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...

37. My 37th Mini

UNCANNY X-MEN MINI #37: A NEW THREAT

By: LoganAlpha30

""-Words

( )-Art Instructions

-Thoughts

-Caption Boxes

-Time, Place Boxes

+The Mansion+

+Three Months Later+

(We start off with a panel of Betsy, wearing just a dark blue bra and pair of panties with her left knee all wrapped up and Warren, wearing only boxers, as they're sitting on their bed). (We see that Betsy has her hair up in a bob, is wearing glasses and sitting up in bed on top of the covers and she's holding some papers and looks to be writing something as she has a pen while Warren looks to be sifting through a bunch of files that look confidential in nature). "Welcome Worthington Industries associates and shareholders…," (We then see Betsy say with a deep in thought look with a deep level of concentration as she's poking the top piece of paper with her pen). "You're still working on that," (We then see Warren ask with a tired look on his face as he leans over closer to Betsy). "Yes Warren, I am…unlike you I actually have to attend the annual Worthington Industries shareholders meetings in Miami, you get to…," (We then see Betsy star to say with a scolding look on her face as she turns to Warren).

"Actually, I will be in attendance, something about fulfilling my obligation as owner, CEO, and majority shareholder," (We then see Warren say with an unenthusiastic pout on his face as he sets one of the folders down onto the bed and leans back up against the headboard). "So what finally broke the mold here…old many Hackling finally find a way to get something through that thick head of yours…very interesting," (We then see Betsy say with a sly smirk on her face as she then turns and sets the papers that she was working with on the nightstand near the bed). "Nothing really…just that I haven't taken a real vacation in over three years and…he suggested that I take a working vacation with my beautiful family," (We then see Warren say with a tired look on his face before he then stands up and walks over to the two basinets that are in the darker half of the room as it's night and Warren and Betsy half is lit up by small lights on each nightstand). "I knew there was catch, it was all to good to be true," (We then see Betsy say with a sad pout on her face as she swings her legs around and lays on her stomach as she crawls to the end of the bed and looks up at Warren with a sly grin on her face).

"We haven't heard anything from Apocalypse or any of the horsemen for three months, the warheads had been dealt with…besides Sam's still wearing the sling and Pete only left for London yesterday," (We then see Warren say with an apprehensive and serious look on his face as he walks over fully to the basinets and then leans over carefully and carefully and gently rubs Moira's cheek). "Let us hope that this trend continues," (We then see Betsy say as she slips off of the end of the bed and stands up and rubs her injured knee before she then joins Warren by the basinets). "We can only hope," (We then see Warren say with a tired look on his face as he loops an arm around Betsy's waist before he then pulls her close). Any word on the squad of merc's that tried to take us out a few months back , (We then see Betsy ask Warren telepathically before we then see a panel of Warren and Betsy standing in between the two basinets as Warren is holding Betsy in his arms and their arms are intertwined as they're looking down happily at Charles and Moira and Warren says back via the two's telepathic connection), Sadly no, the ones that were taken into custody aren't talking and those that evaded arrest have not been heard from since that day .

Have you put any thought into my proposal… , (We then see Betsy ask Warren telepathically with a serious look on her face as she looks up at Warren). I'm still not sure about this Betts, even with Cerebra I'm not positive that you could find anything new , (We then see Warren say back to Betsy telepathically with a serious and concerned look on his face as he looks away off into the night). You never know unless you try luv , (We then see Betsy say back telepathically with a warm and sly smirk on her face as she pulls away from Warren a bit and she looks up at him and they lock gazes). "That is true, however I would say that making sure that after all is said and done that Charles and Moira still have a mother who doesn't drool uncontrollably…," (We then see Warren whisper to Betsy with a very serious and concerned look on his face as he leans forward and they touch foreheads). "I have never drooled," (We then see Betsy whisper back with a coy and playful smile on her face as she loops her arms around Warren's neck and looks deeply and directly into Warren's eyes).

