A/N: Ok, this was a mistake.
I completely messed up the chapters.
What WAS chapter 3 is really a later part in the book, so PLEASE forgive me and try not to be confused, ok?
E.E: You know who you are, right? The creator of Pixie? My dear friend who's story I love? Good. Making sure. Why have you not reviewed, my dear friend? Have you forgotten? Lost your way? Gotten confused or busy? Very well. I must be forgiving then. So long as you have good reason *glares* I'm kidding. Keep up the work on your story, ok?
QOTEC: Qotec, my dear friend! How are you? Yes, the last chapter was confusing, wasn't it? Do forgive me, please. I must fix that. Teehee. Thank you for noticing it, lol. I never would have figured it out without your help.
Miss Lurv: Hello, Miss Lurv! I'm glad you've come back. Very nice of you. *big grin*
Is that everyone? Is not, I promise to make it up to you, ok? I'll give you honorable mention. (
Right-o, so on to chapter three, as I am a bumbling fool and messed it up:
Ah, yes. The beginning part is the same, in case you wondered. *big grin*
Chapter 3
Dinner at Xavier's school was not something to be missed, for certain.
After school let out and homework was done, the kids all raced down the staircase, chattering excitedly, and burst into the kitchen, where they would speedily plop down in their favorite chair before it was taken.
The table they sat at was long and elegant, glistening in the light cast from the chandelier above, seeming almost too elegant for dozens of children to sit at. Of course, every student was very careful to be polite and to mind his manners while sitting at diner, although once or twice someone would slip up and place his elbows on the table, earning a stern glance from one of the teachers.
This dining room was only for dinner; at breakfast and lunch they ate in the other 'eating room', where there were tons of mismatched chairs and tables for them to sit at.
The entire house was usually at the table at least ten minutes before the food came out, and it was quite a sight; dozens of hyper, hungry teenage mutants who had very little self-control; from all around the room came sparks, flashes, and spikes as the irritated kids all yelled for food (unfortunately, it wasn't until the food came that manners kicked in).
Of course the teachers sat nearby and controlled the students as much as possible, but it was hard, considering there were only six adults to the many teens.
The other teachers were in the kitchen, preparing food and bringing it out. Twilight always helped out in the kitchen, working loyally by Ororo, adorned with a dirty, too-large apron and smudged cheeks.
When all of the food was finally on the table and everyone had sat down, Kurt would ask everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes, and he would pray. The kids were usually very fidgety at this part, but they knew to respect Kurt; who wouldn't respect someone who looked like a blue demon?
After the prayer, Rogue, Kitty and Bobby would go around the table serving up the food: Roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled fish, and shrimp; corn, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and peas; a whole array of breads; too many types of fruits to list; and tons of different drinks.
Xavier had a rule for dinner: The kids all had to take one meat item, two veggies, a piece of bread, a serving of fruit, and one can of soda/glass of milk/cup of water before they would have dessert.
And of course, everyone wanted dessert.
Depending on the day, an adult would bring out a large pie dribbling with fruit filling and ice-cream, freshly baked cookies, steaming cobbler, large sundaes, or streusel with frosting dribbled over it.
Dessert was, by far, the favorite course.
It was during dessert on the night of Twilight's accident that Xavier broke the news.
Everyone had noticed how exceedingly quiet and withdrawn he'd been for the past few hours, not at all like the fun, grandfatherly man they were used to.
Therefore, when he cleared his throat and held up his hand for silence, any sound at all immediately ceased; everyone knew his explanation was coming.
He forced a smile and looked around at them all, "Students, I hope you've enjoyed dinner?"
Many of them nodded, their eyes glued to him worriedly; they knew Xavier well, and at the moment, he looked.anxious. No.scared. The kids had never really seen Professor Charles Xavier look afraid before, and they shifted uncomfortably, glancing at one another.
Even the teachers seemed a little startled at the fear in Charles's voice, and when the professor swallowed hard, unable to speak much more, Logan asked, "What is it, Charlie?"
Ororo half-stood, placing her hands on the table, blue eyes tracked on her long-time mentor, "Is everything alright?"
Xavier looked up and sighed loudly, shaking his head, "I'm afraid not, Storm. I.I need to tell you all something. Something of utmost importance. It is.the thing for which I called you home in the first place. But what with Amennile's injuries and dinner, I haven't had time to speak until now. But.not with the children here."
The students all groaned loudly, some protesting savagely, until Logan pounded the table with his fist, and they shut up relatively quickly.
"You will all finish your dessert and go up to bed," Scott said, his lips a grim line.
None of the kids argued, their eyes nervously flicking to Logan, until all of them were done and were flooding to the door.
Twilight, who had only just been given permission by Ororo to leave the hospital wing to come for dinner, stood with the rest of the kids and started to go out, when Storm placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back, whispering, "The Professor wants you here, Amme."
Feeling scared, Twilight resumed her seat by Storm, her face a mask of confusion.
The rest of the kids filed out relatively quickly, and after checking to make sure they really were gone, Kurt Wagner hurried back, taking a seat between Logan and Scott, "What is it, Professor?"
"All of you.all of you know that the hatred between mutants and humans has grown stronger."
They all nodded obediently.
