Am I posting at 2am in the morning? Of course I am. Why? Because 1) its summer vacation, obviously and 2) I know you guys/gals have been waiting a while for this chapter. However, in my defense, ALL the important things for this summer happened in one month. Finals, a family member's graduation AND another's wedding….I am sooooo glad May is OVER! Now I can write again!

P.S. I split Episode: Backlash into two 'parts' per-say because it fit better with my character development. I have also taken into account a lot of reviews who mention that chapters are getting to long and will be trying to split more chapters this way from now on. (I got into that 'but they NEED to know this' attitude with episodes and didn't want to split things up. My apologies.)

Anyways…have fun reading. XD

Chapter Fourteen

Words I Long To Hear

"And…why ya got ta read her mind again, Frost?" Logan asked with a cross of his arms; leaning on the library's opened doorway. Emma and Emily looked in his direction; before the blonde telepath chose to ignore him. She turned back to Emily, saying softly "As I was saying, we will schedule a time later next week."

Emily nodded, confused also but her curiosity was quickly forgotten when Emma suddenly put her finger tips to her head, smiled, and added "But for now, Tildie is waiting outside."

The ten year old little girl broke out into a huge grin at hearing her newest friends name and quickly swiveled in her chair towards the muscled feral. Her soft blue eyes stared up at him expectantly and Logan smirked, nodding towards the exit, saying "Go on, Half-pint."

Emily bounded straight out of the chair as soon Logan gave permission. Yet, she didn't get far before a large hairy forearm blocked her exit and a huge hand was laid on her shoulder. The little girl glanced up to see Logan smirking down towards her; ruffling her hair affectionately. Emily giggled at his slightly teasingly rough way he messed up her hair, throwing both arms around his higher thigh for a quick hug. She didn't see Emma grinning gently at the display of affection or the surprised look on Logan's face; before she was racing for her friend outside. The feral mutant watched her go for a moment, before jerking his head towards Emma with a dark scowl, stating "I asked a question."

"No, you asked an interrogative question, Mr. Howlett." Emma snarked back; gathering her things. She smirked as Logan's scowl deepened, adding frankly "Which I cannot answer at this point in time."

Logan restrained himself from snarling towards Emma; knowing the woman would only find pleasure in seeing she had gotten him rattled. So instead he rubbed his large hand over his face, walking after Emma heading towards the living room down the hall. He caught up to her, asking annoyed "Are ya ever gonna answer?"

"In time…yes." Emma answered, surprisingly softer in her tone. The feral mutant looked up to see a genuine expression on her woman's face, as Emma added "I do everything for a reason, Logan."

The feral mutant snorted an aggravated grunt and Emma let out a small smile of genuine amusement. However the look quickly disappeared and the normal emotionless expression traveled back up the White Queens face as she went through the open double living room doors. Logan had not seen the expression or its disappearance; muttering about how he didn't get telepaths as he looked out the patio window.

Emma shook her head, taking time to sort out her things on the table, before walking over to the sink for some water. She quickly felt a large shadow form alongside her and glanced up to see Logan, once again, glaring through the kitchen window. Emma fought the urge to roll her eyes as the feral mutant crossed his bulging arms, his piercing blue retinas darted from side to side; watching the backyard territorially while the two giggling girls played. Emma shook her head, setting her glass aside and gave Logan's arm a small slap in reprimand. Logan jerked his head to her, and Emma stated bluntly "Stop hovering, Logan."

The feral mutant's eyes widen as the telepath took a sip of her drink, walking away from him to sit at the table. Logan jerked a thumb to his chest, barking heatedly "I ain't hoverin!"

The feral snorted low in his throat for an added measure and turned his gaze back to the outdoors. Emma calmly swallowed, turning a page to grade, stating "Says the father who's peeked out of the window for the third time in the last five minutes."

Emma fought off a wryly smile as a deep growl billowed throughout the room. She did not need to look up to know Logan was probably glaring at her with those haunting blue eyes and thundering out that ridiculous act of aggression. Emma merely flipped another page, smarting back "Oh yes, growl at me….very dignified, Mr. Howlett."

The growling died out with a surprised grunt and Emma fought every urge not to laugh; no one of this household had the guts to show they were not intimidated by him. Yet she quickly sighed heavily, glaring up at him, snapping "For god sakes, I think you gave that man a heart attack when we took her trick r treating!"

Logan blinked a few times; before a wicked smile traveled up his canines. Oh he had remembered last week quite well….and Emma was not able to fool him. The telepath read his mind of what he had overheard that night after they returned home and a red hot blush formed along her cheeks. She snapped heatedly "Don't even get that smug look on your face! I did not laugh….it was not funny….."

Emma's mouth twitched and Logan's canines flashed bigger as he rose an eyebrow towards her; blue eyes dancing in orneriness. The telepath jerked her gaze away, trying to sound angry but came out in a giggled choke of "You're dreadful."

"I punished the four of em' for what they did ta Kelly's house." Logan responded back with a shrug of the shoulders; finding it oddly amusing that the great White Queen could not look up at him or dare her cold demeanor shatter. Emma bit her lip, rolling her tongue in her mouth to keep the laughter at bay, staring down at her papers. She managed to reprimand "Two days of Danger Room sessions, no video-games and sketchbooks does not amount to T-peeing and throwing eggs at a person's house!"

"Don't tell me you never did that as a kid." Logan replied back; raising an accusatory eyebrow as Emma dared to looked up. She lifted her nose up high, a small grin forming on her face as grey eyes twinkled with a secret, as she retorted "I refuse to answer that."

Both of Logan's eyebrows shot up this time and Emma gave him a dirty look. She bit back with a small smirk, saying "Shut up."

Logan's rare laughter gently filled the room and Emma's equally rare smile filled up the lines of her face. This surprising sight was what Hank walked into as he began to ask "Logan…."

"Yeah, Hank?" Logan replied, clearing his voice to stop his laughter. Hank looked oddly back and forth between the two, but continued "Forge needs you to help with the Danger Room. He says he needs to make sure all the programs are running…."

"And the brute is the only one who can survive them all."Emma finished with a wryly smirk. Logan snorted, rolling his shoulders to act gruff, replying "At least I ain't no princess who can't take a hit."

"Don't you remember, Mr. Howlett? I am the Queen with the diamonds skin…." Emma remarked, laying a hand on her chest in mock anger. Her eyebrow quirked up, as her voice turned softer and a glint to her eyes appeared, Emma retorting "And I might just surprise you."

Logan's blue eyes lit up as a dirty smirk played on his lips. He walked out of the room, past a confused Hank, finishing with a growl "I look forward ta it."

