Hey everybody! Well, here it is - the final chapter! I feel kinda sad that this story is ending, but also excited, because it means that a new one is about to start! And I've got huge plans for the next one - stick around for further developments!
Logan's Wolverettes: Once again, my heartfelt thanks to all of you who took the time to review the last chapter! Major kudos to Sarra Ambrai, x-menfan1000, Midwich Cuckoo, Laudine, nileena, 12kirby12 and Frozen Voices!
And so - *sniffle* - without further ado, the final chapter awaits ...... !!
25. All Under Control
"We're nearly there."
The Beast glanced sideways at his companion as he adjusted the Blackbird's altitude slightly, favouring her with a toothy smile. "You may wish to buckle up in preparation for our imminent landing."
His co-pilot, so called only because she was sitting in the co-pilot's seat, hurried to fasten her seat-belt before looking forward once more out of the cockpit window, watching eagerly as the small Scottish isle grew steadily larger as they sped towards it. There was someone on that island whom she cared for deeply, despite a relatively short acquaintance, and she desperately needed to find out if he had survived being drawn into the X-Men's hectic world relatively intact. Not many people did, and she knew this from first hand experience. Most simply learned to accept it. Friendship with the X-Men usually led to mayhem, confusion and the occasional kidnapping instigated by the bad guy, and a none-powered person's sanity could be severely tested if not prepared for this. Some couldn't cope and ended the friendship, getting as far away from the team as physically possible. Others paid for their friendship with the ultimate sacrifice and it was for this reason alone that she had avoided making herself known to the band of so-called outlaws. Forever drawn to their presence, yet unwilling to reveal herself, she had remained close, watching …… waiting …… until the dark haired stranger had entered her life, rekindling her desire for company. She had hoped she would have more time to get to know him before revealing her true nature, but recent developments had taken that choice away from her. Now, for good or for bad, she was left with only one option. If she was as sure of his attraction for her as she was of her own attraction for him, the sacrifice would have to be made. It was the only way.
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly realised they were flying directly over the island, heading for the runway at the rear of the facility. Beast expertly angled the jet around, giving a perfect 360 degree view of the entire island, before losing altitude to bring the Blackbird down into a flawless landing. There was barely a jolt as the wheels touched the tarmac.
Cutting the engines, Beast glanced at his companion, noting the way her teeth worried nervously at her lower lip. He reached out to pat her tiny hand with his huge, blue furred one. "Try not to fret, my dear, I am sure everyone will be most understanding." His clawed fingers deftly toggled a couple of switches with a grace that belied their size. "To be honest, I am more concerned with their ability to overwhelm the unwary rather than with their acceptance of you. The team do tend to be rather boisterous at times like this. Of course, they mean well, but they forget that their combined presence can be somewhat overpowering to the uninitiated." He considered a moment, taking off his tiny glasses and twirling them thoughtfully in his fingers. "Perhaps it would be best if you stood back until they've blown off some steam, before making your presence known?"
She smiled, gratefully. "I'll do that, Henry. Thanks."
"I am rather looking forward to announcing this particular surprise," he admitted, with a childlike grin. "It is not often I am afforded the chance to deliver glad tidings and I find myself quite dizzy with the anticipation."
A soft snore coming from the chair directly behind him diverted his attention and he smiled indulgently at the creature curled there, seemingly sound asleep.
Yes, for once, he was the bearer of much good news and this time there was no way he was going to be upstaged …….
oooOOOooo
News of the Blackbird's arrival spread quickly, thanks, in part, to Jubilee, who had been on jet-watch for the better part of the morning, stationing herself at the cafeteria window, which gave an unimpeded view of the coastline and the 'plane's proposed flight path.
As the sleek aircraft thundered overhead, heading for the runway, Cyclops began marshalling his team, assuring Jubilee that no, they would not take off until Wolverine and Wildstar had returned from wherever they had taken themselves off to, and then seeking out Moira to let her know they were due to depart. She and the Professor had sequestered themselves away in her private office to catch up on old times over cups of rich coffee laced with a generous splash of brandy to lift the spirits. Newly fitted out with a spare wheelchair Moira kept at the facility for emergencies, the Professor had enjoyed passing the time with his former associate and, if circumstances had been different, would have been eager to extend the visit. But the needs of his X-men took precedence over his personal wishes and so, when Scott appeared at the office door to let him know that Henry had arrived, he made his excuses and allowed Scott to lead him out to the rear of the facility, where they joined the general throng heading for the runway. They were accompanied by Moira, who wished to wave them off, and by a number of curious employees, who still couldn't believe they had the legendary X-Men in their midst.
