School Days: The Rise Of The Wolfpack (Fiction)

This is part of my "Avenging Shadows" universe - I don't own most of the characters - they belong to Marvel Comics or Dan Curtis. I'm just using them for a while. Go read the original story (all 35 chapters) if you can. Don't have to, but things might make more sense that way. And I hope you like this. Comments and thoughts are welcome...

School Days: The Rise Of The Wolfpack...

Collinsport, Maine

The former Avenger known as Mantis and Quentin Collins are sitting in the kitchen of the old house known as Collinwood discussing the affairs of the day.

"From what Barnabas told me on the phone last night, Julia is adapting quite well to her rebirth", Quentin said as he sipped his coffee.

"It must be quite an experience to be dead and then brought back to life as she was", Mantis remarked.

"You've done it", Quentin said. "Travelled to space, spent years away from this planet and were thought dead for a long time."

"That's different in that this one was never truly dead", Mantis said. "And Julia was truly dead. Only Mephisto's hatred of you and Barnabas allowed us to venture to his realm and manage a rescue and resurrection."

"It was quite an experience for all of us", Quentin said. "And I'm glad it worked out so well. Julia is back among the living, albeit physically about thirty years younger than she was when she died, so I'd count it definitely as a win."

"I'm also glad that Barnabas has been able to be there for her, to help her readjust", Mantis said.

"I am too", Quentin said. "Since his own curse is under control now, thanks the serum that Dr. Pym created, maybe having Julia back will finally allow him.. and her to find happiness."

"So what are your plans for today?", Mantis asked Quentin. "Anything special?"

"Not too much", Quentin said. "Going over to the other house to discuss with Elizabeth some legal matters regarding some investments. How about you?"

"This one plans to spend some time tending to the garden that Willie and I have planted behind the house, and then some meditation before Jacques comes home tonight."

"That's right. I had forgotten that Jacques is coming home for the weekend from Xaiver's school. Will he be needing us to go get him?", Quentin asked.

"No, he told this one that he had a ride and would be here roughly around six or so", Mantis said. "This one is looking forward to seeing her son again."

"Me too", Quentin said. "It's been far too quiet around here since he started attending Xaiver's school. Has he mentioned how his training to use his powers is coming along?"

"He told this one that he has been working on his teleportation abilities with the X-Man, Nightcrawler and his control is vastly improved in that area. Emma Frost has been helping him with his telepathy and empathic abilities and I'm sure he's gotten much stronger and precise with those abilities as well."

"Willie is in town shopping", Quentin said. "I'll call him and have him pick up a welcome home cake for Jacques."

"When are Barnabas and Julia coming home?", Mantis asked.

"By the end of the week", Quentin said. "Barnabas had some business in London that needed to be wrapped up, but he said it's nearly complete."

"Good", Mantis said. "This one will be glad when everyone is back home."

"And I'm glad that you're finally calling it home", Quentin said to Mantis as he stood up.

"It does feel like a home to this one", Mantis said. "And that is something this one can not say about many places during her lifetime."

"Well, it's your home... and Jacques home as well, for as long as you'd like it to be", Quentin said. "And now, I'd better get over to the other house. Elizabeth is a stickler for being on time."

"Have fun", Mantis smiled. "This one too must get to work."

"See you later", Quentin said as he walked out of the room, giving Mantis a hug and kiss on the head. "I'll be back soon!"

Mantis watched him go as she took one final sip of her tea.

"Yes, this does feel like a home", she thought to herself as she placed her glass in the sink. "And it's a very nice feeling indeed."

**

Professor Charles Xaiver sat in his study and pondered the days events. His school, the Xaiver Institute for Higher Education, which also serves as the home base for the mutant team, The X-Men, had been attacked again. A anti-mutant hate group calling itself the "Friends of Humanity" had tried to infiltrate the school, but were quickly stopped by several of the X-Men before they could cause much damage.

"But what if none of the X-Men had been available", Xaiver thought to himself. "Who would have protected the students?"

Xaiver let out a loud sigh. It wasn't the first time that the security had been breached and the school had been attacked and it wouldn't be the last.

"Three times in the past month", he sighed. "And so long as the X-Men are here, it's only going to get worse."

Xaiver continued to ponder the situation.

