Cipher's Elegy
By Cypher
Chapter Eleven: Mission Objectives
Kitty groaned and shook her head, slowly coming out of a state of unconsciousness. "What happened?" She rubbed her forehead, thinking. She remembered going through that rock, and being hit by something, and then...Mastermind, but after that...What happened? Glancing about and finding no source of light, she realized she must be within the mountain. That's right. Douglas told me to phase and shoved me...I guess I just fell until I hit a cave and passed out.
Sitting up, she felt herself over, relieved that she didn't have any injuries, major or minor. But...where is here? Reaching around her waist, she pulled out the emergency glow stick Logan had insisted they carry. Guess he figured we'd end up inside a cave or something eventually. Getting to her feet, she cracked the neon light into existence and held it up. She let out a calming breath when she saw that she wasn't in an isolated cave, but had landed in what appeared to be a cave complex. She found two tunnels, one far too small to fit through, at least in the traditional way, and one that was slightly larger than her.
In fact, she approached the larger tunnel entrance and felt along its edges, this...this is almost manmade. Douglas could tell, but I think it's just...been changed by the centuries. This can't be a natural cut. Looking around once more, she cautiously entered the tunnel. Along the way, her ear twitched, and she froze, straining to hear the subtle noise she had detected. The...the humming. It's louder. She found, in fact, that the farther she went down the tunnel, the louder the humming became. No, not humming. It's a thrumming. Definitely. Wait, is thrumming even a word? She pondered this a minute. I'll look it up when I get back.
Getting back on track, she paused at an intersection of multiple tunnels and tried to figure out which way to go. I wish Mr. Logan or Douglas were here. They'd figure out where to go. It took her a few moments, but she decided on the far right tunnel, where the noise was coming from. It's getting louder. This has got to be the right way. Light appeared near the edge of the tunnel. Not a bright light, but a simmering blood red just dark enough to obscure the area, but light enough to see.
What...gorgeous crystals. Kitty reached out to touch one, but stopped short. No. Douglas should look at these. For all I know they're...sacred stones or something. Something was nagging her in the back of her mind, like she had seen these crystals, felt their power, before. But what's making them thrum and glow like that? She watched the crystals as she walked a few steps. There sure are a lot of them.
Turning to face forward, her jaw dropped as her head tilted back. She hadn't realized just how big the cavern was, and she now saw what it contained. The glow stick slipped from her grasp, and she fell back. Like, good God. Douglas...I've got to find Douglas!
~*()*~
Gambit looked over at their teenage captive as he once again snarled something no one at his age should utter at Mastermind. It had taken them a total of ten minutes to get the three of them to the X-chopper, and another three for Gambit to pick his way in. He figured if he couldn't find information about the X-men's interest of the Alps there, he could at least find out some of the new design plans of the X-Mansion for Magneto.
Unfortunately, the flying machine had been encrypted, far beyond his ability to try and hack. He was tempted to just blow it up, but decided against it. Perhaps Magneto can do it. All I have to do is hot wire this thing to get it to fly. It was, after all, just another vehicle for transportation. Any of those could be hot-wired easily. Giving the controls a rest, he had moved on to the laptop in the back. This, too, was encrypted, but was rather easy to figure out the password. Teenagers.
During his time fiddling with the chopper, Mastermind had been trying to prod the teenager's mind, to find out anything if he could, or at the very least break into the intelligent mind. Unfortunately, Mastermind's rather frustrated growls and clenching of fists that occurred at almost regular five minute intervals informed Gambit that he was getting no where fast. About the time he got into the mainframe of the laptop, Cipher had awakened, roused by Mastermind's mental probes. While his feet were tied along with his hands, he was able to lash out and trip Mastermind, as well as let out a string of swear words that turned even Gambit's ears a bit red.
