Alright, spit it out, Stripes." Logan interrupted, throwing the uniform down upon the bed. He crossed his arms, eyelids narrowing at the un-intimidated young woman. The feral's ice blue eyes studied her territorially, as his asked gruffly "Where are ya wantin ta take my kid?"
Rogue stared him dead in the eyes, answering boldly "On tha grocery run."
The feral mutant gave out a loud and harden snort; uncrossing his arms and turning from the red head with a deadpanned glare. It was evident what his opinion was about the idea. Before Logan could muster a single word of his disapproval, Rogue pointed at him, and said quickly "Befer ya say no an' act like yer did when I was thirteen…"
Logan's heated scowl her way was ineffective towards the young woman who stepped into the room. He continued readying his uniform on the bed, as Rogue dared to counter "Yer already goin to be out on a mission wit Forge an' Kitty so ya'll won't be at tha house anyways."
Logan snaked his eyes at her again but said nothing in retort. Yet again, before an argument could break out, Rogue continued "An' she done missed out on tha last two grocery runs despite not havin any clothes fer winter."
Logan was silent; his stiff broad shoulders and tense face saying he was listening, though not fully agreeing with what the red head was entailing. Seeing she was possibly on the winning end, Rogue continued "Plus Emma said it ain't gonna hurt Emily none to miss a day of lessons."
Logan grunted out darkly; he had an inkling Frost was in on this plan. The incident at the kitchen table giving weight to her 'disapproval' of how the feral was handling on keeping his child safe. Logan continued his silent treatment, reaching over his shoulder to pull off his blue T-shirt, hoping that seeing his naked and hairy chest would give the red head an indication that he would prefer the subject be dropped. Rogue was once again unaffected by his tactics. She crossed her arms, sighing and finally admitting "An' I think after three months, Emily deserv' to get out of this house fer a while."
Logan's cold blue eyes glared at her again, as he reached for his upper uniform top, retorting with a low snarl "It ain't been…"
"It's tha first week of October, Logan." Rogue quipped back, a smirk sliding up her lips. Logan turned from her to face his bedside digital clock that had the date upon the upper left hand side. He noticed it was fifteen till eight, which meant Half-pint hadn't started on her daily lessons yet after having their now routine breakfast every morning. Then the date…. a coarse swear tumble out of his lips. The digital clock proudly displayed Wednesday, October 3rd 2009 upon the black background. In three more days; Rogue would be absolutely right.
Logan gazed back up with a harden scowl at Rogue; who quirked an eyebrow. Both mutants stared at each other, the birds calling outside in the crisp and chilling autumn air, the sunlight illuminating through the tall window blinds. Just when Rogue thought she might have lost her battle with the feral; he turned from her and slipped on his upper uniform onto his backside. Logan said gruffly "She ain't leavin till whoever's goin knows the rules."
Rogue tried to hide her victorious face; slipping out of the irritated feral's room without a word. Logan stopped her by barking at the door, "And Popsicle better not be drivin!"
"I'm drivan Logan." Rogue answered back, smiling sweetly from the doorway. Logan waited till she left the door before he snorted out through his nostril, rattling dryly "That don't make me feel any better, Stripes."
xxx xxxx xxx
"So, what he say?" Bobby asked, as soon as Rogue came down the stairs ten minutes later. The southerner grinned and stuck up her thumb in acknowledgement that Logan had agreed. The blonde pumped his fisted hand to the side and scurried into the kitchen after a certain ten year old. Rogue shook her head at the teenager's antics as she followed behind him.
Emily sat at the kitchen table, legs absently mindedly kicking underneath, as fingers danced across a white padded surface. She was waiting patiently for Emma to say it was time for her lessons for the day; choosing to finish up her last sketchbook in the meantime. Emily frowned at her dulling pencil, placing it at the side and reaching in her purple pencil case for another one. Bobby came up from behind, leaning over her shoulder to curiously look at her recent masterpiece while sending a sly smile to Rogue. Emily caught on he was there, pausing in her drawing to grin at him for a good morning greeting before sketching along the white paper pad. Bobby watched her, saying "That sketchbook looks almost done, Barbie doll."
"I'm on the last page." Emily responded, while nodding in agreement. She gazed up at him, stopping in her drawing, asking "Could ya maybe get me a couple when ya go on the grocery run?"
Bobby lifted his eyebrows, shrugging his shoulders as he leaned back up to his full height. He said "We could…"
His lips broke out into a wide smile to equal Rogues, as the southerner finished "Or ya could pick em out yerself."
Emily turned to them confused, her forehead crinkling up, as she questioned "What?"
"I ask'd Logan." Rogue responded, still smiling. The ten year old's brain caught onto the conversation as her mouth slacked open. Her surprise quickly turned into excitement as Emily's expression broke out into one of pure glee. She sat up from the kitchen table, exclaiming "And he said YES?!"
A hard feral snort of the nostrils came out from the shadows of the hallway; the trio turning in the direction of the noise. Logan, now fully dressed in his attire with his mask slipped over his recently shaved face, stalked into the kitchen towards the threesome. His white covered eyes indicated his eyes were narrowed slightly as Wolverine rattled dryly "I ain't that bad, Half-pint."
Rogue smirked at the outfitted mutant, leaning on the kitchen counter, teasing "Coulda fooled us, Logan."
Bobby swallowed down his laugh at the southerners taunt; just barely managing a course cough to cover up his voice. Wolverine's white clothed eyes narrowed towards the teen; to which the blonde swore he could feel the cold ice blue retinas boring into him. Rogue only smirked bigger.
Meanwhile, Emily couldn't take her eyes off Logan. She was awe struck of how a simple piece of clothing, a uniform, could drastically change his appearance. Sure, Logan was one heck of a huge and intimidating guy without the Wolverine attire, but with it…he appeared to have doubled in bulk. The black attire accentuated his muscles along his broad shoulders, down his arms into his black gloved hands; bulging underneath the fabric. The pants and lower shirt only seemed to enhance the thickness of his mutant robust body. Finally, the mask….oh man the mask….it gave a striking aura of menacing qualities; as if he was hunting you….could see right through you. All the images of late nights with Austin and her friends, watching the news, came flooding back to her mind. When he extracted his claws that first day coming to the mansion; Emily had realized he was the Wolverine on the television screen's she had watched growing up. Yet, until know, until actually seeing it right in front of her very eyes; the little girl had never let the two ideas mold into one. Logan….her Logan…the guy she sometimes called….daddy…was The Wolverine. Emily about bolted out of her chair to examine him out of pure fascination.
Logan by now had noticed Emily's soft blue eyes were wide and alert; studying him intently as she stood peeking up from her chair. His heightened senses assured the father that his child was not afraid of him. So the gaze upon Logan was one of pure awe and curiosity; apparently highly curious, sense Emily was trying very hard to stay seated. The feral smirked, as did the others who noticed the child's behavior, the muscled mutant stalking up to the small little girl. Emily's pupils dilated further out upon arching her neck up at Wolverine; who gentle eased onto his haunches to her level. The little girl peered closer, looking curiously at his chest as the uniformed Logan tried not to make any sudden moves. He offered up his gloved hand, squeezing it into a fist and slowly unclenching it, meeting her at eye level again, saying "Pretty cool, ain't it?"
The little ten year old's raven locks bounced up and down softly along with her nod of the head; Emily grinning gently up at the lowered feral. Wolverine grinned back, large right gloved hand lying along the side of her head, gentle petting her baby soft long hair. His grin lessoned, as he said carefully "Ya know, me wearin this means I have ta go out on a mission, darlin."
"Yeah, I know." Emily responded softly back; her curiosity getting the better of her as she reached out to examine Logan's freed up left hand. The little girl brushed her fingers along the black fabric; amazed to find it smooth to the touch. As if the fabric were made of a type of cotton and nylon blending of clothe. The feral stopped petting her to gently lift up her chin to face him, adding softly "So that means I have ta leave ya for a bit."
Emily caught on to what he was implying; this was the first time Logan had ever left her before. Even being taken by Mojo, he had been there. Going down to the underbelly of the mansion to coordinate attacks or talk about future missions…Logan had always been mere feet from where she stood. But Emily knew he'd come back; this guy had proven to be much different than Raven in many ways. However, Logan must have thought she was upset with the idea. To show Logan that there was nothing to fear; Emily's eyes darted up at him playfully. She turned around in the seat, grabbing her pencil, teasing in an obnoxious tone "So?"
The little ten year old didn't need to have heightened sense to feel the relief pouring out from Logan's uniformed body. Nor to know the round of wide smiles on Rogue and Bobby's faces. A low and non-threatening growl filled the quiet space, followed by a daring gentle and playful nuzzle of her ear that made Emily snort out a giggle. Wolverine raised his body up more beside her, laying his one arm on the table, covering her sketchpad and smirked at her with raised white clothed eyes. He playfully growled "We'll ya gonna miss me?"
