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As June was coming to an end Zoe was set to perform a play, not a musical or an opera just a regular play. She’d been uncertain about taking on the role, she was still in a way mourning Hazel and going to the theater just reminded her of the old woman who’d shown such interest in her performing. But when she found out the production was Pride and Prejudice, Hazel’s favorite Jane Austen novel she went for it. And she actually landed the lead. Alec had been helping her run lines after closing the restaurant, he knew she wanted this performance to be her best for Hazel. distracted as Merrick might have been with Rose being in town he didn’t overlook the upcoming play. He bought three tickets to the show, not telling Zoe. Zoe had kind of figured that with Rose in town she’d probably see less of Merrick, Merrick however didn’t think that was necessary. Granted hanging out one on one like normal didn’t exactly happen but he invited Zoe to any group thing going on. She just was busy with getting ready for the play. The night he came back from work with the tickets Rose hadn’t noticed them till after they put Faelan to sleep and they went to his room. “Pride and Prejudice?”, Rose asked picking up the three tickets Merrick had left on his nightstand. She was a little confused knowing he wasn’t exactly a fan of plays and this was easily going to be over 2 hours. She also wasn’t sure why he had three tickets.
Merrick leaned out of his bathroom holding his toothbrush in his hand. “Yeah? What about it? Oh you found the tickets. Completely forgot to ask if you wanted to go to it, just picked up the tickets.”, he explained. “You want to go see Pride and Prejudice? Didn’t take you as a Jane Austen fan.”, Rose asked. “I’m not. I’m a Zoe fan. Zoe is playing Elizabeth. It was Nana Hazel’s favorite Jane Austen novel. So yeah I’ll be there opening night to support her. Nana went to every opening for Zoe.”, he explained. Rose nodded smiling a little, he was truly a good friend to Zoe. “Alright. So why did you buy three tickets? We taking Faelan?”, she asked. “Oh god no. I’m not taking our son, he’d never sit still that long. The third ticket is Nana Hazel’s. It was her favorite seat at the theater. And...she might not be here anymore...I just...that seat needs to be open for her. And if I can manage it, it will be reserved every opening night for any performance Zoe is part of. Nana loved watching Zoe perform...to see her act... and like me to hear her sing.”, Merrick explained with a small sigh. “Merrick, you still surprise me.”, Rose smiled setting the tickets back down walking over to him and leaning on the wall by the bathroom door. “Huh?”, he asked putting his toothbrush back on the counter. “With how incredibly sweet and thoughtful you can be.”, she smiled. “Don’t let that get out. I’ve got a reputation to protect.”, he winked. “And really beyond a select few people I am not exactly sweet or thoughtful.”, he smiled. “Let’s see...Nana Hazel, your mom, your dad, Sebastian, Faelan, me, Zoe...and sometimes Malcolm? That about the extent of the list?”, she teased. “Yeah that about sums it up. You just listed the eight most and possibly only important people to me. Anyone else can go fuck themselves. Which speaking of fucking…”, he smirked giving her a kiss. Rose laughed a little returning the kiss taking the not so subtle hint pulling him by the shirt in the direction of the bed.
Opening night Faelan was left with Kim and Christian to babysit while Rose and Merrick dressed up and went to the opera house to see the play. Zoe had managed to pin the bird brooch under her costume for luck and to have Nana Hazel there with her. She’d not really been sure who to expect in the audience other than her parents and Alec for opening night. As she went back to her vanity space after getting into costume she stopped and smiled seeing a bouquet of blue lotus sitting there. “Merrick..”, she sighed picking them up smelling them and taking out the card. “Knock them dead hellraiser.”, she read with a laugh reading the words in his bad handwriting. At least he remembered tonight was opening night and sent flowers. She figured he was probably busy with Rose since it was nearing the end of June and therefore the end of her visit. “Did you tell Zoe we were coming?”, Rose whispered as they took their seats, leaving the open seat for Hazel’s honor with the tag ‘reserved’ on it. “No. I prefer surprising her. I had blue lotus flowers sent though.”, Merrick whispered back. Taking seats on the other side of Rose was Alex, Isadora and Damon. Alec leaned seeing Merrick. “Hello there Merrick. Didn’t really expect to see you. I know you have much going on...and you must be Rose.”, Alec smiled turning his attention to Rose with a smile. “Um...yes I’m Rose. Do I know you?”, she asked.
Merrick smiled a little giving a nod to Alec and past him to Isadora and Damon. “Rose this is Alec D’Amore, he owns Two Brothers and is basically Zoe’s uncle. Next to him is Zoe’s mother Isadora Petridis and you probably recall Damon Petridis. Alec, Isadora this is my girlfriend Rose Howlett. I don’t figure an introduction is necessary for you Damon.”, Merrick. Rose smiled shaking Alec’s hand then Isadora’s as she leaned around Alec. “Very nice to meet you. You’re the one that did the painting in our son’s nursery. I absolutely love it. And given that I have stood in that exact clearing in the forest that sadly a portion did come down to build the sanctuary, I love going into the nursery and feeling like I’m there again.”, Rose smiled. Damon gave a small nod, he had no hate nor any love for the Howletts personally and as he was no longer associated with the Academy he didn’t need to have one for business reasons either. “I’m glad you like it. Zoe will be so happy you made it tonight Merrick. So who’s the empty seat for?”, Isadora asked. “Nana Hazel. I know she wouldn’t want to miss one of Zoe’s performances even if she’s dead. And I couldn’t let someone else sit in that seat.”, Merrick explained. “Aw you are such a sweet boy, and a loving friend.”, Isadora smiled using her words carefully as this was his girlfriend he was sitting holding hands with.
The play began and as Zoe walked out onto the stage, she wasn’t as easily spotted wearing her wig unless you really knew the details of her face even under the makeup she had to wear for the stage. Merrick knew her the moment she got onto stage, not just because of scent but he had looked at her face...really looked at it so many times he had it memorized. Rose knew which was Zoe by scent. As Zoe looked into the audience she of course saw her parents, her father easy to see with his white hair, then next to them Alec and a bit to her surprise next to Alec she saw Rose then Merrick, which she internalized a smile seeing him there. She was a little confused as her eyes fell on the empty reserved seat, but she realized that seat had always been filled by Hazel. She held back tears knowing that the seat was empty because Merrick made sure it was reserved for Hazel. Throughout the performance Zoe could feel the brooch pressed against her between her slip and the costume, she’d pinned it near her heart and for her it felt like Hazel was there with her. She could feel her there watching her, and just knew that Hazel was proud of her. And performing one of Hazel’s favorite novels she wanted to do her proud. For the performance Merrick sat silent his eyes moving following the movements of the actors on stage, but as long as Zoe was on the stage his eyes stayed on her. In the scene where Mister Darcy proposed to Elizabeth he held Rose’s left hand absentmindedly rubbing her ring finger where no ring currently sat, but he knew one day he’d offer the moonstone ring to her.
After the performance and the theater started to empty Merrick went with Alec and Zoe’s parents to wait by the door they were all familiar with that lead to the backstage to wait to see Zoe. Rose followed along, this was her first time actually going to the Opera House in Bayville. She’d enjoyed the play, and was relatively surprised that Merrick had paid attention for the whole of the performance. But then she reminded herself that this was for Zoe, so of course he gave the due attention. She didn’t even consider being jealous of that, she has resolved to herself that there would always be a bond between them just as there will always be a bond between her and Landon. Merrick never showed even a hint of jealously when they were around Landon or when she had him go to the club to see Landon’s band. So she wouldn’t for him being around Zoe and wanting to be at her plays. Zoe had changed from her costume into her street clothes, the brooch proudly pinned to her blouse. She sighed a little and placed her hand over the brooch. “I hope I’ve done you proud…”, she whispered before heading for the door out carrying the bouquet of blue lotus flowers. She wasn’t surprised to find her family and Merrick waiting at the door. “Ciao everyone.”, she greeted. “Ciao nipote.”, Alec greeted giving her a bouquet of lavender roses. “Grazie zio”, she smiled taking the flowers giving Alec a small hug and a kiss on the cheek. “A lovely performance uccellino”, Damon smiled giving his daughter a kiss on the cheek. “Grazie papà.”, Zoe smiled. “I always love watching you on stage.”, her mother smiled. “Grazie mamma.”, Zoe smiled looking to her mother.