Where did someone like him learn to swear? Gambit had tried to drown it out by focusing on the laptop information, and quickly discovered that the password was the only thing in the English language. Each program was typed in a different one, and quite a few were in varying dialects of Arabic. He even has Solitaire in Russian! Whoever owned this piece of equipment was either very paranoid, or a skilled linguist. And having been sworn at in at least twenty different languages, three of which he recognized, he knew exactly who's computer this was.
"I give up, Gambit." Mastermind rubbed his forehead and sat on the door edge of the chopper. "There is no way I can get into his mind."
"Then perhaps it is time we try other ways." Grabbing an extra piece of rope, Gambit hopped out of the seat he was occupying and made his way to Cipher, who had a very cruel smirk on his face. He enjoyed screwing with Mastermind. Gambit had to smirk as well. The telepath had gotten on his nerves once or twice as well, and his empathy was only a limited method of keeping his mind safe. "So, you think you're tough?"
"Tougher than you think I am." Douglas growled and bared his teeth, shifting his weight slightly.
Gambit shoved him back, preventing him from trying to lash out. "Well, how tough do you think you'll be with only one arm?" Twisting the rope around one of Cipher's upper arms, he ignited it, but kept his hold on it to prevent it from blowing.
Cipher looked into Gambit's eyes, and while Gambit saw a hint of fear, it was well masked as Cipher's smirk grew. "Be my guest. Without proper medical attention I would bleed out, eventually leading to my death and a very nasty mutant hunt from the Xavier school." Except from Kurt. He seems to hate me...
Gambit furrowed his brow. "You're bluffing."
"Am I? I may be at a disadvantage physically, and I'm used to that. But intellectually? You're at the disadvantage. I've studied biology far more extensively in two semesters than you have in your entire life." He practically grinned. "I'm terrified of what you'll do, but I also know you want me alive at the moment. You blow off that arm, and you'll have the blood of one teenage mutant on your hands. And so help me, if I die here and now, I'll come back and haunt you to the point you go insane."
Gambit searched the blue eyes, and knew that somehow, he would keep his word. Not that I'm superstitious. He let the charge die peacefully and removed the rope from the arm. "You're brave, to face a bluff like that."
"I was brave to tell you the truth. Contrary to what Wolverine has taught me, I find truth can be just as powerful as fiction." Douglas shifted in his bonds and frowned a moment, as if concentrating.
Gambit quickly checked over the ropes keeping their hostage in place, and nodded when he found both sets of knots were still firmly in place. "Whatcha doing?"
"Wondering what happened to Wolverine. And Kitty."
Gambit raised an eyebrow. He'd seen eyes spark like that before. He likes her. "Wolverine is buried, I'm afraid. Pity. Looks like we could've interrogated him, since we're getting nothing from you."
Douglas snorted. He had no doubt that Gambit believed Wolverine had been buried, but he knew his teacher. Probably digging his way out and finding his way here as we speak. At least, I hope...otherwise I'm so screwed. He blinked. "Hey, why are YOU here? What's got you so interested in the Alps?"
Gambit sat back, a bit surprised at not just the sudden change in topic, but the change in tone. It's like his hostility just vanished. "We're interested because you are."
Douglas shook his head. "No." His eyes narrowed as his mind began to pick up in activity. "No...there's...there's something of value here. Something you don't want us to find. You came...came to make sure we didn't find something." He faced Gambit, no real malice in his face or tone.
It actually spooked Gambit a bit. Not only had their prisoner figured out the mission, but his hostilities seemed to have vanished in an instant. Even outside of the mind he's difficult to read. One minute he hates us, another he's just...what, shrugged it all off as if it was nothing?
Douglas' smirk returned a little. "Your stunned silence is a pretty good confirmation." He shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Well, I don't know what you're looking for, but I can assure you, Magneto never even came to mind. Hell, none of this did. I was just...curious about the Alps."
By this time, Mastermind had gotten around to fiddling with Douglas' laptop, and was trying to get all the languages it was employing to standard English. He snorted at Douglas' comment, however.
