Thanks for all the reviews! As a reward, here's today's chapter!
I own nothing you recognize in this story. Now read and enjoy it, or else!
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The X-Men along with SG-1 stood in the Gate Room, watching the Stargate chevrons lock. Sam kept an eye on Cassie, wary that the device that had been implanted in her chest over six years ago could reactivate and kill them all. So far, the teen had yet to pass out or become sick.
"Chevron seven locked!" Davis shouted and the Stargate flared to life.
"Most impressive," Beast said in awe.
"I'll show you how it works when we get back," Sam said as SG-1 headed up the ramp. She waved to Jack and the others in theControl Roomand led the X-Men up the ramp and through the Gate. She felt the familiar sensation of Gate travel before emerging from the other side.
"That was a trip," Wolverine said, looking at the Stargate as it deactivated.
"Always is," Hailey said.
"Where'd you find the writing?" Cyclops asked.
"Few miles this way," Cameron replied and led the way into the forest. About an hour later they emerged into a large clearing, ruins scattered around in front of a cave.
"No one's been in the cave yet. We've been trying to figure out the writing first," Daniel said.
Beast looked at the writing and pulled out a book. He opened it up and began examining the markings and making references to the book. Daniel walked over to him and peered over Beast's shoulder.
"You have a cipher for this?" he asked.
"Indeed," Beast said, showing him the book. "Though some of these markings are worn down and will be more difficult to translate."
"Why don't a few of us go inspect the cave, make sure nothing's alive in there?" Wolverine suggested, bored already.
"All right. Take Talos, Nightcrawler, Rogue, and Gambit with you," Cyclops returned after a moment.
"I'd like to go in too," Sage said. Cyclops nodded and the six X-Men headed for the cave entrance.
"Stay in contact," Cameron called after them. Wolverine waved in understanding and disappeared into the cave.
After an hour Beast closed his book and sighed. "There is no danger as long as anyone with mental abilities doesn't go in the cave."
"What happens if they do?" Jean demanded, worry in her voice.
"According to the text, if they're pure of heart nothing will happen," Daniel said.
"And if they aren't?" Sam asked.
"Something very bad will happen," the archaeologist replied.
"How bad?" Cassie questioned.
"You know how you guys told us about the Phoenix?" he asked. They nodded. "Well, the entity that would be unleashed would make Phoenix seem like a minor threat."
A sudden eruption threw everyone to the ground. Five bodies came hurtling out of the cave and landed heavily on the ground. Wolverine slowly rose to his feet, blood dripping from a healing cut on his forehead. He spat to the side as Rogue and Talos regained their feet.
"What the hell was that?" Cameron demanded.
"Oh god…" Jean whispered, her eyes wide in horror as she stared at the entrance to the cave. The others followed her gaze and their eyes widened as well.
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Who is this new threat that the X-Men and SG-1 have to face? Will the threat kill them all? Why am I speaking in so many questions? Will I ever stop talking like this? Review to find out and tune in tomorrow, same Stargate time, same Stargate channel!