Beast was waiting for them at the bottom of the Blackbird's ramp and he opened his arms wide in greeting, showing his teeth in a beaming smile. "My friends! It is good to see you all again!"
He thumped Cyclops companionably on the back and then pulled Jean into a hug that almost lifted her off her feet.
"We thought we'd lost you," she whispered into his ear, somewhat breathlessly.
"No chance of that, Jean," he responded mysteriously, pushing her back so that he could look into her eyes. "I had a guardian angel."
As both Jean and Scott stared back at him in some confusion, he laughed and draped an arm around their shoulders, leading them up into the jet. "Come! I will tell all, once everyone is safely aboard!"
There weren't going to be enough seats aboard the jet for everyone – it had been designed to carry the team, not the team plus trainees and allies – but standing was safe enough as long as the aircraft didn't have to go into evasive maneuvers, and there were a number of fold-out seats in the rear of the craft that could also be utilised. However, for once, there was no rush to get the 'good seats' – as Jubilee so delicately put it – as everyone wanted to make themselves known to Henry and he was immediately surrounded by his team-mates and friends, all eager to pound his back or give him a hug. It was only when Shadowcat pulled back from planting a kiss on Henry's furry cheek and turned to find a seat that she noticed the small creature with whirling eyes watching her intently from the back of a chair and she let out a shriek that had Henry wincing and covering his ears.
"Lockheed!"
The little dragon rose into the air with a flap of his wings and draped himself around Kitty's shoulders, clinging to her hair and coo-ing into her ear as she patted him and cried tears of joy.
"Oh, Lockheed, I thought I'd lost you," she sobbed, helplessly, as the others watched the touching scene. Normally, dragon and handler were un-separable, the two having become firm friends after the little dragon had saved Kitty's life when she was separated from the rest of the team during one of their frequent trips off-world to assist the Shi-Ar. On their return to Earth, the dragon couldn't bear to be separated from his new friend and had stowed away, eventually emerging to announce his presence to an astounded and obviously delighted Kitty. Of course, the Professor could hardly recall the Shi-Ar just to return a tiny dragon to his homeworld and so Kitty had been allowed to keep him, naming him Lockheed, after their jet. The two often fought side by side as a unit – the little dragon was a formidable opponent despite his diminutive size – but it was during their battle with Hammer and Blaze on the night of the take-down that Kitty had seen her pet blasted out of a second storey window by one of Blaze's firebolts. She had presumed him seriously injured, perhaps dead, and the sight of the little dragon now had robbed her of all coherent thought save for that of seeing Lockheed alive and well. Sinking into a seat, she sobbed and checked him for any sign of injury, while Lockheed pulled her hair with his little paws and coo-ed his assurance that he was indeed in one piece.
"Belle and I found Lockheed wandering the grounds in search of Kitty in the aftermath of the battle," Henry announced to the group at large. "He was understandably distraught."
"What? Wait a minute …… Belle?" Cyclops shook his head and frowned in confusion.
Henry smiled, sheepishly. "Oh dear. I hadn't intended to reveal the surprise so soon. Still, no matter." He turned towards the front of the craft. "Perhaps you would like to introduce yourself, my dear?"
All eyes turned forward, as the co-pilot seat swivelled around to reveal a slim auburn-haired beauty. She smiled shyly at the team. "Hello, everyone. I'm Belle. Belle Valenti."
"Belle?" Coffey pushed forward, his forehead creased into a confused frown. "I don't understand ……"
"Belle is a mutant," explained Henry, recapturing everyone's attention. "It was she who helped me to escape from Blizzard's team, by creating a duplicate of me and conditioning it to lead the villains a merry dance. By the time it had dissipated, Belle and I had backtracked to the mansion, but we were too late, unfortunately, to save anyone else, apart from Lockheed. The rest, you already know. We've been searching for you all ever since – without much luck, I might add, until we heard from Moira. And here we are!"
