Author's note/apology:

Taliym5: Hey guys...okay I know it's been a long time. Two months...crap. I apologize for not updating or letting you know this chapter would be late. I ran into a rough patch in my life and had a hard time writing again. It actually affected my school work and I was spending every waking moment trying to catch up. I'm fine. My mind was just all over the place and I was bit down and sad. If it wasn't for my family and friends this chapter would probably be 3 months late. Here's my random advice; let people you care about know you care. That's all I have to say.

Brother walks in: "Can I come in now?"

"Sigh. Sure."

Brother: "I like this chapter, and I can't wait for the next one! Also, I saw two votes on the popularity poll. Only 1 for Dom? For shame."

:} (Cheshire cat grin) "Actually that was my vote."

"You can't vote! You're breaking the rules! No frozen yogurt for you!"

"I WILL HAVE MY YOGURT! Okay, reviews:

Bmmr: Yeah, there's about a dozen different ways to spell Anna, Ana, Annah...there's so many! Thank you for trying to help me with my spelling though. Seeing that a certain brother never helps with editing..."

"You're seriously complaining about me?"

"You never help me with editing! I don't realize when I mix up tenses or make a freaking spelling mistake!"

"Well that's your fault. Reviews...again:"

"No,no, I do reviews:

Anonymous: I apologize for delayed updates...especially when you gave me the triple update review. I am sorry.

Guest: I apologize again for not updating soon enough. And knowing that you love this story makes me happy! :)"

"Makes me happy on the inside."

"Thank you for your patience and please r&r! Don't hesitate to criticize!"

"As long as it is constructive and won't make her cry. Remember, I have to live with this crazy woman audience. I don't deal with tears."

:)

Trinity waited for an answer impatiently. "What were you doing in Marian's room?"

John scrutinized her then scoffed. "I can't believe this—you think I was getting it on with her? The girl can't even touch anyone—"

"I just want to know what you were doing! I never said you were cheating on me!" She snapped.

"I don't need to tell you all my business." John snaps back. "So get used to it."

Trinity glared at him and stormed off. "Fine, get used to being single while you're at it."

"You're kidding me!" John barked, he grabbed her arm. "Trinity. You're going to break up with me over this? Just because you're jealous?"

She glared at him. "No, it's because you're keeping secrets from me. I already get that from my parents—I don't want it from you."

"You don't trust me?"

"No! It's not about that—for once, I want someone not to keep any secrets from me." She pulled her arm away from him.

John rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to tell you everything about what I do Trinity—no one will."

She scoffed and was going to walk off, but he grabs onto once more. "Hold on." He sighed. "You want the truth?"

Trinity stares at him and nods.

"The truth is…I went through something similar to Marian…I was chased by the damn police because my powers went out of control and I burned some empty buildings down…I thought I could help Marian out."

Trinity felt he was lying about the Marian thing…but his resentment toward the people who chased him was there… "What are you hiding John?"

He scoffed. "Nothing!"

She felt he was lying. She shook her head. "You're lying." She rushed into her room and slammed the door. She listened and heard him snort and walk away in frustration. She focused on Marian…she felt nervous and curious…did she hear what they were talking about?

She locked her door and stomped over to her bed. She sees the Bamf doll, and picks it up. She hugs it tightly like a little kid. She then crawled onto the bed and curled her body around the stuffed animal. I won't cry over this. I will not stay up worrying about this…I will go to sleep and deal with this tomorrow…tomorrow.

Dominic woke up and yawned…laser tag was freakin' awesome. He never thought the Danger Room would be such an awesome laser tag lair. He goes over to his laptop. He checks his email. He smiled as he read an email from his grandparents telling him how much they missed him. His mom let him know Cara was starting a new day care today and she took a picture of his baby sister for him. Cara wore a blue sundress and flip-flops, and she dark bags under her eyes…

He looked for any emails from his dad…none. He was about to shut his laptop in frustration, but he received another email. He grinned when he saw it was from his uncle Hank. He reads it quickly:

Dear Dominic,

I decided that I would pay you all a visit during my sojourn from work. I will come bearing gifts for you and your family. I will be at Xavier's Institute by this afternoon.

Sincerely,

Uncle Hank

Dominic cheered as he raced over to his dresser and pulled on a fresh shirt. Sammy wakes up. "What's up?"

"My uncle Hank is coming over this afternoon!"

"Isn't he the big guy with the glasses?"

"Yep. He's freakin' awesome Sammy, he's a scientist and classic literature professor at a university. He also was an assistant coach for the football team."

"He sounds cool…what's his mutation?"

"He was hands for feet…it's actually pretty cool."

"It's better than having a dorsal fin."

"But you have a B.A.M.F. dorsal fin."

"I never knew you could describe a dorsal fin as BAMF."

"You're welcome."

"I never thanked you."

"You didn't?"

Sammy snorts a laugh. "Dude just go get breakfast so I can sleep."

"Alright grumpy gills." Dom laughs as Sammy throws a pillow at him good-naturedly. He runs into Amara who was walking down to breakfast. "'Morning Amara!"

"Good morning Dominic, I see Sammy is too lazy to go to breakfast." She smiled smugly.

"Not all of us can rise with the sun Amara."

"Yes you can; you're just too lazy. Actually, you are up pretty early…why?" She peers at him with her brown eyes curiously.

"I found out my uncle is coming for a visit."

"That's nice, what's his name?"

"Hank McCoy."

"Beast?" She looked excited. "He's the strongest and smartest original X-Man!"

"He was?"

"Of course he was Dominic!"

"Ok, ok, I'll take your word for it. He's been good friends with my Uncle Leon and mom for years. He's actually my God-father."

"Interesting." Amara nods, when they make it to the dining room where platters of pancakes and eggs awaited them. Dom sees his older sister was drinking a mug of coffee and her back was to John, who instead of sitting with her, was at the end of the table talking to Bobby. Dom raised a brow and sat across from Trinity. "Mornin'." He greets.

Trinity peered at him while moving her hair out of her eyes. "Hey."

He sees her eyes were black. "Uh…you okay?"

Trinity shrugged. "Yeah, why'd you ask?"

"Well—uh, your eyes."

Trinity's eyes widened as she grabbed a spoon and examined herself. She shrieked in frustration and threw the spoon down. She shoves herself away from the table, and marched away.

Dom asked nervously—wishing he'd kept his mouth shut: "Hey, where are you going?"

"To my first session—I don't care if I'm freakin' early!" She marched out the door; her cheeks red from anger and shame.

Dom heard snickering and turned to see a smirking John. Dom scowled at him. "What're you laughing at?" He wished Trin would dump the jerk.

John shrugged. "Just her dramatics." Bobby looked uncomfortable as he glared at John to keep quiet.

Dom narrowed his eyes at him. "So what did you do?"

John raised his brows. "Nothin'—your sister is just being paranoid."

He glared at him. "Why? She probably has a good reason."

John snorts and grinned at Bobby, who was acting like he was too busy eating his pancakes. "Looks like paranoia runs in the family—they get it from their mum, right?"

Dom stood up. "What did you do John?" He asked again—feeling his anger boil beneath his skin.

John's smile widened. He wanted to see how far he could go till Dominic snapped—Dom saw it before with every jar-head bully he came across. Well, he'd give John what he wanted.

Amara snipped at Dominic. "Sit down." He ignored her, and only focused on John's next words.

John stood and leaned over the table to face him. "Look paranoia isn't a bad thing—I mean just look at your mother—she was too paranoid to send you here because you might get hurt—oh wait, you all were chased down either way, weren't you?"

Dominic tightened his hands into fists.

Bobby finally spoke up. "John, that's not funny."

