A/N: Agh, had exams and other problems, so sorry for the long time between
updates. No problem though, because I managed to nearly finish the story.
Ha! Anyway, hope you like, and please review. No Flames though.
Disclaimer: The X-men and AoA don't belong to me. Some OC's do though.
The Beasts Lair
Scott sat in the chair as his Prelates reported to him. Things were looking good, any guard who had not passed Exodus's mind swipe had been executed. The mutants had come back from Dark Beast only reduced by two in number. There were now five units on standby in the Tower, all had been trained in achieving maximum efficiency while a battle took place in the Tower. Apart from that the guards had all been posted strategically to halt any infiltration. The store area in containment area three had been rigged, so that anyone entering from there would not last long. There were killer Tyten robots concealed within the walls, so that once released they would target any of the rebels, whose identification had been recorded in their memories, and destroy them. All was going well on that front.
"Excellent, you all know your roles in the case of a break-in, don't you?"
Alex looked slightly put off.
"Of course Scott, what do you take us for?"
"Just checking. Good, then you're dismissed."
As the Prelates filed out Scott leaned back in his chair. His 'office' was next to the war room, where all the planning of tactics took place. He was pleased at the efficiency with which his objectives in securing the Tower had been carried out. However he was worried. He had promised the Externals he would give them the information by today, or they would send Jean to Dark Beast. He had pleaded with Jean yesterday to tell him what he wanted, but she had refused, going tight lipped, and she had refused to talk to him. That had sparked off a fight, a bitter one. Scott sighed, he would have to do what was needed. He would set Jean free. He had to. The mere thought of Jean in Dark Beasts clutches was enough to make him shudder. He walked out of the office, and called a guard to him.
"Bring Jean Grey from the containment area B4 and bring her to me. I'll be in my quarters."
The guard saluted and strode off to do what he was bid.
Scott sat in the room next to the lounge outside. He stared out the window, or rather glass wall, in the room. The clouds were billowing together, a sure sign of a rainstorm. He supposed the sky outside would be dark, but the tint of the glass wall, and his glasses red, always gave the same tint to the sky, a dull red. Scott smiled cynically. Just as well it was going to be dark out. It would provide extra cover to him when he got Jean out. The thought of his own betrayal flashed in his mind. Exodus should have scanned his mind as well. He was a traitor. He shook his head. No he wasn't a traitor. He still believed in the Externals ideals, and believed in Apocalypses right to rule. No. he didn't, the belief so strong in him before had become dulled. He wasn't sure which way was what now. All because of Jean Grey, a woman who had completely turned his world around. Sometimes he wished he had never met her, but following right on the trail of that thought was a furious rebuttal to the first. No, he couldn't imagine life without her. The past two days had been confusing, but had been the best. He had never felt more fulfilled. No, Jean Grey was a part of him now, as surely as his heart beat.
The door chimed. He opened it, and when the Guard and Jean entered, he spoke through a microphone, asking Jean to come into this room, telling the guard to return to his post. Jean entered and as soon as she did Scott felt as though the sun had come out. To him she was radiant, even though he saw her through a perpetual tint of red. He knew the color of her eyes though, and the colour of her hair. That memory was his most treasured. He smiled as soon as he saw her, he couldn't help it. He got up and pulled her in his arms, and she stiffened. Apparently she still remembered their fight.
Still holding her close, he sank to his knees in front of her.
"Don't push me away Jean, I couldn't bear it. I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. I wouldn't have given up any information about my friends either. What I said was said in selfishness. I was, am scared. They'll take you away Jean, and I can't allow that."
Jean was wide eyed, she began to speak but Scott put a finger on her lips.
"No, don't say anything. I've decided what must be done. I. I will set you free Jean. I'll lead you out of the Tower and aid you in escaping."
Jean was completely shocked.
"What? The Externals would kill you! I can't allow you to be in danger because of me!" Scott smiled slightly.
"No Jean, it's done. I've already made the arrangements. You're going to be free."
Suddenly he came forward and took off the dampener.
For the first time in two days Jean felt whole again. The effect of gaining her powers again was exhilarating, and filled her with happiness. Suddenly she was aware of something, a rapport between herself and Scott. She was more aware of him than she had been before. She looked at him, and from the small frown on his face it was apparent that he too could sense her.
"What, why can I feel you? It is as if I am a telepath myself."
Jean understood then what it was. A psychic link, something that very rarely happened. Somehow she and Scott had developed a Psychic link, one that was nearly overwhelming in its intensity.
She could feel Scott's mind, sense his body near her, even with her eyes closed.
"It's a psychic link, somehow I've linked myself to you."
Scott stared at her. Psychic link? He had never heard of anything like that before. He smiled involuntarily at the beatific expression on Jeans face; he could also feel the corresponding emotion from inside. He pulled her closer to him.
"Whatever it is, it's something amazing." Scott whispered in Jeans ear. He felt the answering smile on Jeans lips against his neck. She put her face closer to his neck. They stood there, silhouetted against the raging maelstrom outside.
"I'd be content to just stand here forever, with you by my side." Jean spoke softly.
"I'll love you, through all eternity." Scott's voice was soft, yet firm in its conviction. Jean felt a warm glow spread through her, and she snuggled into his strong chest. He bent lower, and kissed Jean tenderly.
They were walking through the halls, Jean in her X-men uniform that had been taken away. Scott had secreted it away from where it had been put, and had given it to her to change into. Jean had taken a shower in his bathroom, then had changed. Now Scott took her through the halls, to an escape shuttle that would take her back to her team. No guard bothered them, they couldn't really question the High Prelate. He probably had some business with her. Jean couldn't help but worry though; what if Scott were found out. It was very likely he would be killed, or even sent to Dark Beast himself. A plan formulated in her mind, she would ask him to join them. Due to their link she knew that he had his doubts about the Externals, but she wasn't sure of whether he would come with her.
They bypassed the shuttle room guards with little difficulty, they only needed to know the purpose to enter in their logs. Scott had told them that he was taking Jean to another Tower. At that Jen had wondered if perhaps there were more bases. Scott had taken great precautions, even making sure that a shuttle was ready, and that the dampener was on her.
Jean took off the dampener suppressing a little shudder. Her respect for rogue had grown while she had worn it. To be bereft of your powers, even if you might think they were a curse was as if a part of yourself had been taken away. It also left her feeling a bit weak. Wearing it every time she was taken out of the containment unit had left her so weak she couldn't move sometimes. She threw it aside with a shudder.
"There it is Jean, your way out."
Jean looked at the shuttle, it was a small fast glider like object. She had seen its speed before and knew it would probably get her to safety. She would get to a communications unit placed nearest and use it to contact Muir Isle. They would be coming to rescue her, she knew that. Suddenly an image of Logan came to her and she flushed. She had not even thought of him in the last day. The man she had professed to love. She heard Scott mutter something behind her. She turned and saw him looking broodingly at her. Almost frowning, with a guarded yet bitter expression on his face. Then she remembered. The link. He must have picked up on her thoughts. She walked up to him.
"I know you know what I was thinking, but I want you to know, I love you. Not Logan, that was just attraction. I love you."
