New X-Men: Elite #5
What Lies Beneath.
The Dorms:
"Kai, the semester is restarting in, like two days, you can't go now." Jubilee said touching Kai's prickly face. Her golden skin against his warm brown, as he held her in his arms, he sighed breaking the hug.
"I don't want to go either but Genosha was the location of one of Argentech's major computer plants. The loss of that plant has put a damper on production worldwide. Even though I'm a teenager, I'm still unfortunately or for my family quite fortuitously, an economics genius. That's another side effect of my mutant powers, enhanced probability calculation. But as always, with the Silvers its business first, life second. I've been assisting with the family's business models since I was ten." Kai boasted with one of his trademark winning smiles. In the month Jubilee had known him she'd come to rely on him and depend on him but she couldn't say she completely trusted him. The way his Afro-European features set into his handsome smile, it was sort reminded her of a serpent. Alluring yet somehow dangerous. Admittedly that underlying devilish quality in him is what drew her to him. She stood watching him pack a change of clothes into a small bag. But her gut told her he wasn't being honest with her.
"I don't believe you, Kai. I think this has something to do with what you talked about with you mother." Jubilee's azure eyes searching his shimmering grays when he turned to face to her he again smiled, his brow furling a little. A lock of his wavy chestnut hair falling into his face as crossed over from the bed where he was packing over to Jubilee where she stood. Kai drew her into his arms again resting his head on hers and she laid her head on his chest.
"Look, I told you the talk with my mum was a waste. I'll be back in a few days tops. Ring me on my mobile if you need me." Kai said finally letting her go and kissing her. Picking up his bag he saw Monet standing in the doorway.
"M, I didn't know you were here." Kai said raising an eyebrow his silver eyes searching the Algerian's hazel. Monet St. Croix smirked, amusing herself with some private joke. "Strange that the next generation's premiere psychic would not, but you know what they say about hype." Monet said cooly slinking her way past him to stand next to Jubilee.
"To my defense I had better things on my mind. See you when I get back, Jubilee." He said finally winking at Jubilee, before adding sarcastically. "Good-bye M, always a pleasure."
"Bye." Jubilee watching her boyfriend leave, "Way to go, M. What do you want anyway?" Playfully swatting at Monet's arm.
"Well, one to remind you about Kai. I see you and he are still awfully close."
"Look, I appreciate your concern but maybe he's totally a changed guy. He's been nothing but the perfect gentleman. He hasn't pressed me to do anything. You know he's like Gambit in that, what's the word, rakish way. "
"I see." Monet said noncommittally, pausing about to say something else when Jubilee held up her hand to stop her.
"Leave it alone, Monet."
"Fine, but be forewarned I've been known to gloat when I'm right." Monet quipped.
"Did we just meet? Tell me something I don't know!" Jubilee replied with a chuckle.
"Well, since you won't let me talk sense into you let's go to work. Come on we've first year students to train in the Danger Room. Remember Hunter/Hunted?"
"Eww. Frostbite's favorite game, I hated that game."
"So did I. Let's try that today with the kiddies." Monet said with a sly smile.
"Girl, you're evil." Jubilee returned the smile
"I know."
As Kai made his way down the cobblestone pathway towards the compound's garage, he saw a raven-haired young man approaching him. The youth walked with a haughty stride and clearly saw Kai but maintained his course directly in line with Kai. Eventually, one would have to move to let the other pass. Kai wasn't about to acquiesce to him, no matter what this boy thought of himself. So predictably neither giving quarter to the other, they bumped shoulders.
"Watch it." The boy taunted, his brown eyes narrowing in annoyance. Kai paused and moment to stifle a laugh turning around.
"Pardon?" Kai's eyebrow rose meeting the challenge. Adding a little edge to his voice. It probably sounded arrogant and British to the young man before. Kai's speech was normally inflicted with both American and English nuances but in times of anger his "high-born" indignation required the more crisp tone of the two accents. This boy had no idea with whom he was provoking a scuffle. Kai hadn't much time to waste on foolishness before his meeting; then again there was always time in his view to remind those of their proper place. And in his view, that most obstinately meant beneath him.
"You heard me." The boy's eyes flashed, a feint blue aura emerged; the air surrounding the youth rippled with energy. Kai simply smirked. The very nature of his own ability tied him to the astral plane, the nexus of all psychic energies. His adversary was a mere telekinetic, albeit a potentially strong one was nothing for him to fear. Just as Kai was about to teach his opponent a cruel lesson in true psychic power another presence registered in his mind.
"Choose your enemies wisely, Julian Keller." A prim New England accent warned. "Perhaps I should facilitate introduction, Kai-Alexander Silver, Julian Keller, Julian Keller, Kai-Alexander Silver. Julian powered down at the sight of Emma Frost. "Hey Ms. Frost." That was all Julian managed sweeping his hand through his wavy black hair. Julian registering that he'd lost this contest simply hoped to avoid detention. He'd have to settle things with this, Kai-Alexander another time.
