Sympathy – Will the trio return soon? That seems to be the question of the moment.
RoguesHeart – I'm glad you like the story so far.
Heartsyhawk – So many questions to answer. Let's see what I can do about that…Actually I really can't answer most of your questions without giving away the plot. I'll take your plea for Jean's death under advisement.
Mademoiselle Morte – By he I assume you mean the Phantom. No one can tell just what he's going to do.
Roguehobbit – She did indeed.
Ishandahalf – You know something, the way you explain the situation makes me come to the conclusion to not be around when you get me. Don't bet on seeing that dance, when people find out that Rogue's not lying it won't be a time to showboat. As for the Phantom's motives if you want to think that way go ahead. I don't know when, or if, I'll ever get to his back story.
Kitsune Jagan – Rogue's powers did not work when Gambit kissed her because he kissed her hair. Her powers only take affect on skin-to-skin contact.
The answer to all your questions, well not all your questions but some of your questions, will be found out now!
Right after I thank spiffythefaery for being a wonderful beta reader, even if she does have lapses of insanity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"He is a demon!"
- Christine
"And just how do you explain this?" Raven hissed as the assembled faculty gazed upon the wreckage of Cerebro. Silence answered her question, the rest were in too much shock to answer.
For his part, Professor Xavier looked down at the metal debris that was once his prized machine with disbelief. How this happened was a mystery. All the old professor knew was that one minute he was in the Danger Room viewing the lifeless body of Creed and the next he was listening to Remy and Rogue's cries about the destruction of Cerebro.
The teachers had rushed to the machine as quickly as their legs, or wheels, would allow. There they beheld the remains of the Phantom's wrath.
"What could have done this?" Ororo breathed in horror.
"I'll tell you what did this. An angered Phantom," Raven replied. Logan rolled his eyes and turned away from the wreckage.
"Ghosts don't exist," Logan replied coldly. He put up with the stories from the students about a ghost haunting the mansion but he wasn't going to listen to Raven yap about it.
"Who ever said that the Phantom was a ghost?" Raven victoriously returned. Logan's eyebrow rose ever-so-slightly.
"What are you talking about?"
"We've received demands from this Phantom. There is no doubt he was responsible for what happened to Creed and for what happened here," Raven said with a gesture towards the destroyed machine. "It is quite obvious that this Phantom is more than just a ghost."
Xavier let out a long sigh as he turned away from the destruction. "Whatever the case may be, it is apparent now that we have a situation on our hands."
Raven snorted loudly. "Now it's apparent?"
Xavier overlooked her sarcasm. "We must take steps to secure that something like this does not happen again."
"Easier said than done Charles," Logan replied. Xavier nodded slowly.
"I am aware of the difficulties ahead. But we have no other choice."
"What about the students? Can we assure that the mansion is safe for them?" Ororo queried with concern apparent in her tone.
"I – I don't know. Until we find out the source of this problem we can not assure the safety of anyone in the mansion."
"Then should we send everyone home?"
"Are you kidding? Besides, you know some of the students have nowhere to return to. Scott and Lance have no home. Bobby has been disowned. John burned his house down. Kurt lives here with me. Where would they go if we shut the school down?" Raven asked pointedly.
"We can't shut down the school. It's more dangerous for the kids out there beyond the gates then it is here," Logan argued. Xavier nodded in agreement.
"I feel your assessment is correct. We can not send the students home. However I feel that we need the all the faculty present. I'll contact Hank and ask him to return to the mansion immediately."
"Immediately? That means we'll be dealing with our search for the Phantom and the humor and power deprived Bobby, Kurt, and John. Do those two items seem to counter each other?" Ororo asked with a raised eyebrow.
"In addition Jean is ready to blow a fuse because of the croaking incident and Rogue and Remy making goo-goo eyes at each other, sounds like a volatile environment. I feel that it might be more difficult to catch the culprit."
