My Uncanny XMen Mini's

by LoganAlpha30

Archangel, Psylocke, Warpath, Siryn, Cannonball, Meltdown, and Psyflare vs the evils of Apocalypse and the Crimson Dawn. All New 4 Horseman. Chapter 39 Now Up...

16. My 16th Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI-STORMING THE BEACHES BY: LOGANALPHA30

()-ART INSTRUCTIONS []-CAPTION BOXES ++-TIME, PLACE BOXES -THOUGHTS ""-WORDS

+Two Weeks Later+ +2 A.M.+

(Scene opens with Warren sitting in a darkened room where the only light is from his computer screen as he's sitting at his desk). (He's just wearing a pair of silk pajama bottoms and his fist is under chin, we see that he needs to shave, as he has an unhappy grimace on his face). (He then pounds his fist on the desk angrily, thinking), What am I going to do now? [He has been at this for hours, tirelessly searching through every database and spreadsheet that he could get a hold of for the information that he desires]. [While searching he has gone down every avenue that he can think of, legal and otherwise]. (Then we see Warren, with his right hand on the mouse, notice something on the screen and then in the next panel he clicks on it and in a panel in which we see mostly the computer screen and Warren' face being reflected). (Then we see the computer bring up a screen that says-file not found-, which makes Warren pound his fist on the desk again and then hang his head).



[Nearby] (Scene opens with Betsy lying in bed, asleep, lying on her stomach with one arm draped over where Warren should be). (Then we see her cock an eyebrow while still having her eyes closed as she moves her hand around, looking for Warren). (Then we see her face scrunch up as she thinks), Ah, not again. (Then we see her rise to her elbows and look around sleepily, having to brush some hair off of her face). "Wonder where you are this time lover," (Betsy says getting up and sitting on the side of the bed, with her left knee all wrapped up as she sleepily glances down at the clock and we see what time it says, 2 A.M.). (We see that she's only wearing panties and a small beater that's cut off high enough that it's just barely covers what it's supposed to as one of the shoulder loops has slipped down and her hair is a mess).



"I swear I've got to stop him from doing this again, but how," (Betsy says standing up and walking over to a chair, we see her slightly limping, that's next to a table that her bathrobe is thrown over in a panel in which she's walking away from us). (Then we see her pick up her bathrobe in a small panel in which at the bottom of the panel is the back of the chair and at the top of the panel is her fist clenched around her bathrobe). (In the next panel we see her standing there in the moonlight and holding the bathrobe as she looks down at it in that panel and then in the next one she looks up), Hmm should I, they're probably all asleep, and even in they're not all it'd take to make them think it was all a dream would be a little tp trick or two. (Then with a sigh she drops the bathrobe back down onto the chair and then she walks to the door with a slight limp).



[Shortly] (We see Warren still at his desk and he's looking through a stack of papers as he's resting his forehead in the palm of his left hand with his fingers into his hair, all being supported by his elbow that's resting on the desk top). "This is ridiculous," (Warren says scowling). "Only if you let it get to you Warren," (a voice from off panel says which makes Warren look up). (Then in the next panel we see him with a bewildered smile on his face as he says), "No Betts it's just ridicul . . . whoa, why are you?" "Oh calm down Warren, none of them saw me and besides I didn't expect to be up that long, in fact just long enough to retrieve you lover," (Betsy says in two panels as in the first one she is leaning, with her arms crossed and a smile on her face, against the side of the doorway and in the next panel she's standing beside Warren and slightly bent over as she's staring at him eye to eye as he's still sitting in the chair and she has one hand on the arm of the chair and the other one is on the desk).



"Sorry Betts, but I have a lot of things to work out before," (Warren says rubbing the sleep out of his eyes). "Before you come back to bed right, well then move the arm, I'm not a patient woman," Betsy says with a smile as she moves Warren's right arm and sits down on his lap so that her right shoulder is up against his left shoulder). (We then see Warren put his left arm around Betsy and squeeze slightly as he picks up a small stack of papers with his right hand as he says), "No you're not, and why do I have the distinct feeling that you're going to stay right here until I answer all of your questions, fine then ask away," (as he then rests his head against hers with a grimace on his face). "You're right about that, so what are you trying to find with the computer," (Betsy says slinking her right arm the back of his neck). "Remember when I told you that Imol and his crimson dawn thugs had made off with a good deal of bombs," (Warren says tapping his fingers on the desk before he says), "they weren't regular bombs, before they teleported away I saw what they truly were," (as Warren then looks at Betsy with a very sad expression on his face).



"I don't think I like where this is going," (Betsy says as we see her face head on as we see the contrast with the light from the computer screen shining on one side of her face and the other side is dark as she has an unhappy look on her face). "Neither do I," (Warren says getting up from the chair that Betsy is now only sitting in with her legs crossed and she has her left arm propped up on the back of the chair and she's looking over her shoulder at Warren, who is now standing near a large window that has the blinds drawn as she says), "So James doesn't know that those were nuclear bombs that Imol stole," (with a sad look on her face). "Nope, and now Apocalypse has enough nuclear weapons to hold the entire world hostage and demand of them anything he wants, but if that weren't enough my accountants have been hounding me for days to talk to them", (Warren says leaning his head against the wall).



"Let me guess, what happened to Enron and WorldCom has made them a bit jumpy, Brian said that our accountants are acting much the same way," (Betsy says looking over at Warren). "I will not let what happened to them happen on my watch," (Warren says clenching his fist angrily). "I know you won't love, but you and I both know that what we want and what we get are often two very different things," (Betsy says turning back to look at the computer screen). "I've come to close on to many occasions to losing everything that I hold dear to.," (Warren says nervously scratching his chin).



"Well you what they say about coming close," (Betsy says with a smile as she wiggles her index finger a bit and at its tip we see a little burst of purple tk energy as we see the mouse with a purple glow on it as it starts to move around as Warren turns and says with a slight smile), "That it only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, yes I've heard that, I think the last time I heard it was on that intrepid reality show that Tabitha seems to be addicted to", (before he walks over and rests his hands on Betsy's shoulders, as with her free hand she reaches up and takes hold of one of his hands). "What are you doing honey", (Warren says with a slight smirk as he's standing right behind Betsy who with a smile on her face says), "just taking a quick look around, but what I could really go for is.." "A car ride through the cool night air," (Warren says patting Betsy on the top of her head). "Not my original idea, but it'll work", (Betsy says with a smile).



[Shortly] (We see the garage lights come on). (Then we see the garage door open and we see Warren get in a very nice looking blue convertible). [With a turn of the key the engine springs to life]. (Warren then pulls the car out of the garage and pulls up front as we see that he's wearing dark pants, a white button up shirt that's open at the top). (Then we see Betsy come out of the front door wearing dark pants and a dark shirt as she walks to the car and says), "Nice car, is it new?" (Then as Betsy jumps in Warren says), "Don't you remember, you helped me pick it out." "I did, really, I don't remember", (Betsy says with a slightly surprised look on her face). "Yes well it was probably to long ago for you to remember anyway," (Warren says looking away with an unhappy look on his face). [For the life of her Elisabeth Braddock cannot remember this car, this red convertible..]. [.and then it hits her like a bolt out of the blue.] This is the car that we picked out together right before Neal and I-I, oh bloody hell, (Betsy thinks with a suddenly shocked look as she then casts Warren an embarrassed glance before she then quickly looks away before she then drops her head into her right hand).



[They sit in absolute silence, neither one sure of what to do]. (Then we see the driving along a country road that's lined with trees). (We see Warren, staring straight ahead and driving with his left hand and we see that his right hand is resting on the center console as he has an unhappy look on his face). (We see Betsy, with her arms crossed and an unhappy frown on her face, aimlessly staring off into the forest). [This trip had started out being between two happy people.]. [But that was no longer the case]. (We then see Warren glance over at Betsy and then look back at the road). (Then we see Betsy first look over at Warren and then look down as we see a small panel of Warrens hand on the center console, then of Betsy's left leg that's near it with her left hand now lying on it).



(Then in the next few panels we see two horizontally or diagonally placed rows of small panels, in the top ones we see Betsy's eyes looking first over at Warren and then down at his hand and hers as in the bottom ones we see her nervously start to moved her hand closer to his, until they touch). (Then in the next panel we see in an overhead 45 degree angled downward shot in that we see their hands touching and then they look at each other and then in the next panel we see a close up on the center console that we see them holding hands with their fingers interlocked and resting on the center console). (Then we see the car start to enter the city). (Then they enter the slightly run down sector of town as we then see a gun being aimed from a window, it's a gun with a scope on it). (Then we see from the darkness someone say), "Like shooting fish in a barrel." [A shot rings out]. (We see a panel of the gun going off, then of Warren and Betsy looking around with shocked looks on their faces and then we see a panel of their front left tire getting hit and rupturing from the bullet striking it). (Betsy then yells), "Warren!"



