[Amid a Field of Crimson Flowers]
---
Kirikou
[10/23/03 - 10/26/03]
---
[Providence of Death]
---
The X-men where awaiting a call from Jean and received it. She was safe in a hotel observing what she saw of Exodus and their plans, and making quite sure that whenever an attack happened to surface during that day, that she was there. Scott was unnerved by this sudden turn of events, shaking his head as he realized his helplessness. Jean was out there all-alone, and there was nothing he could do to stop an unfortunate event from happening, not with all the willpower in the world.
A noise from the main room caught most of the students' attention, three of them sauntering over to the television with a gasp of amazement. There on the screen was Bayville Town hall in all it's glory, thousands of protestors marching on the grounds.
"All hell has broken loose in this city it seems as thousands of protestors gather about the rising forays of mutants happening all over the nation, and even in our home town. They had attacked a general store last night, raiding everything.
"That would be the Brotherhood alright." Kurt moaned, eyes rolling. As if there wasn't enough havoc in the world already, those boys had to go and screw with it some more. Xavier paid no attention to this comment, diligently watching the screen for any more information. Scott sighed, blinking twice at the screen, when suddenly his jaw almost dropped to the floor.
"ALEX!" He practically screamed, pointing to the screen. Indeed, his brother stood there among the protestors. "I've gotta go get him." Scott didn't even finish the sentence before his coat was on and he was out the door. Rogue, out of boredom, followed closely behind, along with Kurt. Xavier could only yell after them to be careful as they drove off of the property.
"Alex, what are you doing here?" Scott yelled over to the blonde, who turned around with a smile on his face.
"Hey! You noticed all the groups too?"
"It's been all over the news! What are you doing here?" He asked again, more furtively that time, eyes narrowed. Alex sighed, rolling his eyes at the older brother.
"I figured I'd come see if you where here. Guess you are." He moaned, fake- hating him. Rogue rolled her eyes as well, huffing and stalking off in another direction as the mayor spoke. This was far too boring for her tastes. Kurt, however, stayed nearby. Scott and Alex talked for a while, exchanging information and whatnot, Kurt eventually wandering off towards the front to hear the mayor.
"We have nothing to fear, as the president said. These attacks will blow over, and the authorities are on 24-7 surveillance of this city. All citizens are advised to keep their doors and windows locked, and curtains drawn until further notice, but especially at night. Please do not be alarmed. We have always had mutants in our city, and will continue to have them. They are no threat to." A noise interrupted the mayor, who looked sharply in the direction of the sound. A few blocks over, clapping.lots of clapping. The mayor growled to himself, thinking about what kind of low- life would be applauding at this time. Before he could say anything, though, the people appeared. A set of green eyes and blonde hair stared cruelly out at the mayor, stepping up past the crowds to stand beside the man.
"I see that you've noticed our efforts. Bravo, Mr. Mayor, but you obviously don't understand the point of our operations. We fight to free ourselves, not put more pressure on ourselves." He grinned, taking the mayor by the shoulder. It seemed as though he would lead him down the stairs.his other hand was glowing brightly.
"No!!" Someone screamed as the mutant put his hand in the back of the mayor's head, emitting the surging energy straight to his brain, blood caking the first five rows of screaming spectators. Scott's eyes where wide as the mutant screamed something, hundreds apon thousands of them suddenly streaming out of the sewers, killing anybody in their sight. The people screamed, running in any direction that they could as the slaughterhouse reached its peak. Scott dashed in as quickly as he could, fending off as many mutants as he ran across. Sirens broke out over the city and hundreds of armed men came to aid, killing humans.killing mutants. There was no difference. Nobody could tell who was who.The madness was insane as Scott ran from mutant to mutant, avoiding a few of the armed guards. He eventually spotted rogue doing quite the same as he, running around wildly. A sound.Scott whirled around, eyes settling on Storm and Wolverine a few feet back. They where helping as well, finally arriving from their other destination.
"Scott, what's happening?" Storm yelled over to him, pushing a spectator past.
"A riot! The mutants have gone out of control!" He yelled back, unaware of the person just behind him.
