Chapter Three
Jean, can you find them?
No, Professor. I read nothing. Not even static like Gambit. The female telepath frowned as she tried searching the area. She wasn't the only one, Charles had lost their quarry after the power spike. She quickly peered around during a tiny lull in battle, safe behind her telekinetic shield as she protected herself from Archlight's punch. She couldn't see their quarrys either, turning her telepathy to another member, Logan, do you see them? We've lost sight of them.
Wolverine grunted as he ducked a vicious swipe from a rampaging Creed. Sinister's got 'em. But the Cajun's closer. I got Creed flying off the handle.
Sighing as she slammed Archlight into her fellow teammate, Jean turned to Gambit. She politely had to send out a telepathic knock on his shields since neither telepath at Xavier's Institute could get a handle on him, Knock, knock. It's Jean.
'Allo, cherie.
Logan can't get to Sinister and says you're closer. Any way you can distract him? Our flyers are dealing with Riptide and protecting the Blackbird.
Gambit try, cher. One big explosion comin' up. Gambit re-tightened his shields, closing her out. He vaulted from beneath Storm and away from Scalphunter towards Sinister. Slender fingers nimbly fanned out several playing cards as he tried positioning himself closer to the armoured mutant and trying to keep away from a rampaging feral fight. With years of precision and ease, the cards glowed with fiery kinetic energy as they slammed into the blue skin. Mon Dieu! He had forgotten about the man's ability to shrug off power blasts unless they belonged to Cyclops as well as the man's healing. Jeannie, y' best be gettin' Scotty to fire. De good ol' doctor still goin'.
Jean fought not to jump as Archlight punched through her shield just as Gambit distracted her mind, leaping to one side as an optic blast slammed into the Marauder. We're busy here, Gambit. Archlight and Scrambler are giving a good struggle not to fall. Can you try again? Or distract someone's playmate?
Ha, ha, Jeannie. Gambit be stuck 'tween Chatton and Wolvie now. "Argh!" Gambit had to flip out his bo-staff to make a quick getaway from two slashes of Sabertooth's claws and over Wolverine's head as he countered the other's feral attack. He tossed a playing card into Creed's face, laughing as the man swore with the small explosion and raced his way, slamming his opponent aside for the thief.
As they battle raged on, Harry and Remus were having their own troubles. Neither was happy with the situation. Sinister had grasped their throats, trying to drag them from their spot to a shimmering portal just behind him but both wizards were desperately throwing their strength and weight around to keep that from happening. Harry's beast roared to be free, knowing it would have an advantage since it would be feral strength backed up by magic. His eyes flashed between green and silver as his anger rose, even more when several reddish objects slammed into their captor, who laughed the injury off and not releasing them.
The beast struggled harder against his human's control/free./ Harry refused to loosen the reigns/Not until Remus is freed./ His beast snarled in frustration but raised a hand, nails lengthening into claws. With one vicious swipe against the captor's right wrist, Remus hit the ground as the man screamed in pain. /Go./ Harry allowed the beast free, giving it full reign. The freed feral viciously tore into his prey, not once holding back. Every strike was powered with animal strength combined with powerful magic.
Sabertooth heard the pained cry, turning his head to see his Boss defending against an animal's swipes. He abandoned his fight against the Runt and Cajun to help. He gave a fierce roar as he tried slamming into the smaller feral's body, instead he jammed into an invisible shield. Claws sliced into it, feeling it begining to give way.
Silver eyes turned from their prey to see another trying to enter their protective shield. /Stop the new threat before we lose our shield!/ Harry shouted to his beast, hoping to make it understand. They needed that shield if their original prey tried another sneak attack. Silver eyes narrowed as its body twisted aside to avoid another hit, fangs flashing beneath a smirk, "Feral."
Sabertooth smirked back, eyeing the lithe form of this new feline mutant, "Watch yer tongue, boy. Else I rip it outta yer mouth."