Cyclops had been nodding thoughtfully throughout Henry's little speech and he now turned to Belle as the light finally dawned. "Wait a minute! It was you who telephoned to warn us of the attack that night, wasn't it?"
Belle nodded, slowly. "Yes, it was. I saw Mark and Rik get attacked in the parking lot at Harry's, but I couldn't do anything to stop it. So I rang the mansion, but the phone lines went dead and I knew you were all in terrible danger. So I drove there as fast as I could, but I was still too late to save anyone but the Beast. If my car wasn't such a mule, I might have arrived in time to make a difference."
"Or you might have arrived in time to be taken down with the rest of us." Jean patted Belle's arm, kindly. "But your heart was in the right place and that's what counts."
"But why didn't you tell us? About being a mutant, I mean?" Coffey ran a hand through his hair, his expression plaintive.
"Because I want to live a normal life. Or as normal as possible, considering that I can make perfect duplicates of anything I touch." Belle glanced at the Professor, her eyes full of sorrow. "I'm sorry, Professor, but I knew if you found out what I can do, you would want to recruit me for your team, and I don't want to be an X-Man. I don't want to go galavanting off to save the world, or whatever it is that you do on a regular basis. I just want my little flat, a job that pays enough money to get by, and ……" she looked shyly at Coffey, "…… eventually I'd like to fall in love and have babies."
Xavier cleared his throat into the silence resulting from Belle's announcement. "Much as I am intrigued with your mutant ability, Miss Valenti, I would like to assure you that I never recruit anyone to my team against their will. Had you seen fit to entrust us with your secret ……" He broke off as Psylocke nudged his arm and he looked up, inquiringly.
"I don't think she's listening, Professor," she smiled, good-naturedly, nodding towards Belle and the person towards whom all her attention was riveted.
Coffey reached out to take her hand, pulling her into a loose embrace. "I think we need to talk," he announced, huskily, and led her to the rear of the craft to find some privacy, guiding her gently with a hand to the small of her back.
Hudson watched them go, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like Rik's joined the ranks of the happily attached," he declared, humourously.
A shout from the front of the plane diverted everyone's attention from the subject of Richard Coffey's impending love life. Armor was pointing out of the cockpit window. "Heads up, everybody! Wolverine's coming!"
"Well, it's about time!" Jubilee snorted and leaned over the chair next to Armor, her eyes following her partner as he loped down the hill towards the runway. "Where the hell has he been?"
"Probably off smooching with Kristi somewhere." Gina added her two cent's worth as she joined the girls at the window, frowning as she noticed the flaw in her logic. "No, wait, Kristi's not with him. And he's moving kinda funny ……"
"What?" Scott pushed between them, his visor flashing as he stared at the oncoming X-Man, noting the set of his shoulders and the fluid way he seemed to flow from one movement to the next. He straightened in alarm. "Christ! He's gone feral again! Nobody move! I'll take care of this."
"Scott, no!" Jean made a grab for her fiance's arm as he stalked past, but he skilfully evaded her grasp, leaving her staring at his back. "Scott, it's alright, nothing's wrong."
He gave no indication of having heard her and she hurried after him, dragging Jubilee and Gina in her wake. Others would have followed, but Xavier managed to block the aisle with his chair and he led the way out, halting half way down the ramp with the others ranged behind him, as Scott and Jean progressed to the bottom. All eyes fixed on Wolverine as he loped across the runway.
Wolverine raised his head as he approached, quickly scenting the air and sorting through the information he was receiving. From Jean and Jubilee, he sensed nothing but trust. Cyclops was tense and determined, having clicked into full-on leader mode. He obviously felt he had need to protect the rest of the team and, while one part of him couldn't help but feel impressed that the other X-Man would willingly lay down his life for his team-mates, Wolverine also couldn't deny the surge of anger he felt towards the other Alpha Male. Despite holding his feral nature in check, Wolverine ached to prove his superiority and dominance, and only his control was belaying that. Attacking Scott now would undo everything he and Kristi sought to prove.
Across the runway, Wolverine could see Moira and several members of her research team. They smelled uncertain, some scared, fuelled no doubt by the wary approach of Cyclops and the rest of the X-Men. Wolverine cast them resolutely from his mind. If all went well, he and Kristi would be leaving on the jet. If not, the island would most likely have three more inhabitants until they could get themselves a one-way ticket to the mainland.
