X-men are the property of Marvel.
Kurt - 29 , Kitty - 21 Colossus-26, Wolfsbane-19,Peter Wisdom 26, Moria -?????
Asa returns to the Mansion late, around 11pm.
As he gets out of his Hum-Vee he notices some faint new energy,(Ahhhhh.....more mutants in the house)He walks in the door and heads for the kitchen. There he finds a blue skinned mutant with an attactive Brunette.
Asa - "ummm...hi."
Kitty and Kurt-"Hello."
Kitty - "Could you be the the one they call moose?"
Asa -"Yes."
Kitty - "Funny I thought you would be 10 feet tall the way people around here talk about you."
Kurt- "Behave.....My friend my name is Kurt And this is Kitty."
Asa shakes his hand and extends a hand to kitty. Asa is a bit surprised to see her hand go right through his.
Kurt-(oh boy)..Kitty where are your manners?"
Kitty then takes his hand in a more soild grip "Sorry there Asa, some times I can be naughty"
Asa grinned - "Sometimes?"
Kitty and kurt both smiled
Kitty - "Well we were just looking for a late snack, but I also hear your a good cook, and good at whipping up things the last minute."
Asa - "I can make a mean sandwich."
Kitty -"Impress us."
Asa - "As you wish, please sit at the table."
As Kitty and Kurt sit down Asa goes into a blur of motion, fixing three sandwiches, adding what they wanted on them, then adding some herbs and spices, some of which he had earlier hidden in the kitchen.
He was done in what seemed like no time. And serviced them each a sandwich on a 7 inch bun and a drink of their chosing, Asa Had Ice Tea, extra sweet and sat down at the table. Before he ate and bent down and blessed his food, Kurt smiled.
After a few minutes of eating and small talk.
Kitty "Wow This is good."
Kurt - "Nein, exellent."
Asa - "Thanks, so you guys are from Excalibur right ? What are you doing here?"
Kurt - "We are here for the summit, I, Kitty and a couple others from our little group are going to train with you and the X-men for a while then together we go to the summit."
Asa - "Sounds good."
Kitty - "I hear old Cyke has been running you guys in the ground the past few weeks."
Asa - "Yeah, but it is better to be prepared."
Kurt - "Yes it is, this summit could be a good step in the right direction for mutant and human kind."
Asa - "True,"
Kitty - "Well boys I think I will head up for bed and do some reading, a pleasure meeting you Asa."
Asa - "A Pleasure meeting you Kitty."
Kitty leaves.
Kurt - "I could not help but notice you praying over your food, would you be Catholic by any chance?"
Asa - "Nope, I am a 'Pro-test-or'."
Kurt - "A what?"
Asa Smiled - " A Protestant"
Kurt -"Protestant....Protestor...ha..ha..ha..I get it. I heard it mentioned you were a serious Christian."
Asa _ "I try."
Kurt -" Let me warn you my friend some on my team may not be very ummmm open minded, about your faith,especially Rahne."
Asa - "What about you, I heard you studied for the preisthood."
Kurt - "Well the preisthood may not be for me, but I still have fatih, and I have earned their trust."
Asa - "I understand."
Kurt - "Your not like one of those TV evangelists are you?"
Asa laughed -"Well not all of them are crooks, some are, but others are ture man and women of God. And as I have stated before I am not going to hit anyone over the head with a fifty pound Bible, though I would like to hit Bobby with a fifty pound something at times, However, Being a Christian is part of who I am, I will not hide it for anyone."
Kurt - "I would like to discuss some of your beliefs sometime."
Asa -"Anytime my brother."
Kurt -"Brother Christian or mutant."
Asa -"Both."
Kurt -"Good, well good night brother. Please be kind to Rahne, she still has faith, but she has been wounded by some so called Christians, especially a certian Reverend."
Asa -"I will try, good night."
Asa is left in the kitchen alone for a few minutes. Suddenly Marrow comes in from the out side. She looks at Asa.
Marrow - "Your back"
Asa - "yes I am, hello Marrow, how are you?"
marrow - "Would you actually care upworlder?"
Asa - "Yes."
Marrow thought about giving a very sarcastic remark, after all she was not looking forward to going to New York and the memories there,But she had to admit she missed those meals Asa would prepare, especially the few just for her.
Marrow -"i am survivng. ummm how about you?"
Asa - "I am fine , I little tired, but fine."
Marrow - "You tired?"
Asa - "yes..(and a few days with Gen-X could tire out anyone)can I get you anything?"
Marrow - "You just said you were tired."
Asa -"Yes, but we are teammates and freinds, anything for a friend.'
Marrow -"I really do not know what being a teammates is, and I have no friends."
Asa "Sure you do, I would be honored to be your friend."
Marrow's eyes rolled back -"(Oh I give up)...How about a sandwich"
Asa - "as you wish."
Asa quickly prepared it and served it to her. they actually engage in some small talk, as much as Marrow is capable. after a few minutes
Marrow -"Ummm thanks again for the sandwich"
Asa - "Like I said I am at your service."
She smiled for a few moments, then went to her room. Bone growth or not Asa was continuing to notice how a real smile looked good on her.
Asa turned around to see another familiar red head in a bathrobe with a sleepy expression on her face.
Jean - "Asa, welcome back." She gave him a quick hug.
Asa -"thanks Jean good to be back, searching for a midnight snack?"
Jean - "Actually some cool water would be nice."
Asa- "Sit down I will get it for you."
Jean sat down and Asa got her the water.
