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Chapter 7
Logan leaned over the ornate railing that encircled the balcony, gazing out at the expansive backyard of the mansion. Below, a meticulously manicured lawn stretched out like a lush green carpet. A majestic fountain stood as a centerpiece, its cascading waters sparkling in the sunlight, casting shimmering reflections across the surrounding landscape. The gentle sound of trickling water added to the tranquil ambiance of the scene. Beyond the fountain, the property opened up into a sprawling expanse, featuring a vast area for play and training.
As the character's gaze wandered further, they beheld the grandeur of the estate's natural surroundings. Towering trees bordered the property, their lush foliage forming a verdant barrier between the manicured grounds and the untamed wilderness beyond. The dense forest canopy stretched as far as the eye could see, enveloping the estate in a cloak of tranquility and seclusion. In a way, it was a representation of the X-Men themselves.
Logan brought the cigar to his mouth, holding it in the corner while his eyes looked slightly to the right -Charles- he said as the professor came to stop next to him.
-Enjoying the view?- Xavier looked over the distance, the sunlight starting to filter through the branches, dappling the forest floor with patches of golden light -It's been years, but I am always amazed at the view of the sunrise we have here- Logan grunted in response. He was in no mood for chit-chat, he knew the professor had other intentions for coming to talk to him.
-I am leaving- Logan said before Charles could outer another word
-I see- Charles said, if he was surprised he masked it pretty well -Can I persuade you to stay? After everything you have been through, you need your family at your side-
-It's because of what happened that I decided to leave. I can't keep pretending this is my life, people are going to notice something is off-
-Then lean on Hank or me, you can talk to us about it, or you can tell those close to you- Charles's eyes fixed on a cloudy area over the forest, lighting and rain covering just a small area, deep in the forest. Clearly not a natural phenomenon -Looks like Storm got something on her mind as well- Logan clenched his hands in fists. Storm was probably the closest person to Logan, she would be the one he talked to when something was bothering him or the one that was able to get Logan to open up at least. But not anymore, it was different now.
-There's no point Chuck, they would never understand- Logan ignored Charles's last comment -And why would I burden them with that information?-
-They care for you Logan, they would want to help you- Charles's gaze was focused on Logan now -At the time it seemed like a good idea to keep it a secret, but maybe we were wrong- Logan's mind was unchanged, he was not going to reveal anything about the timeline he comes from, or everything that happened there. His friends… his family were happy here, no need to bring all that darkness out. -I don't know everything you went through Logan, but I think you need to process and mourn everything and everyone that is gone. There's a better life for mutants now but you still lost… a lot- Charles took a moment to look at Logan, who remained with his eyes fixed on the forest -Do what you must, the school will always be your home and its doors are open for you to come back any day-
-I am not changing my mind, Chuck- Logan said, thinking about Charles's words, he did have a lot to process and he was going to do it the best way he knew, hitting the road and living one day at a time, until everything becomes meaningless and he needs to come back to root himself. He took the cigar out of his mouth and held it in his left hand away from Charles.
-I understand, Logan- Charles said with a bit of sadness in his voice -But before you go, I need you on a mission, it's why I came here to talk to you- Logan nodded -Would you mind getting Ororo and joining me and the others inside-
Logan looked at him confused -Can you just call her?- he pointed to his head
Charles had already turned around when he said -She is blocking me, and I don't want to use Cerebro just to get her attention-
Storm always had been good at blocking psychic attacks, regardless Logan thought Charles could've probably tried a little harder -Alright, Chuck. I will get her- Logan thought the professor was up to something but he pushed that out of his mind. He wasn't looking forward to having the next conversation, Ororo and him were not on the best terms after his outburst at her office days ago. Logan thought he probably needed to apologize.
Logan put out the cigar on his forearm, he grunted for a second but the burn healed immediately, he jumped off the balcony and made his way in the direction of the grey clouds.
-Any flying team member could've gotten Storm in a fraction of the time, this is ridiculous- Logan was muttering while walking -No to mention the additional time it'll take to go over all the awkward conversation we'd have to go through- Logan snapped his claws and cut the nearest tree. He kept walking while venting for about 10 mins when he arrived at a waterfall cascading down a lake, Logad had no idea there was such a beautiful place in this forest.
