Cara Black (Shadowdancer)'s Story

Memory smiled at Ryan's reassuring, and protective, arm around her and let herself lean into him slightly. It was sweet, he was doing it because he loved her after all, and wanted her to know he cared and wanted to keep her safe, something that she wasn't used to with the guys she usually got with. Normally it was just a crappy "date" and then to the bedroom. A sly smile curled her lips and she looked away slightly.
'Well... mostly the bedroom.' Memory closed her eyes and sighed quietly at herself, at who she used to be, then stepped away from Ryan for a cup of coffee with a quiet "I'll be right back". She needed something to give her a little boost, it seemed as if it were going to be a long day and she wouldn't last without it. After pouring and walking back to Ryan, a slightly forced, but decently hidden, smile on her face, she took a sip and moved closer to him again.

“So… Good night?”
Cara's voice caught her by surprise and she jumped, nearly dropping the cup. for a second the words didn't even register in her mind. then suddenly, at around the same time it hit Cara, the possible meaning behind them made Memory give a quiet snort of amusement, and surprise. She knew that Cara spoke her mind, but she never expected her to put her thoughts across quite like that.
“Sorry, I didn't mean that. Did you sleep well?”
'Oh... oops,' M thought with another smile as she drank her coffee.

She had found out years ago that both Jonathan and Memory drank the same coffee - black coffee, no sugar or cream - and had wondered since how two half siblings, raised separate for years, could be so similar. Not just with their tastes of coffee, but with everything. There was similarities in the films they watched, the songs they listened to, their food preferences. Even personality wise.
'Although, apparently not when it comes to this mutant rights debate.' While Memory admired her brother, and the professor, for being able to stay positive and optimistic, believing that with time and patience mutants would find their place in the world. But she had been finding it harder and harder to believe. Everyday the humans worked harder and harder to eradicate them, to destroy the "mutant threat", and it didn't seem as if words were going to solve it. For mutants to have their place in the world, they would need to take it from the humans with force if necessary. However, Jonathan and Memory could both agree that unneeded death on either side was uncalled for. Memory turned her eyes Cara and pursed her lips thoughtfully. She may share Cara's views, but not her near extremism.
'Or Jonathan's on the other side, for that matter.'

---

"Trust me the telepath knows."

Jonathan grimaced as he stood, then dropped the broken shards of the cup he had previously been holding into the trash. He knew it was hypocritical to think seeing as technically he was a telepath too, but they were one of the few things he didn't trust in the world. He like Vincent. In fact, Vincent was one of the few people he both trusted an respected. But being around him brought a sense of wariness that he just couldn't stop no matter what he did. Secrets were supposed to stay secret, and yet any old telepath could rummage around your brain and rummage in your darkest corners.
'Best not to tell him the full thing, he already got offended last time.' Shaking his head, he finished putting everything he had used away and grabbed another cup and filled it with coffee. Jonathan turned his eyes back to Kyle and ensured he had a smile on his face.

"Hopefully I'm not the only one getting sick of their pranks," he said with a sigh, leaning against the counter casually, still managing to be taller than the Frenchman despite his best efforts to lower his height. He lifted the coffee and drained half the cup, then set it down gently. He thought back on his words and ran a hand through his hair, moving it back out of his face a little better. "I feel like I'm getting old myself when I say things like that." He looked to Kyle. "So what does a handsome young man like yourself do all day? Wont you entertain this old geezer with your stories," he joked weakly.
'Why do people even like you when you happily define that as a joke?'

Cara Black

Cara had to giggle at the pair’s responses, Memory’s cup very nearly scattering coffee across the room and Ryan seemed to cycle through every shade of red that was possible before she spoke to ease the boys mind and her own linguistic mistake. It was good to see Ryan laugh, it occurred to the music teacher that today was probably the most she had ever seen the boy smile, Memory was evidently doing good for him already.

"Wow. Um, S-sorry about that. I didn't mean to yell. Yeah... I, umm... I slept very well, thank you for asking." Ryan said wiping tears from his eyes.

“It’s ok, I didn’t mean to come across like that. Apparently arguing used all of my English for the day.” She smiled, her thick accent rolling over her words as she brushed a hair from her face.

"And you? Did you have a good night's sleep as well?"

Cara felt a slightly creep across her lips as her eyes flash to Cain. “It was… indescribable.” She lingered upon him for a few moments before returning her attention to the table. “I am glad to see that you are both looking happy though. This constant struggle for what’s right and wrong often leads to the pleasures of life being pushed aside.” She wasn’t lying, although Cara’s opinions were very harsh and rarely the flavour of the month for the mansion’s occupants she wasn’t entirely an extremist. “Although I suppose my own reputation precedes me on that.” She laughed, her eyes quickly scanning the room, mentally counting those in the room she had either slept with or at least kissed and that was from when they were enemies.

“I assume this means that I am not allowed to flirt with either of you now then?” She asked leaning back on two legs of her chair, pulling a cigarette from her pocket. Smoke quickly blowing from her nose as she took a long drag. “Would you like a top-up?” She asked Memory as she stood gesturing towards her cup, awaiting for her answer before turning towards Ryan, “Hot drink?”

Ryan stood, enjoying the company of Memory, and the rest of his family in the kitchen. Though Miss Cara’s question had caught him slightly off guard, as he wasn’t expecting anyone to flirt with him at all, much less openly declare it might happen. Ryan blushed slightly, before speaking. “I think that refraining from that would be best, if you please. I’ve… umm… I’ve recently learned I’m the… uhh… the jealous type, and though I’m sure such minor flirtations would be a joke to you, I would really appreciate if you didn’t tease me like that. I tend to take things like that rather… umm… poorly.” Though Ryan had spoken what was in his heart, it made him nervous. He didn’t like sharing such intimate details about himself with anyone really, even Jean or Memory, but he knew that answering honestly was never a bad thing to do. He smiled weakly, before answering the other question he was posed. “No thank you. I’m not a fan of coffee. To my nose, the smell is absolutely wonderful, but to my taste buds… not so much. Thank you anyway.” At that, Ryan turned and headed towards the fridge, grabbing a glass along the way. “I am a fan of juice though.” He said, directing his thoughts to Cara. At that, Ryan poured himself a glass of orange juice, putting the carton back when he was finished, before returning to Memory’s side once more.

Meanwhile, Terra and Canaan walked the halls of the Xavier Mansion. After a while, they neared the source of the most interesting scent Canaan had ever smelt before. “What’s the yummy smell Terra?” He looked back at her with a raised brow, “Um… Canaan, not everyone has such a sharp nose as you do. But my best guess is that is where all the people are. At least the ones we haven’t seen from that time.” Terra continued walking and eventually he too could smell something in the air, it was a scent he was unfamiliar with but it made his mouth water. What is that smell, it’s making me hungry. As they drew closer the sound of people talking could be heard, and Canaan’s tail twitched as she recognized some of the voices from before. The two stopped just outside of view of the kitchen and shared a pointed look with one another before stepping into the kitchen.

Ryan sighed contentedly. It was turning out to be such a pleasant morning. He felt himself relax and his hand found Memory’s waist once again. Her touch, her scent, and her warmth was truly doing wonders for his anxieties. He felt so much calmer with her, so much more at ease. He laughed more openly now than he ever had before in his life. She was so good for him. However, such tranquility never lasts long. Suddenly, and much to his surprise, the smell of earth filled Ryan's nose. It was odd to be certain, to smell such a strong, earthen scent in the kitchen, which had previously been nothing but the sweet aroma of pancakes, the warm scent of coffee, and the sharp bite of citrus fruits. The smell of wet clay, dried out dust, and black dirt was nearly overwhelming in contrast to the gentle smells of breakfast that permeated the kitchen of the X-Mansion. Intrigued, Ryan turned his head to the strange new smell, which was accompanied by a pair of footsteps and the smell of an animal. It was the same type of smell that Ryan, Logan, and even the predator, Sabertooth, carried. The smell itself wasn't very strong, it never really was, but Ryan would recognize it anywhere, and it wasn't one that he was used to smelling within the house. Immediately, upon seeing the face of the boy who he had fought only just a few days ago, Ryan's nostrils flared, the hair on the back of his neck stood up straight, and he opened his mouth, showing his rapidly sharpening canine teeth, and growled loudly. His vocal chords beginning to shift into their more bestial, and raspy counterparts. So too was his bestial form threatening to come forward, as his eyes had already shifted into the golden, slitted eyes of the Leviathan, and small pockets of scale had begun to spring up all over his body and face. He set down his glass and stepped forward, throwing his right arm out, in front of Memory and Miss Cara, as if to protect them from the threat. “What're you doing here? You wanna fight again?” Ryan asked, his voiced was edged, and threatening. Even after he had finished speaking, his growl continued, low and rumbling.

The moment Canaan and Terra entered the room, they were met with hostility. Something the two had experienced many times before, at least before their time with the Morlocks. Terra took a step back while at the same time, Canaan took a step forwards. Her arm shot out in front of Terra to protect him. “Stay back Terra you’re in no condition to fight. I’ll take him on.” She said through her teeth, as anger clouded her vision; it was this creature before her, threatening Terra, that caused her beloved brother to go into that coma-like state the last time. Already her hair began to grow into a more raggedy appearance and the faint strips on her body were becoming visible, taking on a darker hue than before. “I’ll rip out your throat before letting you anywhere near Terra.” Growling her voice took on a more ferocious and feline tone.

Ryan only responded by deepening his transformation. Rage clouded his vision, as he stared down Canaan. Those two were a threat to his family, and if they were here to fight, Ryan would tear them to pieces. Though his bestial form was already threatening to come forth at the pair’s appearance, but it had hastened in response to Canaan’s challenge. As she growled at him, Ryan returned the gesture, growling louder and deeper than he had before. His eyes burning with anger, Ryan’s gaze never wavered. Claws shot from his fingertips, his tail snaked out from his pants, and his skin darkened, becoming gradually more covered with scales. His ears lengthened, and his teeth sharpened. Lastly, a barbed hook grew out of the end of his tail, which thrashed wildly, and large spines, made of thick, dark scales, shot out his back. His horns erupted from his temples, and swept back to his neck before jutting out in front of his mouth. The transformation was complete. Ryan was ready to fight.

Terra gulped, well aware of the results of the fight that was about to become reality, so taking a step forwards again he pushed aside Canaan’s arm. “I can fight my own fights Canaan and although this one may be one of them it isn’t worth our time, especially mine. Think about it for a second, why in the world should we fight amongst the very people who took us in? This isn’t how we repay our hospitality even if you had no other choice.” He put his hand on Canaans shoulder and squeezed it; with his strength it sent pain into her body which helped snap Canaan out of her near rage. “Besides you wouldn’t have won anyway, not against those armor-like scales.” Canaan shuddered, hearing the cold truth escape from Terra’s lips and in an instant her body relaxed. The tiger stripes lost their color and faded so they were near impossible to see against her already pale skin. Looking back at Terra, she rubbed her shoulder, rolled it around, and frowned, “You didn’t have to hold me that tightly you know.” Terra glanced at her but only for a moment, a look of apology flashed across his face before it once again went back to a calmer state as his attention was fixed on the black creature before him. “I’m Terra by the way, Terra Reye’s. This temperamental feline here is my sister, Canaan.” He continued to speak. “Now I don’t know what happen while I was asleep but from what my sister tells me, you guys offered us a better place and possibly a future, one that wouldn’t have been possible with the Morlocks. I thank you for the offer but we have no intention of staying her for long but I am curious as to what it is you guys had planned for us.” Terra cleared his throat not really used to talking so much, it was starting to make him anxious to get out of the room. Not to say he was shy or anything, he was just so used to letting Canaan do all the talking. But seeing as she nearly went into her rage-mode it wouldn’t have been wise to have let her negotiate with them.

