Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men, or any of its original characters. Nor do I have any type of claim to those characters. However, the characters of my creation belong to me, and cannot be used without my permission.

All For One

(Foreign X-Change Part V)

By

Moonchampion

The torch's flame flickered off the stone walls of the tomb brightly lighting the damp, dark space. The sounds of heavy footsteps broke the somber silence as a pair of shadows passed through the corridor. The owners of the shadows came to a stop at the end of the tomb where a large stone door stood closed.

A single hand rose from the shadows and touched the stone door. The hand ran across the door tracing the patterns. Then, there was a low laughter that began to echo within the tomb. "Yes… this is it! Finally, after all these years… this is it!"

Black Tom Cassidy turned around to face his best friend, the powerful behemoth Cain Marko, the human Juggernaut. "This is what we've been searching for. The sword… Excalibur is inside!"

Cain Marko looked from his best friend to the stone door. He then cradled his fist in the palm of his other hand, and began to massage his knuckles. The Juggernaut pulled his fist back and punched the stone door. Upon impact, the door quickly crumbled to pebbles. The Juggernaut stood back and looked towards Black Tom. "After you," he said. Black Tom wasted no time as he stepped through the door.

As they entered the room, the two occupants of the room instantly came visible. One was the tomb… the legendary tomb of King Arthur Pendragon. The other was a sword, whose blade was embedded deep within a boulder. "There it is," said Black Tom. He quickly walked towards the stone and admired it even closer. "Excalibur, and now it's mine." Black Tom reached for the hilt of the sword and pulled. Yet with all his might, he couldn't pull the sword free.

"Argh! Blast this cursed blade!" Black Tom cried. He turned to face the Juggernaut. "Cain, me boy, get the sword!"

Cain nodded and walked towards the sword. He reached down and grabbed Excalibur and began to pull on the sword. With the first tug, the sword didn't budge. Cain looked back towards Black Tom puzzled. "What are ye doin'? Quit foolin' and pull out the sword!" Cain turned his attention back to the sword and began pulling again. Yet with all his might, he couldn't pull the sword free.

"Who woulda thought that blasted legend was true!" cursed Black Tom. "Just grab the whole blasted stone, and let's go!"

The Juggernaut turned around to pick up the stone. As he wrapped he fingers around the rock, he noticed something strange in the wall. His grip loosened as he studied the wall. All of a sudden, there was a flurry of colors. Red, blue and white all becoming more visible by the second. Suddenly, he saw what appeared to be a fist coming directly at his face. The blow landed, but only managed to turn the Juggernaut's a fraction of an inch.

"I don't think so," said the owner of the fist. By now, it was obvious what had struck the Juggernaut. He watched as Brian Braddock phased through the cavern wall, with young Kitty Pryde guiding him out. Once he was completely out of the wall, Kitty stepped aside. "If you want that sword, you're going to have to get through Britannic!"

The Juggernaut only laughed. "Kid, you've got to be kidding me." The Juggernaut raised his fist as he prepared to crush Britannic. He paused for a second, and then lowered his hand. "On second thought… why don't you give me your best shot." The Juggernaut leaned his chin down, giving Britannic a clear shot.

Shocked by the opportunity, Britannic turned to face Kitty, who simply shrugged. Britannic turned his eyes back towards Juggernaut. He pulled his own fist back, and struck the huge behemoth with all his might. The Juggernaut didn't even flinch as the blow landed.

Britannic looked at his hand in awe; amazed that the Juggernaut was still standing unmoved. He turned his gaze from his hand and looked into the eyes of the Juggernaut. "My turn, junior," said the Juggernaut. The Juggernaut threw his fist at Britannic and sent the blonde teen into the cavern wall. Britannic slid to the floor, in a world of pain. He had never experienced a blow like that. He looked up to see the Juggernaut stepping towards him.

As a reflex, Britannic reached for the nearest object he could find, knowing now that he wasn't strong enough to go toe to toe with the Juggernaut. Britannic felt his fingers wrap around an object. He pulled it towards him, and rose to his feet. It was at that moment that he realized what he held in his hand… Excalibur.

