Author's Note: First off I have to say that I absolutely loved the X2 movie. Any film where my jaw drops at the end is excellent and the fact that it was funny and gripping while being exhilarating and amazing, well damn it people its a good movie. Go see it and put foot to ass against anyone who says anything but 'wow' at the end of it. Second, this story is going to be about Pryo, I don't know that much about him as a character, but I just fell in love with him in the movie. The fact that we don't know much about him is just ambrosia for an author like me. So if you don't like Pryo, then don't read this. Third, I just really liked the X2 movie. (Incase you missed it the first time :))
**
Fire Within.
John woke up with a start and stared at the sun falling across his bed. Blinking at the ceiling John pulled in a breath and reached for the lighter. His fingers fitting over of the familiar shape, running over the shark's face and tracing the well worn path over the smooth metal shape. He lay there for a moment listening to nothing but the beat of his own heart and feeling his muscles stretch out of sleep.
"Morning Pryo."
He jumped at the sudden appearance of Magneto in his door way. " Morning."
"We have something to talk about." Magneto turned and left in the same stride.
John rolled out of bed and struggled into jeans and a heavier sweater. He ran hands through his dark hair and sighed heavily. Pulling on his shoes he left the room and went down the hall. He heard Mystique in the kitchen and there was another voice here too. His grip tightened around the lighter as he entered the kitchen and saw the two women. Mystique was just herself and was always a sight first thing in the morning. The second one was a stranger with a musical laugh. She had her back to him but what John could see was pleasant. Shoulder length brown hair shimmered with red highlights as it tumbled past solid shoulders and a slim waist. She wore old jeans that were well loved, a dark blue T-shirt. The cold didn't seem to bother her.
"Would you like breakfast John?" Mystique held up a loaded plate to him.
John took it and sat down at the small table. It's rough surface was covered by a plastic cloth and there were four chairs. Magneto entered behind him and sat down at the table. He was wearing normal enough clothes but there was always a magnetic pull to the man, even in jeans and work shirt. Mystique joined them with a swift, graceful twist of her body. John was startled by the girl when she turned to them and smiled. Her eyes weren't any color he had seen before. Yellow wasn't quite the right word to describe them. More like gold or sun-fire yellow. He watched as she sat down across from him next to Mystique and stared at him.
Magneto looked between them. " John this is Aidan. She is new to our cause, perhaps after breakfast you'd like to show her around?"
John blinked and looked at the older mutant, "I thought you had to talk to me?"
Magneto smiled slightly, "We can talk later, this will concern all of us."
John nodded and glanced at Mystique. She shrugged and said nothing as the table dropped into a comfortable silence.
After breakfast Aidan offered to help with dishes but Mystique waved her away. John was sitting on the porch staring at the flame of his lighter when she joined him. Her approach was quiet and soft and he jumped at her sudden appearance.
"Jumpy aren't you?" She asked lightly and gazed at the lighter in his hands. "Eric says you can control fire."
John waved his hand over the flame and held it out to her. She smiled at him as she reached out for it.
"It'll burn you." He said and quickly closed his fist as her fingers brushed his skin. Her touch was warm and it sent tingles up his hand. "You're warm."
She smiled softly, "So I have been told." Her fingers withdrew and she folded her hands in her lap. Head lifting to the sky to stare at the sun. "So do you want to be called Pyro or John?"
"It doesn't matter." He responded and couldn't help but stare at her. "So what is your thing?"
She turned her head and he gasped as her eyes flared and fire leapt in their depths. Her hair suddenly appeared to be a living flame that sat against her skin. She held out her hands and John watched as fire swirled to life and arched between her palms.
"Wow," He reached and touched the fire. Warm tingles went along his skin and he felt the reaction deep inside. That part of him that controlled fire and allowed him to touch it. That part that made him a mutant. "I can't do that."
"Have you ever tried?" Aidan asked lightly as she closed her firsts and took a deep breath.
"Sure I have tried but it just doesn't seem to work that way." John flipped open the lighter and stared at the flames. "Can you do anything else?"
Aidan stood up and glanced down at him. "Aren't you supposed to show me around?"
John rose and lead her down the path that lead to the collection of stray paths. He looked both directions and went left. He followed a path that was partially hidden and walked in the shade of trees. He walked slow for Aidan so that she could look around and take everything in.
"So tell me something," he said, Aidan glanced at him. "How did you find out about being a mutant?"
Aidan glanced around the yard, "It just happened one day, kind of exploded out of me and..." She paused. "What are you supposed to be showing me anyway?"
"That building there is where Magneto trains us." He pointed to a medium sized brick structure.
"Us?" Aidan glanced at him, " Just how many of us are there here?"
"Including the three of us and you that makes five. Sabertooth is the other one, he isn't back yet."
"Sabertooth?" Aidan gazed at the building. " What is that exactly?"
"He's big, hairy, ugly and has a nasty temper. In short don't piss him off." John made a face and shook his head. "Magneto says that as word gets out we'll get more people here. But for now it's just us."
Aidan crossed the grounds and pulled open the door the brick structure. "Show me around here."
John followed her as they entered the training building. Eric had taken down the walls and so it was just one big space. Blue mats sat across half of the floor, a punching bag hung from the ceiling and there were various pieces of exercise equipment on the other side. A boxing ring was off to one corner and a soda machine sat near the door. Aidan ran a hand through her hair and sighed, that's when John noticed her ring. He was caught by the design.
"That's an unusual ring." He commented and without meaning to he reached for her hand.
Her skin was warmer then the first time and it sent shivers his hand. He looked up and found her staring at him as if he had done something amazing. For a moment there was nothing but air between them, but then something swelled inside John, his heart rate went up and he felt the air warm. Heat rose and fire leapt between them. It curled around their hands and spiraled up their arms. Aidan's hair caught and John ran his hands through it as the flames caressed his hand.
"I found it when I was a child." Aidan whispered as she gazed into his eyes. Fire smoldered in their amber-gold depths and ignited something in John.
"I see you found the training room."
He jumped at Magneto's voice and turned to find the man standing his full uniform. Mystique stood at her usual post at his side. A light smile played on her lips as she tried not to laugh.