(We then see the tires screech and the car go sliding towards another car). (We also see shots of Warren trying to keep the car under control with gritted teeth as beside him we see Betsy trying to ride it out as well). (Then we see the car slide into a light pole and stop before steam rises from the engine and then a panel of Warren and Betsy looking at each other nervously as each says), "You okay?" (Then Warren reaches up and lays his right hand on her cheek and says), "You sure?" (We then see Betsy look up suddenly after smiling at Warren and say), "They're coming, five from the south, four from the north, and at least a dozen from the east, we need to get out of here.now," (Betsy then gets up out of the car along with Warren). (After they get out of the car they look around as they're on opposite sides of the car and in a defensive stance with serious looks on their faces).



"Stay alert, whoever fired that shot might still be nearby," (Warren says looking down at the blown out tire). "What make you so sure that someone shot the tire out, that sound could have been anything," (Betsy says looking back over her shoulder at Warren). "I heard a high powered rifle being fired nearby mere seconds before the tire blew, c'mon let's.," (Warren says looking back at Betsy before we see a loud sound behind Warren). [And seemingly in the blink of an eye things go from bad to worse]. (We see Warren and Betsy turn sharply, ready to fight, and then look slightly shocked at what they see).



[From the streets, the alleys, and sewers they come.]. [.few at first, but then the street is filled with them]. (We see the street around Warren and Betsy fill with people of all colors, sizes, shapes, and looks). "Well what do we have here, a rich boy and his pretty little thing seem to be having car trouble," (a large and heavily tattooed thug says cleaning underneath his fingernails with a large knife that has spikes on the handle). "And I'll bet that you and your friends are going to be nice and call a tow truck for us, right," (Betsy says with a smile as she walks around the back of the car to stand beside Warren, with a smile on her face). "Ha ha, me-I'm thinking about how much I'm going to enjoy killing the both of you, but not before I have my way with you my pretty little filly," (the man says running his tongue over his dirty and yellow teeth). "You lay one hand on her and I swear I'll," (Warren says, with clenched fists and gritted teeth, looking very angry). "You'll what, sick your lawyers on me, ooh I'm so scared, you rich types are all the same," (the man says with a sneer before he continues), "You all think money solves everything."



(Then we see a large man come up beside the knife wielding guy and then give Warren and Betsy a really mean look before he knocks his fists together and we see two spheres of yellow energy form around his fists). "This could be fun," (Betsy says with a nervous smile as Warren cocks an eyebrow and glances over at her as he says), "Ever the action junkie eh?" "Always," (Betsy says activating her psysword and flipping it around so that the point of the blade points back towards her elbow and extends past it). "Ah so the filly's a mutant, good," (the knife wielding thug says with a sinister smile). (Then we see a few more obvious mutant thugs come to the forefront , as one looks like a cross between a boar and a man who's wearing biker gear, a woman that kind of looks like Thorne, as she's wearing an athletic but very revealing black leather outfit, but she has long straight red hair and her fur, which is light grey with a few black stripes on her arms and back, is much shorter and she's holding her tail in front of her and she's hissing at Warren and Betsy like a cat does, next to her is a guy that's holding a ball of fire in one hand while he's lighting his cigarette with it as he looks kind of like some sort of lizard).



"Okay, I can see that we're going to have to do this the hard way," (Warren says letting his wings unfurl). "Ooh, he's handsome, rich, and an angel, purrfect," (the cat-woman says with a smile and sparkles in her eyes). "Whatever", (the knife wielding guy says as he draws out another knife and then charges Warren, who jumps up into the air before he lands a short distance away as then some thugs rush him). (Warren, with his eyes glowing red, uses his wings and attacks the oncoming thugs as he sends them flying). (The knife wielding guys passes Warren up and lunges at Betsy as he says), "Guess that leaves you all for me my pretty."



"I'm overjoyed," (Betsy says with an obviously sarcastic look on her face as she blocks his knife attack with her psysword as he becomes even angrier). (Then we see the cat-woman crouch down and then leap towards Warren as she then leaps from the ground to the top of a trash can and then to use a light-pole to vault herself towards Warren, who strikes out with his wings to hit her but keeps missing her, and she then kicks him in the face that sends him stumbling backwards before he trips and falls down, landing on his back).



(Then the cat-woman leaps over and lands on top of Warren's stomach as she purrs and then says), "Mmm, Oh no don't get up on my account handsome," (then she kisses him on the lips, much to Warrens amazement as all he can mumble out is), "hmpf." (Then she breaks the kiss and winks at him, as she then licks her lips, and with a sexy smile on her face she says), "We should do this again sometime, you can even be on top to." (First we see Warren blink a bit before he pushes her off of him as she jumps away with pouting look on her face). (Then we see Betsy dodge an attack from the knife wielding guy and then kick him in the stomach).





[Meanwhile] (We see a panel of inside the mansion and a door opens and a bleary eyed Tabitha walk out, wearing a pink nightshirt and big fluffy slippers and she's carrying around a stuffed teddy bear). (We see her rubbing her eyes as she stumbles down the hall, and then she stops as we see a panel of her looking surprised that the light in the bathroom is on as she says), "Wha?" (Then she starts to push the door open in one panel and then in the next panel we're looking out from the inside the room as we see Tabitha with a slightly surprised look on her face in the background as we see in the foreground Erica popping a pill with one hand and holding a glass of water in the other while wearing a small tank-top and a pair of short shorts as she then notices Tabitha standing in the doorway and she chokes on the pill and then frantically pushes Tabitha back out of the room and slams the door shut while trying to cough the pill back up as Tabitha says), "Wha, Erica what're you, hey!"



(We then see a panel of Tabitha standing in the hall and lookin a bit taken back before in the next panel we see her lay a hand softly on the door and say), "Hey uh Erica, you okay, look I'm sorry if I." "I'm.fine, just leave me alone," (we see coming from inside the bathroom as we see Tabitha back up a little with an -well excuse me for trying to be nice- look on her face). (We then see Tabitha throw up her hands and say), "Whatever", (before she then sulks off down the hallway, muttering angrily to herself).



[Elsewhere] (We see first a wide panel of Warren and Betsy fighting as they're surrounded and separated from each other by the thugs). (Warren is fighting against the pig-man while Betsy is dodging an attack from a spiky haired thug who's swinging a metal chain at her.) (Then we see the fire wielding thug throw a series of fireballs at Warren as he yells), "Burn angel boy, burn!" (Then Warren jumps over and catches the end of the metal chain that the guy was swinging at Betsy as he then uses the chain to swig the guy around and send him flying into the flame wielding guy). (As they fall down the cat-woman leaps over them). (Then the knife wielding guy jumps at Warren from behind and slashes at him as Betsy yells), "Warren look out!"



(Warren turns around and tries to get out of the way but can't and gets slashed pretty good in his left side just a bit above his belt, as we then see blood well up around the wound and soak his shirt before Warren winces and puts his hand on the wound as he takes a few staggered steps backwards). [He tries to dodge the attack, but he is a split second to slow]. (Betsy yells), "Warren!"(as she rushes to his side after knocking out a thug that gets in her way before she gets to his side as he is kind of bent over with a grimace on his face).

(Then we see the thugs encircle Warren and Betsy as the knife wielding guy steps to the forefront and then in a small panel we see him grin and then lick the blood off of the knife and say), "Mm, tastes like chicken." (Then we cut back to Betsy looking at Warren with a worried look on her face as she also has a hand on top of Warrens hand that is on the wound, and her other hand is on Warrens back as Warren says meekly, looking a bit pale), "I'm okay." (Then we see the knife wielding guy smile and say), "Now the fun begins", (as beside him we see the cat-woman crouching down and licking the back of her hand and beside her we see the fire wielding guy now back to his feet and glaring at Warren and Betsy).



(Then we see the knife wielding guy take a step forward and look greedily at Betsy). [They begin to crowd in, and the battles outcome becomes cloudy at best, until.]. (We then see sirens wailing as we se the thugs react angrily and slowly melt back into the shadows as they knife wielding thug says with a wink at Betsy), "See yah around baby doll". (And then after him the cat-woman slinks back into the shadows as she blows Warren a kiss and winks at him and says), "see you around tiger."



(Then we see Betsy look over at Warren with a confused look on her face and say), "What was that about?" "Heh, you know me, I'm irresistible to women," (Warren says with a weak smile). (We then see a trio of police cars pull up with their lights flashing before they get out of their cars and draw their guns). (We then see a panel of Warren and Betsy being blinded by the cop's flashlights). "Freeze," (a cop says nervously pointing his gun at Warren). "Whoa easy there Henderson, put that gun away," (an old and graying cop says, putting a hand on the arm of the cop that has his gun pointed at Warren and Betsy).



(Then we see a panel of the cops lowering their flashlights before the old cop walks up to Warren and Betsy, as the cops start to look around with their flashlight, and says), "Sorry about that folks, this isn't a very safe neighborhood, nowadays it's pretty much shoot first and ask questions later around here I'm afraid." "Thank you, but how did you.," (Betsy says as she helps Warren over to the car before she opens the door and helps Warren to sit down).