Remus watched from his sitting position, rubbing at his bruised throat as his Cub nimbly danced around with the other creature. He would have fought back but it was very rare that he metanother whose strength was stronger than a werewolf's. Plus, he hadn't a chance to try the level of his magic. He was a strong Defense wizard, achieving a Master's in Defense. But he really didn't apply much to physical fighting except allowing Moony free on full moons or practicing weaponry.
And while he may not have his weapons, which were currently locked in his trunks, or practice his magic, thank Merlin my wand hadn't broken during our emerging, Remus still could use his body as a weapon, especially in sneak attacks. One opportunity was arising since their blue captor was pulling out a bubbling syringe and preparing to do something with a glowing left hand. Oh, no you don't! Not my Cub! Moony gave his all with his human as they rammed into the man who called himself Sinister, knocking him aside just as their Cub landing a vicious punch, backed with a disarming spell, to force the large blonde into a stone wall.
Sinister caught his stumbling balance and retreated to the still open tesseract, "Leave! Now!" He wasn't stupid. His new quarrys were stronger than he imagined, especially the boy. He would need to regroup before going after them. Observations first, Essex. Then they'll be ours. He vanished into the portal, knowing those of his team left would shortly follow.
The X-Men sighed with relief as the Marauders retreated. But their relief was short-lived as they spied a possibly feral mutant stalking a retreating possibly human male. "Cub?"
"Mine!"
Remus fought against his protective instincts to attack his Cub. He didn't want to hurt Harry, just knock him from his beast side. And the only way to do that would be unexpected pain. Forgive me, Harry. A flick of a wrist and his wand slipped into his hand, "I know, Cub, but they're gone now." He continued to retreat until he felt slimy metal against his back. Harry was coming closer, "I don't want to do this, Harry. You're leaving me no choice." Harry raised a curved hand to strike as he raised his wand, "Forgive me. Crucio!"
A red streak flew through the tiny distant into Harry's body. Not expecting such retaliation, Harry jerked back in pain, dropping to his knees as it continued. Remus refused to let go, despite the insistent tugging against his wand, until the roar of an animal turned to the pained screams of a human. Remus jerked his wand away, breaking the concentration, falling next to his Cub's heavily breathing form. Pained emerald eyes glazed up at him, "Mo-moony?"
"It was the only thing I could think of. The strongest pain curse to distract you without being able to absorb it. At least we know that my magic is still intact as well as my ability to perform a Dark Curse. I believe your magic is intact considering the Disarming spell you used earlier." He helped his Cub to shaky feet, "Alright there, Harry?"
A trembling smile, "In Hermione's words in our First Year, 'never better.'" Harry did a quick sweep of his mental facilities to prove that the length of the curse hadn't affected anything. It hadn't but it did cause his beast to retreat to a supposed corner to lick his wounds, sulking at losing his toys. "I don't believe it! He's sulking!"
Amber eyes sparkled, "Sulking? As in a prank not working or as in not getting his way?"
Harry laughed at the obvious comparison to Sirius. "You took away his toys. Well, not you per say but you kept him from playing with them."
Both wizards chuckled, "Then I believe he needs a new name. Something befitting a personality of importance and childish. I believe either Sheik or Raja might do. Both are royalties in history."
"I like Sheik. Different. I already know of Raja. Reminds me of Dudley and would rather not have that image."
The X-Men weren't sure what to make of the two mutants. They seemed to know each other well, even had a very tight control of their abilities. Something one never saw after a power spike. Cyclops cleared his throat as he took a careful step forward, "Excuse us."
The two males immediately crouched into defensive positions, ready for battle. Each member could see that they were well conditioned for battle, possibly trained as warriors or weapons by the Government to do their bidding against any enemy they chose. "Can we help you?" But what they couldn't see was the wary intellect at their presence.
"We'd like to help."
Both men raised a sardonic brow, wondering how they could help when they had just gone against a team similar to them, "Help us how?"
