My Uncanny XMen Mini's

by LoganAlpha30

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

18. My 18th Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI-SURPRISES AND HOPE

BY: LoganAlpha30 ( )-Art Instructions [ ]-Caption Boxes -Thoughts ""-Words + +-Time, Place Boxes

(We open with a panel of Sam, wearing shorts and a tank top, walking down a darkened hall in the mansion). (Then we see Sam walk by a window and the moonlight shines in on him as he groggily looks out of the window and thinks as he burps), Oh man, ah gotta stop eating chili right before bedtime. (Then we see Sam shake his head and then start to walk away from the window but then we see soft crying sounds coming from the bottom of the panel). (Then we see Sam look around with a confused look on his face). (Then we see Sam look down and we see Tabitha sitting up against the wall with her knees pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs and her head is down and she's crying).



"Tab," (Sam says with a sad look on his face as he squats down and lays a hand gently on her shoulder). (Then we see Tabitha pick her head up and we see tears streaming down her cheeks and it's obvious that she's been crying for some time as she sniffles and then says), "S-Sam." "What's wrong.," (Sam says with a concerned look on his face). "I-I had a.nightmare.he was here.he.he attacked me.just like my.," (Tabitha says between sniffles before she starts sobbing again as Sam then sits down next to her and takes her into his arms and tries to reassure her and calm her down). (Then we see Sam put his hand under Tabitha's chin and pick her head up and then stare into her eyes as he says), "It's okay.it was only a dream.he's not here.you're safe.ah won't let him touch you ever again." "B-But he.he," (Tabitha says as she sniffles).



(Then we see Sam wipe away one of Tabitha's tears before he says), "Ah know he ported in here, but Warren's tech guys are on it.when they get done there won't be anybody teleporting in here." "Really," (Tabitha says as he tears begin to slow). "Yah.really," (Sam says with a smile as then Tabitha smiles while sniffling before she rests her head on Sam's chest). [And for the first time in weeks her slumber is peaceful]. [Hours pass and the first few rays of morning light creep over the horizon]. (Then we see panels of Tabitha asleep in Sam's arms on the floor as we see the shadows pass over them and then sunlight hit them as then Tabitha starts to wake up, and we see all this in a long series of panels). "Nnh.morning already.ah man," (Tabitha says frowning as she brings a hand up and rubs her right eye as she then yawns). "Would you mind telling me what you two are doing out here," (We see come from off panel). "Huh," (Tabitha says as she looks up and has to shield her eyes from the light). (Then in the next panel we're looking up and we see a bright light shining down from the window, and Warren standing in the light with his arms crossed and the light streaming in around him and a frown on his face as he's wearing a suit without the coat, as he says), "As I highly doubt that the floor could possibly be comfortable how about you and Sam stand up."



(Then we see Tabitha smile and then she sits up and says), "Hey Sam.rise and shine handsome," (as she then kisses Sam's cheek and tickles him in the ribs). (Then we see Sam groggily wake up with a big smile on his face before he says with a laugh), "Okay ah'm up." (Then we see Sam help Tabitha to her feet as he stands up as well). "Now then.why were you two.," (Warren says with a smile as he puts his hands in his pockets). "Ah came out her.and I found her.," (Sam says shrugging his shoulders and then he looks over at Tabitha, who smiles and blushes before she says), "Just had a bad dream.and Sam helped me to get through it." "Is that right.," (Warren says with a cheery smile as he looks back and forth between Sam and Tabitha, as Tabitha now has her back up against Sam as his arms are around her and his chin is on her shoulder, before Warren then says), "Just don't make a habit of it alright." "Right, come on Tab let's go and see if Jimmy and Terry went shopping yesterday," (Sam says with a smile as he and Tabitha walk off as we see Warren just laugh and shake his head).



[Meanwhile]

(We see Forge asleep in his wheelchair as he fell asleep in his chair and we see Banshee asleep in a normal chair beside him). (Then we see the door open behind him and we see Warpath and Siryn walk in as Siryn is holding a tray with food on it and Warpath is holding a newspaper). (Then we see Siryn say with a smile), "Hey Forge, ye awake yet.dad!" (Then we see Siryn almost drop the tray in astonishment). (Then we see Banshee jerk awake and look around as if he doesn't know where he is as he says), "Huh.wha.Theresa?" "What are ye doing here, aye didn' know ye were coming," (Siryn says as she sets the tray of food down and then turns to Sean as he stands up and they appear as if they're about ready to hug but then they stop and then stare sheepishly at the floor and each other as Warpath says), "Hey Forge breakfast is served," (as he picks up the tray and then sets it down on the now awake Forge's lap).



(Then we see Forge first look up at Warpath with a less than enthusiastic look on his face and then he looks at the food with a slightly sick look on his face). (Then we see Warpath smile sheepishly and say), "Something wrong?" "Something wrong.whatever would be wrong," (Forge says angrily as he glares at Warpath as we then see Warpath look over at Siryn with a worried look on his face as we see her shrug her shoulders and return the look with a smile). (Then we see Warpath say), "Okay then just tell me if you need anything." (Then we see Siryn turn to Banshee and say), "So are ye going to tell me why you're here or do I have to have Jimmy here beat it out of ye," (as she says it she's visibly upset and Warpath looks surprised that she said it as he comes up next to her). "Theresa, I know ye didn't mean that so I," (Banshee says with one hand on his waist and the other is on his chin). "Oh no I meant every word, after what ye did in Paris you're the one that doesn' have any room to talk," (Siryn says with her arms crossed and a very angry scowl on her face).



"How many times can I say I'm sorry for what happened in Paris, but that was just one small mistake that snowballed into so many more that I had no control over," (Banshee says with his hands outstretched towards Siryn but she back away with an angry look on her face). "Using the wrong oil in ye're car is a mistake, but was ye did was...was.stay away from me," (Siryn says as she steps back up against Warpath and with her free hand she pulls his right arm protectively around her). "Theresa.what's wrong.why are ye.," (Banshee says with a somewhat hurt look on his face as he slightly pulls his arms back). "Looks like she doesn't want to talk to you Sean, maybe you should listen," (Warpath says as he brings his other arm around Siryn and looks sternly down at Banshee). "Stay out of this boyo.this doesn' concern you," (Banshee says with an angry look on his face as he crosses his arms and glares up at Warpath).



"Stop it.both of you.ye're wrong father.as me boyfriend this does concern him," (Siryn says glaring at Banshee, who has a slightly shocked look on his face, almost as if the revelation doesn't completely surprise him). (Then we see a panel of Warpath and Siryn glaring at Banshee, and he's glaring back at them, all in silence). (Then we see a panel of Forge in the foreground shaking his head as if he's bored and annoyed beyond belief as we see Warpath, Siryn, and Banshee in the background, still glaring at each other).



[Elsewhere]

(We see a panel of Betsy standing by the sink with a coffee cup in one hand and a paper in the other). (Tabitha and Erica are sitting at the table reading other parts of the paper and Sam is standing up at the oven making eggs in a skillet). (Then we see Sam get done with the eggs and with a spatula put them on a plate before carrying them to the table and set the plate on the table before he sits down beside Tabitha). (Then we see Erica take a sip of coffee then we see her with an unhappy look on her face before she mutters), "Ugh.I hate cold coffee." "Then heat it up," (Tabitha says with a smile as she crosses her arms and leans back in her chair). "Fine.I will," (Erica says with a frown as she starts to stand up before she's stopped by Betsy who says without even turning around or even really moving), "Wait, sit back down and use your powers to heat the coffee back up". "Huh.but that's.," (Erica says slightly angry as she sits back down and looks over at Betsy). "Inconvenient, taxing, slow.yes I know.but we can't always take the easy way out Erica.sometime you just have to do things the hard way," (Betsy says before taking a sip of coffee).



(Then we see Erica look over at Betsy and say), "Fine." (Then in the next panel we see Erica set the cup down in front of her as she puts both elbows on the table and brings her hands up and places them on her temples). (The next few panels are of Erica sitting at the table and we move around the table, and these panels are intertwined with ever increasing close ups of the coffee that then go into the coffee as we start to see individual molecules and then atoms and things like that). [At first there is no change evident]. [But then, as she has learned through many grueling training sessions, she concentrates and slowly begins to be able to almost feel the molecules and then the individual atoms.]. [.Deepening her level of concentration she slowly harnesses what little heat is left and mentally forces the atoms to start spinning around faster and faster, ever increasing the amount of friction and ultimately heat in the cup].



(We then see panels of Erica deep in thought as the coffee in the cup begins to bubble and then the coffee begins to boil, not much at first, but it then begins to really boil). (Then we see Sam and Tabitha look at Erica and the boiling coffee with some fear as then Sam looks at Betsy and says), "Uh Psylocke.is that supposed to happen?" (Then we see Tabitha start to slowly push away from the table and then she says), "Uh Erica.heh.you can stop now." (Then we see a panel of Erica with her eyes closed and concentrating deeply as the coffee is about to boil over). (But the in the next panel we see a hand come down on Erica's shoulder and someone thinks telepathically), That's enough Erica. (Then we see a panel of Erica as she opens her eyes and looks up to see Betsy standing near her with her hand on Erica's shoulder).



