******AT ATTENTION******
<Kurt> @@
<Logan> @@
<Mystique> @@
<Catseye> @@
<Emma> @@
<Reynard> @@
<Havok> @@
<Pietro> @@
<Alex> @@
********PROLOGUE********
<Erik> SCENE> WUNDAGORE. THE HEADMASTER'S OFFICE. LATE AT NIGHT. ALL IS QUIET,
AND THE WINDOWLESS ROOM IS UTTERLY UNLIT, SAVE FOR A CRACK OF MOONLIGHT FROM THE
HALL ENTERING BENEATH THE DOOR.
<Erik> ACTION> A FAINT WHIRRING NOISE FROM THE BACK OF THE ROOM PRECEDES RUSHED
FOOTSTEPS TO THE DOOR. ERIK HESITATES A MOMENT AT THE OFFICE DOOR, A SHEET OF
PAPER BUNCHED ROUGHLY IN ONE HAND.
<Erik> ACTION> HE TURNS BACK, OPENING A LOCKED DRAWER IN HIS DESK WITH A MINUTE
GESTURE, FOLDS THE PAPER OVER CAREFULLY, AND PLACES IT INSIDE. THE DESK DRAWER
SHUTS WITH A CLICK AS ERIK GRABS A JACKET FROM THE COATRACK BY THE DOOR, THEN
VANISHES INTO THE DARKNESS AT THE REAR OF THE ROOM ONCE AGAIN.
<Erik> ACTION> A FEW MOMENTS LATER, A FAINT VIBRATION SHAKES THE CASTLE, BARELY
PERCEPTIBLE. A DARK SILHOUETTE PASSES BRIEFLY ACROSS THE VALLEY TREETOPS BEFORE
DISAPPEARING AROUND THE FLANK OF THE MOUNTAIN.
******END PROLOGUE******
********SIM START********
<Erik> SCENE> WUNDAGORE. LATE MORNING, ALMOST NOON. ODDLY ENOUGH, THE BELLS
NEVER RANG THIS MORNING, TO WAKE EVERYONE AND BRING THEM DOWN TO BREAKFAST.
EARLY RISERS FOUND A CONFUSED BOVA WITH FOOD READY IN THE KITCHEN, AND AN
OTHERWISE QUIET CASTLE. LATE RISERS HAVE SUN STREAMING IN THEIR WINDOWS, GETTING
IN THEIR EYES.
<Kurt> ::having gotten up about an hour ago, he's in the dining room, quietly
finishing up the last of his breakfast::
<Erik> Bova> ::anxiously peeking in every few minutes from the kitchen:: Is
everything alright, Mr Wagner?
<Pietro> ::up for quite some time, sitting comfortably in the living room
reading the newspaper::
<Kurt> ::shaking his head at Bova, getting almost annoyed:: Ja, ja. Everything's
fine. ((What has gotten her upset?))
<Mystique> ::sits at dining room table in her crimson silk robe reading a
collection of American and European papers::
<Erik> Bova> ::looks around, with what might be a frown on her bovine face:: I
do hope it isn't cold... I don't know why Mr Lensherr did not ring the bell this
morning... it was so late, before I knew it, and all this food sitting around
going cold...
<Kurt> ::soft sigh:: It's not cold. Really.
<Erik> Bova> Ms Darkholme? Can I get you anything? ::worried look::
<Mystique> ::takes a sip of her black coffee:: Nothing, Bova...except perhaps
the answer to where Erik is this morning?
<Pietro> ::yawns deeply, and continues reading the paper, looking to see if
there is anything about the incident in Paris::
<Erik> Bova> ::tugs at her apron worriedly:: I don't know... he didn't mention
anything to you?
<Erik> ACTION> PIETRO AND MYSTI MIGHT NOTICE THE PARIS INCIDENT MADE THE THIRD
PAGE OF A SMALL FRENCH PAPER, AND WAS DISMISSED AS A TERRORIST ATTACK. MUTANTS
ARE NOT MENTIONED.
<Kurt> ::finishes his food and stands, grabbing his plate and glass, moving
around Bova to put them in the kitchen::
<Mystique> He made no mention to me. Do you believe he has left the grounds?
::raises an eye brow over the article and almost smiles to herself::
<Pietro> ((That is fortunate I suppose)) ::folds the paper and places it onto
the coffee table:: ((I wonder where Wanda and Father are...)) ::makes a dash
around the area trying to locate his father or sister in the vicinity::
<Erik> ACTION> AS PIETRO IS CIRCLING THE CASTLE, A DUST-COVERED MOTORCYCLE PULLS
UP TO THE GARAGE, WITH AN EQUALLY DUSTY RIDER.
<Pietro> ::stops directly behind Wanda, shaking his head at her ability to
entertain herself so easily picking berries:: ((I wish I had her patience...))
::takes off once more without as much as a word, noticing the motorcycle upon
his reaching of the front of the castle, and stopping to examine whom the rider
is::
<Mystique> Kurt... ::calls out glancing to the kitchen::
<Kurt> ::moves back into the dining room, looking to Mystique:: Ja, Raven?
<Logan> ::kicks down the kickstand (or whatever holds the bike up) and stands,
eyeing the castle:: ((Hmmph, figures...))
<Mystique> ::holds up her empty coffee cup:: Could you be a dear and put this in
the sink for me?
