Storm had not been to this particular tombstone since she had returned from her captivity in Egypt. She had very purposely avoided it and made no mention of it to anyone else. It was fortunate that the weather was naturally cloudy today. No one would be able to accuse her of souring it.
Something had drawn her here today. This was the place all X-Men were loath to visit. Storm especially; because as a leader every tombstone was a failure and each failure a poignant reminder of her own mortality.
What Ororo was looking at now was the most powerful reminder. It was her own tombstone. She knelt down and traced her elegant fingers across her name and the epitaph.
STORM- A GODDESS WHO WALKED AMONG MORTALS
A cold chill ran down Storm's spine and she wrapped her arms around herself. The thought to her body being trapped in some coffin terrified her. Those months spent in Egypt had been some of the worst in her life. It had been akin to being in a coffin and without Scott keeping her together she would have been driven to madness. As the two dreadful thoughts intertwined Storm felt her breathing getting shorter.
Reigning herself in, Ororo jumped to her feet and looked to the sky. Her eyes turned completely white and within moments a bolt of lightning came down from the gray sky. The arc of electricity struck the tombstone directly and tore it asunder.
"You will not have me yet," Storm spat as if she were speaking to Death itself. "By the Goddess you will not have me yet."
"Seeing my own grave would spook me too."
Ororo turned to the source of the voice and saw an ally she hadn't encountered since before Magneto had taken the reigns of Genosha. The woman still bore her gruff exterior that was exemplified by her black eye patch. She wasn't carrying her trademark staff though and that surprised Storm. In the time she had known the Morlock she was inseparable from her weapon.
"Callisto," Ororo smiled. "Forgive my behavior. It was just something I needed to resolve."
The Morlock woman tenderly replied, "Think nothing of it Ororo. If you hadn't of smashed it I would have myself. The world needs people like you around and I'll be damned before I ever see your name on one of those again."
Looking at Callisto's more developed muscles Ororo said, "So I guess the stories I've heard about you were true then. An Avenger huh?"
Callisto sighed. "Not exactly, but close enough. As a result of the ordeal I'm more powerful. Gives me more ability to protect our people."
Storm was shocked that Callisto had said our. When referring to the Morlocks, Callisto usually said her people, but this one time she had included Ororo into the equation. Her old ally had changed indeed.
"Thank you Callisto. I just wish I would have been around to help the Morlocks against Bastion's Sentinels."
Callisto shrugged. "Our people are tough. Some died, but many lived. I wish I had been there as well. Not only for them, but for Marrow."
It was all clear to Ororo then. "You've come to see Marrow today haven't you?"
"Among other things," Callisto replied. "She was the closest thing I had to a daughter 'Ro. I should have been there for her when she needed me the most. I failed her in the end."
Storm never had a great relationship with Marrow. In fact, they were downright hostile for quite a bit of time. Ororo had at one point believed that she had killed the young woman. She had heard the story of her death from Bobby and admittedly her initial reaction was one of relief. Marrow had been a truly disturbed young woman who was beyond even the Professor's ability to save. Her continued existence only served to put innocents in danger. Nonetheless, she was someone that Callisto cared for and Callisto was a friend. She would be a shoulder of comfort and not share her true feelings.
"You did not fail her Callisto. You did all you could for her. She's in a far better place. Her soul was tortured here in this plane of existence. Too many had left their mark on her. Have faith in what I say. I caught a glimpse of the other side when Apollyon nearly killed me. It is a better place."
Callisto sighed. "I believe you Storm. There are few people in this world I place faith in you. You're one of them. Could you point me to her grave? I'd like some alone time with her."
"Of course Callisto. It is right behind Doug's grave. Be sure to give her my regards," Storm replied as she began to walk away from Callisto.
"Wait Ororo!" Callisto called out as she walked over to Storm and handed her a piece of dried up brown paper. It almost looked like papyrus. Storm took a hold of the paper and looked at Callisto awkwardly.
"Don't look at me. We found it in the tunnels with a knife through it and your name on the end of the knife. I figured it was meant for you to have," Callisto explained.
Storm nodded and began to unfold the paper. "Thank you Callisto. I will be taking my leave now. Take your time with Marrow. I will inform the others that you are out here."
