The six heroes and six villains stared at each other, while the Joker
laughed hysterically. Absent the laughter, the room was quiet, with the
footfalls of Wolverine, Catwoman, and that of the Professor's body suit
echoing in the hall. None of the villains moved to stop them, and none of
the heroes made a move.
Then all heck broke loose.
The Joker started it, springing for Jean Grey, hands outstretched. Jean stopped the clown in his tracks and attempted to take a direct mental blow to the Joker. Unfortunately, the insanity of the Clown Prince of Crime was unlike anything that Jean had ever encountered. During her attempt to place a mental "whammy" on the clown, Jean became mentally entrapped in the "mire" that was the Joker's mind. So ensnared, both hero and villain stood transfixed, as a battle waged in the Joker's head. The only indication of who was winning the occasionally giggle that escaped from the telepath's lips, and the occasional frown that adorned the clown's lips.
Meanwhile, the Beast was struggling with the Killer Croc. While the Croc was more powerful, the Beast was dodging the blows of the Gotham rogue easily using his heightened sense of acrobatic nature. However, the blows that the Beast was landing were proving ineffective. Seeing the duel between Iceman and Mister Freeze, the scientist Hank McCoy had an idea.
"You bear a resemblance physically to Crocodiles, and you have the strength of such a creature," said the Beast to the Rogue. "I wonder if you have the disadvantages of such a creature."
"Blue thing talks to much," said the Croc charging the Beast. "Just die already!" Lowering his head, he ran at the Beast. The Beast dropped to his back, and using the natural momentum of the Gothamite, propelled the Croc into a beam of ice shot by his compatriot, Mister Freeze. The blast had the desired effect of encapsulating the majority of the villain's body in ice, as well as knocking him out.
"The poet Robert Frost once inquired if the world was going to end in fire, or in ice," said the Beast running up to check on his opponent. "I am pretty sure yours will end in ice, my cold blooded friend. To be slightly coy, mammals 1, reptiles 0."
Rogue and Bane were also paired up, and the lack of common decency taught at Santa Prisca showed as Ban slammed his fist into Rogue. Reeling back from the blow, Bane picked up the Southern Belle and raised her body over his head, going for the back breaker. "Sorry senorita, but this fight ends now," said Bane, as he prepared to deliver the killing blow.
Unable to get good position to deliver a blow with any force, and desperate to break the hold, Rogue took off her glove and placed her hand on Bane's bare skin. Energy from Bane drained into the mutant, and the iron grip quickly rusted away. Rogue followed with a quick right, a left, and an upper cut to the giant's face. Down went Bane, and Rogue fell to her knees.
"Rogue, are you all right," asked a worried Beast who bounded to her side.
"Sure sugah," said a weary Rogue, with a slight guttural growl to her voice thanks to her absorption of Bane. "I'll need a minute though, as the punches were light taps, and that Bane's personality and memories aren't pretty. Guard Jean though, will ya? Looks like she's got her hands full with that clown, and won't be able to defend herself." Nodding, the Beast went to his teammate's aid.
Meanwhile, Iceman and Mister Freeze continued to exchange icy blasts, neither gaining an advantage. "You are quite adept with your blasts," conceded Freeze as he let fly. "But the day shall still be mine."
Iceman shook his head. "You know you and I are really different. You need the cold to survive, and you use it like a weapon. I am the cold. Also, you are a little too uptight. Everyday is a snow day to you; have fun with it."
"Is there anything else boy," asked an exasperated frozen villain."
"Yeah," said Iceman calling up several razor sharp icicles. "I know all the best ways to cheat." Letting the icicles fly, they found their target in Mr. Freeze's ice gun, destroying it. Letting out an enraged bellow, Freeze charged. Effectively "unloading," Iceman sent his icy blasts full throttle at the charging villain. Using his superstrength and his natural tendency to favor freezing temperatures, Freeze fought against the blasts. For thirty seconds no side gained an advantage. It went back and forth until finally Freeze lost his footing and flew against a far well. Capitalizing on his advantage, Iceman fortified the position, putting Freeze under so much ice he could not get out.
