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...

23. My 23rd Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI-SPELUNKING DANGER BY: LoganAlpha30

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

+Parlau Pau General Hospital+ +2 Hours Later+

(We open with a panel of Warren and Betsy as they're walking towards the front doors of the hospital). (Then we see Warren turn to Betsy and then say with a less than happy look on his face), "What did Tabitha say that was so important that we had to rush over here so fast?" "Not very much, other than the simple fact that both Sam and Theresa are out of action for God knows how long and.," (Betsy then says with an unhappy scowl on her face as we then see her and Warren get to the doors and Warren opens them as they then both enter as Warren says with a slightly worried look on his face), "And as usual both Tabitha and James are nervous wrecks.so now our great and mighty team has been whittled down to just you and me." (Then we see Betsy frown and then say sarcastically), "Thanks for the vote of confidence luv."



(Then we see a panel of Warren as he's surprised at her candor as he then sighs heavily and then turns to Betsy and puts a hand on her shoulder and he puts his other hand on her chin as he lifts it up a bit before he says with a loving and sincere look on his face), "Now you know that I didn't mean it like that, I love you.but there's only so much that we can do together against War and Death.not to mention the undoubted dozens of crimson dawn warriors at their disposal." (Then we see Betsy sigh slightly and then turn her head away and say), "I know Warren, but what are we going to do, I don't trust Tabitha well enough to take her with us.not yet, but I think that we could still get James to come with us, although we'd still be completely outnumbered." "Maybe we should call in a few favors to bolster our ranks.that is if they're not to busy," (Warren says with a very deep in thought look on his face).



"Well I don't doubt that Sean will come.after what happened to Terry.but I'm not sure about Pete, Black Air could have stashed him anywhere, and I'm not even going to hazard a guess with Rictor and Shatterstar," (Betsy says with a worried look on her face as she and Warren then get to an elevator as then we see that Warren has to take some extra time, and stop the doors from shutting once or twice, to be able to get his wings comfortably into the elevator). "We should at least try.Forge would fight with us, but he's walking more because he's to stubborn for his own good, I'll start making some calls after we visit Sam and Theresa," (Warren says with a shrug of his shoulders as he turns his head and then stares at the floor indicator above the elevator doors). "We're going to have to do this quickly, now that War and Death know that we're on to them they'll push up their timetable," (Betsy then says with an impatient scowl on her face as she leans back up against the wall and she rests her hand on top of Warrens).



(Then we see Warren say as he's lookin at the elevator doors), "That's what I'm afraid of , most likely Apocalypse has given them orders to keep us busy here while he then does something that had we not been here we could have stopped." (Then we see Betsy and Warren get off of the elevator as it then comes to a stop). (Then we see a panel or two of them walking through the halls before they then get to a panel of the waiting room with Warpath, sitting on the floor with his back up against the wall and his wounds have been tended to as he has gauze patches and wraps on his arms, Sam, who's resting in one of the chairs and Tabitha is sitting beside him and she's carrying an open pop can in one hand and a half eaten doughnut in the other as she's obviously telling Sam a joke as they're both laughing and Erica is flirting with one of the male nurses).



(Then we see Warren and Betsy enter the waiting room as Warren is taking his tie off as he then says), "Would someone please tell me what the hell is going on here.and you can save all of the color commentary for another time and place Tabitha, I just want the facts." (And as he says that Erica stops flirting with the male nurse, Tabitha looks up and over at Warren with a slightly hurt look on her face while her mouth is full of the doughnut, Sam wearily looks up and frowns, Warpath looks up with a concerned look on his face). (Then we see Sam look around before he says with a slightly pained look on his face), "Ah got hurt just trying to help people out of that big car wreck n' Terry got hurt when she and Jimmy ran into those jerks that have been shooting up these islands, they took care of them.mostly." "So what have the doctors said about your conditions, you don't look so bad Sam?" "Ah'll be fine in a few days.Terry should be okay to, but I'm afraid that we're out of the fight for now," (Sam says with an unhappy frown on his face).



"You got the goods then, you know where Death and War are," (Warpath then says as his spirits seem to be lifting and he looks like he's ready for a fight). "That we did James, but Warren and I are going to handle this, you guys just stay here and heal up, with a little luck we'll all be home for Christmas," (Betsy then says with a serious look on her face before she turns to Warren and smiles). "Not to sound like a harpy or anything.but how are you two supposed to fight them all.alone," (Tabitha says with a shocked and somewhat worried look on her face). "They won't be alone," (We see Banshee say in a panel in which we see him walk into the waiting room and he has a battle suit like Warren's on and he has a grim look on his face). "Sean.what.," (Warpath says with a shocked look of surprise on his face as everyone else but Warren and Betsy, who are only mildly surprised, looks really surprised). "I'll tell ye how I got here so quickly at another time, but first things first, where's Theresa.where's my daughter," (Banshee then says as he walks over and then stands right in front of Warpath).



"In her room resting up," (Warpath says with a slightly sad look on his face as he leans his head over towards a set of double doors). "Thank ye," (Banshee says with a slight nod of his head and a grim look on his face before he then walks over to the double doors and puts a hand up on the doors and just starts to push them open in a panel). (Then we see him stop suddenly as someone says from off panel), "You can't go in there yet, visiting hours aren't for an hour or two." (Then we see Banshee turn slightly and then say with an angry grimace on his face), "My daughter's in there.if anyone asks you can say that ye told me about the visiting hours and I went in anyway." (Then we see Banshee push through the doors and disappear before we then see a panel of the group sitting in the waiting room as they all look at each other with some shock and concern). "Let me guess, he's part of your backup plan," (Erica then says with an eyebrow raised and a small smirk on her face). "Part of it Erica, you'll find out what the rest of it is later," (Warren says with an overworked and tired look on his face as he has his arms crossed).



"And until then I think that it'd probably be for the best if all of you just stayed her and regained your strength.hell.go do some Christmas shopping.if you want," (Betsy then says with a bored and impatient scowl on her face as she looks around the waiting room). (Then we see a quick panel of Betsy as she looks like she's just noticed something and isn't to happy about it as she then turns to Warren and activates her psychic link with him and says telepathically), Wait a minute Warren, we're missing someone, there should be one more person here. (To which Warren then looks around the waiting room with a look of both alarm and confusion as he then telepathically says back), We are.who? Our resident juvenile delinquent that's who, (Betsy then thinks back with a slightly angry and disapproving scowl on her face before we then see Warren look back at Betsy with a thoroughly confused look on his face as he says telepathically back to Betsy), Our resident juvenile delinquent.but Tabitha's already here.



(Then we see Betsy mutter angrily as she shakes her head and hangs her head a bit and brings a hand up to her forehead), "Bloody hell!" (Then at about the same time as she's saying that Warren sighs angrily and closes his eyes as he has a how could I be so stupid look on his face as he then says), "Of course.Sarah." (Then we see Betsy turn back to the group in the waiting room and then say with a look on her face as if she were a mother and her children had done something wrong), "Would one of you please explain to my why you're all here like good little soldiers, looking after an injured comrade, and not where at least one of you is supposed to be.watching a certain someone, our star witness against Apocalypse and his cronies War and Death." (Then we see a panel of first Sam and Tabitha as they stare blankly at each other and then we see Erica smack her head and roll her eyes as he looks angry at herself and Warpath just sighs and hangs his head).



(Then we see Erica turn to Warren and Betsy and then say with a very apologetic look on her face and her hands are jammed into her pockets), "Hey uh.sorry guys, I was supposed to stay with her.but then hayseed over there got hurt and I had to stop miss peroxide over there from doing something that she'd regret later." "Hey, watch the hair jokes lady," (Tabitha then says back with an angry and also slightly hurt look on her face as Sam has to put his arm around her and restrain her with a very serious look on his face). "Your witty banter notwithstanding I really don't bloody care whose job it was to watch her, one of you should be with her now," (Warren then says with a restrained but yet still angry scowl on his face as Betsy looks on and matches his scowl). "Fine, it was my responsibility to watch her in the first place so I'll do it," (Erica then says with an unhappy look on her face before she then turns around and walks out of the waiting room and she disappears down the hall).