The Juggernaut stopped in his tracks as Britannic held Excalibur before him. A smile began to spread across the teen's face as he saw that he held the legendary sword. "What's wrong? Lose your nerve?" he said to the Juggernaut. Suddenly, a golden blast hit Britannic in the chest, sending the young hero to the ground.

"Brian?!" called a voice. Suddenly, Siryn zipped through the air towards her downed teammate. The Juggernaut turned just in time to grab her by the wrists and hold her dangling in the air. "Let go of me, ye bleedin' monster!"

"Now, now, lass," said Black Tom as he looked towards. "That's no way for a wee one like you to talk. I'm sure my cousin taught ye better than that."

Siryn groaned as she struggled to free herself from the Juggernaut's iron grip. "Ye leave my father out of this," said Siryn. "Ye're a disgrace to the family is what ye are, Tom Cassidy."

"Enough," said Black Tom. "I know have what I want, and there's nothing any of you can do about it." Black Tom looked over towards Kitty. "You! Give me the sword, and I'll let your friends live." Black Tom raised his staff and pointed it towards Britannic. "I won't ask twice."

"Nay, Kitty! Don't ye do it!" protested Siryn, still struggling. Kitty reached down and grabbed the sword. "Ye can't trust him! Please don' a listen to 'em!"

Suddenly, a wolf leaped into the air. It's fangs dug into the staff and began to pull it away from Black Tom, but he held on tightly. "What's the meanin' o this?" Black Tom cried as he struggled to pull his staff free of the wolf's jaws. "Ye, mangy mutt. I'll have ye're head for this!"

Black Tom kicked the wolf with his leg, knocking it to the ground. With the staff free from the wolf's jaws, he turned the staff towards the wolf. "First, I'll get rid of ye." The staff began to glow with golden energy, as the wolf tried to pull itself to its feet.

"Rahne!" called a small voice. Suddenly, Black Tom's staff sprang free from his hand, and began to hover over his head. He reached for it, but staff continued to rise out of his reach with each attempt. Black Tom looked over to see a small blonde girl with her hands in the air.

"So, this is ye're doin'!" he growled. He started at the girl, who quickly released the staff and dashed where the wolf had lay. Only now, in that place stood another young girl, who was now being cradled by Moira MacTaggert. "Well, so this is your girl is it, Moira?"

Moira's eyes shot up at Black Tom, loathing him. "Ye're a sick man, Tom Cassidy. How can ye do this?!" asked Moira as the young girl Illyana cradled up next to Moira and Rahne, obviously afraid of Black Tom.

"I do it, because I can," he said. Black Tom turned back towards Kitty who had Excalibur in her hand. "Now, girl… the sword. Or I'll finish off this whole lot right now!"

"Nein, Kitty!" said Kurt as he appeared out of a cloud of brimstone next to Kitty. He held out his hand, taking the sword from Kitty. "Now, mein Fruend, if you vant Excalibur…." The blue-furred teen disappeared in a cloud of brimstone and reappeared in front of Black Tom. "… then try to take it from me."

Black Tom smiled as he saw the young teen wield the prize before his face. The smile grew into a chuckle as he realized all he had to do was take the prize from this… child. "Oh boyo, ye have no idea who ye're dealin' with."

"And neither do you," said Kurt. He swung the legendary blade through the air, and collided against Black Tom's staff, creating a golden spark. Kurt quickly stepped back as Black Tom chuckled slightly at the sight of the boy's fear.

"Heh heh. You're in for a surprise boyo. This staff here is charmed," said Black Tom. "There's no way that blade, even if it is Excalibur, will make firewood out of it."

Kurt looked past Black Tom at the Juggernaut who was still holding Siryn. Kurt turned his attention back to Black Tom, and then without warning rushed towards him, pushing the blade of Excalibur against Black Tom's staff. "Actually," Kurt grunted, "we've go a few surprises for you!"

Without warning, a bright flame lit the cavern. Black Tom stumbled backwards and covered his eyes with his hands. "I can't see!" he cried.

Kurt teleported, and reappeared behind Black Tom. "That's the whole idea!" said Kurt as he drove the but of the sword into the back of Black Tom's neck. Black Tom fell to the cavern floor unconscious. Kurt let out a sigh of relief. "It's over."

