Alright everyone this is the new chapter. I hope that you enjoy reading it because I had a blast writing it. Sit back, relax, and get ready for the ride. Story on!
Disclaimers: You already know!
Chapter 4: Coming together?
An alabaster skinned girl flipped out of the way of her father's blade. Her brown and white skunk colored hair swayed with her movements. The gray skinned man swung his fist at the girl, who ducked his attack easily. A taunting smile hung on her lips as they reset their battle stances.
"Is that the best that you have Father? If so you are in for a long battle." Apocalypse smiled at the girl that had become his adoptive daughter. Marina smiled back at her father with a twinkle in her honey brown eyes challenging him out right. She reminded him of Oya so much that it pained him. After losing Oya seven years ago, he thought that life no longer had meaning. That is until her child gave him one. Oya took a part of his soul with her but she gave him another with Marina. The child had awakened another part of his heart, but he was still cold and evil since Oya's demise. Apocalypse was ruthless to his subjects and no matter how hard he tried to get Marina to follow in his rule she had a warm heart, like Oya had. Slowly but surely he was influencing the child just as he had with Oya and if it weren't for that meddlesome Xavion and Marina's father Magnus, the child would be completely his own. That bloody Roman god, Magnus was the bane of his existence. The self-righteous god tried countless times to take Marina away but thanks to Xavion's help they managed to keep his daughter here.
"Would you like for me to present a larger challenge for you?" He asked as his already large form began enlarging becoming a looming figure in the huge battle room. Apocalypse towered ten feet in the air as he glared down on her. Marina's face fell slightly at the glee in his booming voice. She looked to the wall finding an iron shield on the wall she used her power over the magnetic fields to summon it to her. Marina brought her determined eyes back to her father daring him to come. He stomped his foot causing the ground to shake under his heel. Marina lost her footing but was quick to recover running full force at her father. Apocalypse picked up his sword with his mind, and swung at her charging form. Marina dodged the attack of his sword coming down on her batting the floating weapon away. She did numerous back hand springs away from him until she reached a good distance. She extended her hand calling on her powers over the elements winds began to blow in the room and thunder rumbled in the distance. Her eyes were white with power as she prepared her attack but he was marching towards her. He grabbed her in his large hand and slung her mercilessly across the room. She slid across the floor bumping into the feet of the tall, 6'3 Logolas, who recently entered. Apocalypse watched her looking up at him and he smiled at her. The General had shown his loyalty to Apocalypse ever since Oya made him one of her Generals. In fact, Apocalypse himself had promoted him to the head General spot not only granting him powers that all his Generals had, but a little extra for his fanaticism and loyalty. He was Marina's personal guard and his right hand man. Logolas picked the girl up his hazel eyes looking at Apocalypse, who was returning to his regular 7'0 height, with reprimand. The god shrugged his shoulders.
"A little rough on the birthday girl this morning, are you not?" He asked steadying Marina on her feet.
"Well she said that I was taking it too easy on her."
"Father, it was not my intention to drive you to that level of difficulty."
"Oh? Was I suppose to read your thoughts?"
"Father," she began, placing a hand on her hip, "you do that anyway." He chuckled deeply at her crossing his arms across his powerful chest.
"I suppose I do but your psychic shields are getting stronger. Thanks to your Grandfather and Aunt I'm sure." Apocalypse rolled his gray eyes away from his child with a snort. Marina walked up to the dark gray colored man frowning up at him. Her hands resting on her hips. Her small figure reaching up to the god's stone abs. He looked down at her fighting with a smile that dare peel his large lips. The mere indignation of her looking up at him like that, the way only she did, reminded him even more of his lost beloved.
"Father if you would teach me then Grandfather would not have too do so." Suddenly Apocalypse picked her in a bear hug swinging her around. She squealed as her legs dangled wildly before he scooped her up in his arms. Marina wrapped her arms around his neck snuggling under his embrace.
"I am so sorry your highness." The god mocked his child chuckling at her. Logolas cleared his throat walking over to the father and daughter.
"My Lord." He asked the laughing god and princess. They turned to him smiles on their faces.
"What is it, General Logolas?" The god asked annoyed. Logolas bowed in respect.
"Sorry to interrupt you Lord Apocalypse but I have just received word that the Romans approach. Magnus and his party are nearly here. They've been spotted on the outskirts of the city in large iron chariots with a large iron sphere behind them." Apocalypse's face fell, while Marina's lit up even brighter.
"Daddy's here?" She asked but nervously turned to her father. "Father?"
"All is well, Marina."
"I love you, Father."
"I love you too." She kissed his cheek before he placed her feet back on the ground. Logolas and Apocalypse watched as the fifteen year old ran from the room. The two men shared a look.
"I don't like him anymore than you do, your highness." Apocalypse just nodded at his General before they followed the excited girl from the room.
Gray eyes opened slowly from its slumber blinking wearily at the dream/memory. He sighed tiredly pressing a button on the side compartment of his highly sophisticated coffin. The metal door slid back with a hiss revealing harsh flourescent light into his sensitive eyes.
"Sinister!" He barked covering his eyes with one of his large hands.
"Sorry, my lord. Lights to 25 percent." The lights dimmed considerably and the large man removed his hand sitting up in the cryogenic chamber coffin. Cool steam rolled out of his sleeping place filling Nathaniel's temporary laboratory. Apocalypse's naked body stood up swinging his powerful legs from the chamber. The mutant's powerful body was covered with dark gray skin and a tapestry of aqua glyphs and symbols. His majestic form took several steps forward before he began to flex his body. The flourescent lights hit the crown of the man's head casting an eerie glow across his gray skin. Blinking lights flashed up and down the sides of the cryogenic device that he recently risen from. Nathaniel pointed to the clothes that waited for him on the laboratory table from where he sat at a computer screen.
"How is my suit coming along?" Apocalypse asked the back of the scientist in front of him.
"The specifications you asked for have been implemented. Our borrowed engineer is very good at what he does. The construction of it should be complete by the end of tomorrow, or his makeshift family will suffer for his mistakes." A smile peeled on to Apocalypse's full large lips.
