Saints and Sinners – By Darlin

AN – You the reviewers just make me so happy! Thank you very much, AmberMyst, Caliente, Dark Topaz, Isis Aurora Tomoe, JamesGirl0512, Lerie, lilWolvie, The Wolf, Shadowface, TigerStorm, and xmenloganfan.

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Chapter Thirteen – Aha, a Plot!

It was a beautiful day - sunshine like no tomorrow. The grass below was so green it looked as if someone had wiped a paintbrush of greenest green over it. Flowers in brilliant colors were bowing gently in the field below. He saw a faded gray fence boxing in the property. On top of a small hill was a little wooden shack. It had seen better days. Trees were on every side of the shack even planted down the hill. Nut trees, plum trees, dogwood trees, willows, and an apple tree too – crab apples!

He loved the pungent taste of crab apples though many didn't. They looked so inviting. He had only to reach out and he could pluck one from the highest branch. And all the while the sun was beating down hot and strong. He could feel the sweat on his brow as the sun seemed to burn through his flesh but it felt so good, almost healing. And then suddenly he became aware that he was flying and the shock of that realization caused him to plummet. The sudden lurch downward startled him awake. His eyes shot open. Somewhat disorientated he lay where he was listening to his heart race and trying to remember his dream.

A very unfamiliar sound met his ears as he listened and turning he saw a sight that would have made most men smile. Ororo was lying beside him, her back turned to him and her silvery white hair spread out over her pillow. His breathing relaxed as he listened to the sound of her heartbeat mingled with his own. It was as if the idyllic sunshine of his dream had followed him when he looked upon this creature who had stolen his heart and he felt contented.


When Ororo woke up she was more than surprised to find Logan not just in her room but also in her bed, his thick hairy forearm resting on her waist. It looked like he'd slept with her through the night much to her surprise. However she had no time to think about this new development as Logan, his eyes opening as soon as she moved, reached over and pressed his lips to hers briefly then laid back down grinning at her all the while. If that didn't confuse things she didn't know what else could but strangely enough she found herself grinning just as widely as he was.

"Sleep good?" he asked.

"Well you mean?"

"Yeah, whatever – did ya?"

"Um hmm, you?"

"Yeah," he admitted as if surprised.

"Are . . . you moving in? Is that it?"

He laughed clearly amused.

"This is sorta kinda like being married, hmm?" Ororo teased.

Logan's look of distress made Ororo laugh out loud. She sat up and reached for her robe but found it had fallen to the floor. Logan knew he should try to be a gentleman but even with his new feelings about Ororo he wasn't going to miss getting an eyeful so he just sat back and leered to his heart's content. Ororo had become incredibly comfortable with Logan's constant presence over the past few days so she simply stood up and slipped the robe on then made her way to the bathroom as nonchalantly as if she were alone.

Logan was impressed. He never ceased finding Ororo fascinating. He didn't know many women that had a complete lack of modesty or maybe that wasn't the proper way to describe her. She'd been huffy and modest when he'd first started taking care of her but when he'd discovered her standing drained at the sink with nothing on she hadn't cared at all. Now she seemed much better and just as unconcerned. He admired that. He really admired the results. Yeah, beautiful naked woman strutting to the bathroom, it made him want to go in and join her. Of course he couldn't and wouldn't. He had too much respect for Ororo to do that. That made him pause. Slept with a naked woman all night, now said naked woman was walking to the bathroom and he was just going to let her go? That was definitely a new state of mind for him!

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"I think this is something we really need to talk about, Scott!" Jean was saying as she and Scott went down to breakfast.

"I've already told you what I think," Scott said.

"I just don't believe it! Logan's just playing her!"

"If you'd seen how he reacted in the danger room when she was hurt you wouldn't have any doubts. The man's in love," Scott said with a shrug.

Jean frowned.

"Why's it so hard for you to believe that? Ororo's drop dead gorgeous and you used to say the right woman can tame any man."

"Was that aimed at me? If it was I don't appreciate it! I thought we'd agreed not to discuss the past!"

"It wasn't a cheap shot if that's what you mean," Scott retorted with a hint of anger in his usually stoic voice.

"I know I made a mess out of the whole thing and I wasn't the right woman for him but . . ."

"You don't even have to go into that. The past is finished. I know you're not still in love with him. Don't think you ever really were but I don't want to talk about that. In fact, I don't want to discuss Logan and Ororo's relationship period. It has nothing to do with us."

