Chapter IX. Gathering the Team, part 1
The very next day, Moira drove the car in front of a new facility. This one was under the management of their latest agent friend. The man was more than excited to have another mutant joining the team, especially after Erik proved to be capable of his metal-bending abilities.
After the meeting the night before, Melinda and Erik had not exchanged any other words. Occasional glances here and there but nothing more. Whatever those two spoke that night, was never known by anyone. Except for Charles, who had picked into her mind after she returned from Erik's room.
Yet, even he did not say anything. He knew better than anyone to do that. Melinda was a very private person and did not like when Charles tried to enter her mind without him asking her first. The telepath had received a lot of scolding on that and fake threats that worked on him.
They all got out of the car and stared at the fancy building. A research centre but with the addition of guards, security, cameras and fences. Whatever research they did there, was something the public should not know. That was what Melinda suspected based on what she saw.
"Welcome to my facility," the male agent said, extending his hands with pride.
Erik and Melinda, subconsciously, exchanged a glance. None truly trust the government, but follow the others either way. Erik, because he needed to find Shaw, and Melinda because she refused to let Raven and Charles do anything dangerous without her being by their side.
"My mission has been to investigate the application of paranormal powers in military defence" the man continued.
"Or offence," Both Melinda and Erik said at the same time.
That made everyone glance at them and they glanced at one another once again. That was unexpected, yet the two mutants did not say anything else as they followed the man inside the building.
The man, then, chose to change the topic. "This man Shaw, Schmidt, whatever you want to call him, he is working with the Russians. We might need your help to stop him" he looked at Charles.
The telepath kept walking, one hand in his pant pocket. "Marvelous. So, we are to be the CIA's new mutant division? Yes?"
"Something like that"
Once inside, they were led into one of the lower floors of the facility. There, they were lucky enough to witness the many airships that existed there. Some were models so advanced, specialised for the military and secret operations.
While most seemed to be amazed by the exhibition and the classified things they were allowed to see, Melinda seemed to be the one least focused. She watched around, observing every armoured soldier in the room. Leaning against the railing, she silently blew one of her strands out of her face.
"Bored already?" a voice whispered in her ear, making chills go down her spine.
Turning her head slightly sideways, she found Erik, who was standing next to her, observing her. She looked back at the latest aircraft model. "Just don't see the reason behind this tour. Shaw is still out there and we should be focusing on that"
She was not someone impatient. On the contrary, Melinda was known for her patience with different things. However, the idea of chasing a very powerful and dangerous mutant, while trying to prevent some World War; felt too much out of their league. She wanted everything to be over soon, so they could return to their daily lives.
The idea sounded exciting and was something that not many would ever have the chance to do. But the Healer was always protective of those she cared about. She found them untrained and the whole idea, too dangerous.
She mentally shook her head, amused by her very own thoughts. She did sound like a mother most of the time, but it was a role she had picked up over the years. Raven and Charles were younger, naive and reckless. She had the experience of two lifetimes, perhaps more, and was the one willing to become the mature one and ensure they all were safe and healthy.
Erik did not reply but heard him humming quietly, just loud enough for her to listen. He was not truly impressed to hear her say that, since he had already come to realize how much she stood out compared to everyone else. From their discussion last night to even her stance on all the CIA ideas, it was obvious she was the more mature one.
And he could not forget her eyes. He had seen it last night, the depth they had. Those were the eyes of a much older person, one who had seen too much. Those eyes, that only she carried, for no one else could match them. Everyone was naive and young, unaware of the true horrors of the world.
Not her. She was different and a part of him wanted to know...why.
"It's supersonic...uhm...the most advanced plane ever built" a new voice entered, talking about the plane.
As everyone turned to their left, they saw a young man in a lab coat approaching them. He had a skinny built, intelligent young eyes and messy brown hair. Big spectacles were supported by his nose and the lab coat seemed to be a little too big on him. All while his face showed an age much younger than the supposed one of a CIA scientist.
"You should see it in real life. It is incredible" the young scientist continued, spending a moment too long looking at the plane with some sort of unique materialistic love.
The man in black smiled upon seeing the young scientist. "Hank, these are the new special recruits I was telling you about" he introduced, gently motioning for the 4 mutants by his side. He then motioned with his hand at him. "This is Hank McCoy, one of our most talented young researchers"
The very first to approach him, and also the most excited one, was none other than Charles. He extended his hand for a shake. "How wonderful. Another mutant, is already here. Why didn't you say?" he asked the special agent.
"Say what?" the man exclaimed, confused and shocked.
Melinda hung her head down in shame, realizing too late that the poor boy was hiding his mutation. Well, not any more thanks to Charles, who once again chose to speak without truly thinking.
"Because you don't know" Charles also realised, feeling the awkward and very embarrassing moment spent in silence. He turned to Hank with an apologetic look. "I am so, so sorry"
The man walked toward Hank slowly and cautiously, making Charles feel even more uncomfortable for the mess that he had once again caused.
Hank looked down embarrassed. "You did not ask, so I did not tell"
Melinda felt her heart melt for the poor boy, seeing how odd and bad he was feeling. She did not blame him and she felt the need to go there and comfort him. However, in front of so many people...unfamiliar people, she found herself hesitating. She was never one to fully express her emotions or her vulnerability to third parties.
It was her character, to have a certain degree of self-preservation and control over her emotions. The only, time, she shows something more is when Charles jumps off the ship to save Erik. She had lost her self-control there but she made sure not to do it again.
