I.
"Ugh! Jono, why do ya hav'ta like leave yer junk everywhere?" Jubilee scrunched her nose as she dangled a pair of worn pants in front of Jono's face. With an exaggerated yuck, she dropped the clothing right in Jono's lap, then flopped on the couch adjacent to his chair.
Jono frowned, still a new gesture for him, as he straightened the pants. "It's not like you 'ave to pick up after me. 'Sides," he pretended to take a long whiff, "these jeans were clean."
"Like mad gross, Jono. They totally reeked. Seriously," she retorted. Jubilee rolled her eyes then snatched the remote as she propped her hot pink Converse All-Stars on the coffee table. She blew a bubble the same color then sucked it back into her mouth.
"I'm not making breakfast!" Vincent's angry voice rounded the corner several seconds before he appeared, his usual scowl etched into his face. He marched past the living room and stopped short of the front door, turning to confront his chore-maker. Jubilee and Jono stopped moving completely, waiting to see what would happen next.
"It's your turn to make a meal," Paige strode from the hallway Vincent had just come from, her blond ponytail bobbing in time with her hastened pace to keep up with him. "I don't know what kind of household you came from, but we share the load around here." She stopped within a few feet of Vincent and crossed her arms, signifying that she wasn't going to back down.
He narrowed his icy blue eyes which contrasted dramatically against his fire-red hair. "I don't cook."
"I hate to jump in," Rico grinned as he strode from the kitchen with a glass of orange juice, "but you probably want to trust him on this one. His cooking will leave you hurting for days." He patted his stomach soothingly as he shook his head sympathetically. "I only made that mistake once. Never again."
"Shut up!" Vincent snapped, his cheeks burning. His eyes flashed angrily as they darted between Paige and Rico. "I told you I didn't cook!"
"Like what is the sitch? Are ya gonna like drown out my fave show ever? Or are we gonna totally use our quiet, indoor voices?" Jubilee shot from her spot on the couch.
"I'm simply trying to divide up the chores fairly," Paige patiently explained. "But Vincent," she punctuated his name with a sharp glare, "doesn't want to pull his weight."
"Put him on bathroom duty. That will make him a bit more agreeable," Michael Lawson, dressed in jeans and a light green button-down shirt, suggested in as he descended the stairs. He stopped at the bottom, noticing a random, lone sock lying there.
Vincent's eyes flared, along with the temperature of the room, kicking it up two degrees. "I knew you'd have something to say."
It wasn't a secret that Vincent and Michael weren't friends in the slightest, though no one knew exactly why they were at such odds with one another. And it seemed Michael never missed a beat when it came to correcting or chastising him. Conversely, Vincent's temper always surged and escalated the situation to the point of no return.
"Now, now. No bloodshed on the Persian rugs," Emma chided from the kitchen. Stepping into the doorway, her pristine white business pants suit almost gleamed in the sunlight. Her ruby lips curled into a knowing smile as she spoke, "Had I known you all were going to wage war on each other over chores, I would've intervened a long time ago. Everyone," she paused both for effect and to step to the side as a tall, muscular, older gentleman emerged from the kitchen. His graying goatee and closely-cropped hair were perfectly in place, and his clothes, a dark vest, slacks, and long-sleeved shirt with a tie were pressed perfectly. "This is Mr. Robert Noble, our new butler."
Jubilee's attention had been stolen from the television as she visually inspected the new guy. "Like wow. We totally have our very own Mr. Belvedere. What's up, Mr. B?!" she waved from her spot on the couch.
"No, he's like Alfred! You know, what's-his-face's butler!" Rico excitedly pointed out.
Michael disagreed. "Nah. I think he's more of a Jarvis type."
"Spare me every butler reference you were even remotely thinking of saying," Emma said, rolling her eyes impatiently. "Since you children have difficulty with maintaining a semblance of a cleanly environment, I've hired someone to not only keep this place spotless, but to keep you children in line from that aspect."
"We don't need a butler," Paige firmly said. "No offense, Mr. Noble," she quickly added, to which he gave a slight acknowledging nod. "But back on the farm, we did everything ourselves. There's no reason why we can't all pitch in and keep this place tidy."
"A valid point indeed, Paige. And if I had the time to follow all of you around like a mother hen, ensuring you all did your chores, I still wouldn't do it. Besides, I would hate for Charles to come and visit and stumble upon Angelo's dirty socks left by the stairs."
"Good point." Michael focused his willpower easily and picked up the sock telekinetically, floated it across the room, and then draped it carefully over Angelo's face as he slept. As the tart odor crept into his nose and mouth, his eyes shot open and he yanked the sock from his face, completely bewildered as to how his sock got off his foot and onto his face.
