Evil Author Day: 2018

Sylum Timeline: 2020 AD

Vachon sat at his desk, going through the budgets and paperwork. The past few years had been quiet, which probably should’ve worried him, but after almost 150 years of dealing with this Clan – he could deal with just about anything.

Including Slothnapping.

Terry and Dino now have recovery of Sloths on their resume.

And no one is sure who to be more scared of, Brandon or Harkness. Both were vicious in getting their sloths back.

Eyeing his empty coffee mug, he contemplated either making a trip to the kitchen for a refill and steal some cookies, or abandon the rest of his paperwork, go find his Mate and play hooky for the rest of the day.

Javier was just about to hunt down Angel, when his phone rang. Not his cell phone, but the office phone, which caught his attention. Most of the Clan Members had moved to cell phones, very few having landlines, but the house was still hooked up as was the main Council Members, they all had phones in their offices.

Despite that, they were rarely used accept in official capacity.

He sat back down in his seat and picked up the phone. “Sanctuary Clan we have sloths and pirates it’s your job to figure out which one is sneakier.”

There was a chuckle on the other end. ‘I’ll take the sloths you can have the land crabs.’

“Maximillian why are you calling me?” Vachon frowned at the phone, as if it would tell him why Oceania’s Clan Leader would be calling on some random Tuesday.

‘Can’t one Clan Leader call another to say hey mate?’

“No.” Now he was suspicious.

There was a sigh, and a few moments of silence. ‘So here’s the deal.’

Vachon’s eyes went wide, this was going to be bad. “Nico hasn’t been kidnapped again?”

‘No, but believe me mate you would’ve wished he was.’ Max snorted. ‘I was ordered not to call until now, and understand this has been happening to all the Clans. Up next is Border so you will get your revenge.’

“Oh God Imenand is coming.”

‘Worse.’

Vachon sat up in his chair. “How can it be worse?”

‘The Pope.’

There was an uncomfortable silence. “What do you mean The Pope? As in THE Pope. The one that lives in Rome, wears white and probably gets more death threats than humanly possible?”

‘Yes that one. The one that comes with a bodyguard that scares the shit out of everyone.’ Max assured him. ‘He’s doing a world tour…’

“Yeah I know, been following it on the news. He’s annoyed conservatives, liberals, and everything in between. He landed in Rio two days ago, Angel and I were planning on going to his service … oh shit!” Vachon made the sign of the cross and prayed to the Holy Mother, Max wasn’t calling him for the reason he thought he was calling.

‘Yep.’ Oceania’s Clan Leader laughed openly. ‘During his world tour he’s stopping at all the Clans. So far he’s hit Sanguen, Shogun, and us. You’re next. Then from what I’ve heard he’s moving up to Border.’

“Okay… okay… We can do this.” Vachon was not going to hyperventilate.

He was a damn Conquistador and had faced worse things – namely Lucien – he could do this. He’ll just calmly call Wadsworth, so they can prep a room and ship out everyone but Christian and the sloths. They shouldn’t be to offensive … maybe Will could stay. Oh and Ben, yeah Ben Hur would be a good idea.

‘He’ll be there in an hour.’

“Are you FUCKING kidding me!?” He stood gripping the phone handle. “An hour? You’re telling me now. Wait why are you telling me now?”

‘It’s the rule set down, we can’t warn the next Clan until an hour before hand. This way no one can hide the skeletons or run for it.’ Max grumbled. ‘I tried, believe me I tried, but Frost was literally on the roof when he arrived.’

“Jack is a sweetheart.” He’s met him over the past decade since Davy and Tia moved into their Clan. They didn’t see Davy very often, but Tia stayed in one of the ‘Pirate Cabins’ down by the docks were the ships were located. “I have all the members no one wants! Pirates did I mention the Pirates? Let alone Spike and Seth. I got Bank Robbers … Fucking Hell I need to find Wadsworth …” He hung up and ran out of his office down to the hall, practically slid down the stair railing, almost took out Seth, tripped over Logan, stopped and apologized then slammed into the kitchen coming to a halt, trying to be calm and collected.

“Who’s killed who, and how much blood do I need to clean up?” Wadsworth stared at his Clan Leader in calm horror.

“The Pope.”