"Well actually there…there…was that one morning there a few months back, if I remember correctly we had to burn that pillowcase because of all of the…," (We then see Warren whisper with a snicker into Betsy's ear as she then says back right into Warren's ear), "If you don't want to get a slap upside the side of your head you will not finish that statement." (Then we see Warren nervously smile as he slightly pulls away from Betsy before we then see either Charles or Moira make a noise and fuss and we see a panel of Betsy and Warren as they immediately stop their banter and look down with surprised and very concerned looks on their faces). (Then we see both Betsy and Warren stare breathlessly down at the basinets before the kid that made the noise then goes back to sleep and Warren and Betsy both breath a collective sigh of relief before we then see Betsy ask Warren telepathically with a tired smile on her face), I wonder if the others are having this much fun ?

Three Doors Down

(We start off with a panel of Forge as he walks out of the bathroom, still dripping wet and wrapping a towel around his waist). (Then we see Erica look up from her place at the window as her hair is down and she's only wearing an almost see through nightgown as the window is open and a soft breeze is wafting into the room). "Hot," (We then see Forge ask with a half smirk on his face as he looks back at Erica while he makes his way over to the dresser). "Not really…it's just that we beat Apocalypse you know, and I always told myself that once we did I'd…," (We then see Erica say back with a sad and somber pout on her face as she half turns away from the window and she wraps her night gown tightly around her body before she then ties up the tie-strings). "You thought that everything would make sense again, that you'd feel a sense of relief…that all of your ghosts from the past would finally be able to be laid to rest, like those of your family," (We then see Forge say with a serious look on his face as he pulls his towel off in a panel where we see him from the waist up only).

"Yeah…guess not all your dreams can come true, someone should really call Disney about this, they've been lying to little kids for years," (We then see Erica say with a very sour and sad pout on her face as her shoulders slump forward as she walks towards Forge). "You going to do that right now or are we going to go to bed," (We then see Forge ask with a tired and weak smile on his face as through the darkness we see him walk towards the bed). "Fine…but I'm seriously thinking about asking Warren for some time off," (We then see Erica say with a sad pout on her face as she slips her robe off in the darkness before she gets into bed beside Forge). "With Apocalypse gone now I think that we'll all get some down time, God knows that we need it," (We then see Forge say as he lays his head down on the pillow and turns off the light).

Two More Doors Down

(We start off with a panel of Sam sitting at his desk in his room with his arm still in a sling, wearing boxers and a beater as he's writing a letter by the light of a lamp). (Then behind him we see a sleepy Tabitha sitting cross-legged on the end of his bed, wearing pajamas and watching something on television). "You should go to bed," (We then see Sam say with a warm smile on his face as he half turns around in his chair and looks at Tabitha). "Nope…not sleepy," (We then see Tabitha say back with a defiant look on her face as she's fighting a losing battle against sleep). "Right…you don't even know what you're watching do you," (Wet hen see Sam shoot back with a friendly chuckle as he stands up and then walks over to stand beside Tabitha and then lay a hand on her shoulder). "Yes I do…it's, well it's...," (We then see Tabitha say as she tries to defend her television watching with a defiant pout on her face as she glares softly up at Sam). "Just got to bed Tabby, or else I'm going to turn the television off and tie you down…and if all…else…fails," (We then see Sam say at first with a very serious look on his face before he sat down on the bed next to Tabitha and puts his good arm around her and then when she turns her head to look at him he leans in closer and kisses her a couple of times).

(Then we see Tabitha pull back and put before she then stands up and walks over to the dresser and she seems to fully wake up and she picks up a pen and paper). "Should we go with the pink or blue flowers," (We then see Tabitha ask with a warm smile on her face as she walks back towards Sam). "Now Tabitha…maybe we should just use one of those twenty four hour chapels, ah just don't really feel right doing the whole traditional weddin without…," (We then see Sam say back with a sad and nervous look on his face as he turns to Tabitha as she sits down on the bed beside him and does her best to stifle a big yawn). (Then we see Tabitha start to argue but she then sees the look in Sam's eyes and her enthusiasm to debate Sam drains quickly away and her shoulders slump fully down as her bottom lip juts out a bit more before she says as she lays the pen and piece of paper down on the bed beside her and looks down at the ground), "Your family…yeah, guess now this all seems a bit overblown."

