Summary: Epilogue to the Marvel-X crossover Genetic Eclipse. The war with Apocalypse is over, but some members of the team have suffered a great loss. How far will Xavier go to stop his students from tearing each other apart?

Notes: I'm pretty proud of this piece... I wrote this over three years ago, and it reads somewhat like something I'd write nowadays. It can be slightly confusing to read if you haven't read the Genetic Eclipse crossover at Marvel-X Underground (mxu.rlk7.com), which is a sub-site for Marvel-X housing the X-titles. I write Uncanny X-Men at the site. Anyways, all the parts of the crossover are up at the MXU site if you want to check them out. The story shouldn't be too hard to get into, as I've been told it's good as a stand-alone and it's easy to understand the basics of what's going on without having read the whole Genetic Eclipse crossover. I would really love any and all feedback on this, no matter how miniscule ^_^

Cast: Professor X, Cyclops, Phoenix, Beast, Archangel, Iceman, Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat, Dazzler, Rogue, Gambit, Marrow, Cecilia Reyes, Cable, Moonstar, Spark, Juggernaut. Is that enough? ^_^

Disclaimer: The X-Men belong to Marvel Comics and are used in this story solely for non-profit entertainment purposes. Spark is an original creation by Jason Kenney and is used with permission.

* * * * *

"Splintered Hearts"
Genetic Eclipse Epilogue
Chapter Two

* * * * *

Two days later. Harry's Hideaway, Salem Center. 2:49 p.m.

Hank McCoy, Cecilia Reyes, Bobby Drake, and Angela Tobin didn't expect to get a break anytime soon, especially after the horrendous series of events that have occurred over the past week. And in essence, this isn't a break; yes, they are away from the mansion, dining at the original X-Men's favorite restaurant. But they needed to get out, away from all the tension building up at the Xavier Institute. This outing is strictly business. X-Men business.

For several months now, Hank and Bobby have been on what some may consider opposing teams. They are both among the five original X-Men that Charles Xavier gathered together over a decade ago. They have been best friends as well as teammates for years, and even the division among the X-Men could not change that.

"Robert, let me see if I am adequately comprehending you," Hank says, his true blue-furred visage masked by an image inducer, "You're saying that you agree with Scott? You believe it is incumbant upon us to be more proactive, to locate and neutralize the threats before they begin to wreck havoc?"

"Yes," is Bobby's response. "That's how I've felt from the moment the X-Men split."

"Then why the heck did you stay with Xavier?" Cecilia asks between sips of coffee. "Why didn't you just leave with Scott?"

Bobby sighs. "Honestly... I don't know. Maybe it was because I didn't want to upset the Professor. Or maybe it was because I felt that by staying, I could get the others to see how Scott's ideas were right, that I could slowly work the idea into the team and give everyone a chance to warm up to it."

"A clever idea," Hank compliments, "and it seems to have begun to work. Charles even promoted you to field leader. Quite impressive." Hank stops to watch Bobby grin, and Angela and Cecilia can't help but smile. "I'm proud of you, Bobby. You've come a long way."

"Thanks, Hank," Bobby replies sincerely. Hearing words like those from Hank can only boost Bobby's confidence in himself.

"I hate to break up the friendly pat-on-the-back session, but we've got some issues to discuss," Cecilia says. "Like what we're going to do about everything that's going on."

"I don't know if there's a whole lot we can do," Bobby replies. "Scott and Jean lost one of the twins; that's eating them up, for sure. And Scott and Ororo can't be in the same room without going for eachother's throats. It's almost as bad with Scott and the Professor. Plus, Dani Moonstar's down in the medlab still in shock from all of Apocalypse's mind control, and Cable's been brooding around the mansion. Not to mention Marrow's acting a lot creepier than usual..."

"I say we put her to good use and make her stand in the foyer. She'd make a handy coat rack; if there ain't no hooks left, she just grows a new one..."

"Cecilia!" Bobby exclaims. He stops and stares at Hank for a minute. "Waitaminute... that was a joke."

"Indeed it was. And a good one at that," Hank says with a grin.

Bobby sighs and rubs and his forehead. "I'm getting old..."