"Maybe I should close down this part of the Institute and send the younger students to Emma Frost and Sean at the Massachusetts Academy in Snow Valley", Xaiver pondered to himself. "Or maybe to Moria over at Muir Island? The mansion could serve as the headquarters for the X-Men while the students receive training and their educations elsewhere. It would certainly be safer for the children."

Xaiver let out another loud sigh and glanced down at his desk and the stack of files he had assembled for possible new students for the school.

"Or maybe I should look for an alternate means to help these young people?"

Xaiver took a sip of his coffee and once more glanced at the files on his desk.

"Maybe?"

Xaiver picked up the phone and started dialing.

"It's a crazy idea, but just maybe..."

**

Mantis and Quentin Collins gave each other one final look before they got out of the car and walked up to the front door of the large mansion.

"I wonder why Professor Xaiver called us and asked us to pick up Jacques here at the school instead of allowing him to travel on his own?", Mantis asked.

"No telling", Quentin answered. "I guess he had some reason."

Quentin and Mantis approached the huge front doors of the Weschester Estate.

"They know we're here, so we may as well knock", Quentin said.

"This one just keeps wondering why Professor Xaiver asked to meet with us?", Mantis replied.

"Maybe Jacques teleported someone into the middle of that lake we passed when we entered the grounds?", Quentin quipped.

But he was also wondering why he and Mantis had been asked by Professor Charles Xaiver to come visit him at his Weschester mansion, which also served both as The Xaiver Institute for Higher Learning, as well as home base for the mutant team, known as the X-Men.

Quentin knocked on the huge front door, which was quickly answered by their friend and former team-mate from the Avengers International team, Bobby Drake, aka The Iceman.

"Hey guys", Bobby said as he answered the door. "Come on in the house."

"Iceman", Mantis smiled at the young man.

"What's up, Frosty?", Quentin quipped.

"The Plant Lady and Fang Face", Bobby joked back as he led them into the main hall. "Welcome to the big time."

"How have you been doing, Bobby?", Quentin asked as they followed Drake.

"Doing good", Bobby smiled. "Save the world, teach a class, fight a sentinal. Same old stuff. How about you guys?"

"Quiet", Quentin said. "No major disasters or curses or ghosts."

"Good deal", Bobby smiled.

"So Robert", Mantis asked. "Do you have any idea why Professor Xaiver asked this one and Quentin to come here today?"

"Yeah, Icepick", Quentin asked. "What has Jacques done?"

"Starr", said Bobby, referring to Jacques by his code-name, "is doing great. Matter of fact, he's with Wolvie, Kitty and Jubilee in the Danger Room right now."

"So this isn't about this one's son?", Mantis asked.

"Not so far as I know", Iceman replied. "But I'm getting a telepathic message from the Professor. He'd like to speak to both of you in his office right now."

Mantis and Quentin looked at each other.

"Lead on, Ice Cube", Quentin smirked.

"Sure thing, Wolfie", Iceman shot back and led the two through the hallways to Professor Xaiver's office.

He let Mantis and Quentin into the office.

"The Professor asks that you have a seat. He'll be here in a second.", Iceman said. "Anyone want a drink or anything?"

Both Quentin and Mantis declined, so Iceman left the two sitting there in the huge office.

"I wonder what the Professor wants?", Quentin asked once more.

"This one doesn't know", Mantis replied. "But I think we're fixing to find out."

**

A few minutes later, Professor Charles Xaiver, world's strongest telepath and founder of the X-Men, came into the office.

"I'm sorry that I'm running late". Xaiver apologized as he greeted them both. "A small situation had to be rectified."

"Nothing too serious, I hope", Quentin smiled.

"No", Xaiver replied. "Northstar and Gambit had a small argument that had to be nipped in the bud before it got out of hand. I swear that sometimes, the adults are worse than the children."

Both Mantis and Quentin laughed at this, having met and being aware of how tempermental some of the X-Men, especially Northstar and Gambit, could be.

"So I would guess that you're wondering why I asked the two of you here today?", Xaiver said.

"Straight to the point, eh Professor", Quentin smiled.

"This one was wondering exactly that", Mantis said. "Is it Jacques?", she asked.

"No", Xaiver said. "He's been an exemplary student and is a joy to have around."

"If it's not the kid", Quentin said, "then you're heading some kind of help. But what can a Celestial empath and a part-time werewolf do for you that any of your students can't do already?"

