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oracle0422 — AU Chapter 4: Pride And Prejudice Part 3
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#adder #ashley #ashton #blackking #calamita #donovan #excalibur #fanfiction #fury #hellfireclub #hudson #iolar #mason #redqueen #rose #silversamurai #skye #tiffany #viper #wolverine #xavier #xgen #xmen #redking #laoch #leahslostsouls #xgneration #alternateuniverse
Published: 2015-08-17 22:59:35 +0000 UTC; Views: 947; Favourites: 0; Downloads: 0
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It was late afternoon by the time they finally woke up. Rose was up first hearing her phone going off. She did her best to wiggle enough out of Donovan’s arms to get to it and answer. “Yeah?”, she said rubbing sleep from her eyes. “Seriously? I woke you?”, Landon laughed. “Oh shit. I was supposed to call you and Atif when I got the hotel. I had been driving all night and Donovan was freaking out worried, so I came to see him first and we fell asleep. Sorry. Which shit I need to call Xavier. Later Landon.”, she said not giving Landon another word in hanging up. Donovan groaned. “Wat? Wat bout Xavier?”, he asked sleepily. “he called me and asked me to contact him on a secure line said he found something. Do you have your communicator?”, she asked. “Aye, Don’t go leave ‘ome widout it. It in mah pocket. So less ya want ta venture..”, he started to go into a derogatory comment but Rose wasn’t up for waiting and reached into his jeans taking his communicator out. “Well ya just ruined a perfectly good line.”, Donovan groaned sitting up in the bed. “Sorry, but Xavier wouldn’t have called unless it was something that couldn’t wait for me to get back.”, she apologized before using the communicator. “Silver Samurai?”, she stated using Xavier’s codename. He’d chosen to honor his other grandfather since she had Wolverine as her codename.
“Hi Wolverine. Thanks for reporting in.”, Xavier greeted. “Sorry for the delay. What's the news?”, she asked. “Well a lot of chatter from multiple coh cells. They are planning an attack for tomorrow night at the Leah’s Lost Souls charity event. High profile event, many foreign dignitaries including the King and Queen of Madripoor. Their primary target is the founder of Leah’s Lost Souls, Mason Templeton. We could pose as bodyguards to get into the event to protect people and try to bring down the attack before it begins.”, Xavier explained. Donovan blinked. “Wait...dey gonna attack royalty? Aren’t some o da british royalty attending dat? All ta get dis Mason bloke?”, Donovan questioned. “Apparently Loach. And yes Princess William and Princess Catherine are due to attend. Mason has made himself a target. He has a mutant bodyguard and is drumming up a lot of support with this foundation looking to help mutants. We need to protect him. What he’s doing is important.”, Xavier answered not even thinking to ask why Donovan was right there with his Aunt. Rose nodded. “Alright, contact Viper and Calamita. Get on the list. Fury and Iolar will be able to handle things.”, Rose stated. “Like hell. I’m going too.”, Xavier argued. “Silver Samurai you are tech not missions you know that.”, Rose countered. “I am the grandson of the original Silver Samurai and the original Wolverine. I have been trained in combat just as you. The attackers will be human not mutant, so my lack of a mutation will not be a factor. So I will be going with my Saiai.”, Xavier said sternly. Rose sighed and nodded. “Fine. Just be careful. report back after mission completed.”, she sighed ending the communication. “Yer nephew will do fine. And mah sister and cousin certainly won’t let him come ta ‘arm and neit’er will yer brother or sister-in-law. Come on, let’s go get someting ta eat.”, he suggested with a smile giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Rose sighed and nodded going with him to find something to eat.
When the night of the Charity event was set Ashley, Xavier, and Skye all escorted Hudson and Teresa acting as ‘bodyguards’ to the royal couple as their way into the event. At their flat Adder was grumbling about having to dress up. “W’y can’t Ah just wear my slacks and button up?”, she asked frowning as she leaned in Mason’s doorway putting on her heels. Mason had hung a strapless teal knee length dress on her door that morning that she’d reluctantly put on. She didn’t mind the fabric which was a jersey but it had a sequined bodice with a pleated and draped wrap-effect skirt. Sure she knew that if it came down to it she could fight in the dress, she certainly had no issues fighting in heels. Mason chuckled glancing from the mirror where he was in the process of tying his navy tie. “Because this is the opening of the first Leah’s Lost Souls location. There will be a lot of important people present including members of the royal family of not just our country but others. Eyes will be on me tonight. And weather you like that or not it means eyes will be on you for association. Not to mention this is your foundation. So pardon me I figure you shouldn’t blend into the background this time.”, Mason said finishing the knot and slipping on his charcoal gray vest buttoning it. Adder rolled her eyes. “Yea well maybe Ah don’t want eyes on me.”, she stated. Mason sighed grabbing his suit jacket and stopped at the doorway looking at her. “Yes well excuse me for wanting a lovely bird as company tonight. And Ashton and Tiffany will be there, Ashton’s mother is watching our godson tonight so they can attend. So not like you won’t have more than just me to talk to.”, he smiled.
