Age of Sabertooth! CHAPTER 3: RECRUITMENTS
Sabertooth struggles to get to consciousness. The healing has been working in overdrive to fix the unlimited cuts that completely cover his body. A silent man watches over Creed, giving him all the medical help possible. It still startles the silent man that Sabertooth's body can takes so much punishment and keep going. And this man has seen a lot more than most. Sabertooth slowly comes to. Sabertooth opens his eyes but ever so slightly.
'Siniss... Sini... Sinister...' Sabertooth stutters.
'Don't speak. You can't talk properly because your blood has dried in your throat. Just lie down an relax.' Says Sinister, the man who saved Sabertooth's ass earlier.
As Sinister grabs a glass of water for Sabertooth. Sabertooth tries to sit up to get it but barely gets up a few inches before letting out a roar of pain. 'Your healing factor has only had a few hours at the job at hand, you'll have to give it a few more' says Sinister.
'In case you didn't know, I threw that bomb in between you and Wolverine' Sinister says as Sabertooth just lies and listens. 'I didn't realise that it was such a little thing, it nearly finished of the job Wolverine started. I picked most the shrapnel out of you but the finer pieces will have to be removed when your up to it. I thought I'd tell you why I saved your ass.'
'I thought you proved yourself worthy in the Mauderer ordeal and now once again as Death. Apocalypse just died at the hands of Wolverine not to long ago, and to be honest, I'm quite glad. Apocalypse never had what it took to take out the X-men, the Age of Apocalypse, ha! I had something better in mind, like the Age of Sabertooth! Me and you together could ally to make an amazing team.'
'We must admit though, the X-men may be able to gather a large enough force to defeat us. So we must find some recruitment's of our own. I have already talked to one called Holocaust and he is willing to join. I also thought it would only be fitting if we made our own 'Horsemen'. The ideal candidates are Juggernaut, Iceman, Cecila Reyers and the true Spiderman, Peter Parker joined with Venom.'
'I suggest we persuade Juggernaut to join the team, trick him maybe. Because I don't exactly feel up to going head to head with him. From there the Juggernaut should easily be able to collect the remaining Horsemen without worries. We also have the task of getting that adamantium back for you...'
Sinister talks for a long time after, Sabertooth continues to heal as he takes in what Sinister is saying. Sabertooth never realises how close he was to death until Sinister tells him that his heart stopped three times because of a piece of metal that was lodged in it. Also the fact that he hadn't even noticed the metal spike that had been in his back while fighting Wolverine.
'No! No! What is happening?' Exodus cries out in disappear.
'I am sorry Exodus, it had to be done' says Magneto.
Exodus, who had been disguised as Magneto shreds his disguise. The perfect harmony he had created in Genosha has just been destroyed. His plan to place a mind control over the mutants and humans and Genosha has disintegrated. Exodus had a mind control on the citizens of Genosha to make the mutants and humans interact peacefully. Now that Magneto has put a stop to it, the mutants and humans are tearing each other to pieces.
'You did this' says Exodus.
'I am not here to fight Exodus' says Magneto. 'I would like you to stop this foolish plan and work together with me. Our past may be a bit shaky but I need all the help I can get. Apocalypse has been killed by Wolverine. But not before Apocalypse unleashed one of his horsemen 'Death' or Sabertooth as we know him. Sabertooth is on the loose and has already managed to kill several X-men.'
The fact that Sabertooth managed to take out so many X-men shocks Exodus. After a lot of talking and convincing Exodus joins Magneto's side along with Polaris. It pleases Magneto, but he still knows, it is not enough.
The X-men are flat out busy. They get a visit from some of the Avengers who want to know if they can identify the Hulk's killer. Professor X takes that one, giving them the full story. There is also the task of getting the bodies from the Morlock tunnels, no one except Wolverine has it in them to do it. Wolverine almost convinces Gambit to come with him but Gambit breaks down the moment he puts a foot back into the tunnels. Colossus ends up with the job.
Since a lot of the remaining X-men need medical attention, Cecila ends up coming in to replace the now deceased Beast as doctor. Cecila had to deal with many cuts, grazes and bruises, a beaten up X-men. Not to mention the fact that the others who weren't busy were busy trying to fix parts of the mansion that had been levelled. Not an easy job considering the extent of the damage and limited supplies.
Once the Avengers had left, Wolverine and Colossus had collected the bodies of Moria, Shadowcat, Nightcrawler, Pysclocke and Angel, Cecila had patched up most of the X-men who needed patching up and when the mansion had a slight make over there was still more to do. Xaiver had called it time for a break, the X-men all started to relax.
Suddenly there was three loud thumps at the door. Wolverine sniffs the air, 'It aint no one we know. And they managed to get through what is still working in the security systems.'
Xaiver gives the X-men a telepathic warning to be on the ready as he goes to open the door in his slightly bumped up hoverchair. Xaiver opens the door to find three mutants on the porch.
The three mutants clarify themselves as friends just before they were going to face the wrath of an annoyed X-men. All the introductions are done before business begins.
Rampage, being the first of the three. He has the a low power of telekenetics. Rampage explains that his powers used to be greater before Operation: Zero Tolerance. But after taking a bad hit from a sentinel it hurts to use his powers to full extent. Steel, being the second of the three. She has a metallic claw, that can conduct an unusual form of electricity through it. Lastly being The Rock. His power is to transform the exterior to a hard rock substance, hence his name.
Rampage does most of the talking for the three. He explains that they joined forces after all being captured during Operation: Zero Tolerance though managing to escape. Rampage is into DNA and mutant research of such. This is what brought him onto Sinister, the three had been tracking him all over. Just recently they found Sinister spying on a man, Apocalypse and monitoring his work.
Apparently Sinister was extremely annoyed when a so called factor didn't add. Sinister's followed a theory that every force was equal, making it impossible to for Apocalypse to do any real damage. But the outrage was, one of the factors was thrown out of balance, Wolverine lost to Sabertooth, giving Creed the position of Death. Sinister dropped his current plans, something to do with the High Evolutionary, to monitor Apocalypse.
Sinister observed the battle of the X-men and Apocalypse while Rampage and his friends observed him. As the battle raged Rampage and his friends began a hidden assault on Apocalypse's forces. But then were confused that Sinister saved the same Sabertooth who had caused him all that trouble in the first place.
At the mention of Sinister saving Sabertooth, Wolverine lets out a large growl. Rampage, Steel and the Rock reveal that they are here to recruit into the X-men. Xaiver officially invites them into the X-men, then gives them the full story of what went on in Egypt. There are now three new members in the X-men. Wolverine says he's had enough chit chat and says he's of to Genosha to collect the adamantium.
'Getting that adamantium is a must. Even though you have fully recovered I bet you notice that your energy is extremely dampened' says Sinister to Sabertooth. 'Apocalypse has fail safes on everything, including his horsemen. You would have noticed that a the dial on your arm tried to teleport you away before you smashed it. Apocalypse made it so that the enhancements would only last if the adamantium remained in your body.'
'And the runt isn't going to take it of me that easily. You and Holocaust can locate Juggernaut while I make a trip to Genosha.' says Sabertooth.
Sabertooth takes of towards Genosha with a warning from Sinister. For Magneto and Wolverine are the two most capable at taking out Sabertooth, especially now that the enhancements are gone. And Sabertooth is going to see both of them there.
'Wolverine'
'Magneto'
Wolverine and Magneto exchange a quick greeting and go straight to business. They head to the storage area in which the adamantium is stored, not saying a word to each other. The tension at an all time, this being the past that these two have shared. It takes both of their patience and will power not to start having a go at each other. Wolverine and Magneto head through the heavy guarded parts of the Citadel.
'There goes the first half of the adamantium' says Magneto to Wolverine.
'What do you mean first half?' asks Wolverine in a very annoyed tone.
'I thought it would be best to separate it into to pieces and put them on opposite sides of the Citadel. That way if an intruder managed to get the first half the whole place would be on full alert by the time they get the second part' says Magneto. 'We'll take this half and put it next to the machinery we managed to steal from Apocalypse's fortress before it collapsed. That should be able to put it back into you.'
Wolverine just lets out a low growl and takes the adamantium along with him. It's at this time when one of the guards of tries to let out a warning.
'Magneto sir, there is a breach of Area fiv...' the transmission goes into static across the speaker.
'Sabertooth' Wolverine says as he throws down the adamantium and runs to his arch enemy Victor Creed.
'Quicksilver, you quickly go slow Sabertooth down before he manages to escape with the adamantium' says Magneto.
Quicksilver speeds past Wolverine around towards the other side of the Citadel and to Sabertooth. Quicksilver has to wade his way through guards that are lying on the ground bleeding to death. As Quicksilver gets there he finds Sabertooth dropping two lifeless acolytes. Quicksilver speeds around Sabertooth kicking and punching as he goes, Sabertooth swings wildly. Sabertooth manages to connect with one of his blows which stops Quicksilver in his tracks. Sabertooth slashes out Quicksilver's heart and drops him on the pile of guards.
Sabertooth takes the adamantium he came for and exits through the opening he made earlier. Sabertooth hops into his jet and warms it up. Wolverine comes out just to see Sabertooth leaving.
'I'll love to stay for a rematch but I've got things to do runt' Sabertooth says as he sticks his head out of the jet. The jet takes of leaving Wolverine with only half the adamantium and a hell of a beserker rage.
'No' Magneto cries out as he finds his son Quicksilver lying dead on the ground amongst some of his acolytes and guards.
Sabertooth and Wolverine decide on the same thing. Since they have both ended up with only half the adamantium they decide only cover certain bones in adamantium. Both Wolverine and Sabertooth cover their skulls, claws and most their major joints. Sinister tends Sabertooth and while Magneto grieves over his son and fellow acolytes, Polaris tends to Wolverine. Now Wolverine and Sabertooth with the adamantium covering roughly half of their skeletons.
'It may not be the full thing' says Sinister. 'But it will bring back the enhancements Apocalypse made. Holocaust managed to locate the Juggernaut but I feel before we track him down we should pay a visit to the Monolith.'
'Excellent. But first there is the matter of the skrulls and the children of the sun' says Sabertooth. 'I think we should take a small elite group from the best of them. Some of the remaining children of the sun and skrulls can go towards your study uses. Holocaust and me will use the rest for training practice.'
Sinister, Holocaust and Sabertooth are all very happy with the plan and go forward to see the Living Monolith.
The X-men have a funeral for those who died in battle with Sabertooth and Apocalypse. Everyone including Kurt, Moria, Betsy, Warren, Hank, Kitty, Fiz, Mikhail, Bruce Banner even those who opposed them. Deathbird, Ahab and Caliban. This being those who the X-men were aware of.
Sinister, Holocaust and Sabertooth find the Living Monolith being tended to by skrulls. The Monolith seems quite happy being waited on by the skrulls and children of the sun. Giving orders and commands to everyone in sight.
'You three in the corner, get back to fixing Apocalypse's machinery' orders the Monolith.
'Why don't you come over here and make us' one says.
'You skrulls sure do have a problem with authority don't you. I thought Apocalypse told Sabertooth to make it clear to you all. Now that Apocalypse is no longer with us, it is my duty to teach you all a lesson' the Monolith says as he advances on the three.
'You may have been king to all these skrulls and children of the sun, but now we're here it's a different story.' Sabertooth says.
Monolith being quite annoyed not realising who it is hops of his throne. Monolith heads towards Sinister, Holocaust and Sabertooth finally sees who it actually is, walks backwards and trips over his own feat, falling onto the ground.
'No, no, what are you doing here?' asks Monolith.
'We're here on business Monolith. Now that Apocalypse is gone we're in charge, you have the opportunity to join us if you wish' says Sabertooth. 'Though if you ever speak to any of us like that again I'll gut you like the rat you are.'
Monolith realising he is strongly overpowered joins 'I accept your offer on the account that you never speak to me like that either.'
'We shall talk to you however we feel. Apocalypse is gone and you no longer have any power.' says Sinister.
Grudgingly Monolith joins realising he will only be a slave. Just a pawn in a new game, after his old master was check mated by Wolverine. Sinister forces Monolith to show him the strongest and smartest skrulls then once again with the children of the sun. The technology is taken back with them along with the greatest of the group.
The elite force that was picked out by Monolith has to capture their friends for Sinister's testing. Once only a combined group of about thirty five skrulls and children of the sun stand confused and dazed for it appears Sabertooth and his friends have left. But as some of them begin to realise that Holocaust are waiting in hiding. As Sabertooth takes down one skrull the another twenty try to take him down. The other fifteen try to escape but are blown away by Holocaust's energy blasts.
