Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 08:39:30 -0400
From: Andy Darko <niftyandydarko@gmail.com>
Subject: Phoenix Fire Pt. 2

<XxX>I am not affiliate with Marvel or any of its subsidiaries. I
just wrote the story because I love the X-Men.

	This is a homosexual story that does involve sex between men. If
that offends you, leave.<XxX>

Phoenix Fire Pt. 2
by
Andy Darko
(Dedicated to Kenny B. and Bobby Drake)
X---------------------------------------------------------------X

	I was awakened by a shrill alarm ringing to my right. I felt
Scott's weight leave my body and the alarm was promptly cut off. He sighed
deeply, muttering something under his breath before sliding out from under
the covers.  I opened my eyes to see him sitting on the edge of the bed,
head hung. When I touched his back, he jumped slightly before turning
around. His eyes were closed seeing as his glasses were sitting on the
bedside table. I picked them up and gently slid them onto his face. There
was a brief flash of light around the lenses as he opened his eyes.

	"Morning," he said, voice deepened and cracking from hours of
sleep. "No nightmares I assume?"

	I shook my head, smiling sleepily. "What time is it?"

	"Seven thirty," he grunted. "But, you go back to sleep. I have to
help Ororo, Hank and Logan set up the welcoming wagon for the new
kids. You're not really required to be there until eleven when we start the
lunch. So, I'll set the alarm for ten, okay?"

	"Okay,"

	He leaned over and kissed my forehead. "You're the most beautiful
man in the world."

	I couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Yeah, okay. You must still be
asleep."

	Scott stood and streched his body out, muscles rippling. "Hey, a
guy like you could have any man he wanted." I grunted, making Scott
laugh. "Well, I'll leave you to sleep. Don't forget. Eleven,"

	I rolled over and drifted back into a light sleep. I was looking
forward to greeting some new students, but I wasn't really sure what to
expect. The last wave, a year prior had been nothing but a bunch of
pre-teens; over hormonal kids with little to no control over their
powers. Needless to say, it had been quite a couple of months. Hopefully,
this batch would be a little more mature.

	At ten fifty-five, I found myself greeted by a large group of
people gathered in the back lawn. Even though it was mostly students I
already new, there were a decent amount of new faces. I noticed one in
particular, as he was standing by himself. He was about the same height as
me with finely done blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. He had a sharp,
angular face that contrasted his obviously uncomfortable body language. He
was wearing a large brown trenchcoat and seemed quite keen on keeping it
on. He was watching the other students move about in a rather bird-like
fashion.

	"Gene!"

	Scott was standing next to the large grill, apron over his clothes
with a tray full of burgers and hot dogs. He beckoned me over with the
spatula in his hand. As I approached, he passed me the tray, reaching over
several students. "Can you put this on the table for me? And, keep them
away from Jamie!"

	As I turned, wondering what he meant, I found myself surrounded by
several dark-haired teens.  When I looked closer, I realized... they were
all the same kid. "Uh... you've got to be Multiple Man."

	"Yup!" one on my right answered enthusiastically.

	"Hey, can I have another hot dog?" another asked reaching for the
tray. I raised it out of his grasp. "How many have you had so far?"

	"I only had one!"

	"ALL of you,"

	The ten boys huddled together whispering very suspisciously. When
they separated, they were all smiling. "All together, we've only had
ten. One apiece,"

	I raised a skeptical eyebrow and was not surprised to hear Scott
call over my shoulder, "Don't listen to him... them! They've eaten nearly
thirty already! I don't know how they're still hungry!"

	"I figured as much. Get out of here,"

	I gave (one of) him a gentle nudge and, much to my surprise and
discontent, another one seemed to... pop out of him. "Scott?"

	"Yeah?"

	"Have we figured out how to reverse this?" I asked staring down at
eleven sets of mischevious faces. Scott laughed. "Yeah. Call his mom and
let her know how he's been acting,"

	The eleven promptly became one. "No! I swear I..." He grabbed his
stomach and his face promptly became a nasty shade of green. "Bathroom!"

