Hello people. Hope ya'll enjoy the stories as much as ah like givin em to
ya.
anyway, I'll be pretty busy over the next few days, what with religious holidays coming up and stuff. So I'll pretty much not update for a few days. Until then, I leave you with two new chapters.
Disclaimer: Decided to throw this in every few chapters. Prudence is a virtue.
*~*
A Trap to Be Sure
Scott followed his young guides down to the town. It wasn't large by any standards, maybe a maximum population of about five thousand. However they were all fairly relaxed, and none of them reacted to his presence. It seemed they all thought they were safe. That wasn't possible. If he had stumbled across it, Apocalypse would most assuredly find it. However there was the fact to consider that Apocalypse had no real power here. It was really only in the America's that Apocalypse was truly powerful. In Eurasia and The remains of Africa Apocalypse's presence was not as heavily felt. In fact in the Mediterranean region Apocalypse had very little power. As the High Prelate he had had access to a lot of information, though not all. The village should still be on their guard however. With these children already seeming to be such highly developed mutants it was obvious that Apocalypse's sensors would pick them up. Scott followed them up into a large building. They gestured to him to go in and followed from behind. It was strange that no one had appeared to notice him, or give him anything more than a cursory glance. For people in hiding from Apocalypse they seemed to be a bit too lax.
He walked into a room that the children told him to go into. Two guards stood outside with small firearms in their holsters. It took Scott's pre- occupied mind a few seconds after going into the hall to wonder why the children had been allowed to enter a council building so easily and freely. He spun around to confront them to find himself looking at four significantly larger individuals. Well three larger anyway. Chiklet had become taller and his frailty had changed to a look of wiry strength. His long thick hair had become wispy and receding on his scalp. Smooth clean- shaven features had replaced his stubble. Neeb-Dog had become much larger and more ruddy complexioned. His jowls had become heavier and some stubble was on his chin. His eyebrows had become far thicker and his hair had become slightly longer. The short fairly built build had become a large heavily muscled one. 'Him' had become taller and slightly better built.
A large black hood, hiding his features, covered his face. Scott could only make out slightly grayish skin. The hood descended into a cloak that covered all but his legs, clad in black. Baboon had remained as short though his stockiness was replaced by a voluptuous figure of a woman. Her hair had remained the same length as well. The woman was clad in a halter like top and boots that came up to her thighs. A black lace undergarment covered her nether regions.
Scott's eyes widened. These were External's; renegades that Sammael wanted hunted down.
"I see that you recognize us high prelate. I would have expected no less of course."
The balding man, Asmodeus spoke calmly and with slight amusement.
The woman Behamen smiled in a sultry manner, much like Candra now that he thought of it.
Scott cursed himself for being foolish enough to walk into what was most likely a trap. The storm that had brought him here began to take on a whole new meaning, however he had not seen Galaire yet to put the proof to his suspicion. The large man Astaroth gave a short bark of laughter.
The last one, Gilgamesh merely stood in one place barely moving. Scott stepped back, slowly lowering his visor.
"Come now Cyclops, surely you realize that it is not necessary to fight. You would have no hope against us anyway."
Scott smiled. He knew he would stand no chance against them; he just needed a diversion.
"Oh, I know I don't stand a chance against you Asmodeus. Not when you've got Behamen, Astaroth and uh. Gilgamesh to back you up."
Perfectly said. Now if they thought he was suicidal and the other three, especially Gilgamesh took the insult as Scott hoped, he would be able to escape here. As expected Behamen glared towards Asmodeus and Gilgamesh raised a hand as if to curse him. Astaroth growled deep in his throat. Scott took his chance and shot his optic blast at a precise point. He blew the doors apart. At the same time he transferred some energy to his gauntlets. He rushed forward as the Externals began to retaliate. In mid- run he suddenly took a flip backwards, shooting from his gauntlets. He blasted the wall open, landing neatly in front of it. He smiled for a second at the advancing Externals and turned and ran out of the hall. He had nearly reached the end of the passageway after a few turns, when he saw someone standing in front of a door. The man was impressive whoever it was. He wore all black. Scott had no idea who it was. The arrogance in his eyes and the set of his eyes coupled with his straight nose reminded Scott of someone.
"Out of my way, whoever you are."
He lowered his visor, his beam just enough to knock the man down. Surprisingly the beam had little or no effect on him. He seemed to shrug off the attack and began walking purposefully forward. Scott blinked and shot again, this time with ten times the strength. This time the mutant, as he obviously must be, staggered back. Scott ran forward and powered up his gauntlets and punched the mutant. The large man staggered back as the powered up gauntlets hit his face. Suddenly he kicked Scott in the stomach. Scott flew back a few feet, landing clumsily on the ground. He got up quickly. The mutant was very strong as well. The kick had been a glancing blow, yet it had hurt more than a full kick in the stomach would have.
"As Asmodeus said, it is not my intention to fight you. We brought you peacefully. If it had been our intention to fight or kill you, rest assured you would not be able to last as long as you have."
Scott snarled, "Who are you? And for the record duping me into coming counts as aggressive action on my part." It was clear from the mans voice and tone that he was an authority figure, the way he said Asmodeus's name proved that he was either very brave or indeed his superior. The latter seemed unlikely however.
"I am Nidlen Halfbane, that is all you need to know."
Scott looked at him for an instant. What did he mean that is all he needed to know? Scott charged up his gloves, and readied his optic beam for a three-prong attack. Suddenly he heard a rushing sound from his right. He turned quickly only to be slammed into the side of the passage with tremendous force as a literal pillar of water slammed into him. As he lost consciousness he saw a pair of frosty blue eyes gazing down at him, joined by a pair of black eyes.
x----------------- ------------x
Remy slowly opened his eyes. He looked around him for a second trying to adjust himself to his strange surroundings. He was captured he remembered that much. Sinister and Candra had attacked him in Bella's grotto. He didn't remember being brought to wherever he was, and neither did he remember being strapped into whatever apparatus he was currently bound in. The walls of the laboratory he was in looked familiar. His eyes widened slightly. He was in The Tower, in Sinister's laboratory. He had been strapped into a large disk the last time he was here. Out of the corner of his right eye he could see the disk. He was in the corner of a room; his arms and legs were inside two holes in a large oval-ish machine, where they were strapped to the insides by metal bands. His chest was bare; he was only in his black tights. Even his boots had been taken off, as well as his gloves. His hair hung over his eyes. The room was filled with strange machines, the likes of which he had only seen once before; in this very laboratory. Thin and tubes and wires alike snaked across the walls. In the other corner of the room a large glass chamber stood on top of a large machine. A strange ethereal light snaked into it from the top. A young human male was inside. His features seemed somewhat familiar, but Remy couldn't place them. Something stirred in the corner of the room. Remy looked at the disturbance to see a dark animal like creature coming towards him. It wore a lab coat over dark gray fur. Its legs were encased in metallic armor from the waist to halfway down its lower legs. Wild, long hair sprouted from its head, hanging halfway down its back. It had a very powerful build, a dangerous gleam in its eyes. Remy knew he could only be looking at Hank McCoy, The Dark Beast.
