Sorrow After Sins

Part 7

Turning Tides

Behind his closed eyelids, the darkness stirred. When they start, it's always dark. But unlike prior waves of memories flooding the subconscious, this illusion felt real as the silver moon light floated in from the crack in the window's covering.

The grey textured walls shadowed in black, the faint outline of the bathroom door and hallway door. The lone shelf in the corner holding the remaining clothing. He knew what cell he was in; the one he had torn apart.

The fear was still there until the lone figure that appeared in ripples as if by magic. The short white hair glittering in the moons light that also illuminated the cold blue eyes that looked sympathetically down at him. A man who he thought long dead.

"Sabretooth." The firm voice said slicing through the dark and the stillness of the room.

"Erik." Sabretooth said to the figure as it approached his crouched form on the floor among the pile of bedding.

"You're weak, Sabretooth. You're pathetic. You've betrayed me by joining these pathetic idealists." Erik's voice became hard and icy.

The glare that fell down from the cold blue eyes that shifted from sympathy to hatred met with yearning and frightened blacks.

"I have no use for you now." Erik finished as he turned his back to the man.

"You can't leave me here." came the pathetic cry of Sabretooth.

"Watch me." Erik's level voice sent chills down Sabretooth's spine.

"No.. please, you can't.." Sabretooth begged as the figured started to ripple.

"Erik." Sabretooth whispered as the man left without a glance back.

"Erik!" Sabretooth shouted, his hand stretched outwards as if trying to reach the man who left him.

He awoke like that. Sitting upright with his arm stretched out in the darkness. Slowly pulling his arm back to his side, Creed looked around the bedroom that was pretty much as bare as a cell.

"Since when did I call him Erik?" Creed grumbled to himself as he leaned up against the wall. He wrapped his bedding around him trying not to make the mattress squeak.

It didn't feel like a dream to Creed. He knew it had to have been one. With a deep sigh, Creed got out of bed ignorant of the 2 AM on his alarm clock.

**

Logan strolled into the kitchen. The light illuminating the floor below the door made the man clad in only in a pair of boxers pause.

Tensilely opening the door, Logan spotted Creed. Creed's hair, now at its normal length of mid-back hung down uneven, the slight side burns definitely gave Creed the "I'm a big boy don't fuck with me" look. The teeth, all four fangs and the re-grown claws only added to the look. Creed's big black eyes now had whites around them, giving them a look of normalcy.

Creed was dressed in sweats and two tops, sitting in the kitchen with his head bowed and an empty plate in front of him.

"What ya doing up so late, Creed?" Logan asked walking to the fridge.

Creed looked up, his dark eyes following Logan.

Logan took the mustard and salami out of the fridge before finding the bread in the pantry. "Thought ya had an early class today?"

Creed watched the short man make a sandwich before replacing the meat and jar.

Logan kicked shut the fridge door before sitting down at the table across from Creed. Logan started biting his sandwich when he caught Creed looking at his plate. "Ya want half?" Logan offered, pushing the plate forward a bit.

Creed shook his head no, but didn't say a word.

"Something wrong Creed? Since ya had your little rage ya ain't been the same." Logan stated as he continued on his midnight snack.

Creed sat still and silent for a few moments as he watched Logan eat. He didn't want company, but as he watched Logan his anger grew. The seconds ticked by, the silent kitchen's only noise was the Runt's chewing.

"Can't you just stay away from me for a few hours?" Creed snarled, unable to contain his anger any longer.

"Nope, we live in the same house." Logan said with a mouthful of food.

"It's a big house!" Creed snapped, his eyes a narrow slit focusing on the Runt.

"Yeah n' I go wherever I wanna go." Logan shrugged swallowing his mouthful.

"Like wherever the hell I am?" Creed accused, his claws digging into the table top.

"No, like *in* you." Logan shot back, but regretted it immediately.

Creed swallowed hard as he jumped to his feet. "Yeah? You gonna pin me down again? Hit me? Fuck me? Or ya just want me to grace yer bed now and then? Give ya a goddamn blow job when ever ya feel like it? HUH!? That what ya want? Me ta jack ya off under the supper table? Be your stupid damn whore! Cause Ya know something Runt, I ain't gonna be anyone's bitch no more! Ya hear me? I ain't yer bitch, I ain't Genosha's, n' I ain't who ever the hell Zeakieal is; bitch either!" Creed shouted in rage.

Logan stood up and took a step back. "Damn Creed. I .. I'm sorry I did that too ya. I just am." Logan took a deep breath, he wasn't mad, he knew he deserved this, even if he was expecting Creed to run and hide for the next while.

"Oh, yer sorry. Would you like me ta hug you and forgive you now? Do you want to kiss and make up, right before you slam me into a wall!" Creed growled, the animal sound coming from deep within his chest. His fists curled as his claws dug into his skin.

"I won't Vic." Logan calmly replied warily, as Creed advanced slowly.

"You won't what?" Creed snarled, he needed to know what Logan wouldn't do again. He was expecting the answer to be a slam down, or a fist in his gut.

"Won't rape ya again, in any form. Ya don't know how sorry I am." Logan pleaded in honestly.

"Right, ya just want me ta trust ya enough so you can jump me." Creed snapped, he was within lunging distance of the Runt.

"No, Victor. Damn no. I won't, I don't want to, I'm sorry." Logan sighed as he stopped. He knew he had no choice but to play this one fight submissive. At the present moment, Creed was a loose cannon. Even the professor wasn't sure what Creed could or couldn't do now.

"What made you then?" Creed asked. His voice a low growl, his body tensed ready to strike.

"You mean other than the fact ya been spending more time with Jean then anyone else? Other than the fact that Scott practically begged and demanded me, other than the fact that I enjoyed taking something from you that in any other time is near impossible, other than the fact that... fuck Creed.. just look at yerself. It's like your asking for it." Logan admitted not really sure the reason for what he did himself.

Creed's lip curled back showing his fangs. He didn't reply and didn't let the hurt of the words show. He could handle just Logan desiring. But it wasn't that it, it was just like Genosha. The rage flashed, he struck out.

Logan found himself on the floor with claws swiping at his face. Logan punched back, trying not to cause any damage to Creed. It was obvious that Creed's healing factor was like an iffy wire turning on and off.

"Creed!" Logan howled as a strong punch slammed into his ribs, a knee rammed into his groin causing a painful howl to escape from his lips.

Creed didn't let up as Logan became a curled ball of pain. He continued clawing and ripping at Logan, using what strength he still had in his overly tired body.

Logan received a flash of pain to his lower spine. If Creed continued, he was worried he'd be killed. Logan jumped, dodging a kick. He slammed a fist into Creed's hip.

Creed snarled as he was pushed back, Logan got up and got the upper hand in the fight.

Logan panted as he held Creed against the wall.

"Creed I'm sorry I did anything. I didn't know what they did to you then." Logan said catching his breath, remorse deep in his voice.

Creed's head shot up, his eyes wide. Blood dripped from his broken lip.

"I saw the scars, I can only guess what it took them to get you down. I'm sorry I did anything to you Vic, I really am." Logan said his voice meaningful. He gently let go of Creed backing up slowly.

Creed's head turned, his eyes not actually looking away from Logan. He waited for the next part.

