"Right this way, Agents." Sergeant Maaram Kibe said, seemingly untroubled by their untimely arrival, as she opened the door for the two federal agents. Agent Xavier lead the way as Agent McCoy followed behind, "What files is it you need access to again?" she asked, "I'll set up an office for you just down here and then I can go grab them for you." she said with a wide smile, "It's still pretty early so no one else will be in to use the room for at least another three hours." she added.
"Missing persons cases going back a year and access to all traffic security footage for the state." Charles told her, "Is that doable?" he asked.
"Sure. No problemo. You two just hang tight in here and I'll be back in a jiffy." she said cheerfully as she pushed open the meeting room door, "You two want any coffee, tea?" she asked.
"No, thank you. We'll be fine." Hank told her shaking his head as he followed Charles into the room. He didn't doubt Charles' powers or anything, but he couldn't help but feel nervous. But from the second Charles' had made the desk sergeant believe he'd seen their IDs things had gone off without a hitch. The professor had even been making everyone think that they were wearing suits so as to "look more official and genuine".
"Okay dokey." she said disappearing out the door, only to return five minutes later with two boxes full of paper which she promptly handed to Hank, "I'll just get you two cats onto the system and then I'll be out of your hair." she said moving over to the computer and typing in a password. In a flurry of movement and the tip-tapping of keys she had pulled up the traffic camera security footage from the entire state for them, "If you need anything I'll be at the front desk." she said cheerfully before disappearing out of the room and pulling the door closed behind her.
"Okay Hank. We need to move quickly, you take the computer. I'll start looking for similar reports to Peter's disappearance. There's a high chance that a similar thing is happening to what Trask did. I hate to say it but if we find out that more people were taken then we have a much higher chance of finding them than if it was only Peter."
"When we do figure out where he is though, how are we going to get him out. This kidnapping was planned with military precision." Hank pointed out, "Which means wherever he is it's probably heavily guarded."
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, Hank." Charles said shaking his head, he honestly had no idea what he'd do either. He couldn't very well go charging in, he was in a wheelchair for god's sake.
Hank nodded, "If you say so professor." he mumbled before focusing his attention back onto the screen. He began his search in Peter's neighbourhood with was disappointed to find that the traffic cameras in the area were very few and far between. He supposed that they hadn't seen fit to amp up the security of a leafy suburb. He cast a glance back at Charles to find him already dialing up the family of the first missing person on the list.
"Hello there, sorry to bother you but my name is Charles Xavier from the FBI and I have a few questions regarding your daughter, Elizabeth's, disappearance."
Hank turned back to the screen and began to flick through camera's trying to find something, anything, to indicate the kid's whereabouts.
A frustrating hour passed but, to Hank's delight, he'd managed to find something.
"Professor, I think I've got something." Hank said spinning around on his chair to face Charles who had just hung up the phone.
"Don't keep me in suspense then, Hank." Charles said jokingly as he wheeled himself over to the computer, "What did you find?"
On the screen was a slightly blurred, slightly dark image of a parade of three military vehicles driving down the road away from the Maximoff's neighbourhood. "I've looked and I can't find any other reason for them to be driving through there. And I followed them through the cameras until I found this." Hank said, switching to another frame. This one showed the rear hood of the centre vehicle flying off, but in the shadows, if Hanks zoomed in, a figure could be made out within the darkness of the trunk.
"By god… that's Peter isn't it?"
"Think so, professor." Hank nodded, "I'll try and follow the parade through the cameras. What did you find out on your end?" he asked.
"At least twenty other mutants have gone missing, no specific age range but it is possible that, with the younger mutants, some of the missing persons may be simply run-aways. Something we should focus on at a later date. But for now we should assume that they were all taken by the same men who took Peter." Charles told him, brow furrowed in concern for the mutants, "Similar gas canisters were found at six people's homes. I highly doubt that is a coincidence."
"No, it's not. So we know for sure there are at least six other mutants there, with the possibility of at least fourteen more." Hank said as he followed the military vehicles through the traffic cameras, "Shit. I've lost them, professor, they've left the state. Headed east."
Charles frowned, "Back to the car, Hank. We need to get back to cerebro. I may be able to find Peter and the other mutants through it."
"You sure you're okay to use it?" Hank asked worriedly.
"No," Charles admitted, "Which is why I didn't suggest it before. But now I fear we have no other choice."
Hank frowned but obliged. He stood up and lead the way back down the hallways, opening the doors for the professor as he went.
"You got what you needed?" Sergeant Kibe asked as they were on their way out the main door.