"And.you all know that.that the Brotherhood have been planning another attack."
Twilight felt herself grow nauseous as she heard his words; she hadn't exactly known for certain that they were, but in the back of her mind she sensed it, like some awful, rotting sickness.
Xavier's eyes rested on her a she continued, "I'm afraid.we have a slight problem."
The tension in the room was thicker than a quilt.
Twilight felt her mouth go dry and her blood run cold, "W.what about?"
"Yea," Logan snarled, eyes flashing dangerously, "What about?"
"As you all know, we aren't even known if the all of the Brotherhood are even alive-"
"And that's not a bad thing," Rogue stated, a slight edge to her voice.
Bobby took her gloved hand in his and squeezed it comfortingly.
"-and, yes.that has not been a necessarily bad thing."
"What's all this about?" Scott asked pointedly, his very rigid body giving away the fact that he was just as angry and confused as everyone else.
Xavier looked around at him, and finally, sighing, he replied, "Today one of the newest members of the Brotherhood attempted to kidnap Twilight."
Nightcrawler glanced over at Twilight, at about the same time everyone else did.
Twilight stared hard at her empty plate, heart beating wildly against her chest, almost as if it willed to break her ribs; of course SOMEONE had tried to kidnap her.but a member of the Brotherhood seemed a little far- fetched.
Xavier continued, forcing his voice to stay calm, "It was a very close call, indeed, and had Storm not entered the room at just the moment she did, Twilight would now be with us now."
At that, everyone's faces contorted with pain at the thought of losing 'their Amme'.
"It seems Magneto has acquired another mutant, by the name of Regan Wyndegarde. She is a very powerful woman, able to use her mind to force alternate realities on whoever she wants. However, that is not what worried me."
"There's more?" Bobby asked, ice-blue eyes sparking, "As if this isn't bad enough.!"
Xavier sighed, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand, "Yes, she has joined them and now they are a well-equipped team, all of them doing fine.John.he's well."
Bobby's face turned stony, and his eyes froze over. "So?" he asked blatantly.
Xavier glanced up at him, "Bobby."
"No," the boy replied, closing his eyes and shaking his head, "I don't want to. Please.go on."
No one needed asking twice.
Twilight knew how sensitive Bobby was about John, his former best friend and another mutant. After the battle with Stryker, 'Saint John' had joined the Brotherhood.he was in fact, the teenage boy who could control fire. Twilight had seen him before, and she wasn't too sure that she liked him, but she kept her mouth shut, on account of Bobby's feelings.
Xavier continued without another mention of Pyro, "What worried me was not the fact that the Brotherhood gained another powerful member." He stared around at each member seated before him, "What worried me was the fluid teamwork and stunning intelligence they have acquired in the past years."
"Intelligence?" Rogue asked, bitterness still stored in her voice, "Whaddya mean?"
"It was really Magneto's intellect, mostly," Charles responded, lacing his fingers before him, "His thoughts were very disturbing.very.horrifying."
It was then that he looked over at Twilight, his face a mask of sincerity, "I know, Twilight, that you do not wish to speak of the Brotherhood, nor anything that has ever or will ever associate with them.however, it is of the utmost importance now that you listen very closely."
Twilight forced herself to look up at him, biting her lip.
He raised his eyebrows, "Understood?"
"Yes, Sir," she whispered.
"Good. Now, Magneto has in his mind such a deep and endless hatred for mankind that he is nearly insane with it. He has formed a plan, one he has been working on for these past few years. One that he knows will not fail.and one that even I cannot truthfully believe will not succeed."
Everyone suddenly began to understand the seriousness of this conversation, and they all leaned forward automatically, looks of dawning worry on their features.
"It is an idea that has been very well thought-out, by not only him but his entire team, and it seems that he has filled every space which might exist as a problem for him.one of which is us."
"Yea?" Logan growled, eyes scintillating with intense hatred, "What's he plannin' on doin' with us?"
Charles turned to him and quietly said, "I do not know the specifics, Logan, and I'm certain I do not want to think of them. All I know is that he has planned this out so well that he poses a very real threat to us." Xavier nodded towards Twilight, "Especially to her."
Twilight swallowed the throbbing bile rising in her throat, "M-Me? But.but I'm safe here, you said so yourself.you said I'd always be safe with you and the X-Men.you promised.!"
Her brain was starting to reel, very uncontrollable panic settling into her chest, fogging her mind.
Storm drew a reassuring arm over Twilight's shoulder and held her close, murmuring calming words.
After a second, Charles stated, "Twilight, I did promise you that, and I never go back on my word. I am only telling you of the danger you are in.I do not want you to act rashly in anything you do. The Brotherhood is very real and very dangerous, and every time I've come against them, they have gotten what they needed for their schemes. We have managed to retrieve their prey." He glanced steadily at Rogue, and she gazed back strongly, her lips a white line, ".but their resolve and hatred grow stronger with each passing meeting. Currently, what they want is a young girl who holds the lives of every single being on earth in her hands.and they wish only to find her, kidnap her, and.kill her."
Twilight felt her chest constrict painfully, her breath coming out in gasps, but Xavier continued, "They know the location of this school, and possibly which room is yours."
His voice was starting to echo strangely as she sat rigidly in her chair, trembling against Storm's chest as she held her tightly.