Scott smiled then, a genuine smile, one that seemed to make his face glow. Jean smiled back and hugged him, as suddenly tears stung her eyelids. She had found her soul mate, only to have him taken from her, perhaps never to be seen again.
"Oh Scott, we just met, and it's been so sudden, and I want more, much more. Come with me, I can't bear to lose you."
Scott held her close.
"I want to Jean, but. I can't. I have to stay with Sinister and the other Externals. I'm sorry, but I can't come with you."
Jean heard the crack in his voice, and she quivered in his arms.
She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him furiously, passionately. She kissed him as if it was the last thing on earth she would do, and she wanted to take it fully, as fast as possible.
"How touching."
The mocking voice came from behind. Both Jean and Scot whirled around to find all the Externals standing behind them, watching. Jeans throat went dry, and she heard Scott curse beside her.
"I am disappointed in you Scott."
Scott flinched as Sinister spoke. He opened his mouth, then shut it again. She could feel the despair radiating form him, and she knew that most of it was for her.
"The girl must be taken to Dr. McCoy immediately of course. He has expressed his desire to experiment on an X-men many times. He shall get his wish. As for you Scott, I shall deal with you personally." Sinisters voice held a promise of pain to follow. Jean suddenly felt acute panic from Scott, and the term needles, and helmet flashed into her head. She decided that she was done standing around. She tried to fly up, but before she could even get a foot above the ground Sinister was there, knocking her back with an energy bolt. She tried to erect a telekinetic shield but Exodus was suddenly in her head. He seemed to be everywhere in her head, inflicting such agonizing pain that she cried out as she fell to the ground clutching her head. She felt a sudden build up of rage in Scott, but Archanfel and Sammael put a dampener on him before he could move and then as she felt another click into place around her neck, she knew it was over.
He could smell it; Sinisters laboratory had a very distinct scent. He opened his eyes and looked around. He was spread eagled on a large metal disk, his ankles and feet manacled to it. His neck was held with a loose brace that allowed some movement, but not much. The mainframe in the corner was running. It was a very advanced unit, but Scott had seen other ones before. He had never been in this part of the Laboratory before. Or on second thought, perhaps he had, looking around he could make out a few things that had been there, when he had been visored thirteen years ago. He heard footsteps coming towards him. He turned his head as far as he could, and saw Sinister walking towards him.
"You're awake." Sinisters voice was flat, emotionless.
Scott just stared at him with a pained expression. What he had done for Jean Grey had torn his soul apart, as loyalty warred against love. Jean. his heart contracted in fear. He had failed her, he should have realized the Externals might have suspected something. Still, who could have thought they would watch his every move? He really did have only himself to blame though.
"The Externals have reviewed the situation and have come to a conclusion. You will remain High Prelate, however you must be taught a lesson. The reason for your remaining High Prelate is obvious; it would not do to demolish the guards and others morale by revealing that you are a traitor. Your lesson will be to know exactly what happens to your. paramour as it were. Dark Beast must already be going to work. We mustn't miss the show. He was quite willing to provide a camera in his lab for you to see. That shall only be part of your lesson though. I shall be providing you with gauntlets. They will be able to transmit your energy reserves into them via your visor, allowing you to shoot beams from your hands as well as your eyes. You can also keep the energy in your fists, using it as a very effective weapon in hand to hand combat. You will be the perfect soldier. That was what I have always planned for you. The physical trials you shall have to endure will be your punishment. Do you remember the needles Scott? That will seem like a blessing once I'm done with you."
Scott's eyes widened with each sentence Sinister took, but it was Jeans fate that affected him the most.
Sinister walked over to a control panel and entered a sequence. The wall behind him, and directly in front of Scott sprang to life. It was actually a large monitor. It showed a dark room, with n operating table in the spotlight, and a figure on it. The rest of the room was too dark to make out. Suddenly behind the table it was as though the shadows themselves had come to life. A dark face peered at Jean, a face covered in very dark blue- grey fur, with a shaggy mane of the same color framing the bestial face. It was a face like an ape's, with a large mouth, and a small nose. The eyes were deep set, and below great shaggy sweeping eyebrows. The mouth was indented in four spots. As Dark Beast opened his mouth to begin speaking, Scott noticed it was because of sharp canines.
"Ah, my dear High Prelate, I hope you are watching the special presentation that I shall present to you this fine day. A very excellent specimen you have brought me. I always loved telepaths, they have the most entertaining minds. It is most enjoyable breaking them."
Scott stared at the Towers most insane resident, as he disappeared into the shadows, only to reappear again as he turned on the lights. The room in the monitor was flooded with light. The doctor was in a white lab coat, and wore glasses now, yet he still looked dangerous. Scott stared at the pitiful looking form on the table. *Oh, Jean! I'm sorry.*
Jean Grey looked around her as she was woken up by a firm, insistent voice. She then found herself looking into jet black eyes. Her eyes widened as she took in the rest of the face. It couldn't be anybody but Dark Beast. She was in the hands of the most insane man in the world. She couldn't help but tremble as he touched her forehead with his hand.
"Hmm, no fever, that is good."
He smiled at her then, "This won't take long Miss Grey. At least, it will only take as long as you make it."
Jean stared at him wide-eyed. She was dampened here, but the aura of insanity around him was nearly palpable. She felt it seep into her, the darkness that had consumed the brilliant scientist. He seemed to find pleasure in her trembles.
"Oh, I hope you aren't scared Miss Grey? Perhaps you feel cold?"
Jean opened her mouth, but no words came out as she saw past his shoulder to a chair, from which hung the strangest equipment. A strange helmet with little wires rising off the top was there, as well as a hole in the arm rest's. The back also had a little hole, and she could make out something shiny in it.
"Ah, the chair! It is one of the best devices I have. Once I am done inserting the electrodes and nano-chips in your blood system, I will strap you in. Here, this won't take long." He took out a large needle, and wetting the tip he secured her arm with a manacle. Jean was surprised at the mutants strength. He was very strong, handling her so easily, even when she was struggling. It was frightening to know that it may take all her fighting skills to defeat him in hand to hand combat.
She felt the sudden prick of the needle, and suddenly felt exhilarated. It must be those Nano-chips and the electrodes he had put in her bloodstream.
"Come Miss Grey, have a seat."
Jean was led to the chair, and strapped in. She seemed to have no will to fight him. Her limbs had stopped obeying her a few seconds after he had emptied his injection in her. She felt herself being strapped in.
"Now try not to shake too much."
Before Jean could make lucid what he said, she felt tiny pinpricks in her back, wrists, ankles and thighs. Suddenly the world became pain, as wave upon wave of it hit her. She felt as though someone was trying to break every bone in her body, at the same time. She gritted her teeth, but finally couldn't hold it back and she began screaming in pain, louder and louder, until all was left was the pain, and the sound of her cries.
She could feel his eyes on her as she sobbed in the chair. He was looking satisfied about something, yet Jean was certain she had not divulged any secret. She was un-strapped and led, stumbling to another chair, with a larger helmet.
"Now, now my dear, it is not wise to resist."
She was strapped in, and the helmet was placed over her head. She felt an odd sensation in her head. Whatever those things were that he had put in her, they increased her sensations ten-fold. He walked over to a control panel.