"You're right, Mr. Collins", Xaiver started to say, but Quentin quickly stopped him.

"Quentin", he said. "Mr. Collins is reserved for some of the more stuffy members of my family."

"Quentin", Xaiver corrected himself. "As I was saying, you're right. I do need to ask for your help, but not quite in the manner that you seem to be thinking."

"Whatever it is Professor, you know that we'll help if we're able. The X-Men have helped out the Avengers many times and Bobby was our team-mate in the Avengers International team", replied Quentin.

"And with this one's son as one of your students, we would be glad to help out if we can", Mantis added.

"I'm glad to hear that", Xaiver said. "And to answer your earlier question, Quentin, two heroes with the experience and abilities that the two of you possess, would be invaluable to a team like my X-Men. But again, that's not why I asked you here."

"So why did you ask us here", Mantis asked.

"As of late, things here at the school, and for the X-Men, have been very hectic. Even more so than usual. The security here at the Mansion has been compromised on several occasions. And to be perfectly blunt, I do not feel that this is a safe enviroment for novices and untrained students to learn."

"That is very concerning", Quentin agreed. "But I suppose that you have a plan to help ensure the safety of the school and it's students."

"My plans are, for the moment, to transfer the majority of the students here to the other branch of our school at the Massachusetts Academy in Snow Valley, which is currently being operated by Emma Frost and Sean Cassidy, who I believe you know as Banshee. Several of my former students will also transfer there to help maintain security and help with the administrative duties. I feel that the biggest risk to having the school here is that this also is the base of operations for the X-Men and that makes it a target. Separating the school from the team operations should lessen the chance of any trouble for the students."

"That makes sense", Quentin said, "but that doesn't explain why you asked Mantis and I to come here."

"Well, this is where it gets slightly more complicated", Xaiver said. "What I'd like to ask the two of you to do, if you're interested, is to help set up and run a third branch of our school."

"What?", Quentin asked.

"I'll be blunt", Xaiver said. "There are some students that need extra guidance and attention in the development of their powers and in their lives as well. While I would prefer to deal with these students myself, I don't have the time necessary to do so. And I don't believe that the Academy would be the right enviroment for them either. Normally, I would send them to my colleague at Muir Island, Dr. Moria MacTaggert, but with Excaliber residing there, that place is as much a target as the mansion. So I need to find an alternative."

"But why this one and Quentin?", Mantis asked. "Surely there are others who are far more qualified?"

"Maybe so", Xaiver said, "but time is of the essence and based on what I know of the two of you, as well as Quentin's cousin, Barnabas, are perfectly qualified and are just what I... and these students need."

"You're crazy, Xaiver!", Quentin said.

"Quentin, look at yourself. Look at Mantis. I spoke earlier about experience and courage. You're an immortal man who's lived over two hundred years, with adventures and experiences that most can't even begin to dream or think about. And Mantis is the Celestial Madonna. She's lived among the stars and in space, not to mention the unique perceptions that her empathic powers give her. And then add the experiences that both of you have had as associates of the Avengers."

"So we've both been around the block a few times", Quentin said. "That doesn't make us teachers or administrators or anything like that."

"This one is also unsure", Mantis replied. "It all seems so overwhelming."

"I'm not trying to force you to do anything", Xaiver said. "What I would like to ask is that you just think about it."

"Where would the school be located", Mantis asked. "I assume that you've got a location in mind."

"We're working on that", Xaiver said. "We're hunting for an estate that's large, yet private and can be easily renovated to suit our needs. Why do you ask?"

"This one may know of a place", Mantis said.

"I see", Xaiver said. "Well, will the two of you please consider my proposition?"

"You do realize that we'll most likely say no", Quentin replied.

"I understand that", Xaiver said. "But think about it."

Xaiver reached into his desk and pulled out some folders, passing them over to Mantis and Quentin.

"And what's this?", Quentin asked.

"Information", Xaiver smiled. "About the school, the curriculam, the students, and everything else that you will need to know to make your decision."

"How long before you need an answer?", Quentin asked.

"As soon as possible", Xaiver replied. "I'd really like to get moving on this as quickly as I can."

Quentin looked at Mantis, who gave him a small nod.

"We'll look over everything this weekend and let you know something by next Friday", Quentin said.

"Excellent", Xaiver smiled. "And now, I'm getting a telepathic message from Jean Grey. It's nearly time for lunch. Would you care to join us?"