Emma smirked but did not reply back; watching as the muscled feral exited. Logan paused at the door, blue eyes darting up to the window one last time. Yet he soon noticed Ororo walking into the kitchen to prepare for the evening meal; also a commanding look from Emma meant any half-ass story he cooked up to stay would be shot down. So the feral reluctantly left but noticed the smirk rising up on Hanks face as he looked from Logan to Emma. The feral's muscles tensed up, his cold blue eyes darting to Hanks, as Logan growled defensively "What?"

Hank put up his hands in surrender, the same knowing look on his face and Logan growled irritated as he hurried his pace down the hall. Sure this game with Emma was getting interesting….and hell, maybe a little fun….but the last he needed was anyone thinking what Logan thought Hank was thinking. No this was just a game….yeah, a harmless game.

xxx xxxx xxx

"Do you think he's following us this time?" Tildie teased, glancing back over her shoulder as the duo walked along the brisk and chilly hillside. Emily snorted, replying sarcastically "If ya see a large shadow stalking us in the woods, then ya got ya answer."

Tildie giggled in response, covering her mouth with her pink jacket sleeve and Emily grinned up at her newest friend. She then jumped onto the nearest fallen log, walking across it while keeping her jacket hood in place, smiling as Tildie mimicked her actions. Emily then realized that if her father would come out, he might not be so keen on the idea of her balancing so far in the air and suddenly leaped down to the browning grass below. She smiled as a thud came from the lanky twelve year old landed behind her; Tildie walking up with an expectant look of what adventure awaited them next. Emily bit her lip, looking around, before pointing to the left, asking "Race ya to the pool?"

"Can you run that far?" Tildie teased dryly, crossing her arms. Emily gave a half-annoyed glare but smirked, retorting "Can you make it without falling?"

Both girls gave each other a challenging look, Emily looked up while Tildie was a good head taller, while a chilly autumn breeze pushed at their pulled down hoodies. Then the twelve year old broke out into a smile, shouting quickly "One, Two, Three, Go!"

The duo squealed giggles as they raced for the tarp covered pool area; feet pounding up blades of deadened grass and fallen leaves. Tildie started off with a good lead, her long legs carrying her far towards the finish line. However, a blur of raven locks and purple hoodie, raced into the lead and soon bridged a large gap between the two racers. Tildie tried to catch up, heaving out but finally waved her hand for her opponent to stop; laughing good naturally in defeat as she collapsed to the grass. Emily slowed her pace, smiling wide in triumph at her friend and made her way back towards the grassy patch Tildie had stopped to rest in. The twelve year old breathed out, shaking her head, asking incredulously "How do you run that fast?"

"Emma says it's cause both my parents were mutants." Emily replied, shrugging her shoulder. She fell on her bottom upon the dry grass below, sitting next to her lying friend, and giggled when Tildie stuck her tongue out at her in mock annoyance. Emily also fell back onto the grass, spreading her arms above her head, and looked up at the evening sky. The sun was just starting to set along the horizon and had created a beautiful aura of colors to blend along the dirty gray clouds littering up above. Tildie shifted her head in the grass to look at her, saying curiously "I thought just Mr. Logan was a mutant."

Emily's soft blue eyes tightened in a single flash of pain; turning from her friends gaze before Tildie could see. She replied quietly "Raven's one too."

Tildie gazed at Emily, who refused to look at her, feeling a string of pity for her newest friend. The twelve year old bit the bottom of her lip in thought, asking curiously "So, does that mean you'll become one?"

Emily finally looked to her briefly, and then leaned up to swivel her head from left to right. The ten year old seemed to be checking if the coast was clear, before setting her blue eyes serious unto her newest friend, whispering "Can ya keep a secret?"

Tildie bolted up from her lying position and nodded her head quickly up and down. Emily studied her with a calculating gaze and lifted a hand up with her pinky pointed out. The ten year old's blue eyes narrowed seriously as she ordered "Pinky swear on it."

Tildie's little pinky was wrapped around Emily's in a flash and both shook their hands up in down in confirmation of the sacred childhood oath. After their fingers un-twined, Emily crinkled her nose up in thought, saying "We'll…"

The ten year old checked around once more to see if any grownups were listening in, before leaning into Tildie's ear to whisper "I overheard Hank saying to Daddy that I could someday be a feral mutant!"

Tildie gave out a small gasp in surprise, looking towards a smiling Emily with large eyes, replying in a loud whisper "No way!"

"Yeah! Hank said it's because Daddy gave me something in a X chromosome thing…." Emily explained, motioning her hand for their voices to stay lowered. Her smile slowly vanished, as she also added less enthusiastically "But he also said I might just be a 'carrier'."

"Isn't that just where your kids get the powers?" Tildie asked in a hushed voice. Emily nodded, leaning back as she sighed, "Yep."

Tildie's eyebrows furrowed down as she put her finger to her lip in thought, studying her slightly deflated friend sitting beside her. Tildie's mouth formed a smirk, as she said slyly "Maybe that be a good thing…"

Emily went to glare at her but Tildie smirked bigger, finishing teasingly "Because then you wouldn't get so hairy like your dad!"

Emily's bright eyes blinked a few times before she also smirked and giggled at her friend's remark. The ten year old then mocked a serious glare, putting her palm on her head to act dramatic, while leaning back, saying "I would look gorgeous with hairy body….."

"Like from Where the Wild Things Are!" Tildie smarted back in interruption; smiling from ear to ear as Emily's mouth parted in a humored look of shock. The ten year old pushed playfully at the lanky twelve year old; giggling as they soon began swatting with their hands at each other while falling back to the grass. Tildie and Emily soon were screeching with laughter as they threw fallen leaves at each other, barely hearing Ororo's voice call out across the lawn "Girls!?"

Tildie motioned her hand for Emily to stop, which her friend did, only to giggle as Tildie threw one last leave into her hair. Emily huffed a guffaw, pushing back at her friend while brushing the red leave out of her hair. Tildie giggled, shouting out "Yes Ms. Monroe?"

Ororo grinned gently at the duo, motioning her hand inside towards the back door, saying "Dis time for dinner."

"Yes, ma'am." Both girls said in unison; each stifling giggles as they pushed another playfully for last time before running through to back doorway.

xxx xxxx xxx

After the dished has been put in the washer, both Tildie and Emily had been ordered straight to their bathrooms to wash off the dirty and dead grass from their romp outside. The ten year old, seeing as she had picked the wrong side of the coin, was the first to be freshly clean and fitted into her PJs for the evening; cuddled up with a new book to read in the living room. Now she waited patiently for the seven o'clock news and for her newest friend to finish her bath.

Emily scooted her butt closer into the large leather chair she was sitting in; inhaling deep the faint scent of cigars and oak pine that claimed the leather bindings. The ten year old grinned gently as the familiar smell invaded her nose and sighed contently. She really was beginning to like it here. Even coming as far as thinking this place as her home….with her father only a single shout away. Emily felt a smile form up her lips; her father….how easy that phrase seemed now to slowly trickle into her thoughts. It was becoming normal….a kind of normal Emily was perfectly fine with keeping for the rest of her life.

