Eyes Wide Open

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to X-Men Evolution. Please Support the Official Release.

XXX

A gentle jostling roused Little Laura from her dreamless slumber.

As per her daily schedule, her allotted rest period was surely complete, and naturally, she assumed one of the doctors would be waiting impatiently to drag her out for another round of tests.

Imagine the little mutants surprise then, when she awoke to find herself in the arms of a tall slender lady. Laura's tiny fingers gently weaved through the lady's long silk-like hair, a fine mane of marble white strands that was soft to the touch. Held from her underneath, Laura yawned as her head returned to the lady's warm shoulder. The Wolverine's jacket had been removed, and while only a minuscule change in temperature was apparent, it was still enough to make Laura uncomfortable. As she fidgeted in the lady's arms, her movement drew the lady's attention, as well as that of the big hairy blue thing and the Wolverine, who both walked either side of her respectively. Upon closer inspection, the Wolverine had reclaimed his jacket as it once again adorned his person.

The lady smiled and ran her thumb under Laura's tired eyes, wiping away any remaining sleep.

"Well good morning, Sleepy Head. Or I should say, good afternoon."

Though dazed from her unscheduled nap, the presence of a great many people did not escape the young mutants weary gaze. All around the fancy decorated halls were groups and individuals of all manner of appearances, some clustered together in amused conversation whilst others walked alone. One constant, however, was their collective tendency to halt all discussion when one of their peers happened to notice the three adults passing by with a toddler in hand.

The surrounding structure was almost alien to the young girl. Fine polished brass and wood with all manner of portraits and décor made up this strange new setting, wherever they might be.

"Ah, the princess awakens. What fortuitous timing. And how are we this fine afternoon?"

The blue hairy thing spoke in big words that Laura didn't understand, though she sensed no malice in his tone, so she chose to respond the only way she knew how… With a blank stare. The tall lady chuckled, Beast's eloquent usage of the English language often flew over many a young mutants head.

"Hank, I don't believe this little madam knows how to talk."

"At her age? How is that possible?"

Wolverine reached into his jacket and pulled out a slip of paper.

"Kinney's letter, it's all right here. Little tyke was abused in the worst ways imaginable. If she tried and failed, they'd beat her. Hurt her over and over till she got it right, like an animal."

The Wolverine's companions seemed surprised, or maybe shocked? Laura couldn't tell. Either way, the tall lady kissed her forehead. This was a new sensation, it brought the warm feeling to her belly and cheeks, unsure how to respond, Laura allowed a gentle hum to escape her lips.

The Beast shook his head before chiming in, "How does something like this fall so far beneath our proverbial radar?"

"Try as we may Hank, the X-Men are not the authority on mutants. Mutants suffer prejudice on a global scale, despite our best efforts, we cannot be everywhere at once."

"Well they won't be hurtin' anyone else for a while, we put a major dent in their operation when their base blew sky-high." Wolverine smirked at that. Whatever remnants of that stronghold that may have survived was most likely being given the once over by S.H.I.E.L.D with a fine-tooth comb. "And believe me, I will finish the job."

"Speaking of which, Logan, how fairs our 'other guest'?"

XXX

Unbeknownst to the preponderance of genetic marvels that called the Xavier Mansion 'home', down beneath the lower levels, farther still than the aptly named 'Danger Room' and the morally dubious mutant tracking apparatus 'Cerebro'. Out of sight from the adolescent scrutiny of Xavier's many students, and only accessible via an elevator behind a workbench in the faculty garage, concealed from the masses a great shame. One Xavier was all too determined to withhold from those who might not register the great necessity for such a place.

The location in question was a large open room of cold sterile white featureless walls crafted of a largely unknown substance, albeit with the occasional lighting fixture built in. And in the rooms centre, a sizeable cylindrical cell, sectioned off into quarters. Each section specifically built to hold an individual of varying strength and mutant ability.

A mutant holding area in every definition, hidden beneath a home comprised of the very people who sought freedom from such victimisation.

Xavier understood full-well the potential backlash and ramifications that might result from this particular secret, hence the reason it's existence remained on a strictly 'need-to-know' basis.

Nightcrawler, was not someone the eponymous Xavier considered, 'need-to-know', however the young German teleporter's propensity for eavesdropping on matters deemed, not of his concern, literally landed the inquisitive boy smack dab in the middle of his mentors meeting regarding the aforementioned cell. As well as one month's detention, with a week shaved off, provided he kept what he'd learned to himself.

At least for the time being.

