Hey, Guys! I'm sorry this was so late.. It's been like, what? Ten days? Something like that. I apologize. D: School's been freaking crazy, lately. Finals suck, and so do a vast majority of my classmates. -_- *Le sigh*
Anyway, I also apologize if this chapter feels rushed or confusing. Granted, there are some things that are supposed to confuse you.. But, yeah.. My brain is kinda fried from all the tests, haha. I did feel like writing, though, and I wanted to update, so, here ya go!
I quickly want to thank Moonlight Calls, Pein's Kid, Grey Streaked Fur, and the three anonymous reviewers that gave my story a review and feed-back! :D Thank you guys so much!
Also, a shout-out to all those who have given this story a favorite, followed it, or have just continued to stick with me! Like I said last time, I promise that things will pick up eventually! I want to introduce a few more characters before shit goes down.
Geez, I can't wait until winter break.. You can rest assured that there will be PLENTY of updates then. :)
~Here's Chapter 29!~
Chapter 29: A New Chapter & Changes
I watched as McCoy walked out of the mansion, surrounded by kids who whined about him leaving, tugging on his suit as they talked over one another, wanting their voice heard.
"No! Stay with us!"
"Please, Mister McCoy!"
"Henry, stay here!"
"I am sorry.." He said softly, crouching down to the smaller kids' sizes. "I have a very important meeting tomorrow morning.. I can not miss it."
"But-!"
"- No buts." He poked one of them in the nose gently. "I will be back for the holidays."
"You promise?" Questioned Lily, a girl of only 8 with wild red hair and piercing blue eyes. He smiled up at her.
"I promise, Lillian."
"PINKY promise?" She pressed. He chuckled lightly, holding up his pinky.
"I pinky promise."
I bit down on my lower lip, fighting the anger and confusion rising in my chest. I was angry because, earlier, on my way upstairs, I saw him exiting the building with his bags and told him to drive safe. Nicely, of course. I was trying to show him that I didn't want to fight with him. I was trying to act civil.
McCoy glared daggers at me and scoffed as he strode through the doors.
Well, excuse me for being polite.
I clenched my jaw, tearing my eyes away from the sight of McCoy pinky-promising the children, reassuring them of his return. That was sweet McCoy.. Gentle McCoy.
I liked that McCoy. That McCoy was awesome.
I didn't particularly care for angry, explosive, intimidating McCoy. I felt goose-bumps break out all over my body, an image of his livid face and black eyes flashing vividly in my head. His words echoed through my mind, the physical memory of his changed emotions coursing through my veins. McCoy's emotions were intense, but never threatening. Not even when he had been angry before, when we had confrontations the years prior.
When we had argued the few hours before, when things got heated, his feeling turned.. Animalistic. That non-threatening quality remained, but barely. It had been weakened by something far more dark than McCoy. Something that was brutal, unforgiving, and pissed off. Like an irritated hornet, or a wild animal, forced into captivity, ready to attack anyone that got close enough to snag with its claws.
The confusion slammed into me again. Why had we fought? Especially over something like that.. Why did I feel so guilty? Why did I want nothing more than to scream at McCoy, and then whimper apologies while squeezing the bejesus out of him? Why had he changed? What had changed?
I sighed lowly, hugging myself. I would be lying if I said I hadn't been scared. No.. Actually, I hadn't been scared.
I had been petrified.
My head snapped up when a car engine started. The students were waving to McCoy, who was slowly backing out of the driveway. Ororo had joined the fan-group, and smiled that beautiful smile as she waved with them. McCoy looked up to see them all yelling their good-byes and waving wildly. A wide grin spread across his face, and he honked the horn.
Then, he peered up at me. He looked slightly surprised for a moment. I probably did, too. I hadn't expected him to actually look at me. Then, his face fell, grin turning into a small scowl. Guilt gripped my throat, so I looked away. A few moments passed before I mustered up the courage to look down once more . His eyes were still locked on mine. I swallowed hard, before backing up and turning, exiting the terrace and entering the school again.
When I reached the bottom floor and took a quick look outside, he was gone, with only the slowly closing gates and fan-group of still waving kids as signs of his departure.
Later that evening I found myself in the library, curled up in the same large reading chair I always had when I read there. In my hands, I cradled a copy of The Outsiders By S.E. Hinton. This was the third time I'd read it during my stay at the school. The large tear rolling down my left cheek was proof that the end still got me every time.
