I do not own X-Men: Day of Future Past

I am slightly obsessed with it though. Obviously.

Through Eyes of Orange and Blue

Chapter 11: This is the Way the World Ends

It was easier than Hank expected to gain access to the momentous event. Surprisingly easy. Disturbingly easy.

In D.C., they parked the rental vehicle in a lot a few blocks away from their destination. Then they walked to the public entrance of the historic White House, moving easily among strolling, milling groups of unassuming humans.

Both dressed in clean, presentable clothing, Hank pushed Charles along in his simple metal wheelchair. Logan with them, in his worn jeans and a black shirt. There were a few other long-haired, more casually dressed men attending the ceremony also. Post Vietnam soldiers perhaps, lending their support, misguided though it was, to the government project.

So Hank figured Logan didn't stand out too much.

Except for that hair. It's just, well . . .

Security checkpoints. Guards inspecting people's invitations and belongings. Sending them through metal detectors.

Hank in the role of dutiful steward, pushed Charles through slowly. When the metal wheelchair caused the machine to siren, he smiled congenially while Charles played the part of pretentious and irritable quite well.

Nothing of interest here. Just a few normal, human civilians. Here to stop the assassination of an ambitious mutant-murdering scientist. As you were, gentleman.

As Charles subtly influenced an inquiring guard into believing they did indeed have invitations, Hank saw Logan walk through the detector with an anticipatory expression on his rugged face. Then looking slightly surprised, he turned and stared for a moment at the machine.

What? You were expecting it to go off? Do you think you're made of metal or something? That would be rather unfortunate, wouldn't it? Considering Erik controls metal and all.

Charles called out Logan's name and he moved toward them, resetting his dark sunglasses on his abashed face.

Well, now that we all have our ocular accessories, let's move on then, shall we?

Together they advanced onto the green, pristinely manicured front lawn of the White House. Patriotic symbols abounded. Cameras, video recorders, news media everywhere. Neat rows of white chairs. Facing a raised platform with more chairs and a podium embossed with the presidential seal. Behind all that, a huge banner behind it obscuring their view of . . . something.

The banner was decorated with a mixture of the American flag and the Trask Industries symbol.

That disquieted and disturbed Hank even further. Subliminally influencing those present and viewing it on their televisions to meld the two together.

They found a spot at the end of one middle row that gave them a good view of the gathering people and the stage. Hank and Logan stood alert, knowing they'd never see her. But looking, searching for anything out of the ordinary, anything suspicious. Charles, still hiding behind his large amber sunglasses, rapidly scanning the minds of those in the crowd for her.

Hank briefly wondered what it would be like to be able to touch the minds of others. Read their innermost thoughts and feelings like an open book. The ability to directly affect those thoughts and actions on a whim. He decided he never wanted to know.

Not for me, thanks. Too much power. Too much control.

"I haven't found her yet," Charles relayed to them. "But she has to be here."

Men in suits were now taking the stage. Cabinet members and advisors. Military officers. About forty of them in all.

Hank saw the man who had tazered Raven among them.

Growl.

Yes, I see him.

Growl.

No, you can punch him later.

And then there was him.

Bolivar Trask.

Expensive suit. Carefully coiffed dark hair and groomed moustache. Self-assured aura. Stern expression behind big, round glasses.

It was darkly fascinating. The man simply knew what he was doing was in the best interests of the human race. Of the entire world. All that brilliance and power and destruction held within such a diminutive frame.

Even now, the scientist in Hank wanted to converse with him. Hours long discussions. With protective glass between them. For Trask's sake. In case the Beast wanted to talk too.

Hank and Logan glanced at each other restlessly.

Time. Too much time. Too much time was passing, draining away. It felt like something was going to happen.

Suddenly, a band began playing the Presidential Anthem and the gathered crowd rose to their feet, standing respectfully and clapping. The president himself walking the stage, waving a welcoming acknowledgement to the crowd.

The gathered humans resumed their seats, avidly listening to the president begin his speech.

If Hank had to confess, he was only half paying attention.

"My fellow Americans, today we face the greatest threat in our history: mutants. . ."

Well, that's racist.

The microphone sent the man's unique vocal resonations out over the crowd, over the radio and television waves. To every person who cared to listen.

"In the immortal words of Robert Oppenheimer . . ."

Are you serious?! The Father of the Atomic Bomb?! That's your inspiration?! Oh you imbecilic son of a . .

And then the giant cloth fell, revealing . . . them.

And Hank felt his stomach drop into his feet. Felt surging black dread well up in him.