He walked up to Remy and placed a massive hand on Remy's chest. He ran it up his chest muttering something under his breath. Then he put both hands around Remy's waist, measuring it apparently. He walked back to the control panel he had risen from.
"Ah, at last you are awake monsieur Lebeau. I was beginning to become rather worried. I have oft chided mister Sinister to be more careful when bringing back guests. Still I always relish a chance to work on some of his apparatus; it is in many ways more suited to a biochemist like myself. I have been ordered to gain information from you about the rebels, yet I must not bring harm to your body or brain in any way. That leaves me a rather small margin in which to work, but I am always up for a challenge. I have several neural stimuli that can readily bring answers to even the most reticent interviewees, as it were."
He walked over to a large panel on the wall.
"With this control board I can control where certain probes that are implanted in your head will strike. I shall then question you. It is a most remarkable technique. Only one of your comrades was able to survive one worse than this, but she was bolstered by emotion, yet she too would have broken down if that accursed traitor, Cyclops hadn't shown up. Shall we begin?"
So saying he pressed a few buttons and Remy began to spasm as wave after wave of pain hit his body. It felt like lead pipes were beating him, yet he couldn't see anything, nor could he feel any blows. It was just the feeling that came after being struck by a severe blow that takes hours to recover from. He gritted his teeth and looked as Dark Beast walked up to him. Dark Beast began to question him.
'Where is your headquarters, this Muir Isle? The only Muir Isle that I know was destroyed in a raid against the sentinel's prime manufacturing site, near Scotland."
Remy smiled at him, and looked deep into the beast's eyes. He felt something kick in him, and he felt the emotions of the mutant opposite him. He did what he always did when this happened; he twisted the emotions. The Dark Beast looked at him then surprisingly a large red diamond appeared on his forehead for an instant. It vanished completely but not before Remy saw it. His eyes widened now, and the feeling disappeared. The beast opposite him wasn't Dark Beast after all, he was Sinister! The pain in him seemed to grow to unbearable levels, but he didn't say anything. Sinister then walked over to the control panel still masquerading as Dark Beast. He pressed a switch and the pain receded till only the memory of it remained. The Dark Beast stood in front of the panel for a while then turned to him, his shape changing as he turned. Dark fur was replaced by gleaming silver metal. Long shaggy hair was replaced by long black hair. A goatee replaced the unkempt beard. Pale white skin replaced the fuzzy fur on the face. Red eyes replaced black. The form became little taller, a little thinner. A cape formed of live tendrils snaked about behind him. Red armor covered his chest, purple over his abdomen and groin. Purple gauntlets and purple boots adorned his arms and legs respectively. A man to respect, even if nothing was known of him. From what Remy knew of him, a little fear also entered into the equation, however anger was the chief emotion in him.
"Sinister. you sonofabitch."
The external looked at him calmly.
"Your empathy is quite strong. Behamen would have been surprised and flustered to find someone who has such a strong control over it without any guidance by a proper empath. It is however surprising you managed to affect Candra with it. She above all of us was the least susceptible to it. Speaking of Candra, I suppose you should know. Candra and I have total freedom to do as we will with you. You hold some sort of fascination for us both, however I believe mine is that of science, whereas Candra's is purely carnal in nature. She wants you to come to her in about a couple of hours, so that gives me enough time to scan you for mutations, and of course figure out the extent of your abilities. Your physiology is very interesting. I cannot change you in any way, or perform any experiments on you as yet. Candra would reveal your presence if I did. I believe she enjoys Apocalypse's favor more than any other of us lieutenants of his, even more than his own son. It would be uncomfortable for me if Apocalypse found out about you. I would prefer to have you at my disposal. Apocalypse would likely convert you to his armies faster than you could say your name."
'I can say somet'ings pretty fast mon ami, do you wanna hear?"
"Your humor fails to entertain me completely Lebeau."
"Dat's cause you be having a stick so far up your ass you're left wit none."
Sinister smiled chillingly at him.
"We shall see who has a greater sense of humor at the end of our time together Lebeau."
x----------------- ------------x
Apocalypse walked stared out of the window, a brooding expression on his face. Holocaust watched him slightly anxiously. For all of his own vaunted power he was still slightly nervous around his father. Apocalypse was difficult to read at best, and sometimes his actions seemed to have no real purpose. In the end however the results were worse than anything the one who most pondered his actions could imagine. He had no way of knowing whether Apocalypse intended to kill him now, or to teach him something new, or even set him some difficult, however enjoyable task.
Apocalypse was aware of what went on through his sons head, and smiled inwardly. Holocaust was very easy to read still, even though he was nothing but energy now. Apocalypse was taking him to where none but Dark Beast and Sinister had been. Those two even because it was necessary. For Holocaust however it was so that he could be a worthy second in command. For long Apocalypse had brooded over whom to delegate as his right hand .well, man so to speak. At first he had thought it would be Sinister; however he didn't trust Sinister, far less now than before. The next in mind was Sammael, however even Sammael plotted. Sammael was probably the most tactically brilliant of his lieutenants, but he followed his own agenda. His mind had turned next to Candra. She had been a loyal and devoted follower of his for a long time, and of all of his lieutenants, except Holocaust, she had been the most reliable. However something about her just did not rub him the right way. That had left Holocaust. His own son. That had provided another boon to him. His enemies would see it as paternal affection, a sign of weakness, and seek to hurt him through holocaust. He would be waiting if anyone tried that. Even if Holocaust must perish in the attempt the gains would outweigh the loss. He looked down at the water from the huge eye that served as a window. He was standing in the head of the massive statue of himself that stood in the place of the statue of Liberty. The head of Liberty still lay by his statues feet, a testament to his triumph over the weak.
