The two bewildered members of Generation X looked at Storm with angry eyes. They didn't know how Jubilee had escaped, and they certainly didn't want her to believe that the little firecracker had overpowered them. Storm paid no attention to their defiant stares, and looked around at the battered remains of the small shed. The damage wasn't heavy, and considering the powers of these two mutants, she was surprised.
"So, what happened?" The question was asked in a bored, relaxed tone. She didn't want to make them defensive, but they had failed in a very important mission.
"I don't know, why don't you tell us? That witch broke my arm, and just as I was about to put the finishing touches on her, the world went blank." Monet answered for both of them. It was her usual practice. Whenever she was on a mission, she was in the habit of taking command of the situation, believing herself to be the most capable.
"I really couldn't say Monet, other than the fact that you two certainly didn't live up to your training or status as members of Xavier's Generation X. And what about you Everett, don't you have anything to add about this situation?"
"No." Not a man of many words, Everett preferred to have his actions speak for him. But the current situation clearly stated his own inability to deal with an assignment. But unlike Monet, Everett didn't like to make excuses for himself. So he walked out of the shack, leaving the others to follow him.
Once outside, he continued to mull over the events, but he still couldn't find an answer to the reason why he and Monet were overpowered. If it had been another mutant in the vicinity, his powers would have registered the new mutant. It seemed as though Jubilee just vanished into thin air. He didn't like such paradoxical situations, and the more he thought about it, the more puzzled he became.
"Just tell Xavier that she escaped. We'll take what ever the old man can dish out. At his age it can't be that much." Monet hadn't learned how to curb her arrogant manner; moreover, she didn't think that there was any need to. She was a mutant of unsurpassed and unimaginable potential, so far she hadn't met anyone who could master her. It rankled that Jubilee had managed to get the upper hand early in their fight, but as usual, Monet had vigorously bounced back.
"Watch your mouth girl. The High Lord Xavier has killed people for addressing him in such a manner. You think that because he was gone for ten years that he has lost his mutant gift? You are wrong, and you will pay for your wayward tongue with your life." Storm wasn't hoping to intimidate the two. She simply spoke the truth. Since defeating Apocalypse, Xavier had assumed his mantle and all of authority and ceremony that came with it. He brooked no opposition, and he tolerated no impertinence. Monet showed definite signs of becoming a casualty if she didn't learn to control herself.
"I'll watch it, but so far I haven't seen anything to make me afraid of the High Lord." It was a small concession, but coming from Monet, it would have to do.
"Enough. We have wasted valuable time here. We must get back to Westchester and let Lord Xavier know that all did not go as planned. No doubt he will be displeased, but such are the consequences when we give important missions to irresponsible children." Storm walked toward the cloaked Blackbird, swiftly followed by Monet and Everett.
To Be Continued