ACADEMY

ACADEMY

PART TWO

"As I have said, we have no intention of harming you. In fact, we would like to help you."

"Help with what?"

"Don’ matter. We don’ need nuthin’ from you."

Ororo walked over and helped the young girl to her feet. "So back at the fountain, you were intending to kill me then?"

"Of course not! I was just trying to shock you. To distract you."

"With the amount of voltage behind that blast, had I been anyone else, you would have killed me. You cannot yet control you powers, can you?"

Julie shook her head slowly.

"We can teach you to do so; all of you. So that when you do need to use it – for the right reasons, you will not accidentally take a life."

"An’ what ‘bout you garcon? An’ you?" Remy asked the two boys as they stood. "You got any special talents?"

"None a’ y’damn business!"

"Dey kicked you out, didn’ dey?"

"Who?" Asked Alex.

"Y’family. I’m guessin’ it ‘bout d’same time dey find out you a mutant. I’der dat or dey make it so bad f’you, you leave first chance y’get."

"How’d y-"

"A common occurrence."

"Look, y’ain’t got no future at t’ievin’, none a you. My friend and I should know, we two o’ d’best. You prob’ly ain’t gonna find a place t’stay cause a what you c’n do. So you be livin’ on de streets, no money, and no way a getting’ money, ‘cept t’rough ways you don’ want t’be considerin’. An’ here we are, offerin’ a hand, no cost, no tricks, but you say, you don’ need our help. I’m guessin’ you ain’t d’one holdin’ d’brains in dis group, so which one a you is?"

"What my friend is trying to say, is that your options right now are limited and becoming more so. We are offering you assistance, but if you do not wish it, there is nothing we can do." Storm moved past them to Gambit’s side.

"I am Storm, this is Gambit. Should you decide to accept our help look for Mama-Dac’s place. You shall find or be able to get a message to us there. I urge you to seriously consider our offer."

"What could it hurt?" Remy finished.

He and Ororo then left the alley and the threesome to their thoughts.

"So, dis what we doin’ now, Stormy?" Gambit asked when they were back out on the street. "We gonna start trainin’ mutants ourselves? Start our own school maybe?"

"Perhaps. I believe the school’s original purpose got lost along the way. We become so consumed with battling evil mutants we forgot about the teaching. If we do not train young people in the use of their powers, perhaps someone else might. The wrong people might."

"So what we do? Put an ad in d’paper?"

"Keep our ears to the ground and our eyes open."

"We gonna need a bigger place."

* * * * *

Dear Logan,

How are you?

‘No.’

Dear Logan,

I am writing to inform you of our status

‘Goddess, no! Ororo! You are only writing a letter. It should not be this difficult.’ Ororo balled up her eighth piece of paper and tossed it into the trash bin. She sat back in the chair and pulled her legs up, hugging them to her chest. She rested her chin on her knees and closed her eyes.

‘Perhaps I should just send another postcard… No! You have already used that coward’s method once. What are you afraid of Windrider?’

She opened her eyes and looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror.

"Your true feelings."

‘Dear Logan,

I have fallen in love with you. Please come to see me. I miss you so very much.’

{Knock, Knock, Knock}

Remy stuck his head through her bedroom door. "Stormy, we got comp’ny."

Ororo left her unsuccessful writing and joined Remy in the main room. The three young people they had met two days earlier were standing against the wall next to the door.

"Is this a line-up? Come in children. Have a seat."

They cautiously moved to the couch and sat down. Ororo and Remy sat in the chairs on either side of the couch.

The young girl spoke first.

"Well, we was thinkin’ ‘bout it an’ we… well, we want your help. If ya still want to give it that is."

"And you still ain’t be wantin’ nuthin’ from us."

"Well, dere is one t’ing…"

"See, I told ya." Alex said. He started to stand. Ororo held her hand up to stop him.

"Your names. We want to know what to call you."

"Oh, I’m Stack, dis here is Julie and dat be Alex. You said your names was Storm and Gambit? D’ose your real names?"

"Ororo Monroe and Remy LeBeau. Is Stack your real name?"

"M’last name. First name’s Martin, but I don’ like nobody callin’ me dat."

"Fair ‘nuff." Remy said.

"So… what happens now?" Julie asked.

"Well, first you tell us about a bit about yourselves, then we shall see where to go from there."

* * * * *

Dear Logan,

It would appear that Remy and I have found a project to fully occupy our time. No, we have not returned to our old ‘Robin Hooding’ days, although it was a consideration at one time. Our current activity presented itself to us in the form of three young mutants. We have taken them in, as they were homeless and will be training them in the use of their powers.

Julia Baecloud is only a few months short of her twelfth birthday. She has the ability to control electricity and electrical currents, apparently only on a hands-on basis. Her elder sister, who had custody of the girl, threw her out of the house when she revealed her abilities. She had been living on the streets for the past six months.

Julia has been traveling around with two boys, Alex Duncan, who is seventeen and Martin Stack who is fifteen. No foster home would keep Stack for very long because of his ability to make multiples of things. He ran away from the last two years ago. Alex is hard—or at least he believes he is. The boy has refused to reveal his origins even to his friends. He is holding much in, I hope we are able to help him with that as well. His powers are also being kept under guard.