John chuckled. "You know something kid, your mum is right—this big bad world is a dangerous place. But hiding from it won't make the bad guys go away—that's why your little sister is screwed—"

"John, shut up." Bobby told him.

Dom gritted his teeth together as his heart rate increased with his rage.

John puts up a finger to Bobby. "Hold on, you see 'Dom', you should be paranoid. I mean, if you aren't, you'll end up getting killed…like Trin's friend and that aunt of yours—"

Bobby shoved at John's shoulder. "Hey, that's enough, man!"

John laughed. "What? If he keeps on believing 'mutants are safe', then he'll be the first to go, right? I mean we can't trust humans to accept us with open arms—just look at what happened to Marisol—she believed she was safe until an anti-mutant psycho mauled her down—that was the last mistake she ever made, right 'Dom'—"

BAM!

Dom threw his fist into John's face. Before he could get another shot, Amara grabbed his arms and pulled him back. When John tried to attack him, Bobby held him back while shouting. "Cut it out now!"

Dom was dragging Amara with him, but he was stopped by new arms. He turned around and saw it was Kenneth. Dom stopped moving as his cousin barked. "What the hell is going on?!"

John shook Bobby off him as he rubbed at the bruise forming on his cheek. "Care to tell him about it, kid?" He gives Dom a grin—knowing that Dominic wouldn't bring up the conversation about Marisol to her own son.

Dom pulled away from Amara and Kenneth. "It's nothing…right Pyromaniac?"

Pyro grinned darkly. "Yeah, nothing big—there's no need to go crying to Leon." He holds Dominic's glare with his own.

Dominic nodded, and quickly left the room.

Amara sighed and followed him. Kenneth turned to John. He folded his arms. "Nothing huh?"

John shrugged. "Want to make something of it?"

Kenneth shook his head. "Just stay away from my cousin." He marched out.

Bobby sighed. "John…why the hell did you frickin' do that!?"

John scoffed. "What? I was just telling the truth."

Trinity rushed up to Jean's room—she was only half an hour early…well, Jean did say she could see her anytime about her powers. Right now, she managed to turn off feeling everyone, so she could keep herself under control. She saw the door was open and quickly pushed it open. "Jean—" Trinity stopped and sucked in her words with a gasp.

Jean was in Logan's arms…and they were making out passionately. They instantly stopped when they heard Trinity.

"S-sorry," Trinity backed away nervously as she suddenly felt the passion die and emotions of shock was flooding the room. She runs away before they could say anything. She heard Jean and Logan call her, but she ran faster—she did not want to deal with this! She turns and sees Logan was following her. "Kid!"

She ignored him and ran through a door slammed it into Logan's face. She then locked it and saw she was on some stairs…she felt Kurt was near, and raced upstairs to his room. She knocked on his door frantically as she heard Logan knock and say. "Kid, I just want to talk—come on!"

Kurt suddenly opened his door and sees Trinity's frantic state. "Trin?"

"Please hide me!" She begged.

He gives her a look, but lets her in and shuts the door. "What's going on?"

Trinity folded her arms uncomfortably. "I just don't want to see anyone!"

Kurt watched her and asked. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I-I don't know…" She looked around the room anxiously. "I don't what to do—who I should tell. Ugh! It's all so messed up."

Kurt tilts his head at her in concern. There was suddenly a knock at the door. "Kid." Logan called.

Trinity's black eyes widened as she stared at Kurt desperately.

Kurt turned to the door. "Trinity's outside. I teleported her to the garden, mein freund. Is she trying to skip your training session? I can't blame her." He lied.

Logan sighed. "Right Elf, if you see her, let her know I want to talk to her." They heard Logan's steps recede and the door open and closed.

Trinity sighed in relief. Kurt motioned to a recliner. "You can sit down if you want, Trin."

She sits down in the chair and leaned her elbows against her knees. "Thanks."

Kurt sits on the arm of the chair and asked. "So why are you hiding, fraulein?"

Trinity peered at him. "Can you…can you keep a secret?"

Kurt shook his head. "Nein."

Trinity's face fell, but Kurt grimaced. "Sorry, too soon for a joke?"

Trinity raised a brow. "Ja, Kurt."

Kurt smiled at her apologetically. "I can keep the secret, liebling."

Trinity rubbed her temples, and finally told Kurt everything that happened, added how she always felt strange and heated feelings between Logan and Jean, how shocked and upset she was, and how this would crush Scott. "I-I don't know if I should tell Scott…I can't! But Jean is his fiancé…and—ugh! I don't know what to do!" She whined.

Kurt was frowning and knotting his tail anxiously. This was going too far.

Trinity sensed his feelings. "Wait…has this happened before?!"

Kurt sighed. "Ja…"

Trinity looked at her hands. "Does Scott know?"

"I don't know…" He admits.

"But he's your leader!" Trinity argued. "He's getting married to Jean—don't you think he should know the truth!"

Kurt peered at her sympathetically. "If only it was that simple. If anyone should tell him though, it should be Logan and Jean."

Trinity sighed and agreed. "You're right…I just can't believe I saw that!" She groaned in disgust. "I don't want to talk to Jean and Logan about it, that's for sure."

"Well, feel free to hide out in my room if you wish."

Trinity smiled at him. "You sure?"

Kurt nods. "Why not? I was about to watch a movie anyway."

Trinity peered at his desk and smirked. "You own The Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone?"

Kurt teleports over to the desk and rifled through the pile of DVDs and VHSs. He picks up a VHS and shows it to her. "But of course."

Dominic rushed downstairs, forgetting about his fight with John, and sat in the hallway to wait for his uncle Hank. Kendra joined him. She sits next to her cousin quietly, and finally whispered to him. "Kenneth will be hear soon with Leon; they're busy training with Ray."

"Cool." Dominic sees her hands were smudged with blue water color. "Were you painting with Piotr again?"

She smiled timidly. "Yes, we went to the roof and painted the forest."

Dominic nods. "Nice. How's Twyla?"

Kendra frowned. "She hurt herself while walking, but she wants to try the crutches again. I'm proud of her and I want her to be able to walk, but I want to be there…"

"Yeah. I just heard from mom that she's enrolling Cara into a new daycare…Today is her first day. I wish I was there for that."

"How is she?"

Dominic bit his lip. "Tired…nervous…but good. Mom is the same, but she's just worried about us." His face darkened when he remembered his fight with John…the bastard.

Kendra watched him. "I heard about the fight—"

"Don't want to talk about it."

"You should not fight Dom. It's dangerous, especially with our powers."

"You sound like Amara—except she shouted her lecture at me."

"Well she is your Hermione, Potter. And Sammy is your Ron."

He turned to her in confusion and saw her dry smirk. He laughed. "You're still a Potter fan?"

"You can never stop being a Potter fan. Or a Sherlock Holmes fan. Or an Edgar Allen Poe fan."

"Well if I'm Harry, then who are you?"

"Luna Lovegood—you know I'm a Ravenclaw. You're a Slytherin remember?"

"And yet I'm Harry?"

"The sorting hat was going to place him in Slytherin." She pointed out. "Besides Slytherins aren't all bad."

"Right. What was Allie?"

"Gryffindor. Just like Kenneth and Aunt Mansi. Tia Meg and Trinity are Hufflepuffs. Cara is Ravenclaw. Leon is Slytherin too."

"By any chance, did you manage to sort which house I would be in?"

Kendra and Dominic turned and jumped to their feet when they heard the familiar voice. "Uncle Hank!"

Hank McCoy laughed as he was tackled by his niece and nephew. "Well, I am glad you're happy to see me. Is this because I mentioned that I come with gifts." He shows them two large bags.