"Ah'm just not sure that we deserve to be this happy…given everything that's happened to us recently," (We then see Sam say with a depressed look on his face as he slowly stands up and walks over to the window). "Maybe we should just ask Warren if we could hold the ceremony in one of his hotels, sure I won't get the fairy tale wedding that I've dreamt of since I was a little girl but it's a small price to pay compared to what you've been through,"(We then see Tabitha say with a sad but firmly resolved look on her face as she stands up and walks over to the window and leans up against Sam). "But…," (We then see Sam say with a sad and downtrodden look on his face as his shoulders are slumped forward before we then see Tabitha interrupt him with a very certain look on her face as she makes Sam turn and face her), "But nothing Sam, I've made up my mind and…in fact, I think I'll go ask Warren right now."

(Then we see Tabitha start off towards the door before Sam then hurries up and grabs her arm and stops her before he then says), "Whoa there Tabitha, you can't go right now…you'd wake up Charles and Moira." "Oh…yeah, knowing Psylocke she'd get mad and make me be the one to get them to go back to sleep," (We then see Tabitha say with an unhappy look on her face as she steps back into the room towards Sam). "Something that I think that you'd be good at," (We then see Sam say back with a cheesy smirk on his face as he walks back towards the bed pulling Tabitha along behind him). "Very funny…heh, you're a really funny guy Sam, anyone ever tell you that," (We then see Tabitha shoot back with a sarcastic pout on her face as she slugs Sam lightly in the shoulder). "And you love me for it to," (We then see Sam say back with a sly grin on his face as he lightly rubs the spot on his shoulder where Tabitha hit him). "You're lucky you know, lucky that you have a very understanding fiancé," (We then see Tabitha say back with a very confidant and sarcastic grin on her face as she leans in closer to Sam and then kisses him).

"I am lucky…aren't I," (We then see Sam say with a cheesy and dopey grin on his face as he and Tabitha then move towards the bed more). "Don't push it," (We then see Tabitha shoot back with a fake look of scorn on her face before she pulls Sam down onto the bed and we move out through the window as we also see kissing and laughing sounds in the bottom of the panel).

Three More Doors Down And To The Right

"Ye really should rest boyo, you can' just keep going twenty four seven without any rest, no matter what you say," (We then see Siryn say with a worried look on her face as she reaches up and closes the window). (We see that Siryn is wearing a black teddy and looking like she's interested in anything but sleep as she looks over at Warpath with a big smile). "I'm fine Terry…really, ever since Apocalypse and all of his horsemen got sucked to Never-neverland Psylocke's kept me busy with everything from planting all of those new apple trees to leveling off that plot of land next to the river," (We then see Warpath say back with a tired and weary look on his face as he strips off his shirt and throws it in the hamper).

"But you're done with all of that now right, we can have some time to ourselves right…maybe take a trip back to Ireland and find a new Cassidy keep since the original one's," (We then see Siryn say with a nervous and optimistic look on her face as she follows Warpath into the bathroom as we see him turn on the shower as it's one of those huge showers with tiled floors and walls and could probably fit a lot of people inside it with the shower door being glass and there's soon a lot of mist and spray in the shower). "At the bottom of the sea," (We then see Warpath say with a big yawn as he pulls the rest of his clothes off in a panel where we see him from only the waist up). "So what do ye say, you wanna take a vacation with me for a few weeks, I could make it worth your while," (We then see Siryn say with a cheeky smile on her face as she looks up at Warpath, raises her eyebrows suggestively and slips off one of the shoulder straps of her teddy off of her shoulder).

(Then we see a panel of Warpath as he looks down at Siryn and blushes before he then steps into the shower). "I don't know if Warren will…," (We then see Warpath say with a tired but content smile on his face before he leans into the spray of water). "Of course he will, I won't give him a choice," (We then see Siryn say with an excited snicker on her face as she the slips the other strap off of her shoulder before we then see first a panel of someone laughing as her teddy sinks to the ground at her ankles before then we see more laughter and some snickering as Siryn steps into the mist and closes the door behind her).

The Next Morning

Safe in their assumed knowledge that the imminent threat is over they go about their day with warm and happy thoughts running through their heads. (We start off with a few panels of the grounds of the mansion with a little snow on it before we pan down and see Erica and Siryn returning from their morning job, all bundled up to keep warm, before they then stop and look back as we then see an exhausted Tabitha come half jobbing down the road). "C'mon Tabitha get the lead out, it was only three miles," (We then see Erica say with a flushed but invigorated look on her face as she pulls her stocking hat down over her hears and looks down the lane towards Tabitha). "Ye need any help there Tabitha," (We then see Siryn ask with a warm smile on her face as she pulls her zipper down a little bit on her hooded sweatshirt).