Jean - "Have any problems with the kids?"
Asa - "Ummm not too much."
Jean's eye brow went up, she actually wished she could read his thoughts at the moment.
Jean - "Well Asa you may know already but we have members of Excalibur staying with us."
Asa - "Yes I met a Kurt and a Kitty on my way in."
Jean - " Could you make some of those famous waffles of yours, I know it may be a lot to ask considering you just got back, but the staff could give you a hand, they are quite impressed with your cooking skills. I heard they loved that dinner you prepared just for them the other day."
Asa - "Well I thought I should pay them back for playing around in their kitchen so much. But I will be glad to, I better hit the hay now then."
Jean -"Thanks Asa, we will be ready by 9, that should give Peter, Bobby, Gambit, and Sam a few extra minutes to drag out of bed."
Asa wakes up early and helps to prepare breakfast. At 8:40 the professor hovers in the kitchen with a large man with dark hair, an older and still quite attactive woman, a young shy redhead female, Kitty, Kurt, and a sleepy pete wisdom.
professor - "Good morning Asa.'
Asa - "Good morning Professor."
The Professor intruduces Colossus, Moria, and Rahne. Asa extends his hand to each.
Asa -(I see Scotland has it's share of attactive women)
Asa trys to shake Pete Wisdom's hand but he is almost asleep on his feet.
Kurt - "You must forgive Pete my friend he is not a morning person."
Asa - "I understand Kurt. So Kitty shall I impress you with breakfast?"
Kitty laughed -"Please do."
The group goes into the dinning room. the table had fruit, juices, milk, surp and some other thinks all ready for everyone. The X-men slowly begin to file in as Asa helps serve. Gambit arrives and shakes Asa's hand.
Gambit - "You should have asked for Gambit's help."
Asa - "Next time Remey."
Hank comes in next.
Hank - "Asa I am pleased to have you back with us, and I am also pleased to get a chance at your walffles."
Asa - "Thanks Hank."
Next comes Jean and Scott who both greet Asa and sit down.
Storm arrives and gives Asa a hug.
Storm - "Good to see you Asa."
Asa - "Thanks Ororo, it is good to be among friends."
Rogue then walks in.
Rogue - "Good morning Asa! Did you have a pleasant trip back?"
She askes as she goes and hugs Asa.
Asa - "Yes I did thank-you Marie."
rogue sits down next to Gambit who kisses her gloved hand. he rarely get jealousy any more when Rogue shows Asa some affection, most of the time.
In comes Logan who pounds Asa on the back.
"Good to have you back preacher boy, now we can get back to some serious training."
Rahane winced at the preacher boy part. Asa noticed.
After everyone was served and ingaging in small talk Marrow walks in and goes up to Asa.
Asa - "Good Morning."
Marrow - "Ummm good morning, could you please give me a plate I would rather eat in my room."
Asa - "Are you sure you do not want to eat here?"
Marrow - "Yes."
Asa - "I have some waffles almost ready, I will bring them down with some surp, anything else?
Marrow - "Some milk and orange juice please."
Asa - "I'll get right to it Sarah."
Marrow - "Thank-you Asa."
She then goes over to Colossus.
Marrow - "(The artist is here) Hello Colossus."
Colossus is a bit shocked, they had spent some time together when he was he a few times in the past, but he always found her distant, he hid his surprise.
Colossus -"Hello Marrow it is good to see you again."
She looks at Logan and nods, he returns the gesture. She then looks at the Professor "Good morning professor."
Professor - "Good morning Sarah."
Marrow quickly leaves with a few X-men with suprised looks on their faces.
A few minutes later In Marrows room.
Asa - "here you go Sarah" Producing a tray with waffles, fruit and some milk and juice.
Marrow - "Thank-you"
Asa - "Anything else I can do for you?"
Marrow - "No, I am fine."
Asa - "Ok then enjoy and I will see you later."
Marrow - "Ok, bye"
Marrow looked at her plate and pured some surp on it. Once again he had brought her good food. She could remember her mother bringing her good food, even though they were poor Morlocks, her mom always managed to make a meal special, even if it was small. A tear ran down her cheek, she really missed her.
Marrow - (No I must stay in control!)
Suddenly visions of her as a child, then a growing child, teenager, now a young...a young horrible looking, veil, woman. She remember the day she saw the mutant Arch Angel and how beautiful he was, he even called her beautiful as a child. But it was a lie, he barely noticed her any more, no he was chasing his dear Psycke......She stopped thinked and pushed the visions aside. She looked down at an empty plate and thought of Asa and he smiled at her the first day they saw each other. He was not beautiful like her Angel, but something about him, and he was powerful and got the notice of all the popular up worlders, and still he wanted to be her friend, just like the artist. Maybe it was time to let some people in. Maybe.
Later that day both teams assembled in the dangerroom. Moria, Scott, the Professor, Jean, and Storm. Were in the control center.
Moria - "Ok lads and Ladies I need not repeat how important that this summit goes. So let us prepare the best we can."
Wisdom - "Hey I got an Idea."
Moria - "(Oh no)What is it Pete?"
Wisdom - " I say let me take on the "chef" here ono on one."
Suddenly a burst of laughter come from all the assembled X-men and those in control center.
Moria - "What is so funny Charles?"
Charles - "Moria you will just have to see."
Wisdom walks up to Asa.
Wisdom - "Ok mate you and me one on one."
Asa just looked up at the professor.
Asa - "(What should I do?)"
