UNCANNY X-MEN MINI-AFTERMATH'S OF EVERY SORT
BY LOGANALPHA30
( ) - ART INSTRUCTIONS "" - WORDS [ ] - CAPTION BOXES + + - TIME, PLACE, BOXES - THOUGHTS
(We open with a shot of Apocalypse sitting on his throne with his horseman and the crimson dawn warriors standing in a large circle with the X-team lying in a heap in the middle). (Then we move in closer and we see that the team is all beaten up and being guarded by a number of heavily armed crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Apocalypse turn to War, with a look of doom on his face, and say), "Bring the failure to me." (Then we see two c.d. warriors bow their heads and then they walk over and angrily pull Warren out of the pile by looping their arms underneath his and then they drag him towards Apocalypse, as his feet drag on the ground and his head is hanging down as he's unconscious).
(Then we see Apocalypse say with a smirk), "Wake him." (Then we see War walk up to Warren and yell while smacking him around a bit), "Hey filth, my lord commands you to wake up!" (Then in a series of panels we see first close ups of Warren's face, as we see that there's blood coming from his nose and he has a split lip, as he groggily wakes up and looks around). [Through the splitting pain in his head he tries to clear his blurred vision]. (Then we see a panel of Warren looking at first with a confused look on his face and then we see him with an angry look on his face). "Good you're awake, look at me when I'm talking to you," (Apocalypse growls angrily as he pounds his fist down on the armrest of his throne and almost gets off of the throne). (Then we see Warren glance quickly up at Apocalypse and then intentionally looks away).
"Pay attention," (Death growls angrily as he jams the cattle prod type thing into Warren's ribs and shocks him as Warren grits his teeth in pain and jerks around from the shock but the c.d. warriors keep him from moving to much). "I think he'll be a bit more receptive now my lord," (Pestilence says bowing to Apocalypse as War has to physically keep Death from shocking Warren again, and Death isn't happy about it). "Now that I have your attention we can begin," (Apocalypse says leaning close to Warren with a sneer on his face). "Why don't you let me go, I'll show you just how -receptive- I can be," (Warren says as he coughs and then winces in pain). (We see Apocalypse sit back in his throne with an unimpressed sigh as Death angrily shocks Warren again after War punches him in the face). "Let's see if his tongue is as sharp now," (Plague says as she appears next to Apocalypse). (Then we see Siryn, who's lying on top of Warpath with a bruise on her cheek, slowly wake up as she moans painfully a little and says), "Oh my head."
"Is the least of your worries mutant witch," (a c.d. warrior says as it puts the point of its weapon mere centimeters in front of her nose as she opens her eyes as she says), "Would ye keep it down, me.," (she stops as she, in a panel of a close up on her face, goes almost cross-eyed as she looks at the point of the weapon with a look of shock on her face). "My lord, what should we do with this one," (War says as he grabs Siryn by the hair and pulls her to her feet, against her very vocal objections). "Death, you have been wanting more.specimens to experiment on correct," (Apocalypse says with a smile as he turns to Death, who cackles and bows his head and says), "I have my lord," (before Apocalypse continues), "I'd say then that you've gained another specimen." (As Death and the other horseman along with the crimson dawn warriors break out into a fit of laughter as Siryn looks around nervously as she says), "Aye don' like the sound of that."
[Meanwhile, back at the ranch]
(We at first take a tour through the many recesses of the mansion as they're all calm, quiet, and empty). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha, wrapped in a blanket and sitting all curled up with a mug of hot chocolate and some tissues, watching some television in the mansions living room). "I wonder what they're doing right now," (Tabitha says as she changes the channel). Erica's probably already made her move on Sam, (We see Tabitha think with a sad look on her face as she then puts the remote down and begins to watch the television intently). (Then we see a few panels of a guy getting out of a limo and climbing up a fire escape that are shown on the television). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha's face as she has a tissue up at her nose in the first panel with an unhappy look on her face and then in the second panel she cocks an eyebrow as she then thinks), Wait a minute.No that.that couldn't..
[It is at that moment.]. (We see Tabitha look up as we see the sound of someone knocking at the door before Tabitha stands up). (Then we see Tabitha walking to the door as someone keeps knocking on the door as she yells angrily), "Okay okay I'm coming, keep your shirt on!" (Then we see Tabitha throw open the door angrily and say), "What!" "Ah Ms. Smith, so nice to see you again," (We see being said from somewhere off panel and Tabitha reacts by looking very startled and shocked as her eyes get big and her jaw drops as she gasps and says), "You!" [In the blink of an eye.]. (We see a fist come in and punch Tabitha in the face that sends her staggering backwards as she then runs into a table and knocks over a big colorful vase as she turns around with a hand on her chin). "Son of a.," (Tabitha says angrily as she tries to keep from falling down). (Then we see, in a series of panels, a big fight take place, although it's a very one sided fight and we only see Tabitha as she tries to defend herself but she doesn't do go good as she gets thrown up against the wall and then picked up and dropped onto the coffee table as she goes through it). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha lying in a broken heap in the shattered remains of the coffee table, all beaten up and hurt as we then see a panel of a very triumphant Imol towering over her and he's laughing maniacally as he says while glaring down at her), "You didn't think we'd forget about you.did you?"
[Later..Genosha]
(We open with a panel of Death's machine with Forge hooked up to it with Siryn chained up nearby and Death merrily doing calculations and snickering to himself). "What are ye going to do with me," (Siryn says as we see her turn slightly and look back over her shoulder at Death). (Then we see in a panel or two of Siryn trying to work the shackles off while trying to make sure that Death isn't looking). "You needn't worry about that, you'll find out soon enough," (Death says with a wicked smile on his face). "Ye sure sound like ye believe that I'll be here that long," (Siryn says as she's almost got a hand out as in the next panel we see her with a happy look on her face as she thinks), Just keep ye're nose buried in ye're figures and calculations.. "Oh I think you'll be her longer than you think.oh I wouldn't try and get out of those shackles if I were you," (Death says with a smile without looking at Siryn). "What do ye.yeargh!" (Siryn starts to say before we see the shackles emit an electric charge that sends Siryn into violent convulsions as she screams in pain).
[Nearby]
(We see Warpath chained at the wrists, waist, ankles, and neck to the ground). (We also see Sam, Erica, and Betsy in a similar predicament nearby, but only Warpath is awake). [He strains with all his might against the binds that hold him down]. [Were he still in possession of his mutant abilities these binds would pose no problem to him]. (We see Warpath straining against the binds with an angry look on his face). [A pain- filled scream tears across the sky.]. [.and to James Proudstar it is a scream that he would gladly give up his very life to remedy]. "Terry," (Warpath yells as he starts to go almost crazy as he tries to free himself as tears begin to form in his eyes as the screaming continues). (Then we see a group of laughing crimson dawn warriors, who laugh more as Warpath strains harder before they take out suped up cattle prod type sticks like the one that Death has and they begin to shock him until they shock Warpath so much that he passes out as we know this because he starts twitching as they shock him but other than that he doesn't move).
(Then we see those same crimson dawn warriors sheath their shock prods and just begin amusing themselves by kicking Warpath and shocking him). (Then we see them turn and start doing it to Erica, Betsy, and Sam as well as Warpath). (Then we see a bemused Pestilence roll her eyes and smile merrily as she shakes her head). (Then we see Pestilence walk over and lay a hand on the shoulder of one of the c.d. warriors that's attacking Warpath and say), "Whoa there that's enough for now.I said enough," (as we see her then angrily squeeze the warriors shoulder as it squirms in pain).
"Now leave them be.or else I'll let Death use you as his next test subject," (Plague says as she appears beside Pestilence and after a wary look or two at the two horsemen the c.d. warriors sulk away). (Then we see Pestilence look over and say), "What are you doing here, I would have thought that you would be at our lord's side as he deals with one of our failed brethren." (Then we see Plague sneer and say), "Our lord wanted a private audience with the failure."
[Elsewhere]
(We see a panel of Apocalypse sitting in his throne with an arrogant smile on his face and Warren is standing in front of him with his hands chained up behind his back and War is standing beside Warren with his fist clenched). (Then we move in closer and we see that Warren is no longer wearing his coat and that his black shirt is ripped right where the knife wielding guy had slashed him, and the wound is bleeding through the gauze, and we see that Warren also has a black eye , a cut on his cheek and one above his right eye and his left elbow is cut and bleeding as he also has a cut on his back that's bleeding as his shirt is ripped there to). (Apocalypse looks at Warren and says), "I hope my minions didn't accost you to much my son." (We see Warren wince angrily at the words as he glares back at Apocalypse and sets his jaw and says), "I am not your son."
"How dare you," (War growls as he pulls his fist back and prepares to punch Warren in the face, but Apocalypse stops him by saying), "War no, his candor was to be expected." (We then see Warren glance over at War as a small smile creeps upon his face). (Then we see War get angry again and look ready to attack Warren). "War.leave us, I want to speak to my son in private," (Apocalypse says as he waves off a very angry War, who storms off muttering to himself). "Now that we're alone you can tell me how you were stupid enough to think that you could sneak onto my island without being noticed, I thought I taught you better than that," (Apocalypse says as he angrily grips the armrests of his throne and glares at Warren). "Sorry to disappoint you.now where is Betsy, and the rest of my team.what have you done with them," (Warren says angrily as he strains against the chains as he lunges forward).
"As impetuous as ever I see.so Ms Braddock is that important to you.," (Apocalypse says with a smile and a chuckle as we see Warren get angry when Apocalypse says Betsy's name). "What do you want Apocalypse," (Warren asks as he glares at Apocalypse). "You should know by now, but I'm feeling generous so I'll make you an offer," (Apocalypse says popping his knuckles). "That doesn't sound like you, what would the other villains say about this I wonder," (Warren says with a slightly confused look on his face). "Here it is, I'll tell you anything and everything you could ever want to know, answer all your question about a certain group of X-men that are burning a hole in your mind as we speak," (Apocalypse says after waving off what Warren said).
"Oh really.but tell me.what do you expect in return.I know you Apocalypse.there's always a catch," (Warren says scowling). "As impressive as ever my Archangel-my angel of death, alright I'll play along.the catch is that you and your friends.," (Apocalypse says with a sinister smile). "Like hell Apocalypse, I've been your whipping boy before and.," (Warren growls with his fists clenched). "That's what I thought you'd say," (Apocalypse says as he leans back in his throne with an unhappy sigh on his face, but he doesn't take his icy glare off of Warren, who returns it).
[Close by]
(We see Siryn sitting near the machine that Forge is hooked up to, she looks like she's out cold as Death glares at her and then walks away). [She waits until the time is right.]. (We then go into a series of panels of close ups of Siryn's face as we move in and at first Siryn has her eyes closed and then as we knows that Death is gone she opens an eye and looks around, and then opens her other eye and then thinks), What a blowhard, aye thought he'd never shut up. (Then we see Siryn stand up and then turn towards the machine and then we see her take a shocked step back with a completely horrified look on her face as she brings her hands to her mouth and says), "Saints be.Forge!"
(We then move over and see Forge hooked up to the machine with the helmet open and Forge is awake as he weakly mutters), "Huh, S-Siryn?" "W-what are ye.how did ye," (Siryn says as she walks back up to Forge and almost touches the machine before she halts abruptly as Forge says), "No don't come any closer, he rigged a defense mechanism into the design of this.machine that'll shock you like before." (Then we see Siryn say), "But aye have to get ye out of this." "Th-there's a keypad on the panel over.there," (Forge says as we see him trying to stay awake as Siryn slowly walks away from him and towards the control panel and looks back and forth to make sure that she's in the right place and Forge nods his head). "What's the code," (Siryn says looking desperately at Forge who just hangs his head as he momentarily passes out).
"Oh great just leave it up to me," (Siryn says frantically looks around before she thinks), Screw this, (and just balls her fists and then just bashes the keypad with her fists). [And when all else fails.]. (Then we see the keypad start to fizzle and shoot out sparks before we see a poof of smoke come from it as Siryn dives out of the way, and all that wakes Forge up as he then says), "G-good, I'll take care of the rest." (We then see Siryn sit up with her hair all a mess and says as she blows some hair off of her face), "Ye sure you can handle it, aye mean ye don' look so good." "I don't have a choice, if I don't none of us will make it out of here alive, now be ready the machine that suppresses your mutant abilities uses me as a fuse, my mutant ability to be able to unconsciously understand how anything works lets them cancel out any and all mutant powers on this island," (Forge says with a determined look on his face).
(Then Siryn says with a confused look on her face), "But I thought that ye could only do that with machines.and how were we and the horseman able to use your powers earlier?" "Apparently I wasn't good enough for Apocalypse as I was.so they injected -something- into me so that I was able to overcome that hurdle, as well as allowing certain mutants to keep their powers.now stand back.," (Forge says as he looks up at the sky before continuing as he drops his head as Siryn says while he's doing this), "but if you are the fuse then.," (with a shocked look on her face as Forge says as his head is dropping), "Ororo.my love.forgive me." (Then he grits his teeth before we see the dials on the control board go crazy and a large electrical charge build up and smoke begins to rise from the machine). [With the last drops of strength left to him he takes back the control of his mutant powers and pushes himself up to and then over the edge]. (We then see Siryn start running towards Forge but then there's a giant explosion that sends Siryn flying back).
[In the Pit]
(We see a panel of Warpath on his knees and shaking his head to clear the cobwebs out). (We see Sam standing beside him and behind him Betsy is trying to wake Erica up). (We see Sam turn back to Betsy and say), "Any luck?" "No, and that's what scares me," (Betsy says with a concerned look on her face as she takes Erica's pulse). (Then we see Warpath turn to Sam and say), "Got a plan to get us out of here yet?" "Sorry but this is to new, even for me," (Sam says looking sourly at Warpath). "Hey filth no talking," (War says as he comes up beside Warpath and punches Warpath in the face in a punch that draws blood as Sam has to hold him up or else he would have fallen over). "I bet you think you're really tough, I wonder what you'd think if I could fight back," (Warpath says glaring up at War who's grinning down at him).
(Then we see the sound of a far off explosion come into the panel). [He feels a strange tingling feeling surge throughout his body]. (We then see Warpath look down at his hands questioningly before he looks back up at War and says with a big smile on his face), "Oh look, my powers are back." (Then we see Warpath clasp his hands together and then he hits War like Optimus Prime his Megatron in the Transformers movie as we see panels that are just like that scene except Optimus Prime is replace by Warpath and Megatron is replaced by War as Sam says after Warpath hits War), "Ooh ah bet that hurt." (We then see Warpath stand up and then start pulling the chains out of the ground before we see Sam smile and blast his chains off and then he blasts an advancing c.d. warrior).
"A little help here," (Betsy yells at Sam before he also frees Betsy and Erica as Warpath goes on a rampage through the nearby crimson dawn warriors and War as he says), "You like shocking people when they can't fight back don't ya, well playtimes over." "Oh this is gonna be fun," (Sam says as he rockets off into a large group of mad and charging crimson dawn warriors).
[At the Throne]
(We see Apocalypse sitting up in his throne with a hand around Warren's throat with Warren gritting his teeth and struggling to breathe). "I gave you a chance for greatness, and you spurned me, now you will face a punishment far worse than death," (Apocalypse says with an angry smirk on his face). "Can't be much worse than your breath, Tic-Tac," (Warren says with the best mocking smile he can muster along with a small chuckle). (We then see Apocalypse get very angry and then proceed to try and strangle Warren, who's wing perk up). (Then with a smile Warren uses both of his wings to strike Apocalypse in the face that makes Apocalypse howl in anger and drop Warren).
"My lord," (a crimson dawn warrior yells as it charges Warren and swings its weapon). (Then we see Warren turn slightly and in a small panel we see Warren's shackles as the warriors weapon slices through them). (Then in the next panel we see Warren smile and say), "Thank you," (as he punches the warrior's lights out). (Then we see Apocalypse charge Warren, who lifts up into the air and glares down at him and says), "Gotta be faster than that.old timer."
[Elsewhere]
(We see the remains of the machine that Forge was hooked up to as there's a lot of smoke in the air and pieces of the machine are strewn about). (Then we see a piece of the machine move before we see that Siryn is under it as she pushes it off of her and gets up as we see that she's covered in dust and dirt and now has a small gash on her forehead and her uniform's coat is now ripped to shreds). "Just my luck," (Siryn says with a sad look on her face as she takes off what's left of the coat). (Then we see her look around before she starts picking her way through the rubble as she goes a ways before she trips and falls and she curses as she goes down).
(Then we see her begin to pick herself up as she puts a hand to her chin and when she takes it away there's blood on it as we see her wince in anger and say sarcastically), "Perfect.just perfect." (Then we see her look back to see what she tripped over and with a shocked look on her face we see that it's a human leg). "Oh my.Forge," (Siryn yells as she starts to frantically dig through the rubble). [She furiously begins to dig through the rubble, paying little heed as the metal and rocks cut mercilessly into her hands].
[Meanwhile.Back At The Ranch]
(We see the front of the mansion as an old beat up jeep pulls up to the front door). (Then from a ways away we see two people get out, and each grabs a duffel bag as they then break into a run as they run up to the front door). (Then we see a panel of the two men from behind as one has long brown hair and the other has a long ponytail that's slightly orange hair as the brown haired man says), "Uh hello.Sam.Terry?" "This does not bode well," (the other man says as they both drop their duffel bags and slowly make their way into the mansion, both ready for anything). (We then see a panel of a wall with a painting on it and it's hanging crooked before in the next panel the painting falls as we then see a badly cracked mirror beside it as we see two shadows on the wall as the back shadow says), "This isn't right, I feel naked without my swords."
(The front shadow turns back to the second shadow and says), "What.man you are a weapon.even without your swords." (Then we see a panel of the living rooms doorway with the ground at the bottom of the panel and the panel goes up to their necks as they're both wearing jeans and t-shirts, as we see in the background the shattered coffee table and Tabitha as one of the guys yells), "Tabitha!" (Then in the next panel we see a horizontal panel of Tabitha lying there as the remains of the coffee table are shoved away before the two men kneel beside her as one says), "Is she.?" (Then we see a panel of one of the guys taking Tabitha's pulse before saying), "She's alive, but her pulse is very weak."