“Someone killed the Pope?” Wadsworth squeaked. “Oh God that bodyguard of his is going to kill us all…”

“No.” Vachon took a deep breath to calm his shattered nerves. He glanced to the kitchen entrance to see Angel moving towards him, Christian not far behind. Logan moved his chair out of the way, and Seth looked ready to kill anything that was a threat. “I just got a call from Max down in Oceania.”

“What does the Aussie want?” The Caretaker crossed his arms over his chest. “We have enough Meridii he can keep his.”

“As everyone knows Pope Pius XVII is doing a world tour, for his Jubilee year of Mercy.” There were a few nods from around the room. “Seems he is also stopping by every Clan.”

Wadsworth eyes went comically wide, his back straightened as he looked around the kitchen. “Okay we could do this. I’ll get staff to prep a room, if you don’t mind clean up Aubrey’s old room as it’s the farthest from the degenerates of the Clan. I’ll talk to Luther, about security. When is he arriving?”

“In an hour.” He looked down at his watch. “Well now fifty minutes.”

Sanctuary’s Caretaker cried out in horror. “Oh dear God.” He ran to the intercom on the far wall and hit the button. “This is a Clan Emergency! We have an Emergency! Report to the main room. NOW!”

Angel looked over at his Mate. “Well that worked.”

It took them forty-five minutes to get everything organized as best as they could. The staff was sent into a frenzy to get Aubrey and Stephen’s old rooms aired and cleaned. The weapons were stored, the security put into high gear with Hunters armed and ready for patrol. Plus they pulled together the less offensive of Clan Members.

Vachon was standing next to Angel, wearing a nice suit. “When do you have time to change?”

“I took five minutes to scream in the bathroom and dressed quickly,” Vachon muttered.

“I kinda hate you.” He looked down at his jeans and long sleeve shirt that had dirt stains from where he was working in the garden an hour ago, before feeling his Mate’s panic.

A black SUV drove up the driveway, going around the fountain, and came to stop in front of the small welcoming committee. When the vehicle came to a halt, a smaller blonde male stepped out, wearing the typical black suit, earpiece in place. They heard the Driver’s side doors open and shut, a taller man wearing the same black uniform came around the front of the car, stopping just at the edge. His hair was cut short, enough that silver showed through it and the scruffy beard.

It didn’t matter if they weren’t Catholic, they all recognized The Pope’s personal bodyguard.

Ernesto came around the back of the vehicle, and opened the passenger door. Pope Pius XVII stepped out, not in his normal whites, but instead dressed as a typical Priest. Behind him was his new Camerlengo, a young priest from Los Angeles. He had made waves taking someone so young out of Seminary to be his secretary after Strauss died, but Pius never did anything anyone expected.

Vachon stepped forward with Angel at his side, both went down on their left knee.

“Oh no. I’m not here as the Pope just a humble Priest.” He motioned for them to stand. “I thank you for allowing me to visit. I’ve known about Lealta and Ernesto here for so long, it’s nice to finally meet others.”

“Welcome to Sanctuary Clan.” Vachon smiled holding out his hand.

Pius took it graciously. “I was told this is a place were all are welcome.”

“Yes.” Angel added into the conversation. “We specialize in second chances.”

“Blessings to you all.” He smiled and took Angel’s hand holding him tightly for a few moments. “You know He forgave you, it’s time to let that go don’t you think.” He patted his hand, then stepped forward, Ernesto at his elbow.

“Wow he’s good.” Angel blinked back a few tears.

“Pardon me. Excuse me.” Both Clan Leaders turned on their heel and stared as Sparrow made his way through the crowd. He tapped Wadsworth shoulder and pushed him slightly to the side. “Thanks.” Then with a smile and a dramatic pose. “Pius!”

“Captain Sparrow.” Pius smiled brightly making his way to the famed pirate.

“Really?” Wadsworth tried not to facepalm in public.

“I told you he met him a few years back.” Will walked past the Clan Caretaker patting his shoulder in sympathy. He was not surprised to see the man in his best Butler uniform.

“Mr. Turner it’s good to see you.” Pius smiled at the young man. “I see your Mate hasn’t changed.”

“And I pray he never does.” Will took Jack’s hand. “Welcome and let me introduce you to a few of our members.”

