Memory Ashcroft's Story

Robert Ashdown smirked along with Jean at Scott's surprise of his lucky guess, replying; "Don't worry pal, it ain't all that public, just since i'm apparently hanging round the x-men, and your the only one that's got sunglasses indoors I took a wild stab in the dark, pal."
He then turned his attention to Logan, the man he was completely oblivious to also being the x-man wolverine, giving him a casual grin in return to his own and perking up at him pointing out Aidan, who's temperament left him a little weary but nonetheless said; "Well what do ya know, another good old Brit about! where you from mate? Down near London too?"
The English mutant tourist was obviously enjoying the whole scenario, grinning from ear to ear. After-all, what kind of peaceful mutant wouldn't be cheery about meeting the x-men?

Things only got better when Charles Xavier came in with a group of other mutants, or so he assumed, and greeted him warmly to his institute of learning, though apologized they had business at hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Xavier, as well as you too Mr. Lehnsherr! It sounds like the X-men are in work hours then, I don't mind giving a helping hand but I ain't exactly wolverine ya know!" He replied ecstatically, obviously excited at the prospect of working along side the x-men. He held his peace as he giddily watched Erik split them all into six teams; their mission; to prevent the sudden attacks on HMR sites. Wait, what?! This was a surprise to Robert, why would a group of mutant superheroes be saving buildings owned by a group of pewman racists? He shrugged and guessed the x-men really meant protecting all of mutant and man kind.
He then suddenly froze in shock as Erik asked if he wanted to join one of the teams to which managed to stammer out; "Bloody hell, of-course i'd f***ing love to! I'll go with, umm, errr, ah bugger I haven't got a clue who to join! How the heck do I pick? Ahhh, one of you lot pick for me, i'm too happy to think straight!"
He then spent the next couple of seconds gurning goofily and looking round in sheer joy at the six teams of mutants.

“Don’t you worry Ms. Seems we’re lucky to have run into each other. I can allow you to control this whole room. Give me a second.” He gave her a wink then looked to the ceiling. The floor began to rumble before thick vines broke through the ceiling and twisted together into something of a barrier between them and the guards. Flowers that she didn't recognize grew from the vines. She stepped back slightly as the opened.
“Try your power now. Anyone weak willed and nearby should be all yours to control. Hell, we’d probably be able to simply walk out of here. I’m Oliver Cassidy. Thanks for helping me. I really didn’t mean for any of this to happen but I don’t handle being tricked very well.”

Erika gave him a quick glance, then released the majority of her anger with a sigh. She lifted her hands and covered her face, wiping them away with a quiet groan.
"Erika," she replied to his introduction. "Forgive me for not giving my last name, but I came here to get my family off their radar." An idea came to her suddenly and she looked up. "Speaking of which..." she trailed off as she eyed those that she had already controlled.

Erika drew in a breath and let her power infuse with her words.
"Help us!" she called out loud. She readied to shout again when a group of men joined them, surrounding them, but turned towards the entrances to the floor. Erika hesitated, confused by the lack of question and correct wording. Biting her lip, she considered the possibilities and spoke again.
"Everyone! Stop, turn around three times and clap twice." On cue, each and every person on the floor under her influence did exactly as she said, then returned to what they had been doing. Pursing her lips, she smiled slyly.
"Ok... I guess you can be useful." Using her powers again, she continued to bring more and more towards them as a shield, but with more direct commands.

---

Jonathan and Memory both looked up as Professor X, Magneto, Vincent, Philip, and Frenzy entered the kitchen. At first all seemed fine, but it became apparent that something big was happening.
“X-men, friends, and guests, we are in great need of assistance. There are currently six attacks on HMR sites across the city. We shall intervene at once.” Memory's eyes went a little wider, and J pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.
"As if there wasn't enough drama for this morning..." he groaned quietly. Jonathan rolled his eyes with Erik at Aidan's comment then listened closely for the teams.

“The six teams are as follows. Team one shall consist of Memory, Canaan, Logan, Quicksilver, Agent Six, Annabelle, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey and Myself." Jonathan was a little disappointed that he wouldn't be with his sister, and worried, but the next thing he heard caused surprise to break through the previous emotions. "Team leaders of this group shall be Memory and Philip.” His eyes went wide and he looked to Memory, whose face had went a few shades whiter. She took a deep breath and smiled slightly back at Erik. Worry and pride rolled into one within him. As the next team was called, he had to look away from her.

“Team two shall consist of Johnathan, Cara, Aidan O'Doherty, Kent Van-Pelt, and Frenzy. Jonathan you are the team leader of team two. You are more than a capable leader Jonathan.” Before he could say anything to this, Magneto had turned to Aidan.
“O’Doherty, I expect you to give Jonathan your full support and cooperation.” J almost snorted in dry amusement at this, but managed to stop himself in time. Instead, he composed himself and looked to Aidan, willing to have an open mind about their required teamwork.
“But of course. Don’t let me down Jonathan.” O'Doherty said with a sharp smile. Jonathan pursed his lips slightly, seeing all the ways this could go wrong, then smiled a little and nodded politely to his apparent ally.

As team three was called, with Ryan leading along side Terra, Memory took Ryan's and and squeezed it gently, reassuringly. Her eyes trailed to Erik with a slight frown. After what had just happened between the two, she didn't see how Magneto could think this was a good idea, but all the same she trusted Ryan to make the right choices, to be a good leader. The addition of David also didn't much reassure her, but she let it go. For the moment, she would have to worry about herself and Terra's sister. She still hadn't forgotten what a bitch the cat girl had been the first time they met, and now she'd have to work with her like they were allies.
Well this day just keeps getting better and better.' She thought dryly as she looked back to Ryan and smiled warmly.

Magneto finished calling the teams. Some small concern reached Jonathan about sending a human along with the group, but he trusted the Professor's judgement, and Magneto's, even if it was to a slightly lesser degree. Erik then spoke to the new guy, Robert, offering him a place on the mission. He seemed a generally cheerful man, the excitement at this time of the morning after the day they'd all had already was a little too much for the siblings. Jonathan looked to Kyle.
"Guess we'll have to take that walk another time," he said with a smile, then excused himself to get ready and left for his room. He was still in his bedclothes after all. Memory gave Ryan a quick smile then followed suit, reluctantly leaving him behind.

---

When they came back down they were dressed into something more appropriate for going out with. J was in what he had claimed as his "suit", which was really only a pair of dark jeans, a striped red and black sweater, a black trench coat falling to the knees and his boots. Memory had chosen it due to her once making a connection between his powers and those of Freddy Krueger, for the sweater at least. The rest, as she had said, was "just for show". Memory had never liked to be held to one crime fighting suit, so just dressed as the situation called for it. In this case, something casual. Dark jeans, knee high boots - though not heels (she had learned the hard way how troublesome they could be on missions like this) - and a loose black top. They returned to the kitchen quickly, giving each other a reassuring smile, then readied to leave with their teams.

As Vincent, Philip, Frenzy, and Professors Eric and Xavier entered the kitchen once more, Ryan couldn't help but feel slightly ashamed. He had behaved so horribly to his big brother Vincent. Ryan wanted nothing more than to apologize and make everything right, but he was too scared. How could he so flippantly apologize for something he said not five minutes ago? Even worse, and to Ryan's horror, Ryan wondered, just for a moment, if it was even worth his time to apologize anyway. Vincent hadn't been there for Ryan when he needed him. Vincent had betrayed him. By not taking Ryan's side in the matter, it was like Vincent had, or so it felt to Ryan, publicly denounced his little brother in front of everyone. A dark desire to let Vincent squirm and fester over his wrongdoings boiled up within Ryan, and it surprised him. His eyes opened wide as he realized just what he was thinking. Vincent loved him. He always had, and he always would. Ryan shook his hea, as if to physically dislodge the heinous thoughts. However, before Ryan could step forward to get Vincent's attention, Professor Erik spoke for all in the kitchen to hear. “X-men, friends, and guests, we are in great need of assistance. There are currently six attacks on HMR sites across the city. We shall intervene at once.” Ryan gasped from the shock of it. He knew people might be angry with the HMR, but this kind of response was just playing right into the HMR's hands. Even Ryan knew that.

At that, Professor Erik began announcing the teams. "Team one shall consist of Memory, Canaan, Logan, Quicksilver, Agent Six, Annabelle, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey and Myself." Ryan's face whitened, and he felt all the warmth leave his body. Neither he, nor Jonathan, would be accompanying Memory. Ryan wanted to speak up, to protest, and to volunteer to switch places with someone so that he could accompany his girlfriend, but Professor Erik's orders were absolute. If he thought those people would have the best chance of working together and achieving victory, then Ryan had to accept it. After all, Magneto and Jean would be with her. They would make sure she was safe. "Team leaders of this group shall be Memory and Philip.” Ryan, who had unwittingly mirrored Jonathan's actions, looked to Memory, whose face had went a few shades whiter. Ryan felt his heartbeat stop altogether for a moment. Memory took a deep breath and smiled slightly back at Erik. As much as Ryan didn't want to agree, didn't want to let her go on her own, and didn't want her in harm's way, Ryan knew that she was a capable leader. As Ryan had so frequently reminded himself, she was a big girl. She could take care of herself.

“Team two shall consist of Johnathan, Cara, Aidan O'Doherty, Kent Van-Pelt, and Frenzy. Jonathan you are the team leader of team two. You are more than a capable leader Jonathan.” If Memory's election to leadership had made Ryan sweat, Jonathan's almost caused him to faint, and his eyes burned holes in the floor. To put both of the siblings in separate roles, away from each other and away from him, was almost physically painful to Ryan. He felt himself begin to shake, and he felt cold, as if a bullet had pierced his heart and left him dead. Ryan felt as if the world had turned black, and there was no joy left in it at all. Despite the powerful mutants who were accompanying them, despite their potential as leaders, and despite their own natural, practiced abilities, Ryan couldn't allow himself to be separated from them. Jonathan and Memory were, respectively, his best friend and his girlfriend. How could he just let them run off without him? He needed to be there with them, to protect them. They were the most important people in his entire world.