Remy and I are currently looked for a lager home for us, one sufficient enough to hold any other students that may come our way. I pray we are adequate to the task we are undertaking. We are only two, but we shall do what we are able to help these children.

I hope this letter finds you in good spirit, I know better that to ask of your health. Please write back as I do hope to hear from you soon, and perhaps even see you.

I miss you greatly,

Ororo.

(P.S. Remy says hello.)

* * * * *

"A letter from Ororo, Logan?"

"Yeah. She and Gumbo are startin’ up there own school."

"By themselves?"

"Don’t got much of a choice." Logan said. Hank joined him at the table. "They ran into three kids who need t’learn how t’use their powers. They’re young, homeless—easy targets. Storm and Remy don’t look after ‘em, someone else is gonna. Maybe someone like Sinister."

"Good point. Still, just the two of them…"

"Chuck did it."

"He was—is—was a telepath. It gave him an insight into what our individual needs were."

"Ro knows that. She’s still gonna do her best. An’ that’s plenty ‘nuff for me."

Doctor McCoy grinned wickedly over cup of coffee. He took a sip.

"What?" Logan asked, catching the tail end of that smile.

"Nothing."

"Spill it, Blue Boy."

Hank put his cup down and after a moment, looked up at his friend. "You haven’t told her, have you?"

"Told her what?"

"You all think that I bury myself in my research an notice nothing that goes on around here. On the contrary, because I am not as wrapped up in personal affairs as others in this house, I notice things, others may have overlooked." He leaned forward. "I’ve seen the way you look at Ororo."

Logan sat back in his chair, a slight frown on his face. He looked down at the letter on the table.

Hank slid his chair back and stood up, coffee in one hand.

"Oh, and incidentally-- just in case you wanted to know," He place his free hand on Logan’s shoulder and lowered his voice. "She looks at you the same way."

* * * * *

The boy rubbed the smooth pebble around in palm of his hand. He was tense, yet ready.

"Five!"

Ten pebbles flew from the boy’s hand into a basket three feet away.

"Damn!"

Remy looked in the basket.

"Ten rocks."

"I know. I’m sorry. It’s jus’—when you say ‘five’ I automatic’lly t’ink ‘ten’—like dat word ‘ssociation business."

"Ya gotta practice concentratin’ on only one t’ing at a time. Gotta focus—stop t’inkin’ ahead. Once you master d’one task, den you can move on to more. Clear your mind, ‘kay?"

"‘Kay."

Stack picked up another pebble from the pile sitting at his feet. Gambit dumped those that were in the basket.

"Ready?"

Stack nodded.

"Four!"

Four went in.

"Six!"

Six went in.

"Nine!"

Nine went in.

"Six!"

Seven went in.

"Damn!"

"You did good."

"Yeah, right."

"T’ree outta four ain’t bad, Stack."

"Uh-huh."

"Perhaps we should all take a break. Mama-Dac may be wanting some help with lunch. The two of you should go and see."

"Teacher’s conference." Julia said out of the corner of her mouth.

"Ha-ha. Go."

"So, what do ya think?" Gambit asked Storm after their two charges had left.

"He is too hard on himself. I am sensing that he is—holding back something. It is as though he feels he must succeed at all costs. I wonder if there is something behind that?"

"Mmm. Maybe. You seen Alex yet today?"

"No. This is the third day in a row he has taken off like that."

"…T’ink you c’n handle dese two by you’self tomorrow?"

"Are you certain you are up to what I think you are planning?"

"You know me, Stormy."

"My point exactly."

Remy grinned at her. "I be fine, Stormy. Promise."

* * * * *

The following day: an hour before dawn.

The apartment Mama-Dac had allowed the three youngsters to stay in was directly across from Ororo and Remy’s.

As had happened several mornings that week, the door opened and a single tall, slim figure emerged. It crept stealthily across the courtyard, opened the high wooden gate and slipped out into the street.

Tonight, unbeknownst to him, Alex had acquired an extra shadow.

Remy skillfully followed him; part of him hoping the younger man would not be going too far. He had told Storm he was up for this little exhibition, but in truth, he had his own weary doubts. If Alex got into any trouble, would he be able to protect him? To protect himself?

‘D’docs.’ Remy thought as he watched the boy step onto the pier. ‘Why it always gotta be d’docs?’

Remy kept his distance, creeping around the tops of some storage crates.

Alex approached three men who appeared to have been waiting for him. From his position he couldn’t make out everything they were saying, only the odd word. He had to rely more on their body language.

At first their conversation seemed to be going fine. Then Alex’s stance seemed to become stiffer, more guarded. He firmly shook his head back and forth. His companions seemed to try to be persuading him to something. He shook his head again and made a negative slashing motion with his arm. He then turned his back to them and began to walk away.

‘Damn!’ Remy thought, and he was on the move. He could tell, just from experience that these were not the sort of men you said no to and definitely were not they type you turned your back on.