"That'd be great. I'm starving", Quentin said.

"This one is also slightly hungry", Mantis replied. "Will Jacques be eating with us?"

"He'll be there, as will the majority of my X-Men and students", Xaiver said.

"Then lead the way, Professor", Quentin said as he stood up. "Let's eat!"

**

After enjoying the rest of the day with the staff and students at Xaiver's, Mantis and Quentin drove back down the highway towards their home in Collinsport, Maine. Mantis's son, Jacques, chose to stay at the school, deciding to teleport back to Collinwood the next day, so Mantis and Quentin were alone to conversate and discuss Xaiver's proposal.

"So what do you think about Xaiver's proposition?", Quentin asked Mantis.

"This one is intrigued", Mantis replied. "It would certainly be an experience."

"It would be crazy", Quentin said. "I don't know what the Professor must have been putting in his pipe?"

"All the points that he made were perfectly valid", Mantis said.

"But what do I know about being a teacher?", Quentin asked.

"This one is sure that you've learned something worth teaching over the past two hundred years", Mantis quipped.

"Ha Ha! Very funny", Quentin replied. "But seriously, I'm not sure about all of this."

"Well, we can discuss with with Barnabas and Dr. Hoffman in the morning when they return", Mantis said.

"Julia and Barnabas are due back in the morning?", Quentin asked. "Great! When did you speak to them?"

"Barnabas left a message on my cell phone", Mantis smiled. "The Maria Stark has managed to get Dr. Hoffman's legal status rectified and all of her credentials updated."

"Had to be a job for them", Quentin commented. "Trying to make a person who was resurrected from the dead and came back thirty years younger than when she died and get them a valid ID card. I'd hate to see the red tape on that one."

"They did the same for this one when I returned to earth from my travels in space", Mantis replied. "And for Patsy Walker, the Hellcat, as well."

"So this back from the dead thing must happen quite often in the super-hero world", Quentin said.

"And in the world of the Collins family too, it seems", Mantis replied.

"Touche", Quentin said. "My cousin and I are definitely proof of that."

"Have you had a chance to look over some of the files Xaiver gave us?", Mantis asked. "Some of these students and their backgrounds."

"It's a rough world sometimes", Quentin said. "I can see why Xaiver is concerned about some of these kids."

Mantis and Quentin both remained silent and lost in their thoughts as they continued the drive home from Xaivers to Collinwood.

**

Soon, after Barnabas Collins and Dr. Julia Hoffman had arrived home and settled in, Quentin and Mantis joined them at the table.

"It's great to have the two of you back", Quentin told his cousin and the Doctor. "This place is so quiet when everyone is away."

"I'll bet Willie enjoys the peace though", Julia smiled as she sipped her coffee.

"No ma'am, Julia", Willie said as he walked into the room. "I like it a lot better when everyone is here."

"It is good to be home", Barnabas smiled.

"So how is the serum working, Barnabas?", Mantis asked.

""Excellent", Barnabas said. "Julia and I went by the Avengers Mansion and talked to Dr. Pym before we came home and he gave me an examination. My body is reacting well to the serum and it seems to be holding up quite well."

"And how are you holding up, Julia?", Quentn asked the Doctor.

"Dr. Pym gave me an examination as well and there is no sign of the cancer that originally killed me anywhere in my body. I guess when you guys rescued me from hell and I was brought back as this younger version of myself, we left the cancer, as well as the aches and pains of old age with Mephisto."

"How about in your readjustment to being alive once more?", Mantis asked. "It took this one quite a while to adjust after her death and concurrent exile into space."

"It's been difficult at times", Julia admitted. "Things are so much faster now and the world is so different. But Barnabas has been a great help, as have the people from the Stark Foundation. I'm beginning to be more comfortable."

"Julia is much too modest", Barnabas smiled. "She has adjusted to this world much faster than I did upon my return, and in fact, was commenting the other day about looking for something to do, to take advantage of the opportunities we've been presented."

"Dr. Pym did offer me a job working for the Avengers as a psychician and counselor", Julia admitted. "And I'm intrigued, but I have no desire to move to New York Ciry. I'd much rather stay here in Collinsport, if I can."

"Maybe reopen your doctors office?", Willie asked.