(Then we see Erica smile and say), "I did it." "Yes you did, now just think of what you'll be able to do as you progress in your control over your powers." "Really.and how long will that take.a year," (Erica says angrily as she leans back in her chair and crosses her arms). "With an attitude like that it just might," (We see come in from off panel as everyone turns and we see Warren walk in with a sly smile on his face). "And how would you know.you probably woke up and flew the first day you got those wings of yours," (Erica says with a now unhappy look on her face). "Actually it took me a great deal of time to learn how to use these wings properly, but I can tell you that I scared the hell out of a good number of geese in the process," (Warren says with a smile as he walks up next to Betsy with his hands in his pockets). "Shouldn't you two be at work or something by now," (Erica says before she stands up and walks over and sets her coffee cup in the sink before she walks out of the room as Tabitha waves goodbye as she leaves). (Then we see Betsy look down with a disapproving look on her face as we then see Tabitha and Sam sheepishly look up at Betsy and smile). "Unfortunately Erica is right, we really should be going.that meeting that we have with those government accounts can't be pushed back anymore," (Warren says with a frown on his face as he locks eyes with Betsy).



[Hours Later]

(We see Betsy and Warren riding in the back of a limo that's driving through the city). (We see that Warren and Betsy are both on the phone and both have papers in their hands). "No Henderson.I want those figures on my desk before lunch tomorrow, I don't care if you have to work all night.just get me the bloody numbers," (Betsy says angrily as she hangs up and then and then slams the little flip open part of her cell phone closed and glares around). (We then see Warren, while still on the phone, look warily over at Betsy for a second before he looks back at the papers that are in his hand). "Don't give me that look Warren, he's had all month to get those figures to me," (Betsy says as she crosses her arms before she opens the skylight in the back of the limo and closes her eyes and leans her head back as the wind blows through her hair).



"You got them.great.just bring them by the mansion," (Warren says with a smile before he hangs up his phone and claps his hands). (Then we see Betsy say without opening her eyes or moving her head, and she's smiling), "Good news I take it." "Very, remember when I promised you that I'd take you and some of the others to see Les Miserables.well the tickets just came in," (Warren says with a smile as he merrily rubs his hands together as Betsy just smiles and laughs). "I'm glad.now I just hope that my red dress isn't at the dry cleaners," (Betsy says as she lowers her head with a thoughtful look on her face while she opens her eyes). "You mean the red dress that.," (Warren says with a half smile and an eyebrow slightly cocked).



"Oh.you're bloody incorrigible you know that," (Betsy says with a smile as she shakes her head and gives Warren a dirty look). (Then we see Warren give Betsy a mock bow as best he can while sitting down). "So is it just us and James and Theresa, or are Sam and Tabitha now coming with us as well," (Warren says with a frown on his face as he opens his briefcase and puts his papers in it). "I talked to Sam about it but he said that it depended on that little something that he talked to you about, but he wouldn't tell me what it was," (Betsy says with a frown before she then smiles and gives Warren a wink as she then says), "You wouldn't want to tell me what that little something was.would you honey?" "Sorry dear but he wanted to keep it just between him and I.but believe me when I say that it's nothing you should be worried about.in face it could turn out to be something very wonderful," (Warren says with a smile as he leans over and lightly pats Betsy on the shoulder). "Cute.now you do know that I could just pull the information out of your head with my telepathy if I wanted to," (Betsy says with a smile on her face as she shakes her head slightly).



"But you wouldn't do something like that, entering someone's mind without permission, would you my love," (Warren says with a smirk on his face as he slowly nods his head). "You know me to well," (Betsy says as she lightly glares at Warren). "Likewise," (Warren says as he leans back and lets his head roll back).



[Elsewhere]

(We see Warpath sitting on the end of the dock meditating with Siryn laying on her stomach on a towel, wearing sunglasses and a white bikini with her top undone and she has a glass of lemonade beside her and she's reading a magazine, but she has her forearm supporting herself and covering herself). (We then see Siryn look up and say), "Ye done communin with ye're spirits yet?" (Then we see a close up on Warpath's face from the front as his eyes are closed and his face barely moves as he says), "Not yet Terry." "Well take all the time ye need, I'm in no hurry," (Siryn says with a small wave of her hand). "I've noticed," (Warpath says with a small smile without opening his eyes). "Ye ever been to the theatre Jimmy, my uncle.uh.Tom used to take me.kind of his way of child rearing.then he'd leave and be gone for months.," (Siryn says with a frown on her face as she completely lies down and rests her chin on her crosses arms).



"Sorry.my reservation didn't' have any theatre's.so you'll have to forgive my ignorance," (Warpath says with a serious frown on his face). (Then we see Siryn look up with a repentant and embarrassed frown on her face as she says), "I didn' mean it like that, ye know I didn't." "Just giving you a hard time Terry.don't sweat it," (Warpath says with a slight laugh and a slight turn of his head). "Ye're terrible.ye know that," (Siryn says with a big smile as she pulls one arm out from underneath herself and lightly punches Warpath in the side). "Okay that's it.," (Warpath says with a sly smile as he barely opens his eyes and looks back at Siryn). (Then we see Siryn look up towards Warpath with a confused look on her face and she pushes up her sunglasses slightly as she says), "What.Jimmy what are ye.oh no.Jimmy!"

(We then back away and see Warpath turn suddenly and with a great big smile he picks Siryn up and then takes a few steps and jumps off of the dock and then lands with a big splash in the pond, with Warpath yelling and Siryn screaming). (Then we see a panel of the surface of the pond get calm before Warpath and Siryn come bursting back up but we see Siryn from behind). (Then we see Warpath laugh heartily and then Siryn angrily splashes him as she yells angrily), "Jimmy!" "Hey.come one.tell me you're not having fun," (Warpath says as he slowly backs away and splashes Siryn, who brings her hands up in front of her face). "Hey," (Siryn yells angrily as she starts really splashing Warpath as she swims closer and closer with the splashing water covering her).



(Then we see a panel of Warpath and Siryn laughing and splashing each other before we see Warpath wrap his arms around Siryn and lift her up as they're both smiling before they kiss). (Then we see them kiss a bit more as we draw back away from them as we get back to a set of trees we see a redheaded man leaning up against a tree). (Then in the next few panels we see him walk towards the dock and then get there before he then gets to where Siryn's top is as we then just see his feet and the top with splashing and laughing in the background). (Then we see a hand reach down and pick up the top before we go back to Warpath and Siryn). (We then see them break their kiss and smile at each other and then go to try and kiss each other again but they're interrupted by a voice from off panel that says), "Theresa Rourke Cassidy.what do ye think ye're doing?"



(Then we see Warpath and Siryn stop abruptly and then cringe as Siryn blushes a bright red and hangs her head and rests her forehead on Warpath's chin). (Then we see a panel of Siryn and Warpath at the bottom of it and we see Banshee standing on the dock with his arms crossed and Siryn's top dangling form one of his hands and a grim look on his face). "Uh.hi.Mr. Cassidy," (Warpath says with an embarrassed look on his face as Siryn meekly smiles). "Thank ye James.but I want to talk to me daughter.alone," (Banshee says with an angry scowl on his face as we the see Siryn sink back down so that only her head is above the surface after Warpath lets go of her). "Ye finished yet.I'll see ye inside.preferably fully clothed," (Banshee says with an angry look on his face before he drops her top into the pond and then turns on his heels and storms off towards the mansion).



(Then we see Warpath and Siryn watch Banshee walk away with sad looks on their faces before Warpath turns to Siryn and says), "Maybe you'd better go.." (Then we see Siryn reach up and grab her top before she wades to shore and she puts her top back on as she goes). (Then we see Siryn walk down the dock and pick her stuff up and then start to turn back towards the mansion but she stops and then walks to the end of the dock). (Then we see Siryn motion for Warpath to come closer with her index finger and a smile on her face before we see a panel of Siryn leaning down and Warpath lifting himself out of the water as they share a quick kiss before they break it off and we see Siryn say with a smile), "I'll see you later boyo.but I have no idea when." (Then we see Warpath say), "Take all the time you need Terry.." (Then we see Siryn nod her head and sigh before she turns and walks away with Warpath watching her as she goes).