XXX

The world returned to Kimura, as it so often did since reaching drinking age almost a decade prior, in a haze of distorted colors accompanied by a throbbing headache and a sense of impending vomit.

Kimura twitched and shuddered as the after shock of, as she recalled, being struck by lightning reverberated throughout her person. Military-grade explosives were a mere triviality in the face of her 'glorious' unbreakable skin; Soaking wet and struck by lightning, however? Apparently, such an occurrence had never really been factored in to The Facilities plans whilst she had been receiving treatments to induce said abilities.

As the feeling gradually returned to her limbs, much in the same vain as an average joe might recover from an all-over case of pins and needles, it gave Kimura at least some semblance of satisfaction that that same lack of foresight, however unlikely, is most definitely what led to said scientists' deaths at the claws of an enraged Wolverine.

Doctor Rice would be wise to consider her for a position on the recruitment board, as a means of weaning out such incompetency in all future Facility recruits. Once she'd killed The Wolverine and dragged Kinney's Little Bitch kicking and screaming back to Rice, of course.

Naturally she was very much looking forward to the latter.

She attempted, unsuccessfully, to rise. But the burning sensation in her muscles proved too great a demon to vanquish; best she could do was roll onto her back and try not to look feeble. To say her surroundings infuriated her would be an understatement of astronomical proportions.

A pure white cell, one wall completely transparent like some sort of hybrid between an autopsy lab and a pen at the zoo. A cot in one far corner with no blankets, and a toilet and shower basin in the other without a curtain.

This was the Little Bitch's lot in life, not Kimura's. She deserved better, and anyone who thought otherwise wouldn't live long enough to voice such undeniably stupid opinions.

The very notion that Kimura, egocentric as she was, would or could for that matter, be captured, was ludicrous in every sense of the word. She was a fighter, a warrior, and a survivor. A dispenser of pain in a world of weak willed, milquetoast snowflakes.

Although, a thought struck her, was this the doing of Doctor Rice? That made her heart skip a beat. When Doctor Rice learned of her failure to recapture the girl, the "good" doctor would have her head, if such a thing were possible Doctor Rice would surely find a way.

Kimura feared no man.

But Zander Rice was no ordinary man.

And any vile, depraved punishment she might concoct in her twisted mind, would be mere peanuts compared to what Zander would have in store.

"Guten Tag, deine Heiligkeit. Nightcrawler, zu Ihren Diensten."

Fortunately, or perhaps 'unfortunately' depending on one's perspective, the individual staring her down from beyond the transparent wall, was not in fact, Doctor Rice. But rather, the bright blue German elf-looking X-Person who'd snatched 'her property' back at the now 'former' Facility base. The grinning simpleton leaning against her cell couldn't have been more than a teenager, a fact compounded on by his unkempt hair and the shit-eating grin on his face.

"Nightcrawler? What the hell are you supposed to be?! A Keebler elf?"

Kimura's voice was hoarse and in desperate need of some water. The water from the shower faucet had better be drinkable, for everyone's sake.

"Nein, I make Rice Krispies. Snap und Crackle are off duty today."

Kimura was not amused.

"Let. Me. Out!"

Nightcrawler scratched his chin, humming to himself in mock deliberation.

"Hmm, tut mir leid, kann ich nicht."

"What do you mean you can't?!"

"Can't… Won't… es ist all about semantics."

Aggravated as ever, Kimura forced her arms to comply in hoisting herself into a sitting position. She would not be openly mocked by a 'filthy' mutant whilst on her back.

"Do you have… any idea, what I'm gonna do to you when I get out of here?!"

Nightcrawler just shrugged, whatever threat this cruel woman posed was marred, at least in his eyes, by the reinforced structure in which she dwelt. A fact that Kimura assured herself would bite this mutant right on his backside. When the time was right of course.

"Tickle fight? Barbecue? Snakes und Ladders? That one's mein favorite."

"Ich werde auf deinen Bauch drücken, bis dein Bauch nacktes Fleisch unter meiner Ferse ist!"

The fact that Kimura not only understood but could speak German was alarming to say the least. Nightcrawler suppressed his gag reflex as he noted the threat from his native tongue. Roughly translated, it meant. "I'm going to press down on your stomach, till your intestines are pulp beneath my heel!"

"You… are not a nice lady."

Nightcrawler was so matter of fact in his statement that Kimura had to laugh. This wasn't a prison, it barely qualified as a cell. These weren't trained soldiers or mercenaries, this was a teenager, and an inexperienced one at that. Her jailers couldn't hold her for long, she realised that now. Kimura smirked and licked her lips, the bewildered expression on the elf's face only added to her reclaimed jovial outlook of current events.