Jean pouted for a moment then slid her arm through his and leaned against him as they continued walking to the kitchen.

"That's why I love you, Scott. You see things clearly and you're not afraid to tell everyone. Like the voice of reason I need to stay level headed."

"You're all right aren't you?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. The Professor's been helping me control my powers but . . ."

"But what?" Scott asked when Jean hesitated, stopping in the hallway.

"I know he means well but I think he's too worried about me. Like he doesn't trust me. I don't know. Sometimes I just think I see things that aren't there, can't be there but they are. It's weird."

"Your powers are telling you Logan's going to screw Ororo over?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"Things here, they're – something's not right."

"How so?"

Jean shrugged. "I can't put my finger on it exactly."

"Well the only thing I saw causing problems was Logan's and Hank's attitudes but since Logan fell for Ororo he's been a pussycat and Hank could've been a problem but he's finished with Ororo from what he told me. They're getting along by ignoring each other. And if you think it's just an act Logan could've taken Hank out the other day, still could, but even you told me he doesn't seem concerned about him."

"Tigers don't change their stripes. Look what he did to you! How can we really trust him? I don't know why you think you can, he's just . . ."

"What? Look, honey I told you I don't want to talk about it. Let's just forget the past and trust that Ororo can handle herself."

"Oh, she can handle herself all right I just don't think Logan's in love with her."

"You've said it a hundred times already – I got it!"

"But that Indian . . ."

"If you're talking about Forge it's Native American!" Scott corrected her sharply.

"Forge," Jean said with deep emphasis. "Is into Ororo, did you see how he couldn't take his eyes off her?"

"Yeah, I did notice that but he's not around much so it's moot."

"But maybe he'd be better for her," Jean said as they entered the kitchen.

"Who'd be better for who?" Bobby piped up.

"No one," Scott said and changed the subject. "How's your love life Bob?"

"Love life? What love life? What this place needs is more women."

"Well, you might just get your wish," Scott said as he rummaged through the cupboard looking for his box of Wheaties.

"Well, what do you think about Kitty and Peter?" Jean whispered as she ducked under him to get to the crisper.

Scott sighed. "What about them?"

"Don't you think they were too into that kiss last night?"

"Honey, Peter's pretty responsible. I don't think he's going to try anything with a kid. Now can you please just let me eat in peace?"

"I thought you said you were going to keep a better eye on the team?" Jean hissed.

"I am. I will. Just let me eat my breakfast first will you?"

"Fine. Be that way. I'm trying to tell you that something's not right so if something goes wrong it's all on you," Jean said and she moved away from him ready to start breakfast.

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Upstairs Ororo took a lengthy shower singing at the top of her lungs. The sun was shining and she'd slept well. It was a good day. And then she remembered she had a hospital appointment and the day looked a little less dazzling. At least she wasn't as tired as she had been but she hated hospitals, absolutely hated them. She hated doctors. She hated everything that had to do with the medical field. Unfortunately the Professor was adamant that she be checked out and so she went with Logan playing chauffeur there and back.

Her feelings hadn't changed in the least when she left the hospital. The sky, once clear and free of clouds, had now become gray and dismal. If she never saw another doctor, or hospital ever again it would be too soon. Thankfully they were almost home. She stared out the window sullen and quiet and Logan didn't bother her. When they pulled up to the house she looked up at the sky and frowned.

"What is that?" she asked.

"What?"

"Up there! In the sky. A bird – a gigantic bird?"

Logan chuckled. "Maybe it's a plane."

"Huh? Like I can't tell the difference between a plane and a bird? Please!"

Logan stuck his head out the window and looked up squinting against the glare of the sun as clouds rolled away. Sure enough, there was a large winged creature flying in circles over the house.

"It's a man," they both said at once.

"Casing the joint maybe?" Logan asked as they looked at each other.

"Are you thinking what I am?" Ororo asked when she noticed Logan driving past the house rather than pulling into the driveway.

Logan nodded and shortly the sky grew dark again with large gray clouds filling the sky.

"Think we should call the Professor?" Logan asked.

"Oh, and miss out on a little fun?" Ororo asked as she fairly beamed with the joyful prospect of letting her powers loose full force once again.

Even though she had drained every last ounce of strength she'd had when she'd battled the mechanisms in the danger room she had never enjoyed herself more. The experience was something new to her, being able to cut loose with no worry of endangering anyone. It had been unexpectedly exhilarating.

