Author's Note: What's possessed me to pick up this fic after it's been seemingly long dead? Goddess knows… But here it is. Gypsy Tears alive and breathing once again, and this time I even have a semi-plan for where I want to take it. Yippee!

Screech! Metal protested against metal as adamantium claws ripped through simulated steel. A large robotic head crashed to the ground seconds before its accompanying body landed with a thud. Wolverine took a step back to admire his work. The Danger Room floor was scattered with dismembered androids, shattered glass, and metallic shrapnel. There were a few charred spots along the walls where robots had self-destructed after being decapitated.

Wolverine's face lit up in a grin. His chest moved up and down with the ragged motion of exertion. With the back of his hand he wiped away the sheen of sweat that gathered on his forehead, though it was of little use as his entire body was drenched. He turned up to the control booth hanging from the Danger Room ceiling and shielded his eyes from the bright florescent lighting. Through the large glass windows of the control booth he saw Storm shaking her head in disbelief, and his grin spread even larger.

"Logan," came Ororo's voice over the intercom, "I've thrown everything at you that's of reasonable difficulty, but you simply slice through it all as if it's made of air."

"Then maybe we should try something harder than reasonable, Roro," Logan shouted up to the booth. He thought he saw Storm roll her eyes, but just then a psychic wave entered the room.

Ororo, Logan, spoke the Professor's crystal clear voice, I need to speak with you immediately.

Logan glanced up, but Storm had already left the control booth. In a matter of seconds she was at his side, and they hurried off to the Professor's office.

***

A small crowd of X-Men congregated in the Professor's office. Jean, Scott, and Hank sat scattered around the room. Professor Xavier was parked in his wheelchair behind his desk. The office's heavy oak door swung open, and Logan and Ororo stepped into the room. As Logan closed the door, Ororo took the last seat, and Xavier turned to his X-Men. Logan casually leaned against the door, not minding that there wasn't a chair for him.

"Thank you all for getting here quickly," began the Professor, his face cloaked in seriousness. "A short while ago I received a message from a friend in Italy. His mutant ability allows him to feel fluctuations in energy fields that are relatively close to him, and about a day ago he felt one such surge emanating from a downtown section of Rome. He thought little of it until he saw on the news that the body of a dangerous serial killer had been found in an alley near the epicenter of the power swell." The Professor paused.

"It was reported that the body had been killed by an unknown cause, yet had been deformed in a horrific combination of what seemed to be electrocution and mummification." The room was hushed and the heaviness of the matter at hand weighed powerfully on everyone.

"My friend believes the death may have been caused by a mutant," continued Xavier. "With the help of Cerebro, I have managed to pinpoint the location of the mutant, and it seems not to be changing locations. It is of utmost importance to investigate this situation further before the mutant can harm itself or anyone surrounding it again. A mutant with the ability to manipulate energy or radiation who is not in control of their powers could cause great damage. Storm and Jean, you are to head to the location in Rome and help the mutant if you can. Logan, you are to take Scott's place with Jean and Ororo, as he has a prior commitment to handle here at the mansion." Logan let out a quiet grunt. Recon missions were never his favorite activity.

Unless you would prefer to stay here and teach the students about following orders, the Professor sarcastically projected into Logan's head.

"I didn't say I wouldn't go, Charles," Wolverine grumbled. The others in the room cast glances between Logan and the Professor noting the half heard conversation.

"Hank," Xavier turned to the large furry man, "if you have the time, it would be beneficial if you could meet up with my contact in Italy to find out what you can about the energy the mutant manipulated. That way if the mutant agrees to return to the mansion we can have an idea of what to expect." Xavier glanced around the room at his students and friends. Their faces mirrored his determination and he felt a protective pride toward them.

"I've downloaded the locations you require into the X-Jet's mainframe. Remember, the mutant will most likely be afraid and confused. Patience will be a necessity on this mission." The Professor cast a quick glance in Wolverine's direction. "If you have any questions, you know where to find me." With that the X-Men rose and prepared to leave.