"Maybe", Julia smiled sadly. "But there are several good doctors already here in Collinsport and after all I've witnessed and experienced, the idea of being a small town doctor just doesn't really seem too appealing."

"Well, maybe we have a solution here", Quentin said. "Do you guys remember Professor Xaiver?"

"He's the man who runs the school where Jacques attends", Mantis added.

"He's also the founder of the X-Men", Barnabas remarked.

"Charles Xaiver is also one of the top experts on genetics and mutations", Julia said. "I've read several of his papers and attended several lectures of his years ago. He's a very amazing and powerful man."

"That's the one", Quentin quipped.

"Well, yesterday Mantis and I were asked to come down to Xaiver's school and meet with the Professor", Quentin started.

And he went on to explain the meeting and how Professor Xaiver had attempted to recruit Mantis and himself as potential Headmasters for a private school, to be affiliated with Xaiver's. He showed the folders that Xaiver had given him and threw out the whole presentation, just as Xaiver himself had only twenty-four hours earlier.

"A school for mutants?", Barnabas said. "Fascinating idea."

"Not just mutants", Mantis said, "but for gifted youths of all kinds."

"I'm not sure about Xaiver's choice of teachers though", Quentin remarked once more. "I can understand Mantis, and Julia is a natural, but you and I?"

"Nonsense", Julia interjected. "Both you and Barnabas are compassionate, warm, very intelligent and would make excellent mentors for anyone."

"But the baggage we bring....", Barnabas started to say, but Mantis cut him off.

"We all have baggage", she said. "It's part of what makes us who we are."

"I can't think that parents would willingly put their students under the supervision of a vampire", Barnabas frowned.

"From what I see, reading these profiles", Julia commented, "I don't think the parents give a damn. Most of these kids come from broken homes and are just looking for some stability."

"And besides, your curse is under control, thanks to the serum you take", Mantis said. "And this one is totally comfortable with her child around you and Quentin."

"But the whole idea of running a school", Barnabas said.

"I think it's a great idea", Julia said. "I know that I've been feeling restless and looking for something to do, and I know that Mantis has as well."

"That's true", Mantis agreed. "This one occasionally feels the longing for adventure."

"I think we all do at times", Quentin said. "But a school?"

"Excuse me", Willie interjected. "Can I say something?"

"Of course, Willie", Barnabas said.

"I've been listening and you really ought to do it. All of you."

"Why do you think so, Willie?", Quentin asked.

"Because those kids need someone to help them and protect them and Barnabas and Quentin... I know you guys can do that. Julia just came back from the dead and she's looking for something to do. Maybe this is why she came back. To help those kids? And Mantis... you're a super hero and you've been all over the universe, but I've seen you with Jacques and that's when you're happiest. You're a great mom and so smart, sweet and caring. These kids in those folders.. they need a mom like that. They need someone to help 'em and guide 'em and listen to 'em. And you can do that."

Willie paused for a second as everyone's eyes stayed focused on the younger man.

"And you Quentin... you're not sure if you can do this. Why not? You're smart and you're resourceful and I know that you're scared of the challenge, but you ain't got nothing to be scared of. You've been great with Jacques and you'd be great with these kids too."

And finally, Willie turned to Barnabas....

"And Barnabas, you say that you can't do it because you're a vampire? Like Mantis said, you've got that curse under control. Maybe the old you couldn't do it, but you've changed over the years and are one of the best guys I know. You've been there for me and so many others. They say that vampires ain't got no souls, but that's a lie cause you've got the biggest heart and biggest soul of anyone I've ever known. You can do it, Barnabas. And those kids need you. Xaiver wouldn't have asked you... any of you, if he didn't think you were capable and the best people for the job. You ought to at least give it a shot."

Once Willie finished talking, he could feel everyone's gaze upon him.

"Well, that's what I think", he said quietly.

"Very well said, Willie", Julia said.

"Indeed it was", Barnabas added. "And Willie... thank you!"

"Does that mean you're going to do it?", Willie asked.

Barnabas looked around at the others to see three heads nod their affirmation.

"Yes Willie, I do believe we are", Barnabas smiled.

"And I believe I even know where we could locate this school?", Julia added. "How about Windcliff Sanitarium?"

"The hospital you once ran?", Mantis asked.

"Of course", Quentin smiled. "It'd be perfect. It's fairly close, so we wouldn't have to leave Collinwood, and it's secluded enough."