Emily's soft blue eyes looked him up and down. The little girl head turned from him, she placing her pencils back into zipped open case. Emily managed to smart out a curt and obnoxious retort of "No."
Wolverine studied the girl, lips still forming a smirk and eyes narrowed in teasing banter, watching as she put away her things. Emily glanced at him, cracking a smile, before pretending to be hateful and uptight. Wolverine stood up to his full height, slipping behind the girl as the others smiled at the encounter. Suddenly, a pair of gloved and muscled hands gentle wrapped around the little girls waist. Emily let out a squeal in hard giggles as she was hoisted clear out of the kitchen chair; gently planted upon the massive feral's upper hip with a muscled forearm wrapped securely underneath her bottom. Wolverine's free hand poked her by the ribs, teasing "So ya not gonna miss this Ol' Canucklehead at all?"
"Maybe a little." Emily giggled back, swatting his hand away in fun. She narrowed her eyes at him, daring to poke his broad chest back, and quipped "And I said quit pokin!"
Wolverine grinned at his child; pulling her in gently to his chest for a hug. The familiar warm and tender feelings that had encircled his heart weeks ago felt as if it was about to burst from his chest as Emily….leaned into the embrace and hesitantly cuddled in her face next to his uniformed neck. She dared not reciprocate with a hug of her own but…it was nice to have a grownup not trying to push her away. Wolverine softly released in the hug, tenderly gazing at his child who began to curiously investigate his suit. However, his gaze turned hard and threatening as his white clothed eyes snaked up towards Rogue and Bobby. The blonde teen eyed him cautiously as Rogue grinned smugly. She looked the protective father in the eyes, saying dryly "Le' me guess…"
Rogue numbered off the rules with her fingers, touching each one with the other hand, rattling off "Stay wit er at all times, look out fer any Brotherhood an' I swear if she done come home wit either bruises, tears, piercin's or tattoos I will personally use yer hide as my punchin bag in tha Danger room fer the next month!"
Wolverine white clothed eyes glared at her as Emily cracked a smile at Rogues banter before curiously holding Logan's exposed dog tags and examining them in-between her little palms. Bobby held down the grin forming along his face as Rogue quirked an eyebrow at Wolverine, pointing to herself and Bobby, adding dryly "Same rules we had, Logan?"
"It's two months…" Wolverine rattled back half-gruffly, turning his head back down to face Emily. He grinned gently at her again, carefully pulling the dog tags from her fingertips to shove them underneath his black uniform. Wolverine then used his gloved hand to pet Emily's face as she cracked a smile at him. He quickly jerked back to the teens with a dark scowl, adding forcefully "And ya forgot no speedin, no takin your eyes or hands off the wheel and this time ya got ta watch out for MRD and the Brotherhood!"
Wolverine's glare was death worthy; his muscles tightening underneath the black fabric, as his lips rose to a snarl, growling "Got it?"
Bobby bobbed his head up and down in quick motions. Rogue tried to hide of how familiar this all was, or the fact she should have betted more money against Emma weeks ago, and put her hands up in mock surrender. She stated "Yes, sir."
Wolverine's white clothed eyes narrowed in her direction, studying the red head suspiciously. He was still unnerved by the idea of letting his Half-pint out of his sights, though he'd never admit that to anyone out loud, but relented upon seeing the hope in Emily's expression. Wolverine gently placed the little girl on the ground and gave one more heated glare towards the two X-men before silently giving a curt nod. With his unspoken blessing made, Rogue and Bobby went to turn to open the door as the uniformed Logan kept himself knelt beside the small child. He grinned tenderly at her one last time, ruffling her hair and saying softly "Bye, darlin."
Emily smiled his way, blue eyes dancing, saying smartly "Bye, Wolverine."
Wolverine's eyes narrowed as his lips formed a frown. Emily giggled at him, allowing herself to give some form of affection by softly petting his cheek, before bolting out the doorway in excitement. Wolverine towered back to his full height and watched her go with a gentle expression forming his harden features. Yet he noticed, from the corner of his eyes, a certain blonde eighteen year old grabbing the grey minivan keys.
Bobby had just placed the keys into his palm when a loud, dark, and menacing growl thundered behind him. He turned around to see a very tight muscled and ridged feral mutant father snarling at him with all his canines. Thinking quickly, the eighteen year old tossed the keys to Rogue and followed after the little girl outside to the minivan. Rogue merely twirled the keys in her hands as Wolverine lessoned in his menacing gaze; sending one last warning glare as the twenty two year old closed the kitchen door behind her.
xxx xxxx xxx
"I thought Bobby likes to drive on the grocery runs?" Emily questioned innocently from the van's middle row of seating. Rogue smiled wicked at the frowning Bobby, she glancing up into the rearview mirror, answering "We'll, sugar, I ain't been on a run in over two months so I want'd to driave."
Emily accepted the explanation given, readjusting her seat belt so she could gaze out into the disappearing country and suburbs that were soon to change into the bustling city limits ten miles out. Bobby huffed quietly, gazing at the twenty two year old, retorting "Can we at least have the radio on? I'll even listen to that country stuff you like."
Rogue glanced at him, answering sweetly "Go riat ahead."
Bobby rolled his eyes and twisted the radio knob to on; leaning back as a soft twang of a country song filled the car's interior. The teens smirked at each other upon realizing the initial chorus before the second ballad began to play. Emily cocked her head to listen as the well known male singers voice drawled out
I circled the parking lot, trying to find a spot
Just big enough, I could park my old truck
A man with a big cigar, was getting into his car
I stopped and I waited for him to back up
From out of nowhere, a Mercedes Benz
Came cruising up and whipped right in
"We havn't heard this in ferevar." Rogue stated, glancing to smile at the blonde teen before focusing back on the road. Bobby smirked, replying "Ironic it comes on when it's her first grocery run, huh?"
"What does it mean?" Emily piped up from the back. Both teen and young woman flickered their eyes at each other before Rogue bit her lip and Bobby scratched back of his neck. The eighteen year old answered "Uh….it's talking about a Beach."
Emily's forehead crinkled in confusion and interest; focusing her ears back to listen the song continue on
Some beach!
Somewhere,
There's nowhere to go, and you got all day to get there
There's cold margaritas and hot Senioritas smiling with long dark hair
On
Some beach!
Somewhere
Bobby glanced at Rogue, who was hiding a goofy smile behind a hard glare at him. The blonde's dark green eyes sparked brightly as he stifled a chuckle of "See?"
"Cool!" Emily answered back. She shifted in her seat towards Bobby asking "Can ya teach me it?"
Rogue slowly let down on the brake; looking at Bobby as they neared the stop light. The eighteen year old pulled out his IPhone 3GS, shaking it carefully from side to side. An ornery smile rose up on his face. The southerner smirked at him, then looked up at the rearview mirror at the ten year old. Her bright green eyes flickered back to the waiting Bobby; her head whispering a nod. Bobby smiled, turning to his seat to face the awaiting little girl, saying "Sure we can, Barbie doll."
xxx xxxx xxx
A thick, soupy, fog had settled along the bay of Track's hidden facility; bringing with it a chill in the air that had every guard thankful of their heavy uniforms for the evening. A solitary MRD officer made his rounds haphazardly; no one in their right mind would try to infiltrate the building in this kind of weather. Sadly that line of thinking was exactly what the three X-men had been counting on.
As the guards turned away from their posts, some handing each other a cigarette to light, three heads bobbled up to the ocean's surface unnoticed by the MRD officers. Wolverine pulled off his underwater breathing mouthpiece, taking a second to breathe in the fresh salty air, motioning his head towards the dock. The two behind him nodded and were careful to silently climb behind the muscled feral as they made their way up to the top. Wolverine halted them as the guard jerked his head behind him to study the dock critically, black rim glasses reflecting off the dull florescent bulbs from above. Satisfied he was merely hearing things; the MRD officer turned and waved at his friends for a smoke while pulling a lighter from his pocket.
Wolverine made the all clear, pulling up the rest of his muscled girth onto the wooden platform, making sure his teammates climbed up safely. The trio then skillfully crept alongside the electrified fence; Shadowcat biting down the inside of her cheek at realizing the fence was turned to off. So Trask really did believe himself untouchable. The nineteen year old smirked, grabbing onto Wolverines' large left arm and Forges surprisingly muscled right one. Let's see how 'invincible' you are to a mutant who can phase through solid objects.
Shadowcat effortlessly guided the men through the dark concreted walls of Trask facility; only letting go once she was sure everyone was on the other side. Wolverine quickly flanked to the left, using a packaging box to shield his mass, as Shadowcat ducked behind a crate on the right with Forge at her heels. Her dark grey pupils shrunk in as her mouth partially opened. The brunette whispered "Wow."
