Loose Ends
By Trynia Merin
Chapter 20 Conclusion
Three hours had passed since their return onboard. Still there was much to do, sending agents out to see if there were any traces of the excaped Sat-yr-9, or rounding up the rest of the Vixxen crew. Plans and specifications were downloaded, as machinery was confiscated and other ships arrived to assist Cerise's.
Cerise glanced out the main window of the ship Ssidra. She whirled around when she heard his step, and his voice speaking her name, "Cerise..."
"Khaos... thank Sharra you are alive!" she cried, turning around. Khaos held his arms out to her. She rushed towards him and he picked her up, swinging her around. IT was no mean feat because she was considerably muscled.
"My love," he whispered, meeting her lips and performing the best lip massage she could remember.
Soberly she drew back for breath, and led him to sit down on the sofa in her private chambers. Already the ship was waiting for the remaining prison ships to arrive and pick up the Vixen troops, and any trace of Saturnine.
"I must talk to you," she said, kissing his hand.
"As must I," said Khaos. He cupped her face, eyes shining like moonstones.
"My mission is at an end. And you and I have faced life and death together," she whispered.
"I know, Cerise..."
"We both have our duties, and my Empress will have other work... as you will yours..."
"Cerise, is it not a custom for you to claim your consort and return with him to the Empire? As your empress did?"
"I cannot ask you to abandon your mission to return home..."
"The Shi'ar are mighty warriors with ancient ways. Surely they can have the power to send me back to Ameroth. But not right away... there is much to ask and do first..."
"She won't let me go..." whispered Cerise as she felt tears leaking from her eyes.
"Then we will speak to her ourselves. And I will ask till she agrees," said Khaos. "Offer an alliance between my world and dimension, and ask for Lilandra's aid. And to seal the alliance, ask for your hand in marriage..."
"Khaos..." she choked, holding her hand before her mouth. "You would..."
"Yes milady. You alone are fit to be my Queen. To rule at my side and fight as one. And I will go back with you to Shi'ar, and plead my case..."
"I cannot ask you..."
"You cannot refuse," Khaos said with a slow smile. Cerise sniffled through her tears, and hugged him tightly. He seized her mouth in another kiss, and slowly reached for the fastenings of her armor.
"Can't you help him as you did before?" Kitty Pryde asked D'syndri. In the infirmary, Wisdom lay in the thick green fluid. Like an infant he was helpless, his arms slowly moving back and forth. Although she had replaced her uniform with an X man costume generated from the clothing machines, she paid little attention to her hair or face that bore witness to her silent vigil.
"He has crushed ribs, and multiple fractures. The damage is extensive, but it is slowly regenerating. Yet this time he will need more attention for the damage to totally be repaired..."
"But will he live?"
"He will recover. In fact he will be healthier than before. We could even remove his addiction to alcohol and nicotine..."
"Don't. Leave THAT alone. Just fix his body so I won't have to wait months..." Kitty pleaded.
"You will only wait a week of your earth time for the treatment to fully take. The enzymes are regenerating bones as fast as we dare run."
"Will he have to stay here?"
"We will transport the regeneration tank with Wisdom to the Muir Island lab. Your Dr. MacTaggert will doubtless have use for its technology. The Majestrix wishes to offer it as a gift for your services in good faith..."
"Thanks," she murmured. "But are we going to get back to Earth soon?"
"Commander Cerise mentioned that we will be approaching Earth within the hour. Ready yourself to disembark..."
"About the Commander... is she going back to Shi'ar?"
"The Empress will wish a full briefing at the Trial for D'marran. It is standard procedure. Now if you'll excuse me I must tend to the others..."
"Thank you," Kitty nodded. She sat down by the tank, glancing up as Wisdom's arms and legs stirred. Sighing, she realized she had been here only hours before, but it felt like years. In the background she could hear Brian and Meggan softly talking, and the noises of the ship board engines roar as they dropped out of Subspace. A familiar brimstone stench wrinkled her nose, and she knew who had just entered.
"Kitty?" Kurt Wagner asked. "How are you holding up?"
