New Blood II: Growing Ranks

New Blood
Chapter 17: Welcoming

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Hellfire Manor – Ritual Room

Julian Keller, Monet St. Croix, Danielle, Moonstar, and Laura Kinney were set to make it official. They were going to pledge their lives to serve the Hellfire Club. For Julian, Monet, and Danielle it was a step up from their old jobs. Instead of just being employees, they would be members of the Inner Circle, wielding power and influence in a way they never dreamed. For Laura, it was staring a new life where she wasn’t a powerless slave. Like the others, she was going to serve her own ends and the Hellfire Club was going to make it happen.

The initiation ceremony was in full swing. The four young recruits were each dressed in a ceremonial black robe with nothing else underneath. They each knelt before an altar where Charles Xavier, Moria MacTaggard, and Selene stood ready to accept them into their ranks. Also joining them were other members of the Inner Circle. Logan was standing along the wall and so were Mystique, Rogue, Scott, Jean, Wanda, Kurt, and Warpath. The others had prior engagements, but as loyal members to the Hellfire Club they felt they should be there for this. The Black Queen held in her hand the ceremonial sword used on all new recruits. Like everyone else who entered the Inner Circle, these new recruits had to swear an oath to the Hellfire Club. And that oath had to be sealed with blood.

As they kneeled respectfully, they listened as Selene chanted the ancient incantations to carry the ceremony. The spell filled the room with mystical energy, causing the lights to flicker and the flames on the candles to burn brighter. Towards the end the symbols on the floor and walls glowed ominously with the mysterious energy. It was quite a show, even for these young mutants who had seen their share of amazing sights. Once the spell was complete they stated the same oath that everyone else to swear their allegiance.

“I hereby dedicate my life, heart, soul to the Hellfire Club. I will honor and protect the will of the Inner Circle and the well-being of my associates. And should someone stand in our way…I will show no mercy.”

Once that oath was uttered, Selene sealed it with their blood. One by one, she walked over and cut the wrists of the four young recruits. She started with Julian and worked her way down to Monet. They all winced at the pain of having their flesh cut and their blood drained out into a ceremonial chalice. The only one who didn’t wince was Laura, who had experienced far worse pain at Hydra. But the pain was necessary. It would serve as a reminder of the oath they had just taken and carry them into this new life within the Hellfire Club.

After all the blood was collected in the chalice, Selene waved her hand over the bloody mixture and chanted another series of incantations. The contents of the chalice began glowing brightly. Julian, Laura, Danielle, and Monet each felt it. It was as if something was touching them on a very deep level. It was strange, but also exciting. This was unlike anything they had ever experienced before and this was just the beginning.

“You may rise,” said Charles after Selene finished the spell.

The four young mutants rose up and faced the Black King and Queen with a new confident poise.

“Congratulations. You have officially entered the Inner Circle,” he said, “You have become a part of a most sacred and ancient organization. From this day forward you will serve that organization. And for your services you will be handsomely rewarded both materially and spiritually.”

“Ye also represent the latest in a new wave of members within the Inner Circle,” added Moria, “But like everything, ye must work your way up to attain the status ye truly desire. For now, ye be pawns. But by working hard and remaining within your role, ye will eventually rise.”

“Yes…eventually,” said Selene with a sinister grin, “This is but the first step. This ceremony now binds you to the Hellfire Club with a blood oath. Do you understand the significance of this oath?”

“Yes,” they all said in unison.

“And do you understand what the consequences will be should you break this oath?” added Selene.

“If we make the oath in blood…then we’ll pay for it with our blood,” said Monet in a stern, yet determined tone.

Selene smiled. That girl picked up quickly. She seemed bent on setting herself apart from the others. So far she was doing well. But her true potential remained to be seen.

“Then the ceremony is complete,” said the Black Queen.

Laura, Julian, Danielle, and Monet finally let themselves relax a bit. Selene looked over towards Charles and Moria, who looked equally satisfied with the ceremony. They each held promise in their own way and since most were already involved in X-Industrial, their transition to the Hellfire Club should be easier than the others. But just to be sure, they were going to make the ceremony all the more memorable.

“So is that it?” asked Julian, “That’s all we have to do for now?”

“In essence, yes. But I assure you the journey is just beginning,” said Xavier, “And while the ceremony may be complete, that does not mean we’re done here.”

“What do you mean?” asked Danielle.

Xavier, Selene, and Moria exchanged ominous grin. This was serious business, but there was always room for fun and this was the part that never seemed to grow old. The others who watched the ceremony smiled as well, knowing full well what was about to happen.

“Here it comes,” said Rogue.

“I love this part,” said Wanda with a sinister grin.

“We all do, Wanda,” said Scott, “Good memories.”

“Indeed,” said Jean, remembering how she and Scott had been in the same position.

Selene then approached the four young mutants, her mysterious grin never waning. Then her eyes started glowing as she summoned a new round of mystical energy.

“Now that you are one of us you’re entitled to enjoy some of the fruits of Hellfire’s power. As serious as we are, we always try and make room for fun. And to make this ceremony all the more memorable, prepare for a little taste of the pleasures that the Hellfire Club has to offer.”

Before they could inquire further, Selene cast a spell all too familiar to those who had gone through this ceremony. With a quick incantation, a ball of bright reddish light formed in her hands. And with a forceful gesture, the Black Queen directed the energy toward their four newest recruits. It caught them off guard. Even Monet, who had superhuman reflexes, couldn’t avoid it. But the second the energy hit them, they were consumed with a new feeling.

“Ohhhhhhhh!” they all moaned.

Suddenly, the air around them became hot. A mysterious gust blew off their robes, leaving them completely naked and exposed. Their legs grew weak and their heart rates jumped. Their minds and bodies were consumed with intense new feelings. All rational thought ceased and all they could feel was this insatiable lust burning within. The women felt their inner thighs moisten and Julian felt his member stiffen. It all happened so fast, as if this energy turned on every sexual sensation at once. At first they tried to cover their modesty, but it was no use. The feeling was too strong.

“Ugh…what’s going on?” groaned Julian, trying to slow his ragged breathing.

“I don’t know, but I…I like it,” said Monet, having never experienced something like this.

“Good, because it’s just the beginning,” said Selene.

The Black Queen then snapped her fingers and the doors at the west end of the chamber opened to reveal a team the Hellfire Club’s finest sex workers. There were five attractive women, each in customary Hellfire lingerie. Julian’s eyes widened at the sight. With his mind now dazed with lust, all he could think about was going at it with each one of them.

For the women, there were fifteen of the Hellfire Club’s best looking male studs. They were all heavily built and wore only a mask and revealing briefs. The women marveled at such a sight. So much manly flesh further filled them with intense lust. Their mouths watered and their lower regions moistened at the prospect of tasting such manly flesh. It was insatiable if not inescapable.

“Wow…” said Monet.

“Is this what I think it is?” asked Danielle nervously.

“Oh it’s no illusion, I assure you,” said Xavier with a brief chuckle, “Every part of this is real. And it’s for you to enjoy. Just sit back, embrace the feeling, and enjoy this little welcoming gift from us to you…the newest pawns of the Hellfire Club.”

It was a hell of a gift to say the least. But they did say that the Hellfire Club was a place where many things were possible. This was an interesting way of proving it, but for the young mutants who had never experienced something like this it got the point across.

