(For a few seconds, there was almost silence in the room. The only sound was the incoming police sirens, and the vague impression of panic in the background.
(It wasn't long ago, the youngest amongst them, a stunning young redhead by the name of Jean Grey, broke up the fight between the four of them, for reasons she had no idea of. Something had called them all the way from nearby Winchester here . . .
(Almost as soon as she got there to try to break up the fight, a new, more sinister threat appeared on the scene. This giant, blue . . . well, giant. Truely surreal, with an absurdly over muscled twenty foot body, and a 'grin' that seemed to streach to the back of a grey face. Something large and blue, almost resembling armor, covered it's body.
(Jean's mentor, Charles Xavier, was the first to break the awkward silence. As Jean heard (and, despite having most of her telepathic abilities suppressed, mentally felt) the panicked rush in the background, he propelled the wheelchair forward, towards a large hole in the wall. He spoke in both his loudest physical and telepathic voice.)
Xavier: Whoever you are, we only seek peace.
(The giant creature took no heed of this stranger's words. Scott was about to suggest they got the hell out of there when a piercing ringing caught his attention. Something in the back of Scott's mind recognized it as a siren, meaning the police would arrive soon. It was drowned out by an instinct to survive. It's voice boomed out once more . . .)
"YOU HAVE 20 SECONDS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TEST OF SURVIVAL!"
Something about that, aside from the obvious, sounded rather ominous.
(Xavier turned solemnly towards Scott and the others, a sense of urgency in his voice.)
Xavier: We'd best clear the facility as soon as possible."
(Bobby stood defiantly, facing the monster outside the hole in the wall.)
Bobby: No way! We can take this blue freak!
Scott: Are you insane? That monster's over twenty feet tall, and he just tore half the wall off this compound like it was didn't even exist!
Jean: Professor, if we try to run, innocent people might get hurt! But how can we fight something like that?
(Once again, the laboratory violently shook under their feet. The giant's voice boomed throughout the building.)
"Fight me now, or I promise obliteration for those unworthy of survival!"
(Scott looked around the room, even as a small flash filled the wall. A split second later, he instinctively hurled, tackling Jean out of the way of a large chunk of debris. She was shaken. Scott saw the fear in her eyes. He felt it.
(Then he felt anger.)
Scott: Let's do this!
(Xavier was confused for a moment, if only a moment, but something inside him clicked that day. An old feeling, and a desire to lead, as he once had. Granted, over the years, it had evolved into a desire to teach, rather than a lust for combat . . . but this feeling, this old feeling . . .)
Xavier: If we're going to attack, we'll need a plan. First part is establishing a base.
(Xavier put his hands to his template. A second later, Bobby stirred.)
Bobby: Hey! What're you doin'?
Xavier: My apologizes, but you should find yourself able to more easily form ice bridges now.
(Scott stepped in front of Xavier, putting himself between the old man and Bobby.)
Scott: Wait a minute, whoever you are, I'd appreciate you asking before you go poking around in our brains.
Xavier: I apologize, but this conversation can hold until later. I won't influence you against you will, but I'm sure you can agree the time for action is now.
(Scott looked towards Bobby, who aimed his arms in front of him. That same chill took to the room, as a bridge of ice literally formed in front of him. Bobby instinctively jumped on, and carried himself from the room through that hole in the wall.)
Bobby: WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!! This's amazing!
Xavier: Warren, Hank, follow him out. I'm sure we'll be under attack by the time Scott, Jean, and I get out.
(Hank briefly wondered about how he's known their names, but put it aside, as he bound through the window, Warren right behind him.)
Hank: Ever pleased to serve.
(Warren made no noise, instead swooping high above, drawing the blue freak's attention.)
Scott: How do we . . .?
(The question was interrupted, as he felt himself gently lifted off his feet. The tingling in his body felt some how familiar. Powerful, yet comforting. He looked to see that girl, her arms spread out from her body. Clearly, this was her doing. She smiled at Scott. His best reply?)
Scott: Oh . .
(Meanwhile, outside, the monstrous figure started to laugh.)
Apocalypse: "Let the cleansing BEGIN! Let your BLOOD wash away your imperfections, so that you may be fit to serve . . . APOCALYPSE!!"
(His laughter echoed through the yards of the battered laboratories. Scott couldn't help but feel the smallest tingle run up his spine, and it wasn't from the impact as Jean set her, Bobby, and Xavier on the ground. All her attention seemed to go into making Xavier's landing the softest. Understandable. Scott looked over to him, hoping for some kind of lead. He seemed to command respect, a quality Scott had often dreamed of having.
(No time for dreams now, as the giant blue freak turned it's attention to them. We freaks on a lesser scale, Scott thought to himself.)
Apocalypse: (Glaring at Xavier) "Such a flawed human DARES violate the SACRED TEST of Apocalypse?!
Jean: (confused) Flawed human? He means . . . the professor! Oh no.
(Indeed, this monster, whatever it was, moved with surprising speed towards Xavier. It fired a bolt at Jean's wheelchair bound mentor! She threw up a mental shield, knowing in her mind she'd never be fast enough. And as the beam struck the spot before her, throwing her back, she realized she hadn't been quick enough to save her mentor.