"Good, that's what I wanted to hear." Apocalypse said as buttoned his dark blue pants. "Mr. Sinister," Apocalypse began walking to stand behind the Doctor as he buttoned his shirt, "what is the progress of our goddess?" An evil smile spread across Nathaniel's face.
"She's coming along nicely. She as well as the others have been infected with Hypospiritus Toxin and the medium has been properly placed. Our Telepath has been achieving great lengths with her mind and the others in fact. Ororo's mental barriers are very close to complete collapse. Now that you are fully charged we can move on to phase two. We are ready whenever you are, since we can't do much without you from here on out." He shrugged but a sly smile came to his face as his mind traveled to a certain someone. "I must say . . . I had no idea that she would be so beautiful and so powerful." Apocalypse's brow quirked as he finished with dressing walking over to him leaning against the desk.
"Yes, Oya is very beautiful."
"Would you like to see, Ororo Munroe?" Apocalypse grinned looking at Nathaniel expectantly and nodded.
"How interesting that she would be named so closely to her ancestor." Mr. Sinister's fingers danced across the keys as the black screen flashed. The screen revealed the sleeping Ororo laying unconscious on a hospital bed. "Oya." he said as a dreamy smiled made its way to the god's face but it fell as he took in the figures beside her. "What is that traitor doing with her?" Apocalypse's gray eyes blazed with anger. Items in the room began to float dangerously around them. Mr. Sinister was slightly amused at this plight but feared that some of his precious research would be damaged.
"My lord, your temper." Apocalypse growled but he calmed down allowing the items to float back down with care. "They will all be but a distant memory soon. Oya will be by your side once more and you can annihilate them, together." The god smiled at his trusted servant's words.
"Yes. I am glad to have you as my voice of reason, Sinister."
"Always anxious to serve and please." Nathaniel said with a bow of his head.
Logan's hazel eyes scanned over Ororo's sleeping form. She looked so fragile and innocent laying helplessly in the bed. A bandage covered her right cheek, her left arm wrapped up, and a stitched wound running from her neck downward peeked from underneath her hospital gown. He noticed Erik's head resting beside her arm and a jealous sensation rose in his chest. He sighed tiredly as leaned forward on his knees trying to push the ridiculous feelings to the side. Ro, what's happening to you? He thought as he ran a hand through his wild dark brown hair.
Logan looked to his right through the glass windows that separated Marie and Ororo's rooms. He sighed wearily his enhanced vision gazed at Marie sleeping as well. What the hell is going on here? I can't lose either of them, not my girls. He thought but his thoughts were interrupted when one of the doors across from him opened, and Hank's scent entered his nostrils. The Politician/Doctor entered the room with a pensive expression on his face he flipped through the papers on the board in his hand.
"Hank . . . What's wrong with Ro?" Hank sighed as he came to stand beside Logan at Ororo's bedside. He watched her sleeping and noticed the Erik was holding her hand as he slept beside her arm. I always knew Erik loved her. Hank thought turning his gaze to Logan giving him a head tilt to follow him. The blue man walked to the lab that resided between Ororo's and Marie's room with Logan close on his heels. Henry faced his friend weariness settled in his features.
"Logan, I'm afraid it isn't good news."
"Just spill it!" Logan growled wiping his face with his hand bracing himself for the worst.
"Well, physically she will heal fine but her mind is disconnected from us."
"Are you saying Ro's in a coma?"
"Yes, Logan that's exactly what I'm saying but that's not all . . . she's fighting against someone in her mind. I believe she is losing and as a result she could die." Logan felt as if he was punched in the gut. He leaned forward shaking his head.
"No. There's got to be something we can do."
"That's not all Logan . . . Marie . . . she's going through the same mental battle."
"Can't Emma do something? Not Ro and Marie! Shit!" Logan growled his head hanging low. He glanced over his shoulder out of the doorway to check on Ororo. She still laid motionless on the bed.
"Emma left the premises to retrieve someone that can help with this situation, apparently a very powerful Telepath. When she returns we will began immediately on a way to reach them." Logan snorted rolling his eyes. "We're working on it Logan." The tired man yawned a widely sleep residing around his eyes as he ran a hand through his dark hair. "Logan, you need to get some rest you've been up for the past forty-eight hours. I will inform you if something changes in Marie's or Ororo's condition." Logan shook his head no crossing his arms across his chest. Hank sighed looking down at his watch. "Okay, you've force my hand. You are banned from the hospital facility. You are not to set a foot inside of this area until 0800 hours tomorrow."
"What the hell are you talking about Blue Man?" Hank grimaced walking toward the door. "Hank?" Logan said chasing after him. Henry turned around on him glaring at him through slitted eyes.
"As the attending physician I have the right to kick anyone I want out. Right now, I'm kicking you out until you have received nourishment and rest."
"You haven't kicked Magneto out!"
"Stop being childish." Hank said over his shoulder as he left the lab leaving a pouting Logan behind.
Mr. Sinister and Apocalypse marched down the marble hallways of the renovated Pyramid in a tense silence. In Apocalypse's mind, he was going over his plans trying to remember if he doted every "i" and crossed every "t".
"How is the construction of the machine coming? I need it to further my plan." Nathan swallowed hard.
"Well, Apocalypse, that is another reason we can not progress without you. We . . ."
"No, need to continue, Sinister." Apocalypse chuckled sparring his servant a glance. "The materials are located in areas you can not reach without me correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Understood. Have you located the mutants I need?" Apocalypse asked his head facing forward as they rounded another corner. They approached a stairwell and they quickly shuffled down the stairs.
"We have located two of the mutants in the same place and one of them happens to be a mutant tracker. I have my men on it right now as we speak. They are bringing them in or they will face extreme punishment." He spoke glancing at Apocalypse. "The mutant tracker can locate all the other mutants. I need her powers to find them. The Nasty Boyz should, no will, bring in the mutants in you seek by tomorrow at the latest."
"Excellent." Apocalypse said as he and Sinister continued walking. "And what of our guest stipulations?"
"Besides wanting what you want . . . " Apocalypse's eye twitched, "In order to appease our guest in a timely fashion we have to locate the remains and again we have to locate the mutants needed with the tracker." Nathaniel shrugged his shoulders. "I have Sabertooth, Mystique, and Vertigo locating the body."