“I hear you have sloths.” He looked excited at the prospect. “I got to meet some adorable rabbits in Oceania.”

Will took his hand, and led him to Brandon, who looked like he wanted to flee. “Your Holiness, this is Brandon, he takes care of the abandoned baby sloths. His Mate, Charles Evan is our Veterinarian, and helps run the wild life refuges in the area.”

“I’m not Catholic. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Brandon looked at his Mate, who he knew was.

“It’s okay.” Evan patted his arm, holding his hand tightly, he knew his Mate was on the verge of freaking out. When they were told to be part of the welcome committee he refused at first. Pointed out he was a former sex addict, he shouldn’t be meeting The Pope. Angel pointed out he murdered his entire family. He really couldn’t argue back. “Show him your little one.”

Pius straightened, he had a look of wonder on his face when Brandon pulled back his famous blue cashmere scarf, inside was a two month old baby sloth. “This is echo.”

The little guy squeaked and a few seconds later a second squeak that sounded like a tiny echo.

“He’s adorable.” Pius held out his finger stroking him softly. “And you are amazing to take such care of these tiny creatures. You are a blessing to them and to all those who know you.”

“I don’t feel like one.” Brandon shrugged softly.

“Don’t let the past haunt you. Live today, for God gave you today and all the tomorrows.” He petted the little guy one more time, then placed his hand on Brandon. “Peace be with you, son.”

Will led Pius into the house, letting Charles deal with his emotional Mate. It was going to be a long weekend.

***

Vachon picked up the phone and dialed Border Clan.

‘Border Clan, home of Renegades, Rebels and Rogues.’ Scurlock answered cheekily.

“I’ll trade you a pirate… no wait I’ll just give him to you.” Vachon sat back in his chair, he was going to enjoy every moment of this phone call.

‘He comes by here enough just to torment me.’ Doc growled lightly.

“Do I need to bring up the bank?”

‘Why are you calling me, you never warn me if Sparrow is on his way up to visit Lucas.’ He knew Josiah was frowning at the phone.

“Can’t one Clan Leader call another to say hello?”

‘No.’ He was starting to get suspicious.

“So here’s the deal.” Vachon couldn’t help the wicked grin.

‘Tell me Nico hasn’t been kidnapped again?’

“No, but you would’ve wished he was.” Vachon snorted. “I was ordered not to call until now, and understand this has been happening to all the Clans. Up next is Serenity so you will get your revenge.”

‘Oh God Imenand is coming.’

“Worse.”

He could hear Doc’s chair squeak, he was pretty sure he was ready to bolt. ‘How can it be worse?’

“The Pope. Yes The Pope. As in Pius XVII. With him would be the infamous bodyguard.”

‘Oh dear God.’ A long pause. ‘We can do this. I’ll just ship everyone to some race, and keep Missouri and maybe Mia … how long do I got?’

“One hour.”

‘Fuck!!.’ He could hear the yell for Teaspoon just as the phone hung up. Vachon wanted to be a fly on the wall, when Nico gets the call.

Sylum Timeline: December 2008 AD

Charles Xavier looked across his desk to the young woman sitting on the couch, staring back at him. He was expecting this. Well he was actually expecting a lot more of his staff to be stopping by his office.

They had all been focused on the small war.

Making sure the children were safe, and the school secured.

Then they had to deal with the Mutants who wanted a safe haven and the ramifications of the attack. Including cleaning up the dead helicopters in the back.

No one was asked how they got moved in the middle of the night, but he had felt a familiar presence near by, and he wasn’t surprised that the area was cleaned up. Despite everything Erik understood the value of the school.

Now that everything was settling down. He had a staff who wanted answers.

A lot of answers.

“Go ahead Ororo, ask your questions.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m sure you have many, especially considering young Brisco, who’s decided to stay on.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” She sat forward in the seat, genuinely hurt that he didn’t trust them with this information.

“I wasn’t the only one who would be outted.” He chuckled at the statement. “And besides my own teachings of tolerance, we still have issues even here of mutants not accepting other mutants, let alone a creature out of the horror books.”

“I can understand not telling the students.” She stood, pacing slightly. “But why not us? I’ve known you for over twenty years…” He gave her that look. The one that stated she answered her own question. “Twenty years, and in all these years you never aged.”