"Which is why Mr. Noble has been hired as a permanent part of the faculty here." Continuing with the introduction, Emma stated, "He's here to keep the common areas presentable, as well as meal preparation. Your rooms are your own domain, so he won't touch them. But I do expect you kids to start living a little cleaner," she added the last sentence, giving Paige a look that said she was being addressed especially.
"Yeah, Hayseed," Jubilee gave Paige the same look that Emma had.
Paige's cheeks reddened slightly. "It's organized," she defended. "If you ask me where anything is, I'll you in two seconds flat."
Jono shook his head, amused by Paige's explanation. Having been in her room, he could attest that her room was a far cry from an organized mess. She was an intelligent, motivated girl, but when it came to her room, it seemed that she was still in the learning stages of keeping it together, despite her farm heritage.
Noticing Jono's smirk, Emma added, "Let's not even start on your room, Jono."
"If I say it's an organized mess, does that get me off the 'ook too?" he asked.
Ignoring Jono's comment, Emma continued, "The same faculty rules apply to Mr. Noble as well. I don't expect any of you to have a problem with this. Please inform your teammates when they decide to roll out of bed. As for now, Sean and I have to head up to the mansion to pick up Dr. Reyes, as well as meet with the Professor. Tom will be bringing back the younger student body late this afternoon. I don't expect any trouble while we're gone, understood?"
"Sure, Frosty. We'll totally sit here like good little kiddies," Jubilee narrowed her eyes cynically as she spoke.
"Is that a hint of disrespect I hear in your voice, Jubilation?"
"Dude, we're not children. We can like take care of ourselves."
Heading for the door, Emma replied with a forced, patient breath, "We'll discuss the autonomy and independence of high school-aged children when I return. Sean's already waiting in the car. Robert, if you need anything, please give my phone a ring." As she grabbed the doorknob, she stopped for a split second, feeling a set of eyes burning into her. Without turning around, Emma asked telepathically, "Do we need to talk Mr. Lawson?"
"Not at all, Ms. Frost," Michael coldly responded, only now realizing how hard it was to mask internal feelings when talking telepathically. But he honestly didn't care at this point. He was angry and, he wanted to make damn sure Emma knew exactly where he stood. However, he really didn't want to get into a lengthy conversation—no, probably lecture—with her. But he knew that it couldn't be avoided for too much longer. Hoping to skirt out of it for now, he said aloud, "See you when you get back, Ms. Frost." His attempt to sound cheery fell flat.
Without a reply or second glance, Emma left. Michael's brown eyes stayed focused on the door even after Emma was miles away, his mind racing through what exactly he would say when Emma confronted him. That he thought she had pushed him too far in Nightmare World? That he was scared of his own powers? That he didn't want to inadvertently hurt anyone?
No matter how he shaped it, Michael couldn't even convince himself, let alone anyone else. The abilities he displayed were suddenly easy feats, and something inside of him wanted more—to totally cut loose. And that's what really scared him the most.
"Dude, what was that about?" Angelo asked, now awake on his place on the couch.
Pushing his thoughts aside, Michael weakly smiled. "Nothing. Well, since we've got some free time, why don't we go into town for breakfast? I'm pretty sure everyone's awake."
"I guess that would take care of the breakfast issue," Paige reluctantly agreed, still stuck on her disagreement with Vincent. He simply scowled in response.
"Now that sounds like a good idea, amigo," agreed Angelo.
Jubilee thought for a second. "Hey, didn't Mac's Diner start servin' breakfast? That'd be like a good place ta check out."
"Sounds good to me," Rico chimed in.
However, Robert cleared his throat abruptly, drawing everyone's attention. "Just in case you weren't aware, my job is to ensure you have nutritious, complete meals—"
"And we totally will," Jubilee waved off his objection. "So don't get all like hot under tha collar 'n stuff."
Michael saw Robert's eyebrows furrow and his jaw tighten. To smooth things over, he said, "Mr. Noble, this is the last weekend before school starts, so we just want to take advantage of it. Trust me, we'll be more than glad to eat our fair share of your cooking, which I'm sure will be top-notch." He punctuated his explanation with a smile, which succeeded in softening Robert's expression a bit.
Jono added, "'Sides, it'll keep Paige and Vincent from killin' each other over chores."
"Whatever," they both replied simultaneously.
"Mike's totally right," Jubilee said. "Since ya jus' got here, ya can get all like settled in. And Ange here eats nonstop, so ya don't have ta like worry about not havin' anythin' ta do later."
Robert's expression softened another fraction. "Well, I suppose—"
"Guys!" Jubilee shouted, surprising everyone. "We're like headin' to Mac's Diner in ten. Get down here or get left!"