Once Sabertooth had hacked up the last of them and Holocaust has disposed of his lot they leave the building in a state of Carnage.
'Professor Xaiver, may I have a word to you in private?' asks Rampage.
'Certainly Rampage, just step into my office' says Professor Xaiver.
'Thanks. Just call me William,' says William.
'And call me Charles' says Charles.
'Anyway, as you would have guessed I have something important to say. Well, as I said earlier, I'm into DNA and mutants like Sinister. I studied Sinister from far back and added all my theories to his and have come up with some interesting findings' says William. 'I know what Apocalypse does to enhance his so called horsemen minus the brainwashing bit. I could enhance the X-men a great deal with the co-operation of you and the rest of the X-men.
'It will take a great deal of convincing to bring the rest of the X-men around to the idea. I don't know if it's necessary to take all this precaution, most of our threats seem to have subsided' says Professor Xaiver.
'I didn't want to keep any secrets from you Charles but... We have an insider watching over Sinister. Actually to be honest, you know her, it's Mystique, she has disguised herself as a skrull' William says as Charles tries to hide his suprise. 'As Wolverine has said, Sabertooth is sure as hell not dead. He recently managed to break into Magneto's Citadel and stole the adamantium right out from under them.'
'Sabertooth and Sinister have allied themselves with Holocaust. The Living Monolith is under their control along with the skrulls and children of the sun they didn't slaughter. Now Mystique has heard of plans for their own horsemen.'
'What?' exclaims Xaiver. 'I must know who, we need to know there weaknesses, and make sure none of us are targeted.'
'Mystique is trying very hard to find that out now but it is one hell of a task' says William.
'I fear that you are right. If you can get the approval of the rest of the X-men, you have mine. And if you have any more secrets would you tell them now' says Xaiver.
'Thank you Charles, and no, there is no more secrets. Would you mind calling a meeting with those present' says William.
Xaiver telepathically calls the X-men for a meeting in the briefing room. All of the remaining X-men come and are given the info that Xaiver just received. Wolverine is the first to take William's offer to enhance him. Wolverine is willing to go to any lengths to bring Sabertooth and his new found allies down hard and fast. William gets to work immediately.
'It is time to find the Juggernaut, I have an easy plan to persuade him. You and Holocaust capture Black Tom Cassidy and I'll take his place, then convince Juggernaut that he has found a way to maximise his energy' Sinister says to Sabertooth.
'Excellent, now do we actually have to capture Black Tom Cassidy. It would be an even easier job if I just done him over' says Sabertooth with a sly grin on his face.
'To be honest I have to agree. It was Apocalypse's down fall, keeping prisoners when he should have disposed of them. I can find more test subject when our opposition has been eliminated.' says Sinister.
'Very well. It is sorted, you to do your thing. I'll set everything up for Juggernaut's enhancements and locate the remainder of our horsemen to be' says Holocaust.
Sabertooth and Holocaust head of to meet the Juggernaut and Black Tom. There search takes them to a warehouse in New York. Black Tom is checking out figures and things on the net while on the John as Juggernaut or Cain as he is known as when he is not his alter ego is busy working out. This is when Sabertooth strikes.
Sabertooth manages to window to with out be heard or seen by Black Tom. Sabertooth drags Black Tom out the window with minimal thumping.
'Tom, hey Tom. Is everything all right in there' Cain yells out.
Sinister dives in the toilet window now arranged as Black Tom Cassidy. Sinister lets out a cry of joy.
'What, what is Tom?' asks Cain.
'I've got it Cain. I've found the answer to our problems' calls out Sinister as he leaves the John to join Cain. 'I've found him, he knows what we need to know' Sinister says putting on the best Irish accent he can.
'Brilliant Tom. Ah, who are you talking about?' asks Cain.
'Dr Essex. He is an expert on the Cyttrac crystal that powers you. After all this time of looking I've found the man who can imperfect your game Cain' says Sinister.
'My game, what's wrong with my game?' asks Cain.
'No just listen Cain. We'll go to see Dr Essex, he can enhance your powers' says Sinister.
'If you say so Tom.' says Cain.
After a while Sinister convinces Cain to go through with the 'enhancements'. A skrull imitates one Dr Essex and they manage to get Cain drugged up enough to operate on him, making him the first horseman of the Age of Sabertooth.
'Charles, we just got news from Mystique confirming the first horseman. The have already transformed the Juggernaut, your stepbrother Cain.' says William.
'No, not Cain' says Charles as he bows his head. 'What have you done with Logan?'
'I have done a lot with Logan. He is such an interesting physical specimen. I managed to increase his strength, speed, agility and healing factor' says William. 'But what I am most proud of along with the healing factor is what I did with the bones. I increased the density of the bones of Logan's that weren't all ready covered in adamantium.'
'Good work William, but we must work faster. If they have Cain who knows what they are capable of' says Charles.
'Way ahead of you Charles. Gambit is almost underwent his enhancements. His main feature is I have extremely increased his ability to use that kinetic energy of his. Gambit can control his ability much greater. This means Remy can increase his energy into each object and can perfectly time each projectile' says William.
'You don't know how much this means to me William. But you best be getting back to the task at hand while I take the rest of the X-men through some new sims in the Danger Room' says Charles.
'No I didn't locate Spiderman or Venom. Robert Drake and Cecila Reyers are both away from the X-men, this is an opportunity we must take advantage of' says Holocaust.
'Good thinking Holocaust. It will be the perfect test out Juggernaut's new enhancement. Where's Cecila and Robert?' asks Sinister.
'Iceman is on the way to pick up his father from a check up. And Cecila is heading back to her private clinic, we should take Iceman first' says Holocaust.
So Sabertooth, Holocaust, Sinister and Monolith head of to get Iceman along with their new horseman, Juggernaut. It doesn't take long to track Bobby Drake down, he is catching a taxi to the hospital.
'No need for that Drake' says Sabertooth. 'We'll give you a lift.'
The shock on Iceman's face as he sees the group surrounded in front of him. As trained, Iceman quickly speeds out of the way of all the innocents who surround him in the city. Ice sliding into a less populated industrial section of town. Iceman takes a better look at who he is facing, which appear to closing in fast.
The obvious ones are Sabertooth, Sinister, Holocaust and Monolith but there is one other gigantic sized one amongst them. On better look it is the Juggernaut, a oversized Juggernaut. Cain is really bigger than he usually is and his get up is not really changed except for the fact that all his armour is black. The Juggernaut is the first to catch up on Iceman.
Bobby takes a hard back hander from the Juggernaut smashing him right of his iceslide. A move that ends Iceman's fight as he hits the ground full force.
'And I was hoping for a real battle' says Sabertooth. 'At least we know that our horseman here is in great shape.'
'Yes. Monolith, take Drake back to base and begin the enhancements. Fail us and you will pay with your life' Sinister says to Monolith. 'We shall go get this Cecila Reyers.'
'Xaiver!' the Rock says as he bursts into Charles' office. 'We have confirmed two of the other horsemen. Iceman has been captured and restrained with the Monolith and the others are on their way to get Cecila Reyers.'
Xaiver gives the telepathic signal for everyone to assemble and be ready for a full scale attack immediately. The X-men assemble into two groups and gather aboard two black bird jets. Xaiver gives the details to everyone as they close in on the battle scene.
Sinister rushes into Cecila's clinic disguised as an old man. 'Quick we have a critically injured' Sinister calls out to Cecila. Cecila runs out to see no one there. 'Who is it?' she asks.
'You' Sabertooth says as he Holocaust and Juggernaut come out of hiding.
Cecila's shield is tested to the limits as Juggernaut slams his huge fist at her with incredible power. Cecila cries out in pain with that awful blow to the force field all so hurting her. Cecila stands and prepare to use the field defensively by throwing the shield in Juggernaut's path. It doesn't it even move the Juggernaut who begins to stand on her force field. Juggernaut continues this until Cecila passes out and the shield goes down. Sinister collects Cecila's limb body and joins the rest of the group as they return to base with their third horseman.
The X-men turn up a few minutes to late just to find only small signs of a battle. Mainly the Juggernaut's huge prints in the mud. Cecila now the third that the X-men have been unable to save leaving the team furious. Also on top guard making sure they are not the final horseman to be taken in by Sabertooth's new clan.
'Juggernaut, you stay and watch over Cecila and Drake while their enhancements complete' says Sinister. 'Sabertooth, Holocaust, Monolith and me will go get Spiderman. If there are any unwanted gate crashers are to be chrushed.'
The group heads of to Peter Parker's apartment leaving Juggernaut to hold the fort. It doesn't take long before they arrive at Parker's apartment and begin knocking on the door. A tired looking MJ answers the door to find her worst nightmares.
'Mind if we come in for a cup of coffee?' asks Sabertooth.
MJ begins to slam it but Sabertooth just stops the door with his foot. MJ goes running up to Peter who is just getting into his Spiderman gear for the night. Peter doesn't get what MJ starts rambling about but he finds out for himself as Sabertooth knocks down the door.
'Your lovely wife just invited us in for dinner. I hope you don't mind, don't have any plans do you?' Sabertooth asks Peter. Peter tells MJ to run. 'Were you going sweetie?' Sabertooth asks as he pushes her over.
Peter who realises the only reason they are here is for business with him. Peter pulls on the Spiderman mask and draws the fight outside the window. 'Out here I have an advantage considering none of them have the power to fly, I hope' Peter thinks to himself.
As Peter swings on his first web line Sabertooth jumps on the window pane and leaps of it. Sabertooth grabs Peter with one hand and hits him hard with the other. Peter's grip on the web line slips and they keep falling. 'This guy's nuts, he's going to get hurt just as bad as me if we fall.' Peter thinks to himself as he shoots out another webline.
The webline slows them down a fair bit but Sabertooth just snaps it and they continue falling. Sabertooth holds Peter hard as they collide into a balcony on the side of a building. Peter is almost unconsious with pain but Sabertooth just stands straight up. 'Oh hell' Peter thinks. Sabertooth thumps he foot hard down on the balacony. 'What the hell does he think he's doing, he's going to kill us both' Peter thinks.
On Sabertooth's second thump the balcony gives way to himself and Peter. They go chrashing down until they hit the balcony below that barely manages to hold them. Sabertooth picks up an unconsious Peter and joins his partners with their latest catch. Sabertooth and the others leave only minutes before the X-men arrive to late once again.
With all four horsemen in place, the preparations for the Age of Sabertooth are put in order. All that is left for them is to distinguish their allies and enimies. From there all there is to do is chrush their competition and watch the final stages of the plan fall into place.
Age of Sabertooth! CHAPTER 4: A NEW AGE
'Did you manage to get Venom to come without a struggle?' asks Sabertooth.
'I just told him that I can give him a chance to join up with Parker once and for all. Venom took to the idea after I spent a minute convincing him' says Sinister.
'Very good' says Sabertooth. 'What enhancements have we done with our horsemen?'
'With Parker here, who's name from now on is Venom. Strength, speed, stamina, indurance against injury have all been maximised. But the specific features that only Venom got were mainly his protection against the high sound that used to hurt him. And extra power has been put into those tendrils that he extends.' says Sinister.
Sabertooth nods as Sinister continues. 'Cecila, who will need a new name by the way, once again has received the strength and all that but to a greater deal with her. But the main feature was the usage of the force field she wields. The fields durability has been strengthed dramatically. It could take that beating the Juggernaut gave her the other day ten fold and keep going.'
'Iceman has been given more control over his powers. It is hard to even try to explain the potential he now holds. The range of the powers at his hands is beyond even my understanding. The powers he was before unwilling to use have now been unleashed and maximised. Drake might even be more powerful than Juggernaut.'
'As for the Juggernaut himself, what can I say. The Juggernaut has just basically been strengthened and enlarged making him more unstoppable than ever. Also there's the fact that the old force field that used to cover Cain's hide is now greater. Also all of the horsemen have slim to no chance of psychic attack on these guys.'
'Very impressive Sinister. I've been doing some work of my own. More allies, this time with the Brotherhood. I was talking to the Blob earlier and he sounds keen to join' says Sabertooth. 'Then there's Donald Pierce. Couldn't stop mumbling about finally being able to get his backs on Shaw and all those other assholes.'
'Excellent. By the way, are we going to contact the Hellfire Club to hear there word?' asks Sinister.
'Those uptight sons a bitches? I don't think so, we'll take them out without worry once we get our other enemies. Me and Holocaust will meet with Blob later on tonight while you work on things here. For now, I might spar with Monolith.' says Sabertooth leaving Sinister to his business.
'Finally! Some info we can actually use before it's to late.' says the Rock.
'What? What is it?' asks Professor Xaiver.