(Then we see a panel of Warpath as he watches Erica go out of the room before he then turns to Warren and Betsy and then says with a very serious look on his face), "What do we do now?" "What we do now is sit here and go over every little bloody thing that you all did right.and everything that you did wrong, and believe me, there's a whole hell of a lot of items in that category, all that while Warren tries to pull our collective asses out of the fire," (Betsy then says with a look on her face as if she's not to happy to be in the situation that she's in). (Then we see a panel of the others looking at Betsy with shocked looks on their faces before Tabitha then sits back fully in her chair and crosses her arms as she then says with a slightly dejected pout on her face), "Alright already.jeez.ever hear of decaf?" (Then we see a panel of a close up first of Betsy's face as she has an icy glare towards Tabitha, and then in the next panel we see Betsy, with her arms crossed and a very angry scowl on her face, as she's looking down and over at Tabitha, who's still sitting beside Sam and she still has her arms crossed and she's purposefully avoiding Betsy's glare).



(Then we see Betsy say with an unhappy look on her face), "Is there something that you'd like to share with the rest of the class Ms Smith?" (Then we see Tabitha jump a bit and then put her hands down to her sides as she looks up at Betsy with a very shocked and scared look on her face before she then shrinks a lot as she shrugs her shoulders and sulks as she then says), "Nope." "Good.well then let's get started shall we," (Betsy then says with a forced smile on her face in the foreground and in the background we see Warren shake his head and then walk off out of the waiting room).



[Shortly]

(We see Warren, now with his tie undone and the top few buttons of his shirt undone and one hand on his waist and he's holding his cell phone up to his ear with the other one and he looks like he's not having to much luck). "No.don't put me on hold.don't do this.do you know who I am, I don't care if you're Black Air or Donald Trump.," (Warren yells angrily as he looks as if he's about ready to throw his cell phone up against the wall before he then sits down in a nearby chair). (Then we see an audible example of the connection going dead and Warren getting very angry and he also squeezes the phone before he then shakes his head and starts to dial again as he then says with a very serious look on his face), "Idiots.I know this one works.and they'd better be there or else they'll wake up tomorrow morning in a nice eight by nine foot cell in Leavenworth." (Then we see Warren sigh and then put the phone up to his ear and then wait as it rings).



(Then we see Warren smirk dryly and then say as he scratches his chin with his other hand), "Julio.yeah it's me, now shut up and listen.in three hours there's going to be a fueled and ready private jet on runway three at the airport closest to your apartment.don't ask how I know where you are I just do.do whatever you have to do to get ready but if in exactly three hours you and Shatterstar aren't on that plane.prepared to go all out.and have some fun.then you're going to become a permanent resident of whatever prison first crosses my mind." (Throughout all that we cut back and forth between panels of Warren sitting in the chair and then also panels of Rictor, who just got out of the shower as his hair is wet and he's only wearing a towel as the look on his face changes from shock to anger to finally acceptance as then we see first a panel of Warren as he hangs up with a sly smirk on his face and then a final few panels or Rictor as he slowly hangs up the phone and then shakes his head before he turns and walks out of the bathroom and then through the apartment that he's in and gets to the living room as we then see Shatterstar sitting on the couch and he's holding a television remote in one hand while one of his swords and it's cleaning supplies is draped over his lap and he's changing channels rapidly).



(Then we see Rictor enter the room and Shatterstar stops flipping through channels and turns around as he then says with an expectant look on his face), "What is it?" "Just an old friend with a part invitation for us," (Rictor then says with a big smirk on his face before we see Shatterstar scowl and then say), "Not another one.those parties are making you soft.you're losing your edge.." (Then we see Rictor say with a small laugh), "It's not that kid of party 'Star, this is one of those special X- men style parties, the one's with the fighting, the plane leaves in three.make that two hours fifty seven minutes." (Then we cut back to Warren as he pulls a small black book out of his pants pocket and he then opens it and we see that it's a little black book of important people's names and numbers as we see people's names like Steve Rogers, Charles Xavier, Elizabeth Braddock, Scott Summers, Jean Grey Summers, Henry McCoy, Robert Drake, Hank Pym, Nick Fury, Valerie Cooper, Forge, Tony Stark, Reed Richards, George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin, Tony Blair, Peter Parker, Doctor Strange, Alan Greenspan, Donald Trump, Dick Clark, and many others as he's flipping through the book).



(Then we see Warren flip another page ore two and then put his thumb near a number as he then punches in an other telephone number as he then thinks with a smile), Alright Pete, I tried to do it nicely, but you wanted to let some rookie give me the run around. [On the other side of the world]. [34th floor of a popular downtown London high-rise]. [The official name on the lease is George Starr]. [But the current occupant of flat 34c goes by the name of Pete Wisdom, former member of multiple pro mutant teams like the international super group Excalibur and the mutant swat team formerly known as X-Force]. [But tonight he is undertaking a different kind of team, one very unlike most of is former ones]. (We first see panels as we fly into London past Big Ben and then we go to a particular block of buildings and then to a single building and then in through the halls and then we go through an apartment door that has a light gold 34c on it). (Then we go in and see a very dark apartment and as we then go through it we see some clothes strewn about all throughout the place as we see that there's a trail of men's clothes and there are two trails of women's clothes).



(Then we get to the also very dark bedroom as we just see shadows moving around and there's some giggling). (Then we see the phone ringing and at first it's as if nothing changes but then we see the phone keep ringing as a voice speaks up), "Maybe you should get that." "Oh sod off.," (We then see someone say as the telephone keeps ringing). (Then we see someone else say), "Hey.she's right, you should answer that.it could be important." (Then we see someone growl in anger and then get out of the bed before walking over to a small stand with a lamp and the telephone and an empty beer bottle on it). (Then we see the lamp turn on and it barely lights up the room as we see Pete Wisdom standing by the lamp in boxers and he's irritated and slightly angry as he picks up the phone with one hand and he's scratching his chin with the other as he then says), "Yeah, what do you want.Perkins, I told you not to call me here unless.what.who's waiting on the other line.put him through." (Then we see a group of panels that are side by side as the ones of the left side are of Warren during his conversation with Pete and the panels on the right side are of Pete's actions during the conversation with Warren).



(Then we see Pete say with a bored look on his face as he's also pulling a cigarette out of a pack and he then puts it in his mouth and then lights it), "Worthington.I have to say that I'm surprised to be hearing from you, what happened this time.you get on Xavier's bad side again.something didn't happen to.." (Then we see Warren frown first and then smirk in mock amusement as he then says), "Very funny Pete.and Kitty's fine as far as I know, now listen.ever hear of Parlau Pau?" (Then we see Pete shake his head and say as he knocks some ashes of his cigarette into the ashtray), "That a trick question rich boy?" "Not in this lifetime Wisdom, now listen if you don't help us then these islands are going to get dragged down into the tenth level of hell by a pair of really dangerous.," (Warren then says with a slightly bored grimace on his face). "Tragedy.so give me a reason why I should give a bloody.," (Pete then says with a hearty smirk on his face as he then cautions a quick glance back towards the bed).



"Because it's what you do, whether you like it or not.now if it's not to much trouble could you please catch the next plane here.and if there aren't any commercial flights available then you can get your.friends. at Black Air to fly you over here, oh and Pete.there's just one more thing, I don't know if this will help you make up your mind but during the duration of your stay here.is that you have a license to kill," (Warren says with a small sigh as he then leans back in his chair as he puts his hand and arm that's not holding the cell phone over the back of the chair next to him). (Then we see Pete say with a slightly unhappy scowl on his face as he is smashing his cigarette into the ashtray), "So how much does this little.job pay.exactly?" "You'll be compensated for your services believe me, now I'll be expecting you tonight.so don't even think about disappointing me.and a little piece of advice Pete.you should have used another phone for our conversation, your lady friends might have heard more than they should have," (Warren then says with a serious look on his face before he then abruptly hangs up and drops his cell phone back into one of his pockets before he then stands up and walks away).



(Then we see a panel of Pete as he reacts with shock at Warren hanging up his phone so quickly as he slowly hangs his phone up and then mutters), "Lady friends.how did he.bloody hell, even through the phone the guy still hears like a hawk." (Then we see a slightly hazy panel of one of the women, a beautiful blonde starts to sit up in bed and she uses the blanket to cover herself, smile and then say), "Who was that on the phone?" "No one that you need worry about luv.wrong number," (Pete says with a sly smile on his face before he then reaches back and turns off the lamp, and the room goes all dark again).