"Shall we begin? Now my dear, I want to know where your base is. You will tell me."
Jean looked defiantly at him. Dark Beast smiled, almost in anticipation. Jean felt dread growing in her. He pressed a button, then suddenly her head was filled with images. Too many images, all of them crowding into her skull, until she felt she would burst. Visions of the X-men lying dead on a battlefield, The Externals smashing them. Xavier was there, Apocalypse's fist crushing him again and again. Candra appeared, with Sinister, with a leash on Scott, pulling him away from her, beating him when he tried to come to her. Another vision appeared, this one showing Dark Beast sitting on an ornate throne, Jean kneeling by his feet in rags, like a slave girl. Again, and again, and again, the visions came in her mind, brutal death, pain and suffering. Then she could see Scott, his visor shattering, the energy in him shattering his body. Again came another vision, this time of Dark Beast electrocuting Scott, another with Candra snapping his neck, another with Sinister blowing him apart. Again and again came the visions. Then came the X-men, each of them dying at Scotts hands, until the last one killed him. They came again, except this time another X-man was the last to fall taking Scott with him. Then came Logan impaling Scott, who blasted his body inot nothing-ness as he died. Another vision, with Scott standing in a dark forest. She was there as well, running to him, her arms open. Then at the last second he turned away, leaving Jean sprawled on the ground, laughing as Prelates grabbed her, and then dragged her away, oblivious to her screams for help.
They stopped.
"Are you ready to tell me now?"
Jean looked at him, and with the last of her strength answered, "Fuck you."
Dark Beast seemed to be delighted.
He again pressed the button, and the images came again.
Another vision in which Scott lay with her, passionately making love, then another with him beating her, another with a violent climax that left her bloody. Jean began sobbing as more of the visions came, each of them more terrible. Now Scott was with other women, Candra, Betsy, Lumina, Rumik, the images showed with different women. Jean began to gasp as warmth spread through her, In this vision she was with Scott again, lovingly being caressed. She stroked his face, smiling. He smiled and began to laugh, changing, his face widening, becoming that of Apocalypse then different Externals, then Dark Beast, then Candra, each of them using her body, to slake any desire, again and again, until she felt they had all truly taken her. Her cries grew louder and louder, then whimpering as the pain and anguish, hit her again and again. The pain was growing in her skull, each cell on fire, then on ice, alternating between the two extremes of pain. She screamed in pain, as the visions swirled in her head forming a vortex of images, swirling into a point, the pain concentrating there, each vision adding to it. Jean vomited and fell unconscious, unable to handle any more.
Scott was screaming with her. All he had seen was Jean sitting in a chair with a helmet, flinching at something, then spasms overtook her, and she began screaming, however he had felt her pain due to their link. Her cries had tore at his heart, and he had felt rage in him. Pure fury, the force of it surprising it. It must have been palpable, for looking at him Sinister had taken a step back. Scott had strained against his bonds, unable to make them move, unable to do anything. Now Dark Beast was muttering something on the monitor, and had stopped the helmet. He had removed the apparatus from Jean and had carried her to the operating table, laying her on it. Then he had turned off the lights, and gone off the screen, still muttering something. Sinister looked at him, a look of slight surprise on his face.
"She didn't break, very surprising. That helmet is a very nasty device, especially when coupled with the Nano-machines and the electrodes."
Scott just stared at him, breathing hard.
"Now Scott, the time has come for me to put on your gauntlets. I dare say it will be a unique experience, though perhaps not as bad as the visor."
Sinister smiled.
It had been worse. A few hours later Scott lay on a table, with Gauntlets on his arm, and two tubes going from them into the back of the visor. His head had two new holes, tiny needle thin holes, at the back of his head. The visor inserted needles into them, which supplied energy he had for his blasts to the gloves, so that he could shoot with his hands. The process had involved a brain operation, taking care not to damage it, and then had followed the helmet. Again he had remembered pain, everything that he had done, all the people he had killed, the pain he had gone through, all of it came crashing down on him, as soon as Sinister had put it on and flipped the on switch. Scott had nearly buckled under that, but he had remained standing, a fact which seemed to amuse Sinister.
He was now awake again, and in the back of his mind, he could feel Jean. She was still sleeping though. He cracked a knuckle. The pain of the experiment had diminished over the night. What was worse was that Dark Beast had again decided to torture Jean, which had increased his suffering, and had probably increased Jeans. He felt guilt and rage flood through him. Almost at the same time, he felt energy pumping into his fists. He twisted his neck as far as he could, to try to see. His hands were glowing red, the tube shimmering as it sent energy into the gauntlet. A thought grew in his mind, and for he first time since they had been captured, Scott smiled.
An explosion rocked Sinisters lab. Sinister was upstairs in his chamber when he heard the alarm. He immediately ran out and into his personal elevator, into the Externals hall. He took another elevator down from there, until he reached the outside of his lab. Guards had already gathered there.
One turned to him, a captain judging from his insignia, "Sire, something seems to have blown up in your lab. I have sent two guards in, but they haven't returned."
Sinister was about to answer, when suddenly a body came flying out, the armor smoking. In the smoke Sinister could see a tall figure holding up another, the fists of the tall man glowing an un-earthly red. The figure dropped the other, and turned to look at the cavalcade outside. His eyes were one straight red line, glowing through the smoke. The figure walked forward slowly, and almost involuntarily Sinister took a step back. As it became clear, Scotts face was devoid of any emotion. Suddenly an optic blast came out smashing into three guards. Then three more came, each taking out the remaining three guards. Sinister found himself face-to-face with his adopted son.
"Sinister." Scott growled. Sinister narrowed his eyes.
"I see you have recovered from your injuries. You have also made excellent use of your new armament. You are the best High Prelate we have ever had."
Scott didn't answer; he just began raising his visor. Sinister rolled out of the way of the optic blast, shooting one of his own blasts at him. Scott evaded the blast, jumping towards Sinister. Sinister elevated himself, hovering in the air, as Scott looked up in anger. Scott's face was the most malevolent he had seen on anyone in all his hundreds of years of life. Scott released a barrage of blasts towards him, and Sinister thought it best to retreat for now. He left with a parting sentence.
"Don't fight us Scott; you won't win, even with your new abilities."
Scott just stared after him. He had no intentions of fighting him, he only wanted to find Jean and get out of this place. His path was clear now. The Externals were his enemy, and he would destroy them.
Scott battled his way to Dark Beasts laboratory. He met no Prelates; he supposed they would be coming for him soon. He didn't relish the thought of fighting his erstwhile teammates. He would do what was necessary though, like he always had. The corridor leading to Dark Beast's laboratory was not guarded at all. There was no need. No one in his or her right mind would venture into the Dark Beasts lair. He stooped at that thought; he was venturing into Dark Beasts lair. He had to though. He stood before the door, and then smashed it with a blast from his hand. He walked in through the hole, looking around for Dark Beast. He wasn't there; at least not in his line of sight. Then again the room was darkened, and Dark Beast could blend in with the shadows quite easily.
He did see Jean however, laid out on a table. He crossed over to her quickly. He unfastened her bonds, and took her in his arms.