Shaking, Ryan raised his hand, and made to speak up and protest, but Professor Erik must not have noticed him, as he steamrolled right through Ryan's stuttering acknowledgements into the next team assignment. “Team three will consist of Terra, Ryan, David North/Agent Zero, Vincent Xavier, and Colossus. The team leaders are Terra and Ryan.” Magneto gave a look of confidence to Terra and Ryan. He was fully aware of the group dynamics and was eager to test them. Whatever moodiness, sadness, and heartbreak had existed in Ryan before was completely washed away by anger, and a fierce sort of pride. He was glad that he was, at the very least, being considered for leadership, but to put him with Terra and David? Professor Erik must have been going mad! "Now wait just a minute!" Ryan said, raising his voice to challenge the statement, as he was literally up in arms, but Professor Erik cut him off. "I expect you two to work in synch. You should do well." Stymied, Ryan quieted himself, and let his raised arms drop back to his sides. One of them was immediately scooped up by Memory, and given a thoughtful squeeze. Smiling, Ryan turned to Memory, threw his arms around her neck, and pulled her close to him. "You make sure you come home to me." He whispered softly, before letting her go. Pleased with himself, Ryan turned to leave, and mentally prepare himself for what was about to happen. As he made his way out of the kitchen door, Ryan turned and almost shouted back to Memory, so she, and probably the rest of the kitchen, would hear him. "I'm gonna hold you to that!" He said simply.

Once that was taken care of, Ryan made his way to a locker room, located down by the Danger Room, to grab his X-suit, which was really just a pair of shorts with a red, X-shaped clasp on the belt. There had been a previous incarnation of the suit, that covered more of Ryan's body, but the idea had been scrapped after it's first use, as Ryan's horns, tail, spines, and other scaly protrusions, were just not conducive to wearing much of anything. Once he'd located his Locker, Ryan quickly and silently disrobed and pulled on a pair of under armor shorts and his X-Shorts. There was a large, somewhat embarrassing flap on the back, but soon enough, Ryan's tail would be occupying that space, and he needn't concern himself with mooning everyone behind him. Taking a deep breath, Ryan sat on the cold, concrete floor of the locker room and began the process of covering himself with scales, the real, "suiting up," was only now taking place.

Slowly at first, Ryan began by concentrating on his breathing. He focused on the gentle rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. Once his heartbeat had slowed, and his mind was calm, Ryan focused on his scales, and allowed them to cover his body. As he called upon the power of the Leviathan, Ryan felt himself begin to change. His teeth and ears elongated, ending in sharp points. His hair grew long and ragged, and his body turned black. Next, his skin became covered with scales, and sturdy spines began growing out of his back along the path traced by his spine. Next were the smaller protrusions, his claws and arm blades. The scale congealed and sharpened along his forearms and fingertips, creating wicked, barbed weapons. His tail snaked out from his pants, soon filling the hole in his shorts, and the end of it sprouted a wicked hook. Next, Ryan's horns erupted from his temples, sweeping back towards his neck, then along his jawline before jutting out in front of his face, protecting the sides of his head, as well as providing his new form with weapons. Lastly, Ryan felt his skeleton begin to change. Joints shifted and bones condensed and became thicker, sturdier. When Ryan opened his eyes, they were golden, and slitted. The Leviathan had returned, but in form only.

Once he had finished, Ryan stood, his body balanced on the balls of his feet, and flexed his muscles and joints. He felt powerful, even more so than usual. Though the thought of it made him sick to his stomach, he guessed it was, perhaps, due to his subdual of the Leviathan, even if only temporary. Now that he was finished, it was time he took care of business. After all, he and Terra were supposed to lead this thing. Even if he hated Terra, and no matter how much he hated David, Ryan would comport himself with decorum and intelligence. This was his first time as a leader. This was his big opportunity to show that he had what it took to be a real X-Man. He couldn't just let it go to waste. Making his way out of the basement, Ryan followed his nose and ears to the one place where there was no scent of anyone present, but the sounds of movement defied such observations. In short, Ryan went to where David was. In the raspy tones of the Leviathan, Ryan spoke. "North, I'd like a word with you in private please, before we begin our mission. Would you come with me for a moment?”

David North turned slowly, as he was a bit thrown by the strange, raspy voice. He had, of course, heard someone approaching him, however, the voice was completely unfamiliar. David was actually a bit startled to see that such a strange voice originated from Ryan. David held his shiny pistol in a neutral position, but he didn’t put it down. “You want a word with me? Isn’t this a curious happening? Sure I’ll tag along.” David replied with a casual smile. He holstered his weapon and followed followed Ryan to a place where the two could speak privately. Tilting his head to the side, Ryan listened and sniffed for any eavesdroppers, and when Ryan was sure they were alone, he spoke. "Look, David, I'm not gonna sugar coat this, and I don't expect any such sympathy from you either. I don't like you. I don't like how you messed around with Memory, and I don't like that you threatened and kidnapped my brother Vincent when you followed that scumbag Trask during the attack on my home." Pausing, Ryan calmed himself down, as the subject at hand had made him quite upset. When he had regained his composure, he continued to speak. "However, Magneto put us on this team together. We can go right back to hating each other afterwards, but on the mission, I expect to see nothing but your much touted professionalism. As much as I hate to admit it, you are, after all, a professional killer. A little sortie like this should be nothing to someone as experienced and skilled as you. So, can I count on you to, at the very least, not shoot me in the back when I'm not looking?" At that, Ryan extended a hand to shake, momentarily retracting the scales on his right forearm so as to facilitate a peaceful exchange.

David listened and shook Ryan’s hand upon Ryan’s offering. He then replied, “Firstly, I’ll assure you that you’ll have my cooperation. I’m your gun, but be warned, put a deadly weapon in the wrong hands and it could be very bad. You should be more concerned with yourself team leader.” David said finally releasing Ryan’s hand. Ryan suppressed a scowl. He couldn’t help but think, “Just where do you get off lecturing me, North?” Unfortunately, and much to Ryan’s chagrin, David continued. However, his smile dropped and a sharp seriousness engulfed his gaze. “Secondly, I should clear up or at least give you another perspective on the events you have taken so personally. My previous interaction with Memory, that’s hers and my business, don’t you continue to get yourself all paranoid about it. I know you two have had about 2 seconds worth of a relationship but you won’t reach second 3 if you spend half your energy cutting your eyes at me. I told her that you’re the better man, if knowing that makes you feel better. So don’t make me regret my opinion of you.”. This time, instead of scowling, Ryan just let his mouth hang open for a brief moment. He wasn’t sure if he was angry, embarrassed, flattered, or all three at once. However, since he couldn’t think of anything particularly nice to say, that wouldn’t sound like utter garbage, he kept his mouth shut. As much as Ryan hated to admit it, David had a point. Ryan wouldn’t get anywhere with Memory if he spent all his time worrying about David. “I suppose you’re right. Thank you.” Ryan grumbled, turning his face away from David’s. Just because David had a point didn’t mean Ryan had to like it.

David let out a small sigh, “Lastly, you’re correct, I am a professional killer. It’s my profession, not what I do for fun. I’m not some comic book villain, I have a conscience too. Breaking into the X-mansion, kidnapping Vincent, shooting Logan in the head, well no… that was personal, however the kidnapping of your ‘family member’ was a job, not much more, not much less. I wouldn’t have wasted my time had I not been paid well to do it. So it may not change things but it wasn’t personal. Now if you have the same beef with Victor, you’d get a different more disturbing answer perhaps. So I don’t dislike you, however, I do dislike your fragility. I used to be something like that, worried about everything, but I learned that collapsing to pieces wasn’t going to lead me anywhere good. In fact, it lead me to a very bad and painful place, with a lot of life changing results. I guess I’m saying, be confident, it makes a difference. I guess I’ve said enough. I’ve got your back, no need for worry.” David concluded.

At the end of David’s speech, Ryan just nodded curtly. “You… I…” Ryan sighed, pausing for a moment to pinch the bridge of his nose between two sharp claws. Continuing on, Ryan spoke. “My fragility, as you called it, is none of your concern. I only came here to get what I’ve been feeling off of my chest so that I can interact with you professionally during our mission. You’re right about Memory. She’s her own person, and your business with her is your business. If you’re telling me that I won’t need to worry about it anymore, then I won’t. I trust her completely. As for Vincent, it would taste a lie to tell you that I didn’t take that personally, or that I won’t continue to do so. This is my home, North. It has been since I was six years old. For almost eleven years, I've grown up here. Professor Xavier is just as much a father to me as my real dad. Vincent, his son, is my brother. He has been since the day I met him. When you kidnapped Vincent, no matter how impersonally you meant it, no matter how much money you did it for, it shattered our hearts. I’m not the only one you and the others hurt that day. Even if I can manage to forgive you someday, that doesn’t mean the others will.” Ryan quipped, turning the rest of his body away from David. Ryan knew that if he stayed there any longer, he’d probably end up yelling, and that was no way to prove how capable of a leader he was. As he began to walk away, Ryan turned his head over his shoulder and spoke again, grinning devilishly. “As for you and me, this Leviathan is still growing,” Ryan said, smirking. “The next time you see me, I’ll be a real monster. The only one you’ll have to worry about being fragile, is yourself.” Pleased with himself, Ryan left David to his preparations. He still had one more loose end to tighten up.

Having spoken with David, and feeling slightly better about that front, Ryan perked up his nose, and followed it to here he could smell Terra's damp, earthy scent. Ryan wasn't shocked to observe that Canaan's predatory scent was mixed with his, as the brother-sister pair did seem very close. Ryan would have been jealous of them, were he not so opposed to the pair of them even being in the mansion. This was Ryan's home. Even if Cain had invited them, it didn't make sense that Ryan's enemy should just be invited to live here on a whim. However, Cain was Vincent's other half, and Ryan loved Cain as much as he did Vincent. For now, Ryan would just have to trust that their impressions of Terra were right, and his own intuition was wrong. Finally approaching the source of the smell, Ryan once more knocked on the door frame of a room that housed someone he wasn't particularly fond of. The Leviathan's voice, raspy and cruel, sounded out, breaking the silence. "Terra, may I have a word?" Glancing at Canaan, Ryan added. "In private if you don't mind."