Though the boy, Terra was his name, didn't appear to wish to fight, Ryan's instincts told him differently. There was no open hostility about him, he was actually very calm, and was negotiating wisely. Regardless, something within urged Ryan forward. Ryan had to suppress another growl as Terra introduced himself to the group. Ryan watched the new boy closely thinking only of fighting. Should he and his sister prove a threat, Ryan would be at their throats. Wait... their throats? What am I, some kind of animal? Some kind of... "Monster..." Ryan whispered to himself, finishing the train of thought out loud, but trailing off. A monster... Am I... what's wrong with me? Ryan had never thought like this before, had he? He had never wanted to viciously kill someone before, had he? Then, with a sickening lurch in his stomach, Ryan remembered. His hands flew up to his face, covering his eyes. He stumbled, and hunched over, fighting wildly with the anger within himself. His transformed state fluctuated. His scales became thicker in some spots, but much thinner in others. His spines grew and shrunk randomly, and his eyes fluctuated between green and gold with alarming rapidity. Ryan felt the Leviathan’s presence in his mind, and suddenly, with a surge of adrenaline, Ryan remembered. Against his will, Ryan saw red, and his memories opened up and swallowed him.

Ryan remembered that time with David; it had only just been last night. Ryan had wanted to rip him to pieces... Ryan had wanted to... eat... the pieces. That was different; it was because I was jealous of him and Memory. It's totally different to want to kill someone who's going after the girl you like, isn't it? Isn't it? Ryan thought, desperately trying to rationalize his wicked thoughts. His eyes stared blankly through his fingers, as the Leviathan crooned in his ear. With a jolt, Ryan’s transformation stabilized, and his scales filled in. With horror rotting away at his gut, Ryan remembered what he had done as the Leviathan. He remembered hurting his friends. That girl, with the tiger stripes, Ryan had fought with her as well. He’d nearly killed her. He had wanted to… to devour the black haired boy, he wanted to rip his enemies to pieces and feast on their soft flesh. He remembered how he had fought with the Juggernaut, how his feral mind had pushed him past the point of humanity, and into the realm of true, bestial strength. He had been… he had been a monster. Ryan growled, and he shook his head, as if to shake the thoughts from his mind. He needed to speak with Vincent about this. This was… this was… scary.

Standing up straight, Ryan halted the reckless transformation, and reversed his form back into the pale skinned boy he knew he was. He knew he was. His roiling emotions were getting the better of him. He shouldn't be thinking this way. It wasn't right. It wasn't what the Professor, or Vincent would have wanted. Ryan needed to think calmly and compassionately. His scales withered away, his teeth and claws retracted, his tail snaked its way back into his pants, and his golden, slitted eyes, returned to their normal, human green. Stepping forward, somewhat awkwardly, and offering his hand to shake, Ryan spoke. “Well, since you’re not here to fight, in that case, let me be the first to say, welcome to the X-Mansion. I'm Ryan. I’m sorry I yelled at you. It wasn’t very nice of me." Though Ryan smiled, his mind was working furiously. He needed to get out of here. He needed to speak with the professor. This wasn’t the first time he’d been like this. It needed adjusting. He needed help.

Terra watched patiently as the black creature seemed to fight with himself on his next course of action, seeing as his opponent didn’t want to fight him. The black beast transformation was interesting. Watching him, Canaan couldn’t help but feel a bit of jealousy towards him. On the other hand Terra merely watched with cold eyes, ever since he entered that room, even when the black beast started to threaten him. Not once did Terra break character and lose his composure, instead he kept a passive face, unlike his sister. Seeing Ryan’s offered hand, Terra took a few steps forwards to reach it and take it into his own hand. Continuing forward, Terra stepped a bit closer and put his other arm around Ryan’s shoulders in a brotherly hug, “Next time I won’t be so peaceful. I only stopped the fight because I knew Canaan wouldn’t stand a chance against you. Besides if it were me, I’m betting you won’t get off so easy like last time.” His voice was quiet so only Ryan would hear, and know that Terra had meant every word of it. Ryan suppressed another growl. “There won’t be a next time.” He whispered back. “This is my home Terra. My home. I grew up here. I belong here. I have nowhere else to go back to. I don’t care what you do here. If you’ve been invited then it’s not my place to tell you to leave. However, you remember this. If I get even the slightest inkling that you’re planning to hurt my family, my precious friends, I’ll rip you to pieces.” Breaking apart, Ryan maintained fierce eye contact with Terra, neither boy willing to admit defeat to the other.

After a few seconds, Ryan realized that his transformation had ripped his clothing to shreds. Suddenly remembering where he was, with everyone looking at him, Ryan became rather shy. He was practically naked. “Well then, if that’s settled, I’ll be taking my leave. Please, help yourself to something to eat. This is your home now too.” Ryan said coolly, trying not to cry from embarrassment. Turning on his heel, he sent Memory a fumbling, apologetic glance. Hopefully she would get the message that he wanted her to stay. Ryan wanted her to talk with him, to calm him down, and make him feel better, but he knew that he couldn’t rely on her for everything. Ryan then headed for the door, intent on getting back to his room to put on some clothes that didn’t make him look like he’d just been sent through a wood chipper.

Memory gave a slight shake of her head politely to Cara's question on a coffee refill before taking another swig of her morning wake up juice. As Ryan stumbled through his sentence and left to get his juice, she smiled. He was cute, no, adorable like a little boy. In a moment of realisation at what she had just thought she frowned slightly and shook her head.
'Well, I won’t be saying that to him. I can see how he could take that the wrong way.' She finished her coffee and placed the cup down as Ryan returned and slipped his hand onto her waist again. She liked it. It was reassuring. Sweet. It made the entire morning seem brighter. Like there was a new glow to the world. But then it all went to crap as two people walked in, a man and a woman. She immediately recognised them as the siblings from the Morlocks. As her gaze focussed in on Canaan her face twisted into a mixture of annoyance and mild disgust. If there was someone she wasn't wanting to see, it was that bitch.

Jonathan rolled his eyes playfully at Kyle's words and crossed his arms over his chest, one eyebrow raised slightly as the Frenchman told of his drinking habits and daily activities. He chuckled slightly at the airhead comment and looked to the ceiling trying to think of what he had planned for the day. The fact that they were being hunted and couldn't go out into the streets, it significantly lowered their options.
"Well... I suppose we could-" A loud growl made him turn quickly to its source and a sick feeling hit his stomach. Ryan began to shift slightly into his Leviathan state and stepped in front of Cara and memory. Jonathan's hazel followed Ryan's to the pair that had just walked in. He had heard about them, but had yet to the see the siblings.

“What're you doing here? You wanna fight again?”

Jonathan took a sharp breath in at the mention of fighting. While he preferred to settle things a little more diplomatically, except when it came to David, Jonathan could understand why Ryan would want to fight. But he refused to have Ryan fighting now, not while his sister was in a position that she could potentially be hurt.
"I'll just... I'll be a sec," Jonathan said to Kyle, his eyes now on Memory, as he walked forwards quickly, but cautiously. Not far from her though, he stopped. He slipped off his glove and let it drop to the ground. They both watched Ryan and the feline growing more and more ferocious until Ryan furthered his transformation. Without another thought, Jonathan sprang into action and moved behind Ryan to his sister, grabbing her hand and pulling her back behind him. At first she was ready to protest, but seeing Ryan now in full Leviathan form she thought better of it.

Memory's mind was racing. She was starting to freak out. How could such a perfect morning have turned around in two second? How could everything good been turned upside down and into... this? A strange satisfaction, and almost pride, washed over her as she saw the fear on the man's face when Ryan let his true power show. There was something about him that she didn't like, though it was likely more to do with his sister. Jonathan was matching her thoughts, but for a different reason. He didn't trust this Terra. The way he was smooth talking his way out the situation... there was just something off about him.

Before they could continue to think on their distrust of the pair, a word slipped from Ryan's lips that made both Jonathan's and Memory's blood run cold. As he said "Monster...", they looked to each other with wide eyes, half in worry and half in fear. They had been trying to show him that he wasn't a monster, that he was just as normal as everyone else, that there was nothing wrong with him, but this had just erased everything they had been working on. Jonathan stepped back and pushed Memory behind him further when Ryan reached up to his face and his scales and body began to grow and contract randomly. A sudden fear, greater than she should have been feeling, pulsed through her body. Her fears were corrupting, distorting into something worse. She looked down to her hand, still held tight by Jonathan as he kept her back, then snatched it back as she realised where this feeling was coming from. He looked back at her for a second in confusion, but returned his eyes to Ryan when it seemed he had begun to calm down. She followed suit.

“Well, since you’re not here to fight, in that case, let me be the first to say, welcome to the X-Mansion. I'm Ryan. I’m sorry I yelled at you. It wasn’t very nice of me."

As Ryan offered his hand, Terra came forward into what seemed like a brotherly hug. Jonathan narrowed his eyes as he watched them. Something wasn't right. He just couldn't trust them after this, couldn't see why they would just retract their claws and go straight into something so... personal? Intimate? Separating, Ryan looked down at his shredded clothes and tried to act as if he were unaffected by the fact he was practically naked.
“Well then, if that’s settled, I’ll be taking my leave. Please, help yourself to something to eat. This is your home now too.” He made to leave quickly, and Memory started to go after him, but Jonathan grabbed her wrist gently and stopped her.
"Leave him be," he said quietly to her, "give him some time to calm down." She opened her mouth to protest, but then closed it again. As much as it pained her to admit, he was usually right about these kinds of things. He gave an understanding smile, and then moved away from her.

His eyes lingered on Terra for a moment, a look of distrust barely concealed, before he smoothed out his expression so that he seemed unaffected, maybe just concerned. He walked back over to Kyle and leaned back against the wall. He leaned in a little closer to Kyle.
"I don't trust him," he said quietly. He shook his head and stepped back, turning to Kyle with an apologetic smile. "Sorry 'bout that." He cleared his throat and gave another quick unsure glance to the pair, before finishing the conversation they were previously having.
"How does a walk sound?" He asked with a smile. "I need some fresh air."

Niles Cranston

The young man seemed to scowl when Niles bumped into him but only momentarily. Right behind Niles and Keith, two cops had pointed at Keith and he quickly grabbed the Niless arm. "Listen. Don't say a word okay?" Keith ordered not explaining much.

"Sir we're going to need you to come with us." One of the officers said.

