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...

32. My 32nd Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI #32: BED, BATH, AND BEYOND

BY: LOGANALPHA30

"" - Words

( ) – Art Directions

[ ] – Caption Boxes

- Thoughts

+ + - Time, Place Boxes

   + Paris, France +

 + One Hour Later +

(We open with a sweeping set of panels of all of the unconscious crimson dawn warriors that are all strewn around).  (Then we pull up and see a panel of Siryn leaning up against Warpath's shoulder and checking the damage to her suit's thigh with a tired and bored look on her face).  (We see Warpath sitting on a pile of warriors and he's looking bored while tossing away a smashed up weapon and then Pete is busy kicking one of the crimson dawn warriors with an angry scowl on his face).  "I think ye got him Pete," (We then see Siryn say with an almost emotionless look on her face as she keeps her gaze on the tear in her suit).  "Ah come on Terry, can't you see that Pete's just…uh…no wait, you're right," (We then see Warpath say in a line of panels at first with an almost cheesy smile on his face before then in the last few panels he furrows his brows and frowns with a serious look on his face as he turns his head over towards Siryn).  "I know my limits you two…can you blame me if I wanna exercise a few of my inner demons when given the perfect opportunity," (Pete then says with an annoyed frown on his face as he's kicking the crimson dawn warrior again).  "Guess not," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she has her arms wrapped around Warpath's neck and her chin is resting on her right arm). 

"But we're still no closer to finding Sam and the others," (Warpath then says with a somber and sullen look on his face as he lifts a hand up and lays it over both of Siryn's hands).  "No…I'd say that we're a lot closer to finding them…after all we do have at least one advantage…sleeping beauty over there," (Pete then says with a sly smile on his face as he pulls out and then lights up a cigarette and nods his head towards a sleeping Imol).  "He won't tell us anything Pete," (Warpath then says with a serious look on his face as he shakes his head and lightly shrugs his shoulders).  "He doesn't have to James, there's more than one way to get the information that we need," (Pete then says with a cheesy smile on his face before he then puts the cigarette up to his lips, inhales deeply and then exhales the smoke).  "Well unless ye've suddenly gotten yourself the secondary mutation of telepathy then…I'm afraid that ye…," (We then see Siryn say, as she props herself up on Warpath's back so that her elbow is resting on his shoulder and her chin is resting in her upturned palm, with a sly grin on her face as Warpath is looking up at her with his eyes only). 

"I don't need a bloody secondary mutation to get answers out of a jackass like Imol, I've been getting guys like him to talk since back when the two of you were worrying about who you were going to take to prom," (Pete then says with a frustrated and also impatient frown on his face as he walks over towards Imol and uses his foot to push another warrior off of Imol while he's taking another drag on his cigarette).  "Actually Pete I never went to prom, and I doubt that Terry did either…," (Warpath then says with a serious look on his face as Siryn smirks and nods her head).  "I was only trying to make a point, Imol here obviously knows far more than he's willing to tell us and it won't do us any good to leave him here while we go off and get ourselves hopelessly lost, that won't help anyone," (Pete then says with a pessimistic scowl on his face as his cigarette is dangling out of his mouth).  "So let's wake him up already," (We then see Siryn say with an oddly and overly chipper smile on her face as she pats Warpath on the top of his head before she half slides off of him and then walks towards us in a full body panel that's from head to toe as Warpath's looking on after her with a confused look on his face). 

(Then we see a panel of Siryn as she pushes, if not, shoves Pete away as he angrily protests and Warpath looks on with a concerned look on his face as he starts to protest but stops as then we see a panel of Siryn as she scowls heavily and grabs Imol by the front of his suit and picks him up off of the ground a bit).  "Okay buster…where are…hey wake up ye jerk," (We then see Siryn shout with a very angry sneer on her face as she then shakes Imol violently in her attempts to wake him up as we then see Pete let out a chuckle and then we see Warpath look like he's about ready to go to stop Siryn but halfway up he just gives up on it and waves his head as he sits back down).  "We're going to need him to talk lass, it won't do us any good if he has a crushed larynx," (Pete then says with an odd look on his face as he leans on his staff and also hangs his head a bit).  "Calm down Pete, after all that this son of a…," (Siryn then starts to say with an angry frown on her face before we then see Imol being all groggy as he starts to wake back up).

[Meanwhile, Deeper Underground]

(We start off with a few panels as we get back into the far underground room that Sam, Tabitha, and Erica are all chained up in).  (Then we move in closer and down and we see Sam, Erica, and Tabitha all still chained up and Tabitha's teeth are chattering, Erica is trying to stay awake and Sam is wincing in pain).  "Hey…Erica, you still with us over there…Erica," (Sam then says with a pained look on his face as one eye is squeezed shut as he looks over at Erica).  "Heh…yeah Sam, I'm here, what's left of my anyway," (We then see a tired Erica say as she only barely lifts her head a bit but her hair is in the way and we barely see a bit of her good eye).  "We can't stay here any longer, if ah didn't know better I'd think that War was trying to turn us into giant ice cubes for Apocalypse's iced tea," (Sam then says with a slight smirk on his face before Tabitha glares at him and then says through almost blue lips), "Enough with the funny jokes Sam, Erica…can't you…I don't know use your powers to melt these chains," (as we see Tabitha shake her chains a bit). 

"I'd love to Tabitha, but ya see there's just one little problem with that plan, I have a hard time accessing my heat based powers when I'm in this ice chest freezing my firm and oh so toned ass off," (We then see Erica say with at first a small smile on her face in one panel and then in the next panel she grits her teeth and half glares over at Tabitha).  "Toned…hmpf…," (We then see Tabitha mumble with an angry look on her face as she looks away).  "Ya sure Erica, you're to cold," (Sam then says with a concerned look on his face as he glares over at Tabitha out of the corner of his eye).  "Sorry, unfortunately  that's the way it is, unless of course you're in the mood to step on over here and warm me up a bit," (We then see Erica say with a sly and sexy smile on her face as she winks and makes air kisses aimed at Sam as we see Tabitha glare daggers over at Erica).  "Or ya could just melt your chains and then ours without the running commentary," (Sam then says with a serious and almost angry look on his face before he turns back to Tabitha and then says with a slightly embarrassed look on his face), "We're gonna need another way out of here Tab, because after Erica melts through our chains she's going to be way to tired and cold…not to mention naked to be of much help." 

"Oh gee, thanks for the ringing endorsement Sam, I'll have to remember this next time you ask me for a favor," (We then see Erica say with an unhappy look on her face before she hangs her head and grabs her chains).  [Through the chill of the water and pain mounting in her head she concentrates on the smallest sliver of heat still left in her surroundings…and amplifies it].  (We then see a panel of Erica's chains as they start to glow near her hands and then the glow spreads).  "Is it working," (Tabitha then says with a nervous and concerned look on her face as she leans in closer to Sam, who's trying to remain calm for her sake as he says without turning his head and a serious look on his face), "Ah honestly don't know Tabitha."  (Then we see Erica lift her head up and gasp as her eyes are glowing before we then see her grit her teeth and growl a bit as her chains then start to glow red hot).  (Then we see Erica wince in pain at the heat of the chains before we see her start to cry and almost start to sob as she shakes while her eyes are still aflame). 

"Erica," (We then see Sam shout with an angry and scared look on his face as he struggles against his chains as he tries to stop Erica).  "Sam…," (We then see Tabitha say with a very worried look on her face as she looks and leans closer to Sam).  "No…Sam, I can do it, just a bit…longer," (Erica then says with a pain filled look on her face before we see the chains fall into the water and they hiss and steam before Erica yells in shock and pain as she slips into the water).  "Erica," (Tabitha then shouts with a confused and worried look on her face in a half close up panel). 

[The Mansion]

(We open with a string of panels of what looks like a small locker room from overhead as there are sweaty clothes draped all over the room, flung over the back of the chairs and the bench).  (Then as we move through the room we see mist wafting into the room).  (Then as we move through the room we see mist wafting into the room).  "Hey, watch it," (We see someone say as we pass the drain and water is going down it with a lot of soap in it).  "Sorry," (Someone else says as we're still looking at the floor as a feather then floats by).  "I bet…you did that on purpose didn't you," (We then see a soaked and sudsy Betsy say with a sly smile on her face as she's looking back over her shoulder as she has her arms crossed over her chest and her hips are tilted to one side just enough and Warren is standing a few feet behind her with a guilty smile on his face and his wings spread out just right).  "I swear Betts, my wings have a mind of their own," (Warren then says through a laugh as he puts his hands up in a fake attempt at self defense).  "Oh…so it was their idea to rub up against my bum when I bent down to pick up the soap…I'll have to remember that," (Betsy then says with an unconvinced look on her face as she turns around and glares up at Warren). 

"I'll try to control them, but…if someone hadn't dropped the soap none of this would have happened," (Warren then says with a sly smirk on his face as he takes a step back away from Betsy).  "Oh then I guess that this…was also my fault," (We then see Betsy say with an angry look on her face as she shows Warren a painful looking cut on the inside of her elbow), "Or this," (She adds as she then shows Warren another cut on her shoulder).  "Okay, so I got a little carried away," (Warren then says with a very cheesy smile on his face as he looks like he's worried that Betsy is going to hit him).  "Well then the next time that you…get carried away…as you so deftly pt it luv, I won't stop with just winging you like I did," (Betsy then says with a very serious look on her face as she leans forward and pokes Warren playfully in the chest).  "Oh you mean this gash on my side…the one that'll probably get infected and...," (Warren then says with a slightly pained look on his face as he puts a hand to his side before Betsy turns and walks away as she says with a sly smile on her face), "Oh come now Warren, don't be a wimp, you're an X-man for crying out loud, did you cry like a baby when you lost your wings originally?" 