"I won't do it again Creed. I promise." Logan said.

"Ya and when visor butt orders another hit, you'd jump me again?" Creed asked, he was tired, and suddenly felt very alone. He stood up on his own realizing maybe, just maybe Logan was telling the truth.

Logan was taken aback by Creed's statement. "No, not even if I was threatened. I won't touch ya like that again Creed. I really mean it."

Creed nodded, his top fangs digging into his bottom lip. He hung his head, dropping his arms to his sides in defeat.

"Get some sleep Creed, looks like ya need it." Logan said turning his back to Creed leaving the kitchen.

Creed watched Logan leave. "Yeah, sleep.."

The loneliness of the kitchen seemed to echo Creed's own soul.

**************

Creed frowned as he awoke with the name Raven on his lips. Just like the night before, he pulled his arm back towards him.

Everything was just as before but the voice and the figure was Mystique rather than Magneto. Creed frowned not wanting to go back to sleep. He could handle the dreams of Genosha, they were just memories, nothing he hadn't gone through before, he just hated them.

But the dreams with the Brotherhood were too real for him. Magneto was the only person who gave him a true reason to live, a place to call 'home' in a twisted way. Even with the rest of the others, it was just something other than the hate.

"Their dead, I know it. So stop thinking about them." Creed commanded himself. His hands rubbing his face, careful of his still bruised lip. He got out of bed as 3:48 am blinked on his alarm clock.

"They'll go away like the Genosha dreams, just gonna take time. I can stay awake till then." Creed muttered to himself as he went into the bathroom closing the door.

***********

Creed strolled down the hallways relieved to have shed his Kitty label. Rubbing his tired eyes, he paused at the lobby. Creed sniffed the air before entering the main office. Behind the big old maple desk sat the man Creed distrusted and disliked.

Charles Xavier with his hands folded on the desk in front of him, he smiled politely at the large man who strolled in.

"Have a seat, please." Xavier offered.

Creed sneered as he sat down in one of the plush arm chairs in front of the desk. The two stared at one and another, sizing each other up, waiting for the other to start.

"Would you like something to drink before we start?" Xavier asked.

"Just spill it." Creed snapped.

"How have you been sleeping?" Xavier asked, not wishing to jump right into the subject matter.

"Fine" Creed snarled.

Xavier nodded knowing Creed's response was a lie, the proof was written on his face.

"Sabretooth, think about all the things you have ever done." Xavier started as he leaned back in his chair, the man known as Victor Creed across from him. The only thing separating them was the wooden desk.

"Ya 'kay." Creed grunted his eyes narrowing.

"Does it not seem like you have now paid for every sin that you have ever committed." Xavier asked.

Creed glared at the bald man, remaining silent for a few minutes. "Ya." He finally said, his voice a deep and scratchy growl.

"Do you not feel like you have a chance to restart your life with a clean slate?" Xavier asked.

"Guess." Creed shrugged not getting where this was going.

"You don't have to go through such a horrible experience again if you work with us." Xavier said.

Creed grunted in disgust. "You mean... be a teacher?"

Xavier smiled. "No, an X-Men."

Creed let out a bark of cruel laughter. "Yer kiddin' right?"

"No. I am not. I want you to join the X-Men team, to fight for peace and the goodness of all beings on this planet." Xavier stated.

Victor Creed hung his head thinking. Sure he could gut the cue ball right here and now, sure he could run into the night screaming 'they won't take me alive'. But, where would he go? From one safe house to the next? How many aliases would he need so they wouldn't find him ever again? With a deep sigh Creed looked back to Xavier.

"What choice do I got?" Creed grumbled under his breath before looking up at the cue ball. "I'll fight for ya." Creed said softly.

"Excellent. Kurt will show you around and explain all you need to know in an hour." Xavier nodded a smile on his face.

Creed grunted standing up. "I'll be in the kitchen." With that he left.

****

Creed glared at the people around him.

He could hear too well. After his hypersensitivity being lost for years, he found it rather annoying now that it had kicked back in.

The smells however was what he considered the most annoying.

The scent of lemon furniture polish was just underlying smell of the whole mansion. Next to the lair of hormones, females and males in heat, a consistence with the furniture polish. Then the individual scents. Logan, Kurt, Bobby, Kitty Pryde, Scott. Each one unique in their own way, smelt differently scattered about. Stale scents, fresh scents, shifting and swirling all around from the sweet summer breeze floating in from the open windows. The outside smells demanded to be rolled in and explored. The green grass to be walked on, the trees to be climbed, the water to be splashed in.

Creed growled his shoulders slumped.

He sat with his back to the warm glow of the sun beating on his back. He could look outside, but didn't. His longing stares and desires to roam around were kept to himself. Instead, he kept his eyes on anyone who came close to him, with the exception of

Kurt. Who at that moment walked into the kitchen door.

Creed hid his smile by taking a sip of coffee, the business section of the Daily Bugle dropped beside his plate, courtesy of Wagner's blue tail.

Creed quickly yanked the blue furry tail before it pulled away and dropped to the floor. Kurt shot Creed an amused look, then settled down across the table with the funnies page.

Creed smirked at Kurt, who was rubbing his forehead where the door caught him. The two remained silent as the normal morning bustle of pre-school day went on.

Scott and Jean prancing around each other cheerfully as always talking about this improvement and that of individual students. Even though Creed caught a glare from Scott now and then. Rogue with her many folders trying to keep her cool as she sorted out her day at the last moment, and then the ever calm and level headed Ororo Munroe buttering her toast and taking an apple out of the fruit basket before she headed out to get an early start on her class.

Creed smirked as Logan ran in quickly doing up his flannel top with hair askew. Logan forcefully opened the fridge door smacking Jean in the rear. Grabbing what was left from the chicken wings he ignored the angry voices of Jean and Scott.

Logan started to head out of the kitchen, probably heading for his early morning tactics class. The one that Creed already dismissed after practice.

"Runt, where ya goin'?" Creed snarled, casually turning the newspaper page.

"Class where ya think?" Logan shot back gruffly.

"The one you missed?" Creed sneered.

"Fuck." Logan cursed as he stormed out.

Creed chuckled as he went back to reading the stock markets while keeping an eye on everyone in the kitchen.

**********

Hank stood by the locker room door. Nightcrawler had made it quite clear that no one was to be in there until Jean said it was alright. Scott, Jean, Rogue, and Logan talked among themselves.

Down the silver hallway hummed the electric motor of Professor Charles Xavier's wheelchair.

The group turned to greet their mentor, teacher, boss.

Xavier smiled at them. "I want all of you to be on your best behavior this session." Charles started, he ignored the confused looks from everyone. "You will be playing a simple game of paint ball tag."

"And we gotta be good for that?" Logan grunted.

"No, there is a new member that is training with you today. Hopefully we will get a better understanding of his renewed powers." Xavier stated.

"Sabretooth!?" Scott snapped outraged.

A few mutters of disapproval sounded from the others.

Jean frowned. "Are you sure he is mentally up to this Professor?" She inquired, knowing that Xavier was the only one who could get inside of Creed's head without causing major panic in the man.

"Indeed he is Jean. As well as physically. It is now just a matter of seeing how much he has regained." Xavier smiled.