Cyclops raised his hand to his visor as the feral moved within shouting distance. "That's far enough, Wolverine. You'll stop right there, if you know what's good for you."
Wolverine did so, spreading his arms in the universal sign of peace. "I haven't come ta fight, Red-Eye," he growled, his feral nature making his voice sound deep and gruff. "I came ta talk."
"You're feral." It wasn't a question.
Wolverine nodded, slowly. "An' you're as observant as ever," he snarled.
Jean snorted in amusement and Wolverine tossed her a quick glance. She smiled back at him, letting him know that she knew exactly what he was doing and encouraging him 100 per cent. Wolverine allowed his eyes to rove around the rest of the team before returning to Cyclops. With the exception of Jubilee and Gina, who were trying to edge around Xavier's wheelchair to get nearer, all seemed confused and tense, and Wolverine honestly couldn't blame them. Most of them had been witness to one of his feral rages at one time or another and were understandably cautious. The results hadn't been pretty.
Cyclops eased forward slightly, but his hand didn't leave his visor. "You've come to talk," he confirmed. He looked quickly back up the hill and then into the sky. "So where's Kristi?"
"Away," Wolverine responded. He gestured vaguely into the air.
"This is indeed most intriguing." Xavier wheeled forward slightly, freeing up Jubilee and Gina, who ran to the bottom of the ramp to join Scott and Jean. Common sense stopped them from going any further and putting themselves into the line of fire. "Scott has told me all about your and Kristi's new abilities, Wolverine, but I must admit I never expected this. You're totally feral, aren't you?"
Wolverine nodded slowly, recognising that control of the situation had now changed.
"What do you have to prove, Wolverine?" asked the Professor, softly. Use of the feral's codename acknowledged that he knew exactly who was in charge of the other X-Man's body.
"Ain't got nothin' ta prove, No-Legs." Xavier blinked at that. It seemed that Wolverine's feral nature saw things a little differently than the man. "Me an' Lifemate already know we can control this. Jus' seems that one or two o' the pack need some convincin'."
Xavier's eyes flicked to Cyclops. The X-Man still seemed tense, but his hand had dropped from his visor.
"I admire your creativeness, Wolverine, but it is not needed here." He gestured skywards. "Call Kristi in. We will talk together."
Wolverine nodded and rocked back onto one foot, folding his arms across his chest, defensively. Moments later, a golden streak across the sky announced Wildstar's imminent arrival. She landed gracefully beside her mate, immediately releasing her power.
Wolverine turned to her, catching her around the waist and pulling her close, rumbling softly in his chest to acknowledge her presence. He nuzzled his nose into her hair, re-affirming her scent. "Lifemate," he growled, in recognition.
Wildstar pressed a kiss to his forehead and then turned to face the team, Wolverine's arm around her waist a comforting weight. Several of her team-mates looked astounded at the feral's uncharacteristic behaviour, but Jubilee was tossing her a triumphant thumbs-up.
"You came to talk, Wolverine, so get on with it," snapped Cyclops, ignoring his fiancee's curt glance. "I'd like to go home sometime today."
Wolverine growled, irked by the X-Man's tone, but it was Kristi who answered, placing a hand on her mate's arm to calm him. "We know that some of you are less than enthusiastic about mine and Logan's new abilities." Wisely, she avoided naming names. "We wanted to show you that Wolverine is no danger to you when he's feral. It can be controlled. And I can only access my starwave when we're linked. And I can control it," she added, forcefully.
"If anyone has any issues about workin' alongside us, we're prepared ta leave the pack," Wolverine put in. He glared at Cyclops. "We'd rather not – we believe our new abilities could give the pack a creative edge – but jus' say the word, Red-Eye, an' I'll take my cub an' go."
"Cub?" inquired Xavier.
"Jubilee," growled Wolverine, in return.
The firecracker looked startled to hear her name mentioned, and in such a context. Slowly, she studied the faces of the people she'd come to know over the years and loved like a family, then calmly and decisively, she left their protective fold and joined Wolverine and Wildstar. She'd made her choice. If her mentor and best friend were leaving, she was going with them.
Wolverine once again rumbled his acknowledgment, before raising his head confidently to address the 'pack'. "It's your decision," he grated. "Say the word."
