We're back, again! And here is another episode in the life of our group,
the Pack. This one is more on the fluff side, but that's okay. This one
happens after the Pack have decided to stay with the X-men and train; and
if you just started reading this, go back and read the first and second
stories. Unless you want to be confused.
Summary: the Pack train and get new members.
Note: We still own the Pack and the new people. Not the X-men. But we
want Gambit! Sorry.
The Four Minds
Title: Feeding the Fires chapter one: More to Come
It had been six weeks since the Pack had joined forces with the X-men to cure Shadow and Morgana. Six weeks since the second attempt to capture Shadow. Six weeks since the Pack took up Xavier's offer for training at the mansion. James had been called and transferred to the mansion, leaving the usual Boston estate attenders to look after the one of Quinn's many homes.
The Pack, who had all settled in well at the mansion, were enduring another of Wolverine's many training sessions. This one involved four members of the team to rescue the other two, while trying to avoid being defeated by the X-men, who were trying to stop them from succeeding.
They had split into pairs, Hunter and Dodger, who were to go after Shadow, and Nature and Saber, who went after Short Circuit. The latter had just gotten pass a set of laser grids and a young mutant code name Iceman. Though his power was great, the two combined their powers, winter winds and spring rainfall, and practically knocked him off his feet. They had retrieved Short Circuit, who was not allowed to use his powers, and with Saber clearing the way, had returned to the makeshift base.
Dodger and Hunter had broken through every defense set up, and had just finished battling the Recruiter and another young mutant. Hunter was now fighting another older student, this one being blue, and disappearing and reappearing, giving Dodger a chance to slip into the concealed area to rescue Shadow. As soon as he was sure he hadn't been detected, he uncloaked, finding Shadow sitting Indian style with a deck of cards in her hand.
She looked up at him. The two had grown closer since her illness, but only as close as she would let them. "My knight in shining armor has come to rescue me." she said adding a breathed 'finally' after.
"Does that mean I get the job?" he asked in return, ignoring the last of her statement. He helped the young lady gather her cards and off the floor without thanks. "Now, to get out and back." he concluded, poking his head around to see if anyone was coming. When he turned back, all he saw was the dark tank top and pants outfit that was her usual, characteristic getup. "That didn't work last time, pet, and it's not working this time." He laughed at her attempt. "Besides,...you're not suppose to use your powers."
"Can't blame a girl for trying." They laughed at the use of the same line from when they first met. "Thought it would work this time."
"Not tight enough, pet. Keep trying." He grabbed her wrists, closing his fingers tightly, determined not to lose her. "Come on."
Quietly they slipped out and continued back towards Hunter, who, soon they noticed, had taken care of the previous blue problem. He went before Dodger, who by nature of the program was carrying Shadow.
"So where's your white horse?" Shadow retorted from her position in Dodger's arms.
Not answering this, he threw her over his shoulder saying, "You're suppose to be unconscious, pet. Stay that way." As the trio were about to make the base connection, from up high they heard a voice over the PA.
"Sean, you have a phone call. Says it's important." Xavier informed. "A young woman named Gabby..."
"Okay," Logan broke in annoyed, "session over." There was a small cheer that was heard throughout the lower level from all.
From her position over Dodger's shoulder Shadow called, "You better get that call. Could be a woman wantin' to meet ya."
Saber shot a quick glance at her as Hunter explained before leaving the room. "Gabby is my baby sister. One of 'em." Saber started to walk out of the room with Dodger behind her before Shadow spoke up. "I can walk you know."
"Suit yourself, pet." Dodger said before letting her drop hard to the floor.
"Hey..." but before she could finish, Wolverine walked up to them.
"Kid, you ready to go?" he grunted as he threw Shadow her sword.
"Ready as I can be." she remarked, catching in mid air.
"Wait, what are you two planning?" Dodger asked.
"Just some sword play and some fencing tactics. Nothing big." Shadow supplied.
"You know how the fence?" Dodger asked.
"There is a lot you don't know about me." she commented.
"Indeed." Dodger stated.
"Are you two going to chit chat all day or am I going to get some work done?" Wolverine said impatiently.
"I'm coming. Just hold your horses." Shadow replied while walking back into the Danger Room and getting into position.
