Kapitel 25: The Burden of Knowledge #25
Author's note: I'm not seeing nearly enough power stones being donated, my dudes. Pick up the pace and keep'em stones flowing.
...
Concluding yet another rigorous training session with his team of five young mutants, Evan wore a satisfied smile as he observed their tired but determined figures. The sweat glistened on their brows and their labored breaths echoed in the training room. With a sense of pride, he offered his words of encouragement, "You came very close to winning today..."
Iceman, always one to inject a hint of humor, rolled his eyes and retorted, "And yet here we are... heaving our asses off on the floor while you barely broke a sweat..."
Evan chuckled, his amusement evident. "Make no mistake, young man. You are all growing rapidly," he assured, shaking his head playfully. Continuing with a hint of mock regret, he added, "You only failed because I was your opponent..."
The fatigue was palpable in the air as Hisako Ichiki, known as Armor, let out a sigh of exhaustion. "Well, we're definitely starting to work better as a team, but it's still frustrating to lose every single time..."
Evan's voice remained calm as he responded, "The fact that you continue to lose despite improving is proof that I'm taking you seriously, if nothing else." He shook his head thoughtfully and continued, "No matter how strong you become and how far you go, I'll always participate in our training sessions with the intention to win."
A mischievous grin lit up Nightcrawler's features as he interjected, "Beating Professor Shepherd wouldn't be satisfying if he didn't take it seriously anyway..."
Angel's agreement was swift, his nod punctuating his words. "I agree... but it's been too quiet lately..." His voice held a hint of restlessness as he added, "If only we had a mission to test our progress against someone we might stand a chance against..."
With a sense of accomplishment, Evan observed his young charges, a subtle satisfaction playing at the corners of his lips. He knew that they were where he wanted them – curious, engaged, and ready for the next challenge. Seizing the opportune moment, he decided to unveil the news, a playful glint in his eyes as he spoke, "Well, as luck would have it, I happen to have a mission for the five of you..."
Always quick to react, Kitty raised a skeptical eyebrow and inquired, "Mission?" Her chuckle carried a hint of intrigue as she quipped, "Did Professor Xavier promote you from combat instructor to taskmaster?"
Evan's response was measured, his tone holding a mix of authority and nonchalance. "Professor Xavier has given me the authority to instruct you as I see fit," he explained, his gaze sweeping over each of the five mutants. "I believe you've reached a point where a mission is not only beneficial but also an opportunity to showcase the extent of your progress."
Amidst the group, a wary smile danced on Angel's lips as he mused, "That's a loophole if I ever saw one..." He shook his head in mild amusement before pressing on, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But it wouldn't hurt to hear what this mission of yours entails..."
In a composed and measured tone, Evan addressed his attentive audience, his presence commanding the room. "Naturally, you are free to refuse," he stated, his gaze sweeping over the assembled young mutants. His attention shifted, focusing on Angel with a sigh that carried a weight of inevitability. "The others aside, you, Warren, I'm afraid, would have no choice but to participate in this mission once you hear the details."
An involuntary frown etched itself onto Angel's features in response to Evan's words. The rest of the mutants exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued by the cryptic exchange. Sensing their confusion, Evan elaborated with a calm resolve, "It has something to do with your father."
The news hit Angel like a sudden gust of wind, his eyes widening as he absorbed the implications. A mix of concern and uncertainty flickered in the gaze he turned towards Evan, his voice tinged with both caution and urgency, "What about my father?"
Evan, unmoved by the tension in the air, began to lay out the intricate web of information that led to this consequential mission. "You're already aware that your father attended one of Robert Kelly's recent political rallies, no?" he started, his words deliberate and informative.
With a steadiness that revealed his expertise, Evan delved into the intricacies of the situation.
As Evan continued to speak, Angel's initial shock gave way to a growing understanding of the gravity of the circumstances. His father's involvement in Kelly's political arena had taken an unexpected turn, intertwining with mutant matters that reached far beyond the surface. Questions formed on his lips, and he couldn't help but interrupt, "So, what exactly is going on?"