	I smiled as he took off through the crowd, looking as if he might
burst open at any moment. When I set the tray down on the table I found
myself standing across from the blonde loner. He looked up at me curiously
and then gave a polite smile. "Hello," he said quietly. So quietly, as a
matter of fact, I almost didn't hear him. "Hi. You're new here,"

	He nodded and held out his hand. "Warren Worthington the Third,"

	"Gene Grey,"

	He shuffled awkwardly, eyes anywhere but on mine. "So, how long
have you been a student here?" I chuckled slightly, taking a hot dog for
myself. "I'm not a student," I replied. "I'm pretty much the nanny. Or,
residential advisor if you want to get technical,"

	"Oh. So, you're not a mutant?"

	I paused momentarily. 'Yes, I am a mutant,' would be the correct
answer. However, actively, I was not a mutant. I was saved either way as
Scott walked up behind me, placing another tray on the table and pulling
off the apron. "Finally done now that Jamie's gone," he smiled, placing a
hand on the small of my back. I noticed Warren's eyes linger over the
contact for a split second before meeting mine. Then, he looked away under
the pretense of grabbing a plate. I removed Scott's hand, adding, "Not in
front of the kids." Then, aloud, "Scott, this is Warren. Warren, this is
Scott. He'll be one of your teachers,"

	They shook hands, Warren looking a tad apprehensive about Scott's
presence. "Scott, could you grab some more paper plates from inside?" I
asked. "They're in the pantry,"

	"Yeah. No problem,"

	He disappeared through the throng of bodies, which made me remember
something. "And check on Jamie, will you?"

	"Sure thing!"

	I turned back to Warren who looked mildly red in the cheeks. "So,
Scott... he's your... boyfriend?"

	I shook my head. "No, we're not together. We're just... close." I
decided not to linger on the topic of Scott and began walking around the
lawn, Warren in tow. "So, what made you decide to come here?"

	He tilted his head in an 'I-don't-know' gesture. "I guess I just
wanted to be somewhere where I wasn't a total freak of nature,"

	"What do you mean by that?"

	"I have a physical mutation," he explained, not really
explaining. "I can't exactly go anywhere I want,"

	I looked him over, even making him turn around completely. "I don't
see any reason why you can't,"

	"I hide it well," he said with a smirk. There was something that I
liked about Warren, but I couldn't quite identify it. Maybe it was his
naiveity or his innocence. Even as I thought that, I could see a certain
knowledge behind those eyes. He had known pain, I knew that much. I wanted
to continue talking to him, perhaps see if I could figure him out a little
more, but I was interrupted by the Professor wheeling out on the patio. "If
I could have all of the new students follow me please. Teachers as well."
Then, as he turned, <<You, too, Gene.>>

	<<What do you need me for?>>

	<<Warren finds your presence comforting,>> he replied
smoothly. <<And, as of right now, you're the only person he is comfortable
talking around.>>

	<<How do you know that?>>

	<<He's telling me right now,>>

	I peeked into the mansion and saw the Professor idly chatting with
Warren who was, of course, oblivious to our mental conversation. I felt a
surge of happiness, something that I hadn't felt in a long time, and headed
inside. I passed by Warren who blushed as I smiled at him, joining the
others in the Professor's study, complete with windows. I hung back,
perching on one of the smaller bookcases. Warren sidled in the room
quietly, followed by Scott and Jamie who was still looking a little green.

	"Welcome," the Professor greeted warmly. "I am quite glad to have
such a diverse group of students attending this year. But, as I do not know
you all yet, I think you should introduce yourselves.  And, if you are
comfortable with it, let us know what your powers are as well,"

	He looked to the nearest student, a young Asian male who
smiled. "My name is Shiro Yoshida.  I am from Japan and... well, I can
project solar fire."

	The next to introduce themselves were two girls, obviously
twins. "My name is Claudette..."

	"And, I'm Nicole..."

	"We can become one, we can fly, we have night vision and some
telepathic powers,"

	Another girl followed her, dark hair and blue eyes. "I'm Jubilee. I
can... well, it ain't as impressive as solar fire or night vision, but I
can make fireworks."