Logan looked towards the locker room door. Creed among the X-Men, how were they going to keep the living Brotherhood a secret now?

*********

Creed looked at the uniform before him in the change room. Beside him Nightcrawler stood already stripped, dressed and was waiting.

"It'll fit." Nightcrawler urged.

Creed just stared at it. The tight black kevlar armor, the stupid X's on the cuffs and collar, the zipper up the chest. Creed snorted. "I ain't putting it on."

Nightcrawler frowned. "Ya haven't tried it on." The hurt in his voice made Creed look at him.

"It... would fit...but.." Creed looked back at it, the tightness, the whole concept of what it meant. "Fine, but ya best not take any damn pictures."

Nightcrawler smiled just as he was about to leave Creed grunted at him "What goes under these any ways?"

"Nothing, usually." Nightcrawler replied leaving quickly. As a boot clunked against the change room door.

*

Out in the danger room Storm stood patiently. "What took you so long?" She asked.

"Had to convince Sabretooth to put it on." Nightcrawler replied strolling to the X-woman.

Both of them turned towards the change room doors as it slowly opened. Storm and Nightcrawler both watched as a very unsure and suddenly shy Sabretooth emerged

in the X-men uniform.

Creed shifted as he walked towards them. His head down a little as he tried to work out the arms a bit. "Snug huh?" Creed commented.

Nightcrawler nodded.

"You look good in it." Storm said smiling.

Creed frowned "Feel like a geek."

"Ja? look in the mirror lately?" Nightcrawler smirked.

"Shut up fuzzy." Creed grunted as he stood beside the other two. Creed looked around at the darkness, the smell of sweat and adrenaline filled the room. "What are we doing in the dark any ways?"

"Waiting for the bad guys to mug us." Nightcrawler stated.

Creed's brow raised. "Oh, then I guess I should pounce on ya's huh?"

Storm giggled. "That would not be helpful, Sabretooth."

Creed nodded "Sabretooth" he whispered to himself.

The room suddenly changed. Lights illuminated the darkness letting the smooth steel into view. Then like holographic magic, buildings and walls came into play, popping up in the room like some pre-scholars book.

Sabretooth had to hop out of the way as a street light appeared in front of him.

When it all settled, Sabretooth touched the lamp post only to find it solid. Pushing it a little he noticed it was just like the real thing.

"Uhm, Sabretooth. It won't move that way." Nightcrawler smirked.

"I realized that." Sabretooth growled.

"Have you ever played tag, Sabretooth?" Storm asked.

"Tag?" Sabretooth looked at the white haired African woman like she just grew a second head. "With three people?"

"Actually eight." Storm smiled slightly.

Sabretooth frowned. "Just tag?"

From behind Nightcrawler the rest of the X-Men emerged. Cyclops carried four rifles in his arms.

"Tag, with a twist sugar." Rogue drawled as she held up a small paint gun.

"Ah, tag." Sabretooth grinned as he caught one of the paint guns Cyclops tossed.

"Two teams, each gun has their team colors. Storm, Nightcrawler, Sabretooth and Wolverine are team one.

Jean, Rogue, Beast and myself are team two." Cyclops instructed.

Wolverine and Sabretooth exchanged disgusted looks. "Can't we be on separate teams, Cyke?" Wolverine asked.

"No, it's easier for the two of you to work together then trying to pry you apart from a fight." Cyclops replied.

"Works for me." Sabretooth grunted as he checked over the paint gun.

"Rules of the game," Jean started "Are simple. Get shot, your out. Shots are to be in the torso area only! No head shots, no butt shots and no groin shots." Jean glared at Nightcrawler on the last part.

Sabretooth chuckled. "What does leg n' arm shots count as?"

"A miss, you'll be limping but still in the game." Jean said.

"Two minute run starts now. Since your new working with us Sabretooth, your team shall be it." Cyclops informed while backing up. "Start now."

Sabretooth looked at Nightcrawler who was keeping count via a stop watch.

"So uh, Runt. Where did you get this thing?" Sabretooth asked.

"Old uniforms, had ta get elf ta resize one for ya since you refused to put on the leather." Wolverine said as he got set to run.

"You mean spandex." Sabretooth grunted.

"Yeah, well, your clothes didn't quite make it out with you." Wolverine smirked referring to Genosha.

"Shut up and start hunting." Sabretooth snarled as he started forward with the rest of the team.

*

The streets were deserted with only the faint eve light in the false sky and street lights to

illuminate. Somewhere in the false-a-fide neighborhood, lurked seven other people, only four were targets. The normal scent of a city wasn't present, just the buildings. The scent still remained that of the Danger Room. Adrenaline and sweat.

Sabretooth stalked the shadows. He and Nightcrawler took one side of the street as Wolverine and Storm took the other. They each had their own targets. Wolverine hunted Rouge as Storm hunted Jean. Nightcrawler hunted Beast and Sabretooth had a score

to settle with Cyclops.

Slipping from one alley way to the next Sabretooth remained silent and careful. He felt rather proud of himself, all that time down and out yet he hadn't lost his touch. A scent drifted to his nose. Jean. Cyclops was near by as well, Jean was closer, Sabretooth frowned. It was suppose to be a hit for each team member, however Storm wasn't anywhere near. Knowing well that hitting Jean would flush out Cyclops, Sabretooth went in for the kill. Spotting her by the window, Sabretooth masked his thoughts by projecting himself setting up to take a hit at Beast. Once aimed, Sabretooth fired.

The echo gave away his position, quickly switching alleyways, Sabretooth set up for the next shot. Cyclops' scent was drifting closer to Jean. Sabretooth had her "dead" body in view, as well as around her. Sure enough Cyclops came running, but stopped just short of the window. Too far for a decent shot. Cyclops hesitated as he figured out were the shot was fired from.

Sabretooth knew he could take a shot. But opted not to as Cyclops vanished back deeper into the building.

Sabretooth waited. He knew Wolverine's scent was getting closer, as was Beast's. Somewhere in the distance, a gun barked.

A faint 'hope that wasn't fuzzy' echoed in Sabretooth's mind, but was quickly pushed away as his target entered the alleyway. Still without a decent shot, Sabretooth shifted till he had a clean shot of Cyclops's back. Sabretooth took it, his gun barked. Cyclops went down. Sabretooth hurried up as he made his way into the building Cyclops had came out of. Beast's scent was stronger, and Sabretooth knew he just walked into the trap Beast had set up.

A gun barked from ahead.

Sabretooth cautiously moved up the stairs. At the top laid Beast's prone body, Wolverine standing by.

Sabretooth mutely nodded to his team mate. Wolverine nodded back as they started down the fire escape.

A gun barked in the distance.

Wolverine motioned his head towards the noise.

Sabretooth nodded as he jumped off the fire escape.

A gun barked from the same direction.

Both Sabretooth and Wolverine navigated the streets and buildings carefully as they made their way towards the fire fight.

They both passed by Storm's prone body. Which meant it was Nightcrawler and Rogue in battle.

A gun barked again.

Wolverine wondered if either one had enough paint.

Sabretooth wondered if the paint guns ran out.