"No…I did not, I got so depressed that I committed suicide and made a deal with a devil…ultimately placing us in our present situation," (Warren then says with a very serious and sad look on his face as he hangs his head).  (Then we move up a bit and see a wide panel of Betsy and Warren from their shoulders up as Betsy looks back at first with a sly grin on her face before then she sees Warren's face and her look grows sad and concerned).  "Don't pout honey…you're here now and that's what matters, now be a dear and come over here…you see there's this little spot in the middle…right there…of my back that I just can't seem to reach no matter how hard I try, maybe you could…," (We then see Betsy says with her best sultry, pouting, and sexy smile on her face before she throws a washcloth back at Warren that hits him in the face).  "Sure Betts, I think that I can handle that," (We then see Warren say in two panels as he cheers up and smiles before starting to walk towards Betsy).

[Shortly]

(We see Warren and Betsy in what could be described as a kind of sitting room and they're sitting at a table that's beside a roaring fire and Betsy is holding a part of the newspaper and using her telekinesis to move the poker around and stoke up the fire).  (We see that Charles and Moira are peacefully sleeping in nearby basinets and both Betsy and Warren are wearing expensive looking bathrobes and Betsy's is a bit open and beside the rest of the newspaper on the table there's a baby towel as she just finished nursing the twins).  (On the table is also some food and things to drink).  (Then we see a tired and nervous Forge walk in wearing the team's basic uniform).  "Going somewhere my friend," (Warren then says with a slightly amused look on his face as he looks up and over at Forge). 

"How long were you going to wait to tell me that we've lost the signal from Erica and the others in Paris," (Forge then says with an angry scowl on his face as he leans forward on the table and glares over at Warren).  "I don't know, but maybe it was because we only learned about it a couple of hours ago and it's happened before more times that I like to admit so…," (Warren then says with a nervous and slightly unhappy frown on his face before he then turns his head a bit and looks to Betsy, who wipes some crumbs away from her mouth with one hand before she adds), "We're acting under the assumption that all that we are experiencing is no more than a simple loss of signal."  "You didn't even bother to…," (Forge then starts to say with an angry look on his face as he starts to stand up and turn away from the table).  "You're right Forge, we didn't tell you and we probably should have, look I'm sure that they're alright, if you're that worried about Erica I could put in a call to one of my or Betsy's contacts in Paris and ask them to look into it," (Warren then says with an appeasing and uneasy smile on his face as he nods his head and then sets the newspaper down on the table). 

"That could take days…or even weeks and you know it Warren, that's it I'm going myself, I'll search every square inch of that city if I have to," (Forge then says with a very serious look on his face as he starts to walk out of the room but Warren stops him).  "I know that it's pointless to try and talk you out of it so…do you want a little help," (Warren then says with a serious look on his face in the background as Forge is in the foreground with a hand on the doorframe).  "I…sure I guess if…," (We then see Forge start to say with an unsure look on his face as he turns his head back towards Warren and Betsy).  "I think that you're both forgetting something, we sent them to Paris because they could handle it without our help, they're not children…they haven't been for a long time…ever since before Charles got shot by Stryfe posing as Cable at Lila Cheney's concert, Forge if you must you can take one of your new toys and go to Paris to look for them…alone, this is the first day in a bloody month that Warren has off and the four of us are going to spend the day together…all of it," (An angry and very serious Betsy then yells as she slams the newspaper that she had been reading down onto the table and stands up as Charles and Moira suddenly wake up and start to cry as Forge and Warren visibly cringe at her words). 

"I think that it'd be best if you go by yourself Forge," (Warren then says with a serious look on his face as he shakes his head).  "I think you're right Warren," (Forge then says with a sly grin on his face before he walks fully out of the room).

+Paris+

"Ye should have let me rough him up a bit more Pete, I think that I could have gotten more out of that bloody…," (Siryn then says with a slightly angry look on her face as we see her, Warpath, and Pete picking their way through a big room with a high ceiling that's all cluttered and looks like a badly done storage room).  "That wouldn't have accomplished anything Terry, other than leaving Imol with the permanent disability of never being able to speak another word as long as he lives," (We then see Warpath say as he pushes aside a large piece of a metal object that allows them to pass).  "But ya have to admit that it sure would have been fun to watch," (Pete then adds with a smug grin on his face before he ducks under a low beam and then laughs a bit).  "Yeah…but then we would have had to peel Imol off of the floor with a spatula," (Warpath then says with a slightly angry look on his face before he picks up and then carries both Siryn and Pete over a bit stack of things and then sets Pete down but Siryn stays up on Warpath's shoulder). 

"We got enough from him to start us on our way, now it'd be nice if we could actually find Sam and the others before hell freezes over," (Pete then says with an unhappy frown on his face as he kicks away a pop can and then shrugs over a stack of palettes).  "Well I don't know about Sam, but Tabitha will be easy enough to find…she couldn't hide if her life depended on it," (We then see Warpath say with an almost amused smirk on his face before Siryn stifles a laugh).  "Well it just might this time Jimmy m' boy, because we see to always be about two steps behind in this little trek through the Paris slums," (We then see Pete say with a hearty chuckle before his face grows grim).  "Well sorry Pete but that seems to be how things usually go for us, we're always playing catch-up," (We then see Warpath say with a slightly dejected smile on his face as the three get to a door).  "And unfortunately for us that's exactly how Apocalypse likes it," (Siryn then says with a grim frown on her face as Warpath gently sets her down and she then pops a button on a pocket on her suits pant leg and takes out a scanner like device). 

"You got any other little toys that Worthington's money paid for in there that could help us or are all of those pockets filled up with eyeliner and lipstick, because that little thing doesn't look like it can…," (We then see Pete start to say with an unimpressed frown on his face as he crosses his arms and chuckles a bit as Siryn's expression turns angry and Warpath lays a hand on her shoulder as if silently advising her not to start anything).  "Damn…ye got me Pete, I always follow that old motto…ye know the one, always be prepared…well I thought that if I met any really cute crimson dawn warriors or handsome French guys…," (We then see Siryn say with a joking and mocking smirk on her face as she looks back up over her shoulder at Warpath, who can't help but chuckle and shake his head).  "You two are a regular laugh riot you know," (We then see Pete say with an unhappy sneer on his face as he rolls his eyes and shrugs his shoulders).  "Oh yeah, we're regulars at all of the local comedy clubs, ye should come sometime," (Siryn then says with a cheesy smile on her face before Warpath then adds with an equally cheesy smile on his face while winking at Siryn), "We could get you a discount or something…or even better, a front row seat."  "Just open the @#$damn door already, I swear give me a bloody nuclear disaster…anything to keep me from having to listen to the two of you," (We then see an angry Pete say as he scowls impatiently while we pull away).

[Some Distance Away]

(We open with a few panels of shadows on the wall as we see someone say), "Where did ya find these…they look like some lunatic got a hold of them with a pair of scissors, I'm not wearing this."  "Ah come on Sam, we need to get out of here not to mention Erica to a hospital to get her burns looked at…you think that we should maybe take her to see Dr. McCoy at the mansion," (We then see Tabitha say with a worried look on her face as she has her arms crossed over her chest and it's clear that she's still naked and she's looking over at Sam who's out of the panel).  (Then we see a quick panel of Sam standing in one of the archways wearing what looks like a jazzed up version of the old Roman gladiator outfits with an unhappy look on his face as there's more skin that material as he says), "Ah wish that we could Tabitha…but I don't think that she'd last that long."  "Really," (Tabitha then says with a worried and sad look on her face as she half turns and looks over towards where Erica is as we see her bare back).  "Well I'm no doctor but…I'm really worried about her," (Sam then says through a painful wince as he walks over and then squats down beside Erica). 

(We then see a panel of Erica as she's lying on her side on some old dirty rugs, with one thrown over her as her only covering, and she's very dirty, wet, and she's sweating heavily while shaking and whimpering as there are some dark burns on her wrists).  "But what are we supposed to do now Sam, War took all of our stuff, not that I think that we could get in touch with anyone right now anyway…Erica and I couldn't reach you earlier no matter what we tried," (We then see Tabitha say as she's tying the top on of a gladiator outfit that was made for women on as at her stomach as the straps wrap around her body).  "We get her out of here any way that we can, it's as simple as that, if we don't get her out of here soon…," (Sam then says with a very grave and worried look on his face as he's looking up towards us in the medium background as we see a blackened out silhouette of Tabitha wriggling and slinking a bit as she's pulling up the bottom half of her outfit).  "I know, I know…I read all of those medical journals that Psylocke gave us, I swear if I didn't know better I'd think that we were all in medical school," (Tabitha then says with a nervous frown on her face as she's in the process of pulling her belt through the buckle). 