"As well as I can," she said, turning to see her friend standing over her. Like her, he had changed back into his costume. He hugged her tightly, and she buried her face against his shoulder as he crouched next to her.
"Katschen, he'll be fine..."
"I know, but he almost died... and Sat-yr-9 got away!"
"She won't get far. Some of the Shi'ar will remain here to track her down. It's only a matter of time before she shows up again. But she is not our worry now. I don't' think she'll bother us again... not after what you told me happened..."
"I could have killed her..."
"You didn't. That's what matters. You aren't like her Kitty. You didn't kill her, and..."
"I should have," she whispered.
"Katschen..."
"Does that make me any better or worse than Pyoter?" she asked slowly. "Dammit, part of me feels some odd sympathy and the rest... I still want to hurt HIM! Kurt I'm so confused!"
"Kitty, give it time. I know you don't like him staying with us..."
"It doesn't' matter so much now," she murmured as he drew back, fingering her cheek. "After what Sat-yr-9 did to us... it seems petty and small. When it came down to it, he came through, didn't he?"
"He acted like an X man today. And I haven't seen that in ages. But more importantly he showed he could be relied upon in a crisis. He needs us, and like it or not, we need him..."
"I still can't forget, or forgive him RIGHT away, Kurt..."
"You will when you're ready. But we all need to give ourselves time and space..."
"I don't' want to leave him," she said as Kurt took her hand and led her to the door.
"As you wish, Katschen..." said Kurt gently. "I'm going to say goodbye to Khaos and Cerise..."
"Is cerise..."
"Khaos is going with her," said Kurt with a small smile. "He gives his best wishes to you and Wisdom."
"But will Lilandra..."
"She has the right to chose a Consort. I'm glad it's him and not me..." Kurt sighed. "Though..."
"I'm sure Amanda doesn't mind," said Kitty as she slid her hand up and down the tank's surface. She kissed it as she got up and put her arms around it gently.
"I'll leave you alone..." Kurt said, kissing her cheek. He left Kitty there, pressing her cheek to the tank and slowly sobbing.
"Kitty, you up to givin' an ol' friend a goodbye hug?" asked a gruff voice. "Sorry to interrupt ya..."
"Wolvie," she murmured, turning and hugging him tightly. He rocked her gently; soft growling noises reassuring her far more than Kurt's words did. In that brief glimpse she saw him wearing his X men costume, doubtless replaced by the same Shi'ar clothing machine that had whipped hers up. Even in her misery she recalled seeing him wearing that Vixxen outfit with only his boots and mask to show it was still him.
"I'm sorry he's there kid... damn..." Wolverine apologized, hanging his head.
"I don't' want to leave him... I know everyone wants to say goodbye..."
"They'll deal. But I wanted to have the chance to talk to you before ya head back to Muir..." Wolverine said as he stroked her back.
"I'm sure the Professor's going to beg us to come back AGAIN," she snorted. "Are you going to..."
"Not my place darlin. Seems to me, you're doing fine with the Elf on your own. Besides, I might stop by an' check out that pub you mentioned... an' challenge yer man to a game of darts..."
"I'll look forward to it," she hugged him, kissing his cheek. "And tell Jubes I'm sorry I was outta it..."
"She'll understand. An' she wants those emails an' phone calls to keep comin'..."
"No worries there. But if she sends me ANY more old clothes, she's DEAD..." Kitty said half seriously.
"She's learned her lesson," Logan chuckled. "So... look at you, all grown up. Couldn't be prouder of my Pun'kin..."
"See you later Logan..." she whispered. He kissed her on the forehead, and then squeezed her in a hug one last time. She saw him pull his mask down, and stride out of the room. Then she turned back to Wisdom, and sat down once again.
Assembled in the transportation room, the two X men hugged and shook hands with the members of Excalibur. Not a dry eye was in the room, save those of the crewmembers. Cerise shoed them out, and stood behind the console. Kurt and Logan shook hands, slowly glancing at one another. Then they embraced and slugged one another on the backs. All costumes had been replaced, and everyone who had been an X man past or present wore their respective uniforms. Even Amanda had conjured up her Daytripper gear, just to fit in with the rest. Cerise's long robe of office hung over her ceremonial armor, bulking her height up as Khaos stood next to her in his armor and weaponry. Strangely they belonged together, Kurt thought.