"We've doubled the number of patrols in the area after 9-11, one of them radioed it in," (the cop says scratching his ear and lighting a cigarette after offering Warren and Betsy one, but they decline and then he shrugs his shoulders). "Okay, so why don't you two tell me what happened here, and start from the beginning, preferably before he bleeds to death." (The next few panels are of Warren and Betsy talking to the cop as we slowly pull away as they get smaller and smaller in the panels).



[Morning] (We see Warren reclining at one end of the couch, in the mansions living room with the first rays of morning just starting to hit him, with his feet up on the coffee table with Betsy curled up beside him with her head lying on his chest as we see that they're both still wearing the same clothes from the night before as Warren's shirt is open and we see a big white gauze patch on his left side). (Then we see the sun's rays hit Betsy's face and it wakes her up, and she then rubs the sleep out of her eyes).



(Then we see Siryn walk into the living room wearing sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and she's wearing headphones with her hair up in a ponytail as she then slightly turns to someone behind her in the first few panels and then in the next panel we see that it's Warpath, who's wearing jogging pants and a sleeveless t-shirt, and says), "Ye sure they didn' come back last night, that doesn' sound like them," (with a slightly worried look on her face). "I know, but .guess I was wrong, morning Psylocke," (Warpath says with a slight wave and a slight sigh). "Morning, you two going jogging," (Betsy says as she has her arm on the back of the couch and looking back over that arm as Warpath and Siryn are a few feet behind, with a slight yawn).



"Yeah, you two have fun last night," (Warpath says as he puts an arm around Siryn). "You could say that, but it wasn't anything that you'd write home about," (we see Warren say without opening his eyes in a panel of him from his stomach up, then in the next panel we see Betsy looking over at Warren). "If ye say so Warren, come on Jimmy let's go," (Siryn says with a smile as she pats Warpath on the stomach). "You can tell us all about it later," (We see Warpath say with a smile as he and Siryn walk out of the room in one panel and then in the next panel we see Siryn and Warpath as they step outside and shut the door as Warpath turns to Siryn and says as he shakes his head), "I've become my father, what was I thinking, you can tell us all about it later." "Look aye wouldn' worry about it to much, I didn' know your father but I think aye'm safe in saying that you will never become him", (Siryn says lightly punching Warpath in the shoulder).





[Meanwhile] [While Warpath and Siryn take off on their morning job the team's youngest and most.eclectic member indulges in one of her favorite pastimes]. (We open with a panel of Tabitha sitting in the kitchen with her feet up, reading a folded up newspaper, a glass on the table has a straw in it and green liquid in it). (In the next panel we see over her shoulder that she's looking at the horoscopes). (Then we see that in her off hand she's holding a granola bar as we see Erica walk in wearing jeans and a tight fitting white t-shirt as Tabitha is still wearing her pajamas).



(Then we see a close up panel of Erica passing by Tabitha before in the next panel we see a side-view of Tabitha sitting in the chair and taking a bite out of the granola bar as she says), "You catching a cold or somethin, I saw you taking that pill last night, there something you want to tell me?"(Then we first see a side panel of Erica opening a cupboard door and getting a bowl out before in the next one she opens a drawer and takes out a spoon before she then opens the lazy-susan and takes out a box of cereal and then goes over and gets the milk out of the fridge as she says), "I don't know what you're talking about, I slept like a baby last night."



(The next panel is of Erica sitting in a chair across the table from Tabitha eating cereal and Tabitha sitting in her chair). (Then we see Tabitha say), "So that's how we're going to play this huh, me offering to be your sounding board and you giving me the cold shoulder," (as she then finishes off the last of her granola bar). "Like I said, I don't know what you're talking about," (Erica says staring at her cereal). "Yah well deny, deny, deny, you can only play that game for so long before it comes back to bite you in the.," (Tabitha says standing up and laying the paper down and pointing her index finger at Erica with a slightly miffed look on her face). "Don't point that thing at me unless you plan to do something with it," (Erica says glaring up through her eyelids at Tabitha, who then glares back at Erica with both hands, in fists, on the table).





[Tensions mount and tempers flare]. (We then see Erica drop her spoon onto the table and match Tabitha's stance). "Well what if I do, what would you do then huh," (Tabitha says sticking her face in Erica's face with an angry look on her face). "You better get yer ugly mug out of my face or.," (Erica says in a close up on her face and eyes, we see that she has an angry look on her face with little fires blazing in her eyes). (Then we see a panel of Erica and Tabitha glaring at each other with each having a balled up fist that is flaring with their powers, a small ball of fire is around Erica's fist and around Tabitha's fist is a sphere of yellow plasma). [The two are ready for war, until.]. (From off panel we see the words), "Whoa hey you two, stand down now." (Then in the next panel we see Betsy standing in the doorway with an angry look on her face with her hands on her hips). "Stacy out of this Psylocke, this is between her and me," (Erica says giving Betsy an icy stare). "Now see that's where you're wrong, we can't have you two constantly at each others throats or we'll never get anything done," (Betsy says angrily).



"Man you sound just like my mother.when she would.uh.never mind," (Erica says before becoming very solemn all of a sudden and sitting down and staring at the floor as we also see her little sphere of fire around her fist disappear). "Hey wait what happened why'd.," (Tabitha starts to say before we see Betsy contact her telepathically and think), Stop it Tabitha that's enough, I'd think that after all the problems that you've had with your parents that you could at least.. (Tabitha then frowns and thinks back as her plasma sphere dissipates), Hey, what's that supposed to.. (Then she also sits down with a sad look on her face and says), "Oh."



"What's with all the long faces in here, Warren switch to decaf or something," (We see Sam says with a joking smile as he enters the kitchen wearing jeans and a black shirt). "Not funny Samuel," (Betsy says elbowing Sam in the side with a slightly irked look on her face). "What was that for," (Sam says turning to Betsy with a slightly shocked look on his face). (Then we see a panel of Erica, Tabitha, and Betsy glaring at Sam). (In the next panel Tabitha stands up and grabs Sam's arm and pulls him out of the room as she says), "Come on Sam, we need to talk."





[Later] (We see Sam and Tabitha walk out of the mansions back door and then sit down on the pool furniture as Sam says), "So what'd you want to talk to me about?" "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, about a lot of things, you-me-the mission-us, and I.I have come to a conclusion, I think we should split up," (Tabitha says looking away with a tear in her eye). (Sam looks obviously shocked as we see him say), "What why, we were doing so well, I thought we'd last for the long haul this time you know, go the distance.have everything." (Without turning we see Tabitha say as she sniffles), "And that's the problem, we are.we were headed down that path."





"So what's the problem, ah thought it was what we both wanted, was I wrong," (Sam says with a now very worried look on his face as he reaches out to touch Tabitha's shoulder but she pulls away). "No, no you weren't but.but you deserve.someone.better than.me, someone that hasn't lied to you over and over again and hidden her past away while you've answered any and all question about yours, no you.you wouldn't want to be with me if you knew about my past," (Tabitha says, now crying openly, as she stands up and starts to walk away). "What.what do you," (Sam says with a confused look on his face).



"Please let's just leave it at," (Tabitha says turning back to look over her shoulder with tears streaming down her face in a close up from her shoulders up). "No, we've been through to much, ah'm not gonna let it go that easily, please tell me, whatever it is," (Sam says angrily as he stands up and takes a small step towards Tabitha, who shrinks away from him). "Alright fine you wanna know then I'll tell you, remember Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, think about it," (Tabitha says with a slightly angry look on her face before she shrugs her shoulders sadly and continues), "I guess it's what you'd expect from a girl whose father beat her to his hearts content again and again after finding out that his precious baby girl was a.a stinkin mutie." (The next few panels are of Sam as he slowly staggers back a step and then sits back down with a completely stunned and shocked look on his face). "Whoa I.I uh.why.why didn't you," (Sam says in shock as he stares up at Tabitha, looking like he could tear up himself).



[Her words hit him with a force he never thought possible]. "It's like what Creed said, if you knew about my past then you'd leave me, and if I let us go on much longer then we'd.well.and then you would've found out and then there would have been.complications, and I won't let that happen again," (Tabitha says shaking slightly). "Ah don't know what to say, ah mean you should have told me, ah could've helped you," (Sam says as he looks pleadingly at Tabitha). "No, you couldn't I.I didn't want to put you through that.trust me it's better this way," (Tabitha says crying before she runs off thinking), It has to be, or else I possibly just made the biggest mistake of my life. (Then we go back to Sam sitting on the pool furniture with his head in his hands in one panel and then in the next panel we see a blue hand on his shoulder, and then in the next panel we see Sam looking up and we see Warren standing there in dark suit and a dark blue tie, with his hand on Sam's shoulder as Warren says), "Wanna talk?"





"How long have you been standing there, how much did yah hear," (Sam says glancing sadly up at Warren). "Standing here.not long, but as to how much I overheard.well let's just say that I heard enough to know that you might need a friend right now," (Warren says with a serious look on his face as he sits down beside Sam after pulling a pool chair over). "Right now ah don't know what to do, I guess ah'm still in shock about it all," (Sam says staring down at the ground and scratching the top of his head). "Well I'd say that you have every right to be in shock right now, and take if from me.in the game of life there's always going to be times when life zigs when you expect it to zag," (Warren says using his thumb to scratch his chin).



