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...

36. My 36th Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI #36: COMINGS AND GOINGS

BY: LOGANALPHA30

""-Words

-Thoughts

-Caption Boxes

()-Art Instructions

-Time, Place, Boxes

Japan

(We start off with a few panels of the snowy battlefield as the wreckage of the X-jet is still smoldering). (Then we move in closer and see the frozen bodies of the dead Aerous and crimson dawn warriors). The battle over and done, those on the losing end, beaten and bloodied into submission…. (We see a panel of Xavier's face as he's beaten and bloodied up with several cuts and bruises and he looks exhausted). "Professor Charles…Francis…Xavier, my how the mighty have fallen, I should probably commend you on your uncovering the presence of my base here, but you have saved me the trouble of thwarting your ill favored retrieval attempt," (We then see someone say from off panel as then we see Xavier hooked up to a futuristic looking torture device that leaves him completely unable to defend himself and he's off of the ground by a few feet). (Standing proudly and confidently in front of Xavier we see Apocalypse with a big smile on his face). "I'm glad that you're pleased," (We then see Xavier say with a less than thrilled scowl on his face as he's trying to look calm).

"I am sure that you are Professor, I would hate to discover after your bones have been crushed into dust under my feet that you had been treated wrongly," (We then see Apocalypse say with a very mocking sneer on his face as he puts his hand under Xavier's chin and makes him lift his head up a bit). "What a tragedy that would be," (We then see Xavier say with a sarcastic scowl on his face as he continues to stare at Apocalypse straight in the eye). (Then we see a tall vertical panel of Apocalypse and Xavier staring each other down silently). "The rest of your meager band of trilobites will face their punishment soon enough…but do not worry Charles, your worst fear will not be realized here today, you will not die alone," (We then see Apocalypse say with an almost mocking smile on his face as he then lightly pats Xavier on the side of the cheek as Xavier stays defiant). "You seem supremely confidant in your ability to crush me under your heel, I wonder if you will be as confidant after your machinations have been thwarted yet again by those that you perceive to be unworthy," (We then see Xavier say with a somewhat daring look on his face as he glares straight ahead at Apocalypse who doesn't look very impressed).

"We shall see," (We then see Apocalypse say with a haughty smile on his face before he taps Xavier on the top of the head with the tip of his index finger as we then pull away and down a long hallway that is heavily guarded before we then get to what looks like the room that Han Solo and Chewbacca were kept in during their stay in the cloud city after the Empire arrived). (We see that Warren, Pete, Gomurr, Sam, and Shatterstar are all sitting on thin metal slabs that slide out of the walls and they're all wearing what looks like wet suits where the tops are like tank tops, and the bottoms are like a pair of shorts). (We see that Shatterstar and Gomurr are doing their best to tape up Warren's wings as he then says with a tired and exhausted look on his face as well as he looks like he's been through a prize fight with an eye that's swollen shut and a fat lip), "Alright everyone, let's just remember to stay calm, things aren't as bad as they appear to…." "Oh sod off ya bloody," (We then see Pete growl with a very sarcastic and skeptical look on his face as he's leaning back up against he wall and is also trying to keep his weight off of his sore hip).

"Can it Pete, yelling isn't gonna solve anything," (We then see Sam say with a pained and uncomfortable expression on his face as we see him sitting doubled over on the edge of his slab and he's holding his injured shoulder). "What do you know hayseed, you shouldn't even be here, but because of your seeming willingness to fight and die for the cause," (We then see Pete say with a less than pleased pout on his face as he sit up and knocks away the pathetic excuse for a tv-like dinner that's sitting on the slab in front of him and he also drapes one leg over the edge of the slab). "I know enough to know where to place my loyalties Pete, even if I didn't choose to follow Warren and Elizabeth I would still be here doing everything that I'm doing right now, Death took my family…I'll never stop fighting," (We then see Sam say with a very grim and almost haunted look on his face as he's staring straight ahead and off into space as his eyes almost seem like they're glazed over).

"Neither will I, if I hadn't let that son of a bit get away none of this would be happening, so if anyone's to blame here it's me…," (We then see a very sullen Warren say without moving from his spot on the floor as Shatterstar scowls and then adds with a grim and serious look on his face as he then closes his hands into fists), "Your recriminations and denouncements aid no one, other than our captors." "Thank you Star, for that ray of sunshine," (We then see Pete grumble with an unhappy frown on his face before he leans back into the shadows). "We just need to keep our heads, at least until we're able to find out what happened to Terry and Erica," (We then see Sam add without looking up as he has his head down and is staring straight down at the ground). "Fine…," (We then see Pete grumble from out of the darkness as then we see Warren turn back to Gomurr and then say with a calm but serious look on his face), "Gomurr, is there anything that you can do…some sort of spell or something?" "Afraid not pal, my magic doesn't work that way," (We then see Gomurr say with a slightly uneasy smile on his face as he shrugs his shoulders and throws his hands up in mock defeat).

"Of course it doesn't, that'd all be to easy," (We then see Pete grumble out of the shadows before we then see Sam lift his head up a bit and stare up and over at Pete with a less than pleased scowl on his face). (Then we pull back out and continue on the way down the hallway before we then get to a room that's similar to the one that Sam and the other guys are in and we see Erica and Siryn, dressed the same as the guys are, and Siryn is holding her side and wincing in pain as we see Erica looking on with a concerned look on her face as she then says), "You okay Terry?" "Nae…but what does that matter right now," (We then see Siryn joke with a pained smile on her face as she pulls her feet up off of the floor). "Hey now Terr…it matters, because we're not going to be here forever, Psylocke and the others are still out there somewhere, they haven't been caught yet…at least as far as I can tell…," (We then see Erica say with a very confidant look on her face as she stands up triumphantly and pumps her fist in the air in front of her before we then see Siryn put a hand up).

"Keep on dreaming Erica, and ye might get lucky," (We then see Siryn say with a slightly confused look on her face as she scoots back across the thing metal slab and finally puts her back up against the wall). (Then we see Erica take a step forward and then look like she's about ready to say something but she then stops and turns around and sulks across the cell and then leans forward up against the cell door as we then see an outside in shot of Erica looking out as us through the bars of the cell). "Okay…what's on your mind," (We then see Siryn ask with a concerned rolling of her eyes as she leans forward and tilts her head to one side a little bit). "Are you sure that we're supposed to be talking about this right now Terry, shouldn't we instead be having an in depth discussion about our deepest and darkest and innermost secrets and desires…like when you and the big stud are going to get hitched," (We then see Erica say with a sly smirk on her face as she looks back over her shoulder at Siryn, who looks up and furrows her brows). "Uh excuse me, but how did we get onto that subject," (We then see Siryn ask with a nervous look on her face as she then shakes her head and takes her hands off of her side).

"We've got to talk about something here Terr…," (We then see Erica reply with a sad and bored pout on her face before she then turns around and puts her hands behind her head). "I know, but don' ye think that perhaps instead of flapping our gums about or significant others we should be trying to dream up some truly inspired plan of escape…," (We then see Siryn say with a very uncomfortable pout on her face as she then stands up, crosses her arms, and leans back up against the wall). "That'll all come later babe, first though we need to keep ourselves sane, we start letting ourselves get all mopey and depressed about all of this and we'll go stark raving mad," (We then see Erica say with a nervous and impatient look on her face as she crosses the length of the cell before she then mimics Siryn and crosses her arms and leans back up against the wall beside Siryn, along with Erica bending her knee and placing her foot flat on the wall just under her butt).

"Calm down, I've been in situations like this before, it's all in how we play it, Apocalypse isn' very happy that we've crashed his little shindig her, he'll either let us all sit in her and stew until he either gets bored and kills us or is finished taking over the world…whichever comes first," (We then see Siryn say with a less than pleased look on her face as she picks a piece of dirt out of her hair and flicks it down onto the ground). "Looks like we're in a waiting game then, perfect…I wonder if the guys are having this much fun," (We then see Erica say with an unhappy scowl on her face before she then pushes off of the wall and paces off into the middle of the cell before we then get a shot of looking in through the square hole in the doorway with Erica walking up towards us and she looks out at us through the square hole and we see the shadows of the crimson dawn guards walking by on the door). "Probably, I doubt that Apocalypse even knows how t' spell chivalry," (We then see Siryn say with a sly and sarcastic smile on her face before we then see the two of them share a laugh together).

"But really…did those goons leave you with anything other than a cold and clammy feeling," (We then see Erica ask with a slightly grossed out look on her face as she leans back over and tries to open the door by jiggling the doorknob but it doesn't budge even a bit). "Yeah, just a little…but that can wait, hopefully we won't be here to long, because I've already been apart from Jimmy long enough and…," (We then see Siryn say with a somewhat worried look on her face before we then see Erica turn around and interrupt her), "And you want some time along with your guy, it's okay…I miss Forge to, but I'm guessing that there is not a force on this planet that is going to keep our bad ass matron Psylocke from finding…or making a way to get back to Warren." "I wonder where she is, knowing her she's probably already putting the first steps of her plan into motion…," (We then see Siryn say with a very optimistic look on her face as we pull away and back out in the hallway).