[Nearby]

(We see a limo pull up to the front of the mansion before we see Warren and Betsy get out and then they go inside as the limo pulls away), (Then we see Warren walk into his office with Sam close behind him with a worried look on his face). "Did ya get it.," (Sam says as he shuts the door behind him). "Yes I did.and it's even better that I thought.I hope she likes it," (Warren says with a happy smile on his face as he sits down in his chair and puts his feet up on the desk). "Ah hope so to.she needs something positive in her life right now," (Sam says with a nervous look on his face). "Well if all goes as planned you won't have to worry about it.so just stay calm and go talk to her," (Warren says with a smile on his face before we see Sam nod his head and then leave the room as Erica walks in with a sword in her hand and she's wearing a workout suit).



"Hey wings.you perform any hostile takeovers today," (Erica says with a big smile on her face as she walks over and sits down in a chair opposite Warren). "I see you haven't lost your unique sense of humor.," (Warren says with a sigh as he shakes his head and puts his feet back on the floor). "And I see you're still acting like a smart aleck.," (Erica says with a slightly smarmy look on her face as she leans the sword up against Warren's desk). "Nice.but is there a reason that you're hurtling bad insults at me or.," (Warren says with an unhappy look on his face as he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms). "Yeah well.I just wondered if you've given any thought to me.to me uh.continuing to go on missions with you guys," (Erica says with a slightly sheepish look on her face before Warren smiles). "Why wouldn't you," (Warren says with a slightly confused look on his face and an eyebrow arched up).



(Then we see Erica shuffle her feet slightly and shrug her shoulders before she says), "Well I know that the only reason you took me with you to Genosha was because Tabitha was all.upset.and all.but now that she's all better I just thought that perhaps.." "That you'd get demoted back to the second team.," (Warren says with a slight sigh as he sits up and leans forward on his desk and rest on his forearms). "Yeah, something like that," (Erica says with a frown on her face as she reaches out and grabs the sword before she flips it around so that the point of the sword is pointed up). "Don't worry about it Erica.you're not going to get demoted," (Warren says with a smile on his face as he shakes his head and then clasps his hands in front of him). "Okay.good.then I should get going," (Erica says with a slight nod of her head before she stands up and turns to head out the door but Warren stops her). "May I ask what you're doing, walking around here with that sword," (Warren says with his eyebrows raised and an expectant look on his face). "Oh this.just on my way to one of those mandatory training sessions that Psylocke has put me on," (Erica says with a quick smile before she turns back to Warren as she finishes). "Then you'd better hurry and get going.I know how cranky she can get when you show up late," (Warren says with a smile as Erica then leaves the room).



[Nearby]

(We see Banshee standing in the library with a cup of hot coffee in his hands). (Then in a close up on his upper body and head we see him think with a frown on his face), What am I going to do with her.. "You could start by telling Theresa that you love her and that you're glad that she's found someone to love," (We see a figure standing back in the doorway say). "Eh," (Banshee says with a slightly confused look on his face as he turns around in one panel and then in the next panel we see Betsy, with a slightly amused look on her face with a smile and her arms crossed, ass he's leaning up against the side of the door). "Ye a family therapist now Elisabeth," (Banshee says with a slight smile on his face before he takes a sip of coffee).



"Sorry.I'm afraid that I don't have the time or the patience that is required for that line of work.but if you're looking for a deadly telepathic slash telekinetic purple haired ninja that used to be a blonde British woman then well.I'm your girl," (Betsy says with a smile and a small laugh as she takes a few steps into the library). "To bad.I think that ye would've had yer first two clients in Theresa and me," (Banshee says with a tired smile on his face). "Don't be to hard on her Sean.she's been through quite a lot these last few months.we all have," (Betsy says as she gets to Banshee and lays a hand on his shoulder with a slightly sad look on her face before her face shifts to a smile as she then says), "but as I said before she's lucky.she has James to help her through it." "Aye.but I don't know if I'm ready for all that yet, I don't know if she'll ever forgive me for what happened in Paris," (Banshee says with a slight shrug of his shoulders and a somber look on his face).



"Give her time Sean.you're not going to get a quick absolution over this.," (Betsy says with one hand in her pocket and the other is still on Banshee's shoulder). "I don't expect to.but if I ever hope to get any then don't you think that Theresa should be my first step," (Banshee says with a sigh as he pulls out a chair and sits down). "Of course, your daughter bloody well should be your first stop on the road to redemption.but don't concentrate to much on her forgiving you that you lose sight of your goal," (Betsy says as she shakes her head in one panel before we then see Siryn walk into the library in the background in the next panel). (Then we see Siryn say as she walks up to Betsy and Banshee), "I thought ye wanted to talk to me.but if ye want to talk to Betsy then.." "No Theresa.I was just looking for Warren and ran into your father," (Betsy says with a slight smile before she quickly nods to Banshee before she says over her shoulder as she begins to leave the room), "You and James still planning on accompanying Warren and I to the play tonight?"



"Warren got the tickets then," (Siryn says with a thoughtful look on her face). "That he did.so can I take that as a yes," (Betsy says as she's now standing in the doorway with a hand up on the doorframe). "Aye.although I may need some help later corralling James.he doesn' like getting all gussied up.even though he does clean up rather well," (Siryn says with a happy smile before we then see Betsy say with a smile and a nod of her head), "Well then I look forward to tonight," (before she then leaves the room). "So da.ye wanted tah see me," (Siryn says with a frown on her face as she turns back to Banshee). "Aye.I did.please sit.this could take awhile," (Banshee says with a frown on his face as he motions for Siryn to sit across the table from him).



"Aye it could.unless ye expect to regale me with how sorry ye are.because if that's ye're plan then ye can save yer breath.I don' want to hear it," (Siryn says with an angry look on her face as she starts to sit down but then stop and is about to way away when Banshee speaks up). "Theresa Rourke Cassidy sit down," (Banshee says angrily as he pounds his fist on the table as we then see Siryn sit down with an angry look on her face). "Fine but be quick about it.Jimmy n' I have plans for tonight.," (Siryn says with a frown on her face as she crosses her arms). "Okay.I think that I should explain to you my reasoning's behind me forming X-Corps," (Banshee says with a frown before he takes a sip of coffee and then continues), "I formed it out of a necessity," (as Siryn has a confused frown on her face), "A necessity born from all of the meaningless suffering, death, and destruction that I was witnessing all around me."



(Then we see images of mutants fighting mutants and humans and people dying and buildings being destroyed). (Then in a series of panel we see images of Banshee first helping at a hospital, then we see him working with a large construction crew as they're building the X-Corps headquarters, then as he's welcoming new mutants and the techies running tests on said mutants, then of Banshee talking at the podium to a large assembly of X- Corps workers, then we see a couple of panels of Banshee in the hospital and then in rehab). (All of those panels are show as memories and as he talks over them in boxes of one color with Siryn's words in a different color). "After I quit drinking I spent some time in a hospital for orphans where the idea for X-Corps started," (Banshee says). "So then how'd it go from a great idea to help people to.Paris," (Siryn says). "I'm getting to that.anyway it took weeks to get the headquarters ready.then it took a few weeks before our first few recruits came on board, and at first we began to fulfill my dream.we were helping people.mutant and human alike," (Banshee says). "Sounds all nice and dandy.but.," (Siryn says). "Well it all started to go wrong then.things just kept getting worse.and I guess you could say that was when I made one of the worst decisions that I've ever made.," (Banshee says). "Ye could say that's a major understatement," (Siryn says). "Aye.after that things improved, and I was able to bring in more.experienced help.," (Banshee says). "Experienced.is that what they're callin those thieves and vagabonds that ye had workin for ye," (Siryn says). "Continuing on.our numbers then continued to swell.but then Kurt and the others visited and then Raven.after that me time spent in the hospital gave me time to think.about everything.," (Banshee says).



"And what'd ye come up with in all that time," (Siryn says). "That I needed to reconnect with my friends.and my family," (Banshee says). "I've heard that before," (Siryn says). "I mean it this time Theresa.I truly do," (Banshee says). (Then we go to a few panels of Siryn and Banshee just sitting at the table uncomfortably). [They sit.neither one wanting to make eye contact.both unsure of what to say.how to react]. "Aren't ye gonna say something.anything.," (Banshee says pleadingly with a worried and concerned look on his face before he puts his hands on top of Siryn's, which are clasped together in front of her on the table). (Then we see Siryn frown and hang her head and a tear slides down her cheek as she then sniffles and says), "Snnf.I want to believe ye dad.I do.but it's like Tabitha says.in her own special way.talk is cheap.show me somethin.give me something to believe in again."



"I understand, I do.and I'm going to try and become again a man that.you'll be proud to call ye're father," (Banshee says with a sad frown on his face as he now is holding hands across the table with Siryn). (Then we pull away in a series of panels as we go away from Siryn and Banshee and then go out of the door and into the hall and see that Warpath is hiding behind the door with a smile on his face as he thinks), Every journey begins with a single step..



