While the others were making their way forward through the forest, Wolverine and Gambit were already way ahead of the rest of team.
Wolverine ran through the woods at a pace that was hard for most of the X-men to keep up with. Gambit however, had no problem. He was high above in the trees with his staff. Leaping from limb to limb with the grace and speed of a jungle cat.
This was just the type of night and woods both Wolverine and Gambit loved. It allowed them to be free and let the skills that came natural to them loose. They would never admit it but, they loved working together. They fed off each other. If they were a symphony; they would be a masterpiece.
Every once in a while Wolverine would turn and make sure that the shadow following was indeed Gambit. One sniff was all he needed to tell it was him. Shitty cigarettes and cheap cologne always made Gambit's smell stand out in crowd. He looked up and saw the Cajun high up on a sturdy tree limb looking in the same direction he was.
“Got anythin'?” Gambit asked when he saw Wolverine sniffing the air.
“Ya mean after I cleared my nose of your lousy cigarettes and the dime store shit ya wear?”
“Dat, dime store shit ya talk'n 'bout keeps the ladies very happy, homme. Two of dem you know very well. But, let's focus less on my manly odor and more on da matter at hand shall we?
“We're gonna talk about those two another time, Gumbo. To answer ya question I did pick up something though.”
“And dat be?”
“Lots of Brotherhood stink.”
Both men turned when they heard several people headed their way. Gambit had his bow at the ready just in case who ever was coming wasn't a member of their team. He loosened his grip when he saw Wolverine hadn't popped his claws out. No claws was always a clear indicator that the other party was friendly.
“Man, I forgot how fast you two run. Should have had my Wheaties in stead of Coco Puffs this morning.” Shadowcat asked when she and the others had finally caught up.
“Any idea who we are dealing with?” Cyclops asked trying to catch his breath.
“Mystique, Toad, Pryro, and... Sabertooth. There's other scents here too. Someone tried to mask them. Could be that we got more than the Brotherhood and that telepath Red picked up.”
Cyclops nodded then pulled a small black device out from one of the pockets in his uniform. He held it in his hand then pressed a button on it and the device came to life. A 4-d version of the building appeared. He almost laughed as he watched Kitty practically drool over the tech he was holding.
“Thank Forge. He came up with this baby a few days before we got this mission. We're field testing it for him.”
He pressed another set of buttons and the image widened. As he touched the building the face of it dissolved away to show a detailed image of the interior.
The inside of the three story building was a far cry from its shabby outward appearance.
“What the hell kinda place is this Cyke?” Wolverine asked not liking what he was seeing.
He could feel his hackles start to rise. Something about this wasn’t right.
“It's an old research lab run by some not so friendly members of the government. A lot of experiments were done here.”
“Mutant experiments?” Storm asked although she knew the answer.
“Yeah.” Cyclops said with a heavy nod of his head.
“How did we get the plans ta the buildin'?” Wolverine asked barely controlling the growl in his voice.
Then realization dawned on him. “Motherfucker! The Senator. He gave the plans didn't he?”
“It doesn't matter how...” Cylcops started but was stopped by a very angry Wolverine.
“The fuck it doesn't! He knew about the experiments they were doing here and he didn't give a good god damn to stop it from happening until it affected him. Now he wants us to save his ass or should I say dick from the chopping block? I say fuck him.” Wolverine growled out.
“And what of the children, Wolverine?”
Wolverine turned towards Storm. She could see the anger and the golden hue in his eyes alerting her to the fact that the beast was coming forth. Scratching at the very edge of his being to be set free and let loose his beserker rage out on everything around him. Although, his anger was justified, and she was just as applauded as he, this was not the time to lose sight of the bigger picture. She stepped closer to him and looked him straight in the eyes.
“What of them? Should they reap what their parents have sown? As Shadowcat stated earlier, the Senators children as well as the others being held are innocent. Their parents are the monsters, not them. They do not deserve this fate. I can never understand the pain that was inflicted on you by the Weapon X program. No one here can. What I really can not fathom is that you are going to ask those children to pay the price of your revenge against those who have wronged you. If this is your plan or your judgment is that clouded, then maybe you need to leave this mission to the rest of us.”
Storms words were like a slap of cold water truth to his and his animals face. She was the only one who was able to cut through his bullshit and tell him what he needed to hear. Yeah, he was angry for what those bastards did to him. He would always be; but there was no way he was gonna let a bunch of kids pay that toll for the havoc his vengeance would bring to those who had it coming. Not this, or any other day.
“I ain't leavin'. The only reason why I'm still stickin' around is for those kids. Not their piece of shit parents. As far as I'm concerned they can all go straight to hell.”
