Chapter One Playlist:
•The Wolf ~ Mumford Sons
•Gotta Be Somebody ~ Nickelback
Note:
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Six Months Later...
Logan didn't wait for the typical, friendly come in, before barging into the Professor's study.
The Professor was in his usual spot, sitting behind his mahogany desk, grading papers; never once flinching as Logan slammed the door.
"Good Morning! How are you, Logan?" The Professor asked, still focused on the papers.
"Fine... I guess." Logan huffed, shifting most of his weight on his right shoulder, leaning up against the wall.
Logan blinked a couple times, his eyes quickly adjusting to the warm, dim hue in the room; the only light coming from the small, desk lamp. Outside, it was still dark —he could vaguely see the moon— which made Logan grit his teeth.
Just before he was abruptly summoned to meet with the Professor, Logan was in his room, sleeping. Dead to the world, just like he liked it. And there was nothing Logan hated more, than to be woken up... especially by someone else. Much less attend a meeting so early in the morning. Okay... so... he hated a lot of things.
"Did you sleep well?" the Professor asked. "I know you're still a restless sleeper. But I believe, with just a little more time, we could fix that, and—"
"O-KAY, listen, Chuck," Logan spat, his eyes darting towards the grandfather clock. "It's five in the morning. Five. In. The. Morning. What... do ya want? Is there an emergency? Because there better be to wake me up at FIVE IN THE MORNING!"
The Professor was all about having his students focus on writing essays during the Language Arts class he occasionally taught, alongside teaching Physics and Psychology on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If he didn't catch Logan up to speed in the next few minutes, this moment would go down in history, where Logan would turn in the longest essay —profanity riddled throughout— titled How To Not Piss Off The Wolverine; including a detailed section on how one must NEVER wake him up before eleven o'clock.
The Professor calmly looked up at Logan —despite his mental, essay threat— and let out a soft chuckle at the realization, that Logan's hair was completely disheveled and his eyes were slightly bloodshot. He acts more like a wolf than a man, the Professor thought.
"No, Logan. There is no emergency. But please," he kindly gestured with his hand, "sit down."
Logan grunted. Why was the Professor always so patient and caring? To the point where it makes a certain person —who's somewhat of a jerk— feel guilty.
Couldn't he just tell me off or maybe even throw something? Or maybe a little bit of both? Logan thought, glaring at his boots.
Instantly regretting snapping at the Professor, he eventually did what he was told, plopping down onto the sofa near the Professor's desk; stretching out his legs and crossing his arms.
"I need your assistance with something," began the Professor.
"Something new for a change," Logan grumbled.
"I had a startling dream," the Professor shook his head. "But I believe it was more of a premonition. A warning, more like it. And I can't help but think that maybe Magneto—"
"Jesus, Chuck! I thought you said there wasn't an emergency!" Logan got up and began pacing around the room, vaguely remembering their last, recent encounter with both Magnetos.
"There isn't one," the Professor stressed. "However, I don't want to wait until a situation arises either. That is why I need your help."
Logan rolled his eyes and continued to pace around the room.
"I believe there may be a couple of mutants that are —or will soon be— in danger. And before Magneto influences them, or someone worse than him finds them, I am wanting you, to bring them here.
A long time ago, I ended things on moderate terms with Erik. But... you can never be completely sure with him. Although... this time —as I was saying— I believe he may not even be an issue, but rather an ally."
Logan stopped pacing. "Wait, what do ya mean?"
"Well, look around, Logan," the Professor sighed. "Most mutants have either been imprisoned, killed, or gone underground —like we have. And just last week, the Senator released a new Bill against mutants —wanting us all to publicly register our gifts. If the government deems us a danger to society, then we will be forced to surrender."
Ever since the election, Senator Benton's newer policies have created more division than unity. And with the mutant hate-groups —like Friends of Humanity— adding more grease to the fire with their violent protests and looting, tension continues to arise between both humans and mutants; and even the small sect of Hybrids —those that grew up human, although carrying the mutant gene, who develop Power Replication later in life.
