Marvelous Meditations

The hum of the engine filled the silence between them, a low, steady drone as the jeep cut through the winding roads. Rick Mason's hands gripped the steering wheel with a tension that belied his outward calm. He shot a glance at the passenger seat, where Nathan sat, his expression as calm as ever as if they were going on a picnic.

Rick broke the silence first. "Are we really going to do this?" His voice was laced with a mix of disbelief and apprehension.

Nathan, never one for unnecessary words, gave a simple nod. "Mhm."

Rick frowned, the crease in his brow deepening. "You do realize the kind of heat this is going to bring, right? Absconding with Chitauri tech is one thing—it's enough to get S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attention. But working with the X-Men?" He shook his head. "Everyone's going to notice. Everyone's going to have something to say about it."

Nathan raised an eyebrow, his tone as calm as ever. "It'll bring more heat than I planned, sure. But it has to be done."

Rick exhaled sharply, his knuckles tightening on the wheel. "And why is that? What makes this so necessary?"

Nathan shifted slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Rick. "Because the resources and motives required to order a hit of that magnitude fit the M.O. of both Shaw and Essex." His voice was measured, each word chosen carefully. He raised a finger for emphasis. "Essex has always been obsessed with the idea of a child between Jean Grey and Scott Summers. Wolverine could be a significant obstacle to that."

Rick's eyes narrowed, skepticism flickering across his face. "That's pretty specific. How do you know that?"

Nathan shrugged, his expression unreadable. "You wouldn't believe me, even if I told you."

Rick rubbed his forehead, exhaling a long sigh of frustration. "I suppose this wouldn't be the first time you pulled a piece of intel out of your ass and it checked out."

Nathan's smirk was faint but unmistakable. "I guess you'll just have to trust me."

Rick's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing as Nathan turned his attention back to the road ahead. After a moment, Nathan asked, "Did you get the file I asked for?"

Rick nodded, gesturing toward the glove box. "Yup, it's right there."

Nathan opened the glove box, retrieving a slim folder. He flipped it open, scanning the contents as Rick kept his eyes on the road. "Calvin Zabo," Nathan read aloud, the name heavy with significance. "The guy's a megalomaniac… typical egghead with a god complex."

Rick grunted in agreement. "He worked on some dangerous projects, and always pushed the ethical limits. When it all blew up in his face, well… he wasn't exactly thrilled."

Nathan chuckled softly, his eyes still on the file. "So, he whipped up a super soldier serum that turns him into a diet Hulk to get back at those who looked down on him. Gave himself an alter ego to boot."

Rick cast a glance at Nathan. "The guy's as typical as they come, but his genius is undeniable. The man's a ticking time bomb, but his ego makes him easy to control."

Nathan nodded, the wheels clearly turning in his mind. "He might be useful."

Rick grinned, the mischievous glint in his eyes unmistakable. "I thought you might say that..." He let the thought linger for a moment before continuing, "You want me to pay him a visit? See if I can tie him to our chariot?"

Nathan considered it, tapping a finger against his chin. "Only if you've got nothing better to do. The guy would be useful to have around, but he isn't indispensable." He chuckled softly, adding, "Don't tell him that, though. Be sure to praise him to high heaven if you do pay him a visit. Assholes like that love the attention."

Rick nodded, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'll be sure to butter him up till he's smoother than a baby's ass." He paused, glancing out the window before adding, "Looks like we're here."

The X-Mansion loomed before them, a sprawling estate framed by meticulously manicured gardens. The building itself was a stately mix of old-world charm and modern enhancements, its stone facade giving way to large windows that hinted at the technological marvels within.

The wrought-iron gate creaked open as they approached, the drive leading them up to the front steps.

Nathan pulled the Jeep into a spot near the entrance, cutting the engine with a flick of his wrist. They stepped out, the crunch of gravel underfoot barely audible over the distant sounds of laughter and conversation. The mansion's grounds were alive with activity—mutant children and teenagers, each with their own unique abilities, were scattered about.

Some were practicing their powers under the watchful eyes of instructors, while others lounged in the sun, enjoying a rare moment of peace.

As they made their way toward the entrance, a blur of motion streaked past them. A young girl, perhaps no older than seventeen, phased directly through Nathan and Rick as she raced by. "Sorry!" she called over her shoulder, her voice breathless. "I'm in a hurry!"

Rick blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Did she just—?"

"Run right through us?" Nathan finished for him, a faint smile on his lips. "Yeah, that's pretty standard around here."

Rick shook his head, a bemused expression settling on his face. "This place is... something else."

Nathan clapped a hand on Rick's shoulder as they ascended the steps. "Welcome to the X-Mansion, where weird is just part of the package."

The massive front doors swung open to reveal a grand foyer, the walls lined with portraits of past and present mutants who had called the mansion home. The air was filled with a sense of history, each corner of the building whispering stories of battles fought and friendships forged. Nathan led the way, his stride confident as they navigated the bustling corridors.

"Stay close," Nathan advised, his tone light but firm. "It's easy to get lost in such a big mansion, and not every student knows how to handle visitors yet."

Rick nodded, taking in the sights and sounds of the mansion with wide-eyed curiosity. "Lead the way, fearless leader."