"And it's currently owned by the Collins family estate", Barnabas said.

"And it's over fifty rooms", Julia said. "Plus, before we transformed it into a sanitarium, it was a private school back in the early 1900's. So it wouldn't take much work to renovate it and retore it to it's original use."

"We can ride out and check out the building this afternoon", Quentin said. "But as I recall, it was still in great shape the last time I was out there."

"So does that mean we should call Professor Xaiver and tell him yes?", Willie asked.

"Yes", Barnabas smiled. "Most definitely yes!"

**

Upon notifying Professor Xaiver of their decision, things began to move quickly. Renovation began on what was once Windcliff Sanitarium and in just a few short months, under the supervision of Willie Loomis, the building and it's grounds were quickly transformed into a fine, looking estate, to be known as the Stoddard Institute, in honor of Collins family matriach Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. It was quickly decided that Quentin Collins would act as Headmaster for the school, while Dr. Julia Hoffman would act as medical doctor, counselor and Administrator. Barnabas would serve in an Advisor's capacity, while Mantis would act as a counselor for the new school. Willie Loomis was offered the job of over-seeing the staff that was needed for the school, but declined the role, preferring to remain at Collinwood.

"So things have really began to take shape", Julia said as she and Barnabas walked around the new campus.

"Have you seen the new sub-basements yet?", Barnabas said. "There are three levels below what was once the basement and it's all so...modern."

"It's going to take some getting used to", Julia admitted. "I ran this place for eighteen years and even I'm going to need a map to find my way around."

"When are the staff expected to start arriving?", Barnabas asked.

"Well, one of Xaiver's former students, Danielle Moonstar, will be arriving tonight, along with Hank McCoy, who will be installing the security system for the Institute."

"It will be good to see Dr. McCoy again", Barnabas smiled.

"As for the rest of the staff, Willie's found someone to handle the cooking and housekeeping and she'll be here in the morning. And I think Professor Xaiver mentioned something about a couple of other potential teachers that he's attempting to track down."

"How about the students?", Barnabas asked.

"Well, Jacques is already here and moved in", Julia smiled. "He's with Mantis and Quentin exploring the new sub-basements."

"And the others?", Barnabas asked.

"I think we have another week before they arrive", Julia said. "Professor Xaiver said that either he or Miss Frost would call and let me know soon."

"So are we getting students transfering from Xaiver's school in Weschester, from the Massachusetts Academy or what?", Barnabas asked.

"The way I understand it, we'll start with a small class of probably seven or eight students. I believe Jacques is the only current student of Xaiver's that is transferring here. The rest will be new recruits", Julia answered.

"So Xaiver finds them and brings them to us?", Barnabas said.

"Why not?", a voice called out as Quentin joined the pair. "We're a fun bunch to be around."

"If you say so, Quentin", Barnabas said with a small smile. "I thought you were getting familiar with the new lower levels of the Institute."

"I was", Quentin said. "But Mantis and Jacques decided that it was time to go meditate, so they abandoned me and I decided to come find the two of you."

"So have you gotten this place figured out yet?", Julia asked. "I set up the medical facilities earlier today and it's like having an entire hospital wing for my own use."

"I found what will be my office", Quentin said. "And the kitchen. Aside from that, I keep getting lost."

"You'll figure it out soon enough, Cousin", Barnabas smiled.

"You have an office here too, Barnabas. Did you know that?". Quentin asked with a smirk.

"Why would I need an office?", Barnabas asked.

"For your role as an administrator and somewhere that you can hide from the students", Quentin laughed. "It's very nice. We used furniture found in storage at the old house and I think you'll like it."

"We'll see", Barnabas said with a grim smile.

Suddenly, the ringing of a cell phone screamed through the air. Quentin reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"It's Professor Xaiver. I need to take this."

Quentin put the phone to his ear and walked off while Julia and Barnabas continued their conversation. Moments later, Quentin returned.

"That was the Professor. He's faxing over some papers about a potential new student", Quentin said as he rejoined his friends. "And I will have to fly out west to meet and recruit this young man."

"Where to?", Barnabas asked.

"Forks, Washington", Quentin said.

"Hmmmm", Barnabas said. "So is this new person a vampire or a werewolf?"

"What?", Julia asked.