Gambit crossed his arms. "Just curious? Why then do you have such a strong security system."
"On my laptop? That's how it always is. I'm multilingual, and I live in a house of people who have...a limited sense of privacy. Alternate languages are my only defense." Douglas tried not to wince as he twisted his wrist, nearly breaking it. It's just a knot. You've learned a number of these. Feel it over and figure out how to undo it. He kept his face focused on Gambit, though. He knew getting the knot undone wouldn't be the hard part. Getting past the Acolyte would be. Just have to...distract him.
Gambit, thus far, hadn't noticed the diversion in Douglas' attention. "Well, what in the Alps interests you?"
Douglas took half a moment to think, knowing if he delayed too long it'd be interpreted as a lie. Kitty. What I told her earlier. Oh I hope she's okay. "Its majesty. I mean, look at it. Despite all the horrors mankind has wrought upon this world, it's survived relatively intact..."
~*()*~
Logan grunted as he shoved a rock off of his back. He had only been partially buried by Gambit's rock slide, but unfortunately one stone had hit him rather hard in the head and knocked him out. Now, regaining consciousness, he was throwing stones around left and right, struggling to get free. Half pint and blonde. They've got to be after one of them, and like hell I'm gonna let Magneto get his hands on my kids. Grunting, he used his claws to dice up one remaining stone on his leg and waited not so patiently for his mutant gift to heal the damage.
When I get my hands on that Cajun...I just hope the kids had the good sense to hide. He glared up the cliff face, sniffing. Half-pint's gone...but Blonde. He growled. Gambit and the unknown scent were intermingling with Douglas' scent. They got him. Damnit! He hacked at a nearby rock with his claws and looked around, trying to find a way back up the cliff face. Guess I'll just have to climb my way up. Ignoring the pain in his legs, he got to his feet and dug his claws into the rock. He had to haul himself up by upper body strength alone, but knew it wouldn't take too long for his legs to be strong enough to support his weight in climbing.
Hang on, blonde. I'll get you free, we'll find Half-pint, and then kick some Cajun butt.
~*()*~
"I'm telling you, that's all we're interested in here. I'm a genius. It's natural for me to be curious about natural phenomena." Douglas shifted in his bonds. He had almost worked out half the knot for his hands, but his feet were really starting to feel numb from the rope around his ankles. And to think I may have to leave those on to take these two out.
Actually, he wasn't sure about taking out Gambit. The older mutant was obviously experienced in dealing with hostages, or at least hostile situations. He was currently resting on his staff and staring at Douglas. While the eyes didn't bother the blond too much, the fact that they kept constant watch on him was starting to make him nervous. I think I've got him believing that all I want to do is visit the Alps, though.
"I'm not so sure that's all you want to do, here." Gambit shifted his weight and pulled his legs in to try and get more comfortable.
Douglas rolled his eyes. Almost got him. Just have to push him a bit more... "Well, if you're wondering why Kitty's here, she's smart and was interested, too." Interested in me more, undoubtedly, but I'll use what I can. "And Wolverine was the only teacher able to fly us here."
"Mastermind says you were looking for something. A temple, I believe." Gambit smirked as Douglas' eyes turned dark. Oh yeah. I got him.
Douglas once again mentally cursed the telepathic mutant. When I get my hands on you... "Yes...well, it's rumored there's a temple somewhere up here, but that was just a little side note to the main trip."
Gambit could hear Douglas grinding his teeth. He was pretty sure even Mastermind could hear it. The temple was your goal, eh? "Well, maybe you could show me this temple."
"It's a rumor, you swamp rat. That means I don't know." Douglas knew he was losing control of the situation. Damn it! I didn't know he knew about the temple!
"Why don't we go look for it? Maybe then I'll believe you." Gambit moved to stand.