Terra looked up upon hearing the sound of knocking on their door. The siblings had retreated to a room a short distance from the kitchen soon after hearing those two old guys speak. The boy or rather creature that they called Ryan entered the room. Almost immediately Canaan stood up in a protective manner and bared her teeth at the other boy. Ryan suppressed the urge to return the gesture, but, instead, he lowered his tail between his legs, a gesture of submission. Ryan wasn't here to fight. He just wanted to talk. Simultaneously, Terra gave Canaan a pointed look and she seemed to calm down. “Whatever you want to say to me, you can say in front of Canaan.” Terra said simply, refuting all possibility of an argument about the subject. Ryan only scowled. He should have known Terra would say that. Undeterred, Ryan spoke. "Look, Terra," Ryan began, but then paused, sighing. "I know we're not equally thrilled about working together so soon after our last two... arguments. Believe me, no one was more surprised than I was when you walked in through the kitchen door. That being said, I don't actually hate you. I thought I might, but really, I suppose I was just biased. The last time we'd met, before our little tiff in the kitchen, both you and I were just blindly following orders. Our respective leaders, friends, and family were opposed in that once instance, but we don't have to be any more. We don't have to be enemies forever, this one instance of cooperation doesn't have to be the last. Do you think that you and I can work together, and see to it that we complete our assigned mission? Do you think that, someday, we might even be friends?"

Listening to Ryan’s short little speech Terra wasn't really all that moved by it. Nor did he really care about what the other wanted not much anyway. Tilting his head slightly to the side, Terra looked at Ryan through his messy hair. “Oh really? I’ll correct you a bit on what you said earlier. I wasn't really following any orders, neither was Canaan. We simply saw you guys attacking and I've seen people in uniforms before, we both have and it was never a good thing. So in some ways it was my fault plus Canaan has a thing for rushing in blindly.” He spoke in a lighter tone of voice then he had previously, almost as if he was trying to lighten the mood. Ryan only scowled, his tail lashing wildly at his feet. He'd poured his heart out for them, and this was the response he got? Ryan suppressed the urge to shout at the stupid, black-haired boy, but he held his tongue. Proper debating procedure dictated that you allowed your opponent to finish first.

However, when he spoke again, Terra's whole demeanor took on a colder and more serious side. “However if you hadn't attacked Canaan we wouldn't have needed this conversation. I don’t really trust you but then again I've never really trusted anyone so it’s not anything new. As I said before, hurt Canaan and we’ll have another fight on our hands. I don’t care what you do otherwise, but the moment it involves her I’m all in. I think we could be friends, just don’t expect it to happen out of nowhere.”

When the boy finished, Ryan spoke once more, with a noticeable edge in his voice. As he spoke, the tip of his tail twitched, as if irritated. "I'm afraid I must correct YOU, Terra. The X-Men were only in the city to detain the Juggernaut. From what Vincent and the others told me, they hadn't expected Callisto to order the Morlocks to attack them, or the innocent civilians, either. As for Canaan, if memory serves, she tackled me because I was fighting with you, and I had only joined the fray to keep my family safe. Therefore, the same could be said of you, Terra. As long as you play nice with my friends and my family, I see no reason that we can't get along. That being said, I think we've had more than enough hostility for one day, wouldn't you agree? For now, at least, we're partners. Let's just get this thing done so we can move on with our lives." When he had finished, Ryan took a step forward, and momentarily retracted the scales on his right arm, to facilitate a hand shake between himself and Terra.

Terra glanced over at Canaan who was visibly upset, as shown by her thrashing tail. Terra simply put his arm up slightly so she knew to stand down. He understood where Ryan was coming from and from the looks of it they both had similar mind sets. "Alright. There has, indeed, been too much hostility for my liking. I'm sure you know that we both came off on the wrong foot..." Ryan simply nodded in agreement. While it hadn't been the nicest of first meetings, at least now they were finally beginning to move on. Glancing down, Terra watched as Ryan raised his hand, but there were no scales. Immediately Terra began to frown, "I'm not going to shake hands. I've accepted a truce with you, the real you. Not some piece of pale flesh that has never brought arms against me and my family." Red eyes narrowing, Terra stood up a bit straighter, folding his arms across his chest as if to further justify his disagreement to shaking hands.

Ryan sighed, a scowl on his face as he lowered his hand. "Fine then. Have it your way," he quipped curtly, allowing the black scales to once more turn his arm into a weapon of war. "I suppose that's it for now. I'll be meeting you, along with the rest of our team, at our assigned jet in the hangar. There will, most likely, be a short briefing during our flight. I expect it would be much better to go in AFTER learning as much as we can about our objective. No use going in blind, after all. Bye for now, Terra." With that, Ryan lowered down to all fours and scampered off to the hangars, following his nose to the smell of Magneto and the Professor. Once he got there, Ryan would have to learn as much as he could about the mutants that his team would be going after. If they knew what they were up against, a better plan of action could be formed to take out the threat with as little potential for bloodshed as possible After that, it was just a matter of seeing whether or not his team would fall to pieces in his own hands. However, as he ran down to the hanger, Ryan growled to himself, in a voice softer than a whisper, "I won't let that happen."

As a number of X-men and fellow mutant guests wandered off to prepare themselves, Robert was busy trying to figure out which team to tag along with, mumbling feverishly under his breath as he lifted his hat to scratch at his scalp in puzzlement, before blurting decisively; "I got, Team 2! I'll follow them about for a bit! If it's alright with you Mr. Xavier, and Mr. Lehnsherr! Though I warn you lot, like i said before I ain't an athlete, too much sitting around on my bum recently. Well more than recent, but ya get what I'm blabbing."
He then shut his trap an wandered over towards them members of the second team deciding if he was going to get an answer he might as well stand next to the group he chose, after-all, the professor did ask if he could help out with the situation. I'd be a first where he actually gave his powers a proper workout, so understandably, Rob was a bit on edge.
He noticed that the young man named Johnathan had returned in a new outfit, along with the girl called Memory.
"Nice outfits ya both changed to, very practical, loving the jumper there Johnathan. Better make sure that coat doesn't get snagged though mate, could end up being a pretty situation.", he commented cheerfully, trying in vain to calm his nerves and get brownie points with the team leader.
Rob then turned to Joanna, who he now knew was Frenzy and gave a friendly grin, happy to have a somewhat familiar face on the team, even if that face was only familiar from the last half hour or so. "Well, looks like your stuck with me for a bit longer then huh? Who knows, we might end being the best partnership since Del-boy and Rodney!", he jokingly said with giving a chuckle, obviously seeming quite nervous about being sent on a mission, though had his feelings mixed with a sense of excitement too.
Rob gave quick gruff nod with a smile to Aidan, giving a curt; "Alright there, Author!" before turning to Kent and Cara; adding; "Guess your Cara then love, and this posh fella is Kent! Hmmmm hang on a minute, you look familiar mate. Have you been on telly or something?"
He ended his sentence with yet another puzzled expression, pondering on why Kent seemed so familiar.

Cara Black

Cara had to smile at Piotr’s words, she had admittedly once been given a chance by a few of the residents but the fact that she had never agreed with their opinions soon lost her much in the way of estimations from many people. “You do me too much credit I think, Piotr. I doubt anyone would mind that much but thank you anyway.” She said.

The touch did surprise her somewhat. Not that Cara was a fragile creature unused to being touched with anything but a heavy hand, quite the opposite with her promiscuous nature but she wasn’t used to anyone touching her with no ulterior motive and would never have expected it of Piotr. “Well let’s hope that if I should leave that we never have to fight each other again. I don’t think I’d want to kick your ass after this.” She said punching his arm with a smile.

“X-men, friends, and guests, we are in great need of assistance. There are currently six attacks on HMR sites across the city. We shall intervene at once.”

‘Well that was short lived.’ Cara thought stubbornly to herself.

“Team two shall consist of Johnathan, Cara, Aidan O'Doherty, Kent Van-Pelt, and Frenzy. Jonathan you are the team leader of team two. You are more than a capable leader Jonathan.”

Cara did feel a slight pang in her chest. Of course she would be paired with Jonathan, she just had a blazing row with him. She didn’t care he was leader, she knew she was a follower on the battlefield but it would all depend on whether Jonathan was a good enough leader to let go their earlier dispute. The fact that team one would have meant she’d be with Magneto didn’t even cross her mind. Too much.

Cara left shortly behind the others to change, returning in very similar clothing to what she left in; a pair of jeans, her boots and a plain black t-shirt under her leather jacket. "Guess your Cara then love, and this posh fella is Kent! Hmmmm hang on a minute, you look familiar mate. Have you been on telly or something?" Said the newcomer with more enthusiasm for this mission than Cara thought was necessary. Cara had noticed his entry but if she fussed over every new arrival to the school, she’d never stop. “Privet.” She said politely in Russian before he continued onto Kent.

“So. What’s the plan?” She asked as they started to leave.

The Kitchen

"Well what do ya know, another good old Brit about! where you from mate? Down near London too?" Robert asked Aidan.
Aidan grinned, “I’m actually from Ireland. However my hometown is barely recognizable today as it was simply centuries ago since it was called what its name once was. But to air on the side of being less complicated, yes I have spent a rather lengthy amount of time in London.” Aidan was referencing his having been born in the late 1800s. “It is nice to have another Englishmen about.” Aidan smiled, a bit more genuinely this time.

As a number of X-men and fellow mutant guests wandered off to prepare themselves, Robert was busy trying to figure out which team to tag along with, mumbling feverishly under his breath as he lifted his hat to scratch at his scalp in puzzlement, before blurting decisively; "I got, Team 2! I'll follow them about for a bit! If it's alright with you Mr. Xavier, and Mr. Lehnsherr! Though I warn you lot, like i said before I ain't an athlete, too much sitting around on my bum recently. Well more than recent, but ya get what I'm blabbing."

Magneto smiled, he was thrilled with Roberts eagerness to help them. “We are most grateful for any assistance you’d be willing to provide us Mr. Ashdown.” He extended his hand and shook Roberts.