Charles - " (I am sorry Asa but he is know for his...ummm...mouth. just a minute let me speak with Moria.)"
Wisdom suddenly slaps Asa in the face -"Hey I am talking to you!"
Logan - "Bad move bub."
Hank - " (I wonder if I should prepare med-lab)"
Moria - "Wisdom! Stop it we are guests here."
Wisdom - "hey all I have been hearing is how tough this guy is, Besides what kind of codename is Moose anyway."
Wisdom does not notice the X-men slowly putting as much space between him and themselves, the other members of Excalibur do the same, not knowing why.
Wisdom - "Oh yes the mighty X-men and there new Moose, oh i am terrified."
Kurt leans toward Kitty - "What is his problem?"
Kitty -"When does he not have a problem."
Marrow wanted to take him on her own,"Hey Big Mouth shut your mouth before Asa Blasts it off."
Wisdom - "Oh it is the former Molock, terrorist, bone freak, I am truly scared."
Kitty, Moria, and Kurt - "Wisdom!!!!"
The bone freak comment did hurt but Sarah hid it and made a few steps toward him, only to stop as Logan put a hand on her should.
Logan -"Easy Marrow I think he is a bout to get his."
Suddenly there is a blur of motion and Wisdom disappeared. Only to reappear a few above the ground upsidedown with a Asa holding him by the right ankle.
Asa - "Appologize."
Wisdom -"What is she to you mate?"
Asa - "A teammate and friend."
Excalibur was surprised at how fast Asa had gotten Wisdom off the ground. The X-Men were surprised to hear friend mentioned in the same thought as Marrow. Colossus smiled. Sarah made no gesture but inside she could not help but smile.
Marrow - "(Him defending me and claiming me as a friend in front of the pretty upworlders?)
Pete - "Ummm...you will have to beat it out of me!"
Asa -"Oh I do love it when Christmas comes early."
Asa then trows him against the wall, gently but firmly as his eyes go yellow. Wisdom suddenly shoot out energy spikes from his figures, Asa Dodges them with easy. Asa is about to rush him at full speed but then......
Professor - "That is enough please sperate those two."
Logan - "Easy Ace, though I think you should have thrown him harder."
Peter Rasputin steps in front of Pete.
Peter - "I think it may be a good idea if you clam down, da a very good idea."
Wisdom - " Sure, I'll calm down."
Professor - "That is enough the both of you."
Asa - "Sorry Professor."
Moria - "Wisdom we will talk later till then stand aside and cool off."
Wisdom - "yeah, sure. what ever you say."
Professor -"the rest prepare for some traning."
Alright then let us begin, Asa versuses Colossus, Rogue, and Gambit.
Rogue - "Oh great."
Gambit - "Gambit alwyas ready....(Hope Gambit remember were Gambit put the asprinin)"
Colossus - "This is unfair, three against one?"
Moria _ "I know he maybe strong but are not the sides a little un even?"
Professor - "Your right, Sam, Bobby, You will also go against Asa."
Kurt, Kitty looked totally suprised. Sam and Bobby were frowning.
Professor - "Begin"
Eyes still Yellow Asa Peppered his foes with blue blasts that shoot forth like angry bees. Ice Man and Gambit throw Ice blasts and charged cards to keep Asa at bay. As Asa was doging Rogue and Cannonball flew together and hit Asa from behind, knocking him to the ground, Colossus in armor mode rushes toward Asa then get into a pushing match and Colossus is shocked. He cannot move Asa an inch in fact his eyes were now blue and Asa picked him up and tossed him toward an advanzing rogue, knocking both out of the sky. Cannonball tries to hit him from behind again, Asa turns to face him but the floor beneath him is suddenly frozen solid. Asa slip as Gambit deperately throws energized cards at him trying to keep him down, Asa returns fire as Bobby and Gambit dodge. the exchange of card and blue blasts cause the room to shake. Cannoball tryies again but is caught by Asa as he is still on the ground and is flung into ice Man. Colossus having recovered knocks Asa in the back with a series of quick punches that would have made any normal human pulp by now. With the floor still icy Asa slips but grab Colossus ankle and drop him to the floor. Rogue suddenly flies at Asa full speed and catches him with both fist, knocking him into a wall. Asa recovered far quickly then Rogue would like.
Rogue - "For once I wish I could absorb powers."
Asa is then all of the sudden right in front of her grabs her by the arm and throws her into Colossus with ease. The battered five assemble together and try one last charge. the result is that asa knocks them down with some well placed blows as he uses his super speed, only Rogue and Colossus manage to get back up.
Professor - "Enough, Hank please see if anyone needs medical attention."
Hank quickly looks over the fallen ones.
Asa and Rogue fly closer to each other.
Asa - "Nice hit you got in there Marie."
Rogue - "Thanks Asa, but you just seem to get get a little stronger everyday. I bet you did not even need to increase your energy from yellow to blue level, and I think you were holding back."
Asa -"Well I must admit training with logan and in increased gravity has benifited me in the past few weeks. Even Logan has trained some in increased gravity and he is already getting some benefits. I think mainly because our healing factors help us recover and adapt so quickly."
Rogue - "Ummm Maybe I should start to do some training in increased gravity?"
Asa - "Hey come by and train with us and then we will see how it feels."
Rogue - "Sure Sugah."
Moria - "Ummmm he is very strong."
Professor - "Yes, but I think he has the potential to become one of the most powerful mutants on the earth."
Moria - "Aye, does that not scare you some."
Professor - "Yes, it does, but Asa's strength is matched by a strong character and a strong faith."
