[The Adamantium Affair] – Val Knows The Truth

Kayla was hurried to the medical room of the school.

She heard Hank say, "Angel, please prepare an I.V. bag. and Havok, would you please fetch the medical equipment from the storage room?"

She saw Angel prepare the I.V. bag while Havok returned with a rolling cart filled with medical supplies quickly.

"3..2..1!"

They lifted her up from the stretcher and placed her on the bed.

As the room buzzed with activity, she couldn't help but feel nervous. She saw everybody's serious expressions and felt compelled to ease the tension. So, she mustered up a smile and cracked a joke, "Is this going to cost me? I'm warning you, I don't have insurance."

Angel chuckled at her joke as she set up the I.V. "Don't worry," she reassured her, "the treatment is going to be completely free." She leaned in close and whispered with a mischievous grin, "Prof. Xavier, himself, ordered it. No expenses for you."

Kayla's eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't believe what she just heard. "What?!", she whispered back in disbelief.

She sank into the soft pillow and thought, 'Why would he do this? Is... Is Logan pulling a favor for me?'

At that moment, somebody gently knocked on the door. All eyes turned to see who it was and the door creaked open to reveal a young man with a nervous expression on his face. It was obvious that he was intimidated by the people in the room.

Hank sighed in relief since he recognized the man. "Ah! Dr. Grey! You're here! Good!", Hank exclaimed with a smile as he welcomed the newcomer.

Angel and Havok, on the other hand, exchanged puzzled glances since they didn't recognize him. They turned to Hank for some explanation. Hank saw their confusion and explained, "He is Dr. Grey. We met at a conference last year at NYU where he was the speaker. It was a thoughtful presentation. Anyway, the most interesting thing about him is his ability."

Hank looked at Grey and politely requested, "Would you please show them your ability?"

Grey nodded and approached Havok. He asked hesitantly, "I-Is it okay i-if I touch you?"

Havok, though confused, nodded and replied, "Sure, go ahead."

He gently touched Havok's arm and his eyes suddenly turned completely white. He began to list out detailed information about Havok's RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, and more.

Everyone in the room was astonished as Grey's eyes returned to normal, and he took a step back, a smile of accomplishment on his face.

The group, including Havok, Angel, and Kayla, looked impressed by the incredible display of his ability.

Angel was quick to voice her amazement, turning to Hank and saying, "He's a walking test machine!"

Hank nodded with approval and added, "And that's why he's going to help us here today!"

As Angel, Grey, and Hank geared up for the operation, Havok's part was done, so he stepped outside.

Time passed slowly, and after a few long hours, the operation came to a successful conclusion. Hank, looking relieved, asked Grey to stay by Kayla's side and keep an eye on her for any signs of complications. With their task complete, Hank and Angel stepped outside.

Meanwhile, Grey dutifully remained with Kayla, carefully observing her every move. A few hours passed, and as the effects of the anesthesia started to wear off, Kayla began to stir. She opened her eyes groggily, trying to make sense of her surroundings. Grey smiled gently, reassuring her with his presence, as she slowly became more alert.

"Ugh...", Kayla groaned, looking over at Grey with concern, and asked, "W-Was the operation successful?"

Grey nodded gently and said, "Yes! The operation went well. We cleaned the wounds and stitched them up carefully to make sure that no scars are left behind. You'll look just like yourself before the incident. No one will be able to tell a difference."

Kayla sighed in relief and said, "Thank God! I thought I'd have to carry those scars forever."

Grey laughed, lightening the mood, and said, "No worries. We took care of it. But, now, I need to check for any internal complications." He reached out and touched her arm but, this time, something strange happened – his eyes went blank and lifeless.

The smile on Kayla's face disappeared and she deathly stared at Grey. She ordered, "Don't tell anyone that I'm a mutant. You'll examine me, and then conveniently forget that I have any mutant abilities. Understand?"

Grey nodded and spoke in an emotionless voice, "... Yes."

"Good!" Kayla said, satisfied. "Now, continue what you were doing before."

Grey's eyes turned back to normal and he smiled kindly at Kayla while saying, "It looks like you're okay. I'll go and inform Hank."

Kayla smiled slyly as she watched him turn around and exit the room. She exhaled comfortably, knowing that her secret was safe, and thought, 'Another crisis averted!'

As Grey closed the door behind him, he turned around and was taken aback, to see Val, the world-famous superhero, leaning against the wall.

"M-Mr. S-Starlance!!", Grey exclaimed, completely surprised to see Val so close to him.

Val smiled warmly and said, "Don't mind me. Carry on with your work as usual."

"O-Okay!", Grey stuttered nervously and hurriedly walked away.

Val watched him leave and then he turned his attention back to the door.

He opened the door and stepped inside, finding Kayla resting on the bed with her eyes closed. He smiled and quietly approached her.

He grabbed a nearby chair and set it down beside her bed. However, as the chair moved, it made a noise and Kayla opened her eyes and looked at Val with a surprised yet confused expression on her face.

Val sat on the chair and stared at her without saying anything. Both of them stared at each other and the silence in the room felt uncomfortable for some reason to Kayla.

Seeing him continue to simply stare at her, she felt a growing unease and she managed to say, "D-Do you n-need any-"

But, he cut her off before she could finish and leaned in closer, and whispered in a low, eerie voice, "Hail HYDRA!!"