Man of Steel, World of Marvels.
Real Life can be a real pain in the ass for a fanfic writer you know? Bills to pay, shitty jobs to do, mouths to feed, very little personal time to get down and write something for the hell of it and not because it is your job but that's the way things are I guess so no point in crying about it unless you are a reader who wants his next fix of story.
Well as you can all see I am alive and kicking do I am so fucking stressed from work given all the problems we are facing right now, the word layoffs is being passed around a lot and it has got a lot of people tense.
Being doing what I can to relieve pressure, going to movies (saw Logan, Kong and Guardians and loved them…but man did they fuck Alien.) and getting up to date with my gaming (finally got around playing Skyrim and I am looking to get a Switch and play Zelda).
Sadly Marvel comics are looking to be removed from my staple of relief given how goddamned shitty they are looking right now, got a rant in the wings if anyone interested in hearing my opinion on this sad state of affairs. Though I am finding DC Rebirth quite a breath of fresh air, the quality in story telling is MUCH better there than in Marvel and the books are at much better prices.
But anyway, you came to be entertained so here we go, no action here but it is a set up for the team of Xander and the X-men to get to know one another for the coming fight with the Phalanx.
Disclaimer: This is a work of diction, I do not own any of the characters that appear in this fan fiction, BTVS, Superman and Marvel are still own by their respective owners.
"Talking"
"Whisper"
*SOUND EFFECT*
*Thought*
Chapter 6:
Xander was currently thinking three very important things as he used his flight abilities to keeps himself stable while his companions struggle against the G-forces pushing them back as they travelled at high speeds.
What said thoughts were are the following:
*What the fuck just happened!?*
*Where the fuck are we!?*
*I am going to beat the shit out of that Mohawk loving idiot when I see him again!*
As for the others, their more immediate concern was holding on for dear life on this space flight from hell.
"Excuse me but did I miss something!?" Hank McCoy AKA Beast shouts as his claws dig into the floor.
"If you did Beast ya can't prove it by me! One minute were having a chat with Gladiator over why he decided to have a row with Sam…!" Remy started as he held on to pipe.
"…then we get teleported here after being told something is going on with the Empire!" Bishop ends as he also finds himself hanging on to dear life and Beast girlfriend who was doing all she could not to fly into a wall as she hung onto the man.
"Here being!?" Trish naturally asks as she tries to hold onto her wits, Bishop's hand as well as her dinner.
"Good question Ms. Trilby! Anyone can her answer please do so now!" Xander speaks as he contemplates how to resolve this situation.
"Near as ah can tell people, we're aboard a Royal Star Cruiser of the Shi'ar Imperial Empire!" Rogue replied as she also was hanging on to a pipe and her boyfriend Joseph, though given her power set she had it far more easier than the others with the exception of Superman against the strain they were under.
"So by that definition we are in space?" Joseph asks more calmly despite the situation.
"Believe me dear friends that is the least of our immediate troubles." Hank replies as he finally reaches what he assumes is the pilot/navigator seat.
"I hate to ask…." Xander began to speak before deciding he had enough of everyone struggling to stand "…give a minute and apologies for invading your personal spaces but…"
*WOOSH!*
In a burst of speed he had everyone but Gambit and Bishop, who he held by the shoulders so his power can keep them stable, seated and buckled in for their safety.
"…necessity calls that we all be seated during this unscheduled flight. Now as I was previously about to ask, what are these more immediate problems doctor?" He asks more calmly as he adjusted to the situation.
"Uh yes well thank you for the seat and as for our troubles, well it sadly comes in threes in the fact that one we have been transported light years from home, two we must face some unforeseen crisis the likes of which could topple such a powerful civilization and three if I am reading the instruments rights we are on board a totally out of control ship."
"Well…shit." Xander let out, as once he found himself promising to hurt the Strontian for getting them into this mess.
"Yes quite, however if my calculations are correct I can at least remedy that by pressing this button." McCoy replied as he pressed the little button on the console, which he then regretted as the speed seems to triple while also increasing the pressure.
"Hank! What's… happening!?" His girlfriend cries out as she tries desperately to remain conscious.
"I… presumed… to…much… to… quickly. Computer!"
-◊○▫▲►●—
"English please!"
-Acknowledged—
"Recalibrate…internal pressure…to compensate…for passengers!"
"The ships breaking apart!" Bishop cried out as he could hear the metal groan and shriek. Xander X-ray vision confirmed as much though his mind was racing on how to save everyone from being blown up or suck out into space.
"Hank!" Trish's panicked cries only served to increment the worry.
-Not Advisable. Compensation for non mandatory life support would compromise pre-programmed navigational con…- The computer began only to be cut off.
"OVERRIDE!" Hank shouted as he was not in the mood to humor the machine given their life threatening situation.
Soon retro rockets fired and allowed the pressure to normalize much to the relief of its passengers.
*Well that was fun…NOT!* Xander thinks as he gives the X-men and Trish a quick inspection to make sure they are all right and being thankful they are.
"Thank gawd that's over." Rogue says as she gets up from the seat.
"If only so my dear Rogue." Hank quickly says as he looks at the panel instruments and sees another complication on the horizon.
"You sayin' we ain't out of the woods yet McCoy?" Gambit asks as he steps away from the Kryptonian though nodding in thanks for the help.