"No," she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut, "No they can't! They can't know that! You.you can do something! Can't you? Please, Professor, don't let them find me! Please don't let them! I don't want to die! I won't be able to fight! Please don't let them! Please."
She continued sobbing out the same words over and over, her mind fogging with terror, her consciousness starting slip away.
"Amme.focus, Honey.breathe.c'mon."
The darkness surrounding her began to close in, creeping slowly from the edges of her eyes to her mind.
"Twilight.you're turning blue! Breathe! Twilight!"
She could vaguely sense chairs sliding back and people gathering around her.she felt her strength leave her.her head hurt.the room was spinning.then she collapsed.
The night was cool and calm, the only sound the diustant chirruping of crickets, the only movement the branches of the trees dancing in the light breeze. The sky above was black and smooth, stretching like velvet overhead while shimmering dots indicated the presence of stars.
It was a night that no one would suspect anything evil to be lurking nearby.
However, close to the entrance to Xavier's school, away form any windows or doors, a steady, red glow could be seen, moving up, pausing, dropping down, pausing.
A thin river of smoke streamed form between Regan Wyndegarde's scarlet lips and hovered eerily into the sky.
Regan took another drag on her cigarette and then exhaled, watching the ringlets float lazily above her.
She listened to the chaos ensuing inside and sighed, dropping her cigarette and stepping on it sharply, "I really need to stop smoking. Not that I will."
She smiled to herself, shaking her head; talking to oneself was a sign of againg.
She paused, listening as the voices inside became louder:
"Move, Kids! We're trying to get her downstairs!"
"No, no, she's ok.just a little sick."
"Just go back and watch TV."
"No, she'll be sleeping in the hospital tonight.one of us will stay with her, don't worry."
Her soft laughter filled the doorway, and she leaned against the wall, grinning, "They really should keep it down. You never know who might be listening in."
Twilight didn't awaken for nearly three hours, and when she did, she was drowsy and hardly talkative.
As always, Ororo was the one who stayed in the room with her, watching her sleep and reading a book she'd bought earlier in the day.
She was worried about Twilight, of course.
It would have been unnatural for her not to be.
But to be unable to sleep and to have a growing sense of dread settling in her chest wasn;t natural, either.
She couldn't explain a horribly anxiety that filled her soul, making her heart rate speed up and her breath came fast.
She'd never been one to worry so often.
"I swear, I'll have an ulcer the size of New York by the time this kid is sixteen," she yawned, leaning her head back sleepily.
"'Ro?"
Storm looked up sharply, startled, and then she relaxed, "Hi, Logan."
Wolverine smiled, "I came down to relieve you of your duties."
"I'm fine, Logan. I can stay up a little while longer."
Logan looked from her drooping eyes to her obviously fatigued body, "Uh, right. I believe you. Really."
Ororo smiled, standing and stretching, "I suppose I can sleep for a few hours."
Slowly, she leaned over Twilight and brushed her hair away from her eyes, kissing her forehead, "I'll be back, Sweetheart."
Twilight, who was only just barely awake, nodded tiredly and mumbled, "k, Mom. Love you."
Ororo chuckled, tucking the blanket tighter around Twilight, "Love you more."
Despite her exhaustion, Twilight grinned, "Love you most."
"Love you to the moon."
"Love you to the moon and back."
Ororo chuckled, "Ok, ok. You win."
"I always do."
Storm gave Twilight a final kiss and turned, walking towards the door.
As she left the room, she turned and looked back at Wolverine, "Come and wake me up whenever you're tired. I'll be on the couch."
Wolverine saluted her with two fingers, "Will do. Sleep good."
"Will do," Storm yawned, starting up the stairs.
As soon as Ororo's footsteps diminished, Wolverine turned to Amennile, smiling slightly, "Hi."
Twilight opened her eyes, "Hi."
"Feel better?"
"A little. Still feel dizzy."
Wolverine moved forward and sat on the edge of Twilight's bed, running a hand through his already disheveled hair, "You'd better get some sleep."
"I'll try," Twilight replied softly, turning over and moaning.
Logan sat down in the chair next to her, glancing at the book Ororo had left on the nightstand; grinning, he picked it up, "Mom, If Everyone Else Jumped Off the Bridge, Why Shouldn't I Want To? Keeping Your Teen (and Yourself!) Sane."
"Ooh," Logan murmured, flipping to the first page, "Why's 'Ro keepin' the survival guide to herself?"
It was quite often that Kurt Wagner was found wide awake in the dead of night, sitting on the roof while the wind tousled his hair and his whispered prayers floated through the house.
Most of the students had gotten used to it; some considered it a soothing 'lullaby' of sorts.
Scott Summers found it slightly unnerving.
Even after having lived with Kurt for the past years, he still wasn't quite used to the fact that every time he passed a window after midnight he could see a gargoyle-shaped thing on the roof; it still made him jump a little.
On this particular night, after having a near-heart attack at the sight of a 'monster' on his roof, Scott did something he'd never done before after spotting Nightcrawler; he joined him.
As he crawled out on the cool roof, he heard Kurt murmuring in German, his head bowed over clasped hands.