Callisto nodded and Ororo could see the pain begging to be unleashed. A woman like Callisto was too hardened by life's downtrodden experiences to let it show, but she was being ripped asunder by grief. Marrow had been the closest thing Callisto had ever had to a daughter. A mother losing a child was a grief not able to be imagined, only experienced. It wasn't something that Storm would wish upon her worst enemy.
So she walked away and left Callisto with her pain and mourning. Her heart was heavy as she opened the letter that had been given to her.
Greetings Mistress of the Storm,
It is with grave urgency that I write this correspondence to you. The world of mutants as you and I know it is in grave peril. Long have you fought the threats of mutantdom and with great vigor, but my visions warn me that even those efforts will soon fall short. Calamity of an unseen proportion is headed for this world. I move now to act against this growing tide of evil against our people. My visions are intense and they haunt me more and more with every passing moment. Understand, Ororo that I am no longer bound to the will of Apocalypse. My will is my own and I would ask you to grant me an audience with you. There is much we need to discuss. If you agree meet me in the darkened city of Akabba in three days. I shall be awaiting your company.
Sincerely,
Ozymandias
Gently, she rolled the letter back up and began to digest the prophet's words. Why had he chosen to send this to her out of all the X-Men? Though he was a slave to Apocalypse it was hard for Storm not to associate him with that dark fiend. One can only be around darkness for so long before it begins to taint them. Something just seemed off about this entire deal. Leaving this letter in the Morlock Tunnels made one thing clear to Ororo. Ozymandias didn't want the X-Men to know that he had contacted her. And that's what disturbed her the most. If he was truly so sincere about his cause then he would be seeking all the help he could find. Why just her?
Despite all that, the decision was already made for her. She would go to Akabba and meet with Ozymandias. The chance of her being wrong in her assumptions was one too great to take. Besides, she had taken care of herself long before the X-Men came into her life. She could do it again.
Akabba. A dusty hellhole if there ever was one. No other place could be the home of Apocalypse. Hate and loathing was like a miasma covering this forsaken town. As Storm walked down the dusty streets she couldn't help but to be on guard. The origins of this place made her think that Apocalypse could come around any corner. Ororo was starting to think that Ozymandias had chosen this place just to keep her on edge. Even in the middle of the afternoon every step felt like a headlong plunge into abysmal darkness. Why did this place have such a terrible strain on her heart?
None of the locals seemed to notice what she was feeling. All they could manage to do was smile with rotten teeth and offer her goods while they spilled flattering compliments. A lesser woman might have fallen for the merchants and bought some unneeded item. Storm was no such woman. She had once received literal worship. Mere compliments lacked punch for her because of that.
Unfortunately, there was only one dirty, gravel-covered street in this ancient birthplace of unadulterated evil. It had been the seed of that evil that nearly killed her and kept imprisoned for almost half a year. If not for the strength of Cyclops she would have surely lost her sanity. Just thinking of that time made her shiver uncontrollably. If Jean had not killed Apollyon she would have found a way to.
Have I really become that comfortable with the concept of death, Storm thought as she pulled her scarf across the bottom half of her face. Over the years she had watched far too many mutants die in the struggle to fulfill Xavier's dream. If Ozymandias was right then more death was ahead. When she was a goddess her power brought life and hope. Now all it seemed to do was rain down death.
"No matter how much of yourself you hide your eyes will always reveal you," a voice full of burden and wisdom said from behind Storm.
Storm turned around to face the blind prophet and to her surprise wraps were no longer around his eyes. Two red rubies dazzled in the afternoon desert sun. She quickly controlled her expression of surprise and said, "You should be fortunate I can control my instincts. Otherwise you would have been obliterated by now."
"Yes, I am very fortune indeed," Ozymandias said as he put one arm across his chest and bowed. "I am glad we can meet today as allies."
Ororo removed her scarf and let Ozymandias see the fierceness of her stare. "That remains to be seen."
"I know I have much to make up for. I have two camels prepared for us at the end of town. I think it best if you meet my other guest," the ancient warlord said.
"You neglected to mention that in your letter."
Ozymandias was frank with his reply. "I only needed to say enough to entice you into coming."
"If you expect there to be any alliance between us I expect complete honesty from now on."
Ozymandias nodded. "Of course and I would only think it fair that I ask the same of you."
"Fine," Storm said and then paused. "Why did you call me here?"