'The Brotherhood is going to join with Sabertooth's clan.' says the Rock.
Xaiver sits thinks hard and thinks. 'I don't see how we can actually use this info. Unless you are suggesting what I think you're suggesting.'
'I do Chuck' says Wolverine who happened to be listening along with the others. 'I'm going to take out the Brotherhood and anyone who wants to join me is more than welcome.'
'Absolutely not' Cyclops says. 'The X-men are not assassins.'
'This one is above the X-men Cycke. Sabertooth and his lot are already powerful enough without another bunch of clowns joining his outfit' says Wolverine. 'Who' with me?'
Gambit, Marrow, Cable, Rock, Steel and Rogue join Logan. Cyclops, Jean and Charles try to stop the gang from going through with it but Logan makes sure that they are all with him. 'Sorry Cycke but the only way to stop us is to take us all out. And we all know you aint got the balls or the power to do that' Wolverine says as they head to the destination that Mystique left Rock.
By now Gambit, Wolverine, Rock, Steel, Cable and Cyclops have been enhanced. All have been strengthened and speeded up. All with small extra enhancements. Like Cyclops' optic blast's power magnified but still being able to be kept in check by the visor. Cable was really mainly strengthened but also the techno virus has been pushed back. The Rock who's outer rock skin being strengthened dramatically. And lastly Steel who only had been strengthened and speed up to a great extent.
Now it is the first time they get to test out their new abilities on the Brotherhood. When the group arrives to the destination, which turns out to be a large cabin they find Post, Blob, Mimic and Toad discussing their next job. Gambit primes up a card, Wolverine lets out his claws, Cable powers up the psimitar and the others also get ready. They attack while the brotherhoods backs are turned.
Gambit's cards hit Post with a massive explosion along with Cable's focused blast from his psimitar. The Blob gets a two fist smash on his head from Rock. Toad's side tastes some of Wolverine's adamantium. And Rogue takes Mimic down with a bang. All four members of the Brotherhood fall while the X-men continue their assault.
The Blob who was just recovering from the first blow gets another around the face from one of Marrow's bones. Rock sends a huge uppercut into Blob's chin as a sickening crack fills the air as his chin breaks. Wolverine quickly finishes of the job he started with Toad, a claw through Toad's head makes sure of that. As Mimic begins to get back up Rogue picks up were she left of and Steel joins the fight. Mimic's flesh is torn to bits as Steel's claw tears him open. Post, who was partially unshielded when Gambit and Cable's attack hit leaving him in bad shape. Gambit finishes of what they started with an super charged card slipping through Post's armour.
After Mimic bleeds to death from several more cuts and hits from Steel and Rogue. And after the Blob's head gives way from Marrow and Rock's blows. Wolverine cuts a big X in the middle of the cabin, a warning to Sabertooth and anyone who allies with him. Steel releases what looks like a huge electric blast. All the X-men look at her in wonder. Steel explains the story of her mutation as they head home.
Steel's mutation surfaced one day while she was fighting against a group of three people had gone looting during a riot. Steel had been well trained in several fighting arts and was having no problem with the three theifs. But suddenly during the fight an electrical current ran through her body that froze all the muscles. Steel couldn't move and ended up taking a few hits from her recovering attackers. It took Steel roughly ten seconds before taking back control of her body, just long enough so she could still get back in the fight.
This didn't happen again till Steel was training with her mentor a week later. Steel's mentor not knowing this continued to pummel Steel whilst she was defenceless. It happened another three times before one day it happened at the wrong time. Steel was fighting with a few of her friends against two sentinels. The sentinels claimed that one of them were a mutant and when they all attacked it, it fought back without mercy. After only small strikes from the part of Steel and her body froze again.
The group managed to destroy the sentinels but not before the sentinel had managed to cut of Steel's arm. Steel was rushed back to her mentor's house, for her mentor had enough medical supplies and experience to help her. Steel's original hand was in to bad of a shape to be used so a steel hand was put in place of it. And one day when Steel felt the electrical pulse coming on, something different happened.
Steel managed to channel it through her arm and release it as a electrical blast. Steel's mentor managed to theorise that whenever Steel's fighting spirit started to rise a current would run through her body. But from now on since she had gotten the steel hand she had been able to summon it into a blast. Steel also warned of what happens if she didn't release the blast. Steel showed the group her arm.
The steel went from her fingers up to her elbow. Steel told of how the first time she held it in, which was during Operation: Zero Tolerance to not attract the attention of the sentinels. Her fingers ripped out into claws. All the consecutive times the steel had just inched up Steel's arm. The X-men return to the mansion to the dismay of Cyclops and Professor Xaiver, with a completed mission.
'Blob!' Sabertooth yells out for the third time. 'Blob you big fat piece of shit were are you.'
Sabertooth kicks open the door of the cabin followed by Holocaust, Sinister and the Monolith leaving the horsemen outside. A huge look of shock comes across each of their faces as they find their to be allies lying dead.
'I don't think this was the X-men's work' says Monolith. 'It isn't their style for such brutality.'
'No, it was them' says Sabertooth. 'First of that big X carved in the floor is a dead give away. And the runt and his friends have been here, I can smell em all.'
'So the runt has finally got himself some balls' Sabertooth says with a smile on his face. 'They've just asked for war, they just better hope they're dam well ready for it.'
'What have you got in mind?' asks Sinister.
'Two words, Fantastic Four.' replies Sabertooth.
Sabertooth, Sinister, Holocaust, Monolith and the four horsemen gather at the scene of a trap that was set up for the Fantastic Four. By way of a distress signal calling the Fantastic Four to a hollowed out building in the country. As the Fantastic Four arrive and look around trying to find out who sent the distress signal. Even though they suspected this could of been a set-up and are now almost sure of it, they aren't ready for this.
Sinister turns of the device that was cloaking their presence revealing themselves to the Fantastic Four. The FF realising they are both out numbered and overpowered know there is not much chance of escape. The Thing is the first to strike out, attacking the Juggernaut. The Thing manages to hit Juggernaut hard as the Juggernaut just stands and takes it. The Juggernaut mocks Thing by laughing, brushing of the spot were he was hit and pounding Thing extremely hard.
Thing flies into one side of the building, taking that out a whole wall out and goes right through the next one as well. Mr Fantastic makes a move on Cecila, stretching his body out to hit her. Cecila slams him into the wall, pinning him. Invisible Woman tries to hide from them all but Iceman feels were her heat is and freezes her against a wall. Human Torch has a hard time dodging the combined assault of Sinister, Holocaust, Monolith and Venom.
Juggernaut continues his attacks until Thing is broken and battered. With Mr Fantastic pinned by Cecila's force field Sabertooth moves in for the kill, literally. Sabertooth guts him then and there with ease. Invisible Women is completely covered in ice, disabling her to breath. Eventually Human Torch takes two cuts from Venom's tentacles, then a blast from Holocaust. By this time Human Torch is to slow for them and is taken apart by the group.
With the Fantastic Four no more the mission complete, Sabertooth and others return home. But not before leaving a quick message in the ground: AoS, Age of Sabertooth. It is not long before the Avengers find the Fantastic Four lying dead. The message is passed onto a horrified X-men who swear revenge.
'No' orders Cyclops. 'You seen what Sabertooth and his lot did to the Fantastic Four. We must stick together, you are probably the only one of us who stands a chance against Sabertooth.'
'Don't presume that you can order me around Summers. To tell the truth, we don't stand a chance no matters who's here, including me' says Wolverine. 'Not one of us is equipped to take on Juggernaut. Sabertooth is a nothing compared to Juggernaut. Yukio said it was urgent, Jubilee is coming with me, she's to scared to be anywhere but with me at the moment.'
'Wait up Logan. Gambit will join you for a short ride on the way to the airport.' says Gambit.
'All right Cajun. Where you headed?' asks Wolverine.
'Business. The rest of it you don't need to know.' says Gambit.
Cyclops watches as more of his fellow X-men leave. With Marrow receiving Rampage enhancements away from the mansion, Bobby and Cecila lost as from them now being horsemen and all the others who fell trying to save the rest of us. With Logan, Remy and Jubilee leaving the team is more vulnerable than ever. But that isn't the main thing that worries the mind of Scott Summers. Cyclops is afraid that Sabertooth will strike down Logan and Gambit while they are alone. Just like they did to the Fantastic Four.
Cyclops tries not to worry, prepares for about two hours for what ever attack may be planned by Sabertooth and his gang. His training is broken by a series of sirens that erupt around the mansion. A full scale alert is issued telepathically by Xaiver. Juggernaut is approaching the mansion at a great speed followed by the remaining horsemen, Sinister, Sabertooth, Monolith and Holocaust. All the X-men still in the mansion gather at the main door ready for battle. Ready for anything, except for what is about break through the wall.
Juggernaut charges through following close, his partners. As ordered, Juggernaut takes out the telepaths and Storm. Phoenix, Xaiver and Storm suffer the might of the Juggernaut as he floors them all with a powerful punch. Rogue takes a shot at Juggernaut which is just shrugged of then returned by Cain. Sabertooth begins to pummel Colossus while Holocaust blows away Rock. Sinister rumbles with Cyclops.
Iceman freezes Jean, Xaiver and Storm to the fall. Venom has a go with Steel, bashing away at her. Cecila takes down Forge who unluckily enough was visiting his friends in the X-men today. All the X-men are losing badly to their opponents.
'Sabertooth' Sinister calls out. 'My equipment tells me Wolverine is close to reaching the mansion...'
'Good. Finally a chance to settle my score with the runt...' Sabertooth says.
'And Gambit, Jubilee, X-force, Generation X...' Sinister continues to say.
'A chance to take them all out in one go' Sabertooth buts in.
'And Magneto, Polaris, Exodus, Avengers, ...' Sinister says.
Sabertooth lets out a low growl. 'I think retreating is our best option for now. Magneto and Wolverine are the best equipped for taking us out and with all the allies that are going to meet up with them. Next time we will finish the job X-wimps, next time.'
Sabertooth and all that came with him return back the same way they came. A second later Marrow bursts through the door followed by Rampage. All the victims from the assault are helped up as more and more people come to join the fight. Xaiver explains to everyone about the recent events. Magneto, Polaris, Exodus and the Avengers return to their dwellings after realising the threat is over for now.
'Mystique has informed us of the horsemen's next move. Xaiver it's your call on what we do with this one' says Rampage.
'Sorry but this one aint Chuck's decision' Wolverine says. 'If we don't stop them those who fall, their blood will be on our hands. You can stay here if you want but I'm not going to sit back while Sabertooth's goons reek havoc.'
Chuck goes into deep though before replying. 'X-men, we have a job to do. Colossus, Gambit and Rogue take Juggernaut. Cyclops Rampage and Jean can take Iceman. Marrow, Steel and Storm can take Cecila. Wolverine, Rock and Jubilee will take Venom.'
The X-men gather to take a shot at the horsemen and Sabertooth's forces. Magneto has similar ideas as he and Exodus prepare to take out Donald Pierce, who they had been tailing for the last half an hour. Pierce is on his way to join up with Sabertooth. Sabertooth and Holocaust are currently working out with the Monolith, well beating on the Monolith really. Sinister experimenting on one of his many Children of the Sun.
Pierce is filled with joy at the though of finally being able to get back on all those who have done him wrong. The likes of Sebastian Shaw and Cable will suffer now at the might of him and his new allies. So Pierce thinks as he comes closer and closer to Sabertooth's base. Magneto orders the strike to take place now. Exodus dives out and drop kicks Pierce down to the ground. Pierce gets up and sends a blast of some sorts Exodus' way, Exodus absorbs it.
'Just what I wanted, thank you' Exodus says as the blast is returned.
The difference here is, it connects. The blast was aimed at Pierce's feet, Pierce head connects with the concrete at a good pace. Magneto makes his entrance.
'For allying yourself with such pathetic scum your fate shall not be a good one' says Magneto.
'You aren't exactly a saint either' Pierce says.
'You will regret saying that' says Magneto.
Magneto has finally come back to full power, unfortunately for Pierce. Pierce falls to the ground as Magneto cuts of the blood supply to his brain. Pierce dies a quiet death at the feet of Magneto. Exodus picks up the lifeless body of Pierce and dumps it close to what used to be Sabertooth's hidden base.
Iceman closes in on Ironman and Captain America who currently are returning from another call out. Iceman stays out of view and raises his hand, manipulates the temperature of Ironman and Captain America. Ironman and Captain America begin to cold and then continue to freeze over. By the time they figure Iceman is the one behind the freezing, it is to late. Their bodies can't take the cold and stop cold in their tracks.
