Disclaimer: Anyone or anything you
recognize the name from a Marvel comic book, does not belong to me. I have no money, sue if you want you can't
get blood from a stone. Any likeness of
people you recognize, I may know them as well and they know I have no money and
they can't get anything from me.
Author's
Note:
This is my first attempt at trying to delve into the "Ultimate verse" that has
exploded onto the comic's scene, with the help of two brilliant writers Brian
Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man, Jinx, Torso, Powers, Daredevil: Ninja) and
Mark Millar (Ultimate X-Men, Authority). My look at the "Ultimate X-Men" is
blind I must admit as only one issue has been produced so some editorial
freedom may be used, please don't kill me for it. For those who haven't any
idea what I am talking about, um well hope you enjoy as well.
Also
for those who don't know the "Savage Land" is located somewhere inside Antarctica,
where a small rainforest exists as a home to numerous prehistoric animals. It
has been featured in "X-Men" titles almost from the very conception of the
original comic series.
Darkened Visions; Prologue
By
NoHaven
The "Savage Land" has always been a refuge of sorts, for a millennium or more or represented the last vestige of life for numerous species long forgotten or relegated to legend. It is a sanctuary of tropical beauty hidden in a desolate wasteland of ice and snow. Two men once thought that the "Savage Land" could serve as a sanctuary for not only the creatures of the prehistoric ages but for the race of humans known as mutants. Charles Xavier and the man known simply as Magneto thought that it would be possible to create a place where mutants could live apart from the rest of humanity; where they would be safe. While the idea was noble, the conflict of egos made it impossible for the small sanctuary to exist in its full potential. After the two men departed the "Savage Land" the sanctuary they had carved out in the wild was soon forgotten and swallowed back up into the vegetation; never to be touched again.
Years had passed since the two visionaries with divided visions had left the small alcove of humanity in the "Savage Land"; little remained visible that would tell anyone that anything had lived here. A single figure strode through a freshly cut path, underneath his feet the ground turned from think pure soil to cracked and rugged concrete. Stopping in front of a large growth of prehistoric vegetation the lone figure dropped two duffel bags and large black case made of hardened plastic then shrugged off a large heavily packed military style backpack. It had taken him four hours to cut the path through the vegetation to reach this point and another hour to back track to his entry point to retrieve his supplies and return. Reaching for his backpack he retrieved a large glimmering machete and strode towards the large mass of vegetation. As he approached the sounds of small animals fleeing the area could be heard. Raising his right hand above his head he swung the machete down viciously on the tough growth. For a few minutes he swung the machete, sweat quickly forming on his muscular body. Pausing for a moment he looked at what he had accomplished, only a small dent had been made. Angrily he threw down the machete, looking at his hands, which were covered small cuts and wounds his eyes narrowed.
SNIKT
The unnatural even unnerving sound of metal grating against metal pierced the air. From the backs of each of his hands three large blades resembling claws were now revealed. Birds in the area took to the air as the sound of an inhuman growl emanated from his throat. With unrivaled ferocity the figure tore into the vegetation, the claws slicing through the tough growth with ease. As he tore at the mound of vegetation shapes previously hidden came into view. The figure was cutting the growth away from a long forgotten building that appears to have once been white, now stained black by years of vegetation and animals using it as a perch. Finally a broken doorway was visible. Next to it laid corrugated steel sheets rusting and corroding. Standing in front of the doorway the lone figure paused, breathing heavily. Suddenly he stiffened and lowered his body.
From inside the long forgotten building a crashing sound filled the air, followed by a low growl. A large animal resembling a bear crashed through what was left of the doorway and the vegetation. Lunging at the lone figure the massive animal swiped its large paw at the intruder. With a graceful movement the lone figure moved to avoid the animal's attack. Looking at the animal its eyes filled with anger its mouth agape exposing a row a large razor sharp teeth, the lone individual quickly moved towards the large beast. Slashing at the beast with the claws on his left hand he followed with a plunging motion from his right hand. The claws on his right hand disappearing into the dark fur of the animal, blood poured from the animal's chest as the man forced his right hand upward through the ribcage of the large beast. An agonized growl filled the air for a moment before being silenced with one swift movement of his left hand slashing the throat of the animal. The great animal fell with a heavy thud onto the ground, the man who had vanquished this great beast stood over it, covered in blood, both his own and the great animal's.
SNIKT
His claws retracted into his hands and he walked quickly over to the large black case. Retrieving the case he cautiously moved into the building. Finding a dusty table he swept away years worth of debris and placed the case on it. With a pop the latches on the case opened, lifting the top he pressed a small button, a computer inside the case whirred to life. Retrieving a small rod from the case he moved to the doorway, a wire dangled from the rod, and with a pop a small satellite dish appeared in his hand. Placing the dish in the doorway he returned to the computer, with a few short keystrokes the screen flickered revealing an image of another individual on the screen. Through a small speaker a voice filled the air.
"Wolverine…my employer is in need of your….skills." the man on the screen said.
"As usual Pietro…it will cost him." Wolverine replied.
"He is aware of your financial requests, and has no qualms about delivering such to you upon completion of your assignment." The figure on the screen said.
"Price is higher this time…just let him know that, and if he can't deliver bub…I'll take the money out of him." Wolverine growled.
"Very well, but if you do not want the assignment…we can seek the services of others, Creed possibly?" The man on the screen said smugly.
"I'll take it…but I'm gonna want something else along with the money…send me the info, I'll get back to you." Wolverine said angrily before flicking a switch, causing the screen to go black.
Walking to the doorway he looked out on the abundant wildlife in this "Savage Land", and smirked, which land was truly more "savage" he thought to himself. This place where animals lived as they should without the intrusion of humanity, or the outside world where humanity sought to destroy itself.
To be continued.