CHAPTER 12
The ride on the X-Jet was uneventful and smooth. And to the relief of all its passengers, it involved no high speed chases in which a complete rotation of the plane was necessary.
Scott was able to land the jet perfectly for once and it wasn't long before they found Stryker's base. The deafening roars from the sea serpent, however, did help. Just as planned, Pirate and Storm jumped out of their hiding spot, taking the serpent by surprise. Then, Pirate shot the now electrically charged water at the serpent, killing it instantly.
Once inside the base, they easily took out all the guards. However, they didn't see Stryker's son, Andrew or Thorn as he liked to be called, hiding in the shadows. But he wasn't a threat after he saw Pirate. He was amazed by her beauty and decided to help her and her friends. Besides, he was a mutant. His father hated mutants. His father hated him!
"You guys!" Pirate shouted. "We have a problem."
"What is it?" Logan asked.
"We didn't know there was going to be an impossible maze to deal with!" she shrieked gesturing to the frenzy of dizzying twists and turns that lay ahead.
"Here." came a voice from behind them. "Use this."
"Who're you?" Logan asked eyeing the newcomer suspiciously.
"I'm Thorn or Andrew if you prefer my real name. I'm Stryker's son but I'm a mutant. He hates me and I'm not on his side. In fact, I was wondering if I could join you."
Logan was about to say no when Pirate elbowed him in the side. Obviously the feelings Thorn had for Pirate were mutual. "Sure kid." Logan said.
"Great!" Thorn exclaimed. "As I was saying, use this." He said as he took a seed out of his pocket and threw it on the ground. "Follow the vine that grows from that seed." He instructed. "It will lead you to the Atlantians. Oh, and Pirate? I'm sorry to inform you but… your parents are already dead." Pirate nodded solemnly. She hadn't really known them so it was hard for her to get emotional.
"Go now!" Thorn ordered. "I'll stay here and keep anyone from entering."
Logan and Pirate followed the vine as it grew and before long they found the Atlantians. As soon as the brain washed Atlantians saw the intruders they began to attack but Pirate quickly hosed the down, setting them free from the mind control. "Follow me!" she told them. She led them outside and told Scott and Jean to get them all to the water. They would be fine from there.
Right now, Pirate and Logan had an appointment with a certain William Stryker.
