The Dragon Tamer: Spellbound

(PG-13 for swearing and suggestive actions and words. This is Part II in The Dragon Tamer series. I think most of you know as well as I do that I don't own X-Men or the characters (except the ones I make up, you should be able to tell who those are.) Enjoy!

Chapter 8: Meet Phoenix

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'More?' Stephen could hardly believe his ears as he heard the low drone of yet another aircraft approaching. He remained crouched as the man in the wheelchair began talking to the others. "Listen up. That would be Cyclops, Storm, Nightcrawler…and Jean." Everyone grew silent. "I don't want anyone questioning her about what she's been through, how she's been living, or about her changes. Is that understood?" There were random mumbles of "Ok." And a few heads nodded, as the Blackbird landed.

It's passengers exited onto the soft ground, and all were silent for at least two minutes. Finally Logan broke the silence. "Hello Jean." She smiled at him tiredly, "Hi Logan." She went around asking how people were doing, and giving a few hugs—John even got one—Before they all decided it was time to get down to business. "Jean, has Scott mentioned anything to you about why we are here?" Professor Xavier inquired. "He's told me a little, but no detail." That said the professor and Magneto began spilling details and descriptions for the next half- hour.

When they finished Jean had her hand on her forehead, massaging her temples. "So let me get this straight. You're telling me that this Tornado guy has joined up with a young mutant—who goes to the school—and together they've decided to kill off humanity and enslave all the mutants?" Xavier nodded, "That's the general idea. We aren't sure exactly how they plan on doing this. It may even just be silly little ideas. But I don't think Tornado would present himself in a situation like this without knowing exactly what he's doing. I've been reading up on him." She sighed, "This is going to be a long night.

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Amanda turned on her air mattress. There was something bothering her to the point of no sleep. 'It's gotta be John.' She thought. 'How could he be in love with Cheyenne one minute, when only the moment before he barely acted as if she existed? There's just something wrong with it.' In an effort to get herself off the subject she turned her attention to Dr. Jean Grey. She seemed like a nice enough lady. 'I've certainly heard a lot about her from, well, everyone.'

Almost everyone she ran into made some kind of comment about the missing woman. 'And now she's back.' She smiled; remembering how happy Professor Summers looked while he was holding her hand. 'I wish I could find a love like that. God, he waited damn near a year for her, not even knowing that she really was still out there.' This caused her to frown. 'Damnit, now I'm thinking about John again!' She groaned and rolled to her other side.

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John stared in utter confusion at the ceiling of his tent. The last thing he remembered was talking to Bobby, Amanda, and Marie by the fire. Now he was suddenly in bed. 'Something definitely isn't right here.' But he wasn't sure exactly what it was.

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Charles Xavier sensed the boy's presence, and knew exactly where he was. With a knowing smile he wheeled over to where Stephen had fallen asleep and spoke softly. "Wake up Stephen." The teenager stood up frantically and shot out his claws, ready to fight. "You won't be needing those Mr. Solace." Diablo raised an eyebrow at him, "How do you know my name?" The professor smiled again, 'I know everything about you.' Stephen looked around, "Who said that?"

'I did.' Stephen nearly fell over. "Where did you learn to do that?" Xavier chuckled, "I didn't have to learn it Stephen, it is my gift. I'm Professor Charles Xavier." He held his hand out to the young man before him. Stephen cautiously shook it, "I guess you know who I am. But why are you here talking to me?" The professor merely smiled at this, "Why are you talking back to me?" Diablo blinked, "Uh, well, I guess because I feel like it…"

"Then there's your answer."

"Oh."

"Stephen, am I making you uncomfortable?"

Diablo shrugged. "No, I'm just not really used to people talking to me like I'm normal." Professor X nodded, "Yes. That is the worst habit of mankind, to ignore or belittle those whom they do not understand or do not like. Have you ever heard of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Stephen?"

"No. But it's got your name in it, so I'm betting you own it."

He nodded, "Yes, I do. And I would be most appreciative if you would come back with the others and I. There you would meet other children your age who also have gifts that the other world doesn't want to see."

"Is that where my cousin goes?" He said this more to himself, and didn't really expect the wise man in front of him to know whom he was talking about. To his surprise, he did. "Yes. That is where Amanda goes." Stephen looked up sharply, "How did you know who she was?" Xavier smiled again, "Like I said, I know all about you. There is also a man I want you to meet. His name is Logan, but he goes by Wolverine. I think you'll find his abilities very interesting considering they are the same as your own. So, do you think you'll come back with me?"

Diablo nodded, "I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. But I've gotta warn you, something happens when I get really mad. I don't know exactly what it is, but I have killed someone before…" He was interrupted.

"You are speaking of Gregory Shoff, and he isn't dead Stephen. You somehow knocked him into a two-year coma, from which he has awakened. But I will tell you all about that later."

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