The five women converged on Julian, whose teenage hormones were in overdrive. He watched as they all teased him a bit, surrounding him on all sides and sensually running their hands over his body. It felt good and further fueled his growing desire. As they started kissing him he could barely contain himself. He reached around and fondled whatever breasts or womanly curves he could. He was too dazed to be coordinated, but they didn’t seem to mind. And while they had their fun, they began sensually stripping out of their attire. Once they were fully nude, they all playfully rubbed their bodies against his. Julian let out a deep moan of contentment. He craved these beautiful women so much. He had to fuck them. It wasn’t a matter of just wanting to. He needed to. It showed just how powerful Selene’s spell was.

The women were finding that out too. The men split up into groups of five and surrounded each woman. They then began touching and fondling their naked bodies, rubbing their breasts and teasing the wet folds of their pussies. Laura and Danielle were still adjusting to this powerful new feeling that was consuming them so they just stood there, letting the men grope them as they pleased. But Monet was a bit more proactive. As the men began touching her, she began touching back. She reached forth and fondled their manly muscles, tracing her fingers down their chests and over their well-toned arms. It had been a while since she had sex. Being so busy, it left little time for a personal life. But she still had a libido and whatever Selene did, she awakened it and sent it into overdrive.

“Ohhhhhh it’s been too long,” said Monet.

“Then don’t just stand there fooling around! Give into the power and start fucking like you’ve never fucked before!” commanded Selene.

“But I…I’m a virgin,” said Danielle.

“Even better!” grinned the Black Queen, “This way your first time will be memorable!”

There was no room for argument. This energy had consumed them and there was no fighting it. They wanted it so bad and if they even tried to resist it, it just got stronger. Under Selene’s command and the watchful eye of the rest of the Inner Circle, the four young mutants gave in and let their desires consume them.

They all fell to the floor, letting the skilled sex workers guide them. The women laid Julian on his back and surrounded him on every side. They all began kissing down his body with one kissing his lips, the other three kissing over his chest, and another teasing his erect dick. The young man let out a deep moan as he reached up and fondled the breasts of two women who we kissing his chest. Each woman bore a sultry look, the result of extensive sexual training. They wanted him as much as he wanted them.

“I’ll go first,” said a woman with brown hair and alluring green eyes.

“Don’t be too long. I want my share of this cutie too,” grinned another woman with Asian features.

“Oh I have a feeling we’ll all get our chance,” said another woman with dark skin and short black hair, “Isn’t that right, Mr. Keller?”

Julian was too dazed to formulate much of a response. He only managed a dazed moan as he watched the first woman climb on top of him and position herself over his dick. The other women kept kissing and teasing him as she lowered herself onto his length, plunging down until his cock was completely surrounded by her pussy. The tight, wet warmth was intoxicating. It sent Julian into a further state of complete lust.

“Augh!” he grunted, “Oh man that’s good!”

“Mmm…you like that, don’t you?” said the woman as she began moving her hips, “Just lay back and enjoy it. This is all for you.”

While Julian was getting acquainted with the girls, each woman was set to enjoy their five handsome studs. They watched as they each removed their briefs, revealing their growing erections. Monet didn’t hesitate. She jumped the nearest man, throwing her arms and legs around him and forcing him to catch her. The man obediently did just that and lowered her onto the floor so that she was on top. Laura and Danielle weren’t so eager. Laura, having never slept with such attractive and muscular men before, was a little uncertain. But with her proverbial mating instinct going strong, she let the men do what they had to do just as she would a client back in Tijuana. One man lay down on his back and the others guided her so that she was on top of him. They did the same with Danielle, only she was a bit more nervous. One of the man reached around and fondled her breasts a bit to help relax her. This helped stir her lust enough to make her ignore any lingering anxieties and just go with this feeling.

Once in position, the men went to work. With each woman now on top of a man, they instinctively spread their legs and straddled their pelvis so their wet pussies were right over their erect cocks. One man got behind them and reached around to fondle their breasts and another stood beside them as they lowered onto their ridged members. Monet got into it quickly, taking the plunge and riding her stud’s cock hard. This was the first time in her overly structured life she had let lose like this and it was liberating. Laura and Danielle followed suit. Laura didn’t need much help. Once she lowered herself onto her stud’s dick she let out a lustful grunt. Usually the men she slept with didn’t fill her like this. They weren’t this well-built either. This along with the magic filled her with new waves of sensations more intense than she was used to. Soon she was riding her stud vigorously while another fondled her breasts. Her howls of bliss soon filled the chamber.

Danielle had to steady herself though. Having never done this she had only instinct to go on. The men were a little rougher than she expected, but with a little coaxing from Xavier and a comforting look from James Poundstar, she gave into the feeling. Her face contorted with some initial discomfort when the man first entered her. She felt a slight tearing sensation inside her, but it quickly passed and was replaced by pleasure. When she felt this she let out a sharp gasp. After taking it in, the man started bouncing her up and down a bit, establishing a sexual rhythm. The other men surrounded her and continued groping her, filling her with so many sensations she almost forgot this was her first time.

“Uh-uh-uh-ohhhhhhh yes-oh-oh it’s amazing!” she cried out.

“Ah I never get tired of hearing that from former virgins!” grinned Selene with a sadistic twist in her tone, “Go on! Fuck them long and hard! Fill them with pleasure!”

“Yes my lords,” said the men and women obediently.

The women went all out on Julian. The first woman rode him nice and hard until he got his first climax. When Julian felt it he let out a deep moan as blissful waves of pleasure consumed him. The feeling was heavily augmented thanks to Selene’s magic. There was even a brief flash of reddish energy around them when it hit. This got the woman to climax too, letting out a moan of bliss. But before he could savor the feeling, the woman rose up off him and another took her place. This time she pulled him up so he was in a sitting position with her legs arched around his waist. With the same lustful intent as the first woman she lowered herself onto his dick and started grinding her naked flesh against him. And it was just as incredible the second time. She let him set the pace this time, allowing him to thrust into her nice and hard until he felt another climax. He thought he would need to rest after that, but the spell kept him going. With no need for recovery or rest he went at it with each woman, savoring every blissful feeling along the way.

Monet was equally thorough with the studs she went at it with them. She fervently rode her first stud, gyrating her hips in a smooth circular rhythm. The man’s ridged member slithered in and out of her tight pussy, filling her with waves of bliss. She did this until she got her first climax. When she felt it she threw her head back and cried out in ecstasy, the same red energy surrounding as it happened. But she wasn’t satisfied with just one orgasm. She craved more. So without missing a beat she jumped the next man, forcing him onto the floor and positioning herself over his erect cock. This time she rode him in the reverse position, facing away so that the other men could more easily grope her. She did this until she had another orgasm. And yet that still wasn’t enough. The spell was making her so hot. She couldn’t stop and kept going from man to man, indulging in this ecstasy.