"Jean." he croaked out her name through a suddenly dry throat. He could feel her tremble in his arms, as she dreamt. His grip tightened, as he could feel her mental anguish.
"Jean!" He shook her slightly, and she stirred in his arms, pleading, "No, make it stop, go away, please."
Scott's eyes narrowed behind his visor. Jean came to in his arms, and looked up at him, in surprise and relief.
"Scott? You're real? Not a dream?" Her hand came up and touched his face tentatively. He sighed against her palm. He wrapped his own hand around her small one, in a reassuring grip.
"I'm here Jean, for real."
"Don't leave me again Scott please, never again." She was close to tears, her nerves shot.
"Never Jean, I'll never leave you."
Scott held her close to him.
"How touching." The attack came from above. Scott was hit with amazing force on his back. He rolled into his fall, and turned to see what had hit him. Dark Beast stood in front of him. Gone were the lab coat, and the pant and shirt inside. Dark Beast was clad in black tights that only emphasized his dark color, with metallic thigh armor like Sinister had. Scott cursed himself for being all types of a fool. He should have realized that Dark Beast would have been notified that he was coming. He should also not have underestimated someone called 'Beast'.
"Good morning High Prelate Summers. Or rather I should say Mr. Summers. You are no longer Prelate after all."
Scott rose to his feet.
"We shall see now if you can match up to me, in my own territory."
Dark Beast leapt up in the air, twelve feet straight up, disappearing in the shadows overhead. Scott ran forward, expecting an attack from above. He moved around the room, jerking his head around, keeping a constant watch on the ceiling for any glimpse of the insane doctor. The attack came from the side. Scott smashed into a chair, and his vision went white as his head hit a table. Scott was at a sever disadvantage, he had no armor, at least none of what he wore before, he wore only his Kevlar reinforced uniform. The gauntlets and his boots were all the heavy armor he had. He let rip with his gauntlets blasting the area around him, the explosion of a computer briefly lighting up the area, and Scott saw a shadow moving above him. He aimed and fired, not losing the shape due to his special eyesight. Dark Beast yelped, and fell off the roof, his back smoking. He ran forward, his glowing fist smashing into Dark Beasts abdomen. There was a little flash as the glowing fist connected, and Dark Beast was lifted into the air by the force of the punch and propelled ten feet back. Scott ran forward towards the figure on the ground and jumped into the air, his knee coming down on Dark Beasts back. Dark Beast was fast though, and he turned and rolled away, Scotts knee coming down on the floor with a painful crack. Scott yelled in pain, and Jean cried out from behind. Scott clenched his teeth and stood, his leg buckling below him. He knelt there, looking at Dark Beast, who was lying on the ground, breathing heavily. Unlike him though Scott didn't need too much mobility to do damage. He let loose another optic beam that sent him rolling over and over, his body, already dark now blackened where he was hit. Scott fell back, and Jean crawled over to him.
"We should get to Cece, she can help us. She won't even report our presence." Scott spoke through gritted teeth. Gingerly he stood using one leg, and pulled her up, using the table next to him as a support. He gingerly put his right foot down, but quickly lifted it.
"I can't use this foot yet. I'll remove the dampener, so that you can use your abilities."
Jean whimpered as Scott removed the dampener. They made their way out, Scott looking at Jean worriedly; she had not recovered from her experience, and he wouldn't be able to handle too many guards in his present condition. They limped out of the room, and began making their way towards Cecilia's infirmary.
In the darkness of Dark Beasts lab, the communicator began beeping, and Archanfel appeared on the screen.
"Dr. McCoy, have you contained the rogue High Prelate yet? If so, good. If not, leave him be, we have other problems now. The Tower is under attack by the rebels. Don't kill the girl; we might be able to use her as leverage. Dr. McCoy, are you there? Damn the man, where is he?" Archanfels face disappeared. A dark blue-grey hand appeared on the counter then, and with a deep rasping sound Dark Beast pulled himself up. Jean Grey, he must find her. It was Apocalypse's order. He walked out of the room.
Scott had been surprised to find no opposition as he made his way to Cecilia's infirmary. Just three guards who he handled with his blasts easily. Jean had suffered a nervous breakdown and seemed to be in constant terror of Scott leaving her. Scott now stood in front of the infirmary. He entered the code, then found it was not applicable. *Damn, they changed the codes.* Suddenly the door opened and Cecilia looked out to see who it was.
"Who is it?"
Upon seeing Scott's haggard face and the girl with him, she quickly grabbed him and helped him bring Jean in, supporting both Scott and Jean. She laid him on a bed, and put Jean on another bed. Jean began whimpering and Scott got up and walked over to her and grasped her hand.
"Scott, what's wrong with her?"
"She was with Dark Beast. I rescued her."
Cecilia looked at him.
"You do know that I should report you."
Scott looked at Cecilia wearily.
"Report if you want Cece. I'm in no condition to fight even you."
Cecilia looked at him more closely; he had been hiding it well. He was completely worn out, with the effort of fighting all the guards as well as doing it all on a broken knee.
"What happened?"
The question was simple and straightforward, but Scott knew she meant why he was treated this way. Scott answered it, not bothering to lie about anything. Upon hearing what had been done to Scott and Jean, she gave a little cry of distress.
"Oh Scott, honey, I'm sorry."
She hugged him, and he held on for a minute, then let her go. She turned and there was a sad smile on her face. Scott had finally found love, but in the worst possible way.
"Cece, why were there no guards?"
She turned in surprise.
"Oh, didn't you know? The base is under attack by rebels. It appears your love's friends have arrived to rescue her."
Scott frowned, and Cecilia knew he was thinking. She turned and began to get a sedative for Jean. She would need it.
A few minutes later Jean was asleep, and Scott was in the de-tox tank. His knee would be healed soon enough. Cecilia was worried, though. If anybody found out that she was aiding these two then she would be in trouble. She sighed; sometimes things had a way of hitting you when you least expected it.
------------------------------------------- --------------------------
Gambit stood in front of the ramparts of the west wall of the Tower. Weapon X had carved his way in, as this was the place where the least amount of notice was centered. Most of the Towers defense forces were on the East side, facing the assault led by Magneto. They would now make their way into the base and locate Jean. Gambit smiled. This would be fun.
Gambit smiled grimly as he thought back to the trip here. White Queen, as Emma had called herself and Rogue had rubbed each other the wrong way from nearly the start of the mission. He would have his hands full leading a team of which two members hated each other, basically because of him. He had to give White Queen credit though. She had not tried to aggravate matters, however Rogue's spiteful comments had been more than enough for anybody to get angry, and then the sparks had flied.
"Let's go." At Weapon Xs command they all began climbing in, ready for action.
-------------------------------------------------------
Juggernaut stood on the north-west side of the Tower. The attack by the rebels had proved to be extremely helpful to him, and he had had no trouble in getting here. He smiled beneath his red helmet. He whipped a massive hand back and smashed it into the wall, breaking it easily, and getting into the building with ease. He beckoned to his team and they followed him in. The Externals would be monitoring their progress as well. Though none of them had come, they were cowards, in Juggernauts opinion. He walked up to the lone guard, who had been unsuccessfully shooting at him since he had smashed the wall down. He picked him up and smashed him into the ceiling above, crushing his body, until it hung suspended from the wall. He walked on, with his team.