Moria - "He is not some sort of religious extreme is he Charles?"
Professor - "If he is it is in a good way."
Moria - "You know I worry about Rahne, she was hurt by that so-called Christian, she still believes in God but she still is effected by the lies of that man, she sometimes believes she is no good."
Professor - "Asa would never hurt her on purpose."
Moria - "Aye, but she has become so sentative and withdrawn lately."
Professor - "Well let's call it a day and begin again tommorrow."
The danger quickly emptied. Those who had fallen only had minor aches and pains. Asa stayed behind and was about to run an increased gravity program. Suddenly he realized he was not alone.
Asa - "Oh hey Marrow, did you enjoy breakfast?"
Marrow walks up to him. - "Yes I did, thanks."
Asa - "Well I am about to do some training in increased gravity, care to join me."
Marrow - "No, but maybe I could start training with you and Logan and train in increased gravity then."
Asa - "Great, Wolverine will most likely grab me this afternoon."
Marrow - "Asa, why did you stick up for me?"
Asa - "Your a teammate and a friend, I do not need another reason."
Marrow - "But I am not one of the pretty upworlders."
Asa - "So?"
Marrow - " (I do not understand him)....well I guess I will see you later."
Asa - " Ok, catch you later."
Marrow turns to leave then gose back to Asa and kisses him on the cheek. "Thanks again for sticking up for me."
Asa - "Your welcome, thanks for sticking up for me with mr. loudmouth."
Marrow quickly leaves. Leaving a very surprised Asa. He had notcied that her face was claer today and did not have very many visible bone growth on the rest of her.
Asa - "(You know she is quite attactative, when she does not have a the look of death about her....ummmmm....did she actually kiss me?"
Later Asa goes to grab some lunch in the kitchen, there he finds Kitty and Colossus.
Kitty - "Hey there Asa."
Asa - "Hello Kitty, Peter, how are you?"
Peter - "I am fine commrade, you are quite strong."
Asa - "Thanks Colossus."
Kitty - "We just orderd a some pizza, there should be enough for one more."
Asa - "Thanks Kitty I would be honored."
The Pizza comes and three mutants engage in small talk. Asa tell then about his adventure with a hippo. Kitty and Colossus laugh until their sides hurt. After lunch the trio seperate and Asa goes for a walk in the woods, after retriving his gituar. It is a nice spring day and the temperture is still a little nippy, but the sun makes up for it. Asa goes down to the lake and finds a Rahne Sinclair sitting on the shore.
Asa - "Hello Rahne, how are you."
Rahne- "Hello Mr. Steel, I am fine."
Asa - "Mind if I join you."
Rahne - "It is a free country, so they say."
Asa - "Sometimes."
Asa sits down next to her and notices she is a bit uncomfortable she is. So he starts to sing some youth group songs about worship and forgiveness. Rahne has never heard most of them.
Asa singing - "More love...more power...more of you in my life, More Love....More power....more of you in my life. And I will worship you with all of my mind, and I will worship you with all of my heart....and I will worship you with all of my soul...For you are my God. You are my God......."
Rahne Starts to tear up a little - "that is a beautiful song Asa, did you write it?"
Asa - "Nope, I was a counslor at a couple of Christian youth retreats for high school kids and I also doubled on the gituar when needed, i learned a lot of songs then."
Rahne - "Really, that sounds very interesting. Did the Christians you knew know about your mutant powers."
Asa - "Oh not everyone, but a few did. Of those some did not care, others did, a few even thought I was of the devil."
Rahne - "Did that hurt you?"
Asa - "Yes it did, some still do. Understand I believe in the devil and that there is evil running around far more dangerous then the supernatural, evil aliens, Mutant or super villians. Me I am on the other side, God's side."
Rahne - "And you think that is the right side?"
Asa - "Yes."
Rahne - "Asa I do not know, I try and believe but sometimes I feel God is so far away and does not care at all."
Asa - "Why."
Rahne gvies him a short summary.
Asa - " Rahne just because someone calls themselves Christian, goes to church, or even calls themselves Reverend does not mean they are a true believer. They must live it to be called it. And no Christian is perfect, I am not. But I press on toward the high goal of Christ that is set before me. God loves you Rahne. And it does not matter what others call you. It does not Matter if your a mutant, only what you do with your powers. And even if you chose badly, God still loves you."
Rahne - "Asa I want to believe that."
Asa - "Tell you what, why don't you come with me to the Christian Book store they have some books that may help you with your struggles, plus I can introduce you to some more Christian music, my treat. I have quite a collection myself, everythin from Christian country to Chritian hip-hop, rap, and dance music."
Rahne- "Christian rap? Your kidding?"
Asa - "Come and see."
Rahne - 'I do not know, I may want a lot of stuff could you afford it?"
Asa - "(excuses)...girl allow me the honor of helping a Christian sister in need. I love all my friends on the X-teams, I am very patriotic to my country, But the Christian family is most important to me."
Rahne thought about it -"If you also treat me to lunch it is a deal."
Asa - "You got it let's go."
Rahne and Asa run into Sam as they are about to leave. And invite him.
Sam - "I do not know, I have never been to a Chritian book store and I am a little short of funds."
Asa - "My treat I will even throw in a late lunch."
Sam - "You making it?"
Asa - "Nope, buying"
Sam - "Cool....Let's go."
The three pile into Asa's Hum-Vee and drive off.
Next Chapter - Preparing for the Summit, and a relationship is put on hold permently.