"Phew.that was close. That guy had me on the ropes," said Iceman crouching over, hands on his knees. "I am gonna need a few minutes to recharge.
With three villains left, but all of the heroes otherwise occupied, the X- Men still had a serious fight on their hands. No one had noticed the vines and various plantlife adorning the walls and in pots around the room, however once Poison Ivy began to attack Cyclops it became apparent. With what seemed to be an attack from everywhere at once, the Cyclops was barely able to hold his own. Finally a vine reached out and snaked around Scott Summers' ankle. Scott quickly looked downward to blast it, when another leafy arm snaked out and stole his visor. Blind and powerless, Cyclops was dragged and hung in front of the Plantlife Princess.
"Well, well, well," said Poison Ivy. "Aren't you the handsome devil. But men are deceiving, especially if you judge them based on their looks. You shot up several of my plantlife brethren with your blasts, and now you'll pay for that." A spiked vine went up for the kill when Gambit, thrown by Deathstroke landed next to the plant throne on which the Plant Goddess sat.
"I hate doing this to a beautiful woman like yourself," as Gambit passed kinetic energy into the plant, making it glow red. "But you have mah friend, and I can't allow that." The plant exploded, blowing Ivy clear, knocking her out. The plant promptly dropped Cyclops, who frantically searched for his visor.
Despite his victory over Ivy, Gambit had no time to rest as he promptly had to defend against the attacks of Deathstroke. The mercenary's heightened abilities, rapid healing factor, and mastery of fighting styles were reminiscent of Wolverine, but his heightened strength and cadre of weaponry made him more difficult to deal with in some ways. Difficult for one man to deal with anyway. Dodging another swipe of his enemy's bo, Gambit readied a card, when the mercenary was hit by two blasts, one of red energy, another of cool blue ice. Cyclops stood at the ready with his visor, and Iceman, although a little fatigued began to prepare for another blow. Rogue began to stride toward the mercenary after helping her fellow Southerner to his feet. The tide had changed.
"While it would be interesting," said Deathstroke as he began to back away, "I wasn't paid enough for this. While it would have been interesting, I am afraid I must bid you adieu. I trust you won't follow me, what with your comrade still in active battle with the Clown, and the Batclan in such bad shape. However, we will meet again." With that the mercenary turned and walked away.
Gambit began to move towards the Terminator, but Cyclops stopped him. "He's right. Jean is still fighting with that thing, and we gotta get Batman's family out. Let's go." Cyclops moved to Jean's side and asked Beast, "How is she doing?"
Beast looked up, a worried expression painted on his face. "Not good. Never before have I seen Jean struggle like this. Whatever this thing is, it has her trapped in the bowels of his mind. While she is maintaining her mental integrity, she needs to get out soon."
Summer put his hand on Jean's shoulder and closed his eyes, using the training that Xavier and Jean had given him to clear his mind. Then, he sent out a mental shout, a jolt of effort to tell Jean was there and offer his help. Jean, sweating now, nodded almost imperceptibly, and grabbed Scott's hand. Suddenly, Scott's head was filled with crazy, obsessed laughter, that seemed to come from everywhere. Cyclops head flew up as the strain caused by the laughter was immense. Then, the Joker shuddered, and collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. Cyclops and Jean followed in short order, but retained their consciousness. The X-Men ran to their side.
"What happened in there," inquired Rogue. "What went on?"
"Oh my god, no wonder the Bat is so dark," said Jean as she returned to a sitting position. "That thing is one of the most evil minds I have been trapped in. There was no logic to that place, no sense of direction. The rage and that hideous laughing was wearing me down. If Scott had not taken some of the burden off of me, I would have been destroyed."
Rogue and Gambit helped Jean to her feet, while the Beast gave Scott a hand up. Cyclops cleared his throat, and said, "C'mon...we gotta find Batman's family."
