Chapter 14 - The Laroux Clan
Never before had Charles seen such an elegant estate. He had to admit that the large building seemed far more sophisticated than his own mansion, but then quickly reminded himself that all of the mutants Pierre was housing were already adults, this building didn't go through the same wear and tear that teenagers caused. The parlor was completely rose in shade, from the painted walls down to the wooden floors, the entire room held the same color. All about the rooms with photos of individual people, no doubt Pierre Laroux's many children.
Hank slowly looked around as well, his eyes straying to the bookcase. Many of the book titles were in French, and therefore he was unsure of what information was contained within them. However, as there came a soft sound of wood moving, both Xavier and Hank turned their attention to the doorway, where a very thin pale man entered, dressed in what looked to be a simple white labcoat and black slacks. His large rimmed glasses fit smugly about his nose as his bright eyes seemed to stare at them both." Professor Xavier, I must say it is surprising to be meeting you in person." He said as he offered a thin boney hand towards Charles. Slowly, Xavier gave a nod and shook Pierre's hand. He gave a motion towards Hank." This is my colleage, Dr. Henry McCoy." Pierre gave a simple nod to Hank." A pleasure, now, what do I owe to be the honor of this visit?"
It was Hank who spoke first, eager to get some information." We heard that you have a group of mutants here." Pierre nodded." Of course, my children." Xavier gave a light nod." Would you care to.. tell us a bit about them?" Pierre blinked, intrigued." I have twenty children from twelve different countries. They were considered outcasts among their homes, and many were eager to be welcomed into a home."Hank nodded, very interested." Do they all still live here with you?" Pierre shook his head." No, After Kura and Kage had an arguement, some of them left home. Only fifteen of my children still live here." Xavier raised an eyebrow, interested." Kura?" Pierre smiled." One of my oldest. His mutation is that of a necromancer, able to communicate and mobilize the dead for his own uses." Hank flinched at the thought." That sounds terrifying.." Pierre shook his head." On the contrary, he's a very sweet young man, he always has been rather gentle."
Xavier nodded, but then slowly asked." And what about this other? Kage?"Pierre seemed a little nervous, but then spoke." His name, Kage.. is the Japanese translation for shadow. That's what he does. He can stretch his shadow, bend it to strangle and murder others. He's always been a bit harder to control, very will full, why are you so curious about my children?" He asked, his eyes narrowed at Xavier and Hank. Xavier slowly answered." We believe we have found one of them, a young teen by the name of Aurelie." At the mere mention, Pierre seemed to become pale." Oh?" He questioned, then continued." What do you want to know?" He asked. Xavier seemed content now." Everything. We need you to tell us everything you know about her." Pierre sighed." Alright, I'll tell you." Then he began.
Meanwhile, Kurt and Aurelie were within the mall, Logan with them just in case any mishaps were to happen. So far, Logan was simply bored as he watched Kurt and Aurelie go through store after store after store. Aurelie would become easily intrigued by unusual items, which usually allowed Kurt to glance around for things to buy for Aurelie without the blonde noticing. Logan had to admit, he felt a bit proud of the elf. Ever since Aurelie's accident, Kurt had really stepped up to try and help her.
Logan finally gave a sigh as he watched Aurelie look over cookingware." Do you think your mother would like these?" She asked, holding up a large pot. Kurt blinked, unsure." Not something so big. She doesn't cook much pasta." He explained." Maybe a good juicer would be better." He suggested." She's mentioned thinking of getting one." Aurelie nodded simply." Good idea." Logan couldn't help but roll his eyes as Kurt glanced around quickly, as if trying to find something remotely interesting as Aurelie busied herself looking over juicers.
Once the group went to the food court, Kurt claime to be headed to the restroom. Aurelie didn't question it, but Logan knew better. He had a feeling that Kurt was headed towards a certain shop to purchase some gift idea. It was a good ploy for Kurt to use, especially given the circumstances. Once Kurt was gone however, Logan decided to try and talk." How're you feeling today?" Aurelie looked up at Logan, a little confused by his sudden question." Alright, I guess." She said. Logan nodded, but then spoke again." I've been thinking... ever since I first met you.. you seemed a little bit.. fimilar... have we met before?" Aurelie frowned, thinking. Then it hit her. His face, his voice. Her eyes widened, shocked." The darkness... you opened the door.. were the first to come near me.." Logan raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she meant." Darkness?" Aurelie nodded softly." Yes... in.. in... Au... au.." She trailed off, as if unsure of the name. Logan's eyes widened, suddenly recalling it as well." Auschwitz."
All at once, Logan moved over to Aurelie, looking down at her, recalling those soft confused eyes." You were the one I saw.. that room.." Aurelie nodded softly." You were the man... in the odd uniform.."
The two stared at each other, in awe. However, when Kurt approached, he became shocked at what he saw. Logan and Aurelie staring at each other, both of them awfully close. He frowned, suddenly feeling a pain within his chest." How could you...?"