Them. A long line of them. Gleaming, gigantic behemoths. Each identical and over three stories tall. Grey and purple monstrosities. Advanced weaponry attached to their arms. Giant thrusters on their chests. Smooth, blank, humanoid faces behind clear shields.

Faces? Why do they have faces? So you can feel a sense of familiarity looking into your face right before you die?

Sentinels. Mutant-murdering robots. Destroyers of the world.

The band had resumed playing. The crowd stood, clapping in awe. Saluting. Whistling. Cheering. A cacophony of noise.

The weather was bright and pleasant. It didn't look like the birth of a mass species extinction at all.

Trask, smiling with pride.

And Hank knew the world had gone completely insane.

I should've called her, he thought randomly, without knowing it. I really should have called her. But I didn't. Why didn't I call her?

"Raven?" Charles called out suddenly. "I have her!

He pointed. Hank and Logan followed his direction.

"There. See? Secret Service man. Left of the stage."

Hank found her. Cloaked in the guise of a middle aged man. Pomaded hair. Dark suit. Frozen in place nearly at the steps. One hand reaching into a jacket pocket. No doubt gripping a firearm. Preparing for the kill.

"Got it," Logan responded.

"Go," Charles said.

Hank and Logan moved as one toward the stage. Through the gathering of humans. Unassuming humans who had no idea what was transpiring before their very eyes.

Then the Sentinels switched on, one after another. Power cores revving. Yellow eyes blinking to life. Rising, hovering into the air.

A demonstration, really? But . . .

Then Hank saw Trask and the other men on the stage look up, suddenly confused, uncertain, alarmed.

I have a bad feeling about this.

A security officer waylaid them as they neared the immobilized Secret Service Agent Raven.

"Gentleman, you cannot pass this point."

Hank and Logan looked at the clueless human as the automatons flew out over the crowds of ecstatic people. Hank opened his mouth to formulate a response.

Then the machines opened fire.

On cars, people, everything. Cheers and whistles turned to screams and cries of fear. Hank and Logan looked around the scattering humans, the panic and chaos momentarily overwhelming them. Then Logan ran for cover and Hank followed him. He'd lost his visual of the Secret Service Agent Raven.

She was gone.

So were the men who had previously been on the stage. Scuttling off like a line of fleeing ants. No doubt escorted away to an on-site secret bunker for their own protection and safety.

Thank you for your service to our country, you cowardly men.

He glimpsed Charles, face raised upward, screaming at the skies. Hank barely had time to register what the man in the chair had been shouting right before a car exploded and he and Logan were thrown to the ground.

Erik. Of course. Of course it would be him.

But where? Were they working together? Him and Raven? Why? For what purpose?

From behind the burning car, Hank and Logan rose together, searching the smoking wreckage. A huge, looming shadow fell over them. Debris rained down. A thundering noise slowly filling Hank's ears.

Logan shouted Charles' name and then Hank saw him.

Lurching over and debris raining down upon him. Then he was gone. Hank noted his last location even as he ran as fast as he could to reach him. Ducking and dodging deadly chunks of falling metal and concrete.

And suddenly the world dropped down on them with a thunderous crash. Hank was thrown off his feet and momentarily back to his childhood, when life was simpler for the shy, monkey-toed boy.

Wow, Chicken Little was right. The sky really was falling.

Actually it was a sports stadium.

I hate athletics.

Hank regained his feet, blinking the dust out of his eyes, the confusion out of his mind, and looked around. Saw Logan staggering to his feet as well.

They were surrounded, trapped.

On the White House lawn. With the Sentinels. And Erik.

I just know there's an outtake of James Mcavoy saying "These are not the droids you're looking for. Move along." And did anyone else notice that meanwhile, a security guard totally sweeps that little wand metal detector in front of Hank's junk first before moving on?! (Dudes, I think I've seen this movie too many times if I'm noticing stuff like that! haha)

During the clapping for the Sentinels, my husband leaned over and whispered, "Just like when Palpatine took the Senate!" ~ I love my husband.

As I've pointed out in my Mystique one-shot, no jibe at all to the awesome Peter Dinklage or his form. I love that dude!

Thanks to brigid1318 for the advice, support, and input here. And the review. Thanks to Shanynde for totally psyching me out on that last chapter review. (laughs nervously; starts twitching; haha not kidding)

Thanks as well to loyal reviewers MoonlitShadowsoftheHumanSoul, Voodoo-Mutant-Child, theFGnat, lol, and Mog161.

And welcome to newcomer ChiefPam. Dudes, she not only is reading this story, but also read and reviewed the entire story of 'In Between' in one sitting! Holy cow! Big ole' virtual lollipop for you, sweetie! Thanks!

Alright, ready for a fight?