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...

21. My 21st Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI-SADNESS AND HOPE BY: LOGANALPHA30

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

+3 Days Later+ +Parlau Pau General Hospital+



[Parlau Pau General Hospital, completely overwhelmed by the influx of injured and dying patients in the aftermath of the disasters]. [And wedged in amongst the locals and the tourists are seven very different patients]. [They are an offshoot team of X-men, mutants who have sworn to use their powers in the fight to bring about peace between mutants and humans]. [But this team has taken on a separate but equally important mission, that of stopping and defeating once and for all the mutant megalomaniac known as Apocalypse]. [And so they came to this small island chain to help in the rescue and recovery efforts, only to find themselves being the ones in need of rescue and recovery]. [And after a punishing battle with newly found enemies and one of Apocalypse's four horsemen a little down time is required].



(Through a series of panels we see people being brought in to an overcrowded hospital as we then go down halls and see people running around until we get to a particular room). (We the open with a panel that shows the team recuperating in a hospital room as Warren is shirtless with his ribs all taped up, Betsy has her left arm in a sling, Erica is lying in a bed, Siryn is then sitting near Warpath and Sam and Tabitha are standing at the window and lazily looking out of it). (Then we see Tabitha turn around and say), "So how much did we get from our windy friend?" "Not much.the bloody git just started babbling when I probed to deeply," (Betsy says with a sigh as she shakes her head and then looks over at Warren). "But with War's presence here I think that it's safe to say Apocalypse is somehow involved," (Warren says as he gets increasingly angry but then goes to far and winces in pain and grabs at his side and Betsy looks over at him with a worried and concerned look on her face and she puts her hand on his shoulders and lightly squeezes the back of his neck).

"Okay.so that gets us where exactly," (Warpath says with a less than happy look on his face as he leans back up against the wall). "Who knows, but we cannae leave until we've stopped whatever it is that he's planning to do," (Siryn says with a frown as she crosses her arms and then leans back up against Warpath). "Agreed, but right now most of us are in no condition to do anything but fill a hospital bed," (Betsy says with a scowl on her face as she then gingerly moves her injured arm a bit). "Tabitha n' I are right as rain.Terry and Jimmy to, we can canvas the area and then report back to you if we find anything," (Sam says with a small shrug of his shoulders as he slightly turns around and looks over at Warren and Betsy).





"Okay.but don't go and do anything rash, the last thing that we need is for the any of you to wind up in here with the rest of us," (Warren says with an uncomfortable scowl on his face as he leans back in his chair and then takes a drink of coffee). (Then we see Warpath and Siryn look at each other with slightly happy looks on their faces before they then stand up and walk out as Tabitha then smiles big and then says), "Then what are we waiting for.let's go!"



[Later]

(We open with a panel that shows Warpath and Siryn and they're back at the location in which the big fight took place). (We see them as they're sifting through the rubble as Siryn is in the pot and jar shop and Warpath is searching out in the street and he's moving around a lot of big pieces of buildings that have fallen down). (Then we see Siryn move a jar out of the way and find a few drops of blood). (Then we see her scowl and shaker her head and then stand up and sigh as she then walks back out of the store and says), "Ye find anything?" (Then we see Warpath , who at the time of Siryn's question he's holding a big chunk of the wall of a nearby building above his head, then throw the chunk off to the side and then frown sourly as he says), "Sorry Terry, I got nothing.you?"



(Then we see Siryn shake her head and then look up at him and say), "Just a few drops of blood that could have come from any one of us." "Well there has to be something her that can help us figure out what's going on here, I mean why all the disasters, what do they gain from trashing the islands and killing all of those people," (Warpath says with a confused and impatient scowl on his face as he then dusts his hands off). "But ye have to remember Apocalypse never did need a reason to bring harm and death to others," (Siryn says with an impatient and unhappy scowl on her face as she then puts her com-link on and then turns it on). "Reporting our progress to the boss," (Warpath says as he turns around and then sits down on the steps of a destroyed building and then takes his boot off). "Not yet.I'm not going to admit defeat until I have to," (Siryn says with an angrily determined look on her face as she then walks out into the middle of the street and then says into the com-link), "Sam.you there, we've got nothing over here how about you?" (Then we see words come out of the com-link that are Sam's words but in reality only Siryn hears the words), "Ah wish I had better news for ya Terry, but all we've found is rumors and a few terrified witnesses, it's like trying to get water from a stone."



"Well I'm not done looking yet, Jimmy n' I are going to revisit the tunnels near Pala Pan, to see if we can find something there," (Siryn says with a small sigh and an unhappy look on her face and her hands on her hips). (Then we see Sam say back over the com-link), "Okay.Tabitha and I will hit the triage tents and rescue workers, see if we can find anything there.call ya back when we've found something." (Then we see Siryn take her com-link off and then put it back in one of her pockets). "Mind telling me why you told Sam that we'd go spelunking around down in those caves, I mean our esteemed leaders got caught with their proverbial pants down in them," (Warpath says with a concerned look on his face as he then scratches his chin). (Then we see Siryn sigh and cross her arms as she then looks down at Warpath with a playfully sarcastic look on her face as she then says), "What.is the big and powerful James Proudstar scared of a few little tunnels?"



"Not in the least, I'm just saying that we should be careful," (Warpath says with a joking smile as he then stands up and shakes his head before Siryn then lightly punches him in the shoulder and smiles as she then says), "Don't worry we'll be fine.besides what could possibly happen that we couldn't handle?" "You want me to make a list or.," (Warpath says with a smile on his face as he looks down at Siryn out of the corner of his eye and then he and Siryn begin to walk down the street). (Then we see Siryn shake her head and roll her eyes and smile as she then wraps an arm around Warpath's arm as they then walk around a corner arm in arm).



[Meanwhile]

(We see Sam and Tabitha as they push aside the flap of a big tent and then enter the tent). (And as they enter we see from off panel the sounds of a medical team that's frantically working on a patient trying to save that persons life). (Then we see one of the nurses bump into Tabitha and start to yell at her but then thinks better of it and then just hurries off as Sam then awkwardly pulls a befuddled Tabitha out of the way as we then see a panel or two of the doctors working on a woman with a little kid standing nearby as the woman is obviously the kids mother). (Then we see Sam wrap his arms around Tabitha and then say with a cautious look on his face), "Whoa Tab.we'd better stay back and let them work." (Then we see Tabitha sigh and nod her head as she and Sam then look on with sad and worried looks on their faces). (Then we see a few panels of the two of them just watching as the doctors and nurses continue to work on the woman and then Tabitha starts to edge away as we see the monitor start getting erratic and then go flat line).



(Then we see the doctors and nurses get frantic as then we see Tabitha stop abruptly and then she grabs Sam's arm and then looks on as then we see that no matter what the doctors and nurses do the woman dies and then one of the sad nurses tries to comfort the child and then we see a panel in which in the immediate foreground we see someone pull the blanket up over the woman's face as Tabitha looks on with a gasp and a sad and shocked look on her face in the background as Sam has a sad but stern look on his face). (Then we see Sam pull a stunned and saddened Tabitha out of the tent as then she fidgets a bit before she then starts to tear up as he's close to doing the same). (Then we see a tear slip down Tabitha's cheek as then we see her bury her face in Sam's chest as he then puts his arms around her and we then see the image of Sam holding Tabitha as she cries and it's superimposed over the other panels on the page and the image is in the middle of the page).



(Then we see Sam say with a frown), "Come on Tab.let's go somewhere else." (Then we see them walk around a bit and then we see them catch sight of someone that ducks into an alley upon seeing them). (Then we see Tabitha point it out to Sam as they then start to head over to the alley to investigate). (Then we see a panel of a person that's wearing a big coat and hat as the person is picking their way quickly through the alley). (Then we see the person stop at a sound and then turn and look around but see nothing and then start to turn back around). (Then we see a shadow appear over the person as the person then turns and then reacts with shock and a scream). (Then we see that the shadow is actually Sam as he runs around the corner and then jumps and tackles the person).



(Then we see Sam and the person go tumbling into a large group of trash bags as then in the next panel we see Sam and he's pinning the person to the ground as we see that the person has long blue hair, it's all messy, and it's Sarah). (Then we see Sarah say as she struggles to get up but Sam uses force to hold her down), "Hey.let me go.I haven't done anything!" "Yeah right.tidal waves and the like.any of that ring a bell lady," (Tabitha says with an angry scowl on her face as she crosses her arms and glares down at Sarah as she then leans up against the wall of the alley). "You don't understand.," (Sarah yells angrily as she's getting desperate to get up). "So then maybe you could do us a little favor and enlighten us," (Sam says angrily as he gives Tabitha a quick look). "You couldn't.possibly," (Sarah says with tears in her eyes as she pulls the coat tighter around her and looks away).