==================================================
Disclaimer: The X-men and AoA don't belong to me. Some OC's do though.
The Beasts Lair
Scott sat in the chair as his Prelates reported to him. Things were looking good, any guard who had not passed Exodus's mind swipe had been executed. The mutants had come back from Dark Beast only reduced by two in number. There were now five units on standby in the Tower, all had been trained in achieving maximum efficiency while a battle took place in the Tower. Apart from that the guards had all been posted strategically to halt any infiltration. The store area in containment area three had been rigged, so that anyone entering from there would not last long. There were killer Tyten robots concealed within the walls, so that once released they would target any of the rebels, whose identification had been recorded in their memories, and destroy them. All was going well on that front.
"Excellent, you all know your roles in the case of a break-in, don't you?"
Alex looked slightly put off.
"Of course Scott, what do you take us for?"
"Just checking. Good, then you're dismissed."
As the Prelates filed out Scott leaned back in his chair. His 'office' was next to the war room, where all the planning of tactics took place. He was pleased at the efficiency with which his objectives in securing the Tower had been carried out. However he was worried. He had promised the Externals he would give them the information by today, or they would send Jean to Dark Beast. He had pleaded with Jean yesterday to tell him what he wanted, but she had refused, going tight lipped, and she had refused to talk to him. That had sparked off a fight, a bitter one. Scott sighed, he would have to do what was needed. He would set Jean free. He had to. The mere thought of Jean in Dark Beasts clutches was enough to make him shudder. He walked out of the office, and called a guard to him.
"Bring Jean Grey from the containment area B4 and bring her to me. I'll be in my quarters."
The guard saluted and strode off to do what he was bid.
Scott sat in the room next to the lounge outside. He stared out the window, or rather glass wall, in the room. The clouds were billowing together, a sure sign of a rainstorm. He supposed the sky outside would be dark, but the tint of the glass wall, and his glasses red, always gave the same tint to the sky, a dull red. Scott smiled cynically. Just as well it was going to be dark out. It would provide extra cover to him when he got Jean out. The thought of his own betrayal flashed in his mind. Exodus should have scanned his mind as well. He was a traitor. He shook his head. No he wasn't a traitor. He still believed in the Externals ideals, and believed in Apocalypses right to rule. No. he didn't, the belief so strong in him before had become dulled. He wasn't sure which way was what now. All because of Jean Grey, a woman who had completely turned his world around. Sometimes he wished he had never met her, but following right on the trail of that thought was a furious rebuttal to the first. No, he couldn't imagine life without her. The past two days had been confusing, but had been the best. He had never felt more fulfilled. No, Jean Grey was a part of him now, as surely as his heart beat.
The door chimed. He opened it, and when the Guard and Jean entered, he spoke through a microphone, asking Jean to come into this room, telling the guard to return to his post. Jean entered and as soon as she did Scott felt as though the sun had come out. To him she was radiant, even though he saw her through a perpetual tint of red. He knew the color of her eyes though, and the colour of her hair. That memory was his most treasured. He smiled as soon as he saw her, he couldn't help it. He got up and pulled her in his arms, and she stiffened. Apparently she still remembered their fight.
Still holding her close, he sank to his knees in front of her.
"Don't push me away Jean, I couldn't bear it. I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. I wouldn't have given up any information about my friends either. What I said was said in selfishness. I was, am scared. They'll take you away Jean, and I can't allow that."
Jean was wide eyed, she began to speak but Scott put a finger on her lips.
"No, don't say anything. I've decided what must be done. I. I will set you free Jean. I'll lead you out of the Tower and aid you in escaping."
Jean was completely shocked.
"What? The Externals would kill you! I can't allow you to be in danger because of me!" Scott smiled slightly.
"No Jean, it's done. I've already made the arrangements. You're going to be free."
Suddenly he came forward and took off the dampener.
For the first time in two days Jean felt whole again. The effect of gaining her powers again was exhilarating, and filled her with happiness. Suddenly she was aware of something, a rapport between herself and Scott. She was more aware of him than she had been before. She looked at him, and from the small frown on his face it was apparent that he too could sense her.
"What, why can I feel you? It is as if I am a telepath myself."
Jean understood then what it was. A psychic link, something that very rarely happened. Somehow she and Scott had developed a Psychic link, one that was nearly overwhelming in its intensity.
She could feel Scott's mind, sense his body near her, even with her eyes closed.
"It's a psychic link, somehow I've linked myself to you."
Scott stared at her. Psychic link? He had never heard of anything like that before. He smiled involuntarily at the beatific expression on Jeans face; he could also feel the corresponding emotion from inside. He pulled her closer to him.
"Whatever it is, it's something amazing." Scott whispered in Jeans ear. He felt the answering smile on Jeans lips against his neck. She put her face closer to his neck. They stood there, silhouetted against the raging maelstrom outside.
"I'd be content to just stand here forever, with you by my side." Jean spoke softly.
"I'll love you, through all eternity." Scott's voice was soft, yet firm in its conviction. Jean felt a warm glow spread through her, and she snuggled into his strong chest. He bent lower, and kissed Jean tenderly.
They were walking through the halls, Jean in her X-men uniform that had been taken away. Scott had secreted it away from where it had been put, and had given it to her to change into. Jean had taken a shower in his bathroom, then had changed. Now Scott took her through the halls, to an escape shuttle that would take her back to her team. No guard bothered them, they couldn't really question the High Prelate. He probably had some business with her. Jean couldn't help but worry though; what if Scott were found out. It was very likely he would be killed, or even sent to Dark Beast himself. A plan formulated in her mind, she would ask him to join them. Due to their link she knew that he had his doubts about the Externals, but she wasn't sure of whether he would come with her.
They bypassed the shuttle room guards with little difficulty, they only needed to know the purpose to enter in their logs. Scott had told them that he was taking Jean to another Tower. At that Jen had wondered if perhaps there were more bases. Scott had taken great precautions, even making sure that a shuttle was ready, and that the dampener was on her.
Jean took off the dampener suppressing a little shudder. Her respect for rogue had grown while she had worn it. To be bereft of your powers, even if you might think they were a curse was as if a part of yourself had been taken away. It also left her feeling a bit weak. Wearing it every time she was taken out of the containment unit had left her so weak she couldn't move sometimes. She threw it aside with a shudder.
"There it is Jean, your way out."
Jean looked at the shuttle, it was a small fast glider like object. She had seen its speed before and knew it would probably get her to safety. She would get to a communications unit placed nearest and use it to contact Muir Isle. They would be coming to rescue her, she knew that. Suddenly an image of Logan came to her and she flushed. She had not even thought of him in the last day. The man she had professed to love. She heard Scott mutter something behind her. She turned and saw him looking broodingly at her. Almost frowning, with a guarded yet bitter expression on his face. Then she remembered. The link. He must have picked up on her thoughts. She walked up to him.
"I know you know what I was thinking, but I want you to know, I love you. Not Logan, that was just attraction. I love you."
Scott smiled then, a genuine smile, one that seemed to make his face glow. Jean smiled back and hugged him, as suddenly tears stung her eyelids. She had found her soul mate, only to have him taken from her, perhaps never to be seen again.