“Oh w’at fun.”, she sighed stepping out of his way. “Oh don’t think of it that way, Adder. I need you there tonight. This foundation is all because of you. Not to mention we both know the Church of Humanity plans to protest and most likely attack. Be silly to go without my best bodyguard next to me.”, he smiled patting her arm before walking past her. Things had been getting better since their talk, granted they weren't as they’d been before India but Mason knew he couldn’t go back to that. Now he still had to keep some type of distance so he couldn’t fall back in love with her. He’d also still not called her pet, the word just having too much history and meaning for him to say. Adder sighed and nodded grabbing a black shawl from her room to wear. Mason received a text as he pocketed his phone. “Adder? Let’s go, the car is down front.”, Mason called from the front door. “Ah coming..”, Adder yelled catching up. Things were getting better, but she still hurt. She was still trying to forgive and to move on. And she did appreciate that he was trying and putting more time into spending with her as friends. But something still didn’t feel right, like he was holding back.
“So remember there’s a level of risk involved tonight.”, Mason commented while they were driving. “Ah ain’t afraid of stupid protesters. Dress or no Ah can and will knock ‘eads.”, she replied smiling. “Well I’m hoping protesting is all they plan to do tonight. There’s many important people coming to this event. Prince William and Princess Catherine of England, Prince Gabriel of Belgium, Prince Joachim of Denmark, Prince Fumihito of Japan, King Hudson and Queen Teresa of Madripoor, and then many high ranked officials from countries other than our own like France, Spain and Germany. I would hate for any of them to come to harm.”, Mason sighed as they arrived at the new main location of Leah’s Lost Souls where the big event was being held. Outside the building there were police officers and a barricade to keep back people, mostly the protesters who were holding signs saying that mutants were evil, or the creation of the devil, and the worse said mutants should be genocide. There were photographers and journalists looking to get interviews with people as they arrived. Mason stepped out of the car first which attention turned to him pictures being snapped. Mason waved with a polite smile before offering his hand to the open door. Adder shrugged and took Mason’s hand stepping out of the limo carefully with her dress. Of course her visible mutation drew some shouts of profanity from the crowd of protesters.
One even tried to throw a tomato at her, but without much warning a gust of air blew through the street changing the trajectory of the tomato so it hit the limo inches from Adder. Adder smirked glancing at Mason who simply shrugged. “I suggest you get better aim, you won't make a cricket team with a pitch like that sir.”, Mason suggested with a smile as an officer was arresting the man who’d thrown the tomato. His comment got some chuckles from the crowd of journalists. “Ya just ‘ad ta didn’t ya.”, she whispered teasing. “Of course, I will not allow anyone to mess with you tonight.”, he whispered back.“Mason! Mason!”, journalists started shouting wanting his attention as he walked forward Adder walking on his right side. Mason sighed and stopped at a group of microphones. “So Mason tonight Leah’s Lost Souls officially kicks off. And it looks like you have gained the support of some serious names around the world. Many royals have even come out to show their support for your cause. How does that make you feel?”, one asked. “Yes apparently the foundation has gotten some global notice. And I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one who’s willing to step out and offer support to people in need. I’m very thrilled that Prince William and Princess Catherine are supposed to be arriving because that means my nation is behind me on this. I hope tonight I will get to speak with some of the officials that have come and maybe expand my foundation beyond our country to help those in need on a global scale.”, Mason smiled giving his response.
“Mason?”, Hudson questioned stopping where he was. Teresa stopping next to him raising an eyebrow at her husband. “What Hudson?”, she asked. “I heard the name Mason...”, he answered sniffing the air. “And I smell that wind mutant and his snake…”, he added. “Alright let’s check it out then.”, Xavier suggested. Ashley and Skye nodded in agreement. Hudson took Teresa’s hand and lead the way to the familiar scent. He stopped seeing a man with the snake woman next to him speaking with some journalists, and they were all calling him ‘Mason’. Hudson sighed, so Mason Templeton the man doing so much to help mutants not only was a mutant but was a killer. “Ahem.”, Hudson coughed getting closer. “King Hudson!”, a journalist shouted. Mason turned his attention when he heard the journalist say ‘King Hudson’. Teresa smiled giving a polite nod. Mason went full formal giving a bow kissing Teresa’s hand. “It is my sincere pleasure to make your acquaintance your majesty.”, he smiled before turning his attention to Hudson who was still staring him down. Mason offered his hand. “Your Majesty.”, he greeted. Hudson nodded a little and shook Mason’s hand squeezing very hard. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Mister Templeton.”, Hudson said putting on his polite face. Oh Hudson knew very well about Mason, and what kind of man he was. When Hudson and Teresa had been in town previously they had offered to help take care of some COH for Excalibur, and Mason had interfered causing the death of one man while Hudson and Teresa were able to get the others chained up for the authorities.