"Ah know what you mean, ah've had plenty of zigs in my life lately, my family.Tab, I'm ready for some zags, I can't think how they could be much worse," (Sam says with a sarcastic smile). [As they continue to talk their conversation is monitored by a sympathetic soul]. (We see a panel of Warren and Sam talking in the foreground and in the background we see a sliding door with the blinds drawn and a figure standing there with a hand on the glass).



(Then we get closer and we see that the figure is Psylocke and it looks like she took a shower because she's now wearing business attire in a dark color like Warren and we see that her hair is wet). (Then we see Betsy contact Warren telepathically and think), Need any help? (To which Warren thinks back), Not right now, but this isn't how I wanted to start my day.





[Later] (We see Warpath lounging in a chair in front of a big screen that keeps changing from a type of radar screen that keeps showing different areas of the world paired with some picture in picture squares of television news channels from all over the world). (We then see that he looks bored and he's yawning and looking like he's about ready to fall asleep as he's wearing sandals, a tank top, and a pair of brightly colored swim trunks). (Then we see him punch a few buttons and then sigh and shake his head). "Anything," (We see come in from off panel). (Then we see Warpath glance over and say), "Nope, but if you want I could get you a great deal on a set of kitchen knives, interested," (with a smile).



"No thanks, but what ah will do is take over here for ya, Terry wanted to see you, ah think she said she was goin for a swim," (Sam says with a serious look on his face). "You sure, this job's pretty boring," (Warpath says looking over at Sam who's now standing near the chair that Warpath is sitting in). "Well ah got nothing else to do so what are you waiting for an invitation, go on get out of here," (Sam says as he almost pushes Warpath out of the chair). (Then as Warpath leaves the room he says back over his shoulder to Sam, who is now sitting in the chair with one foot propped up on the console and a somber look on his face), "Have fun." (To which Sam says back with a small wave), "You to."



[Poolside] (We see an overhead shot of the pool that's situated a little ways behind the mansion). (As we zoom in we see through the glint of the sun's rays and what we see is a very sunny and obviously warm day as we see that someone is on the diving board). (Upon a closer look we see that it's Siryn and she's wearing a white two piece swimsuit, then she dives off of the board and then we see an overhead shot of her swimming the length of the pool). (Then in the next panel we see Warpath coming out of one of the mansions back doors as he puts on a pair of sunglasses). [He strides out into the warmth of the day]. (Then we see Siryn come up out of the pool just enough to rest her arms out on the edge of the pool). (Then she wipes the water out of her eyes before she smiles at Warpath and says), "Hey there boyo, come on in the water's fine."



"Well.since you asked so nicely," (Warpath says with a slight nod and a smile before he then walks around the side of the pool as we then see Siryn climb out of the pool-think Denise Richards from Wild Things). (Then we see Warpath take off his tank top as he walks by Siryn who we see squeezing the water out of her hair). (Then as he gets near the diving board Warpath kicks off his sandals and lays his sunglasses down on a nearby chair).



[Ops Room] (We see Sam sitting in the chair with his arms crossed and a very bored and sad look on his face). What am ah doin here, I should be with her.holding her.reassuring her, (We see Sam think angrily as he stares at the console). (Then we see Sam slam the clipboard onto the console as he says), "But instead where am I, ah'm sitting here watchin some middle eastern prince chasing after his horse." (Then we see Sam angrily run his hand through his hair with a grimace on his face as he then hangs his head). Ah have to think of something to do for her, I wonder what she's doin right now.probably crying her eyes out, (We see Sam think with a very sad look on his face as he stands up and takes a few steps away from the chair and then jams his hands into his pockets).



[In fact he is not far off in his thinking] (We see Tabitha lying in her bed with the covers all pulled up around her and she's tightly clutching her teddy bear and we see that she's been crying as there are also used tissues all around). (As we move in closer we see that she's staring at a picture of her and Sam, and then she lightly runs her hand over the picture). (Then we see her angrily shove the picture off of the bed and we see it crash to the floor). (Then we see her think, in a close up on her face), It's all my fault, he hates me, he could never love me..he'll say he does..but he couldn't mean it...right?



[Out Back] (We see Siryn sunbathing on one of the lounge chairs, in first a big panel of just her and then one of Warpath, while Warpath is swimming in the pool). (Then we see Warpath climb out of the pool). [Just another fun filled day in the sun]. (Then we see Warpath get out of the pool and then walk over to Siryn). (Then we see Warpath smile and say), "Hey Terry," (before he starts shaking like a dog when it's wet that sends water flying all over, and we see a panel of Warpath shaking and then in the next panel we see the water hitting Siryn, who's now wearing Warpath's sunglasses, and her reacting as she yells), "Jimmy!" (Then we see a panel of Siryn sitting in her chair and pushing up her sunglasses with an angry look on her face as she glares up at him).



(Then we see Warpath shrug his shoulders with a big smile on his face before he picks up a nearby towel and hands it to Siryn with a meek shrug). (Then we see her, slightly angry, take the towel in one panel and then in the next panel we see her give him a dirty look and then throw the towel back at him and it hits him full in the face as he says), "oof". (Then we see him grin with the towel on his head before he says), "I think someone needs a quick dip in the pool," (as he takes a step towards Siryn with a short laugh as we see Siryn try to back away from him as she says), "Oh no." (Then we see Warpath chasing Siryn around the pool and they're laughing and smiling before he gets ready to grab her but she ducks and then kneels and blasts Warpath off of his feet and back into the air before he splashes down into the pool with a big splash). [She slips out of his grasp and levels a sonic scream in his direction].



(Then we see Warpath come back up to the surface and wipe the water out of his eyes and nose). "Aye said no, but ye brought.it.upon.yer.oh my," (Siryn says with a smile before her face becomes bright red and she turns away). "Hey what's wrong I'm fine..uh where'd my.trunks go," (Warpath says looking at Siryn first and then he looks down and blushes before he quickly covers himself as he gets lower in the water as all we see of him is from his chest up). (Then we see him look around and we see his trunks, they're all ripped up and at the other end of the pool). "I'm sorry Jimmy, aye guess my aim was a little off," (Siryn says glancing over her shoulder with a smile). "That's easy for you to say, you're not the one in your birthday suit," (Warpath says with an unhappy look on his face as he turns around and backs up to the side of the pool). (Then we see a close up on his face as he has his eyes closed and his head down). [As the old saying goes.always expect the unexpected.].





(Then we see a panel of Siryn from her shoulders up as she has a thoughtful look on her face as she then quickly looks around while thinking), Hmm, should I? (Then in the next panel we see a close up on Warpath's head as from off panel we see Siryn say), "Why not," (to which in the same panel Warpath says), "Huh, why not what?" [And then.]. (Then we see a close up of Warpath's head from his eyebrows down to his shoulders, and we see that something falls onto the top of his head and we see a thin line of cloth fall down in front of his face). (Then we see another close up on his head as he opens his eyes and looks cross-eyed at the cloth with a confused look on his face as we see a splashing sound from off panel and some waves hit him).





(Then we see Warpath turn around and look up with a slightly confused look on his face as we see from off panel), "Aye'm over here, and yer not the only one." (Warpath starts to turn around but then he jumps a bit and quickly turns away as he says), "Not the only one, what's that supposed to.whoa.what are you doing?" "Just putting ye at ease," (Siryn says in a panel in which at the bottom of the panel is her arms that are at shoulder level and the top of the panel is just above the top of he head as she's smiling and has an eyebrow cocked up). "But where's you, are you.what if Sam or Tabitha or..were to.," (Warpath says half turned a he looks around and then looks up and we see that Siryn's entire swimsuit is on his head).



"Sam's locked up in the ops room, Tabitha hasn' left her room all day, and the others are all at work so who's going to see us, besides ye know as well as I do that ye're not seeing anything ye haven' seen before, so what's the.," (Siryn says with a smile and a wink). "It's just those times were uh I mean.," (we see Warpath say as we then see Siryn coming closer to him before she puts a finger to his lips to shut him up before she throws her arms around his neck and kisses him in a panel in which their arms cover everything). (Then in the next few panels we pull away as we rise into the sky).

[Worthington Industries, San Francisco Division] [The 80th Floor Office of one Elisabeth Braddock] (We open with a fly through of downtown San Francisco before we fly through the window of one of the large buildings and then travel through the halls as we pass people in business suits as we finally get to a door that a secretary is going through, and she's holding a stack of files). (We then see Betsy sitting at her desk, and she's working on something while being on the phone). (Then we see the secretary walk over to Betsy and stand beside her until Betsy hangs up the phone). "Yes what is it Mary," (Betsy says as she glances up at the secretary). "Here are the files that you requested," (Mary says handing Betsy a stack of files before she then says), "is there anything else you need before I go to lunch?"