(But Warren had been. Xavier, for his part, adjusted with impressive reflex, considering one second he was starring obliteration in the eye, and the very next, he was in the arms of this winged fellow mutant, flying high above the blue menace. It tried to blast at Xavier, to commit him to the fate Apocalypse had decreed him to. Warren was dodging the rays, only just.)
Scott: Lay off, Mister!
(And with that, Scott again removed those glasses, using the same ruby red optic energy he'd blasted Warren and Hank with earlier, during their "misunderstanding." Actually, Scott, desperate to find information on his younger brother Alex, when their "bosses" (Scott and Bobby had only taken the security jobs to get the information) busted in in those absurd looking blue and yellow outfits.
(Scott chided himself, and focused on the past, continuing to pour the optic beams onto the giant's face. Hank looked on in awe, realizing Scott really had been holding back against Hank. The scientist, however, didn't delay in his own physical attack, nailing this monstrosity's leg with a powerful kick. Hank bounced off, not to his surprise at all.)
Hank: (Shaking his head) Now I know how a tennis ball feels. (He backflipped to avoid being stepped on by Apocalypse, and continuing to roll and flip out of his way) The hazards continue to grow exponentially. Why am I not surprised?
(Warren, having left the mysterious professor with Jean, swooped under Scott's optic assault on the giant, gazing Apocalypse's eye with the side of Warren's wing; only a momentary distraction to the blue monster. As he flew past Apocalypse's shoulder, he heard the distinct whine of police sirens)
Warren: Great, more backup's arriving. Bullets might not even affect this monster, but they'll sure affect us we're in the crossfire.
(Xavier nodded in agreement, putting his fingers to his template. To most it might appear as if he was suffering the mental strains of the battle. Then again, most aren't aware of Xavier's amazing psychic skills. Right now, he very well might one of the top five most powerful telepaths on the planet.
(As it were, this was a simple use of his powers. The five youngsters heard his voice inside their minds. For the men, not as accustomed to this sensation as Jean, it was somewhat disturbing.)
"They won't be a problem. I've mindwhiped the ones close enough to see the action, and mentally rerouted them to the other side of town. I fear if we are unable to deal with this 'Apocalypse' soon, we will be discovered. This must be avoided at all costs."
Bobby: I'm on it!
(Bobby's reaction was unusually calm. He simply turned towards this deadly menace, focused for a minute, and began firing ice at it. Scott had not yet seen him pour it on like this. He was quickly covering the giant's legs in ice. Amazing, considering the size of this thing. It raised it's fist high over his head. Realizing it could shatter even that much ice easily, Scott pulled off his sunglasses again, and fired those strange optic beams from his eyes, full force, nailing the monster just under it's massive arm.)
Scott: That's not gonna stop it! We're gonna need to work together here!
Bobby: Let's make this a two for one! (It was pretty clear Bobby was pressing himself to his limits with his next trick; he split the beam of ice into two, using one hand to guide each. One continued to pour the ice on the legs, while the other aimed itself at the giant's massive head. Jean, meanwhile, scanned the surrounding area for something to psionically latch onto. She didn't want to risk bringing the building down, so using a section of the already - heavily - damaged wall was out. Her eyes then turned towards the beefy scientist (Jean had once read up on the local chapter of Warrington Industries for a science paper) as he leaped and bounded around that giant monster, kicking it's legs without much effect, but getting it's attention. The monster tore free of the columns of ice, and silently strode forward.)
Apocalypse: Yes, fight! Prove your worth to Apocalypse, my children! Prove that you are worthy to serve My Grace!
Hank: Oh, brother. We've got us a ambitious one tonight.
(With that, Hank steered clear of a barrage of beams the Giant fired at him, leapt onto the water fountain in the middle of the Worthington Estate yard, and hurled himself with almost inhuman force into the chest of the monster. It staggered him, even as Beast fell to the hard Earth, landing with a grace few cats could dare dream of.)
Scott: Keep the pressure on!!
(Scott shifted his blast to catch the monster blind in the eyes, hoping to keep him off balance so he couldn't mount a counter offense. Jean mentally tore a small tree from it's roots. The effort alone nearly caused her to black out. iKeep with it, Jean. It's for real this time,/i" she thought to herself before hurling the tree at Apocalypse, as it seemed to be calling itself. But it did the job, rocking the giant backwards, nearly causing him to lose his balance.)
Scott: Alright, nice shot, lady!
Xavier (Via telepathy): He might appear dazed, but I still sense a great power with in him. Do NOT underestimate him.
Warren: Power or not, he's going down!
(Warren had managed to make good use of his time, and knowledge of the battle field, which is why the battle axe, apparently mere decoration for the nearby statue, was now in his hands, as he soared through the air, eager to cut the battle and this monster's existence short!)
Xavier: Warren, wait! You're being foolish-
(Warren didn't pay the old man any attention. He should have. A massive forearm struck him coming in, sending him crashing back towards the wall! Towards, and through. The others responded on shock, momentarily breaking their assault. Hank screamed his boss's name. Jean started reaching out with her mind, trying to ascertain his physical condition. All Bobby could do was look on, face frozen in horror. He didn't realize yet how close his ice bridge had stopped next to the gigantic grinning menace. Even Xavier's attention was diverted, but only for a moment.)