The Mansion

Consolidating her meager forces Elizabeth Braddock ponders her next move, hoping that she has the resources to put it into action. (We start off with a few panels of Betsy watching the others in her small group take stock and try to compose themselves while she wraps her knee up again and again with one of those elastic wraps before she then ties it off with one or two of those metal butterfly clips). (We then see Betsy testing the tightness of the wrap on her knee as we see her wince in pain). (Then over her shoulder we se Warpath setting Tabitha down onto a set of pillows off of the couch as we also see Forge lighting a small fire using a burning piece of a chair to light it and it's right next to Tabitha). "That better Tabitha," (We then see Warpath ask with a concerned look on his face as nearby we see Rictor walk over to the nearest window and after we see him look out and check around he closes the window and then pulls the curtains closed). "See anyone," (We then see Tabitha ask with a tired look on her face as she pulls a rug around herself as we see that she's shaking slightly).

"Nothing…not even a guard that stayed outside to long and got turned into a human popsicle," (We then see Rictor say with an unhappy look on his face before he brushes some debris off of the couch next to where Tabitha is sitting and sits down). "You shouldn't have done that Julio, more than likely you were spotted by one or more of Apocalypse's crimson dawn minions, who by the way are probably on their way here as I speak…so I'm truly sorry Tabitha for Julio's ignorance but we're going to have to vacate the premises unless we want to join the others as prisoners," (We then see Betsy say with an impatient and unhappy look on her face as she leans very heavily on an improvised crutch to get herself back up to her feet). "Ah crap," (We then see Tabitha say with an unhappy pout on her face as we see her shoulders slump as we see Forge kneel down beside her and lay a hand on her shoulder). "Now I don't like this any more than you do Tabitha, but she's usually right about things like this," (We then see Rictor say with a sour look on his face as he stands up and then helps Tabitha up to her feet and he keeps her standing).

"And whose fault is it that we have to go soon huh…yours, ya stupid…," (We then see Tabitha growl with an angry scowl on her face as she then slaps Rictor upside the head). "Hey," (We then see Rictor shout with a surprised and somewhat pained look on his face as he steps back away from Tabitha while we also see Forge cover up a smile). "Okay children, enough…stop acting like you just discovered sugar and went through an entire candy store, eating everything in sight…Julio take point, Forge cover our backs, Tabitha stay close to me and get ready to pick off any surprises, Jimmy…we're probably going to need a quality diversion," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious and grim look on her face before she begins to limp towards the door). "Put that out," (We then see Forge say with a grim look on his face as he bumps Rictor in the shoulder and points at the fire). "Let's get this over with…Terry's somewhere nearby and I'm going to find her," (We then see Warpath say with a very serious look on his face as he stomps the fire out with his foot). (Then we see them all leave the room as Forge looks back one last time and he pulls his gun out and readies it to fire).

"I should be in front," (We then see Warpath say with a very serious and almost impatient look on his face as he does his best to get down the hallway without getting stuck because of how big he is). "Stay calm James, please…I don't think that I can take anyone going off on their own for some personal vendetta instead of staying the course," (We then see Betsy say with a slightly overwhelmed look on her face as she stops walking down the hallway and leans heavily on her crutch and turns back around enough so that she can look straight up at Warpath). "I'm not going anywhere ma'am, not until we can all walk out of here together," (We then see Warpath say with a very calm and serious look on his face as he stands completely still while looking down at Betsy). "Good…then we're in agreement, now let's go…Tabitha, be a dear and fire off a mid level plasma blast straight over James' left shoulder okay," (We then see Betsy say with an equally calm and serious look no her face before then at the end of her speech she turns her head to the side a bit and drops her chin down a bit while she only slightly turns at the waist and sees Tabitha's shoes out of the corner of her eyes).

(Then we see a panel of Tabitha as she spins around and looks up with at first a confused and surprised look on her face before she then half smiles and then fires off a blast that goes over Warpath's shoulder as Warpath tenses up a bit but Betsy remains completely and icy calm as we then see the blast strike a crimson dawn warrior that is up on the wall and is crawling in the corner between the wall and the ceiling). (Then we see a panel of that crimson dawn warrior go flying back down the hallway with a trail of scorched smoke of where Tabitha's plasma blast hit it and then we cut back to a panel of Betsy's face as she gives a wicked little smile). "Can we move on now, or is there a kitchen full of metal pots and pans that you want to ransack like three year olds and make even more noise," (We then see Forge say with a very stern and somewhat condescending look on his face in first a quick panel of Forge looking back at the group before he then walks down the hallway until he gets to where the crimson dawn warrior landed and then we see Forge change the clip in his gun).

"Uh Forge…what are you doing," (We then see Rictor ask with a confused, concerned, and even a bit scared look on his face before we then see Forge kneel down, put the barrel of his gun straight between its eyes and then he pulls the trigger, as blood and brains go everywhere, with a completely calm look on his face). "Forge…what…," (We then see Tabitha ask with a very stunned look on her face as she leans heavily against the wall before she squats down and throws up into the debris that lines the hallway). "Why," (We then see Rictor ask with a shocked and worried look on his face as he takes a step back down the hallway towards Tabitha). "It had to be done," (We then see Betsy say with a very cold and matter of fact look on her face before she then turns and starts to limp off down the hallway). "Let's go people, we have to keep moving because I assure you that he might have been the first, but he won't be the last," (We then see Forge say with a very stern and serious look on his face as he changes the clip in his gun as he walks back down the hallway calmly).

"Lucky us," (We then see Tabitha say with a sickly and somewhat scared look on her face as she's looking up from her squatted down position before we then see Rictor help her back up to her feet). "Exactly," (We then see Betsy say with an impatient look on her face as she walks past Tabitha and Rictor before Warpath steps forward and then pushes aside a big pile of debris). "Uh Forge, next time you feeling like painting the walls and floors of this place with brains…tell me so that I can do my best to keep from losing my lunch," (We then see Tabitha say pointedly to Forge with an unhappy and almost threatening look on her face as she knocks Forge in the chest with a flick of her wrist and her knuckles on the back of her hand). "Duly noted," (We then see Forge say with a calm and unshaken look on his face before we then see him act like he thought that he heard a sound and glances and squints back down the hallway before he then shakes his head and goes off down the hallway after Betsy and the others).

The Interrogation Room

(We cut back to where Xavier is being held as he's still there and several crimson dawn warriors are milling around doing menial tasks). "Go one, get out of my way," (We then see a still injured but healing War say with an angry sneer on his face as he enters the room by shoving any and all crimson dawn warriors that cross his path out of the way). "You know, I was beginning to wonder when you'd grace me with your presence," (We then see Xavier say with a less than gracious scowl on his face as he turns his head to face towards War). (Then we see War laugh heartily at what Xavier said before he then pushes a few buttons that cause Xavier to be shocked by several powerful shocks, making Xavier to shout in pain, something that War and the crimson dawn warriors seem to greatly enjoy). "Please Xavier, tell me another one," (We then see an almost bored looking War say as he walks up to Xavier and then he smacks Xavier hard, drawing blood). "Heh…alright, how about this one, stop me if you've heard it…for probably the umpteenth time a maniacal tyrant is attempting some crazy scheme to take over the world, but yet somehow he keeps being defeated, time and again," (We then see Xavier say with a very forceful and mocking smile on his face as he leans forward as far as he could).

"This time it will be different, I assure you of that," (We then see War say proudly before he then flips a few switches). (Then we see Xavier unceremoniously get dumped down out in front of War as we see Xavier groan in pain and War chuckle with a sneer on his face). "What shall we do with him my lord," (We then see one of the crimson dawn warriors ask with a hesitant and also nervous look on its face as it cautiously approaches War and Xavier). "Take him to the pits, let's see if he can survive for more than a few minutes," (We then see War say with a very scornful and mocking look on his face as he then kicks Xavier in the ribs). "Yes sir," (We then see a group of crimson dawn warriors shout in unison as they push forward and pick Xavier up off of the floor). (Then we see a panel of Xavier glaring up at War as the crimson dawn warriors start to pull him away before he then says with an angry scowl on his face), "Casting me aside with the trash eh…."