***********************************
Alfred coughed up blood, as the rest of the family struggled against their bonds. It had been about a week and a half since their capture, and every day since then, they were beaten methodically and meticulously, then bandaged up. Ra's Al Ghul, their captor, had visited them on occasion, and explained the process and the goal of their internment. He had thought it only fair. It had the desired effect, as it kept the family members focused and intent on breaking out. They had all feared the possibility when Bruce might be pushed off the edge and lost to them forever. They would not give up until they freed themselves and the others.
All of them had envisioned what Bruce must have been going through. It was painful enough to watcheach other beaten, but they had each other for support. However, to be forced to watch over and over while the others were beaten during every waking hour, to be compelled to see loved ones savagely brutalized was bad enough. But when you are Bruce Wayne and you dress like a Bat to deal with the pain of your parents' murder from years back, and you have no one to even talk to, the trauma of seeing something like that could be quite damaging.
"Take a break," ordered a weary Nightwing. "We will do no good for Batman weak. We need to use our heads. There has got to be a way out of this."
"Dick, its no use," said Robin. "We have been at this for days. We don't have our belts and our uniforms have been pillaged of all useful tools. We are beaten up and tired. We have nothing that could help us. I am not giving up, but what can we do."
Nightwing was about to reply, when the door opened, and a group of people they had never seen before walked in. They looked around, and then nodded at each other and moved towards them.
"Hey," yelled Nightwing, struggling to stand. "Leave them alone! If you are going to do anything, come after me!" Nightwing prepared to take the blow, but was surprised to find the shackles being unlocked.
"Don't worry," said the man with the weird visor. "We are the good guys. Sit down and take some time while we check you out." Nightwing looked around to see each member of his family being looked at by one or more of the individuals. Dick was being attended to by weird visor guy and drop dead gorgeous red head.
"Lay down Mr. Grayson," said the red head, and Dick complied until he "heard" the name used. Bolting upright he was greeted with a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's alright," said the red head in a soothing voice. "We are friends from another place. We will explain while we attend to some of your wounds. If it makes you feel better, we are allies of the Titans."
Nightwing acquiesced and nodded saying, "I don't know if its my thing with redheads or what but I believe you. But I think it would be in your best interest to tell me what is going on."
Cyclops began to explain where he was from and what had happened in the past few days as Jean attended to Nightwing's wounds. During the parts where Cyclops described the injuries to Oracle and Commissioner Gordon, Nighwing flinched and his muscles clenched slightly, but he said nothing. Upon completing the tale, Nightwing nodded and sat up. "Thanks for everything you have done, especially with getting Oracle and the Commissioner to people who could help them" Nightwing stated, standing to his feet. "But me and my associates need to go now. We promised we would get to Batman, and that is what we are going to do."
Cyclops got in Nightwing's way and Nightwing replied, "I hope you are not planning on stopping with some line about my injuries and how it is best if I just stay put. Heroes on this world, especially in this family, don't listen to that type of argument."
Cyclops shook his head and said, "you misunderstand me. I know I can't stop you from going in there. But two things. First of all, your belts, which I assume are yours, are hanging from a hook just outside the doorway. Also there are friendlies in there that you should know about. One is Catwoman, who I know is generally on the opposite side of the law with you. She is with us today so don't go after her. There is also a guy in a yellow, black, and blue uniform with long metal claws from his hand. His name is Wolverine, and despite his attitude and general personality, he is with us too. Finally, there will be a bald man, who will be in close proximity to your father. He is a powerful telepath and will be trying to pull your father out of the coma. No matter what it looks like he is doing, do not touch him or your father. Do we understand each other?"
Nightwing nodded, and then looking to Batgirl and Robin nodded to them. "We'll trust you," said Nightwing. "But I hope he is as good as you think he is. Take care of Alfred, will you," asked Nightwing. "He has been here the longest, and has taken some hellacious beatings. Make sure he is OK?"