[Genosha]
(We see Warren fighting with Apocalypse as there are many crimson dawn warriors lying unconscious around them). (We see Apocalypse take a swing at Warren as the punch misses Warren as he jumps out of the way and the punch hits the ground and kicks up some metal shards). (Then Warren says with an angry smile), "Still to slow.gramps." "You dare mock me," (Apocalypse yells angrily as he spins slightly and catches Warren off guard as he backhands Warren into the air and then back down against the side of a small hill of bones as Warren grimaces in pain). "Now you will face my wrath," (Apocalypse growls as he charges towards Warren, who dodges the attack and the next few panels are of a fight between them as Warren gets in a punch or two before he lands on Apocalypse's throne).
"You dare defile my throne of righteous judgment," (Apocalypse yells with a very angry sneer on his face). (We then see Warren look down and then back up as he cocks an eyebrow and with a sly smile he says), "Guess so." (Then we see Apocalypse go crazy and charge Warren and punch at him but Warren moves and Apocalypse fist smashes his throne). (Then we see Warren land nearby and is about to say something when an enraged Apocalypse turns and lands a body blow right where the knife wielding guy slashed Warren as we first see a close up of Warren's face with a smile, then one of surprise, then the panel of Apocalypse hitting Warren, and finally one or two of his very pained reaction as he then staggers backwards, gasping for air and clutching at the wound).
"Where is your sharp tongue.your witty comebacks now," (Apocalypse says crossing his arms and smiling proudly). "I don't' do to well with snappy repartee but.," (We see come from off panel as Apocalypse turns in the foreground as we see Warren in the background, drop to his knees with one hand on the wound and the other is keeping himself from collapsing, and both hands are covered in blood as we see some blood dropping from Warren). (Then in the next panel we see Warpath land a punch to Apocalypse's jaw that sends him flying backwards as Warpath says), "I do pretty well for myself with the simpler things." (As we then see a panel of Apocalypse flying through the panel as then Warren warily slumps to the ground in a coughing fit as Betsy reaches him and yells), "Warren," (as we see Sam nearby and he's holding Erica). (Then we see a panel of Warren painfully looking up at Betsy as he says), "We have to.get out of here." "No argument there," (Betsy says as she helps Warren stand as Sam comes up behind them and Apocalypse roars back into the fight but Warpath blocks his way and then begin to fight).
[Shortly.Back At The Remains Of Death's Machine]
(We see Siryn kneeling beside Forge's body in a sea of broken pieces of the machine). (We then wee Siryn say while giving Forge c.p.r.), "Tis not a good day to die Forge." (then we see Forge take a breath and Siryn start to cry as she says a silent prayer as she glances skyward). "What did you do to my beautiful creation.answer me," (Death says storming towards Siryn with the two golems in tow). "Aye blew the fuse," (Siryn says with a half smile as an enraged Death sends the golems after her as she then says), "Not you again." "Oh yes filth, but this time you won't be baled out by one of your intrepid friends," (Death says gleefully laughing as the golems begin to go after Siryn).
"Ah hope ya didn't make that up all by yerself," (a voice says from off panel that makes Siryn look up and Death and the golems turn in confusion). "You," (Death yells angrily before we then switch to a panel of Sam standing on the top of a small nearby hill with his fists clenched at his sides with his powers flaring as he then says with an emotionless look on his face, and the wind is blowing his hair and smoke around), "Surprised you remembered, but then again you never were very smart, and ah've just been itchin to have one of them heart to hearts with you before.." (Then we see Death chuckle and say), "before what, you go home crying to momma and.oh wait that's right I killed them didn't I.they screamed so nicely to.."
(We then see a panel of Sam get angry before he calms himself and says as he begins to walk towards Death), "Before ah rip yer shriveled heart out and shove it down yer stinkin gullet until ya choke on it." "Foolish little whelp, you'll die before that happens, but I'm going to enjoy seeing you try," (Death says as he opens his arms wide as if he's inviting Sam to try him). (Then we see Sam get very angry and rocket off right at Death but a golem gets in the way, but Sam just plows into it and they go flying back and almost hit Death, who barely gets out of the way). (Then we see an angry Death go after Forge but Siryn looks up angrily and says), "Oh no ye don't, I just got him breathing again and aye'm not about to let ye kill him." (Then we see Death get even angrier and say as he's about to touch Siryn), "Stupid mutant, now you will die." "Not today," (Siryn says with a smile before she levels a very powerful sonic scream that rips into Death as he goes flying back). (Then we see a few panels of Sam flying around and blasting the golems as he stays just out of their reach). (Then we see Siryn turn back to Gorge and make sure that he's still alive).
[The Throne]
(We see Warren and Betsy as they're trying to move Erica away as Warpath is fighting a losing battle against a large group of crimson dawn warriors and an enraged Apocalypse). "I hope one of you.has a plan.for getting us the hell out of here," (Warpath says in between punches as we see that he's also all beaten up but it appears more to annoy him rather than hurt). (We then see Warren look over and say as he's pulling something out of one of his pockets), "I just hope this works, the tech boys just gave it to me today." (We then see Betsy look at what is in Warren's hand as she says), "Is that the X-jets r.c. that you've been hounding the techies about all week?" "Yah, now it's time to see if it works," (Warren says as he winces in pain).
"Men and their toys," (Betsy says with a sigh as she spins around and kicks and oncoming crimson dawn warrior and it's in a big panel, she knocks a tooth or two out). "No matter what worthless little trinket your feeble little minds create you will fail," (Apocalypse says with an arrogant smile as he lands a punch on Warpath, who then goes flying back and into a pile of bones in a big crash). (Then we see a panel of Warren pressing the trigger as a light on the remote control starts blinking). (Then we see a few panels of the X-jets control panel as things begin to light up and the auto pilot light comes on before we see the X-jet rise into the air and then blast out of the cave).
"So what now," (Betsy asks, as we go back to the throne, as she activates her psysword and parries an attack from a crimson dawn warrior before she then elbows it back away so that she can then slash it with her psysword as she angrily does slash the warrior with her psysword). "Now I will grind your bones beneath my heel," (Apocalypse says clenching his fist angrily with a self-righteous look sneer on his face). "Sorry, but we're going to have to take a rain-check on that," (Warren says as he turns and uses his wings to cover Erica as an extremely powerful wind picks up and starts to blow everything around and the X-team takes cover). "What in Hades," (Imol yells as he just teleports in beside Apocalypse and is immediately assaulted by various flying objects). (Then we see Warpath look up and shield his eyes as he yells, so as to be heard above the roar of the wind), "I guess it worked!"
(We then look up and see the X-jet hovering there). (Then we see the X-jet come down and land and the hatch opens up as Warren, with Betsy's help, stands up and says into the r.c. as he holds a button down), "Defensive mechanism's, full spread." (Then we see Imol and Apocalypse glaring at the team). [At his words panels recess and pull away as rotating laser cannons descend and open fire]. (We then see panels open up on the X-jet and then laser guns, that look like a Gatling gun, lower out and start firing at the crimson dawn warriors and Apocalypse and Imol). "Cook, but I'd say that's our cue", (Warpath says as he dodges the laser blasts and reaches Warren and Betsy before he picks Erica up). (Then we see Apocalypse get angry and the laser blasts just bounce off of him as he growls), "Cowards, how dare you run from your inevitable fate." (Then we see Warpath, carrying Erica, and Betsy who's helping Warren, as they get to the X-jet and climb up the ramp). (And then we see a few inside shots of the X-jet as Warpath lays Erica down on the couch and straps her in as in the next panel we see Betsy help Warren into the co-pilot's seat and strap him in before she sits in the pilot's seat and straps herself in). (Then after a look at Warren with a worried look on her face she turns the switch that changes the control of the X-jet from autopilot to manual). (Then we see Imol yell angrily as the X-jet roars off, and away from Apocalypse), "Come back here.we're not.cowards!"
[Close by]
(We see Sam on his hands and knees as he's just standing up and he's tired as one of the golems is on its back and trying to stand up as the other golem is standing in front of Sam and it's glaring down at him). (Death meanwhile is angrily searching through the rubble). (Then we see Siryn, cradling Forge in her arms, as she yells at Sam), "Sam come on.we've gotta go.aye don' think I can keep Forge going much longer!" (We then see the golem that's near Sam rear back and prepare to smash him like a bug as it says), "Smash!" (Then we see in two panels, first a close up of Sam's face as he's looking up with a scared look on his face as then in the next panel we see an overhead shot of the golem and it's about ready to smash Sam).
"Sam look out," (Siryn yells at Sam as then in the next we see a panel of us looking down at the golem as something big is rapidly descending towards the golem). (Then we see a big panel of Warpath striking the golem feet first, and then one of the golem being driven into the ground as Warpath says with a smile on his face), "Smash.you and the Hulk have the same vocal coach or somethin?" (Then we see Sam look up, as he stands up, and say), "Thanks, but now I've got a little unfinished business to attend to." (We then see Sam start to rocket off but Warpath grabs his shoulder and says), "Easy there Mason-Dixon, we've got wounded to take care of, revenge will have to wait." (Then we see a panel of Sam glaring angrily at Warpath as he's trying to get away as he says), "No.let go!" "Sam, we have to go," (Warpath says as he again restrains a very angry Sam).
"But momma.Lizzie," (Sam says with a very sad look on his face as he's looking at Death, who's trying to help the other golem get up as he's angrily yelling at it). "Sam," (Warpath yells angrily and gives Sam a shake). (Sam then seems to snap out of it as he says), "Right.okay here's the plan, you get Forge and Terry while I lay down some covering fire." "Right.come on Terry our ride's here," (Warpath says as he lets go of Sam, who then kneels down and starts blasting Death and the two golems, and then Warpath runs over to Siryn and with a concerned look on his face he says), "You okay?" (Then Siryn says), "I'm fine.be careful," (as Warpath picks Forge up and then takes off with Siryn right behind him as Warpath then yells), "Sam come on."
"Okay," (Sam yells as he blasts off just as War, Imol, and Apocalypse come running up as they're surrounded by angry crimson dawn warriors). "Attack.don't let them get away," (Apocalypse yells angrily as he grabs a nearby crimson dawn warrior and begins to strangle it). (Then we see War and a good deal of the c.d. warriors start to fire their weapons at the X- jet as Sam, Warpath, Forge, and Siryn enter the X-jet and the hatch closes). (Then we go to an inside shot of Betsy looking back as Sam hops into his seat and Siryn helps Warpath get Forge into the portable bio-bed and hooked up to the right equipment). "How's he doing," (Betsy says over her shoulder as she makes the X-jet go faster). "Not good, he's barely staying with us," (Warpath says as he checks the readouts of one of the machines).
(Then we go back outside and see in the far background is the X-jet as it's flying away and then War gets off one large last shot as he's in the foreground). (Then in the next panel we see an enraged Apocalypse start attacking the horsemen and the crimson dawn warriors). (Then we jump back inside the X-jet as Warpath and Siryn are checking on Forge and Sam is checking on Erica). (Then we see Siryn look up towards the front of the plane and say), "How long till we get back to the mansion?" (Then we see a panel outside of the X-jet as War's final blast hits one of the wings and knocks the X-jet violently around).
(And in the previous panel, just as the blast is about to hit the wing, we see coming out of the X-jet Betsy saying), "We're a little low on fuel but.," (and she stops just as the blast hits the X-jet as we then see a big combination of panels that cut back and forth between shots of the team reacting inside the X-jet as Warpath, Siryn, and Sam get thrown around as in one panel Sam knocks his head against the side of one of the chairs in a hit that draws blood as they're all yelling while Betsy is trying to stabilize the X-jet). (Then we see an inside panel as the X-jet finally does get stable but it's still shaking a bit as Betsy says), "Everyone alright, role call."
(Then we see Warren shake his head and say), "I'm here, but a little worse for wear, "(as he winces in pain). "Ah'm okay.I think," (Sam says as he sits up and lightly touches the cut on his head and then we see Warpath who's upside down and lying in a corner in the back of the X-jet and Siryn is lying on her stomach a foot or two in front of him). "Me.oh I'm peachy, just peachy," (Siryn says with a meek smile as she pulls herself up so that she's lying on her forearms and looking around). (With a sigh Warpath says), "I'm fine, but I don't' think I could say the same thing about the back door," (as we move over and see a big dent in the door as if his head hit it). "What about Forge and Erica," (Warren says as he checks some of the X-jets controls).
(Then we see the three in the back check on Erica and Forge as then Warpath looks up and says), "Does -Code Red- mean anything to you," (with an unhappy look on his face). "That's what I thought," (Warren says with a pained grimace on his face). "Any idea what hit us," (Sam says as he pulls himself to his feet by using one of the chairs to stabilize himself). "I don't know but whatever it was it blew a bloody good sized hole in our right wing.the flaps aren't working right," (Betsy says scowling). "Then may I say we make post haste to the hospital," (Warpath says scowling as he checks out a reading).
[And just when things couldn't seemingly get any worse.]. (We then see a loud alarm sound and we see Forge start to shake before he goes still and then the heart monitor go flat-line in a series of panels that show the heart-rate disappear). "What the hell," (Warren says looking around frantically). "Oh no," (Warpath says angrily as he looks up at Siryn with a concerned look on his face). "Forge," (Siryn yells as she gasps and puts a hand over her mouth). "Bloody hell," (Betsy says angrily as the X-jet lurches and then Warpath and Siryn desperately hold on to the medi-bed to keep from falling over as Sam stumbles over to Erica). "What..," (Siryn says with a scared look on her face). "He's gone into cardiac arrest, quick the paddles," (Warpath says frantically as then we see Siryn nervously hand him the paddles and after that she squirts that jelly stuff onto the paddles).
"Okay.clear," (Warpath says as Siryn takes a step backwards before Warpath then shocks Forge as his body lurches and then Warpath takes the paddles back as he looks at Siryn, who looks at the heart monitor). (The monitor shows no change and Siryn sadly shakes her head). "Again.clear," (Warpath says as he again shocks Forge). (Then he again looks at Siryn, who again sadly shakes her head and kind of looks like she's about ready to cry). "Okay.I'm going to try one more time.," (Warpath says as Sam comes over and says), "Come on Forge, go Jimmy," (as Warpath then shocks Forge again and then looks at Siryn, who at first shakes her head as she starts to cry).
"N-nothing.wait.wait.he's back," (Siryn says with a big smile on her face before Warpath sets the panels down and then hugs and kisses Siryn as Sam just looks and smiles at them before he turns back to Erica, who's starting to stir). (Then we see Warpath bend down close to Forge and say), "I'd really appreciate it if I didn't have to do that again." "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but whatever hit us did a whole hell of a lot more damage than just messing up the flaps, from the looks of things we're probably going to have to set down with a dead stick so to speak," (Warren says grimly as he painfully coughs and Betsy looks over at him with a worried look on her face).
"And exactly what does that mean in non pilot person terms," (Warpath says as he checks on Forge as we see Sam kneel down beside Erica as she mumbles incoherently). "It means that more than likely we're in for one heck of a landing," (Sam says as we then go outside of the X-jet as it flies over water and land before we see it fly over the St. Louis Arch as now the right wing is starting to shake and smoke is now emanating from it as well). (Then we go back inside and see Erica wake up and blink as she lazily says), "Ohh.what happened?" "Hey there, how ya feelin," (Sam says with a sigh as he then undoes her straps and then helps her sit up as she does she has a hand on her forehead and one on her stomach as she looks kind of queasy). "Like a herd of elephants just walked all over me," (Erica says wincing).
"Okay enough chit-chat people, Theresa you and James keep Forge alive until we land, Sam call the mansion and tell Tabitha to get a few ambulances there so when we land they'll already be there waiting for us," (Warren says while holding down a button on the control panel with one hand while his other hand is on his wound). "Ya sure about that Warren, ah don't know if she.," (Sam says before being cut off by Betsy as she says), "I know it'll be hard Sam, but it's the easiest solution to the problem, besides I don't know how much longer we'll even have use of our radio."
(Then we see Sam solemnly nod his head as he begins to stand up when there's an explosion that violently begins to shake the X-jet as Sam and Erica go sliding up against the opposite side of the X-jet and Siryn is rocked off of her feet but Warpath holds onto the bio-bed and is able to stay standing). "What was that," (Siryn yells as alarms go off and she grabs onto the bottom part of the bio-bed to keep from sliding around as Sam grabs one of the chair supports with one hand while he loops his other arm around Erica's waist, and Erica holds onto him for dear life as she looks like she's about ready to throw up if only given the chance).
"Nnnh.the right wing.something must have sparked," (Warren says grimacing, as we see that now the X-jet is tilted to the right so everything is leaning that way, as he starts frantically checking gauges and turning knobs and pressing buttons). "I can't seem to get a handle for it.that explosion must have blown the whole bloody wing off," (Betsy says angrily gritting her teeth and gripping the controls tightly). (Then we see Warpath slip as another shock jolts the X-jet and knock his chin on the edge of the bio-bed before he loses his grip and goes flying back into the back door that he dented earlier and this time he blows right through it and we then see him crash into all of the stuff in that back room as we see him yell out), "Ow!"
"We're gonna crash," (Erica yells with a very scared look on her face as he buries her face into Sam's shoulder as he yells), "The X-jets breaking up, we have to set down.and soon." (Then we see the X-jet flying low and kicking up a lot of dust and dirt as we see the X-jet smash right through a sign that says Welcome to California before the X-jet hits the tops of some trees before we quickly cut to two panels of Betsy at the controls in which the first one is of her looking up with a shocked look on her face and then in the next panel we see her straining and pulling back the stick before we go back outside and the jet rises up and just barely misses plowing into a large brick building). "Let's just hope we don't have to do that again," (Warren says sighing heavily and then he winces in pain as he has one blood stained hand on the control panel and the other is covering his wound that is now starting to really bleed).
"Warren," (Betsy yells with a hand on Warren's arm as he seems to be about ready to pass out before she then continues), "come on stay with me here.please." "Jimmy, ye okay in there," (Siryn says as she makes her way back to the door of the back room). "Of course.you know me, my head's as hard as a rock," (Warpath says as we see him trying to pull himself out of the back room as it's all in disarray with everything in a big pile). (Then we go back to the X-jets controls and we see Warren with one hand on the control panel to steady himself and the other is on his gut wound he says), "We're almost there.think we can make it?" (Then Betsy says with a grimace on her face while she tightly holds onto the stick as we also see that her hands are covered with blood, mostly Warren's but a little of her own), "I don't know, but we're not going to have to wait to long to find out".