"We have no choice. Hank's presence is necessary. I'm willing to risk the situation," Xavier replied.
"I'll keep an eye on things and make sure nothing gets out of hand," Logan said.
"As long as that won't hinder your abilities to hunt our quarry," Xavier replied.
"What about our staff situation? With what happened with Creed don't you feel that we might be undermanned? Especially if our attention is on finding this mysterious Phantom?" Ororo asked.
"I agree. We need to find another staff member. Since we'll require Forge's assistance with rebuilding Cerebro I will ask him to join us here."
"You want that hippie here? You think he'll be a good influence on the students?" Raven asked, her voice rising several decibels.
"I think Forge will be a much better teacher than Creed ever was," Ororo quickly defended.
"Just because you have a crush on the guy doesn't mean he'll be a good teacher," Raven shot back.
"I don't have a crush!"
"Raven, Ororo. That is enough. We have enough problems on our hands without this bickering. Now we have a job to do," Xavier snapped with force as he wheeled away. Logan shot a quick glance at the apologetic faces before storming off behind Xavier.
***
Xavier wheeled himself into his study and plucked up the phone on his desk. Quickly punching in a series of numbers he placed the receiver next to his ear. He listened to the phone on the other end ring for a few moments. When no one answered Xavier was about to give up. But before he could end the call the ringing ceased and a voice spoke up.
"Hello," Henry McCoy said, his tone conveying a sense of exhaustion.
"Hello Hank."
"Charles, to what do I owe the honor of this call?" Hank asked, his attempt at exuberance quickly failing.
"Where are you at this moment?"
"In the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles," Hank replied as Xavier began to hear shouts that he recognized.
"I need for you to cut the trip short and return immediately."
"You do?" Hank's voice picked up considerably. In the background the shouts became louder.
"Yes. There has been an accident and I need you here."
"Oh thank God. I mean I'm sorry to hear that Charles. We'll return immediately."
"Good. And Hank I'm sorry to say…"
"Excuse me for a moment Charles," Hank replied. Xavier listened to the conversation between Hank and the others.
"What is it this time?" Hank said, loosing his energy once more.
"You always take that tone with us."
"Ja. Vhy do you assume ve did something?"
"Fine! I'm sorry. What did John do?"
"Well we didn't say that you were wrong to blame us…"
"…but John is up to something as vell."
"Oh my stars and garters. Is it possible for you to not to cause trouble?"
"Wouldn't you at least like to know what happened?"
"I suppose…" Hank's words were drowned out by a loud crashing sound. Fear overtook the Professor for a moment, worrying about the safety of his X-Men. However his apprehension was quickly dispelled by Hank's voice returning in an extreme increase in volume.
"How could you do that? What inspires you? Do you have any idea how valuable that was? You are all reckless!"
"It was just bones," one of the boys attempted to reply.
"Just bones? Just bones! Those were fossils! They are priceless! They are the most complete set of dinosaur fossils in the world."
"Were," Xavier heard Bobby mutter.
"ROBERT! I fail to see how this situation is amusing!"
"That's because you don't know vhat John is doing."
"Given the horror that I have just seen I am hesitant to ask. As the adult and supervisor I am obligated to inquire."
"And that means what in English?"
Xavier heard Hank sigh deeply.
"What did he do?"
"Let's just say that there isn't an ancient Egyptian exhibit anymore."
"Dear god no. I have only one question. How?"
"The museum should have prohibited smoking in twenty mile radius."
Xavier sighed. He had a feeling that his bank account was about to take a huge hit.
"Charles?"
"I heard Hank. I'll expect your arrival in a few days."
"Thank you. And make sure you have three straight jackets ready." With that Hank ended the call and went to deal with some very angry museum officials.
***
Lance whistled in awe as he looked down upon the rubble that was formerly Cerebro. Standing on the once serene grounds of the mansion Lance had a bird's eye view of the damage and destruction of Professor Xavier's pride and joy.