“I haven’t ever read the book, but I might have to now. You were great.”, Rose smiled. “Thank you Rose.”, she nodded before looking to Merrick. Merrick was looking at the brooch a small smile. “Thank you for my flowers Lupo Cattivo, they are beautiful.”, Zoe greeted. “You’re welcome hellraiser.”, Merrick smiled before taking his arm from Rose’s waist and hugging Zoe giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Nana would have loved it and been very proud tonight.”, Merrick spoke softly while hugging her. Zoe nodded a little hugging him back with both hands. She tried to not cry thinking about Hazel, but Merrick heard her sniffle a little as he pulled back a little from the hug keeping one arm around her. “She’s who the empty seat was for, right?”, Zoe asked. Merrick nodded and seeing a couple tears on her face lightly wiped them away. That electricity and connection was still there and he could feel it jolt through him but he knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t act on it. “That was her favorite seat. I couldn’t let someone else seat there on your opening night.”, he explained. Damon was the only one standing there who didn’t officially know that something beyond friendship had gone on between Zoe and Merrick, he had his suspicions but he didn’t dare ask to confirm it because really he didn’t want the answer. “God you are just too much sometimes..”, Zoe sighed shaking her head leaning into him. “I try. Guess shouldn’t mention that the plan is that seat is always reserved for Nana on any opening night you are part of.”, Merrick smiled.
“You are something else. How’d I end up with such a sweet best friend? Rose you realize you have hands down the best guy?”, she asked. “Luck? Or Fate? Take your pick on what brought you into my life.”, Merrick suggested. Rose smiled. “Yeah...I know. He is rather amazing.”, Rose smiled. “I’m just glad other people are starting to get to see that about him.”, she added. Zoe nodded. “Indeed. How anyone could say he’s an asshole I’ll never understand. I’ve only ever seen him as this sweet caring man who’d do anything for those he cares about.”, Zoe said. “And now I’m getting embarrassed...wait never mind that passed I don’t know how to be embarrassed. Come on what do you say to going to the club or bar with us?”, Merrick asked looking to Zoe. “You want me to go to the club with you and Rose?”, she asked. “Sure why not? Won’t a lot of your cast be going there to celebrate opening night?”, he asked. “Very true. Um I suppose as long as Rose doesn’t mind me third wheeling.”, Zoe said looking to Rose. “I don’t mind. I’ve made Merrick hang out with my friends while I’ve been home. Seems fair that we spend time with his friend too.”, Rose said. “Well you kids have fun. We should head back to the house”, Damon said taking Isadora’s hand in his giving it a gentle squeeze. “Gina is at the Draven for a few more hours after all.”, Damon added with a smile. Isadora chuckled a little smiling. “We’ll talk to you soon uccellino, have a good time with your friends.”, she said.
Merrick shook his head. “Um we will Damon, I’d say the same to you but something tells me having fun won’t be an issue for you tonight.”, Merrick commented getting a slight poke in the ribs from Zome. “Ciao papa and mamma. Uncle would you like to come?”, she asked looking to Alec. “Um...no. As ‘fun’ as the idea of dragging my old ass to a club filled with twenty-somethings sounds...I will pass in lieu of getting sleep to wake up at four to make pasta. Good night kids.”, Alec explained. “Aw but Uncle Alec, any idea how many of those twenty-somethings would hit on you?”, Zoe teased. Alec shook his head. “She’s got a point Alec. The design assistant for the company Jacob worked with on the Sanctuary build kept trying to hit on him and I’m not even sure she was old enough to drink.”, Merrick teased. Alec shook his head. “Yes well, no thank you. I will keep to my hermit old man life. Bye kids.”, Alec said leaving them. Merrick shook his head a little. “Oh well, his loss. Guess I get to show up alone with the best looking women.”, Merrick smiled. Rose rolled her eyes and took his hand in hers. “As long as girls at my mom’s club know and you remember who you are going home with.”, she commented. “Yes because I could forget that I’m going home with you little wolf.”, he said sarcastically. “And I’m sure that you’ll make it rather clear who I’m leaving with.”, he added as he walked out holding her hand and his other arm around Zoe. There wasn’t really an awkwardness to the evening, Merrick despite not being much for dancing did dance with Rose and a couple times with Zoe. And Zoe didn’t have to feel always like the third wheel because she could just go be with her cast members when she figured Merrick and Rose might prefer some privacy. And then Rose was gone, having to return to Cambridge.
The sanctuary was starting to pick up, a pack of wolves had become residents while Rose had been in town. And not long after she’d left a small pride of cougars and of canadian lynx were brought it. A Short-eared owl clutch of eggs were brought in along with the mother whose wing had been broken by an inconsiderate child who’d hit her with a rock. A whitetail deer doe who’d been shot in the leg by accident by an inexperienced hunter that didn’t know the difference between a male and a female, was brought in along with her two fawns and a young male who’d been hit by a car but was able to be saved. Then not long after them a moose was brought in who’d been wandering a suburban area. The sanctuary was getting busy enough that Merrick knew he was going to need help sooner than later. But finding someone he could trust was the issue. He’d picked up at least two students from Bayville Community College, a guy named Dorian Allen and a girl named Stacey Farber who were there for the animal management program. The only reason Merrick was willing to bring them in was that the director from the animal shelter had recommended them. But he knew he was going to need more help than just a couple people. Little did he knew that as August started another potential employee was arriving at the Xavier Institute.
Danielle Moonstar Pierce had arrived at the institute with her daughter Inola. Dani had attended the institute whens he was young and like many was an alumni of the school, but unlike many she’d not stayed in Bayville. She had returned to her tribe for a while and after that had actually joined the FBI where she met her husband Justin Pierce as they both work in the Metahuman Crimes Division. When their daughter Inola recenter started to show signs of having a similar ability to hers they’d agreed that she should be enrolled at the Xavier Institute. Inola sighed a little looking up at the massive school and then back over her shoulder at the phoenix statue. She’d never actually been to the institute but she’d been told about it. “So why the phoenix statue?”, she asked glancing to her mother. “The phoenix symbolizes rebirth. And after the destruction of the original institute that killed many it seemed like a fitting tribute to them as the school was rebuilt.”, Dani answered. “Now come on, let’s go inside. Duncan is waiting for us.”, Dani suggested turning her daughter back to face the stairs. Inola nodded, despite her father being Caucasian it was hard to tell looking at her as she’d taken after her mother’s Native American side in appearance. She sighed as they headed up the stairs.
She’d only really known a few people from the institute. And that was the Fearbirghs because her mother kept in touch with the headmaster Duncan. So as the large doors opened she wasn’t exactly surprised to be hugged by Ororo. “INOLA!”, Ororo exclaimed having been waiting with her dad in the lobby. “Hi Ororo.”, Inola smiled hugging back a little. “Ooo is that actually red fox on your vest?”, Inola asked pulling back to look at Ororo’s outfit. “No. But it sort of feels like it could be. The designer is trying to give the fur and leather appeal without having to use real animals.”, Ororo explained. Inola nodded. “Nice. Guess bonus of being a model.”, she teased. “Oh you know it. Come on let me show you around while daddy and your mom talk.”, Ororo smiled hooking her arm with Inola’s. “Alright. That okay mom?”, Inola asked looking to her mom. “Yeah that’s fine. I’m sure Duncan has papers I need to fill out.”, Dani nodded. “Go ahead girls. Remember Beta team is in the danger room training so you can’t take her into the danger room. Have fun girls.”, Duncan nodded to them. “Ooo Beta is training come on.”, Ororo said pulling Inola to the elevator. Inola chuckled.
“Remind me who’s on Beta?”, she asked as they got into the elevator. “Carter Delaney, Aurora Rodriguiez, Nikki Howlett, Jimmy Howlett, Reine Howlett, and Evan Kearney. Really should just call it team Howlett. The only Howlett not on that team is Junior and he’s on our team.”, Ororo explained. “Our team?”, Inola asked with an arched brow. “Yeah Everyone gets put on a team. And I know you are going to be on Alpha with me, Junior, Nathan, Taylor, Marco, and Stephan. Finally I won’t be the only girl on the team.”, she said smiling there was a tiny emphasis when she said Stephan’s name. Inola laughed. “Right Stephan...your crush..”, Inola teased. “Shh…”, Ororo scolded playfully as they stepped out of the elevator. “I’m just looking forward to actually meeting this Stephan. You talk about him enough when I’ve seen you.”, Inola shrugged as they walked down the hall. “Okay so first over here is Forge’s lab.”, Ororo said playing tour guide on the way and leaning into Forge’s lab. “HEY FORGE!”, Ororo called to be heard over the music playing in the lab. The music stopped and Forge spun on his stool and smiled. “Afternoon Ororo. And wow you have to be Inola.”, he greeted. Inola raised an eyebrow, she’d been told about the eccentric technopath Forge by her mother.