[They tear off through the California countryside.]. [.skimming over the trees and skirting the cities.]. [.before their spirits lift as the mansion comes into view against the horizon]. (In a series of panels that show the almost crippled X-jet leaving a smoke trail as it flies over trees and veers away so that it goes on the edges of cities as in those final few panels it's that we're looking as if we're sitting on the X-jet right between the two engines as the mansion comes up in the far background and then it starts to get bigger). (Then we go back inside the X-jet as Siryn turns her head and with an exasperated but happy look on her face says), "It's the mansion.we made it." "Now if only I can land the bloody thing," (Betsy yells as she furiously tries to steer the X-jet in as it's now shaking very badly and the engines are sputtering). (Then we see Warren brace himself and yell), "Everyone hold on.we're going in!" (Then as we switch to mostly outside shots of the X-jet landing we see Betsy yell), "We're coming in to fast I can't.!"
(Then we first see the X-jet hit some of the apple trees and snap them like twigs before the X-jet starts sliding and then it slightly turns before straightening back up before we see a panel of Erica yelling), "Hit the #@$%*&^ brakes!" (Then we see panels that show the team's reaction as they're being thrown about and slammed all around and the X-jet taking out more apple trees and digging up a lot of dirt). [They hit the ground like a runaway freight train, tearing through the apple orchard with reckless abandon]. (Then we see the X-jet come to a stop as the nose hits the pond). (Then we see the engines shut down as smoke rises from them and the right wing). (Then we see an inside panel of the team as they all look like they're unconscious).
(Then we see Warren stir and shake his head and say groggily as he then looks around), "Say something.anybody." (Then we see Warpath lying in the doorway of the backroom, facedown, as something falls from the ceiling and hits him on the head and he wakes up and says), "Remind me to give the autopilot a raise would ya." "Not funny," (Sam says as he sits up as does Erica before we see Siryn shake her head and then pull herself to her feet and begin checking on Forge). (Then we see Betsy unbuckle herself and say as she turns to Warren), "You okay luv?" "I am now," (Warren says with a weak smile and a sigh as Betsy reaches over and unbuckles him before they share a quick kiss before she helps him out of his chair and he puts an arm around her as she helps him walk back to where Siryn and now Warpath are checking on Forge).
(We then see a panel of Sam helping Erica back there as well). "How is he," (Warren says as he puts a hand down on the bio-bed to support himself). "I think he'll live if we can get him to a hospital.," (Warpath says grimly looking at Betsy before Siryn steps in and says), ".and fast." "Right then, first we need to get him out of here, James the honor is yours," (Betsy says as she turns and looks at Warpath, who nods his head as he says), "My pleasure." (Then we see Warpath walk over to the hatch). "Here goes nothing," (Warpath says as he reels back and then knocks the door into orbit with a big punch). "Ah think that's our cue," (Sam says with a smile as he helps Erica out of the X-jet).
[Later.]
(We see a panel of a couple of ambulance's approaching a large hospital with Sam driving his car with Betsy, Siryn, and Warpath with him as they're behind the ambulances). (Then we see the vehicles stop and out of the backs of the ambulances come Forge on a stretcher and Warren and Erica get helped out by paramedics and then the four in Sam's car get out and follow the stretcher in). (Then we see Warpath and Sam, while the others follow the injured members, going by the front desk as the nurse says), "Excuse me.," (that makes Sam and Warpath stop in their tracks and look over at the nurse as Sam then says), "Ya?" "By any chance you two wouldn't be Samuel Guthrie and James Proudstar.would you," (the nurse says with a smile as she sets a clipboard down). "We are.who's asking," (Sam says as he looks at the nurse with a confused look on his face).
"A couple of guys that said they were old friends of yours came in here earlier with a pretty young woman that didn't look to good," (the nurse says with a sad look on her face before we see Sam and Warpath look at each other with concerned looks on their faces before the nurse continues), "I think they said her name was Tabitha Smith." (Then we see Sam and Warpath's eyes grow wide as Sam then says), "Wha.what.when?" "A few hours ago I think," (the nurse says as we see a chill run through Sam's body as he struggles to speak). (From off panel we see someone say), "Sam!" (Then we see Sam and Warpath turn with shocked looks on their faces). (Then we see a panel of Rictor quickly walking down a very crowded hallway as he yells out with a very serious look on his face), "Hey guys come on, she's over here."
(Then we see Sam start to tear off down the hall with Warpath not far behind). (We see a panel of the doorway of a hospital bed in the first one and then in the next panel we see Sam come tearing around the corner and bursting in the room with a scared look on his face, followed closely behind by Rictor and Warpath). (Then we see a close up of Sam's face as it's one of anger, shock, sadness, and pain all rolled into one). [At the sight of her Samuel Guthrie's blood freezes in his veins and his heart skips a beat before breaking.]. (Then we see a panel of Tabitha, all bandaged up with tubes sticking out of her and her all bruised up, lying in a bed with Shatterstar sitting beside her in a chair).
(We then see Sam run to her as Shatterstar stands up and Sam takes his seat as he says with tears forming in his eyes), "Ah Tab," (as he then picks her hand up and clasps it between his hands). (Then we see a panel of Warpath standing next to Rictor in the doorway as Warpath says), "What happened.when we left she." "We just found her.like that.in the living room.the front door was open," (Rictor says to Warpath as he sadly looks at Sam). "What, we didn't see any damage when we called the ambulances," (Warpath says with a confused grimace on his face). "How.the whole front entry way was completely trashed, you couldn't have missed it," (Rictor says shaking his head). "Well Sam called from the boathouse and the front door was shut so.," (Warpath says shrugging his shoulders sadly).
[Meanwhile, a few floors up]
(We see first two swinging doors that part in the middle). (Then we see the doors burst open as we see, flanked by a team of doctors that are all modeled after doctors from ER, Forge on a gurney and the doctors are all doing medical stuff as we see one of them holding an iv bag). (Then we see two more gurney come through with Warren lying on one and Erica on the other with Betsy at Warrens side as they're holding hands as her other hand is on the edge of the gurney). (And beside Erica we see Siryn holding a gauze pad to her chin). (We then see a doctor yell), "This one need to go up to the O.R. right now.get Doctor O'Neal!"
(Then we see one of the doctors that is at Warren's side say), "I've got broken ribs and a deep laceration here.everybody better cancel any plans they had for tonight because it's going to be a long night." (Then we see the other nurses and doctors groan as one takes Siryn aside into another room as she says), "Ms Cassidy.please this way." (Then we see the doctors veer off with Erica as they take her to an exam room as they take Forge and Warren into the operating rooms and as Betsy starts to follow Warren in a doctor stops her and says), "I'm sorry but you can't go in there."
(Then Betsy says with an angry look on her face and fists clenched), "I don't care what you say I'm not." "Again I'm sorry but you'll have to wait outside, you'll best help him by letting the doctors do their work," (the doctor says with his hands up in a defensive position). (We then see Betsy get angry and she's about ready to snap but then we see her forcing herself to calm down as she glares at the doctor and then she says through a clenched jaw), "Fine, but I am warning you that if any of you even think about anything.and I mean anything other than the surgery I swear I'll make the rest of your lives a living hell."
(Then Betsy storms off and enters the room in which we then see Siryn as she slides off of one of the beds as we see that the doctor has just finished putting in some stitches in Siryn's chin and above her eye). "Ye don' look so good, everything alright," (Siryn asks furrowing her brows but then stopping as we see it hurts). "No everything is not bloody alright, half the team is going under the knife while the rest of us look like the walking dead," (Betsy says angrily as she crosses her arms and nods at the doctor as the doctor leaves the room after taking off her gloves and throwing them in the trash). "Aye know what ye mean, but where are Sam and Jimmy," (Siryn says with a sad and confused look on her face).
"I don't know.wait a second," (Betsy says as she closes her eyes and puts her hands on her temples as she begins to telepathically search through the hospital as we see several panels of Betsy's pink butterfly telepathically flying through many different rooms with many different things going on before she finds them as they're in Tabitha's room). (Then Betsy says as she opens her eyes), "I found them.Tabitha's here.she looks pretty bad and Sam's by her side, but this is interesting.two of your old X-Force teammates are here as well." (We then see Siryn turn to Betsy and say with a slightly shocked look on her face). "Really.who?" "Rictor and Shatterstar," (Betsy says as she turns towards the door).
[Later still.]
(We see panels of Betsy, Siryn, and Warpath in the waiting room as Betsy looks like she's on pins and needles as she nervously walks around while Siryn and Warpath are talking and having some coffee as they're sitting down in two chairs). (Then we see Betsy lean her head up against a wall, close her eyes and then she activates her powers as we see her -look in- on the two surgeries). (Then we go back to Warpath and Siryn as Siryn says), "Aye don' believe it.is she alright?" "I think she will be, but someone sure did a number on her.but I'll tell you something whoever did it is in for.," (Warpath says before we see him get very angry and punch his fist into the palm of his other hand).
(Then as Siryn is about to say something Rictor and Shatterstar come walking in as then Siryn looks up with a smile and says), "Hey," (to which Rictor says after nodding his head), "Hey." (Then we see them sit down near Warpath and Siryn as we then go back to Betsy, who stops telepathically monitoring the operations, as she opens her eyes and thinks), Please be okay Warren.I don't want to do this without you, (as we see a tear slide down her cheek before she sniffles and Siryn looks over with a concerned look on her face and says), "Hey Psylocke.you okay?" (Then we see Betsy wipe away the tear and say without turning around), "Ya Theresa I'm okay."
(Then we see Siryn say), "Alright then," (as she then loops her arm around Warpath's and they clasp their hands together as she then leans her head on his shoulder). (Then in a panel is which we see Warpath and Siryn in the background and in the foreground we see a close up on Betsy's left side of her face but mostly just around her eye as she's looking back at them as she thinks), Who am I kidding I'm not alright.the man I love is getting stitched back together in there and I'm out her where I can't do a #*@$%^& thing to help him.but I have to stay strong I'm one of the leaders of this outfit and I need to act like it.I won't be helping anybody if I were to break down like a stupid git in front of them.I have to be strong.
[Hours pass.]. (We see panels of the X-group, now with a heavily bandaged up Erica sitting beside Warpath and Siryn, in the waiting room interspersed with panels of the two operating rooms as we see Betsy standing and sitting and checking the clock and her watch and nodding her head and managing a smile as Rictor gives her a cup of coffee). (Then we see a panel of Shatterstar as he approaches Betsy, who's sitting in a chair and she looks up at him as he says), "Do not worry, they are both strong warriors and will see battle again, of this I am positive." (Then we see Betsy slightly laugh a little and say), "I know.thanks."
[Meanwhile]
(We see a panel of Sam sitting at Tabitha's bedside with his coat slung over the back of the chair that he's sitting in). "Come on Tab.wake up and talk tah me.please," (Sam says as he wipes away a tear with the back of his hand). (We then see a nurse come in and check Tabitha's chart before patting Sam on the back with a smile before she leaves the room). (Then we see Sam lay his head down on the bed beside Tabitha as he then says), "This is all my fault, ah should have stayed.maybe ah could have." (Then we see Sam pick his head up with a very sad look on his face as he looks like he's about ready to smash his fist into the bed beside Tabitha as he has his fist clenched).
"While I am not completely familiar with the medical procedures that Tabitha requires I do not believe that beating yourself up over it will help her present condition," (we see come from off panel as Sam relaxes his fist and then looks up and sees Shatterstar standing in the doorway as he's leaning on the doorframe as Sam then says), "Oh.hi 'Star." "Has she regained consciousness yet," (Shatterstar says as he walks into the room and then stops at the foot of Tabitha's bed). (Then we see Sam sadly shake his head). "Sorry.but I am hopeful that she will again see the field of battle," (Shatterstar says firmly).
(Then we see Sam look over and say with a slight smile), "That yer way of saying ya care?" "If you wish," (Shatterstar says slightly nodding his head before we see from off panel, as on the left side of the panel is Sam and Shatterstar is on the right side of the panel as they both have surprised looks on their faces), "Nnnh.S-Sam." (Then we see a panel of Sam as he turns to Tabitha with a very excited look on his face as he then says), "Hey there." (We then see a panel of Tabitha's face as it's all bandaged and bruised up as she squeezes open one tear filled eye and manages a weak smile as she says as she starts crying), "S-Sam!"
(Then we see Sam stand mostly upright and with his free hand, as he's still holding her hand with his other hand, he brushes her hair back and kisses her forehead before he sits back down and brings her hand to his cheek as he smiles back). "It is good to see you back with us," (Shatterstar says with a slight nod of his head). "T-thanks.I think," (Tabitha says as she winces in pain as she's looking at Shatterstar before she turns to Sam). "S-Sam.I-I was.," (she starts to say before she breaks down and really starts to let the tears flow before we see Sam say while trying to calm her), "Shh it's okay.just rest.we can talk later." "N-no it.it was Imol.he.he came and," (Tabitha says before she turns away).
(Then we see Sam and Shatterstar look at each other with very angry looks on their faces). "Why that.," (Sam says angrily as he lets go of Tabitha's hand and starts to stand up in a panel in which Tabitha is looking right at us and her face , and she's crying, is in the foreground in the bottom left corner of the panel and the panel goes up to Sam's shoulder). (Then we see Sam look to Shatterstar and say), "Stay her and look after Tabitha." (Then we see Tabitha turn her head quickly with a look of fear on her face and wide eyes as she frantically reaches for Sam as she says), "Sam.no don't go!" (Then we see Sam sit back down and hold her hand again with one hand and with his other hand he wipes away one of her tears as he smiles at her which makes her smile as he says), "Okay."
[Later]
(We see Betsy sitting in a chair as she's running her fingers through her hair as she's staring at the floor with her head down as we also see Rictor just standing near the doorway with his hands in his pockets as Siryn, Warpath, and Erica are all asleep). (Then we see the nearby doors slide open and a doctor comes walking out as he removes his mask). "Ms Braddock," (the doctor says as he looks around as Betsy looks up and says), "Yes," (as Rictor turns around). (Then we see Betsy stand up as Rictor walks over and as he does that Betsy says), "Is he alright doctor, may I see him.please it's important." "Well they're in recovery now, Mr. Worthington should be ready for visitors in a couple of hours or so.whereas for your friend with the metal prosthesis.well I don't even know where to begin, but for the foreseeable future he's stable", (the doctor says looking at Betsy with his hands on his hips).
(We then see Betsy breath a sigh of relief before she says), "Thank you doctor, please tell me immediately if either one of their status changes." "Of course, now have the rest of you gotten any help yet", (the doctor says with a tired look over at the sleeping trio). "Well I think everybody got it that needed it so I think we'll be fine," (Betsy says before shaking the doctor's hand and going back and sitting down with a brief smile). Only a couple of couple of hours longer, I can handle that, (Betsy thinks as she sits back in her chair and checks her watch).
[Said Two Hours Later]
(We see a hospital room with Warren lying in a bed with an i.v. in and the sun is shining in on him, from a nearby window, that seems to almost give him a glow). (Then we move over and see that Forge is in a bed across the room from him as they're the only two in a large room). (Then we see a nurse come in and check their charts before she leaves). (But before the door closes it's pushed open by Betsy, who's holding a newspaper, as she is followed by Erica and Siryn, who's holding two sets of flowers in small vases).
(Then we see Betsy get to Warren, as Erica goes to the window and then turns and lightly leans on the windowsill with her back to the window as Siryn puts one of the vases with flowers in it on Forge's nightstand as we see that Forge is heavily bandaged up with many tubes coming in and out of him, as she smiles and lightly shakes his foot which makes him groggily wake up as she says), "Hey there sleepy head.time to wake up and face the creditors." "Cute," (Warren says as he smiles and looks up at Betsy as we see her backlit by the sun as she's smiling back at him). "So how ya feelin," (Siryn says as she turns towards Warren and puts the vase with the rest of the flowers on his nightstand).
"Like the Rockettes did a whole show on my stomach.in stilettos," (Warren says with a laugh that he has to stop as he grimaces in pain). "Hey now tiger, don't overdue it," (Betsy says with a smile as she pulls up a chair and sits down). (We then see Erica gingerly standup and say), "So what's our next move?" "Well now that we know where Apocalypse is based.," (Warren says as he tries to sit up but Betsy, with a concerned look on her face, stands up and says as she pushes him back down), "We wait until we're all back to full strength.and that includes you.before we even think about taking anyone on.let alone Apocalypse." "So what do we do about Forge," (Siryn says as she looks over at Forge with a concerned look on her face).
"I'm not exactly sure.we still don't completely understand what Death did to him.but for the foreseeable future he'll stay here where he can recover in peace and quiet.then he'll probably come and stay with us," (Warren says as he glances over at Forge and then at Siryn). "But how can ye guarantee that, aye mean ye got lucky getting this out of the way room all to yourselves," (Siryn says looking around the room). "Just lucky I guess," (Warren says with a smile as he looks over at Betsy who gives him a sidelong glance as she shakes her head before she says), "And a rather large case donation or two didn't hurt either."
(We then see Warren roll his eyes before he says), "So then I take it that Forge and I are the only ones that'll be spending any time in here?" "I feel like an elephant used me for a doormat but the doc's say that I'll be fine.but I don't know if I can say the same about Tabitha," (Erica says at first with a smile but then she frowns and looks sad as she says the last part as she avoids the looks that she's getting form Warren and Betsy). "What.Tabitha's here, why," (Warren says looking concerned as he looks up at Erica before he continues); "When we left she was fine."
"Ya well a quick visit from Imol changed all that, apparently Apocalypse didn' want us teh think he'd forgotten about any of us, at least that's what Sam thought after Ric and Shatterstar told him that they found her in the living room when they stopped in for a visit," (Siryn says with an unhappy look on her face before Warpath comes into the room with his hand under his coat). "But are you sure it was Imol," (Warren says with a serious look on his face). "Yep, Tabitha woke up and told Sam it was Imol herself," (Warpath says as he approaches the group). "That's good to hear," (Betsy says with a sigh).
"What ye got there Jimmy," (Siryn says with a smile as everyone turns to look at Warpath as he steps up to Siryn before he takes out from under his coat a bag, and some drinks in one of those multiple drink cardboard holders, from a nearby fast food place). "Thought it'd be best if I picked up a little breakfast.besides I doubted that you'd want to eat that stuff that they try to pass off as food here," (Warpath says with a big smile). "Thanks.have you seen Tabitha yet," (Warren says as Warpath hands him a wrapped sandwich). "Ya.Sam's with her now, you know I don't think he's moved from her side since Ric brought us to her room after the nurse stopped us in the hall, she'll make it but she won't be mission ready for a good long while," (Warpath says with a frown as Betsy takes the sandwich away from Warren just as he's about ready to bite down as he then looks at her semi-angrily as he says), "Hey.," (before she smacks his hand sternly and says), "Oh no you don't, you just had surgery and the last thing you need is to choke on your breakfast."