They left Shadow and Wolverine to their sword play while the rest of the Pack settled into a comfy setting room. There they discussed their previous training. Talking about what they did and what they could have done better. Commenting on how strong and effective their team was becoming.
"Thank you, James." Quinn said taking the glass of juice from him. "You know...I kind of miss skulking around at night. Catching someone in the act of trying to steal something. But..." he paused, taking a sip of the juice, "I like working with everyone. It's nice to set down someplace and stay longer than a day or two."
"It's good to see you sitting still for once, Mr. Quinn." James commented handing out the rest of the drinks.
"Question." Hunter butted in, "exactly how many housed do you own?"
"Really! Just where do you get your money?" Saber continued crossing her right leg over her left, gently brushing against Hunter's right leg. Had no one thought to ask this before?
"Well," Quinn looked thoughtfully, "one in San Francisco, one in Boston, Dallas, Chicago," he was counting one his fingers, "Maine, Paris, Berlin, the family cottage in the Himalayas, and the pueblo in Spain. As to where I get the money," he chuckled softly, glancing at Morgana, knowing what she was thinking, "My family is very...for a lack of a better word...rich. Most of the houses are vacation spots that my parents no longer visit. I have them to do what I want with. Make...made things easier to move from one town to another after a theft."
"So what does your family do to make them so wealthy?" Dodger asked.
"For one, we've invested well. We have good stocks and all. Dad's law firm is going exceptionally well. Mom's set at her job. The grandparents helped a lot with building the family wealth." Quinn explained.
"Exactly who are your parents? Do they know you're a thief?" Saber asked.
"No, they don't know. But, they don't know that I go by 'Alex Quinn' or 'Short Circuit'. My real name is Jackson Hooper of the California Hoopers." He waited for the laughter. There was none.
"So when your parents go...you and your brothers of sisters get the entire thing?" Hunter asked.
"No." Short Circuit looked sad. "I have no brothers or sisters. I'm an only child. Which means I get it all to myself." Morgana resisted the urge to reach over and take his hand in hers.
"That's how you're able to pay for all of your teams expenses." Scott Summers noted as he walked in.
"Yes. It comes in handy. My guess is that Charles isn't too badly set off himself." Scott just gleared. "Yes, well, you'd have to talk to him about that."
With that, the door to the sitting room opened to reveal Shadow, looking no worse for wears. "Ah, come join us, pet." Dodger indicated the seat next to him. Which she took, nearly sitting on top of him. "We were just discussing wealth and how much Alex has, and comparing it to Charles."
"Sounds like fun. Who's winning?"
"Where is she?" Wolverine came in, cloths shredded, looking meaner than ever.
"Are you sure this outfit's not tight enough?" she questioned Dodger. He just laughed.
"I think it best if you just run." With that incentive, she took off. Logan saw this and quickly pursued her. He nearly caught her, but instead ran square into Gambit. "Slow down, mon ami. What da rush?"
"Where she go?"
"Who?"
"Shadow." Logan stormed passed, shoving Remy into the wall. "Now out of my way, Cajun."
"What was dat all 'bout?" Gambit asked himself. He continued in the direction he had been headed when Logan ran into him chasing his 'daughter'. 'She look familiar.' he thought to himself. 'She has been here six weeks.' He entered the sitting room where the Pack was. "Morgana," she turned to listen, "Hank want t'test ya again, chere. Ask me t'escort you."
"Does he want Shadow, too?" Dodger asked as Morgana reluctantly got up from beside Alex. He did nothing to hold her back, though he missed the heat from her presence.
"Yeah. Logan chasin' her or someting. We need t'find her b'fore he does." Remy, being the gentleman, held out his arm for Morgana to take. She accepted.
"No worries, mate. I have an idea where she may be." With that Dodger left the company of the Pack and Gambit, and went to find Shadow.
Back on the main level of the mansion, Dodger was looking for Shadow in places he knew she wouldn't hide, occasionally running across Logan. He would ask if Dodger knew where she was, and Dodger would deny all knowledge. He only slightly had an idea. He continued on his quest, and finally reached the rooftop. "Thought I might find you here, pet." He went and sat by her. "Logan's going crazy trying to find you."