"Oh Scott, we just met, and it's been so sudden, and I want more, much more. Come with me, I can't bear to lose you."
Scott held her close.
"I want to Jean, but. I can't. I have to stay with Sinister and the other Externals. I'm sorry, but I can't come with you."
Jean heard the crack in his voice, and she quivered in his arms.
She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him furiously, passionately. She kissed him as if it was the last thing on earth she would do, and she wanted to take it fully, as fast as possible.
"How touching."
The mocking voice came from behind. Both Jean and Scot whirled around to find all the Externals standing behind them, watching. Jeans throat went dry, and she heard Scott curse beside her.
"I am disappointed in you Scott."
Scott flinched as Sinister spoke. He opened his mouth, then shut it again. She could feel the despair radiating form him, and she knew that most of it was for her.
"The girl must be taken to Dr. McCoy immediately of course. He has expressed his desire to experiment on an X-men many times. He shall get his wish. As for you Scott, I shall deal with you personally." Sinisters voice held a promise of pain to follow. Jean suddenly felt acute panic from Scott, and the term needles, and helmet flashed into her head. She decided that she was done standing around. She tried to fly up, but before she could even get a foot above the ground Sinister was there, knocking her back with an energy bolt. She tried to erect a telekinetic shield but Exodus was suddenly in her head. He seemed to be everywhere in her head, inflicting such agonizing pain that she cried out as she fell to the ground clutching her head. She felt a sudden build up of rage in Scott, but Archanfel and Sammael put a dampener on him before he could move and then as she felt another click into place around her neck, she knew it was over.
He could smell it; Sinisters laboratory had a very distinct scent. He opened his eyes and looked around. He was spread eagled on a large metal disk, his ankles and feet manacled to it. His neck was held with a loose brace that allowed some movement, but not much. The mainframe in the corner was running. It was a very advanced unit, but Scott had seen other ones before. He had never been in this part of the Laboratory before. Or on second thought, perhaps he had, looking around he could make out a few things that had been there, when he had been visored thirteen years ago. He heard footsteps coming towards him. He turned his head as far as he could, and saw Sinister walking towards him.
"You're awake." Sinisters voice was flat, emotionless.
Scott just stared at him with a pained expression. What he had done for Jean Grey had torn his soul apart, as loyalty warred against love. Jean. his heart contracted in fear. He had failed her, he should have realized the Externals might have suspected something. Still, who could have thought they would watch his every move? He really did have only himself to blame though.
"The Externals have reviewed the situation and have come to a conclusion. You will remain High Prelate, however you must be taught a lesson. The reason for your remaining High Prelate is obvious; it would not do to demolish the guards and others morale by revealing that you are a traitor. Your lesson will be to know exactly what happens to your. paramour as it were. Dark Beast must already be going to work. We mustn't miss the show. He was quite willing to provide a camera in his lab for you to see. That shall only be part of your lesson though. I shall be providing you with gauntlets. They will be able to transmit your energy reserves into them via your visor, allowing you to shoot beams from your hands as well as your eyes. You can also keep the energy in your fists, using it as a very effective weapon in hand to hand combat. You will be the perfect soldier. That was what I have always planned for you. The physical trials you shall have to endure will be your punishment. Do you remember the needles Scott? That will seem like a blessing once I'm done with you."
Scott's eyes widened with each sentence Sinister took, but it was Jeans fate that affected him the most.
Sinister walked over to a control panel and entered a sequence. The wall behind him, and directly in front of Scott sprang to life. It was actually a large monitor. It showed a dark room, with n operating table in the spotlight, and a figure on it. The rest of the room was too dark to make out. Suddenly behind the table it was as though the shadows themselves had come to life. A dark face peered at Jean, a face covered in very dark blue- grey fur, with a shaggy mane of the same color framing the bestial face. It was a face like an ape's, with a large mouth, and a small nose. The eyes were deep set, and below great shaggy sweeping eyebrows. The mouth was indented in four spots. As Dark Beast opened his mouth to begin speaking, Scott noticed it was because of sharp canines.
"Ah, my dear High Prelate, I hope you are watching the special presentation that I shall present to you this fine day. A very excellent specimen you have brought me. I always loved telepaths, they have the most entertaining minds. It is most enjoyable breaking them."
Scott stared at the Towers most insane resident, as he disappeared into the shadows, only to reappear again as he turned on the lights. The room in the monitor was flooded with light. The doctor was in a white lab coat, and wore glasses now, yet he still looked dangerous. Scott stared at the pitiful looking form on the table. *Oh, Jean! I'm sorry.*
Jean Grey looked around her as she was woken up by a firm, insistent voice. She then found herself looking into jet black eyes. Her eyes widened as she took in the rest of the face. It couldn't be anybody but Dark Beast. She was in the hands of the most insane man in the world. She couldn't help but tremble as he touched her forehead with his hand.
"Hmm, no fever, that is good."
He smiled at her then, "This won't take long Miss Grey. At least, it will only take as long as you make it."
Jean stared at him wide-eyed. She was dampened here, but the aura of insanity around him was nearly palpable. She felt it seep into her, the darkness that had consumed the brilliant scientist. He seemed to find pleasure in her trembles.
"Oh, I hope you aren't scared Miss Grey? Perhaps you feel cold?"
Jean opened her mouth, but no words came out as she saw past his shoulder to a chair, from which hung the strangest equipment. A strange helmet with little wires rising off the top was there, as well as a hole in the arm rest's. The back also had a little hole, and she could make out something shiny in it.
"Ah, the chair! It is one of the best devices I have. Once I am done inserting the electrodes and nano-chips in your blood system, I will strap you in. Here, this won't take long." He took out a large needle, and wetting the tip he secured her arm with a manacle. Jean was surprised at the mutants strength. He was very strong, handling her so easily, even when she was struggling. It was frightening to know that it may take all her fighting skills to defeat him in hand to hand combat.
She felt the sudden prick of the needle, and suddenly felt exhilarated. It must be those Nano-chips and the electrodes he had put in her bloodstream.
"Come Miss Grey, have a seat."
Jean was led to the chair, and strapped in. She seemed to have no will to fight him. Her limbs had stopped obeying her a few seconds after he had emptied his injection in her. She felt herself being strapped in.
"Now try not to shake too much."
Before Jean could make lucid what he said, she felt tiny pinpricks in her back, wrists, ankles and thighs. Suddenly the world became pain, as wave upon wave of it hit her. She felt as though someone was trying to break every bone in her body, at the same time. She gritted her teeth, but finally couldn't hold it back and she began screaming in pain, louder and louder, until all was left was the pain, and the sound of her cries.
She could feel his eyes on her as she sobbed in the chair. He was looking satisfied about something, yet Jean was certain she had not divulged any secret. She was un-strapped and led, stumbling to another chair, with a larger helmet.
"Now, now my dear, it is not wise to resist."
She was strapped in, and the helmet was placed over her head. She felt an odd sensation in her head. Whatever those things were that he had put in her, they increased her sensations ten-fold. He walked over to a control panel.
"Shall we begin? Now my dear, I want to know where your base is. You will tell me."