[Meanwhile, a few floors beneath the waiting room]

(We open with a full page panel of Erica as she's picking her way towards us down a long hall and she's avoiding all of the different people in her way). (Then we see her think with a very scared look on her face as she then dodges her way out of the path of a big fat man), Man she'd better be there.and in one piece.or else Warren's going to kill me. (Then we see Erica get to a room as we see a few hospital workers that are bringing a hospital bed out of the room with a person fully under a blanket on it). (Then we see Erica get visibly even more worried and upset as she then thinks), Oh no.oh sh., (as she then begins to take a step towards the bed before we then see a quick panel of Erica from behind as someone, that's a woman, lays their hand on Erica's shoulder and also says), "Erica?" (Then we see a panel of Erica as she almost jumps out of her skin ass he then spins around and has to take some time to catch her breath as she then gasps out), "What.Sarah, what.huh?" (Then we see Erica look quickly back and forth between Sarah and the body on the bed).



(Then we see Sarah have a quick laugh and then say as she's stifling some more laughter), "Wait.you didn't actually think.oh.you did." "But.what, how," (Erica says with a thoroughly confused look on her face as one hand is up on her forehead while the other is down at her waist). "You got the wrong room, mine's one more past this one," (Sarah then says with a slightly cheesy smile as then we see both Erica and Sarah eye the body wearily as the hospital workers wheel it by them). (Then we see the two of them walk into Sarah's room as we then see that the room is now all cleaned up and it looks as if Sarah was just going back into it to grab something and then leave). (Then we see Sarah walk over to one of the chairs in the room and pick up her coat in the foreground as in the background we see Erica cross her arms and then lean up against the wall and say with a look of both worry and concern on her face), "You going somewhere?"



(Then we see Sarah cringe a bit and she then sighs, sniffles, and stand up as she then pushes some hair back behind her ear and she then says with a slightly guilty look on her face), "Nope.nowhere." "You mean you aren't going to slip out of this hospital and then go and try to exact some revenge on War and Death for what they did to you and Marc," (Erica then says with a slightly worried sigh as she stands up straight and also pushes the door shut). "So what if I am.it's none of you or your friends business.it's my responsibility," (Sarah then says defiantly, but with a touch of sadness and fear on her face). "You're wrong about that Sarah, when you decided to do the right thing and trust us you became our responsibility.whether you like it or not, so if you're thinking about getting any payback you'll have to ask my bosses for help, because you can't do it alone," (Erica says with a very serious and authoritative scowl on her face as we then see Sarah grumble a bit as she puts her coat on and reluctantly sit down in the chair). "But," (Sarah then says as she pouts a bit and leans back in her chair).



"It sucks I know.believe me.but you really don't want to get Warren and Elizabeth angry at you, because y'see those two are the type of people that can hold a grudge for years.wouldn't surprise me if Warren is still holding a grudge against the doctor that delivered him," (Erica then says with a small smirk as she then walks over and then sits on the bed and she's sitting on top of her one foot as one knee is bent and the other leg is hanging off of the edge of the bed). "He looks like he'd do something like that, although I bet that he was a very beautiful baby," (Sarah then says with a slight nod of her head as then we see both Erica and Sarah start to laugh as they also then nod in agreement). (Then we see Erica stop herself from laughing as she wipes away a tear and then says), "But seriously.we really should get back to the waiting room, Warren should be back there by now." (Then we see both of them almost reluctantly get up and then start to walk out of the room and then through the halls).



[At that Moment, In the Waiting Room]

(We then open with a few panels of the various members of the team as they're sitting in the chairs and Tabitha is curled up against Sam with one arm interlocked with his while Warpath is now impatiently pacing around the waiting room). (We see that Betsy is seated in a chair that she has pulled out and over near Sam and Tabitha, and she's sitting there with both her arms and legs crossed as she has her gaze locked first onto Warpath and then Sam and Tabitha, and she almost looks like a very strict old time female school teacher). (Then we see Betsy say with a slightly annoyed look on her face), "Now tell me again why you didn't call for backup or wait for the authorities to come?" (Then we see Sam quickly look around and he then scratches the back of his head as he says with a sheepish grin on his face), "I don't know.it just all happened so fast that ah really didn't have time to dial 911 or anything like that.I saved people."



"We all have instant communicators remember.we each received one of them when we formed this team, and unless you left yours in your other suit then you should have had it with you," (Betsy then says with a very annoyed scowl on her face as she reaches into one of her pockets and brings out what looks like a makeup compact). "Ah thought that thing was some makeup so I gave it to Tabitha," (Sam then says with an embarrassed frown on his face before Tabitha then winces apologetically and smiles as she says), "Yeah.n' I.uh, kina left it in my other.uh.." "I don't believe this.I'm in charge of a bloody insane asylum.," (Betsy then says with a fed up look on her face as she throws up her hand and rolls her eyes before she then drops her head into her hands). "It's not that bad guys, we did stop those gun toting guys and.," (Warpath then says with a restrained look of hope on his face as he turns back to Betsy, Sam, and Tabitha).



"And all that it took was almost losing your girlfriend and fellow teammate to get it all done," (Betsy then says as she slowly brings her head up with a look of bitingly sarcastic wit on her face as Warpath just frowns and hangs his head). "Hey c'mon what up with the supercharged third degree, we all know we screwed up.and we know what we should have done differently.so why," (Tabitha then says with a slightly hurt and confused look on her face). "Because that's how you.we.all learn, you should know that by now, you enact something and then after it's over you asses the positives and negatives and then use that knowledge for the next time that particular situation arises," (Betsy then says as she slightly glares at first Tabitha and then Sam and then at Warpath). "Fair enough, but I'm not about to just sit here and wait for Terry to wake up.it's driving me crazy, I feel if I stay that I'm going to.," (Warpath then says with a very frustrated scowl on his face as he looks like he's about ready to drive his fist through the wall).



"So how is Terry anyway, ah would have thought Sean would have come back out by now," (Sam then says with an impatient scowl on his face as he turns his head and looks over towards the double doors that Banshee went through earlier). (Then we see Betsy shake her head and then turn her upper body and she has her left arm hung over the back of the chair, and she then says with a calm look on her face), "James just try to stay calm, you going completely crazy won't help Terry or us at all.and Sean cat take all the time that he wants.," (before she then turns back to Sam and Tabitha and then says with a small sigh and shrug of her shoulders), "Speaking of time, Sam since you and Tabitha won't be going with us why don't the two of you go out and find us somewhere to stay for the night, preferably a nice four star hotel, if I have to spend one more night in this bloody hospital I swear I'll.." "You won't have to Betts so calm down," (We see Warren says as he enters the waiting room with a tired but also somewhat happy look on his face as everyone in the room looks on).



"That may be all well and good for you but don't you think that they should leave now to get us proper accommodations for the night," (Betsy then says with a very expectant look on her face as she then stands up and looks back and forth between Warren and Sam). (Then we see Warren sigh and shake his head as he then says with a tired look on his face), "Of course Betts.of course, Sam.here take this and find us a nice place to stay for the night," (as he takes out his wallet and then take a credit card out and begins to hand it to Sam). (But then we see Tabitha's eyes glaze over and she gets big smile on her face and she grabs the credit card out of Warren's hand as both Warren and Sam say at the same time and both with shocked looks on their faces), "Hey!" (Then we see Tabitha jump to her feet and she then turns to Sam and grabs his arm and starts to pull him up as she then says with an excited smile on her face), "Alright.let's go Sam.c'mon let's go!"





(Then we see Sam stagger to his feet as Tabitha is now eagerly pulling him out of the room as Warren then says), "Remember, a nice hotel for all of us." "And absolutely no shopping," (Betsy then says with a slightly flustered and angry scowl on her face as she lifts her index finger up and then shakes it as she's using that gesture to further emphasize her words). (Then we see a panel of Tabitha's face as she goes from wearing a great big and excited smile to wearing an almost sad and melancholy look on her face). "So what do we do while they're out finding us a place to stay," (Warpath then says with a serious look on his face and his hands are in his pockets). (Then we see Betsy turn towards Warpath and then start to say), "Well first off we have to find out how Warren got on with trying to drum up a few more.." "Hey guys look who I found trying to slip out the back door to get a little payback," (Erica then says with a small smile on her face as she ushers a reluctant Sarah into the waiting room).



