sound_and_fury:

Cassidy slipped Izzy a note under her door early that day directed her to be awake and midnight. At midnight, she was to grab the food in the fridge (the cookies, cake and lasagna) and meet him in the woods.  He spent the rest of the day preparing for the night, making sure to get in a nap before going out to the clearing that Joey showed him in the forest a few months ago when Cassidy asked about a good place to surprise her. He pitched the tent and made sure that the campfire was ready to light and then strung up the banner that he’d spent the last month making one letter at a time. Then he laid out the blankets and looked up at the clear patch of sky above. Tonight would be perfect.
Surprising a woman was tough work, Joey told him, but worth it when it worked out.

He sat around most of the day, hoping that Izzy would be ready to come and hang out tonight. It would be embarrassing if he was waitng around for her and she’d accidentally fallen asleep.

That thought stayed with him until his eyelids grew heavy sometime after dusk and he fell asleep against tall tree nearby.

sound_and_fury:

(Backdated to June) 

 

Cassidy shows up at the Consulate to speak with Nell, per Andrew's suggestion. He's given it some serious thought over the last few days, and helping Andrew and the Genoshans feels like the right play to him. He's been thinking over what he wants to do with his life and now, he knows.

Right now, though, he's here to speak with Miss St. Croix about how he can help with her work and, in turn, Andrew's.

nextgen_holiday:

"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be." -- Unknown

assaultnbattery:

A lot going on very quickly. It had been so long that it was just him and Gio... then Angelo. Since then, things have grown quickly. Andrew fully intended to take advantage of that. Now that they've brought on some official staff, it was time to take advantage of all that momentum. As soon as he gets caught up, however temporarily, on paperwork, he starts making calls...

Calling Xavier's.... asking for both Cassidy, and one of the McCoys.
Calling Nell.
Calling Rikki up at her convenience.
Calling Julian.

Any of these could go quite badly... but nothing was ever acheived through a lack of effort.

sound_and_fury:

Cassidy stands over the gravestone, looking down at the name and the flowers etched upon it. He kneels down to brush away some of the dirt and leaves that have accumulated recently; there isn't much, which Cassidy attributes to the other people who visit this place. He hasn't spoken to Mr. Wagner or Mina in nearly a year, despite knowing that they /both/ reside on the premises. A small part of that is timing. They all have their own lives.

( Read more... )

whoholdsthewhip:


Things had been moving fast for Sengai Senyaka. First he met with  Andrew Summers, head of the Genosha Consulate, and his bodyguard Giovanna Bennet, http://www.scribbld.com/users/whoholdsthewhip/318.html .  He had explained his reasons for his coming then, the nature of his often difficult powers, and his own desire to to learn about the conflict between humans and mutants.  Summers struck him as a good man, young perhaps, but he defintiely knew what he was talking about. He seemed like the kind of individual Sengai could see himself working under, but he wasn't going to make a hasty decision. Afterwards, Giovanna had engaged him in a sparring session in order for him to attempt to control his powers during a combat scenario.  http://www.scribbld.com/users/burnwithlight/1827.html.  He was pleased the progress, but knew it would still be some time before he was comfortable enough with his powers. Still, it had been a rewarding experience. He was pretty sure he could could consider Andrew and Giovanna friends, but he tried not to get too attached to the idea. Afterall, he wasn't there to make friends.

He was currently in the consulate lunchroom, sash on his shoulders. After the training session, he looked forward to simply sitting and having something to eat.

nextgen_misc:

The resort looked like any other Caribbean resort except for the people walking around. Some openly displayed use of their powers while others sported opening physical mutations. They laughed and talked, clearly having a good time, unaware that more sinister things were happening not far away.

When the X-Men arrive they will be greeted with smiles, but no one will have any information on their two missing members.

little_gabriel:

It had been some time since Gabriel had seen Cait and Aaron, so he was getting somewhat worried.  They were more responsible than that, to just not come back.  First thing he did was call the resort they said they were going to, but the attendant on the phone told him nobody by those names were there.  He went to go find Xavier to express his concern.