"Yes, John was doing an excellent job." Aidan pulled her hand away from his and stepped back from John. " I take it we found something?"
"Sabertooth did find something." Magneto replied coolly, "If you are prepared to leave we are going to check it out."
John followed the trio to the helicopter and found Sabertooth waiting for them. As usual he was scruffy, wild and down right scary. He nodded a greeting to Magneto as the man approached and waved his hand. The helicopter bay dropped down and they boarded. Mystique went to her post at the gears and they lifted off moments later.
"For weeks now we have been investigating a possible pocket of government activity. There is a facility where they are experimenting on our brothers and sisters." Magneto brought up a 3D graphic map that hovered in the air. He motioned as he talked and pointed out various weak areas and possible entrances. "Now thanks to Sabertooth we know that they are indeed keeping mutants in an underground bunker, we don't know the purpose but it doesn't matter. We are going to get them out."
"What about Xavier?" John asked, " He will know about this place too. What if he comes at us?"
"What of it Pyro?" Magneto asked coldly. "We will deal with them as we must."
John sat back in his chair and gazed at the map, thinking of his former teachers and friends. Without wanting to he thought of Bobby and Rogue. He saw their smiles and how they had been so wanting of each other but could never touch. He had thought Rogue was pretty, but Bobby had won her heart right from day one. John glanced at Aidan and smiled to himself, it was better for Rogue anyway. Kissing him could lead to a melt down.
"John?" He glanced up and found Magneto gazing at him very steadily. "Missing your friends are we?"
"Not really." John flipped open the lighter, running his hands over the flames. "Not at all."
Magneto eyed him a moment but didn't say anything, he turned away finally and went to talk with Mystique. Sabertooth was staring at him a second then followed his master.
"Lying to him isn't a good idea." Aidan whispered as she sat down next to him. "So who are the friends he mentioned?"
"Are you familiar with Professor Xavier and his school for Gifted Youngsters?" John saw her nod. "I used to go there and I made some friends. Bobby Drake and Rogue. I just miss them a little."
"You went to Xavier's school?" She asked, an edge of curiosity in her tone. "That must have been cool. I mean can you imagine going to school where you don't have to hide what you are?" She sighed, "It must have been great."
"Yeah it was fabulous, that was why I left." John snapped and saw Aidan sit back. He sighed heavily. "Our school got hit by these commando goons and we had to run. Bobby took us to his house in Boston and we met his family. When Bobby told them what he was, his brother called the police on us. They shot Logan and were going to kill us, I did what I had to."
Aidan gazed at him and was startled by the look in her eyes. Understanding. She glanced away and stared at her hands for a moment. "I know what you mean."
"What happened to you?" He asked lightly.
"When I was ten my powers exploded. I was sleeping and having a nightmare and suddenly people were screaming. I woke up and found the whole house was in complete flames. My family wasn't home but I killed the baby sitter and my parents freaked out on me. They called the police and wanted me arrested, they wanted me thrown away. I panicked when the police came to where we were staying. They had their guns out and everything, I was totally scared. My powers erupted into sheer chaos and I could only stand there and scream as I killed everyone around me. There was nothing I could do to stop myself. All because the police had come at me with guns."
John reached for her again, "At least you had a family."
She caught his hand before it reached her face and heat went between them again. "You didn't?"
"My powers got out of control at my junior high prom. I ended up torching the dance hall and not everyone made it out. My date was screaming at me like I was a monster. When my father found out he kicked me out of the house and told me never to come back. I disappeared for a few days, but then my brother asked me to come home. I went there and we ended up having a talk. He seemed to really miss me and asked why I couldn't come home anymore."
"He must have been a younger brother." Aidan asked softly.
"Yeah, two years younger. I hope he didn't get the gene."
Aidan sighed, "Do you honestly believe that?"
He glanced at her, "What do you mean?"
"I mean would you be sitting here with Magneto going toward his goal if you did really believe that?" Aidan gazed at him. "Or were you just being rebellious when you left Xavier?"
"Aidan, we need you." Magneto called from the front of the plane.
Aidan got up and went to join them. John watched after her and stared, her words had touched something sent a twist of guilt through him. Did he really want to dominate the world with Magneto, did he really want to have humans fear him? He remembered his brothers face, he remembered Wolverine's body as he was shot in the head by that human cop. He remembered how Rogue had been so scared of the soldiers. Did he really want to be with Magneto? The answer resounded in his head. Yes, what else was there?
They landed in the helicopter and stood gazing at an empty field. Magneto let out a breath and held out his arms. There was a rumble in the ground and a large metal square rose out of the ground as a twelve by twenty piece of earth slide back. An elevator appeared and they walked toward it. All five of them entered and the door slid shut and down they went. Mystique morphed herself into one of the guards, she glanced at John and he nodded. His grip tightened on the lighter. Beside him Aidan let out a breath and rubbed her hands together, a shimmer of heat rose off them.
"Now remember, we are here for the mutants." Magneto reminded them as the doors slid open.
Mystique stepped off and approached the desk as the four of them ducked behind the corner. A moment later there was the sound of choking and then a heavy thud.
"Clear."
She called and was already working at the code panel on the door. Her fingers moved swiftly over the keys and the doors slid back. A long hall was revealed with several doors on either side. Magneto waved his hands and the doors blew back simultaneously. There came shouts as the guards mustered and prepared to counter attack.
Magneto wasn't concerned by it and simply moved his way down the hall. The guards were coming closer. "Pryo, Solar, get the mutants."
"No worries." Aidan said. Her eyes were blazing suns as fire licked around her hands.
"Right." John cupped his own fire and held the lighter tightly in the other hand.
Magneto and Mystique with Sabertooth at their back turned to the left. There were cries of surprise from all of the humans as their guns suddenly turned on them. Aidan ran down the next hall, moving with complete surety and silence. She ran to the end of the hall and went right again, she paused at the door. Placing her hand against the code panel she grinned. Her hand glowed and the panel melted. Placing her hands against the door she closed her eyes a moment. Flames ignited around her head and went down her arms, they scorched the metal doors as the material began to melt.