"Surprised his sense of smell is going with his age." she snapped, drawing her deck of cards from her belt.
"He could have found you if he wanted to, pet." he said checking his cards for the game of Black Jack she had laid out.
"What do you mean?" she snapped again.
"I think he's playing with you, pet. Hit. The way fathers and daughters do." He turned his cards over. 18.
"But why? He isn't doing anything like this with Morgana. And she's more his daughter than I am." she sounded half angry, half hurt.
"It's not like that, pet. He doesn't know how to be a father. She's a lot older than you." he reminded her that they, being 18 and 20, were the youngest of the Pack. "And you are so different than Morgana. Where she's more calm, probably like her mother, you're more like him. Cocky, short tempered and spirited. You rub sparks together." he laughed and turned over his new hand. "Black Jack. 21. It'll get better. Just give it time." He stood. "Now, Dr. McCoy needs to test you again, pet. Let's go."
"Fine." About that time, Gambit joined them on the roof. "'Bout time Gambit find you. Good job, mon ami Dodger." 'Wait, Gambit know this femme. What's dat in her 'ands? Cards? My cards!' "You da one who stole Remy's cards?!"
Shadow looked up at him. "Hey, eyes, thought you looked familiar."
"You da one dat stole from da Prince of Thieves?!" Gambit was astonished, more so that this was the girl who shared Rogue's DNA. "Gambit got a headache. Tink he go lay down." Remy climbed back off the roof, leaving the two laughing.
"Come on, pet. Let's get you to McCoy." The two left the solitude of the rooftop.
Mean while, back in the sitting room the Pack had continued on in their conversation. Logan, after changing cloths, had just joined them.
"So what did Shadow do to make you chase her?" Scott asked ruefully.
"She hand cuffed me to a pole. Told me to pick my way out and just sat there playing with her deck of cards." He didn't look too pleased.
"Can I ask how she got you into handcuffs?" Quinn asked.
"Well..." he started, "We were sword fighting, my claws verses her sword."
"Wait, her sword is antimantiem?" Scott interrupted.
"Yeah and she's good with it, too. She was holding her own when she knocked me into that pole. Before I knew it, both of my hands were behind my back and the pole. She's a quick little thing." Logan reported.
"What?! You mean she beat you?" Scott laughed.
"Watch it, Slim." he growled, grabbing him by his shirt collar.
"Get more than you bargained for? I guess she's more like you than you give her credit for." Quinn said.
"Nah. Just underestimated her." Logan replied letting go of his death grip on Scott. "It won't happen again. Next time I won't go easy on her."
"That Shadow can be a handful." Hunter commented. "She's unpredictable and confident. Makes her hard to fight, not to mention the whole mimicking thing."
"You're telling me. She doesn't follow orders. She's reckless, headstrong and over all just a little cocky." Logan added.
"She really is like you." Scott spat out hatefully.
"Enough." Saber clapped her hands. "Now we know all about Shadow and Logan's battle. We still don't know why your sister called." She stated, setting her stare on Hunter.
"She called to tell me that she graduated from college and is coming to America. She wanted to know where she could meet me." He looked up and snapped his fingers, half startling the others back to reality. "Think the professor will let me throw a party for her?"
"Maybe." Quinn and Scott answered.
"I'm going to go ask him." Hunter stood, quickly eyeing Saber. She took this as a hint. "I'll come with you." and she stood and followed him out the door. No one made any comments. They knew they were close. When Hunter and Saber were out of sight of the others, he took her hand, smiling down sweetly at her.
When they reached the door to Xavier's office, Sean dropped her hand and knocked on the door. They were beckoned to come in and did so filling the two seats in front of the desk. They figured he knew why they were here.
"What kind of party do you think she'll like?" Professor X asked putting away a stack of papers.
"I was thinking more on the lines of formal." he answered in a thick Irish accent. "Gabby likes to dress up on occasion."
"Will she be staying at the mansion?"
"She didn't say."
"I'll have a quest room prepared. How long until she gets here?"
"She'll be here on the sixth."
"That gives us three weeks. Sean, Illya, you're in charge. And," he smiled, opening the door for them. "don't worry about cost."
"Thank you, Charles. It will be wonderful."