"Emma." Kai said acknowledging Ms. Frost not taking his eyes off of Julian. Julian Keller was a nuisance that could be squashed with a simple thought. Emma shot him a look of disapproval at the use of her first name.
"Mr. Silver, Mr. Keller if I may have a word. It's my good fortune to find you in the same place."
"I really need to get going. I have an important meeting in the city." Kai said begging off.
"I promise this won't be but a moment. Don't forget who's allowing you to keep your own personal vehicle on campus." Emma returned with a subtle threat.
"Of course, Ms. Frost." Kai responded with the honorific to appease her. Emma smiled at the measure. And gestured that they follow her to the benches in the courtyard.
"I wanted to inform you that the school will undergoing some changes under Mr. Summers and my administration. The student body will be divided into training squads with a faculty advisor heading each. I want the both you as my most promising pupils to lead squads. Julian, you and your friends will be under me, as the Hellions. Since I'm limited to 6 students I've asked Monet St. Croix to lead you and your friends and two mutants of your choosing as a squad." Kai was taken aback that Emma had chosen Julian under personal tutelage.
"Do not take offense, Kai-Alexander. Your abilities as a leader and mutant talents are far beyond that of Julian. Trust me, your status under Monet and with my support will allow you greater freedoms. To pursue your and my interests." Emma relayed to Kai via telepathy. What interest could Emma have with him and his friends? How much did she know about his personal plans? "Of, course what I've disclosed to the both of you is to be held in strict confidence." Emma excused herself and sauntered towards the main building.
"Looks like, I'm still her favorite, poser." Julian spat at Kai. He stood arms crossed, his posture resuming its arrogant nature.
"Julian, I'd pay attention to what Ms. Frost says about me. You'd want me as you ally and not your enemy. I have a way of making life difficult for those that I dislike." Kai said leaning closure to Julian to make his point clear.
"IS that supposed to scare me? Just who the hell are you, anyway?" Julian replied getting into Kai's face.
"I suggest you find out." Kai said with a grim flash in his grey eyes that even in their unnatural brilliance seemed ominously dark. Kai turned on heel and left. Julian despite himself jumped back. His eyes blinking wondering what was it that he'd seen in the other boy's eyes. Whatever it was he was certain it was something he never wanted to see again.
New York City
Kai was glad to have finally arrived at destination. Despite his impromptu meeting with Ms. Frost he made it into the city only a few minutes late. The New York City Library was one of the world's largest repositories of knowledge. The curators of the Library and research had collected within its walls some of the most rare, ancient, and obscure books, tomes and manuscripts known. Climbing the stairs past the familiar twin lions of the building Kai hoped his contacts where right. Because the delicate nature of his query, he used the resources available to his family. In fact, his mother's reluctance to help him research the pendant he now wore around his neck lead him to believe this was something best handled outside the normal network of the Silver clan, unless necessary. There was more to this story than, anyone was telling him, a far larger secret than simply his paternal origins. His contact assured him that what sought could be found in one of the rare volumes located in the private reserves of the institution. For weeks he'd been in contact over the Internet with the mysterious Dark Ones. Using back channels he came across him/her/ them. If they proved to be a waste of time a mindwipe would allay any chance of this getting out.
He moved through the main hall of the library and waited near the stairs leading to the private reserves. He had no what the "Dark Ones" looked like. Whether it was a single person or more. The contact simply said a black rose would identify them. Kai scanned the crowd for any curious people goth types. Sullen pale faces. He'd almost given up when he saw two girls standing in the crowd staring directly at him. One was dressed in a pink sundress and the other in dark designer jeans with a cropped white shirt showing her tanned midriff. Both had black roses pinned to their otherwise bright and cheerful clothes. After making eye contact Kai was joined by the girls.
"Expecting the gothic look, weren't you?" Said the girl in jeans. Kai noticed upon closer inspection her tan accentuated her natural complexion she appeared to be Anglo-Indian in decent. She had brilliant green eyes and a shinny inky hair. Her companion was a little taller and more curvaceous with auburn hair and hazel eyes.
"I must admit I was. You two look more like models than occult scholars."
"Blame 'Charmed.'" Giggled the auburn haired girl. "Angelina Devlin and this is Nigela Sidhu."
"Pleasure. So before we begin I stress that what I seek is a private matter and if it were to be disclosed. I'd before forced to action."
"Didn't catch your name." Nigela prodded a little perturbed by the young man's not so subtle threat.
"I never let it loose." Kai replied.
"Says here in the his wallet, Kai-Alexander Theo Silver." Angelina said flipping through his wallet. "Slight of hand. Magic one o one." Angelina giggled again and flipped her hair. Despite her innocent veneer of the two, Kai surmised Angelina was the most dangerous of the pair.
"Clever. Enough, games girls," Kai said snatching back the wallet. "Let's get to business. You never named your fee. Trust me money isn't an object."
"We'll tell you want we want after you get us into the reserve section." Kai found the girls confusing one minute they were silly 'normal' teenage girls the next they were something else all together. They were the genuine article whatever mystical abilities they possessed it protected them from his cursory mental probes. Barriers he no doubt could break but he'd leave that till later.