'Let fire of Phoenix warm you' Jean says as she manifests the fire bird. Captain America and Ironman begin to warm up.
Iceman steps out of the shadows to reveal himself in his new outfit, all black. Jean tries to call out to Bobby but he ignores her and continues walking. Iceman sends out a giant sized ice-blast Cyclops' way. Cyclops tries to counter with an optic blast but the ice-blast consumes it and continues until it nails Cyclops. Jean roars up the Phoenix again and lunges for Iceman aggressively.
Iceman manifests his own ice-bird that he controls. Phoenix and the Ice-bird clash and fly back. It ends in a great burst of fire from Phoenix and a burst of cold ice from the Ice-bird. The two forces hit each other face on trying to push past each other. It is a spectacular sight for Rampage who can only watch from the side lines. Eventually the two forces neutralise each other.
Iceman takes advantage of the situation as Jean is to busy trying to control the Phoenix powers. Iceman sends a ice-blast that cuts Jean's side right open and almost totally covers her in ice. Rampage rushes to her side but it is just to late. Jean tells Rampage not to worry, stay calm. As Rampage tries to find out what's going on as the Phoenix enters his body.
The Phoenix leaves Jean as she breathes her final breaths and enters Rampage. Iceman moves in to attack Rampage but the Phoenix blasts Iceman back powerfully. Iceman is only stopped by moving into a ice-slide in mid air. Iceman partially drained sends two large icicles through the chests of Ironman and Captain America. Iceman picks up dusts himself of and leaves Rampage recovering.
Rampage later on returns to the mansion prepared to inform them with the bad news. On his way back he experiences something that felt like an earthquake. Rampage realises knows it came from the centre of the city but doesn't have the energy to check it out. When the Phoenix became part of him, the energy was drained out. Rampage just leaves battle tired.
Sam, or Cannonball as he is also known, charges towards Cecila. Sam knows it is her but doesn't know why she is wearing some black costume or why she attacked him. Sam knows her power but plans to break right through her field and knock some sense into her. Sam reaches within twenty meters of Cecila and hopes when he gets to her shield, his shields are stronger. Sam by this time hasn't outstretched his arms not expecting to make impact until with in a meter of Cecila.
This is very unfortunate for Sam for Cecila foreseen the fact that Cannonball wouldn't expect the shield this early. With Cecila's shields primed at full power Sam hits it at full pace. Without his arms out-streched Sam's head takes all the impact breaking his neck instantly. The force makes Cecila fall, but she manages to get up a few seconds later to find Storm, Marrow and Steel looking her way.
Cecila smiles as she sees the group, for she expects mercy. That was half the reason Sinister selected Iceman, Cecila and Spiderman, mercy from the X-men and everyone else. But Cecila is about to get the opposite. 'Samuel, no' Storm says as she sees Sam dead on the ground.
Storm has always been fond of Sam, protective of the used to be X-man, she is out for blood. Marrow also liked Sam and it had angered her to see him like this, and plus Marrow had always had a grudge against Cecila. Marrow badly wants to settle it know. Steel has never known Cecila but hates anyone who would ally with such people or commit such acts as what is in front of her.
Two thunder bolts come from Storm and hit Cecila's field. Cecila groans as the two bolts hit an already weakened field. Cecila notices that Sam's shot took more out of her than she first thought, and Storm's powers are going to take there toll soon. Steel starts pumping her electric energy all around Cecila's field. For some reason it actually takes affect on Cecila and it for a second stops her from being able to move.
Marrow takes this opportunity while Cecila's shield are down to take a hard shot with a bone club to her head. Cecila manages to come back to her senses and her shields go back on, sending Marrow and Steel sliding across the pavement. Storm sends another two bolts into the shields of Cecila. Cecila makes a spear out of her force field and sends it Storm's way. Storm easily stops it from connecting with wind power.
Storm starts to pelt the field with baseball sized hail stones. Cecila fields are beginning to take to much pressure as they can handle. Storm continues to fight from far back leaving Cecila's attacks almost powerless. After a long minute the hail stones stop but the thunder starts up again. A seriously weakened Cecila that she doesn't stand a chance, so she may is well go out with style. Cecila puts the last of her energy into expanding her field.
Cecila walks casually into the middle of the road stopping all the traffic. Cecila starts to glow with energy, spectators all look around. Storm doesn't know what she's doing or how to stop her for that matter. If Storm send a thunder bolt at her it looks like it would do more damage than good. All of a sudden Cecila raises her arms, then throws them down again.
A huge shock wave starts to spread across the city. Storm mentions something about saving the by standers but it is far to late for them, the only thing now is survival. The shock waves that Cecila emits destroy everything in their way. It demolishes cars and tears away at the sides of buildings. Marrow, Steel and Storm do their best efforts to get out of its way.
As the waves gain on them Storm realises that she won't make it but she could help Marrow and Steel to. Storm lifts Steel and Marrow up with a large blast of wind. Marrow and Steel it take flight for a few seconds, just enough to get out of the way of the fields shock waves. Steel falls hits the ground, rolls and is eventually stopped by a car. Probably a few broken bones by then, Marrow was not so lucky.
Marrow also fell and begin to roll and slid into the pavement. As Marrow lay unconscious on the ground a piece of shrapnel from the explosions goes through Marrow's second and last heart. Steel realises that she must get away before it is to late. Steel limps as fast as she can and drops unconscious in the nearest ally way. Storm, Marrow, Cecila and roughly three hundred people in the surrounding area don't get to walk away from it.
Juggernaut has a good laugh as Daredevil tries to drop kick him. Being on top of building and feeling in the mood for smashing something, Juggernaut picks up Daredevil and choke slams him through the closest stock warehouse. Daredevil just like the group of Avengers that attacked him two minutes earlier is no challenge for Juggernaut. A broken and battered Daredevil doesn't manage to make it out of the way of Juggernaut's chrushing foot.
Colossus falls through the roof after Juggernaut while Gambit and Rogue go for the door. Colossus hits Juggernaut in the back of the neck with his big metallic feet. Colossus pummels Juggernaut's side while he begins to turn around. Juggernaut hits Colossus into a pile of near by crates. Colossus charges out puts his hands together and swings low at Juggernaut's knee. Juggernaut doesn't seem to even feel it and lifts Colossus above his head.
Colossus is thrown through the door that Gambit was just about pull open. Rogue gives Colossus a hand up. Colossus takes a run up and jumps on a pile of creates for height and jump kicks Juggernaut's face. Still it does not bother Juggernaut who picks up Colossus and slams his back onto his knee, a back breaker. Colossus is then thrown through a wall of this stock house. Gambit picks up one of the creates and charges it.
Gambit throws it into the path of Juggernaut but the explosion doesn't manage to stagger the big guy. Gambit and Rogue team up, Gambit charges a fork lift, Rogue throws it. This one doesn't move Juggernaut, but bearly. It also makes Rogue and Gambit fall temporarily. Gambit throws a quick three charged cards at Juggernaut. Rogue not seeing Gambit throwing the cards charges towards Juggernaut at full pace.
Gambit tries to warn Rogue but she doesn't here him. Gambit cries out inside, the cards must stop. To Gambit's suprise the cards hit Juggernaut, stick to his uniform fully charged. Rogue hits Juggernaut's side twice, ducks a punch from Juggernaut and flies around him for another round. Rogue only manages to get in two more shots before can't avoid the blow from Juggernaut. Juggernaut's punch sends Rogue into a bunch of stacked crates.
Gambit says inside himself for the cards to go of now. Surprisingly enough the cards explode on the leg of Juggernaut's gear, Juggernaut's knee shakes but takes the pressure. Gambit noticing his new ability of telepathically controlling any charged item, devices a plan. Colossus runs back into the scene with a small motorbike. Colossus throws it at Juggernaut, which is fended it of as it was nothing. Gambit calls over Colossus and Rogue.
'I have a plan, take Juggernaut's attention for a few more seconds and I will do the rest' Gambit says.
Rogue flies in high, towards Juggernaut's head, while Colossus runs and slides towards Juggernaut's legs. Juggernaut swings at Rogue who just flies out of its way. Colossus uses this time to pull of a two fisted blow across Juggernaut's knees. This takes Juggernaut's attention from Rogue who in turn boots him in the face. Juggernaut roars, picks up Colossus and uses him as a bat to hit Rogue away. Colossus is slammed to the ground.
Juggernaut moves over to Colossus and starts to slam his foot down on him. Rogue and Colossus struggles to keep his Juggernaut's foot from chrushing Colossus. Colossus' body begins to crumble under the strain. Rogue can't keep Juggernaut's powerful foot chrushing the life out of Colossus.
'Any time Remy' Rogue calls out.
Gambit had been currently charging one card till its maximum potential. Remy throws a carefully aimed charged stone into the face of Juggernaut. Juggernaut moves back as his eyes burn, taking his attention away from Colossus. Gambit runs up to Juggernaut and starts to hit him with his staff. Juggernaut, as Gambit plans, picks up Gambit in rage. Gambit reaches over and puts the card he had previously charged, up the sleeve of Juggernaut's metallic arm band.
Juggernaut begins to tighten his grip on Gambit who then begins to charge up Juggernaut's arm. The pink glow of kinetic energy creeps up Juggernaut's arm. It reaches almost up to Juggernaut's shoulder before he realises what is going on and drops Gambit. Rogue quickly flies in and picks up Gambit and Colossus and takes them out of the explosions range. Juggernaut roars as his arm explodes before his eyes.
Smoke had built all around the recent explosion. As the smoke begins to clear Rogue and Colossus are shocked as they see Juggernaut still alive. Juggernaut is flat on his back, but some how manages to get himself up.
'We have to finish this now' says Rogue.
'No, let Juggernaut run of when he wants to. Trust me on this one' says Gambit.
To everyone's suprise seconds later Juggernaut charges through the three. With Juggernaut's only remaining arm, shoulder barges the three down and continues running out of the warehouse. Juggernaut's thumps continue into the distance. But a few seconds later a large explosion that clearly was not coming from the Juggernaut rocks the group. The next sound that is heard is Juggernaut falling, then getting up and continuing his journey.
Soon enough Rogue, Colossus and Gambit head back to the mansion in bad shape. But most importantly, Gambit still has a trick up his sleeve, well up Juggernaut's to be correct.
'Get ready guys, I can smell em' says Wolverine.
Rock and Jubilee take Wolverine's warning and prepare to face Venom. Venom is currently standing over the lifeless body of one Sunfire. Sunfire having his whole face covered in webbing stopping his breathing. Venom's tendrils notice the presence of the just arrived Wolverine, Rock and Jubilee. Three tendrils reach out for Jubilee but are cut of by Wolverine. Usually X-men would try to convince Venom to return to the side of good, but Wolverine just isn't in the mood.
Rock launches himself at Venom, a couple of tendrils rap themselves around Rock's waist. Two more tendrils start to hit Rock. Rock is then thrown aside. Rock prepares to run back in for a second round with Venom but Wolverine pulls him back.
'This ones mine' Wolverine says.
Wolverine who's already built unlimited rage ever since Sabertooth beat him in front of Apocalypse, becoming Death. Now Wolverine prepares to release some of the anger, in a beserker rage against Venom. Wolverine advances on Venom, a range of webbing and tendrils come from Venom. Wolverine continues to move forward on Venom, cutting his way through anything Venom can throw at him.
Venom tries to focus on throwing to webs over Wolverine's hands. Then Venom tries to use it throw Wolverine with his incredible strength, Wolverine manages to stand his ground. Wolverine uses the webbing to throw Venom, just like Sabertooth done to Angel earlier. Wolverine closes in on Venom's hide, Venom not able to stop him. When Wolverine finally manages to wade his way through Venom's attacks, he stands face to face with Venom. Wolverine only sustaining a few cuts from Venom's tendrils.
Venom, as a last ditch attempt, places some webbing into the eyes of Wolverine. Wolverine ignores the pain in his eyes and uses his other senses to rip Venom open. Venom dives back in pain, only to get a punch in the back from Rock. Jubilee adds a plasma blast which sends Venom right back into the hands of Wolverine. Wolverine rips a struggling Venom to pieces, literally. Venom after a while, stops struggling. Wolverine, Rock and Jubilee return to the mansion.
Both sides have taken considerable punishments after the last war that the X-men started against Sabertooth's forces just recently. Phoenix, Cyclops, Storm and Marrow have fallen in the side of the X-men. Cecila, Venom and Juggernaut's arm are missing from Sabertooth's side. That's not counting the others the horsemen took out. Cannonball, Ironman, Captian America, Daredevil and Sunfire. And that isn't mentioning the damage that has been done to New York city. With the final battle looming down, who knows if the city can take anymore of it.