He actually supplied her mother’s FBI department with their tech. “We have never met I don’t think..”, Inola commented. “No we haven’t. But you look exactly like Dani did when she came to the institute all those years ago.”, he smiled. “You need something tech you come see me. Guess I should count myself lucky to be part of the grand tour.”, he chuckled. “Oh would never forget about you Forge. Well I’m taking her to the danger room, want to show her it in action since Beta is training.”, Ororo explained. Forge nodded. “Carry on. Bye.”, he waved. “Bye.”, Inola said following along with Ororo. “So he’s the one that dated your sister?”, she asked. Ororo nodded. “Yes and I feel sorry for him too.”, Ororo giggled. “Come on let’s see how Beta is doing in training.”, she said opening the door up to the control room. Inola nodded heading up the stairs. The amount of tech was impressive. Aurelia glanced over her shoulder hearing the door open. “Ororo what are you doing in here?”, she asked. “Hi Professor Howlett. I’m showing Inola Pierce around, while her mom talks with dad. Inola is going to be enrolling. So figured show her the danger room. And what better way to see what the room can do without potentially getting hurt than observing a session. Which Professor Howlett this is Inola. Inola meet Professor Aurelia Howlett she’s our survival trainer.”, Ororo introduced. Aurelia sighed and nodded. At least Ororo’s reasoning made sense. She smiled at Inola. “Always nice to have a new student. Nice to meet you and welcome to the Institute.”, she greeted. “Howlett like...and um nice to meet you too and thank you.”, Inola said. Aurelia smiled and nodded. “Yes Howlett as in my husband is Logan.”, she answered turning her attention back to the session in progress.
Ororo and Inola walked closer to the large glass panel and watched from above at the beta team worked their way through the maze. Ororo smiled watching them go through the maze. Carter and Renie using their combined light manipulation to blind enemies while Nikki shook the ground under them while Evan lifted Jimmy up into the air and doing their version of the infamous ‘fastball special’ where Evan used his momentum from flying to launch Jimmy who drew his claws directly at their target. “Nice an aerial fastball special….”, Inola remarked. Ororo nodded. “Oh yeah. Junior can’t wait til he can give it a try on our team. The older boys say they won’t throw him like Evan just did Jimmy till he’s a little older.”, Ororo smiled still watching the action as the team dominated their session. Aurora came in removing her gloves and causing the enemy to start to melt at her acidic touch. “Nice…”, Inola commented as the simulation ended. “When does our team hit training?”, she asked eager to get into the danger room. “Alpha trains on Mondays. It’s Wednesday so Beta is in today. Friday will be Gamma.”, Aurelia answered. Inola nodded. “Alright I suppose I can wait till Monday.”, she shrugged. “Alright come on let’s continue the tour.”, Ororo suggested. “Bye Professor Howlett.”, both girls said looking to Aurelia. Aurelia nodded to them as they left. ororo continued the tour showing Inola around before the last place she took her was outside where some of the students were enjoying the nice day. Stephan, Hiro and Nathan were playing a game of frisbee, just in the air. Hiro and Stephan using their wings to stay aloft where Nathan was using his telekinesis to stay up.
Inola blinked looking up at the aerial game. Ororo just smiled and waved. “HI GUYS! Comes down and meet the new student!”, Ororo called to them. Hiro looked down and waved throwing the frisbee to Nathan before swooping down and landing. “Hey ya Ororo.”, he smiled. “And hello new girl.”, He added with a wink. “Please excuse Hiro, apparently hormones hit him early.”, Nathan said floating down and hitting Hiro with the frisbee. He was careful about how much power he was using he. He’d been terrified to use his powers for a month after the accident. And now he was just starting to get back into using them on low levels. Stephan landed next to Nathan and gave a nod. “Guten Tag”, Stephan greeted. Inola raised an eyebrow looking at Stephan. Ororo had told her a lot about him, and apparently she’d not skipped the details. “Your dad having you practice your German?”, Ororo asked. Stephan nodded. “Yes...I mean ja.”, he answered. Ororo smiled she liked the way the German language sounded when Stephan spoke it. “Well guys this is Inola. Inola meet Hiro, his twin brother Evan was the one with the white wings doing the fastball special with Jimmy, Nathan and Stephan.”, she introduced. Inola nodded. “Nice to meet you guys. I’ve heard a lot about you.”, she commented. “Ooo and what have you heard I hope good...or perhaps bad things.”, Hiro smiled getting an elbow from Nathan.
“Hiro Marcus… you have no clue who this girl is do you.”, Nathan sighed. “Um no. Should I? Do you?”, he asked. “Inola Pierce, her mother is Danielle Moonstar aka Mirage. Her mom is an alumni.”, Nathan sighed shaking his head. “You seriously need to start reading.”, he groaned. “Why if you’ll just tell me?”, Hiro teased. “And you know my mom how?”, Inola asked. “Partially because my mom is Jean Shadow formerly Grey. And I picked up the slight habit of my ‘cousin’ Landon and like to read up about the mutants who came before us. Your mom was mentioned in a few of the mission archives.”, Nathan explained. “Ah okay. And to answer your question Hiro I’ve only been told mostly good things from Ororo. I do recall being told that for being my age you are just way to hormonal for your own good.”, Inola smiled. Ororo giggled as Hiro shot her a look. “It’s fact. I love you Hiro, but seriously you talk more about which guy or girl you think is good looking than anyone I know. And I’m in a business that is completely superficial in its judgement.”, Ororo teased. “Well okay that’s true.”, Hiro smiled. “Glad that being in that line of business hasn’t influenced you though.”, Stephan commented. Inola glanced over to Stephan and smiled. “Noooope it hasn’t.”, Inola smiled getting nudged by Ororo.
“Inola will be joining team Alpha. Where are Taylor and Marco? Or Junior for that matter? Wanted to introduce her to the team.”, Ororo asked. “Taylor and Marco are at the club. And Junior is with his grandfather.”, Nathan answered. “Club? The Draven?”, Inola asked. Nathan nodded slicking back his brown hair with his new white bangs. “That’s the one. Ororo told you about it?”, Nathan asked. “Yeah for what she could. Apparently she can’t get in till next year when she turns thirteen.”, Inola nodded. “I have to wait two years to turn thirteen.”, she added. “Me and Evan too. Welcome to my world.”, Hiro chuckled. “Well don’t worry I won’t be going off to the club without you guys next year. Not like I’d have a person to go with me.”, Ororo shrugged. “Didn’t your parents meet in a club?”, Inola asked. “Maybe if you go you can find your one.”, Hiro added. Stephan rolled his eyes just a little. “Yes my parents met a club, Cub 21. Mom pulled dad to the dancefloor by his tie wanting to dance with him.”, Ororo smiled. “Oh I’m sure we can find a guy you can pull by his tie.”, Nathan smirked. ‘Or by your tail’, Nathan teased telepathically to Stephan. “Shut it’, Stephan replied telepathically. “Well given Ororo, like her mother, has made a name for herself in the modeling world I’m sure when she starts going to the Draven a number of boys will want to dance with her. So she won’t have to pull someone by their tie.”, Stephan commented.
“Ah but the ones that are over eager aren’t always the one a girl wants. There are some of us that like the shyer type.”, Inola smiled as she was elbowed by Ororo. “Okay well I should get Inola back to the office I’m sure dad and her mom are done talking. We’ll all see lots of each other going forward.”, Ororo suggested. “If you are like your mom, Inola, and want something to do since you obviously can’t go hang at the Draven. Faelan’s Wildlife Animal Sanctuary. Talk to Merrick Bryant-Frost. Tell him his nephew sent you.”, Nathan suggested. “Um thanks. I might do that.”, Inola nodded as she followed Ororo back inside. “Stephan is adorable, those wings are something else. Then again the wings on your friends Hiro and Evan are rather singular too.”, she commented as they walked. Ororo laughed shaking her head. “Of course you notice wings above anything else.”, she smiled. Inola shrugged. “What. Think I might talk them into letting me take any of the feathers they lose to make a headdress?”, she asked. Ororo shrugged. “Maybe. No harm in asking them I guess. So you think you want to volunteer at the sanctuary?”, she asked. “Maybe, what is it?”, she asked. “What the name suggests. It’s an animal sanctuary. Nathan’s uncle Merrick, who’s an animal shifter, opened it and named it for his son Faelan who’s also an animal shifter. I think at the moment they have some wolves, mountain lions, canadian lynx, moose, deer, and owls.”, Ororo explained. Inola nodded. “Sounds like my kind of place. I will have to check it out after all.”, she smiled as they went into the office so she could say goodbye to her mom and start to settle in.
