A/N: It is time to take a small break in our plot to touch on what's going on in Bayville. Don't worry, we'll get back to our regular programming soon enough.

Disclaimer: Stand on the edge with me. Hold back your fear and see nothing is real 'til it's gone. (1)

Learning to Breathe

54. Meanwhile Back at the Motel (2)

While Shadowatch and the Dreadnoks dealt with Razor and Brownie, Zanya spent a hectic schoolday at Bayville High School. No, there were no pop quizzes or impulsive schedule changes. The Principal had vanished. For the last three days, Raven Darkholme had mysteriously left town. The only sign of life from her was a letter mailed to the school stating her resignation. Naturally, this left a void in the school infostructure. A void yet to be filled by anyone truly adept at the post.

"It's just so weird." "Anya" said to her new acquaintance Taryn. "Has Principal Darkholme ever done anything like this before?"

"No. Never." Taryn stated. "She's always been so collected and predictable."

"The only stable faculty member in this school." Taryn's friend Sasha scoffed. "Although I never understood her fascination with those brotherhood boys."

I understand perfectly. Anya thought to herself. She'd read the files provided by her teammates, and even added to them. Such a shame that no-one knows what happened. Can't get any damn information, and since fish-girl told me to avoid everyone… "Maybe she feels sorry for them?" She said aloud.

"I doubt it." Taryn said. "That woman was almost robotic. Cold and unfeeling. Well, except for anger."

"Yeah, not someone you wanted pissed at you." Sasha nodded. "Well, see you guys after school!" the bell rang as the Asian girl took off.

"Yeah, see ya." Taryn waved as the three girls split up.


Chicago base

"Please pick up. Please pick up." Andi chanted as she paced around, phone next to her ear. Zanya's latest report stated that Mystique had vanished from Bayville without a trace. Unfortunately, no-one had been forthcoming with any sort of information. No one seemed to be answering the phone at the boarding house either. This left the young shapeshifter with one last option: call the brother.

"Xavier Institute, Jean Grey speaking." A chipper voice rang over the phone.

Shit in a bucket.

"Yes, this is Caylin. I'm calling to see if I could talk to Kurt?" The blond girl lied.

Red bought it, though.

"Of course! Just a minute, I'll put him on." The prep sang. A few minutes later, A German voice replaced the first.

"Hello, Kurt here."

"Kurt, it's Andi." Andi blurted. "And don't give me a lecture about being careful and keeping my identity secret. I know Mom's gone missing and you probably know what happened."

"How did you find that out?" He asked.

"Doesn't matter." She said. "Just tell me she's okay, Kurt."

Silence.

"Kurt. What happened?" she demanded. He sighed.

"Magneto." He said. "He made the entire Brotherhood face off against us. The winners were kidnapped and taken to his little asteroid base. Mystique, myself, and a good part of our team lost out, but we went after them and managed to get our teammates back. A fight broke out, and then the base blew up…"

"Tell me she got out okay." She said. "She got off with you guys, didn't she?" more silence. "Kurt…"

"I don't know." He said. "Two spheres left the asteroid before it blasted apart. But I don't know if Magneto took Mystique or Sabertooth with him."

"Probably Dad." Andi grumbled. "When I get my hands on that bastard…"

"Listen, don't come back." Kurt said. "The entire institute is on the look out for suspicious characters. You will be at the top of the list. Please, don't bring trouble on yourself."

"Now you're starting to sound like Mom." Andi muttered. Kurt chuckled.

"Someone has to look out for you."

"I have three other brothers, why does it have to be you?"

"Because I care and you're my only sister?" he suggested. She giggled.

"Yeah, whatever. And I'll email you those pictures of Bryan in the cheerleading uniform."

"Okay. Talk to you later."

"You too." She sighed. "Bye, Kurt."

"Goodbye, mein schwester." He said before a click sounded over the line. She gently laid the phone back on its receiver.

What could be going on up there?


Workout room.

While Andi tried to reach her brother, Virus, yet again, tried to get into shape.

"A nice jog should help." He said, stepping onto the treadmill. "I'll just turn it down to level one."

Unfortunatley, level one was the highest speed.

"Yeeeaaaaggghh!!" he shouted as the tread began to race backward, knocking him down and sending him flying into the shelf where the weights were stored. The shelf tipped on its side, burying the English teen in its heavy contents.

Klong.

"Owie."


1. Name that tune. Hehe.

2. Another song lyric, but not the same song as the disclaimer. Yeah, I know. I'm making you work.

So, with family issues weighing heavily on her mind, can Atlantis lead her team into a winning fight with Cleveland's Kid of Rock? And what about the mysterious Corona? Will we ever see her? How should I know? The muses are the ones running the show here.