"It's not over yet," said the Juggernaut. He released his hold on Siryn and started towards Kurt.

"Yes it is!" cried Kitty. She leaped onto the Juggernaut's back and held on tight. "Now, Rachel!"

The source of the flame came into view as a large Phoenix swooped through the cavern towards the Juggernaut. The talons of the flaming Phoenix hit the Juggernaut in the chest, and continued to push him towards the wall. Britannic got to his feet and began pushing as well. Siryn turned to face the Juggernaut. She opened her mouth sending out a loud sonic scream that helped push the Juggernaut back as well.

"Kitty!" cried Kurt as he watched his friend phase through the cavern wall along with the Juggernaut. Kurt turned to face Dr. MacTaggert who was getting to her feet. "What's on the other side of that vall?"

"A long drop to the sea below," said Dr. MacTagget with a look of worry on her face.

"Not if I can help it," said Kurt. He disappeared in a cloud of brimstone. When Kurt reappeared he was outside, falling to the sea below. However, as he looked down he saw Kitty below. "Kitty!" called Kurt as he reached out his hand to grab her.

"Kurt!" Kitty called back reaching helplessly towards him. The Juggernaut continued to fall towards the ocean with little concern since he was invulnerable. "Kurt, help!" called Kitty.

Kurt tried to increase his speed and reach Kitty, but there was no way he'd make it in time, and teleporting closer to her was too dangerous, fur either of them. Suddenly, a streak of purple flew past Kurt. It was Illyana's dragon, Lockheed. Lockheed wrapped his talons around Kitty's shoulders and began flapping with all his might to lift Kitty up, but it was no use. Kitty was too heavy for his small size. However, Lockheed did slow Kitty down enough for Kurt to catch up.

Kurt wrapped his fingers around Kitty's wrist. As he did so, her head snapped up towards him to see her blue-furred friend smile. "Going up?" he said. Only a few feet above the roaring ocean waves, Kurt, Kitty and Lockheed disappeared in a cloud of brimstone, and reappeared at the entrance of the cavern. There they found the others waiting, with smiles of relief.

"Lockheed!" called Illyana as she ran up towards Kurt and Kitty. Her purple dragon left Kitty's shoulder and landed onto Illyana's. The small blonde girl giggled as Lockheed rubbed its head against hers. "You did good, Lockheed! I'm so proud of you!"

"So am I," added Kitty. "If it weren't for him, I don't know if Kurt could have reached me in time."

"Ja," agreed Kurt. "He vas a great help!"

"No! I don't believe this!" cried Rachel. Everyone quickly turned to face shorthaired redhead. "It's Black Tom! I can't sense him anymore. He's… he's gone."

"Are ye sure, child?" asked Dr. MacTaggert. Rachel Summers cast her eyes to each of her teammates, before finally nodding. Dr. MacTaggert sighed in defeat. "Well, at least he didn't get what he came for."

Kurt looked in his hand, to find that he was still holding Excalibur. Brian walked over towards Kurt admiring the blade. "Here, I think this belongs to you if anyone," said Kurt as he handed Brian the blade.

"Thank you," said Brian as he took the sword. "I'll make sure that Excalibur is safe… where the likes of Black Tom and the Juggernaut can never get it."

"Where is that?" asked Rahne standing next to her mother, Moira, whose arm was draped around her daughter.

"I'll return it to the Lady of the Lake," said Brian as he began to lift himself into the air. "I'll meet you all back at Muir Island." Brian then flew higher into the sky and out of sight.

Rachel stepped forward and cleared her throat. "I'll get the jet Dr. MacTaggert," said Rachel as she sprouted flaming wings and flew off into the sky.

Kurt and Kitty stood next to each other as they watched her fly off into sky. Kurt shook his head briefly and turned towards Kitty. "You know," he whispered to Kitty, "she may be Scott's cousin, but…."

"She looks so much like, Jean!" Kitty finished. "I know, it's really weird isn't it?" Kitty sighed and wrapped her arm around Kurt's. The blue-furred teen turned to face Kitty with a smile on his face. "Okay, Mr. Wagner, we have thirteen days left in Europe and you've got a lot to show me!"