"Any help would be very much appreciated." She whispered and looked at him with sun bright eyes.
John looked at the door and nodded. "Step back."
She did as he asked and he sent off two fire balls. The first one hit and the door glowed orange, the second one hit and it melted down. They had to leap over the liquefied metal, inside was a double row of cages each holding mutants wearing strange head bands. John ran to the first cage and tried the door, it was locked. He cupped a fire ball and held it up to the lock, the metal melted and he ripped the door open. Glancing over his shoulder he saw Aidan. She was making fast work of the cages, just putting her hands on them and going to the next.
"Take your first right and then the next right, run for the light and don't look back." She ordered them. Carefully removing the head gear off some of them.
"We can help." One of them said as she released them.
"No, don't stay. Just go and remember the man called Magneto. He is the reason you are free. Now go."
Solar and Pyro had just freed the last of them when a sudden rush of wind filled the compound. Aidan paused as the wind increased.
"What is that?"
John paused as he felt the winds as well, then he heard a blast and a yell. "Storm and Cyclops."
"Friends of yours?" She asked, searching for a way out of the room.
"Used to be my teachers." He was surprised at the sudden desire to see them. To sit in Storm's class and listen to Scott lecture again.
"We need away out of here unless you want them to find us." Aidan was looking around quickly and having no success.
"Can't you just melt a hole in the wall?" He asked.
"We are too far underground and I am running low. My powers are fed off the sun and I haven't been out doors in a while." Aidan sighed and looked at him. "I guess you'll get to see your friends again."
Just then Cyclops came around the corner and stopped dead in his tracks. His hand half raised to his visor. "John?"
"Hi Scott." John said and felt himself take a deep breath. "Been a while."
**
Landing at the Xavier school brought a rush of memories to the surface and John felt himself torn in half. He wanted to be here and at the same time didn't. He was afraid of what Professor Xavier was going to say to him and was excited about seeing Rogue and Bobby again.
Scott lead them both off the jet, Aidan didn't seem that pleased but hadn't said anything. Storm walked behind them and lead the way to the upper levels. She lead them right to Professor Xavier's office where the man sat in his wheelchair. At the door's opening he looked up and smiled, it was the same warm smile as John remembered.
"Hello John." He motioned to the chairs in front of him. "Please sit down."
John did as he was bid and was surprised when Aidan didn't join him. She seemed very uncomfortable.
"Where have you been these last few months?" The Professor asked lightly.
"I was with Magneto." John looked down and saw his hands opening and closing the lighter. "I just wanted to see how the other half think."
"I see and what did you think of this?"
John glanced at his former teacher. "No one has all the answers."
Xavier smiled at him, "Very wise." He turned his attentions to Aidan, "Welcome to my school Miss Quest."
John saw the surprise flicker over Aidan. She hadn't expected him to know her name. She gazed at Xavier with icy gold eyes and stayed where she was standing.
"Nice to meet you Professor Xavier." She said finally.
The door opened suddenly and there were Bobby and Rogue. They had been sleeping and hadn't bothered to dress before coming down. Rogue ran to him and hugged John. Bobby grinned and shook his old friends hand.
"Welcome back man." He said with a grin, " Where'd you go?"
"Bobby would you show John to his room?" The Professor asked gently.
"Sure thing Professor." Bobby glanced over at Aidan. "Hi."
She said nothing and crossed her arms.
John hesitated and stared at her, "Want to come?"
She looked at Xavier, "Professor?"
"I don't see why not, we will talk in the morning."
Aidan pushed away from the wall and followed the boys as they walked. Rogue glanced at her a few times. "Hi, I am Rogue."
Aidan noticed with pleasure the girl didn't offer a hand. "Aidan."
**
Waking the next morning made John pause and take a deep breath. Across from him was Bobby who was still sound asleep and Kurt Wanger. John gazed at the blue skin and strange symbols, according to Bobby, Kurt was part of the school and he taught Religious Studies.
Sitting up he got out of bed and changed into fresh clothes. It was still early in the day but he felt restless. Quietly making his way down the hall he looked both ways before going down the stairs. Silently padding across the foyer he cut through the living room and came out to one of the decks. He was startled to see Aidan sitting with her back against the stone. Under her was a pillow from one of the couches and she wore shorts and sleeveless shirt. Her head turned to him and she smiled a little.
"Up a little early this morning aren't we?" He asked as he sat next to her.
" I find that first light is the best for recharging. Something about the dawn makes me feel stronger. But you are up early this morning."
He shrugged, " Couldn't sleep."
"Your friends are nice John." She said gently and turned her face to the break of dawn. "You might want to move back." She rose and took two steps forward. Her arms out to the side and head thrown back.
John watched as the sky lightened from deep blue to softer blue and then to electric blue. Streaks of hot pink and vibrant amethyst cut through the blue followed by sudden explosions of gold, orange and purest yellow. He watched as the first golden finger of light broke over the trees and spilled toward them. He glanced at Aidan and gasped. Her skin shimmered with vibrant yellow light, it hovered around her like a second skin. Orange fire rose off her flesh and grabbed the yellow skin. It pulled it in to her and suddenly her entire being was a brilliant flame of every possible color. Her hair had melted away to iridescent flames and her eyes were pools of molten light. John had to hold up a hand against the light and turn his face away as his eyes were forced to close against the intensity.
"John?" Her soft voice teased him. "John look at me, it's over now."
He turned his head and opened his eyes and there she stood. Perfect and radiant as the sun. She smiled and it was her smile, he touched her skin and it was hot. He caressed it and wanted to pull her close, he wanted to feel that warmth more closely.
"Sorry to bother you kids, but I saw an explosion of some kind."
John was startled to see Logan and smiled at him. "Hi Wolverine."
"Sorry about that." Aidan managed to look bashful. "I don't usually require that much juice. But I was really drained."
Logan eyed her, "You must be Aidan."
"You are Wolverine." She returned his cool eyes. "Well?"
He smirked, "I'll leave you to it then." He turned and left them.
It was still early for the school to be awake and John didn't care at that moment. He pulled her closer and Aidan put a hand to his chest. Pale orange flames ignited between them. She stared at them and then into his eyes.