His fears were confirmed a moment later when two of the thugs grabbed by the arms. Alex was tall but these men were large and solid. He struggled violently in their grip.

The third man pulled out a knife. He stood in front of Alex and as Remy pulled three cards from his sleeve, the man ran the blade across the side of Alex’s face.

Alex howled in pain and anger—literally. Standing only a few meters from the scene, Remy stood charged and ready to throw—but instead stood frozen in wonder as he watched what was transpiring.

Alex was changing.

His body grew to what had to be at least fifteen feet in height. His physical bulk increased. A thick black fur covered his entire body. His mouth and nose extended into an animal-like snout and his eyes glowed a terrifying yellow. In Gambit’s mind he looked like a cross between a bear or wolf, an ape and a man. And he was fearful that in this state, the man wasn’t the one in charge.

The two men at his sides snapped out of their shocked state and attempted to run. However, during his transformation, Alex had pulled a switch and was now holding each of their arms. The man with the knife broke into a run. Remy tossed his cards at a wall of stacked crates and toppled them on him.

Alex howled and picked the two men off the ground. He swung them back and was about to bring them forward again.

‘He gonna kill dem…’ "ALEX! DON’T!!!" Gambit yelled. He had run in front of the large beast and was holding his hands up.

Alex stomped down heavily on the doc, in an attempt to quiet the noise that was coming from below. He didn’t notice what or who was making it.

"ALEX!" Remy was jumping now, trying to get his attention. He looked around and picked up a metal bucket that was nearby. He gave it the lightest charge he could, only enough to sting and tossed it at the howling face. The bucket sparked and popped off Alex’s face, not causing any damage, but definitely getting his attention.

He stopped his swing of the two men and looked down, a deep growl coming from the back of his throat.

"Alex! Put dem down! NOW!"

Alex snarled his lip and tightened his grip on the two men. They yelped in pain.

"Alex, you can’t kill dem! Do ya hear me?! You CAN-NOT-KILL-DEM! It’s over! You won! Dey won’t hurt ya no more! PUT–DEM –DOWN!"

The yellow eyes glared at him a moment. He seemed to be confused—thinking. He looked at the two straining me in his hands, then back at Gambit.

He huffed slightly. He held the two men up and for a moment, Gambit feared he was going to slam them together, killing them. Instead, he ‘lightly’ tossed the two against what remained of the wall of crates, effectively knocking them unconscious.

Gambit, who had looked to see where the men landed, turned back around to see the fifteen-foot creature disappearing and the familiar form of Alex returning.

When the transformation was complete, Alex was on his hands and knees gasping for breath.

"I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry." He whispered over and over. Remy had a feeling it wasn’t directly at him. He took off his trench coat and placed it over Alex’s shoulders. Understandably, due to his transformation, the boy was now wearing very little.

"I’m sorry." He said again quietly.

"I know." Gambit said helping him to his feet. "We c’n talk ‘bout it tomorrow. Right now, le’s go home."

* * * * *

Dear Logan,

Alex’s shell has been broken, though I am uncertain as to if it is for the better. It turns out he is a metamorph. He has the ability to transform into a very large, very ferocious creature that is part animal and part man. He tells us that the power varies—he can completely change or only whatever part he feels he needs, and the more transformed he is, the less control he has over it.

As you can imagine, this has the boy a great deal of trouble. Alex was reluctant to speak at first, but eventually felt comfortable enough to tell us about his past. Unfortunately, hi story was an all too familiar one. His father was an alcoholic who would beat on him, his mother and siblings. The first emergence of his powers was during one of his father binders. Alex had been knocked to the floor and his father was hitting his mother. The next thing he was aware of, his father was on the floor in a pool of his own blood, and he himself was covered in blood. His mother was protectively guarding his father, while his two younger sisters cowered in a doorway, and all fearful eyes were on him. His mother was calling him a monster and ordering him out. Alex has not returned home since.

He thought he had killed the man, but Remy did some checking and while the father was seriously injured, he survived. This knowledge seems to have done little to improve the boy’s mood. He is in a deep depression. He has almost no conscious control over his powers. They seem to manifest themselves in accordance to his emotional state—anger, more specifically.

He has been involved with elements of society, Remy, you and I would be familiar with but he is not worldly enough to handle. He still refuses to confide in us about that.

I am at a loss, Logan. I do not know how to help him. I am the last person that should be advising him on how to balance his emotions with his powers. I cannot instruct him to shut down as I have oft times been forced to do. It has not worked for him. It turns him into a stone. I feel completely helpless in this situation, and it is something I am neither use to nor enjoy.

Logan, you have had much more success in your balancing act than I have. I would be thankful for any advice you could give me on this situation.

Perhaps this is all a mistake and we are doing more harm than good?

Please contact me as soon as possible,

Ororo

* * * * *

"You failed me. You did not persuade the boy."

"He changed! He changed into some kinda monster—fifty feet tall!"

"You failed."

"But he—"

"Shut up, stupid! We apologize, sir. Give us another chance. We won’t mess up. We won’t fail you again."

"On that you are correct."

"Wha—"

"No!"