[Elsewhere]

(We see Warren standing by the window in the living room). (Then we see Sam walk up with a frown on his face). "Problem Sam," (Warren says with a slight sigh and without turning around but putting his hands behind his back and clasping them). "That obvious huh," (Sam says as he comes to stand beside Warren and then crosses his arms). "Well I could hear you mulling over ideas all the way upstairs.," (Warren says with a small smirk on his face as he slightly turns his head to look at Sam). "What.how," (Sam says with a confused look on his face as he turns his head to look over at Warren). (Then we see Warren bring his right hand up and then tap his right ear with his right index finger before he says with a sort of sheepish smile on his face), "Super sensitive hearing.one of my lesser used but ever so important aspects of my mutation." "Any of those ideas you heard sound good," (Sam says with a shrug of his shoulders as he turns his head back to stare out the window). "A few.but the choice is ultimately yours.all I can say is choose well.because you'll have to live with it for the rest of your life, she'll never let you forget it," (Warren says with a smile as he turns his head back to Sam).



"Ah've got a good one in mind.but with Tabitha it often comes down to how well I can improvise in the moment," (Sam says with a smile on his face as he shakes his head). "I know what you mean.I'm constantly having to come up with new ways of showing Elizabeth just how much she means to me," (Warren says with a smile as he turns slightly and puts his hand on Sam's shoulder). "Yeah.I think I'm going to do it tonight.so ah'll be needing it now.," (Sam says with a quick look around and a slight nod of his head). "Of course.," (Warren says with a nod of his head as he brings the hand that was on Sam's shoulder down and then puts it in his pocket and pulls something out but he has his hand wrapped around it as we then see Warren hand it to Sam, who quickly shoves it into his own pocket, all this and we never see what Warren gave Sam).



"Thanks.," (Sam says with a smile before he turns and walks away). (Then we see Warren turn back to the window and stand there for a second or two as we see the sun shining in on him before he says with a smile), "Anytime." (Then we see Betsy walk up behind Warren and wrap her arms around his waist and she lays her head on his back and she's smiling before she says), "So what's Sam so happy about?" (Then we see Warren smile and put his hands over hers as he says), "He's young and in love.much like someone else I know." (Then we see a side panel of Betsy and Warren as they're both smiling and Warren is looking back over his shoulder). "Okay.what is it," (Warren says with a feigned frown on his face as he slowly turns around and put one hand on her hip and the other he brings up to her neck).



"We're all healthy now so.maybe we should," (Betsy says with a smile before we see Warren sigh before he says), "Go back to Genosha and take it to Apocalypse.yeah I've thought about that to.but we can't, it's exactly what he expects us to do." "We can't just keep letting that bloody bastard do as he pleases.he's just going to keep sending one goon after another to wreak havoc and God know what else," (Betsy says with an angry look on her face before she shakes her head as Warren sighs). "I know.we'll think of something, after all we're supposed to be the leaders here right," (Warren says with a jocular look on his face before he smiles). "Right," (Betsy says with a smile before she grabs Warren's tie and pulls him closer until we see a panel of them in a kiss).

[Meanwhile]

(We see Erica in the danger room and sweating heavily). (We see her slowly circling around opposite a ninja-like warrior who also has a sword and has the sword out and pointed towards Erica as she has her sword pointed towards him). "Hey there little man, you scared," (Erica says with a cocky smile on her face as we see many thin horizontal panels that at first show each combatants eyes then nose and smile as we travel down their bodies and behind these panels we see a full page panel of Erica and the ninja warrior). (Then we see the ninja warrior slash at Erica and knick her arm that draws blood as she grits her teeth and winces in pain as she takes a step back and says), "Hey.you're not supposed to be able to." (Then we see the ninja warrior smile before suddenly the warrior morphs into two.and then three, then four).



"Whoa.wait a minute.what the hell," (Erica says with a completely shocked and slightly horrified look on her face as she takes a few steps backwards). (Then we see a panel of a darkened control room for the danger room before we see the doors open and a figure walk in and then up to the control panel). (Then we do a close up on the figure's mouth as the figure smiles and says), "Good.now we'll see how you handle this.filth." (Then we see a panel of the darkened control room as we see the figure from behind as the control panel is all lit up and it's all the light in the room). (Then we see the figure punch in a few buttons before laughing as it teleports away). (Then we see Erica again as now she's defending herself against now an almost army of ninja warriors). (We see her block a sword strike as she says with a look of desperation and fear on her face), "Heh.okay uh guys.uh guys.this isn't funny anymore.guys?"



(Then we see a couple of figures materialize beside the ninja-like warriors and we see that one of them is of War and then the other is one of the golems). "Whoa there.where'd you two come from.you're not part of this simulation," (Erica says with a scared look on her face as she deflects blows and backs away towards the danger rooms door). (Then we see her turn to look at the control panel of the danger room as we then see a panel of the control panel in which we see that it says that the safety protocols have been turned off). "What the hell.," (Erica says with a confused look on her face before we see a panel of Erica from behind as a large shadow that falls over her before in the next panel we see Erica cringe slightly and say with a scared and worried look on her face), "Oh @#$%!"



(Then we cut to a panel of Warren and Betsy kissing as we see Betsy's psychic butterfly activate and she breaks the kiss with a shocked look on her face as she then winces in pain and brings a hand up to her temple as she rests her head on Warren's chest, who has a very concerned look on his face as he says), "Betts.what is it.what's wrong?" "Nnh.it's cloudy.no wait.it's clearing, Erica.the danger room.she's in trouble," (Betsy says through gritted teeth and a pained look on her face). (Then we see Warren, with a worried look on his face and an arm around Betsy, reach over with the other hand and press the intercom button before he clears his throat and says), "X-men, emergency in the danger room.scramble!" [His words instantly ring out through the mansion, spreading the cry of alarm].



(Then we see Banshee in the library and he's still drinking his cup of coffee and now staring out of one of the windows with a scowl on his face, and Warpath is holding Siryn on the opposite side of the room as Warren's words suddenly fill the air as they react with shock before all three run out of the room). (Then we see Sam and Tabitha standing in the doorway of Tabitha's room as she's leaning up against her doorframe and she's holding hands with Sam with her left hand as Sam is leaning up against the wall with his left arm on the wall). (Then we see Sam smile and say), "Y'know there's been somethin that ah've been meaning to talk to you about." (Then we see Tabitha say with a shy smile as she blushes), "Oh yeah.what's that?"



(Then we see them both smile sheepishly and then they lock eyes and start to lean in closer and closer to each other and they're about to kiss when the message from Warren comes over the intercom and they stop abruptly and Sam looks up as Tabitha just stares at the floor). (Then we see Sam smirk before he says), "C'mon.," (before he grabs Tabitha by the hand and they run off through the halls). (Then we cut back to just outside the danger room as Betsy is leaning up against the wall with her shoulder and she looks tired as Warren is at her side with a worried look on his face as he's torn between looking after Betsy and getting into the danger room to help Erica). (Then we see Erica in the danger room as she's using every trick in her book to stay alive as she's parrying sword blows and dodging out of the way of the golem's punches and away from War's blasts).



"Hey.ow.that was close.to close," (Erica says with a scared and breathless look on her face as we see her hiding behind a large slab of stone as the ninja-like warriors, the War figure, and the one that looks like the golem are milling about, and they're all looking for her). (Then we see Warpath, Siryn, and Banshee show up just outside the danger room with then Sam and Tabitha close behind with confused looks on their faces). "What's going on.Warren," (Warpath says with a frown on his face as he puts a hand on Siryn's shoulder in a protective manner as Banshee glares at him). "Betsy had a premonition.Erica's in trouble and I can't get the doors to open, none of my codes are working.no," (Warren growls angrily as he tries entering a code but it doesn't work and he then pounds his fist on the wall). "Ye sure ye tried them all.didn' forget one," (Siryn says with a worried look on her face as she looks first at Warren and then back to Warpath, who returns the look). "He didn't.James, Sean, Theresa.get into the control room and shut the bloody system down," (Betsy says with a tired wince on her face before Warpath, Banshee, Siryn, Sam, and Tabitha all look first at her and then to Warren, as if they're unsure of what to do). "What are you looking at me for, do it," (Warren says with an angry look on his face as he glares at the others before he turns back to Betsy, who tries to stand by herself, but her knees begin to buckle and Warren catches her and keeps her standing up). (Then we see Banshee and Siryn take a cautious step towards Betsy, but Warren turns towards them and glares at them before he yells and points down the hall), "Go!"



(Then we see Warpath, Siryn, and Banshee run down the hall as fast as they can). (Then we see Sam turn to Warren and say), "What do we do?" (Then we see Warren turn to Sam and say), "If they can't get into the control room then we're going to have to break these doors down ourselves.and then face whatever it is that's attacking Erica.." "But those are blast doors.it'd take.take.to get through them," (Sam says with a confused look on his face as Tabitha steps up and grabs Sam by the arm and then says with a shocked and worried look on her face), "It'd take a nuke.a nuke or.oh no, don't even think about it." "Think of what Tab.," (Sam says looking over at Tabitha with a confused look on his face). "Think about it Sam, you're not called Cannonball because of your sparkling personality," (Betsy says with a tired look on her face as Warren sits her down near the doors, but far enough away).