"Everything we needed, thank you Sergeant." Charles said politely as he wheeled himself down the ramp.
"Good luck with your missing people!" she called as they left before returning to her menial duties with a sigh.
Before long Charles and Hank were speeding down the road, breaking every speed limit in existence as they tore towards the mansion. Charles was leaning with is head against the window and two fingers pressed towards his temple.
"What are you doing?" Hank asked casting a quick glance towards him before returning his focus to the road.
"Trying to find Raven." Charles told him, the "or Erik" remained unsaid as Charles knew of Hanks distaste towards that particular mutant. But if he was to be perfectly honest with himself, Erik might just be the person they needed to find Peter and the other missing mutants. He wasn't going to be much help without his legs. Surprisingly enough, as they drove back towards Westchester, Charles' mind came into contact with the very mind he'd touched in the water eleven years ago. Erik's.
Erik? Charles asked tentatively, why wasn't the man wearing his helmet? Not that he wanted him to wear his helmet, it was just a tad surprising.
What the devil are you doing inside my head Charles? Erik snapped back, Don't make me start wearing my helmet in the shower too.
Oh gosh I'm sorry Erik. Charles babbled, clearly embarrassed, How about you get out of the shower so we can talk?
Why should I want to talk to you, Charles?
I need your help, that's why. Charles snapped.
You need my help? I thought you'd sworn to never approach me with a problem ever again after what happened at the White House last year. It wasn't my intention to trap you beneath the rubble, just in case you were holding a grudge about that.
Shut up, Erik. And listen. Remember Peter? The kid who broke you out of the Pentagon?
Erik paused, Him? I never did catch his name. What's he done now?
He's missing that's what. And I'll need your help to get him back.
Why is this of any concern to me? Why can't big blue take care of the rescue mission? Or is he too scared?
Charles elected to ignore Erik's jibe at Hank and pressed on, It's not just him who's missing. At least six, other mutants are too. The kid was taken away in a military Jeep.
Where are you? Erik demanded.
Charles rattled off his and Hank's location to him, I take it this means you'll help?
I'll be at the mansion by the time you get there.
Wouldn't it be easier if we picked you up?
I'm not putting my life in the hands of your furry friend by sitting in the car with him.
I never told you he was in the car.
You can't drive with those legs Charles. And it's obvious he wouldn't have let you go all the way to DC alone. I may not be a telepath, but I do have a brain. Now get out of my head Charles and let me finish my shower, I'll meet you at the mansion.
Were you in the shower throughout that entire conversation? Charles asked blushing.
Yes Charles, don't tell me you're embarrassed over having a telepathic conversation with a naked man. Now get out while I get changed.
I'll see you soon Erik, please go put on some clothes. Charles muttered before severing their connection.
"So?" Hank asked turning to look at him, "You find her?"
"No." Charles said shaking his head, "I couldn't find her."
"There's a but coming isn't there...?" Hank asked with a frown.
"But I found Erik."
"No! No way are you bringing him along! He nearly killed you last time we asked him for help!"
"Hank we don't have much choice. I'll need you to fly the jet when we locate them and Raven has dropped off the radar."
"So had Lehnsherr!" Hank protested, "How could you even find him? Wasn't he wearing his helmet?"
"If you must know, he was in the shower."
"I've changed my mind. I didn't want to know."
"Thought not." Charles said with a light chuckle.
"Don't tell me we have to pick him up though..." Hank whined.
"He feels the same way about riding in the car with you as you do with him." Charles told him, "He'll meet us there."
"Thank heavens for that." Hank said letting out a sigh of relief.
By the time they arrived back at the mansion it was already noon and Erik was waiting outside for them. He was sat calmly on a metal bench with a pair of sunglasses propped up on top of his head as he read a book. His helmet was sat on top of his leather suitcase, which lay on the gravel by his feet. He folded the corner of the page he was on and set the book back down onto his suitcase as he stood up.
"Charles." He greeted warmly as Hank helped him from the car to the wheelchair, "And Hank." He said, voice a little less bright.
"We've wasted enough time already Erik, there's no time for pleasantries." Charles wait shaking his head as he wheeled himself towards the steps leading up to the main door. He wheeled himself up the ramp and glanced back to Erik, indicating to him to follow. Erik picked up his book and followed after Charles, helmet and suitcase floating through the air behind him. Hank scowled as the self-assured mutant walked into the mansion as though he owned it and reluctantly followed behind.
Once they were all they were, all three of them, settled into the study Erik spoke up as he poured himself a brandy.