The nineteen year old stared in morbid fascination at the scene in front of her. The MRD guards stood staunchly alert while scientists huddled around massive Sentinel parts, encircling mostly around an enormous computer module; quietly discussing improvements upon the god like machines. Sparks flew out of automated welders, the dancing flames trickling down the conveyer belt as the parts made their way down the units. Gigantic, partially made, robotic men hung down from the skyscraper ceiling; their heads slacked to the side while a gentle breeze swung the lighter of their robotic metal. Shadowcat oddly pictured the scene as a creepy version of Frankenstein; the hollow faces of the Sentinels waiting command from their 'Creator' to give them a purpose on this Earth besides being a monster without a soul.
"Let's see…." Forge's voice came quietly behind her. He studied the hellish scene critically, internal wheels churning, taking a step back of his equally weirded out view of the room's décor. Forge continued searching, whispering "TB-9 Conduits with optic relay junctions…all hard lining to….there!"
The mechanical genius nodded towards the central computer model that was lighted up with futuristic tech; blood red ironically the color of choice for the many screen displays. Forge glanced at Wolverine, explaining "That's a positronic processor, the brains of this operation."
Wolverine nodded, at least pretending to halfway understand what the hell the brainiac had just mumbled out, ordering "Let's move!"
The feral led the way as the trio balanced along the high beams of the buildings archways; jogging on top of the thin strip of supporting metal as none made notice of them from several feet below. Wolverine quietly jumped down on top of the massive computer; hunching over the edge to see for enemies. The feral's white clothed eyes narrowed as a solitary guard stood erect near the panel. The MRD goon was holding his gun at the side, idly watching the scientists jumble about, most likely far off into a day dream. A flash of white canines morphed out from the mutant's lips. The feral cracked his neck from side to side, pushing himself off the edge of the computer, and gracefully landed behind the mindless lackey.
The MRD guard blinked behind his glasses upon feeling a rush of air; followed by an eerie silence. He turned around…seeing someone reflected off his rimmed eyewear...
BAM!
…only to get a face full of boot planted hard across his face! A sharp twinkle of white light, followed by what would most likely be a roaring headache when he awoke and the guard was out; his last thoughts of just how much he hated his damn job.
Wolverine smirked as the guard face planted into the metal with a soft thud. He grabbed the base of the unconscious man's feet; dragging the pore sap into the darkness casted by the towering machines. The feral rose up from the beaten foe; slipping out of the blackness to press against the computer terminal's cool metal plating. Wolverine's white clothed eyes darted predatorily everywhere; the soft swizzle of Shadowcat and Forges ropes coming from the side, drowned out by the welding, as they made their way down to him.
When his feet planted the ground; Forge crept hungrily towards the side module with his decoder in hand. He cracked a dark smile at the challenge of decoding the beast of a machine in front of him, sliding the connector in with a quiet snap. Forge's expression quickly turned stoic as he concentrated all his knowledge upon the device in his hands.
Shadowcat silently crept up beside Wolverine, soft brunette pig tails shaking, her head darting towards the numerous guards. She whispered so only the feral could hear "Why don't we just call the other X-men and trash this place?"
"Cause, that will just slow em' down…" Wolverine answered, facing her. He motioned to Forge, adding firmly "We need to shut em' down."
The feral turned back to watch the guards; a feeling of uneasy churning in his gut as a guard noticed his buddy's sudden absence. Wolverine, not looking at Shadowcat, finished "And we can't do that until we know what were fighting."
Wolverine's white clothed eyes squinted down darkly as the MRD goon pulled up his gun and carefully made his way closer. The feral snarled as the lackey motioned one of his buds to keep an eye out. Meanwhile Forge was thrown off guard by the sheer magnitude of this so called "Master Mold" program. He paused in his work, whispering in slight fascination "I've…never seen coding this….advanced!"
"Download what you can. We'll crack it later." Wolverine ordered; never taking his hunting gaze off the approaching enemy. He swallowed down the coarse swear and growl threatening to fall from his lips; they were on the verge of getting caught. The feral snapped his head towards his youngest teammate, ordering firmly "If this goes bad, get Forge out of here and don't wait for me!"
Kitty's eyes enlarged in alarm as Wolverine's claws jetted out with a soft clink of the metal. The brunette whispered hoarsely "What!?"
The feral paid no mind to her outburst. He charged out of the dark in front of the MRD goon, slashing downward with his claws. The guard gasped and backpeddled as his gun was shredded in half! With a loud and guttural call, the feral grabbed onto the MRD goon, swinging him around to collide into the concrete. Wolverine slammed the man so hard into the wall; his eyewear shattered into pieces! The lackey instantly blacked out with a shout of anguish.
Wolverine couldn't help the wolfishly feral smile slide up his mug as the MRD goon fell to the metal tile. However, his expression dissolved off his features when his nose picked up the faint scent of gunpowder; followed by a swift clicking of numerous cocked guns.
Wolverine faced his multiple enemies just as one of the MRD guards ordered loudly and hatefully "Freeze, mutie!"
The feral gave a tired sigh, his broad shoulders partially falling down. How he always managed to get himself into these kinds of situations was forever a loss to the feral. Wolverine shook his head, rattling "Typical."
Shadowcat pressed tightly against the wall with a quiet yelp as Wolverine began dodging endless bouts of gunfire. Forge looked up at her with frightened eyes, exclaiming "What we do?!"
Shadowcat cringed, shying deeper into the wall of the computer, as stray laser bullets ricocheted off the metal tile. She answered back in a shout "Run!"
The mechanical genius nodded; pulling out his decoder from the computer module. He was oddly calm about the whole thing….until a stray bullet grazed the floor tile next to his feet. That's when a few not so nice words shouted from his mouth. Forge cursed again when more gun fire went off in the room, along with a dark feral laugh and frightened screams from the numerous male guards. Shadowcat quickly darted over to him, roughly grabbing his shoulder and sinking both of them down through the floor.
In the meantime, Wolverine confessed…he was having a pretty damn good time. Letting off a little steam was always good for the soul; especially when it entailed scaring the hell out of a bunch of MRD wimps. The feral growled out darkly as his claws sliced through another laser gun with ease and he round kicked the MRD guard into one of his standing buddies. The two collided with a loud grunt and both moaned out as they toppled down the flight of stairs.
Wolverine didn't have time to take in the humorous display, before a MRD goon tried to charge him from the right. The feral beamed a carnivorous smile at the fool's attempt. Wolverine waited till the idiot was cocking his gun upward…before the feral crossed his arms and thrusted them apart in front of the laser gun! The weapon crumbled into a million pieces. The guard stopped in his tracks, staring at Wolverine for a moment, the feral seeing the human gulp hard in his throat. Wolverine's carnivorous smile only grew. He grabbed onto the guards' left arm, swinging the fool around, the MRD goon going airborne with a loud scream as he was tossed into a herd of his own comrades. The mass of idiots had no warning before, as their fellow MRD guard, plowed into them all and they fell to the ground roughly. Wolverine's dark laughter echoed off the metal walls as the mass of idiots cursed loudly, trying to untangle their limbs from each other's embrace.
However, as Wolverine was enjoying his little jaunt around the facility, Bolivar Trask was studying him. He had never seen the infamous 'Wolverine' in action for a very long time or this close. It was….truly fascinating. Though his inner disgust for the mutant still remained, Trask couldn't help but admire the skillful way the animal used his claws. It was truly a powerful set of weapons; more useful if used for the right cause.
Trask would have liked a little more time to analyze the mutant's ability in action; though, he could see the situation was quickly getting out of hand. Another passel of guards feel to the Wolverines powerful claws; the mutant slicing through Trask's well built guns as if they were butter. Thinking quickly, the head scientist ran up the adjoining stairwell towards the Sentinel controls, dodging friendly fire that grazed just above his head. Trask slid into the keyboard module, fingers dancing across the buttons and left hand jerking the down casted handle to the upright position. Trask faced the scene behind him with a grim expression.
Wolverine had just taken a breather, the last guard falling to the tile, when his ears perked up at the sound of electric currents sizzling. He honed in on the sound of metal clanking, a slow buzzing, followed by a growing volume of a whirling noise from behind. Wolverine turned around…his whole vision enveloped in a purplish hue of light! The feral called out in a shout of pain; before everything went black.
Bolivar Trask grinned arrogantly as he walked his way steadily over to the unconscious mutant. He ignored his officer's grunts, moans and swears of pain, idly stepping around them towards the Wolverine. He knelt down next to the feral mutant, gently grabbing up his massive left hand, gazing at the sharp claws with a calculating eye. Never looking at his fellow humans, Trask ordered "Let's get a full body scan."
Trask pulled up the Wolverines large hand higher upward, turning it slightly, watching as the silver colored weapons glinted from the florescent lighting. The human scientist smirked, saying "And let us see what the famous Wolverine is really made of…"
xxx xxxx xxx
Emily's wide blue eyes darted every which way as she scanned one of the cities massive grocery stores. She walked slowly next to the shopping cart like Bobby and Rogue had instructed her to, small left hand clutching the silver painted metal, the little girl scanning the endless isles of boxed foods and canned goods. The pantry she sometimes helped Sister Rachel stock up at the orphanage, dwindled in comparison, to the exurbanite amounts of items neatly stacked along the rows upon rows of shelving. To think…they were only in "Aisle 1" as the sign up above her read. Emily blew out through her mouth softly, saying "I didn't know stores could be so…."