Charles added, “A wise choice you have made Robert. They will indeed look after you, as well as put their trust in you as they are also in your hands.”

Rob then turned to Joanna, who he now knew was Frenzy and gave a friendly grin, happy to have a somewhat familiar face on the team, even if that face was only familiar from the last half hour or so. "Well, looks like you’re stuck with me for a bit longer then huh? Who knows, we might end being the best partnership since Del-boy and Rodney!", he jokingly said with giving a chuckle.

Joanna giggled a little. She didn’t quite understand the Del-boy and Rodney reference but Robert’s jovial nature was enough to lift anyone’s spirits. “I am rather glad that we will get a chance to work together Robert. Perhaps I’ll learn a thing or two from you?” Joanna replied with a tickled smile.

Rob gave quick gruff nod with a smile to Aidan, giving a curt; "Alright there, Author!", to which Aidan responded with a flinch of a smile, before turning to Kent and Cara; adding; "Guess your Cara then love, and this posh fella is Kent! Hmmmm hang on a minute, you look familiar mate. Have you been on telly or something?"
He ended his sentence with yet another puzzled expression, pondering on why Kent seemed so familiar.

Kent gave a slightly embarrassed smile and ran his hand across the back of his head. “I’m a journalist and newscaster so you might have seen me on CNN. I cover a lot of international stories as well. It’s a pleasure to be working with you Robert. It’s alright if I call you Robert right?” Kent replied.

Hideki cut in, “May have seen me he says… He’s practically a celebrity. Not to mention who could not help but stare at those eyes?” Hideki blabbed on. His comments caused Kent to blush shyly and thus he chuckled nervously. He was as humble as one could be.

Logan yanked Hideki’s shirt to get his attention, “Alright Matsuzaka, enough fan-girling over Kent here. Go get changed will ya?” Logan let out a heavy sigh. “One track mind I tell ya.” He uttered.

“Alright Wolvie.” Hideki responded in a annoyed and embarrassed manner for having been stifled.

Jonathan looked to Kyle. "Guess we'll have to take that walk another time," he said with a smile.

Kyle mustered a smile through his disappointment. “Indeed, another time Mon ami. Be careful.” Kyle said quietly. Jonathan then excused himself to get ready and left for his room. Kyle then joined his team after changing.

The others departed the kitchen one by one to prepare for transport and battle. Straightening up, Ace put away her mug into the sink and walked over to Cain. Nodding her acknowledgment to her fellow shadow manipulator, Cara, Ace turned to the man she wished to talk to. "Looks like you'll be leading us Vincent's double, I suggest you call everyone to get ready and meet up wherever it is you please. Just tell me know, I really hate it when telepaths such as yourself try to talk to me. Any how I have a way that'll get us that much quicker to our destination but that'll have to wait when I come back from getting ready." With that being said, Ace turned around and walked right into the shadow between the door and the wall.

Cain listened to Ace a slight smirk crossed his face. He didn’t get to opportunity to respond to Ace before she disappeared into the shadows. He thought on her calling him Vincent’s double, and it somewhat bothered him. Perhaps he was only a mere shadow of Vincent Xavier, however in truth so was Vincent a shadow of Charles and Erik. It would be a long road before he would gain the trust of his allies. This mission would help him prove his worth and his differences from Vincent.

Ace took a step forwards only to step out of someone's shadow. As she did so, Ace threw on her coat with a dramatic flare and stood before her team. Looking to Cain she spoke, "So as you may know, like Cara I can travel about via shadow. We can get to the HMR building faster if we go via shadow but you'll need to make sure your in physical contact with my body. Otherwise I can't take you with and you'll look like an idiot trying to get through a shadow. So once you guys give the hey ho, I'll just take us to the Shadow dimension a d we can talk plans there. Mind you times different down there so no need to worry about having to hurry to be a bunch of lives."

Cain replied, “Thank you Ace. It will be quite helpful. Just make sure you’re not too injured so that you can take us home when this is all said and done.” He said with a playful chuckle. Cain then gathered the team consisting of Fuyumi, Ace, Mutt Ant, and Kyle together to discuss strategy. “Alright team, if we coordinate we’ll overcome any obstacle set before us. I would like for Mutt and Fuyumi to run evacuation duty. Help as many innocents escape harm as possible. Once you’ve cleared all that you can, Report back and assist the rest of the team as you see fit. Meanwhile, Ace, Kyle and I will keep the attackers busy and attempt to subdue them. The Professor has telepathically informed me that we are dealing with two mutants, one with the ability to disintegrate things upon touch and another with high resistance and force field generative abilities. We must be careful. Let’s move out.” With that Ace transported the team.

Philip a bit surprised by being chosen as a team leader. However it filled him with a sort of excitement at the same time. He looked forward to looking after the team. Vincent hugged Philip goodbye, “Don’t rush into things and be careful Philip. I won’t be a jolly man if something were to happen to you out there.” Vincent said. It wasn’t often he had to work a mission without Philip at his side. Perhaps Magneto wanted the two to work apart for a change of pace.

Philip relied with a whimsical smile on his face, “I’ve got Memory to look after me, I’ll be fine. You jus be sure to follow orders. Don’t forget Ryan and Terra are your team leaders. You’re not the boss this time Vince.” The two chuckled and then grew silent as the smiles faded. They embraced once more and with a quiet peck on one another’s cheek they departed for their teams.

Philip approached Memory. “Hey M, are you ready to lead the best team around? No need for worries, we’ve got Magneto, Logan and Jean on our team. What could go wrong that they couldn’t overcome?” Philip joked to lighten the burden Memory and he carried upon their shoulders.

Scott gathered Sabertooth, Stinger, Jennifer and Storm together for a team meeting. Scott wasn’t at all thrilled to be working with Sabertooth but orders were orders and he intended to follow them. Scott also expected Sabertooth to follow his orders as well. It wouldn’t be an easy, not to mention having Stinger on the team as well. Scott had never worked with Jennifer before so he could only hope that she was a level team player, not a wild card like Sabertooth and Stinger were. Storm was the second anchor of the team, Scott was much relieved to have her to assist them.

“Alright team, we’ve got a situation to neutralize. Expect the HMR to be hostile as well. Our first priority is to clear the area of innocents, and to neutralize the HMR opposition so that we can calmly talk the mutants in question into a ceasefire. I expect us to work as a solid team, do not over do things and try not to harm the HMR soldiers. Our goal is a peaceful resolution not increased chaos. Is that clear?” Scott spoke to his team.

Stinger slinked up to Scott and ran her index finger down Scott’s uniform covered chest flirtatiously. “Anything you want soldier boy….” She said with a wink.

Scott frowned and promptly moved Stingers hand away from him. “Stop goofing around Wendy.” He turned toward Sabertooth, “I didn’t hear a reply from you Victor.”

Sabertooth grinned in an icy manner., the look of a killer teasing prey. “Well of course I’m clear on the goal. However doesn’t mean that’s where I’m headed no does it?”

Scott’s anger showed through gritted teeth. “I swear if you do anything to jeopardize innocent lives or this mission, so help me God…” Scott retorted.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep Summers. Relax, I’ll play nice today.” Sabertooth said calmly and patted Scott lightly on the shoulder.

Storm rubbed Scott’s back a little in an effort to calm him down. “Don’t you let him get under your skin. He likes to cause a trouble remember? Everything will be fine.” Storm said gently. Scott let out a sigh of relief.

“Thanks Storm… I needed that. I hope you’re right.” Scott replied with a gentle smile.

Storm gave Jennifer a friendly nudge, “Hey you ready to save the world?” She smiled with an adventurous look in her eyes. Soon afterward they headed off to their destination.

Jonathan couldn't help but smile faintly as Robert attempted to strike up a conversation with him, though within the amusement he was also feeling a little uncomfortable. He had always taken roles where he was leading and guiding others from a young age, particularly with his half sister after they finally met. However, he never usually had the people he was leading trying to stay on his good side and score some points. Normally they were trying to get him to stop bossing them about.
'This may take some getting used to,' he thought to himself before opening his mouth to reply.

Before he could even draw breath Robert had turned to Frenzy and had started another conversation. He smiled again, and took a small step back. He wasn't going to take it personally, not everyone can sit still for long on their first mission. He could feel the fear and hope churning within his new ally. In fact, he could feel the fears and hopes in everyone around him. An unusually strong sense of fear began to entice his eyes to scan the room. Despite what he had felt from Ryan earlier, he knew it couldn't be him. Jonathan's friend was elsewhere. Closing his eyes and concentrating, he finally was able to pin-point the source.

Memory stood biting her nails as her eyes gazed far beyond the walls. Taking a deep breath, he focussed on her fears. Images flashed before his eyes, and feelings. Nothing coherent, just a jigsaw puzzle of emotions and pictures and scents, then a sharp pain shot through his skull. Suppressing the urge to call out from the pain, he retreated from her mind. From the little he could understand, she was worried about Ryan - terrified in fact. A concerned frown creased his forehead, but he shoved aside his desire to help her. Right now, he had to concentrate.

“So. What’s the plan?” Cara asked as they were beginning to leave. He was... concerned about working with Cara after their dispute, but hopefully the ground rules was going to put in place would prevent any more arguments starting from either of them. He turned to his team.

"Alright, I'll work out what role each of us will take later when I've seen what we're up against. Until then, seeing as we've just been thrown together and not had time to work out any sort of code of conduct, I'm implementing three simple rules." He took a second to look over each team member before speaking. "One: no one goes anywhere alone, and we have to stay in some form of communication. Two: unexpected things are gonna happen. When they do, I don't want anyone trying to be a hero." Jonathan glanced to Aidan slightly with a look that asked "understood?". "You'll just end up getting yourself killed, or worse, innocent people. Three: I am well aware that not all of us have gotten along in the past, some more recently than others," This time his eyes trailed to Cara. He regretted their argument earlier, though he wouldn't back down from his position. He looked back. "But any and all bad feelings towards anyone in the team is left behind. As soon as you walk out that door, it doesn't come with you. Like it or not, we're a team and the only way to keep each other safe and protect innocent lives is to work together." He took a deep breath and nodded while taking a step backwards. "Now let's move out."