"Either a shape-changing mutant or a werewolf", Quentin said. "How did you know, Barnabas?"

"Forks is a very special place that has two major power groups. A family of vampires named the Cullens, who by choice, do not drink human blood", Barnabas started to explain.

"How do they survive?", Julia asked. "We tried other forms of blood when treating you and human blood was essential to your survival."

"There are different types of vampires from different bloodlines", Barnabas said. "My situation is the result of a magical curse. The Cullens, I believe, are decended from the Volturi from Italy. And then you have the common vampire who is essentially a human who had the misfortune of being bitten or sired by another vampire. These are descended from the Dracula bloodline, I believe."

"Yeah, you can talk about that later", Quentin interupted. "What do you know about the werewolves of the area?"

"They're part of the Quiluete Indian tribe and are considered the tribes protectors", Barnabas said. "A select group of young men who possess an extra gene that allows them to transform into giant wolves. This usually happens around the time of puberty and the young werewolf becomes part of a pack, who's primary function is to kill vampires and protect the tribe."

"You seem to know a lot about them, Barnabas", Julia commented.

"Research when I was wandering the globe in search of a cure for my curse, not long after I left Collinwood the second time", Barnabas replied grimly. "One of the persons I spoke to in my search was Carlisle Cullen."

"Well, it's not the Cullen family I'll need to see. It's a young man at the Quiluete Reservation who the Professor is interested in", Quentin said. "I'll be flying out there in the morning."

"Are you sure? It might not be safe", Julia said. "And how will a tribe of werewolves react to a more traditional wolf-man in their midst."

"I agree. It will be risky for you", Barnabas said.

"I won't be alone", Quentin said. "I'll be meeting one of Xaiver's people at the airport who will accompany me to the Reservation and help out."

"One of the X-Men?", Barnabas asked.

"I'm not sure", Quentin said. "I believe so."

"So what's the information on this young man?", Julia asked. "Will he be coming here as a student?"

"Charles told me to evaluate the kid and his situation and make that decision based on my judgement", Quentin said.

"Lord help us", Julia smiled.

"So what should we do while you're off recruiting young werewolves?", Barnabas asked his cousin.

"Just keep doing what you're doing and getting the school ready for some students", Quentin smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go tell Mantis that I'll be flying out in the morning to Washington."

With that, Quentin got up and walked off to locate Mantis.

"Two to one that Mantis ends up going with him", Julia whispered to Barnabas as Quentin walked off.

"No bet", Barnabas said. "She will definitely be going on this trip."

"You guys know I can hear you, right?", Quentin shouted from down the hall. "Enhanced werewolf hearing, remember?"

"I believe I need to get back to Collinwood", Barnabas said, quickly standing up.

"And I've got to get my labs set up properly", Julia said as she stood up.

Julia and Barnabas took off in their seperate directions to accomplish their given tasks while Quentin, satisfied that he had unnerved them, went off in search of Mantis.

**

In the fabled realm of Mt. Olympus, the goddess of wisdom, Athena, sat and looked out the window of her palace. It was a beautiful landscape that met her eyes and she smiled. Then a frown appeared as she noticed her mortal ward, her nephew, the boy known as Daniel Robinson sitting in the distance, surrounded by some of the wild animals that roamed Olympus. Daniel was what the humans called a mutant and posessed the ability to talk to and understand animals. Daniel was also the son of the goddess of the moon, Diana and a human, so his presence on Olympus was allowed.

"But are we doing right by the child to deny him his mortal heritage", Athena thought to herself. "It would be in his best interests to learn the ways of mortals, as well as the ways of the Olympians. But his mutant abilities might be a problem."

As Athena sat and thought in silence, a memory surfaced of a group of mortal youths who had created quite a stir in Asgard a few years past.

"I believe they called themselves the New Mutants and were part of a school for powered youth. That may be just what Daniel needs."

Athena rang a small bell and quickly, one of her servants entered the room.

"Yes ma'am", the servant asked.

"Please contact Hercules and have him meet me at his earliest convenience", she told the servant. "I wish to know more about some mortal associates of his."

"As you wish", the servant said quietly before leaving the room.

Athena looked once more out the window at the youth, Daniel, who was brushing the fur of a rare albino tiger, one of her favorite pets.

"He is the son of my heart and I will miss him if he leaves Olympus, but I know that this is what must be done."

(Continued in part 2)