<Erik> Bova> I certainly haven't seen him all morning... ::looks toward the
kitchen:: Oh dear... ::bustles back in, as the scent of slightly over-crisped
bread wafts out::
<Pietro> ((....Father didn't tell me to be expecting any visitors)) ::slowly
paces towards the man and the motorcycle:: Hello?
<Mystique> And do not forget your morning exercise routine...if you want to keep
up that talented physique, you need to be diligent in your work outs.
<Kurt> I won't forget. ::winds his tail around the cup, then walks back into the
kitchen::
<Logan> Isn't a little early for Halloween, bub?
<Mystique> ::folds her paper neatly before her and then stands up gathering her
robe and retightening the belt::
<Pietro> ::smirks broadly:: Perhaps... Who are you?
<Logan> ::grabs his duffle bag from the back of the bike and slings it over his
shoulder:: Logan. ::starts walking towards the castle::
<Kurt> ::deposits the cup in the sink before making his way towards the living
room:: ((Exercise can wait for a short while..))
<Pietro> Oh! How rude of me... My apologies sir.. I am Pietro Lensherr, Erik's
son... ::holds out a hand::
<Logan> Hmmph.. ::continues towards the castle::
<Pietro> ...::stands there for a moment, shocked at the man's lack of manners,
before moving forward to catch up to him:: Uhm, excuse me sir, is there anything
I can get you?
<Mystique> ::strolls back up to her room stopping to glance down the hall
towards Erik's abode:: ((Erik...I hope you did not take off unannounced...))
<Kurt> ::sits on a couch, immediately leaning back and relaxing::
<Logan> ::pulls his duffle from his shoulder and hurls it at pietro:: You can
get that, bub.
<Pietro> ::catches the bag, stepping back slightly from the impact:: ((....who
does he think he is!!)) ::grits his teeth:: ((I wonder how he would like to find
his precious things in the lake...))
<Logan> ::smirks and continues walking towards the castle:: ((This gig might not
be so bad.))
<Erik> ACTION> AS LOGAN NEARS THE CASTLE, THE MOST NOTICEABLE SMELL IS THE TANG
OF METAL, EVERYWHERE.
<Pietro> ::walks behind Logan as he approaches the castle entrance, disgruntled
look on his face::
<Logan> ::inhales deep the smell of the land:: Your old man, figured he'd be
chairing the welcoming committee.
<Kurt> ::languidly stretches, tail uncurling as he does so::
<Pietro> I am not exactly sure where he is to tell you the truth... We did not
know when to expect your arrival..
<Logan> He in the habit of running off without so much as a word?
<Pietro> ((Come to think of it....)) No, I just have not seen him yet this
morning... ((Where HAS he been disappearing to?))
<Mystique> ::sits in front of her bedroom vanity gazing at herself in the mirror
before shapeshifting to assume a form with proper day clothes:: ((Perfect...))
<Mystique> ::stand and exits her room heading down the hall::
<Logan> You and the old man all alone out here?
<Pietro> No, not at all... Until recently it was just myself, father, and
sister, along with our wonderful cook Bova and several other attendants<?>,
however a couple of students have recently come to us, as well as another
instructor..
<Logan> You don't seem to excited about it.
<Pietro> Well, I wouldn't really refer to this as exciting... Perhaps the fact
that the school is finally close to opening is exciting, but I suppose you get
used to living a certain way after such a long time... ::Shrugs and opens the
front door for Logan::
<Mystique> ::stops at Erik's private chamber and puts an ear to the door::
((Hmmm...))
<Logan> Things change, bub, it's the way o'things. ::nostrils flare as the draft
of escaping air wafts past his nose as pietro opens the door::
<Erik> ACTION> MYSTIQUE CAN HEAR NOTHING WITHIN ERIK'S ROOM. LOGAN CAN SMELL
SEVERAL DISTINCT PEOPLE'S SCENTS LINGERING INSIDE...
<Kurt> ::slowly stands, moving out of the living room and towards the nearest
elevator::
<Mystique> ::pauses for a moment to think and then knocks lightly upon the
door::
<Pietro> ((I wonder what happened to this man to affect his attitude in such a
way..)) ::sighs and stops to turn to face Logan:: You can have your choice of a
room upstairs on the second floor, or a cottage down in the valley...
<Logan> ::eyes kurt as he (according to the map) walks past the stairs, himself,
and pietro to turn down the hall towards the elevator:: All the students as
colorful as that one?
<Mystique> ::frowns and then tries the door knob to see if the room is locked::
<Pietro> ::smirks:: Only two other students... Remy which has red eyes, Kurt
which is whom you just saw, and my sister Wanda, which is out in the valley
right now..
<Kurt> ::continues walking on for a bit before realizing that he had just passed
by Pietro and a stranger:: .....
<Erik> ACTION> MYSTIQUE FINDS THAT THE DOOR OPENS EASILY... ERIK'S ROOMS ARE
AUSTERE AND ALMOST BARE OF ACCENTS OR COLOR
<Mystique> ((What a pleasant surprise...)) ::slips inside and closes the door
quietly behind her::
<Logan> ((Smelled her before, should learn to stay downwind, 'specially with
that perfume she has on.))
<Mystique> ::takes a moment to studying the room's interior:: ((Really Erik...if
this room bears any allegoric symbolism to your real life...its quite dull...))
<Kurt> ::turns and walks back to the hallway's entrance, looking at the two
curiously:: ..Pietro? Wer ist das?