He stopped and let the others pass him so that he could get to the new guy's side. He knew the abilities of each of his team mates, at least the general purpose, but was clueless concerning Robert's. He smiled politely and kept at Rob's pace.
"Hey, Rob. I was just wanting to have a quick talk about you're abilities on the way. I've got some knowledge on the others, but you've just arrived so I've got no clue. It's just so I can put you in the right place when we get there."

---

Memory stood biting her nails waiting for her team to assemble when Philip's voice startled her out of her stupor.
“Hey M, are you ready to lead the best team around? No need for worries, we’ve got Magneto, Logan and Jean on our team. What could go wrong that they couldn’t overcome?” Memory smiled with Philip. While she hadn't spoken to him much, she had always liked him, and she definitely appreciated his attempts to lighten the mood. For the worry of her upcoming responsibility, it was working. For her other concerns, not so much.
"I hope so. I'm not much of a fighter power-wise, so I don't really know how much good I'll be." She shrugged and made a small nod indicating they should probably start heading on their way.

Terra&Canaan&Agent Six

Shortly after Ryan had left Terra watched him leave, a small frown on his lips. Canaan walked over to him patting his shoulder for no apparent reason, earning her a smile. “Alright I think it’s about time we got ourselves ready.” Nodding her acknowledgement Canaan disappeared into another room to get ready. Terra on the other hand went to a closest and pulled out a jacket and made sure his clothes were neat before knocking on the door that lead to the room Canaan was in. “Canaan are you ready?” calling out through the door when it opened. Canaan stood there in a simple t-shirt that showed off her arms and she wore simply loose pants but as always she wore no shoes. “Yeah I’m ready lets go.”

Terra stuffed his hands in his pockets shortly after he and Canaan went their separate ways. It took him a while to find the hangar room but he eventually found it. It seemed like most everyone was there already, but it was awkward the moment he showed up. Canaan on the other hand didn’t take long in finding her group seeing as she could smell them. However just as with Terra the atmosphere became awkward, and it was then that she noticed the white haired girl from before. Agent Six merely sat quietly awaiting for their departure.

Jonathan

Jonathan flinched when Robert released the blades from his arms, then listened intently to his explanation. He noted it down in his mind and began to think of how exactly he could put Robert to use. While he had a good offensive ability, the man didn't seem like much of a fighter.
'I'll take what I can get,' he thought, then followed his team to the hanger.

When they were in the air Jonathan sat alone. Focussing his mind he attempted to push his power to his right hand. He stared down at it, eyes half closed with the concentration. Closing over his fingers he allowed his fear power to gather there. Flicking his fingers out quickly, palms facing up, her released the ability. A wisp of black smoke swirled into existence. Though his power took the form of this smoke when he used it to infect minds around him with fear it never really seemed much like smoke. It didn't move right. Instead of blowing around in the wind it slithered through the air. It's dark tendrils reminded Jonathan of oil, the way it pours to the ground. Just like oil his smoke also did not rise, as it should, but fell. It slipped through his fingers and twisted and coiled. There was a purpose to it.

He closed his hand shut tight then released another quick puff of smoke, and it too rose for a moment, then began to slip down past his hands. It was searching. Searching for a mind to plague. As it began to stretch farther from him it's inky form thinned and separated before it finally ripped from his hold and dissipated into the air, finally rising as smoke should. He watched it until it faded out of existence, then lowered his hand and turned to his team.

"Ok, our area is a good one. It is a solitary building a little distance way from other buildings except one. There's water on one side so unless the mutants have something that can work with the water we have them blocked on one side. We have to somehow keep them contained in this area. It might be difficult due to the layout but we'll manage it." He pulled back from them all again and readied himself. He would think of more specific organisations and tactics when they saw what they were dealing with.



Jonathan and his team finally got close to their drop point. He gave each of them a quick glance over. Cara, Aidan, Kent, Frenzy, and now the new recruit, Robert. Following his own rules he began thinking of pairs quickly.

"Alright, here's what's happening. Cara, you're partnered with Aidan. He can take more damage than you can, and his powers to bring things into existence could potentially help you. Frenzy, you're with Robert. Keep him safe. Kent, you're with me. I've got the least offensive abilities, I'll might need your protection."

He was happy with the pairings he made, but guessed that would likely not be entirely the same for everyone. However, there wasn't time to argue it and he wouldn't be changing his mind based on a team member's grievances with another.

"From what the professor got in Cerebro, the are both strong mutants. One has the ability to manipulate elemental forces, but he is believed to have more than this. The other has abilities relating to the astral plane and supernatural abilities. He's also a teleporter, so watch yourselves.
"The only ones who can defend the team against attacks like this are Kent and Aidan, but Kent will be our main shield. Our best course of action will be to separate them. The first is well suited to combat with his abilities, and will be the biggest threat as far as I can tell. If we separate them, put ourselves between them if we must, Kent can continue to shield one side with us fighting to assist him, while the others fight the least offensive of the two. We cannot afford to let them stay together."

He sighed and looked out onto the streets outside the building.
"To be honest I'm hoping this can be sorted without violence, but I get the feeling we're going to have to fight. Regardless," he said, his tone serious, "our top priority is keeping everyone alive. Deadly force can be used, but it's a last resort only."

Jonathan stared down at small group of people outside the building. Ghostly shadow beings seeped from the ground and headed from the group to the police and HMR soldiers. He narrowed his eyes slightly.
'There you are,' he thought to himself, a flutter of panic making his hands shake. The second man had the ability to summon astral beings. They turned and attempted to make a flee from the building with the distraction, but Jonathan's team were getting dropped off directly in the path.

Jonathan had another quick look of the group's formation.
"Cara, if we can't make them see sense then use your shadows in any way you can to try and direct the people away from each other. I'll help as much as I can. Keep the elemental away from the water. Help Cara if you can in any way Aidan. Frenzy, Robert, you to are going to have to be against those creatures that are being summoned if we need to fight and separate them. You'll need to keep that one contained. Kent, keep use protected from whatever the elemental throws at us. If you can't defend against it any more, tell us and I'll we'll move to more defensive positions." They touched down where their targets could see them, so they would know they could not escape this way.

Erika

Erika ordered a group of security guards to form a group around her and ready their weapons. If one were to fall, the rest were to close in around her and protect her from harm. She didn't like having to manipulate people like this and having them die for her, but she would not let her children see the kind of hate that most other mutants had. Elliot, her sweet little six year old, and Olivia, only two years younger. She would not seem them harmed. She turned to three people on the floor and spoke to them with her power.

"I want you to destroy very camera on this floor. Every thing that can show we were here. Then find wherever the cameras record their footage to a destroy everything from today. Make sure no one will ever know we were here." Frowning she turned to her companion, Oliver.
"So, do you have any kind of plan for getting us out of here?" she asked him, a touch of desperation in her voice.

Sam

Sam stood with his nervous friend waiting on one of the men in suits to take them to an interview room. It had been over ten minutes of waiting. All around there had been slowly forming chaos and above there was slammed footsteps. Drawing his shield back closer around himself and his friend, Ethan, they waited.

The commotion above them grew louder, and soon others were also looking to the ceiling with frowns of concern and faces of worry. Then all of a sudden a crash sounded just behind them. They turned in a panic to a man standing surrounded by a group of dazed gunmen. The man charged up to Sam and Ethan, along with other people in the lobby, and kept them stuck there. Sam stared at the ceiling where a rugged circle had been removed, as if melted away. Seeing the power of this man, he kept himself and Ethan back.

From the quick conversation between the mad man and these new people, the X-men, Sam had realised that there was no way the man was willing to give up his hostages. Others around him jerked suddenly, and some began to form up together and hold hands - though only a few. At first he didn't realise what was going on but it suddenly dawned on him. There was a telepath here. They were likely giving all of the hostages instructions, but Sam and Ethan in Sam's shield were unable to hear it. Probably the main man that spoke to the crazed mutant. Magnus, was it? A codename.

He cursed quietly then stepped back and extended his shield until it was merely air, moving so that Ethan was removed from it, giving him the ability to understand hear the telepath. The shield was dangerously close to their captor, though Sam had no idea how his shield would react to the man's ability. He snapped it back to just outside his body and stepped in front of his friend, close enough to help him, but far enough away that Sam's shadow didn't touch Ethan. Now at least one of them would know what the hell was going on.

Sam kept his eyes on the mutant but tried to pay attention a little to the X-men team around them. He believed they were indeed here to help, so the first chance that Sam could get he would make them take Ethan. Sam was fine with his shield. Besides, he trusted they were here to help, but he wouldn't be letting them take him anywhere. Ethan could just use his power to get away as soon as possible when rescued. Ethan turned to Sam and reached to grab his exposed arm but hit his hand against the invisible barrier around the teen.
"We need to hold onto each other, everyone, so they can get us out of here, but..." Ethan whispered looking at where the barrier stood invisible.

'Perfect, I'm on my own either way.'

Professor Charles Xavier

Professor Xavier sat in the Cerebro chamber monitoring the different crisis sitiations that the x-men were dispatched to. He heard Annabelle’s telepathic call.

'Vincent? Professor? Is there anywhere you need me and Jennifer to be? I'm sorry we've fallen behind.' Annabelle broadcasted telepathically,

Charles responded telepathically “I hear you Annabelle. This is Professor Xavier. Please report to the hangar. The remaining X-men teams have met there and are preparing for departure. Your teams will be heading out soon. I appreciate any help you’d be willing to give. I regret having to ask such a favor of you. If you decide against it, I will certainly understand.”

Magneto, Logan, Quicksilver, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey

As teams one and four gathered in the X-mansion’s hangar they all wondered how the mission before them would unfold. They were the only team comprised of two teams. Philip checked to make sure that each member was present and accounted for. With Annabelle’s arrival, the team had fully formed. Philip smiled pleased with everyone’s willingness to help out. Philip got everyone’s attention and addressed the team.