"Oh.. Dally.. Johnny.." I whimpered pathetically. To anyone passing, it would have been an odd sight indeed, seeing a neurosurgeon reduced to a pile of sobbing hormones just by reading the climax of a great book.
I wiped it away with the heel of my hand, snapping it shut and setting it on the table for fear I would read it again. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book with all my heart, but one can only read a novel so many times in a day.
Sniffling, I rose on shaky, pin-prickly legs. I stumbled my way over to the fiction section and began browsing for another good title to partake of.
A few minutes into my search, I heard the doors open and close, accompanied by the now familiar whirr of a chair's wheels turning.
"Good evening, Charles." I smiled.
"Evening, Jillian." He replied. "Are you all right? You look as if you've been crying."
"Oh, I have."
"Why on Earth have you been crying?" He asked, worriedly.
"I was reading The Outsiders." I admitted. His slight change in emotions told me that he understood.
"Ah. I see. I understand completely." Charles moved over to my side. I could tell he wanted to talk about something desperately.
"There's no use hiding it, you can tell that I'm curious." Charles sighed. "Jillian, what happened earlier?"
"You mean the baking?" I inquired, thinking about my random hormonal-confused baking session I had five hours before.
"No. I will not ask about that. You made some wonderful cakes and cookies, the children adore them. However, I trust you will deal with the consequences of giving teenagers and children sugar at 6 o'clock in the evening."
"So, then this is about McCoy?"
He tilted his head, blue eyes narrowing in a non-accusing manner.
"Yes, I am wishing to ask you about what happened between you and Henry." I sighed, pulling out a bright blue book. I walked back over to my chair, knowing Charles wasn't going to just let me drop the subject. He wanted an answer. No doubt, McCoy had gone to him after our little spat.
"What happened, Jillian?"
"McCoy didn't tell you?" I questioned, sitting down.
"No- He did. I want your side of the story, though. He was quite.. Angry with you."
"Yeah.." I murmured, pulling my legs up underneath me. ".. We.. Disagreed on something."
"Yes, Henry told me about that. His appearance." I felt apprehension.
".. It's not what you think, Professor." I said softly. "I would never remark negatively about McCoy's appearance."
"I know, Jillian.. I just couldn't make out what he was trying to tell me. He was so angry.." He sighed. "I was even having a hard time reading his mind for clarification."
My eyes widened slightly.
"You couldn't read his mind?" Charles was one of the most powerful mutants I'd ever met. It surprised me that I was not the only one having trouble reading McCoy.
"No - I could. However, it wasn't like Henry's normal thought patterns. He's very straightforward, always from point 'A' to point 'B'. Earlier, his mind was scrambled.. It was like it wasn't his mind at all."
"Not like his.." I echoed, my eyes slowly moving to the floor. ".. Did.. Did he feel.. And please don't be offended when I say this, but.. Did he feel more animal-like to you..?"
He nodded.
"Yes. Beast was fighting hard for control."
My eyes snapped back up, widening once more. Beast? What was Beast?
"'Beast'?"
"Yes. Henry's feral counterpart. You remember Vires, correct?"
'How could I forget?' I thought.
"Yes, well, Vires altered his DNA, like he had explained to you. It have him feral abilities. Hearing, sight, smell, regeneration.. Everything." He explained slowly. "It also gave him another half."
My heart began beating harder and faster.
"Another.. Half?"
"His feral counterpart - yes. You see, Henry is a class five feral mutant, as is Logan. You know what class five means in the feral category, correct?"
"It means they have everything the lower feral mutants have, plus regeneration, right?" I answered.
"Yes - almost. Class five feral mutants also have another ability.. A darker ability." He said cautiously, gauging my reaction. "They can, during any moment when provoked, 'turn off' their human instincts." He scrutinized me closely. I stared at him, my mouth opening a bit.
".. W-what? 'Turn off' human instincts? What the hell does that mean?"
"Jillian, calm down.." He instructed firmly. "I am not telling you this to scare you. I am telling you this to inform you. You need to know."
I leaned forward in my chair, eyes the size of large plates.
".. Please, explain this to me, Charles. I'm a bit lost."
"I can tell." He shifted in his wheelchair. "Feral mutant's in the class five rank... Oh, how do I put this?" He thought over his words carefully. "They lose their human side, for a short time. Their control is taken by their feral counterpart - their animal side. They recognize others important to them, but not in the way they would were they conscious."