When the weekend came Inola was driven up to the sanctuary by Forge. He’d agree to take her since he had business with Merrick in regards to security systems and a few tech items that Merrick wanted to get. Merrick heard Forge’s jeep as it pulled in and headed outside leaving his two employees inside. “Hey Forge. How’s it going old man?”, Merrick greeted teasing Forge. It was an odd relationship between them. Both had been with Karli. Forge of course the one who had dated her and even thought about marrying her at one time, and then Merrick was the one she turned to after the break up just looking for a good time not a boyfriend. And both weren’t with her any more. Merrick having his son and now dating Rose and Forge well he had his tech and that’s about all he ever seemed to need. Forge chuckled getting out of the jeep. “Hi Merrick. I’m doing fine. How are you little boy?”, Forge teased back. Inola climbed out of the passenger seat a bit confused and curious about the interaction between Forge and Merrick. Merrick was certainly no little. From where she stood and best she could guess he was over six feet, even being taller than Forge. As she looked at Merrick she was trying to figure an resemblance to Nathan who said Merrick was his uncle. But then there they were, the unique green-yellow eyes.
Merrick raised an eyebrow feeling eyes on him and the new scent. He turned his attention to Inola. “You have a small fry with you?”, Merrick questioned. “And she’s staring at me. Got a problem with the way I look kid?”, Merrick asked. Forge chuckled. “Merrick this is Inola Pierce, she’s a new student at the institute. Her mom’s an alumni from way back. She asked to come along.”, Forge explained. Inola shook her head. “No. No problem with the way you look Mister Bryant-Forst. To be honest you are much better looking than your nephew who told me I should come by. I was trying to find any family resemblance. Since well around the institute people throw aunt and uncle around for adults they’ve known their whole lives I’ve learned.”, she explained. Merrick laughed a little and nodded. “The name is Merrick kid. I hope I’m not old enough to be called Mister Bryant-Frost yet. And since you are saying nephew you mean Nathan. He’d be the only one who’d call me that because I am his biological uncle on his dad’s side. I trust you found the resemblance.”, Merrick commented with a smirk. Inola nodded. “Yes you have a very unique eye pigment.”, she explained. “Thanks. I’ve yet to hear a complaint about them.”, he commented. Forge rolled his eyes. “Please excuse Merrick what he really means is he’s never heard any complaints about any of his physical appearance from a girl.”, Forge said.
Merrick shrugged. “Karli didn’t seem to mind the way I look.”, Merrick teased. “Come on old man, I’ve had some stupid kids trying to climb my fences to taunt my wolves. Which when I track their scents I’ll be carrying them by their scruffs to the Delaney brothers or Holly Boland. Till then I need security cameras to catch them before my wolves chomp them for a midnight snack.”, Merrick said leading the way into the main building. Inola covered her mouth to not laugh as she followed them. “You know jabs about Karli don’t phase me.”, Forge commented carrying a large case with tech he’d brought for installation. “Yeah I know. It’s been nearly a decade since you two split up. I’d hope that by this point it wasn’t an issue. Otherwise I’d have gotten a metal fist in my face long time ago. So you get to work. And now kid why did my nephew think you should come up here?”, he asked turning his attention to Inola. “Because I’m like my mother in regards to my…”, she glanced seeing two strangers and went silent. “Like your mother? Come on we can talk in my office. Dorian and Stacey help Forge with anything he asks otherwise stay out of his way while he works. I’ll be in my office.”, Merrick instructed figuring it Dorian and Stacey were what kept the kid quiet.
Once the door was closed Inola started to look around his office. The furniture all looked handmade and very well at that. She could appreciate that it was a very natural in the office. She looked looked at the pictures he had hung up and on his desk. There was mostly pictures of a baby, which she assumed was this Faelan that Ororo mentioned. Merrick noticed her looking at the pictures. “He’s a cute pup isn’t he?”, he smiled. “Proud poppa…”, she chuckled. “Of course. The others are pictures with my family and friends.”, he explained looking at the pictures. In a multiple picture frame he had a pictures of him with Lily, with Josalyn, with Sebastian, even with Demitri which were all recent, and in the center a picture from when all five Bryant-Frost children were little and lived at the Academy. Inola looked at the collage frame and tried to figure it out. two identical red heads, obviously twins, a older red head male, and a dirty blonde mal. Yet the center picture was five children, the two red haired girls, the dirty blonde boy, one she assumed to be be Merrick and a blonde girl but no signs of the older red head boy. “Who’s the blonde girl in this picture?”, she asked. “That was Emma, my little sister.”, he explained. Inol was confused by the tense he used. “Um I’m sorry...when did she pass?”, she asked. “She’s not dead, just to me for being a psycho cunt determined to ruin my life.”, he explained. Inola nodded. “Gotchya. So why isn’t he in the center picture?”, she asked pointing to Demitri. “That’s Demitri, Nathan’s dad. And he’s not in the center picture because he’s a Shadow not a Bryant-Frost. We share a biological father but me and my triplet sisters Lily and Josalyn..”, he said pointing out the red haired girls. “We were raised by our mom and what people call our step dad. Basically the whole situation is complicated.”, he explained walking over to his desk and sitting on the edge.
Inola shrugged. “Seems fair.”, she said still looking around at the pictures hung up. There were pictures of him with Malcolm, a number with Zoe, with his parents, with Hazel, and of course a lot with Rose. One in particular was just of Rose with Faelan that sat on his desk. Inola tilted her head looking at the picture on his desk, the girl looked a lot like her survival instructor Professor Howlett. “She looks familiar..”, she commented. Merrick arched an eyebrow and looked at the picture and smiled. “You meet your survival trainer?”, he asked. Inola nodded. “That would be why then. That’s her daughter, Rose Howlett.”, he explained. “So she’s the mom to your son?”, she asked. “Something like that, just not genetically. So what was the reason Nathan thought you should come here?”, he asked changing the subject. “Right. The reason I’m here. He figures that since my powers are like my mom I would be a good fit.”, she explained. “And those powers would be? My cousin Landon’s the one that memorizes who has what powers.”, Merrick asked. “Well my powers are illusion creation and control, I can also create psionic arrows, bullets and bolts. But probably the biggest reason Nathan figured I’d fit here is that I have an empathic/telepathic link with all kinds of animals.”, she explained. Merrick nodded. “Alright the last part would be useful. Because I’m an animal shapeshifter I have a link like that to the animals. Which makes working with them a snap for me. But Dorian and Stacey out there, as nice as they are don’t have that kind of connection. I hired them because they came recommended by a colleague and they are studying animal management at college. How old are you kid?”, he questioned. “Eleven, but I’ll be twelve in March.”, she answered.
Merrick moved and took out a form from his desk and handed it to her. “Yes well get your headmaster to fill this out then. Because you don’t have a workers permit as you’re under fourteen, and given the ‘hazards’ of even volunteering here I need this for legal reasons.”, he explained. Inola nodded. “Got it boss.”, she smiled taking the paper. Forge knocked and leaned into the office. “Hey you're all set up boy.”, Forge smirked. “Oh fast for an old man. Was that the problem?”, Merrick teased. “You are really looking to get an adamantium fist sandwich. You mess with Logan like this?”, he asked with a laugh. “Fu…”, he paused looking at Inola. “Heck no. Pretty certain being Pretender’s son, sleeping with and now dating his baby girl are enough reasons for him to slice and dice me. I’m not looking to give him more reasons.”, Merrick smiled. “Aww he won’t curse in front of a minor.”, Inola chuckled. “he’s got a long list of rules.”, Forge shrugged. “Don’t mock the rules. They are probably why I haven’t gotten myself killed or in more trouble than I could have.”, Merrick countered. “Well as I said you are all set.”, Forge said tossing a tablet to Merrick. Merrick easily caught it and looked it over. “That is your direct link to the security system so you can check on the Sanctuary from anywhere in the world anytime of day.”, Forge explained. Merrick nodded. “Nice. Thanks Forge. And here is the papers you wanted.”, Merrick said handing over some forms. “Thanks now I can write off the costs as a donation, woo tax write offs.”, Forge smirked. “You all set to go háahketa (little one)?”, Forge asked looking to Inola. Inola smiled a little, her mother was the only other person who ever spoke Cheyenne to her. It was nice to hear the familiar language. “Yeah. Boss man gave me my volunteer papers that I apparently need Professor Fearbirgh to sign off on. See you once I get this signed boss.”, she said holding up the paper. “Alright see you then kid. Bye Forge.”, Merrick nodded. Forge took Inola back to the institute who went straight to find Duncan to have the paper filled out.