"Mon ami we even haven't packed our lunches or donned our red hoods yet, we aren't anywhere near the woods yet."
"Okay, lay it out for us doc." Xander asks as he and the others move closer to Hank.
"If you would all kindly look towards the screen you will see a small circle that represents our destination, a Stargate that will take us directly into Shi'ar space." Beast explains as the screens shows a highlighted circle along with many dots in front.
"And those dots in front of it are?" His girl asks with nervousness.
"That would be an asteroid field my dear, and one we cannot avoid as we are moving too fast towards it and worse even if we could alter course we run the risk of the gate closing and leaving us stranded here." The blue skinned mutant replied with dread that all were starting to feel except for…
"Stay the course Dr. McCoy." Joseph spoke as he stared intently at the field of space rocks as two gargantuan objects drifted closer towards one another as the ship passes between them.
"You heard the man Hank, take us through." Gambit added with a knowing look while ignoring the rumble left behind by the two rocks smashing into one another as their vessels goes by.
The others are catching on to what the men are saying however that still does not fill them with confidence as the man begins to levitate and exert his power of magnetism.
"Joseph?"
"Beast."
"Any guarantees this gamble will pay off?" The ape like mutant had to ask if for no other reason that he voiced the question on everyone's mind.
"None, but he who dares wins as they say, so for those not in the know already I will use my powers to deflect these obstacles that hinder us on our unplanned journey." With that said the man let a force field encompass the vessels to weather through this maze of space debris.
"Gotta love a man with a plan eh?"
"And one that is succeeding for the moment." The clone replies as he feels the space rocks part ways before the vessel, though it is quite stressful for him given their sheer size and mass.
"But Joseph you have not yet scratched the surface of your gifts, the strain could prove too much for you." Hank warns as being one of the teams medics he worry's for the life of his team mate.
"Thank you for your concern but we must push onward for the alternative is unacceptable. Besides you took me in when you didn't need to, so how can I not repay such kindness in the face of such odds against us, so in lieu of that I will see you survive!" He proclaims with utmost determination as he pushes his magnetic powers to the max.
Rogue couldn't help but think on how strange it is that the man who they had fought on so many occasions now stood before them doing everything he could to protect them whereas before he would have left them to their fate without a thought.
Xander thought the same though he knew the man's true origins he still felt awed by the power he was exuding as his vision powers allowed to see the waves of power flowing outwards from him.
*So this is what an Omega level mutant looks like up close.* He couldn't help but think as they slowly made their way towards the gate.
"We're through! But now dear friends we are faced with a conundrum and I don't mean my driving. Do we attempt to gain control of the cruiser and return home or do we go through this Gate and face this unknown conflict Gladiator spoke of that could mean the end of the Shi'ar Empire." He asks his fellow x-men, girlfriend and Kryptonian.
"De seven of us against the universe? Sounds fair t'me mon ami." Gambit confidently says to the group.
"We're needed aren't we?" Rogue contributed.
"Well I always wanted to see how the other side live and never seen an alien civilization before." Trish despite her nervousness decided that this was something she just had to see through.
"Like Rogue said, we are needed." Joseph adds as he will see this done and make sure they all go home together.
"Full speed ahead McCoy." Bishop responded in a gruff but determined tone.
They all turned towards the odd man out so to speak as they look at Xander and await his decision. The former Sunnydalian had his eyes closed and arms crossed as he listened to them and went over his thoughts on the matter.
Realistically he wanted to return to Earth so he could be there to stop Bastion from his attempt of genocide against the mutant race…but despite not knowing what dangers they would face he couldn't just allow the Shi'ar Empire to fall.
As much as he disliked some of the aspects of their society he read about as a kid and from the files he obtained from SHIELD and SWORD the Empire was one of the few keeping the balance of power with other civilizations like the Kree or Skrull.
Also their current ruler Lilandra was a friend of the X-men and if he refused that may alienate him from them. Given the coming battle with Bastion he needed to be on good terms with the group when the time came to put a stop to the cyborgs plans.
And more importantly it was the right thing to do, innocents were in danger and he would not turn a blind eye to their suffering. Clark Kent wouldn't and he would not stain the man's legacy and trust by doing so.
Rogue was about to request an answer form him when he opened his eyes and approached Hank.
"It is said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing so I choose to do something. So full power and into abyss Dr. McCoy, we have innocents to rescue." Xander stated resolutely as he maintain his gaze on the coming gateway.
"Well said sir, well said." And with that Hank incremented their speed and flew them into the gate towards the unknown.
Back on Earth, Xavier Institute - Salem Center, NY …
Sam Guthrie was really wishing he had gone with his friends into space to face the unknown, the reason why was he was currently being stared by the other senior X-men, to be more precise he was being stared down by an irate Logan AKA Wolverine who look two seconds from gutting him…it has not been a good day for him to say the least.
"So what yer sayin' bub is…YOU GODDAMMED LOST THE X-MEN?!"
"Logan! Please let calmer heads prevail and let him explain." Ororo Monroe AKA Storm chided the man as despite her worry for her friends they needed to remain calm to see this current problem through.
Scott Summers AKA Cyclops and Jean Grey AKA Phoenix agreed as they waited for the young man to talk.