Erik seemed to have sensed her mental conflict, watching her with the tip of his blue eyes like a hawk. Thankfully, there was one more person with a kind heart that wanted to help Hank.
"So, your mutation is what? You are super-smart?" Raven asked, walking towards him while Melinda and Erik decided to stay close to the railing.
Charles smirked. "I will say. Hank, here, graduated from Harvard at the age of 15"
That made Melinda look at him with an impressed look, eyebrows slightly lifted upwards. She knew the boy looked young, and most likely was...but graduating from a top-ranking university before reaching 18...she felt like congratulating the boy.
However, there was something more in Hank's eyes. A small hesitation. "I wish that's all it was" he started, making everyone look at him.
Charles gave him an encouraging smile. "You are among friends Hank" he started, glancing at the boy's feet for a second. "You can show off"
Slowly, the young scientist took off his shoes and then his shocks. Melinda had to move closer to also observe. Hank did not have the usual evolved bipedal feet humans did. No, his were more ambidextrous and resembled the feet of apes.
"Wow," she found herself exclaiming in a low whisper.
As a doctor, she was fascinated by this uniqueness. She did not comment more or show it, not wanting to make Hank blush more from the attention he suddenly got. But she was impressed and also curious, whether those specialised feet were as functional as she had them to be.
Hank looked at Raven's smile, feeling himself smiling back and getting more confidence in himself. He moved further to the side before he did a backflip. To everyone's surprise, not only did he end up jumping higher than normal but had also grabbed the wing of the supersonic plane.
As Melinda expected, his specialised feet worked like a second pair of hands. Capable of grappling and holding on to objects with ease. "Fascinating" she exclaimed, not failing to notice how the metal of the plane had the faintest of dents.
Either by the sheer weight of Hank or by the strength he possessed to hold his whole body in such an unnatural position. With a smile of fascination, she glanced at her left.
Erik had also moved to observe, his face not hiding his shock. Although his, seem not to possess the same fascination as others did. Merely curiosity and perhaps a little more shock at this odd mutation.
The one most impressed was Raven, who had moved much closer to Hank. She was smiling, giggling even as she observed him and he observed her. Melinda did not fail to notice the look they gave each other, making her smirk.
It barely had been a few hours since the revelation of Hank's mutation. Everyone had taken separate ways, temporarily, introduced to different rooms they could occupy for the time being. Melinda had chosen to explore the facility, needing something to occupy her mind. Sitting inside a room, not knowing what would happen next, and with the ending of the world coming closer with each passing minute... was simply driving her insane.
She was on her way outside, trying some back garden or at least some open space to get some fresh air. However, instead of that, she found an empty room occupied by parts of planes and warships. The most surprising thing, there, was the two mutants. Hank and Raven seem to have chosen to spend some time together.
Melinda was about to turn the other way and leave the two lovebirds alone but then she heard their discussion. Her curiosity got the best of her and she found herself leaning on the door, listening to them all while trying not to be seen.
"...I promised myself I'd find a cure ever since I was a young boy. You have no idea what I'd give to feel..." Hank started but Raven finished for him.
"Normal," she said, making the two of them look deep into each other's eyes before giving a small chuckle. The blond glanced down for a moment, at the syringe and test tube laid between them on a towel. Then, she looked at him. "Charles and Melinda have never understood. They are different but they never had to hide, Charles especially..."
Melinda glanced down for a moment, biting the inside of her cheek. She did not know that Raven truly felt that way, and those two talked about everything together. However, she did not blame her younger sister.
Raven was unique and, unfortunately, to be social she also had to conceal herself. While Charles kept reassuring her it was alright, Melinda often tried to remind her of the beauty that she naturally was. Based on that conversation she had just overheard, proved that she did not succeed that well.
She understood, though, the talk about her powers and Charles. While he could easily use his powers and no one ever understood, she had to be more careful and restrained. Similar to Raven, although, hers could be on a much smaller scale.
"Ah, young love," a voice said close to her ear, surprisingly her.
By mere instinct, she had turned to punch the person sneaking behind her. Her fist, thankfully, was grabbed by the wrist and she found herself staring dead into Erik's eyes.
"Good punch" he commented, not failing to notice the proper form and strength she had behind it.
"Please don't sneak up on me" she explained, pulling her hand back.
She was glad Erik had good reflexes and the strength to stop her. For she had ended up harming people when startled. She was always the jumpiest one. Yet, she had noticed it was not out of fear but rather an instinct. Her body was always on edge...on guard. As if she was about to be ambushed any moment.
She looked at Erik, who had lifted an eyebrow at her quick explanation. She did not have her for someone to be easily scared, let alone someone who was always so calm and quiet. He also did not expect her, to be one that immediately went for violence. As someone who did not pass for an intimidating opponent and whose mutation is pure healing, it was hard to imagine her as such an aggressive type.
Yet, when she had turned to face him, he had taken a good look in her hazel eyes. Those beautiful aged eyes suddenly held fear within them, as if someone would heavily harm them.
Realizing that he had simply been staring at her to the point that her cheeks had flushed slightly, he cleared his throat faintly and focused on the two young mutants. He had also heard their conversation on this serum that could fix appearances but not affect abilities, and that the key to it was Raven's blood.
Now, the two young mutants were close to kissing and he felt like interrupting them. Walking into the room, he ignored the hisses and whispers of Melinda, who tried to prevent him.
"Kinky" the metal bender commented once he stopped walking, making the two mutants look at him and then at each other with embarrassment. "By the way, if I looked like you, I wouldn't change a thing"
And with those words, he walked away; leaving the two lovebirds stunned and speechless.