_tsunami_:

Cait made sure she left two small baskets full of baked goods and a gift card in each for Moira and Danielle before she left on vacation. She also asked Sylvie to deliver them for her.

quadrimanial:

Sylvie and Corey had called each other about this. He was there that afternoon with a cake and a stone bracelet. Sylvie had a book full of pictures of ice sculpture.

Cait wasn't getting away without some celebrating.

nextgen_holiday:


I arise from dreams of thee
In the first sweet sleep of night,
When the winds are breathing low,
And the stars are shining bright.
I arise from dreams of thee,
And a spirit in my feet
Hath led me -- who knows how?
To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint
On the dark, the silent stream--
And the Champak's odours
Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
The nightingale's complaint,
It dies upon her heart,
As I must on thine,
O belovèd as thou art!

O lift me from the grass!
I die! I faint! I fail!
Let thy love in kisses rain
On my lips and eyelids pale.
My cheek is cold and white, alas!
My heart beats loud and fast:
O press it to thine own again,
Where it will break at last!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

sound_and_fury:

1. Make sure to compliment her whenever possible.
2. Open doors, pull out chairs. Don't sit until she does.
3. Smile and be polite. Pay attention to her.
4. If she cooks, compliment the food.
5. Remember your 'sir' and 'ma'am'.

Okay, he could do this. Lulu had been a wellspring of information about how to be a Southern Gentleman and Cassidy was ready to give it a try on Izzy. Today, rather than his usual jeans and t-shirt, he wore (over his containment suit) black slacks, dress shoes, and a dark red dress shirt with a black tie.  Uncle Scott was curious when Cassidy asked him to teach him how to tie a tie, and Cassidy only said that he was just trying to look a little nicer.

Something in Uncle Scott's grin said he knew what it was for, but he didn't press the issue.

Soon enough, Cassidy arrives at Izzy's door with a few flowers from the garden and knocks gently.

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
+

Anonymous entries accepted.

princess_mutt:

Muir Island had seen many large Christmas celebrations over the years, but this was one of the biggest. The building was warm in the cold North Scotland weather, and brimming with people.

Loretta Lynn's Christmas album was playing loudly. This was not an attempt to make any Kentucky guests feel extra-welcome, but simply because, as any of his stepgrandpuppies would happily explain, Sean was daft.

Moira happily clutched at Lucas as they came into the front atrium along with Cassidy and Izzy.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

nextgen_holiday:

“We’re here outside the Four Seasons Hotel in New York where the who’s who is gathered tonight. Celebrities, royals and superheroes have all turned out for the annual Maria Stark Foundation Winter Charity event benefiting Toys for Tots.

It’s truly an all-star gala here tonight.

New York’s own princess, Anya Stark, was seen being escorted by what appears to be her new flame, actor Austin Cain. Her brother and currently second in line to the Russian throne, Mikhail Romanov, was seen entering the party with Lyta Worthington, heiress to Worthington Industries. Tony and Natasha Stark, parents of a new baby, are making their first public appearance since the birth of their son.

Mackenzie Rider, a prince of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, is escorting Ms. Andrea Denker of the Fantastic Four tonight. Kristoff Vernard, leader of the Fantastic Four, was seen in attendance with his wife Cassandra and their son Scotty. Vincent Amorason, heir to Latveria, arrived alongside his brother and was seen escorting a member of the Defenders, Asleif Thorsdottir. The rest of the Fantastic Four are here too with their dates, though Miss Valeria Richards is not in attendance. Franklin Richards is in attendance and is escorting one Miss Gill.

Los Angeles’ own superhero team, the Defenders are in attendance as well. Arriving with her team is Grace Danvers, daughter of Hollywood hunk Simon Williams and she is being escorted by teammate, Eiltin. The two Asgardian princesses and daughters of Thor, Asleif and Aridis, are also attending the festivities with their team.
Akilah Munore, the crown princess of Wakanda, is here tonight with her steady flame, Daniel Sherwood a member of the Young Avengers. The other Young Avengers are in attendance tonight with their dates, alongside the adult Avengers.

Donald Trump arrived with his wife and is one of many other famous faces to arrive. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Hugh Jackman, Jack Nicholson, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift are just a few celebrities who have made an appearance here tonight.