(Then we see Warren with a slightly hurt look on his face before he starts to slightly pout as they all start to smile before Betsy says), "Ah quit acting like a bloody baby and drink this, you need to get your strength back," (as she hands Warren his drink). (Then as we pull away and out of the room we see all of them start laughing).
[Time Passes.Wounds Heal.Some Better Than Others] [Months Later]
(We see that it's a nice sunny day as Sam and Tabitha are sitting on the dock with their legs dangling over the edge). (We then get a frontal shot of them as Sam looks better as he now has a bit longer hair and he now has a short beard as Tabitha now has much longer hair and she's leaning against Sam). (Then we see Sam toss a small rock into the pond as he then looks over at Tabitha and says), "You feeling any better today?" (Then we see Tabitha first look at Sam and then look away and say), "Ask me later.okay." "If that's what ya want," (Sam says with a sigh as he puts his arm around her and puller her close as we then pull away and go to a room on the corner of the mansion as we see Erica who's watching Sam and Tabitha, wearing a red bikini top with cut off jean shorts, a she has her arms crossed and a small scar just above her eyebrow).
(Then we see her shake her head sadly before she turns and walks out of the room). (Then we move to the danger room as we see Warpath and Siryn fighting an arm of humanoid drones as Warpath is in the middle facing us as he's being mobbed by them as there are many at his feet and others are hanging off of him as he's throwing them around like they're made of feathers). (Siryn is behind him in the air with her back to us as she's using her sonic scream to propel one of the drones up into the air before in the next panel we see Siryn land with a smile on her face in the background and in the foreground we see the drone come crashing down onto a pile of other smashed up drones).
"Is it me or is this no fun anymore, these drones used to pose a challenge, but now," (Siryn says as she crosses her arms and looks back over her shoulder at Warpath, who catches a drone that's trying to jump him from the side and he then crushes the drone with one hand as he says), "I know what you mean, but then again this is just practice." "Show off," (Siryn says with a smile as she shakes her head that makes Warpath laugh before he says), "Computer end program." (Then we see the danger room return to normal as Siryn walks over and grabs two towels off of a rack and after she throws her smaller towel over her shoulder she throws the larger one to Warpath).
(Then we see Warpath walk towards her as he says), "Hey Terry, you wanna find out if Warren got that hot tub working yet," (with a wink and a smile before he gets to her and she turns towards him and looks up at him as she says with a smile), "but I'm not wearing my suit." "Neither am I.but I won't tell if you don't," (Warpath says with a smile as he puts an arm around Siryn as the two walk out of the danger room). (Then we go to Warren and Betsy's bedroom as we see Warren sitting at a table out on their balcony as Warren is wearing silk pajama bottoms with no shirt as we see that he has a wrap that goes around his stomach as it's holding a small bandage over his wound and he's looking through a newspaper and there's a coffee cup and decanter on the table and Warren is also wearing sunglasses).
"Please don't tell me you're serious," (We see Betsy say with a frown as she walks out onto the balcony as she's putting sunglasses on as her hair is pulled back in a ponytail as she's wearing a full length fancy silk nightgown that's dark blue and has spaghetti straps that make it look almost like a dress, and a same colored silk bathrobe). (Then we see Warren look up and say), "I know you don't approve but I've made up my mind, we can't tell anyone outside of the team about where Apocalypse is, I'm not going to have anyone use that knowledge and get themselves killed because of it, I already have enough of that on my conscience," (Warren says as Betsy sits down in a chair that's facing him).
"Would you stop feeling sorry for yourself already Warren, you think you're the only one who's decisions have caused people's deaths in the line of duty, Charles has seen a great many more die because of his decisions so I'd say that you have a long way to go," (Betsy says angrily as she bends down and takes her slippers off before she puts her feet up on Warren's lap). "Hey," (Warren says as he puts the paper down and looks up at Betsy with a slightly confused look on his face before we see Betsy look at him with a smirk on her face and an eyebrow arched).
(Then we see Warren shake his head and say as he begins to rub her feet), "I know but I want to keep that number as low as possible for me, besides Forge still has a long way to go in his recovery.at least Tabitha's doing better." "Physically maybe Warren, but I'm afraid her psyche might need much more time to mend," (Betsy says sadly before Warren hits a sweet spot and she smiles). "All the more reason to call Erica up from training, after what happened in Genosha I have a feeling that she'll soon be begging us for a chance to prove herself, and mark my words it'll be sooner than you think," (Warren says with a smile before we see Betsy roll her eyes as her sunglasses have slid down a bit as she then says), "Ah the pitfalls of leadership, normally I'd disagree with you about Erica.but given the present circumstances it's a sound idea, but we have to know if Tabitha is ready for missions or not first." "Of course," (Warren says nodding his head and smiling).
[Poolside]
(We see Rictor wearing sunglasses and relaxing on one of the pool recliner chairs as Shatterstar is diving off of the diving board). (Then we see Rictor say to Shatterstar as he gets back to the surface), "I tell you 'Star, this is the life." (Then we see Shatterstar say as he climbs out of the pool), "Fekt, this is not the home of a true warrior." "You're here aren't you," (we see come in from off panel as Rictor and Shatterstar turn as Rictor's eyes grow wide as then in the next panel we see Erica slip her jean shorts off before she then walks up to Shatterstar and rubs shoulders with him with a smile on her face before she winks at Rictor as she walks by him we see him follow her every move).
(Then we see Shatterstar looking back and forth between Erica and Rictor with a disapproving look on his face). "A true warrior is not ruled by.," (Shatterstar says as he's looking at Rictor). (Then we see Rictor, with his eyes and head locked on Erica as she climbs up ladder say without moving his eyes), "Not now 'Star...not now." (Then we see Shatterstar shake his head, grab his towel and walk away as we then go to Erica as she walks out onto the diving board as she then takes her hair tie out and throws it to the side before we see her go out and dive off of the diving board).
(And as she comes back up which we see in a couple of panels in which in the first panel we see a large vertical panel of her swimming up to the surface, and the second panel is of her as she gets back to the surface and wipes the water out of her eyes and then slicks her hair back as she looks at Rictor and smiles as she says), "You just gonna sit there gawking or.?" (Then we see Rictor as he stands up and then smiles as he says), "I could really get used to this," (before he dives in next to her). (Then we go back up to the balcony as we see that Betsy is watching Rictor and Erica as she shakes her head with a frown on her face).
"I remember when you were like that," (we see come in from off panel as we see Betsy angrily turn around to see Warren walking out onto the balcony with a smile on his face and his hands are clasped together behind his back). "I was never that bad.was I," (Betsy sys looking to Warren for his answer as he just shrugs his shoulders, as he's now wearing blue jeans and a beater under a dressy long sleeved blue shirt that's open as Betsy is wearing blue jeans with a tight long sleeved black top and her hair is pulled back in a tight ponytail with only a few of her bangs left over and she has a nice looking necklace on and an expensive looking watch).
(Then we see Betsy turn back away from Warren and put her hands on the railing as she hangs her head and says sadly), "thanks for the support." (Then we see a panel of Warren, with a concerned look on his face, walk up behind her and wrap his arms around her before pulling her close). (Then we see a close up of their heads as she turns her head towards him and he has his to hers as he says), "Sorry Betts, I didn't think you were serious, how can I make it up to you?" (Then we see Betsy smile and say), "Well there is that revival of Les Miserables that I've been meaning to see." "Done," (Warren says with a slight nod of his head).
(Then we see Betsy look up and say with a slightly concerned look on her face), "But the last performance is tomorrow night and it's been sold out for months, I don't see how.." "You forget who you're talking to, I have my ways," (Warren says smugly). "All legal I hope," (Betsy says as she turns around and is now facing Warren as he then says with a half smile as he makes sure to not look her in the eye), "Mostly." "Warren Worthington, you wouldn't be lying to me would you.remember that I can tell if you are," (Betsy says with a -be serious- look on he face). "Don't worry you want to go you'll go.you think we should see if any of the others want to go as well," (Warren says as he lifts her head up by putting his hand under her chin).
"Why not," (Betsy says with a smile before we see them kiss as we pull away). (Then we move to a sparsely decorated room in which we see Forge sitting in a wheelchair, with his head heavily bandaged, by a window as he stares out of the window blankly with his hands in his lap). [Once upon a time he was a well respected member of the governmentally funded super team X-Factor, even going as high as becoming its leader.]. [.and now he needs help to even feed himself.]. Oh how the mighty have fallen, (We see Forge think as he gets visibly upset as we then see a shot of Forge sitting in his wheelchair in the background with the shadows coming back towards us as if we're standing in the back of the room).
(Then we see a panel of Shatterstar now wearing sweats opening the door and start to enter the room but he stops, reconsiders it and leaves and shuts the door). (Then we see a panel of a close up of Forge's eyes as he's looking back out of the corner of his eyes without moving his head as we see Shatterstar walking out of the room and shutting the door in the far background). (Then we see Forge hand his head to the side and stare out the window again as we then see a panel in which we're looking out of the window as is we're standing right behind Forge as we see Rictor chasing Erica around the pool in the far background). (Then we see a small panel of Forge's face as a shadow cuts it diagonally in half).
[Hours Later]
(We see Warren and Betsy sitting in the den in the mansion as they're both reading the paper as Warren is wearing a pinstriped shirt, a tie, and his suit coat is put on the back of his chair as Betsy is wearing a suit much like Warren's except she's wearing a short dark skirt instead of pants). (Then we see a panel of Warren sitting in his chair with reading glasses on as he says), "Have you asked any of the others if they wanted to got with us tomorrow night?" (Then we see Betsy look up and take her glasses off as she says), "James and Theresa are on board but I couldn't find Erica or Rictor, Shatterstar just stared blankly at me.don't think he even knows what opera is."
(She then smiles at that thought before continuing), "I don't think Tabitha's in any condition to go and after what happened I don't think Sam has left her side.I think he blames himself for what happened," (and she ends it with a smirk and a glance at Warren). "I know where you're going with this.so stop it," (Warren says as he puts the paper down and playfully glares at Betsy). "Oh really.pray tell Karnack.where am I going with this," (Betsy says crossing her legs and slightly leaning her upper body towards Warren as she rests her chin in her upturned palm and it's supported by her elbow on her knee).
"That Sam is blaming himself for something that was beyond his control.and that I'm doing the same thing with Apocalypse.that's what I think you're getting at.but you're wrong," (Warren says with an unhappy look on his face as he takes his glasses off and then in the next panel we see Warren put his glasses back in their case). "Perhaps.but you forget who you're talking to.guilt has been your driving factor for far to long my love," (Betsy says as she stands up and walks over to Warren before she says), "but now that I'm here there are going to be a few changes.starting with that one." (Then we see Warren look up with a smile and shake his head before we see a panel of them with their eyes locked).
(Then in the next panel we see Warren and Betsy looking at each other in the background as in the immediate foreground we see Sam as he's lit from what little light there is in the room as the hall is dark as Sam says), "Sorry tah bother ya.." (Then we see Warren and Betsy look up as Betsy's hands are on Warren's shoulders as Betsy says), "N-no Sam it's alright.I really should be going anyway.I could use some more time in the danger room." (Then we see Betsy pat Warren on the shoulders as she then walks to the doorway as Sam steps out of the way and she says as she leaves), "See you in an hour or so for dinner," (to which Warren says), "Of course."
(Then we see Sam come inside and shut the door as Warren says with a wave of his hand), "Please come in Sam.you wanted to talk?" (Then we see Sam nod his head and walk over and sit down in a chair that's opposite the one that Warren is sitting in as he slumps forward slightly and rests his elbows on his knees and he hangs his head). "Uh ya.Tabitha's having a really rough time right now and she needs something.," (Sam says as he looks up at Warren with a very sad and concerned look on his face). "And you've come up with an idea of how to do it haven't you.and you need my help," (Warren says sitting back in his chair and putting his hand on his chin in a thoughtful stance).
"Yah.somethin like that.but ya don't," (Sam says shaking his had and staring off into space). "Sam you don't have to ask.what do you need," (Warren says with a smile as he sits up in his chair). (Then we see a panel of Betsy entering a room as steam comes billowing out). (Then we see Betsy get to her locker, as she's entered the women's locker room, which resembles the ones that football and baseball players have, and she then starts unbuttoning her blouse as we then see Siryn walk up wrapped in a towel as Siryn says), "Ye fix'n for a late night stroll in the danger room?"
"Something like that, I just need to work off a little pent up energy.or else I think I'll explode," (Betsy says as she takes off her blouse and hangs it on a hanger as she's wearing a black bra underneath). (Then we see a panel, that at its bottom is the bottom of Siryn's shoulder blades, in which we see Siryn and Betsy from behind as Siryn lets the towel drop as Betsy says), "So I take it that your problem with James has been sufficiently remedied." (Then we see Siryn pull her bra off of a shelf as she says), "Ye could say that.we just," (as then with a smile she looks to Betsy who says), "Well I'm glad.," (before she pulls her hair back into a ponytail).
[Moments Later]. (We see that caption box in the upper left hand corner of the first in a series of panels that at first show the outside control panel of the danger room as it says -Program Alpha 27 Activated-, -Safety Protocols Off- and then we see panels of at first the shadow of someone approaching the danger room's door and then we move inside and see the bottom of the danger room door open and we see a woman's feet and then we move up as the doors open and we see Betsy come walking into the room wearing her hair in a ponytail, a black sports bra, black bicycle shorts and socks and shoes and she's holding two long Japanese swords as the blades are pointed up and crosses in an -x- behind her back and her hands are still positioned normally with her thumbs pointed down and she has a very determined look on her face).
(Then we see the danger room morph into an area that looks kind of like the courtyard of an old Mayan temple as it has a stone walkway and a row of square columns on each side of the walkway and it's night and there's a full moon out). (Then we see Betsy walk out into the danger room with her head looking down as her eyes are fixed on the walkway in front of her). (Then we see a wide horizontal group of panels in which we see Betsy walking down the walkway and we see shadows flittering about between the columns but she doesn't move her head).
(Then we see Betsy stop and slightly turn her head and eyes as she keys in on a bright flash from somewhere behind one of the columns). (Then we see a small panel of Betsy's mouth as we see a smile curl up her lips before in the next few panels we do a 360 degree pan around her looking down at a 45 degree angle as she kneels down and then she leans forward slightly). (Then we see panels of things moving in the shadows and climbing up and around the columns before we see a flash of metal and a number of shadows jump at her). (Then we see Betsy roll forward just as the shadows land and then we see what the shadows are).
(We see that the shadows are actually being that resemble Fulgore from Killer Instinct the video game as they have short claws attached to their wrists and some even have swords and spears). (Then we see one of the creatures leap at Betsy, intending to slash her with its sword but Betsy spins around and blocks it before she then stands up and stabs the creature before we see her pull her blade out as the creature drops to its knees and then fall forward as Betsy then does a front flip and then the big fight panels come). [She vaults into action, one move flawlessly flowing into the next, a perfect combination of style and grace mixed with cold hard steel]. (We see Betsy kick and slash the creatures as she goes through them like a force of nature).
(Then in the next panel we see Betsy, facing us, as she lands after jumping and she crouches down with her feet together under her and her knees are apart and her hands are out to the side as she's still holding her swords with the sweat pouring off of her and she's smirking). (Then we see a panel of Betsy crouching down inn the bottom of the panel and in the background we see one of the creatures come leaping out of the darkness ready to kill her). (Then we see Betsy turn her head slightly and her eyes grow wide as we see her start to leap out of the way as the creature's sword drives closer to her).
(Then we se a panel of the creature being jerked back as we see a hand grab the creature near its neck as we see come in from off panel), "Hey buddy paws off.she's with me." (Then we see a panel of Warren in the air and lifting the creature up with him as it's flailing its arms and legs all around). (Then we see Betsy look up and say with a look of some chagrin), "I would have gotten him." (Then we see a creature jump Betsy from behind but she ducks under its attack and then turns and slices its head off with a slight smirk on her face).
"Whatever you say honey," (Warren says with a smile as he shakes his head with the creatures angrily looking up at him and growling angrily). (Then in the next panel we see Warren fly towards the wall and then he lets go of the creature as it goes crashing into the wall as he veers off). (Then we go back to Betsy as a creature charges towards her and it lifts its weapon over its head and growls angrily but Betsy just stands there like a statue as it gets closer and then she raises her sword and points it straight at the creatures head). (Then we see the creature impale itself through its throat on Betsy's sword as it then drops its weapon and falls to its knees before it slides off of the blade and then we see Betsy smirk and raise an eyebrow).
(Then we see Betsy turn her head and see one of the creatures stagger back to its feet near one of the walls). (Then we see Betsy grin and in one fluid motion she turns her body and throws her other sword at the creature and we see the sword spearing the creature through its chest and stick in the wall). (Then in the next panel we see Warren land next to Betsy as he says), "Ouch." "Computer end program," (Betsy says glaring at Warren as she then walks over and pulls the sword from the wall and then says), "What do you want Warren?" (Then we see Warren smile and stare at the floor before he walks over to Betsy and says), "Just came to see how you were doing."
"You could have just waited until I was done," (Betsy says as she turns and walks towards the door and it then opens and then we see a couple of food carts sitting just outside the door). (One of the carts has two serving platters, with lids on them, on it with two glasses, some candles, and a bottle of wine in ice and on the other cart is a large tray on it with an array of fresh fruit). (Then we see Betsy sigh and shake her head). "So.," (Warren says with a shrug and a smile as he walks up next to Betsy). (Then we see Betsy look up with a happy smile as she then closes her eyes and laughs as she then says), "Let me guess.you had an idea to surprise me."
"Something like that.now I know we weren't supposed to eat until later but then I thought what was wrong with me having dinner with the woman that I love more than anything in this world a little early," (Warren says as he puts an arm around Betsy). "Anyone ever tell you that you can be bloody annoying at times," (Betsy says as she arches an eyebrow and looks over at Warren with a smile curling her lip up a bit before she then continues), "and yet inexplicably charming at the same time," (she finishes and then we see her pull Warren close and then kiss him). (Then we see the kiss end and then Warren says with a big smile and a slight smile), "Oh yes.it's a gift."