"N…no, I'm…fine," (We then see Tabitha gasp back as she holds her side and tries her best to keep running down the lane). "You sure don't look like it," (We then see Sam say with a cheesy grin on his face as he steps out of the garage with his arm still in the sling). "Shut up Sam," (We then see Tabitha say with an angry scowl on her face as she glares up at Sam as she tries to catch her breath). "Have a good run," (We then see Sam ask with a warm smile on his face as he acts as if he didn't even hear Tabitha). "Yeah…Tabitha actually managed to keep up with us…for a little while anyway," (We then see Erica reply with a laughing smile on her face as we see Sam propping Tabitha up as she's leaning heavily on Sam like someone that just got out of the Sahara and is completely parched). "Just call me superbabe," (We then see Tabitha say with a weak smile on her face before Sam smiles and then leads her inside the mansion). "So when are you and James leaving," (We then see Erica ask Siryn with a sly grin on her face as the two begin to pull their gloves off on the way into the mansion).

"Hopefully tonight, I still have t' talk to Warren about it but with Apocalypse gone…I don't see how he could say no," (We then see Siryn say back as she pulls off her jacket and shakes the snow out of her hair). "You would be surprised," (We then see Xavier say from off panel before we see a panel of him sitting in his wheelchair with a joking smile on his face). "Professor," (We then see both Erica and Siryn say with greatly surprised looks on their faces as they take a quick step back). (Then we see Xavier laugh before he says), "Have a good run?" "Aye sir," (We then see Siryn say quickly with a warm smile on her face as Erica nods her head in agreement0. "Well then I won't keep you, I just wanted to see you both before I left," (We then see Xavier reply with a happy smile on his face before he waves and drives his wheelchair by them). "Bye," (We then see both Erica and Siryn say as they wave after him and then they head into the locker room).

The Gym

(We start off with close ups of different parts of two people's bodies wearing workout clothes and they're both sweating heavily). (Then we pull back and see that it's Warren, Betsy, and Warpath that are working out in the gym). (We see that Warren is doing pull-ups while hanging from a high bar, Betsy is stretching as she's doing the splits with her feet setting up on two cement filled five gallon buckets while trying to meditate). (We then see a quick panel of the thermostat as it's been turned way up). (Then we go to Warpath who's on the bench pushing up a bar with an insane amount of weight on both sides). (Warren is wearing a pair of what looks like biker shorts and a loose tank top, Betsy is wearing what looks like biker shorts that are similar to Warren's, a black sports bra with her hair up in a loose bun while Warpath is wearing clothes very close to Warren except no shirt). They will be arriving shortly luv , (We then see Betsy say over to Warren telepathically with a calm look on her face and her eyes closes as we then see Warren reply back with a slightly unhappy pout on his face as he's in the middle of a pull up), I'm aware of that, can't you just contact them telepathically and save us all the time and effort ?

Oh but I couldn't, I wouldn't want to deny you the pleasure of giving them permission for leave , (We then see Betsy say back telepathically with a sly smirk on her face even though she keeps her eyes closed and she tilts her head a bit to one side). Apocalypse may be gone but I'm not convinced that the threat is gone , (We then see Warren say back telepathically with a very serious and somewhat sad look on his face as he stops doing pull ups and just hangs there as he looks down at the floor). You may be right, I do have a meeting this afternoon with a Detective Hendrickson, he called yesterday about those mercenaries that attacked us at the restaurant and shot Sam , (We then see Betsy telepathically say back with a tired look on her face as she leans forward and puts both hands flat on the floor before she puts all of her weight onto her hands as she straightens her arms and then brings her legs back together ad then she stands up). Want me to tag along; I've got nothing else to do today , (We then see Warren say back telepathically to Betsy as he lets go of the bar and drops back down to the floor).