His staying here did not mean anything; he just wanted Holocaust to become anxious. Leaving now would be a good time. He turned abruptly and began walking out of the room, saying only one word.
"Come."
Holocaust looked up at him and hurriedly stood to follow. As they reached the door Apocalypse turned and grabbed his arm. Holocaust flinched slightly and Apocalypse allowed himself a small smile. He felt the familiar floating sensation as he teleported to his destination. Death Camp 7, one of his many sources of life-force. Holocaust looked slightly dazed as they arrived. He walked towards one of the ramps that led up into the death camp itself. Holocaust followed.
"My lord, why are we here?"
Apocalypse paused to look at him then continued walking onward.
"This, Nemesis, is one of the few places where I can allow my energies to recuperate, and I can add to my own energies as well."
Holocaust looked at him, "My name is Holocaust, my lord."
Apocalypse glanced at him for a second, not breaking step. His son would understand soon enough.
A few hours later Apocalypse watched as his son walked out next to him confidence marking his every step. His plan was going better than he had hoped. His energies were at their fullest, and he felt better than he had in a while. He should make it a point to visit the death camps more often.
x----------------- ------------x
Sammael stood in front of the assembled Prelates. His face was a mask of anger. Behind him sat Candra and Exodus. Sinister was in his laboratory and had decided not to attend the session.
The Prelates stood in front of the Externals, lined up at attention. They were all nervous, especially Havok. It had been Havok's idea to capture the mutant. Therefore he stood to receive the harshest punishments. However the External's might consider that all the Prelates were of an equal ranking, and hence they were all equally responsible. A full mutant unit had been lost, as well as a few soldiers. Human guards who were well enough trained and had undergone Dark Beast's psychic study were hard enough to find as it was. Polaris stood at Havok's side slightly stiff. Quja and Lumina were slightly awestruck. They had only seen the External's hall once or twice. Havok and Polaris had been here a few times though. Even then the hall was impressive. It rose nearly a hundred feet up, and was circular the edges. While their chairs dwarfed the room even, the massive throne behind their own smaller ones dwarfed them by its mere presence. It was the occupant of that chair that Havok feared most.
"You are a most disgusting lot. Even the most inept human servant would be intelligent to understand the stupidity in fighting the X-men, especially when they have Magneto in command. You Havok led them; however they had no reason to listen to your stupid commands. Your brother the ex-High Prelate would never have made such a mistake."
Havok's ears began to burn as his brother was mentioned. He wondered if he would ever be free of his shadow. When next they met he would tear him apart piece by piece.
"I don't think using that traitor would be such a good example."
Havok's gaze shifted to Candra. The lushly beautiful External sat on the throne like a bored queen. Her cat like eyes met his and went past. He looked at Sammael again. It was rumored that Cyclops had enjoyed her. favors for a night. Another way in which his brother had overshadowed him. Rage filled him, but he didn't let any show on his face.
"You are all fools. For what you have done I would have had you killed. Understand that the only reason I do not have you killed is because training mutants to be as good as you should be is difficult. You can fight well enough. What you lack is intelligence. We External's have decided to allow you one more chance to redeem yourselves. Prove to us that you are worthy of your positions and we shall award you with honor. Prove that you are inept, and your reward shall be death."
Sammael stood for a few seconds watching them, letting his words sink in. Havok nearly grimaced under his gaze.
"You may leave."
The Prelates saluted as one, and turned to leave.
Suddenly a faint humming was heard, and then Apocalypse stood in front of the entrance to the hall. A split second later a large individual who seemed to be energy encased in a containment suit appeared next to him. Havok knew who it was, Holocaust, the son of Apocalypse, a mutant who stood equally with the Externals. The four Prelates stood in shock. Apocalypse turned his gaze to them and all four quickly bowed low.
"Lord Apocalypse, what.?"
Havok had never heard Exodus at a loss for words. At Apocalypse's gesture they went and stood by the entrance doors. He walked up to the three Externals in the room. They watched him intently, making no sound.
"How is it that Sinister is not here? Is he busy in his laboratory again?" Apocalypse asked the question almost congenially. The Externals watched him carefully. The tone had put them on alert, that much was clear to Havok. Holocaust walked behind Apocalypse, looking at ease, however it was difficult to judge Holocaust.
"I want him to come here right now. You Havok, the traitor's brother. call your adoptive father. Be quick about it."
Havok started when Apocalypse called him. He strode over to the communications console in one corner of the room. He quickly paged Sinister's laboratory. Sinister's face appeared on the monitor after a few seconds.
"What is it? What do you want?" He looked annoyed, and more so at discovering Havok.
"The master wants you to come to this hall immediately, sir." Havok tried to put the right amount of subservience and confidence in his voice, so as to impress Apocalypse.
Sinister looked at him for a moment before replying.
"Apocalypse is here?"
Apocalypse took the words out of Havok's mouth, as well as taking control of the console. Havok had not heard him walk up to him.
"Yes Sinister. I am here, and I want you to report to this hall immediately."
Sinister's mouth tightened slightly, but he kept it fairly smooth. He nodded at once and the screen blinked out. Havok looked up at Apocalypse as though expecting orders. Apocalypse looked at him for a few seconds, then grabbing him by the shoulder led him towards the rest of the Prelates. Havok's heart pounded inside his chest. Maybe this was the day Apocalypse saw him for what he truly was. Then the glow that suffused him fled as he realized that Apocalypse would hear of their shameful defeat at the hands of the X-men.
"You do your job well."
Sammael spoke up then. Havok had not really expected him to let Apocalypse praise him after he had just censured him.
"Not as well as you may think my lord." He outlined the Prelates battle against the X-men.
Apocalypse had sat on his throne by now. The throne that seemed to dwarf the room before was now dwarfed by him. Not that the throne was small for him. His presence was such that none in it seemed real compared to him. Apocalypse sat in thought then spoke, his tone harsh.
"Is failure after failure all that is to be expected from those in command in this tower? You Sammael should have had the sense to take back-up with you. Perhaps you would have finished off some of the X-men. Yet if Magneto was involved taking back-up may still not have been enough. As for you Prelate's. you are showing me the need to replace you with those more able to do your jobs. I find that I need to hurry along my plans slightly. Very well then, let Sinister arrive and then I shall tell all... so to speak."