(Then we see Betsy tapping her pen on the desk with a thoughtful look on her face before she shakes her head and says), "No I don't think so, just be sure to be back on time, because I don't want to go to my one o'clock unprepared." "Of course Ms Braddock," (Mary says nodding her head and then she walks back out of the room). (Then we see a panel of Betsy as she looks down and starts to read through one of the files). (Then we see from off panel someone say), "knock knock," (which makes Betsy look up in one panel and then in the next one we see her smile). (Then next panel is of Warren standing in the doorway with his right hand in his pants pocket and his left hand is knocking on the door with his knuckles, in a backhanded way, with a smile on his face as he then says), "Hey you, busy?"



(The next panel is of Betsy looking up at him with her elbows on the desk and her hands clasped in front of her as she says), "That depends on your definition of busy, my schedule's full till the middle of next year, but I think I might be able to fit you in.oh a week from Tuesday.how's that?" "Ooh I don't know, my girlfriend might have a problem with that, because I was supposed to take her somewhere special that day," (Warren says with a smile with his hands in his pockets and the front of his suit coat is pushed back behind his hands in his pockets, as he walks towards the desk). "Oh really, well you're just lucky that you have such an understanding girlfriend, I mean she'd have to be quite a woman to put up with you," (Betsy says with a smile as she leans back in her chair and crosses her arms).



"Ah I'm not that bad, am I," (Warren says almost smiling as he sits down in one of the chairs that are across the desk from Betsy's chair). "I haven't decided yet, but you still haven't told me what we're going to do about the situation with Sam and Tabitha," (Betsy says with a sigh). "I'm afraid that I've come up blank so far in that department, but I have a funny feeling that they'll work it out," (Warren says scratching his jaw). "I don't know, she sounded pretty insistent about it, but then again this is Tabitha we're talking about so who knows what she'll do," (Betsy says looking out the window). "That's true, but it's never good to keep secrets from those you love, especially one as big as she was keeping," (Warren says with a grim look on his face). "I agree, but you know as well as I do that much of the time it's easier said than done," (Betsy says turning back to Warren with an eyebrow cocked).



"I know, but now on to other matters, how are this quarters sales estimates coming along," (Warren says leaning forward in his chair). "Well let's see here.I'd say not well, who had this job before me, they did a horrible job," (Betsy says holding up a file and then tossing it to Warren with a scowl on her face). "That bad huh, truth be told I don't remember who had this job before you, I'm just now finding out about things like this, usually the board handles personnel matters of this kind," (Warren says as he opens the file and starts to glance through it). "Well then I think we've found yet another area that you're going to need to take a closer look at, mainly who you have working for you," (Betsy says tapping on the desk with her pen while she looks up at Warren).



"Well I'm here now so.you free for lunch then," (Warren says laying the file back down on Betsy's desk and flashing her a sly smile). "Unfortunately no, my predecessor at this job was more than just incompetent, he was a complete git, I'm going to be here all week if I have to undo all the damage myself," (Betsy says with a scowl as she looks over at Warren). "Fine then, rain-check", (Warren says with a smile as he stands up and then leans on the desk). (Then we see a panel of Betsy and Warren looking at each other as Betsy smiles and says), "Sure."



[Meanwhile, A World Away] [Genosha] (We see a big hi-tech machine that has a big cannon like part to it with a big conning tower and satellite dish with at its base is a big pod like thing made of metal with a big control board nearby). (Then we see Death working at the big control panel that is full of buttons and switches). (Then we see War approach and he doesn't look happy). "Is it ready," (War growls as he storms up next to Death as Death looks back at him with a look of disdain as he says), "It will be ready when the time comes, now leave me be I have work to do," (as Death then pushes a button and the pod opens up). [It opens to reveal a bruised and battered soul] (We see a mans body inside the pod, all hooked up to many small machines, with many wires and tubes coming in and out of him).



(There is a kind of two piece helmet on the mans head with big red and blue tubes coming out of the top of it). (Then we see Death undo a latch on the side of the helmet and then the helmet opens up and Death pushes the top part up and then smiles greedily). "Perfect, you're just perfect my marvelous creation," (Death says looking merrily at the big machine as War leaves in an angry huff). (We then see a strained voice come from the man), "Nnnh," (then we pan around as we see that the man is Forge, and he has tubes running out of his nose and ones attached to the top of his shaved head). (We see him start to try and get up but he can't because there are restraints holding him back).



"Don't try and struggle, it'll only further your inevitable demise," (Death cackles as he backhands Forge across the face). (Then we see Death walk away and say), "You should be pleased, for you are helping my lord in his plans, but don't die before I return for I have more "tests" to run," (with a sinister smile). [He senses that now is his chance.]. [.to escape.]. [.if only he has the strength.]. (We see Forge look around before he starts to try and wriggle a hand out as he thinks), If I can only get a hand.out. (Then we see that as Forge is just about to get his hand out we see a small panel of a dark square on the control board suddenly turn red and light up, and then we see a rush of different colored liquids through the tubes and into Forge).



[The effect hits him like a jackhammer, bolts of pain surge throughout his body]. (We see Forge's body violently convulse and jerk around as he cries out through gritted teeth). (Then we see him look like he's drugged as he rolls his head around slowly with a drugged out look on his face). (Then from off panel we see), "Hello Forge." (In the next panel we see at first Forge hanging his head as best he can with all the tubes and wires). (Then he lifts his head and say shakily as he's now sweating heavily), "Who?" (We then see a big panel of Storm, wearing a nice dress with her hair billowing around her and she's smiling, hovering in the air right in front of him as she says with a hand outstretched and coming towards him), "Hello Forge."



(In the next panel we see a close up of Forge's head with Storm's hand softly lying on his cheek as he looks up, with deep bags under his eyes, and mutters with a look of disbelief), "Wha.Or-Ororo?" "Hello my love," (We see Storm say with a calming smile as she kisses him on the forehead). "H-how," (Forge mumbles out as we see some blood start to come out of his nose). "Be strong," (we see Storm say as her image starts to dissipate as we see Death walk through her image as Forge says), "N-no, d-don't go." (We then see Death scowl angrily and say), "What.go.that's wishful thinking maker, we're just getting started." (Then Death takes out what looks like a cattle prod, and with a sadistic smile jabs it into Forge's side as we see Forge get zapped by it and his body convulse as we then pull away in a series of panels as we see the sound of Death zapping Forge and also we see Forge's screams of pain in the panels). (Then in the next few panels we do a gradual change of place as we see panels as if we're looking down from an airplane as we cross over first Genosha, then the miles of ocean, and then back over more land as we then see a panel of a bustling foreign city).



(Then we close in on a busy street and then of a white haired and well dressed woman sitting underneath a tree in a small park and she's reading a book of poems, then we see that it's Storm). [His cries rise up into the afternoon sky.]. [.and are drowned out by the assorted noises and voices of the world to all but one.]. [.that knows.and loves him.]. (Then we see Storm stop reading and look up quickly with a very worried and sad look on her face as she murmurs), "Forge?" (Then we see her nervously shake her head and then go back to reading). (Then we see a few panels of her reading before she abruptly stops and looks back up into the sky). (Then we see her look around as if she's looking for something, and then she slowly goes back to her book).



[San Francisco, California] [The Ops Room] (We see Sam sitting in the chair and inputting some specifications into the computer with a scowl on his face as he thinks), I hope this works, because so far I haven't found much of anything. (Then we see the readouts show up on the screen as Sam then nods his head and hit another button as we see on the screen that the specifications have been accepted). "Okay.let's see what we get," (Sam says as he leans back in the chair). (We then see a number of small squares that show small geographical areas with a radar line in each of them as they're not finding anything in the radar sweeps). "Great another dud, that's the fifth one today," (Sam says putting his head in his hands with a scowl as he then looks up and sighs).



[He has been at it for hours, continuously scanning the entire world]. [Looking for the proverbial need in the haystack]. [And in this case it's a very small needle in an extremely large haystack]. (Then we see one of the small squares light up and start flashing). [But sometimes you get lucky]. (We then see Sam look surprised as he then leans forward and punches a few buttons and then the small square fills the entire screen as a small ball starts blinking as Sam thinks), What the? (Then we see the screen show a big group of readouts that Sam studies intently with his hand on his chin). "Wait a minute, that can't be right.," (Sam says scratching his head as he stares at the screen).



(Then we see a small rectangle box pop up on the screen with a mug shot of Forge with a bio by it as Sam says), "Well ah guess that answers one question, but what's he doing there?" (Then we see Sam think as he picks up the phone), I'd better let Warren know. (Then as he puts the phone up to his ear we see from off panel), "I cannae believe you're still here, aye would have thought you'd have just stuck it on automatic." (Then we see Sam smile and then turn his head and look straight out at us). (Then we see a panel of Siryn looking at us, as she's wearing Warpath's tank top, his sunglasses and they are pushed up on her head, and she's also wearing a towel that's wrapped around her waist as her hair is also still wet as we see some wet spots on the tank top as Warpath is standing behind her with a towel slung over his shoulder as his hands are on her shoulders).