Evan's explanation flowed smoothly, each detail meticulously conveyed to shed light on the complex puzzle they were facing.
He outlined how Kelly's collaboration with a mutant operative was at the heart of the matter and the potential repercussions for Kelly's wavering supporters. "Due to the recent uncertainty among some of Kelly's backers, it's likely that his mutant ally will attempt to showcase the consequences of doubting Kelly's agenda," Evan elucidated.
The room seemed to hold its collective breath as Evan painted the scene they were about to step into. The implications for Angel's father became clearer with each passing word. Evan's explanation was methodical, touching on the reasons behind the choice of target – a choice that centered on Angel's father, given his prominent role in philanthropic endeavors and recent public exposure.
"It's a calculated move," Evan stated with a hint of gravity. "Your father represents a focal point for both his charity initiatives and visibility. Not only will your father's death at the hands of a mutant reignite the prejudice of those in power, but it would also turn the public against mutant kind..."
"In a way, he is the perfect target to shift the balance into Robert Kelly's favor..." Evan concluded.
Angel's gaze remained fixed on Evan, his thoughts racing as he processed the information. "But why would Robert Kelly work with a mutant?" His voice held a hint of incredulity, reflecting his struggle to comprehend the puzzling alliance.
His confusion deepened as he continued, a tinge of disbelief evident in his tone. "And why would a mutant work with a bigot like Robert Kelly?"
Evan, his posture relaxed yet attentive, offered a measured response to Angel's queries. "Because Kelly isn't aware that his partner in crime is a mutant," he explained, his voice tinged with a touch of pragmatism.
He paused, his gaze momentarily distant as he considered the intricate dynamics at play. "As for the mutant in question, Sebastian Shaw, he is a ruthless man, concerned only with amassing more power and wealth."
The room seemed to hold its collective breath as Evan's words hung in the air, each sentence unraveling a layer of the complex web they were about to confront. Evan's eyes met Angel's, his expression reflecting a blend of analytical insight and empathetic understanding.
"He could have any number of reasons to assist Robert Kelly," Evan continued, his voice resonating with a mix of deduction and speculation. A thoughtful pause followed, during which Evan's gaze turned inward, contemplating the motivations that could drive such an unholy alliance.
"But if I had to guess," he added, his voice regaining its steadiness, "it most likely has something to do with the project Robert Kelly is working on."
Evan's words hung in the air, an unspoken weight settling over the room as the mutants absorbed the gravity of the situation. Angel's mind raced, the implications of Evan's words sinking in. His father's unwitting involvement in a scheme and the enigmatic motives of a mutant like Sebastian Shaw created a tapestry of danger that demanded their attention.
"A weapon that could threaten the very existence of mutants," Evan concluded, his voice firm and resolute. He met each of their gazes, his demeanor underscoring the urgency of their mission.
Angel's sigh carried a weight of resignation, his weary smile acknowledging the reality that had been thrust upon him. "I guess you were right. I can't say no after hearing all of this.." he admitted with a wry twist of his lips.
His gaze shifted to his fellow mutants, who exchanged glances that spoke volumes. A chorus of agreement echoed through the room, the mutants' voices a resolute affirmation of their commitment. Angel's appreciative nod conveyed both gratitude and solidarity, a silent acknowledgment of the journey they were about to embark upon together.
As Angel's gaze returned to Evan, the weight of the impending mission hung palpably in the air. The question that had been gnawing at his mind found its voice as he inquired, a furrow forming between his brows, "But what about this weapon? What is it, and shouldn't we do something about it?"
Evan's response was measured, his tone laden with a blend of caution and solemnity. "I'm afraid I don't know much myself," he confessed, a trace of regret lacing his words. The expanse of his knowledge was confined to fragments he had pieced together over the course of his years in service.
His expression grew stern, a firm resolve settling over his features. "As for this so-called weapon, it's not your job to worry about... I will take this matter to Professor Xavier, and the X-Men will take care of it."
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