"Understatement of the fucking century… You realise you and your filthy mutant friends are all gonna die kid, you know that right?!" Kimura enjoyed the sight of watching Nightcrawler squirm, any pain she felt from forcing herself to sit up was worth it to see this. Nightcrawler shrugged indignantly.

"Big talk from such a petty lady. Me, Ich habe an entire mansion full of backup!"

Of course, Kimura expected there'd be more mutants, naturally the X-Men kept familiar company and in great numbers. However, that wasn't what caught her attention.

"Oh, we know the X-Men hide in Xavier's mansion. Just like we know about that dingy flophouse the Brotherhood shacked up in. The Facility has eyes everywhere, Mutant! Today's little setback will barely slow us down."

"You don't frighten us!"

What Kimura said next floored the young mutant.

…

"… Amanda Sefton."

…

Nightcrawler stood frozen, mouth agape, his brain struggling like a jammed printer to register the words he'd heard so clearly. On quaking knees, he spoke the first thing that entered his disturbed consciousness.

"Oh Scheiße!" Nightcrawler disappeared in a blast of blue smoke. Kimura smirked and collapsed on her back, throwing her arms behind her head in self satisfaction. She wouldn't be here long.

"Oh, and Wolverine… since I know you're listening. Zander Rice is gonna rain hell down on this place. You and the Little Bitch would've been enough, but now, after this insult, the Facility will drag every last mutant here back to his surgical table."

In actuality it was a bluff of tremendous proportions, but as far as Kimura was concerned, she was indispensable. The good doctor would come for her, and if for whatever reason, he took no interest in the overarching mutant populous of this domicile, they would all suffer her unbridled fury the moment her cell walls were torn asunder… it was only a matter of time.

XXX

Professor Charles Xavier was by and large regarded throughout both the academic community, and the worlds innumerable mutant populous, as a magnanimous individual of tremendous compassion and baring a prophetic vision of man and mutant-kind's inherent potential for unity and peaceful coexistence.

So true was he to these beliefs, that not once had his faith in the intrinsic goodness of all peoples ever waivered. Deep down, he believed in the fundamental 'truths', that no man is truly born with hate in their heart. That a kind heart and compassion in the face of adversity would ring true, louder than any cries of hatred.

Instances, such as the one he faces at present, truly tested his conviction.

The letter Logan had received under dubious circumstances in of itself was cause for concern. Few knew of Logan as anything other than Weapon-X or The Wolverine, and fewer still, knew his whereabouts as a resident of Xavier. But it was what the letter entailed that troubled he and his staff to such a degree.

The unlawful, unethical and downright inhumane experimentation of a mutant child.

Charles had long thought he had experienced the true zenith of mankind's cruelty and proclivity for violence, this revelation however, had only further lowered the proverbial bar for what anti-mutant hatred was truly capable of. His global search via Cerebro confirmed his fears. A child, so young she could almost be considered a baby, tortured and bred like an animal… to kill!

How could such malevolence be allowed to fester and grow unbeknownst to the world at large?

It must have taken Logan a great deal of courage and conviction to approach Charles with this knowledge, given Logan's preference for facing his troubles alone. Such a display of trust would not go unrewarded, Charles would make sure of that, even if it meant importing a sizeable haul of a particular German beer that Logan was rather fond of.

Whilst initially irate at the suggestion of involving others in his personal affairs, Logan did eventually concede that the heads of the Xavier mansion staff needed to be informed.

Ororo 'Storm' Munroe and Henry 'Beast' McCoy. Both skilled intellects, met this disturbing news with varying degrees of confusion, outrage, and following Logan's decision that he would seek out someone involved with this "Facility" … determination. If a mutant child, really any child for that matter was in danger, they had to act.

Unfortunately, their swift departure had garnered more than a few wondering eyes, including the every curious Nightcrawler, who'd opted to teleport aboard the Blackbird shortly before take-off.

As such, when the time came to deliberate over the day's events after the fact, the blue elf would have to be factored in to their discussion… though not in the way the four adults had expected.

XXX

The tension within Xavier's Office had grown stagnant and sickly, all four individuals concerned had watched the live feed from Kimura's cell, though neither could quite put their feelings into words… besides Logan.

"Psychotic Harpy! I need a drink."

Ororo shook her head, disapproving of Logan's… 'less becoming' activities. Especially around one so young. Holding the small child slightly tighter than before, she took a seat next to the Professor's desk.