Sabertooth struggles to get to consciousness. The healing has been working in overdrive to fix the unlimited cuts that completely cover his body. A silent man watches over Creed, giving him all the medical help possible. It still startles the silent man that Sabertooth's body can takes so much punishment and keep going. And this man has seen a lot more than most. Sabertooth slowly comes to. Sabertooth opens his eyes but ever so slightly.
'Siniss... Sini... Sinister...' Sabertooth stutters.
'Don't speak. You can't talk properly because your blood has dried in your throat. Just lie down an relax.' Says Sinister, the man who saved Sabertooth's ass earlier.
As Sinister grabs a glass of water for Sabertooth. Sabertooth tries to sit up to get it but barely gets up a few inches before letting out a roar of pain. 'Your healing factor has only had a few hours at the job at hand, you'll have to give it a few more' says Sinister.
'In case you didn't know, I threw that bomb in between you and Wolverine' Sinister says as Sabertooth just lies and listens. 'I didn't realise that it was such a little thing, it nearly finished of the job Wolverine started. I picked most the shrapnel out of you but the finer pieces will have to be removed when your up to it. I thought I'd tell you why I saved your ass.'
'I thought you proved yourself worthy in the Mauderer ordeal and now once again as Death. Apocalypse just died at the hands of Wolverine not to long ago, and to be honest, I'm quite glad. Apocalypse never had what it took to take out the X-men, the Age of Apocalypse, ha! I had something better in mind, like the Age of Sabertooth! Me and you together could ally to make an amazing team.'
'We must admit though, the X-men may be able to gather a large enough force to defeat us. So we must find some recruitment's of our own. I have already talked to one called Holocaust and he is willing to join. I also thought it would only be fitting if we made our own 'Horsemen'. The ideal candidates are Juggernaut, Iceman, Cecila Reyers and the true Spiderman, Peter Parker joined with Venom.'
'I suggest we persuade Juggernaut to join the team, trick him maybe. Because I don't exactly feel up to going head to head with him. From there the Juggernaut should easily be able to collect the remaining Horsemen without worries. We also have the task of getting that adamantium back for you...'
Sinister talks for a long time after, Sabertooth continues to heal as he takes in what Sinister is saying. Sabertooth never realises how close he was to death until Sinister tells him that his heart stopped three times because of a piece of metal that was lodged in it. Also the fact that he hadn't even noticed the metal spike that had been in his back while fighting Wolverine.
'No! No! What is happening?' Exodus cries out in disappear.
'I am sorry Exodus, it had to be done' says Magneto.
Exodus, who had been disguised as Magneto shreds his disguise. The perfect harmony he had created in Genosha has just been destroyed. His plan to place a mind control over the mutants and humans and Genosha has disintegrated. Exodus had a mind control on the citizens of Genosha to make the mutants and humans interact peacefully. Now that Magneto has put a stop to it, the mutants and humans are tearing each other to pieces.
'You did this' says Exodus.
'I am not here to fight Exodus' says Magneto. 'I would like you to stop this foolish plan and work together with me. Our past may be a bit shaky but I need all the help I can get. Apocalypse has been killed by Wolverine. But not before Apocalypse unleashed one of his horsemen 'Death' or Sabertooth as we know him. Sabertooth is on the loose and has already managed to kill several X-men.'
The fact that Sabertooth managed to take out so many X-men shocks Exodus. After a lot of talking and convincing Exodus joins Magneto's side along with Polaris. It pleases Magneto, but he still knows, it is not enough.
The X-men are flat out busy. They get a visit from some of the Avengers who want to know if they can identify the Hulk's killer. Professor X takes that one, giving them the full story. There is also the task of getting the bodies from the Morlock tunnels, no one except Wolverine has it in them to do it. Wolverine almost convinces Gambit to come with him but Gambit breaks down the moment he puts a foot back into the tunnels. Colossus ends up with the job.
Since a lot of the remaining X-men need medical attention, Cecila ends up coming in to replace the now deceased Beast as doctor. Cecila had to deal with many cuts, grazes and bruises, a beaten up X-men. Not to mention the fact that the others who weren't busy were busy trying to fix parts of the mansion that had been levelled. Not an easy job considering the extent of the damage and limited supplies.
Once the Avengers had left, Wolverine and Colossus had collected the bodies of Moria, Shadowcat, Nightcrawler, Pysclocke and Angel, Cecila had patched up most of the X-men who needed patching up and when the mansion had a slight make over there was still more to do. Xaiver had called it time for a break, the X-men all started to relax.
Suddenly there was three loud thumps at the door. Wolverine sniffs the air, 'It aint no one we know. And they managed to get through what is still working in the security systems.'
Xaiver gives the X-men a telepathic warning to be on the ready as he goes to open the door in his slightly bumped up hoverchair. Xaiver opens the door to find three mutants on the porch.
The three mutants clarify themselves as friends just before they were going to face the wrath of an annoyed X-men. All the introductions are done before business begins.
Rampage, being the first of the three. He has the a low power of telekenetics. Rampage explains that his powers used to be greater before Operation: Zero Tolerance. But after taking a bad hit from a sentinel it hurts to use his powers to full extent. Steel, being the second of the three. She has a metallic claw, that can conduct an unusual form of electricity through it. Lastly being The Rock. His power is to transform the exterior to a hard rock substance, hence his name.
Rampage does most of the talking for the three. He explains that they joined forces after all being captured during Operation: Zero Tolerance though managing to escape. Rampage is into DNA and mutant research of such. This is what brought him onto Sinister, the three had been tracking him all over. Just recently they found Sinister spying on a man, Apocalypse and monitoring his work.
Apparently Sinister was extremely annoyed when a so called factor didn't add. Sinister's followed a theory that every force was equal, making it impossible to for Apocalypse to do any real damage. But the outrage was, one of the factors was thrown out of balance, Wolverine lost to Sabertooth, giving Creed the position of Death. Sinister dropped his current plans, something to do with the High Evolutionary, to monitor Apocalypse.
Sinister observed the battle of the X-men and Apocalypse while Rampage and his friends observed him. As the battle raged Rampage and his friends began a hidden assault on Apocalypse's forces. But then were confused that Sinister saved the same Sabertooth who had caused him all that trouble in the first place.
At the mention of Sinister saving Sabertooth, Wolverine lets out a large growl. Rampage, Steel and the Rock reveal that they are here to recruit into the X-men. Xaiver officially invites them into the X-men, then gives them the full story of what went on in Egypt. There are now three new members in the X-men. Wolverine says he's had enough chit chat and says he's of to Genosha to collect the adamantium.
'Getting that adamantium is a must. Even though you have fully recovered I bet you notice that your energy is extremely dampened' says Sinister to Sabertooth. 'Apocalypse has fail safes on everything, including his horsemen. You would have noticed that a the dial on your arm tried to teleport you away before you smashed it. Apocalypse made it so that the enhancements would only last if the adamantium remained in your body.'
'And the runt isn't going to take it of me that easily. You and Holocaust can locate Juggernaut while I make a trip to Genosha.' says Sabertooth.
Sabertooth takes of towards Genosha with a warning from Sinister. For Magneto and Wolverine are the two most capable at taking out Sabertooth, especially now that the enhancements are gone. And Sabertooth is going to see both of them there.
'Wolverine'
'Magneto'
Wolverine and Magneto exchange a quick greeting and go straight to business. They head to the storage area in which the adamantium is stored, not saying a word to each other. The tension at an all time, this being the past that these two have shared. It takes both of their patience and will power not to start having a go at each other. Wolverine and Magneto head through the heavy guarded parts of the Citadel.
'There goes the first half of the adamantium' says Magneto to Wolverine.
'What do you mean first half?' asks Wolverine in a very annoyed tone.
'I thought it would be best to separate it into to pieces and put them on opposite sides of the Citadel. That way if an intruder managed to get the first half the whole place would be on full alert by the time they get the second part' says Magneto. 'We'll take this half and put it next to the machinery we managed to steal from Apocalypse's fortress before it collapsed. That should be able to put it back into you.'
Wolverine just lets out a low growl and takes the adamantium along with him. It's at this time when one of the guards of tries to let out a warning.
'Magneto sir, there is a breach of Area fiv...' the transmission goes into static across the speaker.
'Sabertooth' Wolverine says as he throws down the adamantium and runs to his arch enemy Victor Creed.
'Quicksilver, you quickly go slow Sabertooth down before he manages to escape with the adamantium' says Magneto.
Quicksilver speeds past Wolverine around towards the other side of the Citadel and to Sabertooth. Quicksilver has to wade his way through guards that are lying on the ground bleeding to death. As Quicksilver gets there he finds Sabertooth dropping two lifeless acolytes. Quicksilver speeds around Sabertooth kicking and punching as he goes, Sabertooth swings wildly. Sabertooth manages to connect with one of his blows which stops Quicksilver in his tracks. Sabertooth slashes out Quicksilver's heart and drops him on the pile of guards.
Sabertooth takes the adamantium he came for and exits through the opening he made earlier. Sabertooth hops into his jet and warms it up. Wolverine comes out just to see Sabertooth leaving.
'I'll love to stay for a rematch but I've got things to do runt' Sabertooth says as he sticks his head out of the jet. The jet takes of leaving Wolverine with only half the adamantium and a hell of a beserker rage.
'No' Magneto cries out as he finds his son Quicksilver lying dead on the ground amongst some of his acolytes and guards.
Sabertooth and Wolverine decide on the same thing. Since they have both ended up with only half the adamantium they decide only cover certain bones in adamantium. Both Wolverine and Sabertooth cover their skulls, claws and most their major joints. Sinister tends Sabertooth and while Magneto grieves over his son and fellow acolytes, Polaris tends to Wolverine. Now Wolverine and Sabertooth with the adamantium covering roughly half of their skeletons.
'It may not be the full thing' says Sinister. 'But it will bring back the enhancements Apocalypse made. Holocaust managed to locate the Juggernaut but I feel before we track him down we should pay a visit to the Monolith.'
'Excellent. But first there is the matter of the skrulls and the children of the sun' says Sabertooth. 'I think we should take a small elite group from the best of them. Some of the remaining children of the sun and skrulls can go towards your study uses. Holocaust and me will use the rest for training practice.'
Sinister, Holocaust and Sabertooth are all very happy with the plan and go forward to see the Living Monolith.
The X-men have a funeral for those who died in battle with Sabertooth and Apocalypse. Everyone including Kurt, Moria, Betsy, Warren, Hank, Kitty, Fiz, Mikhail, Bruce Banner even those who opposed them. Deathbird, Ahab and Caliban. This being those who the X-men were aware of.
Sinister, Holocaust and Sabertooth find the Living Monolith being tended to by skrulls. The Monolith seems quite happy being waited on by the skrulls and children of the sun. Giving orders and commands to everyone in sight.
'You three in the corner, get back to fixing Apocalypse's machinery' orders the Monolith.
'Why don't you come over here and make us' one says.
'You skrulls sure do have a problem with authority don't you. I thought Apocalypse told Sabertooth to make it clear to you all. Now that Apocalypse is no longer with us, it is my duty to teach you all a lesson' the Monolith says as he advances on the three.
'You may have been king to all these skrulls and children of the sun, but now we're here it's a different story.' Sabertooth says.
Monolith being quite annoyed not realising who it is hops of his throne. Monolith heads towards Sinister, Holocaust and Sabertooth finally sees who it actually is, walks backwards and trips over his own feat, falling onto the ground.
'No, no, what are you doing here?' asks Monolith.
'We're here on business Monolith. Now that Apocalypse is gone we're in charge, you have the opportunity to join us if you wish' says Sabertooth. 'Though if you ever speak to any of us like that again I'll gut you like the rat you are.'
Monolith realising he is strongly overpowered joins 'I accept your offer on the account that you never speak to me like that either.'
'We shall talk to you however we feel. Apocalypse is gone and you no longer have any power.' says Sinister.
Grudgingly Monolith joins realising he will only be a slave. Just a pawn in a new game, after his old master was check mated by Wolverine. Sinister forces Monolith to show him the strongest and smartest skrulls then once again with the children of the sun. The technology is taken back with them along with the greatest of the group.
The elite force that was picked out by Monolith has to capture their friends for Sinister's testing. Once only a combined group of about thirty five skrulls and children of the sun stand confused and dazed for it appears Sabertooth and his friends have left. But as some of them begin to realise that Holocaust are waiting in hiding. As Sabertooth takes down one skrull the another twenty try to take him down. The other fifteen try to escape but are blown away by Holocaust's energy blasts.
Once Sabertooth had hacked up the last of them and Holocaust has disposed of his lot they leave the building in a state of Carnage.