"Ah hardly had a say in the matter, one moment we're all talkin' with Gladiator about some frackas goin' on in Shi'ar space and him and the Imperial guard being grounded by Lilandra. So in his words he figured he needed our help and the next thing ah know he pulls out some weird teleporting balls and up'n'snatched them and that Superman fella right before my eyes."
"Superman? What was he doing there?" Jean asks as like the others they had seen the arrival of new heroes such as Superman and the Thunderbolts rise in the wake of the Avengers and Fantastic Four's sacrifice to stop Onslaught.
"Well he came as soon as I just ended the fight with Gladiator, I reckon' he must of heard the commotion and was aiming to put an end to it."
"Forget about that shit! We gotta get our people back." Logan all but shouted at the others as he did not like the idea of their teammates being sent into space to face some unknown threat that could get them killed.
"We need more information before we commit to anything." Scott spoke up as he moved towards the elevators that lead towards the subbasement, he intended to get answers straight from the source.
Unfortunately that was easier said than done as once they tried to get in touch with Lillandra all they got was static and white noise.
"No good, I've tried all frequencies and nothing, it's like that whole section of space is just gone." The man replies to his team grimly.
"Wait what? How is that possible?" Sam asks with worry for his friends.
"Screw that I want to know why we aren't taking off and going after them!?" Logan spat as he felt they should already going after them and bringing them home.
"Logan we must proceed carefully, it is not a decision to be made lightly." Ororo calmly states for all to hear.
"So your saying we should leave them to god knows what out there?!"
"No Logan I am saying we need to think carefully our next course of action. I agree we should do something about our missing friends but I also know we have to think about what happens when we leave." The African weather witch comments in the face of his growing anger as she gains their attention.
"Let us look at all the facts Charles is in government custody and we know not where he is or what he's being subjected to, because of Creed's assassination the people are now more determined to hunt us down, we are down to handful given that three of our members are on leave of absence and finally the Legacy Virus is still rampant and claiming more lives with still no true cure yet on the horizon to stop it."
"What are you saying Storm, that we would be of better use here on Earth?" The first leader of the X-men asks the second.
"I am saying that this is not a decision to make lightly and it must be you who makes this choice Scott."
She was right of course, it was a case of who needed them more, their teammates or their people. As much as he didn't want to do this he needed to what was right, he just hopes it was the right choice.
"We stay… we are more needed here than in space and we have to trust that Rogue and Hank can pull the others through this and return to us safe and sound." Scott finally spoke to his teammates. Not surprisingly Logan gave the man a growl before leaving with his body radiating his displeasure.
"We'll talk to him Scott." Jean said as she pulled Ororo away to do so leaving Sam and Scott alone.
*I trust you Scott, if you think this is the path to choose I will support it.* Jean sent to him along their link along with feelings of love and trust.
*Thank you love, I just hope I made the right choice.* He sent back.
"Well it ain't like they are going to war without back up, the way I recall that Superman fella is quite powerful." Cannonball added thoughtfully to his leader.
"Hmm true, we don't know how powerful but from what the news have shown he can definitely be an asset to them, thank you Sam for reminding me."
"Just being a team player boss." The young man from Kentucky replies confidently to the man's praise, of course it was also because he wishes that the man's inclusion into the group keeps his friends safe.
Back on the ship…
The ships occupants had separated once they had entered the gate that would lead them to Shi'ar space. Xander was in what appeared to be the ships mess hall, at least he assumed it was given the number of chairs and tables present, in his hand was a tablet where he was listening and reading words being spoken and written in Shi'ar then translated into English. While not something he normally wouldn't do it did bring him a level of familiarity as it made him fondly remember all those times he spent in the library helping with research with the group, plus realistically it may come in handy to know the language should they need it.
It also help keep his mind off what could be happening on Earth, he hoped that Bastion wouldn't make a move until his return but he was sure Giles would have contingencies in place should that happen and he was not present.
*Different Universe, different people but still the same problems I face when it comes to saving lives.* He thinks to himself as he often did when he has some down time.
He knew one of the things he would need to fix is how to return the Omega Prime Sentinels back into free thinking humans. Those were innocent lives being transformed into mindless machines to hunt down people who never had a choice in being born different.
*It's funny and sad how in a future the machines figure out that there is no difference between a normal human and mutant while in the present a war over genetics rages.* He thinks with a hint of sadness, it would have made a strange sight that before the changes that happened in his life he would think in such a way as before all he could think is how they were going to make it through the night or the next apocalypse.
However he also had to be realistic in the knowledge that when the transformed humans struck they would endanger innocent lives and he could not afford to go easy…he may also have to destroy them if it means protecting an innocent.
*Damned if I do, damned if I don't.* He thinks with bitterness, if he got a shot at Bastion he was going to rip the cyborg limb from limb for this madness.
His musings were interrupted by the arrival of his teammates dressed in something more inclined with the Shi'ar, he couldn't help but let out a whistle at the sight.
"Well ladies and gents I have to say you cut a rather dashing and lovely look in those outfits, is that the new Shi'ar winter collection by any chance?" He jests with a smirk on his face that earned a smirk from Gambit, a chuckle from Beast while Bishop and Joseph simply scowled, as for the ladies he got a laugh from Rogue and Trish.
