Chapter 2

Ten minutes later, Blink and Nate are the only two remaining. They circle each other, each keeping a safe distance from the other. X-treme suddenly appears and rams into Nate with jarring force. He crashes into a nearby tree, and X-treme raises his fist to pound Nate. Before he can, Nate delivers a hard right to his chin, and a left to his chest. Not letting up, Nate hits him in the chest with a right hand, and then drives it straight up into his jaw. X-treme stumbles to the ground, and another hard right lays him on his back. Nate can tell he will be back up soon, but as Blink appears in front of him and kicks him in the face, that doesn’t matter anymore.

Wiping the blood away from his nose, Nate studies her closely. The muscles in her legs are tense, and he dodges another kick just in time. Grabbing her foot, and hoping he won’t hurt her too badly, he swings her into the tree behind him. She slumps to the ground and lays still.

A hard elbow in Nate’s back informs him that X-treme is ready for Round 3, and a backhand to his face shows that Nate is, too. They face off, and again Nate senses the darkness in his soul. “You don’t stand a chance against me,” he snarls. “I can beat you anytime, anywhere.” Nate avoids the wide punch that sails over his head. Capitalizing on X-treme’s mistake, he rams both fists into his chest. As X-treme gasps for air, Nate brings back a right hand and gives him an uppercut to remember. He flips into the air and lands on his back, blood pouring from his mouth.

After a quick psi-scan of the area, Nate realizes that he is the only one left. However, a tap on his shoulder proves him wrong. Turning around, Nate stares up into the face of a tall, brown-haired man. His blue and gold uniform almost seem to shine in the bright sunlight, and the gold visor covering eyes glints ruby red.

He thumps Nate’s chest and says, “You’re getting sloppier every time I see you, kid.” He surveys the grounds, glancing at Nate’s fallen classmates. “They’d never stand a chance in battle. And they still beat the crap out of you. You’re worthless, kid, you know that?”

Nate replies, “I may be worthless, but at least I’m not a big, loud-mouthed jerk like you. Your mouth’s gotten your team into a lot of trouble, you know. If Mom wasn’t there to shut your trap every now and then, you’d probably have gotten the X-Men killed a long time ago.” A deep growl issues from his mouth, and a wide optic blast strikes Nate’s chest. His tk shield easily protects him, and his fist connects with the man’s head. As he hits the ground, his body shifts and melts away, revealing that “he” is really a “she,” and that “she” is actually... “P-P-Paige?” Nate stammers, not believing his own two eyes. Yet, there she lay, her blonde hair spread across the ground, her eyes closed, a trickle of blood on her head.

This Nate Grey is some piece of work. Firsts he beats the whole team by himself, then he flips out and hits Husk. I’ve got my own suspicions about what really happened, but I’ll just keep a closer watch on him. If he’s really as crazy as he seems right now, this guy could end up being worse than that Legion kid. Better get some backup for this one, just in case I have to bring him down later.

Several hours later, in Sean’s office, Nate still can’t figure out what happened. “Let me get this straight, lad,” Sean says. “Ye attacked the lass because you thought she was Cyclops?” “I know it sounds crazy, sir, but yes, I thought she was him...until she hit the ground.” “Tis very strange, lad...but why would ye attack the leader of the X-Men...as well as yur own father?” Nate sighed and lowers his head. “Mr. Cassidy...maybe no one’s told you, but my father and I never got along very well. We still don’t, and I doubt we ever will. Sometimes we’d even end up attacking each other. I just assumed today was no different.” “Ack, lad, that’s terrible. I’m sorry I asked.” “S’okay, sir. May I go now? I need some time to think.” “Go right ahead, lad, but may I suggest keeping your distance from Paige and Jono?” “I’ll try, sir, thank you.”

It is sound advice, really, but Nate still feels guilty. He knew he had to apologize to Paige soon, or he’d never forgive himself. Slowly walking down the long hall, he stops in front of her door, waiting a few minutes before knocking. “Come in,” she says quietly. Paige is sitting on the side of her bed, a bandage covering the spot where Nate hit her. As he enters the room, her eyes widen in fear. “Paige, please don’t be afraid of me. I came to apologize.” She settles down and looks at the floor. Nate sits down beside her and places his hand on hers. “It was an accident, I swear it. You’re my friend, Paige, and I’d never do anything to hurt you. I’m really sorry. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, just name it, but please, forgive me.”

Paige looked into his eyes for a few seconds, trying to decide what to say. Finally, she smiled and said, “I forgive you, Nate. I just hope Jono isn’t too upset with you.” “If anyone could convince him to forgive me, it would be you.” Nate stands and glances at a clock on the wall, which reads 9:45 PM. “I’d better go; there’s something I really need to do tonight.” He looks down at Paige and brushes back her long, blonde hair, gently touching the bandage on her head. “Sorry I hurt your pretty face.” Paige smiled and said, “I already forgave you, Nate.” “You won’t regret it. I’d better go now.” Paige frowned and said, “You take one step out that door without hugging me and this time I’ll slug you.” She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Nate returned her embrace warmly and whispered, “Goodnight, Ms. Guthrie...or is it Mrs. Starsmore?” “Not yet, but I’m working on it,” Paige replies with a smile. “Goodnight, Nate, and don’t worry about Jono. Give him time, and he’ll see what a great guy you are, just like I do.” As he walks out the door, Nate replies with a sly smile, “I’d have to doubt that, if he still doesn’t see how lucky he is to have a great girl like you.”

Leaving Paige’s room, he turns down the hall to his room, when suddenly a voice calls out to him. Turning around, Nate sees Chamber at the other end of the hall. “Mind telling me what you were doing in my gel’s room?” “Not to be rude, Jono, but that’s between me and her. If you really want to know, just ask her, and I’m sure she’ll tell you.” Nate turns and walks quickly to his room, closing the door firmly behind him.

He sat at his desk and pulled out a pen and paper. Nate sits in silence for a few moments before he begins to write.

Dear Mom,

My life’s improved considerably since I came here. I’ve made new friends, found a purpose in life, and for the first time in a long time, I can say that my life is close to being exactly as I want it, though some things will never change.

I think about you everyday, and I wonder if I’ll ever be able to come home again. I promise I’ll visit sometime soon, as soon as things clear up around here. Do me a favor and thank Prof. Xavier; coming here was the best thing I could’ve done. Anyway, it’s late, and I’d better get some sleep. Seeya soon, and never forget how much I love you.

All my love,

Nate

Nate folds the paper and slides it neatly into an envelope. He’d mail it tomorrow, but now he needed some rest.