"That would be fortunate for you wouldn't it Professor, but where you're going no one has ever returned from," (We then see War say with a very proud and smug grin on his face before he then rears back and then punches Xavier hard enough to knock him out of the grasp of the crimson dawn warriors as they all shout in surprise and alarm). (Then we see the crimson dawn warriors scramble to pick Xavier back up but when the first crimson dawn warrior gets to Xavier and squats down Xavier picks his head up and gives that warriors a wicked and also determined grin on his face as he then says), "Bad move," (as he then reaches out and grabs that crimson dawn warrior by the throat and then he grabs that warriors gun and shoots that warrior in the neck). (Then we see a panel of that warrior garble in pain and grab its throat as it thrashes about). "Please Professor, think of the situation that you're in…one of you and over one hundred of us, what do you possibly hope to accomplish with this little display," (We then see War say with a very skeptical smile on his face as he crosses his arms and awaits Xavier's response).

"Providing a distraction actually, one that keeps you busy just long enough for my associate to get a message through to S.H.I.E.L.D., if they do not hear back from me in five minutes they're going to…," (We then see Xavier say with a very determined look on his face as he pushes himself back up to a seated position and leans back up against the wall). "Heh, you're bluffing, we are monitoring every conceivable means of electric communication, if you or anyone else had attempted such a transmission we would have intercepted and blocked it, so stop wasting my time and hand over the weapon," (We then see War say with a very serious and unimpressed look on his face as he uncrosses his arms and takes a step forward). "Appearances can be deceiving War, it is true that you could and more than likely did jam all of my transmissions, my electric ones anyway, however I believe that what you have failed to realize is that I do not need any electric device to make contact," (We then see Xavier say with a weary grin on his face before he then blasts away another crimson dawn warrior that got to close).

(Then we see a quick panel of the look that passes over War's face as he thinks about what Xavier just said as the look is that War hadn't thought of Xavier using his telepathy and is scared that Xavier has already contacted S.H.I.E.L.D. but doesn't let it show). "You talk tough Professor, but our shields are strong enough to defer any and all possible attacks, so I would advise you that you should hand over the weapon and…," (We then see War say with a very confidant and serious look on his face as he continues to walk towards Xavier). (Then we see War start to build up a little bit of plasma energy around his fingers before we then see a loud alarm sound and then a bunch of lights start to flash on and off as we see War and the crimson dawn warriors react with shock and surprise as then the crimson dawn warriors throw up their hands and start to run and scramble around but War stands still and looks calmly down at Xavier as he then continues to build up his amount of plasma energy and points his finger straight at Xavier). "I'd check that if I were you…," (We then see Xavier say with a big grin on his face as he raises the gun and then fires straight at War's head).

Prison Cell

The alarm triggered by Xavier's backup plan rings on throughout the facility, surprising X-man and crimson dawn warrior alike. (We then start off with a panel of Warren and the others sitting around in their cell, staring at the remains of what were their last meal as Warren is rubbing his sore shoulder when the alarm sounds as we see them all look up in shock, confusions, and surprise). (Then we see Pete look up with a concerned look on his face before Shatterstar then says with a very serious look on his face), "That does not sound good." "But not good for whom," (We then see Warren say with a concerned and grim look on his face as he stands up and walks towards the door). "Does it really matter…maybe we'll get lucky and…," (We then see an optimistic Sam say with a half smile on his face as he picks his head up a bit and looks over at Warren). "Easy now boys, let's not get our hopes up before we know more, for all we know this is some sort of drill or a prank," (We then see Gomurr say with an unhappy frown on his face as he only half looks up with a look on his face that seems to suggest that he's completely calm and serene in the middle of all of the hysteria).

"Do crimson dawn warriors play pranks," (We then see Sam ask with a confused and slightly stunned look on his face as he stands up). "Look like we're going to find out, guards are coming," (We then see Warren say with a very serious and anxious look on his face as he turns away from the door). "Star, get behind the door and jump them from behind when they enter the room," (We then see Pete say with a more energized look on his face as he painfully pushes himself back up to his feet). "Please Pete, not that old routine…they'd be expecting us to do something as mundane and unoriginal as that," (We then see Warren say with a skeptical and disapproving look on his face as he walks up to stand face to face with Pete, who doesn't look very pleased with Warren's attitude). "Don't even think about pulling rank here mate, but in case you haven't noticed your impeccable leadership abilities have led us straight into this hellhole, I'm impressed…really," (We then see Pete say with a rebellious scowl on his face as he pops his knuckles in a threatening manner in front of Warren as we see Warren lean back a bit in shock, surprise, and confusion).

"You should be Wisdom, because I have a feeling that our chances are better if we stick together and don't lose our heads," (We then see Warren say with a very serious and cold expression on his face as he stands up to Pete and we see everyone else in the room take a step back and keep away from Warren and Pete). "What's that supposed to mean," (We then see Pete ask with a confused and serious look on his face as we see Warren and Pete in a side view in the foreground and we see in the background a pair of very nervous and anxious crimson dawn warriors enter the room with their weapons out and then one says with a very serious look on his face), "All of you, on your knees!" (We then see Warren and Pete continue to glare straight at each other before we then see the crimson dawn warriors look at each other with nervous looks on their faces before we then see one of them hit the other in a manner as if to say that neither one wants to break up the standoff between Warren and Pete but one gets pushed into it).

"Stop it right…," (We then see the crimson dawn warrior that got hit say as it steps forward and starts to raise his weapon towards Warren and Pete before we then see Warren and Pete smile and then in one big panel we see Warren and Pete turn and Pete decks the warrior that tried to separate them while we see Warren dive and tackle the other crimson dawn warrior). (Then we see Gomurr, who in a quick panel is at first sitting on his slab meditating before he then leaps up and jumps from the slab to the doorway and he slams the door shut behind the two crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see Sam take a step forward and throw out his uninjured hand and then he blasts the crimson dawn warrior that Pete just punched away from Pete and into the wall). (Then we see Warren rear back and then deck the crimson dawn warrior that he first tackled). (Then we see Shatterstar race over and snap the neck of the warrior that Sam just blasted into the wall). "One down," (We then see Gomurr say with an excited smile on his face as he stands up and turns back towards the others). "And one to go," (We then see Warren say with a very serious look on his face before he then gives the warrior that he tackled another punch, but this time we see the sound of bones breaking as a result of the punch).

"Now what," (We then see Sam ask with a nervous and tense look on his face as he staggers over more towards the door and then cautiously peers out of the square hold in the door). "Get their weapons and follow me, we're going to find the others," (We then see Warren say with a very calm and deadly serious scowl on his face as he picks up one of the warriors weapons and throws it to a surprised Sam, who catches it with one hand and then turns and looks over at Pete). "Stop you bloody gawkin old son and open the door," (We then see Pete growl with an angry look on his face before he painfully picks up the other warriors weapon and then lays his hand on the door). "Yeah," (We then see Sam say with a nervous look on his face before he opens the door and then peeks out). (Then we see Gomurr yank Sam back in as a patrol of crimson dawn warriors walk by). "Thanks," (We then see Sam say with a sheepish grin on his face before we then see Gomurr say with an excited smile on his face as he throws open the door), "Forget it, besides…this is where things get exciting."

"I'll take point," (We then see Shatterstar say with a very determined and grim scowl on his face as he leaps out into the hallway and kneels down, checking both ways). He takes point, fully accepting and in fact seeking out, the most dangerous position in their burgeoning escape attempt. (We then see Shatterstar creep down the hallway until he gets down to the end of the hallway before he then grabs the arm of a crimson dawn warrior that is just starting to walk around the corner and slams him up against the far wall). (Then we see Pete limp out of the room after Warren and the others). "Where to now El Capitan," (We then see Pete ask with a half smirk on his face before a patrol of crimson dawn warriors rounds the opposite corner). "Sam," (We then see Warren shout with a very serious look on his face as he spins around towards the end of the hallway that the patrol is coming around). "Ah'm on it," (We then see Sam say with a very determined look on his face as he sets his feet and then starts to blast away in a panel where Sam is facing us with Shatterstar and the others behind him). (Then we see a panel or two of that patrol getting blasted by Sam's plasma blasts). (Then we see Gomurr walk over and make sure that all of the members of the patrol are all out). "Good job kid, ya got all of them," (We then see Gomurr say with a proud smile on his face as he stands back up and wipes the scorch and dust and dirt off of his hands).

"That was the general idea Gomurr," (We then see Sam say with a half sheepish grin on his face before he then leans back up against the wall and winces in pain). "We should get moving, our presence will be noticed soon enough," (We then see Shatterstar say with a very calm and serious look on his face as he casually walks past Sam and then down the hallway).

The Mansion

(We start off with a panel of Betsy as she slowly and cautiously enters the kitchen, leaning on the island to keep herself upright as she winces a bit in pain). (We then see Warpath squeeze his way into the kitchen before Rictor comes in helping a slightly wobbly Tabitha in with Forge at the last covering their backs). "We looking for a late night snack," (We then see Warpath say with a cheesy smile on his face as he looks into a couple of cupboards as we see Rictor help Tabitha over to the table and helps her to sit down at the only open chair). "Something like that James, I don't know about the rest of you but I haven't eaten in hours and contrary to popular opinion I actually do eat real food, and don't throw it all up afterwards to keep my figure," (We then see Betsy say with a scowl on her face as she limps over to the refrigerator and opens the door and then peers inside).