Cyclops nodded and said, "you have my word." With that, Nightwing, Robin and Batgirl silently left. Cyclops turned to the other X-Men. "OK. We are not sitting on the sidelines for this one. Rogue, Iceman, and Gambit, I need you to head out to help the Titans with that army. Of those of us who are here, you have the best chance of providing the most aid to them. Beast, I need you to stay here with Jean and Alfred. Jean is not at a 100% and Alfred is hurt. With your medical training you can help them more than I could. I am going after the Professor, and provide cover. I don't think the 'Batclan' is going to be much interested in protecting him, and he needs some cover if he is going to do what I think he is going to do. Are we clear?" Cyclops was greeted with a chorus of ayes, and then the group splintered off and ran to their respective duties.
Beast turned his attention to Alfred and finished splinting his broken leg. Alfred than spoke up in a hoarse and British voice, "You look like a very capable young man for the task I am about to set before you young man. I need you to get me upright and to Batman. To Masters Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Miss Cassandra."
McCoy shook his head, and replied, "Sir, I do not think that would be such a good idea. You are greatly injured, and due to your age and status, I think that moving you would be too dangerous."
Alfred stared at the mutant coldly and said, "Sir, I tell you this. I may be old, and I may be injured, but I am not dead. I was in dangerous missions before you were born sir, and I have faced more deadly odds than this. It is true that I am not in the best shape of my life, but I understand that. My family needs me, and I will not let them down. If I have to crawl to them while fighting you, so be it. But I will get there. It would expedite the process, however, if you would lend me some of your aid, sirrah."
The Beast nodded and said. "You leave me no choice. Shall I carry you?"
Alfred shook his head. "I am may be hurt, but I am still British and a former member of her Majesty's armed forces. No, allow me to lean on you sir, and I shall stride in to the lair of the Demon as an Englishman. For the Queen and St. George. And for my family."
Helping Alfred up, McCoy looked over at the man and said, "I think we would get along famously."
As the pair strode out of the prison, being followed by Jean Grey, Alfred smiled, "But of course sir."
Then all heck broke loose.
The Joker started it, springing for Jean Grey, hands outstretched. Jean stopped the clown in his tracks and attempted to take a direct mental blow to the Joker. Unfortunately, the insanity of the Clown Prince of Crime was unlike anything that Jean had ever encountered. During her attempt to place a mental "whammy" on the clown, Jean became mentally entrapped in the "mire" that was the Joker's mind. So ensnared, both hero and villain stood transfixed, as a battle waged in the Joker's head. The only indication of who was winning the occasionally giggle that escaped from the telepath's lips, and the occasional frown that adorned the clown's lips.
Meanwhile, the Beast was struggling with the Killer Croc. While the Croc was more powerful, the Beast was dodging the blows of the Gotham rogue easily using his heightened sense of acrobatic nature. However, the blows that the Beast was landing were proving ineffective. Seeing the duel between Iceman and Mister Freeze, the scientist Hank McCoy had an idea.
"You bear a resemblance physically to Crocodiles, and you have the strength of such a creature," said the Beast to the Rogue. "I wonder if you have the disadvantages of such a creature."
"Blue thing talks to much," said the Croc charging the Beast. "Just die already!" Lowering his head, he ran at the Beast. The Beast dropped to his back, and using the natural momentum of the Gothamite, propelled the Croc into a beam of ice shot by his compatriot, Mister Freeze. The blast had the desired effect of encapsulating the majority of the villain's body in ice, as well as knocking him out.
"The poet Robert Frost once inquired if the world was going to end in fire, or in ice," said the Beast running up to check on his opponent. "I am pretty sure yours will end in ice, my cold blooded friend. To be slightly coy, mammals 1, reptiles 0."