"Why? I didn't do anything." The young man replied.

"Article 10: Disturbing the peace. Passage 12: Destruction of owned property. Article 9: Thievery." The officer retorted.

"Awe come on, I'm only a kid. Plus I gave the man money so all should be fine." said the seemingly crafty young man.

Niles stood puzzled by the happening. He remained silent as he took in what was going on. It seemed that this young man was in a spot of trouble and needed a helping hand in getting out of it. Niles was deciding what he was going to do. He had his own troubles to deal with but he couldn’t help but rack his brain with how to help the young man out.

"You must learn that there are consequences for your actions. . . Hey." The officer said turning to Keiths new "friend". "Aren't you that guy... George. What's that guys name. The one that sells the jewelry and stuff."

Niles looked a surprised in a somewhat lofty manner as the officer recognized him. Answering casually, “Ah, yes. I’m Niles Cranston.” He replied.

The other officer known as George apparently looked up and laughed. "Oh yeah. Niles Cranston. You know, I bought my wife something from your make and well, let's just say, we had a good night."

Niles replied pleasantly, “Is that so? I’m glad she found my work satisfactory. And that it was worth the purchase for you sir as well.”

"Did she cook you meat or something?" Asked Keith in an innocent manner.

"What?" the officer inquired.

"Well, when you do something nice for a woman, she cooks you meat right?" Keith continued.

Niles stared curiously at the young man. ’How peculiar he is.’ Niles thought to himself.

Staring at each other the two officers whispered while doing various head movements. "How do you two know each other again?"

"Uh.... Um... He's my....Brother? Yeah. He's my big bro. You know like we have the same mom.... and dad." The young man replied quickly.

Niles’ expression was unchanging as if the statement were true. He decided to play along. “Sorry officers, my little brother has always been a bit awkward and prone to misbehave when nervous.” Niles added.

"Okay kid." George said patting Keith on the head. Turning to Niles he winked and said, "Seeing as your brother is both innocent and a little bit of an airhead, we can let him go for this little misdemeanor, but please, give this kid the talk or something."

“Yes, sir. I promise officer, you won’t have any more trouble out of him.” Niles replied with a relieved expression and then looked down at Keith with the scowl an elder brother would give.

As the officers left, Keith let go of Niles arm. "Man those guys are dumb. Do we look related. Hehehe. I wonder what he meant by the talk though. Anyway," He said holding out his hand, "I'm Keith. Nice to meet you. Niles was it? Seems I'm in your debt or something like that so I'm going to follow you around seeing as you might need help with something. That sound cool. I can do anything you want. Listen since you kept quiet like I asked I'll tell you a little secret." Keith looked around. "I'm a mutant. So yeah. I'm pretty much a bad ass. Don't tell no one though. Awe heck. I don't care if you tell. Seriously though, anything you want, I'll do it for you. A rich looking man like yourself might want something. Not saying you have to pay. This one favor's on the house." Keith grinned. "Only one though."

“Nice to meet you Keith. You’re quite a strange one, I must say.” He shook Keith’s hand. “As for doing me a favor… well I’m not sure what to ask of you. Regarding my fortune… well, I’m not sure how long that’s gonna last now.” Niles let out a heavy sigh, the pressure of his predicament once again weighing upon him. “By the way, your secret is safe with me Keith as it is the same as the secret I’m keeping, or at least was keeping up until moments before I bumped into you.” Niles then sat on a nearby park bench. “I’ve just been blackmailed and set up by a rival in business. He gave my name to the HMR and they will most likely lock me away. No one will want to do business with a mutant, he said. He might be right. I’m finished, so Keith I don’t think it would be good for you to get involved with me.”

Niles sat and rubbed his brow. “If only someone would put an end to the HMR. Then no one would have to fear being hunted down by them. Maybe sending them a message via force will be enough. My mentor Emma Frost, said that I should fight for the freedom of mutants. I might get caught but I’d rather get caught fighting for mutant kind then running away. I’m already in the spotlight of the HMR so I can risk getting caught but you’re under the radar for now, and I’d rather you stay that way. So I can’t ask you to help me with my plan.” Niles was concerned for Keith. In the short time he’d known the young man, he’d developed a fondness for him. Niles felt like he was safeguarding his own estranged little brother.

The Kitchen

Vincent grew quite concerned with Ryan’s sudden furry. It was a rare sight for anyone to see Ryan in such rage. He was almost terrifying, ready to rip anything that moved the wrong way to shreds by the looks of him. “Whoa whoa… Ryan buddy it’s alright! Please calm down.” He said.

Fuyumi had begun to approach Ryan and Jean stepped forward but Logan motioned for them not to get too close. Logan understood the kind of rage Ryan was exhibiting, he and Sabertooth often met with such standoffs. It was purely a miracle that the two hadn’t tried harder to kill one another while in the mansion for so long. The two simply kept a mutual distance from one another and that seemed to help a bit. “Look there will be no fighting you got it?” Logan said after Ryan challenged Terra.

Scott stood from his chair ready to break up a possible fight. Things seemed to calm down before he could say anything. Hideki, for the first time, was actually afraid of Ryan. He had never thought Ryan could become so fierce and angry. When Ryan calmed down, and reverted back to his human appearance, his clothes were tattered all over. Hideki called after Ryan as he left the room, but Cain placed a hand on his shoulder, “Let him be for now Hideki. He’ll come back around when he’s ready to. He probably wants a little space for the moment.” Cain said to Hideki.

Jonathan walked back over to Kyle and leaned back against the wall. He leaned in a little closer to Kyle. "I don't trust him," he said quietly.
Kyle took a moment to evaluate Terra for himself. “Yes. I too am a bit, what is the word? Ah, apprehensive. I agree.”
He shook his head and stepped back, turning to Kyle with an apologetic smile. "Sorry 'bout that." He cleared his throat and gave another quick unsure glance to the pair, before finishing the conversation they were previously having.
"How does a walk sound?" He asked with a smile. "I need some fresh air."

“It sounds great to me. A little fresh air will do me good too. Too much too fast. I’m embarrassed to admit it.” Kyle chuckled.


Ororo Munroe

Storm had arrived in the LaGuardia airport that morning from her trip to visit a few friends of the X-men. She caught a cab to the X-mansion eager to surprise Charles, Erik and the others. She unlocked the front door and was greeted with the familiar sights and sounds of students. She could hear the commotion in the kitchen, so she placed her bags down and walked toward the kitchen with a curious tilt of her head. She smiled the whole way there. She quietly entered the doorway to the kitchen as Kyle and Jonathan were just reaching the doorway to head out.

“Ah, Hi there Kyle, or should I say Marvel Boy?” Ororo said pleasantly with a smile.

“STORM!!” Kyle exclaimed. “That was a really long Holiday you took.” Kyle added.

“Yes, a much needed one. Northstar sends his love Kyle.” Storm replied casually. “Jonathan, have you grown taller now?” Storm asked as she had as she embraced him, being sure not to touch his exposed skin.

“Oh! You went to see Jean-Paul?! No wonder you didn’t want to leave. I wouldn’t have either.” Kyle replied with a smirk. Kyle had the biggest crush on Northstar. It was Northstar who was responsible for Kyle’s referral to the Xavier Institute.

“I didn’t say I didn’t want to come home. I could never stay away from here. Besides Jean-Paul isn’t the only one I went to see. I also met up with Dazzler and Gambit. Everyone they send their love.” Storm said with a gentle smile.

Hideki was so excited about Storm having met up with Dazzler. She was like another mentor for him, in different ways than Logan was. Like Dazzler, Hideki shared many of the same light based abilities but his were plasmatic in nature rather than only light. Dazzler had taught him a few things on her visit to the mansion some time ago. They also shared common ground as they were both popular singers. Hideki loved the Disco Dazzler.

“Storm noticed Jean among the usual crowd. Jean had left before Storm had took her holiday and she hadn’t expected to see Jean back so soon. She was very glad that Jean looked well. ”Jean! I didn’t expect you back so soon!! I’m so glad, and I’m sure Scott is too.”

Jean rushed over and gave Ororo a big hug. Scott smiled proudly at Storm’s comments. “It’s great to have you back Storm.” Scott said as he as well gave Storm a hug. Storm was like another family member of his. Her not being around was like having a sister not present at home. He was always concerned and waiting for her safe return so that things would be as they should at home.

Logan couldn’t retain his smile, “Ororo it’s about time.” Logan said trying to mask the excitement in his voice.

“I missed you a lot Logan.” Storm replied as she walked over to him and hugged him.

Vincent approached Strom and embraced her. “You always could sneak up on me. My telepathy never works well with you. I tricked myself into believing that I would have been able to sense when you were going to arrive home.”

“I guess I win then.” Strom giggled. “You’ve been treating Philip well I assume?”

“Yes, considering how much of a trouble maker he is.” Vincent replied while looking Philip up and down with a smirk.

“Shut-up… Vince.” Philip replied trying to contain his snickering. “Hi Storm.” He added.

Storm greeted the others warmly and then looked about to see a few unexpected faces, Sabertooth, David North, Agent six, as well as a few new faces. “Well, well, it seems I’ve missed a lot.” She said as she placed her hands on her hips.

“Yeah… There’s a lot we’ve got to get you caught up on Ororo.” Logan said. An explanation followed.

Andy

The young man looked over his shoulder then to the left and right. Seeing no one in sight he continued on towards his destination. He pulled the collar of his jacket up, he was just about to stuff his hands in his pocket but stopped halfway in doing so. Shaking his head he began to mutter quietly under his breathe. Most of what he said was inaudible but every now and then you'd catch a few words and random strings of sentences like, "They're following me" "Got to get away" "No touching" "Not safe, not safe."

He stared down at the sidewalk he was walking on, not being very careful of bumping into someone. His clothes covered nearly every inch of his body save for his hands. That's where the power was concentrated, Andy walked in a nervous manner, his eyes flitting back and forth, his shoulders hunched and he kept walking back and forth between the door of a building to the end of the street said building was one.

Andy glanced up at the crowd of people passing him by. He caught on the words "Freak" "Is he homeless?" And others similar to that. His right eye twitched and he shook his head before hunching his shoulders again and started to mutter under his breathe. In his rising paranoia, Andy wrapped one arm around his stomach his hand balled up into a fist while the other was pulling his lower lip. Still walking back and forth a new sentence was added to his mutterings, "I didn't mean too" "Leave me alone" "Alone, lonely be alone."

Suddenly Andy stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder. A man in a suit with a fedora was heading in his direction. He wore dark sunglasses and immediately bells began to ring in his head. But Andy stood stock still his hand lowered and a look of awe passed his face, then his head twitched to the left. And just like that it was over, he spun on his heel the mutterings got louder and his arms were at his sides as he took wide steps to get away from the man in the suit. Andy kept looking over his shoulder to see the man and he did which only made him more paranoid. Walking even faster he reached the door but wasn't sure how he would open the door without disintegrating it.

Looking over his shoulder again the man in the suit was even closer then he was before and Andy jumped. In doing so he instinctively grabbed a hold of the door handle and pushed his way inside the building. The whole time his attention on the man in the suit. Andy was oblivious to the yelps of surprise from the people as there was no longer a door to the building only a pile of rubble.