[Meanwhile]
(We see that it's night out and the rays of the moon filter into the room as we see Forge sitting in his wheelchair as if he hadn't moved all day). (Then we see from out of the shadows), "Tis a nice night indeed." (Then we see Forge look out of the window and frown as he says), "Yes, yes it is Sean." (Then we see a panel of Banshee standing next to Forge as they're both looking out of the window and they're both bathed in odd combinations of shadow and light). -END
( ) - ART INSTRUCTIONS "" - WORDS [ ] - CAPTION BOXES + + - TIME, PLACE, BOXES - THOUGHTS
(We open with a shot of Apocalypse sitting on his throne with his horseman and the crimson dawn warriors standing in a large circle with the X-team lying in a heap in the middle). (Then we move in closer and we see that the team is all beaten up and being guarded by a number of heavily armed crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Apocalypse turn to War, with a look of doom on his face, and say), "Bring the failure to me." (Then we see two c.d. warriors bow their heads and then they walk over and angrily pull Warren out of the pile by looping their arms underneath his and then they drag him towards Apocalypse, as his feet drag on the ground and his head is hanging down as he's unconscious).
(Then we see Apocalypse say with a smirk), "Wake him." (Then we see War walk up to Warren and yell while smacking him around a bit), "Hey filth, my lord commands you to wake up!" (Then in a series of panels we see first close ups of Warren's face, as we see that there's blood coming from his nose and he has a split lip, as he groggily wakes up and looks around). [Through the splitting pain in his head he tries to clear his blurred vision]. (Then we see a panel of Warren looking at first with a confused look on his face and then we see him with an angry look on his face). "Good you're awake, look at me when I'm talking to you," (Apocalypse growls angrily as he pounds his fist down on the armrest of his throne and almost gets off of the throne). (Then we see Warren glance quickly up at Apocalypse and then intentionally looks away).
"Pay attention," (Death growls angrily as he jams the cattle prod type thing into Warren's ribs and shocks him as Warren grits his teeth in pain and jerks around from the shock but the c.d. warriors keep him from moving to much). "I think he'll be a bit more receptive now my lord," (Pestilence says bowing to Apocalypse as War has to physically keep Death from shocking Warren again, and Death isn't happy about it). "Now that I have your attention we can begin," (Apocalypse says leaning close to Warren with a sneer on his face). "Why don't you let me go, I'll show you just how -receptive- I can be," (Warren says as he coughs and then winces in pain). (We see Apocalypse sit back in his throne with an unimpressed sigh as Death angrily shocks Warren again after War punches him in the face). "Let's see if his tongue is as sharp now," (Plague says as she appears next to Apocalypse). (Then we see Siryn, who's lying on top of Warpath with a bruise on her cheek, slowly wake up as she moans painfully a little and says), "Oh my head."
"Is the least of your worries mutant witch," (a c.d. warrior says as it puts the point of its weapon mere centimeters in front of her nose as she opens her eyes as she says), "Would ye keep it down, me.," (she stops as she, in a panel of a close up on her face, goes almost cross-eyed as she looks at the point of the weapon with a look of shock on her face). "My lord, what should we do with this one," (War says as he grabs Siryn by the hair and pulls her to her feet, against her very vocal objections). "Death, you have been wanting more.specimens to experiment on correct," (Apocalypse says with a smile as he turns to Death, who cackles and bows his head and says), "I have my lord," (before Apocalypse continues), "I'd say then that you've gained another specimen." (As Death and the other horseman along with the crimson dawn warriors break out into a fit of laughter as Siryn looks around nervously as she says), "Aye don' like the sound of that."
[Meanwhile, back at the ranch]
(We at first take a tour through the many recesses of the mansion as they're all calm, quiet, and empty). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha, wrapped in a blanket and sitting all curled up with a mug of hot chocolate and some tissues, watching some television in the mansions living room). "I wonder what they're doing right now," (Tabitha says as she changes the channel). Erica's probably already made her move on Sam, (We see Tabitha think with a sad look on her face as she then puts the remote down and begins to watch the television intently). (Then we see a few panels of a guy getting out of a limo and climbing up a fire escape that are shown on the television). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha's face as she has a tissue up at her nose in the first panel with an unhappy look on her face and then in the second panel she cocks an eyebrow as she then thinks), Wait a minute.No that.that couldn't..
[It is at that moment.]. (We see Tabitha look up as we see the sound of someone knocking at the door before Tabitha stands up). (Then we see Tabitha walking to the door as someone keeps knocking on the door as she yells angrily), "Okay okay I'm coming, keep your shirt on!" (Then we see Tabitha throw open the door angrily and say), "What!" "Ah Ms. Smith, so nice to see you again," (We see being said from somewhere off panel and Tabitha reacts by looking very startled and shocked as her eyes get big and her jaw drops as she gasps and says), "You!" [In the blink of an eye.]. (We see a fist come in and punch Tabitha in the face that sends her staggering backwards as she then runs into a table and knocks over a big colorful vase as she turns around with a hand on her chin). "Son of a.," (Tabitha says angrily as she tries to keep from falling down). (Then we see, in a series of panels, a big fight take place, although it's a very one sided fight and we only see Tabitha as she tries to defend herself but she doesn't do go good as she gets thrown up against the wall and then picked up and dropped onto the coffee table as she goes through it). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha lying in a broken heap in the shattered remains of the coffee table, all beaten up and hurt as we then see a panel of a very triumphant Imol towering over her and he's laughing maniacally as he says while glaring down at her), "You didn't think we'd forget about you.did you?"
[Later..Genosha]
(We open with a panel of Death's machine with Forge hooked up to it with Siryn chained up nearby and Death merrily doing calculations and snickering to himself). "What are ye going to do with me," (Siryn says as we see her turn slightly and look back over her shoulder at Death). (Then we see in a panel or two of Siryn trying to work the shackles off while trying to make sure that Death isn't looking). "You needn't worry about that, you'll find out soon enough," (Death says with a wicked smile on his face). "Ye sure sound like ye believe that I'll be here that long," (Siryn says as she's almost got a hand out as in the next panel we see her with a happy look on her face as she thinks), Just keep ye're nose buried in ye're figures and calculations.. "Oh I think you'll be her longer than you think.oh I wouldn't try and get out of those shackles if I were you," (Death says with a smile without looking at Siryn). "What do ye.yeargh!" (Siryn starts to say before we see the shackles emit an electric charge that sends Siryn into violent convulsions as she screams in pain).
[Nearby]
(We see Warpath chained at the wrists, waist, ankles, and neck to the ground). (We also see Sam, Erica, and Betsy in a similar predicament nearby, but only Warpath is awake). [He strains with all his might against the binds that hold him down]. [Were he still in possession of his mutant abilities these binds would pose no problem to him]. (We see Warpath straining against the binds with an angry look on his face). [A pain- filled scream tears across the sky.]. [.and to James Proudstar it is a scream that he would gladly give up his very life to remedy]. "Terry," (Warpath yells as he starts to go almost crazy as he tries to free himself as tears begin to form in his eyes as the screaming continues). (Then we see a group of laughing crimson dawn warriors, who laugh more as Warpath strains harder before they take out suped up cattle prod type sticks like the one that Death has and they begin to shock him until they shock Warpath so much that he passes out as we know this because he starts twitching as they shock him but other than that he doesn't move).
(Then we see those same crimson dawn warriors sheath their shock prods and just begin amusing themselves by kicking Warpath and shocking him). (Then we see them turn and start doing it to Erica, Betsy, and Sam as well as Warpath). (Then we see a bemused Pestilence roll her eyes and smile merrily as she shakes her head). (Then we see Pestilence walk over and lay a hand on the shoulder of one of the c.d. warriors that's attacking Warpath and say), "Whoa there that's enough for now.I said enough," (as we see her then angrily squeeze the warriors shoulder as it squirms in pain).
"Now leave them be.or else I'll let Death use you as his next test subject," (Plague says as she appears beside Pestilence and after a wary look or two at the two horsemen the c.d. warriors sulk away). (Then we see Pestilence look over and say), "What are you doing here, I would have thought that you would be at our lord's side as he deals with one of our failed brethren." (Then we see Plague sneer and say), "Our lord wanted a private audience with the failure."
[Elsewhere]
(We see a panel of Apocalypse sitting in his throne with an arrogant smile on his face and Warren is standing in front of him with his hands chained up behind his back and War is standing beside Warren with his fist clenched). (Then we move in closer and we see that Warren is no longer wearing his coat and that his black shirt is ripped right where the knife wielding guy had slashed him, and the wound is bleeding through the gauze, and we see that Warren also has a black eye , a cut on his cheek and one above his right eye and his left elbow is cut and bleeding as he also has a cut on his back that's bleeding as his shirt is ripped there to). (Apocalypse looks at Warren and says), "I hope my minions didn't accost you to much my son." (We see Warren wince angrily at the words as he glares back at Apocalypse and sets his jaw and says), "I am not your son."
"How dare you," (War growls as he pulls his fist back and prepares to punch Warren in the face, but Apocalypse stops him by saying), "War no, his candor was to be expected." (We then see Warren glance over at War as a small smile creeps upon his face). (Then we see War get angry again and look ready to attack Warren). "War.leave us, I want to speak to my son in private," (Apocalypse says as he waves off a very angry War, who storms off muttering to himself). "Now that we're alone you can tell me how you were stupid enough to think that you could sneak onto my island without being noticed, I thought I taught you better than that," (Apocalypse says as he angrily grips the armrests of his throne and glares at Warren). "Sorry to disappoint you.now where is Betsy, and the rest of my team.what have you done with them," (Warren says angrily as he strains against the chains as he lunges forward).
"As impetuous as ever I see.so Ms Braddock is that important to you.," (Apocalypse says with a smile and a chuckle as we see Warren get angry when Apocalypse says Betsy's name). "What do you want Apocalypse," (Warren asks as he glares at Apocalypse). "You should know by now, but I'm feeling generous so I'll make you an offer," (Apocalypse says popping his knuckles). "That doesn't sound like you, what would the other villains say about this I wonder," (Warren says with a slightly confused look on his face). "Here it is, I'll tell you anything and everything you could ever want to know, answer all your question about a certain group of X-men that are burning a hole in your mind as we speak," (Apocalypse says after waving off what Warren said).
"Oh really.but tell me.what do you expect in return.I know you Apocalypse.there's always a catch," (Warren says scowling). "As impressive as ever my Archangel-my angel of death, alright I'll play along.the catch is that you and your friends.," (Apocalypse says with a sinister smile). "Like hell Apocalypse, I've been your whipping boy before and.," (Warren growls with his fists clenched). "That's what I thought you'd say," (Apocalypse says as he leans back in his throne with an unhappy sigh on his face, but he doesn't take his icy glare off of Warren, who returns it).
[Close by]
(We see Siryn sitting near the machine that Forge is hooked up to, she looks like she's out cold as Death glares at her and then walks away). [She waits until the time is right.]. (We then go into a series of panels of close ups of Siryn's face as we move in and at first Siryn has her eyes closed and then as we knows that Death is gone she opens an eye and looks around, and then opens her other eye and then thinks), What a blowhard, aye thought he'd never shut up. (Then we see Siryn stand up and then turn towards the machine and then we see her take a shocked step back with a completely horrified look on her face as she brings her hands to her mouth and says), "Saints be.Forge!"
(We then move over and see Forge hooked up to the machine with the helmet open and Forge is awake as he weakly mutters), "Huh, S-Siryn?" "W-what are ye.how did ye," (Siryn says as she walks back up to Forge and almost touches the machine before she halts abruptly as Forge says), "No don't come any closer, he rigged a defense mechanism into the design of this.machine that'll shock you like before." (Then we see Siryn say), "But aye have to get ye out of this." "Th-there's a keypad on the panel over.there," (Forge says as we see him trying to stay awake as Siryn slowly walks away from him and towards the control panel and looks back and forth to make sure that she's in the right place and Forge nods his head). "What's the code," (Siryn says looking desperately at Forge who just hangs his head as he momentarily passes out).
"Oh great just leave it up to me," (Siryn says frantically looks around before she thinks), Screw this, (and just balls her fists and then just bashes the keypad with her fists). [And when all else fails.]. (Then we see the keypad start to fizzle and shoot out sparks before we see a poof of smoke come from it as Siryn dives out of the way, and all that wakes Forge up as he then says), "G-good, I'll take care of the rest." (We then see Siryn sit up with her hair all a mess and says as she blows some hair off of her face), "Ye sure you can handle it, aye mean ye don' look so good." "I don't have a choice, if I don't none of us will make it out of here alive, now be ready the machine that suppresses your mutant abilities uses me as a fuse, my mutant ability to be able to unconsciously understand how anything works lets them cancel out any and all mutant powers on this island," (Forge says with a determined look on his face).
(Then Siryn says with a confused look on her face), "But I thought that ye could only do that with machines.and how were we and the horseman able to use your powers earlier?" "Apparently I wasn't good enough for Apocalypse as I was.so they injected -something- into me so that I was able to overcome that hurdle, as well as allowing certain mutants to keep their powers.now stand back.," (Forge says as he looks up at the sky before continuing as he drops his head as Siryn says while he's doing this), "but if you are the fuse then.," (with a shocked look on her face as Forge says as his head is dropping), "Ororo.my love.forgive me." (Then he grits his teeth before we see the dials on the control board go crazy and a large electrical charge build up and smoke begins to rise from the machine). [With the last drops of strength left to him he takes back the control of his mutant powers and pushes himself up to and then over the edge]. (We then see Siryn start running towards Forge but then there's a giant explosion that sends Siryn flying back).
[In the Pit]
(We see a panel of Warpath on his knees and shaking his head to clear the cobwebs out). (We see Sam standing beside him and behind him Betsy is trying to wake Erica up). (We see Sam turn back to Betsy and say), "Any luck?" "No, and that's what scares me," (Betsy says with a concerned look on her face as she takes Erica's pulse). (Then we see Warpath turn to Sam and say), "Got a plan to get us out of here yet?" "Sorry but this is to new, even for me," (Sam says looking sourly at Warpath). "Hey filth no talking," (War says as he comes up beside Warpath and punches Warpath in the face in a punch that draws blood as Sam has to hold him up or else he would have fallen over). "I bet you think you're really tough, I wonder what you'd think if I could fight back," (Warpath says glaring up at War who's grinning down at him).
(Then we see the sound of a far off explosion come into the panel). [He feels a strange tingling feeling surge throughout his body]. (We then see Warpath look down at his hands questioningly before he looks back up at War and says with a big smile on his face), "Oh look, my powers are back." (Then we see Warpath clasp his hands together and then he hits War like Optimus Prime his Megatron in the Transformers movie as we see panels that are just like that scene except Optimus Prime is replace by Warpath and Megatron is replaced by War as Sam says after Warpath hits War), "Ooh ah bet that hurt." (We then see Warpath stand up and then start pulling the chains out of the ground before we see Sam smile and blast his chains off and then he blasts an advancing c.d. warrior).
"A little help here," (Betsy yells at Sam before he also frees Betsy and Erica as Warpath goes on a rampage through the nearby crimson dawn warriors and War as he says), "You like shocking people when they can't fight back don't ya, well playtimes over." "Oh this is gonna be fun," (Sam says as he rockets off into a large group of mad and charging crimson dawn warriors).
[At the Throne]
(We see Apocalypse sitting up in his throne with a hand around Warren's throat with Warren gritting his teeth and struggling to breathe). "I gave you a chance for greatness, and you spurned me, now you will face a punishment far worse than death," (Apocalypse says with an angry smirk on his face). "Can't be much worse than your breath, Tic-Tac," (Warren says with the best mocking smile he can muster along with a small chuckle). (We then see Apocalypse get very angry and then proceed to try and strangle Warren, who's wing perk up). (Then with a smile Warren uses both of his wings to strike Apocalypse in the face that makes Apocalypse howl in anger and drop Warren).
"My lord," (a crimson dawn warrior yells as it charges Warren and swings its weapon). (Then we see Warren turn slightly and in a small panel we see Warren's shackles as the warriors weapon slices through them). (Then in the next panel we see Warren smile and say), "Thank you," (as he punches the warrior's lights out). (Then we see Apocalypse charge Warren, who lifts up into the air and glares down at him and says), "Gotta be faster than that.old timer."
[Elsewhere]
(We see the remains of the machine that Forge was hooked up to as there's a lot of smoke in the air and pieces of the machine are strewn about). (Then we see a piece of the machine move before we see that Siryn is under it as she pushes it off of her and gets up as we see that she's covered in dust and dirt and now has a small gash on her forehead and her uniform's coat is now ripped to shreds). "Just my luck," (Siryn says with a sad look on her face as she takes off what's left of the coat). (Then we see her look around before she starts picking her way through the rubble as she goes a ways before she trips and falls and she curses as she goes down).
(Then we see her begin to pick herself up as she puts a hand to her chin and when she takes it away there's blood on it as we see her wince in anger and say sarcastically), "Perfect.just perfect." (Then we see her look back to see what she tripped over and with a shocked look on her face we see that it's a human leg). "Oh my.Forge," (Siryn yells as she starts to frantically dig through the rubble). [She furiously begins to dig through the rubble, paying little heed as the metal and rocks cut mercilessly into her hands].
[Meanwhile.Back At The Ranch]
(We see the front of the mansion as an old beat up jeep pulls up to the front door). (Then from a ways away we see two people get out, and each grabs a duffel bag as they then break into a run as they run up to the front door). (Then we see a panel of the two men from behind as one has long brown hair and the other has a long ponytail that's slightly orange hair as the brown haired man says), "Uh hello.Sam.Terry?" "This does not bode well," (the other man says as they both drop their duffel bags and slowly make their way into the mansion, both ready for anything). (We then see a panel of a wall with a painting on it and it's hanging crooked before in the next panel the painting falls as we then see a badly cracked mirror beside it as we see two shadows on the wall as the back shadow says), "This isn't right, I feel naked without my swords."
(The front shadow turns back to the second shadow and says), "What.man you are a weapon.even without your swords." (Then we see a panel of the living rooms doorway with the ground at the bottom of the panel and the panel goes up to their necks as they're both wearing jeans and t-shirts, as we see in the background the shattered coffee table and Tabitha as one of the guys yells), "Tabitha!" (Then in the next panel we see a horizontal panel of Tabitha lying there as the remains of the coffee table are shoved away before the two men kneel beside her as one says), "Is she.?" (Then we see a panel of one of the guys taking Tabitha's pulse before saying), "She's alive, but her pulse is very weak."
[Genosha]
(We see Warren fighting with Apocalypse as there are many crimson dawn warriors lying unconscious around them). (We see Apocalypse take a swing at Warren as the punch misses Warren as he jumps out of the way and the punch hits the ground and kicks up some metal shards). (Then Warren says with an angry smile), "Still to slow.gramps." "You dare mock me," (Apocalypse yells angrily as he spins slightly and catches Warren off guard as he backhands Warren into the air and then back down against the side of a small hill of bones as Warren grimaces in pain). "Now you will face my wrath," (Apocalypse growls as he charges towards Warren, who dodges the attack and the next few panels are of a fight between them as Warren gets in a punch or two before he lands on Apocalypse's throne).