Jean looked defiantly at him. Dark Beast smiled, almost in anticipation. Jean felt dread growing in her. He pressed a button, then suddenly her head was filled with images. Too many images, all of them crowding into her skull, until she felt she would burst. Visions of the X-men lying dead on a battlefield, The Externals smashing them. Xavier was there, Apocalypse's fist crushing him again and again. Candra appeared, with Sinister, with a leash on Scott, pulling him away from her, beating him when he tried to come to her. Another vision appeared, this one showing Dark Beast sitting on an ornate throne, Jean kneeling by his feet in rags, like a slave girl. Again, and again, and again, the visions came in her mind, brutal death, pain and suffering. Then she could see Scott, his visor shattering, the energy in him shattering his body. Again came another vision, this time of Dark Beast electrocuting Scott, another with Candra snapping his neck, another with Sinister blowing him apart. Again and again came the visions. Then came the X-men, each of them dying at Scotts hands, until the last one killed him. They came again, except this time another X-man was the last to fall taking Scott with him. Then came Logan impaling Scott, who blasted his body inot nothing-ness as he died. Another vision, with Scott standing in a dark forest. She was there as well, running to him, her arms open. Then at the last second he turned away, leaving Jean sprawled on the ground, laughing as Prelates grabbed her, and then dragged her away, oblivious to her screams for help.
They stopped.
"Are you ready to tell me now?"
Jean looked at him, and with the last of her strength answered, "Fuck you."
Dark Beast seemed to be delighted.
He again pressed the button, and the images came again.
Another vision in which Scott lay with her, passionately making love, then another with him beating her, another with a violent climax that left her bloody. Jean began sobbing as more of the visions came, each of them more terrible. Now Scott was with other women, Candra, Betsy, Lumina, Rumik, the images showed with different women. Jean began to gasp as warmth spread through her, In this vision she was with Scott again, lovingly being caressed. She stroked his face, smiling. He smiled and began to laugh, changing, his face widening, becoming that of Apocalypse then different Externals, then Dark Beast, then Candra, each of them using her body, to slake any desire, again and again, until she felt they had all truly taken her. Her cries grew louder and louder, then whimpering as the pain and anguish, hit her again and again. The pain was growing in her skull, each cell on fire, then on ice, alternating between the two extremes of pain. She screamed in pain, as the visions swirled in her head forming a vortex of images, swirling into a point, the pain concentrating there, each vision adding to it. Jean vomited and fell unconscious, unable to handle any more.
Scott was screaming with her. All he had seen was Jean sitting in a chair with a helmet, flinching at something, then spasms overtook her, and she began screaming, however he had felt her pain due to their link. Her cries had tore at his heart, and he had felt rage in him. Pure fury, the force of it surprising it. It must have been palpable, for looking at him Sinister had taken a step back. Scott had strained against his bonds, unable to make them move, unable to do anything. Now Dark Beast was muttering something on the monitor, and had stopped the helmet. He had removed the apparatus from Jean and had carried her to the operating table, laying her on it. Then he had turned off the lights, and gone off the screen, still muttering something. Sinister looked at him, a look of slight surprise on his face.
"She didn't break, very surprising. That helmet is a very nasty device, especially when coupled with the Nano-machines and the electrodes."
Scott just stared at him, breathing hard.
"Now Scott, the time has come for me to put on your gauntlets. I dare say it will be a unique experience, though perhaps not as bad as the visor."
Sinister smiled.
It had been worse. A few hours later Scott lay on a table, with Gauntlets on his arm, and two tubes going from them into the back of the visor. His head had two new holes, tiny needle thin holes, at the back of his head. The visor inserted needles into them, which supplied energy he had for his blasts to the gloves, so that he could shoot with his hands. The process had involved a brain operation, taking care not to damage it, and then had followed the helmet. Again he had remembered pain, everything that he had done, all the people he had killed, the pain he had gone through, all of it came crashing down on him, as soon as Sinister had put it on and flipped the on switch. Scott had nearly buckled under that, but he had remained standing, a fact which seemed to amuse Sinister.
He was now awake again, and in the back of his mind, he could feel Jean. She was still sleeping though. He cracked a knuckle. The pain of the experiment had diminished over the night. What was worse was that Dark Beast had again decided to torture Jean, which had increased his suffering, and had probably increased Jeans. He felt guilt and rage flood through him. Almost at the same time, he felt energy pumping into his fists. He twisted his neck as far as he could, to try to see. His hands were glowing red, the tube shimmering as it sent energy into the gauntlet. A thought grew in his mind, and for he first time since they had been captured, Scott smiled.
An explosion rocked Sinisters lab. Sinister was upstairs in his chamber when he heard the alarm. He immediately ran out and into his personal elevator, into the Externals hall. He took another elevator down from there, until he reached the outside of his lab. Guards had already gathered there.
One turned to him, a captain judging from his insignia, "Sire, something seems to have blown up in your lab. I have sent two guards in, but they haven't returned."
Sinister was about to answer, when suddenly a body came flying out, the armor smoking. In the smoke Sinister could see a tall figure holding up another, the fists of the tall man glowing an un-earthly red. The figure dropped the other, and turned to look at the cavalcade outside. His eyes were one straight red line, glowing through the smoke. The figure walked forward slowly, and almost involuntarily Sinister took a step back. As it became clear, Scotts face was devoid of any emotion. Suddenly an optic blast came out smashing into three guards. Then three more came, each taking out the remaining three guards. Sinister found himself face-to-face with his adopted son.
"Sinister." Scott growled. Sinister narrowed his eyes.
"I see you have recovered from your injuries. You have also made excellent use of your new armament. You are the best High Prelate we have ever had."
Scott didn't answer; he just began raising his visor. Sinister rolled out of the way of the optic blast, shooting one of his own blasts at him. Scott evaded the blast, jumping towards Sinister. Sinister elevated himself, hovering in the air, as Scott looked up in anger. Scott's face was the most malevolent he had seen on anyone in all his hundreds of years of life. Scott released a barrage of blasts towards him, and Sinister thought it best to retreat for now. He left with a parting sentence.
"Don't fight us Scott; you won't win, even with your new abilities."
Scott just stared after him. He had no intentions of fighting him, he only wanted to find Jean and get out of this place. His path was clear now. The Externals were his enemy, and he would destroy them.
Scott battled his way to Dark Beasts laboratory. He met no Prelates; he supposed they would be coming for him soon. He didn't relish the thought of fighting his erstwhile teammates. He would do what was necessary though, like he always had. The corridor leading to Dark Beast's laboratory was not guarded at all. There was no need. No one in his or her right mind would venture into the Dark Beasts lair. He stooped at that thought; he was venturing into Dark Beasts lair. He had to though. He stood before the door, and then smashed it with a blast from his hand. He walked in through the hole, looking around for Dark Beast. He wasn't there; at least not in his line of sight. Then again the room was darkened, and Dark Beast could blend in with the shadows quite easily.
He did see Jean however, laid out on a table. He crossed over to her quickly. He unfastened her bonds, and took her in his arms.
"Jean." he croaked out her name through a suddenly dry throat. He could feel her tremble in his arms, as she dreamt. His grip tightened, as he could feel her mental anguish.