"Scott! LOOK OUT!" A young voice screamed. Scott whirled around as a mutant aimed at him.everything seemed to go slowly in that instant as the mutant let loose. A blonde.running in the way.
"ALEX!" He heard himself scream, but couldn't remember it. The blonde stood there in his way, poised, eyes wide as the beam hit him in the back, blood spattering across his brother as Alex stood there. He looked as if he would say something, Scott moving away in horror. The boy stopped, taking a step forward, falling to his knees, to the ground in a growing puddle of red that seeped from his back. The mutant smiled, moving on to his next target. Screams, cries of anguish.Alex.
"Alex!" Scott screamed again, falling down to his knees and picking up the rag-doll body, holding him gently. "Alex, wake up." He sobbed, the reality hitting him like Alex's blank stare. "No." Scott could only stammer, hugging him close. A tear rolled down his cheek, followed by more and more as chaos reigned around him. They'd gotten so far.
"Scott, let's get out of here!" Rogue screamed over to him, yanking at his shirt. He did not notice her at all, only stared into those lifeless orbs, praying for a miracle.A stronger hand wrenched him backwards and onto his feet.NO! He couldn't leave Alex! He fought with all he had, trying to pull back as he was forced forwards.His screams where heard well after they had left, well after the battle was over.well after the bodies where cleaned up from the street as if nothing had happened.
"NO! I have to get him.let me go!" Scott still screamed at the top of his lungs as they dragged him into the institution, Xavier's eyes wide in surprise at this change in events. The look apon Scott's face.an anguish he'd only once seen before. Felt only in the hearts of one who'd lost something they could never replace.
"Alex." He sobbed once more, practically lying on the floor after he'd escaped Storm and Wolverine's vice grips. His face was smeared over with tears, hair a mess apon his head. He stumbled to his feet, staring longingly out the door as Storm stood in front of him, speaking as gently and assuring as she could.
"Scott, Alex is gone.there's nothing you could have done."
"I've got."
"He's in a better place. Just let him go." Scott stood there lifelessly, tears still streaming in a waterfall down his cheeks. He looked as if he would say something, go somewhere. He staggered for a moment, not bothering to try and catch his balance. Knees buckling from under him, Scott fell to the ground, completely unconscious. Xavier could only shake his head sadly, motioning to Wolverine.
"Logan, please take Scott to the infirmary. He needs some time to recuperate." Logan nodded, picking the young man up in his arms and carrying him down the stairs.
"He's exhausted. He struggled with us the entire time."
"What happened to Alex?"
"He's.gone. He jumped in front of Scott to save him." Xavier nodded in understanding and sorrow, wheeling himself into the elevator, heading downstairs. Once they reached the infirmary, Logan was already done with Scott, who lay still unconscious in a bed.
"I'm afraid that this will effect badly in some way." Xavier pondered the possibilities of Scott's next few weeks, head shaking. Storm sat beside Scott's bed, gently pushing a bang out of his eyes. He'd had a very stressful day, on top of Jean missing, and Christmas right around the corner, only two days away now. Storm knew right away that all of this would only end badly for both parties, mutants and normal people.
Rogue came back a while later, beat up, bruised, and slightly flustered from all of the action at the town hall. She slumped into a couch after she'd heard about Scott's ordeal, glaring angrily out at the snow that fell again in its lazy circles. Kurt arrived in right behind her, already totally aware of what was going on. He could only shake his head sadly, also staring outside, Kitty trying her best to comfort him. The television blurred with the updating news again, the lady speaking in such an urgent tone.
"The mayor of Bayville has been killed by the mutant army, and only the armed forces where able to stop the carnage, killing hundreds of innocent spectators in the process. We urge you to stay indoors no matter what. Do not try to help a loved one if they are too far."
"That bastard!" Kurt yelled, standing to his feet as the blonde mutant was shown. Xavier, who had come upstairs since then, started to scold him.
"Kurt!"
"That's the guy that killed Alex!" He screamed, eyes darting over to Xavier. The man nodded. This violence was going too far. They had to step in now.
"The only way to stop this group is to infiltrate their base." He suggested as Logan and Storm entered the room. Rogue nodded, totally agreeing. Kitty didn't look so happy about it. Logan nodded as well.