God freakin damn it! I'm so close to freeing myself and he's about to- A howl resounding through the mountains caused not only Douglas, but Gambit and Mastermind look away. He knew that howl. It was the one Wolverine used during intense training simulations. He's not down for the count YET!
"Gambit. If Wolverine finds us..." Mastermind hadn't moved from his spot, and was still trying to hack the languages on the laptop, but his eyes were wide.
What's wrong, telepath? Afraid your tricks won't work on Wolverine? Now that Douglas thought about it, that made sense. From what he remembered of the information he had read on Mastermind, the mutant could create telepathic illusions. But Wolverine's keen ability with scents would allow him to discover you instantly. This is getting good.
"I'll handle him. Keep an eye on blonde here." Gambit turned and used his weapon to get to a higher ledge. From there, he began to track where the howl came from.
Douglas bristled at the term. From Logan, it was a term of affection and protective instincts. From a man like Gambit, though. I hate that nickname! The sneer Mastermind had given him did nothing to soothe him.
"With you tied up, I doubt you could do much."
"You want me swearing your ears off again, geezer?"
Mastermind frowned and turned his attentions to the laptop, not raising to Douglas' bait.
Douglas grumbled a bit, putting on a front while he moved his fingers as fast as he could. Come on...once Gambit gets back you're sunk. Alone he couldn't take the mutant, especially not with his feet tied. But against the old telepath, he stood a chance. Then I just get the chopper's weapon systems working and shoot the guy. Well, shoot at the guy. Douglas glanced at his arm, the one Gambit had threatened to blow off earlier. He's not that bad...I bet if he'd make a great X-man.
Feeling the final knot give way, Douglas turned his attention to the task at hand. I have to knock out the geezer quickly enough that he can't summon Gambit back. He pulled his knees towards his chest, noting that Mastermind glanced at him, but quickly turned back to the computer. And in a way that my research isn't damaged. Moving one arm slowly, the one he could hide behind his torso, he worked on the ropes around his ankles, pleased to find they weren't as intricately knotted as the ones around his wrists were. Smug bastard.
Tossing the rope aside, he thought a moment, then decided that if he could use a sneak attack, he would. Mastermind was immersed in his work. Now or never. Increasing his grumbling just a tad, he moved as quickly and quietly as he could towards the door into the chopper. Thank God--well, whatever--that my mind can't be read easily. Glancing around, he picked up a rock and stood by the door.
It was at that moment that Mastermind glanced once more to where Douglas should have been, tied up and grumbling. He did a double take when he realized that the younger mutant had escaped his bonds. "Oh no."
Shit. Now or never. Jumping into the flying machine, he tackled Mastermind and held the rock over his head. "Call out telepathically and I'll be cleaning your brains off the insides of this thing." Douglas watched as the telepath's eyes moved from the rock to the face of the person holding it. Strike now, while he's hesitating. Tightening his grip on the man's collar, he slammed the head against the floor.
Mastermind went limp in his arms. Sighing, Douglas tossed the rock out, then the old man, shutting and locking the door behind them. Glad Scott taught me how to bluff. If he had called Gambit...oh crap. Gambit. Ignoring his laptop for a minute, he activated the X-chopper's system, growling slightly as he was stopped by Logan's lock out codes. Alright, calm down. Just hack the system. You speak computer. Shouldn't take more than five minutes. Tops.
I just hope I have five minutes to try.
~*()*~
"What's up, Professor?" Scott crossed his arms and glanced around the room that contained Cerebro. Even though he had been there during its construction, it still awed him each time he entered the computer room.
"As hard as it is to believe, I think Cerebro has just been hacked into. From an outside source." Xavier was sitting at the main, and only console in the massive room. "Oddly enough, though, the perpetrator hasn't attempted to mask his origins. I'm tracking it now."
Scott nodded and waited by the door, waving briefly as Bobby entered the room. "What brings you here?"