Xavier: (both physically and mentally yelling) Bobby! Watch out!
(Bobby spun around, then instinctively dove off the ice bridge even as Apocalypse's massive arm caught the bridge, sending it shattering into a million pieces! Bobby was more focused on the task at hand as he formed an almost perfect ice replica of Anypark USA's slide directly underneath him, ice ladder and all.)
Jean: (horrified) Professor, I don't sense anything from . . .
Xavier: (Again telepathically) We must remain focused on the threat at hand! There IS no other option at the moment, other than victory!
(It laughed, in an almost mocking fashion.)
Apocalypse: Such irony, that the only one amongst you showing a Worthy Attitude is the one already deemed unfit to live! So be it; let the Final Darkness consume you in whole!
Scott: Not if I can help it, Mister!
(Scott resumed fire with his words, striking Apocalypse, and driving him back a split second before he started forcing his way towards Scott, who was standing in front of the professor and that horrified, but still striking, redheaded girl. Maybe his daughter, Scott briefly wondered, before forcing his full attention into the task at hand.)
Bobby: Alright, this's no fun. We might as well wrap it up before he lucks out and hurts someone else.
(A switch from the normal. Hank would have probably eagerly put Bobby's recent strange - and actually criminal - actions aside long enough to trade mirths with the youngster. But given the obvious fact that Warren could be in serious condition - could be de – impossible, but had taken a such a blow. All Hank could do was let loose an inhuman howl as he lunged himself into the giant's leg. The force behind it must have been inhuman, as he bounded several feet back, crashing head and back first into the wall. Hank pushed himself up, fury and pride refusing to let himself acknowledge the pain from the recoil.
Bobby: Maybe this'll help. . .
(Bobby focused on forming more ice under the giant's feet. Hank threw himself shoulder first into the giant, even as Scott continued an unrelenting beam fired at the giant's chest!)
Scott: We've gotta finish this off now before I run outta juice!
(Hank flung himself through the air, crashing body first into the monster's midsection, hellbent on extracting revenge for his fallen employer - and friend - physical cost be dammed. It continued to laugh, almost mocking McCoy's futile efforts, before swatting him away like a toy.)
(Bobby and Jean turned their attention to see the beefy scientist somehow forcing himself to a kneeling position, however hard it seemed.)
Xavier: You must focus on -
Bobby: (interrupting him) Yeah, yeah, the task at hand, we know. Come on, red. we got a job to finish!
(Jean simply nodded, feeling her determination welling up inside her. Her determination, and her power. She realized the locks Xavier had put into place in her mind to protect her might not be holding, but that would have to wait until later. She put that power to use, tearing up giant chunks of land from around them and hurling them at the enemy, before finally deciding to take a more direct rout. She formed a psibeam similar to Cyclops on beams, intent in driving the monster back.)
Scott: It's working! We have to do more than just drive him back, we've got to beat him!
Bobby: Yeah! Let's do this!
(Bobby formed a pillar of ice, sending it towards Apocalypse's chest! It merely shattered, as the giant sent a fist into the ice pillar, sending the ice collapsing back on Bobby! Jean looked at him, and turned her attention to Bobby, who lay there stunned under the ice.)
Bobby: Urgh . . . (in pain; sarcastically) Well, that worked well. Someone gimme a hand here!
(Jean started to move the ice off of him, when something caught her attention. Scott's beam flickered off briefly. Then half a second later, it stopped for a few seconds.)
Scott: I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up!
(Xavier pulled forward, putting a hand on the young man's shoulders, even as Apocalypse laughed that humorless, self righteous laugh of his, and prepared to finish them.)
Xavier: I realize the pain you're in. I could feel it, even without my psychic abilities, but you must hold out a little longer, until we can finally turn the tide on this . . . this monster.
(Scott nodded.)
Scott: I'll . . . try. NO! I'll do it!
(No matter the cost, he thought to himself, steeling himself for the worst. In spite of the moment he couldn't help but realize how corny that would have sounded aloud. Scott smiled at the thought. Jean must have caught it too, as he heard a little giggle. Then, he saw nothing but a strange mix of his own optic blast, and a white on the edges of his sight, a sure sign he was overdoing himself.
(No choice. The pain stabbed at his eyes, but he was used to it, thanks to the training from Demi Viz, so it wasn't that that concerned him, but rather the seemingly harmless fact his vision was clearing up a little. . .)
Scott: If we're gonna do this, it better be now.
(A familiar and welcome voice came from above.)
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
(Everyone's attention, including Apocalypse, turned upwards to see Warren, floating majestically above them. Dusty, battled and bruised, but amazingly, not out of the game yet. He had something underneath his arm as well. . . )
Jean: You're ok! We thought . . .
Warren: Maybe I'll have even more surprises for you later, but this one's just for our new friend here.
(Apocalypse starred at him, before raising his hand to attack, only to have Warren fire the beam at him, A surge of electricity spider webbed out of the gun, surrounding the monster and sending him into convulsions!)
Xaiver: (Prodding Scott) Aim for the knee!
(Scott responded without bothering to ask why, although it was more like a jerk forward on his head.)
Scott: (annoyed) Hey, I hear you fine, hotshot! No reason to force my hand!