Kurt - 29 , Kitty - 21 Colossus-26, Wolfsbane-19,Peter Wisdom 26, Moria -?????
Asa returns to the Mansion late, around 11pm.
As he gets out of his Hum-Vee he notices some faint new energy,(Ahhhhh.....more mutants in the house)He walks in the door and heads for the kitchen. There he finds a blue skinned mutant with an attactive Brunette.
Asa - "ummm...hi."
Kitty and Kurt-"Hello."
Kitty - "Could you be the the one they call moose?"
Asa -"Yes."
Kitty - "Funny I thought you would be 10 feet tall the way people around here talk about you."
Kurt- "Behave.....My friend my name is Kurt And this is Kitty."
Asa shakes his hand and extends a hand to kitty. Asa is a bit surprised to see her hand go right through his.
Kurt-(oh boy)..Kitty where are your manners?"
Kitty then takes his hand in a more soild grip "Sorry there Asa, some times I can be naughty"
Asa grinned - "Sometimes?"
Kitty and kurt both smiled
Kitty - "Well we were just looking for a late snack, but I also hear your a good cook, and good at whipping up things the last minute."
Asa - "I can make a mean sandwich."
Kitty -"Impress us."
Asa - "As you wish, please sit at the table."
As Kitty and Kurt sit down Asa goes into a blur of motion, fixing three sandwiches, adding what they wanted on them, then adding some herbs and spices, some of which he had earlier hidden in the kitchen.
He was done in what seemed like no time. And serviced them each a sandwich on a 7 inch bun and a drink of their chosing, Asa Had Ice Tea, extra sweet and sat down at the table. Before he ate and bent down and blessed his food, Kurt smiled.
After a few minutes of eating and small talk.
Kitty "Wow This is good."
Kurt - "Nein, exellent."
Asa - "Thanks, so you guys are from Excalibur right ? What are you doing here?"
Kurt - "We are here for the summit, I, Kitty and a couple others from our little group are going to train with you and the X-men for a while then together we go to the summit."
Asa - "Sounds good."
Kitty - "I hear old Cyke has been running you guys in the ground the past few weeks."
Asa - "Yeah, but it is better to be prepared."
Kurt - "Yes it is, this summit could be a good step in the right direction for mutant and human kind."
Asa - "True,"
Kitty - "Well boys I think I will head up for bed and do some reading, a pleasure meeting you Asa."
Asa - "A Pleasure meeting you Kitty."
Kitty leaves.
Kurt - "I could not help but notice you praying over your food, would you be Catholic by any chance?"
Asa - "Nope, I am a 'Pro-test-or'."
Kurt - "A what?"
Asa Smiled - " A Protestant"
Kurt -"Protestant....Protestor...ha..ha..ha..I get it. I heard it mentioned you were a serious Christian."
Asa _ "I try."
Kurt -" Let me warn you my friend some on my team may not be very ummmm open minded, about your faith,especially Rahne."
Asa - "What about you, I heard you studied for the preisthood."
Kurt - "Well the preisthood may not be for me, but I still have fatih, and I have earned their trust."
Asa - "I understand."
Kurt - "Your not like one of those TV evangelists are you?"
Asa laughed -"Well not all of them are crooks, some are, but others are ture man and women of God. And as I have stated before I am not going to hit anyone over the head with a fifty pound Bible, though I would like to hit Bobby with a fifty pound something at times, However, Being a Christian is part of who I am, I will not hide it for anyone."
Kurt - "I would like to discuss some of your beliefs sometime."
Asa -"Anytime my brother."
Kurt -"Brother Christian or mutant."
Asa -"Both."
Kurt -"Good, well good night brother. Please be kind to Rahne, she still has faith, but she has been wounded by some so called Christians, especially a certian Reverend."
Asa -"I will try, good night."
Asa is left in the kitchen alone for a few minutes. Suddenly Marrow comes in from the out side. She looks at Asa.
Marrow - "Your back"
Asa - "yes I am, hello Marrow, how are you?"
marrow - "Would you actually care upworlder?"
Asa - "Yes."
Marrow thought about giving a very sarcastic remark, after all she was not looking forward to going to New York and the memories there,But she had to admit she missed those meals Asa would prepare, especially the few just for her.
Marrow -"i am survivng. ummm how about you?"
Asa - "I am fine , I little tired, but fine."
Marrow - "You tired?"
Asa - "yes..(and a few days with Gen-X could tire out anyone)can I get you anything?"
Marrow - "You just said you were tired."
Asa -"Yes, but we are teammates and freinds, anything for a friend.'
Marrow -"I really do not know what being a teammates is, and I have no friends."
Asa "Sure you do, I would be honored to be your friend."
Marrow's eyes rolled back -"(Oh I give up)...How about a sandwich"
Asa - "as you wish."
Asa quickly prepared it and served it to her. they actually engage in some small talk, as much as Marrow is capable. after a few minutes
Marrow -"Ummm thanks again for the sandwich"
Asa - "Like I said I am at your service."
She smiled for a few moments, then went to her room. Bone growth or not Asa was continuing to notice how a real smile looked good on her.
Asa turned around to see another familiar red head in a bathrobe with a sleepy expression on her face.
Jean - "Asa, welcome back." She gave him a quick hug.
Asa -"thanks Jean good to be back, searching for a midnight snack?"
Jean - "Actually some cool water would be nice."
Asa- "Sit down I will get it for you."
Jean sat down and Asa got her the water.