	The kids all 'oohed' and 'aahed' at that one, making Jubilee giggle
slightly. We made our way around the room, some kids deciding not to
divulge what their particular powers were. Others, such as Jamie, were more
than glad to demonstrate their powers in front of the others. When it came
to Warren, he suddenly became silent. The Professor looked at me, inclining
his head slightly. I placed my hand on Warren's back, reassuring him. I
felt something strange under his coat, but I didn't think anything of it.

	"I... I'm Warren. Warren Worthington the Third."

	There was no objection to him leaving it at that. The last student
to introduce himself was a rather handsome guy, maybe about my age, with
short cropped brown hair, green-blue eyes and an athletic build. "I'm Owen
Clayboulde. I think I have some form of telekinesis, but I can't really
move things. I kind of make... walls and boundaries. Mental blockades if
you will." The Professor clapped his hands together. "Now that we have met
you, it's time for you to meet us. My name is Professor Charles Xavier and
I am a telepathic,"

	"Does that mean you're going to read our minds?" Jamie asked
excitedly. The Professor smiled. "Only if I have to and only with your
permission,"

	"Sweet,"

	"I'm Scott Summers. I shoot concussive beams from my eyes,"

	"Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!" Jamie yelled, making some students jump. I
couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. The introductions moved on. "My
name is Ororo Munroe and I can control atmospheric conditions. In essence,
I control the weather."

	This time it was Jubilee who became animated. "Ooh, can you show
us?"

	Ororo, a statuesque African woman who I adored dearly, nodded and
closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were completely white and her
gaze focused. Outside, the sky became darkened, almost pitch
black. Thunderbolts streaked across the clouds and a number of tornadoes
appeared, none of them touching the ground. She sighed and everything
disappeared as quickly as it had come. There was a roar of applause.

	"My name is Henry McCoy and what you see is pretty much what you
get." Our blue, furry scientist said this all from the ceiling, of course,
his large feet clasped around a banister of wood. I was so fixated on him
dangling from the roof that I didn't realize everyone was staring at me. I
shook my head, locks of auburn hair falling into my face. I brushed them
away, forcing a smile. "Oh... um, I'm Gene Grey and..." The faces gazing at
me waited expectantly, but I couldn't finish the sentence.  There was a
lump in my throat that wouldn't go away and I felt like all breath had been
sucked from my chest.

	The Professor cleared his throat, diverting all attention away from
me. Well, not all. I could sense Warren's eyes on me, but I didn't turn to
meet his stare. "Now that you know us, it's time that I explain our goals
here at the Academy." I tuned out as he explained about the combination of
schooling and mutant training that made our school so unique. It was a
speech that I had heard plenty of times and I was in no rush to hear it
again. I rested my head on the wall behind me, closing my eyes and
relaxing. I could almost feel my mind sighing.

	That's when it happened. My mind was overwhelmed by a memory that
wasn't mine. I was standing in a lush marble bathroom with large mirrors
and ornate decorations everywhere. I whipped around, trying to figure a way
out of this. Instead, I came upon a small boy, no older than twelve or
thirteen. He was standing in front of the mirror, tears rolling down his
face. His hands were covered in blood and... feathers. I could see a box of
tools on the counter, a bloody saw on top. My stomach churned. What could
he possibly be doing? Then, he turned and I saw the stumps sticking out of
his back.

	The vision hit me so hard I yelled, clutching my forehead. I was
vaguely aware of the silence in the room, but I couldn't care less. I
jumped off of the bookcase and burst through the office door, staggering
into the living room. I was reeling. I had never felt such pain from a
telepathic encounter before. Not even the incident had been that bad. The
boy's physical agony and emotional anguish had hit me like a bullet to the
temple. My vision was blurred and there was a high whine in my ears. I fell
to my knees, gritting my teeth.

	"Gene? Gene!"