"Right now I kind of wish that we were, all that I can do for her is try to keep her warm," (Sam then says with a very worried look on his face as he props Erica up a bit and makes sure to keep the old rug wrapped around her).  "Well…we're out of luck then because I barely have enough clothes to call a bikini on and we are completely lost in the middle of nowhere," (Tabitha then says with a serious look on her face as she picks up a small pile of clothes that are at her feet and then walks over to kneel beside Erica).  "Then we should probably figure out where we are don't you think," (Sam then says with a very serious look on his face before Tabitha then waves him off).  "I'm going to take a look around, when I get back we need to be ready to leave," (Sam then says with a very serious look on his face before he stands up and walks out of the room).  "Okay Erica…you heard the man, let's get you into this…thing," (We then see Tabitha say with a nervous and unsure look on her face before she flings away the old rug that Erica had wrapped around her).

[Shortly]

We come back with a panel of Tabitha kneeling down beside Erica, who's wearing a similar gladiator outfit, fit for a woman, that's similar to Tabitha's but Erica's is only a one piece outfit with high boots as she's helping a still shaking Erica to sit up).  "Did you find anything," (We then see a worried Tabitha say as she's trying to help Erica sit up, but Erica is still shaking and sweating heavily as both eyes are squeezed shut and she's crying softly).  "I wish…how's she doing," (Sam then says with a defeated frown on his face as he shrugs his shoulders and hangs his head a bit while walking into the room).  "Not good…I think that she's actually gotten worse…if that's possible, what's wrong with her Sam," (Tabitha then says with a look of panic on her face as she cradles Erica in her arms and looks about ready to cry herself).  "Ah'm not sure but I think that she must have pushed herself a little to far and on top of that her already weakened state…it must be to much for her system to bear," (Sam then says with a frustrated and angry at himself look on his face as he kneels down beside Tabitha and lays a hand on her shoulder). 

"So pick her up already, we have to get out of here, and I don't know about you but there's no way in hell that I'm going to die down here in this slum," (Tabitha then says with an angry look on her face as she stands up and starts off out of the room).  "Yes ma'am," (Sam then says with an odd smile on his face as he picks up a nearby dirty blanket or towel and wraps it around Erica, wincing at the painful whimper that escapes her lips when the blanket touches her burns, as he picks her up and cradles her against his chest as the then follows after Tabitha).  (Then we see a few panels of Sam following Tabitha around for a bit before we see Sam sigh and then say with a nervous and frustrated look on his face), "Do you have any idea where you're going?"  "Uh…no," ( We then see Tabitha say with an embarrassed smile on her face as she turns around and looks back at Sam, who frowns in response).  "Then why don't we just follow one hallway and see where that takes us," (Sam then says with a serious look on his face as he first looks to Tabitha and then down the hall). 

"Fine…hopefully we'll manage to find someone down here," (Tabitha then says with a slightly worried look on her face as she edges a bit closer to Sam).  "With us we'll probably find an entire arena filled with crimson dawn warriors…ready to decapitate us at a moments notice," (Sam then says with an almost sarcastic look on his face before he turns and follows Tabitha back around a corner).  (Then we see Sam and Tabitha as they walk through the tunnels and they stop and check in every room that they come to).  "This is getting us nowhere," (Tabitha then says with an exasperated look on her face as she throws her up and slumps back up against the nearby wall).  "Maybe…if I tried a more direct approach…like just blasting straight up, see where that gets us," (Sam then says with a thoughtful look on his face as he looks straight up at the ceiling).  "You mean you could do that, what if these walls are made of something that you can't blast through…what then," (We then see Tabitha say with a concerned and worried look on her face as she's standing beside Sam and looking up at the ceiling).  "Well then bad things will happen," (Sam then says with a very serious look on his face as he looks back down at Tabitha). 

(Then we see a panel of Sam and Tabitha as they look at each other and then back up at the ceiling).  (Then we see a panel of the two as they then hear something and look down).  "What was that," (We then see Tabitha ask with a worried look on her face as she turns and looks over at Sam, who shrugs his shoulders and then says with a serious look on his face), "No clue…why don't you go check it out."  "Me…what why me, why can't you go," (We then see Tabitha say with a very shocked and surprised look on her face with wide eyes as her head snaps around to look back at Sam).  "Because Warren put me in charge…and because I'm the one that's holding Erica, that's why," (Sam then says with a very serious look on his face before he cracks up a bit and smiles).  "Fine…but you owe me Sam…big, if even a single…," (Tabitha then says with a very bent out of shape look of anger on her face as she scrunches her face up and she also balls her fists up before she then stomps her foot and storms off).  (Then we see a panel of Sam as he watches Tabitha storm off with an odd look on his face before he then shakes his head with a short chuckle). 

"Nnh…Sam, zat you, I can't…see so good," (We then see Erica mumble very shakily with a pained wince on her face as she tries to lift her head but Sam stops her as he pulls her closer and says with a serious look on his face), "Shh…don't try to talk…Tabitha and I are going to get you out of her and to a doctor."  "Wha…where…," (Erica then asks with her eyes closed ass he leans into Sam a bit more).  "She's off trying to find a way out for us, but while ah have the time I'm going to apologize to you for making you do this…," (Sam then says with a very serious, regretful, and downcast look on his face as he can't help but look Erica in the eye).  "For…get about it S…Sam, we had to t…try something," (Erica then says with a pained look on her face as her swollen shut eye is squeezed tightly).  "I should have thought of another way," (Sam then says with a very serious and nervous look on his face before Erica smiles meekly as best as she can).  "We're out aren't we…although I'm not quite sure about the wardrobe…except for…yours of course," (Erica then says as she tries to stay awake with a tired and sarcastic smile on her face as she casts a greedy eye over at Sam, who is obviously nervous at the look that she's giving him). 

"What's keeping Tabitha," (We then see Sam say with a nervous look on his face as he looks up and down the hallway).  "Who cares…," (We then see Erica say through a painful smile and laugh).  "I do Erica," (Sam then says with an almost callous scowl on his face before we then see the two start walking, well Sam starts to walk as he's carrying Erica).

[Elsewhere]

"Remind me again who's idea this way…because I bloody well know that it wasn't mine," (We then see Pete say with an angry look on his face as he's bent over while walking up an inclined walkway with Warpath having to crawl his way and Siryn walking in front).  "I've had just about as much out of ye as I can take Pete," (We then see an impatient Siryn say in a close up panel as she's looking back over her shoulder as then we see a wide panel that's mostly black with the diagonal tunnel I the middle and Warpath, Siryn, and Pete half of the way up).  "That's enough you two, if I've got to be stuck in here like a sardine for God knows how long the last thing that I need is for you two to fight like cats and dogs," (Warpath then says with a very serious and frustrated look on his face as he squeezes his way through a tight spot).  (Then we see Siryn about to say something but she stops and says nothing and then Pete does the same).  "How far do you think we are from the top," (We then see Siryn say with a tired look on her face as she grabs a pipe that's along the wall and pull herself forward).  "You're asking me…," (We then see Pete say with a slightly astonished look on his face before he stops for a bit to rest). 

(Then we see Warpath about to say something but he just shrugs his shoulders as best he can as long as he also shakes his head in dismay).    (Then we see the top and Siryn plops down and leans against the wall and cleanse her breath of the trio trying to catch her breath while Warpath turns around).  (Then we see a few panels of Warpath, Siryn, and Pete as they're all sitting around trying to catch their breath).  "Let's not do that again okay," (We then see Warpath say with a slightly cheesy smile on his face as Siryn smiles as she leans over and lays her head on Warpath's shoulder).  "Agreed…there's got to be another way of getting up here," (Siryn then says with a tired yawn on her face before she wraps her arms around one of Warpath's arms).  "We really should continue the search for Sam and the others," (Pete then says with an almost hesitant look on his face as he then starts to look around for something to pull himself back up to his feet with).  "Ah c'mon Pete…we just got comfortable," (We then see Warpath say with a sarcastic smirk on his face as he waves his hand in a show of fake reluctance). 

"I bet that little act is a hit with the ladies," (Pete then says with an overly smug grin on his face as he struggles back up to his feet).  "Only the one that matters most Pete, only the one that matters most…," (We then see Warpath say with a tired smile on his face as he looks down and over at Siryn out of the corner of his eyes).  "Good answer," (We then see Siryn say with a calm but optimistic look on her face as she pushes off of Warpath to get back to her feet).  (Then we see the trio start to walk off down a darkened hallway as Pete then takes one last look down the original tunnel that they came up and then follows Warpath and Siryn).  (Then we see Warpath, Siryn, and Pete make their way through the tunnels and along the way they keep out of sight as best they can of the crimson dawn warriors that are guarding certain doors and passageways).  "This place is like a bloody maze," (We then see Pete say with an angry and frustrated scowl on his face as he leans back up against the wall while Siryn checks around the next corner).  "I don't know how any of them find their way around down here, you'd need a map and compass just to find the bathroom," (We then see Warpath say with a slightly amused smirk on his face as he's looking back down the corridor from whence they came). 

"This isn't the time James, we're knee deep in crimson dawn warriors and you're worrying about…," (Pete then says with an angry look on his face as he takes a quick look around a nearby corner).  "Aye, but right now we need to figure out how to get by those warriors and find Sam and the others…and we can' do that with you two raising hell," (We then see Siryn say with a very serious and determined look on her face as she elbows Pete in the ribs).  "Okay…how about I bull rush the forty five crimson dawn warriors on the left and you two take the other forty on that side," (We then see Warpath say with a cheesy smirk on his face as he cocks his head to one side).  "Sounds like a plan to me," (Pete then says with an arrogant smirk on his face as he powers up his finger knives and looks ready to fight).  "Whoa now…we go off half cocked like that and we'll get ourselves killed…if we're lucky, nae…what we need is a good distraction, and I have an idea that just might work…," (We then see Siryn say with a somewhat worried look on her face before her look changes to a sexy smile as she then kneels down and starts to untie her left boot).  "Uh Terry…what are you doing," (We then see Warpath ask with a confused and somewhat alarmed look on his face as he scratches his chin while we pull away).