"That will suffice for now. I will handle our guest if he has issue with our arrangement." Apocalypse noticed that the atmosphere changed into a different era. They walked down dark sandy hallways of the pyramid. Their only source of light was the dim fire lit torches guiding them along their path. Apocalypse frowned taking in the scene around him. "Mr. Sinister?"
"Yes, my Lord." Sinister's red eyes glanced over at the tall mutant beside him. Sinister was tall himself, 6'6, but even he found Apocalypse figure imposing.
"Why is it that you have not modernized this area of the Pyramid?"
"It is, but our guest has an antiquated sentimental streak. Therefore, we have appeased his request."
"Hum. Understandable. He has been around almost as long as I. I too have often clung to things and the ways of old." They came upon a pair of ebony doors with bronze trimming. Apocalypse smiled remembering that the doors led to his throne room. Four guards stood as statues against the walls. "Friends of yours?" Apocalypse asked looking down at Sinister.
"No, sire. Friends of our guest; however, we have our own reinforcements."
"Good then. Open these doors." The guards looked amongst themselves. Apocalypse frowned his blue eyes flashing red for a moment before returning to normal.
"The Master is busy, he is not to be disturbed." One of the guards spoke.
"How dare you?" Mr. Sinister took a closer step towards the smaller man. The guard suddenly went blank faced his eyes burned red then black.
"I apologize for my servant. They are so overprotective. Please En Sabah Nur . . . . Dr. Essex enter." A deep inhuman gravel voice emanated from the guard's throat. The man's eyes turned to normal as he took deep breaths after the invasion of his mind. The guards opened the doors revealing a grand dark candle lit room. In the distance the god could see his throne as he entered with Sinister following behind him. They found a bald man with dark sun kissed skin sitting cross legged on a large rug in the center of the room. He wore earth toned robes and sandals on his feet. His eyes were completely black with white irises and a smile pulled on his full lips. Apocalypse smiled back taking in the figure of Amahl Farouk better known as the Shadow King.
"Amahl . . . it has been a long time, old friend."
"Too long En Sabah Nur . . . too long. Please join me. You as well Mr. Sinister." The two men did as they were asked sitting cross legged across from the smiling Shadow King.
"How are you progressing?"
"En Sabah worry not . . ." his deep gravel voice echoed darkly in the hollow room. "I have everything under control. I am breaking the defenses that Charles placed within her mind. Oya will be free soon, enough." Amahl chuckled darkly. "I wonder what the others will think when they find out that Charles knew who she was the entire time?"
"It will be a devastating blow." Mr. Sinister said a cruel smile sitting on his lips.
"Quite." Amahl said his evil eyes slunk from Apocalypse and Mr. Sinister. "I trust that you have not forgotten my stipulations?" The Shadow King asked his eyes trained on the silent god/mutant. Apocalypse narrowed his eyes at his companion a stiff chuckle floated from his throat.
"Yes. I have not forgotten. Mr. Sinister is in the process of locating the mutants that make one of your stipulations a reality." The Shadow King frowned anger rising in his chest.
"Not good enough."
"It will have to be."
"Maybe I should renege on my part of this deal."
"And I can send your pompous ass back to the Astral Plane for all time." The two powerful mutants glared hard at one another. Mr. Sinister began charging his powers for attack. Suddenly The Shadow King began to laugh uncontrollably soon Apocalypse joined him in laughter.
"Mr. Sinister, that will not be necessary." Nathaniel snorted chuckling evilly sending the power back down. "You drive a hard bargain but I accept your terms. You always seem to pull off what you want in the end, my friend."
"Never doubt me, old friend." The Shadow King sighed looking off from the pair.
"It would be nice to see Ororo again. I have not seen her since she was a child. She was so beautiful and powerful. I knew what she would have become if she were to have stayed with me. I saw it all. Damn Charles Xavier! He ruined everything."
"And you shall have your revenge against him." Apocalypse answered back the markings on his face glowed a moment before fading back to normal on his gray skin.
"And we will all have what we want." Shadow King replied locking eyes with Apocalypse. Mr. Sinister looked at the god/mutant who began to laugh a deep laugh from the bowels of his dark heart as he answered.
"Yes. We will."
The setting sun sunk behind the large skyscrapers of New York City and the moon quickly took its place in the heavens. The bright and distant stars twinkled in their positions forming the constellations that plotted the course for the navigators of old and new. A tall man in his mid to late forties descended down a case of metal stairs from the plane he departed. The man was handsome with blue eyes, fair colored skin, and head of thick chestnut colored hair. He pulled the bag up on his shoulder as he walked toward the black limousine that waited for him. The handsome man noticed that the driver standing by the car who nodded in his direction, he reciprocated the gesture with a smile of his own. The driver took his bag from him and opened the door allowing the man to enter closing it behind him. The handsome man looked to his right finding Emma Frost beside him.
"I trust your flight was uneventful?"
"Everything was fine, thank you for asking. How is she?" His smooth deep familiar voice rumbled from his chest bringing forth a small comfort inside of Emma. She sighed tiredly brushing her platinum hair off of her shoulder.
"Ororo is not doing well, Charles. Your psychic walls are crumbling at an alarming rate." Charles sighed tiredly pinch the bridge of his nose. "I have succeeded in repairing some of them but just like Jean her full powers are close to being unleashed. However, I do sense another presence fighting against me. A very dark and powerful presence." Her brows furrowed as she tried to pin point where she encountered such a darkness before.
"Because of me, Ororo is in grave danger . . . I can't allow anything to happen to her. She's has become a daughter to me."
"I know, Charles. Henry is doing everything he can to help her. Erik and Logan have not left her side. Marie is exhibiting some of the same symptoms."
"Rogue?" Emma nodded her head sadness hanging around her eyes. "I never should have . . . I should have returned to them. How will I make them understand my choices?" Charles asked looking over at Emma. Her pale blue eyes favored him a moment before she took his hand in her own.
"Charles, just tell them the truth and they will understand. I did."
"I was so selfish."