"It was good, my friend. I miss working together," Kurt said slowly as he parted from Logan.
"Yeah, this caper was a whole lotta heartache, but it was great solvin' this caper with ya, misfit. Don't be a stranger now... I know ya have yer own team, but you done good by Excalibur, bub."
"Thank you," Kurt nodded. "But we must part ways for a time... give my regards to Professor Xavier."
"Tell him yourself, elf," Logan laughed. Then he grew silent at Kurt's saddened expression. As he opened his mouth to apologize, Kitty raised a hand.
"Don't worry Logan, he knows. It's okay... look, we'll call when we're ready..." she said. Kitty did not so much as look at Colossus, who stood next to Rahne.
Hugging Kitty, Wolverine glanced at Colossus with a sad nod of understanding. Kurt gave Jubilee a kiss on the cheek, and she pretended to groan and complain at his embrace, though she loved the brush of soft blue velvet momentarily on her cheek. Though she would not admit it in a million years to his face.
"Amanda," said Cerise.
"Yeah?"
"No hard feelings. I apologize for my rude conduct..."
"Hey, it happens. Point is, that we're all alive... and that you finally realized who really loved you... was in front of your face all the time," Amanda said.
"Affirmative," Cerise said. "IT was an honor fighting beside you, Amanda Sefton. May you and Kurt have a good life together..."
"Health and Maiden bless," whispered Amanda. She gave Cerise a quick hug and a kiss to the cheek. Cerise nodded, knowing how much pride Amanda had swallowed.
"Cerise..." Kurt said as he wandered over.
"My apologies, Nightcrawler. My behavior was reprehensible. I hope you and the one you have chosen will remain happy..."
"And I wish you and Khaos the best," said Kurt as he kissed her hand. She hugged him and kissed his cheek, then set him down.
"Fear not, I shall watch over her," said Khaos as he strode over and shook Kurt's hand, just grasping the joint of the elbow.
"You'll be very happy," Kurt nodded. He took one last look at Cerise before stepping on the platform with Amanda.
"Exit greetings, self friends Khaos and Cerise. I enjoyed the opportunity to interface with your computer and learn Shi'ar customs."
"Exit greetings, Douglock," said Cerise, holding her hand to touch his.
"Be well, technomagical cousin," said Khaos. He slid his arm around Cerise's hip as she operated the controls.
Wolverine and Jubilee entered the room last, and Jubilee turned to Cerise as Wolverine and Khaos shook hands. "My best wishes, Wolverine. It was an honor to fight with you..."
"Same here, bub. An' if yer ever our way again, come to the X mansion an' have a brew with me an' the guys... and you take care, darlin..." he said, turning to Cerise.
"As do you," said Cerise, leaning down to kiss his cheek. He returned the greeting, and waited for Jubilee as she did the same.
"You are brave, young one. Take care of him," Cerise whispered.
"You bet," she nodded, before walking away. Logan overhead this, but did not say anything. He grunted and took Jubilee's shoulder to guide her to the platform where the others stood.
"Excalibur, fare thee well," Khaos called. Energy sources hummed and whined, as the members of various teams assembled themselves.
"Good bye and good luck!" Kurt called, arm snaking around Amanda. Rahne tensed next to Douglock, and reached over to squeeze Pyoter's hand as he stood stoically there. Kitty Pryde stood next to the tall tank containing Wisdom. He still floated silently in the liquid, mute but alive. Luckily the antigravity units attached made the massive thing easy to shunt from one room to another.
"Give my regards to Xavier," Cerise called. "Commencing transport to Muir, then the X mansion..."
Jubilee glanced anxiously around, as she felt Wolverine's arm around her shoulders. She waved, and then felt the blur and wrenching of her molecules disassembling. Next to them, Excalibur similarly vanished. She caught a last glimpse of Khaos and Cerise side by side, arms around one another and waving with a look of utter happiness on their faces that few could claim.