"You dare defile my throne of righteous judgment," (Apocalypse yells with a very angry sneer on his face). (We then see Warren look down and then back up as he cocks an eyebrow and with a sly smile he says), "Guess so." (Then we see Apocalypse go crazy and charge Warren and punch at him but Warren moves and Apocalypse fist smashes his throne). (Then we see Warren land nearby and is about to say something when an enraged Apocalypse turns and lands a body blow right where the knife wielding guy slashed Warren as we first see a close up of Warren's face with a smile, then one of surprise, then the panel of Apocalypse hitting Warren, and finally one or two of his very pained reaction as he then staggers backwards, gasping for air and clutching at the wound).
"Where is your sharp tongue.your witty comebacks now," (Apocalypse says crossing his arms and smiling proudly). "I don't' do to well with snappy repartee but.," (We see come from off panel as Apocalypse turns in the foreground as we see Warren in the background, drop to his knees with one hand on the wound and the other is keeping himself from collapsing, and both hands are covered in blood as we see some blood dropping from Warren). (Then in the next panel we see Warpath land a punch to Apocalypse's jaw that sends him flying backwards as Warpath says), "I do pretty well for myself with the simpler things." (As we then see a panel of Apocalypse flying through the panel as then Warren warily slumps to the ground in a coughing fit as Betsy reaches him and yells), "Warren," (as we see Sam nearby and he's holding Erica). (Then we see a panel of Warren painfully looking up at Betsy as he says), "We have to.get out of here." "No argument there," (Betsy says as she helps Warren stand as Sam comes up behind them and Apocalypse roars back into the fight but Warpath blocks his way and then begin to fight).
[Shortly.Back At The Remains Of Death's Machine]
(We see Siryn kneeling beside Forge's body in a sea of broken pieces of the machine). (We then wee Siryn say while giving Forge c.p.r.), "Tis not a good day to die Forge." (then we see Forge take a breath and Siryn start to cry as she says a silent prayer as she glances skyward). "What did you do to my beautiful creation.answer me," (Death says storming towards Siryn with the two golems in tow). "Aye blew the fuse," (Siryn says with a half smile as an enraged Death sends the golems after her as she then says), "Not you again." "Oh yes filth, but this time you won't be baled out by one of your intrepid friends," (Death says gleefully laughing as the golems begin to go after Siryn).
"Ah hope ya didn't make that up all by yerself," (a voice says from off panel that makes Siryn look up and Death and the golems turn in confusion). "You," (Death yells angrily before we then switch to a panel of Sam standing on the top of a small nearby hill with his fists clenched at his sides with his powers flaring as he then says with an emotionless look on his face, and the wind is blowing his hair and smoke around), "Surprised you remembered, but then again you never were very smart, and ah've just been itchin to have one of them heart to hearts with you before.." (Then we see Death chuckle and say), "before what, you go home crying to momma and.oh wait that's right I killed them didn't I.they screamed so nicely to.."
(We then see a panel of Sam get angry before he calms himself and says as he begins to walk towards Death), "Before ah rip yer shriveled heart out and shove it down yer stinkin gullet until ya choke on it." "Foolish little whelp, you'll die before that happens, but I'm going to enjoy seeing you try," (Death says as he opens his arms wide as if he's inviting Sam to try him). (Then we see Sam get very angry and rocket off right at Death but a golem gets in the way, but Sam just plows into it and they go flying back and almost hit Death, who barely gets out of the way). (Then we see an angry Death go after Forge but Siryn looks up angrily and says), "Oh no ye don't, I just got him breathing again and aye'm not about to let ye kill him." (Then we see Death get even angrier and say as he's about to touch Siryn), "Stupid mutant, now you will die." "Not today," (Siryn says with a smile before she levels a very powerful sonic scream that rips into Death as he goes flying back). (Then we see a few panels of Sam flying around and blasting the golems as he stays just out of their reach). (Then we see Siryn turn back to Gorge and make sure that he's still alive).
[The Throne]
(We see Warren and Betsy as they're trying to move Erica away as Warpath is fighting a losing battle against a large group of crimson dawn warriors and an enraged Apocalypse). "I hope one of you.has a plan.for getting us the hell out of here," (Warpath says in between punches as we see that he's also all beaten up but it appears more to annoy him rather than hurt). (We then see Warren look over and say as he's pulling something out of one of his pockets), "I just hope this works, the tech boys just gave it to me today." (We then see Betsy look at what is in Warren's hand as she says), "Is that the X-jets r.c. that you've been hounding the techies about all week?" "Yah, now it's time to see if it works," (Warren says as he winces in pain).
"Men and their toys," (Betsy says with a sigh as she spins around and kicks and oncoming crimson dawn warrior and it's in a big panel, she knocks a tooth or two out). "No matter what worthless little trinket your feeble little minds create you will fail," (Apocalypse says with an arrogant smile as he lands a punch on Warpath, who then goes flying back and into a pile of bones in a big crash). (Then we see a panel of Warren pressing the trigger as a light on the remote control starts blinking). (Then we see a few panels of the X-jets control panel as things begin to light up and the auto pilot light comes on before we see the X-jet rise into the air and then blast out of the cave).
"So what now," (Betsy asks, as we go back to the throne, as she activates her psysword and parries an attack from a crimson dawn warrior before she then elbows it back away so that she can then slash it with her psysword as she angrily does slash the warrior with her psysword). "Now I will grind your bones beneath my heel," (Apocalypse says clenching his fist angrily with a self-righteous look sneer on his face). "Sorry, but we're going to have to take a rain-check on that," (Warren says as he turns and uses his wings to cover Erica as an extremely powerful wind picks up and starts to blow everything around and the X-team takes cover). "What in Hades," (Imol yells as he just teleports in beside Apocalypse and is immediately assaulted by various flying objects). (Then we see Warpath look up and shield his eyes as he yells, so as to be heard above the roar of the wind), "I guess it worked!"
(We then look up and see the X-jet hovering there). (Then we see the X-jet come down and land and the hatch opens up as Warren, with Betsy's help, stands up and says into the r.c. as he holds a button down), "Defensive mechanism's, full spread." (Then we see Imol and Apocalypse glaring at the team). [At his words panels recess and pull away as rotating laser cannons descend and open fire]. (We then see panels open up on the X-jet and then laser guns, that look like a Gatling gun, lower out and start firing at the crimson dawn warriors and Apocalypse and Imol). "Cook, but I'd say that's our cue", (Warpath says as he dodges the laser blasts and reaches Warren and Betsy before he picks Erica up). (Then we see Apocalypse get angry and the laser blasts just bounce off of him as he growls), "Cowards, how dare you run from your inevitable fate." (Then we see Warpath, carrying Erica, and Betsy who's helping Warren, as they get to the X-jet and climb up the ramp). (And then we see a few inside shots of the X-jet as Warpath lays Erica down on the couch and straps her in as in the next panel we see Betsy help Warren into the co-pilot's seat and strap him in before she sits in the pilot's seat and straps herself in). (Then after a look at Warren with a worried look on her face she turns the switch that changes the control of the X-jet from autopilot to manual). (Then we see Imol yell angrily as the X-jet roars off, and away from Apocalypse), "Come back here.we're not.cowards!"
[Close by]
(We see Sam on his hands and knees as he's just standing up and he's tired as one of the golems is on its back and trying to stand up as the other golem is standing in front of Sam and it's glaring down at him). (Death meanwhile is angrily searching through the rubble). (Then we see Siryn, cradling Forge in her arms, as she yells at Sam), "Sam come on.we've gotta go.aye don' think I can keep Forge going much longer!" (We then see the golem that's near Sam rear back and prepare to smash him like a bug as it says), "Smash!" (Then we see in two panels, first a close up of Sam's face as he's looking up with a scared look on his face as then in the next panel we see an overhead shot of the golem and it's about ready to smash Sam).
"Sam look out," (Siryn yells at Sam as then in the next we see a panel of us looking down at the golem as something big is rapidly descending towards the golem). (Then we see a big panel of Warpath striking the golem feet first, and then one of the golem being driven into the ground as Warpath says with a smile on his face), "Smash.you and the Hulk have the same vocal coach or somethin?" (Then we see Sam look up, as he stands up, and say), "Thanks, but now I've got a little unfinished business to attend to." (We then see Sam start to rocket off but Warpath grabs his shoulder and says), "Easy there Mason-Dixon, we've got wounded to take care of, revenge will have to wait." (Then we see a panel of Sam glaring angrily at Warpath as he's trying to get away as he says), "No.let go!" "Sam, we have to go," (Warpath says as he again restrains a very angry Sam).
"But momma.Lizzie," (Sam says with a very sad look on his face as he's looking at Death, who's trying to help the other golem get up as he's angrily yelling at it). "Sam," (Warpath yells angrily and gives Sam a shake). (Sam then seems to snap out of it as he says), "Right.okay here's the plan, you get Forge and Terry while I lay down some covering fire." "Right.come on Terry our ride's here," (Warpath says as he lets go of Sam, who then kneels down and starts blasting Death and the two golems, and then Warpath runs over to Siryn and with a concerned look on his face he says), "You okay?" (Then Siryn says), "I'm fine.be careful," (as Warpath picks Forge up and then takes off with Siryn right behind him as Warpath then yells), "Sam come on."
"Okay," (Sam yells as he blasts off just as War, Imol, and Apocalypse come running up as they're surrounded by angry crimson dawn warriors). "Attack.don't let them get away," (Apocalypse yells angrily as he grabs a nearby crimson dawn warrior and begins to strangle it). (Then we see War and a good deal of the c.d. warriors start to fire their weapons at the X- jet as Sam, Warpath, Forge, and Siryn enter the X-jet and the hatch closes). (Then we go to an inside shot of Betsy looking back as Sam hops into his seat and Siryn helps Warpath get Forge into the portable bio-bed and hooked up to the right equipment). "How's he doing," (Betsy says over her shoulder as she makes the X-jet go faster). "Not good, he's barely staying with us," (Warpath says as he checks the readouts of one of the machines).
(Then we go back outside and see in the far background is the X-jet as it's flying away and then War gets off one large last shot as he's in the foreground). (Then in the next panel we see an enraged Apocalypse start attacking the horsemen and the crimson dawn warriors). (Then we jump back inside the X-jet as Warpath and Siryn are checking on Forge and Sam is checking on Erica). (Then we see Siryn look up towards the front of the plane and say), "How long till we get back to the mansion?" (Then we see a panel outside of the X-jet as War's final blast hits one of the wings and knocks the X-jet violently around).
(And in the previous panel, just as the blast is about to hit the wing, we see coming out of the X-jet Betsy saying), "We're a little low on fuel but.," (and she stops just as the blast hits the X-jet as we then see a big combination of panels that cut back and forth between shots of the team reacting inside the X-jet as Warpath, Siryn, and Sam get thrown around as in one panel Sam knocks his head against the side of one of the chairs in a hit that draws blood as they're all yelling while Betsy is trying to stabilize the X-jet). (Then we see an inside panel as the X-jet finally does get stable but it's still shaking a bit as Betsy says), "Everyone alright, role call."
(Then we see Warren shake his head and say), "I'm here, but a little worse for wear, "(as he winces in pain). "Ah'm okay.I think," (Sam says as he sits up and lightly touches the cut on his head and then we see Warpath who's upside down and lying in a corner in the back of the X-jet and Siryn is lying on her stomach a foot or two in front of him). "Me.oh I'm peachy, just peachy," (Siryn says with a meek smile as she pulls herself up so that she's lying on her forearms and looking around). (With a sigh Warpath says), "I'm fine, but I don't' think I could say the same thing about the back door," (as we move over and see a big dent in the door as if his head hit it). "What about Forge and Erica," (Warren says as he checks some of the X-jets controls).
(Then we see the three in the back check on Erica and Forge as then Warpath looks up and says), "Does -Code Red- mean anything to you," (with an unhappy look on his face). "That's what I thought," (Warren says with a pained grimace on his face). "Any idea what hit us," (Sam says as he pulls himself to his feet by using one of the chairs to stabilize himself). "I don't know but whatever it was it blew a bloody good sized hole in our right wing.the flaps aren't working right," (Betsy says scowling). "Then may I say we make post haste to the hospital," (Warpath says scowling as he checks out a reading).
[And just when things couldn't seemingly get any worse.]. (We then see a loud alarm sound and we see Forge start to shake before he goes still and then the heart monitor go flat-line in a series of panels that show the heart-rate disappear). "What the hell," (Warren says looking around frantically). "Oh no," (Warpath says angrily as he looks up at Siryn with a concerned look on his face). "Forge," (Siryn yells as she gasps and puts a hand over her mouth). "Bloody hell," (Betsy says angrily as the X-jet lurches and then Warpath and Siryn desperately hold on to the medi-bed to keep from falling over as Sam stumbles over to Erica). "What..," (Siryn says with a scared look on her face). "He's gone into cardiac arrest, quick the paddles," (Warpath says frantically as then we see Siryn nervously hand him the paddles and after that she squirts that jelly stuff onto the paddles).
"Okay.clear," (Warpath says as Siryn takes a step backwards before Warpath then shocks Forge as his body lurches and then Warpath takes the paddles back as he looks at Siryn, who looks at the heart monitor). (The monitor shows no change and Siryn sadly shakes her head). "Again.clear," (Warpath says as he again shocks Forge). (Then he again looks at Siryn, who again sadly shakes her head and kind of looks like she's about ready to cry). "Okay.I'm going to try one more time.," (Warpath says as Sam comes over and says), "Come on Forge, go Jimmy," (as Warpath then shocks Forge again and then looks at Siryn, who at first shakes her head as she starts to cry).
"N-nothing.wait.wait.he's back," (Siryn says with a big smile on her face before Warpath sets the panels down and then hugs and kisses Siryn as Sam just looks and smiles at them before he turns back to Erica, who's starting to stir). (Then we see Warpath bend down close to Forge and say), "I'd really appreciate it if I didn't have to do that again." "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but whatever hit us did a whole hell of a lot more damage than just messing up the flaps, from the looks of things we're probably going to have to set down with a dead stick so to speak," (Warren says grimly as he painfully coughs and Betsy looks over at him with a worried look on her face).
"And exactly what does that mean in non pilot person terms," (Warpath says as he checks on Forge as we see Sam kneel down beside Erica as she mumbles incoherently). "It means that more than likely we're in for one heck of a landing," (Sam says as we then go outside of the X-jet as it flies over water and land before we see it fly over the St. Louis Arch as now the right wing is starting to shake and smoke is now emanating from it as well). (Then we go back inside and see Erica wake up and blink as she lazily says), "Ohh.what happened?" "Hey there, how ya feelin," (Sam says with a sigh as he then undoes her straps and then helps her sit up as she does she has a hand on her forehead and one on her stomach as she looks kind of queasy). "Like a herd of elephants just walked all over me," (Erica says wincing).
"Okay enough chit-chat people, Theresa you and James keep Forge alive until we land, Sam call the mansion and tell Tabitha to get a few ambulances there so when we land they'll already be there waiting for us," (Warren says while holding down a button on the control panel with one hand while his other hand is on his wound). "Ya sure about that Warren, ah don't know if she.," (Sam says before being cut off by Betsy as she says), "I know it'll be hard Sam, but it's the easiest solution to the problem, besides I don't know how much longer we'll even have use of our radio."
(Then we see Sam solemnly nod his head as he begins to stand up when there's an explosion that violently begins to shake the X-jet as Sam and Erica go sliding up against the opposite side of the X-jet and Siryn is rocked off of her feet but Warpath holds onto the bio-bed and is able to stay standing). "What was that," (Siryn yells as alarms go off and she grabs onto the bottom part of the bio-bed to keep from sliding around as Sam grabs one of the chair supports with one hand while he loops his other arm around Erica's waist, and Erica holds onto him for dear life as she looks like she's about ready to throw up if only given the chance).
"Nnnh.the right wing.something must have sparked," (Warren says grimacing, as we see that now the X-jet is tilted to the right so everything is leaning that way, as he starts frantically checking gauges and turning knobs and pressing buttons). "I can't seem to get a handle for it.that explosion must have blown the whole bloody wing off," (Betsy says angrily gritting her teeth and gripping the controls tightly). (Then we see Warpath slip as another shock jolts the X-jet and knock his chin on the edge of the bio-bed before he loses his grip and goes flying back into the back door that he dented earlier and this time he blows right through it and we then see him crash into all of the stuff in that back room as we see him yell out), "Ow!"
"We're gonna crash," (Erica yells with a very scared look on her face as he buries her face into Sam's shoulder as he yells), "The X-jets breaking up, we have to set down.and soon." (Then we see the X-jet flying low and kicking up a lot of dust and dirt as we see the X-jet smash right through a sign that says Welcome to California before the X-jet hits the tops of some trees before we quickly cut to two panels of Betsy at the controls in which the first one is of her looking up with a shocked look on her face and then in the next panel we see her straining and pulling back the stick before we go back outside and the jet rises up and just barely misses plowing into a large brick building). "Let's just hope we don't have to do that again," (Warren says sighing heavily and then he winces in pain as he has one blood stained hand on the control panel and the other is covering his wound that is now starting to really bleed).
"Warren," (Betsy yells with a hand on Warren's arm as he seems to be about ready to pass out before she then continues), "come on stay with me here.please." "Jimmy, ye okay in there," (Siryn says as she makes her way back to the door of the back room). "Of course.you know me, my head's as hard as a rock," (Warpath says as we see him trying to pull himself out of the back room as it's all in disarray with everything in a big pile). (Then we go back to the X-jets controls and we see Warren with one hand on the control panel to steady himself and the other is on his gut wound he says), "We're almost there.think we can make it?" (Then Betsy says with a grimace on her face while she tightly holds onto the stick as we also see that her hands are covered with blood, mostly Warren's but a little of her own), "I don't know, but we're not going to have to wait to long to find out".