It's as if the government —along with these brutal organizations— wants to expose mutants, and then punish them when they're out in the open. It was true —there were twisted, dangerous people out there. And Logan didn't get a good feeling about wherever this was leading to.
"And these mutants, Logan," the Professor said, "have the potential in being extremely powerful one day. To be quite frank... just one in particular is going to be the most valuable to the X-men. However, if we bring them both here, with your help, not only would they be safe from imprisonment or death, but also torture and experimentation in the future. I'm sure you... of all people, can understand."
Logan grunted. Of course, he could.
Words like experimentation still brought back fuzzy memories of him being strapped to a cold metal table, getting poked at and cut open like a frog in a science project. Or confined in a cage, often talked about —whispers passed around amongst the scientists— like he was a monster. Looking down at his knuckles, Logan was able to vaguely recall the day he got the adamantium pumped into his body. And he knew, deep down, that this would be important; helping out more mutants and preventing others from experiencing what had happened to him.
But... Logan couldn't understand why these mutants were so special that he, of all people, had to venture out and find them.
It was one thing, waking up and finding out he was a History professor.
"Only one hour with the little brats and you have the rest of the day to sleep," Logan kept telling himself before every class.
And then, discovering shortly after, that he has yet another sibling. Thankfully not as... fierce as his older brother, Victor —who was a completely separate nightmare in itself.
No... he had a sister.
Well... if you could call someone that was born in a lab, having your DNA —without your knowledge— a sister... then yes. Laura Howlett is Logan's tiny, pint-sized eighteen-year-old feral sister —who is a helluva lot moodier than Logan and even eats as much as a grown man.
From what was pieced together in this new timeline —years prior— when Logan was supposed to go to Japan, he had decided to stay behind and return to the school. And on one of the missions, the X-men had found a lab that belonged to the Friends of Humanity.
Hidden deep inside that lab, was a thin, twelve year old girl with golden eyes and shiny claws. The scientists' intention had been eerily cyclical, wanting to create another 'Weapon X'. But thankfully, the X-men arrived just in time to rescue Laura —before they fully turned her into a mindless, killing machine.
But now?
Now, Chuck wants him gallivanting across the country as if he's some tourist? Or even better —an obedient mutt, ready to play fetch on command?
Hell... to the no!
"And why do I need to do this?" Logan demanded. "Why can't ya get Jean or Storm to find them? Or what about Scooter or Gambit?"
"Sending either Jean or Storm, or any other teacher for that matter, and stopping the children's studies in the middle of the school year? No. I cannot do that."
"Ya can't, or ya won't?" Logan challenged. "Because if I remember correctly, yer the leader of the X-men, and the headmaster of this school. Yer school. The Xavier's —that's you Chuck— School for Gifted Youngsters."
The Professor let out a long sigh, but remained calm. "Fine, Logan. Sending someone else would be wise—"
"Damn straight it's wise!"
"—which is why I will also be sending Rogue with you."
Logan huffed. "What the hell, Chuck? Rogue and I are teachers too!"
"Rogue teaches Art —which is part of the elective courses. We mustn't forget that she's also one of the most powerful mutants here, besides Jean. Your classes resume next week, and hers can wait until she returns.
Unfortunately, there are worse people out there now. More destructive than Magneto and certainly more malicious. The world is unsafe as it is... And, you don't know what's coming. Your future, your family, Logan—" but before the Professor could press any further —struggling to choose his words wisely —he pulled out a folder from under the high stack of papers; handing it to Logan.
Becoming impatient, Logan began scrambling through the papers. He hated when the Professor beat around the bush and withheld things. As if he, The Wolverine, couldn't handle it.
Logan then stumbled upon the profiles of two, young women in their early twenties. However, one caught his eye in particular.