“For once Wolverine, we're in agreement. Once we get the kids out of here their parents can go fuck themselves.” Cyclops said.
“Aw Cyke, ya makin' me all warm and fuzzy with your big boy talk.”
“Now, that Wolverine's got the warm and fuzzies, can we get back on track? Remember, kids, small, scared, waiting for us, the good guys.” Shadowcat said.
“And ah thought we left Jubilee and her wise cracks at home.” Rogue said winking at her.
“She's right. Let's get back on track here.” Cyclops said.
Pointing to the top floor of the building on the holographic image, he zoomed in on the last door on the floor.
“That's where the Professor and Beast think the kids are being held. Jean can you...”
Cyclops looked up to see Jean trying to scan the building and the look of frustration on her face.
“I still can't get a good read but I did get something. It was really fleeting.”
“What was it?” Storm asked.
“Fear. It was definitely fear. I think maybe our telepath may be being forced to shield us from what ever is going on in there.”
“So, it could be one of de kids?”Gambit asked.
“It very well could be.” Jean said.
“Then we need to get in there now. Wolverine, Rogue we'll need you for that door. The door was built so that what ever goes in doesn't get out.”
“No problem. I got six lock picks right here.” Wolverine said.
“Don't worry sugah, between me and Wolverine, we'll git that door ta open and stay open.”
“Shadowcat and Gambit, you two back up Wolverine and Rogue on the inside. Storm, Jean, and I will watch the perimeter. Nothing will get past us that's not supposed to.”
“Let's do this.” Wolverine said.
“Move out and be careful. Use channel 1 on your radios and keep them open. I can monitor your positions and guide you in further with the map.” Cyclops said.
As the team moved towards the building they started to splinter off into their groups.
“Place looks abandoned.” Jeans said coming up behind Cyclops.
“You think Sabertooth picked up us yet?” Cyclops asked Wolverine while taking a position on the north side of the building.
“Maybe. We're gonna need some cover. Storm, darlin' if you could make it rain that might mask our scents from Sabertooth for a little bit.”
“On it.” Rising in to the air to take her position high above the building to get an aerial view. She let her mutation take over. Her eyes went from a vibrant blue to milky white. A moment later a heavy rain began to fall. “Good thing the weather forecast called for rain or else this sudden rain fall might be a little suspicious.”
“How long do you think that will buy us? Cyclops asked.
“Ten to fifteen minutes tops. Then no matter how much rain falls he's gonna know we are here. So we better find those kids quick. Where's the entrance at?”
“Up ahead about fifty meters from your position.” Cyclops said looking at the map.
Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit, and Shadowcat ran towards the front door and where surprised when there was no one there guarding it. This was not how the Brotherhood usually worked. There was always someone standing guard. So, the question was why not now?
“No one's here? That's odd.” Shadowcat said out loud.
“Yeah, ah would have at least expected Pyro or Toad ta be watching the door.” Rogue said.
“Maybe da party be inside.”Gambit said.
“Ain't nothin' about this op that 's right. Just can it for now. Gimme a sec and I'll have the door open.”
Snikt!
Three adamantium claws popped out of his hand and were about to cut into the door when Shadowcat pulled his arm back.
“Hold on big guy. Let me check it out first.”
Wolverine didn't like it. This smelled like a trap and he didn't like her going in there on her own but sending two people might alert someone they were there. God, how he hated choices like this.
“Alright, you got one minute.”
“That's all I'll need.” she said smiling.
A moment later she phased through the wall and was gone.
The minute it took her to come back felt like a million minutes had gone by. The three team mates started to get antsy, especially Wolverine. Rogue placed a gloved hand on his shoulder.
“Ah know how ya feel. Just give her a little bit more time.”
Wolverine was about to say she's got ten more seconds before he bust the door down when there was a click and the door started to open.
All three of them readied themselves for whatever was coming through the door. They all blew out a sigh of relief when they saw a grinning Shadowcat.
“Sorry. I didn't mean to take so long. It took me longer than expected to disable the security alarm to the door.”
“Just glad you're OK, pumpkin.”
“I'm fine. You wouldn't have been if you clawed through the door. They had something waiting for you.”
“Oh yeah, what was it?”
Shadowcat held up a bomb with enough C4 on it to blow whoever was coming and anyone else behind them through the door to kingdom come.
Gambit whistled. “Gambit, t'ink dat even wit your healin' factor dat would hav' been one hell of a t'ing ta come back from.”
“Ya ain't lying gumbo. That would have left a mark or two. Not to mention you three would be talkin' ta St. Peter at the pearly gates right now.”