"You'd be surprised what we're capable of understanding.we have tons of experience in the world of the strange and disturbing," (Tabitha says with an ever increasingly sad and sour look on her face after she starts off with a smile and a small laugh). (Then we see Sarah struggle some more and around the collar of her coat drops open and we see that she's wearing a tank top and we see a good deal of very dark and ugly looking bruises with a few cuts and scrapes on her neck and shoulders). (Then we see in a series of panels Tabitha gasp and then almost faint, Sam lets go of Sarah and scrambles back a step or two before he stops at Tabitha's feet with a shocked and angered look on his face as he mutters), "Oh my.." (Then we see Sarah start to cry and pull her coat closed and then scramble back away from Sam and Tabitha and further into the pile of trash bags as if she's scared of Sam as she also huddles into a ball).



(Then we see Sam open his mouth as if to say something but he then shuts it before he then jumps to his feet and then gives Tabitha a scared look and he then rushes to Sarah's side and says), "Hey.hey.calm down, I'm not going to hurt you." (We then see a panel of Sarah as she looks at Sam with a scared deer in the headlights look as she shies away from Sam as then we see Tabitha get angry and come over and kneel down beside her and then say with a very angry look on her face that makes Sam eye her with a concerned and slightly worried look on his face), "Who.who did this.tell me!" (Then we see Sarah turn her head and look at Tabitha as if she's about to tell her something but then her eyes almost glaze over as she then looks away and shakes her head as she then says), "N-no.I can't.it's all my fault.we didn't get the job done.it's all my fault.."



(Then we see Tabitha get angry and then grab Sarah's arm and try to yank her back to her senses). (Then we see Sam stop her and then he gets Sarah to look him in the eye as he then says), "Stop it right now.it doesn't matter what you did.you didn't deserve those bruises." "We were given a simple mission.but we failed.and we were punished," (Sarah says with a sad look on her face before she then buries her head into her knees and begins to cry). (Then we see Tabitha give Sam a very somber look before she then turns back to Sarah and then puts a hand on her back as she then says), "But what was the mission?" (Then we see Sarah look up and then say through her tears), "The mission.we were supposed to capture you X-men and then hand you all over to the boss.he didn't tell us what was going to happen to you all after that." "Okay then, who's the boss that hired you," (Sam says with a frustrated and slightly angry look on his face). "He.he said that he was the end that awaited all of the -inferior- flatscans and their mutant sympathizers that dared to defy his lord," (Sarah says with a sad look on her face as she then seems to relax a bit).



(Then we see Sam and Tabitha share a knowing glance before Sam then turns back to Sarah and then says with an increasingly angry look on his face), "What did.what did this boss look like.please this is very important." "He was ugly.I mean really ugly.all burnt up with skin like beef jerky.and the eyes," (Sarah says nervously before she shivers again at the end with a very scared look on her face). (Then we see Tabitha sigh sadly and shake her head and then say), "Great.him again, just what we needed." "Y-you know him then," (Sarah says with a slightly confused look on her face as she looks back and forth between Sam and Tabitha before then Sam gets a very sad look on his face and looks away as then Tabitha notices Sam's actions and then gets a very sad look on her face and looks at the ground as she then says), "Yeah.we know him all right.he's tried to kill us a few times.even before Apocalypse turned him into one of his horseman, the one known as Death, formerly a real jerk named Trevor Fitzroy."



(We then see Sarah look very shocked and horrified as she mutters), "Apocalypse.I've heard of him.but he's.and I'm not.but why?" (We then see a tear slide down Tabitha's cheek as she first looks at Sarah but then looks down and then says), "A few months back or so Death ruthlessly attacked us while we were visiting Sam's family, only.only Sam and I made it out.alive." (Then we see Sarah gasp and then look very sad and scared as she then hangs her head and then says), "I can't.how horrible.and I helped him, oh God I helped him." "Yeah well ah'm fine so now I've just got one more thing to hate him for," (Sam says angrily as he stands up and then turns away). (Then we see Tabitha say as she first looks up at Sam and then back over at Sarah), "But why would you take a job from someone like that, why fight.and kill your fellow .," (Tabitha says with a confused look on her face).



"I thought I knew.our powers had just manifested and this Death guy showed up and told us that he'd help us control them and even improve them if we helped him.in the end I guess that I bought into his we're better than them mentality.how could I be so stupid," (Sarah says with a bitterly angry and self loathing look on her face before she then grabs her hair and then squeezes it in frustration). "Don't beat yourself up so much, I've done quite a few insane things in my day, although I didn't do what you did," (Tabitha says with a serious look on her face as Sam puts a hand on her shoulder). "But what do I do now.I can't stay here.if I do I'll get lynched," (Sarah says with a worried look on her face as Sam then helps her get to her feet). "I don't know, but we really should talk to Warren about this first," (Sam says with a concerned look on his face). (Then we see Sam, Sarah, and Tabitha get Sarah's hat back and they then walk out of the alley and into a big crowd of people).



[Parlau Pau General Hospital]

(We see Warren walking through the halls of the hospital as he now has a dress style button up shirt on and it is buttoned in the middle as we see his bandages underneath). (Then we see that he has his cell phone and he's apparently not having to good of a conversation as he then says with an angry look on his face), "I'm glad to hear that Forge.I am, but I can't give you any assistance right now, I can barely take a breath without feeling like my chest is being ripped apart." (Then we see Warren stop walking, look around, and then walk a ways through some doors all as he continues to talk into his cell phone as we see small bits of people's conversations as well as doctors treating patients). (Then we see Warren walk into a large room that has televisions at one end and they are suspended from the ceiling and also in the room there are a lot of tables with people sitting at them).



(Then we see Warren sigh and then say with an impatient scowl on his face), "Don't worry, we'll bring everything back.yes in one piece." (Then we see him close his phone and then slam it into his pocket as he then hangs his head and shakes it with his hands on his waist). "Quite the gloomy gus aren't we luv, something wrong.," (We see someone say from off panel that makes Warren pick his head up a bit and manage a smile and then turn his head to the left as we then see someone put their hand on his left shoulder and it turns out that it's Betsy's hand as she looks up at Warren with a sympathetic look on her face). "Am I that obvious," (Warren says with a slightly relieved look on his face and a smile). (Then we see Betsy smile and wince slightly as she then says), "Only to me Warren, to the rest of them you always just appear to be the strong and silent winged warrior with quite the bloody temper."



"It's not my fault that I've always been surrounded by people that more often than not bring out the worst in me...well except.except.," (Warren says with a jokingly serious look on his face as he first quickly scans the crowd in the large room and then we see Betsy smile and give him a questioning look as she then says), "Except.?" "Except for you of course, somehow Ms. Braddock you seem to be able to bring out the best in me.not matter how dire the situation at hand is.no matter how dark, murky, or bleak the future seems.you're always there to keep me from getting to self absorbed, to morbid, to single minded.to.," (Warren says as he looks into Betsy's eyes and brings a hand up to then softly begin to caress her cheek). (Then we see Betsy at first smile and then she cocks an eyebrow and then says with an odd look on her face), "To longwinded?"



(Then we see Warren smile and then have a short laugh before it becomes to painful and he has to stop and he has a pained look on his face and a hand on his side). "There you go again.overdoing it, the doctor said for you to take it easy for a few weeks remember," (Betsy says with a worried and slightly motherly scolding look on her face). "Yes mother.you think they're doing okay Betts," (Warren says with a slightly worried look on his face as he first looks over at Betsy and he then turns and looks at the dark images on the many television screens). "I'm sure they are, they're none of them rookies Warren, that was part of the reason why we chose them for this mission.this crusade that we've embarked on.they'll do the right thing." (Then we see Warren nod his head in agreement and then put his hands in his pockets).



(Then we see images pop up on the television screens of more attacks by the group that uses guns and energy blasts in their attacks and we see that these recent attacks are particularly violent as many more people are dead and wounded). (Then we see Warren and Betsy's reaction of little shock but mostly frustration as Warren just shakes his head in dismay with a scowl on his face as Betsy then says with an angry look on her face and her good hand is on the back of her neck), "This is horrible.as if we didn't already have enough to deal with.first War and those elemental mutants.and now these bloody gits are going around shooting up these islands and killing innocents.someone's going to have to stop them as well."