"I never said that," (We then see Warpath say with a shocked and somewhat hurt look on his face as he turns back away from the table and towards Betsy). "I know you didn't James and I'm sorry, I was speaking in general terms, being a telepath isn't always fun, you can't even begin to come close to imagining some of the snide and mean spirited remarks that people say about my looks when they think that I can't hear them…but don't even get me started about what has passed through people's minds…," (We then see Betsy reply with a sympathetic and apologetic look on her face as she looks over at Warpath and lets her shoulders drop down a little bit). "So then you've never though about…retaliating," (We then see Rictor ask with a slightly confused look on his face as he walks away from the table and towards Betsy). "Of course, I wouldn't be human if I hadn't, but acting on any of those impulses, as tempting as they might be, I would only be reinforcing to many people's negative preconceptions about mutants…God don't these fools have any real food," (We then see Betsy say with a tired look on her face before she angrily slams the refrigerator door shut).

"I doubt it, this place is so far out of the way that it's probably only used for parties," (We then see Warpath say with a skeptical look on his face as he opens up a few more cupboards). "I don't believe that James, this is most likely the servants kitchen, hence the sparse amount of food and poor lighting, we shouldn't tarry here to long," (We then see Forge say with a very serious and almost impatient look on his face as he walks around the kitchen table and peeks through the curtains to check for any crimson dawn warriors). "I agree, however it wouldn't be wise to move anywhere until we've all had a little something to eat and drink," (We then see a very certain and confidant Betsy say as she pulls the refrigerator door back open and reaches inside as we see in the background a little light above the kitchen door start to blink on and off but no one seems to notice). "Fine, but this'll be enough for me," (We then see Forge say with a cold and serious frown on his face as he picks up an apple and a roll from off of the counter before he then leaves the room).

"What does Erica see in him," (We then see Tabitha ask with a confused look on her face as Warpath catches an apple that Betsy threw to him and then he tosses it lightly to Tabitha). "Who knows, but I'm not one to pry…as long as they're happy that's all that matters in my book," (We then see Warpath say with a slight shrug of his shoulders before Betsy pulls out a few things, namely what looks like a pizza box and a few containers that look like Tupperware). "This reminds me of…wait a minute, not this doesn't remind me of anything, for the life of me I can't recall ever taking a break like this in the middle of a mission to have a picnic," (We then see Rictor say with a sarcastic smile on his face as he takes the items from Betsy, avoiding her glare, and lays them on the table). "Dibs on the pizza," (We then see Tabitha say with an excited smile on her face as she throws open the pizza box). (Then we see the expression on Tabitha's face change from one of excitement to one of surprise and then of disappointment as she scrunches up her face and then says), "Ah man…anchovies!"

"Come on Tabitha lighten up, we're not exactly in any position to complain," (We then see Warpath say with a joking smile on his face as he picks up a couple pieces of pizza and then he takes a big bite). "Yeah okay, but when we get home Sam's going to take me out someplace nice," (We then see Tabitha say with an unhappy pout on her face as she reluctantly picks up a piece of pizza, flicks the first anchovy that she sees off of the piece and then takes a bite). "Okay people we've solved the food problem, now what," (We then see Rictor ask with a slightly sarcastic look on his face as he stands up and walks over towards the telephone). "Now we stock up and then figure out how to extract our friends from their current confinement," (We then see Betsy say with a tired look on her face as she rubs an apple against her sleeve before she takes a big bite).

"We have to find the Professor to, knowing Apocalypse he probably separated Xavier from the others…hoping to soften him up a bit, get some perverse pleasure out of breaking the man whose dream has thwarted him numerous times," (We then see Warpath say with a very serious look on his face as he pops the top of one of the Tupperware containers and then he picks up a spoon off of a counter and then digs in as we then see Betsy say with a deadly serious and not joking in the least look on her face as she politely peels some of the apple peel), "Try to break him you mean, Charles Xavier has one of it not the strongest wills of anyone that I have ever come into contact with, and that includes Logan, myself, and even Ororo and her sometime circumspect maneuverings." (Then we see Tabitha, Rictor, and Warpath all share a slightly confused look before Tabitha cuts in with a weak smile on her face), "As long as I find Sam I'll be fine, but…right now what I'd like is my nice warm bed at home and a good night's sleep."

"Trust me Tabitha, there's nothing that I'd want more at this very moment than to be sitting in my rocking chair with my little ones in my arms, rocking them to sleep…but until then I will strike down any and all in my way with a fury rarely seen this side of hell itself," (We then see Betsy say with a very determined and impatient scowl on her face as she tosses her apple over her shoulder and then we see a few panels of Betsy using her telekinesis to float over another apple as we see that apple perched on the tip of her thumb's fingernail as it spins around like a top and the peel starts to be peeled off on a string of the peel that the peel hovers in the air around the apple all in the one long strip as the peel keeps the shape of the apple). "Yeesh, remind me not to get in your way until after we're over the Pacific," (We then see Tabitha say with a scared and nervous look on her face before she then takes a big bit of pizza). "You know guys, this light above the door has been blinking like crazy ever since…," (We then see Rictor start to say with a concerned look on his face as he turns back towards the table before we then see them all react to a loud alarm that goes off).

The Cellblock

(We start off with a panel from behind Siryn, who's sitting on her slab and holding her side, while we see Erica standing at the doorway looking out through the small square window in the door as she's on her tiptoes looking out as we see the sounds of the alarms going off). "What's going on," (We then see Siryn ask with a serious and concerned look on her face as she carefully stands up and leans on the wall for support). "Well…you know, I'm not sure but it's either the Fourth of July come early or they're having a clearance sale at Bloomingdales," (We then see Erica reply with a joking smirk on her face as she half turns back towards Siryn, who shakes her head and rolls her eyes in response). "Do ye always have t' make everything into a game," (We then see Siryn ask with a skeptical look on her face as she then begins to limp forward towards Erica and the door). "No…I just wanted to sound like I had some idea as to what was going on," (We then see Erica answer with a somewhat sheepish and also embarrassed look on her face before she tries to open the door again).

"Well we're certainly not going to…," (We then see Siryn say with a concerned look on her face before we then see both Siryn and Erica take a step back quickly as three crimson dawn warriors enter the cell and try to push Siryn and Erica back). (Then we see Erica laugh at the crimson dawn warriors and as one of them reaches out to grab Erica's shoulder but she then acts first and counterattacks). (We then see Erica grab the warrior that's reaching out towards her by the wrist and she then spins his arm around behind his back painfully before she then shoves him forward into the two other crimson dawn warriors who all crash back together into the side of the door). (Then we see Siryn step up and deck the first warrior to recover from Erica's initial attack). "Do yourself a favor and stay down," (We then see Erica say with a very serious look on her face as she kneels down and then reaches out and squeezes the throat of the foremost crimson dawn warrior). "And if we…," (We then see one of the crimson dawn warriors start to say with a defiant sneer on his face before we then see Siryn and Erica look up at each other with I told you so looks on their faces before we then see Siryn wink and smile at the crimson dawn warrior before she then opens her mouth and lets out a very high pitched sonic scream that we see knock all three of the warriors out).

(Then we se Erica start to leave the room but she then stops as we see Siryn grunt and wince in pain as she drops down to her knees). "Terry," (We then see Erica shout with a shocked look on her face as she rushes back into the cell and keeps Siryn from fully dropping to the floor as we then see Erica say with a worried look on her face as she struggles to pick Siryn up and lug her out into the hallway), "Oh…crap, c'mon girl…man you should really lay off the haggis." "I'm Irish ya bloody bat, haggis is Scottish…and the mere smell of it makes me want to hurl," We then see Siryn say with an angry and frustrated sneer on her face before she straightens up and then glares heavily at Erica and exclaims), "And I'm not fat!" "Anything to get you moving," (We then see Erica say back with a cheesy grin on her face as Siryn and Erica limp off down the hallway). "We should find the Professor," (We then see Siryn say with a worried look on her face as she straightens up a bit and leans heavily on the wall as in one quick panel we see Erica look oddly at her before her countenance becomes certain and serious). (Then we see Siryn and Erica get to a corner and then we see them run smack dab into Death and a detail of crimson dawn warriors).