"And, I believe that the perfect candidates for this kind of mission would be Logan, but he could not do this without being recognized. Kurt and Kitty, I'm giving you this decision. Do you want to go on this mission? You two are the only ones that can use stealth to your advantages." Kurt nodded immediately, fists clenched.
"They're not getting away from me."
"Kurt, you're there to examine, not fight." The German sighed heavily. Kitty didn't seem so sure, head nodding.
"I don't know.like, what if I mess something up?" Xavier smiled.
"You'll be fine. But do you want to do this?" Kurt grinned, taking her by the shoulder.
"Sure. I'll do anything to help."
"You two are going to go into the city and convince them that you're trying to join the coalition. They'll let you in without trouble I'm sure. Examine what you see, anything at all, and report back to me as soon as you do. Don't let on that you're talking with us, though. That's when it could become dangerous." The two of them nodded gravely. Logan nodded as well as Storm. They would discuss it further later. As for now, sleep was in order. It was getting late as the lady on the television rambled on.
Someone finally turned it off a few hours later, shades covering his eyes in the dead of night. The television illuminated Scott like an aura, blinking out as he headed up the stairs, falling exhaustedly into his bed. He'd awoken in the infirmary, unaware of where he was. As soon as he'd figured it out, he moved back to his room. So now there he was, lying down, face completely pale, as if he where sick. He'd already thrown up once before he'd gotten to his room.
"Alex." He repeated the word once more, as if it where foreign. A person he'd never heard of. The lights outside of the institution glowed eerily as he stared out at them, despising the still falling snow. He'd heard little of the plan that was to be executed, but didn't care much about it. What was the point of saving? He'd already failed once. At that point, when he stood there, he would have gladly taken off those shades, toasting everyone. Laughing as they burned. They all needed to die.They'd taken something away from him.The only thing he had. Alex was the only thing that kept him alive.And Jean, she was gone.but didn't mean nearly as much. She was just a pretty girl. A single tear ran down his cheek, the only one he would allow for his brother. That would be the last tear he would let fall. He would not cry anymore. That was not what he wanted anymore, no.
Now he wanted revenge.
---
Kirikou
[10/23/03 - 10/26/03]
---
[Providence of Death]
---
The X-men where awaiting a call from Jean and received it. She was safe in a hotel observing what she saw of Exodus and their plans, and making quite sure that whenever an attack happened to surface during that day, that she was there. Scott was unnerved by this sudden turn of events, shaking his head as he realized his helplessness. Jean was out there all-alone, and there was nothing he could do to stop an unfortunate event from happening, not with all the willpower in the world.
A noise from the main room caught most of the students' attention, three of them sauntering over to the television with a gasp of amazement. There on the screen was Bayville Town hall in all it's glory, thousands of protestors marching on the grounds.
"All hell has broken loose in this city it seems as thousands of protestors gather about the rising forays of mutants happening all over the nation, and even in our home town. They had attacked a general store last night, raiding everything.
"That would be the Brotherhood alright." Kurt moaned, eyes rolling. As if there wasn't enough havoc in the world already, those boys had to go and screw with it some more. Xavier paid no attention to this comment, diligently watching the screen for any more information. Scott sighed, blinking twice at the screen, when suddenly his jaw almost dropped to the floor.
"ALEX!" He practically screamed, pointing to the screen. Indeed, his brother stood there among the protestors. "I've gotta go get him." Scott didn't even finish the sentence before his coat was on and he was out the door. Rogue, out of boredom, followed closely behind, along with Kurt. Xavier could only yell after them to be careful as they drove off of the property.
"Alex, what are you doing here?" Scott yelled over to the blonde, who turned around with a smile on his face.
"Hey! You noticed all the groups too?"
"It's been all over the news! What are you doing here?" He asked again, more furtively that time, eyes narrowed. Alex sighed, rolling his eyes at the older brother.
"I figured I'd come see if you where here. Guess you are." He moaned, fake- hating him. Rogue rolled her eyes as well, huffing and stalking off in another direction as the mayor spoke. This was far too boring for her tastes. Kurt, however, stayed nearby. Scott and Alex talked for a while, exchanging information and whatnot, Kurt eventually wandering off towards the front to hear the mayor.