Ace&Agent Six&Emily

Ace nodded at Logan's reply with a smirk on her lips. "That's nothing new, their always at it even if its quietly." Ace scratched her head, not really sure where she'd have to stand in this. Sure she disliked humans, rather she found them to be quite amusing with their little antics to be the alpha of the pack. Not that they're doing any good about.

"Oh really?" A look of amazement crossed Emily's face and then turned to a welcoming smile. Nodding at Cain she continued to smile but it eventually exchanged itself for something of a worried frown as their debate grew more and more heated. But she took no part in it, Emily disliked it when everyone bickered like this. She did he best to lip read but everyone was yelling and talking fast so it was difficult for her. Releasing her first sigh of the day, Emily brought her hands to her brow and shook her head. Looking over at Scott and Jean she sent them an apologetic look before she maneuvered herself around everyone and left the room.

Ace listened on, her eyes flicking back and forth between Cara and the rest of the team. Leaning back against the counter top, one arm under the other that held her coffee mug. The young woman took sips of her coffee with every lull in the debate and couldn't help but look in awe at some of the things they chose to say.

Especially Jonathan, who made a pretty valid point. Not that she was going to be choosing sides or anything, hell far from it really. Ace wanted nothing to do with this debate and she cared very little about. So long as I'm not the one getting tossed about like a toy I'm quite content in watching you guys tear at each others throat.

Of course she did care for some of the students, but that care can only go so far. A slight frown appeared on her lips at Hideki's words, not that she was very close with him, hell she wasn't very close to anybody in the mansion. But she knew Hideki would be greatly missed by the others and Cain's response to their favorite fire cracker made Ace snicker. Okay sure Hippie for the mutants. That really won't work well. All your saying is that mutants should take up arms and show the humans just how powerful they are. Like that'll get us anywhere.

The new girl Jennifer earned a internal applause from Ace. A smile curled the corners of her lips and she raised her coffee mug at her. Bravo, couldn't have said it better. And Cara's response made Ace stiffen as she set her coffee mug down on the counter beside her. Without realizing it, Ace began to rub at her wrists, if one looked close enough they would notice the faint scars from her time with MI7. Rolling her eyes Ace could only smirk at her fellow shadow manipulator, You think you've been tortured, I was raised on the very concept of it.

She wasn't really sure how Cara's comment hit so close to home or even get to that place. I must be getting soft. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes at Cain's open affection for his Russian lover. "Tonto" she muttered under her breathe in her native language.

Agent Six was having a hard time keeping up with the conversation and just like Ace, she unknowingly thought about own situation. The people of WeaponX raised her on torture as that's what Xavier would call it, the program on the other hand would merely call it, "Raising her abilities to another level through pain." She was disrupted from her thoughts when Hideki asked of her thoughts on the subject to which she replied, "You've never experienced real torture." Her words were directed at Cara but she said them quietly so she knew the older woman wouldn't have heard her.

Ace glanced at the entrance to the kitchen and couldn't help but smile at Ryan and Memory. She knew Ryan better than his new girlfriend so she was more keen on feeling happy for him. "Well this is a big surprise. Finally has the guts to do it eh?" Not that she was meaning anything by it. Of course the cheerful mood was interrupted by a loud popping sound from the window. For once Ace was caught of guard but she didn't jump she merely flinched. Looking around she noticed the protective antics from the other guys and rolled her eyes, "How cute, I'm honored to have been protected by a few cocky bastards. What's next, Victor and Logan giving each other brotherly hugs, Si bien tontos."

She wasn't too keen on the next course of events that started with the appearance of two siblings. Ace could only wish she'd care enough to do something about the two's little probing threats and Ace was cheering on Ryan in the inside. "Well glad that's settled, not that I care really, Dios mios, what next are the HMR actually going to show up on our doorstep with cookies?" Shortly after Ryan left the kitchen someone she hadn't expected to show showed up that person being Ororo. "Even better we got our little storm in a bottle back." She said dryly before nodding a greeting at the woman. Ace wasn't much for hugs or greeting people with smiles.

[OOC:Whoops sorry accidentally tagged a Robert fellow:/]

Cara Black

“I think that refraining from that would be best, if you please. I’ve… umm… I’ve recently learned I’m the… uhh… the jealous type, and though I’m sure such minor flirtations would be a joke to you, I would really appreciate if you didn’t tease me like that. I tend to take things like that rather… umm… poorly.”

“You worry too much Ryan.” Cara smiled kindly in response before starting on the task of preparing a coffee. Almost as soon as she returned sipping haphazardly on the boiling drink Ryan’s form had violently shifted the thick scales holding her and Memory back almost causing the scolding water down them both but quickly Cara’s own instincts kicked in and she was following Ryan’s wonderfully mutated gaze to the ‘threat’.

People often came in and out of the mansion so Cara found it difficult to keep up with the new comers but with Ryan in such an uncharacteristic stand, she thought it was probably best to follow his example on this matter. These people were obviously causing him some kind of grief.

She tried desperately to keep up with the spiralling conversation, there was obviously some piece she was missing, when did this all happen? As the boy, Terra spoke Ryan seemed to calm fractionally but the whisper of “Monster.” sent a shiver down her spine. ‘Poor boy’s given himself a complex.’ She thought sadly to herself, making a mental note to try to talk to him some time. Her thoughts were interrupted as Ryan changed back, surprising everyone as he extended his hand to the boy whom before he seemed almost ready to tear limb from limb. ‘I really need bringing up to speed.’ She thought confusedly.

As the boys hugged Cara was greeted with a very open view of Ryan’s pale form, there was very little left of his clothes, his sharp scales having torn straight through them. ‘Oh dear.’ She thought as he ran for the door. Shaking her head sadly she took another sip of her coffee, her own expression in stark contrast to many of the room’s occupants.

Cara nodded as Jonathan stopped Memory, not that they asked for her agreement it just felt like the right thing to do. “He’ll come and find you when he’s ready.” She added giving Memory’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Are you ok?” she asked her, having already made a pretty good guess at what the answer was.

Erika White listened to the tapping of the keyboard before her, the man's hands moving slower than she would have liked. However, to avoid attracting attention she let him continue at his painfully slow speed. After all, she had already convinced him to start erasing files about herself and her children, she didn't want to control him too much. And it had already taken a couple of tries before she had managed to get the wording right. People only did what she asked if it was something they would normally do anyway, so the wording behind exactly what they are to do is the key. For this she had asked him to delete a certain file that was no longer in use, and he had. When he finally turned back to her, finished, she smiled. He returned it, then spoke quietly to her.
"You're very beautiful," he said, his face seeming like he was in a daze. Smiling again, though this time forced, Erika cleared her throat.

"That's sweet," she replied, upset that he probably only really said that because of her powers, then continued." "How about, just for me, you go to your employer's office and see if he has any of that file you deleted stored?" She asked, her powers kicking in. When she spoke with her ability, her voice became distorted and strange, but soothing, like a warm, reassuring hug from your mother. "You wouldn't want him to get angry that you didn't do your job fully, now would you?" His eyes grew wide and he nodded quickly, almost running into the office. Erika sighed and shook her head, but had a slight smile.
'I'm getting better.'

Several minutes later he finally came out of the room with a triumphant grin on his face, and a small disc in his hand. He handed it to her and she took it happily.
"That's the last file there is. I thought you might like it," he said, like a little child trying to make his crush like him. Once again she smiled and opened her mouth to speak when a loud crash was heard to the side. She turned quickly to it. Her jaw dropped and she stepped back slightly in panic. The plants that had previously been pathetic and in need of a good watering were now through the wall of the building, still growing. Soon more and more began to grow rapidly and spread about the place. The entire building was literally shaking with the activity as plants started breaking through.

She looked quickly to her controlled companion, then rolled her eyes amid the destruction. He was on the ground crying in fear. Steeling herself, she turned back to the room where the plants had broken through as a man emerged. She took a deep breath and moved into more stable footing. She had beat the crap out of the first man who had tried to have his way with her, had two kids and survived the death of the man she loved. This would not break her.

“Shoot to kill!”

Erika's blue eyes shifted to the source of the voice, then back to the man as he got closer. She balled her hand into a fist, ready to fight if needed. From the almost casual way he was walking she knew he was the mutant doing this. Then there was the men with guns who were coming too.
“Hey, if your power is what I think it is… Help me out please. We could both be shot. Look if you can get us surrounded by a bunch of human shields, they won’t easily shoot us. Please… you help me, I’ll help you okay?” She got some sick satisfaction from his anxiety and fear. This had been her one chance to destroy anything concerning her children. Now everyone would know that Erika White was a mutant, and her kids were too. The seemingly impenetrable reputation she had created to protect her children from ridicule and hatred was shattered. Her face twisted into anger, but then smoothed just as quick. Unfortunately, he was right. She needed his help too.

A gun firing was all the push she needed. Erika drew in breath and let her power lace her voice with poison, the words corrupting the minds of those around her into doing her bidding.
"Please," she called looking to the side, her voice distorting into something sinister, but soothing, "won't anyone help us? Won't you save us?" Four terrified people around her suddenly stiffened and lifted their head to the ceiling as if given an electric shock, then ran forwards in front of the two of them shouting to the guards to not hurt those "innocent people".

Just as a gun was fired, an overweight and balding man in a suit ran in front of Erika, then dropped. Blood seeped from the bullet hole in his chest. She looked down at his body, hands shaking. This was the first time her power had ever been used to kill someone. She pulled her eyes away reluctantly to the office workers making a wall between the two mutants and the guards aiming their way. Determined to live through this and see her children again, she called again, but only one more person came over. She just didn't have a strong enough ability to protect them. She could only manipulate those that would help others in a crisis. She couldn't affect the unwilling, which was apparently a lot of the people who were supposed to be protecting New York.

"Have any kind of plan?" She asked the man over the calling of the people she had manipulated. "This was your fault after all," she finished with obvious venom. Her only chance to ensure her children's safety and he had shattered it like glass.
'Well I'm not that fragile. I swear I'll end you after all this.'

---

Just as Kyle was agreeing, a familiar face came through the door of the kitchen. A wide grin spread on Jonathan's face as Storm was greeted by everyone. She turned to Kyle with a smile and a conversation started.
“Yes, a much needed one. Northstar sends his love Kyle.” Storm said casually, and a jealous pang hit him. After, she turned her eyes to him. “Jonathan, have you grown taller now?” He rolled his eyes playfully and accepted her embrace, though her avoidance of his skin reminded him of how he could never get too close to people and a sadness washed through his mind. It didn't last long however, specially seeing as Ororo was home. He had always had a certain respect and admiration towards her since arriving at the mansion.