"Tell me everything." he said as he took a seat on a comfy leather armchair.
"I received a call from Peter's mother, Madga Maximoff, at two this morning. The woman was in a panic, she couldn't find her son." Charles began.
"Magda. Magda Maximoff?" Erik asked, somewhat in shock though doing his best to hide it.
"Does that name mean something to you?" Charles asked frowning.
"Stay out of my head or I'm gone." Erik snapped, "You can carry out this rescue mission without my help."
"I won't read your mind." Charles promised and continued to explain everything that had happened and that they had discovered up to the point of Charles contacting Erik.
"You had better not do that again, Charles. I would quite like to be able to not wear my helmet in the shower."
"I already apologised. And believe me it is not somewhere I want to have a conversation again." Charles huffed before wheeling himself out of the room towards the lifts that Hank had installed.
"Are you quite sure you're capable of using Cerebro?" Erik asked as he followed him and Hank into the spacious elevator.
"I'm not an invalid Erik." Charles said curtly, "I can handle it." he assured him as the lift trundled to a halt and the doors slid smoothly open. Hank led them down the corridor towards the room that housed the great machine, the trio pausing as Charles carries out the retinal scan. The door greeted him and swung open, revealing Cerebro. Charles wheeled himself inside and Erik made to follow but was stopped by Hank.
"No. He stays here."
Erik opened his mouth to protest but a look from Charles stopped him, "We'll be out in a moment Erik, just stay there." he said as the door slipped closed.
Charles pulled the wired helmet on over his mop of hair and Hank flicked the switches that brought the machine to life. The telepath gripped the armrests of his wheelchair as every mind suddenly became one with his. He sifted through them, searching for Peter or any one of the other mutants he suspected had also been taken.
Erik waited expectantly outside the room, pissed off at having been refused access although he did understand the reasons for Beast's hostility towards him. The door slid open and Charles rolled out, disappointment evident on his face.
"No luck?" Erik asked.
Charles shook his head, "I couldn't find him. Although I did find an area where I couldn't access. It's as though this place is lined with the same thing Shaw used to make his helmet or what he used to protect his nuclear reactor."
Erik stiffened at the mention of Shaw's name though he knew Charles hadn't brought it up with the intent of dredging up bad memories, no, he was far too kind hearted to hurt someone deliberately.
"We did, however, manage to narrow it down to a fifteen-mile radius." Hank piped up, "I know it's not great but it's better than nothing."
"But you're not sure that Peter and the other mutants are actually there?" Erik asked with a frown.
"No, Erik." Charles shook his head, "But right now our best bet is to hope they are. Ready the jet, Hank. we leave in five."
"You don't even know if they're there Charles." Erik scowled as he walked beside his old friend back towards the lift.
"No, but unlike you I'm trying to be optimistic. It's been 33 hours since he went missing, god only knows what could have happened to the boy in that time." Charles said pausing by the elevator, "You won't need your helmet, Erik." he said, "It's best we get to the jet right away."
Erik paused after pushing the 'up' button, "I don't want you in my head, Charles."
"Erik, I can't go in and fight. I'll need to communicate with you whilst you're in there." Charles reminded him, "Please, Erik. Let's go."
"I'll be back to collect it after this is all over." Erik said curtly, turning away from the open doors, "Lead the way."
Charles nodded and led him towards their aircraft hangar, "Thank you, Erik."
The pair moved in silence for a few moments before Erik spoke once more, "When did you carry out all this construction work?" he asked.
"When you were in prison."
"Before you went on your 'five-year bender'?"
"Yes Erik, before that." Charles huffed sounding mildly irritated.
"I'm impressed." Erik said with a nod of approval, "It's almost as though you were preparing for war."
"After what you did, shooting the president, Cuba. I was left with little choice." Charles scowled up at him, "I realised that I had to teach my students how to defend themselves, as well as to not start wars." he said looking pointedly up at Erik, "Like a certain someone I know who can't keep his bloody head out of trouble."
"Aw, you care." Erik teased, "I'm touched Charles." he chuckled as the pair entered the vast aircraft hangar, in the centre of which, stood the jet with Hank outside dressed in an improved, black leather, version of his bulletproof suits.
"I could probably find one that fit you…" Hank muttered as he passed the professor his own bulletproof jacket.
"I have my own body armour; you needn't concern yourself." Erik said sharply and motioned behind him, for a minute nothing happened until the trio heard the ping of the lift and in flew Erik's suitcase and helmet, "Don't worry Charles, I'll stay true to my promise." he said as he boarded the plane and dropped his things onto an armchair.