"Make it so."
End chapter one. Two coming. Hope you've liked the - what is it now - third story so far. It's sad, but to be honest, we keep forgetting which story we're on. Sad, huh? Well, we'll be back!
The Four Minds
Title: Feeding the Fires chapter one: More to Come
It had been six weeks since the Pack had joined forces with the X-men to cure Shadow and Morgana. Six weeks since the second attempt to capture Shadow. Six weeks since the Pack took up Xavier's offer for training at the mansion. James had been called and transferred to the mansion, leaving the usual Boston estate attenders to look after the one of Quinn's many homes.
The Pack, who had all settled in well at the mansion, were enduring another of Wolverine's many training sessions. This one involved four members of the team to rescue the other two, while trying to avoid being defeated by the X-men, who were trying to stop them from succeeding.
They had split into pairs, Hunter and Dodger, who were to go after Shadow, and Nature and Saber, who went after Short Circuit. The latter had just gotten pass a set of laser grids and a young mutant code name Iceman. Though his power was great, the two combined their powers, winter winds and spring rainfall, and practically knocked him off his feet. They had retrieved Short Circuit, who was not allowed to use his powers, and with Saber clearing the way, had returned to the makeshift base.
Dodger and Hunter had broken through every defense set up, and had just finished battling the Recruiter and another young mutant. Hunter was now fighting another older student, this one being blue, and disappearing and reappearing, giving Dodger a chance to slip into the concealed area to rescue Shadow. As soon as he was sure he hadn't been detected, he uncloaked, finding Shadow sitting Indian style with a deck of cards in her hand.
She looked up at him. The two had grown closer since her illness, but only as close as she would let them. "My knight in shining armor has come to rescue me." she said adding a breathed 'finally' after.
"Does that mean I get the job?" he asked in return, ignoring the last of her statement. He helped the young lady gather her cards and off the floor without thanks. "Now, to get out and back." he concluded, poking his head around to see if anyone was coming. When he turned back, all he saw was the dark tank top and pants outfit that was her usual, characteristic getup. "That didn't work last time, pet, and it's not working this time." He laughed at her attempt. "Besides,...you're not suppose to use your powers."
"Can't blame a girl for trying." They laughed at the use of the same line from when they first met. "Thought it would work this time."
"Not tight enough, pet. Keep trying." He grabbed her wrists, closing his fingers tightly, determined not to lose her. "Come on."
Quietly they slipped out and continued back towards Hunter, who, soon they noticed, had taken care of the previous blue problem. He went before Dodger, who by nature of the program was carrying Shadow.
"So where's your white horse?" Shadow retorted from her position in Dodger's arms.
Not answering this, he threw her over his shoulder saying, "You're suppose to be unconscious, pet. Stay that way." As the trio were about to make the base connection, from up high they heard a voice over the PA.
"Sean, you have a phone call. Says it's important." Xavier informed. "A young woman named Gabby..."
"Okay," Logan broke in annoyed, "session over." There was a small cheer that was heard throughout the lower level from all.
From her position over Dodger's shoulder Shadow called, "You better get that call. Could be a woman wantin' to meet ya."
Saber shot a quick glance at her as Hunter explained before leaving the room. "Gabby is my baby sister. One of 'em." Saber started to walk out of the room with Dodger behind her before Shadow spoke up. "I can walk you know."
"Suit yourself, pet." Dodger said before letting her drop hard to the floor.
"Hey..." but before she could finish, Wolverine walked up to them.
"Kid, you ready to go?" he grunted as he threw Shadow her sword.
"Ready as I can be." she remarked, catching in mid air.
"Wait, what are you two planning?" Dodger asked.
"Just some sword play and some fencing tactics. Nothing big." Shadow supplied.
"You know how the fence?" Dodger asked.
"There is a lot you don't know about me." she commented.
"Indeed." Dodger stated.
"Are you two going to chit chat all day or am I going to get some work done?" Wolverine said impatiently.
"I'm coming. Just hold your horses." Shadow replied while walking back into the Danger Room and getting into position.
They left Shadow and Wolverine to their sword play while the rest of the Pack settled into a comfy setting room. There they discussed their previous training. Talking about what they did and what they could have done better. Commenting on how strong and effective their team was becoming.