The greetings continued. All the while Jonathan kept his eyes on Memory who wouldn't stop looking to the kitchen entrance every few minutes. Suddenly, a shiver went down his back. His stomach twisted unnaturally and the sense of fear reached him. He straightened and opened his mind to the others around him, looking around with a worried and confused frown. Memory was afraid, but not enough to make this kind of effect. Just when he'd concluded it was not anyone in the kitchen, or nearby, it hit again, this time stronger. He stepped back and out of the obvious view of anyone as it grew in intensity. Every second it increased until it literally hurt his mind. A pain flashed through it, weak at first, but then again. And again, and again, and again. The pain grew and strengthened into a continuous pain in his mind. The fear someone was feeling... it could only end up being Ryan. He was the only one who had reason to be this terrified. Jonathan placed a hand against his forehead, as if that would help.

Another strong spike of pain brought his other hand against the forehead, his face contorting in pain. He pulled one hand down slightly, then moved it away from his face at the feeling of something wet. On the bottom of his palm was a smear of crimson blood. He swallowed nervously, looking up slightly to see if anyone had noticed. Believing he was undetected, he slipped past everyone during the excitement with Storm and out of the door into the hallway outside the kitchen. His back fell against the wall as he resisted yelling out from the pain. He sometimes had mild feelings in his mind with naturally heightened fear, but never this bad. Flashes of thoughts and images coursed through his mind, but the pain prevented him from focussing on them.

He continued to hold his head, holding back the cry of pain he could feel building up within him until it slowly began to subside. Giving a quick glance up towards Ryan's room with worry and fear himself, he tried wiping away the blood with his sleeve. But it was more than he had expected. His nosebleed was worse than he had thought. Jonathan took shaky steps towards the nearest bathroom and washed away the mess quickly, then returned to the kitchen as quickly as he could manage. He'd have to figure out what in the hell had happened for Ryan to have felt that much fear. Shaking it off, Jonathan shifted his sleeve slightly to hide the blood he had tried to clean away and entered into the kitchen as if he had just left for the bathroom. For a moment he had thought that everything had gone swingingly, until he saw Memory looking over at him with wide eyes.
'Fuck...'

---

Memory had simply answered Cara with a sarcastic "peachy" before shaking off her hand and walking away, nervously rubbing her hands together and moving her eyes to the kitchen entrance every two minutes. She was worried about Ryan, more than she realised should be. Much more. She hadn't been thinking of anything other than him until she saw Jonathan grimacing in pain and clutching his head. That in itself was worrying, but it wasn't until a lien of blood extended from his nostril that she got afraid. He left into the hallway. when he returned, he had been cleaned up so no one would know, but when he looked over to her she knew he would be kicking himself. Not only had he been seen, but by his sister of all people.

Before she could confront him on it, Ryan walked in. She looked up to him, then instantly away. Glancing back to Jonathan, she saw him watching Ryan intently, but not because he was any kind of threat. Jonathan looked worried about Ryan in a different way. She had no clue what it was he was worrying about, but she was thankful nonetheless that he didn't see Ryan as a threat. That wouldn't end well for either.

All through his greeting with Storm and the following conversation Memory could feel his eyes on her. She wanted to look up, more than anything, but she couldn't find the courage. She had been afraid when he was readying to fight Terra, and Ryan knew it. Everyone was terrified. He had been trying to protect them, and everyone withdrew. How could she face him after that? Finally finding the courage however, she brought her eyes up to meet his, golden and ringed in red from crying. She held them for a moment, then had to look away. Normally she loved his golden eyes, but now they were unsettling, disturbing. He left with Vincent and Memory closed her eyes, withdrawing into her mind.

The network of doors and corridors resembling the mansion spanned before her. So many thoughts and fears and memories were loose corrupting her mind with fear and doubt, when she knew there was no need for either with Ryan. She loved him, she trusted him. Memory knew Ryan would willingly kill himself before harming her. Reassured in this, she raised a hand and extended her will. The doors on both side closed simultaneously with a resounding slam. Instantly, she felt better, calmer. As she should. Twisting her wrist, she looked the doors then returned to the real world.

When Ryan finally entered a confidence Memory had not expected, her heart leapt. Her fears and doubts had been battering against the doors in her mind to break free. Only Ryan could keep them away permanently. He reached her and wrapped his arms around her, burying his head into her shoulder, before she could react. Returning the tight embrace, she stood with him holding back tears of... too many emotions to pick just one from the melting pot.
"I'm sorry." he whispered into her ear, sending a warm tickling sensation down her spine. "I shouldn't have freaked out like that. I lost my cool and could have involved you in a potentially dangerous fight. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you; you who I want to protect the most. I'm sorry, it won't happen again. Next time, I'll be even stronger." Memory tightened her hold on Ryan as his body began to shake. Despite her best efforts no words would escape her lips. It wasn't until his body had stopped its shaking that she found her voice again.
"You don't have to be stronger, Ryan," Memory whispered into his ear. "And I should be apologising. I know you would never hurt me and yet I was scared of what was happening. I'm the one who needs to be be stronger."

Ryan finally released her after almost a full minute and put his forehead to hers. A moment later, he pressed his nose to hers and stepped back.
"Thanks, M. I needed that." He smiled, and she couldn't help returning it. He took his hand in hers, and she let herself lean into him. This was the only place she wanted to be right now. There had been enough excitement for the morning. She just wanted to stay with Ryan all day and never let him go, no matter what.

Vincent Xavier, Philip Klein

Vincent stood awaiting Ryan’s answer however before Ryan replied his mind spoke leagues before his mouth did. Vincent had not intended to read Ryan’s mind but it was as if Ryan’s extreme emotions yelled to be heard without Ryan’s approval or knowledge.

Instead of feeling relieved, Ryan stiffened. Vincent hadn't sounded caring to Ryan, he had sounded condescending and uninterested. Ryan felt such anger with Vincent. His turbulent thoughts raced back to the situation in the kitchen. Where was this concern when Terra and Canaan walked through the door?! Ryan thought furiously. His mind was screaming at him and at Vincent. Ryan felt so betrayed. Vincent didn't want to be on Ryan's side when everyone else was around, but now, now that it was convenient, after someone else had probably pestered him, now Vincent was reaching out to him? Ryan felt disgusted, not only with Vincent, but with himself. Vincent was his brother. Vincent loved him. He had since he'd met Ryan nearly eleven years ago when Ryan had first moved into the Mansion when Ryan was six years old. The two had grown up together. Why would Ryan ever feel like he couldn't trust Vincent? What was some piddly little argument between brothers such as they? Why couldn't Ryan forgive him? It's not like it really mattered to Vincent anyway. The last time Ryan had brought these worries to him, Vincent had shrugged them off. The last time they spoke privately, though the larger concern was Ryan's ability to transform, they'd gotten completely sidetracked by the idea of Ryan possessing a human form. Though Ryan was grateful for that, it hadn't been what he'd wanted to discuss in the first place. Even more frustrating, they had been interrupted by Ace's Shadows before Ryan had a chance to talk to Vincent about his more pressing concerns, namely, the Leviathan.


Vincent was suddenly hit with a rush of emotions coming from Ryan. He felt a sudden pang in his heart. ‘Whoa… what’s all of this rage and anger?’ Vincent thought to himself. However, before Vincent could address the sudden rush of emotion that shot through him like a bullet through the heart, Ryan would soon give his reply.

Ryan sighed, looking up into his brother's eyes, his golden pupils glinting in the low light. Did Vincent even want to know? If so, why should Ryan tell him? "I'm fine Vince." Ryan lied effortlessly, a toothy grin on his face. "I was just a bit... surprised. I mean, come on, the last time I saw Terra we tried to kill each other. You trying to tell me Logan and Sabertooth, who hate each other, don't have minor scuffles from time to time?" Ryan's logic was sound, his facial expression was completely calm, even relaxed. So, where was this coming from? This calm, collected, effortless lying? Ryan never lied, let alone to Vincent, and yet, he couldn't stop. "I'm fine now. Terra lives here now. Just like me, this is his home. Who am I to refute that? Besides, just because we've fought in the past doesn't mean we have to be enemies forever. That's not conducive to anything productive at all. I just didn't know he'd come here on invitation. You should tell me stuff like that!" Ryan joked. Smiling, he even managed to laugh lightheartedly. Playfully, he punched Vincent on the shoulder. "I appreciate your concern Vince, really, my brother, I do. That being said, I'm fine. See?" Ryan finished his question with a smile, he even did a little twirl so as to facilitate a quick once over on Vincent's part. That smile of his, was his famous smile, toothy and white. It was a smile that refuted all argumentation. It was a smile that closed the subject, if only for a little while.

Vincent’s gentle smile increasingly became sorrowful. Vincent couldn’t believe that Ryan felt so hurt and upset with him. Ryan was now lying something that was quite foreign to him. Ryan no longer trusted Vincent, which hurt Vincent more than he could express. Ryan was battling with something big and Vincent was being barred from helping him. It seems that Vincent completely misconstrued Vincent’s concerns when they had previously talked during the shadow crisis. Vince tried very hard to keep from looking as destroyed emotionally as he felt.

Ryan turned on his heel and walked back to the kitchen, waving to Vincent as he left. "Thanks Vince," Ryan said jovially as he left. "I'm just fine. I promise."

Vincent watched Ryan depart and he simply stared in silence, trying to wrap his head around all that was going on with Ryan. Philip left the Kitchen in search of Vincent and he eventually found him standing alone in the hallway. Philip had passed Ryan along the way and simply gave Ryan a jovial smile and a casual wave as he passed him. Philip had tried not to make too much of what had happened with Ryan in the kitchen. He wasn’t a fan of being overbearingly worried. He knew things had to run their course, but he also desired for Ryan to know that he was there for him in whatever capacity he needed.

Vincent seemed highly saddened. Philip approached him and placed his hand on Vincent’s arm. “Hey Vince, what’s the matter? You look like you’ve lost a child or something.” Philip said jokingly. Humor was his way of lightening a dark mood.

Vincent looked up with weepy eyes. “Ryan… he’s so hurt and angry right now. I don’t know how to help him. It hurts so much to see him that way. I was concerned when he was so enraged in the kitchen, it wasn’t like him to be so vicious, so I asked if he was alright. However I got a huge hunk of his mind right before he responded… and it was so angry, all the thoughts he had of me. He doesn’t trust me, or much of anyone else right now. He’s struggling with something he calls the Leviathan yet he wouldn’t tell me about it.” Vincent said with a depressed voice.

Philip pulled Vincent close and replied ”He still loves and needs his big brother. Maybe there was a lot more happening in the kitchen than we realized.” Vincent shed a few tears quietly and just as quickly attempted to pull himself together. He stepped back from Philip.

“Thanks Philip. I needed to hear that. You’re my hero you know.” Vincent replied as he wiped away the tears that had previously fallen. A smile began to return to Vincent’s face.

“Ryan simply needs time to remember the love that never left him. He will in the right timing. He might push us away now but it doesn’t mean we leave him. We simply give a little space and an open doorway to the home he has in our hearts. So this Leviathan… is it like the Phoenix?” Philip asked.

Vince pondered for a moment. “No I don’t think it’s quite the same. Jean’s power took on an alternate persona thus creating the Phoenix. This is different. I think this is more physiological in nature, but Ryan’s mind seems to be personifying some physical phenomenon. I won’t know for sure until I can speak with Ryan regarding what’s going on.”