"What about you, Angela? You're awfully quiet," Hank says. "Don't be shy, we won't bite."

Angela smiles meekly and replies, "Oh, it's not that. I'm just really new to the X-Men... it doesn't feel like I really have a right to make suggestions or decisions about the team. I hardly know any of you, except for Bobby."

"You have more than earned your place on the team, Angela. Now, come on, you must have SOME ideas stirring around up there..."

Angela takes a deep breath as she begins to formulate her thoughts into words. "Well, it's pretty obvious that the members on the different teams aren't getting along. And with everything that's happening right now, I don't think the situation will be improving anytime soon. I think it might be a good idea if your team moves back to Chicago for a little while, Hank. I mean, Scott and Jean don't need the added pressure of Scott's power struggle with the Professor and Ororo right now... plus the Professor's got the Legacy Virus and is under a lot of stress..."

Hank sighs sadly at the mention of Xavier's condition; for years, the two of them, along with several other geneticists including Moira MacTaggert, who's also infected, have been trying to find a cure to the dreaded disease. And so far, all they've been able to do is learn more about how the virus works, not how to cure it. Time is running out... quickly.

"I find your logic to be quite appropriate," Hank says, "and honestly, I was thinking about something along those lines myself."

"So we remain separate?"

"For now, Robert. For now. I believe someday, and someday soon, we will be able to reconcile our differences and deal with all the problems that currently plague our rather large family," Hank replies. "I think the first step to reunifying our teams is the formation of our little quartet here. It will be up to us to help our fellow X-Men through the hardships they've suffered as of late, to try and dissolve the apprehensive feelings they have towards the members on the opposite squad. It's up to us, my friends."

The others nod in agreement at Hank's declaration. Hank picks up his mug and holds it over the center of the table for a toast. The others follow his lead and clink glasses.

"To the future."

* * * * *

Cain Marko remembers the years he spent in this house. It started when his father pulled him from boarding school to come live with his new 'family', his new stepmother and stepbrother. Cain had taken an instant disliking to Charles; although he'd never admit it in a million years, he was jealous. Jealous that Charles had a mother, and had at one point had a father who loved him. Cain's father cared nothing for him; that's why he sent Cain away to boarding school after his mother died.

It wasn't just jealousy that made Cain dislike Charles so much, though; there was something else. Something about Charles, about his manner, his control, his confidence in himself. It drove Cain mad, because he didn't have that. He was confused, angry, vengeful... towards whom or what, he wasn't exactly sure. But seeing a young kid like Charles have it together more than him... that infuriated Cain. So he did all he could to try and break Charles, to make him lose control and become more like him. Cain tormented him, harrassed him, beat him up... but it still did nothing.

During the Korean War, Charles and Cain were both in the infantry; they ended up in the same platoon, coincidentally. They had seemingly made a sort of peace, and despite the horrors of the war, it was Charles' hope that he and his stepbrother could finally become closer, be brothers to one another, put the fighting behind them. They were close to that, until Cain ventured into the lost temple of Cytorrak and picked up the ruby that instantly transformed him into the unstoppable Juggernaut!

Upon touching the ruby and reading its inscription, Cain was trapped under the remains of the temple, which came crashing on top of him. Charles had no means by which to free Cain, so he left. Years later, Cain freed himself... and he was angry. Angry at Charles, for leaving him behind; and suddnely, all the rage from their childhood resurfaced. Cain was not just transformed physically into the Juggernaut - his soul was transformed as well, into that of a rampaging madman whose only purpose was revenge!

Over the past dozen years, since the formation of the X-Men, the Juggernaut has constantly been a thorn in the X-Men's side, by himself, and alongside such allies as Black Tom Cassidy. Charles Xavier and the X-Men weren't his only targets, though; he found himself also drawn into a life of crime, robbing banks and stealing rare, expensive artifacts wherever he could find them. It was not until his journey into the Ultraverse that the Juggernaut found a new calling - as a leader of a ragtag team of misfit heroes.