Jean - "Have any problems with the kids?"
Asa - "Ummm not too much."
Jean's eye brow went up, she actually wished she could read his thoughts at the moment.
Jean - "Well Asa you may know already but we have members of Excalibur staying with us."
Asa - "Yes I met a Kurt and a Kitty on my way in."
Jean - " Could you make some of those famous waffles of yours, I know it may be a lot to ask considering you just got back, but the staff could give you a hand, they are quite impressed with your cooking skills. I heard they loved that dinner you prepared just for them the other day."
Asa - "Well I thought I should pay them back for playing around in their kitchen so much. But I will be glad to, I better hit the hay now then."
Jean -"Thanks Asa, we will be ready by 9, that should give Peter, Bobby, Gambit, and Sam a few extra minutes to drag out of bed."
Asa wakes up early and helps to prepare breakfast. At 8:40 the professor hovers in the kitchen with a large man with dark hair, an older and still quite attactive woman, a young shy redhead female, Kitty, Kurt, and a sleepy pete wisdom.
professor - "Good morning Asa.'
Asa - "Good morning Professor."
The Professor intruduces Colossus, Moria, and Rahne. Asa extends his hand to each.
Asa -(I see Scotland has it's share of attactive women)
Asa trys to shake Pete Wisdom's hand but he is almost asleep on his feet.
Kurt - "You must forgive Pete my friend he is not a morning person."
Asa - "I understand Kurt. So Kitty shall I impress you with breakfast?"
Kitty laughed -"Please do."
The group goes into the dinning room. the table had fruit, juices, milk, surp and some other thinks all ready for everyone. The X-men slowly begin to file in as Asa helps serve. Gambit arrives and shakes Asa's hand.
Gambit - "You should have asked for Gambit's help."
Asa - "Next time Remey."
Hank comes in next.
Hank - "Asa I am pleased to have you back with us, and I am also pleased to get a chance at your walffles."
Asa - "Thanks Hank."
Next comes Jean and Scott who both greet Asa and sit down.
Storm arrives and gives Asa a hug.
Storm - "Good to see you Asa."
Asa - "Thanks Ororo, it is good to be among friends."
Rogue then walks in.
Rogue - "Good morning Asa! Did you have a pleasant trip back?"
She askes as she goes and hugs Asa.
Asa - "Yes I did thank-you Marie."
rogue sits down next to Gambit who kisses her gloved hand. he rarely get jealousy any more when Rogue shows Asa some affection, most of the time.
In comes Logan who pounds Asa on the back.
"Good to have you back preacher boy, now we can get back to some serious training."
Rahane winced at the preacher boy part. Asa noticed.
After everyone was served and ingaging in small talk Marrow walks in and goes up to Asa.
Asa - "Good Morning."
Marrow - "Ummm good morning, could you please give me a plate I would rather eat in my room."
Asa - "Are you sure you do not want to eat here?"
Marrow - "Yes."
Asa - "I have some waffles almost ready, I will bring them down with some surp, anything else?
Marrow - "Some milk and orange juice please."
Asa - "I'll get right to it Sarah."
Marrow - "Thank-you Asa."
She then goes over to Colossus.
Marrow - "(The artist is here) Hello Colossus."
Colossus is a bit shocked, they had spent some time together when he was he a few times in the past, but he always found her distant, he hid his surprise.
Colossus -"Hello Marrow it is good to see you again."
She looks at Logan and nods, he returns the gesture. She then looks at the Professor "Good morning professor."
Professor - "Good morning Sarah."
Marrow quickly leaves with a few X-men with suprised looks on their faces.
A few minutes later In Marrows room.
Asa - "here you go Sarah" Producing a tray with waffles, fruit and some milk and juice.
Marrow - "Thank-you"
Asa - "Anything else I can do for you?"
Marrow - "No, I am fine."
Asa - "Ok then enjoy and I will see you later."
Marrow - "Ok, bye"
Marrow looked at her plate and pured some surp on it. Once again he had brought her good food. She could remember her mother bringing her good food, even though they were poor Morlocks, her mom always managed to make a meal special, even if it was small. A tear ran down her cheek, she really missed her.
Marrow - (No I must stay in control!)
Suddenly visions of her as a child, then a growing child, teenager, now a young...a young horrible looking, veil, woman. She remember the day she saw the mutant Arch Angel and how beautiful he was, he even called her beautiful as a child. But it was a lie, he barely noticed her any more, no he was chasing his dear Psycke......She stopped thinked and pushed the visions aside. She looked down at an empty plate and thought of Asa and he smiled at her the first day they saw each other. He was not beautiful like her Angel, but something about him, and he was powerful and got the notice of all the popular up worlders, and still he wanted to be her friend, just like the artist. Maybe it was time to let some people in. Maybe.
Later that day both teams assembled in the dangerroom. Moria, Scott, the Professor, Jean, and Storm. Were in the control center.
Moria - "Ok lads and Ladies I need not repeat how important that this summit goes. So let us prepare the best we can."
Wisdom - "Hey I got an Idea."
Moria - "(Oh no)What is it Pete?"
Wisdom - " I say let me take on the "chef" here ono on one."
Suddenly a burst of laughter come from all the assembled X-men and those in control center.
Moria - "What is so funny Charles?"
Charles - "Moria you will just have to see."
Wisdom walks up to Asa.
Wisdom - "Ok mate you and me one on one."
Asa just looked up at the professor.
Asa - "(What should I do?)"