"I think that you two lovely ladies have gone far enough," (We then see Death say with a rather confidant and arrogant smirk on his face as he chuckles a bit). "Kiss my ass Fitz…," (We then see Erica exclaim with an angry and confrontational glare on her face as she clenches her free first very tightly into a fist and shakes it threateningly at Death, who then laughs heartily before we see a sound from behind Siryn and Erica). (Then we see first Erica and then Siryn turn and look back over their shoulders before we then see a full detail of crimson dawn warriors marching down the hallway so that the two are almost boxed in between them). "Nice one…except there's one little flaw in your scheme, we still have an escape route open to us," (We then see Erica say with a nervous and skittish smile on her face as she slowly starts to edge herself and Siryn back and away from the two details of crimson dawn warriors). "Where do you think you're going," (We then see a very confidant Death say as he slowly walks around the corner after Siryn and Erica back away a bit). "To hell is a good answer," (We then see a limping War say as he comes down the hallway towards Erica and Siryn from behind as he looks the worse for wear and as if he's putting on a brave face despite his injuries and misgivings).

"Okay…things have officially gone from bad to worse," (We then see Siryn say with a nervous and unhappy look on her face as she and Erica both step back up against the wall). "Worse is only the beginning Ms. Rourke Cassidy," (We then see War say with a very confidant look on his face as he takes a step forward and starts to build up a sphere of plasma energy). "That's far enough War, Theresa, Erica…stay close to the wall and take the hallway on the right side, I'll take care of the crimson dawn warriors," (We then see a voice say from out of a set of speakers at the corner right above Siryn and Erica). "Professor," (We then see Siryn ask with a confused but heavily surprised look on her face as she looks up at the speaker above them as we also see War grit her teeth in anger and Death looks like he just had a very bad taste in his mouth). "I think you overestimate your abilities Xavier, the warriors of the crimson dawn are fanatically loyal to Apocalypse, they would never…," (We then see a very skeptical and haughty War say as he continues to build up more and more plasma energy). "We'll see," (We then see Xavier say back in response through the speakers before we then cut to a quick panel of Xavier pushed back up against the wall in what looks like a closet that's dark and dingy as there's cobwebs and mops and buckets as it looks like Xavier has hot wired into the speaker system and he also has a couple of weapons with him and he looks very tired and he's sweating heavily).

Despite the threats of fear and death for any sort of disobedience or misconduct the pull of Charles Xavier is to hard to resist. (We then see a panel or two of the crimson dawn warriors as they look around with nervous and unsure and even some scared looks on their faces before we then see signs of Xavier's telepathy beginning to take effect). (Then we see a panel of War stepping up towards Siryn and Erica before we then see the detail of crimson dawn warriors that were the ones that Xavier mentioned earlier all take a big step forward and then fire off blasts from their weapons at Death and the detail of crimson dawn warriors behind him and then War, blasting him back into the far wall). "What's going on," (We then see Erica ask with a surprised and confused look on her face as she ducks down underneath the weapons blast of the crimson dawn warriors). "It's Xavier, we need t' get moving," (We then see Siryn shout with a hurried and almost desperate look on her face as she starts to limp and stagger down the hallway past the detail of crimson dawn warriors and away from Death and War and the other detail of crimson dawn warriors).

"Where are we going," (We then see Erica ask with a nervous and unsure look on her face a she follows after Siryn before she then supports Siryn as they both nervously pass by the detail of crimson dawn warriors). "This is not over," (We then see War exclaim with an angry scowl on his face before he then fires off his plasma blast into the detail of crimson dawn warriors that are protecting Siryn and Erica). (Then we see the plasma blast hit the warriors and send a bunch of them flying back against the walls and Siryn and Erica have to dive for cover as they're showered with body parts and parts of the floor and carpet and the weapons of the crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see a panel of Siryn groaning in pain as she's lying on her stomach on the floor before we then see Erica cough a couple of times). (Then we see a panel of Siryn as she pushes herself up to a seated position as we then see that the midsection of her suit is ripped up and we see her scar and she has a few cuts and scrapes and she's splattered with blood).

"Ow," (We then see Siryn say with a pained wince on her face as she wipes her hand across her face before we then see Erica shove the torso of a crimson dawn warrior off of herself). "I think I'm gonna hurl…the second that the ringing stops in my head…," (We then see Erica say with a sick to her stomach look on her face before she then uses the shattered remains of the nearby wall to pull herself back up to her knees). (Then we see a panel of War as he starts to stagger around the corner with a bit of labored breath before then above War we see Xavier's voice come out over the speaker system), "Terry, Erica, are you all right?" "Nae," (We then see Siryn say with a scared and nervous look on her face as she feebly tries to stand up). (Then we see Siryn's whole body start to shake before she then sinks back down to the floor). "You can say that again," (We then see Erica say as she puts her back to the wall and she uses her legs to slide herself back up fully to her feet as then we see a close up panel on Erica's hands that are dangling down limply at her sides as there's blood running down over the backs of her hands and then down her fingers until it drips off of her fingernails as we also see that there are flames crackling over the blood).

"Can you move," (We then see Xavier ask through the speakers as we see Erica look up with sweat and blood running down her face as she takes a deep breath before we then see the door that is just down the hallway from Siryn and Erica open up and we then see someone walk through a blight flash of light wearing a very dark red body suit that covers them from their neck to the their toes and with a similarly colored mask and goggles that covers their entire body and every feature, although we can tell that it's a woman). "Who are you," (We then see Erica ask with a serious and unhappy scowl on her face as she's struggling to stay on her feet). "Introductions will have to wait, we need to leave," (We then see the mystery woman say as she steps into the hallway and then shoots a strong blast of light and energy out of her right hand that strikes Death first and knocks him back into the detail of crimson dawn warriors as they are all thrown back along with War who jumps out of the way).

(Then we see the mystery woman help Siryn back up to her feet as we see Xavier then add over the speakers), "You need to hurry and find the others, I can't keep my hold over the crimson dawn warriors forever." "We're moving baldie," (We then see the mystery woman say as she drapes Siryn's arm around her shoulders and then she bumps Erica wit her elbow). "I thought I told you not to call me that," (We then see Xavier say over the speakers as Erica flashes a grin but weakly uses the open door to keep going). "You're not paying me enough for that…still don't know why I ever agree to this, I should have my head examined," (We then see the mystery woman say as she shakes her head and then reaches back and blasts away a lone charging crimson dawn warrior). "What about you Professor, how are you going to…," (We then see Erica ask with a worried look on her face before she wipes her bloody hands off on her suit). "I can take care of myself Erica, just get yourselves out," (We then see Xavier say over the speakers before we then see Erica follow the mystery woman out of the hallway).

The Mansion-Mid Underground Level

(We see Warren walking through the now darkened hallways with the weapon of the one of the crimson dawn warriors in his hands and a very determined look on his face). (We then see Shatterstar shadowing Warren and looking like a snake ready to strike out instantly at anyone or anything that came to close to Warren). "Ah'm not sure that this is the right way Warren, are you," (We then see Sam say with a nervous and pained look on his face as he follows after Warren with an angry looking Pete behind him and Gomurr brings up the rear and looks just happy to be included before we then see Warren step onto a spiral staircase and he looks up before he then responds), "No…no Sam I'm not." "Well at least he's honest about it," (We then see Pete say with a sarcastic scowl on his face as he follows Sam up onto the stairs). "What about the others, Theresa and Erica," (We then see Shatterstar ask with a calm and serious look on his face as he kneels down at the top of the first set of stairs and looks up the second set).

"We don't know where they're being held, they could be anywhere and it's a maze down here, unless we…," (We then see Warren say with an unhappy look on his face as he turns back towards the others and takes a step back down). They're taken care of Warren, my newest associate has seen to expediting their escape , (We then see Xavier say telepathically as Warren looks up with a relieved look on his face as Gomurr smiles happily and Shatterstar's countenance remains the same). "This is new," (We then see Pete say with an unhappy and unsure look on his face as he then walks up the stairs past Warren). "Your newest associate…," (We then see Warren ask with a serious and confused look on his face as he gets a better grip on the weapon in his hands). I will explain it all later Warren, but right now you need to get your people out, and don't worry about me , (We then see Xavier say telepathically as Warren and his group start to walk up the stairs).

"What about Tabitha, where is she," (We then see Sam ask with a worried look on his face as he holds his injured arm and shoulder carefully). For the moments she's alright Samuel, she is upstairs with Elizabeth and the others , (We then see Xavier say back telepathically as Sam looks unconvinced and turns and looks worriedly over at Warren). "Where exactly are they Charles, tell me…are they close by," (We then see Warren demand with a very grim and concerned look on his face as he half turns away from Sam and lifts his gaze skyward). They are currently two floors above you and heading towards the largest room on the main floor, you need to try and locate Mr. Yoshiro Tan, before Apocalypse does , (We then see Xavier reply as Shatterstar looks back with a very deadly and angry look on his face as Pete shakes his head in frustration and the smile is now gone from Gomurr's face). "Please explain," (We then see Gomurr ask with a very serious look on his face as he looks up).