"Ororo is strong and I have been with her every step of the way. Logan has been with her, and even the charming Cajun came back to the school to help her."
"Remy?"
"Yes. Charles Xavier . . . you set a powerful dream into motion and everyone, especially Ororo, has fought to make and keep it a reality." Charles gave her hand a squeeze.
"Thank you."
"Anytime."
Logan walked the long hallways of the X-Mansion and found that his body took him to the stairs leading to Ororo room. He chuckled remembering their flight and her beautiful sapphire eyes as he climbed the stairs entering the spacious room. His hazel eyes roamed over the room finding everything in the place she left it two days ago. The bed was surprisingly unmade, the area rug was hitched awkwardly, and her night gown was discarded on the floor. He frowned at the unusual mess she had left the room as he picked up her article of clothing folding and placing it in the proper place. Logan stood in the center of the room taking in the sight of Ororo's, the woman that he came to know and care deeply for, living space. The ex-Soldier was beginning to know her like the back of his hand and something was not right. He inhaled deeply relishing in her scent but found an odor that did not belong.
"What the hell is that?" He sniffed following the intruding odor. It led him to the balcony. He glanced over the area finding a crinkled capsule. Logan frowned picking it up and investigating its contents walking back into her room. He smelled it and an overwhelming tired sensation overtook him. Logan fell across the bed unconscious his head landing on Ororo's pillow.
The room was lined with weapons against the stone walls. A guard was stationed at each weapon display to defend the god and his daughter against any harm that might befall them. They wore their issued attired for their rank. They were bare-chested wearing loincloths and brown sandals. A young girl with alabaster skin, determined honey brown eyes, and skunk colored white and brown hair walked up to a dark gray colored man, whose arms rested against his chest. She frowned up at him her hands resting on her hips. Her small figure reached up to the god's stone abs. He looked down at her his face cold and void of expression, his large lips that extended from ear to ear in a tight line. The General watched with interest as she stood there glaring at the god. The young girl reminded him of the feisty goddess, her mother. He wore a dark metal breast plate, a brown leather loincloth, dark metal gauntlets, and brown boots his muscular arms flexed as he smelled someone coming near him. A soldier approached him bowing before he began to deliver his report.
"Sir the Romans have been spotted on the outskirts of the city in four iron chariots and a iron sphere flanking behind. They will arrive in mere moments sir."
"Thank you." The soldier nodded and departed quickly. The General's eyes returned the father and daughter that were now playing. She was in his arms squealing with joy as her father swung her around. Her arms were wrapped around his neck snuggling under his embrace. He sighed hating to end their moment of happiness but he cleared his throat walking over to the father and daughter
"My Lord." He asked the laughing god and princess. They turned to him smiles on their faces.
"What is it, General Logolas?" The god asked annoyed. Logolas bowed in respect.
"Sorry to interrupt you Lord Apocalypse but I have just received word that the Romans approach. Magnus and his party are nearly here. They've been spotted on the outskirts of the city in large iron chariots with a large iron sphere behind them." Apocalypse's face fell, while his daughter's lit up even brighter.
"Daddy's here?" She asked but nervously turned to her father. "Father?"
"All is well, Marina."
"I love you, Father."
"I love you too." Marina kissed his cheek before he placed her feet back on the ground. Logolas and Apocalypse watched as the fifteen year old ran from the room. The two men shared a look.
"I don't like him anymore than you do, your highness." Apocalypse just nodded at his General before they followed the excited girl from the room. Her body flew through the hallways of the palace carried on the wind she called upon with her powers. The servants were quick to get out of the way leaning against the walls with their heads bowed. They dropped to their knees as Apocalypse and Logolas passed by. Logolas looked over at the god and noticed the pensive look on his face. "My Lord?"
"I know what you are going to say General. It is not necessary. Magnus is her father but I am her Patriarch. And no one will take her from me." They ascended the stairs that Marina took awhile ago and through the opened door just as the Romans arrived. Four iron chariots and a enormous iron sphere descended from the skies landing on the ivory pyramid palace roof with a rumble. A man of with above average height, standing 6'2, flew from one of the chariots. He was in his early to mid forties with shoulder length silver hair, bright azure eyes, tanned skin, and muscular build. On his broad shoulders was armor with a purple cape with a red underside hanging from it, he wore a white tunic and a bronze breast plate over it, a large brown leather belt around his waist, from it hung leather straps going around the circumference of the belt coming to his mid thigh, and he wore leather boots with bronze shin guards. His azure eyes fell on Marina as he descended from the sky. His arms outstretched as Marina came barreling into his strong chest.
"Daddy!" She squealed clinging to his neck. His deep voice chuckled happily as he swung her around. He kissed her forehead as he placed her back on the ground.
"How is my little birthday girl?"
"Daddy, I'm not little anymore."
"I noticed." He chuckled as he twirled her around. "You're looking more and more like your mother." A sadness flashed in his eyes but he quickly brushed it aside. "So, how are you? What have you been doing since I was last here?"
"I'm wonderful! Father has been training with me more and I'm quite strong." She said proudly her hands resting on her hips. Magnus azure eyes traveled to Apocalypse glaring daggers at him. En Sabah Nur merely smiled glaring back just as fiercely.
"He has?"
"Yes, General Logolas has said I am the strongest girl in Egypt, and one day I will be as strong as my mother was once."
"Is that right?" Marina nodded her head. She looked pass Magnus noticing a pretty ruby haired young woman walking towards them. She wore a white Stola with a red pallium draped over her shoulder resting on her forearm.
"Scarlet? Sister you came!" Marina exclaimed running to her sibling throwing her arms around her older sister.
"Of course I came. I would not miss your birthday for anything in the world." Scarlet said placing a kiss on her cheek. "Pollux came as well. He's in the sphere with the military guards that came along with us." Scarlet turned to Magnus, "Father, don't you think it's a good idea to let them out of there?"
"Certainly." Magnus extended his arms towards the sphere parting them slowly. As his arms moved so did the Iron Sphere. The men filed out of their transportation marching behind a silver haired man and a Auburn haired man both very handsome. Both men were the same height and around the same age, dressed in the same attire as Magnus. The fifteen Roman guards stood at attention awaiting orders while the two young men leading them continued towards the small group. Six Roman senators climbed out of the large chariots walking over to Scarlet and Marina. They wore white togas and brown sandals on their feet.