<Erik> ACTION> THE MOST INTERESTING THING IN ERIK'S ROOM IS THE LARGE DOUBLE
BOOKCASE, WHICH IS CRAMMED WITH BOOKS AND PAPERS, ALL OF WHICH LOOK QUITE
WELL-USED
<Wanda> ::hums softly to herself as she approaches the main entrance, with a
basket in hand. She then carefully opens the door, and slips inside:: ((It was
so beautiful outside today. I wish I could have enjoyed it more.))
<Erik> ACTION> WANDA NOTICES THE DUSTY MOTORCYCLE IN THE DRIVE A MOMENT BEFORE
SHE SEES PIETRO AND A SHORT, DARKHAIRED MAN WHO IS ALSO COVERED WITH ROAD DUST
<Mystique> ((Perhaps a clue as to his whereabouts can be found here...)) ::walks
over to the night stand to see if bears any papers or notes of sorts and then
wanders over to the bookcase to examine its contents::
<Wanda> ::glances to the guest after her attention sways from her thoughts::
Good afternoon. ::smiles in the usual friendly manner, and extends her hand::
<Pietro> ::turns around to see Wanda:: Oh.. Mr. Logan, this is my sister Wanda.
<Logan> Afternoon. ::nods politely::
<Erik> ACTION> MYSTIQUE FINDS NOTHING ON THE NIGHTSTAND EXCEPT A MOSTLY EMPTY
GLASS OF WATER. ALL THE BOOKS IN THE BOOKCASE SEEM TO BE FULL OF NOTES WRITTEN
INTO THE MARGINS IN ERIK'S HANDWRITING.
<Wanda> ::her hand still outstretched, she studies him for a moment, then
gestures with her hand again:: Pleasure to meet you, Logan. ::casts a smile
towards Pietro for a moment, and returns to regarding the newcomer::
<Mystique> ::pulls a book from the shelf thumbing through it:: ((The Modern
Enlightenment and Relativism Theory Applied to a Classless Society...such an
intellectual you are, Erik...it's all rather boorish but yet charming at the
same time))
<Kurt> ::just stands there, blinking at the now-three::
<Logan> ::nods to kurt:: How's that workin' out for you?
<Kurt> ::squinting slightly:: Pardon?
<Logan> Bein' blue.
<Pietro> ...((How dare he..)) ::gives a cold and dark look towards Logan:: Mr.
Logan, that is not appropriate at all.
<Wanda> ::pulls back her hand, and smiles to Kurt for a moment. She then touches
Pietro's shoulder to speak to him off to the side::
<Pietro> ::grits his teeth before pulling back for a moment to speak with
Wanda::
<Kurt> ... ::long silence, then shakes his head:: How do you think?
<Mystique> ::eyes light up as she spots a full copy of A Doctoral Thesis on
Emerging Mutations in Adolescents by Dr. Charles Xavier and quick snatches the
volume from the shelf::
<Wanda> Have you heard from Father? ::her voice is somewhat hushed. She then
tilts her head towards Logan:: And who is our new guest?
<Logan> ::nods:: Why don'tcha show me to that cottage you were talkin' 'bout
before, bub.
<Pietro> ::whispers and grabs her by the wrist and pulls her into the living
room:: I have no idea, but I wish he would show up.... ::speaks loudly from the
living room towards the grand-entrance:: One second Mr. Logan...
<Logan> Do me a favor, drop the mister.
<Wanda> ::crosses her arms after being pulled into the living room, after
setting down her basket onto one of the chairs:: I'm not sure how much I like
this, Pietro. All of these sudden newcomers.
<Kurt> ::turns and goes down the hall to the elevator, a slightly dark look on
his face::
<Mystique> ::opens the book to the first page reading intently:: ((I've always
wanted to peruse this first hand...))
<Pietro> There isn't anything we can do about it Wanda... We knew this day would
come.. ::sighs:: I'm going to go show him to his cottage down in the valley..
::walks back towards the entranceway::
<Erik> ACTION> FROM WHAT MYSTIQUE CAN SEE, THERE SEEMS TO BE NOTES IN TWO
DIFFERENT HANDS, ERIK'S, AND ANOTHER... QUITE THE LIVELY DIALOGUE BETWEEN TWO
INTELLECTUALS, ALL PENNED INTO THE MARGINS
<Wanda> Okay. I'm going to lay down for a little bit. If anything happens...
::she locks eyes with him for a moment, and then starts towards the stairs::
<Mystique> ::turns the book sideways pouring over the comments scribbled in the
margins:: ((This must be between Erik and Xavier...how interesting))
<Kurt> ::takes the elevator to the basement, then steps into the gym, looking
around:: ((Ach, like I needed a reminder of that today...))
<Mystique> ::turns back to the front cover and leafs through the first pages to
see if any foreword notes were written::
<Pietro> ::looks to Logan and nods:: Follow me please.. ::begins heading back
outside and heading towards the valley cottage::
<Kurt> ::strides over to stand next to some equipment, then begins a series of
stretches, raising his arms over his head and very nearly standing on the tips
of his toes::
<Mystique> ::closes the book and slips it back onto the shelf:: ((Considering
the work is ingenious and the man is dead, this particular copy could fetch a
fair price...))
<Logan> ::slings his duffle back over his shoulder and follows pietro::
<Pietro> So where are you from Mr. Logan, if it is alright to ask... ::continues
walking, wishing he could be running instead::
<Logan> Not from around here... It really eats you up to have to slow down for
the rest of us.