Kicking at some of the loose dirt on the grass he watched it collide with the wreckage and smash into myriad pieces.
"What could have done this?" Kitty whispered from her position beside Lance.
"Beats me," Lance replied.
"Whatever it was, it's worrying the Professor and the rest," Scott chipped in as he viewed the scene. Jean was still in the throws of a temper tantrum and had no interest of looking at the mess that was once Cerebro. Scott was quite interested however.
"I bet I could do something like this if I tried," Lance muttered as he kicked at another clump of dirt.
"You think so?"
"I suppose."
"I wonder…" Scott trailed off.
"Wonder what?" Kitty asked as she saw Lance and Scott exchange a quick glance. They seemed to be on the same wavelength.
"A mutant could have done this," Lance coolly replied.
"A mutant?"
"Yeah. I can make earthquakes that could destroy this entire town if I tried hard enough. Wouldn't it be logical that there would be a mutant who could to this?" Lance said with a gesture towards the rubble.
"But wouldn't the Professor have been able to find the mutant?"
"Not necessarily. The Professor doesn't randomly search for mutants when he's out of Cerebro. Even then he can only find mutants when they're using their powers. Besides, there is probably someway to hide from Cerebro," Scott replied as he pushed his protective glasses further up his nose.
"But if what you're saying is true then there is a dangerous mutant running around Bayville?"
"No. If we're right then there is a dangerous mutant running around Bayville and there is no way for the Professor to track him," Lance replied. Scott frowned and shook his head.
"You're both wrong. If our assessment is correct then there is a powerful mutant on the loose whom we can't track and who has total access to the mansion."
"What?"
"Don't you think what happened in the Danger Room has any connection to what happened here?"
"I'd never thought of it like that before, I guess," Kitty said sheepishly as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"But what could inspire a rage that would lead to that?" Lance asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I wish I knew."
"We all wish we knew."
"I'll tell you something. Whatever the connection is, it has something to do with Rogue," Scott stated. Lance began to angrily retort but closed his mouth as it dawned on him that he agreed with Scott. Things had become rather complex since Rogue's arrival. The most mysterious happenings had been occurring as of late, all of which involved Rogue.
"Are you saying Rogue's behind this?" Kitty hissed. She was not as open minded about the matter as Lance.
"No. I'm saying that Rogue's involved somehow. She may not realize it. She probably didn't intend for it to happen or even approves of it. I'm sure it involves her."
"What involves who?" a new voice asked. Lance jumped at the interruption but quickly turned around to hide his surprise. Despite the serious situation a smile wormed its way onto his face. A quick glance at his companions told him that he was not alone. Kitty and Scott were smiling as well.
"What involves who?" Forge asked as he strolled up to them with a quirked eyebrow.
"Just rumors of teenagers," Scott replied, covering.
"I'm not much beyond a teenager myself you know," Forge replied with a grin. Lance rolled his eyes as Kitty snorted.
"You're stuck in the seventies Forge. But that doesn't mean you're still a teenager," she remarked. Forge chuckled in reply.
"Guess so. So what's been going down at the X-Shack?"
"Same old, same old."
"Uh-huh. And that's why I'm looking at a weird metal basketball called 'The Thing Formerly Known as Cerebro?'"
"You're the handyman around these parts." Forge chuckled as his right arm transformed into a whirring metal machine containing every tool known to man. And a few known only to Forge.
"That I am. Anything around here broken besides Cerebro?"
"Jean's head," Lance muttered to himself. Fortunately his voice was low enough to escape detection by Scott. Kitty heard the comment and grinned. Forge cocked his head in confusion and quickly dismissed the comment.
"Ok then. I'm off to find the Groovy Dude in the Wheelchair. Adios," Forge waved as his hand transformed back and he wandered off in the general direction of the mansion. The three students watched him for a moment before turning to face one another.
"Man. The Trio leaves, all this happens, and now Forge shows up," Kitty said. "How much weirder is this place going to get?"