[Shortly]

(We open with a panel as if we're standing in the doorway that's being guarded by two crimson dawn warriors and we see a corner a little ways off and in a few word balloons we see), "Terry wait," (and), "You can't go out there like that," (and), "I know what I'm doing boyo, just be ready."  (Then we see a panel of the two crimson dawn warriors just looking pretty bored before we then see someone say form off panel that gets their attention as in a quick panel we see their amazed reactions), "Oh thank God, I've found someone."  (Then we see a panel of the two crimson dawn warriors as their amazed reactions change to excited smiles and then chuckles).  (Then we see a big panel of Siryn as she's standing in the middle of the hallway wearing only her panties with her arms crossed over her chest and she looks very alone and vulnerable).  "Can either of you help me…I'm lost…and cold," (We then see Siryn say with a drop dead sexy look on her face before she bites her bottom lip and bats her eyelashes at the two crimson dawn warriors).  "Hey baby…sure we can help you out…," (One of the crimson dawn warriors says with a cocky smirk on his face as he winks at Siryn as then the other one says with a sly grin on his face), "Bet you sing really well to…." 

(Then we see the two crimson dawn warriors start to walk towards Siryn after laying their weapons aside before we then see Siryn say as she drops her hands to her sides in a panel which we see Siryn from behind), "Ye bet I do…."  (Then we see a quick cut back to Warpath, as we see that he's barely able to keep himself from stopping Siryn as then we cut back to another quick panel of Siryn from the front of her collarbone up as she smiles and then winks at the two crimson dawn warriors before we see a wide panel of Siryn blasting the two crimson dawn warriors through the wall with a very powerful sonic scream).  (Then we move in closer to Siryn as she's turned to one side with her left arm across her chest and her right arm is bent up with her almost biting the fingernail of her index finger and she's smiling with a very sly smile on her face as she says), "So…what did ye think…was it as good for you as it was for me?"  (Then we see Warpath turn to Pete and say with a very serious look on his face), "Stay here," (before he then grabs up Siryn's clothes and walks around the corner). 

"Jimmy," (We then see Siryn start to say with an almost worried look on her face before we see her clothes hit her and fold over her left shoulder as Warpath says from off panel), "Put these on before Pete gets here."  "Party pooper," (We then see Siryn say with a sad pout on her face as she's pulling a tank top on over her head and shoulders).  "I have to admit that this whole stunt of yours…," (We then see Warpath start to say with a nervous look on his face as he hangs his head before we then see Siryn's expression become serious as she then walks over and lays her hand on his cheek and says with a very serious and heartfelt look of sincerity on her face), "Easy Jimmy…I know that this is out of character for me and is something that you never thought that you'd ever see me do but…I panicked…this was the first idea that popped into my head…and I went with it, but please trust me when I say that I'll never…ever…do this again, and to top it all off…."  (We see Siryn then whisper the rest of her answer softly into Warpath's ear as he then smiles). 

(Then we see Warpath help Siryn put on the rest of her clothes).  (Then we see Pete come walking up with a pessimistic frown on his face as we see Siryn zipping up her suit as she says with an amused smirk on her face), "Like the show Pete?"  "Very funny Terry, you know bloody damn well that I didn't see a thing so don't toy with me," (Pete then says with a less than thrilled look on his face as he's looking through the hole in the wall).  "And you're never going to see anymore than you just did," (We then see Warpath say with a very serious look on his face as he almost seems to be guarding Siryn by standing in between her and Pete and Siryn seems to enjoy the treatment).  "Calm down you two…we have to move now before anyone notices my little stunt," (Siryn then says with a serious look on her face as she grabs Warpath's arm and starts to pull him through the hole in the wall with her).  "The whole bloody compound heard that stunt, and I doubt that we'll have long to wait before we…," (We then see Pete say with a less than happy scowl on his face as he shakes his head and walks through the hole in the wall).  "Will be inundated by a ravenous horde of crimson dawn warriors…we know Pete, ye don't have t' keep reminding us of the situation that we're in," (We then see Siryn say with an annoyed look on her face as she pulls a pair of gloves our of one of her pockets and then puts them on). 

"Well after that stunt that you just pulled it's apparent that somebody needs to," (We then see Pete say with a very pessimistic and dismissive look on his face as he walks past a stunned Warpath and Siryn).  "Ye sound like me dad…disappointed this and furrowed brows about that…," (We then see Siryn say with a frustrated and angry scowl on her face as she shakes her head and walks off after Pete with a serious looking Warpath close behind).

[The Mansion]

[He scours the database for clues to the whereabouts of his team, and friends].  [Hours earlier he sent them to the wonderful city of Paris to perform what was thought to have been a routine surveillance mission…].  […but only a few hours into the mission the lines of communication had gone dead].  (We open with Warren sitting at the desk in his office in the mansion with Moira in his arms as she's sleeping peacefully along with soft music playing through the room).  (Then we see Betsy contact Warren telepathically and say as Warren has a serious look on his face), Found anything yet luv?  Nothing yet Betts, but the computer is still scanning through a list of encrypted codes that Forge gave me before he left so I won't know anything for a few more minutes, (We then see Warren say back telepathically with an unhappy frown on his face as he slightly spins around in his chair and looks out the window). 

So then I guess that leaves you plenty of time to assist me with the mess that your son just made here in the kitchen, (We then see a quick panel of Betsy as she's standing in the kitchen with a frustrated look on her face and her hands on her hips and we then see Charles lying in a car seat on the table while there's a potted plant and shattered wine glasses on the floor at Betsy's feet).  What mess, he's not even six months old, what could he possibly have…, (We then see Warren start to telepathically say back to Betsy with a confused and unsure frown on his face as he turns away from the window).  It was like a line of domino's Warren, kicking his feet all around, come to think of it he's just like you in bed in that respect, (We then see Betsy say back to Warren telepathically with a daring smile on her face and an eyebrow arched as she's letting Charles hold onto her index finger).  Hey…I only do that when you insist on sleeping on one of my wings…do you know how bad my wings cramp up when you do that, (We then see Warren say back with a grumpy look on his face as he's looking down at Moira).  But they're so comfortable luv…is the possibility of a little light ligament strain really more important to you than my beauty sleep, (We then see Betsy say back with a slight pout on her face as she's standing at the window and the light is beaming in onto her). 

Depends on whether or not it's permanent dear…because I don't know if you've noticed but I tend to need my wings to work, (We then see Warren telepathically say back with a slightly cheesy smile on his face as he looks to the side and we then do a side by side panel of the two looking each other's way as she then says with an almost angry frown on her face), Don't be an ass luv, it doesn't suit you.  It doesn't huh, so then what would you say does suit me Betts…a witty retort maybe, a sarcastic remark thrown into the middle of a boring conversation, (We then see Warren say back telepathically as he looks down at Moira in his arms).  Maybe we should get back to talking about what's important…if you want I could test out our new little toy and try to see if I can sense the team, maybe even contact them, (We then see Betsy say back telepathically with a slightly uncomfortable look on her face as she pulls out a chair and sits down).  Now hold on Betts, Cerebrix isn't ready for testing yet, and it's still to soon for you to be pushing yourself that hard, (We then see Warren say back telepathically with a concerned look on his face as he sits up in his chair and Moira whimpers a bit). 

We have to test that bloody thing sometime Warren, I didn't think that after all of the time and money that we put into this project all that you'd want from it was a damn two ton paper weight, (We then see Betsy say back telepathically to Warren with a very pessimistic look of disapproval on her face as she leans back in her chair and crosses her arms and legs).  I had that paper weight built so that there would always be a direct line of communication between those at the mansion and those in the field, (Warren then says with a tried look on his face as he shakes his head and stares at the phone on his desk).  Which then is exactly why I'm going to walk down there and…reach out and touch someone, (We then see Betsy say with an almost cocky smirk on her face before we see her break the psychic link with Warren and then stand up as Warren jumps up and shouts Betsy's name as she then says with a happy look on her face), "Portia…I need you to watch Charles for a bit…."

[Paris]

(We start off with a few panels of a frustrated looking Tabitha looking all around as if she just heard something familiar and is desperately trying to figure out where it came from).  (Then we see Tabitha pushing against a wall as Sam comes around the corner from behind her with a concerned look on his face and he's carrying a groggy Erica).  "Uh Tabitha…what are you doing," (We then see Sam say with a confused look on his face as he then leans up against the wall).  "I thought I heard something, it kinda sounded like Siryn," (Tabitha then says with a nervous and almost frantic look on her face before we then see Sam furrow his brows in a close up and then shouts), "Tabitha…get back!"  (Then we see a panel of Tabitha, with eyes wide, look up in shock before she jumps back out of the way as the entire section of the wall in front of her explodes and in the main background we see Sam raise his blast shield up as he takes a quick step forward).  (Then we see someone say from out of the cloud of dirt and debris), "Do ye have any idea where we're going Jimmy…any at all?" 