Rogue and Bane were also paired up, and the lack of common decency taught at Santa Prisca showed as Ban slammed his fist into Rogue. Reeling back from the blow, Bane picked up the Southern Belle and raised her body over his head, going for the back breaker. "Sorry senorita, but this fight ends now," said Bane, as he prepared to deliver the killing blow.
Unable to get good position to deliver a blow with any force, and desperate to break the hold, Rogue took off her glove and placed her hand on Bane's bare skin. Energy from Bane drained into the mutant, and the iron grip quickly rusted away. Rogue followed with a quick right, a left, and an upper cut to the giant's face. Down went Bane, and Rogue fell to her knees.
"Rogue, are you all right," asked a worried Beast who bounded to her side.
"Sure sugah," said a weary Rogue, with a slight guttural growl to her voice thanks to her absorption of Bane. "I'll need a minute though, as the punches were light taps, and that Bane's personality and memories aren't pretty. Guard Jean though, will ya? Looks like she's got her hands full with that clown, and won't be able to defend herself." Nodding, the Beast went to his teammate's aid.
Meanwhile, Iceman and Mister Freeze continued to exchange icy blasts, neither gaining an advantage. "You are quite adept with your blasts," conceded Freeze as he let fly. "But the day shall still be mine."
Iceman shook his head. "You know you and I are really different. You need the cold to survive, and you use it like a weapon. I am the cold. Also, you are a little too uptight. Everyday is a snow day to you; have fun with it."
"Is there anything else boy," asked an exasperated frozen villain."
"Yeah," said Iceman calling up several razor sharp icicles. "I know all the best ways to cheat." Letting the icicles fly, they found their target in Mr. Freeze's ice gun, destroying it. Letting out an enraged bellow, Freeze charged. Effectively "unloading," Iceman sent his icy blasts full throttle at the charging villain. Using his superstrength and his natural tendency to favor freezing temperatures, Freeze fought against the blasts. For thirty seconds no side gained an advantage. It went back and forth until finally Freeze lost his footing and flew against a far well. Capitalizing on his advantage, Iceman fortified the position, putting Freeze under so much ice he could not get out.
"Phew.that was close. That guy had me on the ropes," said Iceman crouching over, hands on his knees. "I am gonna need a few minutes to recharge.
With three villains left, but all of the heroes otherwise occupied, the X- Men still had a serious fight on their hands. No one had noticed the vines and various plantlife adorning the walls and in pots around the room, however once Poison Ivy began to attack Cyclops it became apparent. With what seemed to be an attack from everywhere at once, the Cyclops was barely able to hold his own. Finally a vine reached out and snaked around Scott Summers' ankle. Scott quickly looked downward to blast it, when another leafy arm snaked out and stole his visor. Blind and powerless, Cyclops was dragged and hung in front of the Plantlife Princess.
"Well, well, well," said Poison Ivy. "Aren't you the handsome devil. But men are deceiving, especially if you judge them based on their looks. You shot up several of my plantlife brethren with your blasts, and now you'll pay for that." A spiked vine went up for the kill when Gambit, thrown by Deathstroke landed next to the plant throne on which the Plant Goddess sat.
"I hate doing this to a beautiful woman like yourself," as Gambit passed kinetic energy into the plant, making it glow red. "But you have mah friend, and I can't allow that." The plant exploded, blowing Ivy clear, knocking her out. The plant promptly dropped Cyclops, who frantically searched for his visor.
Despite his victory over Ivy, Gambit had no time to rest as he promptly had to defend against the attacks of Deathstroke. The mercenary's heightened abilities, rapid healing factor, and mastery of fighting styles were reminiscent of Wolverine, but his heightened strength and cadre of weaponry made him more difficult to deal with in some ways. Difficult for one man to deal with anyway. Dodging another swipe of his enemy's bo, Gambit readied a card, when the mercenary was hit by two blasts, one of red energy, another of cool blue ice. Cyclops stood at the ready with his visor, and Iceman, although a little fatigued began to prepare for another blow. Rogue began to stride toward the mercenary after helping her fellow Southerner to his feet. The tide had changed.