It’s truly a party of the who’s who and it’s all for a great cause.”

_tsunami_:

Mid to late December was a busy time of the year and not just for the Christians. Saturnalia for Cait, Corey and Rufus started on the 17th of December and unlike Christmas that lasted one day, Saturnalia lasted for seven days. Tradition was to make and give out small gifts. Each year Cait hit the kitchen and baked favorite treats of the residents of Xavier's.

This year she hit the kitchen in the middle of the night. It was the only time of the day where there wouldn't be people going in and out all of the time and she could concentrate on what she needed to do. The hours slipped by and Cait worked quickly and efficiently. She made enough to give to Rufus to hand out as well. She knew her brother and knew enough to cover his back.

Morning came and Cait finished up and then cleaned up after herself. She didn't want to leave a messy kitchen behind her.

She went to deliver the Saturnalia goodies.

gildedcage:

The images fanned out before Starbridge's eyes, events unfolding into the difference. In over half of the sequences, the west wing of the Institute was completely ripped apart by out of control energy. Emanating from the third floor. From Cassidy's room.

Starbridge came out of the vision in a cold sweat, sitting on his bed in the night. He closed his eyes again, took a deep breath, got up, threw on his dressing-gown, and stepped out of his room and walked toward Cassidy's.
He knocked quietly but firmly.

princess_mutt:

The Hrimharisdottirs had been planning to do this in the daytime, when Danielle could talk, ever since they'd heard, but things kept coming up, so they were going to do it now, despite her form, while they could get to it.
They sought out Cassidy.

nextgen_holiday:

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." JFK

In America today is a day for being thankful for the things in people's lives. Today was a day to celebrate family, friends, prosperity and health with food, family and friends. It is a time to reflect on what is important us and to recognize the gratitude we hold for having those things in our lives.

nextgen_misc:

You are cordially invited to attend the 27th annual Maria Stark Foundation's Winter Charity event.

Four Seasons Hotel
57 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022

Saturday December 18th
Seven O'clock pm - Midnight

Formal dress required.

Please bring a donation for Toys for Tots.

sound_and_fury:

Cassidy got the call to come to Mr. Summers' office and wondered what it could be about. Yes, he'd gotten a little banged up during the attack on the school, but he was all right. He didn't think he'd done anything to warrant being called in, but he'd try to keep an open mind before he freaked out.

He knocked on the door to the office and waited to be admitted.

nextgen_citizen:

The warehouse down on the docks looked deserted and it was the perfect place to goof off and cause trouble, at least to Tommy Stackhouse and Johnny Crane. The two boys had been looking for a place to hang out for some time now and when they spotted the warehouse it looked like the perfect place.

The two boys approached the warehouse and stacked a few crates that had been nearby to get up to a window. Tommy slipped in first and then Johnny followed him. They were unaware that they had set off a silent alarm, but they were too busy staring at what was inside the warehouse.

It was Christmas, a birthday and winning the lottery all in one.

About twenty minutes later police and company security officials would arrive, but they were too late to stop twenty of the drones that had been inside from taking off and blasting through the roof.

Tommy and Johnny had ran as soon as they could and the authorities missed them by a mere minute.

pym_kitten:

Chris sat cross-legged in the middle of the Institute's backyard. It was a a little cool for just the workout outfit she was in, but it was tolerable. Whatever the x-gene treatment had done to her, it had done more than just make her a mutant. It was mixing with the magical effects passed down from her mother.

She took a deep breath as she tried to focus again. So far the changes had been sporadic. Partial shifts instead of the full transformation. Claws and eyes were easy, but she needed to get more control over it. Just stay calm, breathe, and let the changes come.

She starts at her toes. She feels her skin ripple as the fur grows and nails turn to claws. Like tensing a muscle, she embraces the sensation, then slowly lets it go as she wills the change up along her calves, over her knees, into her thighs. She can feel her legs strengthening. She fidgets as the tail comes out, adjusting her seating as her legs return to normal.

Her breathing gets heavier as the tail vanishes again, and she opens her eyes, realizing how much of a sweat she'd broken into.

