When in New Orleans…

Part VIII

Jean took a defensive position in front of Marie and Serena while Ororo stood tall and unmoving. She looked the part of a goddess.

          "Listen I just wanna talk…"

          "I think we've heard enough. Come along, we'll just be leaving," Ororo said trying to usher Jean and the others out of harm's way and out of the path of the Wolverine.

          Just then, Scott, Betsy, and Remy arrived out of breath just as Jean and the others had been. "Decided to join the party hey One-eye?"

          "Sorry we're late," Betsy replied.

          "Chere…"

          "Please Remy," Ororo warned, watching him taking a few steps at a time, trying to gain her trust again. "Do not take another step. I do not wish to put anyone in the hospital." Ororo moved cautiously not taking her eyes off of anyone.

          "We just want to talk…" Scott began.

          "Yes we've heard that before!" Serena screamed from behind Jean.

          "Fine then," Marie spoke up. "Talk."
          "We just want you to come back to the mansion with us," Betsy said putting her hands up like she was approaching a lion. She had to take things slow. "I know that you Marie, wanted to see this so-called mansion that you heard about."

          "Think of us as your escort service," Logan put in.

          "I don't think so," Ororo said. "Jean told me that you told her something different. Something about a mutation special-forces thing. We never agreed to that."

          "That has nothing to do with this," Scott said speaking up.

          "Please chere, listen to us. You do not 'ave to join anything. Yes, Remy would love your help, but if you don' want to, we'll understand," Remy answered.

          "We're just trying to make the world a better place for mutants. It's hard for all of us, God knows. If you don't want to join us, to help us fight then you don't have to. But you can help by staying at the mansion and offering your powers and special talents to the children that are willing to fight for their future children," Scott explained.

          "You always were one to give a good speech One-eye," Logan whispered.

          "Please," Betsy said, again trying to take a step closer.

          "Stop!" Ororo yelled. "Please I beg you."

          "Betsy stop it. We don't know what she's capable of. We don't know what any of them are capable of, even Jean," Scott replied placing his hand on Betsy's arm.

          "Believe me! You have no idea what Ro's capable of!" Serena spoke up.

          "Serena be quiet!" Jean hushed.

          "So you're saying that all we have to do is see this mansion and if we don't like it, we're free to go, anywhere at anytime?" Ororo asked eyeing Scott.

          "Yes, you have my word."

          "Jean?"

          "It's your call Ro. I've already made my decision and I think that Marie and Serena wouldn't mind," Jean replied. Ororo saw the two girls nodding and she couldn't help but calm herself down. Something in the air changed, and Logan may have been the only one to notice, but he did. The ozone had gotten lighter and the light fog that had surrounded them, keeping them hidden from the world, was slowly beginning to disappear.

          "All right then. We trust you and hold you to your word as a gentlemen."

          "And maybe a friend?" he asked, hoping Jean would at least agree to that. She smiled at him and nodded her head.

          Suddenly, coming out of nowhere, a figure walked towards them talking as if none of them were there. "They've gotten to 'em first. What do you want me to do?" A pause. "Are you sure about that?" Another long pause. "It is done, Lady D."

          The Wolverine had broken through his cage and the beast roared. He knew this scent better then anyone. "Sabertooth."