The little ten year old had been so lost in her thoughts, she had not noticed that same muscular figure walk into the room until she heard his grunt of humor. Emily looked up to see Logan shake his head as his robust figure strode over towards her, saying "Ya in my seat, darlin."

Emily smirked, intentionally cuddling into the leathered chair, replying "So."

Logan chuckled slightly and Emily formed a grin on her face while still looking at her unturned page in her book. The feral grabbed the remote from the coffee table, motioning to the couch, replying "Get up, Half-pint."

Emily flickered her eyes from her book, then back to the page she was one, and an ornery glint flashed across her baby blues. She reared her left leg out and kicking Logan's leg while trying to form a mock look of defiance, stating bluntly "No."

It took all her lung power not to burst out laughing at the bewildered look the feral mutant passed up his face; Emily maintaining a scowl at him before putting her eyes back at her book. Logan frowned, ready to say something, before catching a dancing baby blues that kept flickering up at him while a small mouth fought off a grin. The feral's slightly tensed shoulders relaxed as Logan shook his head. He motioned his large hand upward, chuckling "Get up, darlin…"

Emily snorted, sadly this time not being able to hide her giggles, while she smacked him with her book, saying "I ain't movin."

Logan looked as if he were going to scowl, but instead, the feral mutant merely shrugged his broad shoulders, answering "Fine by me."

Emily quirked an eyebrow up at him but soon felt his hand wrap around her waist, lifting her gently upward and then placing her upon his large left thigh. The ten year olds eyes' widen as she realized she was sitting on Logan's lap; feeling her muscles initially tense up at the close proximity. Emily felt Logan's gaze on her before his haunting ageless eyes locked into hers.

Logan felt it was the most agonizing minute in his entire life while he waited for Emily to react. He had felt her entire body ridged up and was cussing himself out for acting to soon, when something remarkable happened. Emily finished studying him, narrowed her eyes, then simply said in a serious tone "No poking."

Then just like that, the ten year old turned around, got settled in and pried her book back open. Logan had to grind his teeth not to slack his jaw at amazement. There was no pushing, no uncomfortable looks or excuses to get down. Emily was now sitting on his lap, completely relaxed and, dare he notice it, actually leaning in towards him while reading her book.

Logan grinned tenderly at the back of his daughter's raven locks; daring to adjust more comfortably in the chair with his arm strung over his little girl. Emily only wiggled so his arm was not so heavy but more wrapped around her, before going back to reading her book.

Logan could have watched his little girl till the end of time, but his ears perked up to the sound of the televisions nightly news jingle, before hearing a voice say "Only recently, every MRD facility in the nation, was left in utter ruin after synchronized attacks by mutant forces…."

The feral tore his gaze away to look to the screen; a frown appearing on his face as MRD soldiers began filing out of a large load up truck behind the TV broadcaster. The slim man side stepped so the camera could get a better view, continuing "But what should have been a devastating blow to Senator Kelly, and his anti-mutant initiative, has actually proved otherwise…."

The News broadcaster quickly stepped aside, his cameramen jarring the camera, as both tried to evade the monstrously large scorpion like Sentinel marching precariously through the street. After the newsman straightened his tie, he looked towards the camera lens saying "It's all too clear tonight, that those attacks only embolden Kelly's efforts…."

Logan lip curled up into a slight snarl at the TV, while unconsciously his grip tightened more protectively around his daughter. Emily noticed the change and looked up, but her gaze was averted to the TV from the MRD breaking down an apartment door. Both human daughter and mutant father watched as the newsman explained "What's being called Phase One of Project: Wide-awake…has now begun."

Emily watched as a young woman, who looked around Rogue's age, was dragged from her home by both arms. Her eyes widen as that same woman transformed in front of the camera into a werewolf like beast, snarling and howling at the humans who backpedaled away in fear. However it was not seconds later before a bright blast was thrown full force into the deformed being, knocking the mutant out with a strangled yelp.

The cameraman then paneled to the scorpion like drone, with military dressed MRD officers, who began marching towards the unconscious female. Emily felt a chill run down her spine at the thought that could have been Rogue….or anyone of the X-men she had come to care for; shying in more into her father's chest. She instantly felt Logan's arm wrap securely around her; his hand rubbing comfortingly up and down her shoulder. Emily couldn't help but watch as the cameraman went to the newsman, who continued "With full authority from the government, the forceful registrations of mutants has commenced in New York State, and is said to expand across the country."

A sneering Senator Kelly, with whitening hair and an expensive suit, was talking into the microphones stretched towards him, barking "Every single mutant living among us is a bomb waiting to go off! As demonstrated by these recent attacks…"

Emily felt her fear dissolve away as she leaned up from her father; a scowl aimed towards the bigoted Senator. The man continued his rant, with his fists closing up and aimed high, as he went on "And outlaw mutant groups like the Brotherhood and the X-men will no longer be tolerated!"

Logan's curl of a snarl lifted higher up, before his thoughts were interrupted with Emily saying bluntly "He's just jealous cause he can't do the cool stuff ya all do."

The feral mutant looked down at his scowling daughter as Emily leaned back into her spot on his lap. She pulled open her book again, huffing while she wiggled closer to Logan, adding "I bet his powers would be lame anyways."

Emily stuck her tongue out at the screen for good measure, turning to her book with a prideful huff, feeling Logan chuckle quietly beside her. The feral gazed at his daughter, not minding to shatter her innocent views of the world, brushing her hair behind her ear. Yet he frowned when his fingers brushed up against those tiny little ears, his voice rumbling gently "Ya ears are cold as ice, darlin."

"I only took my hood off for a second!" Emily quickly defended, gazing up at him. She then blushed sheepishly, lowering her gaze, adding "A lot of seconds."

Logan sighed, slightly chuckling again, and placed both of his large hands over her half frozen ears. The feral though did flash a stern glare towards the little girl, an all but silent warning not to do it again and Emily smirked wearily. She turned back to read her book, Logan shaking his head, when Kelly on the screen ranted "To any mutant who refuses to come forward voluntarily, I guarantee we will find you…"

Logan jerked his head towards the illuminated screen, as Kelly threatened "We will go door to door! March into every home! Every school! Every business!"

Logan's grip around his daughter's ears unwillingly tightened, as his curl of a snarl returned; his hunter gaze stalking the individual ranting on the screen. Kelly glared into the camera, his voice ominous, as he threatened "Let it be known, here and now….that your days….are numbered."