"You seem to be expecting something bad to happen." John whispered.
"I am just surprised that's all."
"Here's another one."
John closed the distance between them and kissed her. Heat seared through his lips and down his neck. His arms were burning with heat but he held her tighter. The kiss deepened and John felt a prickle in his blood, a wash of something incredible and huge. It scalded along his nerves and ran toward his head which was spinning. Without warning pain erupted in his hands and he pushed Aidan away. His fingers ached and the skin reddened, the flesh changed color and he wanted to scream but couldn't. Right before his eyes he watched flames ignite on his finger tips and spill down to his palms where they swirled into perfect sphere of patient flame.
"Oh my god." He whispered and stared at them.
Aidan grinned, "So much for your lighter."
"How did I do that?" He asked in wonder.
"Our powers manifest themselves during times of emotional highs or stress." Aidan laughed gently. "I am guessing you were at an emotional high a moment ago."
He looked at her and smiled, "Yeah I guess I was."
Aidan watched him as he watched her, her face was illuminated by the sun as it rose higher and became brighter. There was not yellow glow or iridescent hair this time, just her. John closed his fists, cutting the fire off as he reached for her again he felt the warmth and knew he now shared it. There was a tingle through him again as he kissed her and this time it was just a tingle.
**
Afternoon found him with Bobby as they paired off against to others on the basketball court. Bobby faked a pass and then shot off a three pointer. The ball suddenly dropped out of the air into the hands of one of the other boys. John laughed and raced after him as Bobby gave chase. Watching them instead of working on her chemistry was Rogue. She laughed and shook her head, turning back to the same problem she had been on for an hour now.
"I was never good at chemistry."
She jumped at the sudden voice. "Oh hi Aidan. Sleep well last night? You look better this morning."
Aidan smiled and sat down next to her, careful distance between them. "I am a day person."
"So have you spoken to the professor yet?" Rogue glanced at the court and watched her boyfriend as he passed the ball to John. "It's good to see John back."
"I spoke to the Professor this morning after breakfast." Aidan watched John as he made to shoot the ball.
"He really likes you, you know." Rogue glanced at her, " I can tell."
Aidan looked at her out of the corner of her eye. "Is that your gift? Can you tell what people feel?"
Rogue looked away and stared at her hands a moment. "If I touch people I absorb their energy into my body. With mutants I can take their powers for a short time."
Aidan stared at her a long time, Rogue was curious by the pained expression in her eyes. Looking away, Aidan gazed into the horizon. "My brother touched me once and he burst into flames."
Rogue blinked once, "Does that happen all the time?"
"Yeah, except..." Aidan glanced at the basketball game. "Except when John and I touch, it feels right. I don't hurt him like I do everyone else."
Rogue stared at Bobby, "It's the same way with Bobby and me."
They stared at one another for a second, Aidan felt her shoulders relax. "What problem are you on?"
"Number one and I have to do until question ten." Rogue handed her the text book.
"Hmmm, this is going to take awhile." Aidan moved a little closer, "Let's take a look."
John glanced up as he took a break and saw Aidan talking with Rogue. They were bent over a text book and talking. Rogue laughed and Aidan smiled. He wiped at the sweat that fell in his eyes and grinned.
"Looks like they'll get along just fine." Bobby commented as he tossed the ball to John.
**
Aidan gazed out at the setting sun with her hands clasped behind her. Darkness seeped at the edges of the world and she feared what it would bring. As much as she liked being here in peace and not having to fear for her life, she felt her body tighten up. She feared for everyone else's lives. Today she had found a common bond with Rogue, she had found someone else who knew what it was like to fear being touched. She had found a common attraction in John, a person she could touch. She had even found a peace in her mind in this school. So why was she so scared? Surely they would not find her here.
"Hey," John came up behind her and slid his arms around her body. "You look worried."
"No. Just thinking." She leaned back and felt the now familiar heat rise between them.
"Bobby says you are cute." John whispered in her ear. "Did you like Rogue?"
"Yeah, she's nice." Aidan gazed into the deepening shadow and wanted to push John away. Tell him to leave and never come back. But this was his home, this was his place. She was the one who had to leave. "John there is something...." Her words died as she was turned in his arms and he kissed her. Joy and strength went through her as he held her tightly against his body.
"What were you going to say?" He asked a moment later as he pulled away.
Aidan rested her head against his chest. "Never mind."
"It's late we should get to bed." He took her hand and pulled her along.
"I forgot something in the library, you go on." She got loose and hurried back.
Closing the door she paused listening for sounds and then crossed to the deck doors. Pushing them open she looked down at the ground and leapt over the railing. Her feet hit the ground and sank deep into the grass. She looked around and then ran for the cover of the trees. Holding one hand in front of her illuminated a path in the ever darkening expanse of woods. She didn't think twice about where she went just followed her senses. The woods fell away suddenly and she was left gasping in a clearing that lead to a huge flat landscape.
"You are late Aidan."
She spun around at the dark, slithering voice. "Not everyone goes to bed at nine o'clock."
"Did you get what we asked?" His tone made her shiver.
Aidan reached into her back pocket and held out the diskette. A hand cloaked in shadows save for the glint of a ring, reached out for it. She hesitated before letting them take the disc.
"We'll be in touch." He whispered.
"What am I supposed to do until then?" She asked harshly.
"Solve chemistry problems," He replied dryly. "We will contact you."
"Shadow, wait." Aidan grabbed his hand and the darkened figure paused. "What about my brother?"
"I have told you Aidan, he will be safe if you do what I ask."
"Yeah, but how is he?" She asked, her voice taking on a ring of desperation.
"Your brother is no worse or better then the last time you asked." Shadow spoke with icy cool.
"That isn't good enough." Aidan tightened her grip on his hand. "I want to know if he is stable."
There was a sense of motion and suddenly Aidan dropped to the ground. Clutching at her right hand as the ring glowed black. She bit back her cries of pain as she held her hand.
"Don't threaten me Aidan. Or don't you remember what happened the last time you stood up to me?" Shadow hissed.