[They tear off through the California countryside.]. [.skimming over the trees and skirting the cities.]. [.before their spirits lift as the mansion comes into view against the horizon]. (In a series of panels that show the almost crippled X-jet leaving a smoke trail as it flies over trees and veers away so that it goes on the edges of cities as in those final few panels it's that we're looking as if we're sitting on the X-jet right between the two engines as the mansion comes up in the far background and then it starts to get bigger). (Then we go back inside the X-jet as Siryn turns her head and with an exasperated but happy look on her face says), "It's the mansion.we made it." "Now if only I can land the bloody thing," (Betsy yells as she furiously tries to steer the X-jet in as it's now shaking very badly and the engines are sputtering). (Then we see Warren brace himself and yell), "Everyone hold on.we're going in!" (Then as we switch to mostly outside shots of the X-jet landing we see Betsy yell), "We're coming in to fast I can't.!"
(Then we first see the X-jet hit some of the apple trees and snap them like twigs before the X-jet starts sliding and then it slightly turns before straightening back up before we see a panel of Erica yelling), "Hit the #@$%*&^ brakes!" (Then we see panels that show the team's reaction as they're being thrown about and slammed all around and the X-jet taking out more apple trees and digging up a lot of dirt). [They hit the ground like a runaway freight train, tearing through the apple orchard with reckless abandon]. (Then we see the X-jet come to a stop as the nose hits the pond). (Then we see the engines shut down as smoke rises from them and the right wing). (Then we see an inside panel of the team as they all look like they're unconscious).
(Then we see Warren stir and shake his head and say groggily as he then looks around), "Say something.anybody." (Then we see Warpath lying in the doorway of the backroom, facedown, as something falls from the ceiling and hits him on the head and he wakes up and says), "Remind me to give the autopilot a raise would ya." "Not funny," (Sam says as he sits up as does Erica before we see Siryn shake her head and then pull herself to her feet and begin checking on Forge). (Then we see Betsy unbuckle herself and say as she turns to Warren), "You okay luv?" "I am now," (Warren says with a weak smile and a sigh as Betsy reaches over and unbuckles him before they share a quick kiss before she helps him out of his chair and he puts an arm around her as she helps him walk back to where Siryn and now Warpath are checking on Forge).
(We then see a panel of Sam helping Erica back there as well). "How is he," (Warren says as he puts a hand down on the bio-bed to support himself). "I think he'll live if we can get him to a hospital.," (Warpath says grimly looking at Betsy before Siryn steps in and says), ".and fast." "Right then, first we need to get him out of here, James the honor is yours," (Betsy says as she turns and looks at Warpath, who nods his head as he says), "My pleasure." (Then we see Warpath walk over to the hatch). "Here goes nothing," (Warpath says as he reels back and then knocks the door into orbit with a big punch). "Ah think that's our cue," (Sam says with a smile as he helps Erica out of the X-jet).
[Later.]
(We see a panel of a couple of ambulance's approaching a large hospital with Sam driving his car with Betsy, Siryn, and Warpath with him as they're behind the ambulances). (Then we see the vehicles stop and out of the backs of the ambulances come Forge on a stretcher and Warren and Erica get helped out by paramedics and then the four in Sam's car get out and follow the stretcher in). (Then we see Warpath and Sam, while the others follow the injured members, going by the front desk as the nurse says), "Excuse me.," (that makes Sam and Warpath stop in their tracks and look over at the nurse as Sam then says), "Ya?" "By any chance you two wouldn't be Samuel Guthrie and James Proudstar.would you," (the nurse says with a smile as she sets a clipboard down). "We are.who's asking," (Sam says as he looks at the nurse with a confused look on his face).
"A couple of guys that said they were old friends of yours came in here earlier with a pretty young woman that didn't look to good," (the nurse says with a sad look on her face before we see Sam and Warpath look at each other with concerned looks on their faces before the nurse continues), "I think they said her name was Tabitha Smith." (Then we see Sam and Warpath's eyes grow wide as Sam then says), "Wha.what.when?" "A few hours ago I think," (the nurse says as we see a chill run through Sam's body as he struggles to speak). (From off panel we see someone say), "Sam!" (Then we see Sam and Warpath turn with shocked looks on their faces). (Then we see a panel of Rictor quickly walking down a very crowded hallway as he yells out with a very serious look on his face), "Hey guys come on, she's over here."
(Then we see Sam start to tear off down the hall with Warpath not far behind). (We see a panel of the doorway of a hospital bed in the first one and then in the next panel we see Sam come tearing around the corner and bursting in the room with a scared look on his face, followed closely behind by Rictor and Warpath). (Then we see a close up of Sam's face as it's one of anger, shock, sadness, and pain all rolled into one). [At the sight of her Samuel Guthrie's blood freezes in his veins and his heart skips a beat before breaking.]. (Then we see a panel of Tabitha, all bandaged up with tubes sticking out of her and her all bruised up, lying in a bed with Shatterstar sitting beside her in a chair).
(We then see Sam run to her as Shatterstar stands up and Sam takes his seat as he says with tears forming in his eyes), "Ah Tab," (as he then picks her hand up and clasps it between his hands). (Then we see a panel of Warpath standing next to Rictor in the doorway as Warpath says), "What happened.when we left she." "We just found her.like that.in the living room.the front door was open," (Rictor says to Warpath as he sadly looks at Sam). "What, we didn't see any damage when we called the ambulances," (Warpath says with a confused grimace on his face). "How.the whole front entry way was completely trashed, you couldn't have missed it," (Rictor says shaking his head). "Well Sam called from the boathouse and the front door was shut so.," (Warpath says shrugging his shoulders sadly).
[Meanwhile, a few floors up]
(We see first two swinging doors that part in the middle). (Then we see the doors burst open as we see, flanked by a team of doctors that are all modeled after doctors from ER, Forge on a gurney and the doctors are all doing medical stuff as we see one of them holding an iv bag). (Then we see two more gurney come through with Warren lying on one and Erica on the other with Betsy at Warrens side as they're holding hands as her other hand is on the edge of the gurney). (And beside Erica we see Siryn holding a gauze pad to her chin). (We then see a doctor yell), "This one need to go up to the O.R. right now.get Doctor O'Neal!"
(Then we see one of the doctors that is at Warren's side say), "I've got broken ribs and a deep laceration here.everybody better cancel any plans they had for tonight because it's going to be a long night." (Then we see the other nurses and doctors groan as one takes Siryn aside into another room as she says), "Ms Cassidy.please this way." (Then we see the doctors veer off with Erica as they take her to an exam room as they take Forge and Warren into the operating rooms and as Betsy starts to follow Warren in a doctor stops her and says), "I'm sorry but you can't go in there."
(Then Betsy says with an angry look on her face and fists clenched), "I don't care what you say I'm not." "Again I'm sorry but you'll have to wait outside, you'll best help him by letting the doctors do their work," (the doctor says with his hands up in a defensive position). (We then see Betsy get angry and she's about ready to snap but then we see her forcing herself to calm down as she glares at the doctor and then she says through a clenched jaw), "Fine, but I am warning you that if any of you even think about anything.and I mean anything other than the surgery I swear I'll make the rest of your lives a living hell."
(Then Betsy storms off and enters the room in which we then see Siryn as she slides off of one of the beds as we see that the doctor has just finished putting in some stitches in Siryn's chin and above her eye). "Ye don' look so good, everything alright," (Siryn asks furrowing her brows but then stopping as we see it hurts). "No everything is not bloody alright, half the team is going under the knife while the rest of us look like the walking dead," (Betsy says angrily as she crosses her arms and nods at the doctor as the doctor leaves the room after taking off her gloves and throwing them in the trash). "Aye know what ye mean, but where are Sam and Jimmy," (Siryn says with a sad and confused look on her face).
"I don't know.wait a second," (Betsy says as she closes her eyes and puts her hands on her temples as she begins to telepathically search through the hospital as we see several panels of Betsy's pink butterfly telepathically flying through many different rooms with many different things going on before she finds them as they're in Tabitha's room). (Then Betsy says as she opens her eyes), "I found them.Tabitha's here.she looks pretty bad and Sam's by her side, but this is interesting.two of your old X-Force teammates are here as well." (We then see Siryn turn to Betsy and say with a slightly shocked look on her face). "Really.who?" "Rictor and Shatterstar," (Betsy says as she turns towards the door).
[Later still.]
(We see panels of Betsy, Siryn, and Warpath in the waiting room as Betsy looks like she's on pins and needles as she nervously walks around while Siryn and Warpath are talking and having some coffee as they're sitting down in two chairs). (Then we see Betsy lean her head up against a wall, close her eyes and then she activates her powers as we see her -look in- on the two surgeries). (Then we go back to Warpath and Siryn as Siryn says), "Aye don' believe it.is she alright?" "I think she will be, but someone sure did a number on her.but I'll tell you something whoever did it is in for.," (Warpath says before we see him get very angry and punch his fist into the palm of his other hand).
(Then as Siryn is about to say something Rictor and Shatterstar come walking in as then Siryn looks up with a smile and says), "Hey," (to which Rictor says after nodding his head), "Hey." (Then we see them sit down near Warpath and Siryn as we then go back to Betsy, who stops telepathically monitoring the operations, as she opens her eyes and thinks), Please be okay Warren.I don't want to do this without you, (as we see a tear slide down her cheek before she sniffles and Siryn looks over with a concerned look on her face and says), "Hey Psylocke.you okay?" (Then we see Betsy wipe away the tear and say without turning around), "Ya Theresa I'm okay."
(Then we see Siryn say), "Alright then," (as she then loops her arm around Warpath's and they clasp their hands together as she then leans her head on his shoulder). (Then in a panel is which we see Warpath and Siryn in the background and in the foreground we see a close up on Betsy's left side of her face but mostly just around her eye as she's looking back at them as she thinks), Who am I kidding I'm not alright.the man I love is getting stitched back together in there and I'm out her where I can't do a #*@$%^& thing to help him.but I have to stay strong I'm one of the leaders of this outfit and I need to act like it.I won't be helping anybody if I were to break down like a stupid git in front of them.I have to be strong.
[Hours pass.]. (We see panels of the X-group, now with a heavily bandaged up Erica sitting beside Warpath and Siryn, in the waiting room interspersed with panels of the two operating rooms as we see Betsy standing and sitting and checking the clock and her watch and nodding her head and managing a smile as Rictor gives her a cup of coffee). (Then we see a panel of Shatterstar as he approaches Betsy, who's sitting in a chair and she looks up at him as he says), "Do not worry, they are both strong warriors and will see battle again, of this I am positive." (Then we see Betsy slightly laugh a little and say), "I know.thanks."
[Meanwhile]
(We see a panel of Sam sitting at Tabitha's bedside with his coat slung over the back of the chair that he's sitting in). "Come on Tab.wake up and talk tah me.please," (Sam says as he wipes away a tear with the back of his hand). (We then see a nurse come in and check Tabitha's chart before patting Sam on the back with a smile before she leaves the room). (Then we see Sam lay his head down on the bed beside Tabitha as he then says), "This is all my fault, ah should have stayed.maybe ah could have." (Then we see Sam pick his head up with a very sad look on his face as he looks like he's about ready to smash his fist into the bed beside Tabitha as he has his fist clenched).
"While I am not completely familiar with the medical procedures that Tabitha requires I do not believe that beating yourself up over it will help her present condition," (we see come from off panel as Sam relaxes his fist and then looks up and sees Shatterstar standing in the doorway as he's leaning on the doorframe as Sam then says), "Oh.hi 'Star." "Has she regained consciousness yet," (Shatterstar says as he walks into the room and then stops at the foot of Tabitha's bed). (Then we see Sam sadly shake his head). "Sorry.but I am hopeful that she will again see the field of battle," (Shatterstar says firmly).
(Then we see Sam look over and say with a slight smile), "That yer way of saying ya care?" "If you wish," (Shatterstar says slightly nodding his head before we see from off panel, as on the left side of the panel is Sam and Shatterstar is on the right side of the panel as they both have surprised looks on their faces), "Nnnh.S-Sam." (Then we see a panel of Sam as he turns to Tabitha with a very excited look on his face as he then says), "Hey there." (We then see a panel of Tabitha's face as it's all bandaged and bruised up as she squeezes open one tear filled eye and manages a weak smile as she says as she starts crying), "S-Sam!"
(Then we see Sam stand mostly upright and with his free hand, as he's still holding her hand with his other hand, he brushes her hair back and kisses her forehead before he sits back down and brings her hand to his cheek as he smiles back). "It is good to see you back with us," (Shatterstar says with a slight nod of his head). "T-thanks.I think," (Tabitha says as she winces in pain as she's looking at Shatterstar before she turns to Sam). "S-Sam.I-I was.," (she starts to say before she breaks down and really starts to let the tears flow before we see Sam say while trying to calm her), "Shh it's okay.just rest.we can talk later." "N-no it.it was Imol.he.he came and," (Tabitha says before she turns away).
(Then we see Sam and Shatterstar look at each other with very angry looks on their faces). "Why that.," (Sam says angrily as he lets go of Tabitha's hand and starts to stand up in a panel in which Tabitha is looking right at us and her face , and she's crying, is in the foreground in the bottom left corner of the panel and the panel goes up to Sam's shoulder). (Then we see Sam look to Shatterstar and say), "Stay her and look after Tabitha." (Then we see Tabitha turn her head quickly with a look of fear on her face and wide eyes as she frantically reaches for Sam as she says), "Sam.no don't go!" (Then we see Sam sit back down and hold her hand again with one hand and with his other hand he wipes away one of her tears as he smiles at her which makes her smile as he says), "Okay."
[Later]
(We see Betsy sitting in a chair as she's running her fingers through her hair as she's staring at the floor with her head down as we also see Rictor just standing near the doorway with his hands in his pockets as Siryn, Warpath, and Erica are all asleep). (Then we see the nearby doors slide open and a doctor comes walking out as he removes his mask). "Ms Braddock," (the doctor says as he looks around as Betsy looks up and says), "Yes," (as Rictor turns around). (Then we see Betsy stand up as Rictor walks over and as he does that Betsy says), "Is he alright doctor, may I see him.please it's important." "Well they're in recovery now, Mr. Worthington should be ready for visitors in a couple of hours or so.whereas for your friend with the metal prosthesis.well I don't even know where to begin, but for the foreseeable future he's stable", (the doctor says looking at Betsy with his hands on his hips).
(We then see Betsy breath a sigh of relief before she says), "Thank you doctor, please tell me immediately if either one of their status changes." "Of course, now have the rest of you gotten any help yet", (the doctor says with a tired look over at the sleeping trio). "Well I think everybody got it that needed it so I think we'll be fine," (Betsy says before shaking the doctor's hand and going back and sitting down with a brief smile). Only a couple of couple of hours longer, I can handle that, (Betsy thinks as she sits back in her chair and checks her watch).
[Said Two Hours Later]
(We see a hospital room with Warren lying in a bed with an i.v. in and the sun is shining in on him, from a nearby window, that seems to almost give him a glow). (Then we move over and see that Forge is in a bed across the room from him as they're the only two in a large room). (Then we see a nurse come in and check their charts before she leaves). (But before the door closes it's pushed open by Betsy, who's holding a newspaper, as she is followed by Erica and Siryn, who's holding two sets of flowers in small vases).
(Then we see Betsy get to Warren, as Erica goes to the window and then turns and lightly leans on the windowsill with her back to the window as Siryn puts one of the vases with flowers in it on Forge's nightstand as we see that Forge is heavily bandaged up with many tubes coming in and out of him, as she smiles and lightly shakes his foot which makes him groggily wake up as she says), "Hey there sleepy head.time to wake up and face the creditors." "Cute," (Warren says as he smiles and looks up at Betsy as we see her backlit by the sun as she's smiling back at him). "So how ya feelin," (Siryn says as she turns towards Warren and puts the vase with the rest of the flowers on his nightstand).
"Like the Rockettes did a whole show on my stomach.in stilettos," (Warren says with a laugh that he has to stop as he grimaces in pain). "Hey now tiger, don't overdue it," (Betsy says with a smile as she pulls up a chair and sits down). (We then see Erica gingerly standup and say), "So what's our next move?" "Well now that we know where Apocalypse is based.," (Warren says as he tries to sit up but Betsy, with a concerned look on her face, stands up and says as she pushes him back down), "We wait until we're all back to full strength.and that includes you.before we even think about taking anyone on.let alone Apocalypse." "So what do we do about Forge," (Siryn says as she looks over at Forge with a concerned look on her face).
"I'm not exactly sure.we still don't completely understand what Death did to him.but for the foreseeable future he'll stay here where he can recover in peace and quiet.then he'll probably come and stay with us," (Warren says as he glances over at Forge and then at Siryn). "But how can ye guarantee that, aye mean ye got lucky getting this out of the way room all to yourselves," (Siryn says looking around the room). "Just lucky I guess," (Warren says with a smile as he looks over at Betsy who gives him a sidelong glance as she shakes her head before she says), "And a rather large case donation or two didn't hurt either."
(We then see Warren roll his eyes before he says), "So then I take it that Forge and I are the only ones that'll be spending any time in here?" "I feel like an elephant used me for a doormat but the doc's say that I'll be fine.but I don't know if I can say the same about Tabitha," (Erica says at first with a smile but then she frowns and looks sad as she says the last part as she avoids the looks that she's getting form Warren and Betsy). "What.Tabitha's here, why," (Warren says looking concerned as he looks up at Erica before he continues); "When we left she was fine."
"Ya well a quick visit from Imol changed all that, apparently Apocalypse didn' want us teh think he'd forgotten about any of us, at least that's what Sam thought after Ric and Shatterstar told him that they found her in the living room when they stopped in for a visit," (Siryn says with an unhappy look on her face before Warpath comes into the room with his hand under his coat). "But are you sure it was Imol," (Warren says with a serious look on his face). "Yep, Tabitha woke up and told Sam it was Imol herself," (Warpath says as he approaches the group). "That's good to hear," (Betsy says with a sigh).
"What ye got there Jimmy," (Siryn says with a smile as everyone turns to look at Warpath as he steps up to Siryn before he takes out from under his coat a bag, and some drinks in one of those multiple drink cardboard holders, from a nearby fast food place). "Thought it'd be best if I picked up a little breakfast.besides I doubted that you'd want to eat that stuff that they try to pass off as food here," (Warpath says with a big smile). "Thanks.have you seen Tabitha yet," (Warren says as Warpath hands him a wrapped sandwich). "Ya.Sam's with her now, you know I don't think he's moved from her side since Ric brought us to her room after the nurse stopped us in the hall, she'll make it but she won't be mission ready for a good long while," (Warpath says with a frown as Betsy takes the sandwich away from Warren just as he's about ready to bite down as he then looks at her semi-angrily as he says), "Hey.," (before she smacks his hand sternly and says), "Oh no you don't, you just had surgery and the last thing you need is to choke on your breakfast."