The room fell silent and then the door opened as Sinister arrived. He bowed to Apocalypse.
'I have come as requested."
Apocalypse's face seemed slightly amused.
"Not requested Sinister, ordered. It is good that you are here. Take your seat." Apocalypse waited till Sinister was seated.
"I have decided to finish what I begun all those years ago. It is time for me to take control of this entire planet, as was my intention. I have sent out my horsemen again, though this time they are the true four; Death, Plague, War and Beast. They already settle into where my enemies least expect it. They shall be ready to strike at my command. The Shadow King has gotten close to locating Avalon. Another associate of mine has found an old hideaway of the remnant of the Hellfire Club's External's. The monolith has been awakened; he is ready to attack the Human High Council. Rasputin and the Reavers stand ready for an assault on the Sentinel's base. The Dark Beast stands ready to implant the knowledge of what is necessary in the minds of my armies. However the only factor that remains is whether those in this room are ready. Holocaust is prepared for what he needs to do. You External's must prove to me that you are ready for battle. As for you Prelates. I will need strong commanders in the battle. Capable commanders, who will be able to respond to an attack with fair ease. Commanders who will be a direct link between my general's; these External's, Holocaust and Rasputin. To show me you are ready you have but a few weeks. Make good use of them."
Havok shivered slightly. Apocalypse was going ahead with it. He would prove to all that he was better than Cyclops. He would stand by Apocalypse when it was all over. Perhaps even above him.
x----------------- ------------x
Remy walked into the room carefully. It was not exactly what he had expected. In fact the room reminded him of Bella's old rooms in the Assassin's guild headquarters. Bella. his stomach clenched slightly. This External was nothing like Bella. His bare feet sank into the plush carpet. The lavender and red all around him was making him slightly nauseated. It was too much like Bella's room. He could smell something, a smell that made him feel slightly lethargic. He walked into the middle of the room, looking around, his eye quickly judging the worth of the objects in the room. If he had managed to get into a room like this back in the days the guild still existed he would have made millions. Now though he just stood in the middle of the room, waiting for Candra to come.
He did not have to wait long. A soft sultry voice greeting him broke into his thoughts. He turned as Candra walked into the room, wearing a thin halter like garment, which showed more cleavage than it hid. The halter had a swooping neckline that bared her down to her bellybutton in a large V. A belt secured a thin diaphanous material that covered thong-like underwear. She wore high boots, reaching up to slightly above her knees. Her cat like eyes were slightly hooded, her full lips provocatively colored the same ruby as her clothes. Her blonde hair was looking sexily rumpled. A cloak like cape hung behind her. Knowing what she was, knowing what she had done Remy still felt his mouth go dry as desire consumed him. His eyes burned a deep, glowing red.
"I am glad to finally have you to myself Remy." Her voice was soft and almost purring. She walked up to him and Remy flinched as she put a finger on his chest. His powers were safely controlled by a power inhibitor placed in his shoulder. He could feel it under his skin. She began pushing him backwards and Remy staggered back as her telekinetic power forced him to. He had not felt this helpless in a long time. Not even when Sinister had had him trussed up. What did she want? She was surely not doing all this just to sleep with him??? Was she?
"Do not look so uncomfortable rebel. You are the only man to ever affect me with any sort of psychic power. Even Behamen, queen of empathy could never affect me with her empathy, and she could make even Sammael dance if she wanted. I find it intriguing; you are the only man with any sort of power over me, except perhaps Apocalypse. You of course know that he has no idea of your presence in this Tower. Actually he might at that. Nevertheless it is of no consequence. For now you are mine."
Her hand flittered lightly across his collarbone. Bare-chested as he was, her touch seemed to be pure satin. He felt blood rushing to his groin. Her face seemed to fill his view.
"Tell me Cajun, what is the secret of your power? How did such a weak mutant come to affect me, the Mistress of the Tower, an External, one of the rulers of the world?"
Remy shrank back from her, as she leaned over him. His back was pressed firmly against the soft cushion of the sofa. Suddenly his inbred charm seemed to take over. Whoever she was, she was a woman first and foremost. That meant she was susceptible to his Cajun charm. He leaned forward now, his nose nearly touching Candra's. Her eyes widened. He looked into her clear blue eyes as deeply as he could. He knew how devastating his red on black eyes could be when he was close, though that could be possibly due to his empathy. However he wasn't going to give up. His eyes glowed with passion. Not all of it was forced. Candra was a very sexy woman, and right now he was very close to her, not touching but close enough to make it as or even more potent. He looked into her eyes for a long time, drinking in every detail, taking in every fleck of color in her eyes, the slight cat like slant of her eyes. Candra appeared to be mesmerized again. This time Remy was sure it could not be his empathy. Another gleam appeared in his eyes. This time it was one of victory and amusement. However underlying it all was desire, so sharp that Remy felt it's potency as one he had barely ever felt. Only a few times with Belladonna, even fewer with Rogue. Even then they had had to work to get him this aroused. With Candra it was almost instantaneous. Perhaps the added tinge of being in enemy hands added to it in some perverse manner. Whatever it was Remy wanted her, and he knew that Candra wanted him.
Candra tried to speak, but Remy silenced her by brushing his lips across hers. The sound of her soft gasp inflamed his senses.
"Hush, Chere, let it go, wit de flow." His voice was pure silk velvet, smooth and smoky. He leaned forward more, until his lips were touching hers slightly. He could feel his own touching her soft ones. He spoke again, lips brushing hers as he spoke.
"Wit de flow..."
He moved forward just a little more slightly, his lips now pressing hers gently. Their nose tips were just touching, side by side. Candra's eyes were now only slits in her face, her golden curls obstructing any hint of her eyes. He spoke again, the words coming much more muffled.
"Wit de flow."
He pressed his lips against hers fully, kissing her deeply, with a frenzy born of desire. Her response was as ardent as his kiss. Her lips moved over his urgently, her hands clawing his bare back. His hands settled on her bare back. She had discarded her cloak already. Her hands grabbed the back of his head and pulled him towards her. They toppled backwards, still kissing.
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Eh. well. Kinda had to stop it there. Don't want this to be rated higher than R. Thanks to my writing only R rated stuff, and being damn absent minded I almost always get a shock when I can't find my fic on the page, and then realize I have to do Ratings: All. Oh well. Next chapter introduces (properly) one of my favorite characters from the AoA. Read on. Review. Please.
anyway, I'll be pretty busy over the next few days, what with religious holidays coming up and stuff. So I'll pretty much not update for a few days. Until then, I leave you with two new chapters.
