Chapter 21 – Mission
The sunlight poured through the towering windows of Xavier's office, glinting off the polished mahogany desk. Charles Xavier sat calmly, hands steepled, eyes serene as always. Across from him, Logan, Storm, and Nightcrawler waited, a palpable tension vibrating in the room.
"Morning, team," Xavier began, voice calm but firm. "Cerebro has detected two teenage mutants in a small town in California. They are being exploited—bullied, forced to use their abilities for the gain of others."
Storm leaned forward, arms crossed. "And you want us to…?"
"Rescue them," Xavier finished simply. "And bring them safely back here to the University."
Logan tilted his head, voice low, gravelly. "And you're making me lead this merry little parade, huh?"
Xavier didn't flinch. "Yes, Logan. You will lead. Your experience… your instincts… they're needed."
Nightcrawler flicked his tail nervously. "Does this mean we get to see how our fearless leader flies us into the jaws of danger?"
"Ha-ha," Logan muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don't worry, darlin'. If I wanted anyone dead, I'd just let you fall through the floor."
Storm's eyebrow arched. "You're charming, as always."
Logan grunted. "I try."
Xavier smiled faintly. "Focus. This mission is about teamwork, discretion, and speed. No unnecessary risks, understood?"
"Understood," Storm said.
"Understood," Nightcrawler chimed in, tail flicking.
"Good. You depart immediately. Logan, you are responsible for flight navigation and strategy. Storm, wind support and crowd control. Kurt…" he paused, giving Nightcrawler a sharp look, "…recon and infiltration. Understood?"
"Yes, Professor," Kurt said, voice firm.
Logan muttered under his breath, "Bon appétit, bub."
Xavier's smile remained unshaken. "You won't ruin them."
Logan tsked, arms crossing, and headed toward the exit. "We'll see about that."
Outside, the trio moved toward the Blackbird. Storm adjusted her gloves, eyeing Logan. "Just promise me one thing: no crashing today."
Logan smirked. "No promises, darlin'."
Nightcrawler chuckled. "Oh, I'm certain chaos is included in the package."
Storm rolled her eyes, muttering. "I swear, if we don't die of villainy, we'll die of him."
The Blackbird's engines hummed to life, and Logan settled into the pilot's seat. The controls felt like an extension of himself "Alright… hold onto your tails, kiddies."
Nightcrawler grinned. "Hope you know where you're going, oh mighty leader."
Logan's smirk was slow, dangerous. "Course I do… more or less."
The engines roared, and the aircraft lifted, cutting through the morning haze, heading west toward the Californian horizon.