(Then we see Warren slowly nod his head and then cross his arms and say), "And it falls to us to be the ones to stop them.even if it kills us.of course it's not like we're doing to well in that department." (Then we see them both look at their injuries and then grimace uncomfortably). "We're going to be spreading ourselves quite thin if we try and solve both problems at once," (Betsy says with a frown on her face as she then shakes her head before Warren turns to her and then says), "But look on the bright side Betts.my wings are still good so I can fly overhead and see if I can find anything while you can talk to the witnesses.see if they know anything." "Just don't ask me to do any cartwheels or handstands and I'll be fine.and one more thing.if either of us finds anything.the others will take care of it.you're not fighting again until you're healed," (Betsy says with a small sigh as she looks over at Warren, who starts to protest but then shrugs his shoulders and nods his head).



(Then we see Warren and Betsy just stare at the television screens for a panel or two before we then see Warren say with a nervous look on his face), "Now all we need is for nothing else to go wrong.." (Then we see a panel in which Warren and Betsy are in the immediate foreground and in the remote far background, as it's a panel that's looking down a long hallway, we see Sam and Tabitha then come bursting through a set of double doors with Sarah in tow as Tabitha yells), "Hey Warren.we got major trouble!" (Then we see Warren shake his head, without turning around, and then Betsy, also without turning around, rolls her eyes and then says), "Speak of the devil.." (Then we see Warren and Betsy turn around as Warren then says with a small sigh), "Yes Tabitha, what is it this time.don't tell me that you.wait a minute what is she.?"



(Then we see Betsy get into a half defensive and half aggressive stance as she also has an angry scowl on her face and then say), "She's one of the elementals that we fought three days ago.she tried to drown Theresa." "Sorry about that.," (Sarah says with a very nervous and slightly scared look on her face as she withers slightly from the very angry stares of both Warren and Betsy). "We've got some good news and some bad news.which do you want to hear first," (Tabitha says at first with a small smile and she then ends with a slightly sad frown). (Then we see Warren and Betsy give each other a sarcastic look and then each has an eyebrow raised). (Then we see Sam turn to Tabitha and then says with a small shrug of his shoulders), "Just tell them Tabitha.before that vein in Warren's neck explodes."



(Then we see Tabitha say with a slightly hurt look on her face as Sarah looks at her with a restrained hopeful look on her face), "Okay.anyway yeah she battled us a few days ago and tried to kill Terry.may I remind you unsuccessfully.but she needs our help and we're going to help her." (Then we see Warren eye first Tabitha and then to Sam before he glares lightly at Sarah and he then says), "Okay I'm listening, so lay it on me." (Then we see Sarah frown sadly and stare at the floor as she then says), "This is good enough for ya blue blood?" (Then we see Sarah reluctantly open her coat up as we again see all of the bruises as then in the next panel we see Warren and Betsy's reaction). (We see Warren first look on in shock and then confusion as beside him Betsy first looks concerned and then angry as she then says), "Sam.what.?"



"Death's way of punishing her for failing to complete the mission.," (Sam says with an angry look on his face, and clenched fists, that shows that he's struggling to keep his anger in check). "Which I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what that was," (Tabitha says with a worried look on her face as she also has a hand on Sarah's shoulder). "To draw us out into a confrontation," (Betsy says with a reserved but angry look on her face as she then shakes her head and then looks at Warren with a worried look on her face as he then says with his arms crossed and an extremely angry look on his face with his eyes lightly glowing red), "And once again because of a failure of mine many innocent people have been forced to suffer and die.to many innocent.."



(Then we see Betsy get annoyed and then turn to Warren and say with a stern and fed up look on her face), "Enough with the bloody self loathing already Warren.you can't blame yourself for every little incident involving Apocalypse.take the Professor for instance.Charles doesn't.." (Then we see Warren turn his head and look over at Betsy as he then says flatly), "Over the years Charles has amassed a great deal of guilt about what Magneto and others have done.deeds that he could have prevented.." "Would you two lay off with the witty X-men banter.sheesh.I'm beginning to think that you guys took classes in it," (Tabitha says lightly glaring at Warren and Betsy in a scolding manner).



"But now that Death's here we can expect the body count to rise.quickly to, but he can wait right now ah think that we should have a doctor take a look at Sarah," (Sam says with a concerned look on his face before he then looks around for a doctor). "Sarah.," (Warren says with a slightly confused look on his face). "That's my name.don't.," (Sarah says with a small smile on her face as she looks up at Warren before we then see Tabitha spot a doctor and then pull Sarah away as Betsy then watches them go and then turns back to Sam and says), "Okay Sam what's this all about?" "Well we weren't finding too much and then we spotted someone ducking into an alley, so we investigated and found Sarah.like that.and she told us about Death and everything," (Sam says with a frustrated frown on his face as he scratches his chin).



"And she just came right out and told you all of this.just like that.no bargaining.no fighting," (Betsy says with a less than impressed look on her face). "We didn't have to pry.she seemed to be more interested in running away.we found out about the bruises by accident.then it all kind of just came gushing out.as if she had been wanting to tell someone and was finally able to," (Sam says with a small shrug of his shoulders with his hands in his pockets). "I don't like this," (Betsy says with a disapproving look on her face as she looks over at Warren). "Whether or not she's telling us everything we're duty bound to help her," (Warren says with a serious look on his face as he looks back and forth between Sam and Betsy). "And we can only hope that she's telling us the whole truth and this isn't all some sort of trick," (Betsy says with an unhappy frown on her face as she looks down the hall in which Tabitha and Sarah went).



"That's why you're going to be there as the doctor examines her, do a low level psy-scan on Sarah, see if you can find out what we need to know.but don't let her know what you're doing.if she asks just.," (Warren says with a small smile on his face as he puts a hand on Betsy's right shoulder and at first she furrows her brows at him and then nods her head before she then says), "I'll tell her that I'm making sure that the doctors aren't keeping anything from her." (Then we see Betsy turn on her heel and then walk away as Sam and Warren look on before Sam then turns to Warren and says with a concerned look on his face), "So now what do we do while she's doing that?" "We fan out and see if we can prove any of her story.Betsy won't let this rest until then," (Warren says with a hand on Sam's shoulder before we then see Warren and Sam turn and walk back down the hallway that Tabitha, Sam, and Sarah originally cam walking down).



[Elsewhere]

(We see Warpath and Siryn then land in a cooling lava field that is still spewing smoke). (We then see Siryn look around and then wipe some sweat off of her forehead as she then says with a sigh and a small shrug of her shoulders), "Ye know on second thought maybe this wasn' me best idea." (Then we see Warpath turn to her and then say with a close up on his face as we see that he's also sweating), "Well we're her so we might as well take a look around." (Then we see Siryn smile and then shake her head before she then walks over to the mouth of one of the caves and then turns her head back and says), "C'mon boyo.time to go."





(Then we see Warpath and Siryn enter the caves and then we begin to see shadows start to grow and then we also see things moving around in the shadows that at first Warpath and Siryn don't notice but then we see a few small rocks move that makes Warpath stop suddenly and then look around for a bit before we then see a lot of shadows move with red glowing eyes). (Then we see Siryn notice and look around with a mostly nervous look on her face and then say), "Oh now this isn' good." (Then we see a large group of figures leap out of the shadows and then attack Warpath and Siryn). (Then we see that the figures that jumped out are actually crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Warpath start to yell as a horde of crimson dawn warriors jump onto him), "Terry watch.," (and he then is lost in a wave of crimson dawn warriors as Siryn then turns to Warpath and then starts to yell something but then one of the crimson dawn warriors grabs her in a headlock that in fact is a type of sleeper hold that makes her start to gasp for air).



(Then we see the crimson dawn warrior that's holding Siryn start to pull her back into the shadows but Siryn isn't going quietly). (Then we see a big panel of a very angry Warpath throwing off all of the crimson dawn warriors in one big motion as they all go crashing into the cave walls and into other assembled crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see him turn his upper body in a panel as he sees Siryn being dragged away and fighting it and he has a worried and angry look on his face as he yells), "Terry!" (Then we see in one panel Siryn grit her teeth and the get a hold of the c.d. warrior that's holding hers arm and she then uses that as leverage and with a big effort she flips him forward over her shoulder). (Then we see Siryn kick the crimson dawn warrior while he's down and she then coughs a bit and puts a hand to her throat).



(Then we see Warpath say under his breath), "This ends now," (as he then charges straight into the largest and nearest gathering of crimson dawn warriors). (And he goes charging through them as if they weren't even there). [They fall like leaves in his wake]. (We then see a group of crimson dawn warriors try to sneak up on Siryn in one panel and then we see a wide panel in which on the right side of the panel we see Siryn turn around and then say), "Ye think ye're sneaky don't ya.," (and on the left side of the panel is the approaching crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Siryn say with a smile), "Well I hate to break it to ye, but I see you," (as she then sends a powerful sonic scream into them that knocks them all off of their feet). (Then we see Warpath charge with his shoulder down and blast into a few startled crimson dawn warriors and then drive them through a wall and they then crash into a large cavern).