No that's alright luv, I can do this by myself, besides this is a pristine opportunity for you and the children to spend some quality time together , (We then see Betsy say back with a telepathic poke to Warren as he scowls before he then replies), "You've always had my best interests as heart haven't you." "Of course Warren, but when I arrive at the police station I am going to scan everyone's minds, I'll know in less than a minute if they actually know anything, if they don't I'll be home in time to help you give Charles and Moira their baths," (We then see Betsy say with a calm look on her face before she smiles a bit at the end). "Do you want some backup," (We then see Warren ask as he bends over at the waist to catch his breath and looks up at Betsy). "I don't believe that I'll need any but if it'll make you feel better I'll take Tabitha with me," (We then see Betsy say with an unsure look on her face before we then see Warpath break in with), "Do you really think that she needs backup Warren, she is going to a police station after all."

"I know James but…," (We then see Warren say with a frustrated look on his face before he takes a deep breath and shakes his head). "Relax Warren, after almost a year we are finally in the clear, nothing bad will happen," (We then see Forge say with a slightly unsure look on his face as he walks into the gym with a towel around his neck). "I hope you're right," (We then see Warren say with an uncomfortable look on his face before he then walks out of the gym).

Sam And Tabitha's Room

(We open with a panel of Sam and Tabitha lying together on their bed, both in bathrobes). (We see that Tabitha's cuddling a big teddy bear in her arms as we're looking down through the slowly turning blades of the ceiling fan). "Feeling any better Tab," (We then see Sam ask Tabitha with a tired but content look on his face as he lazily runs a hand through her hair). "My whole body hurts," (We then see Tabitha reply with a sad pout on her face as she brings her knees up a little bit). "No pain no gain right," (We then see Sam say back with a humorous smile on his face as he then pulls Tabitha closer into a tight hug). "Why did I say yes when you proposed again…," (We then see Tabitha shoot back at Sam with a fake look of anger on her face as she turns her head and looks up at Sam). "Ah still haven't figured that part out yet, you must have been insane," (We then see Sam say back with a grin through a yawn as he leans his head back and looks up at the ceiling fan). "Must have been…," (We then see Tabitha say with a dreamy and happy smile on her face with her eyes closed).

"Any idea what's going to happen now, ah mean after the wedding," (We then see Sam ask with a somber and serious frown on his face as he looks back down at Tabitha). "Well I don't know about you but I am looking forward to some fun in the sun on my honeymoon with my husband…after that…guess I'm not looking that far ahead yet," (We then see Tabitha say with a calm but optimistic look on her face as she sits up and looks back down at Sam). "Me to, but like Warren said I'm not convinced that we're in the clear…ah just have this funny feeling in my gut that all we've done is traded one enemy for another," (We then see Sam say with a rather sullen and unhappy look on his face as he turns his head to one side and stares out of the window). "Damn Sam…why'd you have to go and ruin my fun," (We then see Tabitha shout with an unhappy and somewhat angry scowl on her face as she balls up her fists and then lightly pounds on his chest). "Tabitha, ah thought I said," (We then see Sam say back sharply as he sits up in the bed and makes sure to look Tabitha directly in the eye).

(Then we see a quick panel of Tabitha looking as if she's about ready to argue the point with Sam but then her shoulders slump and she says with a regretful look on her face), "Sorry for cussin Sam." "You're forgiven…ah shouldn't have been so terse with you," (We then see Sam say with an embarrassed look on his face as he hangs his head and leans against Tabitha). "You're right you shouldn't have…to be completely honest you're probably right…but all the more reason for us to have fun now right," (We then see Tabitha say with a slightly nervous look on her face before she then leans in closer to Sam, wraps her arm around his waist and snuggles in closer to him). "But what about the guys that shot me, they're still out there somewhere, we have to find them" (We then see Sam say with a stern and serious look on his face as he gives Tabitha a good squeeze). "No joke, those jerks are due for some serious ass kicking…and I apologize for swearing but nobody is going to get a second chance at killing you, least not while I'm around…which I'm planning to make the rest of your very long and happy life," (We then see Tabitha say with a very determined look on her face as she pulls away from Sam and brandishes her fists in defiance).

"But when we do find them, I want you to swear to me that you will not get some crazy idea in that beautiful head of yours like trying to push me out of the way or take the shot for me," (We then see Sam say with a very serious look on his face as he uses his good arm and hand to turn Tabitha's chin towards him before we then see her start to say something in protest but Sam silences her totally with a kiss as he then says with a grin), "I'll take that as a yes." "I hate it when you do that…I can never say no," (We then see Tabitha say back with a pout on her face before she leans in and kisses Sam again).