"Jean!" He shook her slightly, and she stirred in his arms, pleading, "No, make it stop, go away, please."
Scott's eyes narrowed behind his visor. Jean came to in his arms, and looked up at him, in surprise and relief.
"Scott? You're real? Not a dream?" Her hand came up and touched his face tentatively. He sighed against her palm. He wrapped his own hand around her small one, in a reassuring grip.
"I'm here Jean, for real."
"Don't leave me again Scott please, never again." She was close to tears, her nerves shot.
"Never Jean, I'll never leave you."
Scott held her close to him.
"How touching." The attack came from above. Scott was hit with amazing force on his back. He rolled into his fall, and turned to see what had hit him. Dark Beast stood in front of him. Gone were the lab coat, and the pant and shirt inside. Dark Beast was clad in black tights that only emphasized his dark color, with metallic thigh armor like Sinister had. Scott cursed himself for being all types of a fool. He should have realized that Dark Beast would have been notified that he was coming. He should also not have underestimated someone called 'Beast'.
"Good morning High Prelate Summers. Or rather I should say Mr. Summers. You are no longer Prelate after all."
Scott rose to his feet.
"We shall see now if you can match up to me, in my own territory."
Dark Beast leapt up in the air, twelve feet straight up, disappearing in the shadows overhead. Scott ran forward, expecting an attack from above. He moved around the room, jerking his head around, keeping a constant watch on the ceiling for any glimpse of the insane doctor. The attack came from the side. Scott smashed into a chair, and his vision went white as his head hit a table. Scott was at a sever disadvantage, he had no armor, at least none of what he wore before, he wore only his Kevlar reinforced uniform. The gauntlets and his boots were all the heavy armor he had. He let rip with his gauntlets blasting the area around him, the explosion of a computer briefly lighting up the area, and Scott saw a shadow moving above him. He aimed and fired, not losing the shape due to his special eyesight. Dark Beast yelped, and fell off the roof, his back smoking. He ran forward, his glowing fist smashing into Dark Beasts abdomen. There was a little flash as the glowing fist connected, and Dark Beast was lifted into the air by the force of the punch and propelled ten feet back. Scott ran forward towards the figure on the ground and jumped into the air, his knee coming down on Dark Beasts back. Dark Beast was fast though, and he turned and rolled away, Scotts knee coming down on the floor with a painful crack. Scott yelled in pain, and Jean cried out from behind. Scott clenched his teeth and stood, his leg buckling below him. He knelt there, looking at Dark Beast, who was lying on the ground, breathing heavily. Unlike him though Scott didn't need too much mobility to do damage. He let loose another optic beam that sent him rolling over and over, his body, already dark now blackened where he was hit. Scott fell back, and Jean crawled over to him.
"We should get to Cece, she can help us. She won't even report our presence." Scott spoke through gritted teeth. Gingerly he stood using one leg, and pulled her up, using the table next to him as a support. He gingerly put his right foot down, but quickly lifted it.
"I can't use this foot yet. I'll remove the dampener, so that you can use your abilities."
Jean whimpered as Scott removed the dampener. They made their way out, Scott looking at Jean worriedly; she had not recovered from her experience, and he wouldn't be able to handle too many guards in his present condition. They limped out of the room, and began making their way towards Cecilia's infirmary.
In the darkness of Dark Beasts lab, the communicator began beeping, and Archanfel appeared on the screen.
"Dr. McCoy, have you contained the rogue High Prelate yet? If so, good. If not, leave him be, we have other problems now. The Tower is under attack by the rebels. Don't kill the girl; we might be able to use her as leverage. Dr. McCoy, are you there? Damn the man, where is he?" Archanfels face disappeared. A dark blue-grey hand appeared on the counter then, and with a deep rasping sound Dark Beast pulled himself up. Jean Grey, he must find her. It was Apocalypse's order. He walked out of the room.
Scott had been surprised to find no opposition as he made his way to Cecilia's infirmary. Just three guards who he handled with his blasts easily. Jean had suffered a nervous breakdown and seemed to be in constant terror of Scott leaving her. Scott now stood in front of the infirmary. He entered the code, then found it was not applicable. *Damn, they changed the codes.* Suddenly the door opened and Cecilia looked out to see who it was.
"Who is it?"
Upon seeing Scott's haggard face and the girl with him, she quickly grabbed him and helped him bring Jean in, supporting both Scott and Jean. She laid him on a bed, and put Jean on another bed. Jean began whimpering and Scott got up and walked over to her and grasped her hand.
"Scott, what's wrong with her?"
"She was with Dark Beast. I rescued her."
Cecilia looked at him.
"You do know that I should report you."
Scott looked at Cecilia wearily.
"Report if you want Cece. I'm in no condition to fight even you."
Cecilia looked at him more closely; he had been hiding it well. He was completely worn out, with the effort of fighting all the guards as well as doing it all on a broken knee.
"What happened?"
The question was simple and straightforward, but Scott knew she meant why he was treated this way. Scott answered it, not bothering to lie about anything. Upon hearing what had been done to Scott and Jean, she gave a little cry of distress.
"Oh Scott, honey, I'm sorry."
She hugged him, and he held on for a minute, then let her go. She turned and there was a sad smile on her face. Scott had finally found love, but in the worst possible way.
"Cece, why were there no guards?"
She turned in surprise.
"Oh, didn't you know? The base is under attack by rebels. It appears your love's friends have arrived to rescue her."
Scott frowned, and Cecilia knew he was thinking. She turned and began to get a sedative for Jean. She would need it.
A few minutes later Jean was asleep, and Scott was in the de-tox tank. His knee would be healed soon enough. Cecilia was worried, though. If anybody found out that she was aiding these two then she would be in trouble. She sighed; sometimes things had a way of hitting you when you least expected it.
------------------------------------------- --------------------------
Gambit stood in front of the ramparts of the west wall of the Tower. Weapon X had carved his way in, as this was the place where the least amount of notice was centered. Most of the Towers defense forces were on the East side, facing the assault led by Magneto. They would now make their way into the base and locate Jean. Gambit smiled. This would be fun.
Gambit smiled grimly as he thought back to the trip here. White Queen, as Emma had called herself and Rogue had rubbed each other the wrong way from nearly the start of the mission. He would have his hands full leading a team of which two members hated each other, basically because of him. He had to give White Queen credit though. She had not tried to aggravate matters, however Rogue's spiteful comments had been more than enough for anybody to get angry, and then the sparks had flied.
"Let's go." At Weapon Xs command they all began climbing in, ready for action.
-------------------------------------------------------
Juggernaut stood on the north-west side of the Tower. The attack by the rebels had proved to be extremely helpful to him, and he had had no trouble in getting here. He smiled beneath his red helmet. He whipped a massive hand back and smashed it into the wall, breaking it easily, and getting into the building with ease. He beckoned to his team and they followed him in. The Externals would be monitoring their progress as well. Though none of them had come, they were cowards, in Juggernauts opinion. He walked up to the lone guard, who had been unsuccessfully shooting at him since he had smashed the wall down. He picked him up and smashed him into the ceiling above, crushing his body, until it hung suspended from the wall. He walked on, with his team.
==================================================