AN: Well I must apologize for the long delay, I am unfortunately caught up in something called finals week. I also have a huge project due so I have just been going from one school project to the next in an attempt to stay one step ahead. To give you a better idea, my project in total length as of today is 110 pages long, thankfully I only have to redo the last 20 pages or so. In other news I appreciate the increase in reviews and at this time would like to announce that their will be a sequel to Knight's Calling. I'm going to call it Shadows of War, so enjoy this chapter and dont forget to review at the end.
Charles Xavier grunted slowly as he lifted Cerebro's helmet off of his head. Ever since most of the students left on break, he had sequestered himself with the device desperately searching for any sign of the Brotherhood that could be found. He slowly wheeled himself away from the device only to stop for a moment as his good friend Hank McCoy joined him.
"Charles I know that you have been pushing yourself much harder to find the Brotherhood but you need to take more breaks. You aren't looking well my old friend, and if you do fall ill our chances of tracking them down decrease significantly. Jean is still struggling with using Cerebro and as for our other information methods Alan is taking a different path that may not allow him to discover them." Hank said as he looked at his friend carefully.
The Professor wheeled himself onto the elevator Hank following him before responding, "I know but I don't think that we can count on Alan for information. He is only one man after all and I don't know how much we can trust him. That means right now I'm the only person that is looking for them in the hopes of saving them."
"I was given some intelligence reports by him and he is attempting to locate Reaper and his master by following the plane that he claims came from an army research and development lab. In my opinion he seems to appear very trustworthy, he has even helped out around here." Hank spoke as the elevator started to go up, returning to the main lobby of the mansion.
"Well Hank, I must admit that while he has been helpful, something isn't quite right with Alan. While I sense no malice or hatred to us, he is very much a mystery. I've tried to find out things about him, but so far I have had very little success. I do know that he spoke the truth when he said Brandon was the only person that he cared about." Charles replied as the two rode the elevator up and into the lobby of the institute.
"Hmm well I can understand your concern my friend, it would help if Alan would talk about himself. Unfortunately though Alan and Brandon both refuse to talk about why they seem to be so loyal to each other. All considering however, I must say that Alan has provided us a lot of help in the short amount of time that we have known him." Hank said as the two moved into the lobby of the mansion heading for the kitchen.
Hank reached out using his fur covered hand to open the door for his friend as they entered the room. Hank entered next searching the fridge for food, avoiding a few meals that had clearly been prepared by Kitty. He picked up the usual ingredients to make a nice ham sandwich, one for each of them. He placed the long bread on its side as he started to get things ready.
"On another note Charles, I am very concerned that you may be placing yourself at risk attempting to find them. You just haven't been yourself lately, and you have even missed two of the X-Men training sessions while sequestered with Cerebro. Besides it is quite a bit of stress that you are placing on yourself by attempting such a long session with Cerebro at near the maximum power level." Hank stated worried about his friend's health and also seeking the best way to find the Brotherhood.
"I appreciate your concern Hank but I'll be fine. I'll be able to rest some once we find out where the Brotherhood is being held, then we can attempt to rescue them from the mans control. I'm thinking that if we find them soon that we should attempt the rescue as soon as we find out where they are being held. That means that if we do happen to locate them before the others return, we will be going in a little short handed. The sooner we retrieve them, the better the chances are that we can help treat them." Charles replied as he wheeled himself over to the table, waiting for his friend to finish the meal for the two of them.
"Hmm, I understand that Charles," Hank started as he walked over there placing the food in front of them, "but it will do you no good to push yourself until you are exhausted. I have to admit what are we going to do with the four of them, if we do manage to rescue them?"
"I have been thinking about that all four of them are going to need more help than even what I might be capable of providing. I was thinking of contacting Dr. Moira MacTaggert, her specialty may be genetics but we are going to need a lot of help to treat the Brotherhood. They are going to need medical help, treatment for drug addictions, and maybe even a psychologist for mental help." Charles said as he looked at the sandwich, his friend preparing something to drink for the two of them.
"I agree with you there, they will need a lot of help that we may not have the time nor the capacity to provide. By the way, what would you like to drink Charles?" Hank asked as he pulled out two cups pouring a cup of ice tea in one.
"Tea will be fine, is there anything interesting in the paper today?" Charles asked as he took a bite out of the sandwich as Hank placed the drink in front of him.