Her curvy hair bounced around as Emily's head turned from side to side, adding louder "Huge."
Rogue smiled at her while placing a couple of can goods in the cart. She pulled out a sheet of notebook paper, covered with a whole page full of items to get, scribbling out a something at the top. Bobby smirked at the awed little girl, smarting "You think this is huge…"
Emily turned to him as Bobby's eyebrows went up sarcastically. He snorted, adding dryly "Wait till we get to take you to the mall."
"What's a mall?" Emily asked innocently, tilting her head slightly. Bobby's eyes danced wickedly as he moved his fingers in a creepy motion, warning "It's where cute little Barbie dolls go and never return!"
Rogue's, while bent over grabbing another item, gave a loud tsk of the tongue and scowl Bobby's way. The small ten year old rolled her eyes at his lame excuse to scare her. She smirked, retorting "Yeah right."
Bobby put a hand to his heart to mimic being offended. He failed at keeping his chuckle at bay, while exclaiming "I'm serious!"
Emily's face was blatant in showing that she did not believe a word the blonde was saying. The eighteen year old grinned slyly at the frowning Rogue, now choking on his snickers. He mouthed "Just ask Kitty."
That got a smile to rise on the southerners face upon the pick at their fellow X-man; who was a secret, nineteen year old shopaholic, known only to those closest to her. Emily's lips jetted down as she glanced at each smiling 'adult' in confusion; finally deciding to shrug it all off. Rogue punched Bobby teasingly in the arm and said "Alriat, no more foolin'."
Emily snorted in humor as Bobby pretended to be hurt by her punch. The twenty two year old give a more serious glare, shaking the piece of paper in her hands, finishing "We gotta lot of stuff to git on this here list befer we git to tha clothin store."
After her talk, the trio went down through the other isles; the two older watching as the small child stared in wonder at all the different varieties. As they made it through the fourth isle, Rogue gradually stopped upon seeing a peculiar thing written down on the notebook paper. Emily and Bobby turned to her as she sighed "Bobby…."
The twenty year old flipped the paper to face the blonde's direction, reprimanding while waving to the paper "Why'd ya done put eight large boxes of Poptarts on tha list?"
Bobby smiled innocently at her as Emily giggled quietly on Rogue's right. The eighteen year old strutted around over to the small little girl, reaching over to grab said item, reasoning "We'll it used to be four but now I'm eating for two."
After placing the first box of pastry into the cart; Bobby playfully reached over and tugged at Emily's hair. He laughed slightly as a small hand swatted back at his forearm. Rogue stared at him with an incredulous look before her mouth jetted downward and hands set onto her hips. She reprimanded "Yer been givin er' some of yer secret stash of junk food?"
"Of course! I finally found a fellow Poptartian." Bobby replied, smiling as he looped an arm over Emily's shoulder to shake the child slightly in play. The little girl giggled louder. The blonde then frowned defensively, retorting "And it's not junk!"
Rogue made another small click of the tongue; shaking her head. She pulled the box of Poptarts out of the eighteen year olds hands, waving it in front of both the teen and girl, scolding "Ya'll gonna rot ya teeth out wit these things!"
Bobby pulled the box out of her hands. He waved his free hand, reassuring "No no no, see…"
The eighteen year old pointed to the side front of the labeling, reading "Made with real fruit!"
Bobby tapped the box, placing it into the cart, finishing "Says it right there on the box!"
Rogue rolled her eyes at his reasoning. She shook her head as the teen let the little girl pick out a couple of the last boxes. When they were done, Rogue pushed the cart away with the two in tow, muttering "What'evar ya say, Bobby."
xxx xxxx xxx
Shadowcat thought Wolverine was the biggest idiot in the world. Okay, so maybe he had no choice but to knock out the second guard who almost caught what they were doing. But start kicking butt around the room when he had a perfectly good escape plan with her phasing powers? Though he sometimes liked to think it; Wolverine wasn't all that invincible. What if he got caught? How was she supposed to go home, try to look that cute and tiny ten year old in the eye and tell Emily what happened? The nineteen year old scowled, pressing up tighter against the wall. Sometimes…Wolverine could be a real, dumb, jackass.
"Shouldn't he be out of there by now?" Forge questioned beside her. Shadowcat sighed heavily, answering curtly "Yes."
"And he said not to wait." Forge responded, peeking out from the wall. Shadowcat bit her lip, trying not to sound irritated, replying "That's right."
Forge's thick eyebrows lifted upward; his eyes studying the X-man curiously. He question "So…were waiting, then?"
"No." Shadowcat stated firmly. She pushed her petite body off the concrete wall, glaring into the blue color intimidatingly, adding "I'm going in."
Forge's expression changed to shock, as he stumbled out "B-but…"
Shadowcat stopped him with a heated glare. She looked him up and down, suddenly adding "You're staying though."
Before Forge could offer any resistance; Shadowcat grabbed his hand, dragging him to a nearby vehicle. She placed both her hands on top of his shoulder, twirling him around with surprised ease, using her phasing ability to shove the mutant genius not so nicely into the vehicle. Forge dissolved through the back of the loading MRD van, his butt colliding hard onto the vinyl floor, the genius giving a snappish shout of "Hey!"
Shadowcat pretended not to see the heated glare shot her way; instead trying to use her best commanding voice towards the older X-man while having a semi- ridiculous pose of being halfway phased through the side of the vehicle. She pointed at Forge, ordering sternly "I want you to hide in here until I come back for you!"
Shadowcat's dark grey eyes bore into the mutant genius, her voice snapping out "Got it?"
Forge's pout disappeared from his face. He leaned up, limbs sliding every which way upon the slick vinyl flooring, mumbling "But what about..,"
"I meant it, Forge! Do not leave this vehicle!" Shadowcat hissed. She waved a hand to stop Forge from jumbling out more excuses, scowling darkly at the mutant, snapping "Unless you want to explain to Emily why her dad didn't come home tonight!"
It didn't take long for Forge's butt to instantly collided back to the vinyl with a soft thud. He obediently crossed his legs and wearily smiled at the younger X-man. Shadowcat snort through her nose, stating "Thought so."
Shadowcat quickly phased back to the outside and Forge put up no more of a fight. He tried to pass the time of waiting by looking curiously around his new confines. However, his investigation was short lived as his eyes locked onto a pair of equally stupefied and astonished pair of MRD guards. They stared at him with mouths agape through a peep hole from the front of the vehicle; one having coffee pouring into his lap. The mutant genius froze in place; everyone in the vehicle shocked to stunned silence. Forge's brain slowly started working; the X-man waving partially at the now glaring MRD officers. So much for staying in the vehicle.
xxx xxxx xxx
Ironically enough, Wolverine felt like the biggest idiot in the world at the moment. His vision cleared, heightened senses picking up the soft humming of machinery and the faint clicking of keys on a keyboard long before the feral was fully conscious. Wolverine eyes blinked a few times, squinting underneath the white fabric, as a blue hueish laser scanned down his massive body. The feral sniffed up the faint scent of bleach; the overpowering smell irritating the already flustered mutant. Wolverine immediately knew he was pinned to a laboratory table; a casualty of getting his ass in the fire in more ways than he could count.
The feral growled thickly, clenching his hands into fists, struggling against the solid metal restraints. Wolverine gritted his teeth, his growl rising in volume and anger, the feral mutant fighting against the metal bars. The faint clicking of the keys from before died as a voice from Wolverines right, stated "I have to admit…This….I did not expect."
Wolverine snapped his head towards the person; snarling his canines at the back of none other than Bolivar Trask. The scientist continued on his tapping unto the keyboard, eyeing the X-ray body scan of Wolverine critically. He stated with a sigh "I thought you were unbreakable because of some mutant ability. Turns out…your bones are just coated in metal."
Trask studied the computer screen in front of him; smirking as he adjusted his glasses. He turned to Wolverine, adding "My guess…adamantium."
The feral growled darkly in his throat, his white canines in full view, as the metal table lifted upward to a standing position. Wolverine struggled under his metal bindings, white clothed eyes narrowing into slits as he continued to snarl in a threatening manner towards Trask. The scientist merely peered closer, rubbing a hand over his chin, saying "Amazing you survived such a procedure…"
Wolverine felt an overwhelming sense of unease at the way Trask was examining him with a cold and calculating stare. He took it as intimidation. And the Wolverine is not one who takes that very lightly. So sensing the game was at play, the feral decided to give out a little bit of intimidation of his own.
SKINT!
The action rattled the MRD guard quite effectively; he immediately drew his weapon towards Wolverine's head. Sadly though, Bolivar Trask merely grinned darkly.