For Laura, it was a far cry from the clients she served as a prostitute. Usually she only served one at a time. She had no idea having five men do her like this could bring her so much pleasure. As she rode her first stud, her face was a mix of pleasure and feral lust. Her nails dug into his chest as she slammed her pelvis down against his, driving his large cock into her tight folds. At one point her moans turned to growls and the other men helped fuel it by continuing to grope her naked flesh. She rode the man so hard he struggled to keep up, but he held on until Laura reached her first climax. When it hit she let out a howl of euphoria. It was by far the most pleasure she ever got out of sex before and she craved more. Showing predatory lust, she rose up off the man and literally tackled another to the ground, positioning herself over him in the same way and riding him to another orgasm. Her healing factor and the magic gave her little need for rest and she was soon going at it with each man. And even though they were trained sex workers, they struggled to keep up with her. She worked them over well, pushing their limits and testing her own.

Danielle was a little less rough with the men and let them do most of the work for her. Since this was her first time, she just wanted to get a feel for this. She let the man bounce her up and down his length, his pelvis smacking against her wet pussy. While she bounced two men knelt beside her, kissing down her neck and breasts. She held onto their shoulders, moving her hips with each upward thrust until she felt her first orgasm consume her. It was intense and overwhelming. Her whole body arched as the waves of pleasure filled her. Both the magic and the excitement combined to make for a truly incredible feeling. It wasn’t exactly how she imagined her first time, but she would take it. Even though she craved more, she took a moment to soak it all in. But then the men didn’t give her too long. As soon as she rose up off the first man, another took his place. This time she was the one on her back with the man hovering over her, holding her legs apart and thrusting into her. She let out more cries of ecstasy and urged them to keep fucking her. More blissful orgasms followed, each one as intense as the first. The men took turns, each doing their part to fill her with this feeling. It was almost as amazing as one of her illusions. But this was no illusion. These feelings were completely real.

“UH-UH-UH-OH YES-OH YES-OHHHHH YEEEESSSSSSSS! OH I LOVE THIS” exclaimed Monet as she kept going at it with her studs.

“She catches on quickly,” Kurt commented to Wanda.

“Yes, Mistress Selene told me about her. She’s a…special case,” she replied.

“I’ll say,” commented Scott, “But the others aren’t doing so bad as well.”

“Yeah, you must be proud Logan,” teased James.

“Shut up, Poundstar,” he muttered.

The other pawns watched intently as Julian, Danielle, Monet, and Laura continued indulging in sex and pleasure. The power of the spell kept them going, allowing them to have multiple orgasms with little rest in between rounds. Their partners kept at it as well. Part of their training involved conditioning them with magic and a few enhancements from Sinister to make them more adept sex workers. And they definitely did their job against these new recruits.

After a number of rounds and plenty of orgasms, the four new recruits were positioned for one last round. Laura and Danielle were sandwiched between two studs, one under them and one on top. The one under them was thrusting up into their slick cunts while the other on top was trusting into their butts. Neither one expected them to do anal, but they were in such a dazed state they didn’t care. And as the men rhythmically thrust into them, they gave oral sex to a man standing in front of them. They were being fucked all three ways and loving it, their muffled moans echoing through the chamber.

Monet was a bit more creative for her final push. Like Laura and Danielle, she let two men do her at once, one fucking her pussy and the other fucking her ass. Only she did it in a different position. She was meshed between two men standing between her. The man fucking her pussy was holding her up, keeping her legs apart in a wide V-shape while the man behind her held her by the hips as he thrust into her ass. It was a bit awkward for the men, but they kept their balance for her and bounced her nice and hard up and down their dicks and let her moan in ecstasy. She loved being in control and setting the stage. It was part of her perfectionism and it made for the perfect last climax.

Over with Julian, the women set him up for a nice memorable finish. He was lying on his back again with one woman straddling his pelvis and riding his cock while another straddled his face, allowing him to lick and tease the moist folds of her pussy. It was intoxicating and mind-numbing. After going at it with the other girls one by one, he let them do the work for the last part, holding on as they rode him to one last climax. As the woman bounced up and down his ridged cock he flicked his tongue in and out of the hot depths of the other woman. The sounds of their blissful moans were beautiful and soon the feeling was too intense to hold back anymore.

The mysterious red energy that Selene filled them with earlier erupted again, surrounding their bodies in a soft halo as they all reached their final climax. Laura and Danielle got theirs first. Their inner muscles tightened as waves of pleasure surged through their bodies. The presence of the energy got the men to climax as well, almost simultaneously. Monet got hers, letting out a cry of ecstasy as both men climaxed inside her just as she got her release. Hot cum sprayed inside their pussies and bowls as their bodies were consumed with pleasure. It didn’t feel like a normal orgasm. This was much more intense. They assumed it was the magic, but whatever it was they loved it.

Julian experienced it as well as he reached his peak with the women. Just as he climaxed, the energy surrounding him got the women to feel it as well. He felt the tight muscles clamp around his dick as he released his load. He also got a face of the other woman’s release. His muffled moans mixed with theirs as he licked it up, enjoying the sweet taste. While he was not a virgin coming into this, he had little sexual experience. But this was something else. Every sensation was intensified and every feeling stronger. It was quite a rush, a far cry from the boredom he so often complained about with his old job. If this was just a taste of this place he had a feeling boredom wasn’t going to be a problem.

When the feeling passed and the halo of energy faded, the four new pawns were left to process this whole experience. The sex workers parted from them, but they were too tired to stand and collapsed onto the floor. Covered in sweat and cum, they were all breathing heavily after what they just did. It was quite an experience and one they wouldn’t soon forget. But as dazed as they were, they was still a meaning to all this.

The other pawns came over to help them up. Logan and Mystique helped Laura back up, Scott and Jean helped Julian, Wanda and Kurt helped Monet, and James and Rogue helped Danielle. They were all still dazed, but they looked content.

“So this is what you guys do for fun around here?” said Julian.

“It’s one of the things,” said Jean with a friendly smile, “Trust me, there’s a lot more to experience.”

Julian liked the sound of that as he leaned on to two older pawns for support. Danielle and Monet did the same. But while Danielle was utterly spent, Monet seemed very much excited by all this.

“So that’s what it’s like…” she mused.

“Vhat do you mean?” asked Kurt.

“To embrace something truly powerful…I always thought I had a pretty good handle on it. But this…I have a lot to learn.”

“Well don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of help here,” assured Wanda with an ominous grin.

Over with Laura, she was still a bit dazed. But she remained fairly stoic as Logan and Mystique helped her up. But there was a hint of feeling in her eyes. She clearly enjoyed this. After all the pain she went through she deserved pleasure like this.

“Thank you, Logan,” she told him.

“For what, kid?” he said, trying not to sound too awkward.

“For giving me this chance.”

Logan couldn’t help but smile. They may have gotten off to a rough start, but they worked through it. Now they had something to build off of. He brought her into this place and now it was his job to help her thrive here. After what he just saw he had plenty of confidence in her. She was going to make a hell of a Hellfire woman.

For Selene, Xavier, and Moria it was a positive sign. Four new recruits had entered the Inner Circle and they seemed poised to contribute. They already had taken nicely to their rewards and they should be just as receptive to their other ways. But they had to be careful. This was a crucial time for the Hellfire Club. There were already conflicts brewing. How they would manifest was still uncertain, but now that they were on board they will undoubtedly play a part.

