Chapter 3: Upside Down

AN: An extended explanation from my m.i.a delimna at the end of this chapter! Alright! And I don't own anything from X-Men Evolution! Just my characters!

~~~Without further ado...

Tired and frustrated, Sabertooth threw himself onto the raunchy sofa that lay in the chilled living room. A musty smell permeated the air; carpet that had once been the color of cream was a filthy banana yellow. The entire rotting house only aggravated his dark mood.

"Man, as long as Mystique isn't here to kill me and you talk to Magneto, I'm totally cool with it. Ha! Now I can sit back, relax, and enjoy some flies."

The infamous Toad was beginning to plop down on the couch beside the seething mutant. Sabertooth drew back his lips, revealing razor sharp teeth. From deep within his core, he uttered a low growl. Toad's eyes widened and he jumped halfway across the room.

"Whoa! Alright! Never-mind. Have fun being the only one on the stupid couch."

He hopped out muttering under his breath, while Sabertooth forced himself to be quiet and think. Yeah, he had failed, but she was a single mutant out of thousands. Mayhap millions. Who knows how many there were out in the world, desperate for Magneto's capable hands and Mystique's leadership. He (personally) would have nothing to do with them. Toad rubbed him wrong as it was. He couldn't stand Quicksilver. Every time that kid took to running, Sabertooth had the urge to catch him in his raking claws and completely dislocate an arm or two. The others weren't even worth explaining. He disliked them all and only enjoyed the thrill his work brought him.

Suddenly, there was a big shift in the air. Sabertooth's only warning was the hair on the back of his neck; it stood straight up and he shivered. An overwhelming and particularly heavy metallic aroma burst in his nose, shattering his ultra heightened mutant senses; his head pounded and his sinuses ached. Sabertooth hissed and sprang up to escape the leady atmosphere.

The front door opened dramatically. Sabertooth stilled as a tall shadow appeared in the door way. For a moment, all Sabertooth could see were his eyes. They studied him and were like pools of even deeper darkness than the shadows. Then, he descended to the floor and stepped inside. The door closed by itself.

Magneto gazed over the entire room, his eyes hovering over every detail before they returned to Sabertooth's face. His expression didn't reveal a thing.

"I see. You failed the mission, then."

Sabertooth bristled at the insult, but he lowered his voice. If he didn't, it was liable to come out harsh and angry.

"Wolverine and that twerp, Cyclops, were there. I don't know what happened to me but the next thing I knew, the girl was at my feet staring at me with the strangest expression. It's like something had passed that I wasn't aware of. I couldn't remember anything for a second. You know I hate explaining anything, so I just grabbed her, intent on leaving. That's when Wolverine surprised me."

Magneto stared at him silently. Sabertooth had to resist the urge to pace in his disquieting presence. The sophisticated man turned away from him and walked to the other end of the room. As he neared the battered television set, he slowed and came to a stop. He brushed the filthy dust off their broken t.v., examining the dirt on his gloved fingers quietly. The metallic scent thickened.

"Xavier undoubtedly has her now. It intrigues me that he knew of our plans. This will switch several things up considerably. Hmmm. Maybe this will work to my advantage, despite depressing circumstances..."

Sabertooth didn't move fast enough. The pathetic t.v. sitting on the coffee stand suddenly flew off its pedestal and crashed into Sabertooth, rocketing him into the wall on the other side of the room. He roared in fury as it hit him and shouted in his pain. Staggering, he clenched his jaw and managed to throw the TV off him with his good arm. His left hung limp by his side.

"What is wrong with you? It's just another mutant Magneto! There will be others!"

Magneto floated peaceably toward him, but his eyes were that of cold, dead stone.

"She is not just another mutant, you fool. Besides water, do you know what other power she possesses? Do you have any idea of the extent her abilities? You botched the simple job I gave you; an extremely simple job."

Sabertooth couldn't breathe. The air was too thick. His knees buckled, but he didn't bother to keep the seething rage out of his voice. He wasn't afraid of Magneto. Not now. Not when he was being treated like garbage, when he personally decided that he deserved better. He roared in fury.

"She can handle water! Is that what you call powerful?" he snarled." Maybe she could create tsunamis' or flood entire continents, but what good is that going to do us? Xavier already has mutants with elemental powers like hers!"