"Sorry Terry…your guess is as good as mine at the moment," (We then see Warpath say as he materializes out of the cloud with a calm but serious look on his face as he's also covering and guarding Siryn who's under him).  "We're just gonna have t' keep going through every wall until we…Sam," (We then see Siryn say with an unhappy frown on her face before she's then startled by seeing Sam).  "What…Terry, Jimmy," (We then see Sam say with a shocked look on his face before Tabitha stands up beside him).  "What are ye…Erica," (Siryn then says with a nervous and worried look on her face as she steps forward to check on Erica as behind her we see a very concerned Warpath and then a serious looking Pete looking all around).  "What happened to you guys, you look like hell," (We then see Warpath say with a concerned look on his face as Sam almost reluctantly hands Erica off to him).  "War happened to us…," (We then see Sam say with a painful wince on his face as he puts a hand to his side on his wound).  "Yeah and then he dumped us in a fu*$#&@ stew pot for forever…," (Tabitha then adds with a very angry and nervous look on her face before we then see Pete break in), "But what happened to Erica bird…?" 

"She tried to break us out but she was too weak from our fight with Death's goons, she couldn't handle it," (We then see Tabitha say with a worried but somewhat relieved look on her face as we see Siryn look confused).  "Wait a minute, Sam I thought you said that…," (We then see Siryn say with a confused look on her face as she turns towards Erica).  "Sam had his fun with War while Tabitha and I fended off some of Death's new enforcers…we didn't do so good…then War threw us into that damn icebox," (We then see Erica say with a pained look on her face as she weakly raises her hand before her face scrunches in pain and she hunches over in Warpath's arms and cries out a bit).  "Listen children, we can play twenty questions later…after we're all nice and warm…preferably kicking back with a nice ale somewhere…," (We then see Pete say with a nervous and unsure look on his face as he's looking around a corner).  "That can wait Pete, helping Erica comes first," (We then see Sam say with a very serious look on his face as he puts a hand up on the wall to steady himself). 

"That's gonna be easier said than done Sam, unless you somehow found a way out of this place we're stuck," (Siryn then says with an unhappy frown on her face as she crosses her arms and leans back up against Warpath's shoulder and she hangs her head a bit).  "We're in trouble," (Tabitha then says with a slightly overwhelmed look on her face as she throws her hands up and then drops her head onto Sam's chest, as he then wraps an arm around her).  "Okay people let's not get disheartened, let's find the silver lining here," (We then see Sam say with a determined and confidant look on his face as we see that his words are having a positive effect on everyone but Pete, who crosses his arms and then says with an annoyed look on his face), "Cut the pie in the sky why can't we all just get along bull#$&*, this is serious."  "Way t' stay positive Pete, whatever would we do without ye," (Siryn then says with a sarcastic and impatient scowl on her face in a close up panel as she turns her head towards Pete).  "We're not going to get anywhere with all of this pointless bickering, I don't really care what we do but we have to do something soon, because I'm betting that we're going to be getting a lot of company very soon, company of the crimson dawn variety," (We then see Warpath say with a grim look on his face as he's looking back over his shoulder). 

"And just in case anyone's wondering you can blame the glum Irish lass over there, it was her little stunt that's going to bring the whole bloody house down on our heads," (Pete then says with a worried look on his face before he suddenly drops to the ground as a red hot plasma blast flies over his head and blasts through the nearby wall).  (Then we see another blast, and several smaller staff weapon blasts fly over Pete's head as everyone else takes cover).  (We then see Tabitha picking herself up off of the floor with a pained grimace on her face before she cries out in pain, grabs her side and then slumps back to the ground).  (Then we see Warpath slowly turn towards the hole with an angry look on his face and then we see Pete stagger back to his feet and he shakes the dirt off).  "What the hell…," (Pete then growls with an angry scowl on his face as then we see Sam crawling over towards Tabitha with a worried look on his face as he's all beaten up and bloodied). 

"You're only making this harder on yourselves…so why not submit to…," (We then see War say with a very angry look on his face as he steps through the hole in the wall with a very powerful looking halo of plasma around his fists before we then see Erica grit her teeth and then glare at War as she says), "Submit to this mother #$%@*&!"  (As she says that we see Sam's shocked look on his face as we then see a long panel with Erica stretching her hand out and firing off a long line of flames that slams into War and makes him stagger backwards and growl in anger).  "Nice shot girl, but ya can't bloody well stop there, he's still standing," (We then see Pete say with an energized smile on his face as we see him powering up his fire knives).  "You stupid…," (We then see War shout in anger as he starts to form a large ball or red hot plasma).  (Then we see a wide panel of War on one side flanked by several crimson dawn warriors with Erica and the others on the other side). 

"Ye should know by now that we don' particularly like being made fun of," (We then see Siryn say with a very angry scowl on her face before we then see her launch herself up into the air towards War and the crimson dawn warriors firing off one sonic scream after another).  "Tabitha…are you," (We then see Sam say with a worried look on his face as he crawls over to Tabitha and lays a hand on her shoulder as he rolls her over).  "Nnh…not so good…I'd say Sam," (Tabitha then says with a very painful looking smile on her face as she looks up at Sam before we then see a crimson dawn warrior come up behind Sam and point his staff at the back of Sam's head).  "Don't worry Tabitha, we're gonna get you out of here," (We then see Sam say with a very serious look on his face as he starts to pick Tabitha up but we see Tabitha's eyes grow wide in alarm).  (Then we see a sideways panel of Sam starting to pick Tabitha up as the crimson dawn warrior looks about ready to fire his weapon straight into the back of Sam's head).  "Do ya mind…," (Sam then says with an angry scowl on his face as he throws his hand and arm back and blasts the crimson dawn warrior straight in the chest and sends him flying backwards out of the panel and then hard into the wall). 

"This stupid farce of a battle ends here," (We then see War shout with an angry look on his face before he rears back and blasts Siryn out of the air and we see Siryn fall fast straight down past Warpath, as he turns and yells), "Terry," (with a look of panic on his face).  (Then we see Sam pick Tabitha up as Pete fires off a few flame knives as he and Warpath rush to Siryn's side and dodge the fire of the other crimson dawn warriors).  "Jimmy…Pete stop, this is getting us nowhere, we need to regroup," (We then see Sam yell with a very serious look on his face as he's laying Tabitha down).  "Give up now filth, I wouldn't want you to damage yourselves to badly, Death won't like it if any of your are injured and unable to fight in the coliseum," (We then see War shout with an angry look on his face before a strange energy weapon strikes and the whole team is affected.

[The Friendly Skies Over Spain]

(We start off with a big at least half page panel from the front of Forge in a mini X-jet at the controls as the cockpit looks like that of a fighter jet).  (He doesn't look to happy as he's scowling heavily and all suited up in the teams uniform with a head band with native American markings on it).  (We see Forge turn his head and look at his metal hand with an almost regrettable look of sadness on his face before he then goes back to piloting).  Can't this damn thing go any faster, I should have retrofitted this thing last week when I repaired Tabitha's car, (We then see Forge think with a very serious look on his face before he looks down and sees a group of blips appear on a radar screen that gets a small smile from Forge).  "Warren," (We then see Forge say with a serious look on his face as he switches a communications switch).  (Then we cut to Warren in the ops room of the mansion looking tired and bored as he's staring at the computer screen as we see Forge's question come over the communications system as he suddenly sits up in the chair and looks around and wipes his eyes before he then says as he looks up), "Forge…what is it, what's wrong…did you find anything?" 

"Not yet Warren, but I have picked up their signals and as far as I can tell they're still in Paris, I'm going to home in on their signals and then see what I can find out, I'll call you back when I learn something," (We then see Forge say with a serious look on his face as he looks up and dodges a passenger jet).  "Okay…but Forge…don't go and do something that you or I will regret later, because you should know that it's all but impossible to lie to a telepath who knows me as well as Betsy does and she's going to ask me about this…," (Warren then says with a serious look on his face as we see Forge chuckle a bit

and then say before switching the communications link off), "Will do Warren…will do."

[Paris]

"Okay…would someone…anyone, please explain to me why we're in a bloody jail cell," (We then see a bored and angry Pete as he's leaning forward on the bars).  "Everything was going great, that is until somebody went and let War…," (We then see a very tired, pained, and angry Erica say as she's looking over at Siryn and we see the heavy bags under Erica's eyes and then she's sweating very heavily as her hair is over her face and all a mess before she then coughs violently and winces badly in pain).  "Cut it out you two, ah don't know how he did it but War was able to blast through even my shield, but we can't worry about that right now, right now we should be trying to get out of here before somebody gets killed," (We then see Sam say with an almost scolding frown on his face as he's leaning forward on the bars of his cell and looking back over his shoulder at Tabitha who's sitting on one of the bunks with her ribs taped up and she's wincing painfully). 

"Nobody's going to die in this hellhole Sam, I don't care what I have to do but I promise you that," (We then see Warpath say with a very serious look on his face as he pulls Siryn a bit closer to him as he's holding her and she's a bit groggy after the fight with War and the crimson dawn warriors).  "Don't do anything stupid James, I'm not going to make the same mistake twice and get someone that…another friend hurt," (We then see Sam say with a very cold and serious look on his face as he tightly clenches his fist and then pounds his fist on the bars as we then see Tabitha look up with a very sad and unhappy look on her face).  "Quit beating yourself up Sam, you did what ye thought was best at the time, and although it didn't turn out exactly how you thought it'd turn out it's not your fault," (We then see Siryn say with a serious look on her face as she comes fully to and turns to Sam).  "Y…Yeah, I'll be fine Sam, besides Death is probably going to play Caesar with us and force us to fight like Russell Crowe in Gladiator, except…," (We then see Erica say meekly as she tries to sit up but is to weak and falls back down onto the bed). 