The feral mutant's canines flashed dangerously at the screen as he billowed out a dark growl so deep it vibrated his chest. Logan could literally feel his pupils dilate till they nearly covered his blue retina and the hair on his neck rise up. For the feral saw the foolish Senators ranting as what they were….a threat. A threat to his home, a threat to his team he called family, and most importantly…a threat to his daughter. And Logan didn't take kindly to threats. That stupid little human want to mess with his Lil' Half-pint? We'll why don't you come over here and see why they used to say Logan was the best at what he did….

"Ouch! That hurts, daddy!" Emily piped up, grabbing at Logan's hands covering her ears. The feral immediately was shot down from his territorial thoughts, removing his hands from Emily's head, replying "Sorry, Half-pint."

"I guess I have to say no squishing too." Emily mumbled under her breath, rubbing at her ears, frowning up at Logan. However, the little girl's mood softened when she saw the feral staring out somewhere in the distance. Seeing that something was wrong, Emily turned more on his lap, placing her hand on Logan's chest to get his attention, asking "Are ya okay?"

Logan's haunting blue eyes gazed down at her; a gentle grin forming along his hardened features. The feral mutant petted her hair, replying "I'm fine, darlin."

Being reassured that all was well, Emily turned towards the television to watch the weather, unconsciously cuddling back further into her father's lap. Logan's grin softened as he wrapped his arm back around the little girl for support. He then smirked, poking the little girl, saying "Hey, look at me for a minute."

"What?" Emily asked, tearing her eyes away from her book. Logan pushed her hair behind her ears, answering "Ya know, I never got around ta asking my questions about ya."

"Then ask, daddy." Emily responded, closing her book. Logan smirked affectionately at her but rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, confessing "I don't know where ta start, darlin."

Emily's head furrowed, she crinkling her nose in thought, thinking of something to help her father. She quickly went with what first popped into her head, by looking up and stating "I hate peas."

Logan lifted an eyebrow at her, then busted out in his earthy laughter, replying "We'll…that's a start, Half-pint."

"I broke my arm when I was seven." Emily bluntly continued, tossing her book to the coffee table. Logan's humored look disappeared into one of concern, as he asked "Ya what?"

"I broke my arm when I was seven." Emily repeated, leaning back to get more comfortable on his leg. Logan's eyebrows shot down, as he questioned "How?"

"I fell out of a tree." Emily replied, shrugging her shoulders. Logan's eyes widen and the little girl couldn't help but smile at his reaction. Her baby blues quickly snapped ornery, as she leaned towards him, whispering "It's why I learned when someone dares ya to jump from one tree limb to another….don't."

Logan got a grimace on his face at her statement; hearing his daughter giggle as he pinched the bridge of his nose with a groaning snort. His graveled voice rumbled "I don't think I want ta know anymore, Half-pint."

"You're the one who asked…." Emily teased, giggling. Logan smirked at her; striking his hand out to tickle her middle as the little girl squealed out in laughter. She playfully kicked at him while Logan set her in place with his strong arm around her body; chuckling as Emily wiggled into the safety of the leather couch trying to slip from his grasp. The duo went on with their playfully battle until a curt voice called out from the entrance, "Logan."

Said feral mutant jerked his head up, the smile dissolving from his face, as Emily flopped upward still giggling. She saw the handsome blonde haired man, with angelic wings tucked under his coat, and smiled. She quickly wiggled up from Logan, saying "Hi, Warren!"

Warren took a moment to grin down at the small ten year old girl, replying softly "Hello, Emily."

Yet when his gaze went back to Logan's, he was all business, saying serious "Hank and Forge say they need to see you. They say it's urgent."

Logan nodded once, glancing down at Emily and ruffled her hair. The little girl combed back her hair, giving her attention to the muscled mutant, who grinned down at her saying "Just sit tight, Half-pint, we can talk later."

"Okay." Emily replied, hiding the slight disappointment in her tone. Logan's features soften, her voice obvious still giving her away, and he gave her back a reassuring pat while he rose to his full height. Emily watched him go, noticing Logan get a harden scowl on his face as Warren whispered something to him while they disappeared towards the elevator. The little girl was curious as to what was making all the grownups so upset; her gaze falling towards the television screen. Emily watched the flickering light….wondering if adults would ever learn to stop fighting with each other.

xxx xxxx xxx

"People just don't get it!" Logan growled; stalking up towards Hank and Forge staring at the Danger Room's projection screen. He pointed towards the muted human ranting on the screen, snarling "Kelly's gonna force this war and then nobody wins!"

Hank turned towards the irate feral mutant, a rare scowl littering his face, remarking "Unfortunately, we got something here that brings us one step closer."

"You know the computer data we stole from the Sentinel plant a while back?" Forge explained; looking towards Logan with an equally stressed look. The feral mutant nodded, and the mutant genius gazed at each man, a more prideful look falling on his lips, as he went on "We'll, I finally decrypted it by taking a parallel Tri-agrothym…."

Logan lifted his hand up, his movement silencing the mutant genius in his rant. The feral then asked "What'd ya find?"

"It indicates their supercomputer is an artificial intelligence designed to operate all of the Sentinels'…" Forge explained; cutting to the chase with a serious look. Logan appeared at first a little confused, until Hank stressed "With a single mind controlling them, an army of Sentinels will act as one…efficient and deadly."

Logan tensed up seeing Hank so unusually stressed, feeling more uneasy as the furry blue mutant looked him in the eyes saying "But there was something else."

Hank looked to Forge, ordering out ominously "Show him."

Forge did as Hank requested, walking over to the screen and changing the image with a few buttons, as Hank explained "The A.I is named…Master Mold."

Logan's eyebrows flew up as he stared blankly at the upper and lower case M symbol that appeared on the screen. His eyes at first could not tear away at the blood red color of the icon that would soon bring hell on earth to every living being; finally gathering enough of his voice to growl "Ya gotta be kiddin me…"

"I imagine it's the Genesis of the very Master Mold that Professor X is fighting in the future. You know the one he…" Forge went to explain, but Hank cut him off, saying stressed "But the future isn't our immediate problem!"

Hank pointed to a chart hologram next to him, reading "According to this…Master Mold is scheduled to bring the Sentinels' online tomorrow at midnight."

Forge looked to Logan, his face tense as a board, as he added "All of them."

"Kitty was right…" Logan growled in response; his hands tightening to white knuckle fists. He turned from both of the mutants, stalking out of the room, snarling as he left "We shoulda trashed the place when we had a chance!"

xxx xxxx xxx

Wanda slowly walked down the hallway; feeling each heavy step. Her fingers were placed upon her forehead, gaze casted down, as she listened to the sounds of the mutant city just outside the metal windows. She sighed, raising her head to stare out into the lights and watched as the ocean crashed to the dark sandy shore.

"Are ju ve'll, Vanda?" A faint German accented voice called out quietly alongside her; making Wanda's heart soar. Sadly, when she turned, the person standing in front of her was an old friend turned guard and not the person she had been secretly hoping for. Her once bright eyes faded from her face.