Magneto was silent, staring dangerously down at Sabertooth. Sabertooth could barely contain himself; he was shaking with so much anger. The air between them practically sparked and crackled. Then, catching the mutant on edge, Magneto began to chuckle.

"It doesn't matter. Everything will fall into place, one way or the other. I'll not be swayed so easily."

With that, Magneto floated away, and before Sabertooth could rise to his feet, the TV smashed into him again and again until he was forced to tear it to pieces…

XXXX

Linda thrust the manila envelope in the container with the rest of them. She leaned back into her computer chair to distant herself away from the multitude of duties clamoring for her attention. When her eyes were closed, her busy world was blocked out. She breathed in deeply and her lungs filled with the cold, fresh air sifting inside her open window. It was good to stand back, to mentally shake off all the excess stress. A person could go insane working straight without breaks.

The golden crested, little ship boat decorated desk clock fulfilled its job and dinged gently in the air. Linda opened one eye. The clock reported that the time was fifteen minutes past 2pm. Good. Her shift would be over in two hours. She looked forward to going home and having dinner with Kim. It would be a perfect time to bring up the chat she'd been mulling over lately. There was a pressing matter that she had to talk to her daughter about.

That horrified glance at her water bottle today had not been missed.

Linda opened her other eye and sighed as she glanced out her windows. Inside, she wished sorely that her sister was alive. Rowena was incredibly perceptive and wise in this sort of thing. Repeatedly, she had advised Linda to tell Kismet about her past sooner.

"It isn't a good idea to keep this locked up. She's going to learn, you know. At least let me take her for the summers. I can watch her when she's out of school..."

Linda felt her focus on work deteriorate. It was almost like she could hear her sister's words perfectly. How had she remembered what she said that day? Word for word?

Suddenly, there was a sharp tap on her glass door, and her secretary peeked inside her office.

Linda glanced up and smiled. Sheila was extraordinary. She was an exceptional employee and a real asset to Linda's office. What a Godsend it had been for her to interview Sheila three years ago. The woman hadn't possessed any real experience, but her authentic, spirited nature attracted Linda. Her gut at the time had told her to hire the girl, and she hadn't regretted her decision since.

"Yes, Sheila. What is it?"

The second she voiced her question, Linda's spirits fell further and she felt chilled. There was a horrible expression on the secretary's face.

"Linda, the high school your daughter attends called. I'm afraid they have some bad news. They want you over there as soon as possible."

Linda stood up in alarm.

"Don't be vague with me, Sheila. What did they say? Is she hurt? Is she in the hospital?"

Sheila looked like she was about to crawl away into a hole.

"No, Linda. She's...she's missing."

XXXX

"How is she Jean?"

Xavier scrolled closer to the hospital bed in their healing hall. Kismet slept through the various contraption noises beeping around her. Her head was bandaged and the blood was cleaned off her face. Despite the obvious, there was no evidence to her near breakdown that afternoon. Her eyes and forehead were soft, and she was entirely relaxed in slumber. Xavier sighed inwardly. If only this peace would continue when she awoke; it sadly never worked out that way. She would adapt, he knew, but it wouldn't be easy. Jean glanced up from her work, filling the IV line with fluids. She responded with a relaxed smile to let him know that things were fine and quickly re-focused her attention back to her work.

"She's got a few bruises on her lower left hip, from the way she fell, I'm guessing? She also has a shallow cut towards the back of her head, which came with her concussion, but it's nothing severe. I've bandaged it up until the doctor arrives, because it will need stitching. Other than a few other bruises, she's also pretty dehydrated. Sabertooth didn't get a chance to inflict any large amount of damage. Rest and fluids will help her get back into shape."

"Good! That is good news to hear," Xavier replied in relief. He couldn't stop staring at her bandages. "Scott said she experienced a hefty impact on the ground with her head."

Jean nodded. "She did hit her head," she agreed, "but it's nothing to worry over. As long as she's stitched up and handles that area carefully, she should recover fine."

Xavier exhaled slowly, but his eyes were drawn to Kismet's left arm. More black and blue marks resided there, like someone had dug their fingers into her skin. He frowned.

"And those? Are those bruises also?"