"Hey…Erica, you okay over there," (We then see Tabitha say with a very worried look on her face as she jumps up off of the bed and hurries to the bars before she winces in pain and starts to squat down but Sam reacts fast enough and catches her before he slowly guides her back to the bed).  "Nnh…I'm a tough cookie guys, just get me back home and I'll pull through," (We then see Erica say with a tired smile on her face as she's lying on her side).  (Then we move out a bit and see a bored Pete sitting on the bed that Erica is lying in near her feet).  "Yeah well let's just hope that the rest of us get out of this right along with you because I don't know about you but I have things…people…to do and people t' see," (We then see Pete say with a bored and serious look on his face before he grows confused at the odd look that Sam is giving him). 

"Aside from that we need to get out of here before…," (We then see Warpath start to say with a concerned look on his face before two doors burst open and War walks in with a group of crimson dawn warriors that are carrying what look like overly large handcuffs with electrical panels on them and the team stops talking and turns towards War and then War turns to Sam and says with an arrogant and smug grin on his face as he rattles the bars), "Everyone all nice and comfortable in their new homes?"  "#*$% you ass...,"  (We then see an angry Erica sneer at War before she winces in pain and turns back towards Pete, who clenched a hand into a fist as we see that he's ready for a fight if it comes to that).  "Such sentiment from such a beautiful and cultured woman…my…you should learn to hold your tongue…lest it be torn out," (We then see a rather smug looking Imol say as he walks into the room and stops beside War).  "I'd like t' see ya try you bloody," (We then see a very determined Pete say with an angry scowl on his face as he stands up and we see Erica lay back onto her back). 

"Your threats are as empty as your stomachs mutant…because I hardly see you as much of a threat," (War then says with a haughty and smug grin on his face as he beckons the crimson dawn warriors that are behind him forward and we then see them aim a device at Pete and then fire it).  (We then see Pete try to get out of the way but he can't and an electrical charge hits him and he spasms violently and then slumps to the ground and lies still as everyone else reacts in shock and anger as we then see Erica try to push herself up to a seated position but she's to weak and she falls back down onto her back).

[Later]

(We open with Pete waking up on the ground of a darkened room with only one light overhead as he gets up to his knees).  "What the hell," (Pete then says with a confused look on his face as he slowly then gets back up to his feet).  (We then see Pete look around and start to walk down a hallway with one hand all flamed up to help him see as we see that Pete is dressed up like a gladiator).  (Then we see Pete see a light up ahead as he then walks into the light).  [He steps out into the light and is overwhelmed at the sights and sounds that greet him].  (We then see Pete walk into the coliseum and look all around as the fans in the stands begin to cheer and yell at him).  "Welcome Mr. Wisdom…to your long overdue execution," (We then see Death say with a very smug grin on his face as he's still surrounded by a number of very scantily clad women using huge feathered fans to cool him). 

"Sod off," (We then see Pete growl in anger as he glares up at Death as then we see one of the golem's walk into the coliseum to the big roars of the crowd).  "As you will mutant, but you cannot escape your destiny," (We then see Death say with a confidant look on his face as he lightly taps a few buttons).  (Then we see Pete send a shower of flame knives straight into the golem's stomach, but the golem just shrugs the attack off like it's nothing and slowly starts to charge towards Pete).  (Then we see Pete dive out of the way and then duck and dodge out of the way of the golem's punches).  (Then we see Pete slip on the floor and then get backhanded up against the wall as we see the wall crack from the force of the impact).

+The Mansion+

+Outside San Francisco, California+

(We see Betsy standing on the highest balcony of the mansion with a very long and very richly embroidered robe tightly pulled around her as her hair is blowing all around and she's looking up with one hand to push the hair off of her face), Come now Warren, you've had your fun…I'm freezing my bum off here," (We then see Betsy think telepathically to Warren with an unimpressed and uncomfortable frown on her face as she looks up into the sky).  (Then we pull back and see Warren flying around overhead up in the air and it looks like he's having fun and he then stops flying around and hovers in the air with his wings flapping as he then thinks back with a nervous look on his face), It'll be okay Betts…I just need to let off some steam.  Well let off some steam some other way luv, we have business to attend to, (We then see Betsy say back telepathically with an unhappy look on her face as we see her turn around and start to walk back into the mansion).  Don't be like that Betts…wait, (We then see Warren say back telepathically with a pleading look on his face as he hurries to land on the balcony before he then hurries off after her into the mansion). 

"I don't wait for anyone or anything luv, why should you or this moment be any different," (We then see Betsy say with a carefree wave of her hand as if she could care less as she then continues walking towards the bed and she drops the robe and is just wearing her underwear underneath).  "Because I'm not anyone else Elizabeth, I'm the father of your…no scratch that our children…and within a few months I'm going to be your husband," (We then see Warren say with a sympathetic and serious expression on his face as he closes the doors and then follows after Betsy towards the bed, picking up her dropped robe along the way).  "Enough Warren, may we please stop elevating all of our discussions to the point of being deep psychological debates," (We then see Betsy with an annoyed sigh as she sits down on the bed and then starts to pull her hair back up into a ponytail).  "You see…you always do that, blowing everything way out of proportion," (We then see Warren say with a slightly angry look on his face as he sits down on the bed opposite Betsy and then we see Betsy groan).  "I'm not blowing this all out of proportion Warren, can't you and I just have a simple conversation like two regular people," (We then see Betsy say with a pessimistic look on her face as she shakes her head). 

"Because we're not simply two regular people, we're mutants cursed with protecting a world that hates and fears us…," (Warren then says with a nervous look on his face as he runs hand through her hair).  "Blah blah bippity boo…please Warren that's as old as those old Saturday morning cartoons on the television that my mum never let me watch, you know the ones that I'm talking about right, the one's where everything…no matter how terrible or threatening to the heroes and heroines always seemed to be wrapped up nice and proper complete with a bloody bow in almost thirty minutes, that dream is gone Warren, welcome to the new millennium, you and I have created two new lives and have the responsibility of leading a team…we…," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious and almost bitter look on her face as she crosses her arms and looks away, using her telekinesis to open up a small box on the nightstand and then bring her glasses and book to her).  "The dream that Charles began with all of those years ago is not dead dear, it will only die if we allow it to…I'm not going to let that happen no matter what you…or Storm…or anyone else says, the dream of humans and mutants living together in peace and harmony will live on well past what happens today or tomorrow or the next day or the day after that…," (We then see Warren say with a very serious and almost angry look on his face as he stands up and walks away from the bed and to the dresser before he picks up a small bonsai tree that's sitting on the dresser and holds it up to his face as he's staring at it in the next panel his eyes are big and the background and the bonsai tree is large and in the immediate foreground). 

"Like I said Warren, that's a nice hope that Charles' dream will survive past the immediate future, but what was so exquisitely sublime about those times was that everything was able to be seen in clear black and white…right and wrong…but that's no longer the case is it…we've somehow descended into a deep and murky gray area in which everything damns us to an oblivion not of our choosing," (We then see Betsy say with a sad look on her face as her head droops a bit and her bangs fall down in front of her face as Warren shrugs his shoulders).  (Then we see a panel of Warren staring back at Betsy before he then says with a serious look on his face), "And I'm betting that my foul mood of late hasn't been helping anything."  "You have been quite the wet blanket as of late luv, I swear that if I didn't know better I'd think that you were taking the theory of wearing your emotions on your sleeve a tad to literally," (We then see Betsy say with an impatient look on her face as she sets her book down and looks up at Warren).  "I thought that was your heart…on your sleeve…not one's emotions," (We then see Warren say with a slightly confused and unsure look on his face as he sets the bonsai tree back down onto the dresser). 

"You know what…you might be right Warren, doesn't matter though, I still got my point across, that's what matters," (We then see Betsy say with an almost bored look on her face as she starts to get back out of bed but we then see her suddenly scrunch her face up in pain and grimace as her pink butterfly appears over her forehead).  "Betsy," (We then see Warren shout with a very panicked and worried look on his face as he rushes to Betsy's side as she slides to the floor and cries out in pain as she grabs her head).  "Nnh…Warren…help me…make it stop…please make it stop…," (We then see Betsy mumble out with a very frantic and painful grimace on her face as she slightly writhes a bit in pain).  (Then we see a big panel of Betsy's head with the butterfly with its wings fully extended and we see several images of Erica lying weak and injured in her bed and the others in their cells and fighting several of Death's gladiators to the death before we then see a quick rush close up to Death's face as he's grinning wickedly with his eyes glowing red brightly and the women beside him as he starts to laugh hysterically before Apocalypse casts a very large and dark shadow over Betsy that soon swallows her up).  (Then we see Betsy scream very loudly as Warren holds her close as then the butterfly disappears and she starts to calm down as Warren pulls her closer to him as Betsy tries to catch her breath). 

"Was that another vision," (We then see Warren ask with a concerned look on his face as he then helps Betsy back up to the bed).  "Yes…it was…we have to help them Warren, all of them…they're in trouble in France," (Betsy then says with a very serious look on her face as she pushes her glasses off and looks Warren in the eye).  "Trouble…what is it Betts...," (We then see Warren say with a slightly confused look on his face as he keeps holding Betsy close to him).  (Then we see a close up panel of Betsy's face as she looks up at Warren with a deathly pale and deathly serious and scared look on her face), "Apocalypse…!"