"And we wouldn't want that now would we," (Betsy then says with a less than enthusiastic look on her face as Sarah seems to wilt a bit under Betsy and Warren's glare as she then fids a seat and quickly sits down). "No of course not, first thing that we need to do is get our act together and figure out exactly what our game plan is because I'm not going to go into this blind," (Warren then says with a very serious look on his face as he starts to straighten up his tie and button back up the last few buttons on his shirt). "Then we'd better get planning because after what they did to my little girl.there'll be the devil to pay," (Banshee then says with a very angry grimace on his face as he storms out of the room that he was in and into the waiting room as we also see behind him Warpath lifts a finger as he's about ready to point out the flaw in Banshee's words but he then just takes his hand back down and clears his throat). "I'm coming with you guys remember," (Warpath then says as he steps up beside Banshee with a serious look on his face).



(Then we see Banshee scowl angrily and then he turns to Warpath and puts a restraining and also slightly fatherly hand on Warpath's shoulder before he then says with an equally serious look on his face), "Nae Jimmy, ye're not going with us.not this time, I know ye want to but I need to have someone that I can trust t' stay here n' look after Theresa for me." (Then we see Warpath look as if he's about to say something bad but then he gets a very serious look on his face as he then says as he's nodding his head), "Of course Sean.of course." "Thank ye," (Banshee then says in a panel in which he nods slightly to Warpath and then he turns to Warren and Betsy and then says), "So when do we strike the bloody.?" "We have to wait until the rest of our team arrives.until then just cool your jets and look after Terry," (Warren then says with a serious scowl on his face as we see Betsy standing beside Warren and she's leaning against him and she has her left hand on his right shoulder).



"Okay.but first one of you is going to tell me everything that I want to know about what we'll be facing," (Banshee then says with a commanding scowl on his face before he then turns towards Sarah and looks at her with a confused and then angry look on his face and he then says), "Who's the lass, is she one o' them.is she with the.?" (Then we see a couple of panels of Banshee as he starts to lunge angrily at Sarah but we first see Betsy, Warren, and Warpath react in shock and then a panel of Warren and Betsy struggling to hold Banshee back as he's saying), "Are ye.where are they.tell me," (and Betsy then says), "Sean.stop.," (and Warren says), "Easy.Sean," (and we also see Erica jump in between Sarah and Banshee as she has her hands up in a defensive manner as she's saying with a scared look on here face), "Hey.whoa.easy!"



(Then we see Betsy put her hands on Banshee's chest and get in his face as she pushes him back and she then says with a very determined look on her face), "Okay that's it, I've had enough of your caring father looking after his baby girl act and.!" "What.how dare you," (Banshee then yells angrily as he's struggling to break free of Warren's grasp). (Then we see Betsy activate her psyknife and she put it up parallel to Banshee's head as her fist ends at Banshee's chin and the point of the psyknife is just above his head as the knife is directly in between her face and his and she then says), "Simple.because I'm right, you and Terry never had what you'd call a normal father daughter relationship and you can blame whomever you want for making it that poor but you made your bed so you're going to lie in it, and now here you are acting like a bloody git in front of the one young woman that can help you get what you want so dearly.but those that hurt Theresa have already been dealt with.."



"But you didn't come here to smack around some misguided humans with big guns and really bad attitudes.no.you came here to help us stop a threat to not only these islands but to the entire world.so back off," (Warren then says with a very serious and determined look on his face as he's able to finally pull Banshee back far enough that Banshee seems to then finally start to calm down). "Ye're sure about this, there's no way that.," (Banshee then says as he extricates himself and takes a step back and then glares over at Sarah, who we see hiding behind Erica). (Then we see Sarah step out from behind Erica and then say), "I had nothing to do with what happened to your daughter.I swear." (Then we see Banshee look back and forth between Sarah and Warren and Betsy before he then says with an unimpressed smirk on his face), "Ye sure about that lass, or are ye just lying to save your own bloody skin?"



"She's not lying Sean.trust me I checked, and if you do anything to her then I'm going to give you a scar to match the one on your throat, you know the one you got for thinking could do anything and not have to deal with the repercussions, but this one will be a little.lower," (Betsy then says with a very forceful and honest look on her face with an eyebrow arched and she finishes as she almost gets face to face with Banshee as they then stare each other down before Betsy then smiles a slightly cheesy smile and then with an eyebrow cocked upward she looks downward). (Then we see Banshee get shocked, then flustered, and then angry as he then takes a step back and then by Betsy as he gives Warren an alarmed look as he then says), "And what exactly has she done to garner so high an amount of loyalty from all of you?" "Do you really want to know or.is this just going to turn into some sort of witch hunt, because Terry wouldn't want that," (Warpath then says with a worried and very serious scowl on his face as he puts a restraining hand on Banshee's shoulder). "And you would know what Terry would want.how exactly," (Banshee then says with an evil glare back over his shoulder).



"Because Jimmy knows her just about as well as you do, if not better," (Betsy then says with a very determined scowl on her face as she then crosses her arms and looks over at Banshee). (Then we see Banshee just glare around for a bit before he then turns around and storms off back through the double doors towards Siryn's room). (Then we see those left in the waiting room look around nervously before Sarah then meekly says), "Sorry you guys, I didn't mean to cause you any trouble." "Don't worry about it Sarah, he's just so worried about Theresa that it's clouding his judgment," (Warren then says with a frustrated frown on his face as he runs a hand through his hair). (Then we see Betsy say sadly and sarcastically as she hangs her head), "I can see that we're going to have a right good time in our efforts tomorrow."



[Later That Night] [Room 123]

[The room is paid for; the wine is white, the fire roaring]. [And the couple snuggling up in front of it.happy]. (We open with a few quick panels of the downtown area of Parlau Pau at night as people shuffle about quickly). (Then we see a few panels as we move up the side of one of the big and tall buildings as we see some broken windows, tired people looking out and also just some dark windows before we then get to the final window that we see a red and orange glow). (Then we move inside that room and we slowly begin to walk through the room as we see a half empty bottle of wine and a roaring fire). (Then we see two pairs of legs kind of abstractly sticking out from underneath a blanket that's on top of another one that was also spread on the floor). (Then we see someone say from off panel), "I'd say that those two did a right fine job picking this place out.not that I'll ever tell them of course."



"Of course not.because then you'd have admit that you actually cared.and a tough drill instructor like you couldn't do something like that.it'd ruin that carefully image of yours that you've worked so hard to create," (We then see Warren says with a sly smile on his face and with his left arm around Betsy's shoulders and he's holding a half full glass of wine in his right hand and we also see that Betsy's holding a glass in her left hand and she's starting to run her right hand through her hair as she's blushing slightly as we also see that the blanket has fallen down to their waists and all of their clothes are thrown over the back of the couch behind them that they're both leaning against and there's a small coffee table in front of them that has the remains of a fancy dinner on it and two plates and the table is just the right height to cover Betsy up along with Warren's right arm).



(Then we see Betsy look back over and up at Warren with a happy smile on her face as she then says and as she finishes the look on her face changes to a more serious and slightly sad one), "Nope, can't do that, have to stay the ice queen.can't let them see that half the soddin time I'm no better off then they are, but I can't let it show.can't let all of my hidden hopes, fears, dreams n' insecurities show.it just wouldn't be right to burden them like that." "You won't get any argument from me Betts, I've spent the better part of my life hiding everything, my feelings and the like, internalizing it.guess you could say that makes me the king of bad karma," (Warren then says with a small smirk on his face before it changes to a slightly sad frown as he looks back at Betsy and gives her a squeeze). (Then we see Betsy give Warren an odd look and then say after she takes a drink of wine), "Then we truly are two birds of a feather.flocking together, the sparrow and the hawk, the butterfly and the swan.." "Swan.I'm far from a swan Betts.more of a.," (Warren then says with a slightly confused scowl on his face as he's looking over at Betsy).



"So I took a little dramatic license.I'm entitled, as long as we agree that if you're the king then I'm the queen of bad karma," (Betsy then says with a slight sigh and shrug of her shoulders with a small smile before she then coughs slightly as she takes another sip of wine). "That you are my love, that you are," (Warren then says with a big smile on his face as he then turns to Betsy and kisses her).









[Meanwhile]

(We see a panel of Sam lying on a bed with his shirt off as he's all patched up and Tabitha is sitting on the end of the bed and she's frowning and has the television remote in her hands). (Then we see Sam say with an impatient frown on his face), "Tab please.just pick a channel and leave it." "I'm trying, okay Sam.I mean five hundred and twenty seven channels and all that's on are a bunch of stupid infomercials and old reruns of shows that haven't been on since before I was born," (Tabitha then says as she looks frustrated and fed up as she also looks back and tries to smile at Sam). (Then we see Sam struggle back up to a sitting position and he then starts to say with a pained expression on his face), "Tabitha.," (and Tabitha then turns back at first to say something in protest but then the look on her face changes to one of worry and she then drops the remote before she also reaches up and puts one hand on Sam's shoulder and the other down lower as if she's preparing to catch Sam if he fell forward and then says), "Whoa.Sam.wait, what are you?"