Despite the wildness in her soul her common sense got the better of her and she sighed. It would be nothing but irresponsible if she didn't attempt to contact someone in the mansion before lighting the sky with lightning she decided.

"Yeah, I guess. Wouldn't hurt to keep them informed not that we can't handle it ourselves but who wants to listen to Scott's prattle?"

After several unsuccessfully attempts to reach the Professor or Scott Ororo shook her head and Logan pulled off to the side of road. It was only a matter of minutes before rain poured down and lightning flashed and thunder rumbled through the sky. The winged man descended until he settled down lightly in front of the steps that led up to the house.

"Bad news, the Eagle just landed," Ororo chuckled.

"You watch way too much TV, darlin," Logan said.

"Not hardly enough," she retorted then said – "I still can't reach the Professor," as she put her phone into her purse.

"I'll handle him," Logan said and he started the SUV up, took a sharp U-turn then sped back towards the house.

"Woo hoo! I feel like I'm in the Batmobile!"

"Too much TV," Logan muttered.

"Oh, don't run him down!" Ororo cried when Logan brought came to a sudden stop right in the yard and just inches from their victim.

The winged man had turned at the sound of the large vehicle but he was totally caught off guard when the car kept coming and he almost toppled back against the steps.

"Gotta put some fear into the bird man," Logan said as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

Logan leapt out of the truck just as Scott opened the front door causing Warren, who'd stumbled backwards up the steps practically on his rear, to almost tumble inside, wings first.

"What's going on now?" Scott groaned as he tried to catch the young man without touching his wings.

As the bird man righted himself Scott looked past him and at the torn up grass and the muddy tire tracks imbedded deeply in the lush green lawn.

"The Professor's not going to like this one bit," Scott finally muttered with a shake of his head.

"Saw this guy casin' the joint," Logan said as he came up close to the blonde angelic looking youth.

"What?" Scott laughed. "He wasn't trying to case the joint, Logan. He's a guest here. This is Warren Worthington the . . ."

"Just Warren'll do," the bird man said as he stared at Logan.

Logan noticed the white feathered wings attached to Warren's bare back were fluttering much like a bird's would. It was distracting, kind of like watching your prey twitching. It made him want to pounce and rip the kids jugular out.

"He came to see what we're all about – might join up," Scott said.

"I thought Kurt and Rogue were the ones joining up?" Logan asked.

"Yeah, well, that's up to the Professor. Warren, this is Logan and his girl . . . I mean Ororo. Code names are Wolverine and Storm."

Warren thought Logan looked like a wild, rough, unmannered thug whom he would never have given the time of day to much less work beside. Then he turned to look at the white haired, milk chocolate colored woman that had left the SUV and was now standing behind Logan.

"Hi," the chocolate beauty greeted with a bright smile.

Even with her wet hair hanging limply she was beautiful Warren thought.

"And what's with the weather, Ororo?" Scott asked. "Why's it storming all of a sudden?"

"Huh?" Ororo tried to look appropriately clueless while trying to curb the storm at the same time. "I don't know. I mean I don't control the weather – well I don't all day long anyway. It's not like I get up in the morning and think I want it to be sunny or rainy. I mean do you know how hard that would be trying to keep the weather the way I wanted it to be all day long? Besides I just came from the hospital."

Scott frowned at her. "You're trying to tell me you had nothing to do with the lightning and thunder?"

"Huh? Didn't I just tell you I can't . . ."

"It ain't her fault – we saw the perp – I mean we thought he looked suspicious. You never know, creepin' around in the sky tryin' ta get the lay of the land an' all."

"What did you just say?" Scott asked while Warren just stared at Logan as if he'd never seen a stranger sight in all his life. "By perp you mean perpetrator?"

"Too much TV," Ororo said with a snort.

Logan cut her a look then shoved past the two on the doorstep. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining once again. Scott stopped Ororo before she could follow Logan.

"Ororo, I know you're not the most – well, I know you're high spirited and all but couldn't you have just called someone here to see what the situation was?"

"I tried, but I couldn't reach the Professor or . . ."

"He's on the phone with Warren's parents but you could've called me or Hank – well anyone of us first."

"She said she tried," Logan said, having turned back to run interference for Ororo.

"Look, it was just a little fun. I didn't strike him down from the sky like I wanted to. Um, that didn't come out right. I meant I didn't strike him down like I could have. I don't have a problem controlling the lightning and you know it. I wasn't really going to fry him, just scare him off.