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As June was coming to an end Zoe was set to perform a play, not a musical or an opera just a regular play. She’d been uncertain about taking on the role, she was still in a way mourning Hazel and going to the theater just reminded her of the old woman who’d shown such interest in her performing. But when she found out the production was Pride and Prejudice, Hazel’s favorite Jane Austen novel she went for it. And she actually landed the lead. Alec had been helping her run lines after closing the restaurant, he knew she wanted this performance to be her best for Hazel. distracted as Merrick might have been with Rose being in town he didn’t overlook the upcoming play. He bought three tickets to the show, not telling Zoe. Zoe had kind of figured that with Rose in town she’d probably see less of Merrick, Merrick however didn’t think that was necessary. Granted hanging out one on one like normal didn’t exactly happen but he invited Zoe to any group thing going on. She just was busy with getting ready for the play. The night he came back from work with the tickets Rose hadn’t noticed them till after they put Faelan to sleep and they went to his room. “Pride and Prejudice?”, Rose asked picking up the three tickets Merrick had left on his nightstand. She was a little confused knowing he wasn’t exactly a fan of plays and this was easily going to be over 2 hours. She also wasn’t sure why he had three tickets.
Merrick leaned out of his bathroom holding his toothbrush in his hand. “Yeah? What about it? Oh you found the tickets. Completely forgot to ask if you wanted to go to it, just picked up the tickets.”, he explained. “You want to go see Pride and Prejudice? Didn’t take you as a Jane Austen fan.”, Rose asked. “I’m not. I’m a Zoe fan. Zoe is playing Elizabeth. It was Nana Hazel’s favorite Jane Austen novel. So yeah I’ll be there opening night to support her. Nana went to every opening for Zoe.”, he explained. Rose nodded smiling a little, he was truly a good friend to Zoe. “Alright. So why did you buy three tickets? We taking Faelan?”, she asked. “Oh god no. I’m not taking our son, he’d never sit still that long. The third ticket is Nana Hazel’s. It was her favorite seat at the theater. And...she might not be here anymore...I just...that seat needs to be open for her. And if I can manage it, it will be reserved every opening night for any performance Zoe is part of. Nana loved watching Zoe perform...to see her act... and like me to hear her sing.”, Merrick explained with a small sigh. “Merrick, you still surprise me.”, Rose smiled setting the tickets back down walking over to him and leaning on the wall by the bathroom door. “Huh?”, he asked putting his toothbrush back on the counter. “With how incredibly sweet and thoughtful you can be.”, she smiled. “Don’t let that get out. I’ve got a reputation to protect.”, he winked. “And really beyond a select few people I am not exactly sweet or thoughtful.”, he smiled. “Let’s see...Nana Hazel, your mom, your dad, Sebastian, Faelan, me, Zoe...and sometimes Malcolm? That about the extent of the list?”, she teased. “Yeah that about sums it up. You just listed the eight most and possibly only important people to me. Anyone else can go fuck themselves. Which speaking of fucking…”, he smirked giving her a kiss. Rose laughed a little returning the kiss taking the not so subtle hint pulling him by the shirt in the direction of the bed.
Opening night Faelan was left with Kim and Christian to babysit while Rose and Merrick dressed up and went to the opera house to see the play. Zoe had managed to pin the bird brooch under her costume for luck and to have Nana Hazel there with her. She’d not really been sure who to expect in the audience other than her parents and Alec for opening night. As she went back to her vanity space after getting into costume she stopped and smiled seeing a bouquet of blue lotus sitting there. “Merrick..”, she sighed picking them up smelling them and taking out the card. “Knock them dead hellraiser.”, she read with a laugh reading the words in his bad handwriting. At least he remembered tonight was opening night and sent flowers. She figured he was probably busy with Rose since it was nearing the end of June and therefore the end of her visit. “Did you tell Zoe we were coming?”, Rose whispered as they took their seats, leaving the open seat for Hazel’s honor with the tag ‘reserved’ on it. “No. I prefer surprising her. I had blue lotus flowers sent though.”, Merrick whispered back. Taking seats on the other side of Rose was Alex, Isadora and Damon. Alec leaned seeing Merrick. “Hello there Merrick. Didn’t really expect to see you. I know you have much going on...and you must be Rose.”, Alec smiled turning his attention to Rose with a smile. “Um...yes I’m Rose. Do I know you?”, she asked.
Merrick smiled a little giving a nod to Alec and past him to Isadora and Damon. “Rose this is Alec D’Amore, he owns Two Brothers and is basically Zoe’s uncle. Next to him is Zoe’s mother Isadora Petridis and you probably recall Damon Petridis. Alec, Isadora this is my girlfriend Rose Howlett. I don’t figure an introduction is necessary for you Damon.”, Merrick. Rose smiled shaking Alec’s hand then Isadora’s as she leaned around Alec. “Very nice to meet you. You’re the one that did the painting in our son’s nursery. I absolutely love it. And given that I have stood in that exact clearing in the forest that sadly a portion did come down to build the sanctuary, I love going into the nursery and feeling like I’m there again.”, Rose smiled. Damon gave a small nod, he had no hate nor any love for the Howletts personally and as he was no longer associated with the Academy he didn’t need to have one for business reasons either. “I’m glad you like it. Zoe will be so happy you made it tonight Merrick. So who’s the empty seat for?”, Isadora asked. “Nana Hazel. I know she wouldn’t want to miss one of Zoe’s performances even if she’s dead. And I couldn’t let someone else sit in that seat.”, Merrick explained. “Aw you are such a sweet boy, and a loving friend.”, Isadora smiled using her words carefully as this was his girlfriend he was sitting holding hands with.
The play began and as Zoe walked out onto the stage, she wasn’t as easily spotted wearing her wig unless you really knew the details of her face even under the makeup she had to wear for the stage. Merrick knew her the moment she got onto stage, not just because of scent but he had looked at her face...really looked at it so many times he had it memorized. Rose knew which was Zoe by scent. As Zoe looked into the audience she of course saw her parents, her father easy to see with his white hair, then next to them Alec and a bit to her surprise next to Alec she saw Rose then Merrick, which she internalized a smile seeing him there. She was a little confused as her eyes fell on the empty reserved seat, but she realized that seat had always been filled by Hazel. She held back tears knowing that the seat was empty because Merrick made sure it was reserved for Hazel. Throughout the performance Zoe could feel the brooch pressed against her between her slip and the costume, she’d pinned it near her heart and for her it felt like Hazel was there with her. She could feel her there watching her, and just knew that Hazel was proud of her. And performing one of Hazel’s favorite novels she wanted to do her proud. For the performance Merrick sat silent his eyes moving following the movements of the actors on stage, but as long as Zoe was on the stage his eyes stayed on her. In the scene where Mister Darcy proposed to Elizabeth he held Rose’s left hand absentmindedly rubbing her ring finger where no ring currently sat, but he knew one day he’d offer the moonstone ring to her.
After the performance and the theater started to empty Merrick went with Alec and Zoe’s parents to wait by the door they were all familiar with that lead to the backstage to wait to see Zoe. Rose followed along, this was her first time actually going to the Opera House in Bayville. She’d enjoyed the play, and was relatively surprised that Merrick had paid attention for the whole of the performance. But then she reminded herself that this was for Zoe, so of course he gave the due attention. She didn’t even consider being jealous of that, she has resolved to herself that there would always be a bond between them just as there will always be a bond between her and Landon. Merrick never showed even a hint of jealously when they were around Landon or when she had him go to the club to see Landon’s band. So she wouldn’t for him being around Zoe and wanting to be at her plays. Zoe had changed from her costume into her street clothes, the brooch proudly pinned to her blouse. She sighed a little and placed her hand over the brooch. “I hope I’ve done you proud…”, she whispered before heading for the door out carrying the bouquet of blue lotus flowers. She wasn’t surprised to find her family and Merrick waiting at the door. “Ciao everyone.”, she greeted. “Ciao nipote.”, Alec greeted giving her a bouquet of lavender roses. “Grazie zio”, she smiled taking the flowers giving Alec a small hug and a kiss on the cheek. “A lovely performance uccellino”, Damon smiled giving his daughter a kiss on the cheek. “Grazie papà.”, Zoe smiled. “I always love watching you on stage.”, her mother smiled. “Grazie mamma.”, Zoe smiled looking to her mother.