'Professor Xaiver, may I have a word to you in private?' asks Rampage.
'Certainly Rampage, just step into my office' says Professor Xaiver.
'Thanks. Just call me William,' says William.
'And call me Charles' says Charles.
'Anyway, as you would have guessed I have something important to say. Well, as I said earlier, I'm into DNA and mutants like Sinister. I studied Sinister from far back and added all my theories to his and have come up with some interesting findings' says William. 'I know what Apocalypse does to enhance his so called horsemen minus the brainwashing bit. I could enhance the X-men a great deal with the co-operation of you and the rest of the X-men.
'It will take a great deal of convincing to bring the rest of the X-men around to the idea. I don't know if it's necessary to take all this precaution, most of our threats seem to have subsided' says Professor Xaiver.
'I didn't want to keep any secrets from you Charles but... We have an insider watching over Sinister. Actually to be honest, you know her, it's Mystique, she has disguised herself as a skrull' William says as Charles tries to hide his suprise. 'As Wolverine has said, Sabertooth is sure as hell not dead. He recently managed to break into Magneto's Citadel and stole the adamantium right out from under them.'
'Sabertooth and Sinister have allied themselves with Holocaust. The Living Monolith is under their control along with the skrulls and children of the sun they didn't slaughter. Now Mystique has heard of plans for their own horsemen.'
'What?' exclaims Xaiver. 'I must know who, we need to know there weaknesses, and make sure none of us are targeted.'
'Mystique is trying very hard to find that out now but it is one hell of a task' says William.
'I fear that you are right. If you can get the approval of the rest of the X-men, you have mine. And if you have any more secrets would you tell them now' says Xaiver.
'Thank you Charles, and no, there is no more secrets. Would you mind calling a meeting with those present' says William.
Xaiver telepathically calls the X-men for a meeting in the briefing room. All of the remaining X-men come and are given the info that Xaiver just received. Wolverine is the first to take William's offer to enhance him. Wolverine is willing to go to any lengths to bring Sabertooth and his new found allies down hard and fast. William gets to work immediately.
'It is time to find the Juggernaut, I have an easy plan to persuade him. You and Holocaust capture Black Tom Cassidy and I'll take his place, then convince Juggernaut that he has found a way to maximise his energy' Sinister says to Sabertooth.
'Excellent, now do we actually have to capture Black Tom Cassidy. It would be an even easier job if I just done him over' says Sabertooth with a sly grin on his face.
'To be honest I have to agree. It was Apocalypse's down fall, keeping prisoners when he should have disposed of them. I can find more test subject when our opposition has been eliminated.' says Sinister.
'Very well. It is sorted, you to do your thing. I'll set everything up for Juggernaut's enhancements and locate the remainder of our horsemen to be' says Holocaust.
Sabertooth and Holocaust head of to meet the Juggernaut and Black Tom. There search takes them to a warehouse in New York. Black Tom is checking out figures and things on the net while on the John as Juggernaut or Cain as he is known as when he is not his alter ego is busy working out. This is when Sabertooth strikes.
Sabertooth manages to window to with out be heard or seen by Black Tom. Sabertooth drags Black Tom out the window with minimal thumping.
'Tom, hey Tom. Is everything all right in there' Cain yells out.
Sinister dives in the toilet window now arranged as Black Tom Cassidy. Sinister lets out a cry of joy.
'What, what is Tom?' asks Cain.
'I've got it Cain. I've found the answer to our problems' calls out Sinister as he leaves the John to join Cain. 'I've found him, he knows what we need to know' Sinister says putting on the best Irish accent he can.
'Brilliant Tom. Ah, who are you talking about?' asks Cain.
'Dr Essex. He is an expert on the Cyttrac crystal that powers you. After all this time of looking I've found the man who can imperfect your game Cain' says Sinister.
'My game, what's wrong with my game?' asks Cain.
'No just listen Cain. We'll go to see Dr Essex, he can enhance your powers' says Sinister.
'If you say so Tom.' says Cain.
After a while Sinister convinces Cain to go through with the 'enhancements'. A skrull imitates one Dr Essex and they manage to get Cain drugged up enough to operate on him, making him the first horseman of the Age of Sabertooth.
'Charles, we just got news from Mystique confirming the first horseman. The have already transformed the Juggernaut, your stepbrother Cain.' says William.
'No, not Cain' says Charles as he bows his head. 'What have you done with Logan?'
'I have done a lot with Logan. He is such an interesting physical specimen. I managed to increase his strength, speed, agility and healing factor' says William. 'But what I am most proud of along with the healing factor is what I did with the bones. I increased the density of the bones of Logan's that weren't all ready covered in adamantium.'
'Good work William, but we must work faster. If they have Cain who knows what they are capable of' says Charles.
'Way ahead of you Charles. Gambit is almost underwent his enhancements. His main feature is I have extremely increased his ability to use that kinetic energy of his. Gambit can control his ability much greater. This means Remy can increase his energy into each object and can perfectly time each projectile' says William.
'You don't know how much this means to me William. But you best be getting back to the task at hand while I take the rest of the X-men through some new sims in the Danger Room' says Charles.
'No I didn't locate Spiderman or Venom. Robert Drake and Cecila Reyers are both away from the X-men, this is an opportunity we must take advantage of' says Holocaust.
'Good thinking Holocaust. It will be the perfect test out Juggernaut's new enhancement. Where's Cecila and Robert?' asks Sinister.
'Iceman is on the way to pick up his father from a check up. And Cecila is heading back to her private clinic, we should take Iceman first' says Holocaust.
So Sabertooth, Holocaust, Sinister and Monolith head of to get Iceman along with their new horseman, Juggernaut. It doesn't take long to track Bobby Drake down, he is catching a taxi to the hospital.
'No need for that Drake' says Sabertooth. 'We'll give you a lift.'
The shock on Iceman's face as he sees the group surrounded in front of him. As trained, Iceman quickly speeds out of the way of all the innocents who surround him in the city. Ice sliding into a less populated industrial section of town. Iceman takes a better look at who he is facing, which appear to closing in fast.
The obvious ones are Sabertooth, Sinister, Holocaust and Monolith but there is one other gigantic sized one amongst them. On better look it is the Juggernaut, a oversized Juggernaut. Cain is really bigger than he usually is and his get up is not really changed except for the fact that all his armour is black. The Juggernaut is the first to catch up on Iceman.
Bobby takes a hard back hander from the Juggernaut smashing him right of his iceslide. A move that ends Iceman's fight as he hits the ground full force.
'And I was hoping for a real battle' says Sabertooth. 'At least we know that our horseman here is in great shape.'
'Yes. Monolith, take Drake back to base and begin the enhancements. Fail us and you will pay with your life' Sinister says to Monolith. 'We shall go get this Cecila Reyers.'
'Xaiver!' the Rock says as he bursts into Charles' office. 'We have confirmed two of the other horsemen. Iceman has been captured and restrained with the Monolith and the others are on their way to get Cecila Reyers.'
Xaiver gives the telepathic signal for everyone to assemble and be ready for a full scale attack immediately. The X-men assemble into two groups and gather aboard two black bird jets. Xaiver gives the details to everyone as they close in on the battle scene.
Sinister rushes into Cecila's clinic disguised as an old man. 'Quick we have a critically injured' Sinister calls out to Cecila. Cecila runs out to see no one there. 'Who is it?' she asks.
'You' Sabertooth says as he Holocaust and Juggernaut come out of hiding.
Cecila's shield is tested to the limits as Juggernaut slams his huge fist at her with incredible power. Cecila cries out in pain with that awful blow to the force field all so hurting her. Cecila stands and prepare to use the field defensively by throwing the shield in Juggernaut's path. It doesn't it even move the Juggernaut who begins to stand on her force field. Juggernaut continues this until Cecila passes out and the shield goes down. Sinister collects Cecila's limb body and joins the rest of the group as they return to base with their third horseman.
The X-men turn up a few minutes to late just to find only small signs of a battle. Mainly the Juggernaut's huge prints in the mud. Cecila now the third that the X-men have been unable to save leaving the team furious. Also on top guard making sure they are not the final horseman to be taken in by Sabertooth's new clan.
'Juggernaut, you stay and watch over Cecila and Drake while their enhancements complete' says Sinister. 'Sabertooth, Holocaust, Monolith and me will go get Spiderman. If there are any unwanted gate crashers are to be chrushed.'
The group heads of to Peter Parker's apartment leaving Juggernaut to hold the fort. It doesn't take long before they arrive at Parker's apartment and begin knocking on the door. A tired looking MJ answers the door to find her worst nightmares.
'Mind if we come in for a cup of coffee?' asks Sabertooth.
MJ begins to slam it but Sabertooth just stops the door with his foot. MJ goes running up to Peter who is just getting into his Spiderman gear for the night. Peter doesn't get what MJ starts rambling about but he finds out for himself as Sabertooth knocks down the door.
'Your lovely wife just invited us in for dinner. I hope you don't mind, don't have any plans do you?' Sabertooth asks Peter. Peter tells MJ to run. 'Were you going sweetie?' Sabertooth asks as he pushes her over.
Peter who realises the only reason they are here is for business with him. Peter pulls on the Spiderman mask and draws the fight outside the window. 'Out here I have an advantage considering none of them have the power to fly, I hope' Peter thinks to himself.
As Peter swings on his first web line Sabertooth jumps on the window pane and leaps of it. Sabertooth grabs Peter with one hand and hits him hard with the other. Peter's grip on the web line slips and they keep falling. 'This guy's nuts, he's going to get hurt just as bad as me if we fall.' Peter thinks to himself as he shoots out another webline.
The webline slows them down a fair bit but Sabertooth just snaps it and they continue falling. Sabertooth holds Peter hard as they collide into a balcony on the side of a building. Peter is almost unconsious with pain but Sabertooth just stands straight up. 'Oh hell' Peter thinks. Sabertooth thumps he foot hard down on the balacony. 'What the hell does he think he's doing, he's going to kill us both' Peter thinks.
On Sabertooth's second thump the balcony gives way to himself and Peter. They go chrashing down until they hit the balcony below that barely manages to hold them. Sabertooth picks up an unconsious Peter and joins his partners with their latest catch. Sabertooth and the others leave only minutes before the X-men arrive to late once again.
With all four horsemen in place, the preparations for the Age of Sabertooth are put in order. All that is left for them is to distinguish their allies and enimies. From there all there is to do is chrush their competition and watch the final stages of the plan fall into place.
Age of Sabertooth! CHAPTER 4: A NEW AGE
'Did you manage to get Venom to come without a struggle?' asks Sabertooth.
'I just told him that I can give him a chance to join up with Parker once and for all. Venom took to the idea after I spent a minute convincing him' says Sinister.
'Very good' says Sabertooth. 'What enhancements have we done with our horsemen?'
'With Parker here, who's name from now on is Venom. Strength, speed, stamina, indurance against injury have all been maximised. But the specific features that only Venom got were mainly his protection against the high sound that used to hurt him. And extra power has been put into those tendrils that he extends.' says Sinister.
Sabertooth nods as Sinister continues. 'Cecila, who will need a new name by the way, once again has received the strength and all that but to a greater deal with her. But the main feature was the usage of the force field she wields. The fields durability has been strengthed dramatically. It could take that beating the Juggernaut gave her the other day ten fold and keep going.'
'Iceman has been given more control over his powers. It is hard to even try to explain the potential he now holds. The range of the powers at his hands is beyond even my understanding. The powers he was before unwilling to use have now been unleashed and maximised. Drake might even be more powerful than Juggernaut.'
'As for the Juggernaut himself, what can I say. The Juggernaut has just basically been strengthened and enlarged making him more unstoppable than ever. Also there's the fact that the old force field that used to cover Cain's hide is now greater. Also all of the horsemen have slim to no chance of psychic attack on these guys.'
'Very impressive Sinister. I've been doing some work of my own. More allies, this time with the Brotherhood. I was talking to the Blob earlier and he sounds keen to join' says Sabertooth. 'Then there's Donald Pierce. Couldn't stop mumbling about finally being able to get his backs on Shaw and all those other assholes.'
'Excellent. By the way, are we going to contact the Hellfire Club to hear there word?' asks Sinister.
'Those uptight sons a bitches? I don't think so, we'll take them out without worry once we get our other enemies. Me and Holocaust will meet with Blob later on tonight while you work on things here. For now, I might spar with Monolith.' says Sabertooth leaving Sinister to his business.
'Finally! Some info we can actually use before it's to late.' says the Rock.
'What? What is it?' asks Professor Xaiver.