I have it on good authority that Apocalypse is nearby searching for Mr. Tan because he possesses something that it appears that Apocalypse is urgently seeking , (We then see Xavier say telepathically back as Warren leans around a nearby corner and blasts away a couple of guards). "You're going to have to give me more than that to go on Charles, Apocalypse could want Tan for anything from his connections to his life," (We then see Warren say with a very frustrated scowl on his face as he takes a few moments to catch his breath). I wish that I could Warren, but Elizabeth might have a better idea about why Apocalypse is looking for Mr. Tan , (We then see Xavier say back telepathically as we see Shatterstar dive around a nearby corner and snap the neck of one crimson dawn warrior before he then kicks the other crimson dawn warrior in the throat before we then see Warren slam the end of his weapon into that warrior's head). "They we'd better find him first," (We then see Warren say with a very grim and determined scowl on his face as he then steps over the body of the down crimson dawn warriors and continues on down the hallway).

"This ought to be fun, anyone care to wager how far we get before Apocalypse's whole damn security force comes down on our arses," (We then see Pete joke with an unhappy smile on his face as he limps along after Warren and gives one of the crimson dawn warriors a hard kick in the ribs for good measure). "Probably just as long as it takes you to shut up," (We then see Sam say with a less than thrilled frown on his face as he follows after Pete and then Sam walks past Pete as we see Gomurr laughing in the shadows). (Then we see Shatterstar get to a set of massive metal doors that have no keyhole, latch, or other means to open them up). (Then we see Shatterstar start to try and check all around the doors for a way to open them). (Then we see Pete step forward and lay his right hand flat on the door before he then slides his hand around the door where the lock would be). "Anything," (We then see Warren ask with a nervous and unhappy scowl on his face as he gingerly spreads his wings).

"I could humor you and say that we'll be through this is no time…or I could be serious and say that it'll be a cold day in hell before those doors budge an inch," (We then see Pete reply with a dryly sarcastic grin on his face as he half turns around at the waist and looks back at Warren, who doesn't look very impressed). "This is not advantageous to our escape," (We then see Shatterstar say with a very serious and unhappy scowl on his face as he stands up and then turns around). "Bringing out the bit words now," (We then see Warren say with a subtle smirk on his face before he turns away and paces off back into the darkness).

Two Floors Up

Not fully knowing or understanding fully what was happening around them they weave their way through the twisting and turning labyrinth of hallways and rooms that make up the ground level of the large mansion. (We then see Betsy and Forge lead their group through the hallways in which there are flashing lights and an almost constant alarm). (Then we see a panel of Betsy using her powers to telepathically scan the area in front of them in a fan shape). "Getting anything up there," (We then see Tabitha ask with a nervous look on her face as she climbs over the bottom half of a door with Warpath right behind her and then Forge moves to the rear). "Nothing but random and free flowing bits and pieces of thoughts, none of them seem to be connected in any way," (We then see Betsy reply with a very serious scowl on her face as we see her push aside a burnt out husk of a china cabinet). "That's not very helpful," (We then see Tabitha say back with an unhappy frown on her face as she walks through the bits and pieces of the broken china and burnt holes on the carpet).

"No…it's not, but it's all that we have to go on right now," (We then see Betsy say with a calm and concerned look on her face as she gets to the bottom of a big set of stairs). "Maybe we should split up," (We then see Rictor ask with a hopeful but yet nervous look on his face as he starts to walk up the first few steps of the staircase). "No, we should stay together and find the others, otherwise we won't get two feet out of the door," (We then see Forge say with a very serious and somewhat cold and angry look on his face as he walks past the set of stairs and then continues on through a set of double doors). "Obsessive much…," (Wet hen see Tabitha say with a slay and also sarcastic smile on her face as she sits down on one of the lower steps). "That's usual for him remember," (We then see Warpath say with a joking but almost depressed look on his face before he then goes and helps Tabitha up). (Then we see Rictor grumble softly to himself as he trudges down the last few steps and then he follows after Forge).

"We need to find Warren and the others…and find a way to stop that damn alarm," (We then see Betsy say with a frustrated and uncomfortable look on her face as she then gives one last look to Warpath and Tabitha and then limps off after Forge and Rictor). "I could stop it, just get me close enough and I'll take care of it for ya," (We then see Tabitha say with a helpful smile on her face before we then see a quick panel of Betsy's face as she softly smiles). (Then we see Betsy limp off by the stairway and Warpath turns slightly and looks out of the shattered windows before he then pulls the loose doors off of the entryway that Forge, Rictor, and Betsy just went through).

Broom Closet

He debates his options calmly, despite the lethargic feeling holding throughout his body. His breathing ragged and nervous, Charles Xavier hopes that he has not painted himself into an inescapable corner. (We start off with a few panels of Xavier trying to calm himself with taking stock of his surroundings as he takes a few deep breaths). (Then we see Xavier pull down a few towels and he wipes the blood and sweat off of first his face and then over his head and then back of his neck). I need to think this through…I have to find a way out of her, without using any more of my abilities , (We then see Xavier think with a very serious and concerned look on his face as he then crawls over towards the door). (Then we see a panel of Xavier as he seems to sense that there is someone closing in on his position as he grabs both of his weapons and gets ready to do his best to defend himself before we then see the door to the closet slowly open).

(Then we see a panel of Xavier in the foreground with one of his guns aimed up at the person in the doorway as we see that the person in the doorway is the mystery woman that helped Siryn and Erica out earlier as she then says), "Whoa Professor…I'm on your side remember." "Yes…of course, my apologies Maggie," (We then see Xavier say as he breaks out into a relieved smile as he lowers his weapon and lets out a big breath). (Then we see the mystery woman grumble a bit before we then see her take her goggles off first and then her hood). (We then see a long tight braid of red hair get pulled out of the back of her suit before she then says with an unhappy pout on her face), "I thought that we weren't going to use our real names." "You called me Charles," (We then see Xavier say with a sly smile on his face as he sets his guns down and then takes a breath). "Guilty as charged sir," (We then see Maggie reply with a half smile on her face before she kneels down and helps Xavier to get up and limp away).

(Then we see several panels of Maggie and Xavier working their way through the hallways before they then push open a couple of doors and walk in on Tabitha blasting away a small group of crimson dawn warriors). "You get them all," (We then see Rictor ask with concerned look on his face before he then turns around and his eyes get wide as he sees Xavier). "Do I know you," (We then see Forge ask with a nervous and concerned look on his face as he walks up to Maggie while we see Warpath pick Xavier up). "We might have met a few times…Maker," (We then see Maggie say with a nervous and a bit scared look on her face as she drops her head down and takes a step back away from Warpath and Xavier). "You were once known by the name Strobe, were you not," (We then see Betsy say with a skeptical and unsure look on her face as she then takes a step forward and looks Maggie straight in the eye). "Strobe…wait a minute, weren't you one of…," (We then see Rictor ask with a surprised look on his face as his eyes grow wide). "Yes…I was, but many of my earlier and fervently held beliefs have left me…more truthfully beaten and dragged out of me," (We then see Strobe say with a look of humbled regret and disillusionment on her face as we see an absentminded hand drop to her side, as if remembering an old wound).

"Can we trust her," (We then see Tabitha whisper to Betsy with an unsure look on her face as Betsy stays calm). What do your eyes tell you, (We then see Betsy reply back telepathically as her look stays the same while Forge lays his hand on his gun). That she looks like she can take care of herself well enough…probably able to kick my ass six ways to Sunday…, (We then see Tabitha think back with a nervous smile on her face as she stands perpendicular to Betsy). Look deeper, what does your heart tell you child , (We then see Xavier ask Tabitha with a tired but kind hearted smile on his face as we see Tabitha turn back to look back at Xavier over her shoulder). She looks like she had a lot of pride once, pride for her cause of mutant liberation…but like she said, her eyes have been forced open to the truth, whether she liked it or not, and now she's left not knowing who or what to believe, (We then see Tabitha think back with a deep in thought look on her face as it's clear that she is concentrating really hard).

(Then we see a panel of Xavier and Betsy as they look at each other with looks of great approval on their faces). You answered well Tabitha , (We then see Xavier say back to Tabitha telepathically with a congratulatory smile on his face before we then see Tabitha blush and smile sheepishly). "I'd appreciate it if you guys wouldn't talk about me unless I can actually see your lips move, telepathy's always given me the creeps," (We then see Strobe say with a nervous and tense look on her face as she takes a step forward and crosses her arms). "I apologize Maggie, I meant nothing by it," (We then see Xavier say back with a calm smile on his face as he slowly nods his head). "Whatever…look can we get out of here already, because you're not paying me enough to take on anyone like Apocalypse," (We then see Strobe say with a nervous look on her face as she starts to look around as if to check that no crimson dawn warriors is going to pop out and attack them).