Dominic smirked. "Maybe—" He was interrupted by a screaming girl:

"UNCLE HANK!" Allie hopped into his arms and hugged him tightly. "I missed you. I missed you. I missed you! I missed you!"

Hank chuckles as he held her. "I missed you as well Alicia. My stars and garters you are growing quiet tall."

"She's still a bean pole though." Leon joked as he walked into the foyer with Kenneth. Allie stuck her tongue out at Leon, but he takes her from Hank, pecks her on the cheek, and sets her down away from Hank. Leon embraced his old friend tightly. "How you doing old friend?"

"Splendid actually—I have so much to tell you about what I'm researching." Hank adjusted his wire-rim glasses as Kenneth gives him a silent hug.

Mansi rushed in with Fleur on her hip. "Hank, you're not here to steal Leon away are you?"

Hank smirked. "Always great to see you Mansi. You look exquisite." He pecks her on the cheek she offered him.

Mansi chortled as she switched Fleur to her other hip. "It's good to know motherhood hasn't run my looks down yet."

"Just her sanity." Leon joked.

Mansi grinned. "And yours." She smiled at her daughter. "Go on flower, say hello to your tio Hank."

Fleur was busy playing with her doll, but managed to glance at her uncle. "Hi."

Hank holds out one of his massive hands. Fleur takes the large hand and examines it until she shakes it. "It is wonderful to meet you Fleur."

Fleur lets go of his hand and grabs his glasses. "Mine!" She puts them onto her own face and giggled.

Mansi scolds. "No, no, that's tio's."

Hank squints his grey-blue eyes. "Not to worry." He gets out his second pair of large, round glasses.

Leon starts laughing. "Hank—you still have that pair? I remember when you wore those high school."

Hank raised his thick eyebrows. "They've always been reliable."

Leon shrugged. "True, remember when we took them apart and used them as lock picks—"

"Yes, I remember that being your idea. As clever as it was, I still had to get these fixed."

"Alright. Let's move this into the living room." Mansi leads them all into the family room.

Trinity suddenly enters. "Uncle Hank!"

Hank gives her a gentle hug. "Trinitia! How are you my dear?"

Trinity smiled happily. "Better."

They all sat on the couch and conversed about what has gone on. Hank was excited about the new football players for the fall, his class was overflowing with new students, and his research was going well. When Leon asked about his research, Hank waved the question away with an "I will explain it to you and the Professor later." He finally got to the gifts. "I decided to bring some 'mansion-warming gifts'." He gets out some red rubber oven mitts and gave them to Mansi. She tried them on and grinned. "Thanks Hank."

He gets out a football and hands it over to Kenneth. "Here you are Kenneth, a football for you to practice with."

Kenneth threw it into the air and caught with a large grin. "Thanks."

Hank suddenly pulled out a large textbook. Everyone paled. "This is for Kendra."

Kendra clapped her hands happily and took the book happily. "The complete collection of Victorian art and literature! Thank you so much tio!"

Allie and Dominic peered at each other to whisper. "Nerds."

Hank gives one bag to Dominic. "For you Dominic, I found one of our old lab computers. The parts are in great shape and I know how much you love to experiment with computers."

Dominic smiled at the gold mine that was in the bag. "Thanks tio!"

Allie peered at the junk and rolled her eyes.

"And for you Allie…"

Allie smiled nervously. "You didn't have to get me anything uncle…heh."

Hank gives her a rubix cube. Allie squealed in excitement. "I always wanted one of these! Dom has a bunch but he never lets me play with them."

Dominic rolled his eyes. "Because your hands are always greasy."

Allie sniffed. "Shut up Dom." She began playing with her new toy happily.

Hank gets out a book and gives it to Trinity. "This was my copy of A Midsummer's Night Dream.It has all of my notes inside. I know how much you love Shakespeare's comedies."

Trinity held it close to her and grinned. "Thank you!"

Hank then gets out a stuffed animal, a monkey, and gives it to Fleur. Fleur giggled as she put Hank's glasses onto it.

Hank pulled a rectangular box out of the bag. "For Leon." Hank hands him a chess board.

Leon grinned. As he opened the board and began setting up the pieces.

Hank raised a brow. "You want to play now?"

Leon moved a pawn and gave a nod.

Hank moved his own pawn. The game began between the two geniuses.

Trinity soon left to go upstairs for her therapy session. When she made it upstairs she felt Jean close in. "Trinity!"

Trinity kept walking and Jean caught up with her. "Trinity, I need to talk to you."

"There's nothing to talk about, Jean." Trinity sweetly said, avoiding eye contact. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a therapy meeting with the professor." She shoves open the door and they see Xi'an talking on the phone. "—Yes Mrs. Guthrie—yes, I will tell him. No, Sam arriving earlier than expected is no trouble. Yes, I understand, if you need anything contact us. Goodbye ma'am."

Xi'an hangs up the phone. "That was Mrs. Guthrie. Sam will be arriving in a couple of days. A truckload of boys tried to run him down at a local gas station."

"Is Sam okay?!" Trinity felt her heart rate quicken.

"Yes, he used his powers to move out of the way, and the local police made an arrest after his stepfather convinced them to do so. Though mutant-hate crimes seem to go unnoticed in that town…" She saw Trinity's expression and backpedaled. "But he'll be fine, Trinity."

Trinity nods. "Is the professor ready for me?"

Miss Coy-Mahn smiled. "Of course, go on in."

Jean adds. "I'll wait for you out here Trinity."

Trinity inwardly grimaced and went into the Professor's office.

Xi'an peered at Jean. "What is going on?"

Jean bit her lip. "Nothing." She was pacing.

She tilted her head suspiciously. "Did something happen in training?"

Jean shook her head. "Xi'an, I'm sorry but this is personal."

Her brown eyes widened. "Is this a Logan problem?"

Jean peered at her anxiously.

"Dieu! She caught you two—Jean!" She hissed.

"I know. I know." Jean rubbed her temples.

Xi'an glared at her. "Tell me you two weren't—"

"No. And we never have—or will." Jean sat down. "God, Xi'an, I really messed up."

"Yes, you have." She agreed. "Jean…please do not burden her with that secret—"

"I would never do that." She snapped irritably.

"Then what are you going to do?"

"I don't know…"

Trinity sat in her chair as she pet Darwin's wiry fur, who placed his head on her knee, but she kept her eyes focused on the professor.

"Trinity, I would like to ask you about Sophie." The professor kept his eyes focused on her as he examined her reaction.

Trinity's hand stopped as she tensed up.

Darwin sensed the change and lifted his head off of Trinity's lap. He trots over to his bed and sat down to watch.

"Why?" Trinity whispered as she tried not to let on how felt.

Professor Xavier continues. "Tell me what happened."

Trinity took a deep breath and said. "Sophie died because she traded her probability with mine. I was supposed to" Her voice cracked. "die, and she knew and still traded probabilities—she died my death." Trinity started to cry. She never had to explain it to someone else before. Saying made it…made it so hard for her to deal with.

"She was your friend."

"My best friend." Trinity explained.

"If you had a chance to say anything to her—"

"Don't." She sobbed. "Don't go there."

Professor Xavier stopped and let her cry it out.

Trinity wrapped her arms around herself as she cried. She missed Sophie. She missed her so much. Admitting that she was gone was terrible, but it was still a release for her. She still kept one explanation in though—her guilt. She would never let anyone know that she was a killer. Never.

Professor Xavier handed her a box of tissues and she took them. "Th-thank you—I'm s-sorry—I need to control-control myself—"

"It seems to me that you're bottling up your emotions."

Trinity raised her shoulders defensively. "Yeah…"

"Why?"

"…You saw what happened when I let my emotions out."