“Guten tag everyone! Thank you all for assisting the X-men team with this crisis. Given what the professor has shared, it seems we have a delicate situation on our hands. Cerebro has picked up mutant activity at North Park street. The HMR building is being ripped apart by massive plant growth. A mutant by the name of Oliver Cassidy is most likely responsible for the plant phenomenon. He is a student of Emma Frost so it is quite likely that he is no novice with his abilities. Be very careful with him. We have very little information on the second aggressor. We know her name is Erika and she has displayed some form of psionic ability that allows her to control others. How advanced her ability has yet to be known nor if she has other abilities. Exercise extreme caution. At present I have not an initial plan but we’ll play it by ear and act accordingly. As your team leaders, Memory and I will give direction as we see fit. We trust in your judgment and ask that you trust ours in the event that we give a command.” After the conclusion of Philip and Memory’s address to the team the team departed.

Once the jet carrying the team landed stealthily on a nearby building top, Philip and Memory assessed the situation. “It’s nice to have a bird’s eye view of the situation.” Philip said with a light grin.

Hideki looked on in amazement at the neighboring building being ravaged by the massive plant growth. “Man… that is one big geranium… anybody think to bring weed killer?”

Quicksilver crossed his arms and chuckled. “Why don’t we just torch that building? That’ll get rid of the plants, force any hostiles out, and take down a pesky HMR building all at once.”

Logan replied in an annoyed tone, “I’ll give you a good reason why not. You see all of those civilians hanging out of the windows trapped and calling out for help? Each one of them is a damn good reason not to go with you crazy plan zippo. Besides, we aren’t arsonists.”

Magneto nodded in agreement. “Logan is absolutely right. I thought I taught you better than that Pietro.” Magneto’s tone was unmistakably one of a parent scolding a child.

Quicksilver retorted in a quick and aggressive tone, “You didn’t teach me at all FATHER…”

Magneto frowned, “An argument for another day.” He then addressed Philip and Memory, “Our apologies for the distraction. Do you have a plan team leaders?”

“I know that the trapped people need our attention ASAP.” Philip nodded in response. “Quicksilver, Magneto, and Jean will assist people trapped in the building. Agent Six your task is to remain here and keep a monitor on what’s happening in and around the building. You can be our eyes and ears where we have none. Everyone is to keep their com links open so we can communicate. Canaan, Logan, Hideki, Annabelle, Memory and I will confront the hostiles. Once the Civilians are all safe we will join together and continue to sort the hostile situation. Any questions or comments?” Philip concluded.

Jean lowered her hand from her head having telepathically scoped out the situation. “There are hostages being held on the ground floor. The telepath and the plant manipulator are somehow working together to bring them under their control. Please be careful.”

As Oliver and Erika were about to make their way out of the building they were cut off by Canaan, Logan, Hideki, Annabelle, Memory and Philip. Logan extended his claws and took a fighting stance. “End of the line bub.” He said with a confident smirk on his face. He didn’t think chopping down a few plants would be too difficult for him.

Hideki added with a silly smile trying to contain his laughter, “Yeah Wolverines gardening sheers are pretty sharp so you may want to surrender green thumb.”

Oliver was startled at the sight of them. He recognized the X-men emblem instantly. “X-men… not good.” He said to Erika. He then stepped forward. “I’m being mocked. I’ll have you know that I was going to attempt to talk it out with you lot but now you’ve gone and pissed me off. I’ll show you weed wacked!” Oliver extended his hands a huge stalk of plants rose from the ground with snapping plant heads at the ends. The plant had many vines that whipped at the group.

One large Flytrap head quickly snapped Wolverine, the vicious bite nabbed him in the torso. Wolverine shouted in pain as the plant head lifted him from the ground and tightened its vice grip. Philip tossed an explosive time bomb toward the joint of the stem. The explosion dislodged the stem from the main body of the plant causing it and Wolverine to come crashing to the ground. Hideki blasted at the plant head with his plasmoid light to free Wolverine from it. The bite from the plant left large gashes in Wolverine that were rapidly healing.

“Note to self, don’t make fun of plant man here.” Hideki said to himself as he looked at the damage done to Logan.

Oliver turned to Erika, “You should command those under your control to attack. It’ll distract them.”

Alice Timberly

The situation was getting louder and louder, even for her. She was getting so angry, oh so very angry. Something was building in her, something violent, something dangerous, something deadly. Something rumbled to life, something primal and monstrous, and something that made her smile that wicked smile that promised that you would die, that all that would see it would meet their grisly end. The voices inside began to speak their piece, all of them wanting more blood, more carnage, more death. The shifting feeling occurred more and more. The pool of blood that followed her on her path downstairs was thick and heavy, dripping down to the ground floor. She had been in the third floor. Now there was just a wreckage. Destruction and death, and that was just how she liked it. Her beast hungered, it always did. She wasn't a monster.... She couldn't be. Of course not. They were the monsters! Them! Not her! They all deserved it!

Her every step came closer and closer to the ground floor. Thump, thump, thump. Her heavy footfalls crashed against the floorboards as she began to descend down the stairs, or rather, thunder down on all fours. Slowly, steadily, her massive form reached the ground floor. Three pairs of red eyes took in the place. A man, who seemed to move plants, a woman who seemed to..... What was she doing? it didn't matter. The other man was what mattered. He was with plants, the plants that wanted to help. They never tried to kill her, only people did. Only they. Her twisted mind tried to make sense of this, only nothing made sense about it. She gave a low growl, and it was followed by a horrid, twisted scream, the lamentation of a thousand souls.

Now, that scream only seemed to complement the look she had. A human face was paired with three sets of red eyes, and two ponytails swished about. however, what this head was attached to was what was so horrifying. It had the look of a monstrous canine, only the skin was tattered and torn and stretched taught. The ugly monstrosity was found with all sorts of muscle and bone, the bones spiking out and calcifying in random places. Massive spines arched from the shoulders, and the belly was covered by plates of sorts. The head was also sporting some sort of massive teeth, sticking out of her jaw like anglerfish. The tail, studded with spikes all along the thing and with a weird contraption that looked something akin to a gun jutting from the tip of it. The tip was aimed at the group of six. X marks the spot, of course. Huge forearms, big as tree trunks on an oak tree, and hind legs, large as a man's waist, jutted from the huge body, which, now free from the staircase, had grown to the size of a bus and a half. She had morphed herself, weaponizing her own body. This was her power; the manipulation of herself. Slowly, the monster lumbered forward, saliva and blood dripping from her maw. She said only five words with her humanlike face.

"Geet Ouuuut oooof Myyyy Wayyyy....."

Magneto, Logan, Quicksilver, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey

Magento, Jean and Quicksilver all rushed about the rapidly deteriorated building to rescue as many people as possible. Jean saw to the people hanging out of the windows. Some of them were a bit afraid to trust her being a mutant. She didn’t blame them really, for it was a mutant who caused the building to be in its current state. She hoped that a mutant rescuing them would serve as a counterbalance to the negative reputation these people had received.

Floating outside the building She spoke to a few people, their bodies half extended outside of the building via the windows. They were calling for help. “This is like September 11th all over again.” A middle aged man cried out.

“I’m Jean Grey of the X-men. I am here to help you escape the building. I need you to trust me okay. I’ll levitate a few of down at a time, but only with your permission.” Jean spoke calmly.

The people had mixed reactions to the telekinetically floating woman. Many were simply grateful for any manner of help out of the current predicament. Others spun conspiracy theories that she was working with the plant controller. And a few were on the fence with a decision. One woman stood before the group and addressed them in as loud a voice as she could muster.

“I can’t believe some of you! Some of you people would honestly choose to die here because your salvation from death is in the form of a mutant?! You have families and people who depend on you in your daily lives, and you’d choose to throw them all away out of some ridiculous pride?? Well shame on you for turning this kind woman down. I’ll spend not a moment longer with the lot of you if you feel that way. She’s more human than you if you’d throw life away because of foolish pride and prejudice!” The middle aged lady turned to Jean and spoke with a smile. “I’m ready if you’ll take me. Thank you young lady.”

Jean smiled warmly and replied, “It’s my pleasure to help and thank you for understanding.”

Following the Woman’s speech many of the others changed their minds and were begging for rescuing. Jean took as many of them down as she could at a time. The people still inside grew increasingly desperate as the plant growth continued and blocked the exit to the floor exit. After a few trips the people in the area were saved. Even the ones who were determined to still hold a grudge against mutants.

Jean levitated around the building once more to see if there were any more people in the windows. It was clear. She then telepathically connected with the others. “Magneto, Quicksilver how are things going?”

Quicksilver raced about the halls of the building. The paths were clogged with plant growth. Quicksilver replied, “Honestly this place is really beginning to make me feel claustrophobic. Too much longer and here and you’ll be crushed. I rescued about 25 people stumbling about the halls and rooms already. One of them was this really hot brunette named---“

“FOCUS Pietro…” Magneto interrupted.

“Um yeah, right. I don’t really see anyone else so can I head to the main fight now?” Quicksilver continued. He then saw a young man trapped under a large plant root. “Scratch that. There are a few more stragglers about. Gosh I hate being a hero, too much work.”

He dashed over to help the young man. “Hey there, I’m gonna try to get you out of here alright.” Quicksilver said to the young man who seemed in awe of him.

“My hero! Please tell me I’m not hallucinating!” The young man said. He appeared to be one of the captive mutants. “I’m a mutant too!”

“I’m the real deal buddy. I’ll try to lift this tree root of you. So I’m guessing super strength isn’t on your ability resume seeing as your beaten by a root…” Quicksilver teased as he began to lift the root that was pretty deeply grounded in the floor of the building. It was heavy to lift but Pietro was slowly managing it.

“Hey… that wasn’t fair. Well I can camouflage myself. Pretty lame right? I mean you’re superfast and super cute too. You’ve got it all.” The young man replied.

Quicksilver paused for a brief moment, having been surprised that the young man was flirting with him. “Umm… Ya know you aren’t saved yet Camo-boy. So you might not want to throw my focus from lifting this root and getting you outta here. Geez about to die and still finds time to get a hard on. That’s it I’m done with rescue missions after this one.” Quicksilver muttered.