"I will have you know this is the latest in space adventure attire." Trish fired back with a confident tone despite not knowing much about the new hero that was slowly gaining global notoriety with his rescues and international interventions in the absence of the Avengers and F4.
*Maybe I can nail an interview.* Her inner reporter can't help but hope, up till now no news media outlet had gained any information about the man so she couldn't help but hope for one.
"And here I thought all women had a fondness for Chanel, Gucci and Prada." He quipped back as he placed the tablet on the table and stood up.
"Oh? The man knows his brands, well if you throw in a pair of Cartier or Tiffany's and now we're in business." Tilby responds with a wink.
"My… Ex was a high class lady who made it a point to educate me in what she felt was the essentials in female wardrobe and jewelry." Xander replies with fondness and a bit of loneliness in his voice as he thought of Cordelia and their time together before it all went to Hell in a handbasket.
The small group sensed it though and did not press him for details as they did not what to make him uncomfortable with them. Right now they needed all the help they could get and having someone as powerful him on their side was a must.
"Well then my good sir it seems introductions are in order as we are all caught in this unique intergalactic web of intrigue and suspense." Ever the diplomat Hank spoke as he steps forward with his hand extended.
"Henry McCoy at your service I also go by Hank or the Nom de guerre of Beast given my rather unique appearance." The man kindly says, Xander detected a hint of nervousness in the man when speaking of his form despite his positive tone.
"Pleasure is mine Doctor." Xander replied as he shook the man's hand confidently to show he was not taken aback by his appearance.
"And here we have the ever inquisitive, intrepid and lovely Trish Tilby, reporter extraordinaire." The blue furred mutant presented proudly his lover who rolled her eyes in humor and playfully slapped him.
"Stop it." She says before holding out her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you ma'am."
"Call me Trish please, never was one for formalities outside of the job." The reporter commented kindly, Xander in turn nods in agreement before Hank spoke up once more.
"Here we have our lovely southern belle as well as power house if you will, Rogue." He says as he presents the only other woman present.
"Pleasure to meet sugah, heard some good things about you." Rogue says with warmth as she holds out her hand which he shakes before speaking.
"The honor is mine miss, I have also heard of your teams exploits which makes it a pity that the rest of the world doesn't show you the respect you and the others deserve. Especially during the Onslaught incident, which I deeply regret as I was not in a position to offer help much to my shame.." He was sincere in that, he would have given anything to have helped the heroes face that monster down, perhaps prevent the heroes from being sent away to that pocket universe.
"Thank you for your kindness, it was a hard battle and seeing all those good men and women give up their lives to stop that thing was even harder knowing we couldn't do the same because it would empower that monster. Ah pray they are at peace knowing their sacrifice was not in vain and helped saved the world." Rogue replied in understanding and sadness.
It was also needless to say how shaken the team was given the origins of the creature as a manifestation of Charles and Erik's darker natures given form. Coupled with the deaths caused by the still incurable legacy virus, Xavier's imprisonment at the hands of the government and the anti-mutant sentiment on the rise so it was understandable that the mutant heroes were incredibly stressed and worried for their future.
*Ah just don't know how much more we can take.* She grimly thinks as things seem to be getting worse for her people and is only a matter of time before it explodes.
"Still I hope I can be of aid in this impromptu mission of ours." He said before turning towards Bishop.
"Just call me Bishop." The large man said with a nod and nothing more.
*Well now I know who to label grump number 1.*
"I just go by Joseph." The man who seemingly was a rejuvenated Magneto replies while also mimicking Bishop in stance.
*…and here is grump number 2.* Xander thinks dryly while he silently finds the dirty look Rogue gives the man amusing. His attention is then switch to Gambit who finds their actions amusing.
"Ignore them mon frere, they have a lack of certain social skills you see, name's Remy LeBeau but my friends call me Remy or Gambit." The Cajun man says kindly as he holds out his hand.
"Bonjour Mr. LeBeau, c'est un plaisir de faire votre connaissance." He replies in French to the former thieves guild member.
"Oh? Tu connais le français? Vous parlez comme un indigène?" Remy replies in kind, a bit surprised but pleased none the less, he so rarely gets to speak it while living in NY…outside of wooing the ladies of course.
"I have studied many languages during my training to better help the people should I find myself outside of the US Mr. LeBeau, I find they react better in times of crisis when I come to aid them and speak in their native tongue." Xander replies in all honesty as he did indeed do so, it helped that his brain makeup was much more advanced and efficient compared to the average human.
"Cool, and please Remy or Gambit is fine, never one was for decorum." The sometimes thief reminds with an easygoing smile and a mischievous in his eye.
"Lahke you had any to begin with swamp rat." Rogue added with a smirk of her own on her pretty face.
"Ah dat wounds me chere, right here." Remy rebukes in mock sadness as he holds his heart.
Xander couldn't help but chuckle at that, he knew their history together as both had their fair share of tragedies and triumphs in their lives and that Remy felt drawn to her despite her powers. He also knew that right now Rogue had a thing going on with Joseph, though whether that had to do with her previous encounter with Magneto he didn't know nor was it his business to get involved.
"So now that our introductions have been made, or sort of in the case of Joseph and Bishop, would you grace us with a bit knowledge on yourself friend?" Hank politely and eloquently asks.