There was hesitation in the former servant's voice. Ororo knew he was searching for what to say. He had served Apocalypse for millennia. How much honesty could she expect? Maybe, it was a mistake coming here.
"I have many reasons for calling you here. One of which is that you were the most fearsome leader of the X-Men in his mind," Ozymandias said as he began to walk away from Storm and towards his transportation.
Storm kept pace with the stone clairvoyant. "By him I assume you mean Apocalypse. Forgive me if I'm not flattered."
"You shouldn't be. In fact you should be reviled. He only thought you so fearsome because Sabah Nur thought you the X-Man most like him," Ozymandias said knowing full and well the impact those words would have.
Stopping dead in her tracks Ororo could only mutter a weak, "What?"
"You asked for my honesty," Ozymandias sighed. "Come, we need to leave before the sands force us to take shelter here for the night. That option would prove unpleasant."
Storm was in another world. Ozymandias' words were like a distant wind to her. Apocalypse, that vile monster, actually save some of himself in her! The very thought of it was worse than all her imprisonment with Cyclops.
Storm walked with Ozymandias down the dusty road and when they finally reached the camels she said, "Apocalypse saw some of himself in me. Goddess, what does that say about me?"
Ozymandias smiled. "It says you are powerful and mighty. You are not to be underestimated. Evil lurks in all our hearts, Ororo. Don't let one dark man's observation darken you. You are far more than my master could ever be."
"Your master was a god, albeit an evil one. I only pretended to have the role," Ororo sighed as she jumped atop her camel.
Not another word was said between the two until they were well into the desert. The insanely dry wind shipped sharp sand around their bodies and their transports. Storm's voice was muffled behind her face scarf as she said, "Do you not suppose it would be easier if I took control of this situation?"
Ozymandias shook his head. "My other guest might sense your power and decide to leave. The future can't afford that."
"Who is this other person and why is it so important?" Storm asked, even though a very large part of her didn't ever want to ask Ozymandias another question. His last answer to one of her inquiries was still ringing in her ears. Apocalypse found her to be like him. Even if it was in some tiny way, she still cringed at the thought of it. Ozymandias had given her that revelation with such ease. Was that his way of punishing her for wanting complete honesty?
"Her name is Jadianna Logan. She's you and Wolverine's daughter from another dimension. As to why it's important…well, I'll tell you when we get there. I think it would be best if I told you both at the same time," Ozymandias answered.
Storm began to laugh. "You know how to keep someone on their toes, Ozymandias. First Apocalypse and now this."
"If this wasn't all so dramatic and mysterious you would have left already," Ozymandias said. "Believe me Storm, I know you are a woman not easily intrigued. I had to plan this out just right. Seeing the future has its advantages in that regard.
"Indeed."
Jadianna Logan was leaning up against a gritty desert wall waiting for Ozymandias to return with his supposed guest. She was supposed to be tracking down a prospect for Sinister and he would not be pleased at all if she was off the beaten path assigned to her. The stone man had promised that Sinister would not be able to see her in this underground cavern that was once a burial place for Egyptian priest and noblemen. The hieroglyphics were beautiful and timeless, but Jadianna was more concerned with who she was about to have in her company.
The stone entranceway opened up and Jadianna tensed, but relaxed once she saw Ozymandias walk through the door. He held up a hand of greeting and said, "Thank you for waiting Jadianna. I had almost feared that you would leave."
"I guess my curiosity is just getting the better of me today," Jadianna said as she began to walk toward Ozymandias and eyed who was behind him. It was like looking into a mirror and she shouted, "Oh hell no! I'm leaving!"
"Wait Jadianna. Wait child! Hear me out," Ozymandias said.
"No!" Jadianna snapped. "What kind of sick game are you playing old man?! I will not stand by and allow you to do this!"
"Do what?" Storm asked as she stepped from behind Ozymandias, "See the woman who looks like your mother?"
"My mother was taller! And had prettier eyes!" Jadianna exclaimed as she pushed Ororo out of her way and was about to do the same to Ozymandias.
The former warlord grabbed her shoulder and held it tightly. "If you walk out of that door you will die within a week's time. Sinister will send you on a mission into Genosha that will be the end of you. Stay here and you live."