"Ah'm fine Tab, don't worry about me," (Sam then says as he winces slightly in pain and lifts a hand up to the cut on his head). "No can do Mason- Dixon, whether you like it or not I'm going to be worrying about you until well after I'm old and gray," (Tabitha then says with a very serious look that's tinged with some sadness and she then mutters under her breath), "perish the thought." (Then we see Sam smile and then lean in and say), "Perish the thought," (and then he kisses Tabitha). (Then we see that there's a knock at the door that interrupts Tabitha and Sam's kiss as Tabitha then looks at the door and then back to Sam and she then says), "Do I have to get that," (with a slightly pleading look on her face). "Tabitha.I'm afraid so, it could be something important," (Sam then says with an unhappy frown on his face that's matched by Tabitha's frown before she then pouts a bit and then walks over and opens the door), "Ric.'Star.what are you two doing here?"



(Then we see Rictor and Shatterstar walk in and it looks like they're both ready to go out on the town as Rictor says as he hugs Tabitha on the way in), "Hey Tabitha.Sam how ya doing.you two up to going out tonight?" (Then we see Shatterstar nod his head slightly as Tabitha then smiles as she looks at Sam and says with an excited look on her face), "Sure.of course we are, right Sam?" "I don't know Tab.ah.I'm not sure if," (Sam then starts to say with a concerned look on his face). "Please," (Tabitha then says with a very pleading look on her face as Rictor then says with his hands on his waist), "C'mon Sam, 'Star and I are here to help you guys with your big problem.so the least that we can do is help you guys have a little fun." "Ah know I'm going to regret this, ah just know it," (Sam then mutters with a frustrated sigh before he smiles and nods his head and then says), "Fine.just give us a few minutes okay." "Okay guys.meet us in the lobby in twenty," (Rictor then says with an excited smile on his face before he then turns to Shatterstar and then says with a slight wave of his hand), "C'mon 'Star let's go.these two need to get ready."



(Then we see Shatterstar shrug his shoulders and then shake his head before he then follows Rictor out of the room and Tabitha then shuts the door behind them). "Sorry about that.Sam.I.we.c'mon," (Tabitha then says with a slight frown on her face as she walks over and then helps Sam up to his feet before hugging him). (Then we see Sam smile and then shrug his shoulders as we pull away back into the night and as we go we see Tabitha walk beside Sam to the bathroom).



[Later That Night] [The Plantation Night Club]

[It is a hot and steamy night]. [Despite that fact all of the clubs are filled to capacity if not overflowing with partygoers and those trying to relieve as much of the stress brought on by the not so natural disasters of the previous few days as they could]. (We see panels of a group of clubs and then people going in and out of them and then we do a three hundred and sixty degree spin around inside one of the bigger clubs). (Then we see a panel of Rictor pushing a reluctant Shatterstar into that club as many young women walk by and stare at them). (Then we see an excited Tabitha leading a tired looking Sam down the steps of the club and she's all looking around and Sam looks like he thinks that the music is both bad and to loud). (Then we see Sam pull Tabitha close and then say with a weary look on his face), "You sure about this Tab.I don't know.." "Don't worry Sam.all you need is.okay," (Tabitha then starts to say with a happy and merry look on her face before she then really looks at Sam and then the look on her face changes to one filled with worry and some shame at her actions as she then leads Sam over to a group of tables and they find an empty table and they then sit down).



(And as they found that empty table they pass by a lot of them and in the far background we see an eye patch wearing Pete Wisdom at a table with two ladies beside him). (Then we see Tabitha stop one of the waitresses and order a glass of water for Sam). (Then we see panels of Rictor and Shatterstar, who doesn't look necessarily pleased, dancing with women out of the dance floor while Tabitha dotes over a very tired looking Sam with a very concerned look on her face).



[Parlau Pau General Hospital] [Mainly the room of one Theresa Rourke Cassidy]

[Where not one but two guardian angels of sorts stand watch by the bedside of one that they both love.]. [One with a father's love and the other a love that's true]. (We open with panels of a quick walkthrough of the hospital and it ends with first a panel of Siryn's upper body as she's lying asleep in a hospital bed and she has the cut on her temple bandaged up and she's sleeping peacefully and beside the bed we then see panels of both Banshee and Warpath as they're sitting beside her bed and both are sitting in silence and they're both staring at Siryn with worried looks on their faces). (Then we see Warpath reach a hand up and tiredly rub the back of his neck). (Then we see Banshee look up at Warpath and then say with a tired look on his face), "C'mon boyo, why don' you get some sleep, ye look like you're about ready to drop."



(Then we see Warpath yawn widely and lean back in his chair before he then says), "I'm fine, really.I just." "Ye won' be any good to Theresa if ye can' stay awake for more than two bloody seconds," (Banshee then says with a slightly relieved look on his face as he leans forward in his chair and begins to wring his hands). "I can stay awake for days on end, I'll be fine," (Warpath then says as he rolls his shoulders as he's trying to stretch). "Whatever.look if ye're going to be that insistent about it fine, I'll let it be, I'm going to go and get some coffee.want some," (Banshee then says with a shrug of his shoulders before he stands up and heads out of the room as Warpath then sighs and says), "Sure," (and Banshee then fully exits the room).



(Then we see Warpath turn back to Siryn and then take one of her hands in his and he kisses the back of her hand and then says with a worried look on his face), "Come on Terry.wake up, I don't like when you.." (Then we see Warpath hang his head in a quick panel and then we see someone say from off panel), "Nnh.dad.J.Jimmy?" (Then we see Warpath lift his head up with a very happy and relieved look on his face as he then says), "Finally decided to rejoin us here in the waking world huh?" "Heh.yeah," (Siryn then mumbles with a smile on her face as she's still very groggy). "You had us all pretty worried.your dad even showed up here.in fact he's getting some coffee right now," (Warpath then says with a slightly less concerned look on his face than there was before). "My dad.how," (Siryn then mutters as she looks up at Warpath with a confused but not mad look on her face). (Then we see a quick panel of Warpath and Siryn looking at each other before we then see someone say from off panel), "Let's just say I'm here and I'm not leaving until I know that my little girl's alright."



(Then we see a panel of Warpath and Siryn looking p at Banshee, who's holding two steaming hot cups of coffee with a tired but happy look on his face). "Those for me," (Siryn says softly with a small smirk on her face). "This swill.nae it's only for Jimmy n' I, Jimmy because for some ungodly reason he seems to like the stuff.and me.well.because it's better than the alternative," (Banshee then starts to say with a slightly sickly look on his face before he then smiles and hands one of the cups of coffee to Warpath). "Aye," (Siryn says with a smile and a big breath). "How do you feel Terry," (Warpath then says with a slightly worried look on his face as Siryn then winces in pain and then smiles slightly as she says), "Other than the bloody jackhammer going off in my brain I'm fine." "I know the feeling," (Banshee then says with a distant and sad look on his face as one of his hands goes up to the scar on his neck).



"The doctors said that you got a pretty nasty concussion, and that you need to take a few days rest," (Warpath then says with a tired look on his face as he's smiling at Siryn). "Lucky me," (Siryn then says with a happy smile on her face as she's looking up and over at Warpath). (Then we see Warpath, Siryn, and Banshee start to laugh as Banshee then sits down and then takes a drink of coffee). [They talk long into the night, father, daughter, and boyfriend]. [About anything and everything in their lives]. (And we then pull away through the window and up into the night).



+The Next Morning+ + 5 A.M.-Just Before Sunrise+

(We open with a panel of Warren, Betsy, Banshee, Rictor, Shatterstar, and Pete Wisdom sitting in Banshee's hotel room as it's still dark outside). (We see that Warren and Betsy are sitting side by side on the bed and Warren's battle suit isn't zipped or buttoned all the way up and he looks tired and he's stifling a yawn and Betsy has a hand on her stomach and she looks a little sickly and her hair's a mess and carelessly pulled back in a ponytail and like Warren the top part of her battle suit is open). (Pete Wisdom is leaning back in a chair with a small glass of brandy or some other sort of alcohol as it's readily apparent that he has one hell of a hangover). (Banshee is taking a drink of coffee but he's looking upbeat and Rictor is standing nearby checking his gear and Shatterstar is sitting near the door and he has his eyes closed and he's going through his pre battle routine). "Everybody has the game plan down right, I shouldn't have to go over it again, we're all pros here and.you okay Betts," (Warren then starts to say with a serious and determined look on his face as he's looking around the room before he then looks over at Betsy and the look on his face changes to one of worry as he also puts his hand on Betsy's thigh).