"Hmm well the Daily Bugle has been spouting nonsense about someone called Spider-Man but I'm starting to believe there might actually be some truth in what they are reporting. There may well be a Spider-Man in New York, but this seems more than likely to be a smear campaign." Hank answered as Charles read the paper with the headline Spider-Man Destroys Garden Terrace in Battle with Green Goblin.
Charles flipped the paper over to read the end of the article before speaking, "I have to agree, I also wonder why I haven't detected this Spider-Man with Cerebro. It's a very interesting situation, if we weren't searching for the Brotherhood, I would say a meeting is in order. Perhaps after we rescue them, we can attempt a meeting with him."
"Before we get to far off topic, I want to show you the plans I have for a treatment device to help with holding the Brotherhood. It should work provided I can get a working prototype." Hank said as he reached for a small note pad that he kept on him.
Hank pulled out a small note pad, showing his friends the plan for a device that he hoped could contain them. The device was circular in motion and lay out all over the floor, a few points sticking out from the bottom of the device. By pressing a button the device would emit an energy field capable of incapacitating someone for treatment.
"I have a working prototype but it isn't working as well as I hoped it would. I believe that this energy field should be able to hold anyone that we manage to rescue. I have to admit that it might go better now that Forge is coming to help me. Even with Dr. Patronete's energy cage designs, and Forge's technical knowledge, it will be a challenge to get the machine to work correctly." Hank commented as he closed the note pad and placed it back in his lab coat's pocket.
"I see, when will Forge arrive to help you with this?" Charles asked as he tried to figure things out.
"Forge's very timely arrival should coincide with the return of a majority of our students. At the very least he should be here by the end of the day tomorrow, I'm just hoping that between the two of us we can get it to work." Hank answered as he tried not to think about the many problems the device had when he first tested it.
Charles sat there looking at the device's notes before commenting, "Keep trying, I'm going to try and make alternate arrangements in case this device isn't ready or capable of handling the situation. Well I'm going to head back into Cerebro and turn up the intensity to maximum. Maybe then I'll be able to penetrate whatever shield is hiding the Brotherhood from us."
"Charles please don't press yourself to hard, once you do find them it is going to take everyone that we can get to attempt a rescue. This will not be easy, because where ever they are being hidden is going to be a location that is heavily guarded. We are going to need you at full strength if the Master is such a powerful telepath and telekinetic. You and Jean may very well be the only two capable of defeating a man with powers like that." Hank announced as the man wheeled away from his friend about to return to Cerebro to continue the search.
"I know Hank, I know. Speaking of searching have you seen Logan lately, he has disappeared ever since the trip to Nova Roma began. I know he didn't go with them, so do you have any ideas about where he is?" Charles as Hank shook his head no in response.
"Logan is probably out enjoying the peace by spending his free time in an establishment drinking. He'll be back eventually, after he has finished unwinding. He has been training the X-men a lot harder ever since the attack by the Master and Reaper." Hank answered as the two went back to work on their respective tasks.
"That is very true, but Logan is trying to prepare them for the future battles to come. I still have faith that peace will eventually come, and our goal remains the same. Unfortunately we are going to have to be more proactive with this new threat, I do not like this new approach but I can see that it is an unfortunate necessity." Charles replied frowning a little about the situation.
"Have faith Charles, the situation may look bleak but there is still hope. You are the one that normally has to remind me of that fact." Hank commented as the Professor started to smile a little in response.
"Yes I know that I'm normally the one that keeps up our spirits," Charles started as he rubbed his head gently, "but this situation is just so frustrating for me. I have to admit that I am worried about the entire situation."
"I understand Charles, but I'm certain that we will find them and rescue them. We can't afford not to after the test that I have run." Hank adamantly spoke as the two continued the conversation in between bites of food and sips of tea.
The Professor seemed to stop for a moment as he looked down at his half eaten sandwich. He pushed the plate away some resting his head on his hands as he seemed to enter deep thought. Hank looked at his friend curiously before realizing that Charles seemed to be in mental conversation with someone important.
"Ah my apologies Hank, that was Ororo and she was informing me that they will be arriving shortly. I must say that the institute has been very quiet lately; it's been kind of nice. It's going to be just as nice to have all of our students back here however." Charles added as he started to smile, one of his greatest joys had always been his students, so it made sense that he was happiest when all of them were around.