Philip replied with a smile. ”Ryan is strong and a good kid. He’ll pull through this. We’re all here to help him. No worries Vince. Come on let’s go check on my father in law. He’s been missing all morning.” Philip gave a silly grin. It was true, the professor had been missing all that morning which was unusual.

“Yet another very good point.” Vincent replied. “He’s probably locked himself away with Cerebro again.” Vincent replied. He was feeling a little better but Ryan still worried him.



Frenzy and Stinger

You certainly can love! I's great to see a fellow mutants knocking about this place! Say, don't suppose either of you could point me in the direction of Charles Xavier's institution for Higher Learning? I was hoping I could have a chat with the fella.", Robert replied cheerfully .

Frenzy and Stinger looked at one another in surprise. Frenzy turned to the man and replied, “You’re in luck sir. We happen to reside there at the moment.” She turned her head to look at Stinger briefly, “In fact, we’re going home right now.” This was the perfect chance for her to put a stop to Stinger’s shopping spree. Turning her head back to the man she smiled pleasantly. “If you don’t mind coming with us, we can show you the way. I’m Joanna Cargill, by the way. This is Wendy Sherman. I go by the codename Frenzy.”

Wendy cut in adding, “I go by the name Stinger, due to my electrifying skill set. So what might your name be mister tourist?” She asked. Wendy was very curious about this guy’s powers. After obtaining the man’s name Wendy asked, “So what is it that you do, power wise that is?”

Joanna hailed a cab and the three were off to the X-mansion. They arrived and entered the front door. Joanna said to Robert. “If you don’t mind with Stinger while I find the professor, it shouldn’t take long.” Joanna then turned to Stinger, “Please behave Wendy.” She said knowing how Stinger had the tendency to cause trouble.

“What am I gonna do?! I mean really Jo…!” Wendy replied as she folded her arms and rolled her eyes. After Joanna headed down the hallway, Wendy turned to Robert and spoke with an upbeat tone. “So, let’s go meet the X-men shall we? They’re a really tacky bunch but interesting nonetheless.” She liked to poke fun at the X-men.

They entered the kitchen where most people were gathered. David looked up and immediately poked fun at Wendy. “Well if it isn’t Static Cling. I see you’ve picked up a sugar daddy.”

Wendy immediately frowned in sheer annoyance of David. “Shouldn’t you be off getting plowed by Sabertooth or chasing after girls leagues younger than yourself?” She rebutted with a rather satisfied smile on her face.

David gave a sarcastic smile and looked over apologetically to Memory. Sabertooth, however, interjected. “Now now Wendy. Let’s not be a jealous and bitter old biddy. Besides I’ve heard more than my share of bickering today.”

Stinger was about to respond when Scott stepped forward toward Robert. “He there. Sorry about those two. I’m Scott Summers of the X-men. What brings you here.” Scott introduced himself in a friendly manner.


Niles Cranston

Keith chuckled into a fit of laughter as he stood up and hooted for his good luck. He turned around grinning the way a kid grins before playing a new video game. "Sounds fun. I don't mind joining you on this escapade if you like. No in fact I'd be kind of bummed out if you didn't. When it comes to destroying things like buildings and such, I'm sort of a demolition guru. Though I can't say people won’t get hurt. Hehehe. So what's the plan boss? Are we just going to walk into the place and let loose? Or are we going to fall from the sky like wrecking balls?"

Niles looked over at Keith and smiled lightheartedly. He was inspired by Keith’s energy. “Boss huh? Okay then, I guess there’s no stopping you from helping me. I do like the element of surprise. I’m sure they have guns or something to stop us with. But I’ve got my defenses. Sounds like you’ve got your offense covered. So you know, I can create explosive diamonds and control them at will. It seems that between you and me we’ve got a lot of firepower so we should be good. Let’s fall from the sky like wrecking balls. I like the sound of that.”

Niles created a platform of crystal and the two stood on top of it. He levitated the platform high into the sky above the building. Looking down at the roof of the building Niles spoke. “I can blast an opening for us an lower us down, or do you have another plan?”


Oliver Cassidy and Erika

Erika face twisted into anger, but then smoothed just as quick. A gun firing was all the push she needed. Erika drew in breath and let her power lace her voice with poison, the words corrupting the minds of those around her into doing her bidding.
"Please," she called looking to the side, her voice distorting into something sinister, but soothing, "won't anyone help us? Won't you save us?" Four terrified people around her suddenly stiffened and lifted their head to the ceiling as if given an electric shock, then ran forwards in front of the two of them shouting to the guards to not hurt those "innocent people".

Just as a gun was fired, an overweight and balding man in a suit ran in front of Erika, then dropped. Blood seeped from the bullet hole in his chest. She looked down at his body, hands shaking. This was the first time her power had ever been used to kill someone. She pulled her eyes away reluctantly to the office workers making a wall between the two mutants and the guards aiming their way.

Oliver was impressed with Erika’s power. However he did not foresee the particular mechanics of it limiting its effects. When the hypnotized man took the bullet and died it did indeed shock Oliver. He felt somewhat sorry for the guy but he’d rather it be that man than himself.

"Have any kind of plan?" She asked Oliver over the calling of the people she had manipulated. "This was your fault after all," she finished with obvious venom.

“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.” Oliver said with a wink. Oliver looked up to the ceiling and concentrated. Thick vines broke through the ceiling and formed a sort of patrician between them and the security men. The vines quickly sprouted flowers of a strange sort. They opened and the air filled with spores. These spores were littered with pheromones. “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.” Oliver said with a confident smile. “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.”

The building suffered massively from the plants exponential growth. More of the spore emanating flowers grew outside the building and more citizens were inhaling the pheromone spores. They began to head into the HMR building as Erika called to them.


Kyle Jean-Claude

Kyle looked around and noticed that Jonathan had suddenly left the kitchen. He was curious as to what had come up. He stepped toward the door to find Jonathan however Hideki grabbed Kyle’s arm and spun him around to face him. “I can’t believe you Kyle! Both Colossus and Jonathan?! You’re a total slut you know.” Hideki fussed.

Kyle rolled his eyes at the fussy Japanese boy. “I am no slut. I am simply flirting with Jonathan. Besides Piotr and I are in an open relationship. I haven’t cheated on anyone nor am I going to. You’re just annoyed because you’ve bot not shot with Logan. Too bad you’re not a cute Japanese girl instead of a cute Japanese boy.” Kyle taunted his friend.

“Hey! I’ll show you cute!!” Hideki huffed and created a bright flash of light that stunned Kyle’s vision.

Kyle flinched and rubbed his eyes wildly. ”AAHH! I HATE when you do that!! Ah…”

Hideki huffed, “Serves you right.” He noticed Ryan had returned. Hideki was very concerned about his friend. He walked away from Kyle who was still struggling to see, and approached Ryan. “Hey Ryan, are you okay? I was a bit worried about you earlier. If you ever want to talk about anything I’m here for you. I’m not all knowing like Professor X but I think a friend with a good listening ear can help just as much. If the two new guys to the mansion are trouble, I’ll take your word for it and be watchful. Honestly I didn’t know Cain had invited them here either.”


Piotr Rasputin

Piotr watched all that happened in the kitchen. He liked how eventful the X-mansion was. There was so much life there. However he did miss Russia, his original home. He looked over to Cara who was also from Russia, giving a smile he decided to chat with her a bit. He walked over to her and smiled “Morning Conrad Black.” He said with a chuckle. He knew she would appreciate the joke. Being around her made him feel slightly closer to home. “You’re very noble for speaking your heart without reservation. I admire that about you Cara.” He said in a more thought filled and pondering tone.

Cara Black

Cara sighed as Memory shrugged her away but otherwise made no comment; poor girl didn’t really need her putting her nose in anyway. Instead, she turned and leant against the wall staring into the black abyss of her coffee, attempting to form meanings out of the swirling liquid. Things were always complicated at the mansion especially when it came to romance. This many couples living together often lead to dramatics of one form or another, especially since most of the people in the mansion were not only dealing with learning to control their mutations but also dealing with the hormones of puberty.

Cara had become that engrossed in her coffee that she almost didn’t notice Piotr’s approach. “Morning Comrade Black.” He said with a chuckle.
“Good morning, Comrade.” She replied, “That really is something I’ve not heard for many years. I almost feel like we should talk about the comrade premier.” She giggled though the conversation quickly took a more serious tone.
“You’re very noble for speaking your heart without reservation. I admire that about you Cara.”
Cara’s smile receded back to a small upturn on one side but she did not seem to shift from her good mood. “Perhaps but it has not made me the most popular girl in the mansion.” She said gesturing at the others in the kitchen. “I have fought with almost all of the people in this room at some point in my life and those I haven’t are those that are either too young to have seen the battles between Magneto and Xavier or didn’t join until after I came here.” She took a sip of her coffee before continuing. “I am not welcome here Piotr and as every day goes past there are times when I wish I wasn’t rescued that day.” She had turned more solemn now, her coffee once more occupying her thoughts. “I was not meant to be one of the X-men.”

Cara wasn’t sure why she was opening up to Piotr perhaps their shard motherland or maybe because he was the first person other than Cain who had actually bothered to try and talk to her. Even Magneto had seemed to avoid her since she moved the mansion, although perhaps that was her doing too, she had quite vocally denounced his decision when he told his followers.

Piotr Rasputin


Cara’s smile receded back to a small upturn on one side but she did not seem to shift from her good mood. “Perhaps but it has not made me the most popular girl in the mansion.” She said gesturing at the others in the kitchen. “I have fought with almost all of the people in this room at some point in my life and those I haven’t are those that are either too young to have seen the battles between Magneto and Xavier or didn’t join until after I came here.” She took a sip of her coffee before continuing. “I am not welcome here Piotr and as every day goes past there are times when I wish I wasn’t rescued that day.” She had turned more solemn now, her coffee once more occupying her thoughts. “I was not meant to be one of the X-men.”

Piotr listened, his smile fading into a sadder expression. He was a little pained to know that the X-men had not shown Cara the sort of kindness that he had received. He had a realization that it is difficult for even the noble X-men to break bread and forgive their once enemies. It was a testament that guests such as Victor, David, Stinger, Frenzy, Agent Six, and Pietro weren’t hitting many bumps in the road when it came to being around the X-men.

Piotr replied with a gentle smile, “You and I have fought before and I have no ill feeling towards you Cara. You are my friend. You fought us because it was the right thing for you to do at the time. I fought you because fate put us at odds. I never considered you my enemy though, it was the cause that I fought. We may not always agree on causes but I think we can agree that you and I can be friends no matter what divides us. You will always be a part of the X-men. I believe some of the others would feel an emptiness somewhere in their hearts if you left. I would.” Piotr spoke sincerely.

Piotr knew that Cara knew how it felt to be on her own. He knew how that felt as well. He had his sister who lived back in Russia. He lived to provide for her, but now that she is a young woman able to look after herself, he was free to look solely after himself. He joined with the X-men full time to fill that void, to help others as his nature spurred him to do. However Piotr feared that Cara’s isolation came for reasons entirely different from his. Cara could use someone to hold onto her, someone to let her know that she was at home, at peace. Piotr placed his hand gently on Cara’s shoulder.