" I remember." She didn't look up at him. " I remember."
"Good then do your job." He gave a wave and disappeared.
Aidan pushed herself to her feet and still clutching her hand she ran back to the school. Tears in her eyes.
Dropping to the ground, a cigar ember glowed for a moment. Logan narrowed his eyes and followed her.
**
Fire Within.
John woke up with a start and stared at the sun falling across his bed. Blinking at the ceiling John pulled in a breath and reached for the lighter. His fingers fitting over of the familiar shape, running over the shark's face and tracing the well worn path over the smooth metal shape. He lay there for a moment listening to nothing but the beat of his own heart and feeling his muscles stretch out of sleep.
"Morning Pryo."
He jumped at the sudden appearance of Magneto in his door way. " Morning."
"We have something to talk about." Magneto turned and left in the same stride.
John rolled out of bed and struggled into jeans and a heavier sweater. He ran hands through his dark hair and sighed heavily. Pulling on his shoes he left the room and went down the hall. He heard Mystique in the kitchen and there was another voice here too. His grip tightened around the lighter as he entered the kitchen and saw the two women. Mystique was just herself and was always a sight first thing in the morning. The second one was a stranger with a musical laugh. She had her back to him but what John could see was pleasant. Shoulder length brown hair shimmered with red highlights as it tumbled past solid shoulders and a slim waist. She wore old jeans that were well loved, a dark blue T-shirt. The cold didn't seem to bother her.
"Would you like breakfast John?" Mystique held up a loaded plate to him.
John took it and sat down at the small table. It's rough surface was covered by a plastic cloth and there were four chairs. Magneto entered behind him and sat down at the table. He was wearing normal enough clothes but there was always a magnetic pull to the man, even in jeans and work shirt. Mystique joined them with a swift, graceful twist of her body. John was startled by the girl when she turned to them and smiled. Her eyes weren't any color he had seen before. Yellow wasn't quite the right word to describe them. More like gold or sun-fire yellow. He watched as she sat down across from him next to Mystique and stared at him.
Magneto looked between them. " John this is Aidan. She is new to our cause, perhaps after breakfast you'd like to show her around?"
John blinked and looked at the older mutant, "I thought you had to talk to me?"
Magneto smiled slightly, "We can talk later, this will concern all of us."
John nodded and glanced at Mystique. She shrugged and said nothing as the table dropped into a comfortable silence.
After breakfast Aidan offered to help with dishes but Mystique waved her away. John was sitting on the porch staring at the flame of his lighter when she joined him. Her approach was quiet and soft and he jumped at her sudden appearance.
"Jumpy aren't you?" She asked lightly and gazed at the lighter in his hands. "Eric says you can control fire."
John waved his hand over the flame and held it out to her. She smiled at him as she reached out for it.
"It'll burn you." He said and quickly closed his fist as her fingers brushed his skin. Her touch was warm and it sent tingles up his hand. "You're warm."
She smiled softly, "So I have been told." Her fingers withdrew and she folded her hands in her lap. Head lifting to the sky to stare at the sun. "So do you want to be called Pyro or John?"
"It doesn't matter." He responded and couldn't help but stare at her. "So what is your thing?"
She turned her head and he gasped as her eyes flared and fire leapt in their depths. Her hair suddenly appeared to be a living flame that sat against her skin. She held out her hands and John watched as fire swirled to life and arched between her palms.
"Wow," He reached and touched the fire. Warm tingles went along his skin and he felt the reaction deep inside. That part of him that controlled fire and allowed him to touch it. That part that made him a mutant. "I can't do that."
"Have you ever tried?" Aidan asked lightly as she closed her firsts and took a deep breath.
"Sure I have tried but it just doesn't seem to work that way." John flipped open the lighter and stared at the flames. "Can you do anything else?"
Aidan stood up and glanced down at him. "Aren't you supposed to show me around?"
John rose and lead her down the path that lead to the collection of stray paths. He looked both directions and went left. He followed a path that was partially hidden and walked in the shade of trees. He walked slow for Aidan so that she could look around and take everything in.
"So tell me something," he said, Aidan glanced at him. "How did you find out about being a mutant?"
Aidan glanced around the yard, "It just happened one day, kind of exploded out of me and..." She paused. "What are you supposed to be showing me anyway?"
"That building there is where Magneto trains us." He pointed to a medium sized brick structure.
"Us?" Aidan glanced at him, " Just how many of us are there here?"
"Including the three of us and you that makes five. Sabertooth is the other one, he isn't back yet."
"Sabertooth?" Aidan gazed at the building. " What is that exactly?"
"He's big, hairy, ugly and has a nasty temper. In short don't piss him off." John made a face and shook his head. "Magneto says that as word gets out we'll get more people here. But for now it's just us."
Aidan crossed the grounds and pulled open the door the brick structure. "Show me around here."
John followed her as they entered the training building. Eric had taken down the walls and so it was just one big space. Blue mats sat across half of the floor, a punching bag hung from the ceiling and there were various pieces of exercise equipment on the other side. A boxing ring was off to one corner and a soda machine sat near the door. Aidan ran a hand through her hair and sighed, that's when John noticed her ring. He was caught by the design.
"That's an unusual ring." He commented and without meaning to he reached for her hand.
Her skin was warmer then the first time and it sent shivers his hand. He looked up and found her staring at him as if he had done something amazing. For a moment there was nothing but air between them, but then something swelled inside John, his heart rate went up and he felt the air warm. Heat rose and fire leapt between them. It curled around their hands and spiraled up their arms. Aidan's hair caught and John ran his hands through it as the flames caressed his hand.
"I found it when I was a child." Aidan whispered as she gazed into his eyes. Fire smoldered in their amber-gold depths and ignited something in John.
"I see you found the training room."
He jumped at Magneto's voice and turned to find the man standing his full uniform. Mystique stood at her usual post at his side. A light smile played on her lips as she tried not to laugh.
"Yes, John was doing an excellent job." Aidan pulled her hand away from his and stepped back from John. " I take it we found something?"
"Sabertooth did find something." Magneto replied coolly, "If you are prepared to leave we are going to check it out."