“I don't know how many more tricks they got waiting for us but we need to level the playing field somehow.” Jean chirped in over the radio.
Cyclops pulled the holographic map out again and scanned it really quick. “I got something. Head inside and you'll see there is a door ten meters west of your location that leads to the basement. I want Gambit and Shadowcat to head down there to see if there is anything that will cut the power. Also you got bomb detail. Find and disarm any you come across. Expect company you guys.”
“Gambit, always like company, de company don always like him.”
“Just keep your eyes open. Who know what other surprises they left for us.” Cyclops said.
“We'll show 'em not to mess with us.”
“Yes, petit, we will.” Gambit said jostling Shadowcats's hair up.
“If they cut the power we'll be in the dark. How is that gonna help us? Rogue asked.
“So will they.”Cyclops said. “Everyone, hold your positions until Shadowcat and Gambit cut the power. Just know you'll be flying blind. The map doesn't give me a clue what's down there.”
“Let's go, petit.”
“Right behind ya.”
Rogue watched as Gambit and Shadowcat headed towards the entrance then disappeared from sight. A shiver went down her spine like someone was walking over her grave. Something bad was going to happen. She tried to shake it off so Wolverine wouldn't see it. Too late. She heard him sniff the air and knew he had smelled it on her. Damn his nose sometimes.
“Ah'm fine.” she lied.
“Ya don't smell fine.”
“That's flattering, sugah. With talk like that, it's amazin' ya single.” she said rolling her eyes at him.
Wolverine softened his tone a bit. He covered up his mic so the rest of the team wouldn't hear him.
“I know ya care for Gumbo. Much more than this old canukle would like to admit. And Kitten, she's ya best friend. Ya worried about them and I get that. Ya wanna keep'em safe? Keep your mind on the mission and ya eyes open for anythin' commin' our way or there’s. OK?”
Rogue nodded. He was right. Fear only opened the door to let the bad things in and she wasn’t gonna let anything happen to one of her best friends or her Cajun.
“Good girl. Just be ready.”
Wolverine watched as Rogue cracked her neck like he did when he was ready to get into some shit. He smiled and felt a surge of pride go through him. He also suppressed the sadness he felt too at seeing it. No matter how many times she had told him that that night in his room when his claws almost took her life was in the past, and that there was nothing to forgive, he would never be free of the guilt he felt. The gestures she made and continue to make would always be a constant reminder that his actions always have repercussions.
Outside
Jean was standing by on the south side of the building trying to stay hidden from any prying eyes or scanning minds. She was just about to move to another position when something flashed in her mind.
She couldn't tell what it was because it happened so fast. Before she could try and recall what it was it hit her again and the feelings associated with it caused her pain. The sensation was so intense she let the barriers in her mind fall and inadvertently let the pain slip into her psychic link with Cyclops and Storm. The pain caused Cyclops to fall to his knees and Storm to let out a loud thunder clap.
* Jean! * they both called to her through the link.
* Jean, what's wrong? * Cyclops asked worriedly.
*Goddess, Jean what is the matter? * Storm asked trying to reign her powers in.
Still reeling from the pain in his head, Cyclops got up off the ground and was leaning on the wall for support. He was starting to head towards Jeans when a loud squeal on the radio followed by Wolverine's voice made him pause from the ringing in his ears it caused.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS GOIN' ON?! If they didn't know we were here before Storm's thunderclap it sure as hell tipped them off.” Wolverine growled through the comm radio.
“Something's wrong with Jean. Storm and I felt her pain through our link.”
“Red?” Wolverine asked in concern. “Well you better get ta her because we don't need somethin' else giving our positions away.”
“I'm on my way to her now.” Cyclops said.
“I will come to you as well.” Storm said. She was scared for friend and it was evident in her voice.
“Negative. Stay where you are. I've got her.”
Hating that order to its very core, Storm reluctantly agreed. “Understood.”
Cyclops ran as fast as he could to get to Jean. He found her on her knees and holding her head. He started to approach her when she held out her hand to stop him.
“Wait...stop....need..a..moment.”
He watched as her face slowly switched from pain to one of deep concentration. Once he saw her hand lower he was by her side before she could protest.
“Jean, what's going?”
“It caught me off guard.” she said still trying to shake the cob webs out of her head.
“Was it a psychic attack?” Cyclops said pulling her close to him.
Jean shook her head no. “It wasn't an attack. It was something else.”
“What?”
“It was a cry for help, Scott. That's as close as I can put it. I was getting projections. They were projecting their pain and fear out to me. It just came in too fast and to quick for me to slow it down. It overwhelmed me and that's how it managed to slip into my link with you and Ororo.”
