Ramifications (2 of 3)

"Okay guys here's the deal. We're going to have to help Sinister," Exodus said with enough tone to voice his own displeasure at what he just said, but also with enough tone to let everyone know that the subject wasn't up for debate.

"So you're going to go with Star Prophet's plan? Figures," Osman sighed with a roll of his eyes. Proteus had no love of Star Prophet's plan of action at all. The idea of helping Sinister made him vomit. Even though the man did save him from death during the Apocalypse that hardly made up for the things he had done to the Exiles.

"Point blank I don't care whether you agree or disagree with the course of action being taken. This is the way it's going down," Bennet replied firmly. He knew where Osman was coming from and he did understand, but they were facing a cataclysmic event coming their way. They had to made decisions and quick. Otherwise, they'd just be swept away in the whirlwind of events.

"What all do we know about this coming war?" Havok asked wanting to get all the information out on the table. Alex didn't want to leave this meeting feeling misinformed. Especially if they were about to head into a fierce fight. Havok hadn't been this nervous about taking on something since he was a member of the 12.

"Onset's going to send her people out on test strikes. Gaunt will attack Paris. Ozymandias and Yurike will strike Brasilia. Longshot, Nereel, and Solidity have chosen Rome as their target. Mikhail is going to hit Moscow," Exodus responded as he opened up the book he had received from Star Prophet.

"Have you talked to Colossus yet?" Ever asked eyeing his leader suspiciously.

"No I haven't. I don't want to distract him since he's on a mission."

"Mission? He's only going to tell Amadeus off," Blink said trying to hold a little bit of a laugh. Exodus was reaching in terms of excuses here. Maybe he just didn't want Colossus back for another reason. Why though?

"Sorry to tell you that's not the case. He's on his way to Thailand now to find out who stole the mutants from all of Deus's bases."

"Won't we need him here?" Mutant Forger asked with a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Perhaps, but for right now we'll make due," Exodus said.

"So how we're pairing off to handle these threats?" Proudstar asked wanting to get everyone back on topic. He was worried about Peter too, but the guy could handle himself. James could only imagine what he might feel like if John ever came back, but he was sure Colossus could handle it. Peter had seen nearly three times as much weird shit as James had. He could cope.

"Good question. Proteus is going to fight Gaunt. Sunfire, Havok and Mutant Forger will make short work of Ozymandias and his female companion. Blink and Ever will travel to Moscow while Proudstar and my former students do me proud in Rome," Exodus said moving his eyes to each person he spoke of as he moved along. Legolas's face turned red as fire when he talked about the students. Maybe Exodus was finally going to give them some credit for a change. Derrick was glad to hear it though it did embarrass him quite a bit.

"What about you and Star Prophet? Are yall just going to sit on your asses while we fight?" Ever questioned with a bit of sarcasm.

"No. We're both paying a visit to Nathaniel Essex," Exodus said very seriously and not returning Ever's sarcasm in the least. Seeing Sinister was not something he wanted to do, but it had to be done.

"Have fun."

"Same to you Clarice," Star Prophet smirked as she walked up behind Exodus and rested her arms on his shoulder.

"Lets get this party started!"

"I hear you on that one Alex! Time to make mincemeat of Onset and her boys," Proudstar agreed with a cheer.

"And the male testorone kicks in. Please hurry up and come back Lorna! Please!" Blink pleaded with a great deal of exaggeration.

X-Mansion ( 2 Hours Later)

"You're gone now Sarah and it seems that we Morlocks lose a little more everyday. I'm sorry about the life you had to lead. I know what was in your heart despite what others might say," Ever said as he bent down and kissed Sarah's headstone. He was going to miss her very much. That devilish smile she always had when she charged into battle, her passion, and the way she took care of her own would keep her forever in Ever's heart.

As he stood over the grave he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning his head quickly Ever scanned the area.

"Hello who's there?" Ever asked preparing his telekinesis in case of any trouble.

"It's just me Jean. I've come to see Sarah. Sad the only time I stopped to think about her was after she died," Phoenix said giving Ever a look of sympathy. She could see the hurt in his eyes and it broke her heart. Jean had seen that same look too many times recently. Far too many…

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Sarah was a tortured soul. Not even you could have saved her," Jean said trying to reassure Ever none of this was his fault.

"But I should have at least tried. I left someone in need hanging out there in the dust and why?" Ever said with a deep disgust of himself at the moment.

"Because you were saving lives. I've heard about the good work you and the Exiles as a whole have done. Don't regret doing something good Ever. Marrow wouldn't want you to."

