New chapter--the Professor, Logan, and Storm are in Austria and what happens to them is no less confusing than what the X-Men have been going through.
I'm glad you guys liked "Empathy" and believe me, the Romyness is just beginning!
Sweety8587: Dang, I don't think I can keep up with you! I love your extra long reviews, so amusing to read. All those hypotheses you have are quite intriguing. But you'll have to wait and find out. I've already plotted out everything I want to happen in this story and I think you'll absolutely love it!--the mutant predator attacks mutants in its surrounding area--namely, the New York City region. Blackroguefillie: Oh, believe me, I am so writing another Evo fic. Kendokao: Yes, Scott is an annoying kid with a major stick up his butt--and do you know what's REALLY sad? Realistically, if I were to date a guy, it would be someone like Scott--lordy it's crazy! Hmm...can't say I know much about Anime. Werewolflass: I was wondering where you were, my fellow Poe fan. Vacation fun? Gren44: Yes, I figured we needed a break from all the tension--imagine if it was you, I know I would have cracked by now. Every chapter is a cliffhanger? Didn't even notice.
Flowerperson, epona04, evltddy, Ms. Rogue LeBeau, Freak 87, ishandahalf, Totally Obsessed47, Shockgoddess--I love your words; they spur me on. And I doubt you will be disappointed as the chapters continue!
I don't have anything against Austrians, it's just a title to a chapter! No innuendoes whatsoever. Plus, with the Austrian accent, dunno why I even picked this country--I don't know how the accent really sounds, I figure it's something similar to Kurt's? I was thinking Jean-Claude Van Damme(?) but I don't know how the words look. Whatever, right? And yeah, I know this is boring bc there's no Rogue&Remy but it's necessary for the plot so bare with me.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I don't like the looks of this place, Chuck."
Ororo glanced sideways at Logan with an amused expression. She continued to push the Professor through the lavish corridor of the Austrian estate. Her shoes clicked against the heated stone floors, the echoes nonexistent as sound waves were absorbed by the plethora of hallway embellishments. The stiff, hair-slicked butler walked ten paces in front of them, pointy nose held haughtily upward.
The Professor looked at everything with a familiar eye. "Why ever for, Logan? The Count only keeps objects of the highest quality."
"Fine, I don't like the smell of this place. Somethin's not right."
"Yes, yes, I sense it, too," the Professor admitted. "Still, I have to say all these pieces of armor are quite fascinating."
Logan raised an eyebrow at the sentinel-like guards, nine on each side of the hall. He did not like the sharp weapons they carried. Each had a different one--axes, long swords, capiers, sharp-edged shields... Well, at least they were there if he needed to use them.
"Ze Count will zee you in here," the butler said. He stopped at a large, wooden door. He pulled it open and waved a hand towards the entrance.
The Professor thanked him as they entered. The chamber was large and spacious, a high ceiling held by columns that merged into the dome, wreathing together to the center. A sublimely crystalline chandelier hung from it, like the twinkling diamonds of celestial divinity. Its light illuminated the entire chamber strongly and did not glare. Unfortunate animals fallen to taxidermy hung upon the walls, over the exorbitant fireplace, and stood guard upon the floor. Hand-woven rugs littered the stone foot space in various areas occupied by furniture. At a secluded table near the fireplace, within the embrace of a plush velvet armchair, sat the Count Velkonnen.
Upon hearing his guests the man stood and welcomed them with a warm smile. He wore formal attire consisting of a maroon turtleneck under a black duster. In one hand he held a glass of wine. "Ah, Charles," he greeted, voice thick with an accent similar to Nightcrawler's. "It iz good to see you after all zese years."
"Armand," the Professor nodded. "It has been a very long time." He extended his hand and the Count took it. They shook professionally.
Logan steadily perused the room. He said under his breath, "Completely overdone."
Ororo scowled at him, "Behave."
"These are associates of mine, Ororo Munroe and Logan," Xavier said. He looked at the Count with a stern expression. "And as you well know, we have come to discuss Wraith." He used the woman's criminal name, lest the Count be painfully reminded of his beloved wife.
The Count nodded, face blank. He swirled the wine in his glass and took a slow sip. "Oh, how rude of me," he said. He walked over to large counter against the wall, littered with decanters and wine bottles. "Von't you have a drink?"
Logan growled deep in his throat, claws ready to extend. "The guy's stalling," he muttered.