Disclaimer: Decided to throw this in every few chapters. Prudence is a virtue.
*~*
A Trap to Be Sure
Scott followed his young guides down to the town. It wasn't large by any standards, maybe a maximum population of about five thousand. However they were all fairly relaxed, and none of them reacted to his presence. It seemed they all thought they were safe. That wasn't possible. If he had stumbled across it, Apocalypse would most assuredly find it. However there was the fact to consider that Apocalypse had no real power here. It was really only in the America's that Apocalypse was truly powerful. In Eurasia and The remains of Africa Apocalypse's presence was not as heavily felt. In fact in the Mediterranean region Apocalypse had very little power. As the High Prelate he had had access to a lot of information, though not all. The village should still be on their guard however. With these children already seeming to be such highly developed mutants it was obvious that Apocalypse's sensors would pick them up. Scott followed them up into a large building. They gestured to him to go in and followed from behind. It was strange that no one had appeared to notice him, or give him anything more than a cursory glance. For people in hiding from Apocalypse they seemed to be a bit too lax.
He walked into a room that the children told him to go into. Two guards stood outside with small firearms in their holsters. It took Scott's pre- occupied mind a few seconds after going into the hall to wonder why the children had been allowed to enter a council building so easily and freely. He spun around to confront them to find himself looking at four significantly larger individuals. Well three larger anyway. Chiklet had become taller and his frailty had changed to a look of wiry strength. His long thick hair had become wispy and receding on his scalp. Smooth clean- shaven features had replaced his stubble. Neeb-Dog had become much larger and more ruddy complexioned. His jowls had become heavier and some stubble was on his chin. His eyebrows had become far thicker and his hair had become slightly longer. The short fairly built build had become a large heavily muscled one. 'Him' had become taller and slightly better built.
A large black hood, hiding his features, covered his face. Scott could only make out slightly grayish skin. The hood descended into a cloak that covered all but his legs, clad in black. Baboon had remained as short though his stockiness was replaced by a voluptuous figure of a woman. Her hair had remained the same length as well. The woman was clad in a halter like top and boots that came up to her thighs. A black lace undergarment covered her nether regions.
Scott's eyes widened. These were External's; renegades that Sammael wanted hunted down.
"I see that you recognize us high prelate. I would have expected no less of course."
The balding man, Asmodeus spoke calmly and with slight amusement.
The woman Behamen smiled in a sultry manner, much like Candra now that he thought of it.
Scott cursed himself for being foolish enough to walk into what was most likely a trap. The storm that had brought him here began to take on a whole new meaning, however he had not seen Galaire yet to put the proof to his suspicion. The large man Astaroth gave a short bark of laughter.
The last one, Gilgamesh merely stood in one place barely moving. Scott stepped back, slowly lowering his visor.
"Come now Cyclops, surely you realize that it is not necessary to fight. You would have no hope against us anyway."
Scott smiled. He knew he would stand no chance against them; he just needed a diversion.
"Oh, I know I don't stand a chance against you Asmodeus. Not when you've got Behamen, Astaroth and uh. Gilgamesh to back you up."
Perfectly said. Now if they thought he was suicidal and the other three, especially Gilgamesh took the insult as Scott hoped, he would be able to escape here. As expected Behamen glared towards Asmodeus and Gilgamesh raised a hand as if to curse him. Astaroth growled deep in his throat. Scott took his chance and shot his optic blast at a precise point. He blew the doors apart. At the same time he transferred some energy to his gauntlets. He rushed forward as the Externals began to retaliate. In mid- run he suddenly took a flip backwards, shooting from his gauntlets. He blasted the wall open, landing neatly in front of it. He smiled for a second at the advancing Externals and turned and ran out of the hall. He had nearly reached the end of the passageway after a few turns, when he saw someone standing in front of a door. The man was impressive whoever it was. He wore all black. Scott had no idea who it was. The arrogance in his eyes and the set of his eyes coupled with his straight nose reminded Scott of someone.
"Out of my way, whoever you are."
He lowered his visor, his beam just enough to knock the man down. Surprisingly the beam had little or no effect on him. He seemed to shrug off the attack and began walking purposefully forward. Scott blinked and shot again, this time with ten times the strength. This time the mutant, as he obviously must be, staggered back. Scott ran forward and powered up his gauntlets and punched the mutant. The large man staggered back as the powered up gauntlets hit his face. Suddenly he kicked Scott in the stomach. Scott flew back a few feet, landing clumsily on the ground. He got up quickly. The mutant was very strong as well. The kick had been a glancing blow, yet it had hurt more than a full kick in the stomach would have.
"As Asmodeus said, it is not my intention to fight you. We brought you peacefully. If it had been our intention to fight or kill you, rest assured you would not be able to last as long as you have."
Scott snarled, "Who are you? And for the record duping me into coming counts as aggressive action on my part." It was clear from the mans voice and tone that he was an authority figure, the way he said Asmodeus's name proved that he was either very brave or indeed his superior. The latter seemed unlikely however.
"I am Nidlen Halfbane, that is all you need to know."
Scott looked at him for an instant. What did he mean that is all he needed to know? Scott charged up his gloves, and readied his optic beam for a three-prong attack. Suddenly he heard a rushing sound from his right. He turned quickly only to be slammed into the side of the passage with tremendous force as a literal pillar of water slammed into him. As he lost consciousness he saw a pair of frosty blue eyes gazing down at him, joined by a pair of black eyes.
x----------------- ------------x
Remy slowly opened his eyes. He looked around him for a second trying to adjust himself to his strange surroundings. He was captured he remembered that much. Sinister and Candra had attacked him in Bella's grotto. He didn't remember being brought to wherever he was, and neither did he remember being strapped into whatever apparatus he was currently bound in. The walls of the laboratory he was in looked familiar. His eyes widened slightly. He was in The Tower, in Sinister's laboratory. He had been strapped into a large disk the last time he was here. Out of the corner of his right eye he could see the disk. He was in the corner of a room; his arms and legs were inside two holes in a large oval-ish machine, where they were strapped to the insides by metal bands. His chest was bare; he was only in his black tights. Even his boots had been taken off, as well as his gloves. His hair hung over his eyes. The room was filled with strange machines, the likes of which he had only seen once before; in this very laboratory. Thin and tubes and wires alike snaked across the walls. In the other corner of the room a large glass chamber stood on top of a large machine. A strange ethereal light snaked into it from the top. A young human male was inside. His features seemed somewhat familiar, but Remy couldn't place them. Something stirred in the corner of the room. Remy looked at the disturbance to see a dark animal like creature coming towards him. It wore a lab coat over dark gray fur. Its legs were encased in metallic armor from the waist to halfway down its lower legs. Wild, long hair sprouted from its head, hanging halfway down its back. It had a very powerful build, a dangerous gleam in its eyes. Remy knew he could only be looking at Hank McCoy, The Dark Beast.
