Disclaimer: You know the routine: not mine, don't sue. I promise no characters were harmed during the development of this.
Note: Special thanks to my partner in crime—my husband. Not only does he put up with my ramblings and imaginary world, he encourages it! Doesn't it scare you that there isn't one but two people out there thinking roughly the same way, and we're capable of breeding more of ourselves.
Now that's a scary bedtime story.
Enjoy, kiddies!
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Chapter One: the Disappearance
Throughout 1407 Graymalkin Lane, alarms blared, blasting the residents into an automatic state of readiness. But since warning alarms were so common, most of the residents slipped easily from readiness to disregarding annoyance.
Jean Grey swore, unladylike, at the sound. The siren had woken her from a deep sleep, and now she wouldn't have time to put on her face before saving the world.
Jubilation Lee took the opportunity to pitch the tofu and wheat germ breakfast Ororo Monroe carefully prepared into the garbage, wistfully staring at the empty Chinese containers also in the trash. (author's plug: see 'So Hungry' for explanation!) She vowed to her stomach that she would grab a bite to eat at the nearest fast food place. Jubilee followed the wind witch out of the breakfast nook.
Logan barely looked up from the television screen. He had just gotten passed the Hell-Billy Deadites in his video game, and he wasn't about to shut it down now.
(another plug: check out 'Hail to the King,' for clarification and a pleasant read)
Hank McCoy sighed, thinking he never had the good fortune of completing a leisurely bubble bath. He exited the tub, shook like a dog, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Rogue, practically running down the hall to meet with the other team members, skidded to a stop in front of the living room. Without saying a word, she darted inside, grabbed Logan by the shoulders, and hauled the shorter man off the couch. He looked angered, then resigned as she yanked him behind her.
Scott Summers leaned into the button and the siren wailed again.
All the members met in the War Room, some more out of breath, or damper, or hungrier, than others.
"We've got a code red, people," Cyclops barked.
A majority of the rest, including a red-haired telekinetic, rolled their eyes.
"Code red! I'm serious!" he repeated, his face flushing the same shade as his visor. "Professor Xavier has been kidnapped!"
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