“Come why don’t we go in together.”, Teresa suggested taking Hudson’s arm. “As you wish your majesty.”, Mason nodded offering his right to Adder. Adder took the arm and looked at Mason curiously then at Hudson and back. As the four walked up, Hudson’s three ‘guards’ behind them, some protesters had gotten over the barricade and were trying to form a human chain across the entrance. “God made Adam and Eve not Adam and some filthy mutant scum!”, one shouted spitting at Adder, the spit landing at her feet. “The only good mutant is a dead one!”, another yelled. “Homosapians First not Freaks.”, another yelled. Mason sighed as they stopped. “I understand that you have your opinions, which you are entitled to. Just as I’m entitled to mine. I will ask this just once. Please remove yourselves from the doors so we may enter. And also do not spit at the lady, it’s extremely rude.”, Mason said being calm. “Make us! Mutant lover!”, the first said spitting at Mason. Mason took a deep breath looking down at the spit on his tie. He let go of Skye and took his arm from Adder as he untied his tie giving it to the man who’d spit at him. “Here you can keep this, I don’t want your germs. Now move.”, Mason said narrowing his eyes at the man. “Make me.”, he said glaring back at Mason. Hudson snapped his fingers and his three ‘guards’ each grabbed one of the protesters and moving to escort them away. Teresa tried to not laugh, it was rare that Hudson allowed his guards to do anything but this was a public event and he certainly wasn't to let his claws out over three idiots.
“Hey you can’t do this!”, they shouted kicking and started to fight back against the guards. One got out of Ashley’s grip and took a swing at Hudson for giving the order to have them removed. Hudson’s hand went up and grabbed the man’s fist, and it seemed like a blink of an eye Hudson had grabbed the man’s wrist pulling the arm out and then up behind the man’s back dislodging the arm from the shoulder. “You are not even worth my effort. Mister Templeton requested that you remove yourselves. Now I suggest that you do so.”, Hudson said his voice firm and authoritative. Teresa smirked being reminded why Hudson had won her over all those years ago. Something about a Howlett man, the level of confidence and the skill to back it up. “Your highness allow us...”, a Ashley said moving to take the man from Hudson just playing her role. “I have this under control. Now will you and your little band of unhappy men leave quietly or will this get worse for you?”, Hudson asked. Camera flash was going off everywhere, it wasn’t often that you saw a King take matters literally into his own hands. Adder and Mason just stood back both a bit in awe. Skye smiled a little keeping her firm grip on the protester she’d grabbed, she could see why Rose looked up to Hudson. The man was trying to not yell in pain but the expression was on his face. He started to nod but his free hand was reaching for his pocket as his friends watched not sure what they should do.
“Hudson…”, Teresa yelled sensing the blade before it became visible. She grabbed the blade, well less grabbed but reached for it and unless you were extremely close it just looked that she grabbed it when really she called it to her with her powers. “Thank you my love.”, Hudson said glancing to Teresa holding the knife as he jerked on the man’s harm a bit harder bringing him to his knees in pain. “Seriously? You thought the idea of trying to stab a King was going to be a good idea?”, Hudson shook his head as the police were now rushing up to get the protesters into custody. “Tha...thank you your majesty.”, a constable said as he took the man Hudson had taken down into custody. Hudson nodded politely as Teresa handed the man’s knife to the officer. “Well that was eventful. Can we hope that the festivities inside are less ‘adventurous’?”, Hudson asked looking to Mason. “Um. Yes your majesty. After you.”, Mason said gesturing for Hudson to go first. Hudson’s ‘guards’ quickly open the doors for him and Teresa as they stepped inside. Mason gave his arm back to Adder and they walked in behind Hudson and Teresa. Mason now a bit more curious about King Hudson. It wasn’t often he saw someone of a royal line having skills like that.
The party itself was mostly a bore. Ashley, Xavier and Skye had split off from Hudson and Teresa. Each knew they needed to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. Adder quickly found Ashton and Tiffany when they got inside. “Tiff! As’!”, she called them over. Tiffany smiled grabbing Ashton’s arm bringing him over. “You look beautiful.”, Tiffany greeted. “Why thank you I was concerned losing the tie might completely ruin the whole...oh you weren’t talking to me.”, Mason chuckled as Tiffany hit his arm. “No I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to Adder.”, Tiffany smiled. “So you going to dance with Adder when you aren’t required to be visiting with royalty?”, Tiffany asked. Adder rolled her eyes, Tiffany just never gave up. “Um, perhaps later. But I have to make my rounds and shake lots of hands. Adder if you like you can hang out with Ashton and Tiffany.”, Mason suggested before starting to make his rounds of shaking hands and smiling. Hudson kept his eyes on Mason as he walked around smiling and greeting other royals and various people. “At least we now know who the head of the other team is, who the man that killed those three men that had Kyle hostage is.”, Teresa whispered as they walked around always keeping Mason within eyeshot.
Adder sighed watching as Mason walked around, partially because she still liked the way he looked and then because keeping an eye on him was her job. While greeting various people Mason noticed one couple of the the corner of his eyes. “Crap…”, he muttered. “Lord and Lady Duckworth-Chad...I need to not let them go near Adder.”, Mason muttered to himself trying to move through the crowd to detain the Duckworth-Chad family. He’d rather have the awkwardness of dealing with Elizabeth than let that family near Adder. He was actually agitated that they had the gall to show up to his event. He knew exactly what their opinions of mutants where. The whole foundation was based on the daughter they’d given up after all. Laura Duckworth-Chad was a tall wisp of a woman with blonde hair, going subtlety gray, walked her arm linked with her husband who was also a blonde with slightly wide shoulders. Not far behind them were their two older daughters Elizabeth and Minna who looked much like their mother with their long legs, narrow waists, blonde hair and blue eyes. Mason was hoping to head them off but it was too late. They had reached where Ashton and Tiffany were standing with Adder.