The young woman's light, chocolate and honeyed hair was extremely wavy. Her eyes were a warm hazel, and her gaze was intense —yet gentle. Examining her even more, drawing him in, Logan's chest got tight, and he suddenly fought an urge to lightly stroke her photograph with his thumb; not knowing why, exactly.
Remembering he wasn't alone —Logan quickly cleared his throat.
"Who's this Rivera chick?"
"Ah, yes," the Professor smiled. "Miss Johanna Rivera. A class five mutant with the ability to mirror and replicate any mutant's powers, soon making them her own. Similar to what Rogue can do, but less... lethal. However," he paused, "she hasn't developed her powers... yet."
Wait... Did he just say yet?
"How is that even possible, Chuck?" Logan asked. "I thought mutants developed their powers shortly after puberty. Hell, even I was a late bloomer. But this one," he paused, looking at her date of birth, "is almost twenty-one!"
"I agree, Logan. But, Johanna is also a Hybrid. And although they are now rare to find, even I still struggle to understand the logic behind it. We must keep in mind that laws of science and the human body are extremely complex, especially dealing with a power as strong as hers. It's extremely fascinating."
"Yeah, sure," Logan rolled his eyes. "Fascinating."
"With Lori, on the other hand... her power developed when she turned twelve. As she got older, her powers gradually got stronger. Now twenty-two, Lori is capable of creating, shaping, and manipulating darkness; among many other exciting things. It's just that..." he then paused; the silence irritating Logan even more, motioning Charles to continue.
"Johanna is..."
"Yeah?"
"Well, Johanna's going to be your..."
"My what?"
"Wait, I shouldn't have said that... Forgive me."
As much as Logan began to enjoy hearing Johanna's name out loud, he hated these guessing games.
"Just spit it out, Chuck!"
"Well..." The Professor stated cautiously, "she will eventually play a... major role in your soon-to-be future."
A major role in my soon-to-be future... What in the hell was Chuck talking about?
The Professor's lips formed into a tight line. Allow me to show you, he replied telepathically.
Logan was always skeptical when it came to the idea of someone snooping around in one's mind, sightseeing and looking at all of the things you've said and done.
No. Thank. You.
Though, this wasn't some judgmental stranger. This was Chuck Logan was dealing with. The very telepath that had regained Logan's memories and ended the unknown torments of his lost identity. And Logan would always trust Chuck —and he kept telling himself that, eventually closing his eyes; leaning forward so that the Professor could touch his temples.
"This better be worth it," Logan grumbled.
･❪ X ❫ ･
At first, Logan couldn't see a damn thing —just darkness— reminding him that he should be asleep right now. Sleep. When this was all over, Logan was going to sleep until —screw it— next semester!
Focusing a little harder, this eerily reminded him of the first time he appeared at the school, so many years ago; confused, angry, and suspicious of everyone. The Professor soon helped the standoffish Logan regain the most important memories from his past —when he needed it the most— even though the professor didn't have to. And Logan would forever be grateful. Because if it weren't for him, Logan would still be drifting from state to state, country to country —always searching in all the wrong places for answers he couldn't find. And now, at the school, with the X-men, he felt something he never thought possible; like he finally belonged.
As Logan felt a sense of comfort, he heard a woman's laughter. I guess whatever this was —was starting, Logan thought. Better grab the popcorn.
Logan's vision gradually adjusted, and he then felt a cool breeze, followed by birds chirping. Okay, so he was outside.
Looking around, Logan soon realized he was near the garden at the mansion. He peered up at the baby blue sky —the sun was shining and the clouds were a crisp white. When he looked back down, it was then, that Logan saw her. Standing before him was the young woman —Johanna. She looked up at him with loving eyes, her soft hand holding his; which was now tingling.
Logan, she whispered.
God, her voice was so... affectionate —making his heart ache; which never happened.