"Ah, the claws." Trask responded back calmly, leaning downward and eyeing the metallic weapons as if they were candy. He added "Let's not forget those…"
The scientist chuckled slightly, standing to his full height, commenting "No wonder Colonel Moss can't seem to hold you."
Wolverine snarled, pushing his fists upward to try and loosen his restraints, and thundered a billowing growl from his throat. His white clothed eyes bore into Trask's emotionless stare, responding in a growl "And neither will ya, bub!"
"What really intrigues me, however, is your rapid healing ability…" Trask continued; completely ignoring the mutants intimidating tactics. He leaned closer to the feral, adjusting his glasses, commenting "The injuries you sustained would have been fatal to anyone else."
Wolverine snarled, growling thickly in his chest, slamming his body forward against the restraints; where he was a mere inch from Trask's face. He barred his teeth menacingly while his muscled bulged under his black uniform. Wolverine's white clothed eyes glared predatorily into Trask's eyes; satisfied to see a glimmer of emotion widen in the scientists gaze. The feral's nostrils were soon bombarded with a trickling scent of fear. Wolverine smiled darkly.
Bolivar Trask frowned angrily, gritting his teeth under his lips, as the mutant continued to seemingly hunt him for another reaction. The scientists rose away from the feral animal, turning only to say condescendingly "Between you and I, Wolverine…"
Trask grinned darkly at the snarling animal, adding firmly "Humanity will win this war."
Bolivar Trask found it not surprising that his words struck a chord with Wolverine; the feral barring his teeth and growled out sharply at the scientist, pushing against his restraints with a fevered shove. Yet, it was not in the way Trask was thinking. Wolverine had never seen this war as a battle between mutant and human. He had thought of it as more the big wigs of the government trying to reel in what they saw as useful tools. Don't forget, Logan himself was the product of a program that tried to turn mutants into living, breathing, weapons. Natural born killing machines. So some idiot trying to preach to him that he, the Wolverine, was to hate his human child simply because Emily had not been blessed (or cursed depending on the person who gave their opinion) with the abilities he had? Unlike Raven, this mutant parent did not buy into societies lie. In fact, he was enraged by the sheer mention of it.
Bolivar Trask smirked arrogantly at the furious mutant, explaining condescendingly "We'll do it through technology…"
The scientist's eyes traveled downward to Wolverine's adamantium laced claws; a calculating grin traveling up Trask's face. He stated "All we need to do, is to teach it how to fight, like mutants."
Wolverine continued to snarl, baring all this sharp canines at the scientist, giving no response. Bolivar Trask continued to study the angered feral for a moment, cold eyes examining every inch of Wolverine's mutation jetting out from his hands. However, the scientist eventually left the room; giving a curt nod of his head to the MRD guard stationed in the laboratory. The human male saluted his boss, waiting till Trask had left the room, before turning on the mutant with a disgusted glare. The MRD goon cocked his gun; glaring at Wolverine. The feral merely smiled wolfishly with his canines at the man. Wolverine then jerked up on his restraints, baring his teeth, satisfied to see the MRD idiot back off with a frightened yelp. The feral chuckled darkly; resting back on the raised table with an animalistic smile on his lips.
xxx xxxx xxx
"No more pink." Emily stated tactfully, crossing her arms. Her usually soft face was hardened into mimicry of a certain feral mutant as stubbornness flashed in her eyes. Rogue's expression changed to an almost pleading gaze, as she patronized "But sugar…"
"I don't like pink." Emily interrupted bluntly; arms tightening in their cross. She pulled her arms apart to glare at the monstrosity of an object held in the southerner's hands; which happened to be a very large, hot pink and ungodly overdone hair bow. Emily huffed, adding while pointing "Especially bows!"
Bobby, who was leaning on a display by the elbow, even grimaced at the outlandishly cute-sified tying of fabric. He waved at the item, interjecting "Come on, Rogue. That's way to girly."
"She is a girl, Bobby!" Rogue pointed out with a flare of annoyance. She pouted slightly, smoothing and primping the hair bow, adding "An' she ten years ol'! It be downriat adorable!"
Emily sighed, filing her small fingers through her raven hair. They had been at the huge child's clothing store for over two hours, and even before they had started, the small child had felt overwhelmed. Never in her life had Emily seen so many clothes! Or so many colors! Nor had the little girl had to try on those same enormous amounts of colorful fabric. This was one of the times Emily despised being so tiny.
Yet, through all her patience in trying new things, Emily began to have a sneaky suspicion that this 'necessary' trip was simply everyone's first attempt at spoiling her rotten. Or mostly the woman….for the choices were in their handwriting. To which those choices entailed at least seven pairs of jeans in different colors, shirts that would go with said jeans, an array of long sleeved Pj's, and much more clothing attire. By now the cart was starting to have an impressive pile of winter clothing with a dark plum colored child's coat finishing off the stack. Emily was uncertain of how to react to all of it. She was excited, of course. But never had the little girl gotten so much clothing to call her own; or had she ever felt the powerful drug of being spoiled. Her only excuse to make her feel better over all of it was what Rogue had used; this was all for her to 'grow into' the next few years since Emily had not come to the mansion with anything for winter.
However, as the shopping spree had neared its end, Rogue had insisted on stopping in this particular isle filled with hair things for little girls. Now Emily had wished she hadn't. For now a big, boldly hot pink, monstrosity of an item was gently being shoved into her direction. The little girl tried to be cordial, saying to the kneeling Rogue "Look…"
Emily pointed at the cart next to her, directing her index finger to the side of the stack, saying "I let ya pick out the baby pink Pj's only cause it had purple butterflies all over it..."
The little girl pointed at another higher item on the stack, adding "And that light pink shirt cause it had blue strips on the sleeves…"
Emily, for the first time in a long time, readied to be obstinate against an adult. She balled her hands into fists, tensing up, glaring at the southerner with stubbornness leaking from every pore. The little ten year old stated firmly "But I ain't wearing a hot pink bow!"
Emily crossed her arms together, hands still in tight fists, releasing some of her hatefulness through a huff. She said more gently "No more pink."
Bobby appeared impressed at the little girl's firm refusal, while the southerner frowned. Emily stood ridged, arms tighter crossed, glaring at the item in the red heads hands. Rogue gave a defeated sigh, standing up, relenting "Fiane."
Rogue did, however, quirk up her lip in thought and pulled out her cell phone. She laid the hot pink and ungodly hair bow upon a set table carefully. While pulling up her camera on her phone, she muttered "But Imma tell Emma an' Kitty about this."
Emily gulped at the mention of the two pink loving women; staring at the piece fabric with awaiting doom. Bobby leaned over, cupping his hand over her ear, whispering "Don't worry…Ol' Canucklehead would gut himself with his own claws before he'd see you in a bow."
"Good!" Emily whispered back relieved and slightly defiant. The duo watched as Rogue snapped a few more pictures of the large hair bow; the little girl prayed the teen was right. For just the mental picture of that thing on top of her head….sent cold shivers down Emily's spine.
xxx xxxx xxx
Trask walked down the hall with a satisfied grin on his face. He passed down the corridor, pausing only a moment when hearing an odd sound to his turned backside. Trask darted his eyes over his shoulder, acting normal, while waiting for anything else. When the scientist heard a faint gasp, then pounding of boots, he jerked around; only to see two MRD guards dragging along an oddly dressed male mutant.
Shadowcat knew training so rigorously in the Danger room would pan out someday. She now had proof, by the split second phasing her body just pulled, that it pays to work out your powers on a daily bases. The nineteen year old sadly had little time to celebrate her accomplishments before phasing her head through the floor, only to spot the mutant the two guards were pushing along so fervidly. Shadowcat bit back the frustrated scream trying to escape her throat.
"Dr. Trask, where do you want this one, sir?" The guard on the left asked. He gave Forge a shove; the mutant genius stumbling in front of the irritated Bolivar Trask. Forge cracked a hesitant smile, exclaiming "But I was just looking for the bathroom!"
Shadowcat rolled her eyes at the horribly thought out excuse; glaring at the guard on the right who coughed back a snicker. Bolivar Trask was sadly not amused and eyed the mutant X-man with a stoic face. He ordered "Lock him up."
Forge alarmed wide eyes and stiffened body were shoved to the other end of the hallway as both guards began dragging him to the nearest cell. When the threesome rounded the corner…Shadowcat majestically phased upward from the floor. She set her hands on her hips; face nor thoughts very 'majestic' at the moment. Shadowcat hissed "Forge!"
Great, now not only did she have to rescues Forge, Shadowcat still had to figure out where they were hiding Wolverine. She began to see her old job as babysitter for the X-man slightly more appealing; Emily couldn't possibly get into half as much trouble as these walking bags of testosterone!
Shadowcat gritted her teeth and phased back into the wall as more guards turned around the corner. Oddly enough, she could overhear their conversation, the raven haired one saying "You hear about that one mutie they captured?"