Adder’s back was turned as she was speaking to someone else. “Ashton, Tiffany. How good to see you. Pleased to see you were able to get a little time from that beautiful son of yours.”, Laura greeted with a wide smile. Lord and Lady Duckworth-Chad. Nice to see you. Oh and you brought Elizabeth and Minna. Hello girls.”, Ashton greeted. Adder just stiffened and didn't look over yet but dug her claws into the lower back of Ashton's jacket keeping back her venom from dripping out. "Um ouch... Adder", Ashton whispered. "Sorry, mate. Just bare wit’ it.", she hissed softly. "I'm trying just don't go lower that'll be weird mate.", he whispered back not sure what her issue was. Tiffany was looking at the daughters Elizabeth and Minna before she blinked. Tiffany look over at Adder then back and covered her mouth again. Adder keep her jaw tightened and finally, not to be rude, looked at the family. Bright copper eyes looking at them, nodding in a greeting. "Tiffany are you alrig....", Laura start to ask but stop looking at Adder.
"Lord and Lady Duckworth-Chad, Elizabeth, and Minna may I introduce our mate Adder. I think Elizabeth meet her a few years back in Oxford. Adder this is Laura, James, Elizabeth and Minna.", Ashton introduced not having gotten it till he was looking at Minna the younger and it hit him. Adder nodded and smiled a bit, offering her hand to the family to shake their hands. At Laura's though she looked her straight in the eyes, and any doubt if Adder knew who she was went out the window. "'Ello. Nice to meet ya and ta see ya again, Elizabeth.", she greeted putting her best polite tone forward. She’d used the tone many times over the years working with Mason. James apprehensively shook her hand, but that was more of his own phobia about mutants. He had no idea that he and Laura had a fourth daughter, he knew that Laura had a baby before Elizabeth but was told the child had been stillborn. Elizabeth gave a curt nod, she'd figured it was Adder who gotten Mason to break up with her. "Um.. Hello.", Laura greeted finding her voice.
She finally looked away from Laura to look at the family, smiling a bit more and putting her hands calmly to one side, grabbing a glass of wine as a server went by with the other. "Enjoyin' t’e event? Ah know Mason ‘as done everyt’ing he could.", she said making polite conversation with the people who’d given her up just for being different. "Um yes. Well we wanted to give out support to the.. cause.", Laura tried to explain. "Oh? Didn't realize you were pro mutant activists like us.", Tiffany commented grabbing a glass of wine happy to drink again since she wasn't breastfeeding anymore. "Tiffany, lots of people are 'ere ta give support 'ow they can. People s’owing up 'ere to donate and s’ow they want ta support can ‘elp jus' as muc’ as protesters or t’ose in t’e courts," she said. Adder had gotten better with politics. "Um right. We don't generally get political about things..", James commented. "Right you're more the band wagon trend following types.", Mason commented getting through the crowd obviously too late to keep the Duckworth-Chad family from Adder. "Mason..", Elizabeth smiled till she sawthe annoyed looked on his face. Adder shook her head and looked at Mason. "It was nice meeting you.", she started to walk off. She was still hurt from Mason, which might show since she would rather talk to her parents than him. And definitely not at the same time. Adder ducked out a side door looking to get some air and space. Laura let out a breath as Adder left and looked at Mason who didn't look at happy. "May I have a word Mason?", she requested. Mason watched as Adder walked away. "No you may not. Excuse me.", Mason said before going after Adder.
"Adder? I didn't know they were coming to this.", he said walking out the door. Adder rounded on him and hissed, pointing at him but then closed her eyes and uncoiled shaking her head. "Ah can deal wit’ you, or t’em. Ah can't deal wit’ bot’ o ya. Ah'm still ‘urt and angry and...everyt’ing wit' 'ow ya been acting before t’e apology Mason. Just go be back inside and mingle wit’ people. Ah won't go, Ah can't leave yet.", she sighed. "No.", he said simply not backing down or even flinching at the hiss. "I said I'm trying to fix this. Tonight is about you Adder.", he explained. "Ah didn't want it ta be.", she said. "Mason, ya apologized. Ya working ta fix t’ings. But some t’ings... Ah dunno if t’ey can be fixed.", she frowned a little. Having him back as a friend was one thing, but it still wasn’t back to what it had been and it may never be. "I wanted it to be, even if no one else knows it is. All this stemmed from meeting you and the effect you've had on me.",he sighed. "I don't know what you want from me Adder. I'm trying. I'm trying to be around more. Making the time to spend with you not counting work.", he ran his hands over his face a little exasperated. "Ah'm tryin' ta let t’is be fixed, mate. But ya abandoned me, and it ‘urt worse t’an anyt’ing t’ey.", she nodded to the door. "evah did. Ah know and yer doin' an amazing job but Ah need time. Ah need ta remember t’e feeling of ya being t’ere ta catc’ me. Because Ah know w’at it feels like now fer you not to be t’ere.", she tried to explain to him.