<Mystique> ::walks back to the door glancing back to Erik's bed neatly made and
looking un-slept in:: ((Maybe his office would provide answers...))
<Pietro> ::arches a brow:: ((Father must have mentioned my mutant abilities...))
I am starting to get used to it... It isn't as much as eating me up, as it is
being more comfortable using my superhuman speed...
<Logan> And Wanda, what's her gift?
<Mystique> ::quietly exits the room closing he door behind her and then makes he
way to Erik's office on the first floor::
<Kurt> ::finishes stretching, then hops up onto a balancing beam, standing still
for a moment before running and leaping to another one nearby::
<Pietro> I don't really know how to explain it... She is gifted with the ability
to create and manipulate hexes...
<Logan> And the elf? There more to him than blue fur and a tail?
<Pietro> And what about you Mr. Logan, what are your mutant abilities?
<Pietro> Yes, Kurt is capable of teleportation... ::nods his head::
<Erik> ACTION> MYSTIQUE FINDS THE OFFICE DOOR ALSO OPENS FREELY
<Logan> Let's just say... I'm the best there is at what I do.
<Pietro> ::arches a brow:: Care to elaborate a bit on what it is you do? You are
an instructor here, so perhaps something to do with superhuman teaching? ::grins
and chuckles::
<Mystique> ::standing in the east hall tries the knob of Erik's office to find
it opens:: ((He does not seem to lock much of anything does he...which either
means he's a very open man which doesn't agree with his action of abruptly
leaving with out explanation...or that he has everything important hidden
somewhere else...))
<Logan> It ain't for polite conversation an' if you're lucky, you won't ever
have to find out.
<Kurt> ::leaps to a third balancing beam before stopping, then flips to stand on
his hands, gripping the beam tightly::
<Mystique> ::slips inside and leans against the door closing it behind her while
eyeing about the room studying its contents:: ((Something hidden...hmmm))
<Pietro> I see... ::continues on the path, not really sure how far this place
is::
<Erik> ACTION> THE LARGE DESK DOMINATES ERIK'S OFFICE...
<Pietro> ::reaches the cottage already:: Alright... We're here.. ::walks up to
the door to unlock<?> and open it::
<Mystique> ::eyes the desk before her and smirks:: ((Compensating Erik? I hope
not...)) ::walks around the desk to slide into his chair and begins looking
around for notes, phone numbers, plane tickets, etc. anything as a clue as to
where he went::
<Kurt> ::stays still for long moments, then lets go of the bar and flips back to
his feet, nearly slipping as he extends his arms outward::
<Logan> ::tosses his duffle-bag into the corner as he steps inside the cottage::
<Pietro> Do you need anything before I go? I am sure you can find your way
around... I haven't exactly been inside before come to think of it...
<Logan> Not bad.
<Wanda> ::slips out of her bedroom, looking as made up as usual, and moves down
the hallway silently:: ((I've got to find him..)) ::with a determined look, she
continues towards Erik's office::
<Erik> ACTION> MYSTIQUE CANNOT OPEN THE DESK DRAWERS... THEY APPEAR TO HAVE NO
HANDLES, NO KEY HOLES, NOT EVEN ENOUGH IN THE WAY OF CRACKS TO GET ANY SORT OF
PURCHASE ON THE DRAWERS
<Logan> ::walks deeper into the cottage, all but forgetting pietro's presence::
<Pietro> Alright then... I'll be at the castle if you need anything.. ::turns to
walk back out the door and jet off back towards the castle::
<Mystique> ((Very clever Erik...but your insistence on keeping things from me
does not bode well for our...mutual friendship)) ::sighs after examining the
desk and then leans back in the chair thinking of what to do now::
<Wanda> ::approaches his office door, and listens for any noises:: ((Perhaps he
came back..))
<Erik> ACTION> WANDA HEARS THE DESK-CHAIR CREAK WITH MOTION
<Wanda> ::wrinkles her nose a little, and moves closer, very slowly:: ((I'm
feeling bad vibes.))
<Mystique> ::glances at the phone on the desk and picks up the receiver::
<Kurt> ::shifts position a bit, crouching on top of the beam as he pauses for a
short rest::
<Wanda> ::wraps her fingers around the knob, and slowly turns it:: Father?
<Mystique> ::reaches forward, fingers hovering over the rotary dial as if trying
to decide to make the call or not:: ((If I have to go to all the trouble of
tracking you down...I swear...))
<Wanda> ((No response.. but I know what I heard. Be brave, Wanda.)) ::takes a
deep breath, and opens the door::
<Erik> ACTION> WANDA OPENS THE DOOR TO SEE... MYSTIQUE AT HER FATHER'S DESK
<Wanda> ::almost immediately narrows her eyes:: What are you doing in here?
<Pietro> ::slows down as he approaches the front of the castle:: ((I wonder if
Bova has cooked up lunch yet..)) ::walks inside the castle, and heads for the
dining-hall::
<Mystique> ::glancing up narrowing eyes in annoyance:: Making a phone call or
can you not see? ::hangs up the phone::
<Wanda> This room is off limits to anyone except my Father, Pietro, and myself.
::crosses her arms:: It's common courtesy as someone's guest to abide by their
rules.
<Mystique> I don't recall hearing of those rules...and if Erik so wished no one
to be in his office, he would lock it like a any sensible person. ::stands up
from the desk::
<Wanda> ::continues to eye her, arms crossed:: You're full aware of the rules
now. ((I knew there was something about her. Perhaps that explains Father's
disappearance.))