He walked up to Remy and placed a massive hand on Remy's chest. He ran it up his chest muttering something under his breath. Then he put both hands around Remy's waist, measuring it apparently. He walked back to the control panel he had risen from.
"Ah, at last you are awake monsieur Lebeau. I was beginning to become rather worried. I have oft chided mister Sinister to be more careful when bringing back guests. Still I always relish a chance to work on some of his apparatus; it is in many ways more suited to a biochemist like myself. I have been ordered to gain information from you about the rebels, yet I must not bring harm to your body or brain in any way. That leaves me a rather small margin in which to work, but I am always up for a challenge. I have several neural stimuli that can readily bring answers to even the most reticent interviewees, as it were."
He walked over to a large panel on the wall.
"With this control board I can control where certain probes that are implanted in your head will strike. I shall then question you. It is a most remarkable technique. Only one of your comrades was able to survive one worse than this, but she was bolstered by emotion, yet she too would have broken down if that accursed traitor, Cyclops hadn't shown up. Shall we begin?"
So saying he pressed a few buttons and Remy began to spasm as wave after wave of pain hit his body. It felt like lead pipes were beating him, yet he couldn't see anything, nor could he feel any blows. It was just the feeling that came after being struck by a severe blow that takes hours to recover from. He gritted his teeth and looked as Dark Beast walked up to him. Dark Beast began to question him.
'Where is your headquarters, this Muir Isle? The only Muir Isle that I know was destroyed in a raid against the sentinel's prime manufacturing site, near Scotland."
Remy smiled at him, and looked deep into the beast's eyes. He felt something kick in him, and he felt the emotions of the mutant opposite him. He did what he always did when this happened; he twisted the emotions. The Dark Beast looked at him then surprisingly a large red diamond appeared on his forehead for an instant. It vanished completely but not before Remy saw it. His eyes widened now, and the feeling disappeared. The beast opposite him wasn't Dark Beast after all, he was Sinister! The pain in him seemed to grow to unbearable levels, but he didn't say anything. Sinister then walked over to the control panel still masquerading as Dark Beast. He pressed a switch and the pain receded till only the memory of it remained. The Dark Beast stood in front of the panel for a while then turned to him, his shape changing as he turned. Dark fur was replaced by gleaming silver metal. Long shaggy hair was replaced by long black hair. A goatee replaced the unkempt beard. Pale white skin replaced the fuzzy fur on the face. Red eyes replaced black. The form became little taller, a little thinner. A cape formed of live tendrils snaked about behind him. Red armor covered his chest, purple over his abdomen and groin. Purple gauntlets and purple boots adorned his arms and legs respectively. A man to respect, even if nothing was known of him. From what Remy knew of him, a little fear also entered into the equation, however anger was the chief emotion in him.
"Sinister. you sonofabitch."
The external looked at him calmly.
"Your empathy is quite strong. Behamen would have been surprised and flustered to find someone who has such a strong control over it without any guidance by a proper empath. It is however surprising you managed to affect Candra with it. She above all of us was the least susceptible to it. Speaking of Candra, I suppose you should know. Candra and I have total freedom to do as we will with you. You hold some sort of fascination for us both, however I believe mine is that of science, whereas Candra's is purely carnal in nature. She wants you to come to her in about a couple of hours, so that gives me enough time to scan you for mutations, and of course figure out the extent of your abilities. Your physiology is very interesting. I cannot change you in any way, or perform any experiments on you as yet. Candra would reveal your presence if I did. I believe she enjoys Apocalypse's favor more than any other of us lieutenants of his, even more than his own son. It would be uncomfortable for me if Apocalypse found out about you. I would prefer to have you at my disposal. Apocalypse would likely convert you to his armies faster than you could say your name."
'I can say somet'ings pretty fast mon ami, do you wanna hear?"
"Your humor fails to entertain me completely Lebeau."
"Dat's cause you be having a stick so far up your ass you're left wit none."
Sinister smiled chillingly at him.
"We shall see who has a greater sense of humor at the end of our time together Lebeau."
x----------------- ------------x
Apocalypse walked stared out of the window, a brooding expression on his face. Holocaust watched him slightly anxiously. For all of his own vaunted power he was still slightly nervous around his father. Apocalypse was difficult to read at best, and sometimes his actions seemed to have no real purpose. In the end however the results were worse than anything the one who most pondered his actions could imagine. He had no way of knowing whether Apocalypse intended to kill him now, or to teach him something new, or even set him some difficult, however enjoyable task.
Apocalypse was aware of what went on through his sons head, and smiled inwardly. Holocaust was very easy to read still, even though he was nothing but energy now. Apocalypse was taking him to where none but Dark Beast and Sinister had been. Those two even because it was necessary. For Holocaust however it was so that he could be a worthy second in command. For long Apocalypse had brooded over whom to delegate as his right hand .well, man so to speak. At first he had thought it would be Sinister; however he didn't trust Sinister, far less now than before. The next in mind was Sammael, however even Sammael plotted. Sammael was probably the most tactically brilliant of his lieutenants, but he followed his own agenda. His mind had turned next to Candra. She had been a loyal and devoted follower of his for a long time, and of all of his lieutenants, except Holocaust, she had been the most reliable. However something about her just did not rub him the right way. That had left Holocaust. His own son. That had provided another boon to him. His enemies would see it as paternal affection, a sign of weakness, and seek to hurt him through holocaust. He would be waiting if anyone tried that. Even if Holocaust must perish in the attempt the gains would outweigh the loss. He looked down at the water from the huge eye that served as a window. He was standing in the head of the massive statue of himself that stood in the place of the statue of Liberty. The head of Liberty still lay by his statues feet, a testament to his triumph over the weak.