Logan spotted Storm floating a couple of feet above the waterfall, her eyes were closed and she was soaking wet, it was pouring right above her, making the little waterfall under her start to flood. There was no danger to her or anyone for that matter, but Logan was wondering why she was doing this.
He took out his cigar and lit it up again, Logan thought the smell would call her attention soon enough, and while he contemplated her, he thought about Charles's words. Ever since he woke up in this place, he had been focusing on how to blend in, not to call attention to himself and continue living the life the other Logan had. But when he saw Jean all his emotions came flooding him, and then seeing Storm again, so familiar yet so distant from the one he knew and loved. He forgot he did lose them all, these were not his friends, they may have their faces but they were strangers to him.
Logan was more sure than ever that his decision to leave was the right one. As soon as this mission was done he'll leave. The only question in his mind was whether to tell her or just disappear without saying a word to her or anyone else.
Storm finally seemed to have noticed him, she frowned when she saw him looking at her and even more when she spotted the cigar on his hand. She moved her hand slightly, and a blast of water extinguished his cigar getting his face wet in the process.
-You could've asked me to put it out- Logan said throwing the cigar away, it was ruined now.
-You shouldn't have invaded my privacy- she said still floating above him but the rain stopped.
-This is not exactly private- Logan said trying to remove some of the water from his hair -Anyone can see you from a mile away-
-Whatever, this is where I come to think, now leave- she demanded placing her hands on her waist.
-What's bothering you so much you had to soak yourself for hours?- Logan asked -T'Challa broke things again?-
-We were never back together- she said letting her guard down, she seemed exhausted -We have decided to just be friends, or friends adjacent-
-Were you hoping for something more?- Logan wasn't sure if he'd rather she be with T'Challa. It'll probably make it easier for him to stop thinking about the possibility of them together or keep hoping he can get a second chance.
-No- she said landing in front of him -What's up with you? You have been acting odd for months- Logan thought about what to say, to come forward with the truth or make something up but he must have taken too much time to answer because she added in frustration -Everyone has noticed it, you don't have to talk to me if you don't want to but talk to someone Logan- her voice soften when she said his name, and Logan felt his heart stopping for a second.
-I recently lost someone very important to me, and I have been trying to cope with it- Logan decided to tell her part of the truth without revealing all the complicated parts of him being from another timeline. Storm came to place a hand on his shoulder -I guess I haven't been processing this in the best possible way, but I have come to accept there's no going back. But I guess I ought you an apology-
-It's in the past- She said smiling at him, he smiled back. -Are you talking about Jean?- Storm added with an inscrutable face -Have you decided to back up?-
-Storm, there was nothing ever going on between us, I don't care what you thought you knew, that's the truth- Logan thought he caught a glimpse of the corner of Storm's mouth lifting into a half-smile -It's not about her anyways, it's someone from what it feels like another time life, but she is gone now-
-I am sorry Logan- Storm seemed to be sincere and sad for him -I know how hard it can be to say goodbye when you are not ready- she pulled him closer into a hug, and Logan quickly held her tightly-I am sorry I haven't made things easy lately, but I am here if you need anything- they stayed like that for a long time, silently just holding each other, helping each other with their respective pain. Logan felt a sense of deja vu, a similar scene from another world, with another Storm.
-Thanks 'Ro- Logan said as they pulled away.
-You are leaving- there was no question in her voice, Logan was surprised she knew him so well, she had given him the impression that they weren't that close.
-I need to 'Ro- she took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze letting him know she understood -But not right now, Charles wants to talk to us, we have to go on a mission, but I will leave after we come back-
-Just promise me you won't leave without saying goodbye Logan- Storm blew air on her, it took less than a minute and all her clothes were dry -Let's go-
The team got off the blackbird and started the descend into the caves that would let them to the entrance of the secret lab in Asia that the professor shared with them. They didn't have a lot of information other than they believed the place was being used to experiment on mutants. Because of Logan's previous experience, he felt very strongly about this, they all did but it was personal for Logan.
They couldn't make it directly into the entrance, they had to go over several caves and tunnels to find a passage into the lab, that was built as part of the mountain. Scott was using a scanner from Stark Labs that was helping him map and locate their destination.