"Well I don't see the harm in that, we are all in the same boat after all or starship in this case, though I will point out that I can't share every detail of my life or not yet at least as I do have plans to speak out to the media when the time is right."
"Perhaps an arrangement can be made once we return for a one on one at the Network I work at?" The reporter asks as she would love to have an exclusive with the man.
"We shall see Miss in the meantime allow me introduce myself, my name is Xan-El of the house of El from the planet Krypton." He speaks proudly, he may not be Kryptonian by birth but having been made a member of Superman's house by the man himself was a huge honor to him and he was proud of being given a Kryptonian name to prove it.
"You're an alien? But you look so human!" Trish says in surprise, a sentiment shared with the others as they rarely see alien species who so closely share similarities with human beings, at best they met the pink Kree in the form of the fallen Captain Mar-Vell and the Shi'ar with their avian ancestry.
"Fascinating, do all your species share your incredible abilities? How is it you came to our world? How long have you been here? How…" Beast being ever a scientist at heart began to let loose a stream of questions, this was a first contact scenario after all.
"Hank! Hank! Let the man speak for gawd sakes." Rogue steps in as she gently shakes the blue furred mutant shoulders to calm him down.
"Right, apologies, I let my scientific curiosity get the best of me." The man replies in an embarrassed tone while Gambit gave a chuckle at the man's enthusiasm.
"No harm no foul Doctor, in fact I rather expected that reaction. However I should point out Miss Tilby is that from what I know of my species it existed long before humanity so really I should ask why do you look like me so to speak." Xander comments as from what he knows Krypton and it's people were far older than Earth.
"Oh my stars and garters, that is astounding! What are your people like if I may ask?" Hank respectfully asks as he and the others take a seat around the man.
"Well they were very scientifically advanced and oriented though they did seem to have some religious beliefs they were also sadly rather isolationistic after giving up space exploration." Xander honestly says to the group of mutant heroes and the reporter.
"Why do you refer to them in the past tense?" Joseph pointed out as he found it odd how the man referred to his home world in that way.
At that point he gave them a pensive look, although he was not from there he still knew how Clark would often think about the place he came from in his private moments. From the memories he knew it was hardly a Utopia, advanced yes but far from ideal, still the Man of Steel often would wonder what if his birth parents had survived, were they proud of what he had done or what his life would be like if he it had never blown up. Xander himself felt a measure of pity for the people who cut themselves off from so much that humanity took for granted like feelings between loved ones, the thrill to explore the unknown or the awe of discovery.
"Because Krypton no longer exists as an instability within the planet's core destroyed it from the inside out, and despite my best efforts to prove otherwise…I am sad to say the very last of my people." He finished sadly, the feeling coming more from being torn from the people he loved so there wasn't anything fake about the sadness he was expressing right now.
The heroes and reporter gave him looks of pity and sadness upon hearing that he was the only survivor.
"How did you survive if I may so bold to ask?" Hank gently asks as this was a delicate subject to speak of.
"The head of our House at the time, a brilliant scientist by the name of Jor-El, anticipated that the planet was doomed and after his findings were rejected by the ruling body at the time he took measures to save what he could of Krypton or what he felt was truly worth preserving." Xander had to delve into the memories of what Jor-El had told Clark about the history of their world and the people for this.
"And what was important to him?" Trish asks she wishes she had a camera right now, she felt this man's story needed to be told.
"I will keep the details out for now but near the end their society had changed in radical ways and not for the better, at least in his eyes. He felt that too many sacrifices had been made and much was lost of what made his people great due to terrible tragedies that lead to both the stagnation of his people and their inevitable destruction. He believed that in order for their peoples legacy to live and I mean truly live a clean slate was needed so he and those who shared his belief created ships with an experimental transwarp drive he developed where they would send out their new born children to another world to survive the calamity."
That shocked the heroes as it seemed like such a radical idea, Xander noticed this and decided to elaborate.
"I know this comes as a shock but from the information he sent along I would have to agree with his decision. The Krypton he lived in, was cold and unfeeling as if the people forgot the simple joys of life, the wonders of discovery and exploration, the awe of the unknown. It's why he chose Earth to give his people a chance to be reborn, he believed that despite humanity's flaws there was a great potential for growth and a capacity to do good in your species."
"I don't know about that…" Trish didn't mean to sound cynical but being a reporter she had seen a lot in her and it has colored her views on her fellow man. Case in point the current atmosphere regarding mutants after the Onslaught battle.
She wanted to believe that with the example set by heroes like the X-men and Avengers uniting to face a common foe would show people that unity is possible but then you had bigots like the CoH or the government coming down on them that it makes her question her faith in humanity.
"Miss Tilby, I know it is hard to have any faith in your fellow man, believe me I know." Xander started as he felt a bout of weariness as he began to explain.
"I can hear and see more than any average human being possible, and what I find is that there is so much pain and suffering across the world it makes me wish I could just crawl in some deep crevice and block it out all and never come out." He began as he recalls how much he hated that aspect of his powers, he could tell from their expressions they did not expect this but still he pushed onwards.
"Men and women hurting and killing each for such idiotic and petty reasons such as race, religion or the accumulation of wealth and power just for the sake of having it all the while stomping out good innocent people in the process just because they are in their way...how can good and compassion exist in such an environment?" He asks quietly to the group while his head bowed down before he looked at them not with sadness or bitterness, if anything he looked hopeful.