"Oh that Wolverine freak? Hell yeah!" The red head responded. Shadowcat stopped moving alongside the metal wall; leaning in to hear the humans better. The raven haired guard started to laugh, saying "I heard he took out Franky and his boozos with one swing!"
The raven haired guard slapped his partner shoulder, chuckling out "He even used Franky as a human bowlin ball!"
The duo chuckled hard with even Kitty managing a crack of a smile. The red head shook his head, sympathizing "Bet that's gonna hurt like hell in the mornin!"
The raven haired guard nodded but let out another snicker. He tapped his partners upside the shoulder, asking "So ya know where their holdin em? Cause I hear that son of a bitch is slick."
Shadowcat silently phased out of the wall, slipping behind the two guards who continued their conversation. She watched them leave, listening closely, as the red head explained to his partner "Ah, Trask took em to that big lab he's got down the hall. Wants to see what those claws of his are made of. "
The red head got a wicked grin on his face; nudging his partner in the ribs. He added "He made Franky guard em."
The two MRD goons barked out in hard laughter at their fellow partner's unfortunate predicament. They had no clue they were being watched, turning down the left side corridor, as the raven haired one guffawed "Bet ya a pack of smokes Franky pisses his pants if the mutie escapes somehow!"
Shadowcat heard the partners delve back into chokingly loud laughter as she shook her head. We'll, so much for it being difficult to find Wolverine. The brunette cautiously made it down the corridor while passing one last glance to where the MRD goons had been talking. Shadowcat sighed, muttering "Men."
xxx xxxx xxx
Bobby pushed open the door leading into the kitchen, hands pull of groceries, looking over his shoulder. He was breathing heavily from laughter, managing to croak out "Do it again!"
Emily, carrying a much small load in her arms, smiled wide. She cried out, dipping her voice low "Some Beach!"
Bobby's laugh could have shaken the kitchen to its foundation; the teen setting the paper bags down on the table to wipe at his eyes. Emily, naive to what was so funny, soaked up the attention anyways. She set her bags down beside Bobby's, soft voice giggling as the blonde continued to bark out laughter. Rogue came in last, shaking her head disapprovingly at the teen boy, while trying to reign in her small laughter as well. When her bags had been put upon the counter, the southerner reached out a hand to smack upside the teens head, scolding "Ya had to teach er that."
"It's just a song." Bobby snickered out, rubbing his head while trying to catch his breath. He smiled as Emily's forehead furrowed in confusion. Rogue smiled wickedly, retorting "Oh, riat…"
She opened a cabinet to start putting things away, adding sweetly "An' I bet Logan will…enjoy…hearin er' sing that."
Bobby's eyes just about popped out of his head. The smile disappeared from his lips, as he reached a hand towards Rogue, exclaiming hurriedly "No!"
"Why not?" Emily asked innocently while doing as she was told and separating her stuff from the groceries. The little girl scowled, eyeing the panicked teen suspiciously, quietly mumbling the words under her breath. She jerked her head up at Bobby, accusing "Liar! It's not about a Beach, is it?!"
Bobby grinned slightly as Rogue clicked her tongue at him. Emily's soft blue eyes narrowed; her lips forming the words again. It was not but a second later….a gasp erupted from her mouth. She looked at Bobby with a mixture of shock, anger and indignation, exclaiming "It's one of those bad words Stacy says that Sister Rachel told me to never say, isn't it!?"
Even Rogue couldn't help cough back a chuckle at the wide eyed expression on the little girls face. Bobby started to laugh again; Emily glowering in his direction. She accused "Ya gonna get me in trouble again!"
"No, No!" Bobby assured; honestly trying to put the child's worries to rest. He helped finish putting the rest of the groceries away, reasoning "It's just a funny song we found to listen to on grocery runs."
Emily was still unconvinced; eyeing him as she put the stuff on the lower shelves away. Bobby turned to Rogue with a slight pleading look, adding "Just…don't sing it around the others and you'll be good."
Rogue rolled her eyes; turning from the worried teen to put more food away. Bobby let out a small sigh in relief knowing the southerner was not a blabber mouth; turning his sights back to the little girl. Emily scowled, but managed to reply back "Fine."
The eighteen year old grew limp with relief; another bullet dodged. He chalked up in his memory banks to be a little more careful when it came to funny tricks he pulled with the little girl. Bobby had to remind himself who her father was, after all.
The monthly food supply was quickly stocked and put into its proper places within the cabinets; a few idle chatter following the previous conversation. Emily patiently waited till no more food was left to be put away, waiting till Rogue was ready to help her put the clothes away in her closet. When the southerner went to grab a bag, Emily looked up at her, asking "May I wear one of my new PJ's tonight?"
Rogue smiled gently at her; pulling out the pink Pjs with butterflies accentuating the entire two piece of long sleeved wear. She handed the child the outfit, winking and pushing her gently up to her room. Emily smiled back; holding the Pj's tightly and scampered upward towards her room with a bag in her free hand. As the child raced her way to hurriedly put her clothes away, so to take a shower and wear the new outfit, Rogue turned to Bobby with a victorious smile. She stated "I will get that child to love pink."
Bobby's face a perfect example of someone's 'are you kidding me' retort. He shook his head, walking towards the living room to set up the X-box, rattling back as Rogue disappeared, "Not if Logan has anything to say about it."
xxx xxxx xxx
Wolverine rested his head on the raised metal table; shoving his fists upward again for good measure. He felt restless and the feral knew that if he didn't get out of his binds soon….we'll…it wouldn't look pretty.
The MRD guard, standing watch, glanced at him with a hateful glare. The goon cocked his gun to show he was serious about shooting the mutant if Wolverine didn't stop resisting. The feral flashed his canines at the man and growled, aggravated at the idiot. The MRD guard frowned, pulling his gun up….when he felt a hand grab at his boot. The goon jerked his head down; only to yelp out in alarm. The floor seemed to give way as the human dissolved right through the solid white tile; shouts for help muffled by another hand clamping over his mouth upon being dragged down into the floor boards.
Wolverine partly frowned at the scene; knowing full well what was going on. After the guard had been subdued, Shadowcat phased elegantly up through the white tile. Her hands rested on her hips, an annoyed narrowing of eyes and tense face boring into the feral. Shadowcat bit out "Next time, let's just trash this place!"
The nineteen year old roughly latched her hands onto Wolverine's arm; phasing him out of the binds with a heated pull. Shadowcat laid his huge forearm over her shoulder, helping to keep the mutant upright, adding "I'd be a whole lot easier."
Wolverine continued to frown at her disapprovingly, his gruff voice retorting "I kind of remember tellin ya not ta wait for me."
"You want to explain that to Emily!?" Shadowcat snapped back; jerking her head up at the feral. She gritted her teeth, barely pulling the feral along, finishing heatedly with a glare his way "Because I sure as hell don't!"
Wolverine's gaze immediately evaporated as sheepish expression fell on his harden masked face. He muttered back "Good point."
Shadowcat heated glare lessoned as she let out a tired sigh. She held on tighter to Wolverine, saying more gently, yet clearly frustrated "Come on, I have to go rescue Forge now."
Wolverine's white clothed eyes rose up perplexed. He replied "Forge? But didn't I…"
Shadowcat's look was deadly and was enough to silence even the Wolverine. She phased through the wall, hissing "Don't. Ask."
xxx xxxx xxx
Forge grunted out as both guards shoved him into the cell and slammed the door behind them. The mutant genius turned around, running up to the doorway and beat on the doorway with his hand, shouting out "I do really need to use the bathroom!"
Seeing that the MRD guards had not bought into his lie; Forge banged his head gently against the iron entryway. He pushed himself off the thick doorway and spun around the room to find a weakness in the cell's design. The mutant genius didn't make it far with his analysis, before a head phased through the iron doorway and certain nineteen year old glared at him with an irritated scowl. Forge jumped in alarm, stuttering out "Kitty!"
He smiled weakly, adding "I can expla…"
"Later." Shadowcat bit back. She phased her arm through the door and pulled Forge to the other side roughly. When the mutant genius was steady on his feet in the hall; Shadowcat glared at each of her teammates. She smarted sarcastically "Anything else you two want to do while we're here?"
Forge shook his head as Wolverine's face was unreadable. The nineteen year old turned from them; walking briskly forward. As Shadowcat led them out towards the exit, she threw her hands up, adding "Test their alarm system? Get a job app?"
Shadowcat thought of mentioning something extremely sarcastic about trying to find something nice for Emily; but relented after seeing the partially sheepish look still lingering on Wolverine's face. Beside…she was too tired to accidently pick a fight with anyone tonight. However, while Shadowcat rounded the corner with Forge and Wolverine on her heels, she couldn't but mutter "Men!"
xxx xxxx xxx
Logan pulled off his Wolverine mask and carded his gloved fingers through his hair. After the disastrous spectacle of a mission that had gone on tonight…the feral couldn't wait to hit the showers. He would have loved nothing more than to climb into his soft bed right after, but Hank had said he had detected activity from Charles a few hours prior. So that meant the tired and mentally exhausted feral had a little more work to do before hitting the hay. We'll, at least Logan could check on Emily before making his way down…..