Lunch

(We start with Sam trying to use a knife and fork to cut a chicken breast that's on his plate as there's mixed vegetables and a couple of biscuits also on his plate while he, Tabitha, Warren, Charles, Moira, and Strobe are sitting at the table and they're all eating lunch). (We see that Warren has his meal and is trying to feed both Charles and Moira at the same time and is actually doing well at it while Strobe is still clearly recovering from her wounds as she looks like a walking bandage with a lot of bruises and she's picking at her food). (Then we see Forge walks into the dining room with a drink in his hand before he then says with a calm look on his face), "Look at you…a regular dad, whoever would have thought it." "It's not been as hard as I thought it would be…," (We then see Warren say with a somewhat relieved look on his face as he puts a spoon back into a bottle of baby food while he half smiles up at Forge). "Famous last words," (We then see Strobe say with an emotionless and almost scared look on her face as she doesn't take her eyes off of her plate of food).

"Yeah, just wait till they hit puberty," (We then see Tabitha say with a sly grin on her face as she's looking down at her plate). "Then the fireworks will really begin," (We then see Sam add with a sheepish look on his face before he angrily drops his knife and then gets a forkful of the mixed vegetables). "Real funny…so are you to leaving as well," (We then see Warren say with a somewhat skeptical frown on his face as he glares down the table at Sam and Tabitha). "Probably not until the honeymoon," (We then see Tabitha say with a wishful look on her face as she looks over at Sam, who's oblivious to her making the point). "So you actually think that the police have anything or…," (We then see Sam ask with a look of interest on his face as he turns and looks down the table at Warren). "They wouldn't have called unless they did," (We then see Forge say with a serious but calm look on his face as he takes a seat and then a drink).

"You never know…maybe they're going to grill her for information like they do in the movies…wonder if they'll play good cop bad cop," (We then see Tabitha exclaim with an excited smile on her face before she looks around the table and gets confused as that no one else is getting excited). "They'd better not try anything with Elizabeth," (We then see Warren say with a very stern and serious look on his face as he the hand that's on top of the table curls up into a fist until it's clenched menacingly). "Since they know a small shred of what she's capable of I highly doubt that they'd be foolish enough to try anything," (We then see Forge say with an encouraging smile on his face as it's clear that he's trying to calm Warren down). "Despite that I still can't shake this feeling that things are only going to get worse," (We then see Warren say with a look of great foreboding on his face as he stays motionless for a bit before he's shaken out of his stupor by Moira as she starts to fuss). "Well so far all you have is a bad feeling, call me when you have a smoking gun…so to speak," (We then see Tabitha say with a bored and anxious look on her face as she's dumping her mixed vegetables off onto Sam's plate).

"I hope you're right Tabitha, my fondest wish is for Charles and Moira to never have to go through what we've had to," (We then see Warren say with a serious look on his face as he's turned towards Charles and Moira). "Let's hope your wish comes true then," (We then see Tabitha say with a slightly cheesy grin on her face as she picks up her glass). "We can only hope," (We then see Strobe say as she sits with her shoulders slumped and her gaze straight ahead). "Maybe we should try and find our mercenary friends by ourselves…it would give me something to do," (We then see Forge offer up with a bored but yet hopeful look on his face as he runs his thumb up and down the side of his glass). "Sounds like a good idea to me, Sam and I still have a lot of wedding stuff to iron out and now that Apocalypse is gone we won't get interrupted," (We then see Tabitha say with a hopeful smile on her face before she then looks over at Sam and her eyes grow a bit wide as Sam stars at her for a bit). "Oh uh…since you're free, would it be alright if Tabitha and I got married in one of your big hotels…instead of the church that we picked out," (We then see Sam ask with a nervous look on his face as he glances down the table at Warren, who looks surprised for a bit before he then replies), "A change of venue…why was something wrong with the church?"