"Sister!" The silver haired man called out to Marina, she blinked her eyes and he was directly in front of her swinging her around.
"Pollux!" He kissed her cheek turning to the young Auburn haired man walking towards them.
"Marina this is Remore. Father adopted him after his excursion with the French gods and goddesses." Remore took her hand bringing it to his lips kissing her knuckles.
"It is so very nice to put a pretty face to the name Marina. I have heard much about you Princess." General Logolas approached them glaring at Remore.
"Allow me to show you two Princes to your living quarters."
"General!" Pollux extended his hand to Logolas a huge smile plastered to his handsome face. "Always business, I see." he said with a laugh his azure eyes watched expectantly. Logolas swatted the young man's hand away pulling him into an embrace.
"It's been a long time Prince Pollux."
"Too long."
"I've heard good things about you too." Remore spoke as he offered his hand to Logolas. The General looked at his hand before bringing his hazel eyes back to Remore's red on black eyes. "Some not so good." Logolas snorted taking the young man's hand and squeezing it tightly.
"All true, Prince." The General said releasing his hand. Remore winced as he shook his hand, that was now a bright shade of red to relieve the tension in the appendage.
"Take it easy on my younger brother, General." Pollux chuckled looking over at his father who was in a glare off with Apocalypse.
"Daddy, Father is something wrong." The men were pulled from their battle and mental conversation favoring their shared daughter.
"Of course not my dear." Magnus answered kissing the top of her head.
"All is well, Marina." Apocalypse smiled at her. "Why don't you and the General show our guest to their quarters. Marina have a servant show the Roman guard to the military quarters and the Senators to their lodgings. Magnus and I have some things to discuss."
"But~"
"Now, Marina." She frowned taking Scarlet's hand into her own.
"Fine. This way sister."
"If you two Princes would follow me."
"After you dear General." Pollux replied smiling from Remore to Logolas. Remore looked somewhat frightened as Logolas threatened him with his eyes. The trio followed behind the small crowd behind Marina disappearing into the building. Logolas led Prince Pollux and Remore down an elegant hallway. They walked on crushed African violet petals further crunching the crumpled leaves under their booted feet. The walls were lined with Egyptian art and lights that flashed with energy. An electrical hum could be heard vibrating through the entire palace. The General brought Pollux to his door dropping him off at his room.
"I trust you remember this room."
"Of course dear General. I always use this room." He was about to close the door when he looked at Logolas, "Um do we still get visits from the Royal masseuse?" The General nodded his head turning to leave. "Oh one more thing." The General paused looking at Pollux. "Go easy on my brother . . . he's new." The General nodded his head again before leaving. Remore shot his brother a look, who only chuckled at his poor brother's predicament as he closed the door.
"Um . . . General?"
"Yes, Prince."
"What is your problem with me?" The General was quiet as he brought the young Prince to his room down the hall from Pollux. "General?"
"Marina is like my daughter. If you hurt her in anyway. If you even come near her. Anything could happen." The General said with a shrug.
"Like what?"
"I don't know young Prince . . . use your imagination." Remore gulped as he watched General Logolas disappear around the corner.
Logan gasped as he came back to his senses. He stretched his long body his hand bumped something small underneath Ororo's pillow. Frowning, he pulled out the item turning it around in his hand. The gold ruby ring was beautiful and oddly familiar to him.
"What the hell?" Logan sat up in the bed leaning against the headboard as his senses continued to return to him. He held his head rubbing his temple as a massive headache descended on him. Logan glared at the ring that had a strange scent coming off of it. In one hand was the strange ring and in the other was the capsule. He pulled himself to the edge of the bed he needed answers. He attempted to stand but fell to his knees. "I need to see Hank."
The Nasty Boyz made their way through the sewers of New York. They waded through the ankle deep water sending small waves through nasty river. Large rats scuttled about on the edges of the wall in search of food. The moonlight poured through the openings in the tunnels as the sounds of the surface came through muffled by the heavy concrete. The Nasty Boyz crept quietly as they neared the base of their target. The team leader, Ruckus, led them onward his green eyes glanced back through the darkness at his team. His eyes met Gorgeous George, who smiled evilly back at him and Slab, whose face was stone. Behind George was three copies of Multiple Man all of them frowning or gagging. Ruckus looked to his left beside him was Hairbag, who was guiding them to their intended target with his heighten senses.
"Hairbag, you picking up a scent?" Ruckus asked pausing.
"Yeah, just up ahead."
"How can he smell anything? Everything smells like shit down here." Multiple Man complained one of them holding his nose, one smiling, and the other gagging. Ruckus rolled his eyes turning forward.
"Let's keep moving." The Nasty Boyz approached a tunnel blocked by a metal door.
"Through there." Hairbag pointed his gold eyes glared at Ruckus his lower fangs protruding from his mouth. Ruckus smiled standing out of the way.
"Slab? How about an entrance?"
"No problem." The strong man said approaching the door. He enlarged his form as he reared back a fist and slammed it through the door, that collapsed in on itself. The destroyed door was flung straight through hitting one of the occupants inside. The mutants inside seemed prepared for battle. They attempted to attack when Ruckus took a deep breath and released a powerful trumpeted sound blowing them against the walls. Gorgeous George elongated his arms slamming a few of the disfigured mutants back against the wall who tried to fight back. Multiple man split himself into ten copies of himself all holding laser guns holding the mutants captive. He frowned at the disfigurements of most of the mutants and gagged.
"Wow, what the hell happen to you guys?" Ruckus rolled his eyes at the rude man for the second time he cleared his throat.
"Okay people the sooner you answer my questions the soon we'll be on our way."
"No, really what happened? Were you born like this? Oh, God I think I'm going to be sick."
"Shut up." Gorgeous George said looking over at the rude man.