"While it would be interesting," said Deathstroke as he began to back away, "I wasn't paid enough for this. While it would have been interesting, I am afraid I must bid you adieu. I trust you won't follow me, what with your comrade still in active battle with the Clown, and the Batclan in such bad shape. However, we will meet again." With that the mercenary turned and walked away.
Gambit began to move towards the Terminator, but Cyclops stopped him. "He's right. Jean is still fighting with that thing, and we gotta get Batman's family out. Let's go." Cyclops moved to Jean's side and asked Beast, "How is she doing?"
Beast looked up, a worried expression painted on his face. "Not good. Never before have I seen Jean struggle like this. Whatever this thing is, it has her trapped in the bowels of his mind. While she is maintaining her mental integrity, she needs to get out soon."
Summer put his hand on Jean's shoulder and closed his eyes, using the training that Xavier and Jean had given him to clear his mind. Then, he sent out a mental shout, a jolt of effort to tell Jean was there and offer his help. Jean, sweating now, nodded almost imperceptibly, and grabbed Scott's hand. Suddenly, Scott's head was filled with crazy, obsessed laughter, that seemed to come from everywhere. Cyclops head flew up as the strain caused by the laughter was immense. Then, the Joker shuddered, and collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. Cyclops and Jean followed in short order, but retained their consciousness. The X-Men ran to their side.
"What happened in there," inquired Rogue. "What went on?"
"Oh my god, no wonder the Bat is so dark," said Jean as she returned to a sitting position. "That thing is one of the most evil minds I have been trapped in. There was no logic to that place, no sense of direction. The rage and that hideous laughing was wearing me down. If Scott had not taken some of the burden off of me, I would have been destroyed."
Rogue and Gambit helped Jean to her feet, while the Beast gave Scott a hand up. Cyclops cleared his throat, and said, "C'mon...we gotta find Batman's family."
***********************************
Alfred coughed up blood, as the rest of the family struggled against their bonds. It had been about a week and a half since their capture, and every day since then, they were beaten methodically and meticulously, then bandaged up. Ra's Al Ghul, their captor, had visited them on occasion, and explained the process and the goal of their internment. He had thought it only fair. It had the desired effect, as it kept the family members focused and intent on breaking out. They had all feared the possibility when Bruce might be pushed off the edge and lost to them forever. They would not give up until they freed themselves and the others.
All of them had envisioned what Bruce must have been going through. It was painful enough to watcheach other beaten, but they had each other for support. However, to be forced to watch over and over while the others were beaten during every waking hour, to be compelled to see loved ones savagely brutalized was bad enough. But when you are Bruce Wayne and you dress like a Bat to deal with the pain of your parents' murder from years back, and you have no one to even talk to, the trauma of seeing something like that could be quite damaging.
"Take a break," ordered a weary Nightwing. "We will do no good for Batman weak. We need to use our heads. There has got to be a way out of this."
"Dick, its no use," said Robin. "We have been at this for days. We don't have our belts and our uniforms have been pillaged of all useful tools. We are beaten up and tired. We have nothing that could help us. I am not giving up, but what can we do."
Nightwing was about to reply, when the door opened, and a group of people they had never seen before walked in. They looked around, and then nodded at each other and moved towards them.
"Hey," yelled Nightwing, struggling to stand. "Leave them alone! If you are going to do anything, come after me!" Nightwing prepared to take the blow, but was surprised to find the shackles being unlocked.
"Don't worry," said the man with the weird visor. "We are the good guys. Sit down and take some time while we check you out." Nightwing looked around to see each member of his family being looked at by one or more of the individuals. Dick was being attended to by weird visor guy and drop dead gorgeous red head.
"Lay down Mr. Grayson," said the red head, and Dick complied until he "heard" the name used. Bolting upright he was greeted with a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's alright," said the red head in a soothing voice. "We are friends from another place. We will explain while we attend to some of your wounds. If it makes you feel better, we are allies of the Titans."