"And for your information I did try your mobile but you didn't answer."

Logan laughed. Scott was probably glaring; his brows were almost together forming one thick angry V above his red glasses. Warren seemed confused. Scott pulled his cell out to see he had it set on meeting and thus had not heard the phone. He looked a little perplexed and tried to think of a way to apologize in front of their guest without looking foolish. Fortunately he didn't have to, as Warren was more concerned with Ororo.


"You control the weather?" Warren asked.

"Sure, that's why I'm called Storm." And Ororo lifted herself up into the air as she shoved a strong wind at the men almost knocking them all over. With a laugh she came back down, cocked her head slightly and said, "See. Cool, huh?"

Warren was bowled over. Ororo was wearing a dress and when she'd been up in the air he couldn't help but notice she was wearing pink undies. He turned to watch her step past them and go inside the house. She was hot. Wicked smile. Nice legs. If he had to rate her he'd give her a 20 that's how impressed he was with our favorite wind rider.

"What's the hairy guy do?" Warren asked when he and Scott were left on the doorstep.

"Claws, adamantium skeleton, healing . . ."

"Claws? Like an animal?"

"Well I wouldn't . . ."

"Where's he keep them? His shoes?"

Scott laughed. "His forearms."

"Claws in his forearms?"

"They retract."

"Retract? You mean retractable claws?"

Scott shrugged. "It's what he does. Healing factor and a head you can't chop off makes him pretty much indestructible."

Warren nodded slowly as he Scott's words sunk in. Inside, Logan had heard the entire conversation. Bobby had stopped him and Ororo in the living room. Logan gave his head a good hearty shake aimed in Bobby's direction. He successfully got both Bobby and the floor wet then he ran a hand through his wet hair as he watched Scott and Warren.

"That's just like a dog you know that right?" Bobby asked.

Logan chose not to respond though Ororo giggled.

"Man, O, I know you hate hospitals," Bobby said.

Ororo expression went from playful to sour in less than a second.

"Was it that bad? They give you the okay and all? You're all right aren't you?"

"She got a little dehydrated I guess with not drinkin' like she shoulda an' they gave her a drip."

"A drip?"

"I don't even want to talk about it," Ororo said and she started for the kitchen.

"What happened, man? She looks really bummed."

"Those idiots were friggin' playin' Sisscors, Paper, Rock, tryin' ta decide who got ta poke the friggin' needle into her arm!" Logan explained with an angry glint in his eye. "An' then the stupid idiots made a mess out of it. Jackasses."

"That's serious. How come we can't find some kinda super healing mutant that fixes wounds and stuff?" Bobby asked.

"Well we got a bird man outside but I don't know what kinda help a guy with wings is gonna be."

"You see him then?"

Logan's face told Bobby he wasn't impressed but before Bobby could comment they heard a sharp yell. It sounded like Ororo and it came from the kitchen. Logan took off quickly followed by Bobby, Scott, and Warren.

When they entered they saw Ororo fixing a sandwich as if nothing was wrong. Logan noticed Rogue was sitting at the table facing the door and off to the side Kurt was sitting on a counter. The room smelled awful. Full of sulfur – such a strong stench that it made Warren want to hold his breath.

"What happened?" Scott asked.

"Oh, sorry about that," Ororo said. "Kurt did his little teleporting thing and popped out of no where – you're lucky I didn't toast you, Kurt. I didn't know he was here because no one told me," and here she gave Scott an accusing look then went on, "I came into the kitchen and he just appeared in a puff of smoke and it scared me. Then I saw Rogue and it freaked me out – no offense, Rogue. I was just surprised – again no one informed me you guys were here."

"No offense taken." Rogue murmured.

"Thanks. Sorry I overreacted."

"I should have thought before I teleported," Kurt offered apologetically.

"Yeah, you should have," Scott said. "Not thinking will get us all killed."

"Is that what we're doin' here?" Rogue asked. "Gonna be Professor Xavier's little army?"

"That's up to you. You okay, Ororo? Everything go okay at the hospital? You didn't say anything." Scott was looking intently at Ororo as he spoke.

Ororo rolled her eyes and said, "Yes I'm great. Wonderful. Clean bill of health. Perfect. Can't get much better. Ready for action, captain!"

"You don't sound too thrilled."

"I don't want to talk about the horrifying details. It's over and done with. Next time I'll listen to doc Logan and drink more that's all."