(Xavier didn't respond. Summers shook off the miffed feeling, focusing on the task at hand. It didn't take long. Apocalypse was rocked back and forth from whatever Warren was firing. Within a few seconds. . . . an explosion rocked the youngsters and Xavier! A bright light blinded them for a few seconds. As they recovered, they noticed Apocalypse was still regaining himself. Parts of his knee, however, were peeled back, revealing what looked like steel and circuitry. Jean looked to the professor, not sure what she saw.)
Jean: Professor, what . . . is it?
(Warren's response was another blast, aimed at the exposed knee. Apocalypse stumbled forward, only to be caught by a powerful blast from Scott, and a somewhat weak ice blast from the still recovering Bobby Drake.)
Scott; Pour it on, team! (The "team" thing came naturally, although it occurred immediately to Scott it didn't really fit) We can do this!
(The five individuals flew into action. Warren dodged under one of Apocalypse's wailing arms, and nailed him in the head with a double kick dive. Beast tumbled forward, ending up with a cannonball kick of his own on the massive . . . robot? Android? It certainly seemed that way to McCoy at the moment.)
Hank: Hard to believe I'm fighting the world's biggest Bop-it toy.
Scott: Don't get cocky, Mr. McCoy. He's not out of this yet.
Apocalypse: Indeed I am not. (His gazed turned towards Summers, as the monster tried to advance) Nor shall I be.
(With a mighty swing of his hand, he caught Bobby on his ice bridge, Warren trying to swoop around, and Hank launching his own semi aerial assault.)
Scott: Alright, lady, I hope you got something good up your sleeve.
(Jean was struggling to keep her composure until that point. Suddenly, anger replaced concern for her fellow mutants, even as her fear was replaced by a bitter determination. Within seconds, Apocalypse screamed out, seemingly in agony. It was almost like a howl, combined with an air raid siren. The other mutants pulled their wits together, and began attacking. With a sheer whistle, it feel asunder upon itself, before suddenly. . .)
Xaiver: Jean, you must protect us! It's going to . . .!
(Explode? With a vengeance! Scott dropped his rupy quartz back in place just in time, throwing his arms over his head instinctively. Strangely enough, he only felt a mild shock. His eyes sprung open to see the explosion bouncing off an almost invisible . . . . line. . . shield in front of them.)
Hank: (In shock) Oh my stars, blue skies, and angels.
Bobby: Whoa.
(The blast fell upon that . . . shield, although it was impossible to tell it's source simply by looking at it.)
Warren: (turning to Xavier) Nice move.
Xavier: Actually, it wasn't me.
(The four of them turned to the young redhead, shocked.)
Jean: (Sheepishly) I know; it as a little amateurish, right? Don't worry, I'm starting to get the hang of it.
Bobby: (shocked disbelief) Amateurish?! More like. . .
Warren: Amazing.
Xavier: I believe we'd best depart now. It would seem we can expect more legal intervention than even I could handle alone. Not that I wish to influence people unduly if it can be avoided.
Scott: (Bitter amusement) Good policy choice. Hopefully you won't be tempted to change your mind after this. (Scott turned towards the battle scene) He's coming to!
Jean: No, don't!!
(Jean caught onto a stray thought from the stranger. Warren and Hank, however, promptly turned their attention towards the remains of the robotic menace, assuming Scott had meant it was reviving somehow. Even Xavier shifted his eyes, expecting another attack. Bobby, on the other hand, took Scott's signal correctly. Within seconds, he'd trapped everyone other than himself and Scott in a thick dome of ice. Hank sighed, realizing they'd been duped.)
Hank: This is undoubtedly the most literal cold shoulder I've ever been given, and believe me, I've been given some rather literal ones in my time.
(Hank threw a fist at the shield of ice, cracking it. However, he also grabbed his hand.)
Warren: Careful, hotshot.
Hank: To quote philosopher I Ching, i"A person in danger should not try to escape at one stroke. He should first calmly hold his own, then be satisfied with small gains, which will come by creative adaptations."/i Of course, there's always the more direct approach.
(With that, Hank pivoted with a grace surprising, bringing the heel of that oversized boot into the ice shield, creating a hole big enough for them to sneak through.)
Warren: They're gone! We better hurry if . . .
Xavier: One moment, Mr. Worthington. While I believe it shall be prudent to track these two individuals down, I require a word with you. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Charles Xavier.
(Hank's eyes went wide. Even Warren seemed a little impressed.)
Warren: I remember the name from a few years ago. Seems you were pretty active in the equality rights campaign a few years ago, until you mysteriously vanished from the public scene.
Hank: More relevantly, this is an individual to whom I owe a great dept.
Warren: Oh?
Xavier: I hate to interlope, but I believe it would be in our best benefits to quietly depart immediately. I request you join us.
Warren: Sorry, we. . .
(Hank put his oversized hand over Warren's mouth, to his employer's mouth.)
Hank: We'd be delighted. (He turned to Warren) Right, boss?
(Warren nodded, obviously confused.)
Hank: Don't worry, I'll explain in due time.
Xavier: I'll pull around front. Be sure to be there under a minute.
(Xavier and Jean quickly departed to where they'd parked, while Warren rushed to keep up with Hank.)
Warren: This better be good.
(Our last image is of Hank smiling, as he replied.)
