Chapter Nine

"I want the boy here. I don't care how he is captured as long as he is relatively unharmed. Understood, Creed?"

The large blonde feral snarled at the hissing question, not taking the bait, "The others?"

"I have no need for them. I don't want them to interfere just yet. But I would like to acquire my boy, Gambit. He's mine."

"Runt's gonna follow. Been real close ta Gumbo, even this new boy. Ain't gonna be easy." But Creed didn't care much about kidnapping when dealing with Wolverine. He enjoyed their little sparring matches.

Sinister's temper flared as he faced his employees, "I don't care! Capture them all if you have to! I want Gambit and that boy here! Understood?"

"What about the wolf?" Creed remembered the smell of a wolf accompanying the new boy. Didn't like it much but did make sense with him being a giant cat.

"He isn't very strong. Not as powerful as the boy but might have great potential in the future. Let him live without permanent damage"

Creed snorted as he turned away, "Sure, Boss." He wanted to maim, to destroy. It was in his nature, especially since he was a hired mercenary to the highest bidder. Wonder if the pretty boy tastes like the punk.

"Creed." Red eyes watched as the large blonde froze, growling lightly. "When they arrive, no permanent damage. I mean it. I don't want them bothered." Smirking, Sinister tossed out an idea that ensured Creed's loyalty, "I want them in decent condition for samples. I don't want the others to be playing with them. Keep an eye over them while they are here."

"Not a problem." Creed was giddy with lust, imagining the feel of reacquainting with Gambit and tasting the flesh of the new boy. He remembered the taste of Gambit, much like his attitude, spicy with a hint of fire. The new meat had a scent of innocence, almost like sweet fruits mixed with a hint of smoky cedar. Wonder if his body's as innocence as his scent. As he had fought Wolverine, he had spied that lithe body twisting to avoid most of Harpoon's attacks. And a feral on top of it. The boy's body had slowly healed some of the minor cuts and bruises. Bet I could go for days with that body. He bet he could rip in to virginal flesh before his healing factor became sluggish. Wonder if he'll scream as pretty as Gambit.

Creed blinked as he stumbled. Damn! He had to watch his thoughts until their targets had been acquired. Neither boy was around to work off his lustful hunger. Nor the Runt to work off his anger and sexual frustration. He inhaled deeply to keep control, Soon, boy. Soon I'll be testing that sweet flesh of yours. His soft chuckles bounced through an empty hallway. Oh, how he couldn't wait. Licking his lips in anticipation, Creed sauntered out to the exercise room to find Scalphunter to discuss the new mission. Soon.

-----------------------Sinister's Private Lab-----------------------

Sinister sighed with anticipation, "Soon, my dear thief, soon you will return where you belong." He studied the DNA sequences of one whom he considered the three most powerful mutants. He enjoyed combining the sequences of Summers and Grey. They had unexpected results that revealed exciting research. The only problem was making sure he could keep his results nearby. He had already lost two of his possible tools, Madelyn Prior had gone insane before her death and he lost Summers' child by her. Ah, but they can be recreated.

But the one that interested him the most was Gambit's. The Cajun's unique DNA caused explosive results and failed experiments. Very rarely had Sinister gained success, sometimes even that didn't pan out in the end. Gambit's sequence seemed quite impossible to survive but he enjoyed knowing the fruits of one's work. It was possible the boy's parents weren't actually living beings. His DNA reminded him of one Marauder, Vertigo.

Vertigo had been engineered by the military before she escaped. Unlike her though, Gambit's DNA suggested the possibilities of animal. He had been studying and researching DNA's of various mutants alike. Not one had he found even remotely like DNA unless engineered by scientists or military as a means of control. But if Gambit was engineered with animal, then it could explain his agility, grace, and adaptation similar to felines. Yes, my boy, you must be someone's lovely work. I will discover who your 'parents' are though. He knew Gambit's curiosity buried beneath his swagger. The boy desired to know who he was and why he was abandoned at a hospital. Sinister believed that curiosity would be the thief's downfall and eventual permanent return to him.

----------------------X-Mansion--------------------------

"Harry?"

Emerald eyes peered through leafy foliage to an amused Remus, "He's in town with his surrogate daughter."

Remus heaved himself to a branch close to his Godson, eyeing his Cub. Logan seemed perfect for Harry. With Remus' help, they kept Harry in a sleeping coma until he had fully healed. Amber eyes shimmered with joy that his Cub was healthy, no longer feeling fatigued or weak and hiding behind a facade. "You still challenging him, Cub?"

"Yes. He had the advantage the first time. The second time we will both be on even ground. Him at full strength and I at full strength."

"And if he still wins?" Remus knew how his Cub desired his freedom, especially when dealing with his life. He worried that another loss at control could cause his Cub to hate life.

"Then he wins. If he is stronger, he will win, despite my advantage of using magic with my strength." Harry turned away, staring out at nothing, voice soft, "And I won't be in constant control."

Remus understood. Harry wouldn't hate life nor regret losing. He would fight with everything in him, to the last drop of his energy and then some. Harry wouldn't give up easily but would enjoy being dominated. All his life Harry had kept up a facade around others, which expected him to be in control all the time. Some times Remus wondered if Harry liked being in control of his life, now he knew. Harry would still be in control of his life but when he wished someone else to care for him, he could lean upon his mate. "I give you luck in your fight to come." He placed a hand upon the trembling shoulder, "They would be proud and happy for you. I won't lie, Sirius and James might balk at first but once they saw you happy, they would avenge anyone trying to hurt you or your mate."

Harry was silent at first, struggling with emotions that came everything his parents and Sirius were mentioned. "Remus?" He barely glanced back at his Guardian, "Do you ever miss home?"