Charles - " (I am sorry Asa but he is know for his...ummm...mouth. just a minute let me speak with Moria.)"
Wisdom suddenly slaps Asa in the face -"Hey I am talking to you!"
Logan - "Bad move bub."
Hank - " (I wonder if I should prepare med-lab)"
Moria - "Wisdom! Stop it we are guests here."
Wisdom - "hey all I have been hearing is how tough this guy is, Besides what kind of codename is Moose anyway."
Wisdom does not notice the X-men slowly putting as much space between him and themselves, the other members of Excalibur do the same, not knowing why.
Wisdom - "Oh yes the mighty X-men and there new Moose, oh i am terrified."
Kurt leans toward Kitty - "What is his problem?"
Kitty -"When does he not have a problem."
Marrow wanted to take him on her own,"Hey Big Mouth shut your mouth before Asa Blasts it off."
Wisdom - "Oh it is the former Molock, terrorist, bone freak, I am truly scared."
Kitty, Moria, and Kurt - "Wisdom!!!!"
The bone freak comment did hurt but Sarah hid it and made a few steps toward him, only to stop as Logan put a hand on her should.
Logan -"Easy Marrow I think he is a bout to get his."
Suddenly there is a blur of motion and Wisdom disappeared. Only to reappear a few above the ground upsidedown with a Asa holding him by the right ankle.
Asa - "Appologize."
Wisdom -"What is she to you mate?"
Asa - "A teammate and friend."
Excalibur was surprised at how fast Asa had gotten Wisdom off the ground. The X-Men were surprised to hear friend mentioned in the same thought as Marrow. Colossus smiled. Sarah made no gesture but inside she could not help but smile.
Marrow - "(Him defending me and claiming me as a friend in front of the pretty upworlders?)
Pete - "Ummm...you will have to beat it out of me!"
Asa -"Oh I do love it when Christmas comes early."
Asa then trows him against the wall, gently but firmly as his eyes go yellow. Wisdom suddenly shoot out energy spikes from his figures, Asa Dodges them with easy. Asa is about to rush him at full speed but then......
Professor - "That is enough please sperate those two."
Logan - "Easy Ace, though I think you should have thrown him harder."
Peter Rasputin steps in front of Pete.
Peter - "I think it may be a good idea if you clam down, da a very good idea."
Wisdom - " Sure, I'll calm down."
Professor - "That is enough the both of you."
Asa - "Sorry Professor."
Moria - "Wisdom we will talk later till then stand aside and cool off."
Wisdom - "yeah, sure. what ever you say."
Professor -"the rest prepare for some traning."
Alright then let us begin, Asa versuses Colossus, Rogue, and Gambit.
Rogue - "Oh great."
Gambit - "Gambit alwyas ready....(Hope Gambit remember were Gambit put the asprinin)"
Colossus - "This is unfair, three against one?"
Moria _ "I know he maybe strong but are not the sides a little un even?"
Professor - "Your right, Sam, Bobby, You will also go against Asa."
Kurt, Kitty looked totally suprised. Sam and Bobby were frowning.
Professor - "Begin"
Eyes still Yellow Asa Peppered his foes with blue blasts that shoot forth like angry bees. Ice Man and Gambit throw Ice blasts and charged cards to keep Asa at bay. As Asa was doging Rogue and Cannonball flew together and hit Asa from behind, knocking him to the ground, Colossus in armor mode rushes toward Asa then get into a pushing match and Colossus is shocked. He cannot move Asa an inch in fact his eyes were now blue and Asa picked him up and tossed him toward an advanzing rogue, knocking both out of the sky. Cannonball tries to hit him from behind again, Asa turns to face him but the floor beneath him is suddenly frozen solid. Asa slip as Gambit deperately throws energized cards at him trying to keep him down, Asa returns fire as Bobby and Gambit dodge. the exchange of card and blue blasts cause the room to shake. Cannoball tryies again but is caught by Asa as he is still on the ground and is flung into ice Man. Colossus having recovered knocks Asa in the back with a series of quick punches that would have made any normal human pulp by now. With the floor still icy Asa slips but grab Colossus ankle and drop him to the floor. Rogue suddenly flies at Asa full speed and catches him with both fist, knocking him into a wall. Asa recovered far quickly then Rogue would like.
Rogue - "For once I wish I could absorb powers."
Asa is then all of the sudden right in front of her grabs her by the arm and throws her into Colossus with ease. The battered five assemble together and try one last charge. the result is that asa knocks them down with some well placed blows as he uses his super speed, only Rogue and Colossus manage to get back up.
Professor - "Enough, Hank please see if anyone needs medical attention."
Hank quickly looks over the fallen ones.
Asa and Rogue fly closer to each other.
Asa - "Nice hit you got in there Marie."
Rogue - "Thanks Asa, but you just seem to get get a little stronger everyday. I bet you did not even need to increase your energy from yellow to blue level, and I think you were holding back."
Asa -"Well I must admit training with logan and in increased gravity has benifited me in the past few weeks. Even Logan has trained some in increased gravity and he is already getting some benefits. I think mainly because our healing factors help us recover and adapt so quickly."
Rogue - "Ummm Maybe I should start to do some training in increased gravity?"
Asa - "Hey come by and train with us and then we will see how it feels."
Rogue - "Sure Sugah."
Moria - "Ummmm he is very strong."
Professor - "Yes, but I think he has the potential to become one of the most powerful mutants on the earth."
Moria - "Aye, does that not scare you some."
Professor - "Yes, it does, but Asa's strength is matched by a strong character and a strong faith."