"Well now that is some good news," Hank started as he looked at his friend carefully, "I must admit that the place has been very serene lately, but that will end with their return. I'm certain that the lull in the pranks around here will be coming to an end when they all return."
"Well now that is something that I was hoping wouldn't happen, but you are most likely right. I do have to admit that I would have liked to attend that trip, Nova Roma is such a wonderful country to visit after all." Charles spoke as he smiled remembering his first trip to the country.
"I would have liked going with them, but researching the problem with the Brotherhood took priority. I have to admit I wish that I could have gone; it would have been an absolutely fantastic place to study. The history, culture, and technology, it all would have been so interesting. Oh well maybe next time," Hank replied as he decided to finish off the last of his sandwich.
"You'll have a chance to learn all about Nova Roma some day my friend. I assure you of that, you could always ask the students what they learned on their trip there." Charles announced as he picked up his plate and cup, rolling over to the sink to put them away.
"Ah an excellent idea my friend, it was nice having a break with you Charles. I'm glad I could get you away for a little while from your tedious work schedule." Hank teased his friend slightly as his friend nodded in agreement.
"Thanks for the food, break, and conversation my friend, I'll see you for our normal after noon tea later." Charles spoke as he wheeled away leaving the man alone in the kitchen.
The Professor slowly wheeled away as Hank put away his own dishes, he moved with amazing agility as he put the dishes in the dishwasher before heading back to his lab. He nodded politely as Scott and Jean passed him in the hallway, the two smiling about something that they had been talking about earlier. The two looked around the game room, the two taking a seat in the vacant room.
"Scott, are you okay?" Jean asked as she watched him rub his head slightly.
"Uh yeah I'm fine; I've just had a hard time getting Bobby to get with the program. You've seen how he is in the training in the Danger Room, it has been a struggle to get him to follow orders." Scott answered as Jean took to rubbing his back attempting to get him to unwind a little.
"I know it has been hard," Jean cooed as she looked around to make sure no one else was there, "Bobby has had a problem with his attitude or rather cockiness ever since his promotion to the X-men. The Professor thought it would level off before too long, but I don't know if it will now."
"I'm worried about it, I'm about to recommend to the Professor that Bobby be sent back down to the New Mutants until he matures more. I know it's the Professor's decision but if he won't listen then how can we count on him. Granted I think he might give Brandon a heart attack, Brandon's thoughts on Bobby are pretty obvious." Scott replied as he thought about the situation carefully.
"Yeah those two are like exact opposites, I'm certain they would end up at each others throats before the end of the first day. You shouldn't worry so much about it though; I have to admit lately that we should be relaxing more while we can." Jean commented as she watched him adjust his ruby glasses a little.
"I know, you keep trying to get me to relax but all I can think about is things that I need to do. We have so much training we need to get done before we face off with this Master and his forces again. Reaper was so powerful, I didn't understand how strong he was until I witnessed what he could do first hand." Scott said as he looked at the red haired girl that he loved so deeply.
"Its hard to focus on other things when there is so much to do, but do you get the feeling the Professor is hiding something from us?" Jean asked concerned about the behavior she had been witnessing out of the man recently.
"Now that you mention it, lately things have been…" Scott trailed off as he started to think about all of the things he had seen recently.
'The Professor has been unusually quiet and he looks a little sick lately. Not to mention that the mansions power system have flashed on and off a little, normally the sign of Cerebro being used at the highest intensity. The Professor also normally attended a few of the X-men's training session to provide them guidance but lately he had been a no show in almost all of them. In fact he seemed to have started acting unusually shortly after the people leaving for Nova Roma left.' Scott thought as his mind tried to connect the things together.
"The only thing that I can think of is the fact that the Professor is pushing hard to find someone based upon what I know." Scott started after getting his thoughts straight, "I know he has been acting weird but I know he has a reason for doing it. He'll tell us when and only when he is ready."
"I suppose you are right, but I was hoping that the amount of secrets would decrease around here. The Professor seems to have something important going on that Dr. McCoy is aware of us as well. The two of them are hiding something, but the Professor is keeping me from finding out." Jean replied as the two looked at each other somberly.