"Perhaps you're right," Ever sighed as he hung his head low.

"Well, let me leave you and Sarah alone. It was nice to see you again though. Every time we seem to meet up it's either under drastic or tragic circumstances. Lets try to change that in the future," Jean said with a smile.

"That's fine with me," Ever replied shaking the hand of the first lady of the X-Men.

"Good," Jean smiled again as she walked away. Before she got too far out of view she turned back and waved at Ever. He didn't notice, but Jean hardly minded. The boy had a lot on his mind. He had just lost someone extremely close to him and he needed time alone.

"Mikhail's still alive Marrow. Perhaps there is some hope for you. I know it seems foolish thinking you might come back. I could just hear you saying 'that's outlander talk Ever!', but that's why I loved you," Ever said with a fond smile as a single tear fell onto Marrow's tombstone.

Taking one last look before he walked away the Morlock said sorrowfully, "I wished I would have been there. I truly do. There's a pain in my heart now Sarah and I don't think it'll go away anytime soon. I miss you, but now you're a peace. Finally at peace."

"I need a favor Onset," Gaunt said as he walked towards the center of the large circular room where Onset was floating in the air. Pink energy billowed around the woman's body. A tiny bit even arced out and touched Gaunt. The living weapon naturally flinched, but found that the energy didn't hurt him in the slightest.

"Ask it Gaunt and be done with it," Onset commanded. She had preparations to make and Gaunt was bothering her with his inconsequential favors. If she didn't need him she would have long ago struck him and made sure he never came back again.

"I want my full powers back," Gaunt demanded outright his voice echoing off the milky white walls.

"Doing that comes with a price," Onset laughed.

"Like what?"

"Your life!" Onset exclaimed her laughter suddenly changing into cruel, unforgiving anger.

Gaunt remained utterly silent and unable to speak. Finally Onset chimed in, "I'll enhance your powers, but you will be limited. I can't have competition floating around my camp."

"Fine I just hate only being able to pull out one power. That's how Sinister was able to kill me the last time," Gaunt explained as if he were still trying to justify his death.

"Essex was able to kill you because you were stupid. How sick could you be to screw half a person?" Onset asked revolted at the very thought of what Gaunt had done to Domino. She had no real knowledge of Beatrice, but Onset knew no woman deserved to be raped in that way. Gaunt was a bastard, but he was a necessary one for now.

"I'll leave that subject alone."

"Good! Now go and do as I told you. The day of Onset approaches quickly," Onset warned as she shooed Gaunt away. The man bowed, wrapped his purple cloak around the left half of his body and departed. Onset let out a sigh of relief as Gaunt gently closed the doors.

Is it time yet my love?

No my love. We must be patient. Soon enough the Exiles will see the wrath of Armageddon!

Thailand

Colossus hid in a far corner and watched as whom he assumed was Mario DaVingi paraded around with a glowing purple gem in his hand. The man had a slim face almost resembling that of a horse. His eyes were too far spread apart and his red tie was on a little too tight.

Spinning around Mario laughed, "I have zit! At long last I have zit!"

As the slave trader continued spinning three of his foot soldiers walked in through the door. The middle man was a slim 20 something. He had slicked back jet-black hair and a pair of glasses dark enough to block out radiation. To the right of him was a woman who had enough curves to throw a Nascar racer off his game. She had short hair that was pressed tightly to her head. Her leather uniform didn't consist of a black jacket like her other two companions. In fact she was sleeveless. Guns were holstered to her hips.

The last of the three henchmen was a large, tall black man who looked like he could easily bench press 700 pounds. A crinkled black jacket covered up most of his frame and black glasses hung on for dear life on his face.

Mario stopped spinning and looked at his three soldiers, "I couldn't have done zit wizout you zree. Zank you Noveau for your incredible skill, Triad for your grace, and Somnus for your strength! I appreciate you all and you will be rewarded handsomely."

Somnus liked the sound of that and cracked his knuckles to acknowledge it. Mario held up a knowing figure and continued on, "First we've got to put zis gem to use. We've got a certain adamantium clad lad to bring back to life."

Another Dimension

Dormammu sat on his throne and looked upon the Earth dimension. He was moving pieces into place and he was setting himself up for an all out invasion of Earth. One that the Sorcerer Supreme would not be able to see coming. Parnival Plunder had already agreed to ally himself with the ruler of the Dark Dimension. It was only a matter of time before he gathered others to his cause. And if all went right Dormammu would have a suitable host body to enter into Earth through. Then he would unleash his true power upon the heroes of Earth.