John followed the trio to the helicopter and found Sabertooth waiting for them. As usual he was scruffy, wild and down right scary. He nodded a greeting to Magneto as the man approached and waved his hand. The helicopter bay dropped down and they boarded. Mystique went to her post at the gears and they lifted off moments later.
"For weeks now we have been investigating a possible pocket of government activity. There is a facility where they are experimenting on our brothers and sisters." Magneto brought up a 3D graphic map that hovered in the air. He motioned as he talked and pointed out various weak areas and possible entrances. "Now thanks to Sabertooth we know that they are indeed keeping mutants in an underground bunker, we don't know the purpose but it doesn't matter. We are going to get them out."
"What about Xavier?" John asked, " He will know about this place too. What if he comes at us?"
"What of it Pyro?" Magneto asked coldly. "We will deal with them as we must."
John sat back in his chair and gazed at the map, thinking of his former teachers and friends. Without wanting to he thought of Bobby and Rogue. He saw their smiles and how they had been so wanting of each other but could never touch. He had thought Rogue was pretty, but Bobby had won her heart right from day one. John glanced at Aidan and smiled to himself, it was better for Rogue anyway. Kissing him could lead to a melt down.
"John?" He glanced up and found Magneto gazing at him very steadily. "Missing your friends are we?"
"Not really." John flipped open the lighter, running his hands over the flames. "Not at all."
Magneto eyed him a moment but didn't say anything, he turned away finally and went to talk with Mystique. Sabertooth was staring at him a second then followed his master.
"Lying to him isn't a good idea." Aidan whispered as she sat down next to him. "So who are the friends he mentioned?"
"Are you familiar with Professor Xavier and his school for Gifted Youngsters?" John saw her nod. "I used to go there and I made some friends. Bobby Drake and Rogue. I just miss them a little."
"You went to Xavier's school?" She asked, an edge of curiosity in her tone. "That must have been cool. I mean can you imagine going to school where you don't have to hide what you are?" She sighed, "It must have been great."
"Yeah it was fabulous, that was why I left." John snapped and saw Aidan sit back. He sighed heavily. "Our school got hit by these commando goons and we had to run. Bobby took us to his house in Boston and we met his family. When Bobby told them what he was, his brother called the police on us. They shot Logan and were going to kill us, I did what I had to."
Aidan gazed at him and was startled by the look in her eyes. Understanding. She glanced away and stared at her hands for a moment. "I know what you mean."
"What happened to you?" He asked lightly.
"When I was ten my powers exploded. I was sleeping and having a nightmare and suddenly people were screaming. I woke up and found the whole house was in complete flames. My family wasn't home but I killed the baby sitter and my parents freaked out on me. They called the police and wanted me arrested, they wanted me thrown away. I panicked when the police came to where we were staying. They had their guns out and everything, I was totally scared. My powers erupted into sheer chaos and I could only stand there and scream as I killed everyone around me. There was nothing I could do to stop myself. All because the police had come at me with guns."
John reached for her again, "At least you had a family."
She caught his hand before it reached her face and heat went between them again. "You didn't?"
"My powers got out of control at my junior high prom. I ended up torching the dance hall and not everyone made it out. My date was screaming at me like I was a monster. When my father found out he kicked me out of the house and told me never to come back. I disappeared for a few days, but then my brother asked me to come home. I went there and we ended up having a talk. He seemed to really miss me and asked why I couldn't come home anymore."
"He must have been a younger brother." Aidan asked softly.
"Yeah, two years younger. I hope he didn't get the gene."
Aidan sighed, "Do you honestly believe that?"
He glanced at her, "What do you mean?"
"I mean would you be sitting here with Magneto going toward his goal if you did really believe that?" Aidan gazed at him. "Or were you just being rebellious when you left Xavier?"
"Aidan, we need you." Magneto called from the front of the plane.
Aidan got up and went to join them. John watched after her and stared, her words had touched something sent a twist of guilt through him. Did he really want to dominate the world with Magneto, did he really want to have humans fear him? He remembered his brothers face, he remembered Wolverine's body as he was shot in the head by that human cop. He remembered how Rogue had been so scared of the soldiers. Did he really want to be with Magneto? The answer resounded in his head. Yes, what else was there?
They landed in the helicopter and stood gazing at an empty field. Magneto let out a breath and held out his arms. There was a rumble in the ground and a large metal square rose out of the ground as a twelve by twenty piece of earth slide back. An elevator appeared and they walked toward it. All five of them entered and the door slid shut and down they went. Mystique morphed herself into one of the guards, she glanced at John and he nodded. His grip tightened on the lighter. Beside him Aidan let out a breath and rubbed her hands together, a shimmer of heat rose off them.
"Now remember, we are here for the mutants." Magneto reminded them as the doors slid open.
Mystique stepped off and approached the desk as the four of them ducked behind the corner. A moment later there was the sound of choking and then a heavy thud.
"Clear."
She called and was already working at the code panel on the door. Her fingers moved swiftly over the keys and the doors slid back. A long hall was revealed with several doors on either side. Magneto waved his hands and the doors blew back simultaneously. There came shouts as the guards mustered and prepared to counter attack.
Magneto wasn't concerned by it and simply moved his way down the hall. The guards were coming closer. "Pryo, Solar, get the mutants."
"No worries." Aidan said. Her eyes were blazing suns as fire licked around her hands.
"Right." John cupped his own fire and held the lighter tightly in the other hand.
Magneto and Mystique with Sabertooth at their back turned to the left. There were cries of surprise from all of the humans as their guns suddenly turned on them. Aidan ran down the next hall, moving with complete surety and silence. She ran to the end of the hall and went right again, she paused at the door. Placing her hand against the code panel she grinned. Her hand glowed and the panel melted. Placing her hands against the door she closed her eyes a moment. Flames ignited around her head and went down her arms, they scorched the metal doors as the material began to melt.
"Any help would be very much appreciated." She whispered and looked at him with sun bright eyes.
John looked at the door and nodded. "Step back."