Upon getting close enough to catch both scents, Wolverine motioned with his fingers for Sabretooth to go around. Sabretooth frowned. He'd rather go towards Nightcrawler, reluctantly, Sabretooth went around.

Wolverine nodded as Sabretooth started the other way. Snaking his way around the buildings, Wolverine crouched behind a car. He waited till he was sure he wasn't in anyone's target. Dashing across the street a sharp punch landed in his mid back.

Sabretooth frowned as he witnessed Wolverine go down.

Three consecutive shots fired.

Nightcrawler gave away his position.

Sabretooth watched as Rogue gave away hers.

Rogue lined up her next shot, she had Nightcrawler right were she wanted him.

Gently squeezing the trigger.

BAM!

A gun went off.

Before she was able to take her shot, Rogue groaned as she went down, her finger squeezing the trigger. Nightcrawler was already out of the way, as Rogue's red paint ball hit the top of the window ledge.

"Exercise complete. Danger Room session, terminated." The computer chimed as the room became a mass of bright lights.

The buildings disappeared slowly, like an elevator ride, Sabretooth found himself on the hard steel grey floor of the Danger Room. The buildings disintegrated around him.

Nightcrawler smiled as he walked over to his new team mate. "Congratulations, Mein Freund."

Sabretooth smirked as Rogue picked her self up off the floor. "Watch yer back frail." Sabretooth commented to the southern belle.

"Ah'll remember that next time, sugar." Rogue groaned.

Nightcrawler smiled at Sabretooth, Sabretooth smirked back. Neither said a word as they headed towards the rest of the team, picking themselves off the ground.

Everyone looked rather startled to see Sabretooth without a splash of paint on him.

"Your skills haven't seemed to be hampered any from your down time." Beast commented.

"What ya talking about? I hesitated twice, I was too loud walking up the stairs. I almost argued with the Runt. I ain't in bad shape, but I could be helluva lot better." Sabretooth criticized himself.

~Sounds like Wolverine.~ Jean telepathically commented to Cyclops.

~I'm glad I'm not alone on that observation.~ Cyclops thought back.

The team headed to the change room. Sabretooth paused.

Wolverine looked over his shoulder to see Sabretooth standing out in the open. "Ya coming?"

The scent of fear came from Creed. Wolverine frowned, he knew the reason. Ignoring his own need to clean himself, Wolverine walked towards Creed.

"You did good." Logan gave the off-sided comment.

Creed glanced down at the short man pulling back his mask. "Yeah?"

Logan smiled as Scott came out of the change room. Logan nodded to Creed. "Do you find it harder to scent in here then out in the city?"

Creed glaceed at Beast Rogue and Storm strolling out. "Now ya mention it. Yes." Creed growled taking a step around Logan, giving the short fur ball his paint gun.

Wolverine strolled with Creed into the change room.

***************

Pinky sat in front of Kitty Pryde, beside Jubilee across from Bobby. The fifteen students all waited in silence as their teacher Mr. Creed stood out in the hall talking with Mr. Wagner.

"I can't believe they are letting him teach after what he did to his room." Bobby leaned over to whisper to Jubilee.

"I think it had more to do with Jean." Kitty whispered.

Just then Creed strolled back through the class room door. His dark eyes scanning over the silent class. "Pack up yer things. Were taken' a trip outside." Creed grunted.

All the kids exchanged excited looks. "NOW!" Creed growled.

With the haste of normal teenagers wishing for nothing more than to escape the confides of a building on one of the first beautiful days of summer, they all rushed out the door.

Creed walked beside Kurt as the blue teacher lead the way to the forest garden.

"Take your work books out. With a partner from the other class gather up as many different plants and rocks as you can." Kurt instructed the large group.

"You got twenty minutes." Creed growled watching the kids start doing their own thing.

Kurt smiled as he sat down on a bench. "You did a number with the Danger room."

Creed chuckled. "Who said I did?"

"Everyone." Kurt smirked.

Creed shrugged. "I had help."

Kurt laughed.

******

Toad held his video relay camera in one hand. With the other he held up a small black microphone. "You reading this Mystique?"

"Loud and clear." Mystique said listening to the conversation along with Toad.

*

"How long has he been wanting me to join?" Creed asked Kurt as he sat down on the bench.

"Since the day Hank said you will recover." Kurt replied keeping an eye on the kids.

"Oh." Creed said watching the girl named Pinky twirl around a small branch of pussy willows. Beside her a girl from Kurt's class laughed.

"You're doing it again." Kurt said touching Creed's shoulder.

"Rrhm?" Creed muttered shrugging off Kurt's hand.

"You miss them don't you?" Kurt asked.

"Naw, their all dead. Been thinking of ...recruiting." Creed grinned turning his attention back to Kurt.

"Oh that I have to see mein freund. Sabretooth leading the Brotherhood." Kurt laughed.

Creed smirked. "Who says ya can't join?"

The two adults laughed as the kids started to gather back around.

*

Toad put down the microphone.

"Dead? Recover?" Mystique repeated what she heard, her yellow eyes widening with realization. "Toad, keep an eye on him. I'm calling the others back in." Mystique

ordered as Toad's video relay camera went dark.

"Sure. Leave Toad out of everything." Toad muttered watching Creed apparently teach the kids.

A bleach blond haired boy turned to briefly glance at Toad's position, but then turned around and paid attention to the two teachers.

*********

Night time found three occupants alone in the den. Among the blue smoke drifting from a lone cigar, the dim light over head and four cases of beer, they sat.

Creed dropped an ace of spades on the poker table followed by a king, queen, jack and two tens. Logan smirked as he laid a full house down.

Kurt frowned as he dropped a pair of fives and eights.

Creed raised a brow as he looked at Kurt's hand. "Ya was bluffing with THAT?'

"Ach! Ja." Kurt replied opening a beer with his tail.

Logan shook his head reaching for a beer under the table. Groping two of the three 24 cases, he snarled unable to snag any he bent down to see in the boxes.

"ELF!" Logan snapped as he banged his head on the table's lip, grumbling he sat upright again.

"Ja?" Kurt smirked as Logan's glare fell on him.

"That was the last one." Logan accused.

"Ja." Kurt smirked.

"Five card stud, three's are wild, loser buys the next case." Creed smirked.

"You're on, Bub." Logan growled as he dealt.

**

Creed looked at Kurt. They heard the roar of the motor cycle leave, along with a very pissed Logan. They sat in silence since. Finally Creed put down his pretzel and looked at the blue fuzz ball demon.

"Been thinkin' on this bible thing." Creed grunted.

"Ja, what part?" Kurt asked his curiosity peeking through his slightly drunken haze.

"Been lookin' at all dem dere' Judgement days and trial, and that town with angels trapped in it at the beginning, Lot and something. Been thinkin' we are a lot like what's in there."

"Deprived?" Kurt snickered nodding to the reference of Abraham's brother Lot in Sodom and the evil that attempted to be carried out before all was destroyed. "Shut up fuzzy. NO. I mean mutant." Creed snapped slapping the fur ball upside the head. "It's like

Moose and them Pharaohs."

"..it's Moses." Kurt corrected.

"Moose, you say it how ya wanna. I say it how I wanna."

Kurt chuckled.