Moria - "He is not some sort of religious extreme is he Charles?"
Professor - "If he is it is in a good way."
Moria - "You know I worry about Rahne, she was hurt by that so-called Christian, she still believes in God but she still is effected by the lies of that man, she sometimes believes she is no good."
Professor - "Asa would never hurt her on purpose."
Moria - "Aye, but she has become so sentative and withdrawn lately."
Professor - "Well let's call it a day and begin again tommorrow."
The danger quickly emptied. Those who had fallen only had minor aches and pains. Asa stayed behind and was about to run an increased gravity program. Suddenly he realized he was not alone.
Asa - "Oh hey Marrow, did you enjoy breakfast?"
Marrow walks up to him. - "Yes I did, thanks."
Asa - "Well I am about to do some training in increased gravity, care to join me."
Marrow - "No, but maybe I could start training with you and Logan and train in increased gravity then."
Asa - "Great, Wolverine will most likely grab me this afternoon."
Marrow - "Asa, why did you stick up for me?"
Asa - "Your a teammate and a friend, I do not need another reason."
Marrow - "But I am not one of the pretty upworlders."
Asa - "So?"
Marrow - " (I do not understand him)....well I guess I will see you later."
Asa - " Ok, catch you later."
Marrow turns to leave then gose back to Asa and kisses him on the cheek. "Thanks again for sticking up for me."
Asa - "Your welcome, thanks for sticking up for me with mr. loudmouth."
Marrow quickly leaves. Leaving a very surprised Asa. He had notcied that her face was claer today and did not have very many visible bone growth on the rest of her.
Asa - "(You know she is quite attactative, when she does not have a the look of death about her....ummmmm....did she actually kiss me?"
Later Asa goes to grab some lunch in the kitchen, there he finds Kitty and Colossus.
Kitty - "Hey there Asa."
Asa - "Hello Kitty, Peter, how are you?"
Peter - "I am fine commrade, you are quite strong."
Asa - "Thanks Colossus."
Kitty - "We just orderd a some pizza, there should be enough for one more."
Asa - "Thanks Kitty I would be honored."
The Pizza comes and three mutants engage in small talk. Asa tell then about his adventure with a hippo. Kitty and Colossus laugh until their sides hurt. After lunch the trio seperate and Asa goes for a walk in the woods, after retriving his gituar. It is a nice spring day and the temperture is still a little nippy, but the sun makes up for it. Asa goes down to the lake and finds a Rahne Sinclair sitting on the shore.
Asa - "Hello Rahne, how are you."
Rahne- "Hello Mr. Steel, I am fine."
Asa - "Mind if I join you."
Rahne - "It is a free country, so they say."
Asa - "Sometimes."
Asa sits down next to her and notices she is a bit uncomfortable she is. So he starts to sing some youth group songs about worship and forgiveness. Rahne has never heard most of them.
Asa singing - "More love...more power...more of you in my life, More Love....More power....more of you in my life. And I will worship you with all of my mind, and I will worship you with all of my heart....and I will worship you with all of my soul...For you are my God. You are my God......."
Rahne Starts to tear up a little - "that is a beautiful song Asa, did you write it?"
Asa - "Nope, I was a counslor at a couple of Christian youth retreats for high school kids and I also doubled on the gituar when needed, i learned a lot of songs then."
Rahne - "Really, that sounds very interesting. Did the Christians you knew know about your mutant powers."
Asa - "Oh not everyone, but a few did. Of those some did not care, others did, a few even thought I was of the devil."
Rahne - "Did that hurt you?"
Asa - "Yes it did, some still do. Understand I believe in the devil and that there is evil running around far more dangerous then the supernatural, evil aliens, Mutant or super villians. Me I am on the other side, God's side."
Rahne - "And you think that is the right side?"
Asa - "Yes."
Rahne - "Asa I do not know, I try and believe but sometimes I feel God is so far away and does not care at all."
Asa - "Why."
Rahne gvies him a short summary.
Asa - " Rahne just because someone calls themselves Christian, goes to church, or even calls themselves Reverend does not mean they are a true believer. They must live it to be called it. And no Christian is perfect, I am not. But I press on toward the high goal of Christ that is set before me. God loves you Rahne. And it does not matter what others call you. It does not Matter if your a mutant, only what you do with your powers. And even if you chose badly, God still loves you."
Rahne - "Asa I want to believe that."
Asa - "Tell you what, why don't you come with me to the Christian Book store they have some books that may help you with your struggles, plus I can introduce you to some more Christian music, my treat. I have quite a collection myself, everythin from Christian country to Chritian hip-hop, rap, and dance music."
Rahne- "Christian rap? Your kidding?"
Asa - "Come and see."
Rahne - 'I do not know, I may want a lot of stuff could you afford it?"
Asa - "(excuses)...girl allow me the honor of helping a Christian sister in need. I love all my friends on the X-teams, I am very patriotic to my country, But the Christian family is most important to me."
Rahne thought about it -"If you also treat me to lunch it is a deal."
Asa - "You got it let's go."
Rahne and Asa run into Sam as they are about to leave. And invite him.
Sam - "I do not know, I have never been to a Chritian book store and I am a little short of funds."
Asa - "My treat I will even throw in a late lunch."
Sam - "You making it?"
Asa - "Nope, buying"
Sam - "Cool....Let's go."
The three pile into Asa's Hum-Vee and drive off.
Next Chapter - Preparing for the Summit, and a relationship is put on hold permently.