"Yes, but you have been bottling up your emotions before discovering your powers. When we talked about Marisol's death you mentioned how you never let anyone see how upset you were."

Trinity remembered, whenever she felt like crying she went into hiding. When her brother walked in, she threw a box of tissues at him and screamed at him to leave her alone. She was like a beast when her emotions were at their worst.

"Trinity, why hide your emotions?"

"Because they are dangerous." Trinity told him.

He gazed at her. "Why are they dangerous?"

"Because they hurt people. The people I love—I don't want my emotions to hurt them in any way. I did not want them to worry about me—so I hide to make it seem like I was okay. I did not want them to think there was something wrong with me…I just wanted things to go back to normal…"

"So you hid your emotions to move on instead of facing them?"

"Yes."

"Trinity you need to face and convey your emotions."

"Even if it's at the expense and safety of everyone else?" Trinity hissed at him darkly.

Before the Professor could respond, his phone rang. He sighed and picked it up. "Miss Coy-Mahn, I thought I made it clear that there can be no interruptions during my therapy sessions?"

"I am sorry Professor Xavier, but Black Eagle is on the line, it's very important sir." Xi'an's voice broke through the phone nervously.

"Please put him on." The Professor asked. He waits and then there was a deep voice on the other line, but Trinity couldn't hear what he was saying.

The professor listened and answered. "Yes, a projected nightmare is not unusual even in short intervals of sleep, like naps. Yes, I will come over for another session next week, though I strongly suggest your granddaughter should be moved here. My staff and I would be able to help Danielle much better if we—" He paused when there was a harsh response. "I understand. Goodbye Mr. Lonestar." He hangs up the phone, but before he could say anything, the telepathic energy signature appeared on his head and his grey eyes narrowed. "Trinity, I suggest you go on downstairs—"

Trinity had felt a stranger was near and was ascending the stairs. "Is there an intruder?!"

"No, everything is fine—"

Trinity heard Jean's voice angrily ring out behind the door, but she couldn't understand what she was saying, just that she was arguing with the stranger. Sean and Mansi were there as well and Mansi was livid.

The door suddenly opened, and a woman with straight platinum hair and icy blue eyes stood in the doorway. She wore pristine white designer clothes that matched her icy, pale beauty. Her aura was light blue edged with white. She was arrogant, poised, ambitious, and cold.

"Charles." The woman purred in an English dialect. She walked in, her heels clicking against the floor sharply. Darwin let out a low growl as she approached the desk. Trinity stayed in her chair anxiously—Darwin never growled like that, and everyone else were either angry, shocked, and/or wary.

Charles glowered up at her. "Miss Emma Frost."

Xi'an walked in as everyone else followed. "I am sorry Professor, she just barged in."

As she says this, Miss Frost peered at Trinity and was suddenly very interested in her. Trinity felt herself shrink under her gaze, like she could see right through her.

Mansi was suddenly in front of Trinity as she faced Miss Frost and snarled. "I can escort her out if you want me to." She was emitting emotions of anger and was on the defensive, like she was trying to protect Trinity from her.

"That won't be necessary Mansi," the professor told her.

Emma nods. "Yes, you can call your guard dog off me Charles." She threw Mansi a look. "And to be clear, I'm referring to you darling."

Mansi tensed. "Listen here you rich, uppity bit—"

"Mansi, I suggest you go back down and check on our guest." Charles told her gently.

Mansi finally moved and looked at her niece. She then shot Emma a glare. Emma raised her brows as she marched out and pulled Xi'an with her to follow.

Miss Frost chuckled. "Charles, your new maid has quite the…colorful vocabulary."

"I will only tell you once Emma, to respect Mansi,"

"Oh please, I'm not afraid of her."

Sean snorts. "It's not just her you should be worried about if you mess with her, Emma."

Emma grinned at him. "Sean, it's been a long time."

"It's good to see you again Emma." Sean greeted her coldly.

"Yes, I know." She sniffed. She then smiled down at Trinity like she was something good to eat. "Hello Trinitia, I'm Miss Frost."

Trinity nods. "Hello."

Emma gazed at her with the same smug smile. "My, my, you look a lot like your mother, but you are absolutely bursting with mutant potential. You know, empaths are very similar in talent to telepaths."

Jean was suddenly beside Trinity and she saw how angry Jean looked as she placed a hand on Trinity's shoulder. "What do you want Emma?" Jean hissed.

Emma glanced at Jean. "Oh, hello Jean. I see you are still as cynical as ever. Perhaps marriage could cure you of your contempt." She turned to Professor Xavier. "I am here because I heard you have been receiving many students as of late, so I came to help."

"How could you help?" Jean questioned.

Emma smirked her ruby red lips. "Jean, did you forget that I'm a level four telepath with skills that easily surpass yours?" Jean's aura flared with anger. "Also, I am the headmistress of the Massachusetts Academy. We offer the Hellfire Scholarship and program to mutants with mutated gifts. We teach students how to be the best they can be and how to excel."

"Even at other's expense." Sean muttered darkly.

Emma gave a short laugh. "Yes, we do not follow Xavier's belief that mutants should only learn how to control their abilities so they can 'fit in' with the human society. We believe that mutants should be able to excel no matter what or who disagrees with progress." She turned to Trinity. "I'm here to offer Trinitia and her siblings a chance to actually exceed with their powers."

Professor Xavier breaks in sternly. "We do not need to transfer students Emma, the Leonardos had already agreed to send Trinity and her siblings here."

"But Charles, you already have so many students here that it would be a crime for me to not take a few off your hands. Also, they were never informed of other opportunities like my school, hmm? Besides, you've been losing track of some runaways haven't you?"

Charles steeple his fingers together as he remained silent.

Emma focused on Trinity. "Trinitia darling, wouldn't you like to learn how to control your powers in only a week, or a couple of days? At my school we can help you control your powers in no time so you can return home to your family."

Trinity felt a chill go through her as she marveled at the temptation, but how did Miss Frost know she wanted to go home so badly? She would have felt her go through her mind, wouldn't she?

"Also I can actually keep you and your siblings safe in my school." Emma purred.

Trinity was hanging on those words.

"I can convince your mother to send your baby sister to this school as well. I can even have you and sisters share a dorm if you want."

Trinity shook her head; she felt like she was distracted and said. "My family and I chose to stay here."

"But did you choose to be attacked by Logan? Did you choose to be hunted down simply because you go to this school? Trinitia, did you choose for your brother to put his life in danger by going on an x-men mission?"

Trinity felt her anger and despair grow, but she kept it contained.

"That's enough Emma." Jean growled.

Emma's cold blue eyes flicked over to her. "Trinity you're worried that Jean is going to force you to keep her affair with Logan secret. How could your own mentor who you trusted ask you for such a thing?"

Trinity felt her face pale. How did she know—she was reading her mind! "Stop it." She whispered.

"Emma, you need to leave." Xavier ordered.

Emma's voice suddenly echoed inside Trinity's head. You see how they try to control you. Don't they always tell you who to see, where to go? They convinced you that it's for your own good and you believe it. But deep down you know that there's something they're keeping from you. And that this imprisonment you are under is wrong. The teacher you respected is having an affair. You can't even trust your own boyfriend. You feel like you're being lied to again, just like your parents have done to you your whole life. They've kept secrets from you and lied. You hide your feelings not just because you're afraid of hurting others—you're afraid that they can hurt you. You feel as though you can't trust anyone—

Trinity felt her anger explode as she jumped up and shouted. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

Emma stumbled back as the onslaught of emotions hit her.