Quietly, Scott reached him and swung his legs over the edge of the roof, waiting until he was finished with his prayer before clearing his throat softly.
When Kurt looked up, he started slightly and smiled, "I didn't know you were there."
Scott smiled slightly, "Yea, I didn't think you did."
Both of them were silent for a while, looking up in the sky at the millions of stars.
Eventually, Kurt smiled and said quietly, "Amazing, isn't it? That there are so many stars? That the sky is so big?"
Scott nodded, "Sure is something, that's for sure."
Kurt glanced at him, "Imagine what great things could be past this immense sky."
Scott turned to him, frowning slightly, "Like what?"
"Well, like Heaven."
Scott smiled slightly; of course Kurt was talking about that.
Nightcrawler pushed on persistently, "Heaven, angels.who knows what else! Perhaps." Kurt paused, trying hard not to poke at a tender spot in Scott's soul, ".perhaps our loved ones?"
Scott's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
"Perhaps they are all above, smiling down on us each day. And maybe someday, we will see them again?"
Scott wasn't talking; he just sat with his arms crossed and his face a mask of nothing.
Kurt slowly laid a hand on his shoulder, "Mein Fruend, I may wonder many things, but one thing I know is certain."
"What's that?" Scott asked, his voice husky with unshed tears.
"Angels live forever."
That was all Scott could take. He buried his face in his hands, tears running down his cheeks.
Nightcrawler sighed sadly, unable to imagine the pain Scott must have in his heart.
Wordlessly, keeping a hand on Scott's arm, he began praying softly; Scott continued crying silently.
There is only one place in America where even a sunrise is plain and hardly noticeable.
There is only one place where the suns rays simply appear suddenly in a blinding flash, leaving behind any colorful skies or breathtaking scenery.
There is only one place where those who don't care for sunrises live.
That place is Provane, the small and hellish island where the Brotherhood lived.
This was Reagan's first actual sighting of the place she was to live at, and even she had to admit it lacked eloquence.
It was cold, hard, and desolate, something Reagan would never have considered livable.
However, articulacy was not what she needed; all she wanted was a place to stay where she wouldn't be found.
So, even though it most certainly wasn't paradise, Reagan said nothing as she stepped from the small boat anchored at the shore.
Toad and Sabertooth followed her, arguing quietly over who she liked better.
Reagan ignored them both and headed for the house, eyes landing on an older man wearing a red cape and an almost ridiculous-looking helmet; that was Magneto.
She knew it instantly, for some reason, and when she reached him, her suspicions were proven true.
"Hello, Reagan," Magneto said, giving her a slight smile, "I am Eric Lensherr-Magneto."
Reagan nodded in reply, looking beyond him into the 'house'; Pyro was sitting on the lumpy couch, watching TV, and a few other people she didn't know had joined him, eyes glued dully to the screen.
Mystique was standing loyally by Magneto, watching Reagan carefully.
"Have you already gotten the girl?" Magneto asked, glancing back up to the boat where Sabertooth had just thrown Toad overboard.
"I don't have her yet," Reagan finally replied, "but I know where she is and where she's going to be for the next few nights."
"And where is that?"
"In the school hospital. Seems she had a little fainting spell once she heard I was coming for a visit."
Magneto chuckled darkly, turning to Mystique, "Seems she's heard of us, My Dear."
Mystique grinned devilishly, "That's wonderful."
Reagan raised an eyebrow, "Are you two.lovers?"
From inside the house, Reagan heard Pyro burst into peals of laughter.
Eric shook his head, still smiling but not laughing, "What do you think?"
Reagan started to reply, but a loud roar from behind her caught her attention.
She turned to see Toad hanging on Sabertooth's neck, pulling at his hair and spitting green slime into his face.
Mystique sighed, clearly displeased as she walked fluidly over to the 'ship'.
"How are you planning to get the child?" Magneto asked, turning her attention back to him.
Reagan smiled maliciously, "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I'm perfectly able to get the kid. I just came to make sure this place is worth the hassle."
Magneto chuckled again, "I hope it reaches your standards?"
Reagan shrugged, determined not to act impressed, "It'll do."
"I'm glad. Now tell me, what do you know of the girl?"
"I could write a biography on her."
Magneto laughed, "Excellent. Now, as long as the girl is with you on our next meeting, I'm certain we will stay on good terms?"
"Of course," Reagan replied, taking that as a sign to leave.
She gave him a nod of discharge and turned, trying to ignore the shouting match Sabertooth and Toad were having.
On her way up the ramp, she passed Mystique and quietly said, "I hope you realize I'm only bringing the child here. Nothing else."
"Of course," Mystique replied softly, giving her a Cheshire cat smile.
In the next few moments, Reagan was leaning against the railing of the tiny vessel and watching her new home disappear behind the fog.
"Weren't you a little disrespectful towards Magneto?" Toad asked blatantly, sitting down by her (much to the disgust of Sabertooth), "I mean.you do know how powerful he is, right?"
Reagan looked at him sharply, and he recoiled, "Of course I know how powerful he is. That doesn't make him any better than me."
"Course not," Toad muttered, "I was just sayin."
"No one is any better then I am," Reagan said firmly, turning her face back out to the sea, "And I owe him nothing."
Toad nodded in agreement, "Yea. Ok."