"So, how do you jump again?" Emily's soft voice asked curiously from the living room. Bobby's confused voice came after, saying "I haven't played this in forever…but I think its B."
Logan's forehead creased as a frown etched onto his lips; it was fifteen till eleven. He should not be hearing a certain ten year olds little voice. The feral stalked towards the living room as a pause in the conversation trickled out to the hall. Emily's quiet voice inexplicitly began to giggle, as she stated "It wasn't B."
Bobby snicker echoed down the hall. The teen responded cheekily "That looked like it hurt."
Emily's soft giggle filled the feral's heightened hearing as he stepped into the room. The duo both sat cross-legged upon the carpet floor; fingers madly pressing into various buttons on their controls. Logan's face twirked a smirk as he laid eyes on the PJ's his child was wearing. They were clearly new and typical of what a little girl would enjoy. Hell, even Logan could admit his Half-pint looked pretty damn cute in the getup; despite the baby pink color accentuating the outfit. However, cuteness factor was not going to sway the fathers reprimand. Logan crossed his arms, uniform fabric tightening around his muscles, the feral quirking an eyebrow at the backs of the delinquents. He asked "Ain't ya supposed ta be in bed?"
Emily's raven locks flew out of her way as the little girl jerked towards the uniformed feral. Her soft ice blues scanned up to the living room clock; pupils dilating at catching the time. She let out a gasp in genuine shock, turning on the confused teen next to her. Emily's glare was piercing as she scolded "Ya didn't set the alarm!"
"I thought Kurt was takin you to bed tonight!" Bobby confessed, his eyes glancing up at the perturbed Logan then back at the irritated child. Emily huffed, placing her controller down, reprimanding "He's out helping Scott! It was your turn!"
Bobby fought the grin warbling into his face; shrugging his shoulders at the duo. He gazed at the sighing feral then back at the head shaking Emily, muttering "My bad…."
The little girl glared at him, crossing her arms. She smarted "Do ya ever not get me in trouble, Blondie?"
Logan watched the two, Bobby smirking wearily as Emily scowled, pinched the bridge of his nose. A humored snort escaped his mouth; a grin rising up his lips. The feral gazed back down at his child, reaching a hand out, reprimanding gently "Come on, Half-pint. Ya goin ta bed."
Emily stood up, sending one last irritated glance at the teen, walking hurriedly over to Logan; gently reaching out for his gloved fingers. The feral tenderly took up her small little hand, walking slowly beside the child as they made their way up to her room. Emily stifled a yawn, rubbing her free hand with her back hand, never seeing the gentle grin rising on the muscled mass beside her.
Logan gazed down at her; amazed at how much time had gone by since her arrival. He couldn't believe that in only three days, this little girl had been with him for three months. Sometimes that time felt short and yet also, especially after that 'Mojo' idiot, the time seemed so much longer. Logan soon began to reflect on things.
As time had been going on, Logan could see the walls she had built around her were crumbling down brick by brick every day. He guessed there were a few things he could be grateful for when it came to how Emily was acting towards him. Granted, the little girl still seemed to shy away from very close affection such as hugs, but he had found that she was slowly but surely starting to accept them. He had even discovered recently that Emily would willingly hold his hand now; even surprising the feral at times when she was the one who reached her hand out for his. However, more complex things, such as sitting on the couch beside her, were still a struggle. If Logan wanted to do something as simple as having the child leaning against him, the feral usually had to be the instigator; gently pulling her underneath his shoulder or slinging an arm beside her on the couch before Emily would get close. So despite a few pieces being replaced, and a few invisible bruises being mended whole, Logan still had a hell of a lot of work to do.
"I hate being short." Emily mumbled suddenly beside him, fumbling on the stairs.
Logan snapped out of his thoughts; gazing down to see Emily's tiring form continued to fumble up the last few steps. Without even thinking, the feral gentle placed his large gloved hands around her tiny waist, hoisting the child up at the top of the stairs in front of him. Emily gave him a sleepy and grateful smirk to which Logan ruffled her hair; scooting her along with a gentle pat of her back. The little girl followed his silent command, walking down the long hallway as a yawn escaped her mouth. Logan chuckled slightly behind her.
"I really didn't mean to be up late." Emily muttered sleepily beside him. Logan gazed down at the tiny child as she rubbed her eye with her palm again, the little girl saying "I'm sorry."
"I know darlin." Logan reassured the child, patting her head gently. Emily grinned up at him when realizing he was not upset, walking into her room. Logan leaned up against the doorway, the feral's presence at the door casted a very large shadow along the child's bedroom walls. He rumbled "Ya brush ya teeth?"
"No, not yet." Emily answered, yawning slightly. Logan nodded towards the bathroom, ordering gently "Go on, then."
Emily nodded in response, purple butterflies fluttering along her Pj fabric as the little girl made it over to her bathroom. She quietly turned on the light; soft blue eyes blinking owlishly at the brightness. Feeling a surge of a second wind, Emily turned to ask "Ya mission thing go well?"
Logan gave a frustrated growl and huffed through his nostrils. His intimidating form stalked into her bathroom behind her; a deep frown etched on his hard face. Emily giggled softly, muttering "I guess that means no."
Logan's irritation showed through as he tossed a half-hearted glare her way; the mission had obvious not gone well. Emily shook her head at the growly muscled mass beside her. She quietly went with her bedtime routine, temporarily forgetting the mutant, reaching for her hairbrush. Emily brushed her soft raven locks, pulling it out of its pony tail hold, tugging out the last few tangled places. She pushed her bangs to the side, temporarily showing off the healed scar along her upper forehead. Hank had really tried to fade out the healed flesh. Yet Emily still had a pencil thin line of healed scarred flesh along her up upper forehead that the doctor felt may never entirely go away. At least Emily was grateful it could be hidden under her bangs.
The little girl noticed Logan studying the healed flesh with a critical eye. His ice blues bore into the pencil thin scar; as hoping by sheer intimidation that it would flee off the child's small forehead. Emily huffed, scolding while brushing "Stop it."
Logan blinked a few times, frowning down at her, rumbling "What?"
"I caught ya, Wolverine." Emily teased, placing down her hairbrush to poke at the feral's upper black uniformed leg. Logan smirked at her as the little child puffed up her chest, saying "So stop looking at it or I'll…"
Emily paused in her threat; inner wheels churning with an idea. She flash a defiant look up at the smug Logan, who leaned on the counter, Emily stating boldly "Or I'll kick your butt."
The feral's gaze was downright haughty as Logan grunted and quirked an eyebrow down at the tiny child. Emily quickly got a tad offended, frowning at her muscled fathers smug grin rising up his face. She defended "Don't look at me like that! I can find a way!"
Emily marched up to Logan; arching her neck up to face the muscled feral. She faltered in her 'intimidating' pout as Logan stood back up to his full height, crossing his insanely muscled arms, and towering over the little girl. He flashed her a wolfish smile with his canines. Emily eyed him, backing off, yet still defending "Or I can get Kurt to do it for me."
Logan's earthy chuckle softly thundered off the small tiled walls of Emily's bathroom. He shook his head, watching his spunky little child pull out her steps from underneath the sink. Emily planted her left foot on the first step; only to have Logan's thickly built body slip behind her, gently grabbing her and lifting Emily up onto the top of her steps without being asked too. Emily noticed he was starting to do that a lot more and more; helping her without ever being asked. The little girl looked to see Logan's smug grin reflecting off the bathroom mirror. He crossed his bulging arms, black uniform tightening, as Logan gazed at her through the mirror.
"Elf? Against me?" Logan smarted. The feral grunted out a chuckle, leaning towards the child, stating "I don't think so."
Emily frowned in thought, opening up the medicine cabinet for her toothpaste and toothbrush. Her little fingers had trouble twisting the cap of the Crest paste, not surprised when a large hairy pair of hands gently took it from her and opened it themselves. Emily stared at Logan, asking "Scott?"
Logan's wolfish smile returned as he got a far off look in his eyes. He didn't even give the little girl a chance to struggle with putting toothpaste on her small brush; Logan merely took the purple toothbrush and applied the paste with a squeeze of the tube. The feral handed the little girl her toothbrush, smarting "Boy Scout tried. Didn't work."
Emily crinkled her nose; gently taking the brush from the feral's large hands. She reached over, wetting her brush under the bathroom faucet, thinking of someone else. The little girl pointed her brush at Logan, saying "Hank!"
Logan gentle turned the child's hand towards her mouth, answering "Nope."
Emily huffed, frowning, opening her mouth to brush her back teeth; eyeing the smirking Logan. She glided the purple toothbrush along her gums and teeth; nodding every so often as the feral gently reminded her to brush certain areas of her mouth. Logan filled up her rinsing cup with cold water and handed it to the little girl; who promptly took a big swig and swished the water in her mouth. Emily spat into the sink, refilling her mouth, spiting again. She picked up their previous conversation, saying after spitting "We'll, Rogue can knock ya out with her powers!"