Logan’s Quarters

It was a strange time for Logan. The Hellfire Club had already changed his life a great deal. Now it appeared it was going to be changed even more with the arrival of Laura. Lying back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, he couldn’t help but wonder where he went from here. Now his fate was tied to Laura’s. He was confident she would be alright. If what he saw with the confirmation ritual was any indication, she would fit in nicely here. But it wasn’t just about her.

Sighing to himself, Logan’s thoughts drifted onto other lingering issues. He hadn’t forgotten his predicament with Jean Grey. He was still caught up in his feelings for her and she was still in love with Scott Summers. The dilemma was still the same. There was only so far he could go with her when she didn’t feel the same way about him, but it always left him wanting more. He hadn’t forgotten about what Emma said. He was certain she was still going to make a move of sorts soon. And as soon as she did, he could no longer afford to ignore this. He would have to do something. But at this point he just didn’t know.

But it wasn’t just Jean that concerned him. There were any number of issues concerning his past, his old enemies, and the remnants of Weapon X. He still had much to uncover and many people to hunt down. Only now with Laura involved it wasn’t just for his sake. It was for hers as well. He wasn’t sure why, but he smiled at the thought of the two of them taking it to the monsters who caused them so much pain. Even though he was still a loner at heart, it might not be so bad fighting alongside someone who understood. She wasn’t just his clone. She really was kind of like family. Something about that just felt right.

‘Damn, what a day! I saved Laura and now she’s my responsibility. For once I actually stuck my neck out for someone. Hope it’s not the beginning of a trend or something. I sure as hell don’t need to be getting soft at a place like this. But she should be okay. She is my clone after all. She can hold her own. If only all my problems were that easy.’

Logan rolled over, thinking a little sleep might help set his mind at ease. Then he heard a knock on his door and a familiar voice.

“Logan? Don’t tell me you’re asleep in there. It’s not even midnight yet.”

Logan muttered a curse. Only one person in the world could be that crass with a simple greeting.

“I’m not asleep, Raven. Come in,” he said.

The door opened and Mystique entered. The shape shifter was surprised to see him lying on his bed. He was usually too restless even for that. But with everything that had happened within the past couple of days she couldn’t blame him. Smiling at the burly man she shut the door behind her and walked over to his bed.

“I just wanted to drop by and see how you were holding up,” she told him.

“Well ain’t that sweet of you,” he said dryly, “Since when did compassion become one of your virtues?”

“Since I started giving a damn about self-loathing Canadians who always respond to questions with snide comments,” retorted the shape shifter.

Then without asking the shape shifter slipped onto the bed next to him. It wasn’t exactly the most polite way to approach somebody, but Logan was never big on manners. And Mystique didn’t have the patience to beat around the bush. She didn’t come here just to be pushed away. She got enough of that from Kurt.

“So are you going to tell me or am I going to have to start annoying the hell out of you?” she said.

“Save yourself the trouble, Raven. There ain’t much to say,” he sighed, “I’m glad Laura’s here now and I know she’s gonna do great here. Hell, she’s got more going for her than I ever did.”

“Somehow I know there’s a ‘but’ in there,” said the shape shifter.

Logan chuckled and turned to face the woman who was largely responsible for all this.

“I just ain’t sure how I’m gonna handle this,” he said, “Ever since you roped me into tracking her down, I’ve pretty much been playing it by ear. I still have no freakin’ clue what I’m doing with her. I haven’t fucked it up so far, but in my experience whenever I go with my gut more than my brain it comes back to bite me.”

“Tell me about it,” laughed Mystique, “But you must be doing something right. You and Laura seemed to hit it off. She already seems to respect you more than Kurt respects me.”

“I don’t know if it qualifies as respect. I’m pretty much the only one she has in this world. I’m the only one who understands her. That ain’t respect. That’s a lack of options.”

“You think that just because she’s your clone she’s listening to you?”

“I don’t know. I ain’t psychic. I got no idea what she’s thinking. That’s part of what buggin’ me. I still think I can help her. But I just met her for cryin’ out loud! How do I even start?”

He fell silent and so did Mystique. There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding him and Laura. And she couldn’t blame him. A few months ago, he didn’t even know she existed. Now he was trying to help her. It hadn’t been easy. Her face was still hurting after the fight they had on their first meeting. But he got through to her. That alone was a good sign. In a ways it reminded her of how she got through to Rogue when she first met her. It wasn’t easy and she really didn’t know what she was doing. But it worked out in the end. And if she could do it why couldn’t Logan?

It was a strange feeling, knowing that Logan was going through the same thing she had. Few people, not even Charles, could understand what it was like. Something about that made her look at him differently. And for once she put on a more serious expression, looking at him not just another Hellfire minion but as an equal.

“Nobody ever said this stuff was easy,” she told him, “Believe me, I thought the exact same thing when I adopted Rogue.”

“This is different. Rogue ain’t your clone,” said Logan.

“That may be so, but the situation is the same. I had no idea what I was doing. I just couldn’t help but reach out to her. She was so much like me…lost in a world that betrayed her. When I adopted her I thought I was having some sort of mid-life crisis or something, which for me is a bit redundant.”

“No argument here,” said Logan.

“But the remarkable thing is…I got through it. Today, Rogue calls me ‘mama’ and I call her my daughter. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t give birth to her. She still looks up to me and I love and cherish her. I know you may find that hard to believe given my seemingly lack of sentimentality. But even hardened souls like ours can have a soft spot.”

“You think I have a soft spot for Laura?”

“Go ahead. Deny it if you want,” she said with a snide grin, “But you know it’s there. When you said you were the closest thing to family she’s got, you were right. But it works both ways. She’s just as much a part of you as my kids are a part of me.”

That silenced Logan for a moment. He hadn’t really thought of it that way. When he said he was like family to Laura, he didn’t think of what it meant for him. It was hard to think of anything with the kind of situation they were in. But Mystique had a point. He wasn’t just family to her. She was family to him.

“So what does that make her?” he asked, “My daughter? My sister? My niece or something?”

“I don’t know. I never was all that good with technicalities,” shrugged Mystique, “But it doesn’t matter what you call her. It doesn’t matter what she calls you either. The point is you’re family now. And it’s something you should both take advantage of.”

“Yeah right. Like she’d go for that,” scoffed Logan.

“Oh she will. I know she will.”

“Oh so now you know what goes through the mind of a clone?”

“I’m a mother of two Logan. I know what goes through the mind of teenage girls. Just keep doing what you’re doing now, be there for her and don’t be too pig headed like you often are and you should be fine.”

Logan looked at the shape shifter closely. She was never the most compassionate or feeling person in the world, but there was a touch of sincerity in that crass, overly blunt tone of hers. It was the kind of sincerity she only showed around her kids and it was strange to see her showing it to him. But something about it made him smile.

“I’ll give it a try,” he said, “Never was one to back away from a challenge.”

“Well trust me, teenage girls are more challenging than anything you’ve ever faced,” said Mystique, smiling back, “They will make you wish you had some oversized Weapon X grunt to tear into.”

“Are you trying to scare me out of it now?”

“No, I’m just giving you fair warning,” she quipped, “I’m sure you’ll come crying to me on any number of occasions complaining how you can’t deal with her.”

“Hey, don’t I have a right to? Remember, this was partially you’re idea, Raven. If it weren’t for you, I might never have even gone after the girl.”