Both of them had experience problems like this from the Professor before, when the Professor had hidden vital information from them. That Mystique was their principal for some time, or the fact that Magneto had existed. Both had been hidden by the Professor, but he had promised not to hide things from them again. The two were slightly confused by the thought he might have forgotten his promise, both were worried about the situation that could develop if he was once more.
"In the past the Professor has hidden things to keep us safe," Jean said as she looked at him carefully, "but I have faith that he will tell us very soon. I think that he might be hiding some things until he has more information to go on."
"You could be right; I have to wonder when we started to get so suspicious of every moment that is made here. I have to wonder if some problems aren't because we have gotten a bit more paranoid after the attack by Reaper and his master." Scott added as he looked around the room for something that the two of them could do.
Jean rested her head on his shoulder before speaking once more, "Yeah that is definitely a possibility, not to mention that we have a lot more people to worry about here."
"Hmm that's something we haven't considered in a while, the Professor had hoped the remodeled mansion would be enough to hold all of these new arrivals. You have to admit that additions are going to be needed soon if we keep on adding people. Not that I'm complaining we have a lot of good people here." Scott stated as he thought about the logistical problems that were starting to appear.
"I guess that an addition would have to happen some time down the road. If we keep on adding people though I wonder who the Professor will place in the X-men down the road." Jean replied as she picked up on what Scott wanted to talk about next.
"You always know what I want to talk about Jean; I wanted to talk about who we should consider for promotion to the X-men next. Having your opinion always helps balance off things, especially since you are going to have to work with them." Scott commented as the two of them thought about the growing number of people listed in the other group.
The two sat there quietly for a moment seemingly thinking about who the Professor would add next. Both thought that Brandon would have already joined the X-men, but he seemed adamant about not joining for the time being. The other students that came to their mind had been Dani, Amara, and Sam. Dani was naturally a bit stronger in her power due to the fact she was a couple of years older, but Amara and Sam had came a long way due in part to the effort they gave in their training.
"Dani is probably going to be the next addition, since Brandon seems so well adamant about not joining the X-men. All he says when I ask him about it is he'll think about it, I really don't understand why he doesn't want to be a member." Scott commented as Jean caressed his face, Scott had been hoping for a while the former marine would finally give in and join the X-men.
"I picked up on a few of his stronger thoughts," Jean started as she carefully phrased her next sentence, "you have to remember that while almost everyone else here sees the X-men as an elite team and where most of the New Mutants want to be, that isn't necessarily true with Brandon. He sees things very differently from the way we see things."
"Yeah I know that, it just doesn't make sense to me. He has everything that would make a good member, but something is still holding him back. I wish I knew what it was so I could at least make a better effort at trying to get him to join." Scott said as he thought about the future team he would like to put on the field.
"Scott aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself, Brandon seems content where he is now. There is one last thing, but we'll worry about that later." Jean added, she had to admit she was worried that Brandon wouldn't want to follow Scott's orders.
"Well him aside, I think a middle ground team is necessary now, Dani, Amara, and Sam would be good members but they aren't quite ready yet. Dani is naturally a bit stronger than the others, but Amara and Sam have been training very hard. That training shows, and they clearly have out grown the New Mutants team that they have been assigned too, but they aren't ready for the X-men." Scott added as he thought about the other three that were progressing well.
"You know I think we have been talking too much about this kind of stressful stuff. We've only been talking about stuff that makes both of us stress out. How about we go for a walk and just enjoy the scenery, we both need the time to relax before we go crazy." Jean commented the two looking at each other carefully before making a decision.
"I'm glad that we are both on the same page," Scott answered smiling as he stood up offering his hand to help her up.
"Thank you, we should go before the others decide to show and ruin our moment." Jean replied as the two started to walk away slowly but surely making their way to the back door.
The two slid out of the kitchen carefully, both of them smiling as they made their way outside seemingly enough free from any one eavesdropping, spying, or otherwise interrupting them. The two walked down a well traveled path, it had really been trampled down since it had turned into the running path that most of them used to stay in shape. It was a nice walk for the two as they held hands, enjoying the peaceful moment the two had alone.
"I have to admit this is the first time in a while that we have had some time alone." Scott said a little disappointed in the fact that they had been so busy that they had very little time alone together.