"Wait…we have to go up against Apocalypse…himself," (We then see a stunned and timid Tabitha ask as she takes a quick step back and then turns to Betsy). "It appears Tabitha…that we do not have a choice in this matter, do we Charles," (We then see Betsy say with an unhappy look on her face as she turns first to look at Tabitha and then to Xavier, who we see shake his head with a serious and also sad look on his face). "So do we have to go up against Apocalypse directly or more just distract him long enough for us to find Mr. Tan, and figure out exactly what it is that he has that's so special," (We then see Strobe say with a nervous look on her face as she cautiously walks past Forge and Betsy and then comes to stand directly in front of Warpath and Xavier). "I am sorry Maggie, but until we know for certain what it is that Apocalypse wants we have no choice but to directly seek out and confront Apocalypse and his minions," (We then see Xavier say with a somewhat hesitant look on his face as we see Strobe hang her head).

"I was afraid of that…," (We then see Tabitha say with a fearful look on her face as she shakes her head and winces slightly as she takes a breath). "Elizabeth, you have met with Mr. Tan already, do you have any idea as to why Apocalypse would be looking for him," (We then see Xavier ask with a concerned look on his face as Betsy frowns sadly). "Not really Charles, although come to think of it he did offer me an old relic for my services, it was an odd thing really…it was a long rectangular device about the length of my forearm, there was a red jewel that's centered at the top with two circular depressions near its base…that could be something," (We then see Betsy say with a very deep in thought look on her face as she crosses her arms and taps her lips with the tip of her left index finger). "Do you know what is supposed to go into those two holes, some kind of battery maybe," (We then see Strobe wonder with a nervous and unsure look on her face before we then see Forge cut in), "Was there any sort of electronic circuitry or digital display of some kind?"

"Sorry Forge but no, from what I could see there wasn't anything even remotely technologically advanced about it, in fact there didn't seem to be any kind of technology to it," (We then see Betsy say with a serious and unhappy look on her face before she then takes a few steps back and takes a seat on one of the few remaining non burned chairs). "Even so I'd still like to have the chance to examine the device myself," (We then see Forge say with a deep in thought look on his face as he seems to already be beginning to go over some preliminary equations in his head). "You may yet get the chance Forge," (We then see Warpath say with a hesitant look of hope on his face as he watches Forge slowly start to walk away). (Then we pull back and see a long and wide shot of the whole group as we see that Forge is pacing off by himself and Strobe stands apart from the others, unsure of her exact place in everything). "Seems to me then that the first thing that we should do is look for this Tan guy, what's he look like," (We then see Tabitha ask with a very serious look on her face ass he mimic's Betsy's posture from just earlier with her arms crossed and she's tapping her bottom lip with the tip of her index finger). (Then we see Betsy start to say something but then she gets a surprised look on her face before she then says), "Kind of like that actually Tabitha." (Then we see everyone in the room turn and look as then we see a panel of Mr. Yoshiro Tan, painfully standing in the doorway leaning heavily on one of his guards, who has a bloody scratch on his cheek).

"Heh…I see that you still live," (We then see Mr. Tan say with a sly smile on his face as his guards help him to walk into the room). "As do you, although I'll save us both the trouble and not ask how you're still alive if you'll do the same for me," (We then see Betsy say with a tired smirk on her face as she stiffly stands up). "I appreciate that…truly, but in turn I will save us all a lot of time and energy and hand over what everyone is looking so earnestly for," (We then see Mr. Tan say with a kind but quickly tiring smile on his face before he then takes the device that Betsy saw earlier out of the pocket of his coat). "Is that it," (We then see Strobe ask with a tense and nervous look on her face as she looks first to Mr. Tan and then back to Betsy). "That's it all right," (We then see Betsy with a look of little happiness and much scorn on her face as she barely looks at Mr. Tan or any of his men).

"So then all's good right, we got the thing that Apocalypse wants, we've got him by the short hairs…," (We then see Tabitha say with a snazzy and confidant grin on her face as she clenches her fists tightly and then shakes them in celebration). "Tabitha…," (We then see Xavier say with a very shocked look on his face as we see Tabitha put on an embarrassed smile before we then see Mr. Tan cut in with an anxious and somewhat nervous look on his face), "I am not quite sure that I understand your meaning child." "Don't feel bad about it, I've known Tabitha for years and even I don't have a clue what she's talking about half the time," (We then see Rictor say with a cheesy grin on his face and his eyes are looking over at Tabitha who's glaring evilly back at him). (Then we see a panel of Mr. Tan as he shakes his head before we then see Forge walk up to him with a very calm but yet serious look on his face before he then says), "May I see the device please."

"Of course," (We then see Mr. Tan say with a tired look on his face as he hands Forge the device and then is guided to a seat by his guards). (Then we see Betsy limp over until she's reasonably close to Mr. Tan before she then says with a very restrained look on her face as we see that her hands are tightly clenched into fists), "Now that we have a minute there are a few details that I feel need to be discussed…most importantly who that little bitch was that tried to rearrange my face earlier." "She was who she claimed to be, the younger sister of Kwannon," (We then see Mr. Tan say with a very serious look on his face as he calmly leans back in his seat and looks up at Betsy). "But that's impossible, I…she, didn't have any family…at least none that I've been able to find," (We then see Betsy say with an uncertain look on her face as we then see then see a quick panel of Betsy's hands as they slowly and calmly unravel themselves).

"Well the full validity of her statement has yet to be proven, but her motivations proved quite advantageous to me, however your death was not my intent, your dear and beloved sister's true purpose was solely to distract you long enough for my plan to work," (We then see Mr. Tan say with a very tired look on his face as he then takes a deep breath). "And what plan was that," (We then see a very serious Betsy say with her hands on her hips as she glowers down at Mr. Tan). (Then we see Tabitha walk over and nervously pull Betsy back away from Mr. Tan). "This is helpful," (We then see Strobe say with a sarcastic grin on her face as she shakes her head and then she starts to walk towards the door that Betsy and Forge and the others just came through when suddenly there is a huge explosion that destroys the doorway, blasts Strobe up into the air and then down through the railing of the stairwell on the other side of the room and then we see her all crumpled up in a bloody and ripped and torn clump).

"Maggie," (We then see Xavier yell with a shocked and scared look on his face as everyone else dives for cover as we see both Betsy and Tabitha wince badly in pain as a result of their attempts to get out of the way). It starts with a low rumble…before it quickly builds to its crescendo. (Then we see a panel of several more explosions that for a time cover up one of the golems as it then bull rushes through the fire and looks about ready to slam its fist into Warpaths chest as we then see Warpath set Xavier down and then get decked in the chest). (Then we see Warpath get slammed back through a couple of walls before we then see Tabitha yell with an angry and scared scowl on her face), "We got trouble!" "No s#$, not get off your bloody arse and do something about it," (We then see Betsy shout angrily as she painfully starts to pull herself back up to her feet as then we see a panel or two of Forge as he scuttles between any kind of cover that he can find and he starts firing his guns at the golem).

"How about this…," (We then see Rictor shout with a very serious scowl on his face as we see him facing us in the background with his feet spread a ways apart and he has his palms flat together pointed diagonally down at the ground as he's sending a seismic blast straight out of his hands, into the ground, and then straight towards the feet of the golem). (Then we see the golem get hit and stagger back a couple of steps before it then stops itself and glares back at Rictor). "Sir, we should leave," (We then see one of Mr. Tan's bodyguards say with a nervous but yet very serious look on his face as he picks Mr. Tan up off of the floor and they start to exit the room but then we see them all get vaporized by a large plasma explosion). "All is well," (We then see an injured but triumphant War exclaim as he walks calmly through the flames, smashing Mr. Tan's skull to dust and then crosses his arms and grins proudly at Betsy). "Ahh…damn," (We then see Tabitha groan with a defeated and very close to panicking look of fear on her face as she backs up a few steps and rolls over the edge of the stairs and she squeaks in pain as she collides with some of the hard rubble).

(Then we see Betsy look like she's about to go and try to strangle Tabitha but her injured knee gets a quick blast from a crimson dawn warrior that follows after War). (Then we see the new crimson dawn warriors that rush into the room fire off some weapons blasts towards Xavier, but he defends himself admirably by grabbing anything and everything that he can get his hands on and throws it all up into the air to block all of the weapons blasts). (Then we see the golem pick up a large chunk of the wall and heave it at Forge, who dives out of the way just in the nick of time although his landing isn't a smooth one as he lands in some loose gravel type stuff and gets all scratched up). "This will be a day long remembered and celebrated, the day that Charles Xavier and his X-men are obliterated once and for all," (We then see War announce with a very proud grin on his face as he walks confidently and triumphantly towards Xavier). "Nice pipe dream War, but I'm afraid that it'll have to remain only a dream," (We then see someone say from out of the darkness as we see Betsy look up with a relieved and happy look on her face before we then see Warren step out of the shadows, weapon in hand, in a mid sized panel). (Then we see Pete limp out of the darkness as Gomurr calmly steps out after Warren and Shatterstar pounces out of the darkness and lands at the top of the stairs).