(Then we see Siryn come flying through the hole that Warpath just made as she's being chased closely by a swarm of angry crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see that in the cavern there are open streams and also pools of magma). (Then we see Warpath get up and then almost slip and fall into one of the open pools of magma, but he catches himself and then says with an uncomfortable look on his face), "Whoa!" (Then we see Siryn barely avoid a blast before one catches her in the stomach and she goes back a bit before we then see a small panel of one of the crimson dawn warriors that's holding a staff like weapon that's glowing, and he's lowering it with a smug smile on his face).



(Then in a quick panel we see another c.d. warrior that has a similar staff weapon and he then fires off a blast that hits Siryn in the back that knocks her out of the air and she then slams into the ground and skids to a halt at the edge of one of the magma rivers but the magma river is some feet below her but it's light casts a red glow onto Siryn, who has her face at the edge and an arm hanging over the edge as she's lying on her stomach and unconscious). (Then we see Warpath get angry and then start to go to her aid but then Phil leaps up out of one of the pools of magma and gleefully gets in the way as he then says with a big smile on his face), "Ooh the might X-man, tell me, do all you guys only know how to use your muscles?" (We then see Warpath get angry and start to say something).



[As he begins to formulate his response James Proudstar is interrupted not by words but by a powerful concussive blast that nearly rips a hole through his startled opponent]. (But we see that he's interrupted by a dark blue energy blast that knocks Phil violently off of his feet and then back into the open pool of magma). (Then we see a panel of Warpath, along with a good number of the remaining crimson dawn warriors, turn and look where the blast came from). (Then in the next panel we see Forge, with gritted teeth and he's standing thanks to a thin metal and electronic framework that is covering his lower back and legs, and he's holding a big gun and he's wearing a battle suit as he then says), "No.not all of us.some of us use our brains, take me for instance, although I may look feeble and infirmed right now I assure you that I'm far from it."



(Then we see Phil pull himself up out of the magma pool and he's very angry as he then yells), "You idiots.get him!" (Then we see the crimson dawn warriors look annoyed before they then shout and charge Warpath and Forge). (Then we see Warpath easily fending them off as he then turns to Forge and says), "Forge.what are you doing here, you should be.." (Then we see a panel of Forge as he punches one of the c.d. warriors and says), "I'm supposed to be where I'm needed most, and right now that's here keeping the two of you from being barbecued." (Then we see Phil start to run towards Warpath as Warpath then starts towards Siryn but Phil again cuts him off and says), "Oh no you don't tiny, your little girlfriend's gonna get it!" (Then we see Phil start to open up fire geysers that start to force Warpath back a few steps).



(Then we see Warpath say with an angry look on his face), "Not this time pal," (as he then flies up and dodges the geyser's as he then lands a punch that sends Phil flying). (Then we see Forge get to Warpath's side by either punching or shooting the crimson dawn warriors as they try to stop him). (Then we see Forge yell as he blasts away the crimson dawn warriors), "Go get her.I'll hold them off." (Then we see Warpath start to go but then stop, turn around, and then say as he looks back with an unsure look on his face), "You sure.maybe if I.." (Then we see Forge get angry and yell as we see that he's getting tired and also sweating heavily), "Quit flappin your gums and just get her, we can't hold this position for long, there's too many of them."



(Then we see Warpath debate what to do silently for a second or two before he then says), "Right," (as he then rushes off and goes through any crimson dawn warriors that get in his way before he then gets to Siryn's side just as she is beginning to sit up and pull herself away from the edge of the magma river). (Then we see Warpath start to pick her up as he then says with a worried and nervous look on his face), "Terry.hey.c'mon get up we gotta go!" "Jimmy.what.why.oh," (Siryn says with an out of it look on her face as she looks up first at Warpath and then out at the crimson dawn warriors that are trying to kill them). (Then we see Forge take a few steps back as he's still firing but he's visibly wearing down and he then yells), "Okay now move the jet's just outside.let's go.now!"



"You don't have to tell me twice," (Warpath says with a determined look on his face as he then cradles Siryn in one arm and then we see a panel of him rushing by Forge, who then slowly starts backing towards the hole in the wall and firing as he goes with an angry look on his face). (Then we see Phil get angry and they yell), "This isn't over.chief!" "The war might not be.but this battle is," (Forge says with a serious look on his face before he then steps back through the hole in the wall as then we see Phil yell again), "Follow them you imbeciles," (as then the crimson dawn warriors charge through the hole and then we see a panel or two of the crimson dawn warriors chasing Warpath, Siryn, and Forge upward through the tunnels).



[They tear off upward through the tunnels, desperately trying to outrace the murderous horde behind them]. (Then we see Warpath, Siryn, and Forge finally get out of the tunnels and burst into the sunlight as they then run towards the new and somewhat smaller X-jet as we then see Forge fire back over his shoulder with one hand while he grabs a small device off of his belt and then says into it), "Voice confirmation activate-open hatch and power up the engines and point defenses, we've got company.authorization code-the maker gamma phi gamma."



(Then we see a panel of the dashboard of the newer X-jet and it reads out just what Forge said as we then see the engines start up and the hatch opens up along with a few laser gatling guns drop out of quickly opened hatches and then guns then turn towards the approaching crimson dawn warriors and they then start firing). (Then we see Warpath, Siryn, and Forge run up the ramp and into the new X-jet as the ramp then closes behind them). (Then we see a panel of the inside of the new X-jet as Warpath helps Siryn into one of the seats and buckles her in as he then says), "Here now, let me do it." (Then we see a panel of Forge as he starts to hurry past Warpath and Siryn but he then stumbles and falls to his knees and yells angrily). (Then we see Warpath turn and then start to help him up as he says), "Forge, what's happening?"



"Leave me alone, I can do it," (Forge growls angrily as he pushes Warpath away and then looks like an old and feeble guy as he struggles to his feet just long enough to lean heavily on the other seats as he makes his way to the front seat). (Then we see Warpath take a step back and then sit down as he then says with a worried look on his face), "Come on Forge you can barely walk." "I'll recover, this unit is just to help me walk until my body recovers enough, now strap yourself in we're getting out of here," (Forge says with a pained grimace on his face as he slides into the front seat and then quickly straps himself in and then starts to push buttons). (Then we see an outside shot of the new X-jet in the middle of a swarm of crimson dawn warriors and the guns of the new X-jet are still firing as it lifts up vertically into the air and then takes off into the sky as angry crimson dawn warriors howl and take pot shots at them as they leave).



[Meanwhile]

(We see Tabitha, with her arms crossed and head slightly bowed, leaning up against the wall out in the hallway just outside of a room that Betsy, Sarah, and a doctor are in as we see Betsy say), "Thank you doctor," (as then she follows the doctor out of the room as the doctor then says), "Of course, let me know if there are any more problems, in cases like this we strongly advise that the victim visit one of our counselors in our crisis center." (Then we see a panel of the doctor walking away as then Betsy shuts the door and turns to Tabitha as Tabitha then says with a concerned look on her face), "Everything okay?" "She's as fine as she can be under the circumstances," (Betsy says with a frown on her face as Tabitha nods her head slightly and then says), "That mean that you believe her.that she's telling the truth?"



"I don't know if I'm completely in her corner yet, but I will say this.someone did that to her, and if the rest of her story checks out and she really is trying to go legit.then that person will pay.dearly." "Well I guess that's a start," (Tabitha says with a small smile as she then pushes away from the wall and then follows Betsy as she walks down a hallway and different people go walking by them). (Then we see Betsy and Tabitha enter a large room, the one with the televisions that Warren and Betsy were in when Sam and Tabitha came in with Sarah in tow). (Then we see Betsy and Tabitha look around with confused looks on their faces as Tabitha then says), "Hey.where are Sam and Warren?" "I'm not sure, Warren didn't say anything about leaving.wait a minute now I remember, he wanted to go out and look for the group that is shooting up these islands," (Betsy says with at first a thoughtful look on her face before it changes to more one of frustration).



"So then he probably took Sam with him.great.now I'll probably have to spend the rest of the day here with you," (Tabitha says with a less than pleased look on her face as she then jams her hands into her pockets, all the while Betsy gives her a slightly shocked look). "And just what the bloody hell is that supposed to mean," (Betsy says with her arms crossed a bit and a slightly angry scowl on her face). (Then we see Tabitha smile and chuckle nervously and then say as she scratches the back of her head), "Nothin.." (Then we see Betsy start to get angry and then shake her head and storm off out of the room). (Then we see Tabitha shake her head and then pull her com-link out of her pocket and put it on). (Then we see her turn it on and then think), Oh what the hay, (and then say), "Hey Sam come in, you there Mason-Dixon?"