The Kitchen

Scott listened as the guest replied. "The names Robert Ashdown, nice to meet ya Scott, and it's no problem, all folks argue after a bit. After all i'm British, we enjoy taking the mickey out of each-other. Anyways, i'm here to meet with the professor, Charles Xavier. I'm just nosy tourist is all,and proud mutant like the rest of you bunch! Just hoping to just, well, talk about how to get through everyday life round stranger that hate you."

He looked into the distance for a few moments before snapping out of it and asking; "So which X-man are you, eh? Let me guess, the fella with the lazer eyes?"

Scott looked a bit surprised. “Why uh… yes. I am. I didn’t know that I was known publicly.” Jean snickered nearby at Scott’s reaction. He was displaying a shyness that was rare to see on him.

Logan stepped forward and flashed a casual smile as he introduced himself. “Welcome, I’m Logan. So you’re English huh? You should enjoy chatting with the ‘Novelist’ over there. He’s from around your neck of the woods.” Logan said as he nodded toward Aiden O’doherty.

Aidan replied in an annoyed fashion. “It’s ‘The Author…’ and you should be nicer to be lest I bring 1,000 tons of gravity down on that spectacular adamantium skeleton of yours.” Aidan wasn’t the one to be mocked without consequence.

Victor stood in the kitchen and picked up a fresh apple that sat on the counter in a pile. There were several of them. He took a clean bite from it as he scanned the room. He noticed Logan had not ceased to watch him the whole time as if Victor was going to spontaneously attack someone. He snickered to himself at the fact that Logan couldn’t get over his trained inclination to ever be on watch when Victor was around. Victor looked over to David who seemed to be watching Ryan and Memory. It seemed that Ryan was definitely not North’s biggest fan. Victor subdued his own grin as he watched North pick up on Ryan’s unspoken tension toward him. North hadn’t uttered a word since his spat with Wendy but Victor knew him more than well enough to know when that man was deep in his thought processes.

Victor stepped closer behind North and whispered casually into his ear. “He’s only a kid. Besides you were trying to do the ‘noble’ thing and not fuck around with the little hottie. Don’t go back on your word now. I might think less of you.” Victor then took another bite of the green apple.


David turned partially with a rather sarcastic smirk. “I do Not go back on my word.” David replied his voice slick and cold as black ice. His disposition lightened just as quickly as it was darkened. “Don’t worry your handsome mug about it.”

Soon Jenifer tapped Victor on the shoulder to which he turned around slowly. He saw the young lady had caught the attention of the tourist. "I need to talk to you, by the way." She said as she turned back to him.

Victor smirked a little. “Sure blondie. I’m here when you’re free.” Victor figured that she wanted to discuss her little sister. He wasn’t sure exactly what she was going to say. He wasn’t really worried though. He supposed that he would tell her that Annabelle was simply in good hands.


Niles Cranston

Looking towards Niles as the dust cleared up, he yelled over the now apparent screams of those around them. "So what's next? Are we going to just destroy the building, or are these people fair game as well?" He rose his hand curling it into a fist and aimed it towards a random nobody who was hugging the corner while breathing heavily.

Niles looked around at the damage the one attack caused. “Wow… he really is a wrecking ball huh?” Niles thought to himself. “Only attack people if they are hostile. If they’re not, don’t hurt them. I just want to send a message not become a mass murderer. The building is our target.” Niles said to Keith. He formed several large floating and sharp crystals that launched into the walls and soon exploded causing the wall to be destroyed and part of the building structure collapsed.


Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto

Charles received a almost panicked transmission from cerebro. There were several mutant attacks about the city. The general public was in danger. Six sites were urgently in need of interference from the X-men. Charles turned to Magneto who stood behind him. “Erik… we must assemble the X-men at once! Mutants become so panicked that they have begun to attack several of the HMR sites. It seems the government’s recent moves have caused serious uproar.” Charles carried a look of worry as he knew that this was only the beginning of a long and difficult path for everyone.

Before Erik could respond, Vincent and Philip entered the Cerebro chamber. “Ah, there you two are! I knew you would have locked yourself away in here… Philip was worried. He’s such an awesome in law don’t you think? Oh, and Ororo has returned home! I was so surprised to see her! It’s always so tricky to telepathically sense her presence.” Vincent said in an obliviously upbeat manner as he entered the chamber with Philip. But he could feel the tension immediately afterward. “Wait, what’s the matter?” he asked. Erik turned around slowly with a heavy disposition. He was quite frustrated with the constant struggle for peace with mankind. So much effort only to hit so many setbacks. Erik explained the situation to Vincent and Philip.

Frenzy knocked on the Cerebro Chamber’s doors and entered upon their opening. “Good Morning Professor Xavier, Mr. Lehnsherr, Vincent, Philip. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important. This morning Wendy and I met a mutant from out of town. He wanted to meet you Professor, so we brought him here. I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience.” Frenzy spoke politely. She wanted to give Charles and Erik a good impression of her. She took joining the X-men seriously and wanted to let them know that she respected them honestly and was appreciative for being accepted.

“Actually it seems my meeting with our guest will be brief and under unfortunate circumstances this time. There is trouble that needs the X-men’s assistance in quelling. I will have to assemble as many of us that are able and willing to assist. I am most grateful that Ororo has returned when she did. Joanna can I count on you as well? The X-men would greatly benefit from your strength and wisdom.” Charles replied.

Frenzy was pleasantly surprised that he asked her personally to help the X-men. “You and the X-men will always have my assistance. You need not ask in the future Professor X.” Frenzy replied with a proud smile.

Erik placed a hand on Vincent’s shoulder, “We must make haste. Things are getting worse with every passing moment.” They all headed toward the kitchen.

Professor X, Magneto, Vincent, Philip, and Frenzy entered the kitchen where most of the X-men and guests were gathered. Charles walked over to Robert and with a pleasant smile. “Welcome Mr. Ashdown. I am Charles Xavier, and this is Erik Lehnsherr. Welcome to the Xavier School for the Gifted. I would like to continue our meeting at length however my attention is needed elsewhere at the moment. You are welcome to remain here, or if you wouldn’t mind lending a hand in the matter that would be greatly appreciated.”

Xavier turned toward storm and greeted her with a bright smile, “Welcome back Ororo. We’ve missed you.” Charles wanted to say more but it would have to wait.

Erik spoke for all in the kitchen to hear, Charles telepathically transmitted Erik’s message to the minds of all that were in the mansion and not present in the kitchen. “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.”

Aidan smirked “Oh Charles what would you do without my help? I’ll lend you a capable hand if I must.” He said with his usual haughty disposition.

Erik rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by Aidan’s disposition. After obtaining a commitment from some of those that weren’t X-men Magneto announced the team formations and leaders. “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. Team leaders of this group shall be Memory and Philip.” Erik took a moment to give the Memory and Philip a reassuring smile as he knew they were surprised by their positions as leaders.

Erik continued, “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.” Magneto encouraged Jonathan. He then turned to Aidan and spoke, “O’Doherty, I expect you to give Jonathan your full support and cooperation.”

Aidan flashed a sharp smile, “But of course. Don’t let me down Jonathan.” Aidan replied. He and Magneto never ceased to butt heads.

Erik announced team three. “Team three will consist of Terra, Ryan, David North/ Agent Zero, Vincent Xavier, and Colossus. The team leaders are Terra and Ryan. I expect you two to work in synch. You should do well.” Magneto gave a look of confidence to Terra and Ryan. He was fully aware of the group dynamics and was eager to test them.

David looked on with a smug expression. “What a motley crew we make, eh Xavier?” David said to Vincent with an amused disposition.

Vincent smiled just the same, “Indeed, I still haven’t gotten over your trying to shoot me that time. Not to mention you kidnapping me.” Vincent said jokingly.

David snickered, “Yeah… I haven’t gotten over the fact that you survived my shooting at you. Yet alone escaping Weapon-X. Then again, that part wasn’t on me.” David and Vincent began to laugh with one another, an odd scene to those who hadn’t seen darker side of Vincent’s humor.

Magneto continued with the team assignments,” Cain, Fuyumi, Ace, Mutt Ant, and Kyle, shall comprise team five. Cain shall lead this team.” Magneto simply gave Cain a proud nod and continued to announce the final team. “Team six shall consist of Jennifer, Stinger, Scott, Sabertooth, and Storm, with Scott as the leader.”

Sabertooth turned to Jenifer with his usual smug disposition, “I guess our little chat is really going to have to wait, unless we take it on the road seeing as how we are in the same team.”

Magneto spoke to Robert, "You are more than welcome to join any team Mr. Ashdown, if you so choose to assist us. We could use your talents.” Magneto said in a friendly manner. The groups departed the mansion in smaller jets, one per team, bound for the attack sites. Professor X remained behind to monitor the situation using Cerebro and to give advice.

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.

As Robert had became an odd mix of excitement and nervousness as time went on, he gave Magneto and Professor Xavier a curt nod, having shook the later's hand which he stared at for a few moments, as well as giving a friendly short grin to Aidan before deciding on the team, thinking it was always nice to meet a fellow Brit abroad.
Replying to Joanna, Rob returned the smile and replied; "Well, probably you lot gonna teach me much more about being an x-men, even if I am the substitute today!" before turning round in shock as he realized who Kent was, with help from the man himself and Hideki; exclaiming; "Bloody hell, your that huge news big shot fella! Man,Kent Van Pelt! Huh, your mate over there's right your a giant in the news world! Man, my sis ain't gonna believe a word of what i say when I get home. Makes me wish I had a camera on me. Brilliant to meet ya pal, and sure, you can call me Robert if ya want. Heck, you can call me Nancy if ya want!", shaking the journalists had vigorously, gushing over his celebrity status, while giving a quick chuckle to Logan dragging the fella called Hideki away.
He then turned his attention, just like the others in the team, towards Jonathan. He nodded carefully and focused on the team leaders words, trying his best to remember each rule and not shake around in giddiness and worry too much, though puzzled with the looks he shot at Aidan and Cara, but seemed excited nonetheless, bellowing a cheerfully; "Yes Mr. Jonathan sir!" as he finished his talk, and followed after the team, with Jonathan moving along besides him. The team captain asked him what powers he possessed, and turned to the man with a smile that showed he'd be hopping to be asked soon.
"Great, glad you asked mate! I'll show ya!", he eagerly blurted, before, without warning, a pair of dagger-like blades popped out of Robert's forearms, and changed the blade his left arm to shape like a sickle.
"You see, like that Wolverine chap on the news, I bring blades out, but only two of them, and in my arms, and much, much bigger! Don't think there as tough though, his stuff can cut through steel, while mine, well, they are steel! Oh, and i got some metal floating about in my blood a lot so i'm a bit slower than some fellas.", he half explained excitedly, making the blades retract back in his arms with a smug smile plastering his face.

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.'