+The Coliseum Beneath Paris+

[The first round over and Pete Wisdom unconscious the challenge has been passed to another…].  […one for whom this type of combat is truly foreign].  (We do a quick three hundred and sixty degree pan of the fans in the coliseum before we see a quick and small panel of the shadows of the end of the tunnels at the coliseum and we see someone standing there with their arms crossed).  (Then we go back to the floor of the coliseum and see an explosion that sends a cloud of dirt debris all over the place as the crowd goes wild).  (Then we see Tabitha trying to make her way through the cloud of dust and debris and coughing as she goes).  "Come on little girl…quit cowering and face me," (A large and snarling reptilian creature snorts with an angry expression on his face as he traces three lines in the sand with the claws on his foot).  "I'm not…hack…cowering, I'm…trying not to die," (We then see Tabitha growl with an angry look on her face before she staggers out of the cloud of dust and then coughs one more time).  "Well then girl, you should try harder," (We then see the reptilian creature snarl back with a greedy grin on his face with his sharp teeth showing before he then forms a sphere of energy in the palm of his clawed and scaled hand). 

"What do you…oh darn," (We then see Tabitha say with a scared look on her face before she then smiles and scrambles out of the way as the reptilian creature hurls the sphere of energy at her that explodes as it hits the ground, sending up a big debris and dust cloud that showers Tabitha and she cries out in pain and shock).  (Then we see Tabitha start to stand up but she then moans in pain, grabs her sides, grimaces and falls back down to the ground, finally crying and curling up into a ball).  "No fun anyway…," (We then see the reptilian creature snarl with an angry look on his face as he prepares to stomp her to death).  "That will be enough…there's no fun…or sport in this…get this worthless little witch out of my sight and bring me someone that will live up to our lord's doctrine," (We then see Death say with an annoyed scowl on his face as he angrily smashes his fist down onto the armrest of the chair, an act that startles and scares the very scantily clad women with the fans around him).  (We then see several guards walk in and pull Tabitha rudely out of the coliseum to the jeers of the crowd and the anger of the reptilian creature).  (Then we see a cut panel of the person in the tunnel smile before turning around and walking into the darkness, but we see a glint off of metal as the person walks away). 

+The Mansion+

+Locker Room+

[Spurred on by the sense of urgency that inundated her vision Elizabeth Braddock hurries to prepare for the mission that awaits her].  (We open with Warren holding the door open to the locker room as we see Betsy walking in past him and she's pulling her shirt off as she goes by).  "Are you sure about this Betts, maybe we should let you rest and contact Forge first," (We then see Warren say with a concerned look on his face as he lets the door close behind him as he follows Betsy into the room and starts to unbutton his shirt in the process).  "Yes Warren…I can't sleep at the moment, and if we wait until we can get in touch with Forge it could very well be to late, we have to go now," (We then see Betsy say with a very determined look on her face as she throws her shirt over one of the locker doors).  (Then we see Warren open a couple more locker doors and pull out a pair of his gloves).  "Do you have an idea where we're going other than…," (We then see Warren ask with an impatient look on his face as beside him we see Betsy from behind his wing as she's slipping her bra off). 

"I know where we're going Warren so don't fret, concentrate on getting us there before something bad happens to Forge or one of the others," (We then see Betsy say with a  hurried look on her face as she starts to pull her hair up into a ponytail as she's standing behind Warren's left wing in just the right place).  "They're in that much trouble…," (We then see Warren ask with a grim look of worry on his face as he reaches into Betsy's locker and pulls out her sports bra and hands it to her back over his left shoulder as she smiles and takes it from him).  "If only we had the time I would hazard an attempt to convey the seriousness of the multitude of dangers that face them," (We then see Betsy say with a serious look on her face as she turns around and pulls her sports bra on at the same time as we see Warren looking back over his shoulder with a grim frown on his face).  "So in essence, what you're saying is that the fabric of space and time will…," (We then see Warren say with a half amused smirk on his face as he turns around and pulls his shirt off as he does so). 

"Enough with asinine comments dear, we're going to be late if you don't stop…," (We then see Betsy say with an angry scowl on her face as she starts to unzip her jeans).  "I get it Elizabeth, I'm sorry for trying to alleviated a little of the tension between us before we rush headlong in the firestorm that awaits us…and because we haven't said goodbye to Charles and Moira yet," (We then see Warren says with a slightly guilty look on his face as he stands up in the immediate foreground as in the background Betsy stands up and pushes her jeans down just as Warren's wing goes up at just the right time).  "Bloody…damn it all," (We then see Betsy say with a slightly embarrassed and angry frown on her face as she puts a hand up to her forehead and closes her eyes and shakes her head).  "We're all damned Betts…some of us a little more than others…but we can't lose ourselves in the pursuit of our goals, that's just what that bastard wants from us, we do that and we're no better than him," (We then see Warren say as he shakes his head and awkwardly stares at his blue skin before he reaches into Betsy's locker and pulls her pants back out before throwing them at her). 

"Now who's being to negative," (We then see Betsy ask with a slightly mocking smirk on her face as she's pulling her pants on after a panel in which we see Betsy reach out and catch the pants).  "I am," (We then see Warren say with an unhappy frown on his face as he looks up at Betsy and shakes his head).

[Later]

(We start off with a couple of panels of Warren and Betsy passing through the hangar before we see Warren open up the hatch to another of the vehicles that looks like a smaller version of the X-jet that is built primarily for speed and maneuverability).  (We then see Warren start to jump into the pilot's seat but Betsy then slides in under his arm and looks up at him as he steps back in shock with a very energized and proud smile on her face as she says while pointing with her thumb towards the back seat), "Back seat luv!"  "But…fine…let's just go," (We then see Warren says with an unhappy shrug of his shoulders before shakes his head and then pulls his wings in close and slips into the backseat).  (Then we see a panel or two of Warren reaching up and then pulling the canopy down as in front of him we see Betsy doing the preflight check-offs).  (Then we cut to a string of panels of the new smaller Y-jet as they taxi through the hangar and then we pull back outside and see the new Y-jet rocket off out of the hanger before we then see a quick top down panel of Warren in the backseat and then movie in closer and see him pull out a pair of little capsules on a chain out of his pockets before he kisses both capsules and then loops the chain around his neck). 

(Then we move in closer and see that the two capsules are clear and both contain human hair with a letter engraved on each with a big letter c on one and a big letter m on the other).  (Then we pull back a bit and see both Warren and Betsy each take a deep breath and then fly off into the setting sun).

+Paris France+

+The Coliseum+

+Third Round+

(We open with a few panels once again of the crowd roaring its approval and jeering of what's happening in the arena before we then move down to the floor of the arena and see Warpath flinging one crimson dawn warrior after another around like they're flies).  "I though that this was supposed to be a challenge, I'm waiting to be impressed," (We then see Warpath say with an energized smile on his face as his stance seems to be asking to be attacked).  (Then we see a panel of War in the stands as he's angrily beyond belief and pounding his fists angrily on the railing in front of him as around him we see some crimson dawn warriors cower away in fear and also in the stands we see some of the fans head into one of the tunnels before then we see the sounds of a very one sided fight take place).  (Then we see the winner of that said fight pull the losers into the darkness before we then got to a close up panel as the winner half steps into the light with only half of their face showing as we see that it's Forge and we then see him think with a very grim and serious look on his face), Now to find Erica and the others.  (Then we go back to the floor of the coliseum and see Warpath look around and see a bunch of unconscious crimson dawn warriors lying all around him before we then see one of the golems come charging in and slam its shoulder into Warpath, an act that shoots Warpath hard into the boards). 

(Then we see a panel of Warpath as he is pulling himself up out of the boards with an odd smirk on his face before he then pushes himself back up to his feet as he says), "Finally decided to stop sending the kiddies after me and actually send someone worth fighting eh…."  (Then we see a panel of the golem as it comes charging towards Warpath as he prepares to defend himself but then he reaches down and grabs a handful of dust and then throws it into the golem's face, causing the golem to howl in anger and confusion as it flails around to try to clear it's vision while Warpath rolls out of the way before we then see him clasp his hands together and then spin around like a top and smash the golem in the chest, sending it flying back up and into the stands as we see the fans running away as the golem is coming towards them).  "Eight ball in the corner pocket…," (We then see Warpath say with a confidant and smug grin on his face before he then in the next panel we see him turn around and then brush his hands off before he then says), "Next?"  "Don't be so smug foolish mutant, the fun has only just begun," (We then see Death say with an angry scowl on his face before he motions to a nearby crimson dawn warrior that quickly runs into one of the tunnels). 

(Then we cut back to the jail cells and see a hurting Pete gingerly sitting beside Erica, who's shaking even though she has three blankets wrapped tightly around her).  (Then we move to another cell and see a very nervous Siryn pacing back and forth before she stops at the bars and leans against them and looks over into the next cell and says with a concerned look on her face), "How's she doing?"  (Then we move over and see Sam sitting on the bed in his cell with an injured Tabitha held tightly in his arms as she's just staring off into space).  "Not so good, we're getting picked off one by one here and…," (We then see Sam say with a worried look on his face as he brushes some hair off of Tabitha's face).  "Then may I humbly suggest that we leave before anyone else gets hurt,' (We then see someone say from out of the darkness that gets everyone's attention as we see Erica's eyes grow wide with a relieved and excited look on her face as she tries to lift her head but is to weak and has to lay her head back down onto the pillow). 