"That's one way to get everyone down here," Michael smiled. Again, using minimal effort, he simply thought about broadcasting his inner words outward. "Everyone, meet down here in ten minutes. We're heading out to breakfast," he telepathically announced to every student.
Jubilee grinned. "Hey, you like pulled tha ol' telepathic intercom thingy that ol' Frosty loves ta do. You're shapin' up ta be a useful X-Man, not like ol' Drake."
"Umm…thanks, I think," Michael replied, unsure if Jubilee was complimenting his talents or just saw him as a convenient telepathic loudspeaker.
Rico's eyes lit up at Jubilee's comment, interrupting anything else Michael had to say. "Are you talkin' about Bobby Drake? Like Iceman Bobby Drake?" He drew in closer to her, as if being near would somehow make Bobby appear before them.
Jubilee blew a pink bubble, smaller than last time, and rolled her eyes. "Don't get all like swoony-eyed over him. He's not that cool."
Rico's face reflected nothing but anticipatory glee. "He's definitely cool…he's tIceman. One of the original five X-Men. We've gotta take a field trip up there. The X-Men…I definitely want to meet them in person." Even now, he could feel his heart racing at the thought of meeting the well-known team of mutant superheroes.
"I'm sure you'll get the chance," Paige smiled, remembering her own nervousness every time she met the X-Men before she joined the school. Even now, she still felt a hint of awe when talking to them, especially Scott Summers or Ororo Munroe. "Most of them are really down-to-earth and easy to talk to," she responded, thinking about Jean Grey, Warren Worthington, and Hank McCoy.
"But, mate," Jono added, "there are some that'll bite your 'ead off if you get too close, like Wolverine."
Rico imagined the feral mutant with an impossibly wide mouth charging straight for him. "Yeah, that's kinda scary actually," he said in a hushed whisper, his excitement replaced by dread.
"Ya jus' gotta be chill with him, ya know? Wolvie and I get along jus' fine," Jubilee waved her hand in a dismissive manner. "Anyways, who's drivin'?"
"I call the X-5!" Ethan announced as he bounded down the stairs, followed closely behind by Lily, Everett, Kiana, and Vanessa. Gaia brought up the rear, purposefully keeping herself distant from Ethan.
Jubilee shot him a disapproving glance. "Like totally unfair. You can't just like call whatever vehicle ya want. There's like seniority here, bub. Ev, should totally get first choice." She turned her gaze toward Everett, who suddenly looked up as if he wasn't even aware of what was going on.
Everett shrugged, realizing that Jubilee expected him to say something since she intervened on his behalf. "It's not that big of a deal. I'll just take the RX-8. It's fun to drive anyways."
"Nice! I'm totally ridin' with Ev!" Jubilee jumped up from the couch and stood next to him. Though she told herself time and time again that she was over her crush, she still felt her heart flutter a bit every time she had the chance to be around him. But she had already decided to keep her feelings to herself at least for a while longer, especially since it seemed Everett was getting closer to Monet.
Paige pondered for a moment then said, "The Mazda's way too cramped. I think I'll ride with Ethan." She glanced over and noticed Jono's unreadable expression. Even though he had a full face now, for some reason, she found it even harder to discern his expressions. But then she chastised herself and quickly looked away. Why should I care what he thinks?
Monet brushed a long strand of dark, silken hair from her eyes. "My apparel is much too glamorous to be cramped inside of any vehicle. I shall simply fly there on my own." As if to bring attention to her outfit, she posed for a moment, showing off her Christian Dior halter-top dress with matching heels and handbag. The crème and sage ensemble complimented her body quite well, making her look more like a model than a student.
Jubilee's levity was replaced by a sour attitude and a scowl towards Monet. "Reality check, Miz Monet. Fact: we're only goin' ta breakfast…not a fashion show. Fact: ya can't just friggin' fly everywhere cause yer like bein' all stuck up. Fact: we don't need tha locals gettin' all riled up cause ya decided that ya were too good ta ride in a car—like the rest of us—and soarin' through tha air like a rocket or somethin'. Come on, weren't ya like listenin' when Banshee said that we totally shouldn't be usin' our powers all out in tha open like that?"
Monet raised a condescending eyebrow. "I have no compunctions about displaying the abilities I have been blessed with. Besides, you are the last person I appreciate being lectured by," she sharply retorted.
"But she's right," Everett interjected in after Jubilee's face scrunched up angrily. "I'm sure Emma and Sean don't want to turn on the news to see you flying over Snow Valley. Besides, the car ride will be fun—think of it as bonding time."
Monet sighed, resigning her argument. "I only acquiesce to circumvent further conversation on the topic and to expedite our departure for sustenance. Though the idea of bonding time has no appeal whatsoever for me."