“I haven’t ever read the book, but I might have to now. You were great.”, Rose smiled. “Thank you Rose.”, she nodded before looking to Merrick. Merrick was looking at the brooch a small smile. “Thank you for my flowers Lupo Cattivo, they are beautiful.”, Zoe greeted. “You’re welcome hellraiser.”, Merrick smiled before taking his arm from Rose’s waist and hugging Zoe giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Nana would have loved it and been very proud tonight.”, Merrick spoke softly while hugging her. Zoe nodded a little hugging him back with both hands. She tried to not cry thinking about Hazel, but Merrick heard her sniffle a little as he pulled back a little from the hug keeping one arm around her. “She’s who the empty seat was for, right?”, Zoe asked. Merrick nodded and seeing a couple tears on her face lightly wiped them away. That electricity and connection was still there and he could feel it jolt through him but he knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t act on it. “That was her favorite seat. I couldn’t let someone else seat there on your opening night.”, he explained. Damon was the only one standing there who didn’t officially know that something beyond friendship had gone on between Zoe and Merrick, he had his suspicions but he didn’t dare ask to confirm it because really he didn’t want the answer. “God you are just too much sometimes..”, Zoe sighed shaking her head leaning into him. “I try. Guess shouldn’t mention that the plan is that seat is always reserved for Nana on any opening night you are part of.”, Merrick smiled.
“You are something else. How’d I end up with such a sweet best friend? Rose you realize you have hands down the best guy?”, she asked. “Luck? Or Fate? Take your pick on what brought you into my life.”, Merrick suggested. Rose smiled. “Yeah...I know. He is rather amazing.”, Rose smiled. “I’m just glad other people are starting to get to see that about him.”, she added. Zoe nodded. “Indeed. How anyone could say he’s an asshole I’ll never understand. I’ve only ever seen him as this sweet caring man who’d do anything for those he cares about.”, Zoe said. “And now I’m getting embarrassed...wait never mind that passed I don’t know how to be embarrassed. Come on what do you say to going to the club or bar with us?”, Merrick asked looking to Zoe. “You want me to go to the club with you and Rose?”, she asked. “Sure why not? Won’t a lot of your cast be going there to celebrate opening night?”, he asked. “Very true. Um I suppose as long as Rose doesn’t mind me third wheeling.”, Zoe said looking to Rose. “I don’t mind. I’ve made Merrick hang out with my friends while I’ve been home. Seems fair that we spend time with his friend too.”, Rose said. “Well you kids have fun. We should head back to the house”, Damon said taking Isadora’s hand in his giving it a gentle squeeze. “Gina is at the Draven for a few more hours after all.”, Damon added with a smile. Isadora chuckled a little smiling. “We’ll talk to you soon uccellino, have a good time with your friends.”, she said.
Merrick shook his head. “Um we will Damon, I’d say the same to you but something tells me having fun won’t be an issue for you tonight.”, Merrick commented getting a slight poke in the ribs from Zome. “Ciao papa and mamma. Uncle would you like to come?”, she asked looking to Alec. “Um...no. As ‘fun’ as the idea of dragging my old ass to a club filled with twenty-somethings sounds...I will pass in lieu of getting sleep to wake up at four to make pasta. Good night kids.”, Alec explained. “Aw but Uncle Alec, any idea how many of those twenty-somethings would hit on you?”, Zoe teased. Alec shook his head. “She’s got a point Alec. The design assistant for the company Jacob worked with on the Sanctuary build kept trying to hit on him and I’m not even sure she was old enough to drink.”, Merrick teased. Alec shook his head. “Yes well, no thank you. I will keep to my hermit old man life. Bye kids.”, Alec said leaving them. Merrick shook his head a little. “Oh well, his loss. Guess I get to show up alone with the best looking women.”, Merrick smiled. Rose rolled her eyes and took his hand in hers. “As long as girls at my mom’s club know and you remember who you are going home with.”, she commented. “Yes because I could forget that I’m going home with you little wolf.”, he said sarcastically. “And I’m sure that you’ll make it rather clear who I’m leaving with.”, he added as he walked out holding her hand and his other arm around Zoe. There wasn’t really an awkwardness to the evening, Merrick despite not being much for dancing did dance with Rose and a couple times with Zoe. And Zoe didn’t have to feel always like the third wheel because she could just go be with her cast members when she figured Merrick and Rose might prefer some privacy. And then Rose was gone, having to return to Cambridge.
The sanctuary was starting to pick up, a pack of wolves had become residents while Rose had been in town. And not long after she’d left a small pride of cougars and of canadian lynx were brought it. A Short-eared owl clutch of eggs were brought in along with the mother whose wing had been broken by an inconsiderate child who’d hit her with a rock. A whitetail deer doe who’d been shot in the leg by accident by an inexperienced hunter that didn’t know the difference between a male and a female, was brought in along with her two fawns and a young male who’d been hit by a car but was able to be saved. Then not long after them a moose was brought in who’d been wandering a suburban area. The sanctuary was getting busy enough that Merrick knew he was going to need help sooner than later. But finding someone he could trust was the issue. He’d picked up at least two students from Bayville Community College, a guy named Dorian Allen and a girl named Stacey Farber who were there for the animal management program. The only reason Merrick was willing to bring them in was that the director from the animal shelter had recommended them. But he knew he was going to need more help than just a couple people. Little did he knew that as August started another potential employee was arriving at the Xavier Institute.
Danielle Moonstar Pierce had arrived at the institute with her daughter Inola. Dani had attended the institute whens he was young and like many was an alumni of the school, but unlike many she’d not stayed in Bayville. She had returned to her tribe for a while and after that had actually joined the FBI where she met her husband Justin Pierce as they both work in the Metahuman Crimes Division. When their daughter Inola recenter started to show signs of having a similar ability to hers they’d agreed that she should be enrolled at the Xavier Institute. Inola sighed a little looking up at the massive school and then back over her shoulder at the phoenix statue. She’d never actually been to the institute but she’d been told about it. “So why the phoenix statue?”, she asked glancing to her mother. “The phoenix symbolizes rebirth. And after the destruction of the original institute that killed many it seemed like a fitting tribute to them as the school was rebuilt.”, Dani answered. “Now come on, let’s go inside. Duncan is waiting for us.”, Dani suggested turning her daughter back to face the stairs. Inola nodded, despite her father being Caucasian it was hard to tell looking at her as she’d taken after her mother’s Native American side in appearance. She sighed as they headed up the stairs.
She’d only really known a few people from the institute. And that was the Fearbirghs because her mother kept in touch with the headmaster Duncan. So as the large doors opened she wasn’t exactly surprised to be hugged by Ororo. “INOLA!”, Ororo exclaimed having been waiting with her dad in the lobby. “Hi Ororo.”, Inola smiled hugging back a little. “Ooo is that actually red fox on your vest?”, Inola asked pulling back to look at Ororo’s outfit. “No. But it sort of feels like it could be. The designer is trying to give the fur and leather appeal without having to use real animals.”, Ororo explained. Inola nodded. “Nice. Guess bonus of being a model.”, she teased. “Oh you know it. Come on let me show you around while daddy and your mom talk.”, Ororo smiled hooking her arm with Inola’s. “Alright. That okay mom?”, Inola asked looking to her mom. “Yeah that’s fine. I’m sure Duncan has papers I need to fill out.”, Dani nodded. “Go ahead girls. Remember Beta team is in the danger room training so you can’t take her into the danger room. Have fun girls.”, Duncan nodded to them. “Ooo Beta is training come on.”, Ororo said pulling Inola to the elevator. Inola chuckled.
“Remind me who’s on Beta?”, she asked as they got into the elevator. “Carter Delaney, Aurora Rodriguiez, Nikki Howlett, Jimmy Howlett, Reine Howlett, and Evan Kearney. Really should just call it team Howlett. The only Howlett not on that team is Junior and he’s on our team.”, Ororo explained. “Our team?”, Inola asked with an arched brow. “Yeah Everyone gets put on a team. And I know you are going to be on Alpha with me, Junior, Nathan, Taylor, Marco, and Stephan. Finally I won’t be the only girl on the team.”, she said smiling there was a tiny emphasis when she said Stephan’s name. Inola laughed. “Right Stephan...your crush..”, Inola teased. “Shh…”, Ororo scolded playfully as they stepped out of the elevator. “I’m just looking forward to actually meeting this Stephan. You talk about him enough when I’ve seen you.”, Inola shrugged as they walked down the hall. “Okay so first over here is Forge’s lab.”, Ororo said playing tour guide on the way and leaning into Forge’s lab. “HEY FORGE!”, Ororo called to be heard over the music playing in the lab. The music stopped and Forge spun on his stool and smiled. “Afternoon Ororo. And wow you have to be Inola.”, he greeted. Inola raised an eyebrow, she’d been told about the eccentric technopath Forge by her mother.