(Then we see the crimson dawn warriors all turn and start to fire off blast after blast at Warren and his group). (Then we see Warren leap out of the way of the top of the stairs that gets all blown up and he goes through the air until he grabs a hold of one of the large chandeliers as Shatterstar tears down the stairs and everyone else dives out of the way). "Warren," (We then see Betsy yell in shock and fear as she's furiously struggling to get back up to her feet). (Then we see the golem turn around and look up at Warren as the crimson dawn warriors shoot at Warren as he's swinging around on the chandelier). Calling upon every moment of gymnastic and acrobatic training that he has amassed over the years Warren Worthington III takes the first course of action that flashes through his mind…for better or worse.

Using the momentum of the swinging chandelier to his utmost advantage Warren releases his grip on the chandelier at the furthest apex of its swing and aims carefully. (Then we see a panel of the crimson dawn warriors start to shoot at Warren while he's still on the chandelier before we then see Warren drop down through the room and slam both of his feet into the golem's jaw before we then see the golem bat Warren aside afterwards as Warren goes down into a pile of rubble). (Then we see Warpath step back into the room and then say with a very serious scowl on his face as he wraps his arms around the golem and squeezes), "Bad move stupid!" (Then we see Warpath lift the golem up off of the ground and he then spins around in a circle a few times before he then lets go of the golem and we then see it go flying high up into the air and then through several walls up out of the higher levels as a lot of destruction abounds). (Then we see War step forward and look ready to blast Tabitha, who looks scared but then we see Sam step out of the destruction at the top of the stairs and he powers up and then blasts War powerfully back into the far wall).

(Then we pull back into a wide panel and see Sam streaking through the air downward towards Tabitha while Shatterstar leaps into the fray wildly and knocks several of the crimson dawn warriors down, Rictor fires off another attack while Tabitha half turns around and is blasting away a leaping pair of crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see a panel of Betsy kneeling down beside Warren, who is sitting up and scowling while Forge is walking up towards them in the background, with his gun in one hand and the device that Mr. Tan gave him only a few minutes earlier in the other). "Are you," (We then see both Betsy and Warren start to say to each other at the exact same time before we then see Forge come up and say with a serious look on his face), "Things are not going according to plan." "Why Forge, whatever gave you that silly idea," (We then see Betsy say with a sly smirk on her face before we then see her help Warren back up to his feet with the aid of his weapon).

"Perhaps the fact that we're outnumbered twenty to one and half of our numbers are in no condition to fight anything more than the common cold," (We then see Forge say with a very serious and sarcastic look on his face as we see Warren look oddly at the device in Forge's hand and then say), "Where did you get that?" "From the recently deceased Mr. Yoshiro Tan," (We then see Forge say back with a serious look on his face as he hands the device to Warren). "But we still don't have a clue how to make it work," (We then see Betsy say with a grim look on her face as we see Forge look up and start to fire off his gun a few times). "What's it supposed to do," (We then see Warren ask with an anxious look on his face as he rubs his thumb in the depression on the bottom right). "Create a hole in space, suck everything nearby into it and out of existence…that is if the thing works at all," (We then see Betsy say with a nervous look on her face as she pulls up a table to block more weapons attacks from the crimson dawn warriors). (Then we see a panel of Shatterstar smashing his fist into the stomach of a crimson dawn warrior while in the background we see Pete painfully kneeling down beside Strobe and firing off his finger knives at the same time).

"Good thing the Aerous aren't here," (We then see Xavier say with a nervous look on his face as he searches his immediate area for a weapon). "Or else we'd be up a crick without a paddle," (We then see a slightly skittish Tabitha say as we see that she's on her knees and she's firing away at any and all crimson dawn warriors that come near her or Sam). "Give it up failure, you cannot win, it is hopeless," (We then see an angry War shout with the golem now back at his side, as he fires off a blast that catches Pete unawares and knocks him out cold as he collapses down right next to Strobe). "This will never be over until…," (We then see Warren start to shout with a very defiant and resilient look of determination on his face before we then see Gomurr pop up and cut in with a carefree look on his face), "Enough hero posturing my boy, use the coin that I gave you…the special ones." (Then we see both Warren and Betsy look oddly at Gomurr before then the entire wall behind War comes crashing down to reveal a grinning Apocalypse with Death at his side). "Wound now be a good time to panic," (We then see Tabitha say with a scared look on her face before we then see her get knocked stumbling backwards into Sam by a plasma blast from War).

"No Tabitha, no it would not," (We then see Warren reply with a proud look on his face as he produces the coin that Gomurr gave him months earlier and holds it in the open palm of his right hand). "Alright now, Elizabeth do you have," (We then see Gomurr ask Betsy with a somewhat hurried look on his face as he takes the coin from Warren and then turns towards Betsy). "Right here…," (We then see Betsy say with a slightly confused look on her face as she pulls her coin from one of her pockets). "Where'd you keep that thing," (We then see Forge ask Warren with an unsure look on his face as he continues to defend himself with his guns). "I didn't, I was lucky enough to find it on one of the jailers, he must have thought it to be worth something to him…Gomurr whatever you're going to do, do it now," (We then see Warren say with a serious smirk on his face before he jumps forward and charges a nearby group of crimson dawn warriors). "Please do," (We then see Betsy say with an anxious look on her face before she follows Warren's lead, picking up a chunk of the wall as she goes).

"Come back here you little bitch," (We then see War shout with a very angry sneer on his face before we then see Apocalypse hold his hand up and then say with a very calm and unaffected look on his face), "Easy my horseman, the process of Charles Xavier's imminent demise has already begun." "Fekt…you presume to much," (We then see Shatterstar say with a look of scorn on his face as he looks up from a pile of bodies and glares up at Apocalypse). "Do I," (We then see Apocalypse say with a very calm and sublimely confidant sneer on his face as he steps forward through all of the debris). (Then we see Gomurr and Forge lay the device down on the ground as then we see Forge set one coin into one of the slots and then Gomurr does the same into the other slot). "Anything yet," (We then see Rictor ask with a worried look on his face as he gets near to where Gomurr and Forge are). "Not yet I…," (We then see Forge start to say with a serious look on his face before we then see the device start to glow brightly). The device begins to glow brightly before the fireworks truly get under way. (We see the device slowly rise up into the air and start to glow a lot brighter).

"What's going on," (We then see Tabitha shout with a panicked and confused look of desperation as the device begins to really glow and a great wind picks up and blows everything around). "kinda reminds me of the movie Twister," (We then see Sam say as he pulls Tabitha close to him and they then get blown over off of their feet and back into the far wall). "Guess the thing works," (We then see Warren say as he shoves a crimson dawn warrior away and then looks for Betsy). At first a gentle whisper of a tickling breeze that has become a whirlwind. "Stop this," (We then see Apocalypse shout with an angry and frustrated scowl on his face as he starts to try and fight against the wind but it's powerful enough to cause him to stumble back and knock War down in the process). "Everybody out…now," (We then see Xavier shout out over the wind as he struggles to crawl towards the doors). (Then we see a panel or two of Warren and the others as they struggle to get towards the exits). "This isn't working," (We then see Tabitha shout over the wind before we then see Sam bring up his blast shield and fly out of the room with her in his arms).

"We need to get the others…James," (We then see Xavier shout as he's looking over at Warpath). "I'm on it," (We then see Warpath say with an excited smile on his face as he then rushes off to get Pete and Strobe while Forge drags Gomurr away and Rictor helps Shatterstar out). "This is not over…this will not be the last time that we," (We then see Apocalypse start to yell out with an angry sneer on his face before we then see Warren cut in), "I'm afraid that I am respectfully going to have to disagree, monster…." (We then see Warren and Betsy limping out of the room as the entire mansion begins to shake and then be pulled apart, causing a lot of destruction). "Boy when we bring down the house…we really bring the house down," (We then see Tabitha shout with a scared look on her face as she and Sam race through the largest room in the building as they dodge all kinds of falling debris on their way to the doors).

(Then we see Warpath hand Strobe to Rictor and Pete to Shatterstar before he then race back into the building and a few panels later he reemerges with Xavier in his arms, just as the whole building is blown apart and everyone dives for cover). "We really know how to throw a party don't we," (We then see Sam shout with a cheesy grin on his face as then the entire mansion turns in upon itself and then completely disappears, leaving the team just standing there in the snow and strong wind staring at what had been the mansion as we pull up and away into the night).-END