I pursed my lips, hanging on every word like an amazed child.
"Basic instincts." I murmured.
"Exactly. They will either not harm you, or harm you."
I slowly sunk back into my chair, letting his words sink in. Harm, or not harm. Friend, or foe.
Realization hit.
"Beast was attempting to take over McCoy's consciousness.."
"And he would have gained it, too, had Henry not stormed into the mansion when he did."
"And I would've been a foe.." I whispered in a breathy, shocked voice. ".. Oh, God.. I feel like such an idiot. He would've-"
"- Jillian, I do not believe that Henry or Beast would willingly harm you." He stated matter-of-factly. "You are a female. Beast understands the basic concepts of male-female interaction. Males protect females. He would not have hurt you."
His words brought relief to my now rapidly beating heart.
".. I really pissed him off that much..?" I mumbled aloud, my mind racing.
"... It would see the answer to that question is apparent."
I leaned forward, clutching my head in one of my hands, my elbow on my knee.
".. I can't believe I didn't see the signs.. I should've stopped. I had no right to say any of that to him.. Oh, God.. Charles, what do I do?"
He tilted his head to the side, eyebrow raised.
"What will you do?"
"I need to apologize.. Granted, I do not feel bad for the comments I made about his appearance. I was defending him from himself, for Christ's sake!"
"Jillian, I think it'd best if you just relax.. The next time you see one another, I'm sure you will both realize the mistakes and valid points you both made in your confrontation. Try not to think about it too much. You and I both know that this is not the first argument you two have had - nor is it the last."
I nodded slowly, chewing nervously on my lip.
".. You're right." I said softly, rubbing my thighs. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I rose. "I should go finish packing. I haven't even started yet." I chuckled lightly.
"Of course. When will you be returning?" He inquired, following me out of the library.
"I'm not sure.. When would you like me back?"
"Sometime before January."
"How about the 26th?"
"Of December? Your mother would wish to see you for longer than that, am I correct?"
"Yes, but she realizes that this is a new job.. Besides, I need to pack up my house and get some things in order, so I should come back earlier than later."
"Where does your parents live? What city?"
"Valparaiso, Indiana.. Why?"
"I will book your flights and have your tickets to you by tomorrow morning."
I smirked at him as we entered the elevator.
"Charles, I can pay for my plane tickets."
"I am aware. However, you will need your money for a moving van. I am giving you one less thing to worry about."
I thought about arguing with him over the subject for a moment, but quickly dismissed the idea. Charles was truly one-of-a-kind.
"Thank you, Charles.."
"Of course, Jillian." He smiled as the elevator bell rang out, alerting both of us that I had arrived at my floor. The doors slid open, and I stepped out, turning to face Charles, who said: "I will see you tomorrow morning to take you to the airport."
"Thank you again, Charles. I can pay you back."
"That will not be necessary. Good night, Jillian."
I opened my mouth to speak, but was cut off when the elevator doors shut abruptly. I stared at them for a moment, before laughing and shaking my head.
"Good night, Charles."
Katrina clung to me as I made my way to the door, her large white eyes wide.
"Y-you aren't leaving forever, right?"
"No, of course not! I'll be back on the 26th."
Her face lit up.
"You're staying?"
"Why would I want to leave for good? This place is amazing!" I bent down to give her and her brother Kai a hug. "I will be back the day after Christmas. I haven't seen my family in a while, so I'm going to stay with them for a week or so.. I will be returning to you all."
"Good, cuz we like you." Kai said matter-of-factly. I tousled his brown hair.
"I like you guys, too. Be good, okay?"
"Lady, we need to go." Logan growled impatiently behind me. I heard Charles chuckle.
"Fine, fine.." I disengaged my arms, unwrapping them from the twins. "I'll see you guys in a few weeks, m'kay?"
"M'kay!" They echoed. Rogue, Jubilee, and Kitty grinned from behind them, moving in to hug me after the twins got out of the way. I waved at them as they disappeared down the hall, then wrapped my arms around the three women that had become my friends.
"Be safe, Jill." Rogue said, craning her neck so that her cheek didn't accidentally brush against mine.
"You too, Rogue."
"Bring me back a cute tanned California blonde, okay? He should have on a Santa hat and a bright red bow on his ass. Nothing more." Jubilee snickered, but her eyes were dead serious.