Actually this, whatever this was, whatever he was feeling —or stating to feel— never happened. Ever. Not even with Jean, whom he eventually accepted that that crazy hellfire belonged to Scott. And in reality, the whole twisted love triangle drama wasn't going to ever work out. And Logan knew it. And basically, everyone knew that him and Jean were always incompatible from the start.
Complete opposites; like night and day.
Sure, Logan enjoyed the occasional flirting and, of course, pissing Scott off. But, in the end, Jean was never his —was never going to be his— and Logan was over it. And it eventually worked out —Scott and Jean finally getting married, and soon after, having a son; who was now twenty-two and transitioning into becoming the new leader of the younger X-men.
He was a good kid, along with the rest of the other offspring: the LeBeau twins, the Professor's grandson, and... as much as Logan hated to admit it... even Wade's son; who was the spitting image of his hitman father —famously known as the notorious and highly irritating 'Deadpool'. Wade Jr. had a fascination with guns and knives, strutting around campus with his head held high and a girl on his arm. He was definitely like his father —a major douchebag, but an asset to the X-Men.
Looking down into the young woman's eyes, Logan couldn't help but smile. This woman —who he obviously never met before— was a totally different subject that Logan wasn't used to learning. She seemed innocent, eyes full of wonder, with a full head of hair that seemed more untamed than his. With this beauty standing before him, Logan instantly felt the need to hold her. Protect her. And just when Logan thought he was about to possibly kiss her, she suddenly faded, slowly bringing Logan back to how the vision began; darkness.
･❪ X ❫ ･
When the vision ended, Logan opened his eyes and stumbled backwards; almost landing on his backside. Stunned for a short period of time —frozen in the middle of the study— Logan crashed back down onto the sofa. A million and one questions began filling his brain, making Logan's head swim. Who even is this woman? Why is she so important? And was she his...
No. She couldn't be. Wary about the topic itself, Logan shook his head. He had remembered Hank briefly speaking with him about Pair Bonding, and even discussing it during his Biology class. And of course, Logan always brushed it off as some fairytale romance that would never happen for guys like him. But he couldn't deny that he was still feral.
Wolverine and Logan both worked together, Logan being the most dominant. But at the end of the day, they were one; especially during a full moon.
So, to put it to rest, he had to ask. Even if Logan wasn't completely sold on it... he still had to ask.
"Chuck, is she who I think she is?"
"Logan..." the Professor slowly began. "If you mean to ask me if Johanna is your... mate, then... that is something you will need to find out on your own. I can guide you if you ever need my assistance, as I have helped you in the past. But I cannot discuss any further about this."
Logan shut his eyes —leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Well that certainly answered his question. Sure, it was vague... yet... enlightening.
His mate.
Someone who the Wolverine had waited centuries for, even if Logan didn't fully believe it. And yet, there she was —her picture laying on the Professor's desk; and the real her out there, somewhere. Living her life.
But... if Chuck desperately needed to find her, who was after her? And what the hell did they want with his mate?
This immediately made the Wolverine growl. Now... he was sold on the mission. Now, he had to find her.
"You will eventually piece two and two together on your own," the Professor sighed, mistaking Logan's predatory growl for annoyance.
Leaving the profiles on his desk, the Professor began making his way towards the door to escort Logan out.
"—as you are certainly not daft." The Professor continued. "Though, I advise you to not respond... rashly. Although I am somewhat involved, this is entirely your business. All I suggest from you, Logan, is that you tread lightly regarding... your bond with Johanna. Do you understand?"
Logan snorted. Hell yeah, he understood! Loud and crystal clear. And the nerve Chuck had for mistaking Logan for Victor! It wasn't like Logan was going to meet the young woman, and then come out and say "Hey, I'm your mate. I love you —despite not knowing a damn thing about you. But listen, let's have kids and live together in the cabin I'm going to build us."
No. He certainly was not his brother, who —on the other hand— was going through his own set of problems; still searching for his long-lost mate.