Jean slung up the IV bag and gazed in the direction that Xavier pointed. She winced.

"Sorry Professor. Those too. But judging from your description, these weren't from Sabertooth. He gripped her arm tightly, but the location was lower, closer to her wrist. And it was not that tight. I'd say she experienced a previous encounter with another strong individual."

Jean paled and gazed at the Professor in horror, just realizing what her words meant.

Xavier gazed down into the child's face, mutely.

"Someone else was at the school then," he surmised. "Someone that knew her identity."

Jean's heart was in her mouth. She refrained from voicing her fears out loud because it was clear that the Professor had his own. Xavier stared down at Kim. Her life was already harder than it had to be. However, she clearly wasn't out of the woods. What use would Magneto have of her? It wasn't rare for his students to be stalked so seriously. But this...

Something was up and it didn't bode well at all.

Jean glanced away from the patient and tried to read her beloved mentor's expression.

She couldn't.

Without another word, she began to put away all of her salves and medical tools. Professor Xavier needed to be left alone when he was in deep contemplation. There was no safety reason to this. It was absurd to assume that he would lash out at anyone who interrupted him. No. Rather, it was a decision born out of admiration, respect, and consideration. Xavier would relay to her what he wanted her to know. Jean owed him that much. She didn't want to badger him with questions if he would guide her to the answer in a more practical way.

A familiar hum from the elevator shaft reached both of their ears but Jean was the only one that responded to the sound. A clean, combed looking Scott stepped off the metal carrier. He saw the look Jean sent him and held his tongue, but he definitely had some questions. Jean pointed to the chair near the bed. Scott read her meaning and shook his head. He would rather remain standing; ready to move at the Professor's slightest command.

After a moment, the older gentleman backed away from the crib and turned toward them.

"Jean, let the machines monitor her for now. She is stable enough. I want you and Storm to fly down to Pennsylvania. Heaven only knows what state Kim's mother has herself in. I forgot about her completely. Take Beast with you and ask her to fly down here as soon as she can. And please remember, she'll most likely be very agitated and frantic. Be on your toes and around her. She's a particularly sharp woman and she will know if you lie to her. Don't. Tell her anything she wants to know."

Jean swallowed her nervousness.

"Professor, the few parents we've talked to were dead set against this in the start. Remember? You had to convince them to allow you to help their children. From your description...I - I don't know if I can talk to this woman. What if she doesn't believe me?"

Xavier saw Scott fidget restlessly out of the corner of his eye. He gazed at Jean gently and reached over to squeeze her hand in encouragement.

"Jean. You'll have to trust me on this. Once she hears my name, she'll believe you. I'm warning you of when you initially meet her. She isn't a lady to mess with, that's all. That's why I'm sending Storm and Beast with you. So set your worries aside. Please."

Jean slowly nodded.

"Okay. I hope you're right."

XXXX

In the beginning, Kim was removed from the healing ward into one of the spare rooms. Professor X kept her company until she woke up. When she did, he was right by her side. After a long time, he helped her to remember what she had been through and the sanctuary/ training that he offered. Kismet did not fully relax in his presence, but she wasn't apprehensively adamant or upset either. She listened with a grave eye. When they broached the subject of her memories and her knowledge of his institute, she grew graver still.

She had known a little about him but it never occurred to her to actively seek his aid. Or even to believe that whatever she discovered was true.

He sensed that something else was bothering her, but she didn't bring it up in the discussion. From tell tale experience, he stayed away from that area, giving her the freedom of privacy.

Xavier already knew about the water fountain incident, but Kim wanted to talk about it, and they did. It twisted his heart because even though she only allowed a minimal amount of fear to surface in her eyes, he knew that this had scared her deeply. She wasn't new to her powers, but as a ten year old, her awareness of them touched into her fear of being different; of being alienated. She somehow coercively blocked her abilities from tapering out into the world and they sat like a dormant volcano.

For years.

Without his help, he knew that she was a walking bomb, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.

It was a miracle they detected her and brought her back in time.

Xavier and Kismet talked until he sensed Jean, Storm, and Beast land in the airport. After that, he treated her to some refreshments from the kitchen, and they waited for her mother to arrive.

It had been a long day...