"Let me get this straight, you want me to.," (Sam says with a confused look on his face as he points at the doors with his thumb). "But only if they can't get the doors open the normal way," (Warren says with a frown as he walks back towards Sam). (Then we cut to Warpath, Siryn, and Banshee as they get to the doors of the control room as Warpath then quickly tries to type in the code, but it doesn't work). "No good," (Warpath says frowning at Siryn as Banshee scowls). (Then we see Banshee step up to the doors and try to push them open as he says), "Guess we'll just have to do it the hard way." (Then we cut back to inside the danger room as Erica dodges and weaves her way through her enemies in a semi-large panel that we see many images of her in different stages of her weaving through the enemies before she gets to the doors).



(Then we see her get to the doors and start to pound on them with her fists as she yells), "Hey.anybody, get me out of here.open the door." (With a frightened and desperate look on her face). (Then we see a blast from War get fired at the door but Erica barely jumps out of its way as the blast strikes the door as we see Warren, Betsy, Sam, and Tabitha react in shock to the noise). (Then we see Tabitha crouch down beside Betsy with a worried look on her face as she says), "C'mon we gotta get in there!" "We're trying Tabitha.Betts, how are the others doing," (Warren says with a hand on Tabitha's shoulder with a stern but calm look on his face). (Then we see Betsy put a hand up to her temps as she's about to activate her telepathy). [At her lovers request Elizabeth Braddock begins to reach out with her mind.]. (We see a flash of Betsy's psychic powers before she's interrupted by the intercom as we see it say), "Uh Warren.sorry man but it's a no go up here, the doors are sealed shut somehow."



(Then we see Warren push the intercom button and say), "Okay.just get in there any way you can.we'll do the same down here." (Then we see a panel of Warpath standing near the intercom and looking at Siryn with an unhappy look on his face as behind him Banshee scowls and then says), "Right then.this calls for." (Then we see Siryn put her hand on Banshee's arm if effect stopping him in his tracks as she then says), "Hold it.I think we should let Jimmy try it first." "Theresa this isn't the time to be governed by ye're feelings," (Banshee says with a sympathetic scowl on his face as he looks at Siryn while Warpath takes a step so that he's in front of the doors). "I'm not being governed by me feelings.I just thought," (Siryn says with an angry and hurt look on her face as she glares back at Banshee). (Then we see Warpath turn back and say angrily, just as Banshee is about to say something), "Enough talk, now stand back."



(Then we see Banshee and Siryn stop talking and back away before Warpath shrugs his shoulders and then pulls his arm back as he prepares to punch the doors). [He plants his feet and squares his shoulders before the windup.and the delivery.]. (We then see Warpath punch the doors with an angry look on his face as Siryn and Banshee cringe slightly). [He put all of his weight into the punch.but the doors stand firm]. (Then we see the trio look at the doors with puzzled and slightly sad looks on their faces as Banshee then says as he stops Warpath from giving the doors another punch), "Whoa there boyo.although ye're strong we've got to find another way into the control room.wish Kurt or Shadowcat were here, then getting in there and shutting that bloody thing down would be so simple."



"But unfortunately neither one of them is here, so in the end we're all still stuck back at square one.still needing to get in there and shut the program down before it kills Erica," (Warpath says with a frustrated look on his face as he rubs the hand that he punched the doors with). (Then we go back to Warren, Betsy, Sam, and Tabitha as everyone but Sam is now a short distance away from the doors). (Then we see Warren say to Sam), "Okay Sam, now just make sure that you build up enough speed and force before you hit the doors so that you can drive right through them so that Tabitha and I can then rescue Erica." "Fine by me," (Sam says with an uncomfortable frown on his face as he starts to walk down the hall). "We're far enough away.right," (Tabitha says with a meek smile as she looks at Warren with a worried look on her face). "We should be Tabitha," (Warren says as he puts himself in between Betsy and the doors). (Then we see Sam come to a stop a ways down the hall and then turn around as he then says), "Okay.here ah come." [He launches himself into the air, careful to contain the explosive force that propels him completely behind him so as to only guide him through the air, driving him towards his goal]. (We see Sam launch himself towards the doors and he continues to pick up speed as he goes). (Then we see Sam fly directly into the doors and there's a small explosion and smoke and pieces of the surrounding walls go flying as we then see all that strike Warren, Betsy, and Tabitha as they all cringe and cover up and Warren covers them with one of his wings). (Then we see Tabitha push Warren's wing away with one hand as she's coughing before she then yells), "Sam!"



(Then we see Warren turn to Betsy and say, as both he and Betsy are covered in dust and she's wiping the dust out of her eyes), "You okay?" (Then we see Betsy say), "Yeah," (before she pulls herself up to her feet as we see coughing coming that's coming from off panel). (Then we see Tabitha take a few steps towards the doors). (Then we see Sam on his knees in a cloud of debris and smoke and he's coughing). (Then we see Tabitha get to Sam's side and help him stagger to his feet). "Are you okay," (Tabitha says with a worried look on her face before we see them turn and see that there's a big dent in the doors). "Did it work," (Sam says as he has to squint slightly as he's also brushing some of the dust off of his shoulder). (Then we see Betsy about to say something but the intercom breaks in first with), "You guys okay down there?"



(Then we see a panel of the scene at the doors of the control room as Warpath and Siryn are trying to pull the doors open as Banshee is by the intercom). (Then we see a panel of Warpath and Siryn looking back at the intercom as well as Banshee has his hand on the wall near the intercom as we then see a split panel of Betsy, with her pressing the intercom button as she says), "Don't worry about us.just get into the bloody control room." "Aye," (Banshee says with a grimace on his face before he walks over to Warpath and Siryn and then says), "Don' know exactly what they're doing down there but we'd better hurry." "Fine with me," (Warpath says with gritted teeth as he strains to try and force the doors open). "Jimmy.boyo.this is getting us nowhere fast," (Siryn says with a frustrated frown on her face as she looks tiredly up at Warpath).



(Then we see Banshee assume the classic thinking man pose as he stands by the intercom again with his arms crossed and his hand on his chin as he then says), "Ye know, I think we're going about this all wrong." "Whatever gave you that idea, jeez Terry yer dad's a regular Obi Wan Kenobi," (Warpath says with a joking smile on his face as he leans up against the doors). "Very funny.but he's right ye know," (Siryn says with a forced serious look on her face after a panel in which we see her give Warpath a big and happy smile). "Maybe if we hit the buffers with the correct resonance wave the parameters will be reset back to their original settings.and the doors with open," (Banshee says with a scowl on his face and his hands on his hips). "Sounds good, but can we do it," (Warpath says with a frown on his face before Siryn turns back to Banshee and says), "You can't but we might be able to."



(Then we cut back down to Warren and the others as Sam is walking back down the hall to start again with a hand on his head as if he's trying to shake the cobwebs out as Tabitha says, as she looks back and forth between Sam and Warren with a worried look on her face), "Sam.uh hey, you sure you should be doing this again.Warren." "Ah gotta try.she's in trouble," (Sam says as he goes farther away this time). (Then we see Warren say with a supportive look on his face as he pulls Tabitha aside), "He'll be fine Tabitha, he almost did it before." "You sure," (Tabitha says with a very worried look on her face as she gets away from the door before then Betsy says), "Calm down.Erica is in more trouble then Sam." (Then we go back inside the danger room and see Erica running in front of a trail of blasts from War before we do a double panel of Sam starting to launch himself back towards the doors as Erica stops and turns around as we see that she's about ready to drop from exhaustion).



(Then we see Sam really all powered up as he's flying towards the doors). (Then we see War blast at Erica and she tries to jump out of the way but isn't fast enough as she's rocked off of her feet by the blast). [She sees the attack coming, but when she goes to dive out of the way her tired and weary muscles rebel and she is unable to get out of the way in time.]. (Then we see Erica land hard and then drag herself up to her hands and knees as we see that she has a nasty cut on her side that's bleeding as well as other cuts and bruises and some of them are also bleeding). (Then we go back outside the danger room as now Sam is almost to the doors but this time he's not caring about keeping his blast field from hitting the other walls). (Then we do a full page panel of Sam hitting the doors and there's a big explosion). [He strikes the doors full force.]. (Then we see a panel in a close up of Erica looking up of her face with a shocked, scared, and very worried look on her face as we see the golem about ready to pound her into the ground as she says), "Oh sh..!" (Then we see a big panel of Sam blasting through the doors which go flying to the sides, and he yells), "Oh yeah!"