"Thank you, James." Quinn said taking the glass of juice from him. "You know...I kind of miss skulking around at night. Catching someone in the act of trying to steal something. But..." he paused, taking a sip of the juice, "I like working with everyone. It's nice to set down someplace and stay longer than a day or two."
"It's good to see you sitting still for once, Mr. Quinn." James commented handing out the rest of the drinks.
"Question." Hunter butted in, "exactly how many housed do you own?"
"Really! Just where do you get your money?" Saber continued crossing her right leg over her left, gently brushing against Hunter's right leg. Had no one thought to ask this before?
"Well," Quinn looked thoughtfully, "one in San Francisco, one in Boston, Dallas, Chicago," he was counting one his fingers, "Maine, Paris, Berlin, the family cottage in the Himalayas, and the pueblo in Spain. As to where I get the money," he chuckled softly, glancing at Morgana, knowing what she was thinking, "My family is very...for a lack of a better word...rich. Most of the houses are vacation spots that my parents no longer visit. I have them to do what I want with. Make...made things easier to move from one town to another after a theft."
"So what does your family do to make them so wealthy?" Dodger asked.
"For one, we've invested well. We have good stocks and all. Dad's law firm is going exceptionally well. Mom's set at her job. The grandparents helped a lot with building the family wealth." Quinn explained.
"Exactly who are your parents? Do they know you're a thief?" Saber asked.
"No, they don't know. But, they don't know that I go by 'Alex Quinn' or 'Short Circuit'. My real name is Jackson Hooper of the California Hoopers." He waited for the laughter. There was none.
"So when your parents go...you and your brothers of sisters get the entire thing?" Hunter asked.
"No." Short Circuit looked sad. "I have no brothers or sisters. I'm an only child. Which means I get it all to myself." Morgana resisted the urge to reach over and take his hand in hers.
"That's how you're able to pay for all of your teams expenses." Scott Summers noted as he walked in.
"Yes. It comes in handy. My guess is that Charles isn't too badly set off himself." Scott just gleared. "Yes, well, you'd have to talk to him about that."
With that, the door to the sitting room opened to reveal Shadow, looking no worse for wears. "Ah, come join us, pet." Dodger indicated the seat next to him. Which she took, nearly sitting on top of him. "We were just discussing wealth and how much Alex has, and comparing it to Charles."
"Sounds like fun. Who's winning?"
"Where is she?" Wolverine came in, cloths shredded, looking meaner than ever.
"Are you sure this outfit's not tight enough?" she questioned Dodger. He just laughed.
"I think it best if you just run." With that incentive, she took off. Logan saw this and quickly pursued her. He nearly caught her, but instead ran square into Gambit. "Slow down, mon ami. What da rush?"
"Where she go?"
"Who?"
"Shadow." Logan stormed passed, shoving Remy into the wall. "Now out of my way, Cajun."
"What was dat all 'bout?" Gambit asked himself. He continued in the direction he had been headed when Logan ran into him chasing his 'daughter'. 'She look familiar.' he thought to himself. 'She has been here six weeks.' He entered the sitting room where the Pack was. "Morgana," she turned to listen, "Hank want t'test ya again, chere. Ask me t'escort you."
"Does he want Shadow, too?" Dodger asked as Morgana reluctantly got up from beside Alex. He did nothing to hold her back, though he missed the heat from her presence.
"Yeah. Logan chasin' her or someting. We need t'find her b'fore he does." Remy, being the gentleman, held out his arm for Morgana to take. She accepted.
"No worries, mate. I have an idea where she may be." With that Dodger left the company of the Pack and Gambit, and went to find Shadow.
Back on the main level of the mansion, Dodger was looking for Shadow in places he knew she wouldn't hide, occasionally running across Logan. He would ask if Dodger knew where she was, and Dodger would deny all knowledge. He only slightly had an idea. He continued on his quest, and finally reached the rooftop. "Thought I might find you here, pet." He went and sat by her. "Logan's going crazy trying to find you."
"Surprised his sense of smell is going with his age." she snapped, drawing her deck of cards from her belt.
"He could have found you if he wanted to, pet." he said checking his cards for the game of Black Jack she had laid out.