'The Brotherhood is going to join with Sabertooth's clan.' says the Rock.
Xaiver sits thinks hard and thinks. 'I don't see how we can actually use this info. Unless you are suggesting what I think you're suggesting.'
'I do Chuck' says Wolverine who happened to be listening along with the others. 'I'm going to take out the Brotherhood and anyone who wants to join me is more than welcome.'
'Absolutely not' Cyclops says. 'The X-men are not assassins.'
'This one is above the X-men Cycke. Sabertooth and his lot are already powerful enough without another bunch of clowns joining his outfit' says Wolverine. 'Who' with me?'
Gambit, Marrow, Cable, Rock, Steel and Rogue join Logan. Cyclops, Jean and Charles try to stop the gang from going through with it but Logan makes sure that they are all with him. 'Sorry Cycke but the only way to stop us is to take us all out. And we all know you aint got the balls or the power to do that' Wolverine says as they head to the destination that Mystique left Rock.
By now Gambit, Wolverine, Rock, Steel, Cable and Cyclops have been enhanced. All have been strengthened and speeded up. All with small extra enhancements. Like Cyclops' optic blast's power magnified but still being able to be kept in check by the visor. Cable was really mainly strengthened but also the techno virus has been pushed back. The Rock who's outer rock skin being strengthened dramatically. And lastly Steel who only had been strengthened and speed up to a great extent.
Now it is the first time they get to test out their new abilities on the Brotherhood. When the group arrives to the destination, which turns out to be a large cabin they find Post, Blob, Mimic and Toad discussing their next job. Gambit primes up a card, Wolverine lets out his claws, Cable powers up the psimitar and the others also get ready. They attack while the brotherhoods backs are turned.
Gambit's cards hit Post with a massive explosion along with Cable's focused blast from his psimitar. The Blob gets a two fist smash on his head from Rock. Toad's side tastes some of Wolverine's adamantium. And Rogue takes Mimic down with a bang. All four members of the Brotherhood fall while the X-men continue their assault.
The Blob who was just recovering from the first blow gets another around the face from one of Marrow's bones. Rock sends a huge uppercut into Blob's chin as a sickening crack fills the air as his chin breaks. Wolverine quickly finishes of the job he started with Toad, a claw through Toad's head makes sure of that. As Mimic begins to get back up Rogue picks up were she left of and Steel joins the fight. Mimic's flesh is torn to bits as Steel's claw tears him open. Post, who was partially unshielded when Gambit and Cable's attack hit leaving him in bad shape. Gambit finishes of what they started with an super charged card slipping through Post's armour.
After Mimic bleeds to death from several more cuts and hits from Steel and Rogue. And after the Blob's head gives way from Marrow and Rock's blows. Wolverine cuts a big X in the middle of the cabin, a warning to Sabertooth and anyone who allies with him. Steel releases what looks like a huge electric blast. All the X-men look at her in wonder. Steel explains the story of her mutation as they head home.
Steel's mutation surfaced one day while she was fighting against a group of three people had gone looting during a riot. Steel had been well trained in several fighting arts and was having no problem with the three theifs. But suddenly during the fight an electrical current ran through her body that froze all the muscles. Steel couldn't move and ended up taking a few hits from her recovering attackers. It took Steel roughly ten seconds before taking back control of her body, just long enough so she could still get back in the fight.
This didn't happen again till Steel was training with her mentor a week later. Steel's mentor not knowing this continued to pummel Steel whilst she was defenceless. It happened another three times before one day it happened at the wrong time. Steel was fighting with a few of her friends against two sentinels. The sentinels claimed that one of them were a mutant and when they all attacked it, it fought back without mercy. After only small strikes from the part of Steel and her body froze again.
The group managed to destroy the sentinels but not before the sentinel had managed to cut of Steel's arm. Steel was rushed back to her mentor's house, for her mentor had enough medical supplies and experience to help her. Steel's original hand was in to bad of a shape to be used so a steel hand was put in place of it. And one day when Steel felt the electrical pulse coming on, something different happened.
Steel managed to channel it through her arm and release it as a electrical blast. Steel's mentor managed to theorise that whenever Steel's fighting spirit started to rise a current would run through her body. But from now on since she had gotten the steel hand she had been able to summon it into a blast. Steel also warned of what happens if she didn't release the blast. Steel showed the group her arm.
The steel went from her fingers up to her elbow. Steel told of how the first time she held it in, which was during Operation: Zero Tolerance to not attract the attention of the sentinels. Her fingers ripped out into claws. All the consecutive times the steel had just inched up Steel's arm. The X-men return to the mansion to the dismay of Cyclops and Professor Xaiver, with a completed mission.
'Blob!' Sabertooth yells out for the third time. 'Blob you big fat piece of shit were are you.'
Sabertooth kicks open the door of the cabin followed by Holocaust, Sinister and the Monolith leaving the horsemen outside. A huge look of shock comes across each of their faces as they find their to be allies lying dead.
'I don't think this was the X-men's work' says Monolith. 'It isn't their style for such brutality.'
'No, it was them' says Sabertooth. 'First of that big X carved in the floor is a dead give away. And the runt and his friends have been here, I can smell em all.'
'So the runt has finally got himself some balls' Sabertooth says with a smile on his face. 'They've just asked for war, they just better hope they're dam well ready for it.'
'What have you got in mind?' asks Sinister.
'Two words, Fantastic Four.' replies Sabertooth.
Sabertooth, Sinister, Holocaust, Monolith and the four horsemen gather at the scene of a trap that was set up for the Fantastic Four. By way of a distress signal calling the Fantastic Four to a hollowed out building in the country. As the Fantastic Four arrive and look around trying to find out who sent the distress signal. Even though they suspected this could of been a set-up and are now almost sure of it, they aren't ready for this.
Sinister turns of the device that was cloaking their presence revealing themselves to the Fantastic Four. The FF realising they are both out numbered and overpowered know there is not much chance of escape. The Thing is the first to strike out, attacking the Juggernaut. The Thing manages to hit Juggernaut hard as the Juggernaut just stands and takes it. The Juggernaut mocks Thing by laughing, brushing of the spot were he was hit and pounding Thing extremely hard.
Thing flies into one side of the building, taking that out a whole wall out and goes right through the next one as well. Mr Fantastic makes a move on Cecila, stretching his body out to hit her. Cecila slams him into the wall, pinning him. Invisible Woman tries to hide from them all but Iceman feels were her heat is and freezes her against a wall. Human Torch has a hard time dodging the combined assault of Sinister, Holocaust, Monolith and Venom.
Juggernaut continues his attacks until Thing is broken and battered. With Mr Fantastic pinned by Cecila's force field Sabertooth moves in for the kill, literally. Sabertooth guts him then and there with ease. Invisible Women is completely covered in ice, disabling her to breath. Eventually Human Torch takes two cuts from Venom's tentacles, then a blast from Holocaust. By this time Human Torch is to slow for them and is taken apart by the group.
With the Fantastic Four no more the mission complete, Sabertooth and others return home. But not before leaving a quick message in the ground: AoS, Age of Sabertooth. It is not long before the Avengers find the Fantastic Four lying dead. The message is passed onto a horrified X-men who swear revenge.
'No' orders Cyclops. 'You seen what Sabertooth and his lot did to the Fantastic Four. We must stick together, you are probably the only one of us who stands a chance against Sabertooth.'
'Don't presume that you can order me around Summers. To tell the truth, we don't stand a chance no matters who's here, including me' says Wolverine. 'Not one of us is equipped to take on Juggernaut. Sabertooth is a nothing compared to Juggernaut. Yukio said it was urgent, Jubilee is coming with me, she's to scared to be anywhere but with me at the moment.'
'Wait up Logan. Gambit will join you for a short ride on the way to the airport.' says Gambit.
'All right Cajun. Where you headed?' asks Wolverine.
'Business. The rest of it you don't need to know.' says Gambit.
Cyclops watches as more of his fellow X-men leave. With Marrow receiving Rampage enhancements away from the mansion, Bobby and Cecila lost as from them now being horsemen and all the others who fell trying to save the rest of us. With Logan, Remy and Jubilee leaving the team is more vulnerable than ever. But that isn't the main thing that worries the mind of Scott Summers. Cyclops is afraid that Sabertooth will strike down Logan and Gambit while they are alone. Just like they did to the Fantastic Four.
Cyclops tries not to worry, prepares for about two hours for what ever attack may be planned by Sabertooth and his gang. His training is broken by a series of sirens that erupt around the mansion. A full scale alert is issued telepathically by Xaiver. Juggernaut is approaching the mansion at a great speed followed by the remaining horsemen, Sinister, Sabertooth, Monolith and Holocaust. All the X-men still in the mansion gather at the main door ready for battle. Ready for anything, except for what is about break through the wall.
Juggernaut charges through following close, his partners. As ordered, Juggernaut takes out the telepaths and Storm. Phoenix, Xaiver and Storm suffer the might of the Juggernaut as he floors them all with a powerful punch. Rogue takes a shot at Juggernaut which is just shrugged of then returned by Cain. Sabertooth begins to pummel Colossus while Holocaust blows away Rock. Sinister rumbles with Cyclops.
Iceman freezes Jean, Xaiver and Storm to the fall. Venom has a go with Steel, bashing away at her. Cecila takes down Forge who unluckily enough was visiting his friends in the X-men today. All the X-men are losing badly to their opponents.
'Sabertooth' Sinister calls out. 'My equipment tells me Wolverine is close to reaching the mansion...'
'Good. Finally a chance to settle my score with the runt...' Sabertooth says.
'And Gambit, Jubilee, X-force, Generation X...' Sinister continues to say.
'A chance to take them all out in one go' Sabertooth buts in.
'And Magneto, Polaris, Exodus, Avengers, ...' Sinister says.
Sabertooth lets out a low growl. 'I think retreating is our best option for now. Magneto and Wolverine are the best equipped for taking us out and with all the allies that are going to meet up with them. Next time we will finish the job X-wimps, next time.'
Sabertooth and all that came with him return back the same way they came. A second later Marrow bursts through the door followed by Rampage. All the victims from the assault are helped up as more and more people come to join the fight. Xaiver explains to everyone about the recent events. Magneto, Polaris, Exodus and the Avengers return to their dwellings after realising the threat is over for now.
'Mystique has informed us of the horsemen's next move. Xaiver it's your call on what we do with this one' says Rampage.
'Sorry but this one aint Chuck's decision' Wolverine says. 'If we don't stop them those who fall, their blood will be on our hands. You can stay here if you want but I'm not going to sit back while Sabertooth's goons reek havoc.'
Chuck goes into deep though before replying. 'X-men, we have a job to do. Colossus, Gambit and Rogue take Juggernaut. Cyclops Rampage and Jean can take Iceman. Marrow, Steel and Storm can take Cecila. Wolverine, Rock and Jubilee will take Venom.'
The X-men gather to take a shot at the horsemen and Sabertooth's forces. Magneto has similar ideas as he and Exodus prepare to take out Donald Pierce, who they had been tailing for the last half an hour. Pierce is on his way to join up with Sabertooth. Sabertooth and Holocaust are currently working out with the Monolith, well beating on the Monolith really. Sinister experimenting on one of his many Children of the Sun.
Pierce is filled with joy at the though of finally being able to get back on all those who have done him wrong. The likes of Sebastian Shaw and Cable will suffer now at the might of him and his new allies. So Pierce thinks as he comes closer and closer to Sabertooth's base. Magneto orders the strike to take place now. Exodus dives out and drop kicks Pierce down to the ground. Pierce gets up and sends a blast of some sorts Exodus' way, Exodus absorbs it.
'Just what I wanted, thank you' Exodus says as the blast is returned.
The difference here is, it connects. The blast was aimed at Pierce's feet, Pierce head connects with the concrete at a good pace. Magneto makes his entrance.
'For allying yourself with such pathetic scum your fate shall not be a good one' says Magneto.
'You aren't exactly a saint either' Pierce says.
'You will regret saying that' says Magneto.
Magneto has finally come back to full power, unfortunately for Pierce. Pierce falls to the ground as Magneto cuts of the blood supply to his brain. Pierce dies a quiet death at the feet of Magneto. Exodus picks up the lifeless body of Pierce and dumps it close to what used to be Sabertooth's hidden base.
Iceman closes in on Ironman and Captain America who currently are returning from another call out. Iceman stays out of view and raises his hand, manipulates the temperature of Ironman and Captain America. Ironman and Captain America begin to cold and then continue to freeze over. By the time they figure Iceman is the one behind the freezing, it is to late. Their bodies can't take the cold and stop cold in their tracks.
'Let fire of Phoenix warm you' Jean says as she manifests the fire bird. Captain America and Ironman begin to warm up.