"We are the Morlocks!" A disfigured woman approached. She had a Spanish accent and long dark brown hair. She had cinnamon colored skin and burns that covered half of her body. Half of an omega tattoo was visible the other half was burned away. She wore an eyepatch over her left eye and was clothed in black leather.
"And who might you be?" Ruckus asked taking in her appearance.
"I am their leader, Callisto, what do you want."
"You actually and Plague." A gasp was heard and a short disfigured woman tried to get away but she ran into the rock hard chest of Slab, who picked her up walking toward Ruckus. She flailed and screamed trying to get free of the powerful man's grasp.
"If I come with you will you leave the rest of the Morlocks alone?"
"With pleasure, eew." One of the Multiple Men exclaimed gagging again. Callisto rolled her eyes turning back to Ruckus.
"Will you promise not to harm Plague?" Ruckus nodded his head a small smile on his handsome face.
"No, Callisto. Don't leave with them. How can we trust them? How will we know that you will be safe? You can't trust a surface dweller" A pale man with large yellow round eyes glared at Multiple Man. He turned his large eyes towards her as pleaded his case with her. "Who will lead us?"
"You will Caliban. As long as you all are safe I will be fine." She spoke turning to Ruckus. "Let's go." Ruckus gave her small bow.
"Hairbag if you please." He nodded as the Nasty Boyz crowded around him. The short hairy man pressed a button on his belt and they all disappeared from view with the sound of Plague's screams in their wake.
Erik raised his head awakening from his nap. A strange dream played across his eyes as he shook the unusual sensations from his mind. He rubbed the tension that was in his neck from awkward sleeping arrangements. His azure eyes landed on the sleeping Ororo and a lazy smile graced his face. He brought her small hand that rested in his larger one to his lips kissing it softly. He looked over as the doors slid back allowing a visitor inside. Wanda walked in her hazel eyes watching him carefully.
"Wanda?" Erik said in surprise his eyes roaming over her. She smiled carefully walking over to him and Ororo.
"Father . . . how is she?"
"She's unresponsive. Henry has said that she is in a coma. Please sit." He said offering the chair that was vacated by Logan hours ago. I wonder where that ingrate went? Erik thought his eyes returning to his daughter.
"I just left Marie's room she's unresponsive as well. How are you?"
"I am well. How are you?"
"I'm fine. Just worried about my friends." An uncomfortable silence fell over the room as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. His eye twitched as he thought of something to ask.
"Oh, I was surprised to find you here, at the institute. I wasn't aware that you were having problems with your powers. I would have helped you."
"I know, I just needed to find my own way."
"Oh, I see."
"Not that I don't need you or anything it's jus~"
"I understand, Wanda. How is your brother?"
"Pietro is . . . well he is who he is." They shared a laugh both retreating to their memories of the lively young man.
"He's still mad at me isn't he?" She nodded her head affirmative her eyes falling on Ororo. "Is he still . . . you know . . ."
"A professional thief? Yes, at least since we last talked but that was months ago."
"How unfortunate." She frowned her eyes glaring at him coldly.
"Well he didn't exactly have a good role model." Erik's eyes dropped as he took a deep breath. Wanda sighed rolling her eyes. "I'm sorry."
"No . . . it's alright. I deserved that."
"So . . . this is the woman you were talking about?" Erik smiled as he nodded his head in affirmation. "You weren't kidding about the beautiful part were you."
"No, I was not. I never thought I could feel this way about another woman after your mother passed."
"You loved Mama like this?"
"Yes, Wanda. She gave me two beautiful children. She gave me you." Wanda's eyes shimmered with stubborn tears." Erik held out a hand for Wanda's and she took it giving his hand a squeeze. Hank reentered the room to check on Ororo speaking to Wanda and Erik. He checked her vital signs and looked over his chart before turning his eyes to Erik.
"When was the last time you ate, Erik?"
"Yesterday, I believe. I can't remember Hank, what's your point old friend?"
"Father!" Erik looked from Henry to Wanda and shrugged his shoulders.
"I didn't have an appetite. Besides I didn't want to leave her."
"I banned Logan from the hospital facilities until 0800 hours because he refused to eat or sleep."
"So that's where he went."
"Yes. If you do not go get food right this instant I am going to force you out of here as well." Erik's eye twitched at the threat.
"I will leave on two conditions."
"What are they?"
"You keep me informed of any changes, and if Wanda will accompany for dinner, or breakfast. What time is it?"
"It's dinner time father and yes I will join you for dinner."
"And I will keep you up to date."
"Alright." He looked at Ororo kissing her palm before releasing her hand. "I will be back, I promise." He turned to leave when a bewildered Logan came charging into the room.
"Hank!" Logan made a beeline for the blue doctor. "I need you to check something out!"
"Logan you are not to be in here until 0800 hours!"
"I know, but look at this."
"What are you on about Logan?" Erik asked massaging his temple.
"This!" Logan said shoving the ring into his face. Erik took it inspecting it carefully. "I found it in Ro's room." He glared at Logan at the mentioning of Ororo's quarters. His eyes returned to the ring and he gasped.
"This seems so familiar to me." Erik said absently turning the ring around to get a better look. "I have seen this ring before but . . . I don't know where?"
"It seems familiar to me too." Wanda said taking the ring from her father. "How odd."
"That's what I thought." Logan said taking it from Wanda handing it to Hank. "See check it out. I has a strange scent to it." Henry took the ring sniffing it his heighten senses agreeing with Logan's. "Oh I found this on her balcony." Logan handed the crushed capsule to Henry. "Don't inhale it. The smell will knock you out, literally. I took a whiff of this thing and I woke from the strangest dream ever with Iron chariots and pyramids as a matter of fact the two of you were in it." Logan pointed at Wanda and Erik.
"I too have been having dreams about an ancient time. About an Ivory Pyramid, and gods and goddess of old and that we were~"
"The gods and goddess." Erik finished for her.
"You too?" Logan asked he shook his head trying to make sense of the events.
"Fascinating." Hank said walking towards his lab. "I will analyze these items. I will return momentarily." The blue Doctor disappeared into the room.
"What in the hell is going on?" Logan asked looking at Erik, who looked back with a puzzled expression on his face.
"I only wish that I knew?"