"Yes, Jacob." Wanda replied with a small grin; hiding her disappointment well towards the large male beside her. She motioned out to the beautiful autumn night sky, a glow with the twinkling lights of the city, adding "I was simply going out for a stroll."

"Do ju need an escort?" Jacob helpfully advised. Wanda felt a briefly touched that after all these years this man still looked out for her safety and her expression warmed a little more. She shook her head gently, replying "No, I am merely walking off some insomnia."

Wanda walked up towards the stocky built man, laying a hand on his shoulder, saying "But thank you, Jacob."

"Anytime, ma'am." Jacob responded; bowing respectfully to the future heir to the throne before making his way out. Wanda turned as soon as the large metal doorways closed, her smile washing off her lips and she made her way gracefully down the hall…falling into a sort of melancholy.

She had lied to Jacob when telling him that it was insomnia that had her walking the dark and dreary halls of her father's kingdom. For the truth was tragically simple….her views of life were changing. No longer were the rules easy, the world painted in black and white. Because as the days turned into weeks….the same thoughts….same questions…came creeping into her mind. Until finally, last night when the air was still and the night was young….Wanda decided that her father,

Was wrong.

Wanda placed fingers on her forehead, massaging the churning turmoil those two little words caused in her brain. Since those two little words had been implanted, the seed starting to grow, Wanda felt her world was tipping into chaos. For if her father was wrong….then who was right? If she was certainly not against her own kind, but did no longer see the humans as the monsters her father claimed them to be, then who did she belong to? Wanda dared not even think of the plausible idea of the 'X-men', a word that was taboo among her friends and family. So while her whirling tornado of a mind tried to sort out her new beginning…she walked the halls of her father's old kingdom.

However, as Wanda turned the corner towards the throne room, she was given a bittersweet reunion to distract her thoughts. The brunette paused at the doorway after hearing her twin brother's familiar voice saying arrogantly "Oh I get it…you're supposed to stop me. Go ahead, try."

Wanda could not hold back the smirk; same old Pietro. She heard the rapid rush of wind as he speed around the four bipedal green mutant guarding the doorway; Wanda already seeing as she stepped towards the open door that the guard was already knocked unconscious. Pietro had his back turned towards her, placing his hands upon his hips in victory, smarting "Next time, try a little harder…."

Pietro then stepped gingerly over the drooling green heap, his arrogant smirk plastered high on his face. Wanda went to follow him, biting the inside of her cheek when the floor beneath her creak. Pietro instantly jerked his head towards the hall; his ocean blue eyes searching the darkness. Wanda almost timidly stepped out from the shadows, saying softly "Hello, Pietro."

Pietro's eyes flickered a happy expression from long ago, before the unfairness of years gone by reminded him of the wedge between them both, and a familiar bitterness enveloped his face. He eyed her up and down, as Wanda tugged at the end of her sleeves, both going into an uncomfortable silence. That is until finally Pietro stated smugly "Well, well, well, Wanda my dear sister…."

Wanda winced inwardly at his hateful tone, as Pietro asked sarcastically "Tell me, how is life in paradise?"

"You know it wasn't my choice to be here!" Wanda bit back; pulling her anger back in as her twin brother frowned in her direction. She looked him in the eyes, a softer expression on her face, adding quietly "We do what is asked of us."

"Yes of course!" Pietro patronized back; placing his hands behind his back. He straightened his pose up, encircling his twin, stating bitterly "But you were asked to live a cushy life at or fathers side….while I was stuck doing the dirty work with the Brotherhood!"

Wanda held her ground as Pietro stopped encircling her to glare into her face. The two stared into each other's identical blue ocean eyes; Wanda questioning if the time when they were so close was nothing but a dream. She gave her brother a pleading look as he walked away from her, quietly begging "Pietro, please. Leave now."

Wanda couldn't help but form a glare, adding with a bitter tone of her own "Father will not be happy to see you here."

"Thank you for the warning…." Pietro mocked genuineness. His face turned hard, as he spat low "But I no longer care about his happiness."

Wanda felt the tears threatening to prickle around her eyes and pretended to place a hand over her mouth in shock to wipe away the evidence. Yet, feeling herself spill the words out before she could stop, Wanda spoke to Pietros backside in a whisper "Neither do I."

Wanda quickly casted her head downward when Pietro turned around, truly surprised at what he had heard come from her mouth. However, the same bitterness struck at his heart and Pietro smarted back "So destination is in the ranks? Tell me, dear sister…."

Wanda glanced up to see Pietro putting his hands together under his chin, forming a pout and if he wasn't for him mocking her….she might have laughed like when there were children. Pietro stiffened his pout, mocking "Father not get you the dress that fits? Is that why his rules seem so unfair?"

"No…." Wanda said back softly, her blue eyes looking up as her face gazed to his. She smirked, a far long spark flashing in her eyes, as Wanda retorted dryly "That's Lorna."

Pietro's mocking expression fell off his face as his eyes blinked a few times. He fought off a wiggle of a smirk, turning away from her and Wanda felt encouraged to go on. She titled her head to the side, asking "Or do you not remember what happened that Easter?"

Pietro refused to look at her, still fighting off the humored grin traveling up his face, not answering for a moment. He then answered quietly "I never thought an eight year old could look so ridiculous in a dress…."

Wanda grinned warmly, and replied "Yes and father was gone so our nanny took all of us to the store…."

Pietro nodded, the smirk staying on his face and he turned more towards her. Wanda took a step closer, saying "So, we played a game of hid and seek in between the clothes racks while nanny tried to find her a new dress that fit….."

Wanda couldn't hold back her laugh at the next memory, as Pietro's ocean blues began to twinkle in a familiar glow, as Wanda continued "Then you ended up getting Lorna to jump out of a rack and scare her!"

"First time I ever heard a woman curse in Spanish and then in English." Pietro replied; turning full circle with a grin on his face. Wanda's grin then turned to a smile, laughing "Then you speed us out to hide before she could punish us!"

Pietro coughed, trying to not laugh, but as Wanda smiled at him; the memory caused both to spare a moment to be as they used to. They both quietly laughed, standing side by side, sharing a piece of their childhood together. When their laughter died down, Wanda fought out to reach her hand out to Pietro, gazing into his eyes. Feeling her voice crack, Wanda said earnestly "I miss you."

Pietro's grin dissolved from his face, a more solemn look passing up, as he replied lovingly "I miss you as well."

Wanda felt the tears returning and placed a hand on her brother's shoulder; wanting this moment to never end. For at this hour, on this day, it was as if having her best friend back….her heart ached in joy to have its familiar warmth again. Wanda looked earnestly into Pietro's eyes, saying quietly "Not all of us believe what father says anymore."