Hours later, Muir Island was much as they left it, Kitty realized. That flash of their molecules reassembling themselves faded, and her body grew cold in the quickening wind that puffed her face. Against her hand the cold curved surface of the tank did not yield. Familiar voices echoed in her ears, and she turned to see Colossus standing just behind Kurt, wearing a replica of his X men gear.
"Katerina, I wanted to say I was sorry," Pyoter said quickly.
With tears in her eyes, Kitty glanced up at him. "Please, not now... I'll talk to you later... Pyoter..."
"As you wish, Katerina," he said quietly, unable to look her in the eyes.
"Mum!" Rahne squealed as she bounded into the cottage, and found the source of the voice. Mother and daughter rocked together, reunited.
"Let's get this to the medlab," Kurt said quietly, glancing at Brian and Meggan.
Both looked to Kitty for consent, and she nodded. Between them, the two super beings pushed the tank towards the front door, and into the long corridor that led to the utility entrance of the main lab complex. Moira MacTaggert drew in a sharp breath as she saw it gliding by, Wisdom inside.
"Great Snakes alive what happened to Mr. Wisdom?" she asked. "Is that what I think it tis?"
"Aye Mummy, it's a regenerator..." Rahne explained excitedly.
"With the advantage of neutral buoyancy compensation combined with nutritive medium for ease in speeding up tissue regeneration,' Douglock continued. He stood just inside the door, glancing awkwardly at mother and daughter.
"Och Douggie, come in here an' lemmie look at ye. Mah pour nerves were worn tae shreds when those Shi'ar came tae take Peter away..."
"I am fine, Dr. MacTaggert," said Colossus as he strode by. "If you wish, I shall return to the cell, and don the inhibitor collar."
"That will not be necessary," said Kurt quickly, teleporting into the room.
"KURT WAGNER, do ye mind!" MacTaggert shrilled at him. "It tisn't bad enau that..."
"Relax, he'll behave," Amanda Sefton said, as she walked into the room, followed by Kitty who was hugging herself. She walked silently after the regeneration medium, with Wisdom floating in it.
"Medlab?" Brian asked, hands on the tank's side.
"Aye," Dr. MacTaggert nodded. "This will take ages tae study..."
"Which is why this disc includes instructions and research notes," Douglock said as he held up a gold disc that he had spawned from his techno organic flesh. "You will find it most illuminating... Shall self follow?"
"I'll see ye downstairs. Rahne, prepare the infirmary, an' set up Douglock wi' a computer..."
"Right away, Mum," she nodded, and rushed off with Douglock in tow. Kitty glanced mournfully at Kurt and Amanda, who were still assembled with MacTaggert.
"I apologize for the lack of..." Kurt started.
"Nae apology needed, Kurt," MacTaggert sighed. "I'm only glad yer all right... though I'm sure ye have QUITE the story tae tell by the look of it..."
"Yes, and it is a long time since we had a proper dinner," Amanda nodded. "Why don't I whip up some of my mother's stew..."
"You don't need to..." MacTaggert started, but Amanda waved her hand.
"Can I help?" Meggan asked excitedly, landing right near Amanda. "I just LOVE to learn new recipes..."
"Sure, I could use a hand... Kurt, I'll see you in a few..."
"Yes, Liebchen. But later on," he nodded meaningfully. Catching her up in his embrace, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips that slowly turned downright nuclear. Coughing, MacTaggert excused herself and exited the room. Meggan strode away humming a happy snatch of tune that sounded suspiciously like the theme song from Dallas.
"Kurt," Amanda whispered against his lips.
"Yes love?" he asked.
"Are there any OTHER girlfriends you neglected to tell me about?" she asked, still holding him out at arm's length.
"Not like her. Although I was infatuated with Alysande Stuart though NOTHING came of it, I swear..."
"Good, because the NEXT time one of them comes by and abducts you, I will not hesitate to drop you into Limbo to keep them AWAY from you," she scolded, eyes gleaming with seriousness. However from the wrinkle in her nose he could tell that she was teasing.
"Ach..." he gasped as she ducked out of his arms. "Commen sie here..."
"Catch me if you can, Fuzzy," she crowed, disappearing in a blast of silver. Nightcrawler vanished in an imploding Bamf. The chase began all over the island. For the moment, Kurt's spirits were lifted, and a large ache slowly began to ease, now that closure had come for him and Cerise at long last.