Upon returning to Earth, Cain was attacked by the omniponent being known as Onslaught, who was in fact an amalgamation of the dark avatars of both Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr. Subsequently, Cain was thrown into the dimension ruled by Cytorrak, who warned Cain to stop squandering his power, or else he'd take it back. Since that time, Cain's been trying to turn his life around. So far, he's not done bad; helping aid in Apocalypse's defeat is a definite plus.

However, fighting against the evil in the world is not enough, at least not for Cain. Not too long ago, he finally put to rest his quarrel with his stepbrother. That was the first step. Now, after learning that Charles is dying of the Legacy Virus, Cain feels it's time to make up for all he did to torment his stepbrother by helping him through this phase of his life... helping him to overcome this disease, or at least make his last days alive as wonderful as possible.

Standing outside Charles' study, Cain takes a deep breath then knocks on the door as gently as he can. "Come in," is the response he gets, and he does just that.

"Good afternoon, Cain," Charles says as Cain walks into his office, a faint smile plastered on his face.

"How ya doin', Chuck?" Cain asks as he takes a seat in one of the chairs facing Charles' desk.

Charles clears his throat and responds, "Remarkably well, considering..."

"...That yer dyin'?"

Charles' face becomes blank at Cain's comment, as he stares right into his stepbrother's eyes. "Yes."

"But... I mean... there's gonna be a cure, right? Y'got that furball McCoy, the walking attitude Reyes chick, and that McTaggy lady..."

"Moira MacTaggert..."

"Yeah, her too," Cain responds without paying attention to Charles' inference. "What I'm sayin' is that y'got all o' these guys workin' on a cure fer this thing... so look on the bright side, Chuck. Ya ain't gonna die. I won't let ya."

Charles grins at Cain's comment. "You're my guardian angel now, are you?" he says playfully. "Honestly, Cain... I'm hoping for a cure. But for the time being, all I can do is live my life, and keep the faith. And I have the X-Men to take care of me..."

Cain's eyes widen in anger as he grips the sides of the chair; 'What the hell?' he thinks to himself. 'Am I not good enough to help him?'

"Y'know, Chuck," Cain starts as he stands up and walks right up to Charles' desk, "I'm tryin' here. I'm tryin' t'make up for all the bad stuff I've done. I feel bad that yer dyin', an' I wanna help ya. But it's more than obvious that y'don't WANT my help!"

"Cain, please, calm down!" Charles pleads as he comes out from behind his desk, moving himself along in his wheelchair. "I am grateful that we've come this far, Cain... that we've been able to settle our differences and start on the road to friendship. And I am gracious that you want to help me, but..."

"But what?!"

"...I think there is someone more in need of your help than I." Charles extends his right hand, palm up, and with seemingly no effort creates a psionic image of...

"...Tom," Cain says softly, as thoughts of his best friend come flooding back to the forefront of his mind. He had almost forgotten about Black Tom; he saw him last in Egypt, when he went with Cyclops and the others to storm Apocalypse's citadel. He's been precoccupied with Charles up until now, having become aware of his infection upon returning from Egypt.

"He's out there somewhere, Cain," Charles says, as he retracts his hand and the psionic projection vanishes. "And you're his only friend. Go, find him. He needs you."

Cain eyes Charles suspiciously, then asks, "Why're you so concerned about Tom? You two ain't even on neutral terms, if ya know what I'm sayin'."

Charles sighs and nods. "You're right, Cain, I am not fond of Tom. But I believe that everyone deserves a friend, someone they can count on. And I believe in second chances. That's why I once tried to help Sabretooth."

Cain says nothing for a few minutes. Instead, he looks around Charles' office, focusing predominantly on the various pictures of all of Charles' students. Students who look up to him, who care about him, who trust him, and who have always been there for him. He knows Charles doesn't need him here; he has his X-Men. Black Tom, though, does need him.

"Yer right," Cain nods in agreement. "Ya don't need me."

Cain turns and starts towards the door, then stops and turns back around. "But if ya ever do... give me a holler."

Charles smiles contently as Cain leaves. Although his condition has not changed, although he is still dying... it's good to know that his brother will be there if he needs him.

* * * * *

Concluded in Chapter Three.