Xavier frowned, "Armand, I would much rather discuss the matter at hand. There is immediate danger in New York. Mutants are being attacked, being put into comas from which they could die. If this has anything to do with Wraith--"
"It does not," the Count interjected calmly.
"How can you be so sure?" Ororo spoke up. "Our students are in danger and it is selfish of you to protect her."
"Ororo," Xavier shook his head.
"I see it in his eyes, Charles," she said, frowning at Velkonnen. "She is alive and he is hiding her."
The Count huffed and finished his glass, beginning to pour himself another one. "You Americans, cannot zee vhat iz past your noses. It is because of you that the fire came, burned her until there vas barely anything left..." His eyes were haunted, his voice strained and tight with emotion.
"Then she is alive," the Professor said calmly. He stared levelly at Velkonnen. "And if that is so then people are dying. Where are you keeping her, Armand? Why do you defend a murderer?"
The Count was not looking at him. He stared at the floor, swirling the wine in his glass around and around. Then he looked up, a fierce gaze in his icy blue eyes. "Does she not deserve life as well?" he suddenly bellowed. He smashed his glass against the stone fireplace, the wine hissing as flames licked at its flammability.
With a snikt Logan's claws extended and he clenched his fists, "Watch it, bub."
"How typical," the Count glowered. "Zo eager to opine, zo eager to deal out death and judgment. Perhaps some things zhould be left alone? Perhaps you Americans zhould mind your own lands!"
"That is impossible when people are dying and the reason for it is here," Xavier said calmly. "If you are indeed keeping her here, how is she able to project herself to a different place, and only for her victims to see? Have her telepathic abilities advanced so much?"
Velkonnen shook his head, laughing dryly in cold disdain. "She is like a child. I vill keep her safe no matter vhat she has done. No matter what sins she commits. I owe Patricia that much." He turned to glare at them, pointing an accusatory finger, "And I zhall not have ze likes of you come to rid her of life." He snapped his fingers and before anyone could react, suited men appeared seemingly out of nowhere.
Ororo bristled and thunder clapped outside as her eyes began to cloud over white. As she raised a hand to strike the opposition down, a dart struck her in the throat. She gasped and clutched at her neck, pulling out the tiny needle. She stared at it before groaning and collapsing to the floor.
Logan leapt out of the way as tranquilizers were aimed at him. He tackled one suited man and knocked him unconscious, leaping away as another dove at him. His adamantium claws sliced through their guns, tore their uniforms, slashed their skin. One dart hit him in the arm. He growled and pulled it out, challenging them. "That all y'got, punks?"
The Professor turned towards the Count. "I cannot allow this, Armand."
Under his withering stare the Count felt Xavier's presence intruding his mind, poking and prodding for answers and knowledge. He did not do so gently and the pain echoed within the chambers of his consciousness. "Shoot him!" Velkonnen wailed and the pain subsided. He glared at Xavier's limp figure in the armchair.
Logan stood his ground, punctured by five darts. He stumbled woozily, stubbornly resisting the chemicals. Claws bared, he advanced clumsily. Another dart pierced his neck and his eyes rolled up as he crumpled to the floor. The claws retracted.
"Lock them up," the Count ordered. He rubbed his neck as his men moved to do his bidding. "You zhouldn't have come here, Charles," he said with a shake of the head. "If it vere up to me, zis would not have happened."
The room was vacant once again as his prisoners were taken out. The Count stood by himself and stared at the fireplace.
---------------------------------------------------
You guys aren't confused now are you?If you are, don't worry. I've been careful to explain things in the upcoming chapters--I think. Granted you guys might have to deduce some things, read in between the lines, to get the full picture, but I trust your intelligence.
I've already planned out everything that's going to happen in this fic--ooh...I'm getting chills from the excitement. The twists and turns--and I try to stick with the real Evolution universe without altering anything (past events, characters, etc.) to suit my needs. Later on you'll meet a new character and though he may not be very well known, I love him nonetheless. Just a little teaser for ya, but don't speculate too heavily!
Onward with the angst, suspsense, action, and a whole ton of Rogue/Remy drama. Drama is the only way to make a romance amusing, right? But we haven't reached that point yet--first is the lighthearted friendliness. Coming up quickly!
Next Chapter: Distractions (Rogue and Gambit's relationship blossoms)
NOTE of Consideration to Readers: CHAPTERS ARE UPDLOADED OFTEN (2-3 days) SO CHECK FREQUENTLY TO KEEP UP TO DATE!