He actually supplied her mother’s FBI department with their tech. “We have never met I don’t think..”, Inola commented. “No we haven’t. But you look exactly like Dani did when she came to the institute all those years ago.”, he smiled. “You need something tech you come see me. Guess I should count myself lucky to be part of the grand tour.”, he chuckled. “Oh would never forget about you Forge. Well I’m taking her to the danger room, want to show her it in action since Beta is training.”, Ororo explained. Forge nodded. “Carry on. Bye.”, he waved. “Bye.”, Inola said following along with Ororo. “So he’s the one that dated your sister?”, she asked. Ororo nodded. “Yes and I feel sorry for him too.”, Ororo giggled. “Come on let’s see how Beta is doing in training.”, she said opening the door up to the control room. Inola nodded heading up the stairs. The amount of tech was impressive. Aurelia glanced over her shoulder hearing the door open. “Ororo what are you doing in here?”, she asked. “Hi Professor Howlett. I’m showing Inola Pierce around, while her mom talks with dad. Inola is going to be enrolling. So figured show her the danger room. And what better way to see what the room can do without potentially getting hurt than observing a session. Which Professor Howlett this is Inola. Inola meet Professor Aurelia Howlett she’s our survival trainer.”, Ororo introduced. Aurelia sighed and nodded. At least Ororo’s reasoning made sense. She smiled at Inola. “Always nice to have a new student. Nice to meet you and welcome to the Institute.”, she greeted. “Howlett like...and um nice to meet you too and thank you.”, Inola said. Aurelia smiled and nodded. “Yes Howlett as in my husband is Logan.”, she answered turning her attention back to the session in progress.
Ororo and Inola walked closer to the large glass panel and watched from above at the beta team worked their way through the maze. Ororo smiled watching them go through the maze. Carter and Renie using their combined light manipulation to blind enemies while Nikki shook the ground under them while Evan lifted Jimmy up into the air and doing their version of the infamous ‘fastball special’ where Evan used his momentum from flying to launch Jimmy who drew his claws directly at their target. “Nice an aerial fastball special….”, Inola remarked. Ororo nodded. “Oh yeah. Junior can’t wait til he can give it a try on our team. The older boys say they won’t throw him like Evan just did Jimmy till he’s a little older.”, Ororo smiled still watching the action as the team dominated their session. Aurora came in removing her gloves and causing the enemy to start to melt at her acidic touch. “Nice…”, Inola commented as the simulation ended. “When does our team hit training?”, she asked eager to get into the danger room. “Alpha trains on Mondays. It’s Wednesday so Beta is in today. Friday will be Gamma.”, Aurelia answered. Inola nodded. “Alright I suppose I can wait till Monday.”, she shrugged. “Alright come on let’s continue the tour.”, Ororo suggested. “Bye Professor Howlett.”, both girls said looking to Aurelia. Aurelia nodded to them as they left. ororo continued the tour showing Inola around before the last place she took her was outside where some of the students were enjoying the nice day. Stephan, Hiro and Nathan were playing a game of frisbee, just in the air. Hiro and Stephan using their wings to stay aloft where Nathan was using his telekinesis to stay up.
Inola blinked looking up at the aerial game. Ororo just smiled and waved. “HI GUYS! Comes down and meet the new student!”, Ororo called to them. Hiro looked down and waved throwing the frisbee to Nathan before swooping down and landing. “Hey ya Ororo.”, he smiled. “And hello new girl.”, He added with a wink. “Please excuse Hiro, apparently hormones hit him early.”, Nathan said floating down and hitting Hiro with the frisbee. He was careful about how much power he was using he. He’d been terrified to use his powers for a month after the accident. And now he was just starting to get back into using them on low levels. Stephan landed next to Nathan and gave a nod. “Guten Tag”, Stephan greeted. Inola raised an eyebrow looking at Stephan. Ororo had told her a lot about him, and apparently she’d not skipped the details. “Your dad having you practice your German?”, Ororo asked. Stephan nodded. “Yes...I mean ja.”, he answered. Ororo smiled she liked the way the German language sounded when Stephan spoke it. “Well guys this is Inola. Inola meet Hiro, his twin brother Evan was the one with the white wings doing the fastball special with Jimmy, Nathan and Stephan.”, she introduced. Inola nodded. “Nice to meet you guys. I’ve heard a lot about you.”, she commented. “Ooo and what have you heard I hope good...or perhaps bad things.”, Hiro smiled getting an elbow from Nathan.
“Hiro Marcus… you have no clue who this girl is do you.”, Nathan sighed. “Um no. Should I? Do you?”, he asked. “Inola Pierce, her mother is Danielle Moonstar aka Mirage. Her mom is an alumni.”, Nathan sighed shaking his head. “You seriously need to start reading.”, he groaned. “Why if you’ll just tell me?”, Hiro teased. “And you know my mom how?”, Inola asked. “Partially because my mom is Jean Shadow formerly Grey. And I picked up the slight habit of my ‘cousin’ Landon and like to read up about the mutants who came before us. Your mom was mentioned in a few of the mission archives.”, Nathan explained. “Ah okay. And to answer your question Hiro I’ve only been told mostly good things from Ororo. I do recall being told that for being my age you are just way to hormonal for your own good.”, Inola smiled. Ororo giggled as Hiro shot her a look. “It’s fact. I love you Hiro, but seriously you talk more about which guy or girl you think is good looking than anyone I know. And I’m in a business that is completely superficial in its judgement.”, Ororo teased. “Well okay that’s true.”, Hiro smiled. “Glad that being in that line of business hasn’t influenced you though.”, Stephan commented. Inola glanced over to Stephan and smiled. “Noooope it hasn’t.”, Inola smiled getting nudged by Ororo.
“Inola will be joining team Alpha. Where are Taylor and Marco? Or Junior for that matter? Wanted to introduce her to the team.”, Ororo asked. “Taylor and Marco are at the club. And Junior is with his grandfather.”, Nathan answered. “Club? The Draven?”, Inola asked. Nathan nodded slicking back his brown hair with his new white bangs. “That’s the one. Ororo told you about it?”, Nathan asked. “Yeah for what she could. Apparently she can’t get in till next year when she turns thirteen.”, Inola nodded. “I have to wait two years to turn thirteen.”, she added. “Me and Evan too. Welcome to my world.”, Hiro chuckled. “Well don’t worry I won’t be going off to the club without you guys next year. Not like I’d have a person to go with me.”, Ororo shrugged. “Didn’t your parents meet in a club?”, Inola asked. “Maybe if you go you can find your one.”, Hiro added. Stephan rolled his eyes just a little. “Yes my parents met a club, Cub 21. Mom pulled dad to the dancefloor by his tie wanting to dance with him.”, Ororo smiled. “Oh I’m sure we can find a guy you can pull by his tie.”, Nathan smirked. ‘Or by your tail’, Nathan teased telepathically to Stephan. “Shut it’, Stephan replied telepathically. “Well given Ororo, like her mother, has made a name for herself in the modeling world I’m sure when she starts going to the Draven a number of boys will want to dance with her. So she won’t have to pull someone by their tie.”, Stephan commented.
“Ah but the ones that are over eager aren’t always the one a girl wants. There are some of us that like the shyer type.”, Inola smiled as she was elbowed by Ororo. “Okay well I should get Inola back to the office I’m sure dad and her mom are done talking. We’ll all see lots of each other going forward.”, Ororo suggested. “If you are like your mom, Inola, and want something to do since you obviously can’t go hang at the Draven. Faelan’s Wildlife Animal Sanctuary. Talk to Merrick Bryant-Frost. Tell him his nephew sent you.”, Nathan suggested. “Um thanks. I might do that.”, Inola nodded as she followed Ororo back inside. “Stephan is adorable, those wings are something else. Then again the wings on your friends Hiro and Evan are rather singular too.”, she commented as they walked. Ororo laughed shaking her head. “Of course you notice wings above anything else.”, she smiled. Inola shrugged. “What. Think I might talk them into letting me take any of the feathers they lose to make a headdress?”, she asked. Ororo shrugged. “Maybe. No harm in asking them I guess. So you think you want to volunteer at the sanctuary?”, she asked. “Maybe, what is it?”, she asked. “What the name suggests. It’s an animal sanctuary. Nathan’s uncle Merrick, who’s an animal shifter, opened it and named it for his son Faelan who’s also an animal shifter. I think at the moment they have some wolves, mountain lions, canadian lynx, moose, deer, and owls.”, Ororo explained. Inola nodded. “Sounds like my kind of place. I will have to check it out after all.”, she smiled as they went into the office so she could say goodbye to her mom and start to settle in.