"I'm fine, let's just get this over with okay," (Betsy then says with an uncomfortable look on her face as she picks up a bottle of bottled water and then takes a drink). "Hey Worthington, you said that when I got here I'd have a license to kill.and with the hangover that I'm sporting right now I'm not in the mood for anymore talking so.," (Pete then says with a groan and a pained wince on his face as Rictor then says with a grim look on his face as he's looking back almost over his shoulder and trying to get the kink out of his neck), "I agree, why are we still sitting here.?" "It is foolish to rush into overwhelming odds without a proper and coherent plan of attack," (Shatterstar then says with a sword in hand and his arms crossed as he uses his back to push himself away from the wall and he's staring at the ground). "That sounds real funny coming from you, isn' shoot first and ask questions later your style Shatterstar," (Banshee then says with a sarcastic and slightly angry look on his face as he looks back at Shatterstar). [Tempers and Tensions Flare].



(We then see Shatterstar get angry and begin to storm towards Banshee, who then stands up and grits his teeth and ends up getting face to face with Shatterstar and it looks like they're about to fight when Warren then says angrily as he jumps up and forces his way in-between Banshee and Shatterstar), "Alright can it you two.save the macho displays of aggression for those who you're here to fight." (Then we see Rictor come up from behind and use some force to pull out of the room an angry Shatterstar as he says), "Hey 'Star.come on man.this isn't helping." (Then we see Banshee stare back at Warren and Betsy and then he also storms out of the room before then Pete stands up and then nods with a smile and then also walks out of the room). "Well that went well wouldn't you say," (Betsy then says with a sarcastic sigh as she leans forward and hangs her head a bit with one arm still around her stomach and she's holding the bottle of water in her other hand).



"Could be worse.they could have gotten along," (Warren then says with a slightly cheesy smile on his face as he and Betsy share a moment of peace and humor in a panel before Warren then says with a sigh and shrug of his shoulders), "I'd better get out there before they kill each other." (Then Warren turns and walks out of the room). (Then we see Betsy watch Warren go and then she stands up and shakes her head before she takes a step). [The pain, although not horrible or excruciating, is enough to almost bring her to her knees]. (We see Betsy step and then double over, with a pained grimace on her face, as she drops the bottle of water and uses the bed to keep herself from falling to her knees as she grits her teeth and then thinks with also a small panel of Betsy's hand tightly gripping the bedspread), Bloody hell.what's going on. (Then we see Betsy be able to regain her composure and walk over to the door).



[The Beaches-A Short Time Later]

(We open with panels of the sun coming up and of it hitting the beaches as we then move in closer and see the first rays of sunlight glinting and reflecting off of the weapons and armor of the crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see panels where we're looking downward at an almost forty five degree angle and we see a small patrol of heavily armed crimson dawn warriors walking along a ridge in the bottom of the panel and in the upper part of the panel we see Shatterstar, Rictor, and Betsy creeping along a path and they're watching the crimson dawn warriors and waiting for an opportunity to strike). (Then we see a few more panels of that small group shadowing the crimson dawn warriors as we then see Shatterstar think angrily to himself), Come on, these guards are worse than human..



(Then we see Betsy put a hand on his arm and then say telepathically to him), Enough of the racially grading overtones, they're tougher than they look.and there'll probably be hundreds of them to deal with once we get inside, keep your mind on the mission. (Then we see a panel of Shatterstar as he momentarily thinks about saying something back but he just gets an angry scowl on his face before he then turns away and nods his head). (Then we see a much bigger panel of the entire side of the cliff as on the right side we see Betsy's group and on the left side we see Warren, Pete Wisdom, and Banshee hugging the side of the cliff and just directly above them is a trio of crimson dawn warriors, but the cliff is a big and very wide cliff). (Then we see a panel that's split in two with Betsy's picture on the right side and on the left side is Warren as Betsy contacts him telepathically with a serious look on her face).



"Okay Warren, we're in position.waiting for your signal," (and Warren then says back via their link), "Thanks.then it's a go.good luck my love." (Then we see another quick panel of the two looking each other's way). [They strike like lightning]. (We see a panel of Rictor standing at the cliff's edge and he's shooting a blast down at the head crimson dawn warrior while Betsy jumps down and lands a kick to the jaw of another one of the c.d. warriors and Shatterstar jumps down and then slashes another of the crimson dawn warriors as he yells), "Bleed!" (Then we see a panel of Pete as he jumps up onto the path above and he then blasts the nearest warrior with his heat blades as Warren lands a punch in the nearest warrior's stomach and then he slams one of his wings into another of the warriors that slams that warrior into the side of the cliff). (Then we see Pete jump the c.d. warrior that he blasted first and he then snaps its neck).



(Then we see another crimson dawn warrior jump down out of the shadows and it begins to swing a very deadly lookin weapon at Pete, who only catches the movement out of the corner of his eye and then he barely starts to move out of the way but then in the next panel we see Pete start to dive out of the way as the crimson dawn warrior gets suddenly blasted off of the cliff by a powerful sonic scream). (Then we see a panel of Pete as he's looking up with a less than enthusiastic look on his face as he says), "Glad to see you finally decided to join us.ole scarneck." "I'll forget that ye said that Pete.for now," (Banshee then says with a sarcastic and serious scowl on his face before he then comes down and lands next to Warren). "Quit the bickering you two.or else I'll make you two walk home," (Warren then says with a look of a disapproving father on his face as he shakes his head before he then gets in contact with Betsy as we then see her activate her end of their psychic link after she psyknife's one of the crimson dawn warriors and she is still holding the collar of that said crimson dawn warrior and says), "We're all done over here, how are you three faring?"



"We're getting along.well enough, move onto stage two," (Warren then says back with a serious look on his face before we then see them both nod and then say to their respective teams), "Okay.let's go." (Then we see panels of Warren and Betsy's groups as they both work their way towards the middle of the cliff). (Then we see Warren take a device out of one of his pockets and he begins to scan around as we see Shatterstar wiping some blood off of his swords while both Banshee and Pete Wisdom walk away a bit and they're both keeping watch). "Anything yet," (Betsy then says with a slightly tired and pensive scowl on her face as she is standing beside Warren and they're both very close together, almost shoulder to shoulder). "Nothing yet," (Warren then says with a frustrated look on his face as he's holding the scanner in his left hand as he lifts his right hand up and he gently squeezes the back of Betsy's neck as she is hanging her head slightly).



(Then we see Banshee look back and say with a frustrated and also slightly worried look on his face), "I don' like this.this was all too easy.it doesn' feel right." "I agree, I don't have a good feeling about this," (Pete Wisdom then says with an upset scowl on his face as he shakes his head). "I'm hoping that it's just War and Death's sense of superiority that's allowed us to get this far.thinking that we have no idea where they are and so the lax security," (Warren then says with a worried frown on his face as when he finishes we see a close up of Warren's face as the look on his face is very serious and downcast and it takes up the greater portion of the right side of the panel and of the left side we see Betsy with a very similar look on her face as she's hanging her head and has her arms crossed as she looks dejected in a way and the rest of those in the back like Rictor and Shatterstar pretty much look the same).



"Then we best not delay out here in the open any longer than we have to," (Shatterstar then says with a grim look on his face as he's tightening his wrist guards). "For once the boy is right," (Banshee then says with a grim look of determination on his face as Shatterstar just glares at him and Rictor tries to calm Shatterstar down). (Then we see a panel of Warren as he's continuing to scan around with the device as he has a frustrated scowl on his face). (Then we see a few close up panels of the device's readout as it suddenly springs to life). "I have something," (Warren then says with a restrained look of excitement on his face). "Ye've found them then, ye've found the doors," (Banshee then says with a slightly excited look on his face as he then takes a step towards Warren and Betsy). "I think so.now I've got to punch in the holographic variance.point seven six four.let's see if this works," (Warren then says with a hopeful look on his face as beside him Betsy then turns to the others in the group and says with a very determined and serious scowl on her face), "Okay every get ready, if this works then the #&*$ is going to hit the fan in less time than it takes the Professor to wash his hair in the morning."