	I heard Scott's voice and felt his arms around me, but he might as
well have been light years away. The room was swirling and I was sure that
it wasn't just in my head. Things were clattering around, a veritable
maelstrom of household items. Just as I thought I would crack under the
pain, a voice gently spoke in my head. <<Gene, you've got to
concentrate. Remember when we first met and you couldn't block out the
cacophany of voices you met daily. Remember how I told you to build a
wall. Block out the vision, Gene. Don't let it overpower you.>>

	<<I can't, Professor! It's so much pain!>> I replied, tears
streaming freely. My body was reclining now, my head resting on Scott's
leg. He was touching my face, but I could barely feel it.  I was torn
between the real world and the memory. Neither side wanted to let go. <<You
have to Gene. Your mind is torn in two. Build the wall. Fight it off.>>

	I struggled, mentally casting off the chains of the memory. The
more bonds I broke, the more pulled me back. I felt the crushing weight of
disappointing my father by being a mutant. I winced at the feeling of the
saw on my back. The sight of the blood on my hands made me nauseous. It was
all too much. "Scott, move away!"

	"But, he needs-"

	"Move!"

	"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"

	As the words escaped my mouth, everything snapped. The memory
dissipated and I was mentally vaulted back into the real world in the most
violent manner possible. My telekinesis erupted. The room exploded as if an
invisible bubble had suddenly pushed everything outward.  The floor sunk,
the walls bulged, the ceiling dented upwards and the wall facing outside
flat-out detonated. Planks of wood and plaster scattered over the lawn
where we had previously been eating. As the wreckage landed, the living
room streaming with light from the newly opened wall, I heard feet approach
me.

	The Professor's voice broke the silence. "Scott, wait."

	"Wait?! For what?!"

	The feet continued approaching, settling next to me. I was curled
up in the fetal position, shaking from the psychic experience. A voice
whispered my name, but it wasn't Scott. I didn't dare to move or
respond. He repeated my name a little louder. "Gene." There was a pained
waiver that I couldn't ignore. I turned my head very slightly and saw
something that filled me with emotion.

	Warren was kneeling above me, a mixture of sadness and concern
drawn across his face. But, that wasn't the most amazing part. He had
discarded his trenchcoat and shirt revealing a pair of gigantic, beautiful
white wings. They were filling up the room, white feathers as far as I
could see. He was lit from behind by the sunlight making him look like
something out of a biblical passage. Warren reached down, softly brushing
his hand over my face. "It was me," he
 whispered. "You saw me... as a kid,"

	"I'm sorry," I sniffed. "I didn't mean to-,"

	He shook his head. "It's okay,"

	I don't know how long I stared at him before I heard the
Professor's voice. "Scott, can you take the kids to their rooms? Hank,
check on the other students for me. I'm sure they're wondering what has
happened. Be discreet. Ororo, call the contractor for me. I'll be along in
a second." They took to their orders immediately. Scott glanced at me
worriedly before ushering the new students away. <<Will you be all right,
Gene?>>

	<<Yes. I... I want to start training tomorrow.>>

	<<Perhaps the day after,>> he chuckled. <<You are worn out
enough. Take as much time with Warren as you need.>>

	He disappeared after the others, leaving me alone with Warren who
was studying me intently. I forced myself to sit up, although I refused to
look him in the eye. I had probably unearthed one of the most painful
memories of his life and I felt horrible for it. "Gene, I..."

	I didn't want him to finish. So, I did the only thing I could think
to do. I kissed him.

	It wasn't like Scott and I. It wasn't a tender peck. This was a
fevered, emotional tongue-lashing.  He was shocked at first, that much I
could feel, but he accepted my embrace and wrapped his toned arms around my
shoulders. I hooked my arms under his, my hands landing on the base of his
wings.  He bristled at the contact, but relaxed almost immediately. The
only sound in the room was our mingled
 breathing and the quiet whisper of the wind moving through his feathers. I
felt the muscles in his back shift and opened my eyes to see the large
wings curve forward, forming a wall around us.

	<<A guy could fall for an angel like you,>> I said to him. He
tightened his grip on me. <<I hope so,>>

X---------------------------------------------------------------X

Hey hey hey! Thanks for the feedback so far. I'm glad you guys are enjoying
my little tale. Part three will be coming up soon. Just have to work out
some kinks. E-mail me if you have some ideas you want to see:
NiftyAndyDarko@gmail.com