"That is certainly true," Jean started as she smiled Scott hugging her gently before she continued, "I have to admit that it is nice to see that Ms. Munroe has managed to grow all of these plants back."
"Yes it is very nice to see that everything has grown back, when it starts to warm back up we can go swimming again. It's so cool here this time of the year," Scott commented receiving a playful slap from his girlfriend.
"You are only saying that because you like seeing me in a swimsuit." Jean teased as Scott merely smiled, the two continuing their walk along the trail.
Meanwhile back in the institute Kitty rubbed her head, her advanced college classes were starting to catch up to her. She had to work hard to keep up with all of the work, and the fact was the work was starting to pile up on her. She watched as Piotr entered the room, she couldn't help but smile as he carried a tray of food into the room for her. He placed the tray on the desk after removing some of her school work.
"Katya, you must get something to eat. You have been working so hard lately, and you definitely need to take better care of yourself." Piotr commented as he watched her grin at the food that was placed in front of her.
"You are like so sweet, I really appreciate the fact that you brought me some food. I've been so busy with homework that I haven't had much time to eat. I swear that all of these professors like make everything due on the same day on purpose." Kitty replied as the two sat down in chairs next to her desk.
"Da, I will have to take your word for it about me being sweet Katya, but you are a fine student. I'm certain that you will handle all of the problems that your teachers have given you with ease. After all, you are very smart." Piotr stated as she finally started to eat the salad that he had brought on the tray.
"Like it is so sweet that you not only brought me food, but you remembered to bring me vegetarian food. I was worried that like I've been so busy with class that you have forgotten about me." Kitty spoke softly as she watched the rather large Russian move his chair closer to her.
"Never Katya, I could never forget about you. I've been enjoying all of the free time any way; I finally managed to complete more of my paintings. Da, it is so nice being able to paint without worries right now." Piotr replied as the two looked over both hearing someone knock on the door.
Kitty stood up quickly making her way to the door, opening it for Amanda. Amanda smiled as she entered the room; she hadn't meant to disturb the two but had done so any way. She looked at the two with a faint smile, she had come to talk with Kurt, but so far her fuzzy boyfriend remained inconspicuously missing. She took a seat in Piotr's chair, the giant Russian offering her the chair as soon as she had entered the room.
"Amanda, like it's so good to see you again," Kitty started as she looked her over, it was clear she had been in the tanning bed lately, "look at you, so what's going on?"
"Sorry if I'm disturbing you but I was looking for my fuzzy elf, you haven't seen him by chance have you?" Amanda asked as she watched the two look at them look at each other.
"Nyet, I am afraid that I haven't seen Kurt since our morning training. He was in a very good mood however," Piotr answered as he watched Amanda's expression change a little in response.
Amanda's face showed some disappointment before responding, "Oh really, well that's okay. I'll just look around the rest of the mansion."
"Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Kurt since then either. He must be up to something to be so quiet; normally he is teleporting here or there." Kitty stated objectively as she knew how Kurt acted based on experience.
"Maybe your right," Amanda responded, stopping to brush back her hair before continuing, "where is everyone by the way? This place seems really empty today for some reason; they still aren't on vacation at Nova Roma are they?"
"Da, our comrades should be returning from their vacation soon. I have to admit that the institute isn't as interesting without them around." Piotr said his face smiling at the thought of all of his friends returning.
"It has been a rough time, for you I guess. Kurt told me that you and Brandon are good friends now. Speaking of this Brandon guy, I still haven't met him. All I hear about him from Kurt is that he is really tough and besides that my fuzzy elf hasn't told me much. I got to meet Noriko, Paige, Dani, and even X-23 but not him, so I'm curious about who he is." Amanda said curious about the fact that while she had known them all longer the relative newcomer was still a mystery.
"Well I'm sure you will get to meet our comrade soon, maybe you can meet him when he gets back today." Piotr replied as Kitty smiled in response as a puff of sulfur permeated the room.
Kurt teleported right into the room, the usual smoke entering the room as the others looked at him curiously. Amanda immediately stood up hugging her fuzzy elf and quickly planting a nice big kiss on his cheek to his surprise. Kurt wasn't surprised though as he kissed her back the two enjoying a nice moment before a cough interrupted them.
"Leibchen, I've been looking all over for you," Kurt said smoothly seemingly covering something up that everyone in the room could tell.