(Then as the golem hesitates and Erica gives a relieved smile before her injuries overtake her and she slumps to the ground and then Sam plows into the golem and drives it backwards). (Then we see a panel of Warpath, Siryn, and Banshee as they react to the floor shaking violently as if it was an earthquake). (Then we see the building stop shaking as Banshee then says), "What the devil." (Then we go back downstairs and see Sam and the golem slam into a large pile of debris as then we see a very jazzed up Sam come out of the pile as the golem gets buried under a large mound of debris). (Then we see Warren come swooping in and he flies directly into a group of ninja-like warriors as he knocks them all down and he yells as he does it). (Then we see Betsy try to walk into the danger room but she slumps to her knees and she's struggling to stand up as the figure of War starts to charge towards her).



(Then we see red hot plasma hit the War figure and explode that makes the War figure howl in pain as it staggers backwards as from off panel we see someone say), "Back off bub!" (Then in the next panel we see Tabitha standing in front of Betsy with her one hand outstretched and the other is balled up in a fist near her waist as red hot plasma is shooting out of the outstretched one and her other one just has a halo of plasma around it and Tabitha has a very angry look on her face). "Mutant whore.," (The War figure growls angrily as it shakes off the affects of Tabitha's attack). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha still in front of Betsy as now she has a pissed off look on her face as she yells), "I am not.," (and as she finishes that she blasts the War figure again, but this time she puts enough power into it that it blasts the War figure off of its feet and sends it flying). (Then we see Tabitha turn back to Betsy and then help her to her feet as she says), "Here.let me help you up.lean on me."



"Thanks," (Betsy says with a relieved smile on her face as she puts her arm over Tabitha's shoulder as Tabitha helps Betsy limp into the danger room). (Then we see Warren fighting in hand to hand combat with the ninja-like warriors as Sam goes flying by in the background as he's blasting through some more ninja-like warriors). (Then we see the pile of debris that the golem was buried under in one panel before in the next panel we see the pile start to move as then Warren stops and starts to turn around). [It explodes out of the debris and lumbers menacingly towards its enemies, its mind bent on death and destruction]. (We then see a big panel of Warren as he's turning around in the foreground and his body language shows that he's shocked as in the background we see the golem erupt out of the debris with a very angry roar as Warren then says), "Oh sh.." (Then we see Warren frantically dive out of the way as debris goes flying everywhere as then we switch to a panel of Betsy, with her hand outstretched and a scared look on her face with her butterfly activated and she's leaning heavily on Tabitha, as she yells), "Warren look out!"



(Then we see the telekinetic halo surround Warren as it keeps the debris from hitting him as he dives out of the way). [Pulling up her strength reserves Elizabeth Braddock reaches out and extends a protective telekinetic cocoon around the man that she loves, guarding him from the exploding debris]. (Then we see Tabitha start to sit Betsy down before Betsy says), "No Tabitha.we have to get Erica out of here first." "But Sam.and Warren.," (Tabitha says with a worried and slightly scared look on her face as she looks back and forth between Betsy and a panel of Sam blasting the ninja-like warriors away from him as they're closing in around him). "Can bloody well take care of themselves.now is the time to get Erica out while they're distracted," (Betsy says with an angry scowl on her face as she now is standing on her own).



(Then we see Betsy and Tabitha get to Erica and start to drag Erica out of the danger room but then they stop as a group of ninja-like warriors cut them off and start to advance on them as Tabitha says), "Uh oh.we're trapped." (Then we see one of the ninja-like warriors jump towards Tabitha and Betsy with its sword drawn as we then see that Tabitha and Betsy won't be able to get out of the way). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha as she dives on top of Erica as the ninja-like warriors lands and reaches its arm up to bring the sword down on Tabitha but then we see a big hand reach out and grab the warriors hands and then lift it up as we see someone say from off panel), "Watch where you point that thing.you could put an eye out."



(Then we see a panel of Warpath standing near Tabitha and Betsy and with one hand he's holding up one of the ninja-like warriors as Tabitha looks up with a confused look on her face that changes to an excited one as she then says), "Jimmy.man am I glad to see you." "Likewise Tabitha," (Warpath says with a smile on his face as the other warriors cringe slightly before Warpath turns in one motion and throws the ninja-like warrior that he was holding into the nearest wall). "What are you.," (Betsy says first to Warpath before she turns and busts a ninja-like warrior's nose with her fist and with an angry look on her face). "Got bored upstairs and just thought I'd see how you guys were doing," (Warpath says before he bull rushes a group of ninja-like warriors as in the background we see the War figure go flying by as if someone had blasted it into the air).



"Who us.we're fine.," (Tabitha says as she blasts a nearby and advancing ninja-like warrior). "Tabitha.quit yer bloody yappin and get over here and help me get her out of here," (Betsy yells angrily as she sends a telepathic shock to Tabitha, who turns around and says with a hurt look on her face as she rubs her head), "Ow..hey that hurt!" (Then we see Tabitha begrudgingly help Betsy get a now groggy Erica out of the danger room). (Then we see several panels of the various fights that are taking place in the danger room as Sam is now grappling with the War figure and Warren is hovering in the air to keep away from the golem figure as it swings its large fists at him). (Then we see a panel of Warpath running, then a panel of him rearing back and then a large panel of Warpath rocking the golem off of its feet with a mighty punch). "Excuse me," (Warpath says with a big smile as he then runs through some ninja-like warriors).



"Quit showing off," (Warren says as he lands before he's silenced by one of the warriors that gets in a lucky kick to first his stomach and then to Warren's jaw). (Then we cut back upstairs to just outside the control room as we see Siryn and Banshee as they're standing against the opposite wall). (Then we see Siryn turn to Banshee and say), "Ye ready for this?" "As ready as I can be under the circumstances," (Banshee says with a frown on his face as he walks over to the panel on the wall that is situated just beside the intercom). (Then we see Siryn stand back and say), "Ready?" (Then we see Banshee nod his head with a grim look on his face before he presses a button and then sets his feet before we then see a panel looking straight at Banshee as he starts to unleash his sonic scream). [He begins the scream at a low level, slowly building until his vocal cords begin to hurt].



(We see a series of panels that show Banshee altering his sonic scream as we then show panels of the buffers that then we can see sparks jump around and then we go back to the control panel and see the program stats come up and we see that the sound levels are exceeding the limits that were set). (Then we see smoke start to come out of the control panel before we see the display reset to the doors default setting and then the doors screech and then open but they don't open very far before they stop and don't move any more). (Then we see Siryn smile with a happy look on her face as she says), "It worked.kinda.," (and she finishes that sentence with a down look on her face). "Bloody hell.now what," (Banshee says with an angry look on his face).



"Well maybe I can squeeze through," (Siryn says with a frown on her face as she looks over at Banshee as she walks up to the doors and looks around). "Ye think ye can, it looks like a might tight fit," (Banshee says with an unbelieving look on his face as he shakes his head). "Oh ye of little faith," (Siryn says with a laugh as she shakes her head before she then says); "Well here I go.wish me luck." (Then we see Siryn start to squeeze in through the doors as Banshee says softly with a worried look on his face), "Good luck." (Then we see a few panels of Siryn squeezing through the doors as she almost gets stuck as we see that it's a very tight squeeze that makes her have to suck her stomach in as she thinks with a frown on her face), Oh man.glad I didn't eat breakfast. (Then with a last big lurch we see Siryn get through as she says with a smile), "I'm through!"



(Then we cut back to inside the danger room as we see Sam dodging an attack from the War figure and Warren and Warpath are fighting the golem as Warren is holding his left arm limply). "Warren watch out," (Warpath yells as the golem takes a swing at Warren, who dodges the attack as he rolls out of the way). (Then we see Warren stumble backwards a little ways as he tries to stand up before he says), "James.can you handle things here?" "Why.you got something more pressing than this to attend to," (Warpath says with a frown as he dodges one of the golem's attacks and then levels a huge punch right into the golem's stomach as it is thrown back up against the wall). "I need to check on Erica," (Warren says as he leans up against the wall amidst a large group of downed ninja-like warriors).



"In that case.go.I can take care of Tweedledee over there," (Warpath says as the golem starts to stand back up). (Then we see Warren think as he gets to the danger room's doorway and then exits as behind him we see Warpath locked in a slight wrestling match with the golem figure and Sam is flying back after getting blasted by the War figure), Why do I even bother? (Then we see panels of Warren stumbling through the halls as he then gets to a special door and has to put his palm on a sensor before it opens and he stumbles through as he first grabs his shoulder and then the doorway as after he goes through we see some blood on the doorway as the door closes). (Then we jump to the infirmary and see Tabitha assisting Betsy, who's sitting in a chair, as she's bandaging up the wound on Erica's side).