Hank: I'm not sure about good, but it will certainly be . . . interesting.
(End story)
(It wasn't long ago, the youngest amongst them, a stunning young redhead by the name of Jean Grey, broke up the fight between the four of them, for reasons she had no idea of. Something had called them all the way from nearby Winchester here . . .
(Almost as soon as she got there to try to break up the fight, a new, more sinister threat appeared on the scene. This giant, blue . . . well, giant. Truely surreal, with an absurdly over muscled twenty foot body, and a 'grin' that seemed to streach to the back of a grey face. Something large and blue, almost resembling armor, covered it's body.
(Jean's mentor, Charles Xavier, was the first to break the awkward silence. As Jean heard (and, despite having most of her telepathic abilities suppressed, mentally felt) the panicked rush in the background, he propelled the wheelchair forward, towards a large hole in the wall. He spoke in both his loudest physical and telepathic voice.)
Xavier: Whoever you are, we only seek peace.
(The giant creature took no heed of this stranger's words. Scott was about to suggest they got the hell out of there when a piercing ringing caught his attention. Something in the back of Scott's mind recognized it as a siren, meaning the police would arrive soon. It was drowned out by an instinct to survive. It's voice boomed out once more . . .)
"YOU HAVE 20 SECONDS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TEST OF SURVIVAL!"
Something about that, aside from the obvious, sounded rather ominous.
(Xavier turned solemnly towards Scott and the others, a sense of urgency in his voice.)
Xavier: We'd best clear the facility as soon as possible."
(Bobby stood defiantly, facing the monster outside the hole in the wall.)
Bobby: No way! We can take this blue freak!
Scott: Are you insane? That monster's over twenty feet tall, and he just tore half the wall off this compound like it was didn't even exist!
Jean: Professor, if we try to run, innocent people might get hurt! But how can we fight something like that?
(Once again, the laboratory violently shook under their feet. The giant's voice boomed throughout the building.)
"Fight me now, or I promise obliteration for those unworthy of survival!"
(Scott looked around the room, even as a small flash filled the wall. A split second later, he instinctively hurled, tackling Jean out of the way of a large chunk of debris. She was shaken. Scott saw the fear in her eyes. He felt it.
(Then he felt anger.)
Scott: Let's do this!
(Xavier was confused for a moment, if only a moment, but something inside him clicked that day. An old feeling, and a desire to lead, as he once had. Granted, over the years, it had evolved into a desire to teach, rather than a lust for combat . . . but this feeling, this old feeling . . .)
Xavier: If we're going to attack, we'll need a plan. First part is establishing a base.
(Xavier put his hands to his template. A second later, Bobby stirred.)
Bobby: Hey! What're you doin'?
Xavier: My apologizes, but you should find yourself able to more easily form ice bridges now.
(Scott stepped in front of Xavier, putting himself between the old man and Bobby.)
Scott: Wait a minute, whoever you are, I'd appreciate you asking before you go poking around in our brains.
Xavier: I apologize, but this conversation can hold until later. I won't influence you against you will, but I'm sure you can agree the time for action is now.
(Scott looked towards Bobby, who aimed his arms in front of him. That same chill took to the room, as a bridge of ice literally formed in front of him. Bobby instinctively jumped on, and carried himself from the room through that hole in the wall.)
Bobby: WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!! This's amazing!
Xavier: Warren, Hank, follow him out. I'm sure we'll be under attack by the time Scott, Jean, and I get out.
(Hank briefly wondered about how he's known their names, but put it aside, as he bound through the window, Warren right behind him.)
Hank: Ever pleased to serve.
(Warren made no noise, instead swooping high above, drawing the blue freak's attention.)
Scott: How do we . . .?
(The question was interrupted, as he felt himself gently lifted off his feet. The tingling in his body felt some how familiar. Powerful, yet comforting. He looked to see that girl, her arms spread out from her body. Clearly, this was her doing. She smiled at Scott. His best reply?)
Scott: Oh . .
(Meanwhile, outside, the monstrous figure started to laugh.)
Apocalypse: "Let the cleansing BEGIN! Let your BLOOD wash away your imperfections, so that you may be fit to serve . . . APOCALYPSE!!"
(His laughter echoed through the yards of the battered laboratories. Scott couldn't help but feel the smallest tingle run up his spine, and it wasn't from the impact as Jean set her, Bobby, and Xavier on the ground. All her attention seemed to go into making Xavier's landing the softest. Understandable. Scott looked over to him, hoping for some kind of lead. He seemed to command respect, a quality Scott had often dreamed of having.
(No time for dreams now, as the giant blue freak turned it's attention to them. We freaks on a lesser scale, Scott thought to himself.)
Apocalypse: (Glaring at Xavier) "Such a flawed human DARES violate the SACRED TEST of Apocalypse?!
Jean: (confused) Flawed human? He means . . . the professor! Oh no.
(Indeed, this monster, whatever it was, moved with surprising speed towards Xavier. It fired a bolt at Jean's wheelchair bound mentor! She threw up a mental shield, knowing in her mind she'd never be fast enough. And as the beam struck the spot before her, throwing her back, she realized she hadn't been quick enough to save her mentor.