Pietro nodded but Wanda could tell he was still a little unsure. She knew the torn look in his eyes was the same she had been carrying down the hallways. Wanda heard commotion in the throne room, feeling Pietro stiffen as his new persona showed up, and knew he would leave her to see father. So with one last stitch effort, Wanda threw her arms around him in a loving embrace, whispering, "I love you, my brother."

Wanda turned away, walking briskly down the hall, before ever getting a response from Pietro. She secretly did not want to know if he felt the same; fearing the rejection more than anything else. So she walked, head held high and went towards the adjoining hallway. She never noticed the her brother trying to form the words back, his ocean blue eyes staring at her while she fled.

However, the throne room door suddenly opened with an angry thrust, making the speeder jump slightly. Pietro watched as a guard grumbled to himself, marching out of the throne chambers and tilting a short bow to the young heir as he stalked down the hall.

Pietro quickly went into the open doorway, casting a curious glare as he saw his father lecturing his younger sister. He smirked partly as Lorna rolled her eyes in the typical eighteen year old way, until her gaze locked unto him. Immediately she smiled and went to run to him; but was stopped by Magneto. Lorna gave her father a hurt look, while Pietro glared his way, and both siblings watched as their father returned the son's expression. Magneto gentle pointed Lorna to the side exit, saying "Lorna, leave us for a moment."

Magneto turned to Pietro fully, locking his shoulders in place, saying stiffly "I need to speak with your brother privately."

Lorna frowned at her father, tossing her green hair behind her shoulders and went to do as he obeyed; her eyes drifting back to Pietro. The older brother nodded once to her, yet his gaze was cold and condemning as he spat "Yes, it is best she leave."

Pietro waited till Lorna had gone, before hissing "Otherwise your little heiress might find out what's going on in the real world!"

It was no secret that the twins had never approved of how Magneto sheltered their little sister; to the point of treating the eighteen year old like a child. Yet, just as before, the old king did not take the bait, asking curtly "Explains yourself."

"Okay, how's this?" Pietro bit back darkly. He took a defiant step closer, glaring into his father's face, while saying "I've served you faithfully…I've never questioned you…I've done everything asked of me…."

Pietro gritted his teeth, pointing to himself, demanding "And now you've cut me loose? Why?!"

"You've accomplished nothing Pietro!" Magneto snapped back, his turn to invade Pietro's personal space. The aging man pointed an accusatory finger at his son, his voice slowly rising "You failed to spread the fear of mutants and quicken the way to war! You failed to keep the X-men in check!"

Pietro fought the urge to roll his eyes; as if it were that easy! Magneto's plans were failed how many times by the X-men in the past? They were a formidable foe and to dare challenge that Pietro could not at least hold them off was quite offending to the young mutant. However, he had little time to defend himself, before Magneto turned away from him, saying coldly "You are of no further use to me…"

The words hit like a knife at the speedster's heart; causing him to take a step back from the brunt of the harsh words. Pietro's mouth opened, as he replied back with a hitch to his voice "But I am your son!"

"Which makes your mistakes all the more unforgivable!" Magneto fired back. His cold, unforgiving eyes, glared into Pietro's adding curtly "Son or not, I refuse to let your incompetence hold back mutant-kind any longer!"

"When Kelly starts the war, you're gonna need me…." Pietro began, fighting off the wobble in his voice but was quickly cut off by Magneto replying icily "The future is secure without your help."

The old king turned his eyes away as heartbreak was clearly starting to form along his son's eyes, Magneto ordering "Now leave….and never return."

Pietro visibly was crushed, staring blankly at his face, as the old king refused to look at him; designating him already as an outcast. Anger though quickly replaced the hurt, storing the other emotion away for a later time, as the speedster formed a thin lipped frown. Pietro turned heatedly away from his father and speed out the door. Magneto looked up at the harsh brush of wind, just as Wanda opened the side door, asking softly "Father, is everything all right?"

"Now Wanda, I'm afraid it isn't." Magneto responded tiredly. He turned to her with a determined look, saying "I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?" Wanda asked concerned; not liking the tone in her father's voice.

"Contact the MRD and let them know where they can find Pietro." Magneto ordered, giving her a steady look. Wanda's soft eyes widen, as she asked a little forcefully "Why?"

"I'll not let him jeopardize everything we've worked for." Magneto replied chiply. Wanda stared at him with a look of shock and anger; watching as her father merely walked into his chambers with that same emotionless look. As if he didn't care. As if turning his son to the wolves was the easiest thing in the world. Wanda felt the tears prickle again, but did nothing to stop them as the drops slipped down her cheeks. Her hands balled into fists while her tear stained eyes stared into the space her father was; Wanda finally feeling absolution within her mind. She looked towards the spot her twin had stood, hissing darkly "No…what you've worked for, father…."

Wanda's voice broke into sobs, her hands clutching to herself in anger, her voice crying "What you've worked for."

Wanda continued to cry, mourning for she and her siblings innocence; an idea slowly forming in her head. She might not believe in her father anymore, or even allow herself to think of herself an advocate for the X-men's ideals, but she would be damned if her brother was lost to this war! For Wanda now truly believed the words she had spoken to Emily all those months ago…for this was a war against us and them…and her father…and just became them.

xxx xxxx xxx

Wanda paced nervously, clutching her cell-phone tightly to her ear, her eyes shifting towards every noise in her room. She cursed under her breath as the dial turned to voicemail; snapping the lid shut once again. Wanda knew she shouldn't be so nervous, after all, her 'father' was expecting her to be on the phone. What he wasn't expecting was who she was calling.

Wanda flipped her phone up, pressing her speed dial and tapped her fingers nervously on the desk. She muttered to herself, "Why is he not picking up?"

"Because he has a new number now." A female voice spoke out from the doorway in answer. Wanda felt as if she had jumped ten feet in the air, swerving around to face the stranger, gasping "Lorna!"

Said eighteen year old smirked, crossing her arms to lean on the doorway, smarting "And to think…I didn't even hide behind a clothes rack."

Briefly both sisters shared a grin at the other. However, Wanda quickly frowned, hanging up the phone, turning from her to mumble "You don't need to be involved…."

Wanda glanced over her shoulder, sighing "Father would not…."

"Father treats me like I'm a china doll!" Lorna sighed frustratingly. Her snapping undertone cause Wanda to stare at her perplexed and Lorna rolled her eyes at her sister. The young eighteen year old crossed her arms, walking into the room, saying less briskly "A doll that will shatter if handled 'unsuitably'."

Lorna walked steadily until reaching Wanda's side, stopping to place something in her hands. The brunette looked down to see a piece of ripped notebook paper, with a few numbers scribbled hurriedly, as the green haired girl said "Here. Pietro gave this to me after you were taken…"

Lorna's demeanor softened as Wanda looked back up, the young eighteen year old adding gently "He made me call every thirty minutes until you were found."