"This... is gonna take some work."

nextgen_media:

Spider-Man on a Rampage! - Just when you thought it was safe to walk the streets of New York again, the menace known as Spider-Man has reared his web-covered head. Recent months has seen an surge of gang violence gripping New York, beginning with the shooting death of a 15 year-old student from Midtown High. Since then, the so-called "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" has attacked any groups with gang-affiliations. Members of street gangs such as the Poison Memories, the Midtown Saints and the Grim Bastards Motorcycle Club have been admitted to hospitals with alarming frequency. ..(CONTINUED ON PAGE 2A)


Local Media Mogul Seeks Support For Relief Efforts- Julian Howard, known as the manager behind the mutant reality sensation, X-Factor, has met in recent weeks with a slew of politicians and attended Congressional hearings in Washington D.C. seeking ways to bring more federal aid to the embattled citizens of Fargo, Georgia.

"We are just a few months removed from this tragedy, but we cannot forget its impact or that there are real people still suffering." Howard says.

Mr. Howard has been outspoken in his desire to bridge the divide between humanity and mutantkind in the wake of the tragedy that took the lives of over 3,000 people. A three-day benefit concert is close to being announced and is rumored to have the names of several prominent mainstream and independent artists on the marquee. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 10A)


USA v. Mutants? - A robbery enacted by a group of mutant criminals two weeks ago was thwarted by a new task force created by the Department of Homeland Security. A unit of the Mutant Response Division, led by Command Master Chief Windham Carter, apprehended the crew of mutant thieves after an hour long stand-off. Eyewitness reports also state that another group of mutants came to the aid of the MRD, but this cannot be confirmed. Colonel Audra Wesker, head of the Division, expressed relief and gratitude that there were no serious injuries or deaths. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B)

_tsunami_:

Things had been hectic with the fall semester starting and Cait was getting used to being in school again after almost a year off. All the fuss over school left little time with Aaron. Cait was rectifying that tonight. Not another day was going to go by without the two of them going out and doing something.

Izzy had taken a like to Cassidy, so Cait decided to invite the two of them along after checking to make sure it was okay with Aaron. The four of them would go into the city and have some fun. They all deserved it.

Cait checked herself in the mirror one more time and then went to find Aaron.

sound_and_fury:

After his meetings with Joey and (who he thinks might be) Justin, Cassidy is trying to focus on something else so that he doesn't freak out. Freaking out would be bad. Not only because he might have just ratted out Tina, but because he's about to take a pretty big risk. He puts on his new containment suit with the strange decorations and makes sure it fits. It does. The strange metallic designs glow faintly as he looks at himself in the mirror.

He slips on a new pair of jeans and a long-sleeve black shirt, followed by boots, and takes another deep breath. Then he goes downstairs to the front gate at the appointed time. Carlos, Joey's guy, hands over the small package to Cassidy and Cassidy thanks him. Carlos nods and walks away, leaving Cassidy to consider the last part of his plan.

Does he leave the gift, knock and run or does he actually hand it to her. To solve his dilemma, Cassidy asks himself an all-important question: 

What would Cyclops do?

Ten minutes (and much internal debate later) Cassidy knocks on Izzy's door. When she answers, he thrusts the package toward her and takes a deep breath.

"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?"

energizer:

Izzy took a towel out to the lake and stripped down to her bikini. She spread out her towel on the ground and laid down on it. The sun was out, and Izzy had every intention of getting something resembling a tan before the summer was over.

The world wasn't being attacked by alien invaders or there wasn't some other crisis that required the X-Men's attention. And surprisingly enough, she didn't have a training session today. Today was about just lying under the sun and relaxing.

_tsunami_:

Cait was at her favorite place down by the lake. There was a lot to mull over and she needed some quiet to work it all out in her head. The mansion was generally a noisy and busy place and not good for getting some quiet to think. A prank war was starting up and Cait didn't want to get caught up in it. Maybe if Corey had been here....

A new dimensionally challenged family member. It was a lot to process and a lot think about. Arthur seemed nice enough, but there were a lot of unspoken issues and history. Cait wanted to ask him more about his home world and his life, but was unsure of how to do it without upsetting him. She wanted to understand him and the situation better. He was family and she wanted to help.