As they approached the main entrance, Nathan raised a hand, rapping his knuckles against the solid wood of the door. They waited in silence for a moment before it creaked open, revealing a striking woman. Her dark skin contrasted beautifully with her long, flowing white hair and piercing blue eyes. She wore a flowing tribal purple skirt paired with a crisp white shirt, exuding both grace and strength.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her gaze shifting between Nathan and Rick, her tone calm but inquisitive.

Nathan nodded, stepping forward. "My name is Nathaniel Cross, and this here is Rick Mason. We're with Maximus Security Firm." He extended his hand, a polite, measured gesture. "It's a pleasure."

She accepted his handshake, her grip firm, and then turned to Rick, offering him the same courtesy. "I'm Ororo Munroe," she introduced herself with a warm smile, "though you might know me as Storm."

Nathan offered a small smile in return. "The beautiful Windrider, the Eternal Storm, Mistress of the Elements... your reputation precedes you, Miss Munroe. I must admit, I'm somewhat of a fan."

Ororo's lips curved into an amused smile, her eyes twinkling with mild amusement. "I don't suppose you're here to ask for my autograph, are you?"

Nathan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not this time. We're here on business. I believe we have an appointment with Professor Xavier."

Ororo's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.

"That's news to me," she replied thoughtfully. "If you would kindly wait here, I'll check on that." She gave a polite nod before turning to head back inside.

As Ororo began to walk away, she suddenly paused mid-step, her brows knitting together in a frown. She tilted her head slightly, as if listening to a voice that neither Nathan nor Rick could hear.

The stillness of the moment stretched uncomfortably, and Rick shifted uneasily. Leaning closer to Nathan, he whispered under his breath, "Are you sure about this? Are we even welcome here?"

Before Nathan could respond, Ororo turned back toward them, her expression softening as she spoke. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Your appointment does check out." Her eyes conveyed a mix of caution and apology as she added, "Charles has many enemies... and we can't be too sure these days."

Nathan inclined his head in understanding, his demeanor calm and reassuring. "I completely understand. But I will have to ask you to lead the way. The mansion looks awfully big, and we wouldn't want to intrude anywhere we aren't welcome by accident."

Ororo nodded, her expression lightening. "I was about to propose that myself. Please, follow me." She gestured toward the hallway and began walking, her steps graceful and confident.

Nathan and Rick followed behind her, their eyes flicking over the surroundings. As they passed by classrooms and training areas, they caught glimpses of young mutants practicing their powers. One student levitated several objects at once, while another phased through a wall effortlessly. Rick's unease grew with each passing display, the sheer normalcy of the extraordinary unsettling him.

Finally, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Rick nudged Nathan, his voice low but insistent. "What the hell was that anyway? She just tilted her head and suddenly decided to let us in, like she heard the voice of God or something."

Nathan's lips twitched in a faint smile, but his tone remained measured. "Telepathy," he replied simply. "Professor Xavier is a powerful telepath and this is how they operate—constant communication, a safeguard."

Rick exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "That's... a lot to take in."

Nathan shrugged, his eyes still scanning the surroundings. "It's their norm. We're the outsiders here." His gaze shifted to Ororo's back as she led them further into the mansion, his expression unreadable but focused.

Rick followed Nathan's gaze, noticing it was fixed on Ororo, and his expression twisted into something between amusement and disbelief. "Of course, you're comfortable with all of this," he muttered, his voice tinged with suspicion. His eyes narrowed as he added, "Way too comfortable, if you ask me."

Nathan turned to Rick with a puzzled look, eyebrows raised.

Rick scoffed, shaking his head. "Oh, don't give me that look. You were hitting on Storm as soon as you laid eyes on her." He threw a glance toward Ororo, then back at Nathan, his tone turning mockingly sing-song. "'Your reputation precedes you, Miss Munroe, I'm a fan, blah blah blah...'"

He smirked, his voice shifting back to its usual cadence. "You do realize she can fry your brain with a single look, right?"

Nathan frowned, clearing his throat in mild irritation. "I was just being polite."

Rick gave him a knowing look, his arms crossing over his chest. "Please... you don't do polite—not in so many words anyway." He leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "I know you, Nate. You don't talk that much unless you're around Silvija or someone you want to charm into the nearest bed..."

Nathan's expression darkened, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. Without a word, he jabbed Rick's side with a sharp elbow. Rick groaned, doubling over slightly as he clutched his ribs, the sudden movement drawing Ororo's attention.

She turned back toward them, one brow raised in concern. "Is something the matter?"

Nathan smiled smoothly, his expression the picture of calm. "Not at all," he said casually. "Rick just ate something bad this morning."

Rick straightened, shooting Nathan a resentful glare before forcing a pained smile at Ororo. "Yup, that's it. Bad breakfast."

Ororo's eyes lingered on Rick for a moment longer, her gaze thoughtful but ultimately unconcerned. She nodded slowly, then turned back around, continuing down the hall. "Let me know if you need anything," she called over her shoulder.

Nathan waited until she was a few steps ahead before glancing sideways at Rick, his smirk barely contained. "Careful with that sarcasm. It might get you into trouble."

Rick muttered under his breath, shaking his head as they resumed walking. "Yeah, yeah. Just remember who's got your back when she decides to throw a lightning bolt your way, asshole."

Nathan's chuckle was low, barely audible. "Duly noted."

...

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