She did as he asked and he sent off two fire balls. The first one hit and the door glowed orange, the second one hit and it melted down. They had to leap over the liquefied metal, inside was a double row of cages each holding mutants wearing strange head bands. John ran to the first cage and tried the door, it was locked. He cupped a fire ball and held it up to the lock, the metal melted and he ripped the door open. Glancing over his shoulder he saw Aidan. She was making fast work of the cages, just putting her hands on them and going to the next.
"Take your first right and then the next right, run for the light and don't look back." She ordered them. Carefully removing the head gear off some of them.
"We can help." One of them said as she released them.
"No, don't stay. Just go and remember the man called Magneto. He is the reason you are free. Now go."
Solar and Pyro had just freed the last of them when a sudden rush of wind filled the compound. Aidan paused as the wind increased.
"What is that?"
John paused as he felt the winds as well, then he heard a blast and a yell. "Storm and Cyclops."
"Friends of yours?" She asked, searching for a way out of the room.
"Used to be my teachers." He was surprised at the sudden desire to see them. To sit in Storm's class and listen to Scott lecture again.
"We need away out of here unless you want them to find us." Aidan was looking around quickly and having no success.
"Can't you just melt a hole in the wall?" He asked.
"We are too far underground and I am running low. My powers are fed off the sun and I haven't been out doors in a while." Aidan sighed and looked at him. "I guess you'll get to see your friends again."
Just then Cyclops came around the corner and stopped dead in his tracks. His hand half raised to his visor. "John?"
"Hi Scott." John said and felt himself take a deep breath. "Been a while."
**
Landing at the Xavier school brought a rush of memories to the surface and John felt himself torn in half. He wanted to be here and at the same time didn't. He was afraid of what Professor Xavier was going to say to him and was excited about seeing Rogue and Bobby again.
Scott lead them both off the jet, Aidan didn't seem that pleased but hadn't said anything. Storm walked behind them and lead the way to the upper levels. She lead them right to Professor Xavier's office where the man sat in his wheelchair. At the door's opening he looked up and smiled, it was the same warm smile as John remembered.
"Hello John." He motioned to the chairs in front of him. "Please sit down."
John did as he was bid and was surprised when Aidan didn't join him. She seemed very uncomfortable.
"Where have you been these last few months?" The Professor asked lightly.
"I was with Magneto." John looked down and saw his hands opening and closing the lighter. "I just wanted to see how the other half think."
"I see and what did you think of this?"
John glanced at his former teacher. "No one has all the answers."
Xavier smiled at him, "Very wise." He turned his attentions to Aidan, "Welcome to my school Miss Quest."
John saw the surprise flicker over Aidan. She hadn't expected him to know her name. She gazed at Xavier with icy gold eyes and stayed where she was standing.
"Nice to meet you Professor Xavier." She said finally.
The door opened suddenly and there were Bobby and Rogue. They had been sleeping and hadn't bothered to dress before coming down. Rogue ran to him and hugged John. Bobby grinned and shook his old friends hand.
"Welcome back man." He said with a grin, " Where'd you go?"
"Bobby would you show John to his room?" The Professor asked gently.
"Sure thing Professor." Bobby glanced over at Aidan. "Hi."
She said nothing and crossed her arms.
John hesitated and stared at her, "Want to come?"
She looked at Xavier, "Professor?"
"I don't see why not, we will talk in the morning."
Aidan pushed away from the wall and followed the boys as they walked. Rogue glanced at her a few times. "Hi, I am Rogue."
Aidan noticed with pleasure the girl didn't offer a hand. "Aidan."
**
Waking the next morning made John pause and take a deep breath. Across from him was Bobby who was still sound asleep and Kurt Wanger. John gazed at the blue skin and strange symbols, according to Bobby, Kurt was part of the school and he taught Religious Studies.
Sitting up he got out of bed and changed into fresh clothes. It was still early in the day but he felt restless. Quietly making his way down the hall he looked both ways before going down the stairs. Silently padding across the foyer he cut through the living room and came out to one of the decks. He was startled to see Aidan sitting with her back against the stone. Under her was a pillow from one of the couches and she wore shorts and sleeveless shirt. Her head turned to him and she smiled a little.
"Up a little early this morning aren't we?" He asked as he sat next to her.
" I find that first light is the best for recharging. Something about the dawn makes me feel stronger. But you are up early this morning."
He shrugged, " Couldn't sleep."
"Your friends are nice John." She said gently and turned her face to the break of dawn. "You might want to move back." She rose and took two steps forward. Her arms out to the side and head thrown back.
John watched as the sky lightened from deep blue to softer blue and then to electric blue. Streaks of hot pink and vibrant amethyst cut through the blue followed by sudden explosions of gold, orange and purest yellow. He watched as the first golden finger of light broke over the trees and spilled toward them. He glanced at Aidan and gasped. Her skin shimmered with vibrant yellow light, it hovered around her like a second skin. Orange fire rose off her flesh and grabbed the yellow skin. It pulled it in to her and suddenly her entire being was a brilliant flame of every possible color. Her hair had melted away to iridescent flames and her eyes were pools of molten light. John had to hold up a hand against the light and turn his face away as his eyes were forced to close against the intensity.
"John?" Her soft voice teased him. "John look at me, it's over now."
He turned his head and opened his eyes and there she stood. Perfect and radiant as the sun. She smiled and it was her smile, he touched her skin and it was hot. He caressed it and wanted to pull her close, he wanted to feel that warmth more closely.
"Sorry to bother you kids, but I saw an explosion of some kind."
John was startled to see Logan and smiled at him. "Hi Wolverine."
"Sorry about that." Aidan managed to look bashful. "I don't usually require that much juice. But I was really drained."
Logan eyed her, "You must be Aidan."
"You are Wolverine." She returned his cool eyes. "Well?"
He smirked, "I'll leave you to it then." He turned and left them.
It was still early for the school to be awake and John didn't care at that moment. He pulled her closer and Aidan put a hand to his chest. Pale orange flames ignited between them. She stared at them and then into his eyes.
"You seem to be expecting something bad to happen." John whispered.
"I am just surprised that's all."
"Here's another one."