Vanessa leaned close to Angelo, "You know, every time she talks, I'm impressed."
"Don't say that too loudly—her head will only get bigger," Angelo quietly responded, using his hands to exaggerate an oversized head.
Monet shot a glare toward Angelo and Vanessa. "I thought I mentioned my keen sense of hearing among the plethora of other qualities I possess."
Jubilee promptly cut in. "Ya forgot to mention humility. Oops, that's right, ya don't have any!"
Grinning and taking the attention off of Monet, Angelo announced, "I'm takin' Sean's jeep if anybody wants to ride!"
Ethan warned, "If he's been taking driving lessons from Sean, you guys had better make sure you're strapped in tight."
"Hey, I'm not scared of a few wild turns, so count me in, hombre!" Rico and Angelo gave each other a sound high-five. "Vinnie, you should get in on this…this is the like super bad-ass guy jeep."
"Count me in too, mate," Jono leaped to his feet and stretched his legs. He could feel Paige looking at him again, but he purposely avoided her unreadable glance. He had broken up with her, but still, Jono felt like there was something still there. Something that was slowly slipping away. But he didn't want to face it. Not now anyways.
"Well, I intend on breaking up your little guy club jeep," Kiana smiled. "I'm riding with you, Angelo."
"Hey! No girls allowed!" Rico shot with an overwhelming tone of defiance.
"Wow. I just had a flashback to elementary school," Michael commented with an amused smile.
Vanessa chuckled then turned to Michael. "Mike, mind if I take shotgun in the X-plorer?"
Michael turned and locked eyes with Vanessa. It was then that he noticed yet again how beautiful she was. Not like infatuation beautiful, but Vanessa could have been a model herself with her soft features and flawless, caramel skin. Her hazel eyes sparkled with interest as she smiled, almost as if she knew what he was thinking.
"Oh, yeah…no problem," he responded, suddenly realizing his face was burning hot. He avoided eye contact with Vanessa, afraid that he would somehow give away his growing crush.
"Someone's got the hots this morning!" Jubilee taunted with a mischievous smile.
Michael felt as thought he was going to melt right there on the spot. "Stop instigating! No one has the hots!" He turned to see Vanessa chuckling, but the sparkle of interest still shone in her eye, which made him smile, despite his embarrassment.
"I'd like to ride with Everett," Lily suggested. When Everett turned to her, Lily explained, "I want to get to know everyone, and I don't think that we've gotten the chance to talk since I got here."
Everett nodded in agreement. "Yeah, no problem. Actually, this is good. This is really a great time for everyone to get to know each other. It's not often that we have a day together like this."
Despite, Everett's encouraging words, Gaia could only concentrate on doing everything in her power to stay away from Ethan. "Everett, I shall accompany you in your chariot," she abruptly announced, surprising everyone.
"Chariot?" Vanessa sighed. "Gaia, it's a car. You have one. Don't give it strange names."
Gaia pulled her pink hair back into a ponytail. "I'm only speaking in the likeness of my Greek ancestors, have you forgotten?"
"I didn't forget that you chose the name out of a book," Rico mumbled.
Gaia's eyes flashed. "Did you say something unfavorable?"
"Nope. Let's go!" Rico bolted out of the door before Gaia could say anything else.
Robert watched as the teens piled out of the front door, throwing waves his way before disappearing out into the warm morning. He smiled to himself, realizing that this was going to be one of the most interesting jobs he had ever had.
II.
"Hey, what's up, Mac!" Jubilee called as she bounded into the Mac's Diner.
Patrick MacIntosh, the owner, referred to by most as simply Mac, shot a grin over his shoulder and a wave. "Jubilee! My favorite customer…how's it goin'? Looks like you brought a whole lotta business with ya." Though scruffy and solidly built, Mac's friendly eyes and smile softened his presence, while his amicable nature seemed to unconsciously incite conversation with his customers. He was well-known not only for the delicious menu options but also for his demeanor, which is what kept his customers coming back.
Jubilee explained, "I like heard that yer startin' ta serve breakfast. I figured we'd like come 'n check it out…give ya some food critic feedback, ya know?"
"Well, you're in luck. I just started it today, and you're my first customers. Since that's the case, I'll let you guys try some of the specialty stuff on the house."
"Totally awesome, Mac. Ya don't mind if we move the tables around, do ya?"
"Nah. Just put 'em back before you guys leave."
"Awesome!" Jubilee turned to Michael, who brought up the rear of the group coming into the diner. "Mike, care to do the honors? Mac said it's cool ta move the tables around."
"Yeah, but is it cool for me to move the tables around like that?" Michael asked, hinting at Everett's comment earlier about not using their powers out in public. The last thing that he wanted for them was unnecessary attention, especially now that they were in town.
