Companions (X men Fanfiction)

Locating Stryker's Base, It's the One Place We Shouldn't Go

I growled and both of them leaped down. Kurt helped Poultice a bit and once they were down we all gave them hard stares.

"I'm sorry to snoop," Kurt apologized as he hung his head. I looked to Poultice who nodded rapidly in agreement.

"Just relax," murmured Jean as she stretched out a hand and touched his skull. She began to read hi thoughts and she began shaking. "Stryker's at Alkahy Lake. The base is underground."

I looked at Poultice who began shaking. "No we can't go back there," he wailed as his fur stood on end and he began to shake thinking about it.

"Poultice," I began but he lifted a paw to cut me off. Ordinarily I wouldn't stand for it but I didn't want to upset him any more than I needed to and I could tell he was already angry and stressed. However we all were and this wasn't helping. However he was still only a pup.

"No Triflud was there and he tried to kill us! He killed my mother and my father and everyone else I loved." Tears streamed down Poultice's face and his fur stood on end.

"We have to go there to save the Professor and the other students," I reasoned as I padded toward him, aware that everyone was watching us. I was trying to be a parent when I had no experience. It was only Tony or I and even a blind fox would chose me. "That's where Keen is Poultice and your brother."

"Can you promise me that nothing will happen," rasped Poultice as he exchanged a glance with me. My heard tightened in my chest since I wanted to promise him that but I knew I could never do that. I would be lying since I knew danger was ahead.

I sighed and hung my head. "No I can't Poultice but I can promise you that I will take care of you. I promise your mother when she died."

Poultice was now shaking in fury and anxiety. "What if something happens there again! I can't. I just can't."

"Poultice this is to save lives-" I began but Poultice snarled at me.

"I've tried to save lives since I was born! Why can't I try to save my own?!" Poultice turned and surged into the forest, his body pushing through the leaves and bushes.

"Poultice," I called but it was clear he wasn't listening. "Poultice come back!"

I sighed and sat back on my haunches. Logan lowered beside me and stroked my flank. "It's just hard for him. It was hard for me to go there and I'm much older than him."

I bit my lip. "I'm sorry for his behavior he's had a hard day," I murmured to the group but they really didn't seem to mind.

"We understand," barked Tony as he dipped his broad head. "You don't have to apologize to us."

I smiled a bit but it was hard since it was forced. "I believe I should go after him," I murmured as I bunched my muscles, ready to surge forward.

"Wait," murmured Tony as he darted in front of me before he cringed, the sudden burst of energy made pain ripple though him. He gritted his teeth and cringed. I realized how old he was now and that was starting to slow him down. "If I've learned anything it's that you need to let him cool down and see if he comes to you. If not then try and calm him down."

I sighed and blinked my eyes. "Alright. Well I am sorry for that and I'm sure that we can make it to Alkahy Lake."

Logan smiled and stroked my pelt. "Don't worry," he assured. "I'm sure he'll come back."

I shook my head. "I'm not so sure. I feel like I dragged his mother into this and now he's paying the price. It's not his fault that he's living like this. He didn't chose it." Anger was beginning to stir in my heart so I extended my claws, growling into my chest fur.

"Starlight," murmured Logan in his tone that told me I needed to calm down. I unhooked my claws from the ground and drew back.

"I know. I know. Patience, not anger and no regret," I sighed although I knew all of those things Logan struggled with as well.

"Did you at least think about what I said," he asked me when he made sure that the rest of the group wasn't paying attention. Jean, Storm, and Magneto were all speaking together while Kurt tried talking to Mystique who was not interested. Just because they were both blue didn't mean they made a connection.

"About what," I asked, playing dumb. I knew what he wanted but I didn't want to think about it, at least not now.

Logan cuffed my ear a bit and I nearly fell over. "About talking to the Professor about what's happening."

"What about you," I flashed as my eyes narrowed. "You have as many problems as I do! You don't even know where you came from!"

Logan looked away and I let out a sigh, knowing I had pushed it to far. "Logan I'm sorry," I breathed as I lowered my head under his hand and he stroked me between the ears. "I didn't mean that and you know I didn't."

He nodded. "Yes but that just proves my point. I'm worried about you Starlight. Now make me talk to the Professor myself."

I rose to my paws and shook my head. "I won't make you do that Logan but not now." I looked to the forest with my eyes blazing. "We have bigger things to worry about then how I feel. I know about the Professor but what about Thruster?"

Logan nodded slowly. I knew he didn't have a mate but he had feelings for Jean and I knew that he would be distraught if he thought that she was in danger. "I think Thruster can take care of himself."

I flicked an ear in agreement but I didn't agree with it. "Yes but he can't heal like you and me. He could be in danger and there is nothing I can do."

Logan stood up and looked to the now dwindling fire. "You have done a lot, enough if you ask me."

I snorted in amusement. "Yes well it can't be enough. I need to find Poultice and try to help him."

"Do you want me to come," offered Logan but even I could tell he needed rest.

"No you stay here," I murmured also knowing that wolves traveled better in the forest. However I wasn't stupid so I knew I should bring someone. So he had to be wolf so that only left one option. Tony.