(Then we see a panel of the whole team as they have sly smirks on their faces except for Shatterstar who still has a very stern look on his face as he says), "I don't get it." (Then we see Warren as she shakes his head and then starts to say), "Shatterstar I swear.how did you ever.," (as he's looking back over his shoulder at Shatterstar before Betsy then puts a hand on his shoulder and then says with a slightly nervous but also very serious look on her face as she's turning Warren back around and with her off hand she activates her psysword in a panel after she says what she has to say to Warren), "Warren.luv." (Then we see a trio of panels that are stacked vertically on top of each other and in them we're looking out from behind the doors as they continue to open and the team is looking ready to fight as Warren then says with a grim look on his face), "Get ready everyone.this is when it gets fun."



[Earlier].

(We see a panel or two of War and Death as they seem to be overseeing the construction of something big with many crimson dawn warriors milling about and doing their bidding). (Then we see a quick panel of some of the crimson dawn warriors as they walk through the tunnels on the inside of the doors and they then go by the doors and then we see a small group of c.d. warriors react as they see on a small monitor that the front doors are opening and they grab their weapons and run off to investigate).



[Back Outside].

"This should be fun," (Rictor then says with a grin on his face as we then see a panel from behind of the team readying for the upcoming fight as Rictor is powering up in the foreground and in the background we see the doors opening to reveal a few squads of heavily armed crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Warren and Betsy charge into the crimson dawn warriors and start to fight them in hand to hand combat as Warren then looks back at the team that still hasn't moved). "Well what are we waiting for boys.an invitation," (Rictor then says with a slightly cheesy smile before he turns and blasts a crimson dawn warrior off of Betsy's back). (Then we see the crimson dawn warriors come charging out and confront the team as Shatterstar tears into them as he yells), "Bleed!"



(Then we see Pete be able to get one of the crimson dawn warrior's weapons and he then uses it against them with deadly accuracy). (Banshee then jumps back and then unleashes a sonic scream that blasts one warrior back into a group of crimson dawn warriors and they're all sent back into the tunnel and slam into the wall). (We then see a panel of Betsy slashing the c.d. warriors with her psysword while Warren is grappling with another and Shatterstar is using his swords to block one of the c.d. warrior's weapons). (Then we see panels of Rictor blasting several c.d. warriors while Banshee uses his sonic scream to shake rocks loose from the side of the cliff and they fall down onto some more of the crimson dawn warriors).





(Then we see the team start to force their way into the tunnels as then Shatterstar uses one of his swords as he stabs one of the crimson dawn warriors through the chest and as it dies we see that it was the last one as Pete then says with a happy look on his face as he's standing with one foot on a small mound of the bodies of the crimson dawn warriors and he's resting one forearm on that knee and he's holding the weapon that he took from the c.d. warrior with its point pointing upwards), "Well now, that wasn't so hard was it?" "Don't go grandstanding just yet Pete.this is usually just about the time.," (Betsy then starts to say in a scolding manner as she's wiping some of the crimson dawn warriors blood off of her forearm as she's glaring at Pete as she has her chin down and she's looking at him through the tops of her eyes before we then see a quick panel of the rest of the team doing much the same as Betsy other than glaring at Pete and then we see a panel of the whole tunnel shaking violently as the whole team is thrown around and almost knocked off of their feet as Betsy then finishes), "See!"



"Bloody hell," (Pete yells angrily as he tries to stand but then gets knocked back off of his feet as behind him Shatterstar is trying to use his swords to stay standing). (Then we see a panel of Warren and Betsy as they are both on their hands and knees and Warren then turns to Betsy and says with a very concerned look on his face), "I don't have a good feeling about this, the last time I heard something like this.." "The golems," (Betsy then says with a frustrated scowl on her face as she finishes Warren's sentences before Rictor then says with an uncomfortable look on his face), "You two seem to know what's coming, so why don't you enlighten the rest of us?" "Trust me Julio, you don't wanna know.but I'm afraid that you're going to find out soon enough," (Betsy then says with a serious and uncertain scowl on her face as she uses the side of the tunnel to stand up and Warren then lets his wings flutter out to help himself stand up as he says as he looks down at his wrist as he activates a small screen on a small gauntlet sized device that he's wearing and we see a three dimensional image pop up of the surrounding area with little red spheres serving as representatives of the members of the team), "He may not have to Betts, if this little gadget's right then we should go down the other tunnel."



(Then we see a quick panel of Warren looking up from the three dimensional display and he's looking down the other tunnel with Betsy and the others looking on). "Fine then, let's go," (Rictor then says with an unsure look of subtle fear on his face as he starts to walk down the other tunnel using the tunnel's wall to keep himself standing). (Then we see Shatterstar angrily say), "Fekt, a true warrior would not flee from a battle, he would.." (Then we see Banshee grab Shatterstar by the shoulder with a very grim scowl on his face before he then says as he shoves Shatterstar towards the other tunnel), "Yeah.and the smart warrior knows when to pick a fight and when to run away to live and fight another day." (Then we see Shatterstar turn to try and argue but we then see Warren say as Pete starts to awkwardly edge back towards the other tunnel), "This isn't the time Shatterstar, trust me." (Then we see the team turn and take off down the other tunnel before we then see a group of crimson dawn warriors with one of the golems behind them arrive at the open doors and they're shocked and angered as the golem roars).



[Elsewhere.minutes later].

(We see a panel of War and Death as they're trying to teleport what looks like a suped up missile). (Then we see the teleport finish and War nods his head in agreement and Death begins to laugh hysterically as a good number of crimson dawn warriors look at each other with confused and fearful look on their faces as they try to figure out whether or not to laugh along). (Then we see one of Shatterstar's swords interrupt their laughing as it lands near their feet as from behind we see someone say), "Hey guys, what's so funny?" (Then we see War and Death growl in anger as they turn around and War yells), "Mutant filth!" "Talk like that might get ye in trouble boyo," (Banshee then says with a small smile that he's using to mock them). (Then we see a big panel of the entire team as they jump out of one of the tunnels and out into the large cavern where War, Death, and the crimson dawn warriors are).



(Then we see Warren as he's swooping in low with his wings completely outstretched, Banshee is at the top of the panel and directly facing us as he's blasting the c.d. warriors with a very powerful sonic scream as just below him and to one side is a sword wielding Shatterstar and on the exact opposite side is Rictor who's firing off two different vibratory blasts and beside him we see Pete leaping out at us and he's rearing back with the weapon that he took earlier and in the middle is Betsy with two psyswords as she's vaulting into the room with a determined look on her face). (Then we see the battle begin as Death starts to usher the crimson dawn warriors in front of him to protect him as War blasts first at Rictor and then at Betsy, who jumps up as the blast hits below her). (Then we see Pete hacking into the crimson dawn warriors with reckless abandon and he's having a lot of fun doing it). (We then see Shatterstar doing much the same thing to the other c.d. warriors as he has retrieved his other swords as Banshee then screams off after Death and then we see Warren ducking and weaving in the air as War is trying to blast him before Warren then flies in and slams his shoulder into War and drives him back a long ways until they slam into the rock wall).



(Then we see an angry War growl and then smash his fist into Warren's jaw and Warren then goes flying back a ways and he takes out some crimson dawn warriors as he goes). "You filthy inferior.," (Death then yells angrily as Banshee uses his sonic scream to smash the doorway that Death was trying to use to escape). "Sorry.but I seem to have caused ye quite the inconvenience, here let me try and make it up to you," (Banshee then says with a very serious scowl on his face as he lands and then grabs a leap pipe that's lying around and he smashes it into the side of Death's head). (Then we see a panel of Death lying on the ground as he yells), "How dare you.release the golem!" (Then we see huge gate open and the other golem come charging out as then Rictor turns and notices as the smile on his face changes to a look of shock and horror). [The look of hope and confidence slips effortlessly from his face.]. [.and is quickly replaced by a look of fear and dread]. (Then we see Rictor turn back away from the golem and say with a very scared look on his face), "Holy.!"