<Mystique> Tell me...where is your father? ::raises a finger to lightly tap the
corner of her mouth::
<Pietro> ::peeks his head into the kitchen after going through the dining area::
Bova?
<Kurt> ::is distracted from exercising by his thoughts, slowly stepping off of
the balancing beam::
<Wanda> He is.. away with business. ((Like I'm going to tell you I don't know
where he is..)) Now, if you don't mind..::gestures towards the door::
<Erik> Bova> Hello! ::bright smile to Pietro:: Are you hungry?
<Mystique> ::makes no move to leave:: Precisely...gone...which means I am now in
charge and if you do not mind, I have important school business to attend to.
::sits back down at the desk and picks the phone back up::
<Wanda> ::chuckles a little:: I'm not sure who you think you are. But regardless
of where my Father is, this is my home as well, and I'd appreciate it if you
abided by my wishes.
<Pietro> ::smiles brightly:: Hello Miss Bova... Yes I am actually quite
famished.... If it isn't too much trouble, do you think you could prepare
something for me?
<Mystique> I don't care much for you appreciation. ::waves a hand in her general
direction and then dials a number::
<Erik> Bova> Yes, of course! Lunch is all ready, in fact...
<Wanda> ::her cheeks flush a bit, and she subtly throws a small hex at the
phone::
<Pietro> Oh... Well that worked out well then I suppose.. ::Smiles:: Do you need
help with anything Miss Bova?
<Erik> Bova> Well... ::worried look:: Do you think you could ring the bell? If
Mr Lensherr isn't here to do it... how will anyone know it is time for lunch?
<Pietro> ::nods:: Of course... I will go summon the others.. ::nods politely
before dashing off towards the bell tower to ring the bell::
<Erik> ACTION> THE BELL TOLLS, THANKS TO PIETRO... RINGING THROUGHOUT THE CASTLE
TO ANNOUNCE LUNCH TIME
<Pietro> ::waits for a moment before speeding back off into the dining room, to
take a seat at his usual spot::
<Kurt`> ::gives a bit of a start, then smirks:: ((Perfect timing!)) ::'ports to
the hallway outside the dining room::
<Pietro> ::waits semi-patiently in the dining room, all alone:: ((I wonder if
Wanda located father....))
<Kurt> ::walks into the dining room, pulling out a chair and taking a seat::
<Erik> ACTION> MYSTIQUE FINDS THE SPRING IN THE ROTARY DIAL HAS SNAPPED...
<Pietro> Hello Kurt ::looks up with a smile::
<Kurt> Hallo.. ::looking at the surface of the table rather than at Pietro::
<Pietro> ::looks around wondering when Bova will bring out the food::
<Mystique> ::hangs up the phone and looks pointed to the girl before her:: Look
dear...my position at this school is vice head mistress which means that I am at
top of the food chain here when Erik leaves. I will not tolerate the impetuous
petty posturing of a spoiled daddy's girl unable to deal with the changes to her
world. There is more at stake in the future than your sad feelings of
insecurity.
<Pietro> ::sighs and stands up heading back to the kitchen:: ((Perhaps Miss Bova
could use some help...))
<Kurt> ::glances towards the kitchen, but doesn't move a muscle::
<Pietro> ::walks inside the kitchen:: Miss Bova, I am unsure where my father
is... Perhaps I can be of assistance in bringing out the food...
<Erik> Bova> Could you, dear? That would be very thoughtful of you...
<Pietro> ::nods:: No trouble at all Miss Bova. ::looks around to find the tray
of food before picking it up with both hands and steadily trying to carry it out
to the Dining Room::
<Kurt> ::curls his tail around the leg of his chair, watching Pietro carry the
food without comment::
<Pietro> ::lowers the tray of food onto the table, and then walks back to his
seat:: I guess this is plenty for the two of us... It doesn't look like anyone
else will be joining us.. ::starts filling up his plate with glorious food::
<Kurt> ::shrugs, then starts moving some of the food onto his plate:: They must
be busy, ja?
<Pietro> I guess so... ::finishes filling up his plate, and then pours himself a
cup of water, before beginning to eat::
<Kurt> ::munches on his food, thoughtfully:: That.. new guy that came in
today... What is he here for?..
<Pietro> Apparently he will be an instructor.... He didn't strike me at all as
being too polite... ::avoids eye-contact, instead continuing on in his eating::
<Kurt> ::with an incredulous tone in his voice:: An instructor? Him?
<Pietro> ...Yes, I am not sure what subjects it is that he will be instructing,
but I am highly doubting that it will be 'etiquette' ::does the little quote
marks with his fingers::
<Kurt> ::stares at his plate for a few moments, then goes back to picking at his
food::
<Pietro> ::continues eating, mouth full the majority of the time from pure
enjoyment::
<Erik> ACTION> LOGAN HEARS A FAINT, HIGH-FREQUENCY WHINE APPROACHING THE CASTLE
FROM OUTSIDE. THE ECHOES BETWEEN SIDES OF THE VALLEY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO
PINPOINT THE DIRECTION FROM WHICH IT COMES.
<Logan> ::grumbles something about his clean shirt as he darts out of his
cottage to investigate::
<Logan> ::scans the horizon for any signs of an aircraft::
<Erik> ACTION> A DARK SHAPE SKIMS LOW OVER THE TREETOPS, SLOWING AS IT NEARS THE
CASTLE… THE SLEEK SHAPE OF A JET COMES TO REST IN THE FRONT DRIVE, LANDING
VERTICALLY IN A BLAST OF HEAT.