[Meanwhile, several miles away her urgent signal is received]. (We then see a panel of Sam and Warren standing in the lobby of one of the islands many government buildings and they seem to be waiting for someone and Sam is wearing his com-link as we see Sam hear as the words come out as we see them in a different word bubble), "Hey Sam c'mon pick up, you there?" (Then we see Sam sigh and shake his head and then say into the com-link as Warren looks on with a slightly confused look on his face), "Yes Tabitha, what do you want?" "You should have told me you were going to leave with Warren," (Tabitha says into her com-link as we then see a group of panels that have a break in the middle and on one side is Tabitha looks a little angry and on the other side is Sam, and Tabitha looks a little angry and Sam cringes slightly).



"Sorry Tab, Warren just brought it up after you two left, he wanted to get right on it," (Sam says with an impatient frown on his face as Warren just smiles at him). "Well lucky you huh," (Tabitha says back and she's pouting slightly as Sam then sighs and shakes his head and then says back), "Now please don't start Tab, c'mon.please.." (Then we see a scream come form outside of the building that makes Sam and Warren look up in alarm and start to run out as Sam says), "Sorry Tab.duty calls." (And we then see Tabitha get angry and say), "Oh no you don't Sam.don't.," (and that's all that she says before Sam rips his com-link off and then shoves it into his pocket as he runs completely out of the door after Warren).



(Then we see Sam and Warren run out into the street all ready for a fight). (Then we see a big panel in which we're behind Sam and Warren, as they have their backs to us, and we see them in the immediate foreground and in the background we see many crimson dawn warriors all around and Marc is standing nearby and also nearby is an angry War and finally there is also Death there, and he's grinning wickedly with a woman that he's just recently finished draining at his feet and she's all shriveled up like he is and she's dead and the death was apparently violent). (Then we see Sam get very angry and power up as he then yells), "Death.how dare you!" "This time you've gone to far.first Sam's family.then Sarah.and now.," (Warren says with gritted teeth and clenched fists as then Marc turns and looks at Warren with a confused and angry look as he then yells), "Wait.Sarah.what about Sarah.what about Sarah?"



"Nothing.she's fine, don't listen to the failure, he's just trying to make you doubt us.doubt yourself, your girlfriend is fine.trust me," (War says with an arrogant smile on his face). "Trust him.that's like trusting the devil himself, ah don't know about you but I don't remember when being fine meant looking like a human punching bag," (Sam growls angrily as he then bites his bottom lip to keep from attacking outright). (Then we see Marc look very shocked and worried as he then says), "Is she.she.?" (Then we see Marc look back and forth between Sam and War as he's desperately trying to get some answers from their body language).



(Then we see Warren flap his wings a bit as he then says), "She should be fine, Sam here and Tabitha got her to Parlau Pau General Hospital.last I saw her she was going to get checked out by a doctor.we can take you to her if you agree to be civil about it," (Warren says with a forced calm look on his face as he also keeps watch as the crimson dawn warriors begin to edge closer to him and Sam eyes him with a slightly confused look on his face). (Then we see Marc think about it for a second or two before he then nods his head). (Then we see War sigh in an annoyed manner before he then shakes his head and then takes a step up behind Marc and he then reaches up and before anyone can do anything War snaps Marc's neck and then says as he then watches Marc's limp body fall), "Another failure dealt with."



(Then we see both Warren and Sam react with utter shock, horror, and anger as Sam then yells), "No.h.how.could you?" (Then we see War look to Death before he then says), "What, did I hurt the little boys feelings?" "I didn't think that you could truly be that heartless.guess you learn something new every day," (Warren says with a very angry look on his face as he looks down at Marc's lifeless body). "It helps to not have a heart.and now the two of you will soon join him," (Death says with a sly smile on his face before he then turns to the crimson dawn warriors and says), "Get them!" "Not this again.," (Sam yells as the crimson dawn warriors charge at them).



(Then we see Warren launch himself up into the air and he's just got out of the reach of the approaching crimson dawn warriors as they're angry and hurl some of their weapons at him, but they all miss). (Then we see Sam start to keep the crimson dawn warriors at bay by setting his feet and blasting them from his hands). (Then we see panels of Sam and Warren as they're fighting hard but they're easily outnumbered). (Then we see Warren fly around away from War as War blasts at him and Warren keeps getting out of the way and letting the blasts take out the unlucky crimson dawn warriors that were behind him). (Then we see Warren say as he's in the air and glaring at War), "Looks like your aim is a little off." "My aim is perfectly fine.if you'd only stand still for a few seconds longer then you'd find out just how good it is," (War says with an angry sneer on his face and a blast ready to fire).





"Well ah'm really sorry to disappoint you but I'm not gonna give you that chance," (Sam says with a grim and determined look on his face as he blasts and knocks War off of his feet from behind). (Then we see a panel of Warren as he yells with a rushed look on his face), "Sam.look out.behind you!" (Then we see Sam stop blasting War and start to turn around). [In a split second break in the action Warren Worthington sees the danger that Cannonball is in and tries to warn him.]. [But he is just a hair to late.]. [.as Cannonball is soon engulfed in a sea of anger and death]. (We then see Sam get jumped from behind by an army of crimson dawn warriors and he's knocked to the ground and the crimson dawn warriors start to punch and kick him as he struggles to fight his way out).



(Then we see Warren go to help Sam out but he's hit in one of his wings and he crashes hard into a fire hydrant). "Kill them.now," (Death says maniacally as he then points a gnarled finger at both Sam and Warren). (Then we see Warren lurch back to his feet and try to fend off a few crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see some of the crimson dawn warriors get a hold of Warren and hold him down so that one of the crimson dawn warriors then comes up with a big spear and raises it over his head and is about to stab Warren through the chest when that particular crimson dawn warrior and the others around him are blasted off of their feet and thrown up into the air and then into the wall and through the windows of a big brick building across the street by a powerful sonic scream).



(Then we see someone say from off panel), "Warren.Sam.you guys okay?" (Then we see Warren pick himself up so that he's resting on his forearm and with his other hand he's rubbing the back of his head and he then says with a pained but relieved look on his face), "Sure, nothing like doing a fifty foot swan dive straight into a fire hydrant to sober you up." (Then we see a panel in which we see Warpath, looking ready for a fight, standing beside Forge, who is standing more out of sheer force of will than anything else as he also has gritted teeth and two pistols pointed at the crimson dawn warriors and he's covering Sam and Warren without actually firing, and beside him is Siryn as she's hovering in the air with her arms crossed and a sarcastic look on her face as she then says), "Hardy har har."



(Then we see a panel of Sam getting to his knees as he then says), "Impeccable timing guys," (with a smile on his face as around him we see the remaining crimson dawn warriors look fearfully back and forth between Warpath, Siryn, and Forge, and Death and War). (Then we see Siryn fly forward a bit and she then sees Marc's lifeless body and she gasps as she then says), "Oh my.!" (Then we see Sam turn back and say), "When we told him about Sarah War killed him rather than admit to any wrongdoing!" (Then we see a close up of Warpath's face as his expression goes from one of worry and some concern to then one of complete anger and total resolve as then in the next panels we see Warpath pop his knuckles in the palm of his other hand).



"Then you and I have a problem.y'see I'm not to fond of guys like you that kill for the thrill of it," (Warpath says with a grim and angry look on his face as Warren then staggers back a bit and he's holding his shoulder). "Stick and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me," (Death says with a mocking smile on his face as War steps up beside him). "Well then we won't say a thing, except for goodbye," (Sam says with a joking smile on his face as he then powers up). (Then we see War wave his arm as a general would to encourage his troops on during battle and then we see the crimson dawn warriors start to rush towards Warren and the others as we see them soon get lost in the crowd).



(Then we see Warpath throwing crimson dawn warriors off of himself left and right as after blasting the first wave Sam resorts to using his fists, knees, elbows, and anything else that he can get his hands on and Warren tries to launch himself back up into the air, but his wing cramps up as it's injured and he crashes back to the ground and onto some of the crimson dawn warriors and Siryn is helping Warpath by watching his back as she then says with a stressed look on her face), "I got your back Jimmy." (Then we see War wade through the crowd of crimson dawn warriors towards Warpath as he then hits Warpath in the stomach and chest with a blast that sends Warpath back through a brick wall and Siryn turns and looks back with an angry and worried look on her face as she then yells), "Jimmy!"