Jubilee nodded reassuringly. "Mac's cool. He like knows about us and is totally cool with everything."
Mac waved from his place over the grill.
"Then, it's no problem," Michael said as he focused, using a little more effort than usual to carefully rearrange the tables and chairs quietly and neatly. The tables and chairs shifted and rotated according to his command, and when they stopped, Michael motioned for everyone to take a seat at their new, perfectly aligned mega-table.
"So, Jono, can ya eat now?" Jubilee asked, her brown eyes curiously scanning Jono's jawline, lips, and neck as she sat down.
"Jubilee!" Paige gasped, then blushed as she realized she had jumped to Jono's rescue. He didn't need her to rescue him. Not anymore.
"What?" she responded in a high-pitched, defensive tone. "I was jus' askin'. I mean, ya all were wonderin' the same thing. Besides," Jubilee directed towards Jono, "I jus' wanna make sure that we're not like being insensitive. If ya still can't eat, then it's kinda rude to drag ya out ta a restaurant. Ya know?"
"I didn't know you cared, gel. My face is intact, but in 'ere," Jono patted on his chest, "is the same as it's always been. But I don't mind goin' out with the gang. Especially now since I don't 'ave to make excuses about wearin' a scarf. But I still 'ave to talk to everyone psionically, but I can move my mouth in time with it to look like I'm actually talking."
"Dude. That's pretty cool," Rico said.
"So you've got Nightmare to thank for recreating your face?" Angelo asked.
"I guess. I don't know exactly 'ow 'e did it. It was just there when we woke up, an' when we came back, it was still there. Tom 'n Hank couldn't explain it either. But I think I'm getting' the 'ang of my powers a bit better."
"That's like what I heard. Except that ya got sniped by some flying thingy," Jubilee mentioned.
Everett took a drink of water. "Nightmare World? Sounds like I missed all the action." Jubilee had filled him in with some secondhand information, but no one actually involved had really said anything about it, which was strange, but Everett didn't want to press just yet.
Ethan replied, "Trust me, you were better off at your parents'. How are they?"
"They're good. Nate and Kim, my younger brother and sister, are growing fast. It was good to be back home for a bit. But I realized that I belong here too. You guys are like my extended family."
Vanessa said, "I hope you're not counting Emma in your extended family. She'd be like the evil stepmother. She always seems so intense and cold."
"Starting today," Jubilee mocked, "Everything changes. Psssh! Whatever. I've like got my eye on ol' Frosty. Ya know, she's been a little shaky lately. I mean, I know like Nightmare tricked her and stuff but c'mon! Isn't she like all experienced at this sorta thing? An X-Man totally wouldn't have fallen into that one. Fer sure."
"Please do not inundate us with yet another when-I-was-an-X-Man story," Monet rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and gave a silent yawn to punctuate her statement.
"Whatever," Jubilee countered. "Yer jus' jealous."
Rico cut in, "Well, I think your X-Men stories are cool. Seriously, when do you think we'll get to meet them?"
"I heard that they're going to be teaching some of our courses, so probably as soon as tomorrow," Ethan replied.
"Now's your chance," Lily leaned over and whispered to Gaia. Feeling that this was a great opportunity for Gaia and Ethan to become friends, Lily wanted to encourage and promote the mending of their friendship. "Just try to say something nice to Ethan."
Gaia cleared her throat and injected herself into the conversation. "Well, it seems that your eavesdropping skills and perpetual nosiness have gained some insight into our academic future," she beamed, impressed with her perceived cordial comment to Ethan. So, she couldn't understand why Ethan's face contorted into an expression of utter confusion and why Lily looked quite taken aback.
"What?!" Ethan managed to say after struggling with stunned silence.
Gaia answered, "Cretin—I mean, Ethan. I'm attempting to be nice, so return my gesture."
Ethan thought he had missed some important element of the conversation, but even after replaying it several times in his mind, he was still thoroughly confused. "What you said sounded more like an insult to me. So what exactly am I supposed to return?"
Lily leaned toward Gaia, hoping to fix the situation. Whispering, she said, "Maybe you should try another compliment."
Gaia cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders, a look of determination across her features. "It doesn't pain me to lay my eyes on you," she said, then set into an expectant glare.
Ethan shook his head in dismay. "Is that supposed to be a compliment too?"
Vanessa let a hollow chuckle escape. "Hey, she's trying. It's way better than what she said yesterday." As she envisioned slimy snakes writhing across her body, she shuddered and pushed the vivid comment from her mind.
Still not pleased, Gaia pointedly asked Ethan, "Aren't you going to at least say something nice back? Or have you returned to your molesting, cretin ways?"
Ethan's face dropped. "What?"