Mystique, Vertigo, and Sabertooth appeared on the outskirts of a small town in Northern Africa. The walked across the thick and treacherous sand leaving deep footsteps in their wake. The dry heat combined with gale like winds made the walk to their destination even more complicated. Mystique looked down at the device in her hand it beeped in slow successions leading them onward. Her yellow eyes turned to the feral man in their midst then to the pretty pale woman.
"It's this way." They walked further into the sand approaching a cemetery that had a locked gate. Mystique tossed the device over the gate turning into a snake slipping through the gate transforming back into her blue form on the other side. She saunter onward never giving her compatriots another glance. Sabertooth growled grabbing Vertigo and jumping over the cast iron gate. They landed neatly on the other side Vertigo gave him a nod and they continued after Mystique. She was standing in front of a mausoleum with the name Amahl Farouk etched across the top.
"I guess this is it. Let's get this over with. I feel like a grave robber." Vertigo spoke as she shivered visibly.
"Technically, my dear, we are grave robbers." Mystique answered back over her shoulder. Vertigo frowned at the older woman but knew better than to cross her. "Let's find a way in."
"Leave that to me." Sabertooth said as his claws extended. He slipped them in the right side of the concrete door and began to pulling it to the side with much exertion. He let out a loud roar as the door was forced apart. Mystique walked in hesitantly followed by Vertigo and Sabertooth. In the center of the mausoleum was a tomb all around the room was over grown vegetation and decay. A rat scampered across Vertigo's foot and she screamed out jumping behind Sabertooth, who laughed at her.
"I think she's a house cat Mystique."
"I think so. Come on let's get the body so we can go." Sabertooth pushed the stone slab from the tomb it cracked on the ground from the force of motion. They all looked inside to find the decaying body of Amahl Farouk. Vertigo gagged at the smell that emanated from the body. "Alright everyone gather around." Mystique touched a button on her belt and they disappeared from the Mausoleum of Amahl Farouk.
Charles and Emma walked into the home that his family built and the home of his family. Nerves ran amok throughout his entire being as he and Emma stepped into the elevator. She took his hand into hers and calmed his mind with her powers.
"I need you focused. Ororo and Marie are in bad shape. They need us, Charles. Everything else will work itself out . . . trust me." He smiled at her.
"Thank you." He kissed her cheek and stepped out of the elevator as the doors opened ready to take on everything and everyone. They arrived at Marie's door first entering it they found the young woman lying unconscious on the bed. He found Bobby sleeping in one chair and Remy sleeping in the other. He made his way to the head of the bed placing his hands on either side of her head entering her mind carefully. He traversed her mind finding it completely cut off.
Darkness surrounded him like a tight noose around his neck. He walked the emptiness calling out to the girl.
"Marie! Can you hear me?" he was met with no reply. Suddenly an evil laugh erupted around him in the dark nothingness. "Who is there? Show yourself!"
Do you not remember me Charles Xavier? Charles looked around for the voice finding no one. How could you forget me? I never forgot you!Charles astral from was slashed across the face and slung into a dark void but Charles caught himself righting himself in the air. He landed neatly.
"Marie if you can hear me. I will save you. Don't give up!"
How touching. You abandon them and then give them false hope. Do you want to know who Ororo is asking for right now? She is asking for her surrogate father that abandoned her. You should hear how she begs for you to come save her. Charles astral form quaked with anger.
"Liar!"
Am I Xavier? How would you know? You are never here. Never here to protect her. You will fail Ororo just as you failed Jean! Then you will fail Marie. Would you like to see Marie? Here you go. Marie's tear stained eyes looked out of her glass box prison. She met Charles's eyes and she began banging on the glass.
"Help! Help me!"
That is quite enough of that. Begone you little twerp! She disappeared from view leaving only Charles.
"NO!" Charles reached out with a hand dragging the voice from the darkness "You will show yourself!" but the voice proved to be too strong for him to pull resisting his efforts. Charles went further into his mental strength when suddenly flames erupted around his body. He looked over his body in amazement. A loud roar resounded in the dark abyss. "SHOW YOURSELF!" flames reached with his movements ripping the voice from the darkness. A monster appeared being dragged into view gnashing his teeth his eyes shifting about wildly. Charles slammed the beast to the ground. The beast growled menacingly as he rose to his full height clothed in armor, with red glowing eyes, razor sharp teeth, and claws.
I see you have help, it matters not! He towered over Xavier's astral form that transformed into a Knight.
"I don't know who you are and I don't care you will leave my family alone!" Charles roared as flames erupted across his silver armor. He charged at the Beast aiming at the monster's abdomen. They battled to the death. Charles swung and stabbed at the beast. The beast grabbed him by the throat smashing him into the ground.
You still do not remember me do you, Xavier? When you stole my prodigy and left me here for all eternity?
"Amahl Farouk?" Charles exclaimed his eyes wide with fear.
I thought that would jog your memory. I am the Shadow King! I will have my revenge on you Xavier! You took Ororo away from me and left me to die in this cold abyss. I think it is time to even the score, what do you think?
"I think it's time to send you back!" Charles threw an enflamed lance at the Shadow King piercing him in the side. He howled kicking Xavier in the chest.
I think it is time that you left. Bye Charles it's always good to see you till next time. Begone! A blast shot out of the beast's hand heading straight for the unprepared mutant but a wall of flames took the brunt of the attack the rest hit Charles full on.
A howl came from Charles as he was slung across the room. His back met with the stone wall painfully leaving him in a crumpled heap. Emma, Bobby, and Remy were by his side helping him to his feet.
"What happened?" Emma asked taking his face into her small hands.
"The Shadow King!"
"Who, mon ami?" Remy asked as he and Emma followed Charles out of the room entering Ororo's room behind him. Charles locked eyes with the Hank, who was standing beside Ororo's bed. Logan sniffed the air and his mouth hung open looking at the body that house his friend.
"Charles?" He asked his brows crinkling in confusion. "You're dead. Jean killed you I saw you die." Erik smiled at the man he finally got to see face to face. Wanda turned to the man looking puzzled.
"It's a long story I will have to explain it to you later. Emma I need your help again with Ororo."