Storm glanced anxiously around, as she rushed through the X mansion. Gambit burst into the doors, cupping his hand to his mouth. He bellowed, "Petit! Wolverine! It not nice to play hide n' seek with Remy an' not let him know where you're at!"
"I see NO sign of them!" Storm mumbled. "I've searched the grounds, and Rogue is turning over every rock and..."
"Here be a note," Gambit said as he reached up on the fridge, and tore down a piece of paper with familiar handwriting."
"Goddess I'm loosing it," Storm sighed in disgust. "What does it say?"
"It from Logan an' da petit. Dey say dey gone on a mission, and hope dey back in time to meet up with us..."
"A mission... where?"
"Outer space dey say. An' with some guy named Wisdom..."
"We don't know a Wisdom, do we?" Storm frowned, tapping her cheek.
"Storm, Gambit, I'm to understand that Wolverine and Jubilee have left on their own?" Professor X's voice echoed in their minds. "Please come to my office..."
"Right away," they nodded.
Within minutes they reached his study. Steepling his fingers, Professor X turned his chair and glanced up with rapt concern that mirrored their own. "I share your distress... you have found no trace..."
"They are nowhere in the mansion," Gambit nodded.
"Rouge and I have combed the entire estate, and she is still looking..."
"They didn't go to Canada... Gambit still see da Harley in da garage... an' Petit's rollerblades still in da closet," Gambit shrugged.
"I did use Cerebro, and it seemed that their minds were far from Earth," the Professor sighed. "Except... I sensed other malevolent presence. And the residual psychometric traces of an unknown mutant here... and the presence of an opening in the astral plane..."
"Not the shadow king..." Storm trailed off. "I had sensed elements out of balance..."
"Another mutant arrived by way of some arcane doorway in Jubilee's room," the Professor frowned, punching a keypad.
"It was there all right," Psilocke reported as she entered the room. Her body swayed gently with each step.
"What else?" asked Storm.
"I got a psicast from Brian. Seems Wolverine and Jubilee were recruited while we were all out on missions to help Kitty and Kurt..."
"Are they all right?" the Professor asked.
"Yeah. They saved the day. Thanks to help from Jubes and Wolvie," Betsy shrugged. "But damn... they have QUITE a story to tell you..."
"Any word from Katharine or Kurt regarding Colossus?" asked the Professor. Storm's neck snapped her head around.
"What was that? They found Peter?" Storm demanded.
"He arrived at Muir Island. I didn't want to get our hopes up... but Dr. MacTaggert has called me, and assures me that he's receiving treatment for his... depression with a certain Dr. Campbell. I had tried to convince her to let me come there at my earliest convenience of course..." the Professor said.
"Is he hurt?"
"He is well," Betsy said quietly. "But he's angry at all of us, especially you, Professor..."
"I had feared as much," said the Professor, closing his eyes and sighing.
"We must go there, and talk to him," Storm said.
"No Ororo, you're the last person he wants to face... he feels he's betrayed us all..."
"My little brother can talk to me regarding anything," Storm shook her head. "He has nothing to hide from me... unless Kitty..."
"Kitty's not too happy either. She's also still pissed about what YOU asked her to do..."
"That is a matter we will discuss later," the Professor said firmly. "That is between myself and Katharine."
His tone indicated the matter was closed, and nobody questioned his gaze. Storm bit her lip, and he sensed the wave of anger and confusion from the wind rider. Anger and regret that Kitty had separated herself from their confidence, and the lack of communication, which had resulted from years apart.
"I can't blame her," said Storm, daring to look the professor in the eye. "After what you requested... with all due respect. It was necessary to get Peter back, but it seems to have caused more harm to our Kitten and our Peter than good..."
"He will come back to us when he's ready," Professor X said with a hint of sadness and regret. "The ends justified the means at the time... but unfortunately they do not share my insights..."
"Doubtless Kitten does not share your view," Storm murmured. "And the rift is ever greater... Goddess..."
"Storm, do not blame yourself. You know their resentment at your choice long ago," the Professor said gently. "You did what you had to. They shall understand in time..."