The young man chuckled. “So I guess you don’t have super strength either? I mean that root is giving you some trouble it seems. Not that you look weak or anything. Actually you look just the opposite, really strong…” His flirting persisted.

“Hey Camo-boy, I can lift 1000 pounds of weight mind you. It’s just that this blasted root is pretty long and goes deeper than it seemed. Besides you’re in no position to poke fun, NO PUN INTENDED!! I mean come on, you can Camouflage yourself, how’d you let those goons see you to catch you?” Quicksilver retorted.

“They had heat vision goggles…” The young man replied in a disappointed tone.

Quicksilver was having little progress with the root so he decided to try something different. “I have another idea. I’m getting you outta here buddy. No worries. Super strength isn’t everything. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” He placed his hands on the root and began to vibrate his molecules at intense speeds. This caused a reaction in the thick root and it soon deteriorated to pieces freeing the young man.

“H-How did you do that?!” the young man asked in an astounded manner.

Quicksilver smirked, “Molecular Destabilization has its advantages over super strength. Here’s a quick science lesson. Being able to vibrate my molecular structure at high speeds enables me to destabilize atomic matter by accelerating its molecules often causing it to fall apart or explode usually by touching it. I know, I’m smart and powerful”

“Why didn’t you try that first?” The young man questioned rather innocently.

Quicksilver immediately frowned up. “Hey smart ass!! You’re so lucky I’m a reformed villain. One more flip like that and I’ll leave you in here.”

The young man tried to stand but he had a pretty bad cut on his leg. He managed to get on his two feet but struggled greatly. Pietro could see the young man was trying not to ask for help walking. “You’re brave and tuff kid. I like that, even with that obnoxious mouth of yours. Come on, climb on my back, I’ll carry you outta here.”

The young tried not to shed tears, having been moved by Quicksilver’s kindness. He climbed onto Quicksilver’s back and held on tight. “You may have been a Villain but I think you always had a hero’s heart.” The young man said quietly.

Quicksilver tried to contain the gentle smile that fought to become visible on his face. “I just didn’t want you slowing me down any more. I’ve spent waaay too long in one spot. I’m a speedster you know, I’m breaking all the rules by sitting here shooting the breeze with you and literally letting the grass grow beneath my feet. Alright I’m taking off and don’t try any funny business while on my back Camo-boy or I’ll just as quickly become a reformed hero.”

“Hey I’m able to hug a hot hero, I’ve nothing to complain about here. I’m totally content.” The young man replied with a chuckle. Pietro simply shook his head and then took off. He made sure not to run too fast as the young man’s body wasn’t capable of handling high speeds.

They made it out of the building and quicksilver brought the young man to one of the ambulance vehicles parked outside of the building. “Here you go. I didn’t catch your name kid.” Quicksilver said as he gave the young man to the startled paramedics.

“My name’s is Tyler Briggs. How about you hero? A name for a name, it’ll be y secret.” Tyler replied.

“Fair enough Tyler.” Quicksilver didn’t want the paramedics to hear his real name so he whispered it into Tyler’s ear. “Pietro.” He then gave his code name as he stepped back. “You can call me Quicksilver buddy. Gotta go buddy. My teammates need help smacking around the one responsible for this whacked out garden show.”

“Smack him one for me please.” Tyler replied.

“Will do.” Quicksilver said with a slightly sad smile. He didn’t really want to leave Tyler. Pietro had grown kind of fond of him. “Hey, if you wanna talk and stuff look up Charles Xavier. He’s a pretty good therapist, you know for special victims and such.”

A few officers began to rush toward Quicksilver with weapons pointed. The paramedics and Tyler protested immediately. “He’s here to help! Let that man be!!” Pietro simply smirked and dashed off in the blink of an eye. He headed into the main lobby of the building only to see the X-men tea being confronted by the large creature that was Alice.

“What the hell is that?!” Quicksilver exclaimed.

“I think it’s some form of mutant.” Philip replied, as his eyes stayed fixed on the large being.

“Well good luck with that. I’ve rescued a bunch of folks, been sexually harassed, recruited a mutant…yeah I’ve done my part today, heading home now.” Pietro replied as he spun around.

“You get your ass back here and help dammit!” Logan shouted. He was still kneeling down recovering from the gashes left by the large plant bite. Hideki stayed by his side ready to blast Oliver or the large creature should it come any closer.

“Just kidding Wolverine. By the way you look like hell.” Quicksilver replied as he turned back around. “Anyway, I’ll keep the thing distracted while you lick your wounds. Hideki mind helping me out with a few flashing lights?”

“Sure thing. And please use my codename while we’re on a mission.” Hideki replied.

Philip added, “Memory and I will keep these two from escaping.” Referring to Oliver and Erika.

Oliver looked back at the large creature and didn’t know what to do. “Hey I just want to go home. I don’t want anyone dead. I don’t want to be here fighting X-men like some villain. I don’t want to be captured by HMR goons. Nor do I want to be mauled by whatever that thing is! Can we make a deal?” He pleaded with Philip.

“Yes we can. It would be my pleasure. So let your hostages go before that mutant over there tramples them. I don’t think it has much control over its actions.” Philip replied.

Oliver nodded quickly, “Deal! Erika please let them go.” Erika looked annoyed and furious but she complied. The once entranced people all scattered and ran in terror.

Quicksilver darted back and forth around the large mutant confusing it. It thrashed every which way he dashed. Hideki created blinding flashes of light to disorient it. It let out horrible shrieks that made it difficult to think or concentrate.

Jean and Magneto arrived just as Logan was fully recovered from his previous injuries. Jean immediately performed a mental probe of the mutant and found much fear, anger and confusion. She was of a strong emotional force at present and the probe began to overwhelm Jean. “She’s not in control of her actions. Please be careful not to hurt her. She’s just a scared girl.”

Magneto replied, “We shall try not to injure her then. Boom- Boom, Memory, what do you suggest?”

Memory replied, ”Try to subdue her with as little harm to her as possible. She’s still dangerous so be careful.” [ooc: Vivi I didn’t want Philip to be the only one giving out orders so I had Memory say something. Please feel free to change/ add anything when you’re available.]


Aidan, Frenzy, Kent, Evan, and Vernon

The Astral Creature succeeded in smashing through Kent’s shield and charged at the group. Kent immediately grew fatigued but the shock of the shield’s destruction. Frenzy quickly helped him up and moved him out of the way so he wouldn’t be stomped by the creature. Evan used his ability to pull energy from the earth and formed a focused blast of energy at the astral monster. The creature shrieked as it looked down at the burning gash in its chest left behind by the energy beam. The creature slowly attempted to regenerate the damaged area.

Aidan looked over at Jonathan, “I imagine he needs to get close to that thing. So we’re on distraction duty. What bigger distraction than a flying middle aged man.” He then looked at Robert with a slightly devilish grin. “You now have the wings of an angel and the flight skill to match.” Aiden spoke as he brought his powers in focus.

Robert would soon painlessly sprout a pair of large wings enabling him to fly and attack. “You take to the sky, I’ll take to the ground. We’ll give him a regular Blitzkrieg attack.” Aiden said to Robert.

[OOC: Lazyscreenname I took a few liberties here to spice it up a bit. Please let me know if you don’t approve and I’ll cut the bit about giving Robert wings. It’s temporary, but I thought it would be interesting for him to deal with. It also shows that Aiden will use other’s however he sees fit at any given moment.]

Magneto, Logan, Quicksilver, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey

As the large mutant teenager charged at the group, Jean erected a telekinetic barrier in an attempt to keep her at bay. However the mutant’s charge had too much force built up behind it. Alice smashed through the barrier and continued her charge at Jean and Logan nonstop with little loss of momentum. Jean collapsed from all of the strain the breaking of the barrier caused and was unable to move to safety. Logan knew if he didn’t do something she’d be crushed by the two story tall mutant. He had little time to dodge out of the way himself yet alone carrying Jean. He had to take drastic action.

“I hate to have to do this but I’m outta options kid.” He muttered to himself quickly before jumping high into the air and landing on Alice’s back.

He extended his Adamantium claws and stuck them through the bone exterior and into the back tissue. It was extremely thick and dense bone but still not dense enough to repel Adamantium. The behemoth shrilled and staggered just enough to miss trampling over Jean. Alice bucked so much that Logan was flung from her back and back towards the ground. Fortunately Magneto was present and Logan’s metal coated skeleton could easily be manipulated by his powers. Magneto used his abilities to stop Logan from impacting against the HMR facility’s marble floors, not that Logan couldn’t heal up from the impact. However they simply didn’t have time to wait for an injured Logan to heal up.

“I hate it when he does that…” Logan muttered to himself as Magneto placed him on the ground.

With Alice now frantically headed in Philip, Memory, Oliver and Erika’s direction they needed to act fast. Philip clasped his hands together and they began to glow quickly filling up with mini time bombs. He tossed them in front of the group and toward Alice. They scattered on the ground around the large mutant’s feat and began to explode and burst making large popping sounds. She seemed stunned enough to halt her advance for a moment.

Magneto, Logan, Quicksilver, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey

The large monstrous mutant began to tear up the foundation around it. The blood from the back wound that Logan made began to ooze off of Alice’s back and down to the floor. Magneto looked on with great concern. The blood was highly corrosive. It ate away at the floor swiftly. He had never quite witnessed a mutation quite like this one. As Alice thrashed a large portion of the debree hurtled toward the group like a Frisbee. It was a very large stone and it was coming fast.

Quicksilver made a mad dash to grab Phillip and Memory. He wasn’t sure if he could get them to safety and come back for Hideki before the projectile struck but he was going to try his best. He was much relieved to see Logan grab Hideki and jump high over the large piece of debris. Logan shifted his weight in the air so that they would land resulting in Logan taking the brunt of the landing impact not Hideki. Logan landed on his back but needed a moment to recover from the heavy impact.

Magneto wasn’t as lucky as the others. He was able to magnetically shield himself as the debris collided with him. The shield absorbed most of the damage but the remaining debris left Magneto wounded and somewhat pinned to the wall behind him. Jean tried to move the debris but it was far too heavy. Oliver and Erika were at a loss for what to do.