Laura, for the most part, had remained silent for the duration of their meeting. Fidgeting fearfully whenever Kimura's voice sounded through the desktop speakers. Everything around was alien to her, not at all like the sterile surroundings she had long become accustom to. For this all to be some sort of test from Doctor Rice, the terrifying man was taking far longer than Laura had expected, to the point where she started to wonder if he truly was gone. It was an utterly confusing, yet appealing prospect she could not fully grasp. As such, she opted instead to simply nuzzle into the tall lady's warm embrace and sleep until something bad inevitably happened. Such was her lot in life.

Hank leant against the office windows, gazing out at the various mutant inhabitants that called this place home. Whilst most every student living within the mansion had been trained in the use of their innate abilities, as well as several basic forms of self-defence, the knowledge that these, for all intents and purposes, children, were solely their responsibility; it was a wonder his thick blue coat had not yet turned retirement-grey.

"Whilst I must insist against such juvenile name-calling, I do share your sentiments, Logan. I believe a drink is precisely what the proverbial doctor prescribes."

"Glad you're finally comin' around, Hank."

Though his words were jovial in nature, Logan's dower tone highlighted the all too present issue that needed to be addressed.

The Professor switched off his monitor and turned to face his staff.

His X-Men.

"My friends, we are faced with an unprecedented dilemma. If this, Kimura's, words are to be believed, then we face a threat the likes of which could exceed that of Bolivar Trask's Sentinel Program."

Logan snorted, and idly thumped his fist against the oak panelled wall he'd propped himself against.

"Above and beyond some giant robot, Professor. You didn't see what I saw in that place, that 'Facility'. So many soulless people, all of 'em working to turn a… a baby girl… into another me!"

The Professor sighed and shook his solemn head, reaching over stroking the tiny mutant's small hand. Such cruelty, from so many, to one so young. 'Perhaps', he pondered, 'Magneto had the right idea'. But such thoughts could be left aside for the time being.

"I know you're angry, Logan. Believe me, I understand. But bringing these people, although I hesitate to call them 'people', to justice will have to be postponed. For now, as it stands, this shadow operation, no doubt building from the ashes for the Weapon-X Project, have access to information regarding all our known whereabouts… as well as those affiliated with us outside the manors premises."

A collective chill filled the air. Each one of them knew people beyond Xavier's walls, be they friends, colleagues, business associates, and worst of all, families.

The enraged snarl of Hank as a slammed his fist into the wall sucked all involved from their collective stupor. Even Little Laura was stirred awake by the unfamiliar bestial sound.

"Humanities collective animosity towards us continues to test my extraordinarily high patience… If you will all please excuse me, I think perhaps I shall retire to my quarters for the evening. Maybe take a crack at decrypting Logan's flash drive. Good day."

Hank did not wait for a reply as he stormed out of the room, slamming the double doors on his way out, leaving behind a noticeable crack from where his fist had met the wall.

Logan simply nodded, he understood his friend's anger all too well, though it could in no way rival his own.

Ororo on the other hand, noticing Laura's frantic head movement, no doubt searching for some form of incoming hostility, was quick to comfort the child as best she could. Cradling her close and kissing her forehead.

"There there, little one. Its alright, you're safe now."

The tall lady's words had a profound almost hypnotic effect on the young mutant, as her rapid breath and shaking lessened, she gradually returned to her warm place on the lady's lap. Although her attention become solely focused on the new figure next to her, a man with no hair and what appeared to be a chair with big wheels, something she'd never seen before.

"Well now, its nicely to formally meet you, Miss Laura."

Professor Xavier gently reached out and shook the little girl's hand with his thumb and finger. Laura looked at her hand then back at the bald stranger, if this was an experiment then it was a new and strange one indeed.

While Logan hated to break up what might be one of the few showings of genuine kindness this young child had likely ever seen, something was playing on his mind.

"Professor, you heard what that… 'Witch' told Kurt. Someone's gotta talk to him. Before he does something reckless."

"I appreciate your tact in front of the child, Logan. Unfortunately, Kurt fled the premises ten minutes ago."

Ororo glanced at the Professor, as though he'd just said something completely incredulous. Logan snarled and moved toward the door.

"And you just let him go?! With those 'Facility' psychos watching us?!"

Ororo was equally concerned.

"Professor, we must send someone to retrieve him immediately, he could be in danger."

Although tensions had arisen drastically the Professor maintained his collected demeanour.

"Please, calm yourselves. The Facility has suffered a sizable loss today, no doubt S.H.I.E.L.D will have taken notice. At least for the moment, I believe we are safe."