Cyclops inhaled deeply, calming his frustration and anger. "We are the X-Men. We try to help those who possibly need it. We live at Xavier's Institute for Gifted Students. We would like for you to come with us."
Harry relaxed his stance, knowing his wandless ability and connection would protect him. "Moony, I'm hungry." He felt weakened and realized they hadn't eaten since breakfast that morning. It didn't help to have a sudden emerging of genes and a life-threatening battle either.
----------------------------Mansion Grounds--------------------------------
Intelligent golden eyes peered about the small section of woods she had entered. Hedwig landed upon one of the many trees for rest. She had flown far in the city, searching. So far, this was the only place she found with such an expansion of woods. It was quite spacious, roomy for roaming and hunting. Her Master and Master's friend would be very satisfied. Master's friend would like it, knowing it was enclosed by several feet of concrete and brick walls. The only opening was the borderline near a silvery lake and small acre of land where a huge mansion sat.
Maybe the owner would be kind enough to set up some safety traps or keep the children safe inside as several were lounging about in the warm sun. Hopefully, the owner would be kind, she didn't think there was anywhere else for her Master and Master's friend. They loved running free as she loved flying free. Neither liked having to ignore nature's instincts by locking themselves behind spelled doors and walls.
Tilting her head, she felt a warm presence. Her Master was safe and sound, gently reaching out for her. She cooed softly as she took to the gentle breeze. It was time to return to his side and report her findings. Maybe he would have a treat for her to enjoy since she had already caught a fresh mouse. White feathers seemed to glitter beneath the bright sun as she soared away. She never heard the soft gasp of a female below her.
Gentle grey eyes of Ororo Munroe stared out into the sky. She had remained behind with two members of the team to scout the perimeter as well as tend to her garden. Never had she seen the lovely sight of such grace and beauty of a snowy white owl. It was rare for such a creature to be found here, even rarer for owls to be about in daylight. Oh, how she hoped it would take refuge in the forest. She would like to see such beauty again.
----------------------------X-Men/Harry, Remus------------------------------
"Harry." Remus scolded his Cub for irritating their new acquaintances with his babbling about needed food.
But that didn't stop him from asking, "Any fresh meat? Preferably rare and bloody, even alive if it's manageable."
"Harry!" Remus was as shocked as most of the others. He had forgotten that they hadn't eaten earlier and that Harry's beast would soon begin craving raw meat.
Wolverine chuckled, liking the boy's attitude, "Kid after me own heart. Chuck's gotta forest, plenty animals ta hunt."
Harry gleefully tugged on his Guardian's sleeve, "Come on! Fresh food to hunt. At least something to eat. They're offering!" Remus sadly smiled as his Cub pranced around searching for his lost cloak. He rarely ever saw this childish side of Harry. Harry had grown with a difficult life surrounding him, never having time to be a child or to have freedom. He went from neglectful relatives to a demanding society. Everything he did and said was under scrutiny. Now he had the chance to be free.
"We have our jet parked on the roof." Cyclops was polite in speaking and pointing out their ride. Jean had mentally mentioned the fleeting broadcast of Harry never being a child. It was all her telepathy had been able to pick up before the older man's thoughts vanished. Gambit always had a static feel to him but these two seemed as if there was nothing, not even a black hole sucking you in. She had a feeling they were taught well how to hide their shields or project a barrier around them. Something must have been truly frightening or harmful for this to have been performed.
Harry abandoned his search to glance up the ruined building Cyclops had pointed out. He always was good at climbing trees. He wondered if being part cat would make him able to climb buildings. Something inside him said to try. With that encouragement, he tossed back a blinding, happy smile, "Meet you there," and began clawing his way to the top with feline grace and agility. They openly watched as he raced to the top, perching himself in a lying position on the very edge, tail swishing in front of him as he waited.
Jean's mouth fell open in worry, "He'll fall!"