(We then see Tabitha, who's holding the light as well, look away at a small noise as the light also goes away from the wound as we see Betsy become angry before she yells), "Tabitha.I need the light." "Oh.sorry," (Tabitha says with a sheepish look on her face as she smiles and puts the light back on Erica's wound). "See that it doesn't happen again," (Betsy mumbles angrily as Tabitha frowns before we see Erica's eyes flutter and open as she then winces in pain and then mumbles), "Uhn.where am I?" "You're in the infirmary.we got you out of the danger room and brought you here," (Betsy says with a frown on her face before she puts a final bandage on Erica's wound and then pulls her gloves off). "We," (Erica says with a confused look on her face as she struggles to lift her head). "Yeah well.glad to see you're okay," (Tabitha says with a sarcastic look on her face as she lightly glares over and down at Erica). "Sorry.didn't mean to," (Erica says with a smile as she turns her head and looks up at Tabitha).



"Forget about it.I'm just glad that you're.Warren," (Tabitha starts to say with a reassuring smile before she turns her head towards the doorway as we see the sound of the door opening in the background before she ends with a panel of her and the astonished and worried look on her face). "Hey guys," (Warren says with a painful but sheepish smile as he's leaning against the doorway and he's holding his left arm). "Warren," (Betsy yells as she gets up quickly out of her chair and helps Warren over to another one of the bio- beds and gets him to sit down as she then says), "Here.sit here." (Then we see Warren wince in pain as Betsy hurries over and gets some more bandages and then rushes back to Warren as she pulls the chair on wheels over to him as she then pulls Warren's hand away from his shoulder as she says), "Hey.let me take a look at that." (Then we see a panel of Warren and Betsy in the background as she's looking at his shoulder as then in the foreground we see Erica look up at Tabitha with a slightly hurt look on her face as she says), "But.she wasn't done with all of my.." (Then we see Tabitha frown and cross her arms as she looks over at Warren and Betsy as she then says), "Sorry babe.but you're all out of luck with him hurt." "Is she always like this.or is this just a special case of lover-boy getting hurt," (Erica says with an unhappy frown on her face as she lying on her back but has pushed herself up onto her elbows and forearms). "Don't know and don't particularly care.Sam's in trouble," (Tabitha says with a frustrated look on her face as she starts to walk out of the room but Erica grabs her arm and says), "Where do you think you're going.I thought you and he were on the outs.something about your.sordid past."



"What.how did you.I don't know what you're talking about.I'm going to help Sam," (Tabitha says with an angry scowl on her face before she pulls her arm out of Erica's grasp and then storms out of the infirmary).



[Meanwhile]

(We see a panel of Siryn standing in the control room with her hands on the control panel and a confused and frustrated look on her face). (And in the background we see Banshee looking through the opening in the doors). "How ye doing," (Banshee says with a slightly worried scowl on his face as we then see Siryn hang her head and say), "It's just like with the doors.none of my codes seem t'be working." "Just smash the bloody thing then Theresa.ye can send Warren the repair bill later," (Banshee says with an angry look on his face). "Good idea," (Siryn says with a sly smile before she shrugs her shoulders and takes a couple of steps back before she picks up the nearest chair and then with a very angry look on her face she swings the chair over her head and then down onto the control panel, smashing it to bits as we see sparks flying).



(Then we go down into the danger room as we see Warpath being overwhelmed by a large group of ninja-like warriors as the War figure is about to punch him as then we see Sam on his knees as he's struggling to stand up as we see the golem figure pick up a large piece of debris and threaten to drop it on Sam). (Then we see Warpath say with a smile after the War figure punches him), "That the best you got.?" "Stupid mutant, I will make you dread your foolish words," (the War figure yells as it starts to build up an energy charge before we cut to Sam as the golem figure throws the big piece of debris at him as Sam looks up with a shocked look on his face). [Seconds tock away as Samuel Guthrie's life begins to flash before his eyes.but before he can get through his childhood.].

(We then see everything in the danger room, except Sam and Warpath, dissipate into nothing as then in the next panel we see a bewildered Sam and Warpath looking around as Warpath scratches his head and looks over at Sam and says with an unhappy look on his face), "Ah man.just when it was getting good." (Then we see Sam frown and then shake his head before he says as he stands up), "Easy for you to say pal.must be nice to be nigh indestructible." "Look who's talking.you're pretty indestructible yourself.or haven't you noticed," (Warpath says with a slightly sheepish smile as he scratches the back of his head and then stands up as we then see come in from off panel), "Jimmy.Sam.ye two okay?" (Then we see Warpath smile, look up, and say with a small wave), "Just peachy Terry." (Then we see a panel of Sam and Warpath in a large panel as they're both standing and looking up as we see come in from off panel), "Hey.Sam."



(Then we see Sam turn around just as Tabitha then comes around the corner with a worried look on her face before she runs into the danger room before she stops just a few steps in). "Tab.what.," (Sam says with a slightly confused look on his face before Tabitha almost knocks him over in a really big hug as Sam has a big smile on his face). "Don't worry Tabitha.ole Mason-Dixon here's fine," (Warpath says with a smile as he crosses his arms). (Then we see Sam and Tabitha's upper bodies in a close up as they start to pull away and then we see them in an awkward situation as they both kind of shyly stare at each other before they come close to kissing but they're interrupted by a voice from off panel). "Hey amigos.what happened here.?"



(Then we see Sam and Tabitha step apart and sheepishly stare at the ground as Warpath just sights and rolls his eyes). (Then we cut over to the danger room's doorway as we see Rictor and Shatterstar standing there with confused looks on their faces, as Rictor is wearing jeans, a dark shirt and a leather jacket as Shatterstar is wearing jeans, boots, a light colored shirt with a similar coat to the one that Rictor is wearing). "It would appear as if some sort of battle was waged here.fekt.I should have been here.in the heat of battle.instead of.of.what were we doing all day in the city again.," (Shatterstar says with a disappointed frown on his face at first before he finishes the speech with a confused look on his face).



(Then we see Rictor sigh and shake his head before he says as he looks over at Shatterstar), "'Star.we were checking out all of the hot spots." "Don't worry guys.we took care of it," (Warpath says with a smile before we see from off panel), "Ye mean I took care of it.after all I did shut the program down." (Then we se everyone turn and see Siryn standing beside Rictor and Shatterstar with Banshee standing behind them). (Then we see a panel of Sam as he says, with Tabitha looking sadly at him), "Ah'm glad of course that we're all okay.but now we have to figure out how this all started in the first place.the safety protocols should have been on." "And then there's the doors, they wouldn't open no matter what we did.even Warren couldn't get them to open," (Tabitha says looking over at Sam at first and then Rictor and Shatterstar with a frown on her face as Sam slowly nods his head beside her).



"Okay children play time's over, Sam you and Tabitha see if ye can find anything in the control room while Jimmy and I look around here," (Banshee says with a commanding frown on his face as he crosses his arms). (Then we see Siryn frown with a confused and somewhat angry look on her face as she then glares over at Banshee and says), "Not t'be the lone voice of dissension her but ye're not in charge here.ye're not in charge of anything." "Especially after Paris.," (Rictor says with a very unimpressed look on his face before we see Banshee angrily shake his head). "Where's Warren," (Warpath says as he turns his head to look at Sam and Tabitha). "He was in the infirmary with Psylocke getting his shoulder looked at.Erica's in there to," (Tabitha says with a less than thrilled look on her face as she looks over at Sam). (Then we see Sam say as he walks towards the doorway of the danger room), "Then someone should go and tell him that we shut down the danger room." (Then we see everyone just watch Sam walk out of the danger room and then walk down the hall).



[Later.]

(We see Warren standing in front of a mirror with just a pair of dress pants on and his shoulder is all bandaged up after we see a panel of the last rays of sunlight as they hit the mansion and then it goes to night). (We then see Warren gingerly touch his injured and bandaged shoulder as he winces in pain). (Then we see being said from off panel and somewhere behind him), "If you keep touching yer bloody shoulder it'll never heal." (Then we see Warren smirk and then say with a smile on his face), "You're worse than.." "It would be in your best interest to not finish that thought," (We see Betsy say as she steps up beside Warren with only a slip on and her hair up). "Yes mother," (Warren says wit a smile before we see Betsy shake her head and roll her eyes).



"Cute dear.but are you sure that we should be going out tonight, we still don't know what went wrong with the danger room," (Betsy says as she appraises herself in the mirror as Warren looks on with a smile). "I'll have Forge check it out tomorrow, if anyone can figure out what went wrong he can, but I have my doubts about it being a -freak accident-," (Warren says with a small smile on his face as he pulls on a beater before he then picks up a shirt off of their bed). "If that was a freak accident then I'm a bloody.," (Betsy starts to say with a sarcastic look on her face as she's putting on some makeup). "Moving on.I have a surprise for you, the director of one of my Pacific Rim holdings has invited all of us to visit him.something about a little problem that he thinks we could help him with," (Warren says with a smile as he pulls on his white long sleeved dress shirt and begins to button it up). (Then we see first a panel of Betsy from behind of her from her shoulders up as we see her slip out of her slip as in the next panel we see a panel of her feet and ankles as the slip hits the floor).