I completely messed up the chapters.
What WAS chapter 3 is really a later part in the book, so PLEASE forgive me and try not to be confused, ok?
E.E: You know who you are, right? The creator of Pixie? My dear friend who's story I love? Good. Making sure. Why have you not reviewed, my dear friend? Have you forgotten? Lost your way? Gotten confused or busy? Very well. I must be forgiving then. So long as you have good reason *glares* I'm kidding. Keep up the work on your story, ok?
QOTEC: Qotec, my dear friend! How are you? Yes, the last chapter was confusing, wasn't it? Do forgive me, please. I must fix that. Teehee. Thank you for noticing it, lol. I never would have figured it out without your help.
Miss Lurv: Hello, Miss Lurv! I'm glad you've come back. Very nice of you. *big grin*
Is that everyone? Is not, I promise to make it up to you, ok? I'll give you honorable mention. (
Right-o, so on to chapter three, as I am a bumbling fool and messed it up:
Ah, yes. The beginning part is the same, in case you wondered. *big grin*
Chapter 3
Dinner at Xavier's school was not something to be missed, for certain.
After school let out and homework was done, the kids all raced down the staircase, chattering excitedly, and burst into the kitchen, where they would speedily plop down in their favorite chair before it was taken.
The table they sat at was long and elegant, glistening in the light cast from the chandelier above, seeming almost too elegant for dozens of children to sit at. Of course, every student was very careful to be polite and to mind his manners while sitting at diner, although once or twice someone would slip up and place his elbows on the table, earning a stern glance from one of the teachers.
This dining room was only for dinner; at breakfast and lunch they ate in the other 'eating room', where there were tons of mismatched chairs and tables for them to sit at.
The entire house was usually at the table at least ten minutes before the food came out, and it was quite a sight; dozens of hyper, hungry teenage mutants who had very little self-control; from all around the room came sparks, flashes, and spikes as the irritated kids all yelled for food (unfortunately, it wasn't until the food came that manners kicked in).
Of course the teachers sat nearby and controlled the students as much as possible, but it was hard, considering there were only six adults to the many teens.
The other teachers were in the kitchen, preparing food and bringing it out. Twilight always helped out in the kitchen, working loyally by Ororo, adorned with a dirty, too-large apron and smudged cheeks.
When all of the food was finally on the table and everyone had sat down, Kurt would ask everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes, and he would pray. The kids were usually very fidgety at this part, but they knew to respect Kurt; who wouldn't respect someone who looked like a blue demon?
After the prayer, Rogue, Kitty and Bobby would go around the table serving up the food: Roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled fish, and shrimp; corn, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, and peas; a whole array of breads; too many types of fruits to list; and tons of different drinks.
Xavier had a rule for dinner: The kids all had to take one meat item, two veggies, a piece of bread, a serving of fruit, and one can of soda/glass of milk/cup of water before they would have dessert.
And of course, everyone wanted dessert.
Depending on the day, an adult would bring out a large pie dribbling with fruit filling and ice-cream, freshly baked cookies, steaming cobbler, large sundaes, or streusel with frosting dribbled over it.
Dessert was, by far, the favorite course.
It was during dessert on the night of Twilight's accident that Xavier broke the news.
Everyone had noticed how exceedingly quiet and withdrawn he'd been for the past few hours, not at all like the fun, grandfatherly man they were used to.
Therefore, when he cleared his throat and held up his hand for silence, any sound at all immediately ceased; everyone knew his explanation was coming.
He forced a smile and looked around at them all, "Students, I hope you've enjoyed dinner?"
Many of them nodded, their eyes glued to him worriedly; they knew Xavier well, and at the moment, he looked.anxious. No.scared. The kids had never really seen Professor Charles Xavier look afraid before, and they shifted uncomfortably, glancing at one another.
Even the teachers seemed a little startled at the fear in Charles's voice, and when the professor swallowed hard, unable to speak much more, Logan asked, "What is it, Charlie?"
Ororo half-stood, placing her hands on the table, blue eyes tracked on her long-time mentor, "Is everything alright?"
Xavier looked up and sighed loudly, shaking his head, "I'm afraid not, Storm. I.I need to tell you all something. Something of utmost importance. It is.the thing for which I called you home in the first place. But what with Amennile's injuries and dinner, I haven't had time to speak until now. But.not with the children here."
The students all groaned loudly, some protesting savagely, until Logan pounded the table with his fist, and they shut up relatively quickly.
"You will all finish your dessert and go up to bed," Scott said, his lips a grim line.
None of the kids argued, their eyes nervously flicking to Logan, until all of them were done and were flooding to the door.
Twilight, who had only just been given permission by Ororo to leave the hospital wing to come for dinner, stood with the rest of the kids and started to go out, when Storm placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back, whispering, "The Professor wants you here, Amme."
Feeling scared, Twilight resumed her seat by Storm, her face a mask of confusion.
The rest of the kids filed out relatively quickly, and after checking to make sure they really were gone, Kurt Wagner hurried back, taking a seat between Logan and Scott, "What is it, Professor?"
"All of you.all of you know that the hatred between mutants and humans has grown stronger."
They all nodded obediently.
"And.you all know that.that the Brotherhood have been planning another attack."