(Then we see Death start to use the confusion of the fight to try and slip away as he cackles to himself and then gets close to an alley before he then stops abruptly). "Ah'm afraid that I can't let you leave, at least not until after I wring yer rotten murderous neck," (Sam says with a very angry look on his face as Death then tries to take a step to his side but Sam then gets there first and lands a punch on Death's jaw that makes Death grunt in pain and stagger back a few steps and then look up and glare at Sam and then say), "Stupid filth, how dare you strike me!" "Whatever," (Sam says as he then swings at Death again and hit him in the stomach and then in the next few panels we see Sam hammering a number of punches on Death with his fists powered up and gritted teeth as he seems to be thoroughly enjoying punching Death).



[He rains punch after punch down onto the being that has taken almost his entire family away from him.]. [And for a few short and fleeting moments he comes close to enjoying it.]. [.But then his deep rooted beliefs and ideals kick in and he pulls back]. [But unfortunately for him he pulls back at the worst possible moment.]. (Then we see Sam pull back and then turn his head a bit before we then see War smash him in the face with his fist that knocks Sam off of his feet an then Sam goes crashing through a window and then goes down, crashing through a couple of empty crates). (Then we go back outside and we then see War help Death up and look at him with disgust as he then shakes his head and says), "How pitiful!" (Then we see Death snarl at War and then shake his head before they both then teleport away).



(Then we see a group of panels that show that Forge and Warren are fighting back to back, Forge with his guns and Warren just hand to hand). (Then we see Warren notice Death and War teleporting away and the then gets angry and yells), "No.they're gone!" (Then we see a panel of Warpath charging back out into the fray and throwing the crimson dawn warriors out of the way and they then go crashing into the surrounding buildings, light poles, and parked cars). (Then we see Siryn land and start fighting hand to hand as she then says with a happy smile on her face), "Glad I stayed awake during all of those crack o' dawn workouts Psylocke put us through," (as she then dodges low and spins around and then takes the feet out from under the nearest two crimson dawn warriors).



(Then we see Siryn hop over a bit and then knock out the two crimson dawn warriors with punches to their heads as she has an angry look on her face). (Then we cut over to Sam as he drags himself back out of the shattered window as he then mutters before he then falls out of the window back onto the sidewalk), "Ah gotta stop getting thrown through windows." (Then as Sam stands up we see crimson dawn warriors flying through the air and falling near him and also crashing into the side of the building). (Then we see some of the crimson dawn warriors look around a bit before they then start to clear out). (Then we see Forge shooting some of the crimson dawn warriors as they try to get back up and then we see Siryn smash a big chunk of brick and concrete over the heads of a couple of crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see a few wide panels in which we see the group as they finish off the rest of the crimson dawn warriors). [And then it is over].



[Later.Parlau Pau General Hospital]

(We open with panels of Tabitha sitting in the big room with all of the televisions and she's seated as one of the tables and has a can of open pop on the table along with a bag of some cheesy curls). (We see that she's watching the different televisions with a bored out of her mind look on her face and she's slouching in her chair). (Then we see Betsy and Sarah walking up to Tabitha's table as Sarah pulls out a chair and then sits down and pulls her coat tighter with one hand while with her other hand she's putting some stray strands of hair back behind her ear). "Anything good on Tabitha," (Betsy says with a tired look on her face along with it being a little pained).



(Then we see Tabitha idly run her index finger on the top of the table as she then says with a droll and slightly stoned look on her face), "If you mean by anything on have I seen anything about Warren and Sam, then no I haven't seen anything." "But is that a good thing.or a bad thing," (Sarah says with a serious and sad look on her face as she stares at Tabitha's can of pop). "With normal people no news would translate to being good news.but with us.," (Betsy says with a small wince of pain as she cautiously moves her injured left arm a bit and shakes her head before Tabitha looks up and then says with a very worried look on her face), "But with us it usually amounts to big trouble."



"So then why do you do it.why go through it all.I mean look at you, you've got a bum shoulder, and flyboy that was here earlier.," (Sarah starts to say with a slightly confused look on her face as she's looking first back up at Betsy and then over at Tabitha before we see someone say from off panel), "Warren." (Then we see Sarah say with a slightly confused look on her face as she looks back over her shoulder), "Huh?" "Warren.his name is Warren, Warren Worthington III to be exact, Archangel to you," (Betsy says with her head bowed and her arms crossed as best she can with her injured shoulder).



"Fine.Archangel.he's gotta have more than just bruised ribs.he probably even has a few broken ones.what makes it all worth it for him.because I highly doubt that he enjoys all the pain," (Sarah says with an expectant look on her face as she looks back up at Betsy, who slightly glares back at her). "What makes it all worthwhile for Warren is that he believes in the dream of humans and mutants living side by side with each other in harmony enough to risk his life time and again for it," (Betsy says with a very serious look on her face before we see Sarah look back at Betsy with a cheesy smile on her face as she then says while looking Betsy up and down), "What.and I'll bet that sleeping with you every night is like what.a perk."





(Then we see Betsy get very angry and then clench her fist in a menacing way and we then see her powers activate and her psychic knife start to form before Tabitha then turns her head a bit and notices what Betsy is doing out of the corner of her eye). (Then we see Tabitha turn around in her chair, put her hands up in a defensive manner, and then say with a very worried look on her face), "Whoa Bets.uh Psylocke.calm down.easy.she really didn't mean it, she was just trying to get under your skin." "Yeah well she got underneath my bloody skin," (Betsy says with a very angry look on her face as she then takes a step towards Sarah, who sees her coming and almost literally leaps up and out of her chair and then begins to back away with a shocked and worried look on her face as she then says), "Hey c'mon.she's right, it was just a joke.I'm sorry okay.I'm sorry."



(Then we see Betsy think about it for a few seconds as she looks back and forth between Tabitha and Sarah before we see her psyknife dissipate as she then says with a frustrated look on her face), "I know you were joking.I'll let you off.this time." (Then we see Betsy shake her head in anger and then she turns and walks out of the room). (Then we see Tabitha turn to Sarah and say with a very relieved but slightly angry look on her face), "What the hell were you thinking picking a fight with her.she could have killed you, or scrambled your brains up like..!" "You're joking right.right.she wouldn't have.over a little joke like that," (Sarah says with a scared and slightly relieved look on her face as she then edges back towards the table).



"You don't wanna know what she'd do to you, now why don't we just calm down here.sit down would ya.you're making me nervous," (Tabitha says with an authoritative look on her face as then she and Sarah both take a seat). (Then we see Sarah scratch her chin and then say with a scared look on her face), "So what's the story with her and fly.I mean Warren.and who came up with that pie in the sky dream that she talked about?" "It's a long story, so I'd better just start at the beginning.but I'll tell you the extremely condensed down version," (Tabitha says with a tired look on her face before we then see Sarah nod her head).



"Anyway many years ago a man named Charles Xavier started a school for mutants in upstate New York," (Tabitha starts to say as Sarah mutters), "Xavier.I've heard of him," (and Tabitha then continues), "Now in this school he formed his first class of students.Warren was one of them.anyway they had missions, adventures, things like that.they laughed, they cried.they died.and came back to life.." (Tabitha says that last part with a look on her face as she silently acknowledges how absurd it all sounds before she then continues), "Then Warren and the others bumped into this really big and bad psycho named Apocalypse.I know I told you about him earlier but he's the guy that gave Warren is blue suntan.he also turned Warren into a psychopathic killer."



"Ever since then Warren has had it in for ole Apocalypse.can't say I blame him.and along the way he and Psylocke fell in love.but like many romances.something came in between them and split them up," (Tabitha gets a sad look on her face when she gets to this part of her speech and stares at the can of pop nearby before she continues), "His name was Neal Sharra.but he's not important right now.what is important is that after the split up Warren was heartbroken to say the least, even though he tried to hide it.he was actually the one to break it off but that's an entirely different story.but then Psylocke died.," (Tabitha then says with a somber frown on her face as she then notices Sarah's shocked look).



"She's the only one that's come back from the dead.now that I think about it.from our team only me, Erica, and Siryn haven't died and come back somehow.so anyway Warren went on a weird quest and brought Psylocke back to the land of the living.his love for her helped him bring her back, and then after a small rough patch it didn't take long for them to rekindle the fires of love," (Tabitha says with a tired look on her face). "And you know the rest.so needless to say," (Tabitha then starts to say with a relieved look on her face before she's interrupted by someone off panel that says), "Needless to say our mission is a very serious one and isn't to be embarked upon lightly."