"When Moose exclaimed let my people go, Magneto exclaims let my people be equal.. Humans treat mutants the same way as Egyptians did to Israelites. Then if ya skip ahead to world war two, the way Nazis treated jews. All along there's one beating the

other down. Humans beating down Mutants, trying to kill our children. Yet nobody does a thing to stop it! Nothing happens, until war. It's only then that the cruelty is ever seen, yet neither one is praised. Just criticized." Creed muttered.

"What you getting at?" Kurt pried, a smile on his blue lips.

"Xavier's ideals of peace won't happen. Magneto's plan of having humans tolerate mutants is the only way it'll happen. It's in the bible, peace doesn't happen. Tolerance does."

"Ya, Vic but it's still David verses Goliath." Logan inputted as he strolled in with a couple of two fours in his hands and under his arms.

Creed got up and took the two cases from Logan's arms. Both of them set the beer on the floor around the card table.

"The Brotherhood has stones, while Xavier has only a stick." Creed grunted opening his Molson.

"What if we put them together?" Kurt questioned.

Creed looked over his shoulder at the X-Men known as Nightcrawler. His puzzled face giving away his mute comment.

"Ya know, that could work." Logan said in thought.

"Ya if Xavier is iced." Creed sarcastically sneered.

"No... if Xavier doesn't know about it." Logan smirked.

Creed and Kurt's brows both raised as they looked at Logan.

***************

Magneto observed the mansion. "Are you two positive he's in there?"

"Yes." Toad and Mystique replied in unison.

Magneto frowned. Why couldn't they have found this out sooner, speculation was one thing, but proof. Taking a glance at Raven, he tried to get a reading in her body

language as to her emotional state, it had only been three months since...

"Boss." A white haired boy in sleek tight clothing started.

"Yes Quicksilver?" Magneto asked, although his voice seemed to demand answers rather than soothing request.

"Movement on the main floor." Quicksilver pointed out.

"Get ready." Magneto ordered as the dark night held their cover.

**********

Pinky quickly tossed what little belongings she had into a small knapsack. It didn't matter were she went, or who she talked to. Everyone always asked the same questions, then suggested things. First it was clothing, then hair, then nails and eyes. She was who she was, why couldn't anyone accept that?

Tip toeing down the dark hallways she quietly sniffled. The incident that made her decide this was the only way happened mere hours ago, but it felt like only minutes had past.

She was talking to a girl named Jubilee at lunch time, when a boy with bleached blond hair ran over and tried to set her hair on fire. The next thing she knew, he was wearing a pink frilly dress with his underwear around his ankles.

Jubilee had congratulated her for using her 'gift' to pay him back, before carefully cutting the singed pink hair away. Pinky thought her new friend did a good styling job.

Regardless of Jubilee's encouragement and helpful words, Pinky still felt like she didn't belong. Noticing a door opened at the end of a hall, she wondered if there was a parking lot were she could steal a vehicle.

As the elevator went down, for the first time she wished she'd had taken Mr. Summers Mechanic's class, rather than Mr. Creed's Tactics. She ignored that, not knowing where the cars were was ok. She got a nice view of Mr. Creed's ass when ever he wrote on the chalk board.

"Pity he's not a teen." Pinky muttered aloud as the elevator came to a stop.

**********

Creed sneaked a look out his room. Seeing Logan and Kurt down the hall, the three silently tip toed down the stairs. At the bottom Kurt nodded to Logan as he slipped his tail around Creed's waist and almost hugged the larger man.

With a BAMF the two were gone leaving Logan to hurry down stairs without being noticed.

Creed and Kurt appeared at the elevator doors.

The elevator doors opened and there inside stood a very pale looking Pinky. Draped around her was a grey school sweater, she had a small knapsack on her shoulder. Her eyes widened in near terror as tears ran down her cheeks. It wasn't as if her decision was hard enough, but to be totally lost and have one of the cutest teachers seeing her cry was just the worst of a very long bad day.

"Pinky?" Creed said curious at what made the young girl cry.

"I..I.. 'm sorry Mister Creed." Pinky softly whimpered before taking off running down the hallway.

Creed was too stunned to do or say anything as he stood frozen. Shaking off the daze Creed growled bolting after her.

"CREED NO!" Logan and Kurt both hollered as they gave chase.

Creed didn't stop. The girl seen too much, and by the look of her she wasn't staying. If she was sent by someone, anyone, he had to know.

Running down the hallways, Logan followed the sound of heavy feet sliding on the hard wood floors, and Creed's scent. As Kurt ran down a separate corridor trying to block either Pinky or Creed's escape.

Creed ran after the small frail as she made her escape out a window in a class room. Wary of jumping out after her, Creed recalled an exit and made his way to it.

Finding the Automotive class was purely by accident, when he and Kurt took their kids outside. Bursting into the shop, Creed ran for the emergency exit at the back of the class, slamming that door open Creed found himself in the garage.

"GRRRRAAHH!" Creed roared as his claws rendered the garage door into shards allowing Creed access to the night. Seeing the flash of pink streak across the driveway, Creed bolted after her.

**

From the tree line, Magneto and his followers all turned their attention to the man giving chase to a strange child.

"Oh my gosh." Avalanche gasped as he semi-recognized Sabretooth.

"I don't believe it." Quicksilver muttered.

"Victor?" Mystique couldn't fathom that the frail man was Sabretooth, he looked so different on the relay camera.

"She's not going to make it." Toad pointed out as Nightcrawler, running on all fours, headed off the girl, Wolverine hot on Creed's trail.

The two X-Men both pounced on their targets.

*********

Kurt rolled as he caught the child in his arms. The sweet dew sticking to his fur as the unharmed child started to sob against his chest.

Creed gave a yelp as he was tackled, the two skittered on the pavement.

"I told you not to run!" Logan growled as Creed attempted to punch Logan.

Claws popped from Wolverine's hand crashing down aiming for Creed's face.

Creed moved his head just in time as the tips of adamantium claws scrapped his cheek bone, just below his left eye. Consequence of the roll, Creed became trapped face down on the cold pavement. 3 long sharp claws dug into his right shoulder buried deep past the

flesh and bone and into the driveway. Logan with one knee digging into Creed's mid back, his leg putting pressure on Creed's buttocks. Logan's other leg clamped down in a kneel on Creed left leg. Logan took a hold of Creed's wrist with his free hand. Holding tight, Logan made sure his foe couldn't move without pain rippling his body.

"Get offa me." Creed grimaced.

Logan leaned close to the side of Creed's face. Lapping at the blood still flowing, "Naw." Logan said making sure his tongue ran over the three marks.

Creed flinched, his eyes darting over the gates. He couldn't move, Logan wasn't only heavy, but any movement from him would put their bodies in closer contact. That and the pain from the claws in his shoulder hurt.

Kurt stood up with Pinky sobbing in his arms. "Get off of him, Logan." Kurt said softly.

Logan smiled up at Kurt as he talked down at Creed. "Ya gonna bolt if I get off ya?" Logan growled daring Creed too.

Creed mutely shook his head no, his body relaxing in defeat. 'Just like ya Runt, breaking your promise's.' Creed thought resting his forehead against the cold pavement. He was waiting for his clothing to be shredded and the familiar pain to start.