"Where did this conversation go wrong?" Kiana said after a drink of her orange juice. "Gaia, I thought we said—"
"I will hear no more from this cretin, lest my appetite dwindle," Gaia gave Ethan a dismissing wave as she fanned her face dramatically.
"Dios! Between you and Monet, I always feel like I missed some important English classes somewhere," Angelo complained, which incited laughter among the group.
The students of the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters were so caught up in their own excitement and conversation, they didn't notice another patron enter Mac's Diner and make his way directly to the counter.
Leaning on the white marble, Graylon smiled. "Morning, Mac."
"How's it goin', Graylon?" Mac greeted him with a smile, then turned his attention back to the grill. "I'm just about done with your usual. You takin' it to go?" Mac used a metal spatula to flip the eggs and bacon then pulled warm toast from the toaster.
From the back of Mac's diner, the sound of several voices floated to Graylon's ears. Peering toward the back, Graylon smiled as he quickly identified all of the students and tried to recall their individual abilities. Absently, Graylon replied, "Yeah. Bag it up for me, will you?"
"Sure thing. You friends with those kids?"
"I will be," Graylon answered with a knowing smile as he slowly made his way towards their table.
His back toward Graylon Walsh, Rico announced, "Hey, we're working on something pretty high-tech with Cerebra. Paige, you wanna tell them about the teleportation thing?"
Paige reddened slightly. "Rico and I are running a dimensional-spatial location search based on the start and end point of a teleportation energy signature."
"So is that what you guys do down there for kicks? I'll stick to the PS3," Angelo joked, which drew a few more giggles.
Seriously, Michael asked, "Why are you guys doing that?"
Paige's already red face managed to deepen several more shades. "We were talking, and…well…I'm just trying out something. I'd rather not get into the details of it right now." She really didn't want to tell them the real reason—that maybe Clarice Ferguson was actually alive and hadn't split herself into a million fragments like they had thought before. But if it didn't work, Paige didn't want everyone's hopes up. Lord knows that her own would be dashed if they didn't find anything. She didn't want anyone else going through that too.
"Ooooh. Some super–secret Cerebra experiment," Jubilee poked. "Next thing ya know, ol' Frankenstien is gonna come storming outta there."
Rico was amused. "What we can tell you is that I think I figured a way to replicate a teleportation energy signature through Cerebra."
"Really? It can do that?" Lily asked.
"Yeah. It manages to duplicate the—" Paige excitedly began.
"Whoa! Like total time out. Yer not gonna start geek-speakin' at breakfast. Totally save it fer the lab," Jubilee jokingly ruled.
Monet, having noticed Paige's discomfort earlier, changed the subject abruptly. "So," she directed to Michael, "are you going to reveal the intricate details of the emotionally tumultuous psi-conversation you and Emma exchanged?"
Michael's face burned. "Oh. You heard that?"
"Would you even pose such an inquiry, suggesting that someone of my ability would not detect such a brazen use of telepathic abilities?"
Jubilee blew out an exasperated breath. "Oh gawd. Here we like go with Monet bein' Miz Perfect again."
Feeling that another bickering session was brewing between Monet and Jubilee, Michael cut it off with his explanation. "I just felt that the situation with Angora was risky. I'm not even sure about my developing powers, and she kind of pushed me into the astral form thing."
Ethan shook his head. "We weren't in a good position. If you hadn't done what you did, there's no telling what would have happened. You may not have liked it, but you saved us."
"But what if I had faltered?" Michael asked, a bit more sharply than he meant. Softening his tone, he answered his own question. "I would have probably been brain-dead, you guys would have been fried, and everyone would have been stuck in an eternal nightmare. I guess I'm just not okay with the entire well-being of the city and school resting on my shoulders. I mean, like I said, I don't even really understand my powers. Everyone's mentioned it since I got here—my powers weren't this strong before. I wasn't that strong before. But now…I don't know."
"Ms. Frost isn't going to push us so far that we fail," Everett said, hoping to encourage him.
"Tell that to the Hellions," Jubilee mumbled, but it was loud enough for most at the table to hear.
"The Hellions? Who are they?" Michael asked. Though he asked, a pit formed in his stomach, and he suddenly felt as though he didn't really want to know.
Angelo said to Jubilee, "Jubes. That wasn't cool to bring up. Especially with the new guys."
"They're gonna find out eventually. It's not like a big ol' secret," Jubilee replied.
"So, is someone actually going to tell us about the Hellions?" Vanessa asked.
Monet leaned forward. "They are Emma's old group of students. Her past before us was quite…colorful. Her previous students were fatally wounded in a mêlée with Trevor Fitzroy, due to their rash, impetuous nature, which was fostered and encouraged by Emma. Back then, she only envisioned and pursued her own devious goals, never realizing the destructive path she had set them on."