Wanda's ocean blues widen at her sisters revelation; gazing down to the torn piece of paper in her palm. She rolled the tattered stripe with her fingers, finally looking up with a soft look at her younger sister. Wanda said quietly "Thank you, Lorna."

The eighteen year old nodded, tucking her died green hair behind her ears, walking towards the exit to make sure the coast was clear. However, before making her leave, Loran turned to Wanda with a cheek smirk, saying "So I guess it's back to our old pact…."

Wanda looked at her perplexed and Lorna giggled. She winked at her older sister, smarting "Don't tell father."

Wanda felt a small smile tug at her lips; hiding the stinging truth that was to be found in Lorna's words. Her innocent younger sister had no idea that phrase was to be become a common occurrence in their lives very soon. Lorna's lips spread into a sweet smile when seeing her sister's rare expression; before quietly slipping through the halls towards her chambers.

Wanda did not hesitate to open her phone back up the second her sister was out of the room. Quickly punching in the numbers, she pressed call and held the phone to her ear nervously. The familiar dial tone crisply echoed in her ear….until a click of the other line and Pietro's voice asked suspiciously "Hello?"

Wanda briefly felt the air leave her lungs and realized she had no idea what she was going to say. But as she heard Pietro ask hello once more on the other line, she steadied her voice, answering "Hello, Pietro."

Silence followed and the brunette had honestly thought he had hung up….until suddenly Pietro replied "Hey, Wanda."

His softer tone caused a lump to form in Wanda's throat and the familiar gut wrenching heartbreak from before returned with a vengeance. She felt a raging anger rise in her knowing that it was their father that was making this call possible; her father forcing her to break her brother's heart once again. Seeing she had been quiet for a while on the phone, Wanda decided to just blurt it all out before tears threatened to form, saying "I called to tell you that father wants me to call the MRD on the Brotherhood…"

Wanda's voice choked and she added "On you."

"And your telling me this?" Pietro asked, letting the question hang in the air. Wanda felt her lip quiver and she sat down on her bed to steady herself. She replied, her voice showing her distress "Because I don't want to."

Wanda felt a few tears of frustration leak down her face, she gripping the phone closer to her ear, she adding "And I don't know what to do."

Pietro was quiet on the other line and Wanda waited with tears forming her eyes. Suddenly, he stated simply "Call them, Wanda."

"What? No!" Wanda replied, sitting up from the bed. She began to pace, ready to rattle back numerous reasons why she'd rather go to hell than call, when Pietro said in almost a humorous voice "Wait. Stop."

Wanda frowned, and listened to her brother's command by stopping mid pacing. Apparently the years apart had not dulled his keen sense of how she acted; Pietro always knew how to get her from the clouds and back to steady ground. She listened as his voice lost all humor, Pietro saying seriously "You and Lorna haven't been out of Genosha, and in the city, in years….you're not prepared to fig…."

"We've handled some bad times before, Pietro." Wanda interrupted in defense of herself, crossing on arm under her raised elbow. She was stunned to feel the cold silence on the other end, or the firm voice of her brother, responded back "Not like this. It's….different this time."

Wanda felt a rush of angry tears and she pulled herself more towards the phone, snapping in cry "So different that I turn against my own brother?!"

"If that were true, Wanda…" Pietro replied calmly back. She could swear she heard the grin rise on his lips on the other line, as her brother said gently "You would have already called."

His words, so loving and back to what he used to be, caused Wanda to choke on a sob while tears trickled down her cheeks. She numbly nodded, forgetting he could not see her, before taking a deep cleansing breath in. After blowing the air out, Wanda replied obediently "Tell me what to do."

Pietro was quiet for a minute, obviously thinking of a plan. Then, after working it out, Wanda heard him get back on the line, immediately ordering "Wait five minutes after hanging up and then call. That will give me time to get there but still look like the MRD caught us off guard."

"Where will you go?" Wanda asked, concern written all over her voice.

"We got a place to crash that Magneto doesn't know about…." Pietro answered. His voice turned soft again, as he added "We'll be fine."

Wanda read between the lines and nodded again, replying "Okay."

Thinking that their talk was over, Wanda pulled the phone away, when she heard Pietro ask "And Wanda?"

The brunette put the phone back to her ear, replying "Yes, Pietro?"

There was silence on the line, just enough where Wanda seriously considered that he might have hung up, before Pietro's voice came back with a loving whisper "I love you as well, my sister."

The tears sprung freshly from her eyes and Wanda opened her mouth to speak….when the sound of a click echoed in her ear and the line went dead.

xxx xxxx xxx

Logan grabbed up a beer from the fridge, giving the top a hard snap with his wrist and growled again under his breath. He gulped down the alcohol, letting the cooling beverage simmer down some of his anger threatening to boil at the surface. After realizing that Charles was a no show tonight, and the reminder the Sentinels were going online precisely at midnight tomorrow, he knew his mood was probably going to stick around for a good while. Yet he tried forcing himself to wipe off the stressed and harden scowl on his face; knowing Emily would ask the moment she thought something was wrong.

However, the feral mutant need not worry to hide behind a façade, for the little girl was fast asleep on the couch; leaning against her blue furry mutant brother. Logan stopped, watching as Kurt did not see him there; the twenty one year old grinning gently down at the sleeping child. Kurt's left hand tenderly brushed away at Emily's soft raven locks, his three fingers absently playing with her hair as the twenty one year old finally noticed Logan's arrival. The feral chuckled slightly, smarting "At least I ain't gonna catch er' readin tonight."

Kurt laughed quietly, glancing down at Emily, then asked Logan "Do ju vant me to take her?"

"Na, I got her." Logan replied, kneeling down on one knee next to the child. He brushed the soft raven locks that had collected around her cheek, smirking as Emily slowly pried her eyes open. She sat up, rubbing a hand over her eye, yawning "Is the movie over?"

Kurt and Logan chuckled in unison; the feral petting her head, answering in a quiet voice "For you, it is, Half-pint."

Kurt moved aside, handing the sleepy child to the feral mutant, and Logan picked her up gently in his muscled arms. He lifted her till her head could rest on his brawny shoulder; readjusting her so his arm was secure under her bottom and patted the little girls back affectionately. Logan smirked, nodding to Kurt as the twenty year old murmured a goodnight to his sister before the feral started carrying her to bed. Emily's soft baby blues blinked a few times, she realizing her friend was nowhere in sight, asking sleepily "But Tildie…"

"Is being takin ta bed by Ro'." Logan answered back; rubbing her back softly. The little girl saw, out of the corner of her eye, that Logan had been telling the truth; watching as the weather goddess totted the lanky twelve year old in the opposite direction. Emily rested her head back on Logan's broad shoulder, murmuring "Oh."