Cyclops threw up his hands in frustration. "Oh, for heaven's sake, Logan, this is ridiculous!" He crossed the remaining space between them to stand before the feral, trailing Jean and Xavier behind him. "I have no intention of letting you leave the team, Logan. You and Kristi are far too valuable to us to become loose cannons and …… well, I know you and I have had our differences in the past, but I like to think we've at least become friends of a sort even if we do rub each other up the wrong way most of the time. I won't lie and say that your new abilities don't scare me, because they do, but we've suffered power failures before and we've never allowed that person to go it alone. For better or for worse, we're all in this together and …… that means ……"
He faltered as Wolverine's eyes slowly changed from deepest black to their normal icy blue. He gasped. "Did you just do what I think you've just done?"
Logan grinned, showing a hint of pointed canine. "Yep."
"The pair of you planned all this, didn't you?" Jean was smiling, and she took her stunned fiance's arm, hugging it to soften the blow.
"We had to prove we can be trusted, Jean," replied Kristi, softly.
"There was never any question of that," responded Xavier, honestly. "But I appreciate the gesture."
"I just can't believe that you ……" Scott shook his head in bewilderment. "You do realise that Henry won't be able to keep his hands off the pair of you? He'll think Christmas had come early when he hears what you can do."
Logan looked pained and Xavier smiled. "Have no fear of that, Logan. If you wish, I will forbid Henry to carry out any tests. I respect your desire for privacy and I am sure you are perfectly capable of coming to terms with your abilities on your own. I am also equally confident that you will ask for help should you so need it."
"Thanks, Chuck. I appreciate that."
Xavier nodded and turned his chair, beginning to lead the little group back towards the jet. Several team members were now drifting over to greet them, sensing that something momentous had just occurred and eager for details.
Jubilee capered along at Wolverine's side. The fact that he considered her as his 'cub' had surprised her, but somehow it all made perfect sense. She had always looked on the gruff feral as a surrogate father and that he thought of her as a daughter made her feel closer to him and his mate in ways she was now beginning to suspect would have far reaching consequences.
She slipped her hand into his, surprised and touched when he didn't pull away. "So, Wolvie. You an' Kristi can link, huh?"
Logan favoured her with a cool look. "Yeah."
"And when you link, you sorta become one mind?"
"Sorta. But there's more to it than that." Logan frowned, aware that Scott and the Professor were watching him closely. "What ya getting' at, kid?"
"Well, when you link, I think you should have another codename. Something to show that we're referring to you as a pair, rather than individuals. Something like …… Wolvstar!"
Logan stopped abruptly, pulling Jubilee around. Jean, walking behind him, almost ploughed into his back. "Over my dead body, kid!"
"Don't be such a prude, Logan. I kinda like it." Kristi took his arm and grinned up at her mate and Xavier actually laughed aloud at the feral's raised eyebrow.
Cyclops slapped him companionably on the shoulder. "Don't try to avoid it, Logan. I have a feeling the name will catch on."
"Yeah, an' I wonder why?" Logan growled as the young leader laughed and joined the rest of the team, leading them up the ramp into the jet. "God help me, I'm surrounded by mouthy kids, over-indulged bondmates an' a team leader who lives ta rile me."
As if to emphasise his point, Armor suddenly rushed back down the ramp, her face aglow with excitement. "Hey, Mr Logan! I love the new name! Wolvstar! Do we get to use it in training?"
Logan rolled his eyes. "Jeannie, it's time ta get yerself a new fella. The one ya've got is livin' on borrowed time ……"
FINIS
NEXT: Smoke and Mirrors! In which Kristi takes Logan home to meet the family, a former boyfriend causes tension, and an old enemy exacts revenge on Logan!!
Author's Notes! And so ends 'Shadows of a Dark Mind'! But fear not, because the story continues in the afore-mentioned 'Smoke and Mirrors'! Set just days after the X-Men's return to the mansion, it continues the story of our favourite feral and his mate, as Logan and Kristi learn more about their bond and come under threat from outside forces.
If you haven't already done so, now is the time to click on the little button at the bottom of the page and set up an Author Alert! You will then receive notification as soon as I upload the first chapter!
I hope you have all enjoyed reading 'Shadows of a Dark Mind' as much I have enjoyed writing it! I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind reviews and input and I hope you will all follow me on to the next adventure of our favourite heroes!
The saga continues ……!