***

Avalanche looked questioningly at the Brotherhood members. Their faces reflected, pain, sadness, worry, fear, and anger as they watched in silence.

***

Logan's claws retracted as he slowly almost reluctantly got off of Creed.

Slowly and in pain, with blood still flowing from various wounds caused by Logan and the pavement, Creed stood up.

Creed winced as he took hold of his damaged shoulder. Looking startled at the Runt who kept his promise, then looked at Kurt with the teenager in his arms.

'Mustn't like an audience.' Creed reasoned as to why Logan didn't rape him.

***

Magneto stood assessing the situation as he realized Sabretooth was still bleeding and showed no signs of healing immediately.

***

Creed looked at his shoulder. Narrowing his eyes he took his hand from his shoulder and saw the marks, it finally registered as he put pressure back against the wounds. Wincing, Creed used his bad arm and swatted Logan upside the head.

Logan jumped and turned facing Creed. "What?"

"You used your claws." Creed snarled angrily.

Logan looked down at his hands, the dried blood on the knuckles. "Shit."

****

Toad was about to jump and expose the Brotherhood when ahead of them, when Creed shifted slightly closer to Kurt. Toad paused as he watched them.

Logan started towards the garage, Creed limping behind the smaller X-Men while Kurt carried the young teen.

*

"Do you think he saw us?" Quicksilver whispered to Lance beside him.

"He was looking right at us." Avalanche replied in a hush.

"No, he didn't see us. He was too focused on the kid." Magneto replied.

"Should we go break in now?" The Scarlet Witch asked with a questioning gaze at Magneto.

*****

"What did you think you were doing kiddo?" Creed grunted to the girl still in Kurt's arms.

Logan continued on from the garage to the class room.

"I don't belong here." Pinky sniffled.

Creed stopped and looked at Pinky. "What ya mean?"

The class door gently banged shut.

Kurt paused as Pinky got to her feet and looked up at the big blond man with black eyes.

"They keep teasing me Mr. Creed." Pinky whined as she wiped her tears on her grey sleeve.

"Who?" Kurt asked putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Johnny..... and just everyone." Pinky leaned against a shelf.

"They really don't mean it Pinky." Creed said trying to soothe the kid. Glancing at Kurt now and then for tips. "They're just trying ta help."

"Then why are they so mean? Someone tried to burn my hair!" Pinky whined.

Creed frowned.

Pinky shifted about to say something when, with out warning the shelf wobbled.

*****

The sound of crashing canisters hitting cement and the noise of a quick scuffle followed by a cry of pain, made the Brotherhood turn its attention towards the garage.

"Was that Sabretooth?" Mystique asked no one in particular.

Toad balanced on a branch. "I'm going in." Toad said as he hopped down.

They all watched in silence as Toad became a bouncy shadow across the yard, pausing at the pool of blood in the middle of the drive, then stopping when he reached the garage entrance.

Slinking around the doorframe Toad peeked in the new doorway Sabretooth made before slipping into the darkness. Following the drops of blood, Toad between cars before he came across a bigger pool of blood with bloody foot prints dragging through it.

Toad swallowed hard as he followed more droplets of blood towards the back.

Looking around in the darkness Toad paused at a big white bored with nails in it. On each nail hung two set of keys for each vehicle in the garage. Unable to figure them out without labels, Toad moved on. Stepping over cans of paint, oil, WD-40 and other car

care products, he carefully hopped over the remains of a shelf. Soon Toad found himself walking through a doorway and into a class room. A faint shifting noise sounded, causing Toad to look around. Sitting on the floor leaning against a desk sat Sabretooth nursing a

deep shoulder wound.

Creed looked up at Toad who stood just inside the door of the classroom.

Toad noticed the cuts witnessed outside where still not healed and still bled. The tousled blond hair, the eyes, he locked eyes with Sabretooth, green staring at big black eyes reflecting pain.

Turning away Toad paused, thinking of what to do. Quickly hopping back to the vehicles, he easily popped the locks and searched for blankets. Finding only soft cow print seat covers and a half empty bottle of water, Toad returned to Creed.

"Hey big guy." Toad said gently, his steps slow and careful. He felt like he was trying to approach a frightened dog. Getting close enough, Toad slowly laid the soft seat cover over Sabretooth, before sitting down beside him. "Want a drink?" Toad asked softly.

Creed nodded his head squinting in the darkness at what he swore was Toad. The scent and the sound of his voice and movements all seemed exactly like Toad.

With slow movements, Toad brought the bottle to Creeds bruised lips. Unexpectedly, Creed grabbled the bottle with his good arm and drank the contents in one take.

Surprised, Toad took the bottle back and tossed it on the floor. The sound of plastic skidding across cement echoed until it bumped to a stop against a tire.

"Sabretooth?" Toad started.

"Yeah?" Creed grunted.

"Wh.. ow... You know who I am?" Toad finally asked.

"Toad?" Creed questioned.

"Yeah, it's me big guy." Toad replied.

"What's your full name Toadie?" Creed asked leery if it really was Toad or something, someone else.

Toad cleared his throat, in a low voice he muttered. "Mortimer"

Creed's eyes almost danced with joy, his busted lips parted in a smiled. "Hey frog face, what took you so long?"

Toad smiled back. "Oh, you know. This that." He said scooting beside Sabretooth, who unexpectedly hugged the small mutant.

"Missed ya." Creed rumbled letting go.

Toad didn't know what to think, this was Sabretooth, not some new mutant recruit. "Hey, it'll be alright. I ain't going any where without you."

"Best not." Creed grunted leaning his head back.

Toad blinked as he watched Sabretooth wince and continue to nurse his still bleeding arm. Toad looked down and noticed wet blood on him from Sabretooth.

"How come you're here?" Toad asked.

"I pushed Pi--" Creed was cut off by the loud bellow of security alarms ringing out. Creed shifted as they both became alert.

"I think they know I'm here." Toad stated as he helped Creed shift to a standing position.

"Yer not the only thing here." Creed grunted sniffing the air unable to fathom the scents he was receiving.

***

Cyclops ran into the classroom with Jean close behind, both of them wore matching sets of grey and blue night outfits.

Bracing himself against the desk Creed stood, growling as he watched the interlopers get closer.

"Creed?" Jean said, her head turned slowly assessing the wounds and blood on Creed and Toad, figuring the Brotherhood injured Creed. "Creed, it's alright we're not going to harm you." Jean stated.

"That's right your not!" Toad shouted as his tongue flicked out and took Cyclops goggles off his face.

"HEY!" Cyclops yelled closing his eyes.

His tongue flicking back into his mouth, Cyclops goggles held firmly in his hand. "You did enough damage already! Won't say you let us go before the whole lot of you's get in trouble?" Toad reasoned.

"Both of you's are not going anywhere!" Jean yelled as she used her telekinetic powers to picked up a couple of wrenches off the bench behind Toad and Creed.

Creed spun around grabbing the few with his good arm. "Frail, ya keep up with that mind stuff and I'm impaling' these into yer not so tough beau."

Jean paused as she let her telekinesis ease off the objects. "Victor, don't do this." She warned. "Your not healed yet."