"Ah did for a while, I needed to catch up on some sleep, but then I thought that I should probably get some real work done so ah switched it back to manual," (We see Sam say as he leans back in the chair and turns the phone so that he's looking straight at the numbers). "Who ya calling," (Warpath says with a small smile). "Warren, he wanted me tah call if this thing found Forge or Apocalypse," (Sam says with a thoughtful look on his face). "So who'd ye find, friend or foe," (Siryn says as she glances up at Warpath). "Friend, although where he is could cause some problems," (Sam says as he begins to punch in the numbers with his thumb). "Why, he take a quick trip to Genosha or something," (Warpath says with a smile).



(Then we see a panel of Sam looking at Warpath and Siryn with a very serious look on his face). (Then we see a panel of Warpath with a slightly shocked look on his face as he says), "Oh," (before in the next panel he looks down at Siryn as he shrugs his shoulders and says), "Why do I get the feeling that we're going to Genosha?" (Then we see Siryn smile back at Warpath as he pats her on the back before he walks out of the room, and we see Siryn's swimsuit hanging out of his back pocket). (Then we see Sam notice it with a confused look on his face and cast a questioning glance at Siryn, who just blushes and looks away before she says, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye), "Shouldn't ye be calling Warren right now?"



(Then we see a few panels of Sam on the phone after he shakes his head with a smile as he says), "It's me.Forge.Genosha.ya want me to.what about Tabitha.right.okay will do.don't worry we'll be ready." (Then we see Sam put the phone down and look at Siryn with a sigh). "I take it that it's time to saddle the horses," (Siryn says with a smirk and her arms crossed). "Yep," (Sam says as he nods his head). (The next panel is of Sam leaping out of the chair after putting the machine back on automatic by hitting a button). (Then we see Siryn sigh in a panel as she says), "I was afraid that ye would say that," (before she follows Sam out of the room). [They race off into the mansion's depths, striving to reach their destination]





[A short time later.] (We see a limo racing along a country road). (The next panels or of the inside of the limo as we see Warren changing clothes while trying to talk on his cell-phone while Betsy is pretty much doing the same as she's sitting on the seat opposite him). (We see Warren say over two panels as in the first one he undoes his cufflinks and then in the next panel he's loosening his tie while using his shoulder to hold the phone up to his ear), "I know we left early but it couldn't be helped, something.important came up that.demanded our attention.yes both of us, now you can handle the rest of the meeting, I have the utmost confidence in your abilities Henry." (Then we see Betsy undoing the buttons on her blouse as Warren sets the phone down).



(As she gets near the bottom she glances over at Warren and says with a slight smile), "Now remind me again why we left in the middle of the meeting." "Call it a hunch," (Warren says with a meager smile as Betsy looks over at him with an unsure look on her face as she has finished with the last button and is pulling the rest of her blouse out as she says), "A hunch that's it, a bloody hunch." "Well the last time I had a hunch like this was at Lila's concert when Stryfe shot the Professor," (Warren says as he's removing his tie). "Okay point taken, but do you always keep a spare suit in the car," (Betsy says as she drops her blouse to the side). (Then we see Warren hit a button on the ceiling of the limo and a hatch opens up that has two uniforms in as he says), "Of course, what.did you think that Tony Stark was the only one?" (With a smile). (Then in the next panel we see Betsy undoing her bra as Warren is taking his shirt off).



[A short time later] (We see Warren pulling his boots on in one panel and in the next panel we see Betsy pulling on a short sleeved and tight fitting black shirt before she puts her hair up in a ponytail as she says), "You think this is all a trap?" "I don't know, but I don't want to go into this unprepared," (Warren says as he laces up his boots). "Me either, but what do you think we should do about our current personnel problem, should we go without her or.," (Betsy says as she's tucking her shirt in and then in the next panel she's tightening her belt as Warren is pulling a similar shirt on as he says), "Last time I saw her she was holed up in her room crying her eyes out.poor girl," (with a somber look on his face before he looks up at Betsy before he continues after we see Betsy's also somber look), "I'll take that as a no then, hmm.well Erica has been itching to go on a mission, maybe we should stop by and pick her up on the way." "You think she's ready," (Betsy says as she pulls on her gloves and then pulls them tight before she pounds her fist into her palm). "Not completely no, but how about we park the X-jet in some out of the way cove and then let her guard it, that way she gets to go on the mission but she stays out of trouble," (Warren says as he cautiously works his coat on around his wings). "I guess we could do that," (Betsy says as she puts on and zips up her coat). "Good, I'll make the call," (Warren says as he picks up the phone).



[Later.] (We see the X-jet hovering in the air before in the next panel we see it land and kick up a lot of dirt and grass as we see someone shielding themselves from the downdraft). (Then we see a panel of the X-jet on the ground with a person running towards it, and the person is wearing a lab coat). (In the next panel the X-jet's ramp opens up and we see Warren walk out, with his hands behind his back, and say), "Well Ms Kalen, you've been hounding me to let you go on a mission, get the whole -X-men Experience- as you put it, well you're in luck, we've got an open seat, you interested?" (Then we see Erica walk up with a big smile on her face and say), "You serious?" "Would I be holding this if I weren't," (Warren says with a slight smirk as he pulls a suit out from behind his back).



"Alright, now you're talking," (Erica says with a smile as she grabs the suit and then runs up the ramp). (Then we see Warren shake his head and sigh before he turns around and slightly dejectedly walks back up the ramp as he says), "I hope I don't regret this." (Then we see an inside shot of the X-jet as we see Erica come in with Warren behind her as Warpath and Siryn look up and Warpath says), "Hey." (Then we see Erica go in the back through a door as we then cut to Warren as he sits back down by Betsy after he walks by Sam, who's leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed and he's staring at the floor with a very somber look on his face, an then looks straight at the console and flips a switch).



(Then in the next panel we're looking at Warren and Betsy at the controls and then Betsy slightly leans over and says as she's trying to look at Warren and keep her eyes on the air in front of the X-jet as they lift off and with a slight smile she says), "How'd it go?" "Just like you thought," (Warren says as he glances over at Betsy). "I didn't want to say it but.I told you so," (Betsy says with a smile on her face as then we see Warren hang his head and then scratch the back of his neck as he says), "Okay okay, just fly please." "Whatever you say Warren," (Betsy says with a big smile and a small laugh as she puts a hand on Warren's shoulder). (Then we see Erica open the door and walk out as she then looks over at Warpath and Siryn and say), "Well, how do I look?"

(Then we see a panel of Erica standing with her suit on as we're sitting behind Warpath and Siryn as we see their backs to us as they're in the foreground and Erica is in the background with a sheepish look on her face). (Then we see a panel of Warpath and Siryn looking at each other and they shrug). (Then we see Siryn elbow Warpath with a forced smile on her face as Warpath looks at her with a shocked look on his face before he looks up at Erica, who has an impatient look on her face as she's staring at him, and says), "You look fine Erica, just fine," (with a smile). (Then we see Siryn glare at Warpath, cross her arms, and look away with an angry look on her face). (Warpath then looks at her with a confused look on his face as he says), "What?"



(Then we see Erica, with a slightly angry look on her face, go over and take the seat beside Sam and stare at the tops of her boots). (Then in the next panel we see a wide panel with Warren and Betsy at the controls, Warpath is trying to talk to Siryn as he's saying), "Come on Terry," (but she's ignoring him and Sam is trying to get some sleep as Erica is looking at him sadly as she says), "Uh Sam, Sam?" (Then we see a few panels are shown of the X-jet flying over the water and those panels are intermittent with panels of the inside of the X-jet as the members of the team are in their seats and they're talking to each other). (Then we see Warren press a button on the console as he puts on a headset and says), "Okay people listen up, we're inbound in about ten minutes, Sam you go up the middle and look for anything out of the ordinary", (to which Sam glances up sadly and says), "Ya mean other than all the dead bodies right?"



(Warren then frowns and continues), "Theresa, you and I will skirt the mountains and see if we can pick anything up on the scanners while.." "While James and I sweep along the coast," (Betsy says glancing over at Warren with a wink and a smile as we then go to a panel of Warpath as he says), "maybe pick up a seashell or two while she's not looking," (as he nervously glances up at Betsy and Warren). (Then we see a panel of Sam nodding slightly while Warpath and Siryn finally look at each other as in the next panel we see Erica looking around before she realizes that her name wasn't called and looks over at Warren with a confused look on her face as she says), "Hey what about me, what do I do?"



"You get to do the very important job of keeping watch over the X-jet," (Warren says as he tries to keep a calm face as he and Betsy glance at each other in a panel in which it's as if we're sitting on the console in front of them and we're looking back through the X-jet). [He had hoped to break it to her gently, hoping to not kill her enthusiasm, but today was just not his lucky day]. (We see Warren cringe slightly as Erica angrily spins her chair around and yells with an angry look on her face), "What, oh no if you even think for a second that I'm going to.." (Warren then turns his seat around so that he's facing Erica and with a very stern look on his face he glares a hole through Erica as he points a finger at her and says), "Listen Erica, right now my thoughts are none are none of your business, now either you sit down and shut the hell up or I'll drop kick your behind off this jet right now, so when we get to Genosha you're not only going to guard the X-jet but you're going to like it, are we clear?"