-Storm what do you think about that place I shared with you?- Jean was walking next to Storm, following Scott, who leading the group and Logan coming close behind them.
-I saw it- Storm's response was dry and clearly indicating she didn't want to talk about it.
-You should go- Jean said trying to continue the conversation.
-I am not doing that again, Jean- Storm said in a firm tone
-Oh it wasn't that bad- Jean insisted.
-Everyone knew who I was, it was so annoying to have them all acting like idiots- Storm sounded upset, but a little amused at the same time. Logan was confused about their interaction, but he was paying attention to every word
-I have to accept that time was a mistake, but I have verified this one, it's going to be different this time- Jean seemed a little ashamed, and was smiling at Storm openly.
-It's a speed dating event, Jean, you can't confirm anything, and I am not doing it again- Storm blushed when she said this. Logan closed his hands in fits but reminded himself it wasn't his business anymore.
-But this one is all mutants, so at least you know they are going to be cool with you being one- it didn't seem like Jean was going to stop no matter who was listening or how uncomfortable the conversation was.
-It's not just about being mutants, they all know I am an X-Man, it's the same thing- Storm said getting frustrated with Jean's insistence -Plus I don't want to go on any date or anything like that Jean-
-Well, then your only option is to revisit the men in your life-
-There's no need for that Jean-
-I am your best friend, I know what I am talking about- Jean seemed very confident.
-Who said you are my best friend?- Storm asked looking very seriously.
-Who else is going to be?- Jean asked -I know you can't stand Rouge-
-I like Rouge as much as I like any of my other students- Storm intercepted immediately.
-I have read your mind Storm, she is not your favorite- Jean said very sure of herself.
-Fine it's not Rouge, but I don't have any problems with her either- she insisted
Jean winked at Storm and they both laughed. Logan couldn't believe he was witnessing this conversation -It's definitely not Kitty, she is so much fun but too young to be your BFF-
-True- Storm agreed
-And that's everybody- Jean added
-If that's true, that's very sad- Storm said -But why does it have to be only a Woman?-
-Well, hun, you dated the other half-
-I didn't date all of them- Storm clarified, making an emphasis on the word all.
-Most of them- Jean insisted, Storm was going to protest, but Jean raised her index finger and added -And you can't be best friend with someone you dated, you are not even that close to any of them-
-Maybe is someone I met in Wakanda- Storm continued
-It's not- Jean said confidently.
-Alright!- Storm said in a defeated tone -You are my best friend- Jean got closer to Storm and wrapped her arms around Storm's neck -But that doesn't give you the right to try to set me up with anyone-
-It's just our friends, so you know who they are, there will be no surprises there- Jean said
-Common Jean we are in the middle of a mission, it's hardly the moment for this conversation- Storm glanced to see at Logan who maintained a stoic facade, pretending he wasn't listening to them -This conversation requires a lot of alcohol-
-This is the perfect time, we still have a long way to go- they broke their embrace and continued walking separately.
-About 3 more miles to go- Hanks's voice came from the communication link -And I agree with Jean, you have been too isolated and avoiding us lately-
-Can't believe you two are teaming up against me- She said turning to glare at Jean
-Ororo It's just us, we have known you the longest, we wouldn't do this if someone else was present- Jean's caring for Storm seemed sincere and heartfelt.
-You are not going to stop, are you?- Storm said with a resigned tone.
-Nope- Jean said with a big smile on her face -Let's see. T'Challa, obviously out of the question, he is definitive NO- Logan agreed with Jean but refrained from saying anything.
-Yes- Storm agreed
-Forge?- Jean asked with an inquisitive look on her face
-I don't know Jean, we already tried, but it's not going to work- Storm didn't seem to be bothered by the suggestion, she genuinely had a good relationship with him from what Logan had noticed so far. But Logan was enjoying this conversation, though he felt he was intruding in a way, it's not like he could stop listening.
-What about Kurt?- But this time it was Beast who suggested it. By Jean's expression, she seemed to think it was a good idea.
-NO- Storm was very firm on that, and nothing else was discussed about it.
-Quicksilver?- Jane continued
-Pass- Storm said without giving it another thought.
-Bobby is a child- Jean said discarding him immediately
-And already in a relationship- Storm added
-Gambit?- Beast intervenes again.