When the weekend came Inola was driven up to the sanctuary by Forge. He’d agree to take her since he had business with Merrick in regards to security systems and a few tech items that Merrick wanted to get. Merrick heard Forge’s jeep as it pulled in and headed outside leaving his two employees inside. “Hey Forge. How’s it going old man?”, Merrick greeted teasing Forge. It was an odd relationship between them. Both had been with Karli. Forge of course the one who had dated her and even thought about marrying her at one time, and then Merrick was the one she turned to after the break up just looking for a good time not a boyfriend. And both weren’t with her any more. Merrick having his son and now dating Rose and Forge well he had his tech and that’s about all he ever seemed to need. Forge chuckled getting out of the jeep. “Hi Merrick. I’m doing fine. How are you little boy?”, Forge teased back. Inola climbed out of the passenger seat a bit confused and curious about the interaction between Forge and Merrick. Merrick was certainly no little. From where she stood and best she could guess he was over six feet, even being taller than Forge. As she looked at Merrick she was trying to figure an resemblance to Nathan who said Merrick was his uncle. But then there they were, the unique green-yellow eyes.
Merrick raised an eyebrow feeling eyes on him and the new scent. He turned his attention to Inola. “You have a small fry with you?”, Merrick questioned. “And she’s staring at me. Got a problem with the way I look kid?”, Merrick asked. Forge chuckled. “Merrick this is Inola Pierce, she’s a new student at the institute. Her mom’s an alumni from way back. She asked to come along.”, Forge explained. Inola shook her head. “No. No problem with the way you look Mister Bryant-Forst. To be honest you are much better looking than your nephew who told me I should come by. I was trying to find any family resemblance. Since well around the institute people throw aunt and uncle around for adults they’ve known their whole lives I’ve learned.”, she explained. Merrick laughed a little and nodded. “The name is Merrick kid. I hope I’m not old enough to be called Mister Bryant-Frost yet. And since you are saying nephew you mean Nathan. He’d be the only one who’d call me that because I am his biological uncle on his dad’s side. I trust you found the resemblance.”, Merrick commented with a smirk. Inola nodded. “Yes you have a very unique eye pigment.”, she explained. “Thanks. I’ve yet to hear a complaint about them.”, he commented. Forge rolled his eyes. “Please excuse Merrick what he really means is he’s never heard any complaints about any of his physical appearance from a girl.”, Forge said.
Merrick shrugged. “Karli didn’t seem to mind the way I look.”, Merrick teased. “Come on old man, I’ve had some stupid kids trying to climb my fences to taunt my wolves. Which when I track their scents I’ll be carrying them by their scruffs to the Delaney brothers or Holly Boland. Till then I need security cameras to catch them before my wolves chomp them for a midnight snack.”, Merrick said leading the way into the main building. Inola covered her mouth to not laugh as she followed them. “You know jabs about Karli don’t phase me.”, Forge commented carrying a large case with tech he’d brought for installation. “Yeah I know. It’s been nearly a decade since you two split up. I’d hope that by this point it wasn’t an issue. Otherwise I’d have gotten a metal fist in my face long time ago. So you get to work. And now kid why did my nephew think you should come up here?”, he asked turning his attention to Inola. “Because I’m like my mother in regards to my…”, she glanced seeing two strangers and went silent. “Like your mother? Come on we can talk in my office. Dorian and Stacey help Forge with anything he asks otherwise stay out of his way while he works. I’ll be in my office.”, Merrick instructed figuring it Dorian and Stacey were what kept the kid quiet.
Once the door was closed Inola started to look around his office. The furniture all looked handmade and very well at that. She could appreciate that it was a very natural in the office. She looked looked at the pictures he had hung up and on his desk. There was mostly pictures of a baby, which she assumed was this Faelan that Ororo mentioned. Merrick noticed her looking at the pictures. “He’s a cute pup isn’t he?”, he smiled. “Proud poppa…”, she chuckled. “Of course. The others are pictures with my family and friends.”, he explained looking at the pictures. In a multiple picture frame he had a pictures of him with Lily, with Josalyn, with Sebastian, even with Demitri which were all recent, and in the center a picture from when all five Bryant-Frost children were little and lived at the Academy. Inola looked at the collage frame and tried to figure it out. two identical red heads, obviously twins, a older red head male, and a dirty blonde mal. Yet the center picture was five children, the two red haired girls, the dirty blonde boy, one she assumed to be be Merrick and a blonde girl but no signs of the older red head boy. “Who’s the blonde girl in this picture?”, she asked. “That was Emma, my little sister.”, he explained. Inol was confused by the tense he used. “Um I’m sorry...when did she pass?”, she asked. “She’s not dead, just to me for being a psycho cunt determined to ruin my life.”, he explained. Inola nodded. “Gotchya. So why isn’t he in the center picture?”, she asked pointing to Demitri. “That’s Demitri, Nathan’s dad. And he’s not in the center picture because he’s a Shadow not a Bryant-Frost. We share a biological father but me and my triplet sisters Lily and Josalyn..”, he said pointing out the red haired girls. “We were raised by our mom and what people call our step dad. Basically the whole situation is complicated.”, he explained walking over to his desk and sitting on the edge.
Inola shrugged. “Seems fair.”, she said still looking around at the pictures hung up. There were pictures of him with Malcolm, a number with Zoe, with his parents, with Hazel, and of course a lot with Rose. One in particular was just of Rose with Faelan that sat on his desk. Inola tilted her head looking at the picture on his desk, the girl looked a lot like her survival instructor Professor Howlett. “She looks familiar..”, she commented. Merrick arched an eyebrow and looked at the picture and smiled. “You meet your survival trainer?”, he asked. Inola nodded. “That would be why then. That’s her daughter, Rose Howlett.”, he explained. “So she’s the mom to your son?”, she asked. “Something like that, just not genetically. So what was the reason Nathan thought you should come here?”, he asked changing the subject. “Right. The reason I’m here. He figures that since my powers are like my mom I would be a good fit.”, she explained. “And those powers would be? My cousin Landon’s the one that memorizes who has what powers.”, Merrick asked. “Well my powers are illusion creation and control, I can also create psionic arrows, bullets and bolts. But probably the biggest reason Nathan figured I’d fit here is that I have an empathic/telepathic link with all kinds of animals.”, she explained. Merrick nodded. “Alright the last part would be useful. Because I’m an animal shapeshifter I have a link like that to the animals. Which makes working with them a snap for me. But Dorian and Stacey out there, as nice as they are don’t have that kind of connection. I hired them because they came recommended by a colleague and they are studying animal management at college. How old are you kid?”, he questioned. “Eleven, but I’ll be twelve in March.”, she answered.
Merrick moved and took out a form from his desk and handed it to her. “Yes well get your headmaster to fill this out then. Because you don’t have a workers permit as you’re under fourteen, and given the ‘hazards’ of even volunteering here I need this for legal reasons.”, he explained. Inola nodded. “Got it boss.”, she smiled taking the paper. Forge knocked and leaned into the office. “Hey you're all set up boy.”, Forge smirked. “Oh fast for an old man. Was that the problem?”, Merrick teased. “You are really looking to get an adamantium fist sandwich. You mess with Logan like this?”, he asked with a laugh. “Fu…”, he paused looking at Inola. “Heck no. Pretty certain being Pretender’s son, sleeping with and now dating his baby girl are enough reasons for him to slice and dice me. I’m not looking to give him more reasons.”, Merrick smiled. “Aww he won’t curse in front of a minor.”, Inola chuckled. “he’s got a long list of rules.”, Forge shrugged. “Don’t mock the rules. They are probably why I haven’t gotten myself killed or in more trouble than I could have.”, Merrick countered. “Well as I said you are all set.”, Forge said tossing a tablet to Merrick. Merrick easily caught it and looked it over. “That is your direct link to the security system so you can check on the Sanctuary from anywhere in the world anytime of day.”, Forge explained. Merrick nodded. “Nice. Thanks Forge. And here is the papers you wanted.”, Merrick said handing over some forms. “Thanks now I can write off the costs as a donation, woo tax write offs.”, Forge smirked. “You all set to go háahketa (little one)?”, Forge asked looking to Inola. Inola smiled a little, her mother was the only other person who ever spoke Cheyenne to her. It was nice to hear the familiar language. “Yeah. Boss man gave me my volunteer papers that I apparently need Professor Fearbirgh to sign off on. See you once I get this signed boss.”, she said holding up the paper. “Alright see you then kid. Bye Forge.”, Merrick nodded. Forge took Inola back to the institute who went straight to find Duncan to have the paper filled out.