“Oh don’t try and guilt me into doing everything for you,” she said coyly.

“I ain’t tryin’ to guilt you into anything. I just think since you’re such a big part of this you got a responsibility too. Hell, we’re both caught up in this. You ain’t gonna walk away now, are you?”

“What makes you think that I won’t?”

“You’re a mother of two and as tough as you are, you can’t fight your maternity instincts.”

“Maybe not for my kids, but why would they apply to Laura.”

“They wouldn’t. They’re just part of the reason,” said Logan with a snide grin.

“Oh? And what might the other reason be?” she asked, moving in closer.

“You said it yourself, Misty…I’m an interesting guy you happen to have a lot in common with. And now that we have something else in common you got even more reason to stick around. Face it, you just can’t resist me.”

He was talking in that dirty old man tone again. Even in his current state of uncertainty, he was still the same Logan and Mystique couldn’t help but laugh. He also had a point. She had been intrigued by this man before. That was why she started hanging out with him the first place. But now she was somewhat tied to him. She helped him bring in X-23 and she was probably going to end up helping him deal with her even though she didn’t have a desire to. But it didn’t bother her. If anything, it excited her. There was so much about this man she learned just by working with him. And yet she wanted more. She wasn’t sure where this was leading her, but liked it and was going to stay with it.

With that thought in mind, Mystique turned to him again and smiled. This time there was a hint of seduction in her eyes. Then to Logan’s surprise she rolled over so that she was on top of him. She let her body sink into his burly frame, letting her hips grind a bit against his. Her face was now inches away from his and he got a nice view of her cleavage from her position. She saw him sneak a peak, but she made sure he was looking her in the eyes.

“You’re right. You are an interesting man,” she said, “But that’s not the only reason I stick around.”

“Really now?” grinned Logan, “Mind telling me more?”

“Now where’s the fun in that?” she said seductively, “You and I are a lot alike in many respects. But I think the most prominent is our preference to go with our instincts rather than our brains.”

“I can see that. So what’s your instinct telling you right now?”

“The same thing yours is telling you,” she said coyly, “So why don’t we just shut up and go with it?”

“Mmm…whatever you say, darlin’.”

The shape shifter then captured his lips with hers, pulling him into a deep, powerful kiss. It wasn’t the tender kind that he saw Scott and Jeannie do. It wasn’t the overly heated kind he did with the many women he slept with. But it had a strong feeling to it and he didn’t bother making sense of it. He just went with it and kissed back, following his instincts just as she so bluntly put it.

Their kissing quickly turned more heated. Their lips wrestled and their tongues danced together as their hands hungrily roamed each other’s bodies. Logan was still in his Hellfire uniform and she was in hers. She felt her grasp his manly muscles through his shirt while he traced his way up her exposed waist, enjoying her smooth flesh and getting a real feel for her womanly curves. Deep grunts of desire escaped from Logan, fueling Mystique’s growing desire as well. Something about his feral lust for her really turned her on. She could already feel a hard bulge in his pants pressing against her and she could feel her lower areas moisten with arousal.

As they kept kissing, Mystique aggressively attacked his shirt. She matched his lustful growling as she pulled him up a bit so he was upright and then slid the shirt off over his head. Once shirtless she hungrily attacked his chest and muscles with her lips. Logan let out a deep grunt, loving how thorough yet fervent she was. Most of the other girls, except maybe Rahne, didn’t appreciate the rougher parts of sex. It was a bit of a surprise to see her so intent, but he didn’t mind. As he felt her lips and hands on his upper body, he hungered to feel hers. He reached around her back and grabbed the hem of her tight fitting black halter top, which she often wore on missions. She wouldn’t stop kissing him so he couldn’t get it off. So he worked around it by using his claws to literally cut it off, freeing her large, perfectly shaped breasts. This caught Mystique off guard a bit, but in a good way.

“Mmm…aren’t we eager tonight?”

“Speak for youself,” said Logan with a manly grin.

Now it was his turn to show what he could do. Pulling her up a bit, he hungrily attacked her breasts. He grasped each flesh orb in his hands and squeezed them firmly, evoking a deep purr from the shape shifter. He began kneading and rubbing them, kissing down her neck as he did. Her blue skin tasted so sweet. It was different from the other girls, but he liked it. There was something so exotic about it and he couldn’t help but savor it. Listening to her moans, he rubbed harder. He worked them thoroughly in his hands, giving her nipples a few firm pinches and kissing over her cleavage. It really got her aroused. Her gasps grew more desperate and her legs shifted due to the growing heat between her legs. With his hands still on her breasts their lips eventually came together again. This growing heat between them was so intense. They had sex before, mostly during rituals, but this felt different. They couldn’t understand why, but they were beyond caring. They just went with it.

“Ohhhhhh give it to me, Logan! I want it so bad!” begged Raven.

Their heated touching resumed. This time Logan went for her tight fitting black pants. He slipped his hands down to her waist, giving her butt a firm squeeze before he went to undo the front. Once he had it loose he eagerly slid it down her thighs, underwear and all. Since it was so tight fitting, Raven had to wiggle her hips a bit to help him get it off. Once it was gone, he casually tossed it aside and grabbed hold of her hips. The folds of her pussy were so moist wit arousal. The smell was over powering. He never wanted her so bad before and he could see in her eyes how much she wanted him.

Feeling overdressed himself, Logan rose up to remove his pants as well. But Raven beat him to it. She grabbed hold of them and quickly tugged them off along with his boxers. It was a bit uncoordinated and chaotic, but with a little help she got them off and tossed them aside, freeing his fully erect penis. Now completely naked Logan took the naked shape shifter in his powerful arms and turned her over so that she was now lying on her back with him on top of her. With their naked bodies now pressing against one another, they came together in another kiss. They took a moment to explore each others’ naked bodies. Mystique raked her hands over his ripped upper body while Logan felt over her hips and thighs. There was so much lust between them, but at the same time there was something else.

Briefly, they stopped kissing and gazed into each others’ eyes. They both wanted this so bad, but they weren’t so caught up in it that they couldn’t stop to make sense of this feeling.

“You always this hot, Raven?” said Logan.

“No, not always…just when the time is right,” she said intently, “Now come on…take me.”

The blue-skinned shape shifter spread her legs and Logan adjusted himself a bit so he was positioned over her. They kissed again as Mystique snaked her arms around his neck took a firm hold of his shoulders. Logan then gripped her hips and pulled her closer. Once in position he firmly thrust into her, filling the tight folds of her pussy with his erect member. Mystique let out a cry of delight at the feeling, digging her nails into his burly flesh as she felt his length penetrate deep into her. Logan let out a low growl, loving how tight she was. He even felt her inner muscles shift a little as if to perfectly accommodate his length. It was a talent only a shape shifter could manage and it really added to the feeling.

After taking in the feeling, they began moving their bodies. Logan let out a sharp grunt as he worked his cock in and out of her, his motions hard and thorough. Each time he did this Mystique tensed her body a little, making for an extra hot feel and adding to the pleasure. The warm sensations consumed them and fueled their feral instincts. Soon Logan was slamming into her with greater vigor, building up a fast and fervent pace. Mystique moaned blissfully and moved her body with his every step of the way, lifting her hips a bit each time he thrust into her and squeezing on his shoulders. As they moaned and growled, they shared a number of lustful kisses. They were fervent, yet passionate. It wasn’t the same lustful kissing they were so used to. This was a bit a mix between lust and a more powerful feeling of attraction. It wasn’t something that could be induced by magic or ritual, but it was every bit as intense.