"The death of the Massachusetts Academy students caused quite a stir back then," Graylon added with a knowing smirk, drawing the attention of all of the students.
"It's quite rude to eavesdrop on conversations that don't involve you, dear sir," Monet said, as she gave him a withering glare.
"Ugh! Blondie," Jubilee said, recognizing Graylon Walsh from television. "Like what are you doin' here? Tryin' ta get the next scoop ta throw us under the bus?" she verbally attacked.
Graylon's expression didn't change as he replied. "Don't be so self-centered. I've got better things to do than to throw you under the bus. Quite honestly, you do it to yourselves. Besides, I'm talking you all for one reason only—the Arminthorpe Corporation."
Rico shook his head in pity. "Your outta your league, hommes. We're not gonna be the source for your next exposé. Forget what you think you know, because trust me, you haven't even gotten the tip of the iceberg."
"Right," Graylon rolled his eyes. "Listen, Suavé, I'm not the type to stick my nose where it doesn't belong. Niles Cain was kidnapped, and nobody here seems to be doing a damn thing about it. Except you guys. Which is why I want in on your plan."
"Pssshh! You have got to be kidding me!" Jubilee exclaimed. "You're not just gonna like push your way into our sitch. It doesn't even involve you."
"Like hell it doesn't," Graylon snapped, surprising Jubilee.
Michael said, "He's right." He shifted in his chair to face Graylon. "We heard your voice on Dr. Cain's answering machine when we were investigating his house. So, you can tell us how and why you're involved, or I can simply pluck it from your head. And trust me, I won't do it gently." Of course he was bluffing, but Graylon didn't have to know that.
He crossed his arms in defiance. "Obviously, you don't know that Niles has family around here. I'm his nephew."
Michael couldn't immediately see a resemblance between the two. But the family connection would explain Graylon's message to Niles and his current concern.
"That doesn't give you a free pass to get in our way," Vincent shot. "Besides, what can you do besides talk into a mic and camera?"
"A lot more than you think, flamer."
"You wanna put it to the test?" Vincent threatened, as the air around him began to stir as it rose several degrees.
"Knock it off," Ethan quickly said, taking his role as leader alongside Everett. "We don't need a scene in this place. Graylon, unless you've got some reason for approaching us right here, right now, I would suggest that you go back to whatever you were doing before and leave us alone. When we find out something about your uncle, we'll let you know." His tone left no real room for argument, and Ethan thought the situation would dissipate, but Graylon held his ground.
"I'm not going anywhere. Besides, I have information on someone that you guys seem to be interested in."
"We asked him to find out information about Mina Laroché," Vanessa hastily explained, hoping to diffuse some of the tension. Though she wasn't particularly a fan of Graylon, if he actually had information on Mina Laroché, Vanessa was sure that Kiana would want to hear it. Glancing at Kiana, Vanessa noticed her focused expression now that Mina's name had come up.
"Which I did. Her father's a wealthy business man, having traveled to Japan when she was about four years old. Not sure of the details, but somehow, she got involved with some sort of magical powers, which is where her and your paths cross, Kiana. Her father's company has financial ties to the Arminthorpe Corporation. That probably explains how she's involved with them, but I have a feeling she also knows that you're here too."
Michael said, "You're getting in way over your head. We don't even know the full extent of the Corporation or what they're capable of. Let alone their intentions for Cain or us. Besides, if you're related to Dr. Cain, then they've probably already been spying on you."
"You think I don't know that? The only thing keeping them at bay is the fact that I'm a reporter—if I get kidnapped the entire town would be looking for me."
"Are ya sure 'bout that?" Jubilee mumbled.
Either he didn't hear her, or he chose to ignore her comment, but Graylon continued, "Trust me, if I could do this alone, I would. You guys draw way too much attention."
"Yeah, like no thanks to you," Jubilee added another muffled comment.
Lily spoke up for the first time. "Well, we all suspect that the Corporation kidnapped Dr. Cain. But why? I mean, he worked for them, right?"
Rico nodded. "Yeah, for years. It's gotta have something to do with that project."
"Project?" Ethan repeated.
Paige explained, "When Rico and I went through the hard drive, we found some encrypted files about a Project Genesis. Your names were in it. But we couldn't find any specifics. We were going to try to go through it some more today."
Frustrated, Michael hit the table with his fist. "I hate this. It's like the more we find out, the more questions there are. When are we going to start figuring any of this out?"
"When you start listening," Graylon snapped. "The Corporation is having a media open-house today. They've made a name for themselves in the world of biology, so I guess this is a PR stunt for them. They're supposed to be giving a tour of the place, showing demos of their work and technology, and holding multiple conferences throughout the day."