"Why do I get the feeling that the problem has nothing to do with any of your business dealings," (We see Betsy says as we see her from behind or almost completely from behind and only from her lower back up as she walks over to the closet). "You know me to well.but you're right this isn't a problem that I can fix with some quick business maneuver.it's actually more right up the X-men's alley," (Warren says with a smile on his face and a small laugh as he turns his head slightly and watches Betsy as we then see her at the closet with the door open with her holding a dress up in front of her as she's giving him an unimpressed look on her face). "I knew it.you're far to agreeable a person Warren, despite your sometimes gruff and cold exterior," (We see Betsy says with a bemused smirk as she pulls her dress on and then turns around as then Warren walks over and zips her up).



"I can't get anything past you can I," (Warren says with a small laugh as Betsy turns around and shakes her head no in agreement). "Are you sure it was wise to have the designer make Tabitha a dress as well, I don't think that she'll be," (Betsy says with a concerned look on her face as she takes Warren's hands into hers before she kisses him). "I believe that we'll have to wait a bit for the answer to that question my love, because in truth the real question has yet to even be asked.and until then it would be improper of us to even speculate on what her response will be," (Warren says with a patient frown on his face as Betsy looks up at him with a confused look on her face before she says as she puts a hand on his chin), "Her answer.but what would.." (Then we see Warren smile and say), "You'll see Betts.you'll see."



[Meanwhile.a couple on the seemingly opposite end of the relationship spectrum is at a turning point in their lives].

(We see Sam standing out in the hallway, wearing a suit that he'd wear to the opera, outside of a room as he's leaning up against the door with an impatient and worried frown on his face). (Then we see him say in a pleading manner as he lifts his arm up and puts his hand on the wall), "Come on Tab.ya gotta go." "I'm not going," (We see someone say from inside the room before we go inside the room and see Tabitha, who's sitting on her bed wearing a fancy black sleeveless dress and has her hair all done up nice maybe in a bun of some kind or down in curls and she looks sad, as she says in continuation), "I don't even know why I got all dressed up.I don't even like the stupid opera anyway." (Then we see a panel of Tabitha still sitting on the bed as we see Sam say through the door from out in the hall), "Because you had to.so don't worry about it, just come with us.ah don't know to much about opera so it'll be nice to have someone to talk to." (Then we see a quick panel of Sam as he sighs out in the hallway, hoping that she'll listen to him and come out of her room). "But you can talk to Jimmy.or Terry.what's so special about talking to me.we've done that like a million times before you know," (Tabitha says with a confused frown on her face as she cautiously stands up and then takes a tentative step towards the door). "I'll show you Tab, just please say that you'll go.and please come and open the door.ah need to talk to you about something that's very important," (Sam says with an unhappy and slightly worried look on his face as he drops his hand and puts it in his pocket).



(Then we see Tabitha shake her head and then walk to the door and then put her hand on the doorknob as she says), "Okay.but this had better be one hell of an important question Sam.because if it isn't then.I'm.warning you that I'll.I'll." (We then see Tabitha slowly turn the doorknob and open the door before we see a close up of her face as we see her stop in alarm and shock as she gasps and then says), "Sam.what?" (Then we see a panel of Sam down on one knee with a very nervous look on his face with a hand up as he's holding something in it as we then move in and see in a small panel that it's a very large and beautiful diamond ring as we then see Sam say), "Ah.know that you didn't.ah didn't expect this, not in a million years but I know why you told me about your past.you didn't think that I could ever love you if I knew who.or what you had done back then.but I don't care about that, you're not that person anymore, you haven't been for a long time, no matter how much you hate yourself for doing it and then lying about it ever since."



"But.Sam.," (We see Tabitha say as she starts to tear up with a happy but yet sad at the same time look on her face). "And you were right about where you thought you and I were.are going with our relationship.now you know that I'm not a very eloquent speaker.I'm a simple man really with simple thoughts, feelings, and things that I know, and what I know is that I love you.you with all your faults.all your foibles.and even all your insecurities, I love you because of them and I love you no matter how bad of a person you think you are.and ah guess that what ah'm doing is humbly and respectfully asking you if you'll marry me and become my wife.," (Sam says as he also begins to tear up as we then go back and see that Tabitha is now crying with an overwhelmed but happy look on her face as we see that she's seemingly having trouble keeping herself from fainting and staying on her feet).



"I.I don't know what to say I.," (Tabitha sputters out as she brings a hand up to her face in amazement). "Yes would be nice.my knee is really starting to hurt," (Sam says with a big smile on his face as a tear rolls down his cheek). (Then we see Tabitha and Sam just stare at each other for a panel of two, both with tears in their eyes). [Seconds pass, and for Samuel Guthrie these few seconds seem to drag on excruciatingly slow]. (Then we see Tabitha smile and then laugh a little as she nods her head and then says through the tears), "Okay.yes.I'll marry you.." (Then we see a small group of small panels that are all gathered together overtop of a large panel of Sam down on one knee and looking up at Tabitha, and in those small panels we see Sam slowly, with a shaking hand, and happily slide the ring onto Tabitha's finger).



(Then we see a big panel of Tabitha looking closely at the ring as the ring reflects the light around, all as we then see Sam stand up). (Then we see Sam and Tabitha, in a full page panel, hug and share a really big and happy kiss amidst them saying), "I love you." [The first kiss for the newly engaged couple is one that they will both remember and cherish for the rest of their lives]. (Then we see Sam and Tabitha as they stop hugging and kissing as Tabitha then says with a smile as she wipes away a tear), "How did you.when did you.?" "Ah had a little help in getting the ring.but right now that's not important," (Sam says with a laugh and a small sniffle as he has an arm around Tabitha as she then laughs a bit and then snickers as she says), "Who'd a thunk it?" "You know what we have to do now though.," (Sam says with a small frown on his face as he shakes his head).



"What.," (Tabitha says with a confused look on her face as she leans her head onto his shoulder). "We're going to have to tell everyone.ah can only guess what Shatterstar's response will be.ah can hear it now.," (Sam says with at first a serious look on his face before he breaks into a big smile). "Were you not married already.," (Tabitha says with mock bravado before she and Sam break into a laugh).



[Elsewhere]

(We see Warpath first sitting in his room with him being almost completely dressed for the opera except that he's not wearing his shoes, socks, or coat). (Then we see Warpath look up as we see someone knock on the door as he then says), "Yeah?" (Then we see the door open and Banshee appears in the doorway as he says), "Do ye mind if we talk a little before ye have to leave?" "Course not.something on your mind," (Warpath says with a smile on his face as he pulls on a sock). (Then we see Banshee sit down and say as he wrings his hands), "Thanks.now I know that this might be none of my business but you and Theresa are going to the opera tonight with Warren and Elizabeth and the others and I.."

"This is one of those fatherly situations where you try and put the fear of God into the guy that has the gall, the daring, to take your daughter out.right," Warpath says with a merry smile before he leans back up against the wall). "Something like that," (Banshee says with a slightly busted look on his face as he scratches the back of his head nervously). "This wouldn't have anything to do with you showing up at the pond while Terry and I.while we were uh.and she.she.," (Warpath says with an ever increasing nervous look on his face before he smiles sheepishly and then stares at the floor).



"You'll forgive me if I have a small problem with you seeing me daughter.uh.like ye did," (Banshee says with an uncomfortable look on his face before we see Warpath shrug his shoulders and is about to say something in response when we see someone say from off panel that makes both Banshee and Warpath turn in shock to look at the speaker), "Would the two of you stop talking about me behind my back." (Then we see Warpath say with an embarrassed look on his face), "But Terry.," (as Banshee says), "Theresa." "It's okay Jimmy, I know that ye were just trying t'be nice and stick up for me.," (Siryn says with a smile on her face and her arms crossed before she then says), ".da.can I talk to ye.out in the hall.if ye don' mind.."



(Then we see both Warpath and Banshee as they both say as Banshee then follows Siryn out into the hall and closes the door behind them), "Course not." (Then we see a panel of Siryn, wearing a very beautiful dark colored and tight fitting dress with her hair up with her long bangs free and hanging down in front of her face, as she's talking to Banshee, who's wearing jeans and a flannel shirt). "What do ye thing you were doing in there talking to Jimmy like that," (Siryn says with her arms still crossed and an angry look on her face). "I was just trying to protect you.is that so bad.for a father to want to keep his daughter safe.," (Banshee says with a frown on his face and his hands on his hips). "Nae.it isn't.but I'm not ye're little girl anymore.I'm a grown woman now.and this is Jimmy that we're talking about, he's loved me for about as long as I've known him.even before I knew that I loved him.he'd never even dream of doing anything to hurt me.," (Siryn says with a pleading and confident look on her face before she continues, and we see Banshee's face of first begrudging agreement and then of pure shock at the rest of her words), "Besides.it wasn't the first time that he's seen me naked."-END