Trinity felt that she lost control and brought her emotions back in and collapsed into her chair. She covered her face and chanted. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have done that…"

Emma shook her head and smiled. "No Trinitia, you were simply being who you were: powerful. There is nothing wrong with this—" She was suddenly pushed back and toward the door by an invisible force; Jean had used her telekinesis to throw her back.

Jean pointed to the door—ire framing her face. "Get out."

Charles Xavier adds. "Sean, could you show Miss Frost out?" His brows were low over his eyes.

Emma glared at them. "I believe I can show myself out." She grabbed a card from her pocket, but it was suddenly ripped into a million pieces by Jean's telekinesis. Miss Frost scowled at her, and told Trinity. "Don't you see? If you want to discuss anything, then I suggest you contact my school. Our doors are always open to you and your family."

She marched out into the waiting room only to run into Mansi, Leon, Hank, and Betsy. Xi'an sat at her desk typing, but she was keeping a close eye on them.

Emma smirked as her sight zeroed in on Betsy. "Elizabeth, how is my prized pupil?"

Betsy glowered at her. "Ex-pupil. I simply came up here to make sure you weren't causing any trouble."

Emma chortled. "You were always my best student, but don't pride yourself that your telepathy could even surpass my own."

Betsy shook her head. "You're still trying to recruit mutant soldiers for your Hellfire club?"

Emma sniffed. "Harsh talk for someone whose father is a member. From the shocked, blank look on everyone's face I assume you haven't told them about how I tutored you after you left STRIKE."

Betsy smirked darkly. "They don't. But the professor and x-men do. So you can stop trying to turn them against me. Now you can piss off."

Emma smirked back and walked. "You were also one of my biggest disappoints."

Trinity listened to all of this from the professor's office. She then walked out into the waiting room. Mansi hugged her. "You okay honey?"

"Yeah." Trinity muttered. She turned around to see Jean was standing next to her.

Jean gazed at her sympathetically. "Trinity, I'm sorry—"

Trinity shook her head. "Don't worry about it." She thought aloud. I'm not mad at you. I trust you. Thank for trying to help me out back there.

Jean nods, getting the message, and Trinity felt her guilt and relief.

Trinity walked out of the room and avoided making any eye contact with Leon. He watched her go, and then peered at Jean questionably.

Trinity passed Scott and Ororo on the stairs, and almost jumped when Scott asked her: "Trinity?"

She bit her lip. "Yeah?"

"Is Hank in the Professor's office?"

"Yeah, he's still here." Trinity then rushed downstairs before he could ask her anything else.

Kurt flipped over another obstacle and landed perfectly. He then grabbed his water bottle and took a drink as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Elf?"

Kurt jumped and teleported across the room in surprise. He thought he was alone, not even Forge was in the Danger Room today. He saw Logan was in his leather jacket and was carrying a rucksack. He was also glaring Kurt down as he chewed on an unlit cigar. "You seem jumpy Elf, something on your mind?"

"Nein." Kurt smiled. Crap, he knows.

"So, funny thing happened. I went to go look for Trinity, she wasn't in the garden."

"Really? She must've run off—"

"Cut the crap Elf, I knew she was in your room the entire time." Logan snarled. "I was just thinking that you would be a man and tell me the truth."

Kurt sighed as he stretched out his arms. "Don't take it personally Logan—"

"Well when someone lies to my face it tends to piss me off."

"Trinity needed some space—"

"You hid her from me and then lied about it. Just to be clear, we are friends aren't we? You never lied to me before, until now."

Kurt glowered at him. "You and Jean never tried anything or were caught until now."

Logan stared at him and remained silent.

Kurt shut his eyes. "Logan, you need to stop this. We all ignored it because we thought it was harmless, but this heated affair is going to tear this team apart."

"It was never an affair. This was the first time anything happened Elf."

Kurt stared at him. "I'm sorry for lying to you, but what were you going to say to Trinity?"

"That's my business."

Kurt shook his head. "It became mine."

"Never thought a girl would come between us." Logan joked darkly.

"And I thought I told bad jokes." Kurt chuckled. He stopped when he noticed the rucksack was full. "Where are you going?"

Logan looked up at the ceiling as if he would find the answer there. "I need to take a trip. Jeanie needs some space."

"You're doing it again, just like with Heather."

"When the hell did I tell you about Heather?"

"Last year when I drove you home from the bar. You tend to spill all your secrets to me when you are drunk. You said it was her birthday that night."

Logan nods. "Probably why I was out. Listen, this would be best for everyone. If I'm gone, Jeanie can marry Scott with no problems."

"But when will you come back?"

…Logan chewed on the cigar. "I don't know."

"This isn't a good idea Logan."

"It worked with Heather—"

"Ja. But you never went back to Department H."

"I'm coming back Elf."

"What about Dominic and Allie?"

"What about them?"

"Don't pretend that you don't care about them."

Logan shoulder the rucksack. "They're better off without me too."

"That's not true mein freund. At least say goodbye to them."

"Maybe if I run into them I would. It would be best if I left without tipping the whole school off."

"Aw yes you like making a big entrance, but not a dramatic exit…or is it because you are terrified of what Ororo would say?"

Logan chuckled and held out his hand. "See you later Elf."

Kurt took his hand. "I'll miss you too. Be careful out there…maybe a trip could help clear your head, ja?"

Logan gave his hand a shake and gave him a nod before letting go. "You take care of yourself too…keep an eye on those kids—not just that girl."

Kurt's face turned purple and he cursed at him in German before muttering. "It's not like that at all."

Logan walked upstairs and made it to the garage door, but stopped when he heard a little girl's voice squeal. "Logan! Logan!"

He turned around and sees Allie running up to him. She finally stopped and smiled up at him. "Hey, you got to meet my uncle Hank—well, you already know him, but he's going to play some catch with me and Kenneth—so, would like to play with us?"

Logan chewed on the cigar again. "No half-pint, I have to head out."

"Where are you going?"

"Uh…" He looked away from her eyes, which were burning into him.

"When will you be back?" She asked, her green eyes gazing at him anxiously.

"I don't know half-pint," He saw her face fall.

Allie slowly looked down at her shoes. "O-okay."

Logan watched her and she suddenly hugged him. Before he could say anything, she let go and ran away. He watched her race up the stairs and pass Trinity. Trinity turned to look at her and then looked back at him. She then ran after her sister.

Allie burst into her room and threw herself on her bed; burying her face into her pillow.

Trinity suddenly came in; worried. "Allie, what's wrong?"

"Lrgn isph sleavn!" She whined into her pillow.

Trinity sat down on the bed next to her. "What?" She could feel Allie's despair, and it was scaring her.

Allie lifted up her face and wailed. "Logan's leaving." Trinity saw the tears leaking out of her eyes.

Trinity knew why she was so upset—it was just like dad leaving for work. Allie would fall apart and lay in her bed… Trinity gets up and rushed out of the room. She jumped down the steps two at a time. She finally made it through the garage door as Logan was starting his bike. She ran up to him and grabbed onto his shoulder before he could leave. His aura burst with surprise as he turned to face the intruder, but calmed down when he saw it was only Trinity.

She wasted no time. "Where the hell are you going?!" She was not in the mood to be kind and patient with him.

He turned the engine off and shrugged her hand off. "What did you just say?"

She was in no mood to be afraid of him either. "Why are you leaving?"

He watched her through squinted eyes. "It's none of your business kid—"

"My sister is crying upstairs—you made it my business." She marched in stood in front of the bike. "Why are you leaving?"

Logan doesn't answer and was trying to steer the bike away from her so he could start it up again.

Trinity's hands lashed out and she gripped the handles. "No. No running away, you're going to frickin' answer me!"

Logan leaned toward her and snarled. "This isn't the time to get in my way kid."

Trinity shoved her face into his. "This isn't the damn time to abandon my brother and sister. Why?"