"What do you mean to be reminded? I haven't exactly stopped being here to catch you. Even when you didn't know it. You think all those times you fell asleep drunk in the living room you slept walked to your bed? No I'm the only that carried you to bed and tucked you in, I'm the one that went to the worst bars in the country all because they were blocks from the place the fights were that night, that dropped everything because you needed me.", Mason argued. "And ‘ow was Ah suppose ta know, mate?",she asked softly. She’d not really thought he’d stayed so close yet been so far. "Ah don't go looking for deep meanings or people ‘elping me from t’e shadows. All Ah know is w’at Ah saw. And Ah saw you avoiding me every time ya could, distancing yerself, refusing ta touch me or even look me in t’e eye. Mate, yer trying and Ah'm glad. Ah ‘ave t’e one person Ah've ever loved and trusted back in mah life since ya decided Ah was wort’ t’e time ta talk to again. But it took ,e getting kidnapped ta get ya back. If t’at 'ad never ‘appened... Ah'd just be anot’er suit and glasses, keeping t’e crazies off of ya.", she argued back. "You don't know that. I had my own things I needed to sort out. And being close to you didn't let me sort them out. As I explained in some ways you remind me of Cinderella and for a while there anything that made me think of India I couldn't deal with. And yes it's an asshole move, and I've been an asshole. I can't say for sure how things would have played out if you hadn’t been kidnapped. Maybe it would just have taken me longer to face what happened in India and understand that no matter what happened in India pushing you away was stupid. Hurting you is something I've never wanted to do and I honestly hate myself for ever doing. You mean too much to me, and I went and like an asshole man hurt you but even thinking.", he retorted throwing his hands up a bit in aggravation.
She sighed and looked at him. "Mason. Ah'm not angry t’ey are ‘ere. T’ey're strangers ta me. Nothin'. W’y be angry at them? T’ey abandoned me, yea. But t’ey were never t’ere in t’e first place. So Ah'm not angry at ya t’at t’ey are 'ere. And yea, ya were an arse. And Ah forgive ya but it still 'urt. Ah can't look at all yer faces at once.", she sighed tried to arguing. She hated arguing with him. It just didn’t feel right. "I can ask them to leave. Not exactly a fan of them being here. Because I know this foundation doesn't line up with their political or ethical ideals. And tonight I want people that actually believe in what we are doing.", he offered. "Mate. Ya t’ink maybe Laura feels even a little guilty?",she asked. "Maybe, not sure I’d buy it. She wanted to talk to me when you walked away. I declined to chase after you instead.", he shook his head a little. "Well 'ow about we say that anyt’ing ta say ta you, yer body guard needs ta stay by yer side then?", she suggested. "Pretty sure what she wanted to talk about is you, to see exactly how much I might or might not know. If she's got half a brain and ever saw your birth certificate she might be putting two and two together with the name of the foundation and the story I gave about Leah to papers all add up to you.", he sighed. "T’en if she 'as ta talk ta ya, she can talk wit’ me t’ere.",she sighed and took his hand, squeezing it. "Lets start working togeth’r again.", she offered. Mason nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Come on then... pet. Let's go back and see what she wanted.", he said moving for the door. She smiled a bit and nodded, he’d called her pet. He hadn’t done that since India and it felt good to hear it again. Especially after Valentine's week when she was kidnapped and the man kept calling her pet.
When Mason left to chase after Adder Tiffany glanced to the Duckworth-Chad family and she knew where Adder came from, at least biologically speaking. And it made her wonder if any of them knew, if Laura remembered the child she had abandoned. Tiffany just wanted them to walk away but they stood there a bit confused by Mason suddenly going after Adder. Tiffany sighed reaching for the glass. As she did the waiter grabbed her wrist dropping his tray and brandishing a gun that he pointed at her head. “Where is Mason Templeton?”, the waiter asked. Other waiters dropped their trays and took out guns. bodyguards all moved to secure their charges, working to get their dignitaries such as Princess William and Princess Catherine out of the area. People started to scream and become hysterical. “None of your fookin business mate. Now point thank thing some place else before I shove it up your ass.”, Tiffany glared. “Oh mouthy..”, he said moving to slap her with the pistol but instead found himself doubling over as she punched him hard in the stomach with her free hand. “I said to point that some place else.”, she repeated grabbing his wrist that held the hun and tightening with almost her full strength causing him to drop the weapon. “I don’t do damsel in distress.”, she explained pulling him to his feet and punching him in the face.
The Duckworth-Chads were already running in terror, trying to get away. As Mason opened the side door walking in holding Adder’s hand he stopped as the waiter Tiffany just punched landed at his feet. “Ah t’ink we missed somet’ing…”, Adder commented. “So it seems, pet. Let’s have some fun.”, Mason smirked letting her hand go. “There he is!”, one shouted moving to point a gun at Mason, the small red dot on Mason’s chest. As Adder pushed Mason out of the way Xavier tackled the would be assassin the bullet hitting him in the leg instead of hitting Mason. Mason looked from the floor where he and Adder had landed at Xavier, who he only knew to be one of King Hudson’s guards. The room went silent as they saw Xavier take the bullet for Mason. Xavier stumbled a little to his feet after taking the weapon from the waiter and hitting him on the head with it knocking him out. Ashley didn’t waste anytime seeing another pointing their weapon at Xavier slugged him. “Back off ass.”, Ashley said rushing to her fiance. The police were rushing in trying to detain as many as they could. But now a full brawl had broken out. Tiffany and Ashton stayed back to back as they took the fight to the would be militante protestors. Both knew they couldn’t use their powers in a public place like this so they stuck to just straight fighting. Adder got to her feet and pulled Mason up. “Can’t let t’em ‘ave all t’e fun.”, Adder smiled getting into the fight punching a man.