(Then we see Sarah and Tabitha turn and look with surprised looks on their faces as then we see Warpath, Warren, Sam, Siryn, and Forge standing in a group and Forge is in a wheelchair and they all look tired, dirty, and beat up as Tabitha says), "Sam," (and she then jumps up and throws herself onto Sam and they then hug happily and share a quick kiss). (Then we see Sarah look at them with some shock and then say), "Ya know you guys look like.," (before Siryn cuts her off and then says with a sarcastic look on her face as she then rolls her eyes), "We know." (Then we see Warren step up and say with a firm look on his face as if he's going to break bad news to Sarah, which he is, and he's holding his right shoulder), "Sarah.we need to talk."



(Then we see Sarah quickly come to the bad realization that something's wrong as she then starts to tremble slightly as she sits back down and says with a scared look on her face), "What.what's wrong, you've got the same look on your face that my mom had when she told me that my dad got in a car accident and wasn't going to make it.oh God somebody died.." (Then we see Warren with a very sad look on his face nod his head and then say with a hand on Sarah's shoulder), "I wish that I could say something.anything other than this.he's dead Sarah.Marc's dead." (Then we see Sarah gasp, her eyes grow wide before she then starts to cry and shake her head as she then says), "N.n.no.he.he can't be.we were going to.No," (before she then starts to stand up and then get weak in the knees and she almost falls down but Warren catches her and they then both go to their knees as Warren holds her in his arms as she sobs and sobs with everyone standing around in solemn silence, but we can see that Warpath and Siryn are holding each other tightly, as are Sam and Tabitha).



[Later]

(We open with a set of panels that show Warren sitting on an exam bed in one of the hospital rooms and he's shirtless as he has new bandages around his ribs and the doctor, with a nurse helping him, is putting the last few stitches into Warren's right shoulder). (Then we see the doctor say with a sigh and a shrug of his shoulders as he's setting his instruments down), "There we go, all done.." (Then we see Warren smile and say), "Thank you doctor." (Then we see the doctor smile back and say as he pulls his gloves off and then throws them away), "You're welcome.but do me a favor and don't go getting into anymore of those street fights that you and your friends seem to like so much.pretty soon we're going to run out of stitches with you and your friends here."



(Then we see Warren smile and look like he's about to say something when we see the door open and Betsy walks in and she then says with an almost motherly and worried look on her face), "Don't worry doctor.it won't happen, I promise." (Then we see the doctor and the nurse smile and start to leave the room but then the nurse looks back and winks sexily at Warren and begin to blow him a kiss but Betsy quickly steps in between Warren and the nurse, as Warren has a shocked and uncomfortable look on his face, and glares at the nurse and almost shuts the door in her face as Betsy then says angrily), "Of all the bloody nerve, can you believe that woman.and with me in the room no less."



(Then we see a panel of Warren as he's smirking before Betsy turns around with an angry look on her face and Warren's expression quickly grows worse to match Betsy's as he shakes his head and then says), "No.I can't." (Then we see Betsy eye Warren warily for a bit before she then walks over and puts a hand on top of Warren's that is on his thigh and she says while looking Warren in the eye and a few stray strands of hair have fallen in front of her face), "Are you trying to get yourself killed, or kill me with worry?" (Then we see Warren say with a slightly confused look on his face as he looks over at Betsy), "I thought you didn't get worried Betts, all those mystic rules of confidence.and all."



"I worry when it's you, especially when you insist on risking your life so bloody recklessly," (Betsy says with a flash of anger and worry in her eyes and on her face). "I'm sorry okay, I didn't go out there with the intention of getting another ugly scar or breaking Sarah's heart.by the way how's she doing?" "How do you think she's doing, she's totally heartbroken.poor thing hasn't stopped crying since you broke the news to her about Marc, Tabitha and Sam are with her now, I have to hand it to those two," (Betsy says with a sad and slightly angry look on her face as she hops up on the exam bed beside Warren and they then hold each others hand, Warren's left hand and Betsy's right hand).



"I agree, those two have been more than we originally gave them credit for, now our main concern.," (Warren says with a concerned look on his face before we then see Betsy cut in and say with a slightly worried look on her face), "Our main concern is the fact that now not only is there a gang of thugs turning these islands into Swiss cheese but also War and now Death are here killing whomever they please." (Then we see Warren nod his head in silent agreement before he then is about to say something when the door opens and we then see Siryn in the doorway and she says with a hand over her eyes and she also has a nervous look on her face), "Are ye decent?" (Then we see both Warren and Betsy smile sheepishly before Betsy then says), "Nope."



(Then we see a panel of Siryn as she almost chokes on what Betsy said as she stumbles a bit and then turns away as behind her we see Warren and Betsy start to laugh). (Then we see Siryn turn around and glare lightly at Warren and Betsy and she's blushing and then says), "Funny, real funny guys." (Then we see Warpath appear behind Siryn with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders and he waves a bit and says), "Hey guys." (Then we see Warren nod his head and smile and Betsy just bows her head a little bit and smile as she then shakes it). "You wanted to see us about something Theresa," (Warren says with a smile on his face as he looks over at Siryn). "Aye I did, Erica's better and she's been itchin to be released, and she can't be released until one of you two sign some papers," (Siryn says with an impatient and also slightly embarrassed look on her face as she has her arms crossed).



"Why us, shouldn't she be able to sign her own bloody self out," (Betsy says with a slightly annoyed look on her face as Warren then lifts their clasped hands off of his thigh and kisses Betsy's before he then says as we then see Betsy get ready to say something but Warren jumps in first), "Probably because she put us.or rather me as her insurance provider." (Then we see Betsy roll her eyes and then say), "Of course it's all so clear to me now, use the richest guy you know to pay for everything.I'm surprised she hasn't asked for a bloody paycheck yet." (Then we see Warren bring his right hand up and put it over his face as he shakes his head and then we see Warpath get a confused and dumbfounded look on his face as he then brings a hand up and scratches his head and then says), "We get paid.," (and he looks down at Siryn).



(Then we see Siryn sigh and shake her head with a smile on her face as she looks up and pats Warpath on the cheek and then says), "It's okay Jimmy, now sit down before ye hurt yourself." (Then we see Warpath frown and then take a seat in the corner of the room as Siryn then leans up against him and says as she furrows her brows), "But now on a more serious note.like Jimmy said.we get paid, why didn' I know about this?" (Then we see Warren drop his head into his hands and shake his head a bit before he then picks his head up and says with a sarcastic look on his face), "Look what you've started.happy now," (as he's looking at Betsy). (Then we see Betsy smile and kiss him and then pat Warren on the back).



[A few rooms away, the waiting room]

(We see panels of Forge sitting in his wheelchair and he's obviously exhausted as he's slumped down and sweating heavily and he's in pain and have a little trouble breathing). (Then we see a nurse walk warily over to him and then say with a concerned and slightly scared look on her face), "Excuse me sir, uh sir.sir.are you alright?" (Then we see Forge cough painfully and then say as he looks up at the nurse), "Do I look alright.almost a decade of schooling and that's the best that you could come up with.it's a wonder I have any faith in the current state of medicine."



(Then we see the nurse have a confused and slightly angry look on her face as she just stands there before Forge then says with a slightly repentant look on his face), "I'm sorry.I'm afraid that I make a lousy patient, I'm always rough on those who try to help me when I'm down, so don't take it personally." "Apology accepted, but you're really that mean to everyone who tries to help you," (The nurse asks with an expectant and almost pitying look on her face as she squats down beside Forge). (Then we see Forge scowl and then sigh before he says), "Almost everyone.everyone except for one woman.no not a woman.a goddess.that I will worship for the rest of my life, no matter if I ever regain what I once had, where I swear to you I will not repeat my greatest mistake."



"Quite the speech there, you tell that to all the girls.tell me something old man, does that ever work," (the nurse then says with an under whelmed and sarcastic look on her face as she stands up and crosses her arms and then glares down lightly at Forge). (Then we see Forge look up at the nurse with an annoyed look on his face as he then says), "I never tell sob stories miss, for if I started telling all of mine to you now I fear that I would end it all by telling the last of them to your daughter." (Then we see the nurse look at Forge with a confused look on her face as she then says), "My daughter.but I don't have a daughter.I'm not even married."



(Then we see Forge shake his head in dismay and sigh as he then says), "I never said you did, now what I need I know you don't have and never will.now if you'll excuse me I'm going to find a true medical professional to give me aid." (Then we see the nurse get angry and shocked as Forge then sits up in his wheelchair and wheels himself slowly away and down the hall from the nurse, who then glares angrily at him).