Logan blinked in astonishment at her aggression. He then got off the bike and faced her. "You would know why I'm leaving if you didn't hide in the Elf's room from me."

Trinity narrowed her eyes, which were black. "So that's why. You're running away because of what happened?"

"I ain't running away." He growled.

Trinity squared her shoulders. "Then what are you doing about this?"

Logan looked down at her with his blue eyes. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to keep my mouth shut about you and Jean, because if anyone should tell Scott the truth it's you two." She spat. "I'm also going to make sure that you're staying here."

Logan raised a brow. "Why do you care whether or not I stay?"

She felt the anger course through her, but she kept her voice below shouting. "Because my brother and sister look up to you. You're the reason they feel so safe here. I'm not going to let you just leave them behind—they get enough of that from my father."

Logan shook his head. "I have to go. Don't try to stop me." He gets on his bike.

Trinity walks in front of him to block him once more. "Don't you care about them?! They frickin' adore you! They look up to you—and you're just throwing that away!"

He glared at her. "They shouldn't be looking up to me—I'm no hero. They'll be fine without me. Now get out of my way kid."

Trinity felt her anger hit its peak as she glared at him. "Screw you." She hissed slowly and she marched into the house. She stopped at the doorway to tell him. "You know something—I looked up to you too." She went through the door and slammed it behind her.

Logan sighed and started his bike. It roared to life, and he drove out of the garage and down the driveway.

Allie continued crying. She peeked from her pillow and saw someone was watching her. She sat up and faced the door angrily. "Go away!" She threw her pillow at the person who dared to spy on her. The pillow hit Marian in the face, but she caught it. She stared at Allie—unsure what to do.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" Marian tried to explain as she went in and set the pillow on Allie's bed.

Allie rubbed the tears out of her eyes. "Yeah you did—you were spying on me."

Marian ran a gloved hand through her hair nervously. "It was because I heard crying…what's wrong surgah?"

Allie sniffled. "Logan's leaving."

Marian's eyes sparked with interest. "For a mission?"

"No. He's just leaving…" Allie tugged on her black curls absently. "I don't know when he's coming back…"

"Well…it should be soon right?" Marian wanted more information.

"I don't know…" Allie brought her knees to her chest.

Marian suddenly felt bad for the little girl. "Why…why are you so upset?"

"I'm not!—I…" Allie was trying to argue, but sighed. "It's just that my dad would leave just like that…I wouldn't where he's going or when he would come back…and—and I would just really miss him!" Her voice broke and she threw her face back into her pillow.

Marian stood there awkwardly—not sure what to do. Come on Ana, she thought to herself. Your mission was to get close to the X-Students…

She placed a hand on Allie's back carefully and gave her some soothing pats. "I'm sorry…"

Allie turned and looked up at her; her large green eyes looking surprised but appreciative. "Hey…it's not your fault." She sat up and wiped the tears off her cheeks. "I'm okay…do you—do you want to come play catch with me?"

Marian was surprised by the offer. "Well—uh, I can't really play any sports 'cause of my mutation—"

"Don't worry about it! Catch is the best non-contact game to play." Allie slid off her bed and motioned her to follow. "Come on, it'll be fun."

Marian finally gave in. "Sure, why not?"

Allie grinned and skipped out of her room. Marian followed her. They both run into Trinity at the top of the stairs. Allie grabbed onto her sister's hand. "Come on Trin—we're going to play catch with Uncle Hank!"

Trinity examined her sister with black eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling a lot better." Allie then hopped down each step.

Trinity watched her go, and Marian decided it was time for her to help Pyro, since he told her about the fight he had with Trinity they both agreed it would be best if she fixed it. They both needed to stay close to the X-Students and X-Men and couldn't afford any animosity between members.

Trinity turned toward Marian—black obscuring the whites of her eyes. Marian stared at the bizarre eyes—perplexed, but said. "Look, about John. He was only telling me about the institute and stuff last night."

Trinity analyzed her distrustfully.

Marian knew she could tell if she was lying and chose her words carefully. "There's nothin' romantic goin' on Trinity. No matter how much I want a relationship—I can't kiss a boy without putting him into a coma…"

Trinity's face changed into one of pity.

Marian continued. "Also, I would never be interested in John—he ain't my type—I only have a thing for brunettes." Why did I add that? She thought to herself. Oh yeah, she was trying to be convincing.

Trinity bit her lip. "Thank you for being honest with me Marian…I'm sorry for not trusting you."

Marian smiled. "No problem Trinity." She followed her outside; relieved it worked.

Kenneth stretched his arms with Dominic and Hernando. Dominic didn't bother stretching and yawned. "Why even bother Kenny?"

Kenneth picked up his new football and tossed it in the air only to catch it. "We're playing with Leon, Hank, and Forge—do you want to pull a muscle?"

Dominic shrugged. "Come on, how hard could it be?"

"Coming from someone who never played a sport in his life?" Kenneth asked skeptically.

Dominic stuck his tongue out at him.

Hernando laughed. "You never played a sport."

"I played!...Well not on a team." Dominic admitted.

Hernando flexed his fingers. "Well, I am bound to be the best at this game."

"Having sticky fingers doesn't make you a good catcher." A voice teased. The boys turn around and see Rahne had made the quip. She trots up to them with Piotr in tow. "Besides, you have to actually throw the ball Hernando."

Hernando grinned. "Don't worry about me, mi Corazon."

Rahne rolled her eyes. "Can't ye' flirt with someone else?"

"But you're such a great 'catch'." Hernando smiled happily.

Rahne grimaced at the horrible pick-up line. "Ach, when will he stop?"

Kenneth nods to Piotr. "I bet you have a good arm Piotr."

The tall youth shrugged. "I would not know—I never threw an American football before."

Dominic smirked. "Well at least I'm not the only one."

Rahne stretched her arms and asked. "Who else is playing?"

"Well Allie and Trin should be out here soon, Lorna is dragging Bobby over as we speak, and there's Sofia." He points to Sofia who was flying toward the field with her winds.

Lorna and Bobby soon run onto the field. Bobby walked up to Dominic. "Hey Dom."

Dom shot him a look that was anything but friendly. "Hey." He walks away from him and over to Sofia and Lorna.

"What was that about?" Hernando asked Bobby.

Bobby sighed. "He and John got into a fight."

"And you took John's side?" Hernando shook his head and tssked.

Rahne questioned. "Why were they fighting?"

Kenneth turned his attention to Bobby. "Yeah, what were they fighting about?"

Bobby cleared his throat nervously. "Just John shooting his mouth off…you know."

Dominic walks over to Lorna and Sofia quickly. Sofia smiled at him. "Hello Dominic."

"Hey Sofia, ready to play?"

Sofia shrugged. "It's just a game of catch right?"

Lorna laughs. "Knowing Mr. Lafayette, it's going to turn into a psychological exercise of some sort."

"That sounds like him." Someone adds. They all turned around and saw it was Ray.

Dom nods to him. "You playing?"

"Why not? Mansi forced me to go play. Is she always so controlling? No offense."

"Yes she is, and you should probably get used to it." Dominic explained.

Lorna smiled. "I think she's very sweet—she reminds me of my Mum."

"Mum?" Dominic asked.

"Yeah, I have two moms, so I call one Mamma and the other Mum." Lorna watched Dominic's reaction closely as she explained.

Dominic understood. "Oh yeah, so were you conceived by Mum or Mamma?"

Lorna relaxed. "Neither, I was adopted. My Mum's name is Sidney Dane and Mama's name is Mary Zimmerman Dane. I also have an older sister named Zala."

"Zala?"