"Well, I would go through the normal channels but, as I explained I don't want anyone to know I was here." Kai wanted down the stairs and the guard before the doctor smiled.
"Dr. Greer, who nice to see you again. I thought you were in Athens for that lecture series." The girls looked at one another in amazement, to them Kai appeared to be a black guy with a shoulder with loose curly hair pulled into a ponytail to the guard he was a middle-aged white man with a graying comb-over accompanied by two young interns.
"That's later was later this week, James. I'll let you in a little secret, I told everyone I was leaving yesterday so I could sneak in here and work with little interruption. I have one last thing I need to research before going. I've asked my two students to help me. If you'll be so kind as to not let anyone know I'm here." 'Dr. Greer' said with a playful wink.
"Sure thing Dr. Greer." James said buzzing the party through the secured door. Once out of earshot Nigela tapped Kai on the shoulder her eyes wild with amazement. "How'd you do that? Did you cast a glamour? That was wicked!" Kai simply shrugged his shoulders and flashed a coy smile. Angelina looked a Nigela and laughed a little as they followed Kai to door marked Mystic Studies. He pulled a small box out of his blazer's inside pocket. Attached to the silver box was a cable linked to a card key. Kai placed the card key into the reader and the box made a beeping sound and the door unlocked. Immediately the three youths sensed a change in the energy of the room. Kai's silver grey eyes began grew in luminance from the faint glow to a brilliant light. He hadn't noticed it until he passed a mirror and quickly placed his dark tinted shades. The only visible sign of his mutation only shone brighter if he was tapping into the primal forces of the astral plane. Through his studies with Emma and Jean, before her death, he'd learned that his mutant powers weren't merely telepathic or telekinetic in nature. Those were just manifestation of his true powers, ones that he and his instructors were trying to understand.
"What's with your eyes? Are you a mutant?" Angelina asked, apparently the glow was still visible behind the glasses and etchings in his pendant on his neck were now glowing in the same silver light. Kai didn't answer the question in a sense trying to weigh his options. "It's okay if you are. We are too." Callie said with a tentative smile. "We want to go the Xavier School in Westchester but our parents aren't really down for that. So we figured who ever was looking for some rare mystic items or something could help us convince them. You know someone who really knew what they were doing."
"What with a spell?"
"Well yeah, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I guess being in this room with all this magic stuff and feeling its power makes me think that was kinda stupid." Nigela chimed in.
"Yet, if you aren't quite sure what you're doing with magic and you didn't know I was a mutant. How do you explain me not being able to read your minds? I'm a telepathic."
"That's how he fooled the guard!" Nigela giggled with a knowing smile. Kai was getting the impression that girl was somewhat off. Who else giggled that much with little reason?
"We cast a protection spell on ourselves. It was supposed to keep you from using magicks against us. I guess it blocked your powers."
"To a degree. Strangely because my powers aren't mystical in nature." But then again as he was learning there was still much to learn about his abilities. "So that brings us back to the question, how do two novice Wiccans know about all of this?" Kai said gestured to the materials lining the stacks behind them.
"Angelina's uncle is a curator here. But he couldn't get us in." Nigela answered.
"Shush." Angelina uttered just about a whisper. "You guys hear that." Kai and Nigela shook their heads to say heads to say no. All three listened closely to the silence before they all now heard the faint rumbling Angelina heard. Angelina motioned towards the source of the sound. They stood anxiously still for a moment until curiosity overtook them. Along the second isle of books the source of the rustling found a book was shifting and rocking amongst its brethren on the shelf. It was faintly glowing in the same silver light that gleamed from Kai's eyes.
"I guess that's the book you're looking for." Angelina broke the silence.
"I suppose your right, Angelina." Kai said just above a whisper and gestured for the book with his left hand palm upward. The book glided from the shelf into his hand. The book it was oversized, buy its shape Kai guessed it contain something a kin to legal sized sheets. He laid it on the table. Instinctively Kai took off his pendant holding it by the platinum chain he let in the dangle over the old tome. He closed his concentrated on the book, the pendent and lastly his father. The book open its pages fluttering back and forth and then rested. His eyes scanned the two pages the lay open to him. Frustratingly the passages were written in a language he new nothing of. Ancient and alien yet and something within him felt a closeness to the words, the power that was within them. Kai took his a small scanner from his pocket a copied the pages. He closed the tome and telekinetically returned it to its place on the shelf.
"Thank you, girls for leading me to this room, this place. I will help you with your parents."
"You don't want the rest of the book imagine the magic inside." Nigela queried.
"Precisely, the reason it should be left here. Come on, my driver is outside waiting."
As three youths made their way down the hall large rats emerged from the vents and down into the room. Four of them ascended the racks and moved towards their target. They pushed the tome to floor near their fellow vermin. The book despaired in the undulating dark mass of bodies. And just as quickly as they entered, the swarm emptied room back into the vents, back into the dark.