A New Kind of Army

Chapter 34: Open Arms and Crossed Hands

 I slept in.

Well, it didn't really matter if I got up before dawn this morning or not. The house was already in chaos by the time I made it down stairs, but that was normal in a large household. However, a few things weren't normal for just a chaotic morning.

Nico wasn't on the field like he usually was this hour, instead both him and Christin were standing in the living room, dressed in formal mutant clothing. Detailed tight, almost leather like jackets and pants were worn, with long high collared capes flowing down their backs. It was honestly shocking seeing them in capes. Neither brother was fond of them.

In fact, capes had fallen out of mutant everyday fashion a long time ago. According to Kate, who was pretty much my guide into clothes shopping whenever we went to Nexus, capes were once nearly as common as masks, but they were more of a safety hazard with little benefits for certain mutants depending on their abilities. Eventually fading out to just formal events and the odd exception when a young child is having trouble stabilizing in flight.

"You can stop gawking, James," Nico said.

My eyes zipped to the floor, "Sorry, Sir."

"You are finally awake," Nico said.

"Yes, sir," I mumbled quietly.

"Lay off him Nico," Christin cut in, "You're giving him a free day today anyway."

"What?" I spoke.

Nico sighed, "You're only assignment for today is to care for your young charge. Christin and I have more pressing matters to attend to."

"Is that why you're wearing fancy clothes? It is some kind of holiday?" I spoke.

"Not a holiday," Christin said, "A political expedition! We'll be talking peace treaties with Atlantis."

"For the third time," Nice said flatly.

"Hey, third's time the charm," Christin said.

"There's being a glass half-full. There's beating a dead horse. Then there's you, little brother," Nico said, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you for having such great faith in me," Christin replied.

"We've tried this three times in the past decade, I believe it's best we take the hint and not accidentally start a war for annoying them. Their king is known for his temper," Nico stated, "Besides, Nexus has nothing to lose if we aren't in alliance."

"That's where you're wrong big brother. Without allies Nexus will fall like the homeland did. Who will we turn to if we're attacked?" Christin said.

"Attacked from what? The only nations who rival Nexus in technological weaponry, are Wakanda, Atlantis, and Latvaria," Nico said.

"I don't know, but if it ever happens, Nexus will be far more stable with outside help. If we seal ourselves away, we choose to stay blind to the wonders and dangers that the outer world has to offer," Christin said, "If I hadn't taken a look around, I would have never gotten married. Besides you think any of the other Clan Leaders are looking for allies?"

"No, they aren't. I'll admit, you found a rare gem in the rough outside, but I still doubt you will finally be able to convince that salty sea spouge to enter a peace treaty," Nico said.

"Don't worry I got my charms," Christin gave a very bad smolder.

Nico groaned and shook his head.

I tried not to laugh at the brothers' banter. I honestly agreed with Nico, if Namor's...family? descendants? Or whoever was in charge of Atlantis were like good old Subby Christin would need a lot more than just charms to get a treaty out of them.