Ashley and Xavier, having tied his tie around his leg from where the bullet went in, worked tandem taking down armed waiters. Mason smiled a little glancing at least knowing Tiffany and Ashton had each other’s backs. So instead he grabbed someone who was going after Adder from behind and pulled him back. “That’s not very gentlemen like to attack a lady.”, he said landing a left. the high ranked people were being escorted out in the chaos, guards were trying to get Hudson and Teresa to leave. “Your majesties we must go.”, a police officer stated as they were trying to get the dignitaries and guests out. “You can go all you like. I’m staying.”, Hudson said getting into the fray tackling one waiter who was grabbing the slender wrist of Princess Catherine. She screamed in terror pulling her arm back as Hudson got the attacker to the ground. “Beg your pardon your highness. But you should leave with your guards.”, Hudson said looking over to her after punching the attacker. “Tha...Thank you your majesty…”, she managed to stutter before quickly going with her royal guards. Teresa moved into the fight, it’d been awhile since she’d gotten to fight. Of all the Hamilton she’d always liked a good fight the most. She had to resist the urge to use her powers and just disarm all the men so instead she did as her father-in-law trained her, fought without her powers.
Skye was off on her own fighting multiple waiters. “Ah actually miss mah twin.”, she muttered wishing she had back up like Xavier had Ashley and Hudson had Teresa. One of the reporters, Jonathan Fuller from the Sun was being pushed to the exit when he kept trying to look back at the brawl. This was a complete scoop. You had Mason Templeton and his bodyguard, Ashton Wilson and his wife, King Hudson and Queen Teresa along with their three bodyguards all fighting armed terrorists. He ducked and managed to get away from the police snapping a couple pictures for his paper, this was a scoop and he wanted it. he noticed one of the guards from Madripoor was busy fighting one armed assailant and another was coming up behind her. Jonathan was not really a fighter but in that moment he decided he needed to do something. So he grabbed one of the dropped silver trays and smashed the man in the back of the head knocking him down. Skye grabbed the arm of the man she was fighting and flipped her over her shoulder stopping her high heel into his shoulder blade. “Dress or no, Ah can still kick yer arse and Ah verra offended ya would tink it dat easy ta take me down. Ah Scottish fer Christ’s sakes.”, she cursed at the man.
Jonathan blinked his mouth slightly open in awe at the fiery haired woman. “Wow…”, he commented. “Eh?”, Skye questioned raising her eyebrow noticing the man on the ground and the silver tray on the floor that Jonathan had dropped. “Tanks mate. Now get yer arse outta ‘ere before ya get ‘urt.”, she smiled. “But..I could..”, he started to try and argue that he could help. Skye noticed one of the terrorists about to grab Jonathan and picked up the silver tray. “Duck.”, she ordered. There wasn’t much notice but Jonathan ducked as he was told and Skye released the silver tray like a frisbee throwing it with full strength knocking the terrorists hard in the face breaking his nose and sending him back to the ground. Jonathan looked behind him and then up at Skye as he got to his feet. “Who...who are you?”, he asked as an officer grabbed his arm. “We need to get all civilians out.”, he instructed reaching for Skye’s arm. “Dinna fash bout me. Ah King Hudson’s guard. Get dis one outta ‘ere.”, she said keeping her arm back. The officer nodded to her seeing the royal insignia of Madripoor pinned to her dress. “Come on mate.”, he said forcing Jonathan away. “But..but..”, Jonathan tried to protest wanting to find out who she was. Skye had already headed back into the fray pulling an assailant off Mason Templeton. Sure she knew he was possibly a bad guy, but in this situation he was who they needed to protect.
In the end two dozen armed chuch of humanity activities were disarmed and cuffed being lead out of the premises to jail to face the courts. After all this was now seen as a very high terrorist action as they’d gone after royalty. Mason’s jacket was torn in the sleeve, his vest had come unbuttons and his shirt had become untucked a couple buttons missing and a little blood from injuries as he walked over to Adder. “You alright pet?”, he asked. Adder nodded there was some stains on her dress and torn a little and she had a couple bruises on her wrist where someone had grabbed her and on her leg where the end of a gun had slammed trying to bring her down. “Yea, Ah’m good.”, she smiled. Hudson walked over, pretending to limp as he’d been shot in the leg but of course it’s healed over he just couldn’t let anyone know it had. “So will all the charity events for your foundation end like this?”, Hudson asked fixing his dress shirt. Teresa was trying to fix her soft brown hair back into it’s updo walking next to her husband. “Oh your majesty...I…”, Mason tried to think of how to apologize. “I am terribly sorry. And only mildly surprised you didn’t leave with all the others. No my events will not all be like this. In the future all staff will be screened through my company so this doesn’t happen again.”, Mason assured. Hudson smiled. “A shame, if it was I’d recommend attending one to my father. If you’ll excuse us, my wife and I shall be going. “, Hudson said taking Teresa’s hand before turning and walking away.