(But Warren had been. Xavier, for his part, adjusted with impressive reflex, considering one second he was starring obliteration in the eye, and the very next, he was in the arms of this winged fellow mutant, flying high above the blue menace. It tried to blast at Xavier, to commit him to the fate Apocalypse had decreed him to. Warren was dodging the rays, only just.)
Scott: Lay off, Mister!
(And with that, Scott again removed those glasses, using the same ruby red optic energy he'd blasted Warren and Hank with earlier, during their "misunderstanding." Actually, Scott, desperate to find information on his younger brother Alex, when their "bosses" (Scott and Bobby had only taken the security jobs to get the information) busted in in those absurd looking blue and yellow outfits.
(Scott chided himself, and focused on the past, continuing to pour the optic beams onto the giant's face. Hank looked on in awe, realizing Scott really had been holding back against Hank. The scientist, however, didn't delay in his own physical attack, nailing this monstrosity's leg with a powerful kick. Hank bounced off, not to his surprise at all.)
Hank: (Shaking his head) Now I know how a tennis ball feels. (He backflipped to avoid being stepped on by Apocalypse, and continuing to roll and flip out of his way) The hazards continue to grow exponentially. Why am I not surprised?
(Warren, having left the mysterious professor with Jean, swooped under Scott's optic assault on the giant, gazing Apocalypse's eye with the side of Warren's wing; only a momentary distraction to the blue monster. As he flew past Apocalypse's shoulder, he heard the distinct whine of police sirens)
Warren: Great, more backup's arriving. Bullets might not even affect this monster, but they'll sure affect us we're in the crossfire.
(Xavier nodded in agreement, putting his fingers to his template. To most it might appear as if he was suffering the mental strains of the battle. Then again, most aren't aware of Xavier's amazing psychic skills. Right now, he very well might one of the top five most powerful telepaths on the planet.
(As it were, this was a simple use of his powers. The five youngsters heard his voice inside their minds. For the men, not as accustomed to this sensation as Jean, it was somewhat disturbing.)
"They won't be a problem. I've mindwhiped the ones close enough to see the action, and mentally rerouted them to the other side of town. I fear if we are unable to deal with this 'Apocalypse' soon, we will be discovered. This must be avoided at all costs."
Bobby: I'm on it!
(Bobby's reaction was unusually calm. He simply turned towards this deadly menace, focused for a minute, and began firing ice at it. Scott had not yet seen him pour it on like this. He was quickly covering the giant's legs in ice. Amazing, considering the size of this thing. It raised it's fist high over his head. Realizing it could shatter even that much ice easily, Scott pulled off his sunglasses again, and fired those strange optic beams from his eyes, full force, nailing the monster just under it's massive arm.)
Scott: That's not gonna stop it! We're gonna need to work together here!
Bobby: Let's make this a two for one! (It was pretty clear Bobby was pressing himself to his limits with his next trick; he split the beam of ice into two, using one hand to guide each. One continued to pour the ice on the legs, while the other aimed itself at the giant's massive head. Jean, meanwhile, scanned the surrounding area for something to psionically latch onto. She didn't want to risk bringing the building down, so using a section of the already - heavily - damaged wall was out. Her eyes then turned towards the beefy scientist (Jean had once read up on the local chapter of Warrington Industries for a science paper) as he leaped and bounded around that giant monster, kicking it's legs without much effect, but getting it's attention. The monster tore free of the columns of ice, and silently strode forward.)
Apocalypse: Yes, fight! Prove your worth to Apocalypse, my children! Prove that you are worthy to serve My Grace!
Hank: Oh, brother. We've got us a ambitious one tonight.
(With that, Hank steered clear of a barrage of beams the Giant fired at him, leapt onto the water fountain in the middle of the Worthington Estate yard, and hurled himself with almost inhuman force into the chest of the monster. It staggered him, even as Beast fell to the hard Earth, landing with a grace few cats could dare dream of.)
Scott: Keep the pressure on!!
(Scott shifted his blast to catch the monster blind in the eyes, hoping to keep him off balance so he couldn't mount a counter offense. Jean mentally tore a small tree from it's roots. The effort alone nearly caused her to black out. iKeep with it, Jean. It's for real this time,/i" she thought to herself before hurling the tree at Apocalypse, as it seemed to be calling itself. But it did the job, rocking the giant backwards, nearly causing him to lose his balance.)
Scott: Alright, nice shot, lady!
Xavier (Via telepathy): He might appear dazed, but I still sense a great power with in him. Do NOT underestimate him.
Warren: Power or not, he's going down!
(Warren had managed to make good use of his time, and knowledge of the battle field, which is why the battle axe, apparently mere decoration for the nearby statue, was now in his hands, as he soared through the air, eager to cut the battle and this monster's existence short!)
Xavier: Warren, wait! You're being foolish-
(Warren didn't pay the old man any attention. He should have. A massive forearm struck him coming in, sending him crashing back towards the wall! Towards, and through. The others responded on shock, momentarily breaking their assault. Hank screamed his boss's name. Jean started reaching out with her mind, trying to ascertain his physical condition. All Bobby could do was look on, face frozen in horror. He didn't realize yet how close his ice bridge had stopped next to the gigantic grinning menace. Even Xavier's attention was diverted, but only for a moment.)
Xavier: (both physically and mentally yelling) Bobby! Watch out!