She thought about asking Misha or Rachel how they dealt with dimensionally challenged siblings showing up, but she wasn't sure they'd be able to help. Different situations and Cait didn't think their siblings came with a background like Arthur's.

Cait stared out over the water as she tried to figure out what to do.

whosperfectnow:

Tina hadn't seen Cassidy since she lost consciousness in the Blackbird on the way home after Fargo and to say that it was a less-than-good way to see someone last was an understatement.  It was made worse by Jake's death and while Tina was internally grieving that pretty hard---Jake had been one of her few friends--she knew Cassidy had to be going out of his mind.  He had not gotten off on a good foot.  Now that she was leaving for a mission, she knew she couldn't just go away for a bit without seeing him so after she met with Scott, Tina decided to track him down.

sound_and_fury:

Cassidy knows why he's been called to meet with one of the adults. They're going to throw him out, and he can't blame them. The other students treat him like he's got the plague, and he hasn't seen Tina in days. Maybe she heard about Jake and doesn't want to see him now, either. He couldn't blame her.

No one wants to be friends with a murderer.

They're going to send him away, so he's packed the one backpack he owns,  one of the first real things he's ever owned in his life. He doesn't know where he's going to go, or how he'll live, but he'll have to figure something out.

Still, he looks like a man headed toward the gallows when he walks into the office.

kidfuzzy:

The chapel at Xaiver's was smallish, but functional.  And it was where Mina found herself now, kneeling in prayer.  She was still in shock, truthfully.  And her father was like the walking dead himself.  He barely spoke, barely seemed to acknowledge the rest of the world.  At least her mom was home now, trying her best to help them both.

"God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen. "

Her poor brother, who had never quite seemed comfortable in his own skin, who had seemed so frightened and skittish so much of the time.  Her brother.  She never thought of the fact that they hadn't shared the same mother.  He had been her brother and that was all that had mattered.  And now he was gone.

An accident, they said it was.  She wanted to believe that.  Wanted to believe it with all her heart.  But none of it changed the fact that her brother was dead. 

"Faultless Lord, enduring death for me,
You have consummated the debt of my sins:
Your sacrifice of forgiveness was absolute!
Grant me the strength to also forgive others,
To excuse their transgressions against me.
So I may truly reflect this spiritual fruit,
Obliterate any persistent feelings of malice.
Let each trespass end as a closing chapter,
My continuing on the road of righteousness.
Forgive my sins as I aspire to forgive others.
You are truly archetypical of forgiveness.
You are a most forgiving Lord! "

sound_and_fury:

Cassidy Summers sits out on the porch behind the school, staring out at the forest behind the school. This place is bigger that the compound he lived in until a day or so ago, but his room is small. Too small. Some of the other students seem nice, others don't really say much to him, or ignore him entirely.

Do they know what he did in Georgia? Or what he did to Tina?

Could he get to the highway before someone caught him? 

He doesn't want to be rude to Rose and the others, because he's glad they saved him from George and the others, but he's an orphan with a power he can barely control. Professor Xavier told Cassidy that he had an idea on how to help him with that, based on something done for an ally of theirs once upon a time, but that solution will take time to complete. For now, Cassidy has to wait.

That's the hardest part.
 

son_of_discord:

Joey wasn't sure what had just happened. One moment, he was kicking Bigmouth's face in, the next minute, the whole world started shaking, and people were screaming. Buildings fell over and then he was ducking behind a car, trying to keep from getting splattered by falling debris. When the shaking stopped, Joey managed to push himself out of mass of debris and garbage, and stood up to look for his teammates.

Fargo, Georgia was a land of chaos.

The few buildings that hadn't fallen over were still crumbling, and there were people lying on the ground before him. Others civilians walked about, clutching at extremities (some missing) or trying to stop the blood flow of other people's wounds. Joey could feel something warm and wet on the side of his own face, but he tried not to think about that. If he did, it would only slow him down.

"Wild Child! Shatter! Ice Princess! Ruby! Kitten! Someone say somethin'!" Joey called out, hoping that this mission hadn't succeeded at what Krakoa had narrowly failed at.

"YOU DID THIS! YOU MUTANT FREAKS BLEW UP OUR TOWN!" a woman screams, pointing at Joey.