"But I have also seen your capacity for kindness, compassion and courage in brave men and women in colorful costumes and in everyday people who for just one brief moment stop and engage in random acts of kindness or simply be a good Samaritan to people who are nothing but strangers in need of help."
"Jor-El believed that there was greatness in you or that desire to strive for greatness and that you only that you lacked a light to show you the way…I can't say I am that light, I am not so arrogant to believe I can save everyone no matter how much I wish I could but I do know, deep down in my heart and soul, that he wasn't wrong because I live in a world where heroes exist. Brave and compassionate people willing to give their all to protect said world and its people regardless of the cost because no matter your powers, your skills or your backgrounds you chose to willfully stand for a truly just cause...and because you make the hard choice to do what is right and not convenient you inspired me to do the same, and I thank you for that." Xander ends resolutely to the group of mutants who are somewhat stunned by his words of gratitude.
Often times they rarely get any thanks for their efforts and given the current atmosphere they questioned is the pursuit of their mission to bring unity between humans and mutants…and yet this man, this survivor from a dead world regarded them as true heroes and thanks them for inspiring him, Hank and Rogue smiled in thanks while the others nodded.
"Let's change topics to something less serious, tell me about yourselves, I for one would like to learn from veteran heroes such as yourselves." Which was true for the former Sunnydalian.
"Oh well I don't know about that friend, we are just your humble good Samaritans looking to perform a good deed." Gambit says to the man with tone of mock humility that earns him a playful slap from Rogue before she speaks to Xander with exasperation and fondness.
"Ignore the swamp rat sugah, he thinks he has a sense of humor."
"Indeed my Cajun companion, you know that it is I, Jubilation's, Kurt's and Robert's job to bring merriment to the team." Hank adds with pseudo hurt while Trish rolls her eyes just to keep the bit going.
"Oh Gambit don't think so, ya'll had a good chuckle when I put that charged ice cube in ol' Logan's drink and then ran for hills when he came after me swearing like a sailor." The crimson eyed mutant responded with a smirk.
"Only because you look funny when scared." Bishop says in all seriousness despite a small smile showing through at the memory of that day.
They all had a good laugh at that imagery before resuming their talks well into late hours, and for a moment no matter how brief it was Xander felt like he was back home with his friends.
The next day, unknown location…
After several hours of travel it seemed the small group of involuntary space travelers had finally reached their destination as the ship began to slow down and exited the gateway.
"Well now that that's over and done with, where are we Hank?" Trish asks her boyfriend who is seated at the helm. Along with them were Xander, Remy and Joseph while Rogue and Bishop were elsewhere on the vessel.
"According to the navigation settings we have arrived at our destination my dear."
"So why don't we see anythin'?" Gambit asks what everyone else is thinking.
"Due to the speeds we travelled at the computer needs to compensate for normal space transmissions." Joseph replied with complete confidence.
"Really? And how do you know that homme?"
"I…don't know?" The man replies as he knows there is a reason he knows this but can't recall why.
Xander remained silent, he knew the man was a clone but he wasn't about to blow the whistle on him. He didn't know when it comes out but he wasn't going to say anything unless it became relevant.
"Not important, tell me you got something blue?" She asks her lover.
"Not yet my dear, it's like trying to raise the dead however according to these readings we should be within visual range right about…now." He comments as soon they bear sight of a massive space station.
"Oh my stars and garters." Hank exclaims in awe, no matter how many times he thinks he has the Shi'ar figured out they still manage to surprise him.
He wasn't the only one as Xander gazed at the structure though he also took in the floating debris around it.
*Something bad went down here, something very bad.* He grimly thinks to himself.
"Computer, in English please, confirm and identify the structure we are seeing." Hank asks as he also is getting a bad feeling from the station.
-Acknowledged X-man designate Beast, Starstation A'sura Tarrel, Shi'ar HUB, S ector Lambda 12.—
"What is the capacity of this station?" Xander asks as he sees Rogue and Bishop arrive and join them in viewing the station.
-Population administrative and personal number 700. Transient capacity 3,212 humanoid standard X-man designate Superman.—
"I told you I am not an X-man." He grumbles under his breath as the machine for some reason considered himself and Trish X-men. The others just took it in stride, though Gambit and Rogue got a chuckle from his reaction while Trish asked Hank if she would look good in one of their uniforms much to the intelligent man's embarrassment if his blushing was anything to go by.
"Computer please scan the station for life signs." Trish chimed in surprisingly, though her request was not unreasonable. Her tone showed some worry, call her paranoid but living in a city full of super powered battles, world ending events and dating a man who was hated simply because he looked different had given her a good sense for danger and right now it was screaming at her to get out of dodge.
-...scan complete, there 0.00 life signs detected on board.— It replies making its occupants grimace, Xander however pushes past that and focuses his hearing to listen for any heartbeats.
*…come on…come on…there!*
"It's wrong!" He suddenly announces making the others jump at his claim.
"Wait what?" Rogue starts in surprise.
Xander has no time to explain as he addresses the computer in Shi'ar.
"Computer where is the closest airlock on the ship and on the station?"
An image appeared that showed how to get to the location on the ship followed by an image of the station highlighting the requested entryways.