(Bobby spun around, then instinctively dove off the ice bridge even as Apocalypse's massive arm caught the bridge, sending it shattering into a million pieces! Bobby was more focused on the task at hand as he formed an almost perfect ice replica of Anypark USA's slide directly underneath him, ice ladder and all.)
Jean: (horrified) Professor, I don't sense anything from . . .
Xavier: (Again telepathically) We must remain focused on the threat at hand! There IS no other option at the moment, other than victory!
(It laughed, in an almost mocking fashion.)
Apocalypse: Such irony, that the only one amongst you showing a Worthy Attitude is the one already deemed unfit to live! So be it; let the Final Darkness consume you in whole!
Scott: Not if I can help it, Mister!
(Scott resumed fire with his words, striking Apocalypse, and driving him back a split second before he started forcing his way towards Scott, who was standing in front of the professor and that horrified, but still striking, redheaded girl. Maybe his daughter, Scott briefly wondered, before forcing his full attention into the task at hand.)
Bobby: Alright, this's no fun. We might as well wrap it up before he lucks out and hurts someone else.
(A switch from the normal. Hank would have probably eagerly put Bobby's recent strange - and actually criminal - actions aside long enough to trade mirths with the youngster. But given the obvious fact that Warren could be in serious condition - could be de – impossible, but had taken a such a blow. All Hank could do was let loose an inhuman howl as he lunged himself into the giant's leg. The force behind it must have been inhuman, as he bounded several feet back, crashing head and back first into the wall. Hank pushed himself up, fury and pride refusing to let himself acknowledge the pain from the recoil.
Bobby: Maybe this'll help. . .
(Bobby focused on forming more ice under the giant's feet. Hank threw himself shoulder first into the giant, even as Scott continued an unrelenting beam fired at the giant's chest!)
Scott: We've gotta finish this off now before I run outta juice!
(Hank flung himself through the air, crashing body first into the monster's midsection, hellbent on extracting revenge for his fallen employer - and friend - physical cost be dammed. It continued to laugh, almost mocking McCoy's futile efforts, before swatting him away like a toy.)
(Bobby and Jean turned their attention to see the beefy scientist somehow forcing himself to a kneeling position, however hard it seemed.)
Xavier: You must focus on -
Bobby: (interrupting him) Yeah, yeah, the task at hand, we know. Come on, red. we got a job to finish!
(Jean simply nodded, feeling her determination welling up inside her. Her determination, and her power. She realized the locks Xavier had put into place in her mind to protect her might not be holding, but that would have to wait until later. She put that power to use, tearing up giant chunks of land from around them and hurling them at the enemy, before finally deciding to take a more direct rout. She formed a psibeam similar to Cyclops on beams, intent in driving the monster back.)
Scott: It's working! We have to do more than just drive him back, we've got to beat him!
Bobby: Yeah! Let's do this!
(Bobby formed a pillar of ice, sending it towards Apocalypse's chest! It merely shattered, as the giant sent a fist into the ice pillar, sending the ice collapsing back on Bobby! Jean looked at him, and turned her attention to Bobby, who lay there stunned under the ice.)
Bobby: Urgh . . . (in pain; sarcastically) Well, that worked well. Someone gimme a hand here!
(Jean started to move the ice off of him, when something caught her attention. Scott's beam flickered off briefly. Then half a second later, it stopped for a few seconds.)
Scott: I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up!
(Xavier pulled forward, putting a hand on the young man's shoulders, even as Apocalypse laughed that humorless, self righteous laugh of his, and prepared to finish them.)
Xavier: I realize the pain you're in. I could feel it, even without my psychic abilities, but you must hold out a little longer, until we can finally turn the tide on this . . . this monster.
(Scott nodded.)
Scott: I'll . . . try. NO! I'll do it!
(No matter the cost, he thought to himself, steeling himself for the worst. In spite of the moment he couldn't help but realize how corny that would have sounded aloud. Scott smiled at the thought. Jean must have caught it too, as he heard a little giggle. Then, he saw nothing but a strange mix of his own optic blast, and a white on the edges of his sight, a sure sign he was overdoing himself.
(No choice. The pain stabbed at his eyes, but he was used to it, thanks to the training from Demi Viz, so it wasn't that that concerned him, but rather the seemingly harmless fact his vision was clearing up a little. . .)
Scott: If we're gonna do this, it better be now.
(A familiar and welcome voice came from above.)
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
(Everyone's attention, including Apocalypse, turned upwards to see Warren, floating majestically above them. Dusty, battled and bruised, but amazingly, not out of the game yet. He had something underneath his arm as well. . . )
Jean: You're ok! We thought . . .
Warren: Maybe I'll have even more surprises for you later, but this one's just for our new friend here.
(Apocalypse starred at him, before raising his hand to attack, only to have Warren fire the beam at him, A surge of electricity spider webbed out of the gun, surrounding the monster and sending him into convulsions!)
Xaiver: (Prodding Scott) Aim for the knee!
(Scott responded without bothering to ask why, although it was more like a jerk forward on his head.)
Scott: (annoyed) Hey, I hear you fine, hotshot! No reason to force my hand!