"Prof said a hacker finally got into Cerebro and called me to see what was going on." He moved next to the head instructor and watched as what could only be described as a mix between internet java and basic programming scrolled across a screen.
"It appears the origin of the hacker is in Europe." Xavier rubbed his chin. According to his contacts, Magneto was hanging out somewhere in northern Canada, presumably to see how the Canadian Mutant Rights Act was progressing. So who would be interested in us from Europe?
"Huh. Weird."
Xavier looked up at the New Mutant. "What is it, Bobby?"
"I've seen this code before. It was when we--er..." Bobby gave Scott a nervous look.
Xavier sighed. It was while he was doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing. "Go ahead. I won't punish you."
"Well, see, Doug wanted to check out some of the programming in the Danger Room, and since I was working on my own program to...um..." His eyes once again flitted to Scott.
Scott blinked, then turned red as he realized Bobby meant something that happened to him. "You mean you were the one who programmed the Danger Room with smut?!"
Bobby huddled closer to Xavier. "Yeah..."
Xavier simply rubbed his forehead. "And Douglas was in on this?"
"Well, no. I gave him his own program to tinker with, and while I was working on mine I watched him a bit." Bobby watched as the screen continued to scroll. "See, the java script is his verbal commands, while the basic programing is what he's actually typing out on the keyboard." He smirked. "Man, I've never heard anyone talk computer language before, but he finished half a program in only a half hour. That beats my record by thirteen minutes."
Scott, trying to get over his anger, kept his eyes on the screen as the scrolling seemed to slow down a bit. "So this is from Douglas? But why would he hack into Cerebro?"
Bobby shrugged just as the scrolling screen vanished, only to be replaced by a map of France. It lasted merely a moment, as the map quickly zoomed into the Alps. A blue dot appeared, along with a message screen. Being faster on the uptake than the older mutants, Bobby read through the message first. "Says he's in trouble. Gambit and Mastermind have attacked. Kitty's missing, Wolverine's lost, and he's on his own. Enclosed are exact coordinates and the fastest route via air to get there." Bobby tapped a few keys on the keyboard and another map appeared, this one with a red line from New York to France. "Cool. He works fast."
"Douglas can't take on any of the Acolytes. We've got to go, Professor." Scott uncrossed his arms and moved closer to the door. "Bobby, can you send that map to the X-Jet?"
"Already on it. I'll be suited up and ready to go in a minute, too."
"No, Bobby-"
"Scott," Xavier turned from the screens to look at the X-Men's leader. "We can't send a whole team. Take Jean, Nightcrawler, and Iceman."
"But Professor-"
"Your job will be to protect the three there, and help them find the temple."
Bobby blinked. "Temple? Why would we care about a stupid temple?"
"Because, Bobby, if Magneto has an interest there, it may be in the temple. Now hurry and get going."
"Right!" Bobby grinned and shot out of the room.
Scott shook his head, but jogged after his fellow X-man. This will be interesting.
Xavier looked back at the screen and folded his hands together. Magneto, I doubt you're there just to harass my students. What's there that you don't want us to find? He watched the blue dot in the Alps flash for a minute. And Douglas...I hope you can hold out. I hope all of you can hold out until reinforcements arrive.
~*()*~
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Author's Prattle: Well, I said this would be the last chapter with the Acolyte plot line. My mistake. I got so much done that it just had to spill over into chapter twelve. Well, we saw a bit of Kitty, saw a bit of Wolverine...and next chapter, we'll see Kurt again! All Kurt fans go Wai! As for the title, that's the best I could come up with, since everyone in this chapter has different mission objectives. Get it?
As for what's in store for Douglas, you'll just have to wait and see. Will he escape the clutches of the Acolytes? Will Kitty find him and show him what awed her so? Tune in next chapter!
Okay, enough oldies TV for me. Disclaimers. I don't own X-Men Evolution or Cipher. They're both products of Marvel. I believe that's it in this chapter.
As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. Hope you enjoyed!