Twilight felt herself grow nauseous as she heard his words; she hadn't exactly known for certain that they were, but in the back of her mind she sensed it, like some awful, rotting sickness.
Xavier's eyes rested on her a she continued, "I'm afraid.we have a slight problem."
The tension in the room was thicker than a quilt.
Twilight felt her mouth go dry and her blood run cold, "W.what about?"
"Yea," Logan snarled, eyes flashing dangerously, "What about?"
"As you all know, we aren't even known if the all of the Brotherhood are even alive-"
"And that's not a bad thing," Rogue stated, a slight edge to her voice.
Bobby took her gloved hand in his and squeezed it comfortingly.
"-and, yes.that has not been a necessarily bad thing."
"What's all this about?" Scott asked pointedly, his very rigid body giving away the fact that he was just as angry and confused as everyone else.
Xavier looked around at him, and finally, sighing, he replied, "Today one of the newest members of the Brotherhood attempted to kidnap Twilight."
Nightcrawler glanced over at Twilight, at about the same time everyone else did.
Twilight stared hard at her empty plate, heart beating wildly against her chest, almost as if it willed to break her ribs; of course SOMEONE had tried to kidnap her.but a member of the Brotherhood seemed a little far- fetched.
Xavier continued, forcing his voice to stay calm, "It was a very close call, indeed, and had Storm not entered the room at just the moment she did, Twilight would now be with us now."
At that, everyone's faces contorted with pain at the thought of losing 'their Amme'.
"It seems Magneto has acquired another mutant, by the name of Regan Wyndegarde. She is a very powerful woman, able to use her mind to force alternate realities on whoever she wants. However, that is not what worried me."
"There's more?" Bobby asked, ice-blue eyes sparking, "As if this isn't bad enough.!"
Xavier sighed, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand, "Yes, she has joined them and now they are a well-equipped team, all of them doing fine.John.he's well."
Bobby's face turned stony, and his eyes froze over. "So?" he asked blatantly.
Xavier glanced up at him, "Bobby."
"No," the boy replied, closing his eyes and shaking his head, "I don't want to. Please.go on."
No one needed asking twice.
Twilight knew how sensitive Bobby was about John, his former best friend and another mutant. After the battle with Stryker, 'Saint John' had joined the Brotherhood.he was in fact, the teenage boy who could control fire. Twilight had seen him before, and she wasn't too sure that she liked him, but she kept her mouth shut, on account of Bobby's feelings.
Xavier continued without another mention of Pyro, "What worried me was not the fact that the Brotherhood gained another powerful member." He stared around at each member seated before him, "What worried me was the fluid teamwork and stunning intelligence they have acquired in the past years."
"Intelligence?" Rogue asked, bitterness still stored in her voice, "Whaddya mean?"
"It was really Magneto's intellect, mostly," Charles responded, lacing his fingers before him, "His thoughts were very disturbing.very.horrifying."
It was then that he looked over at Twilight, his face a mask of sincerity, "I know, Twilight, that you do not wish to speak of the Brotherhood, nor anything that has ever or will ever associate with them.however, it is of the utmost importance now that you listen very closely."
Twilight forced herself to look up at him, biting her lip.
He raised his eyebrows, "Understood?"
"Yes, Sir," she whispered.
"Good. Now, Magneto has in his mind such a deep and endless hatred for mankind that he is nearly insane with it. He has formed a plan, one he has been working on for these past few years. One that he knows will not fail.and one that even I cannot truthfully believe will not succeed."
Everyone suddenly began to understand the seriousness of this conversation, and they all leaned forward automatically, looks of dawning worry on their features.
"It is an idea that has been very well thought-out, by not only him but his entire team, and it seems that he has filled every space which might exist as a problem for him.one of which is us."
"Yea?" Logan growled, eyes scintillating with intense hatred, "What's he plannin' on doin' with us?"
Charles turned to him and quietly said, "I do not know the specifics, Logan, and I'm certain I do not want to think of them. All I know is that he has planned this out so well that he poses a very real threat to us." Xavier nodded towards Twilight, "Especially to her."
Twilight swallowed the throbbing bile rising in her throat, "M-Me? But.but I'm safe here, you said so yourself.you said I'd always be safe with you and the X-Men.you promised.!"
Her brain was starting to reel, very uncontrollable panic settling into her chest, fogging her mind.
Storm drew a reassuring arm over Twilight's shoulder and held her close, murmuring calming words.
After a second, Charles stated, "Twilight, I did promise you that, and I never go back on my word. I am only telling you of the danger you are in.I do not want you to act rashly in anything you do. The Brotherhood is very real and very dangerous, and every time I've come against them, they have gotten what they needed for their schemes. We have managed to retrieve their prey." He glanced steadily at Rogue, and she gazed back strongly, her lips a white line, ".but their resolve and hatred grow stronger with each passing meeting. Currently, what they want is a young girl who holds the lives of every single being on earth in her hands.and they wish only to find her, kidnap her, and.kill her."
Twilight felt her chest constrict painfully, her breath coming out in gasps, but Xavier continued, "They know the location of this school, and possibly which room is yours."
His voice was starting to echo strangely as she sat rigidly in her chair, trembling against Storm's chest as she held her tightly.