"What is goin' on here?!" Rogue asks in bewilderment as she sees the cape wearing man look at the images in confusion that was mirrored by the others.
"Search and rescue." Was all he said before dashing off in a gust of wind.
"Holy…! I knew he was fast but not that fast!" Trish exclaims as she adjust her air once he left.
"Where he headin' anyhow?" Gambit says as he turns to Hank, more out of habit given he was their resident big brain.
"Computer, in English, what were the queries Superman made in relation to the images just shown."
- X-Man designate Superman inquired about airlock locations closest to his position on board the vessel and the Starstation X-man designate Beast.—
"Why would he do that?" Trish voices what all were wondering before a brief alarm sounded and Hank requested a status report, what he got was an alert for a door being opened to space and it's occupant was not fitted for EVA.
This was latter confirm as they saw the man fly through the main screen with no trouble at all despite being surrounded by the void.
"Guess he wanted to step out." Trish said a bit in surprised as she didn't think he could do that.
"Did we ever ask him what he was capable of?" Bishop suddenly asks as he tries to recall if they discussed his skillset and abilities.
"No but now ah feel we should first chance we get, in the meantime we need to dock this bird and get some answers about why we were brought here specifically and why it looks like a ghost town." Rogue ordered as she looked at Hank who nodded in agreement.
"Same shit, different day eh chere?" Gambit tells her sardonically as this seem par the course for the X-men.
They all agreed silently as the ship headed to the ominous looking station.
Later…
"Well…I think we can all agree that the shit hit the fan on a epic scale here." Xander says to no one as they are all grouped around a medical pod which contains the infamous Deathbird, sister of the current Majestrix of the Empire Lillandra Neramani.
"You have a gift for understatement Superman." Joseph dryly comments but still he concedes the point after seeing the carnage the station held. It stirred feelings in him of fear and rage he did not understand their origin.
*Curse this damned amnesia! Why do I feel this way?* The clone thinks to himself.
"Though not as colorfully as our crimson cape wearing ally, I have to agree this wanton slaughter is most worrying. I understand now why Lillandra would call for external aid though not yet why she would bar the Imperial Guard from intervening." Hank grimly speaks as he ponders what could have caused such a terrible loss of life.
"The Shi'ar ain't no push overs on a galactic scale, what could possibly do this to them?" The southern powerhouse asks as she knew for a fact the Empire had a lot of firepower to bear with their armadas and the Imperial Guard.
*So again I ask what in god's name could do THIS to them?*
"…Skrulls?" Xander asked.
"I think the Kree are more up their alley my friend." Hank replied.
"…Galactus?" Again he asks.
"He eats worlds and is practically a god that leaves destruction in his wake but not like anything resembling this." Bishop supplied.
"…Thanos?" Third times the charm they say.
"…let's put him on the maybe pile yeah?" Gambit adds as it was a valid theory, he may have not face off against the alien warlord but some of the X-men present during the Infinity Gauntlet debacle can attest to his madness, power and ferocity.
"Guys we won't get anywhere this way, we should focus on getting her healthy and then get some answers." Trish supplies as she stands next to her lover as he goes over the medical scans being performed to distract herself, seeing that many dead was greatly unnerving.
"I may not know much about her but how do we know she didn't have a hand in this?" Joseph asks with some reluctance born from ignorance.
"The man raises a good point." The resident Time traveler comments as Deathbird is not some delicate lily as so much as deadly bird of prey, no pun intended.
"Well I am a firm believer of innocent until proven guilty so until she wakes up she is that, after she wakes up we can interrogate her and I will know if she is lying or not." Superman states seriously as despite knowing her crimes in the past will give her the benefit of the doubt but if it turns out she did have a hand in this slaughter she will face his judgement.
The rooms occupants gave him a questioning look at that.
"Enhanced senses." He replied getting looks of understanding as Logan had on occasion shown the same skillset given his feral nature.
"Well it's a waiting game then, ya'll better make sure you get comfy because it looks lahke we're in for the long haul." Rogue says before heading towards the exit followed by Joseph then Gambit.
"You coming Hank?" Trish asks him as she is feeling a bit tired.
"In a moment darling, I wish to ensure our patient is in good hands so to speak."
"Ok but don't take too long ok, this place gives me a bad case of the willies." The reporter comments as she doesn't enjoy being in a place permeated by death. Hank doesn't blame her as he makes sure to quickly check the machines before joining his love though not before looking at Bishop and Superman.
"I can't speak for Bishop but I would like to keep watch just in case you know?" Xander answers the unasked question as he looks at the medical pod as well as its occupant.
"Same here, better safe than sorry with this one, you go rest McCoy and keep your girl company we'll let you know if anything comes up." The large man adds as he agrees they should keep a close eye on the woman, as wounded or not she was not to be underestimated.
"Very well gentleman, I bid you good night and will see you in the morning." Hank replies before letting out a yawn and heading toward his and his love's quarters.
Meanwhile both men looked at the pod before sharing a look.
"So me taking first watch ok with you?" Xander asks mostly because he doesn't need to rest as he used to.
"Fine by me, 2 hours and then wake me up." The large man replied as his mutation and his training during the war with Sentinels meant he could get by with little rest, it's what saved his life on more than one occasion against the genocidal machines.