"You gotta be kiddin' me..." he says, calling a flame to his hand.

He did not need this right now.

sound_and_fury:

Cassidy Summers pads, barefoot, down the sidewalk in the small town of Fargo, Georgia. He just got here a few minutes ago, having hitched a ride with a trucker not far from the destruction of the facility. Though he has only pants a tattered shirt to his name, and despite the discomfort he feels, Cassidy keeps moving through the streets, looking for a hospital.

Something is wrong with him, and this time, Doctor Milbury isn't here to tell him what it is.

He tries to stop and ask for help, but each person he passes by looks at him in shock, or fear, or most commonly, disgust. They cross the street to get away from him, or they quickly hurry by, pretending they don't see him. Why are they so mean? He just needs to know how to get to the hospital.

 

( Read more... )

nextgen_holiday:

Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There's no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom. - Anonymous

rjb_absinthe:

"Den, Marie Jolie, she come to de edge o' de bayou, and she start ta cry, 'cause she know she ain't never got de stregnth to get 'round it, an' if she try ta swim it, dem gators dey eat her fo' sho'." Rene was in full Cajun mode. It was a Cajun story, so it was easier to tell in the right accent, plus the little girl in the cell on his right and the little boys in the cells across from him seemed to like it. It made them giggle. Extra bonus, for some reason it really annoyed the big cat man who was walking the perimeter of the cells that night.

"What did she do?" asked Taylor, the little boy across and to the left of him. At least Rene thought he was a boy. He was partly made of fog, so it was a tough call.

"Well, you know, one o' dem gators, he swim right up ta her and he pull his two arms outta de water and he cross dem right on de land, like he settlin' in fo' a long chat. Marie Jolie say, 'Please, please, monsieur Gator, don' eat me. I wouldn't be disturbin' you at all, but de devil hisself is chasing me!'

'De devil hisself?' de gator say, 'well, looks like you got a choice to make, you. You can climb up here on my back, an' I'll take you right 'cross dis bayou, me. An you get away from dat devil, or you sit right dere and wait fer him to get you.'

'How I know you not gonna eat me soon as we get out in de middle o' de bayou?' Marie Jolie asked.

'I promise I won',' de gator sighed long and deep, 'guess you just haveta trust me on dat, chere.'

Marie Jolie t'ought she heard a sound behind her an' she jumped up on dat gator's back quicker den a blink! And de gator, he did jus' like he said. Dropped her off on de other side and tol' her just which way to run to find de nearest church.

Den dat ol' gator turn around an' he see de devil. Now de devil, he don' like water, so he was jumpin' up and down and jus' havin' hisself a full out conniption! Gator, he swim hisself over ta dat devil, and he give him de same choice he gave Marie Jolie. Devil thought he too big and powerful to ever get tricked, so he jump right up on dat gator's back. Gator swim him out to the deepest part o' de bayou, whip 'round real fast and grab dat devil leg in him mout' and ate him right down! And dat was de end o' dat."

"How could an alligator eat the devil?" A cynical woman in a cell on the other side of the little girl spat out.

'Thanks a lot, you're being an enormous help, seriously' Rene thought to himself. "'pparently you never been to de bayou, madame, 'cause I will tell you what, don't matter if you a human, mutant, devil, metal man with a ugly red diamond on you head, big ol' cat or what, one o' dem gators eats you, you stay eaten."

"I LIKE that story, Rene!" Aimee, the little girl in the cell next to him declared.

"I'm glad," he smiled at her. "I like it too."

"If I had gator, I'd call him Killer!" Gaius said from across the corridor.

"I'd call mine Buddy."

"I'd call mine Tater."

"I'd call mine Princess!"

"I'd-"

"SHADDUP!" Sabertooth hit the switch that sent and elecric shock through all of the cells' metal floors and walls.

It hurt, and it left Rene shaking and twitching. For the millionth time he wondered what the hell these people wanted with him, who they were and why it was taking the guilds so long to find him.

He heard the big cat's footsteps stop in front of his cell. "Guess what, storyteller? It's your turn to have a sleep over in the lab." Sabertook grinned cruelly.