Philip realized that Alice was growing increasingly agitated and thrashed about causing so much damage she threatened to bring the already crumbling building down. He turned to Jean and took charge once more. “Leave freeing Magneto to us. You are probably the only hope we have of calming her without having to try to take her down. If we don’t this building will collapse and we’ll all be killed, apart from Wolverine that is.”

Jean nodded in confirmation and headed toward Alice. Hideki helped Wolverine up after his healing factor seemed to have finished patching him up enough to stand. “You alright Wolvie?” Hideki asked innocently. “That was a nasty landing… Thanks for saving me again.”

“Any time kiddo. But we need to go help Philip save his in law. If anything happens to Magneto there Charles would probably kill over in grief.” Wolverine replied.

The two rushed over to Philip, memory and Quicksilver. Quicksilver was frantically jabbing away at the debris at hyper speed like a jackhammer but still made little progress in freeing his father.Philip asked the frantic Quicksilver to step back and allow him to try. Philip then held his hands together and created a energy bomb that grew to the size of a beach volleyball. He placed the energy ball of bright golden light on top of the debris and it detonated sounding in a slightly muffled boom. A large chunk of the debris got blasted away but there was still much more to clear before Magneto would be freed.

Hideki tried blasting at the debris and more of it cleared away. Logan slashed the remaining slab and Magneto was freed. Quicksilver held onto him as he groaned quietly. “I’m getting my father outta here!” Quicksilver said and immediately dashed off with his father in arms.

“Well that was abrupt!” Hideki protested slightly miffed that Pietro showed only minor concern weather or not everyone else got out alive.

Erika seized the opportunity to flee the scene seeing that the X-men were distracted with freeing Magneto. Oliver wanted to leave as well but he couldn’t help but feel responsible. “ARRRHH… I can’t just leave them!” He thought to himself. He then made several very large and thick branch like vines grow around the monstrously sized Alice, wrapping themselves around her limbs, binding her in place. “Now you’ve got your shot! So whatever it is you do!!” He shouted to Jean.

Jean began to telepathically attempt to reach Alice’s mind. There where quite a few barriers to break through. The wild animistic nature of Alice’s current form made it difficult to reach Alice’s true self. “Alice can you hear me? This is Jean Grey, I’m a member of the X-men. We’re here to help you. We don’t want to harm you but he can’t help if you can’t control yourself. We need you to fight through the rage. Find that quiet place in your mind. I believe in you. You can do this. Let my voice drown out all the fear. We don’t have much time.” There wasn’t much time before the building would collapse.

Matsuzaka Hideki, Jean Gray, Logan, Quicksilver, Oliver Greenhill, Philip Klein, and Magneto

Hideki looked around as more of the structure seemed to crumble around the X-men team. Hunks of the above floors were piece by piece crashing down. The foundations of the building trembled. “We should really get outta here…” Hideki suggested with a seriously anxious tone.

Logan looked back toward Hideki and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not leaving here without Jean. You go on and make it to safety kiddo. Steer clear of the Feds and the HMR when you get out there. They may try to ambush you.” Logan warned. He wasn’t too keen on the idea of the others being left on their own during such chaos but he had little choice. There was no way he was going to leave Jean in such a situation. Scott would never let him live it down nor would Logan himself if something were to happen to Jean.

“Wolvie I don’t want to leave you…ARRGH I’M STAYING TOO THEN! I sure hope Jean can reach that girl in time.” Hideki replied.

“I’ll call the professor. Perhaps he can use cerebro to reach her. It’s the most powerful telepathic tool we have.” Philip said and as soon as his statement concluded he was on the radio device calling for Professor Xavier. “Professor! Professor! We need your help and Cerebro!”

In a brief moment the Professor replied telepathically, “Yes Philip I hear you. I am aware of the situation and I’m using Cerebro to gain access to the young Mutant’s mind now. There is a force that is dark and attempting to swallow Alice’s consciousness whole. I’ve broken through enough for her to regain control. She will help you survive the building collapse. You don’t have much time.”

Oliver looked even more freaked out when Philip relayed the news.”You’re professor wants us to WHAT?! Is he daft? That thing is supposed to protect us now? Oh I’VE HEARD IT ALL NOW…” He exclaimed in annoyance.

As the group bolted towards Alice the building began to make the loudest rumble it had made yet. This was the sound of all the top floors crashing down on top of one another. The building was finally about to drop completely on top of the team. “Quick, under Alice!” Logan shouted.

Magneto, Logan, Quicksilver, Philip Klein, Hideki Matsuzaka, Jean Grey

The wreckage and rubble from the collapsed building surrounded the X-men team. They were saved Alice the once monstrously sized mutant now reverted to her original form. Logan was the first to come out of his slumber. Covered in debris he sat up and looked around. This was a disaster zone and there were siren sounds for miles. He began looking about frantically for the others after he shot to his feet. He may have been able to survive a building dropping on him but the others couldn’t.

He found Hideki partially exposed from the rubble and pulled him complete to freedom. “Hey kiddo you alright? Stay with me Matsuzaka…” Logan said as he held the young man.

Hideki groaned and then opened his eyes to see Logan’s concerned face. Hideki smiled through a couple of coughs. “I guess I’m alive after all. I knew you’d save me Logan.” Hideki said in a exhausted voice.

Quicksilver and magneto approached the group and Logan quickly filled them in on what happened since they separated. “Magneto I thought you were injured. You should be back at the jet.” Logan inquired.

Magneto narrowed his brow and replied, “I’m FINE. I’m of better use here than sitting in that jet waiting for you all to get yourselves killed. Now allow me to free the others so we can leave.” Magneto fussed. Logan didn’t complain however Quicksilver was annoyed that his father refused to take it easy. Magneto lifted the rubble off of the others and they were freed. Everyone seemed to be fairly alright. Quicksilver rushed back to the X-jet and piloted it so that he could pick the team up from the wreckage and take them back to the X-mansion.

Once Magneto, Logan, Jean, Alice, Hideki, Phillip, Oliver, and Memory were onboard the jet Quicksilver piloted the jet into the sky. Logan, using the com link, contacted team two. “Team 2, come in. This is Logan, are you ready for extraction? We’re headed over.”

Aidan, Frenzy, Kent, Evan, and Vernon

Kent listened, pressed the com link and replied to Logan’s beckon, “This is Kent of team two reporting in. Yes Logan we are more than ready to go home. Our jet is still intact so we will head back on our own. Thanks and see you at home.”

Logan replied with a grin, “Copy that Kent. Oh and it’s good to hear you consider the mansion home again bub. It’s great to have you back. You’ll keep the rest of us sane.” Logan was honestly glad to hear Kent’s voice. It seemed like everyone was generally alright. At least someone had a success today, he thought. After a few minutes of travel the speedy jet arrived at the X-mansion.

All of the other teams returned around roughly the same time. As the team members de-boarded the jets they all looked like they had been through hell. They all faced considerable danger today. Professor Xavier greeted the group and saw a few new faces. He had seen them while he used Cerebro to monitor the various situations however this was a first meeting between him and the newcomers. “Welcome to some and welcome back to others. I am proud of your bravery and decision making today. You all as individuals did exceptionally well in such distressing situations. For those of you who do not know me, I am professor Charles Xavier and I welcome you to the Xavier and Lensherr School for Gifted Students. You must all be tired. Feel free to utilize this place as a safe haven for as long as you require. I will soon hold a briefing meeting once everyone has had a day to rest and revitalize. I will update you all tomorrow.”

Cain was still quiet and brooding since Andy’s death. Vincent saw Cain standing there in silence as if the world was sitting atop his brain. He gave Ryan a proud smile for his valiant leadership ethic out and the field and a pat on the shoulder before approaching Cain. ”Hey… I know what happened out there and I wanted you to know that if you need me for anything I’m here for you. You did the best you could out there and there was nothing more that you could have done.”

Cain looked up toward Vincent and embraced him in his arms. “Brother…” He said as if exhaling for the first time in an hour. Vincent returned the embrace. It was nice to bond with Cain. The two hadn’t interacted much since their meeting. Cain stepped back from Vincent and replied, “Unfortunately there was something else I could have done to make sure that young man survived, yet I was weak and couldn’t bring myself to do it before it was too late. I won’t make the same mistake twice.” He said he reassuringly place his hand on Vincent’s cheek. Vincent was concerned with the state of mind his brother was in.

Scott and Jean hugged each other and kissed, simply being glad to be reunited. Scott hated being split up from Jean on their first mission since her return, however orders were orders. Logan stood not too far away watching the two of them. His face displayed a somber expression. Hideki walked up behind Logan and wrapped his arms around him. “Hey Wolverine, it’ll be alright. I’m here for you. We’re a mess let’s hit the shower.” Hideki couldn’t help by attempt to flirt with Logan.

Logan, smirking, slowly peeled Hideki’s arms from around him and turned to face him. “Yeah let’s Shower… in our own separate rooms.” Logan chuckled. He began to take a few steps away. “That imagination of yours seems to be working pretty vividly so feel free to imagine I’m there. That should do the trick Kid.” With that Logan exited the hangar. Hideki huffed at his failed attempt at Logan.

Everyone filed away to their quarters and the guests were shown to rooms so they could rest for the night. Xavier decided to stay awake and monitor the mansion for activity over night in the event that one of the guests weren’t so honest about being neutral. Erik wanted to watch in Charles’ stead but Charles refused. He knew Erik pushed himself very far today and needed rest.

(OOC: Hey sorry for the lazy post. I had a lot of ground to cover and instead of hitting all of the individual teams situations and characters with personal references which would have taken a lot of time, I met half way on it. So you can assume all teams are back at the mansion. The guests would be Robert, Vernon, Evan, Alice, Aidan and Niles. (Maybe Keith is Daimoa is still with us.) So it’s still night time that same day, Feel free to have your characters interact and mingle as everyone ponders where to go from here. Cain will soon start openly speaking to others about starting his own team. If anyone has any special ideas post them in the OOC. I’d welcome them.)