“I’m sure all of you speculated it had something to do with my mutation.” Storm nodded. “And can you think of anyone else whose mutation has kept him ‘young’.”

“Oh.” A hand went over her mouth. “It’s kinda obvious now.” She chuckled thinking about how Scott was going to handle that piece of information. “Brisco was telling me about Clans, are we … I mean how many Mutants are Vampires?”

“Not many.” He came out from behind his desk, moving his chair next to the couch to take her hand. “I’m sure in time there will be more. I know Brisco told you about Mates.”

“Yes.” She blushed. “If someone told me back in Africa that I would find a Mate in a white cowboy I would’ve struck them down with lightening.”

He laughed. “You’ve met others like me, besides those who came to help.”

“I have?” Storm gave him a confused expression. “When? I mean besides Alex, and I’m guessing Sean is his Mate.”

“Owen and Muldoon. The two men in Africa who helped me visit you.” He watched as she thought back to that moment all those decades ago. “They are part of Ghost and Darkness, they take care of the animal refuge.”

“My tribe called Owen, the Speaker of Cats.”

“He’s gifted.” Charles shook his head. “But he’s not a Mutant. There’s something older in him, that gives him that gift.”

“So now what?”

“Well …” He paused sensing a familiar mind coming closer. “Could you hold the door open and help me escape?”

“Why? Is your son back? Which we’ll have a talk about that later.” She gave him a pointed look.

“No worse.”

The squeal of tires was heard as a car came to a sudden stop in front of the school, followed quickly by the sound of stomping boots.

The front doors slammed open.

“Alex’s home.”

Scott was startled when the doors banged against the walls, shaking the front of the house. He stared at his brother, and suddenly everything made sense. Why he didn’t see it before, was beyond him. Though he was always more focused on Jean and Logan sniffing around her, and it wasn’t like Alex was around all the time. He was the school’s main recruiter.

“Alex…”

“Not now Scott!” He didn’t even look at him, just walked down the corridor and straight into the Professor’s office. “Professor. Charles. My Sire…” ‘Asshole’

“Well that was rude.” Charles gave his Childe a look, knowing full well he projected that last thought. “How was your trip?” He asked trying to deflect the tirade he knew was coming.

“Oh you know the normal.” Alex walked into the room, barely noticing Storm sneaking out, and closing the door behind them “Trying to convince scared parents their kids aren’t freaks, while Republican idiots tell the world they are. Oh and then discovering that Helmet Head decided to attack Grand Central Station, while I was in another country. Then to add to the wonderful trip, that was supposed to be a stress free vacation with my Mate, discovered that Stryker – Mr. I’ve been annoying the shit out of me since 19 fucking 70 – attacked the school. And how did I hear about this? One would think it would be from my Sire, but Nooo! I was told via Fox Fucking News!”

“I know your upset…”

“Upset?” Alex stalked towards him. “Upset doesn’t cover half of it Charles! You should’ve called me. There’s this great invention called a cell phone, we even have those new Stark Phones. And even if by some chance Stryker took down all lines, there’s this invention down in the basement, that helps with the personal communication.” He put two of his fingers to his temple.

“Are you done?”

“No, but will rant more later.” He half leaned, sat on the Professor’s desk. “So the Vampire secret is out?”

“Yes. It wasn’t the best way to bring it up, but well it worked.” He shifted his chair to look at his only Childe. “We have some new students, seems Frankenstein was experimenting on them, a good many of them are children.”

“Why am I not surprised?” He shrugged. “Sean will be happy to have some new little ones. Speaking of little ones, met a new Mutant.”

“I would think you met a few of them.” Charles gave him a smile.

“Yeah will this one is bit closer to home.” Alex ran a hand through his blonde locks. “It’s Mystique’s.”

“The child?” He blinked a few times, moving through Alex’s mind to see the small toddler, wondering if it was a product of Mystique and Erik. He had felt for years a familiar mind, when he went into Cerebro, and knew it was connected to Erik, but not sure how. He ended up seeing a small child, with a bright smile, purple skin, and a wiggling tail being held by Morticia. “He’s a Teleporter?”

“Well red and blue make purple.”

“Azazel!”

A puff of smoke, and stood before them was the red Teleporter. “You rang, Professor.”