<Logan> ::rubs his knuckles and heads towards the jet at a low run ready to
'greet' the newcomers::
<Erik> ACTION> WINDOWS RATTLE AROUND THE CASTLE AS THE JET COMES TO REST IN
FRONT... HEREBY ALERTING EVERYONE WITHIN TO ITS PRESENCE
<Pietro> ::yawns deeply and is suddenly caught off guard and shaken at the
tremors:: What the..... ::moves to get to his feet and jets out towards the
front::
<Kurt> ::eyes go wide as he looks up, standing quickly:: ...Sure, leave without
me..! ::'ports to just outside the front doors::
<Mystique> ::feels the cold metal of the desk vibrate beneath her hand and then
looks to Wanda again forgetting the girl's impudence and looking concerned as to
the origins of the tremor::
<Pietro> ::blinks, noticing a giant spaceship, or just a jet, that appears to be
in the front yard:: ((What in the hell????)) ::eyes go wide:: ((Where is
father?! He needs to be here right now!))
<Mystique> ::stands up and dashes from the office and into the main foyer
looking around::
<Erik> ACTION> THE ENGINES POWER DOWN RAPIDLY, AND A HATCH HISSES OPEN ON THE
UNDERSIDE OF THE JET. ERIK STEPS DOWN, LOOKING GRAYER THAN USUAL, AND MOVING
CAREFULLY.
<Kurt> ::runs forward at seeing the jet, mouth going dry:: ((Herr Lensherr...?))
<Mystique> ::moves to the front door and opens it peering outside:: ((What in
the...I knew he was hiding more than he ever let on to...soon we will have a
little talk on the matter.))
<Pietro> ::drops his jaw:: ((What the... Where did he? What is going on?!))
::remains in complete shock, standing on the front steps::
<Erik> ::gaze settles on Logan:: I see that you.. ::coughs:: made it... ::grim
smile::
<Erik> ACTION> THREE FIGURES FOLLOW ERIK OUT OF THE JET… A PALE BLONDE GIRL WITH
DARK CIRCLES UNDER HER EYES HAS AN UNDERFED-LOOKING PURPLE-HAIRED GIRL CLUTCHING
AT HER ARM, AND A YOUNG MAN WITH A BLACK BAR TATTOOED DOWN ONE SIDE OF HIS FACE
EXITS LAST.
<Logan> Yeah, looks like you almost didn't though. ::folds his arms over his
chest, eying the new arrivals suspiciously::
<Havok> ::Looks around suspiciously at the others as he steps out::
<Pietro> ((And who the hell are they??)) ::Growls:: ((All of a sudden it seems
that I am not important enough to discuss a simple matter of "going on a trip"
with.. How could he just leave without saying a word?!?)) ::dark, brooding look,
remaining in place with arms crossed::
<Emma> ::Walks quietly out, retaining some dignity and grace as she looks
about.::
<Erik> ACTION> LOGAN SMELLS BLOOD. WELL, AMIDST ALL THE OTHER ROILING SCENTS OF
ANGER AND SUSPICION AND FRIGHT EMANATING OFF THE JET'S OCCUPANTS.
<Kurt> ::slows down and stops about twenty-five feet from the jet itself,
staring at the new arrivals::
<Mystique> ::standing behind Pietro in the doorway:: I know the feeling.
<Catseye> ::stares at each of the persons nearby, pulling the blanket around her
tighter:: cahtsee fraid where moma?
<Logan> ::sniffs frantically, then starts barking commands:: What the hell
happened?! This place got an infirmary?!
<Erik> ::turns back to the three new arrivals:: I... ::deep cough:: ..welcome
you all to Wundagore. I am afraid I shall have to ask Ms. Darkholme to make
the.. proper introductions...
<Emma> Shh.. it's okay Cahtzee.. Your momma's just fine. ::Quiet voice and she
glances at Erik and nods.::
<Logan> To hell with the niceties, who's bleeding?!
<Pietro> ::walks right past his father, heading towards the three newcomers,
giving his father a cold and distant look as he passes:: Hello... I am Pietro
Lensherr... It is nice to meet you all
<Emma> It should be Mr. Lensherr or Alex...
<Erik> ACTION> ERIK SWAYS, ALMOST STUMBLING, PUTTING A HAND ON PIETRO'S SHOULDER
AS IF TO STEADY HIMSELF. UNDER THE DARK SUIT-JACKET HE'S WEARING, BLOOD HAS
SOAKED A PART OF HIS WHITE SHIRT RED.
<Pietro> ::Extends his hand to each of the new comers, giving each a million
dollar smile::
<Kurt> ((Bleeding?)) ::tail lashes back and fourth, and he glances back at the
entrance to the school::
<Mystique> ::continues to stand in the doorway glowering slightly at Erik::
((Introductions? He keeps me out of the loops and expects introductions from
me?))
<Catseye> cohd ::shivers, looking at Emma::
<Pietro> ::retracts his hand almost immediately seeing his father's actions::
Father...??? You are hurt!!
<Pietro> ::puts his arm around his father's shoulder:: We need to get you to a
hospital! ::looks around, growling:: ((Damnit!))
<Erik> ::low voice:: Pietro... to the elevator. I will... explain later.
<Mystique> ::spies Logan stalking about the aircraft:: ((When did he
arrive...?))