"Around Europe in thirteen days?! Easy as pie!" Kurt joked as they turned to join the others on the way towards the jet. "And speaking of pie… vait until you see Belgium! They have the must luscious pie throughout Europe!"

"Really?" asked Kitty.

"Yeah, but you have to promise me one thing," said Kurt.

"Sure, what is it?" she asked.

"Don't try to get any recipes vhile you're here."

***

Jean and Betsy moved cautiously towards the burning building as the inferno raged on. As the stood only feet away from the blaze, beads of sweat began to run across their foreheads. The girls turned to face each other after gazing at the fire raging in the building. Jean took a deep breath and offered Betsy her hand. The young British teen nodded and grasped Jean's offered hand.

Slowly, the pair began to float into the air, higher and higher next to the raging flames engulfing the building. They continued to rise, until they reached the window that Peter had leapt from with the two children. Jean looked over towards Betsy. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Of course," said Betsy confidently. Jean pursed her lips as she stared into Betsy's eyes. Betsy sighed. "Last time I lie to a telepath… honest." Betsy offered Jean a brief smile before turning her attention back towards the window. Suddenly, Betsy felt Jean's telekinetic push. As Betsy's body neared the window, she straightened her body as if she were sliding headfirst down a water ramp. Betsy's body shot through the window like an arrow.

Once she was inside, Betsy rolled across the floor and sprang to her feet. She looked around searching for Scott, fighting the call of the overwhelming heat. Then, she saw him, but he was trapped. Betsy started towards, him, but another beam fell just in front of her. Betsy took a few steps back and started sprinting towards the newly fallen barrier. Betsy then leapt over the flaming beam, and then hit a handspring and a few somersaults to find her self next to Scott.

Jean, I need you, called Betsy telepathically. Scott's trapped under a beam, but it's burning I can't lift it.

Already one step ahead of you, Jean's voice sounded in Betsy's head. Betsy turned to see Jean performing the exact same feat that she had, as the redhead landed right next to Betsy. Betsy watched her slightly impressed. Jean smiled briefly. "A little psychic tutoring and some telekinesis can work wonders!" said Jean. She then looked down to see Scott.

Jean fought back the urge to kneel to his side and check on him. Right now they needed to get him out. Jean closed her eyes and started to lift the beam. Betsy bent down and pulled Scott from underneath the beam he'd been trapped under as Jean held it in place. Once Betsy had pulled him free, Jean let the beam go. She knelt down to help Betsy lift Scott up.

"Come on, let's get out of her," said Jean. Betsy nodded towards Jean, her hair now soaked from sweat clinging to the side of her face. Jean formed a telekinetic bubble around the trio of mutants and together Betsy and Jean carried Scott towards the window. When the girls made it to the beam that blocked their path they turned to each other.

"Save your strength. I've got this one, Red," said Betsy. She lifted her leg and brought it crashing down on the beam. The beam shattered into two charred pieces, allowing them enough room to get through. Jean turned to face Betsy with a look of approval. "Never knew I could do that, honest." The girls continued towards the window, where they stepped out into the open air. The trio began to fall towards the ground. Jean used her telekinesis to prevent them from crashing down onto the concrete floor. Still, with the weight of three people, they landed somewhat harder than she would have liked.

"Are you okay?" asked Peter as he rushed over towards his friends. The girls looked up towards him, with black soot smeared across their faces. They coughed, clearing the smoke from their lungs, but nodded towards him. "Good, come on," said Peter. He leaned over and picked up Scott. "The authorities are on their way, and we're starting to get an audience."

The girls turned to see the people now rushing over to see the fire. They also began to hear the sirens quickly approaching. Jean nodded towards the others Peter and Betsy who started to leave the scene. Jean paused for a moment seeing the two children they had rescued were now being wrapped safely in the blanket of a police officer. Satisfied that the children were out of harm, Jean turned and followed her friends.

Peter's hand flowed across the paper, carefully sketching lines across the small canvas in his hand. He paused to look up at the sight before him. Scott Summers lay asleep in his bed with a bandage wrapped neatly around his head. Sitting next to him was Jean Grey, curled up in a chair. Peter smiled and continued to sketch away. He didn't look up again, until he heard the soft whisper of Jean's voice.