"Kurt, you are a very good boyfriend," Amanda started as she looked at him carefully, "but you are a very poor liar, what are you up to?"
"Uh well meine liebe it's just a surprize that's all. I don't want to spoil anything for you." Kurt said smugly, it was clear that he had been planning something for a while.
"Like I don't mean to interrupt what you two have going, but you could you like take this elsewhere." Kitty interjected as the two nodded, Kurt and Amanda disappearing in a puff of sulfur smoke.
"Katya, are you okay?" Piotr asked after the two had disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Kitty looked at him with a small pout before commenting, "Just a little envious that they can have fun while I have to work."
Kurt and Amanda appeared outside of the mansion by the pool, Amanda caught off guard by what she saw there. A picnic basket and blanket was out there under a tree, her smile apparent she now realized what Kurt had been planning or rather been up to lately. The two walked over there taking a seat as Kurt handed her some baked chicken, he had made sure to buy some very good food since his cooking was about as bad as Kitty.
"Oh my fuzzy elf I love it, so this is what you were up to while I was looking for you." Amanda cooed as she started to play with his fur, just the way that Kurt liked it.
"Ja, I knew that you would like it. I just had to do something special for you, ve really don't get to spend a lot of time together after all." Kurt replied as the two pulled out all of the food, the two enjoying the time that they finally had alone.
"Kurt, I really do wish that I could transfer to a close university, you know I miss you so much. It's so lonely up there with you here and me there." Amanda commented as the two started to cuddle, Kurt wrapping his tail around her after turning off his image inducer.
"I know the feeling iz mutual. I really do wish that ve could be closer together, but you know it would be hard for us." Kurt replied a little disheartened by the fact that the two couldn't see each other as much as they use to in high school.
Amanda started to smile before continuing, "Well we will just have to make the most of our time, isn't that right my fuzzy elf."
The two continued to tease and playfully flirt with each other while they were at it. The two were enjoying the time that they had together, both enjoying it until Kurt stopped for a moment. Amanda shook her head, she knew that attentive look, and it was when the Professor sent a telepathic message to everyone that was the only time Kurt looked like that. She watched as he stood up, bending over to kiss her on the cheek once more.
"I'll be right back meine liebe. The Professor wants us all downstairs to welcome the others back from Nova Roma. I know why don't you come with us?" Kurt said a little excited knowing that she would want to go with him.
"Sure let's go." Amanda said as the two disappeared in a puff of sulfur smoke, neither one realizing that two people were watching the whole scene from the tree line.
"Man the security in this place isn't adequate at all; I'm surprised Brandon hasn't insisted on upgrading their system." Leah stated as she watched Alan shift his weight a little.
"Yeah well what did you expect; most of the systems are in stand by mode any way. Besides they gave me a code to shut them off the last time I was here in case I decided to drop in again." Alan spoke as he dragged something on the ground heading for the back door, "about damn time I made it back here though. Oh yeah one last thing Leah, lets try to be on our best behavior."
"Hey what is that suppose to mean, I'm always…." Leah stated as she got cut off by Alan.
"Damn I wish for once you would make this easy." Alan barked as he kicked the thing he was dragging, seemingly upset about something.
Leah adjusted her hat some before speaking, "You know you aren't suppose to do that right? It is against the rules after all."
"Yeah well what can I say; I don't like having to be the one hauling this piece of shit." Alan bellowed in response as the two entered the kitchen, Alan smoothly opening the door as the two took seats in the kitchen.
"So are we just going to wait here?" Leah asked as Alan merely nodded in response, pulling out a flask to take a drink.
'At least this should be fun, got to admit that little mission dealing with Kincaid was a blast. I can't wait until I get to finish the job and deal with this Master guy. Speaking of bosses though, I better get a hold of mine. I'm walking a very fine line on this one,' Alan thought as he took another drink out of the flask before putting it away.
Brandon grunted as he lifted the last bag off of the Blackbird, Amara had decided to bring more than a few things from home this time. He gratefully nodded to Piotr, the man lifting the bags with ease as he finally stepped off of the plane. It was a little odd to go back to civilization all of a sudden for him, he had quickly gotten use to not having technology, but the others apparently hadn't. They all had disappeared every one of them saying they wanted to have nice hot showers.