"There better not be a next time," Scott said with a smile.

"Well as long as we don't run up against any more crazy danger room sessions, or villains, or unexpected guests I'll be fine," Ororo said returning his smile.

"Can't say I'll promise but I'll see what I can do," Scott said good-naturedly then turning solemn again he cleared his throat.

"I want to get the others in here for a brief meeting with the Professor – give me a minute. Warren make yourself at home," Scott said as he rang the Professor.

After a few minutes the Professor entered the kitchen followed by Hank, Peter, and the girls. Ororo had pulled out several bottles of water and soda from the fridge and now started handing them out. She asked Logan to get a few bags of chips from the cupboard and some bowls which he quickly did. Hank, having overheard her request gave Logan a look that thankfully Logan didn't notice as his back was to him, however the Professor did notice. Charles sighed as he realized he was going to have to take a different route with his team.

Clearing his throat the Professor spoke, "I'd like everyone to meet Warren Worthington the . . ."

"Warren – just Warren," the bird man said with no hint of a smile on his handsome face.

"Warren, just Warren," Kitty whispered to Ororo as she took a can of soda. "He's gorgeous."

"Isn't every man in this room gorgeous? Kinda like some mutant rule. There can be no ugly mutants even if they're blue," Ororo responded with a chuckle.

"Not everyone," Kitty replied and she gave Bobby a look that clearly told all who might be watching that Bobby was indeed the least attractive person she'd ever met.

"I thought you had the hot's for our tin man, Kitten?" Ororo asked.

Kitty blushed. "I – well you know he's so nice and I like him and all but we're just friends. Just friends," she sighed.

"Right."

"Ororo, Kitty, may I have your full attention?" the Professor asked with a frown.

"Sorry," Kitty apologized.

"As I was saying I'd like everyone to meet in the danger room tomorrow so we can have a chance to see how everyone works as a team. Warren, if you wouldn't mind I'd like you to watch from the observation booth so you can see just what everyone's powers are. Forge and I will be with you.

"Forge is our inventor and he'll be monitoring the equipment. He doesn't live with us but you'll meet him later on today I think. He and Hank have designed a room where students can l practice using their powers and hone their skills. I think this will greatly aid our efforts to be the best team that we can be.

"Now with that out of the way I would like it if everyone would please take a moment to get to know each other."

"Is Forge joining the team too?" Jean asked before the Professor left.

The Professor studied Jean's eager face for a moment then shook his head. "Forge is best used on the sidelines. Actually once he's finished getting the danger room set up he has plans to move on."

"He does?" Hank asked with a sudden smile.

That wasn't what Forge had told him but Hank wasn't going to argue. He was glad his erstwhile partner had changed his mind and would be leaving. Hank, an astute man, hadn't missed Forge's fascination with Ororo. That had been a constant irritant with him while they had rebuilt the danger room together with Peters help. There had been several occasions when Forge had mentioned Ororo much to Hank's annoyance and if it hadn't been for Peter's presence Hank might have been tempted to strike the man.

Now Hank rubbed his hands together pleased to be getting rid of at least one nuisance in his life. It wasn't that he wanted Ororo any more, no, he was finished with her – she wasn't worthy of him he'd decided – but he was sick and tired of everyone thinking she was the hot chick on campus, after all what did she have except for beauty? No brains, no common sense, and certainly not good taste in men, excluding himself of course.

The Professor sat with elbows resting on the arms of his wheel chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his eyes on Hank. Had Hank observed the intent look on the Professor's face he would have immediately feared the worse – that Charles was reading his thoughts or if not that then manipulating his thoughts which wouldn't have been too far from the truth. But the Professor turned his attention from Hank to Logan whom he saw was watching Ororo as intently as Hank was. She was chatting with Kitty trying to include Warren and Kurt in the conversation.

It didn't take a telepath to see that Warren was also attracted to Ororo and it didn't take a telepath to see that this wouldn't do at all. He mulled over these thoughts while watching them all. The emotions in the room were really excessive and he found it quite distasteful. Jean's dislike of Logan was particularly strong.

Jean seemed unaware that her mentor was browsing through her mind as she talked quietly to Rogue. Rogue's shock as she stole looks at Kurt and then Warren was laughable and Charles shook his head pitying her. He chose to ignore her thoughts for the time being. He felt annoyed when he took a tour through Peter's thoughts. Peter stood off to the side by himself not sure if he should speak to Kitty or keep his distance. Indecision was an unattractive trait in the Russian that Charles had noticed and was determined to rectify.