[Meanwhile.Pala Pan]

[The price of failure is always high.]. [.for some though it is too high a price.one that they cannot bare]. (We open with panels of the crimson dawn warriors milling about before we then see a panel of a small cavern in which we see Phil on his knees with his hands bound behind his back by energy bands). (Then we see that he's beat up and hurt badly as in front of him stand War, Death, and one of the golems, and then we see the golem punch Phil hard in the stomach and Phil yells out in pain and then slump forward). "Impudent wretch, you had them and you let them get away," (Death growls angrily with clenched fists as War then kicks Phil in the side and Phil howls in pain and rolls over onto his side and he's gritting his teeth). (Then we see Phil roll around painfully a bit before he then spits out), "A thousand apologies.it wasn't my fault, it was.ahh!" (Then at the end of Phil's staggered statement we see him get kicked in the ribs again).



(Then we see Death grin and say), "A million apologies wouldn't even come close to you alleviating your debt to my lord Apocalypse.but my master does not take to kindly to those that fail him.." (Then we see Death nod to War, who then walks over to Phil and grabs him and then pins him down). (Then we see Death look around to make sure that all of the crimson dawn warriors are watching as he then says as he gets close to Phil), "Watch and learn.watch and learn what happens when you fail.." (Then we see War put his knee in the middle of Phil's back and clasp his hands together under Phil's chin and then pulls back). (Then we see panels of close ups of Phil's face as he is in fear for his life and he's mumbling), "Please.don't.."



(Then we see Death say with an arrogant sneer on his face as he starts to move his right hand closer and closer to Phil's head), "You say you like things that burn.well how about this!" (Then we see Death's hand start to glow a dark red as then Death jams his hand onto Phil's face and Phil screams in pain as also first his head and then his body is consumed in a halo of dark red fire). (Then we see the halo of red fire get so hot that even War has to back off before then we see Phil's body explode in a shower of bright red and orange stars, and all the while Phil is screaming in pain). (Then we see a big panel of War and Death laughing hysterically in the middle of a large sea of crimson dawn warriors that are caught in between cheering and howling wildly in support of Death's actions and of fearfully keeping their distance from him).



[That night]

(We first see Sarah lying in a spare bed and she's asleep and we see that her pillow is wet with tears). (Then we see that Tabitha first pulls a sheet over Sarah and then shuts the light off as she then leaves the room, all with a tired and saddened look on her face). (Then we see Tabitha walking down a long hallway and she's trying to rub the sleep out of one of her eyes before she then gets to the big room with the televisions in it and she then begins to look around for Sam). (Then we see Tabitha locate Sam and she walks over to him and then says with a tired look on her face), "Hey." (Then we see Sam look up and smile and then say), "Hey."



(Then we see Sam move his arm and Tabitha then sits down beside him and then turns slightly so that her legs are draped over Sam's lap and she leans up against him and Sam puts his left arm over her legs and he pulls her close with is right arm). (Then we see Tabitha frown sadly and say), "You think she'll be okay?" (Then we see Sam look down at Tabitha with a slightly confused look on his face as he then says), "Who.Erica, or Sarah?" (Then we see Tabitha look up at Sam and say while Sam moves his left thumb around in a small circle on Tabitha's thigh), "Erica will be fine, it's Sarah that I'm worried about.the man she loved died today, I don't know what she's going to do now?"



"It's not our place to tell her what to do now Tab, she has to figure out what to do for herself.and we need to give her all the time that she needs, no matter how long it takes," (Sam says with a sad look on his face as he then frowns and kisses Tabitha on the forehead). (Then we see Tabitha sigh and then lay her head on Sam's chest as she says with a somber look on her face), "You're right Sam, but would ya promise me something?" "Anything Tab," (Sam says with a serious look on his face as he then slowly nods his head). "Promise me that you'll never leave, never die on me.I don't think that I could take it," (Tabitha says with a sniffle and a very sad and also worried look on her face as she looks like she could easily cry).



(Then we see Sam sigh and slightly roll his eyes as he then hugs Tabitha tightly and then says), "Okay Tab, don't worry I'm never doing to go anywhere.so you're not going to ever have to worry about, you'll never be alone." "Good," (Tabitha says with a happy and relieved look on her face as then we see Erica walk into the room and sit down across the aisle from Sam and Tabitha and she has a cup of coffee or tea and one of those sandwiches that comes from a vending machine). (Then we see Sam smile and say with a small nod of his head), "Hey Erica, how ya feeling?"



(Then we see Erica smile weakly and shrug her shoulders as she then says), "Okay, but then again the doctors here have me on so many painkillers that I feel like I should see a big purple dinosaur go dancing by, and I don't mean Barney, because if I saw him then he'd be barbeque appetizers faster than you could blink." (Then we see both Sam and Tabitha smile and laugh a bit before Tabitha then says), "I know the feeling, back when Rogue broke my jaw Mr. McCoy put me on so many medications that I went all loopy for a short time." (Then we see a panel of Erica as she unwraps the sandwich and then takes a bite).



(Then we see Sam smile and laugh a bit as he then says), "But that didn't stop you from talking, and against doctors orders no less." (Then we see Erica almost choke on the sandwich as she tries to laugh but then she swallows hard and smiles as she then says), "Why doesn't that surprise me, it sounds like something you'd do Tabitha." (Then we see a panel or two of Sam, Tabitha, and Erica laughing and talking back and forth but we don't see what they're saying). (Then we see a group of panels that start to pull away from Sam, Tabitha, and Erica and we then end the moving away as we see Betsy standing in the hallway and she's watching the three members talking and laughing and we see that she has her telepathic butterfly on her forehead as she's listening in).



(Then we see Warren walk up from behind and say with a bemused smile on his face and a coffee cup in each hand), "I thought I heard you say that you weren't going to eavesdrop into anymore private conversations." (Then we see Betsy sigh and roll her eyes and then say as she turns her powers off), "You've got a mind like a bloody elephant, I swear you never forget anything." "Thanks, so what are they talking about," (Warren says with a cheesy smile on his face as he looks back and forth between Betsy and Sam, Tabitha, and Erica). (Then we see Betsy smile with a slightly shocked look on her face as she then says), "I thought you said that I should stop eavesdropping."



"I.you know what I mean," (Warren says with a slightly embarrassed look on his face before Betsy turns and then says with a smile on her face and a hand on Warren's uninjured shoulder), "I know.but you know what, I think it's finally happening, I think that those three are finally becoming a team.finally becoming friends." (Then we see Warren smile and say as he hands Betsy a cup of coffee), "Good.here." "Thanks," (Betsy says with a smile as she takes the cup of coffee and then turns and looks back into the room with the televisions in it).



"We've got a big day tomorrow, we're going to need to split up again and try and figure out exactly what War and Death are doing here, and there's still that fire elemental to worry about to," (Warren says with a slightly worried frown on his face before he then takes a sip of coffee). (Then we see Betsy take a sip of coffee and then says with a small and unhappy frown on her face), "I agree, but now that it's clear just how far Death and War are prepared to go to keep their subordinates in line we have to be cautious, and we can't completely split up, someone needs to stay her with Sarah, she shouldn't be alone right now.not in her condition, and for all we know Apocalypse could send someone to kill her."



"I hadn't thought about that.but you know you're right, that is something that we need to look into, so who do you think we should leave here with her.we can't leave Theresa here those two don't get along, we need James out in the field, Erica's in no condition to scout around or stay here so she's out, Sam's to good of a fighter to stay here.," (Warren says with a thoughtful scowl on his face as he scratches his chin and then takes a sip of coffee). "Well Tabitha and Sarah seemed to get along well enough, that is as long as I'm not around, do you know what that bloody.what she.I'm not staying here, and wherever I go you go, I'm not letting you out of my sight," (Betsy says at first with a half smile but the in the middle she gets a very angry look on her face and rolls her eyes and shakes her head before she ends by poking Warren in the chest with her index finger and a very serious look on her face).



"Fine Betts, my wing will probably take a few days to heal anyway and until then I won't be flying anywhere anytime soon, so then it's agreed that tomorrow Tabitha will stay here with Sarah while Sam, James, and Theresa fan out and see if they can find anything while you and I.," (Warren says with a small shrug of his shoulders as he then puts his arm up on the wall and he then leans on the wall and looks over at Betsy and takes a sip of coffee). "While we do a little sleuthing of our own, the local authorities have the elemental that controls the wind under lock and key in one of their special underground cells, you and I can pay him a visit and see what he knows.and what he won't tell us voluntarily.," (Betsy says with a smile on her face as she lightly leans in and is shoulder to shoulder with Warren).



"Wait I now that look, what he won't tell us voluntarily you'll do a little walkabout through is mind and get them yourself," (Warren says with a small sigh as he looks over and smiles at Betsy who winks and smiles back at him before he then says with a serious look on his face), "Fine, but this time please try and refrain from turning him into a drooling mental patient." (Then we see Betsy look over at Warren with slightly sad and puppy dog eyes and then smile slyly and say), "That only happened once.and it wasn't my fault."-END