Remus shook his head. "No, he's always been susceptible to his surroundings. Not much can get by him nor his death defying needs to flirt with danger. He likes being high above ground. He says it's freedom, almost as if nothing can touch him. Reality has no time or need to rouse until he comes back to earth." He leaned down behind a fallen trashcan to snatch up his Cub's slightly battered cloak, "This is the first time he's ever been truly free to act the way he wishes, not the way other's believe him to be."
Harry slipped into a light trance, resting his body and holding back the hunger. He could feel something vibrating in his mind. Concentrating, he felt Hedwig, his loving familiar. She seemed happy about something. A soft smile crossed his face as he arched his body to stretch out abused muscles, turning to face the incoming footsteps. He nodded his head at the sight of his cloak, then tilted his head as a slender figure in a trench coat made his made to Harry's side. He eyed the ease and grace this man had. He wondered if this man was also feline, for nothing could move with such predator ability as a cat, especially since the man willingly perched on his toes at the edge of the roof, "Feline?"
Gambit chuckled as he inhaled smoke from a lit cigarette, "Non. Mais M. Bete t'ink Remy be feline. Jus' be me natural grace." Harry snickered as he followed his instincts, shifting until his body slithered against the warmth of a second body. "Y' be feline?" Gamibt kept the same word, believing that was what the younger man was as he eyed the swishing tail andflickering ears.
Harry nodded, yawning slightly with fangs glinting. Gambit raised an auburn brow at the sight. This wasn't the first mutant he saw take true form as an animal. "Partly. I'm what's called a Predator Hybrid. Part human and part cat, though I will share more with a cat than human." He shrugged off the information. It was common knowledge in his world. Nothing majorly secretive. And he could see that these people were all gifted in some way. Besides, he really wanted to be able to trust some time. He missed having a close relationship with friends; he starved for that affection since he was a child growing up with the Dursleys.
"Everyone aboard!" Cyclops had really meant the two mutants perched on the roof's edge. Everyone else had already stepped inside, though Remus kept a close eye on his Cub.
"Dat us, Fearless One." Gambit stood, flicking his cigarette into the air. He watched as his companion's face glowed with interest as it exploded in mid-air. He reached out a willing hand to the boy, "Ready, mon ami?"
Harry smiled, pulling on the hand to stand. But before he could move, the link to his familiar vibrated strongly. He peered out into the sky to see a shadow taking shape. "Hedwig." He felt the curious stare of his companion, ignoring it for the fluttering white owl. He held out an arm, brushing gentle fingers against her soft chest. "Hey, girl." She gently nipped his fingers in greeting, "Let's get on-board. Or would you rather fly?" He got a reproachful stare. Laughing, he carried her to the jet.
"I see she found us." Remus ran a delicate touch across her back, she shivered and nipped his fingers in response.
She hooted softly to her Master, "She's found us a place to run. I believe it's the forest we were told about earlier. Just needs a few extra precautions if we stay."
"You can understand her?" Emerald glanced up to see a male with wings of his own, though made of metal. Harry didn't realize that they had yet to meet someone able to speak with animals or at least understand their thoughts.
Remus beat him to an explanation, "He doesn't need to truly read her. She's his familiar. A link between them only allows them to know of their presence and health. But he's had her since he was eleven. She was his confidante and friend when he needed one. They've always been able to understand each other."
Jean mentally quieted the team. She explained that they were wary. The older male was broadcasting very little. It seemed they had been hurt by those they called true friends and were wary of others for fear of the same. But she still couldn't figure out where they were on the astral plane. Jean, Scott? Have you found them?
We're on our way, Charles. I've been trying for a reading but there's nothing to read. The older male has little thoughts that broadcast from nowhere. And it would help if Hank checks the younger one. He has blood on him from fighting with Sinister and Sabertooth. Jean felt the questioning probe mixed with shock, Same here. We were all caught by the Marauders and unable to get to them but the young one was able to defend himself quite well. They have remarkable control considering the power spike we registered with Cerebro.
We'll be in the hangar, awaiting your landing. Charles withdrew from her mind as Scott said, "We're landing, people."