His staying here did not mean anything; he just wanted Holocaust to become anxious. Leaving now would be a good time. He turned abruptly and began walking out of the room, saying only one word.
"Come."
Holocaust looked up at him and hurriedly stood to follow. As they reached the door Apocalypse turned and grabbed his arm. Holocaust flinched slightly and Apocalypse allowed himself a small smile. He felt the familiar floating sensation as he teleported to his destination. Death Camp 7, one of his many sources of life-force. Holocaust looked slightly dazed as they arrived. He walked towards one of the ramps that led up into the death camp itself. Holocaust followed.
"My lord, why are we here?"
Apocalypse paused to look at him then continued walking onward.
"This, Nemesis, is one of the few places where I can allow my energies to recuperate, and I can add to my own energies as well."
Holocaust looked at him, "My name is Holocaust, my lord."
Apocalypse glanced at him for a second, not breaking step. His son would understand soon enough.
A few hours later Apocalypse watched as his son walked out next to him confidence marking his every step. His plan was going better than he had hoped. His energies were at their fullest, and he felt better than he had in a while. He should make it a point to visit the death camps more often.
x----------------- ------------x
Sammael stood in front of the assembled Prelates. His face was a mask of anger. Behind him sat Candra and Exodus. Sinister was in his laboratory and had decided not to attend the session.
The Prelates stood in front of the Externals, lined up at attention. They were all nervous, especially Havok. It had been Havok's idea to capture the mutant. Therefore he stood to receive the harshest punishments. However the External's might consider that all the Prelates were of an equal ranking, and hence they were all equally responsible. A full mutant unit had been lost, as well as a few soldiers. Human guards who were well enough trained and had undergone Dark Beast's psychic study were hard enough to find as it was. Polaris stood at Havok's side slightly stiff. Quja and Lumina were slightly awestruck. They had only seen the External's hall once or twice. Havok and Polaris had been here a few times though. Even then the hall was impressive. It rose nearly a hundred feet up, and was circular the edges. While their chairs dwarfed the room even, the massive throne behind their own smaller ones dwarfed them by its mere presence. It was the occupant of that chair that Havok feared most.
"You are a most disgusting lot. Even the most inept human servant would be intelligent to understand the stupidity in fighting the X-men, especially when they have Magneto in command. You Havok led them; however they had no reason to listen to your stupid commands. Your brother the ex-High Prelate would never have made such a mistake."
Havok's ears began to burn as his brother was mentioned. He wondered if he would ever be free of his shadow. When next they met he would tear him apart piece by piece.
"I don't think using that traitor would be such a good example."
Havok's gaze shifted to Candra. The lushly beautiful External sat on the throne like a bored queen. Her cat like eyes met his and went past. He looked at Sammael again. It was rumored that Cyclops had enjoyed her. favors for a night. Another way in which his brother had overshadowed him. Rage filled him, but he didn't let any show on his face.
"You are all fools. For what you have done I would have had you killed. Understand that the only reason I do not have you killed is because training mutants to be as good as you should be is difficult. You can fight well enough. What you lack is intelligence. We External's have decided to allow you one more chance to redeem yourselves. Prove to us that you are worthy of your positions and we shall award you with honor. Prove that you are inept, and your reward shall be death."
Sammael stood for a few seconds watching them, letting his words sink in. Havok nearly grimaced under his gaze.
"You may leave."
The Prelates saluted as one, and turned to leave.
Suddenly a faint humming was heard, and then Apocalypse stood in front of the entrance to the hall. A split second later a large individual who seemed to be energy encased in a containment suit appeared next to him. Havok knew who it was, Holocaust, the son of Apocalypse, a mutant who stood equally with the Externals. The four Prelates stood in shock. Apocalypse turned his gaze to them and all four quickly bowed low.
"Lord Apocalypse, what.?"
Havok had never heard Exodus at a loss for words. At Apocalypse's gesture they went and stood by the entrance doors. He walked up to the three Externals in the room. They watched him intently, making no sound.
"How is it that Sinister is not here? Is he busy in his laboratory again?" Apocalypse asked the question almost congenially. The Externals watched him carefully. The tone had put them on alert, that much was clear to Havok. Holocaust walked behind Apocalypse, looking at ease, however it was difficult to judge Holocaust.
"I want him to come here right now. You Havok, the traitor's brother. call your adoptive father. Be quick about it."
Havok started when Apocalypse called him. He strode over to the communications console in one corner of the room. He quickly paged Sinister's laboratory. Sinister's face appeared on the monitor after a few seconds.
"What is it? What do you want?" He looked annoyed, and more so at discovering Havok.
"The master wants you to come to this hall immediately, sir." Havok tried to put the right amount of subservience and confidence in his voice, so as to impress Apocalypse.
Sinister looked at him for a moment before replying.
"Apocalypse is here?"
Apocalypse took the words out of Havok's mouth, as well as taking control of the console. Havok had not heard him walk up to him.
"Yes Sinister. I am here, and I want you to report to this hall immediately."
Sinister's mouth tightened slightly, but he kept it fairly smooth. He nodded at once and the screen blinked out. Havok looked up at Apocalypse as though expecting orders. Apocalypse looked at him for a few seconds, then grabbing him by the shoulder led him towards the rest of the Prelates. Havok's heart pounded inside his chest. Maybe this was the day Apocalypse saw him for what he truly was. Then the glow that suffused him fled as he realized that Apocalypse would hear of their shameful defeat at the hands of the X-men.
"You do your job well."
Sammael spoke up then. Havok had not really expected him to let Apocalypse praise him after he had just censured him.
"Not as well as you may think my lord." He outlined the Prelates battle against the X-men.
Apocalypse had sat on his throne by now. The throne that seemed to dwarf the room before was now dwarfed by him. Not that the throne was small for him. His presence was such that none in it seemed real compared to him. Apocalypse sat in thought then spoke, his tone harsh.
"Is failure after failure all that is to be expected from those in command in this tower? You Sammael should have had the sense to take back-up with you. Perhaps you would have finished off some of the X-men. Yet if Magneto was involved taking back-up may still not have been enough. As for you Prelate's. you are showing me the need to replace you with those more able to do your jobs. I find that I need to hurry along my plans slightly. Very well then, let Sinister arrive and then I shall tell all... so to speak."