Suddenly Peter found himself walking towards Kitty determined to ask her out though later he would wonder how he had managed to work up the nerve. Sometimes they had to be played like chess pieces, Charles thought grimly and without relish as he turned his thoughts to Scott.

Scott felt a sudden revelation come over him and spoke or rather mumbled, "This isn't going to work out."

"What?" Jean asked. "Were you talking to us?"

"Huh? I didn't say anything," Scott said but he had the strange feeling that he'd just voiced his opinion of the confusion that was all around him and he wasn't going to admit that to Jean. He didn't even know why he'd been thinking about Ororo and Logan and Hank or Peter and Kitty. Maybe Jean's talk with him earlier had really gotten to him.

"Logan, may I see you for a minute," the Professor asked.

"Now?"

The Professor smiled. He certainly hadn't meant tomorrow. The look on his face was enough to relay that very thought to Logan so when the Professor left the room and Peter pulled Kitty aside ready to make his move, Logan reluctantly followed the Professor. Once they were in the Professor's office Charles got quickly to the point.

"I have a serious and very confidential assignment for you, Logan. I feel you have earned our trust and as such I have complete faith in you. There is a perilous situation that only you can resolve. I've located a deadly mutant who's already killed an entire small town and I need you to take care of him."

Logan was incredulous although the Logan of old would have thought nothing of the request.

"You're trying to tell me what? You want me to just kill someone, just like that?"

"It's either him or the entire population where ever he goes and he will move again. What would you suggest?"

"Isn't there something else we could do like put him in a room somewhere? I know the Ultimates oughta have something that can hold him like they did the Hulk."

"That's an entirely different situation. Don't you think if I could help this child – this young man," Charles quickly corrected himself. "Don't you think that I would?"

"I don't know.  It just doesn't seem right. What about that Forge guy?" Logan asked begrudgingly. "Can't he invent something?"

"If that was possible do you think that I would be asking you to do this?"

"Yeah, I guess but . . ."

"But what, Logan?"

"I thought you were against things like this."

"Against what things, Logan?" Charles asked with a look full of care and concern.

Logan was thrown. He was at a loss for words. The Professor had been only good and kind to him. He was almost a father figure in a sense. Without the Professor Logan would still be a cold callous killer with nothing good in his life. A homicidal killer just like Ororo had pegged him. Logan hesitated. Wouldn't this be just as cold and callous?

"It will be all right, Logan," the Professor said. "Sometimes a mercy killing is necessary and can not be avoided. Think how tragic this must be for the young man. To know that he's killed his own family, his friends, his teachers, and all his schoolmates. He will never be able to live with that pain. Who knows how he could lash out with that pain growing inside him?"

Logan nodded.

Pulling a map from the inside pocket of his suit jacket the Professor gave Logan another kindly look. He wheeled closer to Logan and clapped a surprisingly strong hand on Logan's arm then squeezed it reassuringly.

"This must remain between you and I do you understand?" Charles asked.

Logan nodded again. He had no intentions of telling anyone about this.

"Go now," Charles said. "We don't want anyone else endangered, do you understand?"

Logan continued to nod even as he left the Professor's office. Yeah, mercy killing. He could do that. It was what a good guy would do and he was a good guy now. He was on the side of the angels he thought with a droll laugh as the thought of Warren in the kitchen with Ororo flashed through his mind. He'd like to gut that bird.

The Professor looked out the large bay window that filled half of one of the walls in his palatial office. It overlooked the front of the house enabling him to see all who came and went. After only a few minutes he could see Logan getting into the SUV. He noted the mess in the front yard and made a mental note to have Logan pick up some sod when he returned.

When the SUV disappeared into the distance Charles turned back to his desk with much on his mind. He truly wanted to help Logan as he felt knowing about the man's past was essential if he wanted to know his enemies and he felt that anyone who had done what they had to Logan and other mutants was indeed his enemy. Nevertheless, he felt that perhaps for a time Logan needed to go away. Charles was sure this would calm Hank down allowing him to deal with Warren's attraction towards Ororo. He was sure that would soon be rectified as well. Things couldn't be any better. The mutant boy, an unwilling killer, put out of his misery, the world saved from certain death, and peace restored in the house all in one fell swoop. Yes, things couldn't get much better.