“Uh-uh-uh-ohhhhhhhh fuck-oh-ohhhhh Logan I love it! Uh-uh-harder-uh-do me harder!” cried the shape shifter.

“Uh-uh-ungh-ungh-damn Raven-uh-augh-you’re so hot and tight-ahhhhhhhhh!” howled Logan.

The bed rocked hard to the fervent movement of their bodies. They were rough, but passionate. Logan dug his feat into the bed and bucked his hips firmly each time he pounded into her. Mystique arched her body tightened her hold on him, feeding off his feral demeanor and embracing her more wild side for once. Their naked flesh felt so good together. They kissed more, really tasting and feeling each other in an intimate level. It wasn’t just sex for pleasure. It was something much more significant.

They kept with the fervent pace, really grinding it out and letting their naked bodies mesh in a heated bliss. At one point their moans turned to growls as they hungrily enveloped each other with each movement. Raven hooked her legs around his waist and held him in a tight vice of flesh, really allowing him to get in deep. It felt so good. Logan’s feral spirit really rubbed off on her and she found herself really working it hard, building up a powerful climax for both of them.

“UH-UH-OH-OHHHH-UH-I’M CUMMING LOGAN-UH-I’M CUMMING SOON!”

Logan could feel her burning need as she tensed her arms and legs around him. He kept hammering into her, but then she surprised him yet again and changed it up a bit. Shooting up from her position she kissed him passionately again. As their lips wrestled, she rolled him over so that now he was the one on his back. His dick remained deep inside her the whole time and her hips remained securely locked around his. Once they were situated again Raven rose back up and began riding his cock to ecstasy. She rode him just as fast as he had been pumping into her, slamming her hips down against his and driving his cock deep into her depths.

Logan watched in a daze as the blue skinned shape shifter rode him. He never met a woman who could match his energy like this. Even Jean needed to use a little magic to keep up. But Raven didn’t need anything to push her. This was all her. She leaned over so her breasts were pressed against his chest. She kept bouncing her hips along his length and Logan grabbed her butt, thrusting up into her to help push her over the edge. He watched her face contort to the growing sensations until finally, she was sent over the edge.

“OHHHHHHHHHHHHH LOGAN!” she cried out.

Her body tensed and her inner muscles tightened around his member. Waves of pleasure surged through her body as her release consumed her. Logan grunted at the throbbing feeling around his dick. Even as she was filled with such intense sensations, she kept moving her hips to help draw it out. This eventually sent Logan over the edge as well. He let out a howl of ecstasy as he released his load inside her tight depths. He squeezed her hips firmly and embraced the feeling. She clung to him to. Even as they stopped moving they held each other, lost in the feeling. And through their blissful daze they shared one last kiss.

Short of breath and covered in a light layer of sweat, Mystique and Logan parted. The shape shifter remained on top of him, rising up off his dick to let some of the fluids spill out of her. But she remained close, really enjoying how his burly flesh felt against hers. It was wild in a sense, but still very manly. To her it was a perfect blend between his primal side and his human side. She couldn’t remember the last time a man ravaged her like this. She had her share of lovers, but Logan was definitely in a class of his own. Maybe it was just because she got a little more personal with him, but whatever it was she liked it. And he liked it too.

As they lay together Logan was distant. Raven Darkholme was a strange, yet intriguing woman. He thought he knew her when he first arrived. She was just a skilled mercenary and a mother to Rogue and Kurt. But there was a lot more to her than just her roles. There was an interesting woman beneath all that deception. She was crass, snide, and downright bitchy at times, but she was also witty, caring, and empathic. The world had damaged her the same way Weapon X damaged him. Even Jean couldn’t understand that. And feeling her close to him like this was a powerful feeling. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but he knew it was there.

“Mmm…that was great, Logan,” purred Raven, “We needed it.”

“Damn right,” he said with a husky grin, “Didn’t know you had such a primal side to you, Raven.”

“I’m a shape shifter. I have a lot of sides. I just don’t show them to anybody.”

“But you showed it to me.”

“Well that’s because you’re you and I like you,” said Mystique as she affectionately traced around his facial hair, “And don’t take that lightly because that’s quite a feat.”

“It’s nice to know I’m special,” he grinned, “You’re not so bad yourself. Didn’t know shape shifters were so good in bed.”

“You have no idea,” she grinned.

To prove her point, Mystique teased him a bit. She shifted her form to different women of the Hellfire Club. First she changed into Jean. This made Logan tense a bit since he still had feelings for her. But Mystique didn’t stay that way long. She briefly flashed into Emma, Selene, and then Sage.

“I can be any kind of woman I want to be. But I can also indulge a man’s fantasies if he so desires,” she said, still in her Sage form, “You can fuck me as a buxom hacker.”

Then she changed her form so that she was Rogue.

“Or you can even fuck me as mah daughter,” she said, perfectly matching her voice.

Logan grinned at her teasing. She may have been tough, deceptive mercenary but she had a fun side as well. And her sense of fun was quite exotic. Few other women could match skills like that. There were so many possibilities and Logan couldn’t help but be drawn in.

“Not bad,” he grinned, feeling over her naked skin, “So many choices so little time. Think you can keep up? I gotta warn you, darlin’, my healing factor goes a long ways.”

“Oh I can keep up,” she said in a sultry tone, “You’re not the only one who can heal. And you’re not the only one with an insatiable libido.”

She hungrily captured his lips again, sliding his hand down his manly upper body to show that she was ready for more. Logan took her word for it and kissed back, feeling up her hips and waist and enjoying the feeling of her naked skin. She was still in her Rogue form. But he didn’t mind. Rogue was a beautiful woman too and if this was how Mystique wanted to do this, who was he to argue? There were so many possibilities and so much sexual energy to work off of. It should make for a wild night.

Remaining in Rogue’s form, Mystique and Logan made out for a while to build up the arousal. Thanks to Logan’s healing, his dick was ridged and hard again within a few minutes. Impressed, Mystique decided to tease him a bit. She trailed her lips down his body and slithered her way down to his erect member. Purring lustfully she grasped his hard shaft in both hands and stroked it, flashing an erotic gaze to entice him. Logan let out a deep grunt at the feeling and rose up so that now he was leaning back on his arms.

After some firm rubbing she licked her lips and devoured it whole. Logan let out another grunt, loving the hot feeling of her lips and tongue on his ridged cock. He leaned over and grasped her head as she started slurping up and down his shaft. She really used her tongue well, sliding and slithering up the base and over the tip. She did it pretty hard too, really working it hard. He was amazed at how she could take it in so deep. As a shape shifter, she must be able to adjust her throat or something so she could handle the extra length. She sucked him long and hard, gripping the shaft and stroking his balls until he was on the brink of another climax.

“Oh fuck Raven I’m gonna cum again!” he grunted.

Smiling to herself she stroked him off a little harder and then sucked him again. He held onto her head firmly as he blew his load. When she felt she withdrew it slightly and let him spay it over her face and tits. She grinned seductively as she hungrily licked up every drop, playfully suckling her fingers in a very naughty show of sensuality.