Robert looked somewhat smug when he followed the X-Men into their hanger and fly off to the HMC building, believing fully to himself that he had managed to impress the team leader, smiling to himself as he ended up lounging in a jet of some sorts, as he merely twiddled his thumbs, looking around at the rest of the group excitedly. His eagerness to go on this sudden mission he basically volunteered for, diminished and transformed into nervousness for a moment when he realized that there was a high chance of him dying due to being immensely under trained for this kind of dangerous heroism, especially since it seems there's those mutant 'protesters' who thoroughly enjoy destroying property and hurting to get the point across to not destroy property and hurt people who are mutants. He decided to quickly shake these thoughts out of his head as heard Johnathan begin to speak, listening intently at his every word, somewhat relived at both having innocent folks relatively easier to keep out of danger, as well as not having to put up with 'pewmans' as much, or at least that's what popped into his mind. He decided to keep his mouth shut, unsure of what to say, feeling a bit like he decided to take a swan dive into the deep end while wearing lead weights.

As they got closer to the drop point, Jonathan began announcing his decisions on pairings after having a quick glance at all the team members, to which Roberts gave him a grin and nod in reassurance. He paired Robert with Frenzy, one of the ladies that brought him to Xavier's Institute, and one of the members he knew of better compared to the rest, although admittedly marginally.
"Don't worry Jon, I ain't as fit and young as I used to be but I can take care of myself alright, hopefully you wont have to keep an eye out too much, eh, Frenzy?" He commented with a warm smile, trying to put himself at ease than the two he mentioned.
Jonathan then talked about who they would be fighting, who from the sounds of things were extremely deadly and dangerous, one with possibly more powers along with controlling the elements and one who sounded as if he some ghost powers along with teleporting abilities.
It seemed that Kent and Aidan were the power houses of the team, guessing from what Jonathan said, which somewhat surprised Robert from both of their appearances of being well groomed finely suited men, but merely shrugged to himself as he remembered you couldn't really tell who a mutant was from their looks. He also realized he had no idea what or where Cerebro is. He decided now wasn't really the time to ask. It seemed that the plan was for Kent to act like a shield for the team, no doubt for whatever mutant abilities he had, while each half of the team kept the two criminals apart from each-other until they were both subdued. Jonathan then added that he'd prefer things went peaceful as possible and that keeping everyone alive was the aim here, and deadly force was entirely only for a last resort.
"They sound like a pretty nasty pairing, i'm with you on the whole keeping them separate thing, definitely not going to be sunshine and rainbows if they stay together," Robert babbled, giving his own two cents on the matter, and added; "Well, good luck lads and ladies, this is going to be a busy day indeed. Definitely not what you expect to be doing on your holidays, that's for sure." He gave a small chuckle at his last comment, trying to keep the mood light.

Robert then made his way to the side, to peer over at the building, look somewhat paler as he saw the strange astral creatures heading towards the police and soldiers, transfixed somewhat on their ghostly forms as he began to mull over his decision to tag along.
"Ah well, too late to turn back now. We have a job to do, even if i'm not an X-man.", he mumbled to himself, as he noticed a pair of figures making a run for for it from the building.
Jonathan the suddenly gave orders to the team, telling Robert and Frenzy that they would have to face off against the astral beings if they were going to be able to separate the mutants, much to Robert's dismay. He merely sighed to himself before taking a deep breath and putting on a brave smile.
"Well, best get to it then! Last one there is a stinking pewman!" he called out cheerfully to the rest of the team, when they disembarked in front of the two mutant foes, making a pair of scimitar shaped blades pop out the sides of his arms with a grunt, his eyes focused on the two criminals.

Cain, Kyle, and Fuyumi

Cain listened and observed carefully as Andy reacted to what was said to him. Things were growing worse. Andy was only more paranoid and afraid than before. Cain decided that he would do something to try to turn the tables a bit. “Andy you will soon see that those men are not as powerful as you think.” Cain replied to Andy. He then stretched his hand out toward the HMR guards and drew their weapons out of their hands and into the air. The guards were taken by surprise with the sudden happening. The guns were then disarmed magnetically by Cain.

Fuyumi thought to act next. She phased through the ground and resurfaced partially beneath a couple of the dumbfounded guards. Grabbing their ankles the dragged them beneath the ground and phased them into another locked room. She came back and repeated the process as the other men attempted to run away. It looked as if the HMR guards were being dragged into the depths of hell. She then rejoined the X-men once all the immediate guards were removed from the immediate area.

Cain focused on Andy, “See now, there is no one here that will hurt you. You are free to escape or come with us. Professor Xavier can help you if you give him the chance.” Cain tried to speak calmly in an attempt to bring Andy down from his paranoia.

[OOC: Granted this happening could serve to make Andy Freak out even more. I know he's supposed to die so it is still plausible for another gunmen to enter and snipe him from a far. Just throwing a suggestion out there.]


Aiden, Frenzy, Kent, Evan, and Vernon

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."

The team listened closely to Jonathan’s instructions. Kent replied to Jonathan, “Sounds good to me. I’ll keep you protected.”

Aiden simply gave a smug smile, looking towards Cara. “It seems we’re mates now. I say it’s a rather charming fit don’t you agree?” He was pretty pleased with Jonathan’s choice. Aiden was certain that Cara wouldn’t slow him down.

Robert then replied to Jonathan, "Don't worry Jon, I ain't as fit and young as I used to be but I can take care of myself alright, hopefully you won’t have to keep an eye out too much, eh, Frenzy?" He commented with a warm smile.

Frenzy gave a spunky smile. “You’ll be just fine Rob, I know it. One doesn’t live with blades in his forearms all his life and not be able to handle himself in a world full of mutant haters.” She then gave him a playful nudge on the arm.

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.

Vernon, Evan and the other rescued mutants were suddenly cut off in their escape path by the X-men team. The group halted in their retreat. “OH COME ON!! What’s this?!” Evan exclaimed. He stopped and placed his hands on his hips impatiently.

Vernon could feel the spiritual energy emanating from Jonathan. His eyes fixated on the young mutant. “That man, it’s like the very spirit of fear emanates from him, like he’s brought death with him.”

Evan gave a curious look at Vernon. He was used to Vernon picking up on strange things spiritually as he encountered people or places. However this was amongst the strangest of reports Vernon has given on spiritual activity. They had little time to further ponder on spirits so Evan shook it off and refocused his attention on the X-men. Stepping ahead of the group he spoke, “Alright blokes what do you want? If you would kindly move out of the way, we would like to be going home and away from all of this bullshit.”

One of the mutants with the group looked quickly at all of the X-men team. “I think they’re here to stop us!! We can’t let them! Traitors!!” The young man shape shifted into a panther and lunged at Jonathan. Frenzy intercepted and with a sucker punch. Her steel hard fist sent the panther spiraling to the ground. He was unconscious and reverted back to human form.

Evan the frowned. “You lot are a twisted bunch you know that? How could you be mutants and want to turn us in to those mutant hating sods?! You’re gonna pay for what you just did to my little friend there and then you’re gonna get the hell out of our way!” He then stomped the ground causing a large piece of glowing concrete to levitate about shoulder length in the air. He then motioned as if throwing a shot put causing the glowing concrete to hurtle towards the X-men. Kent quickly erected a spherical shield that caused the projectile to explode like a bomb on impact.

Frenzy was shocked by the explosive power Evan wielded. “Whoah… This may be harder than I thought.” She said as she entered a fighting stance.

Vernon then created his beam sword.

[his beam swords look like this.]



Vernon kept his eyes lock on the group but spoke to Evan. “Evan we should try to talk this out with them as opposed to using violence.”

Even quickly replied, “A bit too late for that love. Be careful this lot ain’t as weak as they appear to be.”

Aidan grinned widely. “Those two are in love… That’s why they’re such a deadly pair. Oh how novel!” He chuckled.

Vernon pointed his bean sword at the X-men and conjured a few more shadowy spirits. “Keep them busy, I command you!” The shadowy imps darted at the X-men. “Evan we should take the group and go now!”


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.

Oliver smiled nervously, “Sure, I’m pretty sure we’re soon to be in the clear. Give me a moment, my garden needs tending.” He said and gave her a wink. Pulling out a few seeds from his pocket he blew on them as if giving dice a lucky blow before throwing them. The seeds tumbled towards the entrance of the building. They immediately grew into large venus flytrap like plants that were very much alive and aggressive. The reinforcements for the HMR would now have trouble reaching them for battling the plants. “We can escape through the back room. I’ll have a hole knocked through the wall.” Oliver replied.

Grinning to himself about Frenzy's earlier comment, giving her a reassuring thumbs up as they X-Men sized down their new opponents, hearing one of the would be escapees exclaim "Whats this?!", though before Rob could blurt out proudly of the name of the mutant vigilante group, he was disappointed as it seemed the man was more worried about Jonathan than the rest of them, to the extent he felt a bit disheartened and little out of the mood to do so.
Still, Robert held his ground along with the rest, even though, he was pretty puzzled with their leaders words, or he assumed was the one in charge, having a gut feeling something was wrong, but was definitely met with surprise as one of the opposing mutants leaped out and transformed into a panther, only for Frenzy to knock them out cold with a single punch, sending them tumbling along the ground.
"Nice one there Frenzy!" Robert called out, obviously impressed with her strength, as well as quite pleased he had someone much more powerful than himself to be partnered with, especially in what seemed like would boil down to massive conflict soon.

As one of the opposing mutants bellowed their frustrations at the X-Men, disgusted with the idea of the vigilante group of selling them out to the well known anti-mutant corporation, which Rob completely understood with their anger, after all he would be exactly the same way if he though some mutants were about to just hand over him and his friends over to some filthy pewmans, but he wasn't here to fell sympathy, he was here to do a job. Still, he had to at least let the man know they weren't intending to just gift wrap them.
He took a deep breath, only managing to bark out; "Oi, lad, your mate started on us before we even said anything! Besides we're-", before being entirely shocked at the sudden attack with explosive concrete, that was thankfully blocked by Kent and his shielding abilities.
"Bloody Hell! They don't give you much chance to chat do they? Cheers Kent!", he exclaimed with a sigh of relief, obviously shaken by the sudden attack, nodding in agreement with Frenzy and adding; "Yup, im definitely in way over my head here, hell, you wouldn't even see my head."

Rob then stared in puzzlement and bewilderment as the other man, the one that seemed worried about the presence of Jonathan, suddenly conjured a beam sword of sorts, leaving Rob to ponder at what on earth was his mutant power? Was he the elementalist that was using more than just your typical earth, water, wind and fire combo? Before he could wonder more on the idea, he then heard Aiden's words of them being a couple. "Eh? They're sweethearts are they? What, are they like Bonnie and Clyde or something? Ah, forget it, no time to ask, looks like we got to beat the sense into them." Suddenly, the beam swordsman suddenly summoned some more shadowy creatures to his said and commanded their attack on the X-men, though it seemed their master was more intent on fleeing than fighting. As if on cue, the British tourist suddenly flew into action against the spectral imps, exclaiming; "Looks like it's my turn to then!", suddenly slashing wildly with the scimitar like blades jutting from the back of his forearms, hacking at the impish beings, hoping to himself he would be able to keep up with these monsters, and hoping even more that Frenzy wouldn't have to step in on him being reckless.