John closed the distance between them and kissed her. Heat seared through his lips and down his neck. His arms were burning with heat but he held her tighter. The kiss deepened and John felt a prickle in his blood, a wash of something incredible and huge. It scalded along his nerves and ran toward his head which was spinning. Without warning pain erupted in his hands and he pushed Aidan away. His fingers ached and the skin reddened, the flesh changed color and he wanted to scream but couldn't. Right before his eyes he watched flames ignite on his finger tips and spill down to his palms where they swirled into perfect sphere of patient flame.
"Oh my god." He whispered and stared at them.
Aidan grinned, "So much for your lighter."
"How did I do that?" He asked in wonder.
"Our powers manifest themselves during times of emotional highs or stress." Aidan laughed gently. "I am guessing you were at an emotional high a moment ago."
He looked at her and smiled, "Yeah I guess I was."
Aidan watched him as he watched her, her face was illuminated by the sun as it rose higher and became brighter. There was not yellow glow or iridescent hair this time, just her. John closed his fists, cutting the fire off as he reached for her again he felt the warmth and knew he now shared it. There was a tingle through him again as he kissed her and this time it was just a tingle.
**
Afternoon found him with Bobby as they paired off against to others on the basketball court. Bobby faked a pass and then shot off a three pointer. The ball suddenly dropped out of the air into the hands of one of the other boys. John laughed and raced after him as Bobby gave chase. Watching them instead of working on her chemistry was Rogue. She laughed and shook her head, turning back to the same problem she had been on for an hour now.
"I was never good at chemistry."
She jumped at the sudden voice. "Oh hi Aidan. Sleep well last night? You look better this morning."
Aidan smiled and sat down next to her, careful distance between them. "I am a day person."
"So have you spoken to the professor yet?" Rogue glanced at the court and watched her boyfriend as he passed the ball to John. "It's good to see John back."
"I spoke to the Professor this morning after breakfast." Aidan watched John as he made to shoot the ball.
"He really likes you, you know." Rogue glanced at her, " I can tell."
Aidan looked at her out of the corner of her eye. "Is that your gift? Can you tell what people feel?"
Rogue looked away and stared at her hands a moment. "If I touch people I absorb their energy into my body. With mutants I can take their powers for a short time."
Aidan stared at her a long time, Rogue was curious by the pained expression in her eyes. Looking away, Aidan gazed into the horizon. "My brother touched me once and he burst into flames."
Rogue blinked once, "Does that happen all the time?"
"Yeah, except..." Aidan glanced at the basketball game. "Except when John and I touch, it feels right. I don't hurt him like I do everyone else."
Rogue stared at Bobby, "It's the same way with Bobby and me."
They stared at one another for a second, Aidan felt her shoulders relax. "What problem are you on?"
"Number one and I have to do until question ten." Rogue handed her the text book.
"Hmmm, this is going to take awhile." Aidan moved a little closer, "Let's take a look."
John glanced up as he took a break and saw Aidan talking with Rogue. They were bent over a text book and talking. Rogue laughed and Aidan smiled. He wiped at the sweat that fell in his eyes and grinned.
"Looks like they'll get along just fine." Bobby commented as he tossed the ball to John.
**
Aidan gazed out at the setting sun with her hands clasped behind her. Darkness seeped at the edges of the world and she feared what it would bring. As much as she liked being here in peace and not having to fear for her life, she felt her body tighten up. She feared for everyone else's lives. Today she had found a common bond with Rogue, she had found someone else who knew what it was like to fear being touched. She had found a common attraction in John, a person she could touch. She had even found a peace in her mind in this school. So why was she so scared? Surely they would not find her here.
"Hey," John came up behind her and slid his arms around her body. "You look worried."
"No. Just thinking." She leaned back and felt the now familiar heat rise between them.
"Bobby says you are cute." John whispered in her ear. "Did you like Rogue?"
"Yeah, she's nice." Aidan gazed into the deepening shadow and wanted to push John away. Tell him to leave and never come back. But this was his home, this was his place. She was the one who had to leave. "John there is something...." Her words died as she was turned in his arms and he kissed her. Joy and strength went through her as he held her tightly against his body.
"What were you going to say?" He asked a moment later as he pulled away.
Aidan rested her head against his chest. "Never mind."
"It's late we should get to bed." He took her hand and pulled her along.
"I forgot something in the library, you go on." She got loose and hurried back.
Closing the door she paused listening for sounds and then crossed to the deck doors. Pushing them open she looked down at the ground and leapt over the railing. Her feet hit the ground and sank deep into the grass. She looked around and then ran for the cover of the trees. Holding one hand in front of her illuminated a path in the ever darkening expanse of woods. She didn't think twice about where she went just followed her senses. The woods fell away suddenly and she was left gasping in a clearing that lead to a huge flat landscape.
"You are late Aidan."
She spun around at the dark, slithering voice. "Not everyone goes to bed at nine o'clock."
"Did you get what we asked?" His tone made her shiver.
Aidan reached into her back pocket and held out the diskette. A hand cloaked in shadows save for the glint of a ring, reached out for it. She hesitated before letting them take the disc.
"We'll be in touch." He whispered.
"What am I supposed to do until then?" She asked harshly.
"Solve chemistry problems," He replied dryly. "We will contact you."
"Shadow, wait." Aidan grabbed his hand and the darkened figure paused. "What about my brother?"
"I have told you Aidan, he will be safe if you do what I ask."
"Yeah, but how is he?" She asked, her voice taking on a ring of desperation.
"Your brother is no worse or better then the last time you asked." Shadow spoke with icy cool.
"That isn't good enough." Aidan tightened her grip on his hand. "I want to know if he is stable."
There was a sense of motion and suddenly Aidan dropped to the ground. Clutching at her right hand as the ring glowed black. She bit back her cries of pain as she held her hand.
"Don't threaten me Aidan. Or don't you remember what happened the last time you stood up to me?" Shadow hissed.
" I remember." She didn't look up at him. " I remember."
"Good then do your job." He gave a wave and disappeared.
Aidan pushed herself to her feet and still clutching her hand she ran back to the school. Tears in her eyes.
Dropping to the ground, a cigar ember glowed for a moment. Logan narrowed his eyes and followed her.