<Pietro> ...Yes father ::tries to steady and ease his father's walking by taking
the extra burden of his weight upon his shoulders:: ((What happened to him....
He should have let me come with him... I could have helped!)) ::continues
forward through the front door of the castle, heading towards the elevator::
<Havok> ::Glances at Emma:: I'm not that bad, I don't think..::Watches Erik
stumble and Pietro's exclamation:: ...((...Uh..okay..maybe he's for real, after
all..but..still..too much I don't know..don't want to take anything for granted,
yet..))
<Logan> ::snarls and mutters under his breath:: Damn, fool. ::says aloud:: What
about the rest o' ya? Anybody else wanna be a tough guy?
<Catseye> grampa sick ::points at Erik::
<Mystique> ::turns and leaves the doorway walking back into the castle heading
for her office and scowling angrily:: ((I have text books to order...))
<Emma> ::Looks coolly at Logan.:: I have a scraped knee.
<Erik> ::leaning heavily on Pietro, makes his slow way down the hall to the
elevator:: I am afraid... Ms Darkholme is.. not helping. ::coughs:: The new
students have been through a .. traumatizing experience, and should not be
abandoned at the doorstep.
<Kurt> ::walks closer to the jet now, still with a bemused look on his face::
Ach.. would you all like to come in? ::vague gesture towards the school::
<Catseye> ::stares at Logan:: furry?
<Logan> ::turns to Emma, snorts:: Funny. You want to tell me what happened?!
::to everyone still milling about:: Move inside!
<Pietro> Wonderful... and this Mr. Logan is anything but charming... ::begins
walking down the south hallway towards the elevator::
<Mystique> ::opens her office door, stalks inside and all but slams it shut
behind her:: ((Irene...give me the patience...))
<Emma> ::Looks at Logan distastefully, slightly snorts and walks towards the
castle.::
<Catseye> ::shivers still, having only the blanket to shield her from the wind::
((cold))
<Kurt> ::hesitates before turning and walking back inside the school::
<Erik> ACTION> UPON REACHING THE ELEVATOR, ERIK PLACES A HAND ON THE BACK WALL..
AND A SECOND SET OF BUTTONS APPEAR, RECESSING INTO THE WALL. HE PUSHES A SERIES
OF THEM, AND THE ELEVATOR LURCHES DOWNWARDS.
<Havok> It's.. complicated, what all happened..::Looks towards the others
heading back into the school::
<Pietro> ;:blinks almost taken aback by his fathers actions;: Father...? What is
going on? ::very very confused look on his face::
<Logan> Well start at the flamin' beginning.
<Mystique> ::leans heavily over her desk, eyes clenched shut:: ((Damn that fool
of man...he could have gotten himself killed...he far too important to be so
risky with his life...does he not understand the stakes of this game?!))
<Catseye> famin beginnin ::watches Logan::
<Erik> ::leaning against the wall as the elevator moves, sighs deeply:: I did
not plan for this to happen...
<Kurt> ::pauses in the entryway, waiting until everyone's inside before leading
them towards the living room::
<Erik> ACTION> THE REAR WALL OF THE ELEVATOR OPENS, JUST LIKE THE FRONT... ONLY
OPENING ONTO A CORRIDOR PIETRO'S NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
<Emma> We happened to be some.. vampire's guests of honor and we were going to
be sacrificed in the name of science.
<Pietro> Where did you go father? How did this happen? ::his tone is apparently
worried:: You should have told me you were going some- ::eyes widen:: ((What the
hell is going on?! Is this the same castle??)) ::walks forward into the
hallway:: What is this place?
<Mystique> ::slams a fist down on the cold metal of her office desk:: ((And to
top it off...he tells me nothing...he disappears to god knows where...brings
back god knows who...and apparently owns a top of the line stealth jet which he
just so fails to mention!))
<Havok> ::Sighs:: Okay..uhm..can we take this inside? I think I need to sit
down..
<Erik> ::grim smile:: I will explain, Pietro... I regret the necessity of
keeping you and Wanda in the dark about this... ::starts moving slowly down the
corridor, turning right at a fork, down a second long corridor::
<Catseye> wampire syence ::walks along with Emma::
<Logan> What the hell are you talkin' about, girl?
<Pietro> ::nods slowly:: Don't worry father, I need to take care of you right
now, the explanation can wait until you are alright... ::continues helping his
father through the hallway::
<Emma> What happened in the beginning. ::Says this simply.::
<Catseye> beginnin ::looks at the building::
<Kurt> ::once in the living room, he stands next to a wall, listening to the
others quietly::
<Logan> Elf, get some bandages and somethin' t' clean the wounds.
<Erik> ::at the third doorway, stops, once again pressing a series of buttons on
a keypad, before it opens:: I will be fine, Pietro... thank you for assisting
me... ::moves into the room on his own, walking carefully:: I need you to attend
to the others now... I believe the young man can explain what happened...
::closes his eyes::
<Havok> I didn't think..I mean..I never liked him, but I thought I could at
least somewhat trust him..::Shakes his head, moving to gingerly sit down in a
chair::
<Kurt> ::after he realizes that Logan was talking to him:: Bandages.. right..
::moves out of the living room and walks to the kitchen, wondering where the
bandages could be::
<Pietro> But Father.... ::Sighs:: Alright... I am not sure how to come back to
check on you though.... Please be careful... ::gives his father one last
concerned look before dashing back to the elevator, and pushing the button for
the first floor::
<Havok> His name is Nathan..Essex..or Milbury. I don't know. He used to run an
Orphanage.. he took me and my brother in, almost 10 years ago or so..