"Forge," (We then see Siryn say with a surprised look on her face as she starts to turn away from the bars).  "Don't sound to happy Theresa…," (We then see Forge say with an almost amused look on his face as he walks in between the cells until he gets to the one with Erica and Pete in it and is visibly shaken by Erica's condition).  "What are ye doing here…shouldn' you be…," (We then see Siryn say with a confused look on her face as she fully turns towards Forge and walks to the other side of the cell).  "I should be where I'm needed Theresa, and right now that place is here freeing you…now stand back," (We then see Forge say with a serious frown on his face before he draws his gun and aims it at the lock on Erica and Pete's cell).  (Then we see a panel or two of Forge as he blasts the lock open and then throws the door open before rushing to Erica's side as we see Pete sheepishly say), "Thanks." 

"Erica…what," (We then see Forge say with a worried look on his face as he lays a hand on Erica's shoulder).  "I got a little overconfident is all," (We then see Erica say with a tired and somewhat sheepish grin on her face before she takes a rather painful breath and a tear or two slips out).  "Don't listen to her Forge, it was my fault…I told her to push her powers past her limits to melt her shackles off, but ah should have thought of another way," (We then see Sam say with an embarrassed and ashamed of himself expression on his face as he can't look at Forge but instead stares straight down at the side of Tabitha's head).  (Then we see Forge clench his metal hand into a fist and holsters his gun before he picks Erica up gently and then turns to walk out of the cell).  "Guess it's time to get out of here," (We then see Sam say with a serious look on his face before we see him start to power up a blast but suddenly his powers sputter out and we see Siryn gasp in shock and confusion before we then see Pete say), "Uh…what happened?" 

"Ah…ah don't know," (We then see Sam say with a confused look on his face before he tries to blast the cell doors again but he fails).  "I wonder what would happen if I tried to use my powers," (We then see Tabitha say with a look of wonder on her face as she tries to form an energy ball but it then fizzles out).  "Oh that can' be good," (We then see Siryn say with a nervous and worried look on her face before the crimson dawn warrior that Death ordered away barges into the room, weapon in hand).  "Alright you pitiful…what…who are you…where did you," (We then see that crimson dawn warrior shout in alarm as it levels its weapon and aims it straight at Forge).  "Any bright ideas genius," (We then see Pete ask with a sarcastic smirk on his face as he cocks his head to one side and looks up at Forge).  "This could get ugly," (We then see Forge say with a very serious and uncertain frown on his face before as we pull back we see more of the crimson dawn warriors rush into the cellblock). 

+Somewhere Over The Atlantic+

+The Y-Jet And Its Two Inhabitants+

(We open with Warren and Betsy racing through the sky with a few lights on the Y-jet).  (Then we move in closer to see Betsy making a frantic attempt to work one of the instruments while Warren has a headset on and doesn't look to happy).  "Bloody," (We then see Betsy growl with an angry look on her face as she smashes her fist down on the console in front of her as then we see Warren cut in and ask), "Still can't get in touch with the mansion?"  "I don't understand what the problem is, I helped Forge build this damn thing after all…," (We then see Betsy wonder with an angry an unhappy frown on her face as she wipes her hands down her face).  "I'm sure that Moira and Charles are alright Betts…," (We then see Warren says with a confidant and reassuring look on his face as we see that his words are making Betsy angry).  "Warren stop that…we're talking about our children…not place settings for Thanksgiving," (We then see Betsy exclaim with a frustrated and unimpressed look on her face as she looks back over her right shoulder at Warren). 

"I…I know that they're fine because if I were to allow even the slightest hint of doubt to enter my mind then I'd be reduced to a quivering mass like the blob from that old movie that Tabitha roped us into watching last weekend," (We then see Warren say with a nervous sigh and slight shrug of his shoulders before he takes the headset off and runs a hand through his hair).  "That's a fine sentiment luv, but tell me this…how's it working," (We then see Betsy say with a quizzical  and also somewhat daring smirk on her face as she tilts her head to one side).  "Err…not so good," (We then see Warren say with a serious and somewhat worried frown on his face as he hangs his head and looks sadly out of the side of the cockpit).  "That's what I thought…now are we going into this like a pair of chickens with our heads lopped off or are we actually going to take the time to think a plan up," (We then see Betsy ask with a sly grin on her face as she puts on a wireless headset like the one that Warren is wearing and looks ahead). 

(Then we see a panel of Warren staring straight ahead as he says with a serious look on his face), "We can't formulate any sort of plan until we know what we're dealing with."  "What…my migraine inducing premonition wasn't good enough for you…guess next time I should have an aneurysm and save us all the trouble, God Warren whatever happened to the carefree…," (We then see Betsy start to say with an amused and just a bit mad frown on her face as she steers the Y-jet to the left just a bit).  "He changed a few things in his life, got engaged…had a couple of kids…took the advice of a very beautiful woman and…," (We then see Warren say with an almost mocking and a little to good natured of a smile on his face as he zips up his jacket the rest of the way).  "Cut the beyond cut bull Warren, more than likely Apocalypse is going to be expecting us and will roll out the teeth lined welcome mat for us upon our arrival," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious and unhappy look on her face as she takes a deep breath). 

"Not if he doesn't see us coming…tell me something Betts…how proficient are you at slipping in through the cracks," (We then see Warren ask with a slightly cheesy grin on his face as he nods his head and leans forward a bit).  "About as proficient as you are at hostile takeovers luv, just as long as I don't have to crawl through any heating and air conditioning systems…I'll leave that up to Bruce Willis," (We then see Betsy say back with an impish smirk on her face as she half turns her head back towards Warren, who rolls his eyes in response).  "I'll try to remember that," (We then see Warren say as we pull away back into the night).

+Paris+

+The Next Round+

(We open with a few extreme close ups of Sam and War's eyes as the two are staring each other down in the middle of the ring with the panels of their eyes overlapping a big shot of the coliseum floor).  "Ready to give up yet meat," (We then see War say with a sinister sneer on his face as he fakes a lunge to the right and Sam jumps back a bit in response with a serious look on his face).  "You'd like that wouldn't you…you'd just love to see me get down on my knees and beg you not to kill me, well sorry but it ain't gonna happen," (We then see Sam say with a very determined and serious look on his face as he then slightly winces in pain).  "To bad for you then, because unlike with your friends this round isn't going to end until you breathe your last," (We then see a rather smug War exclaim before he fires off a few plasma blasts that Sam does his best to avoid). 

"Well ah'm sorry but I'm gonna have to disappoint you by kicking your sorry backside from one end of this here arena to the other and get us all out of here," (We then see Sam say with an angry scowl on his face with his hands both clenched tightly into fists in front of him and his feet set).  "Fine then filth…go on and try, but you'll quickly find out why I am the horseman of War…and if you need any further proof how's that little knick on your side…all better," (We then see a still smug War say with a mocking smirk on his face as we also see the crowd begin to jeer and demand more fighting).  "I'm fine…," (We then see Sam shout back with a defiant expression on his face before he rockets off towards War and slams into War's midsection and the two fly back and slam into the boards and crash through them into the crowd).  "Get off of me," (We then see War shout in a panel as we see an explosion blast Sam high into the air and far away before he then crashes down into the boards on the other side of the arena as Death and the crowd roars their approval). 

(Then we see a panel of Sam trying his best to get back up to his feet as he has to push a piece or two of the boards off of him as in the background we see War angrily storm back to his feet).  "Nnh…," (We then see Sam groan out in pain as there's some blood dripping into his left eye).  "What…no jokes…not witty comebacks, Guthrie…you disappoint me," (We then see War say with a mocking sneer on his face before we see War build up and then fire off a very powerful plasma blast straight at us).

[Elsewhere]

(We open with a few panels of Warren and Betsy as they're moving through the backstreets and alleys of Paris).  (We see that Warren is trying his best to keep his wings tied down and out of sight as a few passersby begin to stare at him).  "You know what Betts…I think I just remembered why I don't summer in Paris anymore," (We then see Warren say with an odd and slightly sickened frown on his face as Betsy just snickers a bit).  "We're not here to sightsee Warren, Moira and Charles should be waking up from their naps soon and we still have yet to locate Sam and the rest of the team let alone Forge," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious and somewhat misplaced frown on her face as she and Warren slip into the sewers).  (Then we see Warren let his wings out and he glides through the air with a nervous look on his face as Betsy has to run to keep up). 

"Any ideas," (We then see Warren ask with a serious look on his face as we then see Betsy reply as she has her eyes closed and her pink telepathic butterfly is on her forehead), "Not yet…wait, this way…."  (Then we see Warren and Betsy start to head down another tunnel before they pass into the darkness and then hug the wall as a patrol of crimson dawn warriors pass by on a higher level).  We must be getting close, (We then see Betsy say telepathically to Warren with a serious look on her face as she lays a hand on his shoulder before Warren then thinks back with a sarcastic grin on his face), What was your first clue? (Then we see Betsy look about ready to smack Warren upside the head but she only grumbles and shakes her head).  (Then we see Warren and Betsy head off down the corridor after the crimson dawn warriors, but the two don't notice that a small red light starts to blink after they pass).-END