Logan chuckled at her response, Emily's lips tugging a smile and she sighed contently while the feral carried her up the stairs. However, in her fog of sleep, she absentmindedly remembered something, her soft voice saying to the feral "I'm supposed to answer more of ya questions, daddy..."

"Which can wait till tomorrow, Half-pint." Logan responded gently back; knowing the little girl was talking in random burst because she was nearly asleep. Emily nodded in agreement, murmuring "Yeah…."

Emily yawned, pulling her arm off around Logan's neck to rub her eyes, adding "Right."

The feral chuckled more deeply at the small child; petting her hair from her face. Logan grinned at the tiny girl in his arms, who grinned sleepily back, and patted her back once more as they neared her room. The feral carefully stepped into the dark bedroom, his keen eyes adjusting to the absence of light and tenderly carried his daughter to her bed. Logan then pulled back the covers with his free hand and gently laid Emily down upon the soft cotton sheets. He turned her covers around her, but while he adjusted them, Logan asked "Stripes give ya that extra cover I put in the wash?"

"Yes, daddy." Emily whispered sleepily; pointing to the folded blanket at the end of her bed. Logan immediately reached for it, unfolding it and placing it over Emily's bedspread, answering "Good…"

The feral snorted, giving his daughter a frown, rumbling in a mock grumpy tone "Cause it's getting to damn cold for ya ta have only one blanket."

The ten year old giggled faintly at her father's lapse into cursing, replying "But we have the heat on."

Logan grunted, securing the cover close to her, replying "Ya'd still freezy ya skinny butt off."

Emily giggled more, smiling as Logan smirked. Her soft blue eyes snapped to ornery, as she teased "I bet you don't freeze, daddy."

"And why is that, darlin?" Logan answered, quirking an eyebrow at her. Emily giggled, saying "Cause all BIG gorillas never get cold…."

She smiled wider more as Logan frowned, adding smartly "Says so on the Discovery Channel."

Logan growled in annoyance and gave a half-glare at her, to which Emily giggled and placed her hand on her mouth. The feral narrowed his eyes, leaning in, and snarled playful at the ten year old child. Emily smiled at the flash of her father's canines, squeaking out as Logan poked her in the ribs, growling teasingly "Ya lil' brat….."

Emily couldn't even frown at him poking her and merely burrowed more in her bed while giggling quietly. The feral mutant snorted out, trying to mock a grumpy mood, but ended up filling the room with his earthy laugh. Logan shook his head, brushing Emily's forehead, saying affectionately "Ahh…I love ya, Lil' Half-pint."

And faster than the snap of the fingers, Emily's smile was wiped clear from existence. She stared bewildered up at the muscled feral, replying "What?"

Logan's grin slowly began turning, as he said more matter of factily "I love ya."

The ten year old's entire face paled several shades white and the feral quickly heard the abnormal beat of her heart. Feeling concerned, Logan felt her forehead with is hand, rubbing his fingers along her raven hair, asking "Emily, what's wrong?"

"Do you mean it?" Emily asked seriously; her soft blue eyes staring straight into him. Logan's eyebrows furrowed deeply, his graveled voice rumbling "Mean what?"

"Those words." Emily said; not evening feeling the courage to repeat what he said. Logan petted her hair back, kneeling closer to her, saying "Of course I do, darlin."

"Promise?" Emily asked earnestly. The feral hid the way his nose sniffed in the fear starting to permeate her; already catching the emotion hidden in her eyes. Logan gazed at her for a moment, before reached down to plant a kiss on her forehead.

"I promise." Logan whispered in her ear; leaning back up. Emily's eyes widen and stared bewildered at him, not knowing he had already kissed her before. Logan ignored her look, continuing to pet her head tenderly, adding sincerely "I love you, Lil' Half-pint."

Emily stared into Logan's ageless gaze…and what she saw….near about brought tears to her eyes. It was a look that had long been denied to the little girl. The little girl reached out, giving a gentle peck of the lips to her father's cheek. She fought within her until finally she got the voice to speak the words she had always wanted to say; to find the person who deserved to know. Emily smiled wide at Logan, whispering "I love you too, daddy."

Logan would never forget the transformation in his daughter's eyes that night. It was as if the entire stars above shined, dancing in pools if soft icy blue. He choked on his own heart strings when feeling the brush of her innocent lips upon his skin and the words of affection spilling from her mouth. Logan had worked tirelessly these past four months to get to where simple affection was normal, calling him daddy was normal, all the things a child would be with their parent normal. Slowly picking up the pieces that Raven left behind and putting his daughter whole again; fixing her….mending the bruises. So why did Logan feel there was still one last wound hiding below the surface?

Whatever it was, could wait another day, for Emily's little eyes began to flutter shut and a soft sigh filtered from her lips. Logan petted her, giving one last kiss on her forehead, letting it linger before finally leaning up. He adjusted her covers around her, questioning if he really need to leave, before finally whispering gently "Night, darlin."

"Night, daddy." Emily murmured, rolling onto her stomach. Logan kept glancing over his shoulder as he left her room, watching her fall into dream land, while the same thought bouncing around his mind. What had Raven done to have Emily ever question the words 'I love you'?

Logan gazed at his daughter from the doorway, his body casting a shadow along her darkened walls. For once…the feral not only dreaded…but feared the answer to his question.

We'll, not only was I a little fluffy this chapter….now I give you something to chew on while you wait for the next update. Lol.

First, you probably hate me by now for teasing the 'Will Emily become mutant?' question. For those of you who want to know, and without giving much of the story arc in the series….(Don't read if you don't want ANY CLUES OR SPOILERS!)….all I will say is that most mutants gain their powers between the ages of 12 and 18….pay attention to what Tildie and Emily talk about…..and that's all I am going to say. But you know, if I don't keep you interested, then you don't come back for more. Lol.

Second, instead of going into a huge/slightly awkward 'meeting' with Tildie and Emily in this chapter, I decided to include it in a One Shot I am going to make that will also involve Emily's first Halloween with the X-men. This will probably come out the next time I post a chapter for this story so you won't be waiting long. Thought it made sense to make that separate of this story because their 'meeting' is not important to the THIS particular story overall.

Thirdly, I am trying to create a strong brother/sister relationship with Wanda and Pietro for a couple of reasons. Before Magneto came into their lives, mostly these kids had themselves. So now throw in 'daddy' and his ideals, make him play favorites with the girls while leaving the boy to have to prove his love, and bam….you got an interesting family turmoil that I want to explore in this series. I'm trying not only to do the 'good guys' side like X-men but the 'bad guys' side with the Brotherhood as well. What do you think?

Finally I will say adieu and I am heavily working on the next chapter so I can get it out as soon as I can!