"What do you mean?"
"You aided me in Marie's mind I need your help again."
"Charles I wasn't with you in there. I kept you anchored to the outside." Charles blue eyes were wide in fear.
"Then who helped me?" Emma shrugged.
"Charles, what is going on?" Erik said glaring at him.
"Please, I will explain! Right now I need to help Ororo, she's in grave danger."
No, she is safe for now. We will be joined on this day! Everyone looked around finding Hank in Ororo's grasp dangling in the air gasping. She floated above the bed her eyes glowing bright blue.
"Ororo?" Charles asked his breath hitched in his throat at the enormous power radiating off of her.
She is a little tied up right now. It is good to see you Xavion or is Xavier these days. Did you think your little psychic walls would hold me forever? Shame on you.
"What is she talking about, Charles." Logan asked glaring at him a memory of Jean recurring in his mind.
"Enough, Oya!"
"So you knew about her ancestry? You knew everything. . . this entire time! Damn you Charles!" Erik exclaimed his azure eyes flashing dangerously.
"Now is not the time Erik. Please I will explain everything to you, but right now we have to help her." His blue eyes pleaded with his friend. Erik turned back to Ororo's body but Oya's mind holding Hank by the throat. She reached for Henry's hand retrieving the ring from him.
I believe this belongs to me. Thank you. Oh you can not breathe can you. I am so sorry. She placed the Blue Doctor back on the ground. He coughed and gagged falling to his knees. Remy helped him to his feet placing the doctor behind. Oya slipped the ring on to her finger admiring it for a moment. Oya attempted to fly out of the room but was blocked by the others.
Out of my way mortals!
"Ro, honey don't do this." Logan pleaded. She smiled at him evilly her eyes roaming over his body. Ororo grabbed her head groaning loudly bringing her knees to her chest her eyes returned to the normal sapphire origin.
"Logan?" She asked as tears streamed down her face. Her eyes scanned over the small crowd in her room. "Please, help me." She grabbed her head again fighting with the entity inside. "I . . . can't stop her . . . I . . NO!" Violent winds erupted in the room slamming everyone against the walls. She roared as rain began to fill the room. "No! I won't let you!"
And who is going to stop me? You? Ha Ha! How cute.
"Let me go!"
No, I think I will not.
"Ororo you must fight her. It's your body you can stop her?" Charles pleaded with her. Storm's face frowned looking at the vessel her former mentor and surrogate father was using.
"Professor?"
"It's me Ororo. I'm here! I will not leave you."
But you have already abandoned her before. How do you think I got free? Tell me Xavier . . . why is it that she did not know of me? Did you neglect to tell her about me and the rest of her powers.
"Oya!" Charles warned from his position on the wall. "Don't do this." Ororo frowned again looking at him.
"What is she talking about?"
"Storm please. You have to fight her."
Ha ha ha! So I will take that as a no. What a tangled web we weave? I grow tired of this! Back to the cage with you. Ororo disappeared from the room leaving only Oya. The sapphire eyes disappeared leaving cold blue glowing ones. Logan growled fighting against the hold that kept him against the wall.
"Leave her alone!" Logan barked at her his hazel eyes glaring at Oya, who smiled at him in amusement. Suddenly the winds and rains stopped dropping everyone to the unforgiving ground. Groans were heard across the room.
"Damn, Cher!" Remy grumbled rubbing his neck. He turned to the entity glaring on everyone. Logan took a step closer to her.
"Ro, I know you can hear me. Don't you give up, darlin'! You fight her, Ro!" Oya looked at him a cruel grin hanging on her face.
Logolas. You are still beautiful as ever and you as well Magnus. I have missed you.
"I'm afraid you have mistaken me for someone else my love but we will get you fixed up soon enough!" Erik captured her in magnetic force field. Her bright blue eyes looked around wildly.
Magnus! Release me! She flailed about in the bubble her anger growing dangerously. Wind and lightning danced around in the ball with her as she glared at the X-Men below.
"Charles! Do something! I can barely hold her." Erik said through a grimace. Wanda looked over at Charles.
"If I hit her with a hex bolt do think you can penetrate her mind?" Charles looked at her then nodded his head. Remy looked around at them.
"Yes. I think that should work." Charles looked at the platinum haired woman who was watching him. Emma I will need you. Emma nodded her head turning her gaze to Oya.
"Remy'll distract her then so you can get ready." Remy ran to Logan side pulling a card from his coat pocket charging it till it glowed bright pink. He looked to Wanda and Erik and nodded. Wanda nodded back taking a deep breath.
"Alright, father on my mark release her." Remy flung several cards against the magnetic hold Oya glared at him.
You shall pay for that young one!
"Wanda?"
"Just do it father!" He nodded his head.
You can not contain me! I will punish all of you!
"Now!" Erik released the magnetic ball just as Wanda hit her with a ruby red hex bolt. The ruby currents flowed over her body disorienting her but she quickly gathered her wits.
How dare you! Insolent Child! Oya pointed her hand at her and lightning flowed from her hand. Erik leaped at Wanda knocking them both out of the way. Charles body became enflamed with bright flames as he released a roar as he hit her with a fiery psychonic wave. Oya was thrown from the air. Logan leapt up catching her from hitting the ground. Charles fell to his knee taking deep and heavy breaths. All eyes bounced from Charles to Ororo. Logan held Ororo in his arms her unconscious form breathing in a labored manner. Logan laid her on the hospital bed.
"What in the hell is going on around here?" Logan barked looking at Charles, who looked back at him sadly from where he slumped on the ground. The feral man charged at him with a loud roar slamming him against the door of the hospital wing his claws unsheathed pointing at Charles throat. Remy tried to pull Logan off of the man so that he could speak.
"Mon ami, this ain't the way. Let the man talk." Erik placed a hand on Logan's shoulder.
"Logan, I understand your resentment but let us hear him out." Logan locked eyes with Erik and nodded his head dropping Charles to the ground.
"You better start talking." Logan said menacingly glaring at the man picking himself up from the ground.
"Alright. I will tell you everything."
Did you like? Tell me in a review. Expect a new chapter very soon!
gracefulraven,
out!