“Fuck, Raven…now I know where Rogue gets it from,” he grinned.

“Very funny,” she said with a bemused look, “Now let’s see just how good that healing factor of yours is!”

Rising up slightly, Mystique shifted into Emma’s form and slipped onto his lap. She captured his lips again and kissed him, this time in an extra seductive way to mimic Emma’s sexual nature. She also rubbed her pelvis against his, helping to get his dick hard again. Once he was nice and erect she arched her legs over his waist and lowered herself onto his length. They each let out lustful grunts as they began rocking their hips together, staying upright as they quickly re-established the fervent sexual rhythm they enjoyed so much earlier. Soon the bed was rocking again and they were moaning and grunting in ecstasy. Logan was impressed that Mystique could keep going with his healing factor so he just went with it, pushing the experience to new heights.

Logan and Mystique went at it for many rounds and in many different forms. After humping him as Emma to another climax, the shape shifter turned into Wanda and pinned him back on the bed where she rode him hard. Like with Emma, she was a little rough to match her character. But after doing it so fervently for a while they chose to slow it down. Mystique shifted into Kitty Pryde and rolled over so she was on her back. Then Logan got on top of her, hitching both legs over her shoulder and started fucking her at a steadier pace that really helped draw it out. After enjoying this for a while, Mystique turned into Lorna and got on her hands and knees so Logan could get behind her and fuck her from behind. He really seemed to like this, holding her butt firmly as he hammered into her pussy. It got so heated at one point they actually stood up on the bed with Mystique leaning against the wall for support while Logan relentlessly fucked her. And they didn’t just restrict it to the bed. At one point Mystique turned into Tabitha and jumped him, throwing her arms and legs around him so he had to catch her. Once firmly in his grip, he stepped off the bed and pinned her against the wall where he bounced her up and down his length, working it a little harder and really making her moan. They eventually found their way back to the bed, this time with Mystique in Sage’s form. Logan bent her over the edge and renewed his thrusting from behind. Only this time he fucked her in her ass while rubbing fondling her moist folds. It wasn’t something they planned, but thanks to Mystique’s unique body chemistry she was able to adjust herself enough to take him. It helped add a little something extra to the experience and helped them reach another peak together.

After playing around with Mystique’s shape shifting, they eventually slowed down a bit and found their way back to the bed. Once there Mystique reverted back to her blue form. Originally she was going to turn into Jean Grey, but Logan told her not too. It was probably better anyways because Jean still had an affect on him. And Mystique wasn’t about to complicate this experience so she didn’t bother. For the last round she was content just doing it in her natural form. Logan sure didn’t seem to mind. It was rare that a man would still find her natural form so alluring. Only a handful of her lovers had in the past. It was yet another feature that made Logan stand out to her.

For the final round, Mystique was lying on her side and Logan was behind her, holding her leg up as he thrust into her. He used his free hand to reach around and fondle her breasts as he worked his member in and out of her tight depths. They were both near their final peak. They weren’t going at it as vigorously as they were earlier, but that didn’t matter. This was no longer about being rough or primal. It was just about them enjoying this feeling together.

“Uh-uh-uh-one more darlin’-augh-ugh-ugh-almost-augh-there!” grunted Logan.

“Uh-uh-oh me too-uh-oh it’s so good-oh-so fucking good!” moaned Mystique.

Logan slowed his thrusting and gave her breast a firm squeeze. With a few more firm thrusting motions he finally got his release, letting out a deep growl as he shot one last load into her womanly depths. He helped Mystique get hers as well, slipping a hand down to her clit and fondling it until she climaxed. She let out a deep moan of contentment, gasping for air as the sensations coursed through her body. And as she embraced them she turned her head slightly and pulled Logan into one last kiss.

It was a powerful experience in more ways than they expected. Logan and Mystique had done this before, but it was never this deep. It was exotic, raunchy, and even a bit playful at times. And yet there was something else about it that stuck out. It wasn’t just sex for the sake of sex. There was intimacy involved. They had been in their share of relationships to know what it was like. They also knew how complicated it could be. But for now they didn’t dwell on that. They just lay together and enjoyed the moment.

Now tired, sweaty, and exhausted Logan and Mystique slipped under the sheets. Mystique remained close to his burly warmth, playfully tracing patterns over his hairy chest. Her body was still reeling from the experience. Logan wasn’t lying about his healing factor. She had a feeling she would be sore in the morning, but it was so worth it.

“You’re a hell of a woman, Misty,” he said as he lay back with a naked shape shifter next to him.

“And you’re quite a man, Logan,” she smiled, “I’m glad we did this. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone like you.”

“What can I say? I’m one of a kind,” he grinned.

“That you are. And I wouldn’t mind getting together like this more often.”

“Me neither,” said Logan, “Thanks for everything you’ve done. I know I resisted, but I’m glad you stuck around and bugged me.”

“Well someone has to give you a nudge every now and then, even if it means dealing with that temper of yours.”

“Darlin’, whenever you think I need a little nudgin’…go right ahead. Just so long as we can end it like this.”

“Deal!”

Mystique and Logan shared one last kiss to seal it. A lot really had changed, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Logan now had Laura in his life and Mystique had someone she could relate to. It was important for both of them. They were both loners in many ways. Having someone who understood went a long way for them. It felt like the beginning of something more. But for now, they were too tired to make sense of it. Whatever this was, it was an issue for another day.

Osaka, Japan

“Stop! Please! You don’t know what you’re stealing!”

“You have any idea what he be sayin’, Ororo?” muttered Remy in an annoyed tone.

“I speak four languages, Remy. Unfortunately, Japanese isn’t one of them,” said Ororo.

The two thieves cared little for whatever this man was saying and shoved him aside. Ororo used a burst of wind to blow the man back until he impacted the nearest wall, breaking a number of bones and inflicting potentially fatal wounds. But Ororo knew they didn’t have time to be subtle or careful. This latest mission from Sinister was an important one and he insisted that this payload be in his hands within 18 hours. For that, he better pay extra.

“I hope that’s the last of them,” she said.

“I doubt it,” said Remy, “Guess we better make our leave.”

Remy pulled out several cards from his pocket and charged them with extra energy before blowing a gaping hole into a reinforced wall. It was big enough for them fit through and would help them avoid the coming security forces that were probably converging on the area. Upon climbing through the hole, they were outside again. They were still on restricted grounds in the middle of a heavily secured research facility. There were at least two layers of security barriers and reinforced gates surrounding the perimeter. But they didn’t bother going through them. Why bother when they could just ride the winds?

“Hang onto this,” said Ororo, giving Remy the metal briefcase, “It’s going to be a rough ride so try not to drop it.”

“Oh don’t you worry. Remy’s very good with his hands,” he grinned.

Ororo rolled her eyes and summoned a whirlwind strong enough to carry them away. And just as they were air-born a large number of security forces converged on their area. But they were a few seconds too late. By the time they saw them flying away, they were powerless. All they could do was yell angry insults in Japanese and fire their guns aimlessly into the cloudy skies. It was an hour before sunrise so it wasn’t long before they were out of sight. And once they were clear of the base the two thieves could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“That was pretty rough back there,” said Storm as they flew into the clouds.