Sorrowful amber eyes closed, fighting back the wave of emotions at the mention of home. "I miss them. I always will but I'm willing to move on. I refused to stay if it put you in danger. I know if they could, Severus and Minerva would have done the same."

"And they make it so easy to forget."

Remus felt a small smile trying to stretch. He knew what Harry meant. He too wanted to believe in their new allies. Then again, he always was a easily forgiving person. But for Harry it was harder, every time he turned someone he knew betrayed him. "They do. I was always a forgiving person. I've always wanted someone to like me despite what I was. And it's hard when you want someone to depend on, to trust."

Harry smiled as he curled around the tree to press closer towards his Guardian, "I'm afraid for myself."

Remus didn't like the defeated tone. He had only heard it a few times before. Nothing good would come of it, even if the end overrode its beginning. "Harry, look at me."

Harry refused, staring out at nothing as his body opened his senses to the whispering of the magic around him. It was a tune only he could hear, a tune only true wielders could hear. "I'm afraid, Remus. Something's coming."

"Cub? Please, you're starting to worry me again." Whenever Harry began listening to the music of magic around him, it never meant anything good if he was afraid.

"Something wicked is coming." He finally turned to face his Guardian, "Promise me, Remus, that you will be safe."

Holding onto a branch with one hand, Remus wrapped the other around the trembling shoulders. "I will do anything to protect you."

"I know. But I'm afraid. It's coming this way. I will fight to remain free."

"Let me warn them. They want to help us. I won't lose you, Cub."

Harry followed Remus to the ground, digging into the warm body once they touched ground. He was desperate to block out the eerie vibes singing around him. She didn't seem to like it either. Something painful was coming but she couldn't explain what. All Harry knew was it dealt with him and his new allies were about to get their first crash course in loyalty. Please, Mother, let me survive this.

Yes, he loved his mother and father, even had others trying to take their place. Sirius and Remus had fulfilled the roles of being a fatherly guardian but he had yet to find someone as a mother. Molly lost that chance when she betrayed him. Then again, he would hear the soft crooning of magic easing his troubles. Mother Nature. Remus figured it could be Lily Harry heard through nature's magic, after all James was probably working through Sirius and Remus to closely care for his child. That was what Harry wanted to believe, it made him feel closer to his deceased parents, knowing they still watched over him.

---------------In Town Shopping-----------------

Creed snickered as he watched from the rooftops. Sinister allowed him his fun. What better way to try breaking the X-men but to force them to watch the disappearance of two members. And Creed would get the chance to hurt Wolverine by taking away his new toy. Come on, Runt. Lead us home. What better way ta play then knowin' yer led us right ta the pretty boys.

He glanced around as his favorite rival played chauffeur. Hiding among the humans, waiting for the signal, was the Marauders. They had followed Creed's lead, trailing after Wolverine as he shopped with a young teenager. All eyes watched as the stocky mutant piled down his jeep with shopping bags. At his side was a bouncing female, eager to head home.

Creed smirked as the jeep started up and pulled away. That's it, Runt. Lead us there. Glancing down, he watched as the Marauders nod before stealthily following the jeep. Creed leapt rooftop to rooftop, keeping far enough behind to not be noticed but close enough to see the jeep. We're coming, pretty boys.

---------------Mansion Grounds------------------

"Logan's returned, Harry." Remus was concerned, as were the others. Harry had grown restless and paranoid with each growing minute. All sensors and cameras were on high alert since Remus explained that Harry has the ability to know when danger was coming. He had told them that Harry was a precognitive but was able to hear the magic around him more than see the future. It was what Harry used to know if danger was around, sometimes it didn't always tell but when it did he had learned to listen. The problem was neither could tell what danger was coming or why. And Harry's restlessness had bled over to a very nervous thief.

The X-men knew Remy had a mysterious past and his nervous pacing, constant smoking only proved their theory that he might have an idea on who was coming but they couldn't get him to speak. Every time a telepath tried easing through his shields or someone asked question Remy would charge an item to explode before absorbing the charge back. Then finally turned around and storming off.

Harry had gone for high grounds, sitting on the roof and staring at the forest. Remus had joined him after learning of Logan's return to the mansion. He rocked his Cub, "Harry?"

"I heard you, Moony." He turned at the sound of footsteps to see a smoking Cajun sauntering their way. Harry could see the tension in his body. Remus nodded to Remy before easing away. The two nervous males watched as the werewolf slipped over the roof's edge to a windowsill. Harry knew Remus was going to watch for Logan as the other X-men kept a close eye on the grounds. "They don't stand a chance, do they?"

Remy curled into the warm body next to him, flipping his charged cigarette butt into the slowly dimming sky. "Non. But dey goin' ta try."

Harry rested his head upon the offered shoulder, "And we?"

"We pray." Both men knew someone was on their way. It was as if they could feel them coming, coming for them.

They curled tighter together as they watched the sun slowly sinking over the forest, hearing the rumbling of Logan's jeep. "Sheik wants to fight but knows we'll lose still."

"Den we fight."

"They're here." The two nervous males carefully edged their way off the roof before dropping to the ground. They were worried, fearful of what was coming. Alarms flared alive just after Logan and Jubilee exited the jeep. They rushed to see if they could help.

Cyclops led his team into battle. Vertigo was the first to strike, flinging out her arms as dizzy waves exploded, "Feel the power of Vertigo!"

Remus stumbled towards his Cub, "Run!" Amber eyes watched as Harry snagged the sleeve of Remy's trenchcoat. They raced for the forest, knowing they could lose the Marauders there, not knowing another was waiting for that opportunity. They had thought they would be safe there. Until they heard a familiar voice.

"Well, well, lookie here." Both men froze as Sabertooth stepped out from the trees. "Hello, pretty boys."