(Then we see Erica meekly nod her head and turn away as Warren turns back around, as we see Siryn and Warpath look at each other with slightly shocked looks on their faces, and then notices the odd look that Betsy is giving him as he looks over at her and says), "What?" (Then Betsy glances first back over her shoulder and then at Warren and says), "A little harsh don't ya think love?" "It had to be done, how far out are we again," (Warren asks as he nervously scratches his chin). "A minute or two, are you still getting that uneasy feeling about this mission," (Betsy says glancing over at Warren with a concerned look on her face). "Yes, and it seems to be getting worse the closer we get to Genosha," (Warren says looking at Betsy with an equally concerned look on his face). "That's what I was afraid of," (Betsy says with an unhappy look on her face).



(Then we see panels of the X-jet as it comes up to Genosha in overhead shots and then lands in a sheltered cove, right at the mouth of a cave). (Then we go back inside the X-jet as then we see Warren turn around in his chair and stand up as we see Betsy powering down the X-jet as Warren says), "Okay people, let's go to work."





[Elsewhere] (We see Apocalypse sitting on his throne with an angry look on his face with Death standing beside him). (Then we see a crimson dawn warrior come running up just as Death is about to say something). "My lord," (the warrior yells as he comes to a stop near Death). (We then see Death turn towards the crimson dawn warrior and become very angry and glare at him and say), "You putrid maggot, how dare you interrupt me!" (Then we see the crimson dawn warrior tremble a bit as he looks back and forth between Death and Apocalypse). (Then we see Death, who's still angry, pull out the cattle prod looking rod and jab the crimson dawn warrior with it as the warrior doubles over in pain and collapses to the ground with loud howls of pain as we see Apocalypse looking on with a sick smile on his face, he's enjoying it).



(Then we see a few panels of Death taking a lot of joy out of repeatedly shocking the crimson dawn warrior, who is now writhing on the ground in pain as Apocalypse starts to laugh). (Then we see another warrior come running up and yell), "My lord, the perimeter has been breached". "What," (Apocalypse growls as he brings his fist down on the arm of his throne and crushes a skull that was sitting there). "Yes..my lord, a jet was spotted landing in sector four, it matches the schematics of the failures conveyance," (the c.d. warrior says as he snaps to attention, with his hands clasped behind his back). (Then we see Apocalypse turn to Death and while shaking his fist angrily and with gritted teeth say), "Handle this." "Of course my lord," (Death says with a bow before he shocks the c.d. warrior that's on the ground again and walks off).



[Meanwhile] (We see Erica leaning up against the X-jet's landing gear as Sam is standing nearby as he's saying), "Why the long face?" (Then we see Erica look up with a sad look on her face before she feigns a weak smile and says), "Huh oh sorry, I'll be fine don't worry about me.you go ahead, you've got work to do." "You sure about this," (Sam says with a hand on her shoulder). "Ya go on, you guys need to go and complete the mission," (Erica says as she nods her head). "Alright then see ya later," (Sam says before he turns away and rockets off as Erica shields her eyes from the dust that Sam kicked up). "Hmm alone, again," (Erica says as she lets her feet slowly slide out from under her as she slides down the landing gear and she's now sitting on the ground with her knees pulled up to her chest as she rests her chin on a knee and wraps her arms around her legs). (We also see her look up sadly at the sea spray nearby).



[Elsewhere] (Then we see panels of Sam rocketing over the ground and also blast through a group of very startled crimson dawn warriors, as he knocks them all off of their feet as if he had dropped a bomb into their midst as in the next panel we see a close up of Sam flying as he thinks), Just hope they didn't alert the others. (Then we go and see panels of Warren and Siryn flying through the hills as they're both looking all around as Warren looks over and says), "See anything?" (Then we see Siryn shake her head and say), "Nae, not a bloody thing." (Then we see a panel of Warren and Siryn as they're flying away in the far background and in the very near foreground we see a c.d. warrior stand up and say into a communicator), "Yes master, they're on their way".



(Then we cut to the beach as we see Betsy and Warpath running on the beach, hugging the cliffs as they go). (Then we see them stop and Betsy telepathically sweep the area before Warpath turns to her and says), "Pick up anything?" (Betsy then shakes her head with an unhappy sign and says), "Nothing at all, but there does seem to be something that's pulling on my powers, draining them in a sense." "And how much you wanna bet that a certain enemy of ours is behind it," (Warpath says peering out into the water). "I believe you're right James, something about this whole mission stinks," (Betsy says with a frown as she looks at Warpath before they continue on their way).



[The X-Jet.] (We see Erica pacing around with her hands in her pockets and an unhappy look on her face). Why do they get to have all the fun, this is just a simple recon trip right, (Erica thinks as she picks up a rock and then throws it out into the water). (Then we see her lean up against the rock wall and hang her head). (Then we see an odd sound come from off panel, which makes her pick her head up with a confused look on her face). [Her ears perk up at the sound]. (Then we see a weak voice from off panel say), "Help me, somebody please help me." (We then see Erica, with now wide eyes, look around before she comes running out of the cave and then calls out as she says), "Hello, who's there?"



(Then we see Erica walking around the rocky coastline as she's looking all around). (Then we see a panel in which we see in the foreground is the side of the edge of a small cliff as then in the background we see a small shabbily dressed girl standing with her back to us and she's standing on a slab of stone that's jutting out into the bay as then in the next panel we see pretty much the same as the last panel except now we see Erica peering around the corner with a hand on the wall). (Then in the next panel we're looking straight at Erica as she's looking straight at us with a sympathetic, relieved, and concerned smile on her face as she says), "It's just a little girl."



[Her mind races, with a single overwhelming thought dominating all others.]. What's a little girl doing way out here all alone, (Erica thinks as she slowly and cautiously steps around the corner). (Then we see Erica slowly walking towards the little girl, with an arm outstretched, as she says), "Hey there, you okay?" (Then we see Erica get to the girl and squat down with a nice smile on her face and she puts a hand on the little girls shoulder). "Are you scared.," (Erica says in a panel in which we see her with a concerned look on her face). (Then we see a panel from behind of the little girl as without turning the little girl says), "I'm not, but you should be." (Then we see Erica jerk her hand back with a very shocked look on her face as she gasps and says), "Wha.?"





[Her concern for the little girls safety dissolves away in an instant and is replaced by.fear]. (In a series of close ups of the little girl as she turns around with an increasingly evil and demented look on her face morphs into one that looks very scary as in the end she has sharp pointed teeth, red glowing eyes and her fingers turn into claws as she then hisses at Erica and says), "What's wrong Erica, you scared," (before she licks her lips with a snake like green tongue). (Then we see a panel of Erica falling back and scooting backwards with a really scared look on her face as she says), "Wha.what the hell are you?"



(Then we see a panel of Erica backing up with the almost demonic little girl stalking after her). "Your death mutant," (the little girl says with a wicked smile as she first glares sinisterly at Erica before she looks around). (Then we see Erica frantically looking around as we see crimson dawn warriors come up out of the water and out of seemingly everywhere as they all advance on Erica and surround her with their weapons out menacingly). (Then we see Erica stand up and we see that she's shaking slightly). (Then a couple of c.d. warriors run up to attack her as she then starts to fight them and she's able to break through them and tries to run away). [Adrenaline surges through her veins, imbuing her with a strength she never knew she had.] [And for a split second she thinks that she has a chance to get away.] [.but it doesn't last].



(We see her running away before she looks back and continues running as she then runs headlong into something and she falls back and ends up on the ground looking up with a still scared look on her face). (Then in the next panel we see an upward looking shot from behind Erica as we see a very arrogant War standing above her with a wicked smile on his face and his hands are behind his back). (Then we see a panel of Erica looking very scared as she yells), "Oh no you're.you're," (as she frantically crawls backwards away from War, keeping her eyes on him the whole way, before she stands up and starts to run away). [She is rocked off her feet]. (We see War pull one hand from behind his back, and with an impatient sigh, he blasts Erica off of her feet and she's sent flying into a shallow pool of water).



(In the next panel we see her picking herself up out of the pool with the water dripping off as she then stands up and turns around and dodges an attack from an advancing c.d. warrior, and then blocking one with her fists). (But then she starts to punch a nearby c.d. warrior but something black wraps around her neck). (We then see her with a shocked look on her face as she is violently jerked backwards and off of her feet). (Then we see her getting dragged backwards very quickly as all she can say while fighting it is), "Hrrk".

(Then we see a panel of War yelling at Erica, as he's holding a painful looking whip, that's end is wrapped around her neck, in one hand while the other hand is clenched in a fist with his powers flaring up, as he yells), "And just where do you think you're going mutant?" (Then we see a panel of Erica glaring very angrily at War as she's trying to get the whip from around her neck as we see a trickle of blood coming from her mouth). "I am ordered to bring you in, but I don't think my lord would mind if I had a little fun first," (War says with a haughty laugh as we pull away and up into the air).