Naturally, over time, Logan would want to get to know Johanna. And then he would marry her, and then probably have about five kids. That wasn't too much to ask... was it?
Of course, it wasn't a big surprise to hear the Wolverine howling no!
But Logan still debated on it. If he really wanted this —whatever this was or going to be, to work out— then Logan would have to take things slow. Real slow.
The Professor just merely smiled and opened the door.
Logan, quickly getting the cue, got up —casually swiping Johanna's photo and stuffing it into his back pocket— before making his was down the mansion's empty halls.
"And Logan," Charles called, causing him to turn around. "Make sure to pack a bag for yourself. You and Rogue will be leaving tomorrow morning."
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow.
Why was that word making Logan want to vomit?
In the back of his mind, the Wolverine snickered. It was because he was going to meet his mate.
Scientifically, mates were supposedly alike in certain ways and, in a sense, made for one another. Their souls bonded, tethered to each other for life. Like what the humans call soulmates, but on a much stronger and deeper level.
Logan shook his head. For crying out loud, he was thinking like Hank and Victor now! He shouldn't be this nervous. No. The Wolverine doesn't get nervous, or whatever the sappy butterflies-in-your-stomach bull is called. And yet, for the first time, Logan had an immense stomach ache whenever he thought about her. As if she already has some sort of control over him.
On the way back to his room, Logan wondered what she was like; and the endless possibilities began to overwhelm him. Mates only come around once in someone's lifetime. Once. And whoever this young woman was, that was it. No one else could, or would, ever replace her.
Not that anyone special was ever in Logan's life to begin with. Yeah, the occasional flings from years ago lasted for what, a day... a week even; if he was lucky? And then, that was it. But that's what it always was —a fling that meant nothing for either party involved. Like a drug addict who chased after that last high, but was never completely satisfied.
So, after a while, Logan didn't see the point to continue going to those smoky, seedy bars —where the only women that showed up, were the ones that were too desperate and dense to even carry on normal conversations; conversations that didn't lead to crude innuendos and activities that were more... physical. And the very thought of those grimy, handsy barflies —the same women who he also used to use and dispose of— now made his skin crawl.
Because during these last six months, after Logan had to get to know Laura all over again —realizing how much of a brother-figure he was to her— it was only more of a confirmation to close that door to his life.
Laura was watching him —studying his ways and choices he's made. This young and impressionable girl. Someone who, for the very first time, loved and idolized Logan. And that propelled him to give up his old ways, his old self —that loose, shell of a man who he had come to despise— and entirely make a drastic change. To be better, to do better. For Laura.
But now... where did this new door lead to? What made this young woman, Johanna, so important that someone would have the need to put her in danger?
Who was she?
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow... Logan would find out.
･❪ X ❫ ･
A/N: OMG!!!! I can't believe I finally released this into the world! My BABY!
Okay,
*Clears throat*
Edited A/N: Heyyyy, my name is Julianna. I started working on this fanfic last year, and although I was writing my Faith-Based Dystopian at the time, I sort of hit a block; which then prompted me to write X-men Reborn. Soooo... HONESTLY... what do you (if anyone is truly reading this) think of my FIRST EVER X-Men fanfic??? Actually... now that I think of it, this is actually my first ever *book* that I've continued to write and "publicly" publish. Yikes!
Well... that being said, suggestions, comments, feedback of any kind, and constructive criticism is most welcome! If you love Wolverine as much as I do, or even if you're new to the X-men world, let's chitchat! I love getting comments, especially when it's about Logan. I freaking LOVE to fangirl!!
And I gotta say, one of the things I really like about writing online, is that even though I have the story completed in my mind, it's pretty fun coming up with the chapters as I go. Being spontaneous.
Fun Fact: I promised myself I wasn't going do it in the beginning... but I actually love it now!
So please, whoever you are that's taking a peek and reading until the end... let me know your honest thoughts in the comments!
Happy reading
Julianna