Iceman steps out of the shadows to reveal himself in his new outfit, all black. Jean tries to call out to Bobby but he ignores her and continues walking. Iceman sends out a giant sized ice-blast Cyclops' way. Cyclops tries to counter with an optic blast but the ice-blast consumes it and continues until it nails Cyclops. Jean roars up the Phoenix again and lunges for Iceman aggressively.
Iceman manifests his own ice-bird that he controls. Phoenix and the Ice-bird clash and fly back. It ends in a great burst of fire from Phoenix and a burst of cold ice from the Ice-bird. The two forces hit each other face on trying to push past each other. It is a spectacular sight for Rampage who can only watch from the side lines. Eventually the two forces neutralise each other.
Iceman takes advantage of the situation as Jean is to busy trying to control the Phoenix powers. Iceman sends a ice-blast that cuts Jean's side right open and almost totally covers her in ice. Rampage rushes to her side but it is just to late. Jean tells Rampage not to worry, stay calm. As Rampage tries to find out what's going on as the Phoenix enters his body.
The Phoenix leaves Jean as she breathes her final breaths and enters Rampage. Iceman moves in to attack Rampage but the Phoenix blasts Iceman back powerfully. Iceman is only stopped by moving into a ice-slide in mid air. Iceman partially drained sends two large icicles through the chests of Ironman and Captain America. Iceman picks up dusts himself of and leaves Rampage recovering.
Rampage later on returns to the mansion prepared to inform them with the bad news. On his way back he experiences something that felt like an earthquake. Rampage realises knows it came from the centre of the city but doesn't have the energy to check it out. When the Phoenix became part of him, the energy was drained out. Rampage just leaves battle tired.
Sam, or Cannonball as he is also known, charges towards Cecila. Sam knows it is her but doesn't know why she is wearing some black costume or why she attacked him. Sam knows her power but plans to break right through her field and knock some sense into her. Sam reaches within twenty meters of Cecila and hopes when he gets to her shield, his shields are stronger. Sam by this time hasn't outstretched his arms not expecting to make impact until with in a meter of Cecila.
This is very unfortunate for Sam for Cecila foreseen the fact that Cannonball wouldn't expect the shield this early. With Cecila's shields primed at full power Sam hits it at full pace. Without his arms out-streched Sam's head takes all the impact breaking his neck instantly. The force makes Cecila fall, but she manages to get up a few seconds later to find Storm, Marrow and Steel looking her way.
Cecila smiles as she sees the group, for she expects mercy. That was half the reason Sinister selected Iceman, Cecila and Spiderman, mercy from the X-men and everyone else. But Cecila is about to get the opposite. 'Samuel, no' Storm says as she sees Sam dead on the ground.
Storm has always been fond of Sam, protective of the used to be X-man, she is out for blood. Marrow also liked Sam and it had angered her to see him like this, and plus Marrow had always had a grudge against Cecila. Marrow badly wants to settle it know. Steel has never known Cecila but hates anyone who would ally with such people or commit such acts as what is in front of her.
Two thunder bolts come from Storm and hit Cecila's field. Cecila groans as the two bolts hit an already weakened field. Cecila notices that Sam's shot took more out of her than she first thought, and Storm's powers are going to take there toll soon. Steel starts pumping her electric energy all around Cecila's field. For some reason it actually takes affect on Cecila and it for a second stops her from being able to move.
Marrow takes this opportunity while Cecila's shield are down to take a hard shot with a bone club to her head. Cecila manages to come back to her senses and her shields go back on, sending Marrow and Steel sliding across the pavement. Storm sends another two bolts into the shields of Cecila. Cecila makes a spear out of her force field and sends it Storm's way. Storm easily stops it from connecting with wind power.
Storm starts to pelt the field with baseball sized hail stones. Cecila fields are beginning to take to much pressure as they can handle. Storm continues to fight from far back leaving Cecila's attacks almost powerless. After a long minute the hail stones stop but the thunder starts up again. A seriously weakened Cecila that she doesn't stand a chance, so she may is well go out with style. Cecila puts the last of her energy into expanding her field.
Cecila walks casually into the middle of the road stopping all the traffic. Cecila starts to glow with energy, spectators all look around. Storm doesn't know what she's doing or how to stop her for that matter. If Storm send a thunder bolt at her it looks like it would do more damage than good. All of a sudden Cecila raises her arms, then throws them down again.
A huge shock wave starts to spread across the city. Storm mentions something about saving the by standers but it is far to late for them, the only thing now is survival. The shock waves that Cecila emits destroy everything in their way. It demolishes cars and tears away at the sides of buildings. Marrow, Steel and Storm do their best efforts to get out of its way.
As the waves gain on them Storm realises that she won't make it but she could help Marrow and Steel to. Storm lifts Steel and Marrow up with a large blast of wind. Marrow and Steel it take flight for a few seconds, just enough to get out of the way of the fields shock waves. Steel falls hits the ground, rolls and is eventually stopped by a car. Probably a few broken bones by then, Marrow was not so lucky.
Marrow also fell and begin to roll and slid into the pavement. As Marrow lay unconscious on the ground a piece of shrapnel from the explosions goes through Marrow's second and last heart. Steel realises that she must get away before it is to late. Steel limps as fast as she can and drops unconscious in the nearest ally way. Storm, Marrow, Cecila and roughly three hundred people in the surrounding area don't get to walk away from it.
Juggernaut has a good laugh as Daredevil tries to drop kick him. Being on top of building and feeling in the mood for smashing something, Juggernaut picks up Daredevil and choke slams him through the closest stock warehouse. Daredevil just like the group of Avengers that attacked him two minutes earlier is no challenge for Juggernaut. A broken and battered Daredevil doesn't manage to make it out of the way of Juggernaut's chrushing foot.
Colossus falls through the roof after Juggernaut while Gambit and Rogue go for the door. Colossus hits Juggernaut in the back of the neck with his big metallic feet. Colossus pummels Juggernaut's side while he begins to turn around. Juggernaut hits Colossus into a pile of near by crates. Colossus charges out puts his hands together and swings low at Juggernaut's knee. Juggernaut doesn't seem to even feel it and lifts Colossus above his head.
Colossus is thrown through the door that Gambit was just about pull open. Rogue gives Colossus a hand up. Colossus takes a run up and jumps on a pile of creates for height and jump kicks Juggernaut's face. Still it does not bother Juggernaut who picks up Colossus and slams his back onto his knee, a back breaker. Colossus is then thrown through a wall of this stock house. Gambit picks up one of the creates and charges it.
Gambit throws it into the path of Juggernaut but the explosion doesn't manage to stagger the big guy. Gambit and Rogue team up, Gambit charges a fork lift, Rogue throws it. This one doesn't move Juggernaut, but bearly. It also makes Rogue and Gambit fall temporarily. Gambit throws a quick three charged cards at Juggernaut. Rogue not seeing Gambit throwing the cards charges towards Juggernaut at full pace.
Gambit tries to warn Rogue but she doesn't here him. Gambit cries out inside, the cards must stop. To Gambit's suprise the cards hit Juggernaut, stick to his uniform fully charged. Rogue hits Juggernaut's side twice, ducks a punch from Juggernaut and flies around him for another round. Rogue only manages to get in two more shots before can't avoid the blow from Juggernaut. Juggernaut's punch sends Rogue into a bunch of stacked crates.
Gambit says inside himself for the cards to go of now. Surprisingly enough the cards explode on the leg of Juggernaut's gear, Juggernaut's knee shakes but takes the pressure. Gambit noticing his new ability of telepathically controlling any charged item, devices a plan. Colossus runs back into the scene with a small motorbike. Colossus throws it at Juggernaut, which is fended it of as it was nothing. Gambit calls over Colossus and Rogue.
'I have a plan, take Juggernaut's attention for a few more seconds and I will do the rest' Gambit says.
Rogue flies in high, towards Juggernaut's head, while Colossus runs and slides towards Juggernaut's legs. Juggernaut swings at Rogue who just flies out of its way. Colossus uses this time to pull of a two fisted blow across Juggernaut's knees. This takes Juggernaut's attention from Rogue who in turn boots him in the face. Juggernaut roars, picks up Colossus and uses him as a bat to hit Rogue away. Colossus is slammed to the ground.
Juggernaut moves over to Colossus and starts to slam his foot down on him. Rogue and Colossus struggles to keep his Juggernaut's foot from chrushing Colossus. Colossus' body begins to crumble under the strain. Rogue can't keep Juggernaut's powerful foot chrushing the life out of Colossus.
'Any time Remy' Rogue calls out.
Gambit had been currently charging one card till its maximum potential. Remy throws a carefully aimed charged stone into the face of Juggernaut. Juggernaut moves back as his eyes burn, taking his attention away from Colossus. Gambit runs up to Juggernaut and starts to hit him with his staff. Juggernaut, as Gambit plans, picks up Gambit in rage. Gambit reaches over and puts the card he had previously charged, up the sleeve of Juggernaut's metallic arm band.
Juggernaut begins to tighten his grip on Gambit who then begins to charge up Juggernaut's arm. The pink glow of kinetic energy creeps up Juggernaut's arm. It reaches almost up to Juggernaut's shoulder before he realises what is going on and drops Gambit. Rogue quickly flies in and picks up Gambit and Colossus and takes them out of the explosions range. Juggernaut roars as his arm explodes before his eyes.
Smoke had built all around the recent explosion. As the smoke begins to clear Rogue and Colossus are shocked as they see Juggernaut still alive. Juggernaut is flat on his back, but some how manages to get himself up.
'We have to finish this now' says Rogue.
'No, let Juggernaut run of when he wants to. Trust me on this one' says Gambit.
To everyone's suprise seconds later Juggernaut charges through the three. With Juggernaut's only remaining arm, shoulder barges the three down and continues running out of the warehouse. Juggernaut's thumps continue into the distance. But a few seconds later a large explosion that clearly was not coming from the Juggernaut rocks the group. The next sound that is heard is Juggernaut falling, then getting up and continuing his journey.
Soon enough Rogue, Colossus and Gambit head back to the mansion in bad shape. But most importantly, Gambit still has a trick up his sleeve, well up Juggernaut's to be correct.
'Get ready guys, I can smell em' says Wolverine.
Rock and Jubilee take Wolverine's warning and prepare to face Venom. Venom is currently standing over the lifeless body of one Sunfire. Sunfire having his whole face covered in webbing stopping his breathing. Venom's tendrils notice the presence of the just arrived Wolverine, Rock and Jubilee. Three tendrils reach out for Jubilee but are cut of by Wolverine. Usually X-men would try to convince Venom to return to the side of good, but Wolverine just isn't in the mood.
Rock launches himself at Venom, a couple of tendrils rap themselves around Rock's waist. Two more tendrils start to hit Rock. Rock is then thrown aside. Rock prepares to run back in for a second round with Venom but Wolverine pulls him back.
'This ones mine' Wolverine says.
Wolverine who's already built unlimited rage ever since Sabertooth beat him in front of Apocalypse, becoming Death. Now Wolverine prepares to release some of the anger, in a beserker rage against Venom. Wolverine advances on Venom, a range of webbing and tendrils come from Venom. Wolverine continues to move forward on Venom, cutting his way through anything Venom can throw at him.
Venom tries to focus on throwing to webs over Wolverine's hands. Then Venom tries to use it throw Wolverine with his incredible strength, Wolverine manages to stand his ground. Wolverine uses the webbing to throw Venom, just like Sabertooth done to Angel earlier. Wolverine closes in on Venom's hide, Venom not able to stop him. When Wolverine finally manages to wade his way through Venom's attacks, he stands face to face with Venom. Wolverine only sustaining a few cuts from Venom's tendrils.
Venom, as a last ditch attempt, places some webbing into the eyes of Wolverine. Wolverine ignores the pain in his eyes and uses his other senses to rip Venom open. Venom dives back in pain, only to get a punch in the back from Rock. Jubilee adds a plasma blast which sends Venom right back into the hands of Wolverine. Wolverine rips a struggling Venom to pieces, literally. Venom after a while, stops struggling. Wolverine, Rock and Jubilee return to the mansion.
Both sides have taken considerable punishments after the last war that the X-men started against Sabertooth's forces just recently. Phoenix, Cyclops, Storm and Marrow have fallen in the side of the X-men. Cecila, Venom and Juggernaut's arm are missing from Sabertooth's side. That's not counting the others the horsemen took out. Cannonball, Ironman, Captian America, Daredevil and Sunfire. And that isn't mentioning the damage that has been done to New York city. With the final battle looming down, who knows if the city can take anymore of it.