Lorna ties her green curls into a ponytail. "Don't ask. She's on an expedition in Antarctica actually, with her research group."

"Is that the group that has that famous zoologist Shanna O'Hara?" Sofia asked.

"And her fiancé Kevin Plunder." Lorna explained. "Zala told me how she was dreading sharing a cabin with them, though she is having a bit of a romance with her explorer Kirk Marston." She giggles with Sofia about this, but Ray and Dominic shrug indifferently. Dominic suddenly heard a motorcycle, and turned to see Logan was driving toward the gate. He noticed the bag on his back. Dom jogs toward him and then bent his legs. With a sonic blast he soared through the air and stumbled into a landing next to Logan who passed him. Logan stopped his bike and shouted. "You alright Nic?"

He gets up and dusts the dirt off. "Yeah, where are you going?"

Logan looked up at the sky. "For a trip. Listen Nic, do me a favor and watch out for your little sister, alright?"

Dominic nods and he shoved his hands into his pockets—trying to act like he didn't care Logan was leaving. "Okay…you are coming back soon, right?"

Logan sighed. "As soon as I can." He then speeds off and through the gate.

Jean watched Logan leave from her window. She folds her arms—fingers digging into her arms. She was not going to cry…she should be glad…

Jean suddenly noticed her picture frames were levitating off her desk. She gasped in frustration and forced her telekinesis to cease. She sighed as the frames dropped back onto her desk. Jean rubbed her temples as hundreds of thoughts began to echo inside her head. She concentrated to block them out…it was like she was hearing every thought in New York. "Ah…shut—shut up!" She screamed. The voices stopped but something shattered. Jean opened her eyes and saw she made her lamp explode accidently. She looked down at her hands…her body had a fiery aura around it…and she was floating a foot off the ground. This only happened when she felt really upset—her powers would surge…they would surge so much that she would feel like a god…like life incarnate. The fiery aura disappeared and she was able to calm down. When her feet finally touched the ground, there was a knock on her door.

"Jean?" Scott's voice asked behind the door. "Are you alright?"

Jean had avoided him in the professor's office out of guilt, but she needed him now. She opens the door and embraced her fiancé.

"Jean! What's—" He noticed the shattered lamp. "It happened again."

Jean looked up at him. "Yes."

"We should get you to the professor."

"I'm fine now Scott…it just happens…just like Trinity…" She murmured.

Scott kissed her forehead and hugged her. "I worry about you sometimes…"

"I'm fine." She told him…it wasn't like the surges would hurt her—actually they made her feel powerful…and a small part of her loved it.

Dominic ran after him and stopped at the gate. He watched as Logan raced away down the road. He finally jogged back to the field and saw Allie, Trinity, and Marian were there. He stared at Marian. She wore jeans and a thin see-through shirt with long sleeves that shimmered in the sunlight. Under the shirt she wore a tight tank top. She tightened the gloves on her hands—unaware of Dominic staring at her. Hernando then ruined his moment. "You like what you see?"

"Shut it." Dominic told him. Hank threw the football in a perfect spiral to Leon, who jumped in the air and caught it, only to beam it to Kenneth. Kenny caught the football easily and threw it to Ray.

Hernando grinned. "You should try talking to her."

"She wouldn't be interested, she's older than Trin—" Dominic saw Ray caught the football perfectly, but he threw it like a ten year old to Lorna. She caught it and chucked it at Bobby.

Hernando shrugged. "Age is but a number—if you like her, go for it—YOLO."

"YOLO? Seriously, I just think she's hot; that's all." Bobby almost dropped the ball, but made up for it by throwing it into the air. Sofia flew up and caught it, and beamed it toward Marian while shouting. "Catch it!"

Marian leapt into the air and caught the football, and she spun around and threw it toward Dominic so quickly that he didn't have time to catch it. The ball flew over his head.

Hernando lifted up his hand and the ball stuck onto to his hand. "Got it." He tried to throw it to Rahne, but the ball was stuck on his hand.

Dominic sighed and grabbed onto the football. "On three." He told him. "One, two—Three." He pulled the football off his hand quickly and there was ripping sound like Velcro.

"OW!" Hernando whined and fell to his knees. "Ay! You took some of skin off! Ouch!"

Dominic sheepishly smirked. "My bad." He then threw the ball to Rahne. She almost dropped it, but then tossed it to Allie. Trinity came over. "You alright Hernando?"

Hernando showed her his hand. "Kiss it and make it better?"

Trinity giggled and shook her head at him. Allie threw the football to Piotr. He tried to catch it but drops it. He picks it up and threw it toward Dominic. The football went through the air like a missile and it was too high for anyone to catch.

Dominic ran backwards keeping an eye on the ball. "I got it!" He leapt 10 ft. into the air with a sonic boom. He grabbed the football and fell back to the ground. He got onto his feet and showed off his victory. "Haha! Good throw Piotr!" He throws the football to Trinity, which fell short of reaching her. Dominic groaned and doubled over. "You got to be kidding me."

Trinity picks up the ball and throws it to Forge.

Trinity walked in with everyone to dinner. Their game of catch was fun. She felt John was around the corner and she went to the left as everyone turned right toward the dining room. She sees John was waiting for her. She crossed her arms and faced him. "Look, Marian talked to me about last night. And I'm…sorry for overreacting. There's a chance I have some trust issues…"

"So are we alright?" He asked her; face indifferent.

Trinity got on her tiptoes and kissed him. "Yeah." She then grabbed his hand and dragged him along to the dining room. "By the way, where were you today?"

"You want the truth?"

"That would be nice, yeah."

John smirked. "I was meeting up with an old friend, and then I ran into Jamie Madrox."

Trinity examined him and saw he was telling the truth. "You ran into Jamie? How is he?"

John shrugged. "He's alright—he threatened me to treat you right."

Trinity blushed. "He didn't."

"He did." John laughed at her expression. "He's still into you."

"…Yeah, I know." Trinity grumbled; becoming downcast.

"Hey don't worry about it—that guy is 'a dime a dozen'." He laughs about this madly.

Trinity glared at him. "John, Jamie is a good guy."

He stops laughing. "Ah, just ignore me Trinity; I'm just crazy about you."

Trinity smiled at the compliment and gave his hand a squeeze. "I feel the same about you."

After dinner, Hank was in the clinic with all of the adults except for Mansi, Betsy, Kurt, and of course Logan.

Leon laughs from his perch on the clinic counter with Hank. "Moira, what happened when you walked in to see the chemical mess on the ground that Meg and Hank made?"

"Ach! It looked like a baking soda volcano exploded down here." Moira laughed with Sean's arm around her shoulders.

"How did this happen?" Ororo asked.

Hank explained while moving his hands. "Well, I was completing an experiment to show Meg how to light a dollar bill on fire without burning the money—which I learned from you." He motioned to Leon.

Leon shrugged. "Your first mistake is trying to copy my tricks."

Hank continues. "I asked her to hand me the acid. So she handed me the container and I poured the acid—all of a sudden, the water reacted by foaming up pink bubbles. We later discovered I had incorrectly labeled the container previously. The look on Dr. MacTaggart's face was priceless."

Everyone laughed at this. Sean opened the fridge. He removed some beers and passed it around. Even the professor took a beer.

Xi'an was surprised. "You drink professor?"

"I was quite the drinker in my university days." He explained as he took a sip.

"That's how we met." Moira adds. "Geneticists who were bored with the Genetics convention minibar and wanted to have some fun at a local pub."

"You were in secondary school with a fake id." The professor remembered.

"The id was for the convention. I was old enough to drink." She explained to Sean.

"Alright, alright," Forge announced. "Hank has a new experiment to tell us about—and I want to hear about it." He sits on the clinic bed between Ororo and Xi'an to listen.