"I'm as healed as I'm gonna get frail!" Creed snarled as he pitched the wrenches at the blind Cyclops. Who took two of them in the chest and one in the head.

Toad watched as Cyclops groaned going down to his knees with a hand on his bleeding forehead. Flicking out his tongue with a slurping sound he grabbed Jean by the ankle and pulled her leg out from under her. With a scream she crashed to the floor, her head

hitting the concrete.

"JEAN!?" Cyclops shouted groping for his girl.

"Oh pah-leez" Creed rolled his eyes grabbing a monkey wrench off the desk. "You and yer stupid frail can just shut the hell up!" Creed snarled making his way standing over the blind Cyclops. "I'm sick and tired of hearing both o' yer high pitch mating calls at two

in the morning." Creed brought the wrench down on the back of Cyclops neck. Cyclops groaned as he neared unconsciousness. Creed bent down real low and whispered

in Cyclops's ear. "N' this is for what ya made Wolverine do." Creed stood up and with what power he still had brought the wrench unforgivingly down on Cyclops' neck.

Toad's brow raised in surprise as the sound of snapping bones didn't occur. "What? Not going to kill him?" Toad asked astonished.

Creed didn't look at Toad as he slumped his shoulders. "Ya wanna, go ahead."

Toad paused over the man known to the Brotherhood as Cyclops. 'Was that sadness in Sabretooth's voice?' Toad questioned himself.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" A voice boomed in the garage.

Creed froze as did Toad, they both looked at the door way where the blue furred Beast stood.

"What is going on in here?" Beast more stated than asked as he flicked on the lights to the room.

"Creed, step this way slowly." Beast instructed, his voice cold.

Creed took a step alright, but a step backwards in fear.

"Come on Creed. Be a good boy and don't make this harder than it has to be." Beast warned.

"Beast?" Nightcrawler called out from the hallway. The blue demon X-Men entered the shop classroom. He looked to Henry McCoy who held a needle filled with a reddish

liquid.

Creed stepped back until he was against the tool bench, Toad just off his right side.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!?" Toad demanded from the blue furred ones.

"Not as much as Genosha did." Beast replied keeping his advancement up on Creed. Toad stepped between the two.

Beast pushed Toad out of the way, the smaller man tripped backwards over Cyclops, hitting his rear on the floor.

Creed swallowed as he became cornered. He was scared and didn't have anything handy to fight with. Beast was almost upon him with the syringe.

"Be all over in a second, come on Creed, you're a good boy right?" Beast said gently as he made a reach for Creed's arm.

Creed panicked. His claws lashed out at Beast as he shouldered the large blue mutant in the chest, forcing him off balance, as Creed made a run for it the needle's tip caught his leg. Beast not missing a beat injected the red fluid.

Creed went down catching himself with his hands. He shook but couldn't move.

Toad's tongue flicked out wrapping around Beast's neck. Beast used both hands, taking a hold of the slippery object and used it to his advantage, pulling hard Toad landed in a heap on top of Sabretooth. The two of them dazed.

Nightcrawler was knelt down beside Jean and Cyclops assessing their injuries.

Wolverine ran back in, claws extended and teeth barred. "Get away from them Beast!" Wolverine snarled.

Nightcrawler gasped as the garage doors twisted before flying off their hinges and out side. There the Brotherhood stood as the fight just ended.

"Wolverine" Beast almost growled in a warning tone. "Stay out of this."

"I'm already apart of this, now back away from them!" Wolverine ordered.

Magneto watched curiously as the enemy ranks stability shifted. His minions held back as they watched Nightcrawler slowly move behind Beast.

Beast took a move towards Creed and Toad. Wolverine and Nightcrawler both jumped their big team mate, all three crashing to the ground. Wolverine's arm reared back, claws sliding under skin just as the fist crashed against Beast's face.

Nightcrawler got off of the bulkier blue man, as did Wolverine making sure Beast was unconscious but alright.

"How's Jean?" Wolverine asked walking over to Creed and Toad.

"She'll be alright, just a bump on the head." Nightcrawler muttered.

Kneeling down Wolverine picked up Creed's face in his hand. "Vic? Vic ya hear me?" Creed didn't respond.

"What did Beast shoot in him this time?" Wolverine asked Nightcrawler who was lifting Toad up.

"I don't know." Nightcrawler admitted finally looking up at the Brotherhood.

"Is it just me? Or did we lose the battle lines somewhere?" Quicksilver questioned looking over the scene.

"They were never clearly drawn" Nightcrawler replied trying to get Toad to come around by gently patting his face.

Wolverine plucked the syringe out of Creed's leg. Sniffing at it, Wolverine let what was left of the liquid pour onto his finger before sniffing it again and licking tentatively at it. "Mercury?"

Nightcrawler eyes widened as his head swung around. "WHAT?"

Magneto crouched down beside Jean as she slowly started to come to. "How many fingers do you see?" He questioned.

"Three, Magneto?" She said.

"Very good, you'll live." Magneto said standing up.

"How long till Sabretooth's healed?" Magneto's cold voice demanded.

"Jean? You awake?" Wolverine asked.

"Oww... Yes Wolverine." Jean said turning her attention to Cyclops.

"Beast just pumped Mercury into Creed." Wolverine stated.

Jean's eyes became round orbs. "No." She breathed out as she crawled over to Creed. "Victor? Victor!" She snapped forcing his eyes open, but it did no good. She quickly checked his breathing. "Logan, we got to get him down stairs. His breathing's getting shallow." Jean ordered.

Nightcrawler 'ported beside the downed man.

"Infirmary?" Kurt asked as he took a hold of Jean and Creed.

"The ER Kurt." Jean said keeping tabs on Creed.

With a BAMF the two were gone.

Wolverine at the Brotherhood. "Well yer here." He grunted, "Follow me and keep pace." Wolverine ordered turning and running out.

The Brotherhood jogged after the short man who led them to an elevator. Quicksilver and Avalanche helping the still dazed Toad, took up the rear.

Upon reaching the elevator, Wolverine waited till the not so far behind trio caught up. Once all inside, the doors closed and the elevator shifted starting downwards.

"What exactly is the point of this?" Magneto stated more than questioned.

"Creed's gonna be dead in a few if nothings done." Wolverine growled his head bowed slightly.

"Die? What about the healing factor?" Mystique asked.

"What healing factor?" Wolverine growled as the elevator stopped and he jumped off running for the Emergency's door.

****

Jean gasped as the doors slammed open. "OUT!" She screamed.

Wolverine stopped as he saw the blood on the table and smears on the floor. "Where's Vic?"

"RRRRAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Creed's pain filled scream sounded from the bathroom.

"Take it Creed." Nightcrawler's voice encouraged.

Wolverine's brow wrinkled as he stared at the closed bathroom door. The Brotherhood ran through the doors and stopped as the sound of retching being emitted from the

bathroom.

"What happened?" Magneto demanded his voice cold.

"The small amount of Mercury just kicked Creed's healing factor in. Normally the effects slows down Wolverine's and Sabretooth's healing factor. Beast seemed to had it figured out." Jean explained.

"Then what is wrong with him?" Avalanche asked.

"The damage he received in Genosha is coming undone with a vengeance." Jean said.