"We have nothing to fear, as the president said. These attacks will blow over, and the authorities are on 24-7 surveillance of this city. All citizens are advised to keep their doors and windows locked, and curtains drawn until further notice, but especially at night. Please do not be alarmed. We have always had mutants in our city, and will continue to have them. They are no threat to." A noise interrupted the mayor, who looked sharply in the direction of the sound. A few blocks over, clapping.lots of clapping. The mayor growled to himself, thinking about what kind of low- life would be applauding at this time. Before he could say anything, though, the people appeared. A set of green eyes and blonde hair stared cruelly out at the mayor, stepping up past the crowds to stand beside the man.
"I see that you've noticed our efforts. Bravo, Mr. Mayor, but you obviously don't understand the point of our operations. We fight to free ourselves, not put more pressure on ourselves." He grinned, taking the mayor by the shoulder. It seemed as though he would lead him down the stairs.his other hand was glowing brightly.
"No!!" Someone screamed as the mutant put his hand in the back of the mayor's head, emitting the surging energy straight to his brain, blood caking the first five rows of screaming spectators. Scott's eyes where wide as the mutant screamed something, hundreds apon thousands of them suddenly streaming out of the sewers, killing anybody in their sight. The people screamed, running in any direction that they could as the slaughterhouse reached its peak. Scott dashed in as quickly as he could, fending off as many mutants as he ran across. Sirens broke out over the city and hundreds of armed men came to aid, killing humans.killing mutants. There was no difference. Nobody could tell who was who.The madness was insane as Scott ran from mutant to mutant, avoiding a few of the armed guards. He eventually spotted rogue doing quite the same as he, running around wildly. A sound.Scott whirled around, eyes settling on Storm and Wolverine a few feet back. They where helping as well, finally arriving from their other destination.
"Scott, what's happening?" Storm yelled over to him, pushing a spectator past.
"A riot! The mutants have gone out of control!" He yelled back, unaware of the person just behind him.
"Scott! LOOK OUT!" A young voice screamed. Scott whirled around as a mutant aimed at him.everything seemed to go slowly in that instant as the mutant let loose. A blonde.running in the way.
"ALEX!" He heard himself scream, but couldn't remember it. The blonde stood there in his way, poised, eyes wide as the beam hit him in the back, blood spattering across his brother as Alex stood there. He looked as if he would say something, Scott moving away in horror. The boy stopped, taking a step forward, falling to his knees, to the ground in a growing puddle of red that seeped from his back. The mutant smiled, moving on to his next target. Screams, cries of anguish.Alex.
"Alex!" Scott screamed again, falling down to his knees and picking up the rag-doll body, holding him gently. "Alex, wake up." He sobbed, the reality hitting him like Alex's blank stare. "No." Scott could only stammer, hugging him close. A tear rolled down his cheek, followed by more and more as chaos reigned around him. They'd gotten so far.
"Scott, let's get out of here!" Rogue screamed over to him, yanking at his shirt. He did not notice her at all, only stared into those lifeless orbs, praying for a miracle.A stronger hand wrenched him backwards and onto his feet.NO! He couldn't leave Alex! He fought with all he had, trying to pull back as he was forced forwards.His screams where heard well after they had left, well after the battle was over.well after the bodies where cleaned up from the street as if nothing had happened.
"NO! I have to get him.let me go!" Scott still screamed at the top of his lungs as they dragged him into the institution, Xavier's eyes wide in surprise at this change in events. The look apon Scott's face.an anguish he'd only once seen before. Felt only in the hearts of one who'd lost something they could never replace.
"Alex." He sobbed once more, practically lying on the floor after he'd escaped Storm and Wolverine's vice grips. His face was smeared over with tears, hair a mess apon his head. He stumbled to his feet, staring longingly out the door as Storm stood in front of him, speaking as gently and assuring as she could.
"Scott, Alex is gone.there's nothing you could have done."
"I've got."
"He's in a better place. Just let him go." Scott stood there lifelessly, tears still streaming in a waterfall down his cheeks. He looked as if he would say something, go somewhere. He staggered for a moment, not bothering to try and catch his balance. Knees buckling from under him, Scott fell to the ground, completely unconscious. Xavier could only shake his head sadly, motioning to Wolverine.