Nightwing acquiesced and nodded saying, "I don't know if its my thing with redheads or what but I believe you. But I think it would be in your best interest to tell me what is going on."
Cyclops began to explain where he was from and what had happened in the past few days as Jean attended to Nightwing's wounds. During the parts where Cyclops described the injuries to Oracle and Commissioner Gordon, Nighwing flinched and his muscles clenched slightly, but he said nothing. Upon completing the tale, Nightwing nodded and sat up. "Thanks for everything you have done, especially with getting Oracle and the Commissioner to people who could help them" Nightwing stated, standing to his feet. "But me and my associates need to go now. We promised we would get to Batman, and that is what we are going to do."
Cyclops got in Nightwing's way and Nightwing replied, "I hope you are not planning on stopping with some line about my injuries and how it is best if I just stay put. Heroes on this world, especially in this family, don't listen to that type of argument."
Cyclops shook his head and said, "you misunderstand me. I know I can't stop you from going in there. But two things. First of all, your belts, which I assume are yours, are hanging from a hook just outside the doorway. Also there are friendlies in there that you should know about. One is Catwoman, who I know is generally on the opposite side of the law with you. She is with us today so don't go after her. There is also a guy in a yellow, black, and blue uniform with long metal claws from his hand. His name is Wolverine, and despite his attitude and general personality, he is with us too. Finally, there will be a bald man, who will be in close proximity to your father. He is a powerful telepath and will be trying to pull your father out of the coma. No matter what it looks like he is doing, do not touch him or your father. Do we understand each other?"
Nightwing nodded, and then looking to Batgirl and Robin nodded to them. "We'll trust you," said Nightwing. "But I hope he is as good as you think he is. Take care of Alfred, will you," asked Nightwing. "He has been here the longest, and has taken some hellacious beatings. Make sure he is OK?"
Cyclops nodded and said, "you have my word." With that, Nightwing, Robin and Batgirl silently left. Cyclops turned to the other X-Men. "OK. We are not sitting on the sidelines for this one. Rogue, Iceman, and Gambit, I need you to head out to help the Titans with that army. Of those of us who are here, you have the best chance of providing the most aid to them. Beast, I need you to stay here with Jean and Alfred. Jean is not at a 100% and Alfred is hurt. With your medical training you can help them more than I could. I am going after the Professor, and provide cover. I don't think the 'Batclan' is going to be much interested in protecting him, and he needs some cover if he is going to do what I think he is going to do. Are we clear?" Cyclops was greeted with a chorus of ayes, and then the group splintered off and ran to their respective duties.
Beast turned his attention to Alfred and finished splinting his broken leg. Alfred than spoke up in a hoarse and British voice, "You look like a very capable young man for the task I am about to set before you young man. I need you to get me upright and to Batman. To Masters Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Miss Cassandra."
McCoy shook his head, and replied, "Sir, I do not think that would be such a good idea. You are greatly injured, and due to your age and status, I think that moving you would be too dangerous."
Alfred stared at the mutant coldly and said, "Sir, I tell you this. I may be old, and I may be injured, but I am not dead. I was in dangerous missions before you were born sir, and I have faced more deadly odds than this. It is true that I am not in the best shape of my life, but I understand that. My family needs me, and I will not let them down. If I have to crawl to them while fighting you, so be it. But I will get there. It would expedite the process, however, if you would lend me some of your aid, sirrah."
The Beast nodded and said. "You leave me no choice. Shall I carry you?"
Alfred shook his head. "I am may be hurt, but I am still British and a former member of her Majesty's armed forces. No, allow me to lean on you sir, and I shall stride in to the lair of the Demon as an Englishman. For the Queen and St. George. And for my family."
Helping Alfred up, McCoy looked over at the man and said, "I think we would get along famously."
As the pair strode out of the prison, being followed by Jean Grey, Alfred smiled, "But of course sir."