XXXX

Storm carried herself, Beast, and Jean down into New Hampshire in an autumn storm. There, they located Kim's mother at the high school, upset and demanding to know her daughter's whereabouts. With Storm's and Beast's help, Jean was able to calm the woman down to the point where they could have an comprehend-able conversation. Hours later, through much work and patience, all four were on a plane to New York.

Both Kim and her mother were re-united. The Professor ushered every curious student except Jean, Scott, Logan, and Storm out of his office. The section of the wing that Kim's room was located in, was off limits to the entire school. Kim and her mom needed privacy. Thus, more talking ensued…

XXXX

They were alone.

The room itself had a warm atmosphere, completely pleasant even for its plainness. The large queen bed she sat on was sheltered under a very large window. A studying desk was pushed up against the fall wall, near the door. Paintings of summer fields and frozen winter ponds adorned the walls. A person could take one look in this room and breathe peacefully.

Yet…

Kim stared down at her hands, unwilling to look up. She felt so bare, so trodden on, like she would never be able to stand again without someone taking one look at her and knowing all about who she was. Everything. Everything…

"You-" her voice croaked from her raw throat and Kim clenched her fist. She needed to ask this, there was no going back. She closed her eyes.

"You knew."

The bed shifted under more weight. Her mother sat beside her, sighing.

"Yes hun. I did."

Bang! That hurt. Kim pushed the pain away, just like when she'd been comforting Brianna.

"Then, why didn't you ever tell me?"

How could she... She'd had no right to keep this from her. What other mass destruction could Kim have waged? A whole school closing down due to extreme plumbing issues? Or worse. An entire town under water? All of that plumbing running throughout the city…

Suddenly, she felt her mother's hand closing over her own. Kim wanted to keep her eyes closed. She wanted to fire up her anger and hurt and keep her mom at a safe distance. So that she could never hurt her again. She wanted her mom to suffer, suffer because of everything. But, she blinked them open and raised her head. Seeing her mom's expression nearly ripped out her own heart.

She's suffering already…oh is she suffering.

Mrs. Reid shook her head, her chocolate hair swishing gently. Her face seemed to be years older now.

"I-I can't ever apologize enough Kim. But, I'm so sorry. I thought- I thought it would keep you safe. Maybe all of this would go away. –But, I was wrong."

From the first word to the last, her voice grew deeper and laced with regret. She hardened her expression at the last. I was wrong. Both daughter and mother looked squarely at one another, hesitant to overdue anything. Suddenly, at the same time, they embraced each other and Kim buried her head into her mother's shoulder.

"You're aunt," her mother whispered in a shaky voice. "You're aunt was this way. She had powers similar to yours…Not quite the same. But you two, lord, you two are so alike. In ways you'll never know."

Kim hugged her mom harder.

"Then, she was a mutant…like me?"

"Yes."

Kim didn't know what to say so she didn't say anything. Nothing could be a shock to her anymore. Not after this. Another thought came to her and it was so gloomy and cheerless Kim was almost afraid to voice it out loud.

"Mom?"

Her mother kissed her on the cheek and pulled away until they were both at arms length.

"Yeah hun," she said, studying her face anxiously. "What is it?"

Kim bit her lip but didn't lower her eyes.

"I just want to know if you still love me, even though I'm a freak."

Mrs. Reid's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, as if she was watching a horror movie and she couldn't believe what continued before her. Kim shoulders sagged as she felt her mom grasp her face in both hands. She watched all the emotion that passed within her mom's eyes as they burned into her own.

"Never, never call yourself a freak again Kim. I've never stopped loving you and I never will. Do you understand me?"

Kim couldn't help it. Two hot tears escaped from her eyes and slipped down her cheeks. She detested them but hadn't the grace to shut the tears out and as she looked at her mom, her throat caught.

"Yeah mom," she said, straining to lower her voice. "Yeah, I understand."

Her mom pulled her close again and both rocked back and forth for some time…

XXXXX

"How is she, Linda?" the Professor inquired. He studied her softly, observing how she stood near the windows with her arms crossed, gazing out their large floor to ceiling, size. Her face was drawn, a mite pale and sad, but her eyes were surprisingly clear. They searched the night sky slowly. Without even having to tap into his abilities, he knew what she was thinking about. She didn't turn around when she answered him and her voice was firm, even if it barely rose above a whisper.