(Then we see Warren with a slightly hurt look on his face before he starts to slightly pout as they all start to smile before Betsy says), "Ah quit acting like a bloody baby and drink this, you need to get your strength back," (as she hands Warren his drink). (Then as we pull away and out of the room we see all of them start laughing).
[Time Passes.Wounds Heal.Some Better Than Others] [Months Later]
(We see that it's a nice sunny day as Sam and Tabitha are sitting on the dock with their legs dangling over the edge). (We then get a frontal shot of them as Sam looks better as he now has a bit longer hair and he now has a short beard as Tabitha now has much longer hair and she's leaning against Sam). (Then we see Sam toss a small rock into the pond as he then looks over at Tabitha and says), "You feeling any better today?" (Then we see Tabitha first look at Sam and then look away and say), "Ask me later.okay." "If that's what ya want," (Sam says with a sigh as he puts his arm around her and puller her close as we then pull away and go to a room on the corner of the mansion as we see Erica who's watching Sam and Tabitha, wearing a red bikini top with cut off jean shorts, a she has her arms crossed and a small scar just above her eyebrow).
(Then we see her shake her head sadly before she turns and walks out of the room). (Then we move to the danger room as we see Warpath and Siryn fighting an arm of humanoid drones as Warpath is in the middle facing us as he's being mobbed by them as there are many at his feet and others are hanging off of him as he's throwing them around like they're made of feathers). (Siryn is behind him in the air with her back to us as she's using her sonic scream to propel one of the drones up into the air before in the next panel we see Siryn land with a smile on her face in the background and in the foreground we see the drone come crashing down onto a pile of other smashed up drones).
"Is it me or is this no fun anymore, these drones used to pose a challenge, but now," (Siryn says as she crosses her arms and looks back over her shoulder at Warpath, who catches a drone that's trying to jump him from the side and he then crushes the drone with one hand as he says), "I know what you mean, but then again this is just practice." "Show off," (Siryn says with a smile as she shakes her head that makes Warpath laugh before he says), "Computer end program." (Then we see the danger room return to normal as Siryn walks over and grabs two towels off of a rack and after she throws her smaller towel over her shoulder she throws the larger one to Warpath).
(Then we see Warpath walk towards her as he says), "Hey Terry, you wanna find out if Warren got that hot tub working yet," (with a wink and a smile before he gets to her and she turns towards him and looks up at him as she says with a smile), "but I'm not wearing my suit." "Neither am I.but I won't tell if you don't," (Warpath says with a smile as he puts an arm around Siryn as the two walk out of the danger room). (Then we go to Warren and Betsy's bedroom as we see Warren sitting at a table out on their balcony as Warren is wearing silk pajama bottoms with no shirt as we see that he has a wrap that goes around his stomach as it's holding a small bandage over his wound and he's looking through a newspaper and there's a coffee cup and decanter on the table and Warren is also wearing sunglasses).
"Please don't tell me you're serious," (We see Betsy say with a frown as she walks out onto the balcony as she's putting sunglasses on as her hair is pulled back in a ponytail as she's wearing a full length fancy silk nightgown that's dark blue and has spaghetti straps that make it look almost like a dress, and a same colored silk bathrobe). (Then we see Warren look up and say), "I know you don't approve but I've made up my mind, we can't tell anyone outside of the team about where Apocalypse is, I'm not going to have anyone use that knowledge and get themselves killed because of it, I already have enough of that on my conscience," (Warren says as Betsy sits down in a chair that's facing him).
"Would you stop feeling sorry for yourself already Warren, you think you're the only one who's decisions have caused people's deaths in the line of duty, Charles has seen a great many more die because of his decisions so I'd say that you have a long way to go," (Betsy says angrily as she bends down and takes her slippers off before she puts her feet up on Warren's lap). "Hey," (Warren says as he puts the paper down and looks up at Betsy with a slightly confused look on his face before we see Betsy look at him with a smirk on her face and an eyebrow arched).
(Then we see Warren shake his head and say as he begins to rub her feet), "I know but I want to keep that number as low as possible for me, besides Forge still has a long way to go in his recovery.at least Tabitha's doing better." "Physically maybe Warren, but I'm afraid her psyche might need much more time to mend," (Betsy says sadly before Warren hits a sweet spot and she smiles). "All the more reason to call Erica up from training, after what happened in Genosha I have a feeling that she'll soon be begging us for a chance to prove herself, and mark my words it'll be sooner than you think," (Warren says with a smile before we see Betsy roll her eyes as her sunglasses have slid down a bit as she then says), "Ah the pitfalls of leadership, normally I'd disagree with you about Erica.but given the present circumstances it's a sound idea, but we have to know if Tabitha is ready for missions or not first." "Of course," (Warren says nodding his head and smiling).
[Poolside]
(We see Rictor wearing sunglasses and relaxing on one of the pool recliner chairs as Shatterstar is diving off of the diving board). (Then we see Rictor say to Shatterstar as he gets back to the surface), "I tell you 'Star, this is the life." (Then we see Shatterstar say as he climbs out of the pool), "Fekt, this is not the home of a true warrior." "You're here aren't you," (we see come in from off panel as Rictor and Shatterstar turn as Rictor's eyes grow wide as then in the next panel we see Erica slip her jean shorts off before she then walks up to Shatterstar and rubs shoulders with him with a smile on her face before she winks at Rictor as she walks by him we see him follow her every move).
(Then we see Shatterstar looking back and forth between Erica and Rictor with a disapproving look on his face). "A true warrior is not ruled by.," (Shatterstar says as he's looking at Rictor). (Then we see Rictor, with his eyes and head locked on Erica as she climbs up ladder say without moving his eyes), "Not now 'Star...not now." (Then we see Shatterstar shake his head, grab his towel and walk away as we then go to Erica as she walks out onto the diving board as she then takes her hair tie out and throws it to the side before we see her go out and dive off of the diving board).
(And as she comes back up which we see in a couple of panels in which in the first panel we see a large vertical panel of her swimming up to the surface, and the second panel is of her as she gets back to the surface and wipes the water out of her eyes and then slicks her hair back as she looks at Rictor and smiles as she says), "You just gonna sit there gawking or.?" (Then we see Rictor as he stands up and then smiles as he says), "I could really get used to this," (before he dives in next to her). (Then we go back up to the balcony as we see that Betsy is watching Rictor and Erica as she shakes her head with a frown on her face).
"I remember when you were like that," (we see come in from off panel as we see Betsy angrily turn around to see Warren walking out onto the balcony with a smile on his face and his hands are clasped together behind his back). "I was never that bad.was I," (Betsy sys looking to Warren for his answer as he just shrugs his shoulders, as he's now wearing blue jeans and a beater under a dressy long sleeved blue shirt that's open as Betsy is wearing blue jeans with a tight long sleeved black top and her hair is pulled back in a tight ponytail with only a few of her bangs left over and she has a nice looking necklace on and an expensive looking watch).
(Then we see Betsy turn back away from Warren and put her hands on the railing as she hangs her head and says sadly), "thanks for the support." (Then we see a panel of Warren, with a concerned look on his face, walk up behind her and wrap his arms around her before pulling her close). (Then we see a close up of their heads as she turns her head towards him and he has his to hers as he says), "Sorry Betts, I didn't think you were serious, how can I make it up to you?" (Then we see Betsy smile and say), "Well there is that revival of Les Miserables that I've been meaning to see." "Done," (Warren says with a slight nod of his head).
(Then we see Betsy look up and say with a slightly concerned look on her face), "But the last performance is tomorrow night and it's been sold out for months, I don't see how.." "You forget who you're talking to, I have my ways," (Warren says smugly). "All legal I hope," (Betsy says as she turns around and is now facing Warren as he then says with a half smile as he makes sure to not look her in the eye), "Mostly." "Warren Worthington, you wouldn't be lying to me would you.remember that I can tell if you are," (Betsy says with a -be serious- look on he face). "Don't worry you want to go you'll go.you think we should see if any of the others want to go as well," (Warren says as he lifts her head up by putting his hand under her chin).
"Why not," (Betsy says with a smile before we see them kiss as we pull away). (Then we move to a sparsely decorated room in which we see Forge sitting in a wheelchair, with his head heavily bandaged, by a window as he stares out of the window blankly with his hands in his lap). [Once upon a time he was a well respected member of the governmentally funded super team X-Factor, even going as high as becoming its leader.]. [.and now he needs help to even feed himself.]. Oh how the mighty have fallen, (We see Forge think as he gets visibly upset as we then see a shot of Forge sitting in his wheelchair in the background with the shadows coming back towards us as if we're standing in the back of the room).
(Then we see a panel of Shatterstar now wearing sweats opening the door and start to enter the room but he stops, reconsiders it and leaves and shuts the door). (Then we see a panel of a close up of Forge's eyes as he's looking back out of the corner of his eyes without moving his head as we see Shatterstar walking out of the room and shutting the door in the far background). (Then we see Forge hand his head to the side and stare out the window again as we then see a panel in which we're looking out of the window as is we're standing right behind Forge as we see Rictor chasing Erica around the pool in the far background). (Then we see a small panel of Forge's face as a shadow cuts it diagonally in half).
[Hours Later]
(We see Warren and Betsy sitting in the den in the mansion as they're both reading the paper as Warren is wearing a pinstriped shirt, a tie, and his suit coat is put on the back of his chair as Betsy is wearing a suit much like Warren's except she's wearing a short dark skirt instead of pants). (Then we see a panel of Warren sitting in his chair with reading glasses on as he says), "Have you asked any of the others if they wanted to got with us tomorrow night?" (Then we see Betsy look up and take her glasses off as she says), "James and Theresa are on board but I couldn't find Erica or Rictor, Shatterstar just stared blankly at me.don't think he even knows what opera is."
(She then smiles at that thought before continuing), "I don't think Tabitha's in any condition to go and after what happened I don't think Sam has left her side.I think he blames himself for what happened," (and she ends it with a smirk and a glance at Warren). "I know where you're going with this.so stop it," (Warren says as he puts the paper down and playfully glares at Betsy). "Oh really.pray tell Karnack.where am I going with this," (Betsy says crossing her legs and slightly leaning her upper body towards Warren as she rests her chin in her upturned palm and it's supported by her elbow on her knee).
"That Sam is blaming himself for something that was beyond his control.and that I'm doing the same thing with Apocalypse.that's what I think you're getting at.but you're wrong," (Warren says with an unhappy look on his face as he takes his glasses off and then in the next panel we see Warren put his glasses back in their case). "Perhaps.but you forget who you're talking to.guilt has been your driving factor for far to long my love," (Betsy says as she stands up and walks over to Warren before she says), "but now that I'm here there are going to be a few changes.starting with that one." (Then we see Warren look up with a smile and shake his head before we see a panel of them with their eyes locked).
(Then in the next panel we see Warren and Betsy looking at each other in the background as in the immediate foreground we see Sam as he's lit from what little light there is in the room as the hall is dark as Sam says), "Sorry tah bother ya.." (Then we see Warren and Betsy look up as Betsy's hands are on Warren's shoulders as Betsy says), "N-no Sam it's alright.I really should be going anyway.I could use some more time in the danger room." (Then we see Betsy pat Warren on the shoulders as she then walks to the doorway as Sam steps out of the way and she says as she leaves), "See you in an hour or so for dinner," (to which Warren says), "Of course."
(Then we see Sam come inside and shut the door as Warren says with a wave of his hand), "Please come in Sam.you wanted to talk?" (Then we see Sam nod his head and walk over and sit down in a chair that's opposite the one that Warren is sitting in as he slumps forward slightly and rests his elbows on his knees and he hangs his head). "Uh ya.Tabitha's having a really rough time right now and she needs something.," (Sam says as he looks up at Warren with a very sad and concerned look on his face). "And you've come up with an idea of how to do it haven't you.and you need my help," (Warren says sitting back in his chair and putting his hand on his chin in a thoughtful stance).
"Yah.somethin like that.but ya don't," (Sam says shaking his had and staring off into space). "Sam you don't have to ask.what do you need," (Warren says with a smile as he sits up in his chair). (Then we see a panel of Betsy entering a room as steam comes billowing out). (Then we see Betsy get to her locker, as she's entered the women's locker room, which resembles the ones that football and baseball players have, and she then starts unbuttoning her blouse as we then see Siryn walk up wrapped in a towel as Siryn says), "Ye fix'n for a late night stroll in the danger room?"
"Something like that, I just need to work off a little pent up energy.or else I think I'll explode," (Betsy says as she takes off her blouse and hangs it on a hanger as she's wearing a black bra underneath). (Then we see a panel, that at its bottom is the bottom of Siryn's shoulder blades, in which we see Siryn and Betsy from behind as Siryn lets the towel drop as Betsy says), "So I take it that your problem with James has been sufficiently remedied." (Then we see Siryn pull her bra off of a shelf as she says), "Ye could say that.we just," (as then with a smile she looks to Betsy who says), "Well I'm glad.," (before she pulls her hair back into a ponytail).
[Moments Later]. (We see that caption box in the upper left hand corner of the first in a series of panels that at first show the outside control panel of the danger room as it says -Program Alpha 27 Activated-, -Safety Protocols Off- and then we see panels of at first the shadow of someone approaching the danger room's door and then we move inside and see the bottom of the danger room door open and we see a woman's feet and then we move up as the doors open and we see Betsy come walking into the room wearing her hair in a ponytail, a black sports bra, black bicycle shorts and socks and shoes and she's holding two long Japanese swords as the blades are pointed up and crosses in an -x- behind her back and her hands are still positioned normally with her thumbs pointed down and she has a very determined look on her face).
(Then we see the danger room morph into an area that looks kind of like the courtyard of an old Mayan temple as it has a stone walkway and a row of square columns on each side of the walkway and it's night and there's a full moon out). (Then we see Betsy walk out into the danger room with her head looking down as her eyes are fixed on the walkway in front of her). (Then we see a wide horizontal group of panels in which we see Betsy walking down the walkway and we see shadows flittering about between the columns but she doesn't move her head).
(Then we see Betsy stop and slightly turn her head and eyes as she keys in on a bright flash from somewhere behind one of the columns). (Then we see a small panel of Betsy's mouth as we see a smile curl up her lips before in the next few panels we do a 360 degree pan around her looking down at a 45 degree angle as she kneels down and then she leans forward slightly). (Then we see panels of things moving in the shadows and climbing up and around the columns before we see a flash of metal and a number of shadows jump at her). (Then we see Betsy roll forward just as the shadows land and then we see what the shadows are).
(We see that the shadows are actually being that resemble Fulgore from Killer Instinct the video game as they have short claws attached to their wrists and some even have swords and spears). (Then we see one of the creatures leap at Betsy, intending to slash her with its sword but Betsy spins around and blocks it before she then stands up and stabs the creature before we see her pull her blade out as the creature drops to its knees and then fall forward as Betsy then does a front flip and then the big fight panels come). [She vaults into action, one move flawlessly flowing into the next, a perfect combination of style and grace mixed with cold hard steel]. (We see Betsy kick and slash the creatures as she goes through them like a force of nature).
(Then in the next panel we see Betsy, facing us, as she lands after jumping and she crouches down with her feet together under her and her knees are apart and her hands are out to the side as she's still holding her swords with the sweat pouring off of her and she's smirking). (Then we see a panel of Betsy crouching down inn the bottom of the panel and in the background we see one of the creatures come leaping out of the darkness ready to kill her). (Then we see Betsy turn her head slightly and her eyes grow wide as we see her start to leap out of the way as the creature's sword drives closer to her).
(Then we se a panel of the creature being jerked back as we see a hand grab the creature near its neck as we see come in from off panel), "Hey buddy paws off.she's with me." (Then we see a panel of Warren in the air and lifting the creature up with him as it's flailing its arms and legs all around). (Then we see Betsy look up and say with a look of some chagrin), "I would have gotten him." (Then we see a creature jump Betsy from behind but she ducks under its attack and then turns and slices its head off with a slight smirk on her face).
"Whatever you say honey," (Warren says with a smile as he shakes his head with the creatures angrily looking up at him and growling angrily). (Then in the next panel we see Warren fly towards the wall and then he lets go of the creature as it goes crashing into the wall as he veers off). (Then we go back to Betsy as a creature charges towards her and it lifts its weapon over its head and growls angrily but Betsy just stands there like a statue as it gets closer and then she raises her sword and points it straight at the creatures head). (Then we see the creature impale itself through its throat on Betsy's sword as it then drops its weapon and falls to its knees before it slides off of the blade and then we see Betsy smirk and raise an eyebrow).
(Then we see Betsy turn her head and see one of the creatures stagger back to its feet near one of the walls). (Then we see Betsy grin and in one fluid motion she turns her body and throws her other sword at the creature and we see the sword spearing the creature through its chest and stick in the wall). (Then in the next panel we see Warren land next to Betsy as he says), "Ouch." "Computer end program," (Betsy says glaring at Warren as she then walks over and pulls the sword from the wall and then says), "What do you want Warren?" (Then we see Warren smile and stare at the floor before he walks over to Betsy and says), "Just came to see how you were doing."
"You could have just waited until I was done," (Betsy says as she turns and walks towards the door and it then opens and then we see a couple of food carts sitting just outside the door). (One of the carts has two serving platters, with lids on them, on it with two glasses, some candles, and a bottle of wine in ice and on the other cart is a large tray on it with an array of fresh fruit). (Then we see Betsy sigh and shake her head). "So.," (Warren says with a shrug and a smile as he walks up next to Betsy). (Then we see Betsy look up with a happy smile as she then closes her eyes and laughs as she then says), "Let me guess.you had an idea to surprise me."
"Something like that.now I know we weren't supposed to eat until later but then I thought what was wrong with me having dinner with the woman that I love more than anything in this world a little early," (Warren says as he puts an arm around Betsy). "Anyone ever tell you that you can be bloody annoying at times," (Betsy says as she arches an eyebrow and looks over at Warren with a smile curling her lip up a bit before she then continues), "and yet inexplicably charming at the same time," (she finishes and then we see her pull Warren close and then kiss him). (Then we see the kiss end and then Warren says with a big smile and a slight smile), "Oh yes.it's a gift."
[Meanwhile]
(We see that it's night out and the rays of the moon filter into the room as we see Forge sitting in his wheelchair as if he hadn't moved all day). (Then we see from out of the shadows), "Tis a nice night indeed." (Then we see Forge look out of the window and frown as he says), "Yes, yes it is Sean." (Then we see a panel of Banshee standing next to Forge as they're both looking out of the window and they're both bathed in odd combinations of shadow and light). -END