Logan snorted through his nostrils, taking the cup gently from her hand. He set it aside, answering "Not for long she can't."
Emily sighed and glared irritated at the smirking feral. She crossed her arms, eyeing him, finally asking "Then who can kick your butt?"
Logan's wolfish smile returned as did the quirk of his eyebrows. He leaned his broad shouldered frame down till where his forehead was pressed playfully to the child's small one. Logan whispered smugly "Nobody."
Emily made a disbelieving coughing noise, turning with her nose raised, rattling back "Ya liar!"
The little child tip toed down her steps, sending a glare over her shoulder, as Logan deep chuckle erupted behind her. Emily walked out of her bathroom while Logan following after in an almost arrogant sway of his stride. He dared a playful light shove of her back to get her attention. When Emily scowled half-heartedly annoyed at him; Logan pointed a gloved thumb to his chest, proudly stating "I'm the Wolverine. No one has beaten me."
Emily paused at her bed, annoyed expression turning to a smirk of the lips. She looked the muscled feral up and down; shaking her head. Emily turned to pull her covers down, easily climbing into her bed. As she did this, the little girl glanced up at Logan, smarting over her shoulder "We'll, aren't we just a little full ourselves?"
Logan rose both eyebrows at the back turned child. His ice blue eyes sparked with an ornery gleam as he snuck up silently beside the little Half-pint's bed. Using quick reflexes, he reached downward, pinching and tickling the ten year olds sides. Emily gave out a sharp squeal in alarm, floundering on her bed, making Logan's chuckle erupt deeply from his throat. The little girl turned onto her back on the bed, kicking playfully at the giant mutant, giggling out "That ain't fair! You're stronger than me!"
Logan tickled her a few more moments; Emily sputtering out giggles while squirming in the bed. The feral chuckled, pausing in his attack, to lean his forehead to hers, smarting "Of course. I'm the Wolverine."
Emily scowled annoyed up at him, her left hand smacking at his broad chest. Logan's body shook as he laughed genially. He dared to nuzzle her ear affectionately as early this morning and was happy to find Emily merely giggled and squirmed at his action. The feral chuckled more softly; petting his little girls head as he rose up to his towering form. Logan gently helped Emily pull her covers over her small body; making sure the child had enough blankets to keep herself warm through the night. Satisfied his Half-pint was securely in her bed, the muscled feral patted her side, gently ordering "Now go ta bed, while I go de-ice a certain Popsicle for lettin ya stay up late."
Emily giggled; burying her face onto her pillow. She watched him go; herself thinking. The little girls soft blue eyes studied the back of the uniformed feral. Just once…just once…Emily wanted to see how'd he react to that word. Though it still felt odd rolling against her tongue: Emily wanted to try it out. The little girl closed her eyes, whispering softly "Night...daddy."
Logan's ear picked up the statement….the feral stopping in his tracks. He quietly turned to face Emily and slowly made his way back to her 'sleeping' form. The muscled mutant casted a soft shadow along his daughters still body; a tender expression falling on his face. Slowly the feral's large gloved hand reached down and brushed gently across Emily's head; pushing back soft raven hair from the child's porcelain skin. Logan caressed her little cheek, catching the child peeking out from her closed eyes. He grinned tenderly down at her, pretending not to notice, and leaned down towards her little ear, whispering lovingly "Night, Lil' Half-pint."
Logan brushed back her hair once more; grinning wider as Emily escaped a soft and content sigh from her lips. The feral waited till she was nearly asleep before silently walking out of her room with a tender expression instilled on his face.
xxx xxxx xxx
Logan was once again staring down at Charles unresponsive form; oddly, the only one still up. Earlier, after several hours of trying, Hank had finally thrown in the towel and had left the feral alone with their silent mentor. Logan's ice blue eyes flickered up to the nearby hanging clock, sighing as he shoved his hands in his pockets, the digits proudly reading 1:00am in the morning. Maybe it was time to cut and run. Besides, a certain little ten year old girl had lessons tomorrow and Logan couldn't let her oversleep. Upon thinking of said child…a gentle smile rose on the feral's lips. Without warning, a calming milky whiteness enveloped the spacious room…..
"It appears a certain child's arrival has gotten you to smile once more, old friend." Charles stated gently behind Logan; stepping into the foggy astroplane. The feral turned to face him, responding "Long time, no see, Chuck."
The Professor grinned, replying "Have you taken my advice, since the last time we talked?"
The feral snorted; crossing his muscled arms and staring at Charles with a gruff stare. The Professor lifted on eyebrow, stating dryly "From the look on your face, it appears not."
Logan refrained from saying anything sarcastic; merely looking at his mentor with a hardened frown on his lips. Charles's lifted eyebrow rose higher, until his telepathy caught glimpses of memories in the feral's seemingly timeless mind. A gentle grin replaced his expression; the Professor saying "But I can very well see why you would be hesitant."
Logan nodded in return, his voice not hiding its defensiveness, as he replied "I'm gettin to it."
Charles appeared to take the answer; for he did not make a retort back. Despite being Logan's mentor, he felt there were certain things he only advised than stepped away; such as the raising of children. He believed that Logan was certainly capable of handling the situation on his own. If not, we'll, Logan always had him or Hank to come to for advice. The feral mutant quickly changed the subject on Charles, not knowing exactly how much time they had left, asking "What's been goin on, Chuck?"
Charles's expression quickly turned grim; his stiff body language telling the feral that this was not going to be a pleasant visit anymore. That things had gone down, and the situation, was not very pretty. Logan crossed his arms, rolling his broad shoulders and waited for the proverbial shit to hit the fan.
The Professor began to explain the last few weeks in his time, the reason why it had taken so long for contact, that Master Mold had doubled her efforts in trying to apprehend Charles. If it had not been for Lorna saving them, despite having residual PTSD from her traumatic experience from the fall of Genosha, they would have easily been taken prisoners. However, that was not the most troubling thing that had caused the great Professor Charles Xavier to worry. No, it was that during all this, his group of survivors had been chased by a new form of Sentinel. A machine…that mimicked the Wolverine's claws and more importantly….his healing ability. Charles admitted he was confused as to how the Sentinels were able to create such a machine; until Logan gruffly explained the mission that had gone sour. So regardless of getting the information they needed; Logan had still inadvertently helped the other side. We'll, there went the fan…spraying it all over Logan; giving himself another reason to kick himself in the ass tonight.
"So, ya think because I got captured…" Logan interrupted; his graveled voice hinting a feral growl. He looked to Charles, adding "These machines can duplicate my abilities?"
"It appears that way." Charles answered quietly. Logan obvious didn't like the answer by the flash of white canines and an aggravated growl that filled the infinite whiteness of the astroplane in response. Charles placed his left hand up to temporarily halt the feral mutant from getting frustrated further, replying urgently "Logan, if they can adapt to fight like us…"
Logan gazed upward at the concerned face of Charles Xavier, the professor finishing quietly "We may very well lose this war."
The feral's muscles bulged under the fabric, his cold ice blue eyes snapping and lips turned to a determined frown. He growled tactfully "I ain't gonna let that happen, Chuck."
Just as quickly as Charles appeared, the professor began to fade while the milky whiteness in the room disappeared; their time was almost up. Logan nodded his head to the disappearing figure, stating firmly "Count on it."
It was unclear if Logan's bold and determined remarks had set any of the Professors troubled mind at ease; for the astroplane evaporated into the rafters before a response was made. Yet the feral was resolute and beyond reasoning. For if the future can be changed for the worse; it could be changed back for the better. Because as long as Logan was still kicking….he would not go down without a fight.
First….like my surprise? : ) Yes, I made the Ragin Cagin, a GOOD GUY! I HATED the way they made Gambit out to be in his series; he was a total jackass! So, I rewrote the reason for his character absence and why he will be soon integrated into my story.
Second, I have a message for my present readers. While trying to write this series; I have TRIED to fervently avoid grammar mistakes, spelling and general typos. Sadly, I am only human and things happen. Since rereading my posted chapters, I have noticed some mistakes that need to be corrected. Such as….
-Stacy and Austin's nicknames are 'Sassy Stacy' and 'Cowboy Austin' (how that got mixed up, I will never know! It is on my word document as that…just….ugh. And yes…it will be important to know these nicknames later in the series.)
-Tilde is supposed to be twelve.
-and other miscellaneous grammar mistakes/ spelling errors that I am going to correct because it's driving me nuts!
I want this fanficiton to be the best it can be, so, I am going back and fixing my mistakes (mostly grammatical/spelling that I missed previously). I hope to find someone who can reread future chapters before I post them, so this won't happen again.
Finally, thank you for all the positive and helpful reviews and I bid you all a wonderful weekend! XD