"So you're saying that we could slip in right now?" Ethan asked, catching onto what Graylon was suggesting.
"It starts today at noon," he added, looking at his watch. They had about two hours before the Corporation's doors opened.
Vanessa frowned. "Wait a minute. Won't they recognize us on the spot? I mean, if they're chasing us, why are we walking right up to their doorstep?"
"It's perfect because they don't expect you guys to think like that. You know, every time I check you guys out, you're kicking in doors with guns blazing. I know stealth isn't your style, but if we're going to find Niles, you've gotta figure it out. Besides, with the open house, I can guarantee that security is going to be focused on some of the lower labs, so you won't have to worry about being spotted."
Rico said, "Yeah, unless Arminthorpe himself is there."
"And anyone else he has chasing us," Kiana added.
Though Graylon's plan sounded thought through, there were too many variables and potential pitfalls for Ethan to totally buy into it. "Look, can you just give us a moment, Walsh?" he said. "We're going to discuss it."
"Fine. I've got to go to the bathroom anyways," Graylon gave a dismissive wave as he maneuvered around the table and disappeared into a doorway in the back.
When Graylon had disappeared from sight, Everett said, "This is the exact thing Emma and Sean said not to do. If we go to the Corporation, there's no telling what's going to happen. And the last thing that we need at this point is a surprise battle on their turf."
"Like whatev!" Jubilee disagreed. "I think blondie's like a total pain, but if we're gonna save Doc, then we can like do this. If we jus' like slip in, get the info, and slip out, Emma and Sean don't even hav'ta know."
Ethan agreed, "She's right. I don't like putting ourselves in the lion's den, but this is the first chance that we've had to even attempt to figure out why Dr. Cain was kidnapped, and more importantly, where he is. If we can find out something, we can give it to Emma and Sean, and maybe the X-Men can come in and do some big rescue mission. We don't have to start a huge fight with them."
Vincent clenched his fist as flames surrounded it. "Speak for yourself. If Arminthorpe had anything to do with it, I'm kicking his ass from here until Sunday."
"Umm, you don't like have a good track record with yer battles, Red," Jubilee said, referencing his losing fight against her and Paige. "Ya might wanna sit this one out with ol' Blondie. We wouldn't like want either one gettin' beat up by another girl or two."
Before Vincent could respond, Graylon reappeared from the bathroom. "Ms. Mouth, seeing as how I'm perfectly capable of handling myself, I'm going with you. Besides, I've registered all of us into the media database for the Corporation, I've got our badges in the fifteen-passenger van, so you guys can leave your flashy X-vehicles behind."
Vanessa asked, "How do we know we can really trust you? It's great that you got the information about Mina, but how do we know you're not in league with the Corporation?"
"You don't. And I don't have the time to convince you. I either find my uncle with you, or without. I couldn't care less at this point."
"You sure have an attitude problem," Ethan mentioned.
"And you guys don't?"
"If we're going to do this, then we all have to cut out the attitudes. We're all here for the same thing, right?" Michael said. "So if we're going to be a team, let's act like it."
Everett said, "The less time inside of the Corporation, the better. We'll split into three teams. I'll take Vincent, Monet, Angelo, and Rico. Ethan, can you take Jubes, Jono, Kiana, and Gaia? Michael and Vanessa, you two are with Graylon. Lily, since you have a healing ability, it might be better if you go back to the mansion. Paige, since you're the most versed with Cerebra, can you keep us in contact back at the school?"
"No problem. The vehicles have an auto-pilot feature, which can tap into the GPS. I'll just send them back to the school and drive the last one back with Lily."
"Why doesn't Mike or Monet simply keep us in psychic contact?" Angelo asked.
Everett answered, "If there are other mutants in this place, I don't want to take the chance that someone will pick up on it."
"Good point, hombre," Angelo complimented
"So, what exactly are we looking for?" Gaia asked.
"Anything that would link the Corporation to Cain's kidnapping. Holding facilities, suspicious documents, off-limits areas. Basically, we're there to snoop, but to do it fast," Graylon explained.
"So, am I the only one that thinks it's pretty convenient that you just so happened to come here with a fifteen-passenger van and all the details of your plan fully worked out?" Michael said, giving Graylon an obviously suspicious glare.
"Well, truth be told, I was heading up to your school. I stop by here every morning for breakfast though. And I never planned for you guys to say no. Now, if you're done, let's get outta here."
Everett and Ethan exchanged glances as they rose from the table, set on a quest to hopefully find answers to all of their questions. But little did they know that the day would end much worse for them than how it started.
Notes:
Generation X and all characters related to Marvel belong to them. Any other characters are fictional