"Will they?" Storm asked, raising a graceful brow. "Bright lady, I hope for your sake they are..."
Nobody missed the rumbling of thunder rattling the mansion windows, or the darkening of the clouds. Storm's eyes flashed white, and she turned away from the Professor. Gazing out the window, she heaved a great sigh of sadness and regret.
"Ororo, I must insist that you regain control," said the Professor gently.
"Excuse me... I shall require direct contact with the elements if I am to comply," Storm said coldly as she spread her arms, and the widows blew open. A wind blasted them full in the faces for moments before she rose and sailed through the panes into the sky above. Just as quickly as the tempest brewed, the windows slammed shut with a TK push from Psilocke.
"Hey, what the hell does a guy haveta do, to get a brew around here?" Wolverine said, standing in the door. Jubilee glanced around his arm, at Professor X.
"Jubilation, Logan, I trust your mission went well..." said the Professor.
"Yeah... but we'll need a few minutes to relax before we tell ya, if ya don't mind," said Wolverine. "Hey Betts..."
"Of course," Psilocke nodded. "Excuse me Professor... they need a word with me, and then they'll come with the story... I'll see to it they get some nice hot tea and biscuits..."
"I fear I shall need some as well," the Professor murmured as he rested his chin on one folded hand. "If you wouldn't mind..."
"I'll just be a few minutes," she said, striding over and resting a hand on Logan's and Jubilee's shoulders. Psilocke met the Professor's query with a silent brush, and his eyes widened. Slowly he shook his head, and nodded.
"What's wrong?" Gambit asked.
"Nothing that concerns you. They are tired, and will require rest. Jubilee has... been rather pensive of late... as has Logan..."
"Whatever you say... but Remy don't like da feelin' in da air. Stormy's not herself... an... ah the hell wit it," Remy mumbled as he turned and strode out the door. The professor put his head in his hand and drew a deep sigh. Anger and regret filled him when he sensed the residual feelings that he had sensed using Cerebro to find Wolverine and Jubilee.
In so doing, his mind touched that of Kitty and Kurt. He had been occupied in other missions, but he had felt the massive pain that Jubilee had experienced. In his mind's eye he saw innocence lost, and knew he had to keep silent. Psilocke would take care of it. He knew why, and he would add it to the list of secrets he carried for the long years ahead.
"I don't blame you, Logan, or Jubilee. But in time, you will know your decision was correct. Though you could have trusted me," he thought to himself. Slowly he turned to the window and glanced up, thinking of the voice of Lilandra that would no longer welcome him.
In the meantime, Kitty sat by Wisdom's tank. How soon it seemed that she had touched and made love to him. Now they were again separated. Would she never have the chance just to simply wake up in his arms, or feel his kisses or wave away his smoke and pretend to bitch and moan? Angrily she raised her fist to strike the tank, and then was hit with a flash of inspiration.
Slowly she phased through the tank; glad the material was not adamantium or another dense alloy or polymer. A mask covered Pete's face, giving him air to breathe. Surrounded with fluid, Kitty felt its embrace undulating and flowing. She slid her arms around him, solidifying enough that he could feel her presence. Reaching up, she pulled another breathing mask down into the tank, and slid it over her mouth and nose. She lay her head on his shoulders, and hugged his body tightly to her. He was stripped down to his boxers and undershirt, and Kitty rubbed her hands up and down his back lightly.
To her surprise, strong arms closed around her, and squeezed her in a hug. She glanced at the sensors through the miasma, and made out that it was still a semi comatose state. Legs were still fractured, and his ribs and spine were slowly knitting together. Yet she could hold him gently and be near him in the tube. For a moment she recalled when she was in a similar container, and clung to him all the more.
It was enough now to be with him. Listening to his heartbeat, Kitty let herself drift with him. Only the muffled noises of his heartbeat and breath rasping through the mask mattered. Her own breath softly rasped through the mask over her mouth and nose. In each other's arms, they floated there, and she dreamed of a time very soon when he would be able to be outside with her again.
And any other loose ends would have to wait till tomorrow to be tied off.
The End for now!