Jadianna stopped moving and stared down Ozymandias coldly. Then the prophet added, "Besides do you not want vengeance against Ramses and Cypher? I can see it in your eyes. They left you to Sinister and never looked back."
The daughter of Storm smiled and said, "You are a clairvoyant. Not a telepath. Don't presume to know what I want."
"Then walk out right now if I'm wrong," Ozymandias replied.
The former general of Ramses Xavier didn't move. Folding her arms across her chest she laughed, "Fine. I'm listening."
"The world is at a breaking point. It has been since the Second World War when superhumans began to become prominent. The gates of all out war have barely been held back. Much more must be done to preserve the future. My abilities afford me a great advantage in that I can see the events that will bring disaster."
"But you can't necessarily stop those events by yourself," Jadianna interrupted. She finally saw an opportunity to punce on the man who had drug her all the way out here. "And why should I believe you're interested in keeping the world safe? You were a warlord in your day and a good one."
The stone man tapped his head and said, "I've seen more wars then any man should ever have to see. Believe me when I say my intentions are not malicious. I seek no gain here."
"So are we the first two that you've approached with this holier than thou crap?" Jadianna asked.
"Child, you could at least try and show a smidgeon of respect. The man has been alive far longer than the two of us. If age is wisdom then Ozymandias is wise beyond our comprehension."
Jadianna faked a yawn and said, "That was nice and all, but I really don't care. Oh, and don't ever refer to me as child. You are not my mother."
Storm's face was stone cold and her reply matched her face. "No one would willing take on that burden."
"Was that supposed to be an insult? Trust me, better people have tried. I have crushed entire worlds beneath my boot. You-
"Why are you afraid then?" Storm interrupted. "If you're so indomitable why do you languish in the servitude of Sinister? A true conqueror would accept death before the live of a slave. As it stands you are just an ego inflated puppet!"
Before hostilities could become any stronger, Ozymandias cut in. "I promise Jadianna that her with me you could accomplish so much more. I can help you track down Ramses and Cypher. And maybe we could help you get back home."
Jadianna struggled to keep the shock from being evident on her face. How did that geezer know about that one desire? She had never made any mention of it, but she wanted to be back home more than anything. It may have been a dump, but at least it was her dump. Her she felt like a puzzle piece that just didn't fit.
Ororo was impressed with how easily Ozymandias was able to read people. The ability, while admirable, was one she would have to be weary of. Just how easily could he read her?
Jadianna had the expression of an angry pitbull, but it slowly sinked into calm resignation. "Fine. I'm in this little game of yours for now. But if you play me I will scatter your body across the Sahara."
Ozymandias laughed and said with a paternal gentleness, "Welcome Jadianna. You being with us gives me great hope. And what say you, Goddess of the Storm?"
"You said us? Who else is already involved in this affair?" Ororo asked.
The old man sighed. "They will be revealed when time permits. Some wish to stay secret at the moment for their own safety."
Jadianna shrugged. "Who cares who we're working with? As long as the job gets done. It's not like you have work with Shadow King."
"So what do you say?" Ozymandias asked once more.
Storm knew that her decision would not sit well with the X-Men, but she made it anyway. "Fine. I'll stand with you Ozymandias, but know I'm an X-Man first. Admittedly, I have found no dishonesty in you so I see no reason not to aid you in your cause."
Ozymandias seemed to go blank for a moment and then he quickly said, "Thank you Storm. I am glad you have made the right decision for the future.
Three Days LaterOzymandias sat in a corner darkly knowing that he was beginning down a path he could not turn from. He was beginning a trail of lies that he knew that he had to do. There was no way around it. If things were going to work out right in the end it had to be this way. Seeing Storm's expression after he told his worse lie thus far pained him. Apocalypse saw nothing of himself in Ororo. He only saw an enemy. Yet, he had lied and told her something that simply wasn't so. All so he would have her allegiance. He knew it would work out in the end, but the road getting there would be difficult.
He couldn't help but to wonder how much of his master had rubbed off on him. When he was a warlord he killed and slaughtered but he did it in the heat of battle. He didn't use guile and subterfuge to get his way. The force of his sword helped him do that. Wasn't that way more honorable?
The stone man buried his head in his hands and cursed his vision.
Next Issue: Storm travels to Kenya to visit Mjnari, but finds herself in the sights of The Disciples of the Shadow!