Fear suddenly gripped her heart when she didn't see her friend. “Oh god, is she alright?”
“She's fine.” Cyclops said trying to reassure her.
Jean needed to know for herself. She reached out with her mind and felt her friends overwhelming worry for her.
* I'm OK, 'Roro. *
Jean could feel the mental sigh Storm let out hearing her friends voice.
*Thank the goddess! Jean you had me worried. Not to mention gave me a rather strong headache. What happened? *
Jean quickly sent to her what she just explained to Scott.
* There is more going on here than we think. Be on your guard, Jean.*
*I will. You too, dear sister. *
“Jean, do you think you can make contact with who every it is inside?” Cyclops asked.
“I don't know. I'll try.”
Inside
“How's it comin' you two?” Wolverine asked.
“Nothin' yet. But I gotta ta tell ya homme, dis place is da stuff of nightmares.”
“That bad huh?”
“Der were rooms I would not let the petit go in. She say she could handle it but, der some t'ings young eyes shouldna see.”
Gambit could hear the grunt Wolverine made through the radio. He knew that Wolverine more than anyone knew what he was saying.
The basement was a dark and dreary place. The hallways were black and barely lit. Gambit charged one of his cards to give them some light as they tried to gauge where they were heading.
The first couple of doors they tried where nothing but supply closets that looked like they had been emptied in a hurry. The next ones they came across looked more like holding cells.
Shadowcat was about to phase into the first one when something about it chilled Gambit to the bone. The door had a lock on it that look like it could only be open from the outside. He was about to get his lock picks out when she turned the door handle and to both their surprises it opened.
“Wait here.” he said.
“Gambit, I can..”
“Don, fight me on dis cher'.” he said sharply.
The fire she saw in his black and red eyes told her this was not up for discussion. She silently nodded and moved aside while he pushed the door wide enough to let him peer inside.
Lighting up another card he poked his head in to the darkened room.
The smell is what hit him first. It smelled of feces and urine. He stepped in a little further to get a better look when his foot hit something that made a noise. He looked down and lowered his card to light what it could be. It was a chains.
He followed the chains and could see they were attached to a wall that was covered in old blood and scratches.
A closer look showed the scratches were actually tick marks. They told Gambit that whoever was in here was counting the days of their imprisonment and from what he could tell it looked like they were here for many of them. He felt sorry for the poor soul who was trapped in here and treated like an animal. This was no way to treat anyone. Human or mutant.
When he stepped out of the room he closed the door behind him. He needed a moment to breathe.
“Gambit?” Shadowcat said called his name out softly.
He turned to her and saw the look on her face and felt her hand touch his out of concern.
“I'm alright lil' one. Gambit, goes through doors like dis first ok?”
“That bad huh?”
“Oui. Gambit, know you can handle anytin' dat come your way but, he would be remiss to let you step inta harms way when it could hav' been prevented. Ya understan'?”
“I do. Thank you.”
“OK, Let's find dis room so we can git back to da others.”
Outside
Entering a persons mind is never easy. Every mind has its own door and with it, it's own set of locks. To get in you need very special lock picks.
Cyclops watched as Jean began to open her mind to scan for the other telepath. Her eyes closed and her breathing began to slow. The rain coming down didn't seem to bother her. That told him that she was in no longer in this moment.
When Jean opened her eyes she found herself standing in front of a very plain looking white door. Each door to a person mind told a lot about them. Her minds door looked similar to the one she and Scott shared. The Professor often teased her about it. Telling her that it looked quite girly compared to his sturdy solid oak door.
Plastered all over the door were pictures of places and people that made her happy and helped her become the women she was today. They were also barriers to her mind. Letting anyone know that they before they got to her, they had to go through her friends first.
Through her training Jean learned the design of the door was necessary and essential to keep intruders from gaining unwanted access. The more intricate the design of the door, the more advance the mind and the locks to open it were.
This door however, was blank. Like a canvas. No pictures. No colors. Nothing. Telling her that this was very an inexperienced mind in more ways than one.
The Professor had taught her a long time ago that the mind is a very fragile place. You can't just force your way in. You need to be subtle about it. Even in dire situations like this, you still need to take your time and find the right combination to open the door.
Just like a real lock pick expert, Jean started to root around trying to find the right combination. It didn't take her before she heard what would be considered a click. Slowly she turned the knob and cautiously stepped through the door.
As soon as she walked past the threshold she felt as though she were being hurtled around like an astronaut in space with no tether. There was nothing for her to grab a hold of because this persons memories were flying by her so fast. Now she knew what being inside hurricane felt like. With everything swirling and blurring around her there was nothing to keep her grounded.
“How does Ororo deal with this?”