Charles gazed at him with a light frown before turning back to Hank after having pulled on his jacket, "Hank, if you could." he said nodding to the stairs of the plane.
"Allow me." Erik said and, with a click of his fingers, floated Charles' chair up into the aircraft. Hank scowled up at him as he finally boarded the plane. He hated every ounce of that guy's cocky overconfidence, he was perfectly capable of helping Charles into the plane. He didn't need some metal-bending dickbag to do it for him.
Charles rolled his eyes as he wheeled himself into position and Hank moved into the cockpit, closing the door behind him, "That really wasn't necessary. Hank could have done it."
"I was saving time." Erik said with a shrug as he took a seat opposite Charles.
Hank flashed on the seatbelts sign to indicate to his two passengers that he was ready to take off. The ceiling of the hangar opened up above them and the plane rose gracefully into the air before soaring off into the blue summer sky. As soon as the plane was stable Erik stood up and pulled off his jacket and shirt, flipping open the metal buckles of his suitcase with his mind. He discarded the top he'd been wearing and jacket onto the backrest of the armchair and pulled on a tight fitting black shirt before mentally moving the body armour into the air and arranging it around his body. He clicked it together into place, leaving the cape and helmet alone as he shoved the clothes he's been wearing before back into the suitcase. The cape was for public demonstrations more than anything, and as for the helmet, well, he had made a promise, and for now intended to keep it up.
"You are frustratingly self-assured." Charles said shaking his head as he rolled his eyes.
"Like what you see?" Erik smirked.
"Shut up Erik." Charles muttered, deciding that the sky outside the window was suddenly very very interesting.
"I'm sorry, would you rather I had gone into the bathroom to change my shirt and then put on my armour?" Erik asked mockingly, "Does it make you uncomfortable?"
"I'm not listening to you Erik." Charles said, his attention still focused on the sky outside.
"Of course you're not. How very British of you."
"Can we focus on the mission at hand please?" Charles asked turning back to face him, "We need a plan of action. You can't just go barging in there."
"Who's to say I can't?" Erik asked.
"Erik, think this through. Anyone who's taking mutants against their freewill will know to keep a few plastic guns with glass or plastic bullets on site just in case you come calling. You've built up a reputation for yourself. It would be wise to remember that."
"Point taken." Erik said with a curt nod, "Then what do you propose I do? Well, Mr Think It Through? What's the plan?"
"I'm half tempted to have you throw yourself out the bloody plane." Charles muttered, earning him a smirk from Erik, "We find the quietest way in and you disable whatever is blocking me out without killing anyone please. I don't want any more of your murders to be on my conscience."
"I can't promise you that Charles. You know I can't."
"Erik please."
Erik sighed, shaking his head, "Fine. I'll incapacitate them. But if I deem it necessary to kill then I will and you won't stop me Charles."
"I could."
"But you won't. You try so hard to see nothing but the good in people! Some people are evil to the core and deserve no mercy." Erik shook his head with a sigh, "I'm leaving my helmet with you, Charles. I'm trusting you to let me make my own decisions. The least you can do is respect that."
"I won't let you murder anyone Erik. Not in cold blood." Charles said shaking his head, "Erik, this is not what we should be fighting over. We should be formulating a plan."
Erik shook his head, sagging back into his chair with a sigh, "Do you want the block down first or the mutants freed?"
"The block. I'll be able to control those inside and free the mutants through them."
"Of course you will." Erik muttered glancing out the window, "How far out are we?"
"Half an hour." Charles replied, "I just checked with Hank." he added, "What does the name Maximoff mean to you?"
"That's my business, not yours." Erik replied harshly.
"I was simply asking, I noticed your reaction earlier and I - "
"Well don't." Erik cut him off, "And don't go looking for your answers inside my head either."
"I already told you I wouldn't enter your mind unless I had to." Charles reminded with a sigh.
Erik didn't reply, he simply relaxed back into his chair and closed his eyes as memories of Magda and the blissful time they spent together came flooding back to him.
Erik was roused from his thoughts twenty minutes later as Hank's voice came flooding in through the PA system, "I can see one large facility within the zone, would we try there?"
Charles glanced at Erik who sat up and gave him a nod, If you could please, Hank. That would be great.
I struggled a bit with this chapter and I'm still not 100% happy with it, but I thought I may as well post it to see what you think. I may come back to edit it in the future but if I do I'll be sure to let you know with notes in future chapters.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!