"Logan, please take Scott to the infirmary. He needs some time to recuperate." Logan nodded, picking the young man up in his arms and carrying him down the stairs.
"He's exhausted. He struggled with us the entire time."
"What happened to Alex?"
"He's.gone. He jumped in front of Scott to save him." Xavier nodded in understanding and sorrow, wheeling himself into the elevator, heading downstairs. Once they reached the infirmary, Logan was already done with Scott, who lay still unconscious in a bed.
"I'm afraid that this will effect badly in some way." Xavier pondered the possibilities of Scott's next few weeks, head shaking. Storm sat beside Scott's bed, gently pushing a bang out of his eyes. He'd had a very stressful day, on top of Jean missing, and Christmas right around the corner, only two days away now. Storm knew right away that all of this would only end badly for both parties, mutants and normal people.
Rogue came back a while later, beat up, bruised, and slightly flustered from all of the action at the town hall. She slumped into a couch after she'd heard about Scott's ordeal, glaring angrily out at the snow that fell again in its lazy circles. Kurt arrived in right behind her, already totally aware of what was going on. He could only shake his head sadly, also staring outside, Kitty trying her best to comfort him. The television blurred with the updating news again, the lady speaking in such an urgent tone.
"The mayor of Bayville has been killed by the mutant army, and only the armed forces where able to stop the carnage, killing hundreds of innocent spectators in the process. We urge you to stay indoors no matter what. Do not try to help a loved one if they are too far."
"That bastard!" Kurt yelled, standing to his feet as the blonde mutant was shown. Xavier, who had come upstairs since then, started to scold him.
"Kurt!"
"That's the guy that killed Alex!" He screamed, eyes darting over to Xavier. The man nodded. This violence was going too far. They had to step in now.
"The only way to stop this group is to infiltrate their base." He suggested as Logan and Storm entered the room. Rogue nodded, totally agreeing. Kitty didn't look so happy about it. Logan nodded as well.
"And, I believe that the perfect candidates for this kind of mission would be Logan, but he could not do this without being recognized. Kurt and Kitty, I'm giving you this decision. Do you want to go on this mission? You two are the only ones that can use stealth to your advantages." Kurt nodded immediately, fists clenched.
"They're not getting away from me."
"Kurt, you're there to examine, not fight." The German sighed heavily. Kitty didn't seem so sure, head nodding.
"I don't know.like, what if I mess something up?" Xavier smiled.
"You'll be fine. But do you want to do this?" Kurt grinned, taking her by the shoulder.
"Sure. I'll do anything to help."
"You two are going to go into the city and convince them that you're trying to join the coalition. They'll let you in without trouble I'm sure. Examine what you see, anything at all, and report back to me as soon as you do. Don't let on that you're talking with us, though. That's when it could become dangerous." The two of them nodded gravely. Logan nodded as well as Storm. They would discuss it further later. As for now, sleep was in order. It was getting late as the lady on the television rambled on.
Someone finally turned it off a few hours later, shades covering his eyes in the dead of night. The television illuminated Scott like an aura, blinking out as he headed up the stairs, falling exhaustedly into his bed. He'd awoken in the infirmary, unaware of where he was. As soon as he'd figured it out, he moved back to his room. So now there he was, lying down, face completely pale, as if he where sick. He'd already thrown up once before he'd gotten to his room.
"Alex." He repeated the word once more, as if it where foreign. A person he'd never heard of. The lights outside of the institution glowed eerily as he stared out at them, despising the still falling snow. He'd heard little of the plan that was to be executed, but didn't care much about it. What was the point of saving? He'd already failed once. At that point, when he stood there, he would have gladly taken off those shades, toasting everyone. Laughing as they burned. They all needed to die.They'd taken something away from him.The only thing he had. Alex was the only thing that kept him alive.And Jean, she was gone.but didn't mean nearly as much. She was just a pretty girl. A single tear ran down his cheek, the only one he would allow for his brother. That would be the last tear he would let fall. He would not cry anymore. That was not what he wanted anymore, no.
Now he wanted revenge.