<Catseye> ::clings to Emma:: ((strange persons all places))
<Kurt> ::pokes his head into the doorway of the kitchen, looking around:: ..Frau
Bova..?
<Logan> You got my attention, bub. ::scowls::
<Erik> Bova> Can I help you? ::peers out of the pantry::
<Emma> ::Pats Cateyes' head as she listens.::
<Kurt> ::almost embarrassed tone:: Ah.. I need bandages and rubbing alcohol, but
I do not know where they are..
<Erik> Bova> ...Oh dear.. is someone hurt? ::steps out of the pantry, looking
around::
<Kurt> ::with a slight nod:: New people, in the living room..
<Havok> About the time the thing in Israel happened, he told us who he really
was...a scientist, and that we were mutants..he started teaching us all about
who and what we were...and when Scott's powers came out..he started training him
how to use them..my powers didn't emerge for a few years later..We've been doing
that for a few years..training..learning..
<Havok> ::Takes a deep breath:: Today was a little different..he rushed us off
to some lab for some reason..and next thing we know, there's some new Doctor
working with him..who seemed nice enough, at first..They go off to do
whatever..I get bored and wander around..next thing I know, I find Emma strapped
to a table...and uhm..the other girl in some kind of cage, being treated like an
animal..
<Emma> She calls herself Cahtzee.
<Erik> Bova> Oh my... I think there might be first aid kits in the bathrooms,
perhaps...
<Catseye> ::points to herself::
<Logan> ::low guttural growl escapes his throat::
<Kurt> Danke.. ::he jogs back to the living room and into one of the bathrooms
off of it, then searches for said first-aid kit::
<Erik> ACTION> KURT FINDS BANDAGES AND DISINFECTANT UNDER THE SINK
<Havok> ::Shakes his head:: So, I start to try and get them out of there..I got
uh..Cahtzee out of her cage..I was going to get Emma out next, but then McCoy
showed up...he tried to talk me into stopping..then gave me a line about it
being sacrifices for a greater cause..and I figured he was lying..then Essex and
Scott showed up..Scott blasted Cahtzee when she tried to escape..
<Kurt> ::grabs the bandages and disinfectant, walking back into the living room
and setting them on the coffee table::
<Catseye> ::hisses at Logan in response to the growling::
<Erik> ACTION> ALL THREE OF THE NEW ARRIVALS ARE A LITTLE SCUFFED UP... ALTHOUGH
HAVOK SEEMS TO HAVE THE WORST OF IT, WITH SOME SMALL LACERATIONS IN HIS BACK
WHERE HE LANDED ON BROKEN GLASS EARLIER
<Havok> So, anyways..I blast the thing keeping Emma's powers in check..she gets
McCoy to undo her straps..we blast out of there and run like hell...and when we
almost get out...essex..he..changed into..something. He just..wasn't
human..::Shakes his head:: And then Erik showed up and bailed us out..
<Logan> Where's your brother now? And is this Essex still out there?
<Kurt> ::shrugs to himself, then picks up the disinfectant again, moving over to
Havok:: Stay still, mein freund.. I need to take a look at your wounds..
<Havok> Apparently, Scotty believes him and is probably still at the lab. ...And
I'd guess so..Erik put a big ass metal Beam THROUGH him and he got up..
<Havok> ::Winces, seeing the disinfectant::
<Catseye> ::stares at Kurt:: cat?
<Logan> What about you two? What's your story? ::to emma and catseye::
<Kurt> ::kneels down and starts dabbing the disinfectant on Havok's back,
glancing over to Catseye:: Uhm, nein..
<Emma> I'm Emma Frost. ::Her tone indicates that's all one should know then
gives Logan a hard look.:: Daughter and one of the heirs to the Frost Mercantile
Corp. Or was... I wasn't welcomed at home due to my powers. They
institutionalized me, and I escaped.
<Emma> I've been living in New York for the past few years and just getting into
stocks when Alex's 'parent' decided I'd be a sacrifice for many.
<Catseye> york .. sa-cri-feyce
<Kurt> ::finishes applying disinfectant to his back, then grabs the bandages and
starts bandaging the worst of the cuts:: ((Ach, how did I get stuck in this
doctor role?))
<Havok> ::Winces slightly as Kurt disinfects and bandages::
<Emma> So... are we going to get a first class education?
<Kurt> ::finishes the bandaging, then moves over to Catseye:: Are you hurt..?
<Catseye> ::stares at Kurt, then pokes his arm, then looks at Emma::
<Logan> What's her deal? Why's she talkin' like that?
<Havok> Uhm..I don't really know..
<Emma> She might have been there for a long time.
<Kurt> ::blinks at the poke:: ..Erm, unless I should let you ladies do it
yourselves? ::bit of an embarrassed look::
<Catseye> ((furry person look like cahtzee))
<Emma> I'm fine. ::Looks to Catseye:: Hurt?
<Catseye> cahtzee no hurt
<Havok> So..::looks around:: I don't mean to sound ungrateful or
anything..but..who all are you people?
<Kurt> ::nods, then sets the bandages and disinfectant down on the table before
sitting in one of the empty seats::
<Logan> The name's Logan.
<Catseye> lo-gan
<Catseye> ::scratches her hair::
<Kurt> ::with a slight bow of his head:: I am Kurt Wagner...
*********SIM END*********