"I think you have to be wearing clothes to board a plane. He wouldn't be allowed on." I broke the news to her gently, though I could not suppress the amused smirk that appeared on my face. Jubilee pouted, but said nothing.
"Lady, do ya wanna miss yer flight?" Logan warned.
"Of, put a sock in it, Wolfie." Kitty snapped, earning herself a harsh glare from the feral male. I stifled back laughter. "Call or text me anytime." She continued, ignoring the Wolverine's intense gaze. "You have my number."
"The same goes for all of you." I stepped back. "Bye, you guys!"
"As weird as this is going to sound, I miss you already!" Kitty shouted as we walked outside.
"I'll miss you too!" I chuckled, entering the car. Charles and Logan got themselves situated, and, soon, we were off. I couldn't help but wonder what the next week was going to be like.. Announcing my resignation, packing my things..
Saying good-bye to Jack, Rachel, Jack Jr., and Devon.
My heart clenched in my chest. I reminded myself that I was not dying, and neither were they. They would just be across the country. Jack had plenty of money to fly to New York, and I had more than enough money to fly to California. I would get to see them again.
This was a new chapter of my life. An exciting, nerve-wracking chapter. While they may not be included in it very often, that didn't mean that they were being written out of it.
I felt another grin spread across my face.
'This is it.. It's really happening..'
"Good morning, Ambassador McCoy!" Greeted an older man with nearly white hair.
"Good morning, Mr. President." Henry warmly shook his hand, smiling a smile that only his closest friends would recognize as fake. Of course, none of them were here today, so he displayed the fake expression without fear of someone calling him out on it later. "You are looking well."
"As are you, my friend." He patted his back as they entered the meeting room. Henry glanced around at all the computer monitors clinging to the walls, making it feel like more of an observation room than a meeting hall. Inside, the other meeting members rose, the military leaders saluting as their President passed by.
"At ease.." He murmured as he went to his seat. Henry stood in front of his, waiting for him to sit, as were the others. When he did, they all eased into their chairs and waited for him to begin the meeting.
"Thank you all for coming in this morning. I know this meeting was announced on shorter notice than most, but there are some pressing issues we must discuss, and soon."
'How is the registration act 'pressing'?' Henry thought angrily, taking a sip of his coffee. 'It shouldn't even be an issue.'
"Furthermore, today, with our discussions will come changes. Changes that will alter our future into a better one." The President smiled. "So, let's get down to the first order of business, shall we? Senator Kelly, would you like to go first?"
Henry peered over the long table at the man in question, clenching his fists underneath the table, for fear his displeased rage would show on his face.
"I would, Mr. President. Thank you." Said a man with thick black glasses and thinning blonde/white hair. In his hands were numerous black folders, filled to the brim with papers. A security guard took them and began handing them out. Henry didn't look at his when it was placed in front of him. He could feel his coffee slowly making its way back up his throat, while Beast eyed the senator and growled viciously. Henry tore his gaze away and focused on the wall. The senator seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil, adjusting his glasses as a sly sneer appeared on his face. "Gentlemen, I bring forth today a very serious threat that has been pushed aside in these meetings in the past. Something that I will no longer remain quiet about. Act 34: Mutant Registration."
Henry could feel the eyes of every body in the room suddenly focus in on him. The temperature raised about 20 degrees, and he fought to hold back the enraged flush that wanted to cover his cheeks. His orbs snapped down to Senator Kelly, who was still grinning ear-to-ear, much like a Cheshire cat would. His expression mirrored one of amusement, like he was silently relishing the attention Henry was suddenly receiving. Henry wouldn't let him get the best of him. He cleared his throat, bringing his hands to the surface of the table, a seemingly placid expression on his lapis lazuli colored countenance. His fingers flipped open the folder.
"Please, Senator Kelly. Do continue." He said, the venom underlying his words subtle, but there.
Ambassador McCoy could've sworn that, for half of a second, the senator's eyes flashed a golden-yellow.
So... Reviews would be.. Nice, yes? ',:)
Ahaha.. Man, I need some sleep. Whelp, I hope you all enjoyed that... I'm sorry if you didn't.. Like I said, I blame finals. And my crispy-fried brain.
But, anyway.. Feedback would be awesome, guys! I really, really love hearing from you all! :)
Have a super-duper night! Now, I'm off to take a shower, and get some much-needed REST.
~OmegaPhaedra