"Sleeping. Just sleeping."

She exhaled.

"But, she's more than just physically exhausted. Her whole life is flipped upside down. And I can't even understand half of it. If my sister was here…"

Charles said nothing and let her gaze out into the night. He had his own painful memories of Rowena. He knew the minute that Linda Reid walked in his doors, that she was related to Rowena. He did recognize her.

Rowena never did get past the "just acquaintances" relationship with him; however, she always had that ability to touch even the hardest people that she would come across. Everyone remembered her warm personality. When they met, there had been many occasions in which she had need of his mentoring. And in time, she grew strong enough to control her elemental abilities on her own. It was agonizing that she passed away so young. She could have taught some of his students…

And now her sister was here, along with her niece. Her niece with strong, elemental abilities.

Linda spoke.

"We're going home tomorrow, to pack up everything she needs."

Charles started in surprise and couldn't hide the question in his face when she turned around to face him. Linda smiled cheerlessly.

"It was her decision. Not mine. She feels like she should be here and…I'm not going to argue with that." Linda looked away and rubbed her shoulder.

The professor was extremely glad that Kim had decided to stay. Now he knew she would have a better chance. His team would begin her training in the next couple of days, getting her help a.s.a.p. Shock and intense relief threatened to spill over onto his face. Instead he watched Linda, sensing her torn emotions.

"She's made a wise decision, Linda," he responded gently." Trust me. Kim could not be in better hands. When the time comes, and she decides to leave, I know that she will be better equipped for the world. Her powers won't overwhelm her and…she will grow. Grow into the person she was meant to be."

Linda sighed. There was no question she was drinking in every word, even if it hurt her. After a moment, she dropped her arms and glanced at him. Slowly, keeping her eyes fixed in his, she offered her strong, right hand. Charles grasped it solemnly. Her voice didn't waver as she spoke.

"I'm trusting you because Wen did. Take care of her, Professor. My daughter means…the world to me. You have no idea how hard this is."

I do know…more than you can imagine.

He admired her sensitivity and courage despite everything that had happened. Every action, every word she spoke was clear and decided.

Quickly, he shook her hand, and nodded.

"She is in good hands. I assure you."

Linda didn't smile but she gave his hand three solid shakes before letting it go.

"Thank you for taking her in," she replied. " I'm going back to her room now. Goodnight, Charles."

"Goodnight, Linda."

After the door closed, Charles sank back into his chair. Not for the first time, he thought about all the odds set against him. How could he be doing this? It would be a extended period of time before the world could ever be receptive to mutants. His efforts were almost laughable.

But they are right and they are true. And until the world is ready I will school mutants and teach them. Guide them. It's more than I ever received…as a young boy.

Suddenly, a gravely, solid voice echoed in the chambers of his vast mind. A voice he knew only too well.

Is everything alright, Charles? You aren't exactly sleeping.

The Professor broke out into a smile and he looked out his window. Down below, hidden in the trees, was Logan, dressed in his uniform. He watched Charles' window attentively.

Yes, Logan. Quite alright. Just doing a little thinking.

Don't do too much of it. With all due respect, your entire being is a thinking machine. We are still part human, Charles. You need your sleep.

Charles chuckled and wheeled up to the window. Logan had crossed his arms in a sullen expression.

Alright my friend. I am going to recline now. Goodnight.

Night, Charles.

Outside the wind whispered through the leaves and the moon let her light shine down into the world...

Hey everyone. ;) I'm sorry about the long delay. I've had a lot of school to keep me busy and intense writers block. But at last! A new chapter! Yes, it is a lot of emotional drama, but I believe every story needs one of those to help get back into the action! And there will be action. I promise you. =]

Since this chapter is a might intense and took me so long, I am opened to suggestions. I have a feeling that it could use a little more tweaking. Any opinions? Suggestions? Too much drama? Too much dialogue? Are the characters still okay? Charles Xavier is a fun character to write, but he can get redundant, so let me know if he seems fake or not. Oh! And another important one. Am I using any one word overmuch/ repeating it a lot? Let me know! (haha. Favorite three words. ^^)

Thanks for reading! Review Review Review!

-Merlin