"Scott!" she said as her eyes fluttered open. She sat up and turned towards Scott. His head began to stir as hushed groans escaped his lips. Jean reached onto the nightstand next to the bed and grabbed Scott's ruby-quartz glasses. He placed the glasses over his eyes, and watched through the lens as his eyes opened, and fell upon her.

"J-Jean," he whispered. A smile began to spread across his face as he felt her hand wrap tightly around his own. He gazed up at Jean, and could see the tears begin to flow from her jade-colored eyes. "W-what happened? The… the kids?"

"They're safe," said Jean quickly. "And so are you. You know you had us worried for a while, but Professor Xavier and Dr. McCoy said that you should be just fine."

Scott could only smile in response as he tried to sit up. Jean reached over and helped him get comfortable. Scott the felt the hands of another helping him straighten himself. He turned to Peter helping him. Scott nodded towards him. "Thank you," Scott said after taking a deep breath. He looked around the room, and then turned back towards Jean and Peter. "Where's Betsy?"

"She went downstairs to get some hot chocolate," answered Jean with a smile. "She's been here with us waiting for you to wake up all night. She was pretty concerned about you… we all were."

Scott smiled. "Yeah, I know," he said. "And, by the way, I actually woke up around 3am, but you all seemed so tired, I decided to let you sleep," he said.

Jean pursed her lips, and looked over towards Peter who was smiling as well. Everyone's head turned towards the door, as they heard the click of the lock turning. However, they were surprised to see Rogue enter the room carrying a tray of hot chocolate.

"Rogue?" said Jean. Peter walked over and took the tray from Rogue and sat it down on a nearby table. "What happened to Betsy? I thought she went downstairs to get the hot chocolate."

Rogue sighed as she turned to face Jean. "She did, but she ran into someone while she was downstairs and asked me to bring the chocolate up instead," answered Rogue.

"Who was downstairs, Rogue?" Jean asked.

"A friend," said Rogue. "A friend who came to visit Scott."

Jean shook her head, unable to think of who it could be. She turned back towards Rogue to ask again, but Rogue quickly pointed towards the window. "And there they go, now," said Rogue. Jean turned to look out the window, and was immediately joined by Peter and Scott. The teens watched as Betsy flew through the air, giggling with joy, in the arms of an angel.

"Well, she's certainly enjoying herself," said Jean. A smile began to spread across Jean's face. "And she deserves it… she's been through a lot lately."

Scott turned to face Jean, somewhat surprised by her attitude towards Betsy. A smile began to spread across his face as well. "Yeah, I guess she has," said Scott.

"Maybe, but leave it to Warren to rescue a gal just in time," said Rogue as she gazed out the window as well. Scott, Jean and Peter then turned to face Rogue with looks of surprise on their faces. Seeing that she was now the center of attention Rogue cleared her throat. "Uh… so I've heard. I-I've gotta go!" Rogue quickly turned and left the room.

"What was that about?" Jean asked Scott.

Scott chuckled after Rogue's departure. "I'll tell you about it sometime," said Scott.

"Well, I think I'll follow Rogue's example," said Peter. He then turned towards Scott. "I hope you fell better, Tovarisch."

"Thanks, Peter," said Scott, "for everything."

Peter nodded and started out of the room. He reached down in the chair he had been sitting in and picked up his canvas. Jean turned towards him with a smile. "Hey, Peter, mind if I get a look?"

Peter looked down at the canvas for a few seconds and smiled. "Not just yet, Jean," said Peter. "But I'll be happy to show it to you after its done."

"Well, now you've got me curious," said Jean. "Can't you give me a little peek or something?"

Peter looked at the canvas again, and then turned back towards Scott and Jean who were waiting in anticipation. "I can tell you its title. It's called… 'Forever,'" said Peter. He watched as Scott and Jean exchanged a brief look with each other as he said the title. Peter then stepped into the hallway and gazed down at the canvas.

Penciled on the canvas were the faces of Scott and Jean. In the image, their eyes were locked together, as if they were gazing into each other's soul. The passion between the two was completely obvious and unmistakable. Peter shook his head and smiled. "Yes, Jean," he began, "'Forever' is the perfect title for this piece. Because there is no other way to describe the bond that the two of you share… even if neither of you can see it… yet."

THE END