"Well its good to see everyone again, glad to see the mansion is still in one piece." Brandon commented happily as the others walked over to him.
Scott was the first one to talk, as they closed around him, "Yeah its good to see all of you again to, so anything interesting happen while you were there?"
"Hmm well there were plenty of interesting events and I did learn a lot. Still hate jungles though, anything of note happen around here?" Brandon asked curious as to what had occurred while he had been gone.
"Like nothing really," Kitty answered as the group slowly made their way to the elevator, the older adults staying behind to talk.
"Da comrade, you haven't missed much of anything." Piotr added as Amanda made her way over to him.
"Uh hello I'm Amanda," she spoke gingerly as Brandon looked at her.
Brandon immediately sized her up before replying, "So, is this a new recruit well I got to admit that we are going to have to…"
"Nein, nein my freund, she iz my girlfriend. She has been anxious to meet you, she really insists on meeting everyone here." Kurt quickly interrupted before Brandon went too far with something.
"Ah okay, I'm sorry it was rude of me not to introduce myself any way. I'm Brandon Ayers, the former marine that has taken up residence here. It's nice to meet you, I don't know Kurt very well but he's a good guy for the most part." Brandon stated rather apologetically as the elevator door opened for them.
"That's okay; there isn't a need to apologize. It's nice to finally meet you as well; you have been a popular subject here since your arrival it seems. Kurt would talk about you occasionally, especially when you first arrived." Amanda commented as they all stepped inside of the elevator, the machine moving upwards as soon as the door closed.
"I am, didn't know that. I guess I can understand all of the gossip and all but really I'm just who I am. Gossip really spreads around here faster than the corp; I got to wonder if the marines are losing their touch." Brandon replied as the doors opened as they all proceeded to get off of the elevator.
"Brandon, Katya and I will see you later right, we want to hear all about the trip?" Piotr asked the two heading back up to their room.
"Okay I'll see you then, if you all would excuse me I hear the kitchen calling me." Brandon joked as he patted his stomach; he had gotten hungry over the flight back and wanted something to eat.
"Hey wait for me," Kurt said as he and Amanda went with him.
"Well it is nice to have everyone back, hey Rogue are you okay?" Scott asked as she started to walk away.
Rogue stopped a moment before answering, "Yeah Ah'm fane, later."
"You know Scott," Jean whispered as the two watched Rogue leave, "she has been really reclusive lately, even for her."
"Yeah I know, she won't talk about anything with me like she used too. Come on lets…" Scott said about to leave when they heard something coming from the kitchen.
Brandon stood there his hands glowing as he finally stood down, Alan and Leah had literally gotten the drop on him as soon as he entered the room. Amanda had been just as scared, Kurt moving in front of her for protection until he saw Brandon starting to laugh. It was a deep laugh as Brandon merely pulled out a chair from the table, Alan and the person that Kurt didn't know laughing along with him.
"Damn Alan, I almost turned you into a pile of ash. What the hell were you thinking?" Brandon asked partially joking with his friend, Amanda slowly letting her guard down as she watched them.
"Sorry little brother but I went fishing and I had the greatest haul ever. You got to see this one weights at least 200 pounds maybe more and most likely less if someone would have avoided the midnight donut run." Alan joked as he pulled back off a black tarp off of something that was lying right next to him on the floor.
"Oh what did you catch this time, better not be anything that brings me more trouble than what I already have. Hey is that Leah, I haven't seen you since that last get together with Johnson." Brandon said a little disheartened as he looked over at the other person that was in the room.
"Yeah it's good to see you again too; if you would excuse me I think I need some air." Leah stated as she quickly left the room, Amanda staring at them.
"Leah, please wait a minute," Brandon said as he turned his head away from, "make sure we get a chance to talk before you go, there are a few things that we need to talk about."
"I am aware of that, if you would excuse me sirs." Leah stated as she opened the door and walked outside to enjoy the fresh air.
Alan started to laugh as Kurt and Amanda stared at the three and watched how they were interacting carefully. Brandon walked over to the other side of the table, kneeling down he took a closer look at what Alan had brought with him. He jumped back in shock his hands immediately forming small energy blasts as he stared at the unconscious form of Kincaid.
"Do I even want to know how you pulled this off?" Brandon asked as Alan merely shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Probably best if you didn't, you wouldn't have like how we got the results we did." Alan answered as Amanda walked closer to the man tied up on the floor.