(Xavier didn't respond. Summers shook off the miffed feeling, focusing on the task at hand. It didn't take long. Apocalypse was rocked back and forth from whatever Warren was firing. Within a few seconds. . . . an explosion rocked the youngsters and Xavier! A bright light blinded them for a few seconds. As they recovered, they noticed Apocalypse was still regaining himself. Parts of his knee, however, were peeled back, revealing what looked like steel and circuitry. Jean looked to the professor, not sure what she saw.)
Jean: Professor, what . . . is it?
(Warren's response was another blast, aimed at the exposed knee. Apocalypse stumbled forward, only to be caught by a powerful blast from Scott, and a somewhat weak ice blast from the still recovering Bobby Drake.)
Scott; Pour it on, team! (The "team" thing came naturally, although it occurred immediately to Scott it didn't really fit) We can do this!
(The five individuals flew into action. Warren dodged under one of Apocalypse's wailing arms, and nailed him in the head with a double kick dive. Beast tumbled forward, ending up with a cannonball kick of his own on the massive . . . robot? Android? It certainly seemed that way to McCoy at the moment.)
Hank: Hard to believe I'm fighting the world's biggest Bop-it toy.
Scott: Don't get cocky, Mr. McCoy. He's not out of this yet.
Apocalypse: Indeed I am not. (His gazed turned towards Summers, as the monster tried to advance) Nor shall I be.
(With a mighty swing of his hand, he caught Bobby on his ice bridge, Warren trying to swoop around, and Hank launching his own semi aerial assault.)
Scott: Alright, lady, I hope you got something good up your sleeve.
(Jean was struggling to keep her composure until that point. Suddenly, anger replaced concern for her fellow mutants, even as her fear was replaced by a bitter determination. Within seconds, Apocalypse screamed out, seemingly in agony. It was almost like a howl, combined with an air raid siren. The other mutants pulled their wits together, and began attacking. With a sheer whistle, it feel asunder upon itself, before suddenly. . .)
Xaiver: Jean, you must protect us! It's going to . . .!
(Explode? With a vengeance! Scott dropped his rupy quartz back in place just in time, throwing his arms over his head instinctively. Strangely enough, he only felt a mild shock. His eyes sprung open to see the explosion bouncing off an almost invisible . . . . line. . . shield in front of them.)
Hank: (In shock) Oh my stars, blue skies, and angels.
Bobby: Whoa.
(The blast fell upon that . . . shield, although it was impossible to tell it's source simply by looking at it.)
Warren: (turning to Xavier) Nice move.
Xavier: Actually, it wasn't me.
(The four of them turned to the young redhead, shocked.)
Jean: (Sheepishly) I know; it as a little amateurish, right? Don't worry, I'm starting to get the hang of it.
Bobby: (shocked disbelief) Amateurish?! More like. . .
Warren: Amazing.
Xavier: I believe we'd best depart now. It would seem we can expect more legal intervention than even I could handle alone. Not that I wish to influence people unduly if it can be avoided.
Scott: (Bitter amusement) Good policy choice. Hopefully you won't be tempted to change your mind after this. (Scott turned towards the battle scene) He's coming to!
Jean: No, don't!!
(Jean caught onto a stray thought from the stranger. Warren and Hank, however, promptly turned their attention towards the remains of the robotic menace, assuming Scott had meant it was reviving somehow. Even Xavier shifted his eyes, expecting another attack. Bobby, on the other hand, took Scott's signal correctly. Within seconds, he'd trapped everyone other than himself and Scott in a thick dome of ice. Hank sighed, realizing they'd been duped.)
Hank: This is undoubtedly the most literal cold shoulder I've ever been given, and believe me, I've been given some rather literal ones in my time.
(Hank threw a fist at the shield of ice, cracking it. However, he also grabbed his hand.)
Warren: Careful, hotshot.
Hank: To quote philosopher I Ching, i"A person in danger should not try to escape at one stroke. He should first calmly hold his own, then be satisfied with small gains, which will come by creative adaptations."/i Of course, there's always the more direct approach.
(With that, Hank pivoted with a grace surprising, bringing the heel of that oversized boot into the ice shield, creating a hole big enough for them to sneak through.)
Warren: They're gone! We better hurry if . . .
Xavier: One moment, Mr. Worthington. While I believe it shall be prudent to track these two individuals down, I require a word with you. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Charles Xavier.
(Hank's eyes went wide. Even Warren seemed a little impressed.)
Warren: I remember the name from a few years ago. Seems you were pretty active in the equality rights campaign a few years ago, until you mysteriously vanished from the public scene.
Hank: More relevantly, this is an individual to whom I owe a great dept.
Warren: Oh?
Xavier: I hate to interlope, but I believe it would be in our best benefits to quietly depart immediately. I request you join us.
Warren: Sorry, we. . .
(Hank put his oversized hand over Warren's mouth, to his employer's mouth.)
Hank: We'd be delighted. (He turned to Warren) Right, boss?
(Warren nodded, obviously confused.)
Hank: Don't worry, I'll explain in due time.
Xavier: I'll pull around front. Be sure to be there under a minute.
(Xavier and Jean quickly departed to where they'd parked, while Warren rushed to keep up with Hank.)
Warren: This better be good.
(Our last image is of Hank smiling, as he replied.)
Hank: I'm not sure about good, but it will certainly be . . . interesting.
(End story)