"What do you mean?" she snapped again.
"I think he's playing with you, pet. Hit. The way fathers and daughters do." He turned his cards over. 18.
"But why? He isn't doing anything like this with Morgana. And she's more his daughter than I am." she sounded half angry, half hurt.
"It's not like that, pet. He doesn't know how to be a father. She's a lot older than you." he reminded her that they, being 18 and 20, were the youngest of the Pack. "And you are so different than Morgana. Where she's more calm, probably like her mother, you're more like him. Cocky, short tempered and spirited. You rub sparks together." he laughed and turned over his new hand. "Black Jack. 21. It'll get better. Just give it time." He stood. "Now, Dr. McCoy needs to test you again, pet. Let's go."
"Fine." About that time, Gambit joined them on the roof. "'Bout time Gambit find you. Good job, mon ami Dodger." 'Wait, Gambit know this femme. What's dat in her 'ands? Cards? My cards!' "You da one who stole Remy's cards?!"
Shadow looked up at him. "Hey, eyes, thought you looked familiar."
"You da one dat stole from da Prince of Thieves?!" Gambit was astonished, more so that this was the girl who shared Rogue's DNA. "Gambit got a headache. Tink he go lay down." Remy climbed back off the roof, leaving the two laughing.
"Come on, pet. Let's get you to McCoy." The two left the solitude of the rooftop.
Mean while, back in the sitting room the Pack had continued on in their conversation. Logan, after changing cloths, had just joined them.
"So what did Shadow do to make you chase her?" Scott asked ruefully.
"She hand cuffed me to a pole. Told me to pick my way out and just sat there playing with her deck of cards." He didn't look too pleased.
"Can I ask how she got you into handcuffs?" Quinn asked.
"Well..." he started, "We were sword fighting, my claws verses her sword."
"Wait, her sword is antimantiem?" Scott interrupted.
"Yeah and she's good with it, too. She was holding her own when she knocked me into that pole. Before I knew it, both of my hands were behind my back and the pole. She's a quick little thing." Logan reported.
"What?! You mean she beat you?" Scott laughed.
"Watch it, Slim." he growled, grabbing him by his shirt collar.
"Get more than you bargained for? I guess she's more like you than you give her credit for." Quinn said.
"Nah. Just underestimated her." Logan replied letting go of his death grip on Scott. "It won't happen again. Next time I won't go easy on her."
"That Shadow can be a handful." Hunter commented. "She's unpredictable and confident. Makes her hard to fight, not to mention the whole mimicking thing."
"You're telling me. She doesn't follow orders. She's reckless, headstrong and over all just a little cocky." Logan added.
"She really is like you." Scott spat out hatefully.
"Enough." Saber clapped her hands. "Now we know all about Shadow and Logan's battle. We still don't know why your sister called." She stated, setting her stare on Hunter.
"She called to tell me that she graduated from college and is coming to America. She wanted to know where she could meet me." He looked up and snapped his fingers, half startling the others back to reality. "Think the professor will let me throw a party for her?"
"Maybe." Quinn and Scott answered.
"I'm going to go ask him." Hunter stood, quickly eyeing Saber. She took this as a hint. "I'll come with you." and she stood and followed him out the door. No one made any comments. They knew they were close. When Hunter and Saber were out of sight of the others, he took her hand, smiling down sweetly at her.
When they reached the door to Xavier's office, Sean dropped her hand and knocked on the door. They were beckoned to come in and did so filling the two seats in front of the desk. They figured he knew why they were here.
"What kind of party do you think she'll like?" Professor X asked putting away a stack of papers.
"I was thinking more on the lines of formal." he answered in a thick Irish accent. "Gabby likes to dress up on occasion."
"Will she be staying at the mansion?"
"She didn't say."
"I'll have a quest room prepared. How long until she gets here?"
"She'll be here on the sixth."
"That gives us three weeks. Sean, Illya, you're in charge. And," he smiled, opening the door for them. "don't worry about cost."
"Thank you, Charles. It will be wonderful."
"Make it so."
End chapter one. Two coming. Hope you've liked the - what is it now - third story so far. It's sad, but to be honest, we keep forgetting which story we're on. Sad, huh? Well, we'll be back!