The Professor's renowned poker face, left Ororo somewhat hesitant yet content for the time being. Logan however remained unconvinced.

"However, Logan. Swift actions will have to be taken, and soon. Once Hank has finished decrypting the information retrieved by your inside source, we will make plans on how best to proceed. As for the child, you know she is more than welcome to remain here in our care… though, should you have another place for her to stay in mind, you are of course free to take her."

Logan had not anticipated that. Although, regarding his, for all intents and purposes, daughter, he'd had precious little time to decide just what he wanted to do with her. She was his kin, there wasn't a shadow of a doubt in his mind about that. Her scent, her eyes, her everything called to him, like an alpha wolf to his cub. Yet… despite everything, he was far from what most anyone would consider 'father-material'.

Her only living family besides him was the 'Kinney' woman, but she'd gone off the radar for her own protection. Even then, Logan would never allow her of all people to lay a hand on the child ever again. She had knowingly and willingly brought a child into this life, knowing full well what would happen. As far as he was concerned, Kinney had forfeited the right to call herself a parent the moment she allowed those mad scientists access to his daughter.

"… There's… nowhere else she can go, Professor. Those psychos are gonna keep coming after her, better she's around folks that can protect her and show her some kindness. She deserves it."

"As much as we can give." Ororo chimed in, stroking Laura's hair.

Laura hummed a relaxed sigh, it was a sensation that was entirely new to her, and yet all too pleasant. For the first time in her life, she was revelling in this strange new form of attention. No shocks, no needles, no Kimura or Doctor Rice. Just being held, and the lady's lips gently pressed against her head, whatever that was called. It felt… warm.

The Professor smiled and nodded to his friends.

"Then stay here she shall. We will of course have to purchase several safety items; a mansion is hardly a place for a toddler to wonder. Not to mention clothing, food, playthings…"

"I am certain my sister Vivian would be more than happy to donate some of Evan's baby toys."

"Excellent, well then… that unfortunately leaves, one last unpleasant matter to attend to."

It was the unfortunate elephant in the room, but it needed to be addressed.

"For her own safety, I will need to examine her… shall we say, psychological wellbeing."

Logan murmured under his breath, unsure of how to proceed. His daughter had been examined and analysed long enough, but he of all people knew the damages their tormentor's mistreatment would cause both mentally and physically. Ororo on the other hand did not agree.

"Professor, the poor dear's been through allot of changes today already."

"I know Ororo, I do. However, if there are any latent psychological issues present, then it is of the utmost urgency that she receives treatment as soon as possible. Or there's no tell how they might affect her mental health in later life."

Sensing that neither Logan nor Ororo were too eager to take the child beyond the safety of the mansion, Professor had to clarify…

"I'll need to perform a survey of her memories across the mental plane. Completely painless, she wouldn't even be aware it was happening."

The subject of mindreading was a sensitive subject where Logan was concerned. Too many had sought to alter or outright erase his memories in the past for their own ends; to Logan, a person's mind was not something to be trifled with, hence why he held both The Professor and his protégé Jean Grey in such high regard. Both could willingly and effortlessly manipulate the thoughts, opinions and memories of those around them, yet they would not, and he really admired that. Though he would never voice these thoughts aloud.

"Logan, as her closest relative I will need your approval. I would never conduct this sort of examination without your consent. If you don't accept, I will understand."

Logan did not like being put in this position. Leading a group of inexperienced mutants was somehow a far simpler task than this. This was a child, specifically his child, his responsibility. To think that every choice he made, big or small, would in someway influence this young life was almost overwhelming.

As he gazed down at his… his little girl, she turned her head and stared up at him with her beautiful bright green eyes… to think a small part of him brought into the world could possess such innocence and wonder. And people, despicable hateful people had sought to corrupt this innocence, was an act of pure evil.

Absentmindedly, Logan knelt beside Ororo's chair and allowed Laura to grasp his fingers with her tiny hand. The poor girl, he knew she'd suffered… but to what degree, the letter had only explained so much, and Dr. Risman had awkwardly danced around the details.

As much as he hated to betray his principles, Logan couldn't let this go. His child deserved to grow up without the pain he'd long endured.

He had to know what those people had done.

"Alright Chuck, ya got my permission… on one condition."

The Professor breathed a sigh of relief, while he would of course have honored his friend's wishes, he truly felt this was the most expedient method to assess the child's condition.

"Of course, Logan. What do you need?"

"When you check her memories, I'm going too!"

XXX