-Definitely, no- Storm said with a disgusted expression on her face, and Jean was mocking her. It made Logan wonder what made her have that reaction. He was probably learning more about this timeline, or at least about Storm, in the last 5 mins than he did in the prior months.
-They may be one- A devilish smirk played at the corners of Stomr's mouth, Logan looked intently at her -I could go for Scott- Jean glared at her and Scott looked back at them with a shocked expression, but Storm continued without losing her smile -Oh but it wouldn't work, he only likes annoying redheads- They all laughed except Jean, even Beast's laughter come through their communicators.
-Very funny, that's what I get for trying to help you- Jean said half annoyed half amused.
-I appreciate your concern Jean but I am fine- Storm ensured her.
-I know I am pushing it, it's just that you were so happy when you were with T'Challa, I thought maybe…-
-People cannot be replaced just like that- Storm's tone was somber but she wasn't upset -And being single is not something that needs fixing-
Logan thought Jean seemed to be genuinely concerned for Storm -I just want you to be happy, 'Ro-
-I know- Storm said sharing a warm smile with Jean -Thanks BFF- and they both laughed.
-We are almost there- Scott announced putting an end to their conversation. And suddenly, the atmosphere shifted, and they all became serious and focused on their mission, they all gathered around Scott -We'll search the building clearing any security we may face as we move, we may not have much time, so it'll be best if we split- he was showing the map to everyone and pointed at an interception on the map -Right here, Logan and Storm, you go right, while Jean and I go left, and we'll meet on the higher level where Hank will be ready for the extraction, the mission is to get all the mutants out and plugged one of this- he took two drives out -into one of their computers, this will allow Hank to copy all their files- Storm took one of the drives and put it on her pocket.
They followed the path shown on the map, and once they made it to the intersection they split. Logan walked ahead and Storm followed closely. They were walking for a while, turning on corners going up two floors above, and didn't encounter any guards, which seemed odd, but Logan kept his guard up, smelling and listening attentively. They made it to the end of the hall and Logan took a look, there were guards outside a door at the end of the corridor.
-Four guards, can you tell how many are inside that room?- Storm looked at him, while Logan used his senses to try and estimate how many guards they would face.
-I can't tell from here- Logan said after not getting anything for almost a minute.
-Only four guards?- Storm asked suspiciously -We haven't encountered anybody so far, and when we do there's only four of them, they had to be more inside-
-If it's not the mutants, what could it be?-
-I am not sure, but whatever we are here for it's definitely behind that door- She said readying herself -What do you think old man? Should we push through?- he smiled at her nickname.
Logan released his claws -Let's do it kiddo- they share one last smile before running in the direction of the guards. Storm let a fog cover the corridor blocking the guards' visibility, while they ran getting close to them, bullets were flying by them but none hit them.
Logan jumped at the end of the corridor, coming out of the fog and burying his claws directly into the chest of one of the men. He tossed him aside landing on the guy next to him, taking two at once. While Storm landed a couple of feet from them striking the other two guys with her lightning.
-That was easy- She said clearing the fog while her eyes went back to their normal color.
-Don't jinx us, 'Ro-
Storm took one of the guard's card and used it to open the door in front of them. They prepared themselves for whatever they could find inside, but the place was almost empty. No guards inside. They enter carefully, scanning the place. There was a big glass cylinder tank in the middle with tubes and cables coming out of it. And on the side, there was an access panel but they couldn't see what it was inside from their angle. Other than that and a couple of computers there was nothing else in the room.
Storm pointed the computer in the room and took the drive out. She was searching for a port, feeling the back of the monitor when Logan turned around to look at the cylinder, from this angle, he could see there was someone inside it, floating on some sort of liquid, with a breathing mask covering her mouth and nose, as well as sensors over her chest. It was impossible not to recognize the person inside, completely naked, blue body and red hair. It was Mystique, as he had met her back in 1983.
-Storm?- he called out without taking his eyes from the tank.
-Almost done here Logan- she said turning around, Logan heard her gasp and she materialized herself right next to him -It's not possible- she looked shaken by their discovery -She died, I saw her die-
WHAT? Yeah it'll be explained later on, the next episode it's going to be great. I am very excited to write it. I hope I can have it done before my vacation next week, if not it'll have to wait until April when I am back.