Mason, Adder, Ashton, and Tiffany all stood in a bit of stunned surprise as the royal couple walked away. Skye sighed shaking her head as she walked out with Ashley and Xavier behind the royal couple, she’d been told stories about Rose’s father the original Wolverine and his slogan of being the best at what he does and it not being very pretty. “Well t’is was a bust.”, Adder frowned. “Sorry yer event got ruined.”, she said looking to Mason. “It’s alright. Just means I’m doing something right if people want me dead. So anyone want to tell me how this started?”, Mason asked. “I’d like to know that too.”, a constable walked over. “It started with a waiter grabbing Tiffany and pointing a gun at her head. Guess he thought she would make a good damsel in distress.”, Ashton answered using a napkin to wipe blood from his lip. “I’m not the damsel in distress sort. I’m more more the damsel that kicks ass sort. I punched him in the gut, then disarmed him before punching him in the face. That’s about the time Mason walked back in and hell broke lose.”, Tiffany explained. “I will need to keep in touch with you Mister Templeton.”, the office said. Mason nodded. “Of course. I’ll be happy to give any information I can. First however I would like to make sure that my friends are all home safe.”, Mason said. The officer nodded a little walking away. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll head back home and get Blake from my parents.”, Ashton assured. “Alright. Be safe. And give my godson a hug from me.”, Mason smiled giving Ashton and Tiffany each a hug. “We will. Night Mason. Night Adder.”, Tiffany smiled taking Ashton’s hand as they left.
“Ya kne dat gonna be all over da news.”, Skye said with a sigh. “Yes I know. And I’m sure that my sister will not be pleased that I am going to part of the headlines.”, Hudson said putting an arm around Teresa as the five walked away. “Mason and his friends certainly know how to fight.”, Ashley commented. “And I suppose Mason now owes Xavier for taking a bullet for him.”, she added looking to Xavier. “We need to get Xavier back to Muir Island. That bullet didn’t go clean through, and my sisters will not be happy if my nephew has been seriously injured.”, Hudson said looking to Xavier. Xavier smiled a little trying to not wince as they walked. “I will be fine Uncle. It didn’t hit anything major. And I’m certain we have the necessary tools at base to address the wound.”, Xavier said trying to put on the face that moving around and all the fighting on the injured leg didn’t hurt. He was the grandson of the original Wolverine and Silver Samurai he couldn’t show pain. Ashley sighed shaking her head putting her arm around him and putting his arm hers to force him to lean on her. “Xavier stop. I love you but no matter how hard you try you don’t get to pretend a bullet doesn’t hurt. You don’t have the Howlett healing factor.”, she scolded.
“Wait!. May I have a word? Jonathan Fuller from the Sun. Wanted to get maybe a short interview about tonight’s events?”, Jonathan called racing after the group. The five stopped and looked uncertainly at Jonathan. Skye faintly recognized him. “Yer da lad dat knocked out one of dem wid a tray dat came up be’ind me…”, Skye said trying to place him. Jonathan smiled being remembered. “Um yes that would be me miss. So could I maybe ask a few questions?”, he asked looking to the group. “Skye you speak with the reporter on our behalf. My wife and I do not wish to give comments at this time.”, Hudson instructed. “Me? Um alrig’t yer ‘ighness.”, Skye said giving a bow of her head to be formal to Hudson for the sake of Jonathan standing there. “We will be just at the car.”, Ashley said as she and Xavier walked around the corner with Hudson and Teresa. “So wat did ya want ta kne?”, Skye asked eyes Jonathan. Jonathan smiled he was going to talk to the one he actually wanted to speak with. “First could I get a name miss?”, he asked. “Da name is Skye Kearney.”, she answered. “You aren’t for Madripoor yet are one of the royal bodyguards?”, he asked. “Aye. Ah’m from da highlands. Ah kind o fell inta dis gig fer da nig’t ta protect deir majesties.”, she explained. “They didn’t exactly look like they needed protection.”, Jonathan commented recalling how fiercely the royal couple fought. Skye smiled and nodded. “Aye dey are bonnie fig’ters.”, she agreed.
“So, beautiful lady, what can you tell me about the terrorists that attacked tonight?”, he asked flirting a little. Skye laughed softly at the flirt. “Dey are from da Church o Humanity. A zealous religious group dat feels mutants are lesser beings and oug’ta be removed from da planet. And dis event is fer ‘elping mutants in need. Seems Mister Templeton put a target on himself wid dis charity. But he doing good wid it. Dat w’y so many people came tonig’t including deir majesties of Madripoor.”, she answered. “Wow thanks. I didn’t even know the Church of Humanity was this extreme. Going to need to do more research on them. Well thank you for answering my questions. I’m sure his majesty would like to leave.”, Jonathan said smiling. Skye raised an eyebrow. “So dat it? Ya sort of save me inside dere, w’ich most would assume means Ah owe ya someting. And most guys would try ta parlay dat inta getting mah number, maybe a kiss or even a date. But okay. Well dis was lame. Good luck wid yer article. Goodnight Mister Fuller.”, she smiled turning and walking away to catch up with the others. Jonathan blinked. “Wait I could have…”, he said realizing he could have gotten at least her phone number from this. He started to go around the corner after her but stopped as he saw something he couldn’t describe. Skye walked up to the group and gave a nod. Hudson held Teresa’s hand and then grabbed his nephew’s hand then Xavier, Ashley and Skye all hit their watches and the five disappeared. “Now I must be going insane..”, Jonathan concluded rubbing his eyes walking away.
