Chapter 4

“So let me get this straight,” the big man said. “You want to leave the team because...you’re bored? Both of you?”

“Not exactly bored, Cable,” David said, “we just don’t feel challenged anymore. We want to transfer to Xavier’s school at Salem Center.”

Cable arched an eyebrow and asked, “This wouldn’t have anything to do with your brother’s recent graduation to that establishment, would it?”

David shrugged. “I’d be lying if I said that didn’t influence my decision. I hardly know my own brother, sir. I know I grew up with him and all, but after him and the Master went tromping around in my head, I need to know what’s real and what isn’t.”

Cable nodded and turned to Angel. “What about you, Angel? Why do you want to leave?”

Angel swallowed nervously. She had never gotten used to Cable’s eyes on her, even when they reminded her so much of Nate. Nate’s eyes had a kind of sadness, yet they were gentle and warm. Cable’s eyes seem to hold a constant anger or frustration. “Well...I want to stay with David,” she said, and instantly blushed.

“Angel?” he asked again.

Angel shook her head, thankful it had only been a dream. “My main reason isn’t very good, but...I want...I need...to see my sister again, sir.”

Cable looked thoughtful for a moment. “Very well,” he said at last, “I accept both your resignations. I’ll call Xavier right away. Good luck, you two, and stay out of trouble.” Both teens grinned mischievously as they walked away.

She walked slowly down the hall, glancing around nervously. Nearly every time she had walked down this corridor, she had been scared out of her mind by a shadow that seemed to be moving. Any normal person would’ve said she was crazy or just scared, and Rose would’ve been quick to agree...if she didn’t know for a fact that it wasn’t unusual to see a shadow moving down this corridor, the one that lead to Psylocke’s room.

The first time she met Psylocke, Rose almost screamed, mainly because she had thought that Psylocke was a shadow on the wall. That was just as well, because Psylocke, or Betsy as she was known to her friends, had been a shadow on the wall. After she had gotten Rose to calm down, Betsy explained the aspect of her powers that allowed her to travel through shadows. Since then, Rose was very careful around shadows.

She had just reached Betsy’s room when she heard her call out, “Come in, Rose.” It took Rose a moment to remember that Betsy was also a telepath, among other things. She slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. Betsy was sitting Indian-style on the floor with her eyes closed. “What can I do for you?” she asked.

Rose sat down in front of her and asked, “Betsy, how long have you known Nathan?”

She saw a faint trace of a smile as Betsy answered, “He’s been my closest friend for several years.” She opened her eyes, gazing at Rose. “I sense you’re worried about him.” Rose nodded and Betsy said, “You shouldn’t be. This isn’t the first time he’s done something like this. After David died, Nate became what you’d call a loner. He likes to go off on his own sometimes, and he doesn’t think to tell the people who care about him. It’s an annoying, but interesting habit he has.”

Rose asked, “Then...he’s okay?”

“He’s fine,” Betsy replied, closing her eyes again, “but I sense he’s upset right now. He wants to come home, but something is preventing him from doing so.” She opened her eyes and looked at Rose. “Don’t worry, Rose, there isn’t much on this Earth that can stop Nate for long. Besides, he’s in love. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to be by your side again.”