(Then we see Pete look over as he's using his foot and pushing on one of the dead crimson dawn warriors bodies to pull his weapon out and say with a flabbergasted look on his face), "Great Caesar's ghost!" (Then we see Betsy block an attack from a c.d. warrior and then spin its arm around behind its back and she then skewers it through the back with her psysword as she then says with a hurriedly frustrated sigh), "I was really beginning to wonder when that thing would show up." (Then we see Warren turn and yell), "Pete.look out!" (Then we see Warren leap into the air and then fly over and is just missed by War blasting again, as he then collides with Pete hard and the two go down and start to roll until they slam into the wall and after Warren takes Pete out the golem stomps on the place where Pete just was). (Then we see Shatterstar grit his teeth and then say), "Fekt.I usually disregard most of Julio's attempts at humor and bravado, but on this occasion I feel that one holds a particular reverence.." " 'Star.I don't think.now's the time for sharing pointed quips," (Rictor then starts to say with a hurried and slightly angry scowl on his face as he's firing at the golem before it then begins to stomp towards him and he has to jump back before he can completely finish his quote).



"But this one works very well.I believe that it's the bigger they are the harder they fall," (Shatterstar then says with a grim look of determination on his face before he then readies himself and charges towards the golem). (And we see that as he runs past Betsy she slashes an advancing crimson dawn warrior and then starts to turn and yell), "No wait.don't!" [She tries to warn him, stop him from leaping foolishly at a physically overwhelming foe.]. [.But her words are cut short as the last idea that passes through her mind tells her to duck out of the way of the blast aimed her way.]. [.a blast that she is unable to avoid, a blast that fills her nostrils with a smell akin to napalm and her chest with shooting bolts of pain]. (We then see Betsy catch movement out of the corner of her eye in a close up panel of her eyes before we then see a panel of Betsy getting blasted by one of War's blasts).



"Betsy," (Warren then yells out in a panel as we see him reaching out towards us but he stops abruptly and he pulls his hand back and he painfully grabs his right shoulder). (Then we see War take off running towards Shatterstar as then we see Shatterstar get to the golem after having to dispatch some crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see the golem start to charge towards Shatterstar as then we see a big panel of Shatterstar standing in between an advancing War and the golem as he stops and is looking back and forth with a very thoughtful look on his face). (Then we see a panel of War coming towards us as he's powering up as we see him gathering energy and he's grinning wickedly as he yells), "I will grind your bones into dust!" (Then we see Shatterstar say as he tenses up and looks like he's ready to attack), "A true warrior lets his actions speak for him.instead of making grandiose claims." (Then we see a panel of the golem charging straight towards us and then we see a panel of the golem and War as they're very close to Shatterstar and in the background we see Warren staggering back to his feet and he then begins to use the wall to walk over towards Betsy, who we then see in a panel that she's just starting to come to).



(Then we see Shatterstar jump out of way as War releases his blast that slams into the golem and knocks it back and makes it begin to stagger around as War growls in anger and turns his head and glares at Shatterstar). (Then we see Death stand up and then yell), "Fools.you cannot win, you are inferior." (Then we see an overhead shot of the cavern where the fight is taking place and we see the golem staggering around with a small smoke trail coming from War's attack still visible and the various members of the team fighting crimson dawn warriors as Rictor then yells), "Not to be pessimistic here.but I'm beginning to really not like these odds," (in between vibratory blasts at the feet of the crimson dawn warriors). "Impudent dogs.you have no hope of survival let alone winning, the failure has led you on a suicide mission," (Death then cackles with a mocking and happy sneer on his face as he's glaring at Banshee). "Ye know ye're really beginning to get on me nerves with all of your sanctimonious blabbering," (Banshee then says with a fed up scowl on his face before he then turns around and directs a sonic scream at Death).



(Then we see Death leap out of the way before Pete, with a pained grimace on his face and a hand on the back of his head, says as he's getting back to his feet), "So the old bag o' bones can move.." (Then we see panels of the fighting continuing as Rictor ends up battling over to where Warren is trying to help Betsy to sit up). "How is she," (Rictor then says back over his shoulder with a slightly worried look on his face as he's blasting away crimson dawn warriors as they have smelled blood and are now getting worked up into a frenzy over it). "She's understandably a little groggy, but if we can.," (Warren then starts to say with a worried look on his face as he has his left arm around Betsy holding her up as she's sitting there with a pained grimace on her face and a hand on her forehead). "I'll be fine.no if you'd please stop coddling me like a bloody child we can get back to why we came here in the first place," (Betsy then says angrily as with Warren's help she stands up and brushes back a stray lock of hair). "It does not matter why you came here mutant, because you are outnumbered and outgunned, so why now surrender now," (Death then says with a very arrogant sneer on his face as he's almost clapping his hands with delight).



"We will never surrender to you," (Betsy then says with a very angry scowl on her face as she pulls away from Warren with a hand on her right side). "Someone's been readying the superhero's handbook again," (Pete then says with a joking look on his face as he's fighting some more crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see the entire cavern shake before a wall explodes and then the other golem comes charging in with a horde of crimson dawn warriors behind it). "This just keeps getting better and better," (Banshee then says with a sarcastic look on his face as he looks back at Warren before he then has to jump back to avoid the weapon of a crimson dawn warrior). "We've been through worse Sean," (Warren then says with a determined scowl on his face as he grabs the weapon of an attacking crimson dawn warrior and they begin to fight over it).



"And if I remember right we barely made it out of those battles in one piece," (Banshee then says with an impatient scowl on his face before he then launches himself back up into the air and then slams a sonic scream at Death that hits him and sends him back into the wall). (Then we see War get angry and blast Banshee out of the air as he then says with anger and glee), "You insolent fools, you can try all you like but you will never defeat us, these caves will become your tombs!" "Been tried before mate, and by blokes a lot tougher and uglier than you," (Pete then says with a cocky smirk before he then kills a crimson dawn warrior and then continues), "And all of those unlucky bastards took an early retirement.of the permanent kind," (and he finishes with a very smug grin on his face). (Then we see War angrily order the two golems to attack as Shatterstar is tearing into a large group of crimson dawn warriors and he leaps out of the way of an attack by one of the golems).



(Then we see a very beaten up and angry Death yell), "It matter not what has transpired in your pitiful excuse for a past mutant, now that we are done her and we no longer have use of this facility we have no reason for dallying here any longer." "So that's it then, we show up and you jerks run away.I'm definitely not putting you on my Christmas list," (Rictor then says in a mocking tone as the look on his face matches the tone of his voice). "Impudent dog," (War then growls as he fires off a few blasts at Rictor and Shatterstar, who both leap out of the way and then Rictor fires back and he's laughing as he shouts), "Hey 'Star, guess I struck a nerve!" "Enough with the comedy," (Warren then yells before he jumps back and up into the air with Betsy in his arms). "For once the failure is right, your attack is comical at best, barely laughable.but now our association is at an end," (Death then says with a sneer and a laugh as he takes a step back and then War fires off a few more blasts and then we see a panel of War and Death standing side by side).



(Then we see the two golems start to pin Banshee and Pete back against the wall as they still have to deal with the attacking crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Rictor blasting at the golem's feet as he's trying to knock them off of their feet). (Then we see Death turn to a control panel and then punch in a few buttons and then turn back towards the team and then say with a smug grin on his face), "Well now we seem to be at a crossroads here, there's you all.the valiant X-men trying to stop the evil horseman from terrorizing the world.and all to end up being locked in here with the self destruct of this base engaged.while we teleport away." "That's never going to happen.you can't.," (Warren then says angrily as he takes a step towards one of the golems and then we see all of the crimson dawn warriors and the two golems and Death and War all teleport away).



"Bloody cowards," (Banshee then growls angrily as he kicks a console that then explodes as he jumps back to avoid the blast). "This whole place is gonna blow," (Rictor then says before the whole team frantically takes off back towards the doors, and as they go we see small cut panels of a countdown ticking closer and closer to zero, but when they get to them the doors are barred as the team reacts in shock). "Oh this ain't good," (Pete then says with a slightly worried look on his face as he's looking over at Warren and Betsy). (Then we see Warren yell), "Everyone start digging!" [They work frantically, tearing down the barricades that bar their path to freedom]. (Then we see the ticker still ticking down as the team is pulling the barricades away from the doors).



(Then we see panels of outside of the doors as we pull away back up into the air and as we cut in with quick cut panels of the ticker counting down, the looks on the team's faces and then of the cavern blowing up and things falling down and the explosions as they flare through the tunnels and then towards the team and the we see a panel of the team looking back as the explosions are almost on them). (Then in the next quick panel we see Rictor yell), "Look out!" (Then in the next panel we do a small panel of the team frantically pushing the doors open and then we do a wide outside shot of a huge explosion that blasts out of the tunnels). -END