The room fell silent and then the door opened as Sinister arrived. He bowed to Apocalypse.
'I have come as requested."
Apocalypse's face seemed slightly amused.
"Not requested Sinister, ordered. It is good that you are here. Take your seat." Apocalypse waited till Sinister was seated.
"I have decided to finish what I begun all those years ago. It is time for me to take control of this entire planet, as was my intention. I have sent out my horsemen again, though this time they are the true four; Death, Plague, War and Beast. They already settle into where my enemies least expect it. They shall be ready to strike at my command. The Shadow King has gotten close to locating Avalon. Another associate of mine has found an old hideaway of the remnant of the Hellfire Club's External's. The monolith has been awakened; he is ready to attack the Human High Council. Rasputin and the Reavers stand ready for an assault on the Sentinel's base. The Dark Beast stands ready to implant the knowledge of what is necessary in the minds of my armies. However the only factor that remains is whether those in this room are ready. Holocaust is prepared for what he needs to do. You External's must prove to me that you are ready for battle. As for you Prelates. I will need strong commanders in the battle. Capable commanders, who will be able to respond to an attack with fair ease. Commanders who will be a direct link between my general's; these External's, Holocaust and Rasputin. To show me you are ready you have but a few weeks. Make good use of them."
Havok shivered slightly. Apocalypse was going ahead with it. He would prove to all that he was better than Cyclops. He would stand by Apocalypse when it was all over. Perhaps even above him.
x----------------- ------------x
Remy walked into the room carefully. It was not exactly what he had expected. In fact the room reminded him of Bella's old rooms in the Assassin's guild headquarters. Bella. his stomach clenched slightly. This External was nothing like Bella. His bare feet sank into the plush carpet. The lavender and red all around him was making him slightly nauseated. It was too much like Bella's room. He could smell something, a smell that made him feel slightly lethargic. He walked into the middle of the room, looking around, his eye quickly judging the worth of the objects in the room. If he had managed to get into a room like this back in the days the guild still existed he would have made millions. Now though he just stood in the middle of the room, waiting for Candra to come.
He did not have to wait long. A soft sultry voice greeting him broke into his thoughts. He turned as Candra walked into the room, wearing a thin halter like garment, which showed more cleavage than it hid. The halter had a swooping neckline that bared her down to her bellybutton in a large V. A belt secured a thin diaphanous material that covered thong-like underwear. She wore high boots, reaching up to slightly above her knees. Her cat like eyes were slightly hooded, her full lips provocatively colored the same ruby as her clothes. Her blonde hair was looking sexily rumpled. A cloak like cape hung behind her. Knowing what she was, knowing what she had done Remy still felt his mouth go dry as desire consumed him. His eyes burned a deep, glowing red.
"I am glad to finally have you to myself Remy." Her voice was soft and almost purring. She walked up to him and Remy flinched as she put a finger on his chest. His powers were safely controlled by a power inhibitor placed in his shoulder. He could feel it under his skin. She began pushing him backwards and Remy staggered back as her telekinetic power forced him to. He had not felt this helpless in a long time. Not even when Sinister had had him trussed up. What did she want? She was surely not doing all this just to sleep with him??? Was she?
"Do not look so uncomfortable rebel. You are the only man to ever affect me with any sort of psychic power. Even Behamen, queen of empathy could never affect me with her empathy, and she could make even Sammael dance if she wanted. I find it intriguing; you are the only man with any sort of power over me, except perhaps Apocalypse. You of course know that he has no idea of your presence in this Tower. Actually he might at that. Nevertheless it is of no consequence. For now you are mine."
Her hand flittered lightly across his collarbone. Bare-chested as he was, her touch seemed to be pure satin. He felt blood rushing to his groin. Her face seemed to fill his view.
"Tell me Cajun, what is the secret of your power? How did such a weak mutant come to affect me, the Mistress of the Tower, an External, one of the rulers of the world?"
Remy shrank back from her, as she leaned over him. His back was pressed firmly against the soft cushion of the sofa. Suddenly his inbred charm seemed to take over. Whoever she was, she was a woman first and foremost. That meant she was susceptible to his Cajun charm. He leaned forward now, his nose nearly touching Candra's. Her eyes widened. He looked into her clear blue eyes as deeply as he could. He knew how devastating his red on black eyes could be when he was close, though that could be possibly due to his empathy. However he wasn't going to give up. His eyes glowed with passion. Not all of it was forced. Candra was a very sexy woman, and right now he was very close to her, not touching but close enough to make it as or even more potent. He looked into her eyes for a long time, drinking in every detail, taking in every fleck of color in her eyes, the slight cat like slant of her eyes. Candra appeared to be mesmerized again. This time Remy was sure it could not be his empathy. Another gleam appeared in his eyes. This time it was one of victory and amusement. However underlying it all was desire, so sharp that Remy felt it's potency as one he had barely ever felt. Only a few times with Belladonna, even fewer with Rogue. Even then they had had to work to get him this aroused. With Candra it was almost instantaneous. Perhaps the added tinge of being in enemy hands added to it in some perverse manner. Whatever it was Remy wanted her, and he knew that Candra wanted him.
Candra tried to speak, but Remy silenced her by brushing his lips across hers. The sound of her soft gasp inflamed his senses.
"Hush, Chere, let it go, wit de flow." His voice was pure silk velvet, smooth and smoky. He leaned forward more, until his lips were touching hers slightly. He could feel his own touching her soft ones. He spoke again, lips brushing hers as he spoke.
"Wit de flow..."
He moved forward just a little more slightly, his lips now pressing hers gently. Their nose tips were just touching, side by side. Candra's eyes were now only slits in her face, her golden curls obstructing any hint of her eyes. He spoke again, the words coming much more muffled.
"Wit de flow."
He pressed his lips against hers fully, kissing her deeply, with a frenzy born of desire. Her response was as ardent as his kiss. Her lips moved over his urgently, her hands clawing his bare back. His hands settled on her bare back. She had discarded her cloak already. Her hands grabbed the back of his head and pulled him towards her. They toppled backwards, still kissing.
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Eh. well. Kinda had to stop it there. Don't want this to be rated higher than R. Thanks to my writing only R rated stuff, and being damn absent minded I almost always get a shock when I can't find my fic on the page, and then realize I have to do Ratings: All. Oh well. Next chapter introduces (properly) one of my favorite characters from the AoA. Read on. Review. Please.