Tiffany and Ashton left together leaving Mason alone with Adder. “Come on let’s head home.”, Mason suggested as Adder grabbed her heels that she'd kicked off during the brawl. “Mister Templeton!”, a blonde woman shouted flashing a press pass to the police to try and get past. “Can I get an interview for the Daily Bugle?!”, she questioned smiling as she got past the officer and let her press pass rest on her cleavage having been wearing a very low cut dress with a black leather applique tulle top and a white silk skirt. Mason arched an eyebrow looking at the reporter. “Um. I was about to go home but...alright. One interview won’t hurt.”, he smiled. Adder rolled her eyes, of course the blonde reporter showing a lot of skin catches his eyes. “Thanks. I know you probably are tired. After all you did just help stop a terrorist plot to assassinate you. Which might I add extremely impressive.”, she smiled flirtatiously. Adder folded her arms to wait impatiently. “Thanks. Obviously didn’t do any of this alone. My mate Ashton and his wife Tiffany were involved as was my mate and bodyguard Adder.”, Mason explained looking over to Adder. “Right of course.”, Christine said glancing in Adder’s direction. “There was also talk that the King and Queen of Madripoor where involved.”, Christine said looking back to Mason. Mason nodded. “Yes. Thier majesties were both very impressive. Certainly not what you would expect from a royal couple. Their three bodyguards were also very skilled. I need to remember to write a thank you to the male bodyguard who tonight along with Adder saved my life from a bullet intended for me.”, he smiled reaching over lightly rubbing Adder’s arm.
“Indeed. Do you have any idea who would have orchestrated this? Who would want a great humanitarian such as yourself killed?”, she asked. “That would be be more a question for my head of security. Adder is responsible for keeping me safe.”, Mason said deferring to Adder. He’d already basically broken persona by being able to not only defend himself but help take down two dozen armed men. Christine frowned a little but turned her attention to Adder. “So do you have any leads or ideas Miss…”, she asked trying to think if she’d ever heard a last name for the mutant bodyguard. “Adder. Ah don’t ‘ave a last name. And yes, Ah do.”, Adder answered. “Alright Miss Adder then. Who are the suspects? What are you plans to protect Mister Templeton from further attacks?”, she asked. “Ever ‘eard of da religious group t’at calls t’emselves t’e Church of ‘Umanity?”, Adder countered. “Well yes, a new religion that in recent years has be officially established. You believe that this religious organization would want to harm Mister Templeton?”, Christine asked. “Yes Ah do. It wouldn’t be t’e first time t’at t’ey ‘ave t’reatened him. Mason has a knack..”, Adder started to answer glancing to Mason who was smirking. “Fer finding trouble. Since t’e announcement of Leah’s Lost Souls we ‘ave gotten many calls and letters t’reatening him. O course Ah can’t just lock him up away so no one can get to him. He’d never stay still that long. T’e most Ah and mah team can do is keep a careful eye on him and stick close to him at all times. T’ese people will try again and just like tonight we will fig’t t’em and Ah will keep Mason alive.”, Adder explained. “Oh I’m sure you will stay very close to him. Envy of women everywhere.”, Christine commented partially under her breath.
Mason chuckled shaking his head as Adder withheld a hiss. “I think your interview is over. Come along Adder. It is time to go home.”, Mason said calmly putting a hand on Adder’s back to guide her away from the reporter. “Thanks for the interview…”, Christine said as they walked away from her. “Don’t let her get to you Adder.”, Mason sighed getting into the limo sitting across from Adder. Her dress had gotten torn a little during the fight so more of her long legs were showing. He hadn’t noticed before, because well they’d been in the middle of a fight. But now it was just him and Adder in the car and his eyes did notice the tear up the right side of the dress. For half a second he found himself wondering. Would the real Adder be as good, maybe better than the trickster in India? And for that half a second he smirked but then shook his head trying to force that thought away. Adder raised an eyebrow at the smirk and head shake, noticing that his eyes had been on her legs briefly. “Sorry that your dress was torn tonight. If you want I’ll cover having it repaired.”, he offered. Adder nodded. “Ah ain’t worried bout it mate. Ya pay me enoug’ t’at Ah can pay for t’e repairs mahself.”, she sighed. Mason nodded, the drive from the event was at least short. “It’s been a very long night. I’m going to send an email to Arcade and get him on researching the wait staff from tonight. I want every tiny detail about them I can get.”, he sighed taking out his cell phone writing up an email as they headed up to the flat. Adder nodded. “Sounds like a good idea. Cause somebody ‘ired t’em and prolly knew t’eir intentions.”, she agreed as they walked into the flat.