"Great, like they didn't do enough already." Wolverine snarled slamming his fist into the metal table.

"What exactly did they do to him?" Mystique asked.

Jean and Wolverine ignored her completely.

"RRRAAHHH!!!!" Creeds cry was heard sending shivers down the gathered's spines. Whimpers and growls followed as soft murmurs of incomprehensible German was heard

trying to soothe.

"You let elf handle that?" Wolverine questioned Jean's sanity.

"We couldn't wait for you, and you might of put your claws threw him again." Jean said.

Wolverine snorted.

"ACH! IT'S ME!" Kurt's yelp made the others jump as a loud growl sounded.

Jean and Wolverine looked at the adjoining rooms door.

The sound of something hitting porcelain hard caught Magneto's attention, so used to being in control he listened. Trying to get a grasp of Sabretooth's predicament.

"OW!" Kurt yelped again.

"Raah!" Creed's short weak yell sounded before silence took over.

Wolverine let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as the sound of Nightcrawler's teleporting sounded twice.

"Maybe we should go someplace else." Wolverine grunted as a third BAMF sounded.

Magneto nodded as he strolled out of the room, his minions following. Wolverine and Jean paused as Kurt appeared by the table.

"He's.., healed." Kurt muttered. Blood dripped off of him, pooling around his feet as four gashes on his left shoulder and bite marks on his tail bleed.

"I'll be up in a moment." Jean said getting a first aid box.

Wolverine nodded as the shower in the other room sounded.

*********

The den, normally a big room that fit a hand full of teenagers comfortably, now seemed crowded as the X-Men and Brotherhood gathered.

Wolverine sighed as he sat in a grey textured recliner, across from him Toad sat hunched in a leather lazy boy. Beside Toad, sitting on the sofa, was Mystique beside Magneto who was beside The Scarlet Witch. Pietro sat on the sofa's arm beside his sister.

Avalanche sat on one of the kitchen chairs brought in to accommodate the many bodies.

Charles Xavier, in his sleep wear wrapped in a green night robe sat across from Magneto. Jean was to Charles right, Storm and Wolverine to his left.

Talk fluttered among the gathered.

Wolverine looked intently at Toad. "Kinda not surprised Pinky was a spy." The timing of her stay was just right

Toad tilted his head. "Pinky who? A girl?"

St. John strolled into the room he dropped his duffle bag on the floor and took up a spare seat by Lance.

Storm studied Mystique for a moment. "How is your child?"

Mystique looked at the woman who she knew only as Storm. "Child?"

"Sabretooth had mentioned you had a child." Storm stated.

Mystique nodded. "She.., her name was Victoria. After Creed disappeared Erik thought it would be.., appropriate." Raven paused.

Magneto kept a careful eye on the blue shape-shifter beside him.

"She had strawberry blond hair." Mystique went on pulling out a picture. "She looked more like me when I was a child, except for the hair and eyes."

Storm looked over the picture and smiled. The three year old had a mass of strawberry blond hair, her yellow pupil-less eyes twinkled at the camera. Her smile showed all teeth, normal white teeth, with the exception for a bottom front missing, seemed to add to the child's care free moment. "Such a sweetie." Storm commented, looking closer at

the back ground. It was at an ocean side, a tall cliff was in the background, rocks being splashed by water below. In the foreground, the girl was crouched over a crab poking it

with a stick, her pink and blue sun dress sandy at the bottom.

Mystique took back the picture. "She was, such a smart girl too." Her eyes started to mist over.

Magneto reached over and squeezed the shape shifter's shoulder. "That was taken the day she died. The rocks back ground is were she wandered off to, while Raven and I set up lunch. Three and a half year old's are much quicker when their agile mutants. Nothing could have been done..., it was instantaneous, she slipped, cracked her skull open."

Magneto stated, his chilly voice had an edge of soft lingering emotion.

Storm frowned. "I'm so sorry." She truly did grieve for the child she never met. The girl obviously meant much to both parents, and Sabretooth had expressed he was rather delighted in having a child he could watch, if not raise. Someone was going to have to tell the man about this, and the Brotherhood.

Nightcrawler appeared with a BAMF that startled everyone slightly. The blue furry demon-like mutant sat balanced like a cat on the back of Toad's chair. Toad's head cranked up, looking at the fur ball.

"Where's Sabretooth?"

"He'll be along." Nightcrawler informed, the white bandages wrapped around his tail, arms and some gauze taped to his shoulder made the blue fur appear much darker.

"How come Sabretooth never tried to find us?" Quicksilver asked the room in general.

"He thought you were all dead." Nightcrawler said in a sad tone. He was looking at the picture Mystique, who regained control of her emotions, passed to him.

Jean looked at the Brotherhood. "If I didn't see you all alive prior to that rescue - liberation. I would believe you to be dead as well."

"You were there?" The Scarlet Witch inquired.

"No, I was able to glance into Sabretooth's mind briefly." Jean replied.

Magneto frowned as he took his hand off of Mystique's shoulder. "All this time and you never let on that he was here?"

Charles Xavier frowned back. "What would you have done Magnus? Other than make him more nervous."

"Certainly provide comfort in being surrounded by people he knew." Magneto shot back.

"If that was the case, then we would have let you." Xavier sighed.

"What do you mean if that was the case? What could they possibly have done that made Sabretooth a teaching kitty cat?" Magneto snapped.

Mystique's head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Kitty" she mouthed before looking to Xavier for an answer.

The bald man nodded slowly.

"Erik, it probably is best that he was here." She said softly, her mind not forgetting the information she read about the Genosha, POW Kitty.

Magneto gave a questioning glace to Mystique.

Nightcrawler cleared his throat interrupting the current conversation path. "Where is Scott?"

Jean gasped at her lover's name, "Oh my gosh!" Her hand flew to her mouth. "I left in him in the class room!" She jumped up and ran out of the room, not even paying

attention to the man she almost plowed down in the hallway.

Laughter filtered out from the den.

Victor Creed grunted as he got out of Jean's way. She was running blindly down the hall not even seeing him. laughter filtered out of the den, laughter that sounded so much like the complete Brotherhood and then some.

Creed ran a clawed hand through his long blond hair. His yellow eyes scanned the hallway as he sniffed getting the scents from inside the den. Running the back of his hand, over the still slight sideburns Creed growled as he stepped in the dens thresh way.

"Who's up fer a trip ta Genosha? I got this craving for carving meat. Don't make me start with yer carcasses." Creed snarled.

The gathered in the den turn to stare at the man many thought dead, weak, and pathetic. They all could see the sparks of life and the raging beast in the yellow eyes.

Logan jumped to his feet, tripping over the many other feet scattering the walkway, he finally cleared the congested area. Quickly strolling past the taller man, Logan grunted over his shoulder. "I'll ready the jet."

Nightcrawler jumped from his position on Toad's chair, the motion caused Toad to be shot out of the recliner and into Logan's old seat, head first.

Nightcrawler teleported mid air, only to reappear just outside the doorway. "I'll get the extra suits." he said Bamf-ing away again.

Creed shrugged his shoulders, his eyes narrowed at the Brotherhood in near contempt. "I'll finish loading the crates." he growled before sauntering off again.

**************

To be concluded in 8

Whipblade 2002