***
Night had finally settled in. Only by covering the world in darkness could the gaping hole on the mansion grounds be hidden. But that did nothing to remove the fact that the hole was still there.
Remy frowned as he stalked silently through the lower levels of the Institute. The past two days had not gone as well as he had hoped.
First there was the fiasco with the Danger Room and Creed. Then the conversation he had held with Rogue outside the mansion's doors. Then the destruction of Cerebro. Today had consisted of attempting to get Rogue out of her room which had ultimately proved to be a failure.
After witnessing the awe inspiring devastation Rogue had bolted out of Remy's arms and shut herself in the safe confines of her room. Remy had followed her and had listened to her incoherent babbling about the Phantom. Try as he might he was unable to get her out of her room.
Currently Remy was stalking along the lower levels, having completed his hunt for the day. All the teachers had split up and searched the mansion in hopes of finding the mysterious perpetrator. But they had all yielded the same results. No trace was found. Even the veritable tracking skills of the feral Logan found nothing.
When everything was said and done Remy was in a sour mood. He had come to this deserted part of the mansion to be alone, to allow him space to think. The last thing he expected was to hear someone singing.
"Wash away my troubles, wash away
my pain
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrows, wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala
*Ooooh... yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah*!"
Remy paused in shock. Not only was someone else down here, not only was that person singing, but he was singing a horrible song extremely off-key. That could only mean one person.
"Forge? You down here, homme?" Remy called, raising his voice to a level he hoped would be loud enough for the working mutant to hear.
"No need to shout, I'm right here," Forge called back. Remy grinned and quickly walked into the ruins of the Cerebro. Forge was not there.
"Where you at?" Remy asked as he turned around to glance back into the hall.
"Right here," Forge replied as he popped his head out from his work space. All Remy saw was Forge's head, hanging upside down from the ceiling, a few feet from his own. Despite his normal cool Remy leapt into the air.
"You frighten Remy homme."
"I frighten a lot of people. Although most people accredit it to my groovy seventies attire," Forge replied as he pulled his head back into the crawl space.
"Remy been telling you for years that you need a new wardrobe."
"And Forge said that he'd get new clothes when Remy did," Forge mockingly returned. Remy grinned. Whenever Remy mentioned clothing Forge reverted to mocking the Cajun.
"One of these days Remy will. Den were you be?"
"The day you change your style is the day the Professor wears a toupee." Remy couldn't help but laugh at that. After his laughter died down he waited a few moments before asking the questions on his mind.
"How's de repairs going?"
"Not well. This is going to take a month to fix."
"It take that long to rebuild?"
"No. But the job doesn't just involve rebuilding the machine. All the circuits were fried and they won't get up and running again."
"Dat means what exactly?" Forge swung down from the crawl space and landed on the floor with a ringing thud.
"It means that when Cerebro decided to lose weight it emitted an electric field that destroyed all the circuits. In essence it created an electro-magnetic pulse on a miniscule level."
"Remy don't speak Forge." Forge sighed as he wiped grease from his brow.
"An electro-magnetic pulse is usually generated by the explosion of an atomic bomb. What it does is send out a powerful wave that sends too much energy through electric systems, overloading them and shutting them down. In addition, the extra energy fuses the circuits together, preventing them from being reused."
"Dat don't sound good."
"It isn't. But that's not the most unusual thing about this whole scenario," Forge replied cryptically.
"Stranger dan Cerebro levitating twenty feet above de ground?"
"Yeah. Because in order to have an electro-magnetic pulse there needs to be an explosion. Only there was no explosion. That's what's strange." Remy nodded darkly.
"Just another item to add to our ever growing list of mysteries."
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Just so everyone knows.
Yes the Trio will be coming back next chapter.
Yes there will be more Romyness. But only when I decide to put it in. However it will show up sporadically throughout the rest of the story, but when it does it will be quite…strong.