[Later.] (We see, crouching in a high hollow that overlooks Apocalypse's encampment, Sam looking down at the camp with a grimace on his face as we see him think), Ah don't like the looks of this, something tells me Forge didn't come here voluntarily. Of that we are in complete agreement my friend, (We see being said telepathically to Sam as he looks up with at first a surprised look on his face before he turns his head with a smile and say), "Took ya long enough, ah was beginning to think you got lost." "If only that were true," (Warpath says as he comes over and kneels beside Sam as Betsy stands behind them, shaking her head with her arms crossed as she solemnly and slightly angrily says), "Bloody hell."



"Bloody hell is right, I have a feeling that this is going to be one of those days that you tell your grandchildren about," (Warpath says shaking his head in dismay as he gazes down on the camp). "Aye only hope ye live long enough tah see such a day," (We see said from off panel before in the next panel we see Siryn landing as she then thinks to herself), Such a day that I pray we may see together one-day , (with a smile on her face). (Then we see Betsy turn to her with a knowing look on her face). "As do I," (Warren says as he lands behind Siryn, but up higher on the top of the hollow as he flutters his wings a bit). "So this is where Apocalypse set up camp," (Sam says with a scowl on his face). (Then we see Betsy run over to Warren and drag him down into the hollow and say, with an angry scowl on her face), "Would you get down here, up there you're to tempting a target."



"Sorry Betts," (Warren says sort of sheepishly as the group has to move around a bit so that they can all fit in the hollow without hurting Warrens wings). (Then we see Warren move to the front of the hollow and look down with a hand on Sam and Warpaths shoulders). "So what now," (Siryn says as she looks over at Warren). "Betts, can you find Forge down there," (Warren says turning to Betsy). "I don't know, but I'll give it a go," (Betsy says looking at Warren before she walks to the front of the hollow and closes her eyes, and puts her hands to her temples, and then we see the butterfly appear on her forehead as she begins to telepathically scan the area). [She closes her eyes and concentrates, telepathically reaching out through the valley.]. [.straining to discern the location of their missing friend]. (We see in the next series of panels the purple butterfly flying through Apocalypse's camp as if it's searching for something).



(Then in a couple of panels we at first see Betsy concentrating with her eyes closed and then in the next panel we see her eyes fly open and they're glowing purple, as she starts to sweat, and she gasps). "He's here, I found him," (Betsy says, almost in a trance). "Really, where," (Warpath says turning to Betsy). (Then we see Betsy blink twice before she shakes her head as she snaps back out of her trance like state as she bows her head slightly and bringing her hand up to her face and slightly pinching her nose and eyes as if she had a migraine, using her thumb and the finger in between her index and ring fingers are all the way at the top of her nose, up where the nose meets the forehead, but she's also slightly rubbing her eyes).



(Then we see Warren, with a concerned look on his face, lay a hand on Betsy's shoulder and say), "You alright?" (Then we see Betsy pick her head up and turn to Warren with a weak smile on her face as she meekly says), "Yeah.I'm fine, I guess I must have overdone it a bit there." "Well don't do that again, okay," (Warren says with a worried look on his face as he moves the hand that was on her shoulder and gently rubs her cheek with the back of that hand). (Then we see Sam glance first down at the camp and then back up at Warren and Betsy, with a scowl on his face, and say), "Ah hate to break up such a happy moment but activity's picking up down there." (Then we see Warren and Betsy give the others a look as if they had just got caught with their hand in the cookie jar after we see a panel of them staring deeply into each others eyes and getting lost in the moment of it). "What," (Warren says taking Sam's place and then squinting, in a close up on his head, down at the camp).



(Then with a grimace he turns back to Betsy and says), "Any clues as to where Forge is exactly Betts?" "I'm not sure exactly, his telepathic imprint was very weak, it was almost as if," (Betsy says as she lets her voice trail off before Siryn says while pointing), "Hey what's that?" "What, where," (Warren says as he looks to where Siryn is pointing as we see a bright shining object in the distance). (We then see a panel of Warren squinting as he's trying to determine what the shiny object is). "What do ye think it is," (Siryn says as she puts her hand above her eyes so as to shield them from the sun). "I don't know, but whatever it is it's probably not anything good," (Warpath says grimly).

"Ya well it's time we found out what all the commotion is about, hopefully they haven't discovered our presence," (Warren says as he looks back at Betsy and then continues), "You think you can get close enough Betts?" (We then see Betsy first look at the ground before she then look sup and says), "Of course." (Then we see Betsy move to the front of the hollow before with a last look at Warren she leaves the hollow and starts to pick her way down the side of the big hill). (Then in the next panel we see an overhead and downward angled shot so that it's as if we're standing right behind Sam, Warpath, Siryn, and Warren as we're looking down the hill and we see Betsy crouching behind a large boulder that's nestled up against the burnt out remains of a house).



"Ye think that was wise, she didn' look so good," (Siryn says with a grim look on her face as she glances at Warren). "You think I don't know that, I hate doing it but she's the only one that can get close enough," (Warren says glaring at Siryn with an angry but sad look on his face). "Sorry," (Siryn says with a sad look on her face before she walks over and sits down beside Warpath). (Then we see Warpath look over at Siryn with a concerned look on his face). "So what's our next move, once Psylocke gets back that is," (Sam says as he leans his back up against one of the walls of the hollow). "We're only here to find Forge, now that we know where Apocalypse has set up shot we can come back later, and send -daddy- straight to hell," (Warren says with an angry grimace on his face).



(Then we go back down to Betsy as she's picking her way closer to the camp). [She slides in and out of the darkness effortlessly, ever inching closer to the edge of the devils camp]. (We then cut back to an overhead shot of the hollow as Sam, Siryn and Warpath are resting by leaning up against the walls and they're not looking down at the camp, while Warren is fixed at the opening of the hollow, his eyes fixed on Betsy down in the valley). (Then we see a panel or two of Betsy backtracking up the hill, making sure to avoid being seen). (Then we see a panel of Warren turning to the rest of the team and he says), "Okay she's back, everybody up." (Then we see a panel of Warren helping Betsy back up into the hollow). (Then as she sits down beside Warren Sam looks at her and says), "Find anything?"



(Betsy shakes her head sourly as she says), "Well I didn't see any trace of Forge if that's what you're asking, but I do know that they're looking for someone.or something." "Hopefully tis Forge they're after and not us," (Siryn says with a sad look at Warpath, who returns the look). "Ah have a bad feeling that they already -found- Forge, and I think they know we're here," (Sam says as he nervously stares at the ground). "But how would they know.unless.," (Warpath says with a deep in thought look on his face). (Then we see come in from off panel that makes the team look up in surprise), "Yes filth, we know of your presence." (Then we see a panel of War, slightly crouching, holding Erica by the back of her collar as we see that Erica is all beaten up and bloody as he suit is ripped and torn, dirty, her hair is all disheveled and dirt, and she has a cut above her eye and one on her chin).



(We then see a panel of the team glaring at War as they look shocked at seeing Erica all beaten up). (Then we see a panel of War taunting the team by shaking Erica and then letting her flop around). (Then we see a panel of an enraged Sam bringing up his blast field as if he's about ready to blast off as he yells in anger and launches himself at War as Warren reaches out a hand and says), "Sam no, he's just.baiting you," (as we see Sam get slightly into the air before his powers seem to sputter out and disappear as we see first a panel of a very shocked Sam as he falls to the ground, and then of Warren as he finishes his sentence). [As he fires off into the air.]. [.the unexpected happens.]. [His voice falters in mid- sentence].



(Then we see a panel of the team looking completely shocked, but before any of them can go to help Sam War carelessly tosses Erica into the hollow as Warpath catches her). "Wha-what happened," (Siryn says with a shocked look on her face). "Something wrong filth," (War says with a haughty smile on his face). (Then we see Pestilence come up beside War in one panel and then in the next one we see Siryn try to blast War with a sonic scream, but nothing comes out). (Then with a thoroughly startled look on her face she gasps and says), "Wha.me scream.it's gone." "You can thank your friend the maker for that little surprise, the schematics to a machine that nullifies mutants powers was just one of the little gems that we extracted from his mind," (Pestilence says with a snicker).



"He was reluctant at first, but he became much more agreeable after we gave him a little -incentive-," (War says with an arrogant smile as he crouches down and glares at the team. "I enjoyed that part immensely," (we see come in from off panel that makes the team turn around angrily, and Sam is especially angry as he picks himself up off of the ground before then we see that the speaker was Death as he's standing there with an overly eager smile on his face and he's holding the cattle prod like thing as he continues), "but I'm going to enjoy this even more," (he finishes as the team notices that they're no suddenly surrounded by legions of crimson dawn warriors that look ready for a fight). "This ain't gonna be pretty," (Warpath says as we first see the team getting ready to fight as the three horseman just laugh their head off as they then order the crimson dawn warriors forward). [The battle that ensues is fierce, but un-winnable]. (The last few panels show a fierce battle going on as we pull away up into the air and see that the team is outnumbered like ten to one or more as we then pull up into the evening sky and end on a panel of the sun going down). [END].