"No," she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut, "No they can't! They can't know that! You.you can do something! Can't you? Please, Professor, don't let them find me! Please don't let them! I don't want to die! I won't be able to fight! Please don't let them! Please."
She continued sobbing out the same words over and over, her mind fogging with terror, her consciousness starting slip away.
"Amme.focus, Honey.breathe.c'mon."
The darkness surrounding her began to close in, creeping slowly from the edges of her eyes to her mind.
"Twilight.you're turning blue! Breathe! Twilight!"
She could vaguely sense chairs sliding back and people gathering around her.she felt her strength leave her.her head hurt.the room was spinning.then she collapsed.
The night was cool and calm, the only sound the diustant chirruping of crickets, the only movement the branches of the trees dancing in the light breeze. The sky above was black and smooth, stretching like velvet overhead while shimmering dots indicated the presence of stars.
It was a night that no one would suspect anything evil to be lurking nearby.
However, close to the entrance to Xavier's school, away form any windows or doors, a steady, red glow could be seen, moving up, pausing, dropping down, pausing.
A thin river of smoke streamed form between Regan Wyndegarde's scarlet lips and hovered eerily into the sky.
Regan took another drag on her cigarette and then exhaled, watching the ringlets float lazily above her.
She listened to the chaos ensuing inside and sighed, dropping her cigarette and stepping on it sharply, "I really need to stop smoking. Not that I will."
She smiled to herself, shaking her head; talking to oneself was a sign of againg.
She paused, listening as the voices inside became louder:
"Move, Kids! We're trying to get her downstairs!"
"No, no, she's ok.just a little sick."
"Just go back and watch TV."
"No, she'll be sleeping in the hospital tonight.one of us will stay with her, don't worry."
Her soft laughter filled the doorway, and she leaned against the wall, grinning, "They really should keep it down. You never know who might be listening in."
Twilight didn't awaken for nearly three hours, and when she did, she was drowsy and hardly talkative.
As always, Ororo was the one who stayed in the room with her, watching her sleep and reading a book she'd bought earlier in the day.
She was worried about Twilight, of course.
It would have been unnatural for her not to be.
But to be unable to sleep and to have a growing sense of dread settling in her chest wasn;t natural, either.
She couldn't explain a horribly anxiety that filled her soul, making her heart rate speed up and her breath came fast.
She'd never been one to worry so often.
"I swear, I'll have an ulcer the size of New York by the time this kid is sixteen," she yawned, leaning her head back sleepily.
"'Ro?"
Storm looked up sharply, startled, and then she relaxed, "Hi, Logan."
Wolverine smiled, "I came down to relieve you of your duties."
"I'm fine, Logan. I can stay up a little while longer."
Logan looked from her drooping eyes to her obviously fatigued body, "Uh, right. I believe you. Really."
Ororo smiled, standing and stretching, "I suppose I can sleep for a few hours."
Slowly, she leaned over Twilight and brushed her hair away from her eyes, kissing her forehead, "I'll be back, Sweetheart."
Twilight, who was only just barely awake, nodded tiredly and mumbled, "k, Mom. Love you."
Ororo chuckled, tucking the blanket tighter around Twilight, "Love you more."
Despite her exhaustion, Twilight grinned, "Love you most."
"Love you to the moon."
"Love you to the moon and back."
Ororo chuckled, "Ok, ok. You win."
"I always do."
Storm gave Twilight a final kiss and turned, walking towards the door.
As she left the room, she turned and looked back at Wolverine, "Come and wake me up whenever you're tired. I'll be on the couch."
Wolverine saluted her with two fingers, "Will do. Sleep good."
"Will do," Storm yawned, starting up the stairs.
As soon as Ororo's footsteps diminished, Wolverine turned to Amennile, smiling slightly, "Hi."
Twilight opened her eyes, "Hi."
"Feel better?"
"A little. Still feel dizzy."
Wolverine moved forward and sat on the edge of Twilight's bed, running a hand through his already disheveled hair, "You'd better get some sleep."
"I'll try," Twilight replied softly, turning over and moaning.
Logan sat down in the chair next to her, glancing at the book Ororo had left on the nightstand; grinning, he picked it up, "Mom, If Everyone Else Jumped Off the Bridge, Why Shouldn't I Want To? Keeping Your Teen (and Yourself!) Sane."
"Ooh," Logan murmured, flipping to the first page, "Why's 'Ro keepin' the survival guide to herself?"
It was quite often that Kurt Wagner was found wide awake in the dead of night, sitting on the roof while the wind tousled his hair and his whispered prayers floated through the house.
Most of the students had gotten used to it; some considered it a soothing 'lullaby' of sorts.
Scott Summers found it slightly unnerving.
Even after having lived with Kurt for the past years, he still wasn't quite used to the fact that every time he passed a window after midnight he could see a gargoyle-shaped thing on the roof; it still made him jump a little.
On this particular night, after having a near-heart attack at the sight of a 'monster' on his roof, Scott did something he'd never done before after spotting Nightcrawler; he joined him.
As he crawled out on the cool roof, he heard Kurt murmuring in German, his head bowed over clasped hands.