Jean knew that if she was to get any where she need to stop this and gain some type of footing. That required her to start scanning this person's mind to try and make contact.
Even for the most trained telepath like the Professor, breaking down the layers of another persons mind to make contact was a difficult task. You never know what kind of blocks and barriers they had up to stop you.
This one mind, was different. There was no resistance to her scan. Their walls were easy to break. It was if there were no walls at all to be broken. Which was strange to Jean.
Every telepath that she had ever come across had learned how to create some type of barrier so no other telepath would find an easy way in. This mind had little to no defenses against any attack or breach from another mind. The only defense they had were strong emotions.
That's what was keeping Jean from getting a good read. The amount of fear that they were sending out literally jammed up the air waves. This confirmed her worst fear that it definitely was one of the hostages. If she was to get anywhere she needed to calm them down.
She decided to use another trick that the Professor taught her many years ago.
He told her that no matter where you are you can always create a safe place. That's exactly what she planned to do. All she needed was to find the right place.
Jean looked at the memories before her and tried to find something in them she could use. They were still swirling around faster than her eye could see. She could still feel the person's fear all around her. It was almost suffocating.
Then something occurred to her. The more fear the person was generating, the faster the memory twister went. She had to slow it down and let them she was not a threat.
*Don't be afraid. I'm not here to hurt you. *
There was no response. So, she tried again.
*I promise, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm only here to help you.*
Still nothing.
While she waited for a response she noticed the memories started to slow down. This was her chance she thought. She quickly scanned the images and found what she thought would suit her needs.
A moment later she was in what looked like an ice cream shop. The place looked like something straight out of the 50's.
The place had a white counter with red stools that spun. Off to the side were several long booths that were also decorated in red and white.
As she walked in further she looked around and noticed the place was empty. The only sound was coming from a song playing from the jukebox in the back. She couldn't quite make out the song but it sounded familiar. She put the thought in the back of her mind for now.
Looking down at her attire she shook her head. Her uniform was not going instil trust. It might scare them and remind of them of their captors. A quick change is in order she thought. A moment later she was dressed in a green t shirt with a yellow X on the side, blue jeans, and a pair of white Keds.
She walked over to one of the booths and took a seat. Once she was settled she thought it was time to try and reach out again.
*I'm here. You can talk to me. This is a safe place. I promise, I won't hurt you. I just want to talk.*
Again, no response, just music.
*You can trust me. My name is Jean. What's yours? *
Nothing.
*Ya know, when I was little my dad used to take to a place just like this. We used sit at the counter and I would spin in the seat until I got dizzy. Then he and I would order ice cream. I would get mint chocolate chip and my dad rum raisin. Do you have a favorite ice cream? *
Then she heard it.
*Rocky Road. * a tiny voice said.
The voice startled her.
*What did you say? *
* Rocky Road. *
Jean smiled.
* What's your name? *
*Nathan.*
*Nathan, huh? I always liked that name. Would you like to join me?*
* Scared*
Jean could feel and hear the fear in the child’s voice. She had to use all her mental discipline to push back the anger that was rising in her towards the Brotherhood for traumatizing this child.
*I know. That's why I'm here. Come join me. *
*Don't know how. *
*It's OK. I'm gonna help you. I'm going to create a connection. It's kinda like a rope. When you feel it I want you to grab on.*
Keeping part of her mind with Nathan, Jean checked in with Cyclops.
“Scott?”
Cyclops grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“I'm here. Did you make contact?”
She nodded.
“Yes, I did. His name is Nathan.”
“Can he tell you anything? Anything that can help us?”
“Not yet. He's scared Scott. It took a lot for me to just get his name. I know we don't have a lot of time....”
Cyclops smiled and touched the side of her cheek. “I know you are trying. Do what you have to.”
“How are Wolverine and the others doing?”
“They are still waiting for Gambit and Shadowcat to cut the power.”
Jean could feel it each time when Nathan almost had it. He wasn't able to hold on for more than a second.
* It's alright, Nathan. Try one more time.*
“Scott, I have to go back.”
“Alright. Be careful.”
“I will.”
Up above
High above the building the weather goddess was keeping a very worried watch. She kept getting the feeling that something was not right about this whole thing. There was a piece to the puzzle they were missing.
Circling the building very careful she looked for any sign of movement. There was none and that struck her as odd. This was not like the Brotherhood. Magneto and Mystic were masters at strategy and for them to leave both the front entrance and roof unguarded was a serious tactical error. One that was rarely ever made. This solidified for her that all is not what it seems. As soon as the power is cut she knew what she had to do. Cyclops would not approve of her decision but his wrath would be something she would risk.
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