"I'll give you three, I don't need much in the way of rest given my biology so need to push yourself until we need to." Xander replied kindly, Bishop considered this before nodding and then taking a seat in Hank's vacated chair to get comfortable for the night.
Xander turned to look at Deathbird and gave her a quick once over with his X-ray vision, from the look of things she was healing fairly well though how long before she awoke was anyone's guess as well as what her mood would be. From what he knew of her she would be a handful given her attitude towards her sister and the X-men, still given the threat she may mellow out.
*Yeah right, knowing my luck she'll be like Cordy was before we dated only ten times worse.* He idly thinks as begins his shift, he hoped when the woman awoke she could provide answers because quite frankly he was starting to wonder just how far down the rabbit hole they had to go before they could put a stop to the unknown threat and head back home.
To be continued…
Funny Moments 1: You have what vision?
After Deathbird's rescue…
Currently the whole group was in the cantina enjoying a meal together when Rogue decided to ask the former Sunnydalian turned alien powerhouse what his abilities were to get a better idea on how he can contribute.
Naturally Xander saw no harm in that as he knew from experience with his friends the importance of contributing to the group for their survival. So he explained that while he didn't know his limits specifically he was gifted with super strength, speed, near invulnerability, enhanced senses, heat vision and his breath could freeze or reach speeds that could do some major damage.
The mutant heroes and reporter were impressed however once he spoke of his ability to see in multiple spectrums was when Rogue chimed in with a certain level of disbelief.
"Now hold on sugar, you mean to tell me you can see through objects, lahke X-ray vision?" She asks in jest as to date she never met a mutant or metahuman who had such a power the others mentioned yes but that one? Nope.
"No, I am quite serious."
"Okay, prove it, what kind and color of underwear am I wearing?" The southern belle challenges getting looks from Joseph (incredulity) and Gambit (Humor).
*Oh dis going to be good.* Remy thought.
"Uh Ok but you have to swear not to hit me please?" Xander nervously asks as she is one of the heavy hitters and he didn't think the ship needed any Xander shaped dents.
Mind you he could avoid all this if he had said no but…well… it was Rogue so there.
Somewhere in the afterlife Jesse was cursing Xander's devilish luck.
"In the name of the Lord I so solemnly swear not to hit you IF you guess the answer to my question. Happy?" She ends as she lowers her hand.
"Uh yeah… ok so with that said, you're wearing an Emerald colored bra made of satin with black flower pattern on the edge and a thong of the same color." A red face Xander quickly said and waited for the explosion.
The others were treated to a gobsmacked and quickly reddening Rogue that all but confirmed his answer, sadly Gambit had to push the issue as he gave her a cocky smirk before speaking.
"Well I guess he ain't bullshiting us eh chere?"
Rogue quickly turned towards the smirking man and promptly threw a punch under the table, more precisely she aim for between his legs. All the men couldn't help but wince and cross their legs in sympathy as the Cajun yelled.
*Saw that coming from a mile away* Trish thinks as she understands where Rogue was coming from and supports her decision. Female solidarity and whatnot…though the reporter thought she looked funny as hell when embarrassed.
"GAH! The hell woman!?" The man shouted as he clutch the wounded area.
"I swore not to hit him, you on the other hand are not exempt yah damn perverted swamp rat." The woman replies with a huff.
Xander sat quietly and was glad he hadn't told them he also had eidetic memory and perfect recall.
Once more the spirit of Jesse was screaming obscenities at his brother in all but blood damned luck from his place in heaven.
The end …or is it?
A/N: Yeah I don't know why I wrote that but I felt the need for humor in the end, that and since Marvel is currently so depressing I felt some laughter could do some good. Besides I got the idea from a person who sent me a PM saying he wanted to do his own take on my story and had a similar scene but with Cordy, personally I got a good chuckle out of it and I thought why not? I mean who didn't laugh when Clark took a good long look at the women's locker room in Smallville? Surprise he didn't shoot fire from his eyes there and then. And of course they did this joke in the first Superman movie when Lois ask and he says pink.
So next chapter Deathbird wakes up, Xander has a close encounter of the Phalanx kind and the liberation of the Shi'ar begins (and hopefully ends).
Once more so as not to come off as me ripping of Shadowmaster's wonderful story of Black Wing, Xander and Deathbird are not going to be a thing ok? I mean maybe I could insinuate they have a one night stand (having not written a lemon I don't know if I can pull one off, I mean I want to but is that what the people want? And can anyone offer any tips or help for how to accomplish this?)
Another thing to remind those not in the know, Xander focus upon returning to Earth is helping against Bastion not the trial of Gambit, he will learn of that after the dust settles and then go rescue him and later having a chat with the X-men about that.
As for OZT itself I have yet to decide how to go about it, go help Cable secure the Xavier files? Help Iceman and Spidey fight off Sentinels with Marrow? Help Scott and his group? Have him rescue Jubilee and Xavier from Bastion HQ? So many choices to make.
Well all I can say is peace out ya'll!
P.S: Please stop asking when Halo is coming back, it is currently on ice and won't be back in a while. Currently I got a KP story 60% done and the chapter of this one and my YJ story already begun. I am trying to get as much as I can out before working on something new so please be patient, I got my hands full with real life but I haven't forgotten my works just yet, I just need to find my balance again.