"Who is he and why are you treating him this way?" Amanda demanded, she wasn't familiar with the situation and didn't like how things were going for the time being.
"Hey kid this isn't any of your business," Alan started as Leah finally returned from getting her fresh air, "hey Brandon you might want to get the Professor here. I'm certain that there are more than a few questions for Kincaid here to answer."
"Kurt would you mind getting the professor for me, you might want to take Amanda here with you. Things might get a little messy and I don't want her to be involved." Brandon stated as Kurt merely nodded disappearing with Amanda in a puff of sulfur smoke.
Leah leaned up against the wall before talking, "They seem like nice people, young, innocent, and naïve but good people."
"Most of them are they aren't like us for the most part. The only two here that have experiences close to our own is Logan and X-23." Brandon commented as the three carefully watched Kincaid.
"Ah so X-23 has stuck around here huh, that's unusual. If you are stilling calling her that, it must mean she hasn't chosen a name yet though. A shame what Hydra put her though, she should have been allowed to be a kid." Alan said as he thought about the situation.
"That is very true sir; however, there is nothing that we can do about that. The past has been forged and can not by any means we have available be altered. If I may ask Lance Corporal Ayers, what is it like living here?" Leah asked respectfully, she still considered the honorably discharged marine her superior.
"It's just Brandon now Leah, I'm not enlisted any more. Well it has been nice, a lot nicer than the corp in most regards. The only thing that I miss is my friends that were in the marines, but I've made a lot of friends here as well." Brandon answered as Alan started to chuckle in response.
"Yeah especially a certain princess, Brandon really enjoys being around her. The two of you been having a lot of alone time fun while I've been gone." Alan teased as his friend started to turn a nice shade of red.
"Alan please, lets not bring that up now of all times." Brandon pleaded as his friend shrugged his shoulders again in response.
"Fine, but I expect some details this time around. I know that you two have been having some fun I mean…. oh damn I'm sorry Leah." Alan stated as he looked at her as she took a seat in one of the chairs.
"You have nothing to apologize for sir; I'm glad that you are happy Brandon. We should probably move Kincaid soon; he won't remain out of it for much longer." Leah responded her emotions and expression remaining hidden as she spoke.
"Yeah you are probably right…" Alan commented as he stood up, a puff of sulfur smoke filtering through the room before he could finish.
Professor Xavier appeared in the room with Kurt next to him, it made the return trip much faster than what it would have been. Alan nodded to him, as the Professor slowly wheeled himself around to see Kincaid for himself. Brandon watched the Professor carefully; he was concerned that he wouldn't approve of what Alan had done.
"Professor, I know that you…" Brandon started hoping to provide some support for his friends stopping suddenly when the Professor nodded at him.
"I understand Brandon," Professor Xavier spoke as he looked at Kincaid, "Brandon, Kurt please take him to the Danger Room, we'll hold him there until we have finished questioning him. Remember to treat him well and with respect, he is in our custody for the time being. I'll be there as soon as I inform all of the students about our guest."
"Of course Professor, Kurt and I can handle that. Alan can follow us later on," Brandon responded as he and Kurt walked over to Kincaid getting ready to follow the Professor's instructions.
"Yeah I'll be right there." Alan said only stopping for a moment when a beeping was heard, he stopped pulling out a very fancy cell phone, "hmm I better take this, and I'll be along later."
"Leah, why don't you look around, you could probably use some time to relax." Brandon said as Alan went outside to deal with his call.
"As you wish, I'm very interested to see your new home." Leah spoke as she walked off, heading for the study.
Brandon and Kurt disappeared with Kincaid as the Professor looked at Leah curiously. The young woman bowed slightly in respect before walking off, looking around the mansion carefully as she went. Professor Xavier watched her carefully before sending a quick message to all of the mansions occupants.
Professor Xavier started to wheel himself away before he thought of something important, 'This could hold the information that we need to find the Brotherhood, and I'm not pleased about how they did it. Still desperate times call for desperate measures, and I have to take advantage of the chance that this presents for us.'
Next Chapter: Traitor
The interrogation of Kincaid begins, and everyone works quickly as they try to get information out of him. While the interrogation continues, Amara and Leah run into each other.