“Ain’t nothin’ we can’t handle,” said Remy.

“True, but I’m getting a little concerned about these targets. If what we’re stealing needs this much security it makes me wonder just what Sinister is using this stuff for.”

“Aw you know that guy. He wouldn’t tell us and we probably wouldn’t understand the whole scientific mumbo jumbo behind it,” said Remy, “Hell, he won’t even let us look at this stuff when we steal it.”

“And that doesn’t concern you?” said Ororo.

“Of course it does, cherè. But in this line of work it’s best not to ask questions.”

Ororo couldn’t argue that. After what they just went through it might be better if she didn’t know anyways. Yet another risky, dangerous job was in the books. With the amount of jobs they had been doing it felt like that was the only kind of job they had been getting lately. But Sinister picked very secure targets. But so long as he paid them their dues, they did as they were told.

This job had been no exception. The target was an advanced physics and metallurgy lab that did highly classified (and often highly dangerous) research for the Japanese government. It was technically a private company so they wouldn’t have to deal with government regulations, but it had a security system worthy of any government installation.

Their target was a very rare isotope that Sinister didn’t bother to identify. He claimed it had nearly two dozen syllables so he just gave them the name of the archive and the product label. It also happened to be unstable so he stated explicitly not to open the case or expose it. That made getting it pretty difficult because not only did they have to get through the security, but they had to ‘coax’ a couple of workers into giving them the correct location to find the product. Getting in was easy enough. They just rode a wind current onto a roof where Remy blew the door. Ororo also kicked up a little wind storm to damage some security sensors, but they still encountered resistance. Once they made their way to the labs they found some workers trying to guard their equipment. Luckily, one of them spoke English and they managed to get the information they wanted thanks to a little shock therapy from Ororo. Once they took the target item security really tightened up. Whatever they took it seemed to be of great value to them. But Sinister wanted it more and that’s what mattered.

But still, Ororo had a point. It was a little disconcerting. Sinister had them pulling all these jobs, mostly out of biotech labs, chemistry companies, and advanced physics complexes. Every time it was something different and it was always from small yet advanced organizations that were not well known. It was probably so their research stayed under the radar, but nothing was too under the radar for the Hellfire Club. But it wasn’t the places they were stealing from that bothered them. It was what they were stealing. It seemed every time the people made a big deal about it. Sinister told them a lot of this stuff was valuable. Some were the only of their kind. That hinted that this stuff must have the potential to do something major.

Neither one of them were science buffs so Ororo and Remy could only begin to imagine what this was going to be used for. They left that kind of thing to Sinister. But there was just something about it that didn’t sit right. While they had done jobs for Sinister before, it had never been like this. He claimed this was to help his numerous projects for the Hellfire Club. But jobs like this couldn’t possibly be for something that mundane.

“So how many more of these jobs do you think Sinister is going to have us do?” asked Remy.

“I’m not sure, but he says we’re almost done,” said Ororo, “Which is why I’m worried.”

“Why would you be worried, cherè? Don’t you wanna be done with these crazy jobs?”

“Of course I do. But I get the feeling that by just doing these jobs, we’re serving Sinister’s agenda.”

“Ain’t Sinister’s agenda the same as the Hellfire Club’s agenda?”

“I would like to think so, but he just gives me a bad feeling sometimes. I can’t explain it, but there’s just something about him that doesn’t sit right,” said Ororo distantly.

Remy couldn’t blame her. Sinister always was a bit of wildcard. But then again who in the Hellfire Club wasn’t? He had been doing jobs for them long enough to get a feel for what it was like in the organization. Sinister had always been a bit of recluse, even by Hellfire’s standards. But he never veered from his role. Remy was usually willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because he helped cure his headaches. But in his experience, men like Sinister were never truly loyal.

“I know what you’re gettin’ at, Storm. Sinister ain’t never been one to give good vibes. But what can we do about it? Xavier ain’t said nothin’. He’s been gettin’ the same reports we have.”

“I know, but I don’t think that’s the full story,” said Ororo strongly, “He’s not telling us something. Can we at least agree on that?”

“I think that’s a given,” laughed Remy.

“And if he is up to something, we may be the only ones who know what it’s about. We’ve actually handled this stuff, Remy. We may know something and not even realize it. You said it yourself. We’re thieves, not science buffs. We don’t know what we’re getting into.”

“So what are you saying?” asked the Cajun.

“I’m saying that if we’re too deeply involved, what is stopping Sinister from silencing us before we even know what’s going on? Because honestly, do you think he’s the kind of man to leave loose ends?”

It was a daunting thought, but one worth taking seriously. Sinister may have saved his life, but that didn’t make him any less devious. He saw first hand what the man was capable of. He heard him rant numerous times about how the human species was too flawed and how they were doomed to give out to a new breed of advanced creatures. He liked to think that was just the mad scientist in him ranting, but then again he was an unstable man to say the very least. He wasn’t above pushing his own agenda. And he and Ororo were caught up in this whether they liked it or not. That put them in a dangerous predicament.

“I see what you mean, cherè. So what do we do about it?” said Remy.

“I don’t know yet. But I think we need to act before this comes back to haunt us,” said Storm.

“And how do we do that? Do we get Xavier involved?”

“No, that’ll just make Sinister more suspicious. We need to be careful, but we also need some sort of contingency plan. We need to have safeguards in place just in case Sinister tries something.”

It sounded reasonable. When dealing with people like Sinister or the Hellfire Club in general, it was wise to be cautious. But in these circumstances it was easier said than done. Sinister may be unstable, but he was smart. They had to stay a step ahead of him.

“Guess it couldn’t hurt,” said Remy, “But where would we begin?”

“I’m not sure yet,” sighed Ororo as she flew them down beneath the clouds, “But I have some ideas. And we’ll need Deadpool’s help.”

“Deadpool?” laughed Remy, “Why in the hell would we need his help?”

“Because he’s crazy enough to do certain things we can’t,” answered Ororo bluntly.

Remy couldn’t argue that. Deadpool may be a loose cannon, but the man was good at his job and he could go to lengths they couldn’t. He still didn’t like the idea of planning behind the scenes. He was a thief. That kind of stuff was never his strong point. That’s why he never got too involved with the Inner Circle. But if they were to do this they would need all the help they could get.

“Okay, Remy will give you that. But you’re talkin’ about the Hellfire Club here, cherè. How do you expect to stay a step ahead of a guy who’s got unlimited resources and a sick mind?”

“I didn’t say it would be easy. But we can’t afford to do nothing. We need a plan, Remy. Because you know as well as I do that there are just some people in this world who are just too devious to be trusted.”

“And you think Sinister’s one of them?”

“Indeed I do. But I don’t think he’s the only one. All the more reason to make the necessary plans.”

It was classic Hellfire tactics. Do whatever was necessary to get the job done. Only this time it wasn’t something as simple as stealing or sabotage. This involved outsmarting someone who was a lot smarter and more resourceful than they were. Remy didn’t like the odds, but then again the risks of doing nothing were too high. Always one to play the odds, he was willing to take a gamble. Whatever Sinister was up to, they weren’t going to fall prey to it. They would make sure of it.

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Up next: The new recruits get acquainted to their surroundings while Sinister puts his plan into action.