Quietly, Scott reached him and swung his legs over the edge of the roof, waiting until he was finished with his prayer before clearing his throat softly.
When Kurt looked up, he started slightly and smiled, "I didn't know you were there."
Scott smiled slightly, "Yea, I didn't think you did."
Both of them were silent for a while, looking up in the sky at the millions of stars.
Eventually, Kurt smiled and said quietly, "Amazing, isn't it? That there are so many stars? That the sky is so big?"
Scott nodded, "Sure is something, that's for sure."
Kurt glanced at him, "Imagine what great things could be past this immense sky."
Scott turned to him, frowning slightly, "Like what?"
"Well, like Heaven."
Scott smiled slightly; of course Kurt was talking about that.
Nightcrawler pushed on persistently, "Heaven, angels.who knows what else! Perhaps." Kurt paused, trying hard not to poke at a tender spot in Scott's soul, ".perhaps our loved ones?"
Scott's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
"Perhaps they are all above, smiling down on us each day. And maybe someday, we will see them again?"
Scott wasn't talking; he just sat with his arms crossed and his face a mask of nothing.
Kurt slowly laid a hand on his shoulder, "Mein Fruend, I may wonder many things, but one thing I know is certain."
"What's that?" Scott asked, his voice husky with unshed tears.
"Angels live forever."
That was all Scott could take. He buried his face in his hands, tears running down his cheeks.
Nightcrawler sighed sadly, unable to imagine the pain Scott must have in his heart.
Wordlessly, keeping a hand on Scott's arm, he began praying softly; Scott continued crying silently.
There is only one place in America where even a sunrise is plain and hardly noticeable.
There is only one place where the suns rays simply appear suddenly in a blinding flash, leaving behind any colorful skies or breathtaking scenery.
There is only one place where those who don't care for sunrises live.
That place is Provane, the small and hellish island where the Brotherhood lived.
This was Reagan's first actual sighting of the place she was to live at, and even she had to admit it lacked eloquence.
It was cold, hard, and desolate, something Reagan would never have considered livable.
However, articulacy was not what she needed; all she wanted was a place to stay where she wouldn't be found.
So, even though it most certainly wasn't paradise, Reagan said nothing as she stepped from the small boat anchored at the shore.
Toad and Sabertooth followed her, arguing quietly over who she liked better.
Reagan ignored them both and headed for the house, eyes landing on an older man wearing a red cape and an almost ridiculous-looking helmet; that was Magneto.
She knew it instantly, for some reason, and when she reached him, her suspicions were proven true.
"Hello, Reagan," Magneto said, giving her a slight smile, "I am Eric Lensherr-Magneto."
Reagan nodded in reply, looking beyond him into the 'house'; Pyro was sitting on the lumpy couch, watching TV, and a few other people she didn't know had joined him, eyes glued dully to the screen.
Mystique was standing loyally by Magneto, watching Reagan carefully.
"Have you already gotten the girl?" Magneto asked, glancing back up to the boat where Sabertooth had just thrown Toad overboard.
"I don't have her yet," Reagan finally replied, "but I know where she is and where she's going to be for the next few nights."
"And where is that?"
"In the school hospital. Seems she had a little fainting spell once she heard I was coming for a visit."
Magneto chuckled darkly, turning to Mystique, "Seems she's heard of us, My Dear."
Mystique grinned devilishly, "That's wonderful."
Reagan raised an eyebrow, "Are you two.lovers?"
From inside the house, Reagan heard Pyro burst into peals of laughter.
Eric shook his head, still smiling but not laughing, "What do you think?"
Reagan started to reply, but a loud roar from behind her caught her attention.
She turned to see Toad hanging on Sabertooth's neck, pulling at his hair and spitting green slime into his face.
Mystique sighed, clearly displeased as she walked fluidly over to the 'ship'.
"How are you planning to get the child?" Magneto asked, turning her attention back to him.
Reagan smiled maliciously, "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I'm perfectly able to get the kid. I just came to make sure this place is worth the hassle."
Magneto chuckled again, "I hope it reaches your standards?"
Reagan shrugged, determined not to act impressed, "It'll do."
"I'm glad. Now tell me, what do you know of the girl?"
"I could write a biography on her."
Magneto laughed, "Excellent. Now, as long as the girl is with you on our next meeting, I'm certain we will stay on good terms?"
"Of course," Reagan replied, taking that as a sign to leave.
She gave him a nod of discharge and turned, trying to ignore the shouting match Sabertooth and Toad were having.
On her way up the ramp, she passed Mystique and quietly said, "I hope you realize I'm only bringing the child here. Nothing else."
"Of course," Mystique replied softly, giving her a Cheshire cat smile.
In the next few moments, Reagan was leaning against the railing of the tiny vessel and watching her new home disappear behind the fog.
"Weren't you a little disrespectful towards Magneto?" Toad asked blatantly, sitting down by her (much to the disgust of Sabertooth), "I mean.you do know how powerful he is, right?"
Reagan looked at him sharply, and he recoiled, "Of course I know how powerful he is. That doesn't make him any better than me."
"Course not," Toad muttered, "I was just sayin."
"No one is any better then I am," Reagan said firmly, turning her face back out to the sea, "And I owe him nothing."
Toad nodded in agreement, "Yea. Ok."