Hank stood tall. "As you all know, I've been experimenting with mutant genetics. I know have been secretive about this. I'm not even working with anyone else on this. I've discovered a way to suppress the X-gene to safer more dormant levels."

The room went silent.

Scott tilts his head in shock. "I'm sorry, what?"

Jean breaks in. "Hank, are you saying you found a way to get rid of someone's mutation?"

"No Jean, one can never fully suppress or destroy the mutant gene. I found a way to decrease the influence—the power—of harmful mutations. Like Trinity and Cara's mutations. Also, hearing about Marian—never being able to touch anyone due to her mutation. If I test my serum I could help them—help any mutant with life-inhibiting mutations."

The room remained silent as everyone looked at each other.

The professor finally speaks. "Henry. I do believe you had the right intentions starting this experiment, but if this falls into the wrong hands—people could use your serum to detain mutants—contain their powers to make them easily conquerable."

Hank shook his head. "No professor, I would never let my serum be used for such purposes."

"Hank, it's already happening. Professor Xavier is right, if the MRD or any anti-mutant organization got your formula they can turn it into a weapon." Scott clarified.

Hank scoffed; exasperated. "The serum is a depressant that will help mutants deal with their mutations. Trinity would be able to be around people and be herself without worrying about emotionally scarring them or being emotionally overwhelmed. Cara would be able to actually sleep without being bombarded with multiple visions of the future. Marian would be able to touch someone."

"Sounds like you've been really progressive with this. Remember how dangerous that is, and what happened to Dr. Frankenstein, Professor McCoy." Leon told his friend.

Hank rolled his eyes. "Dr. Frankenstein is a fictional character who tried to play God and ended up becoming a selfish and insane shell of a man because he was trying to bring the dead to life. I am trying to help mutants—not just myself. In other words Leon, your comparison is invalid."

"But that's your opinion—biased opinion that is." Forge argued.

"I wrote a twenty page thesis on the analysis of Frankenstein and the dangers of industrial progress—we can do this all night." Hank countered.

Ororo stood up and faced Hank. "I agree with Leon, sometimes miracles can easily turn into monsters. Sometimes good intentions can be turned against us."

Hank sighed. "I am trying to help!"

Sean placed a hand on his shoulder. "We know you are, but we can't have something like this out to the public…it's too dangerous right now."

Moira adds. "Hank, why don't you bring over your work and I can analyze it to see if there is any real danger to it."

Hank finally nods. "Thank you doctor." He yawned. "I suppose I should start my commute back to my apartment."

"You're welcome to stay here Henry." The professor offered.

Hank shook his head. "Thank you professor Xavier, but I really need to head home."

Jean quickly adds. "Hank, this weekend we're taking the children to Stark Tower for a tour. We would love it if you join us."

He gives a small smile. "I'll be there." He walks passed the professor quickly and out the door.

Graydon Creed was escorted inside by a officer. He was flown and driven here by the officer and blindfolded a few times—but now the wait was over. They finally make it to Colonel Stryker's office. Stryker was just about to walk out with a file under his arm, but stopped when he saw Creed. He analyzed him with cold blue eyes. "Hello?"

Graydon held out his hand to him excitedly. "Sir, it's an honor to meet you! My name is Graydon Creed."

The Colonel wrinkled face burst into a grin. He grasped Graydon's hand with a firm grip. "Ah yes, Dr. Sophen's patient. It's great to finally meet you son. Walk with me."

Graydon quickly follows him into an elevator. "Colonel Stryker I just want you to know that I am loyal to the cause to—"

Colonel Styker interrupts him. "Graydon, we have plenty of time to talk about this, but I have one question for you. How much are you against using mutants as assassins for other mutants?"

Graydon looked shocked. "Mutants?"

"What better species to use, but the ones we're hunting? Graydon, if you want to catch a mutant you need to use a mutant. Then when your targets are disposed of you can take care of your assassins. It is an old and innovative method we have."

"We, sir?"

"You see Graydon, the Mutant Response Division is not the first group that has dealt with mutants. I was and still am a part of Weapon X—a military branch used to deal with mutant problems by turning our enemies into our greatest weapons." Stryker smiled at Graydon. "Why risk our necks when we can use our POW's to do it for us?"

Graydon hesitantly nods and followed him to a large metal door.

Stryker turned to Graydon. "Now son, I asked you about mutant weapons to make sure you are on our side. Are you willing to go the extra mile to protect your country from the mutant menace?"

"I'm willing to destroy them all to protect the world sir." Graydon Creed swore.

Stryker nods his head at this proudly. "That's what I like to hear. Now, the man inside this room is not a mutant, but he is a powerful juggernaut. Hell it's his mercenary title. He is willing to take down a dangerous mutant adversary for us if we just provide him with the information."

Graydon nods. "So what are we going to do?"

Styker chuckled. "We're going to point him in the right direction." He opened the door. "Mr. Cain Marko—thank you for waiting."

A gruff voice answered. "The only reason I hadn't knocked down your walls is because I respect the uniform—also you said you had some information about my oh so special step-brother?"

Graydon almost tripped over his own feet in shock. A massive man stood before them—he was like the human version of the Hulk. He wore a large, rust-colored helmet that was buckled down to the shoulder braces that made up the armor for his torso. He wore camouflage pants and massive combat boots. For a belt he wore a band of the largest bullets Graydon had ever seen. Only a table separated them from the giant.

"Mr. Cain Marko, you are a hard person to track down." Stryker talked to the Juggernaut casually. "It took us awhile for us to find you. Not even your mercenary team would give you up."

Juggernaut chuckled. "Good. That's how I like it. Black Tom told me you had information. Give it." He taps the table with a finger, which sounded like it was being bashed in with human fists.

Stryker puts the file on the table. "Here is your brother's address and the best direction to take to his establishment. There is also information on each of his X-Men, staff members, and students. Feel free to cause as much damage as possible."

Juggernaut looked through the files and grinned. "You don't even have to ask."

Author's notes: Muhahahha! Juggernaut is on his way to the mansion for some revenge!

Brother: "Please tell me he's fighting-"

"Of course! But Our audience will find out in the next chapter."

"Yes!"

"So clarification, yes I made Zala Lorna's older sister. And in my version she has two moms. Why? Well my version is set in the 21st century. Also, I wanted to add Ka'zar and Shanna the she-devil...you know why they're in Antarctica. Savageland! I really can't wait to do a story about how they become natives...it's going to be a psychological survival situation."

"Emma Frost."

"Oh right. I loved writing this character. Seeing that it's Emma Frost, she don't give a shit. She would barge in looking fabulous. And of course she's trying to recruit some Hellions. Yes, Betsy was part of the Hellions and STRIKE. Also, Dani Moonstar cameo, can't wait to bring her into this story!"

"John. Why didn't Trinity dump him! Why!?"

"Hush with your hatred for Pyro. As you guys guessed, Jamie is multiple man and he is a part of Magneto's team, so that's why John 'ran into him'. AH! I can't wait to write about the next mission Magneto that includes his Acolytes and Mystique."

"It's dramatic. Bit of a climax. You'd like it."

"Also, yes Hank is experimenting...wild guess what will happen his experiment?"

"They should know. They are x-men fans."

"Hmm. Oh yes, did a little Phoenix moment with Jean. BTW my version is nothing like "Last Stand", so don't compare!"

"Feel free to compare and contrast audience."

"If you have any questions, let us know. We don't own Marvel. Oh and all rights reserved to Harry Potter, since we mentioned it. And Shakespeare. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. And rubix cubes...don't know if I spelled that correctly. Grrs. Next time! Juggernaut smack down!" :)