"No…not really, it's just that with everything that's happened to Sam's family this year we thought that…well Sam…didn't think that it'd feel right to get married in a great big church…without his family there," (We then see Tabitha reply with a nervous and slightly scared look on her face as she holds her utensils very tightly). "Well other than the good reverend possibly being upset I don't foresee a problem…just be sure to tell Betsy first when she gets back from the police station and then wedding planner and…on down the line," (We then see Warren say with a warm but serious look on his face as he uses Moira's bib to wipe some food off of her cheek). "Will do…thanks," (We then see Tabitha say with a relieved smile on her face as beside her we see Sam breathe a sigh of relief). "So then where are James and Theresa off to," (We then see Forge ask with a content look on his face as he leans back in his chair). "Terry said something about going home this morning, they're probably going back to Ireland," (We then see Tabitha answer with a slight shrug of her shoulders as she turns and looks over at Forge).

"You and Erica headed out to," (We then see Sam ask as he's leaning over his plate and bringing his fork up to his mouth with some chicken on the end of it). "Yes, we're leaving soon for some free time," (We then see Forge reply with a less than hopeful smile on his face as he stares sadly at his cup). "You're going to be miserable aren't you…all that free time on your hands and you're not used to that…are you Forge, that's why you were so quick to offer to search for those jerks that attacked us at the restaurant, right…," (We then see an excited Tabitha say as she proudly holds her glass up in the air as if it is some award that she has just received and she's very proud of it). "You could say that, it's just that I've been putting off a lot of work until I had enough free time and could devote myself entirely to it…but Erica has her heart set on somewhere warm and sunny, a place where the level of technology rivals that of the stone age," (We then see Forge says with an apprehensive look on his face as we see Tabitha snicker and Sam eat something to keep from laughing).

"Well good luck with that…sometimes I'm glad that I am an engaged father of two, where almost all of my days are meticulously planned out for me well beforehand," (We then see Warren say with an amused and sly grin on his face as he lets Moira wrap her little fingers around the tip of his index finger). "That must really suck sometimes," (We then see Tabitha say with a wide grin on her face as she drops her head a bit to try and hide her grin from Warren and Forge, although she does it very badly). "Like you would not believe, but it's a small price to pay given the rewards," (We then see Warren say back with a sheepish look on his face as he half shrugs his shoulders and then lightly taps Moira on the end of her nose). "Guess it's going to be getting pretty lonely around here real soon," (We then see Tabitha say with a bored and slightly unhappy pout on her face as she lays her fork and knife down on the table and looks over at Sam). "Isn't that supposed to be a good thing Tab," (We then see Sam ask with a sheepish smile on his face as he turns and looks over at Tabitha).

"We'll see about that…," (We then see Warren say with a slightly unsure look on his face as he takes a deep breath). "At least you'll have two free babysitters close at hand," (We then see Forge add with a humorous smile on his face as he glances over briefly at Sam and Tabitha). (Then we see Sam look over at Forge with a surprised look on his face as we also see Tabitha just scowl). "I'm going to bed," (We then see Strobe say with an uncomfortable look on her face as she sets her fork down on the table and then stands up). "You feeling okay," (We then see Warren ask with a concerned look on his face as he sets a bottle of baby food down onto the table). "No," (We then see Strobe answer with a tired and weary look on her face before she leaves the room). "She didn't look to good," (We then see Tabitha say with a worried look on her face as she turns with her elbows on the table, and looks over at Forge). (Then we see Forge look as if he's been left speechless before he turns over to Warren, who then says with a serious look on his face), "You're not wrong."

"What's that supposed to mean, is she dying on something," (We then see Tabitha ask with a very honest but scared look on her face as we see Sam take one of her hands in his). "Not exactly, her mutation is progressing so fast that her body hasn't fully been able to adjust, and her recent traumatic injuries are only hindering her body's ability to make the change," (We then see Forge say with a very serious and cautious look on his face as he stares across the table at what's left of Strobe's dinner). "Anything that we can do to help her," (We then see Sam ask with a concerned look on his face as he then picks his fork back up). "Just act normally around her, she'll just take time to recuperate," (We then see Warren say with a serious look on his face as he screws the lid tightly shut on one of the bottles of baby food). "Something that we're all quite familiar with unfortunately," (We then see Sam say with a very sad and uncomfortable frown on his face as he adjusts the injured arm and then reaches out onto the table for his glass). "Guess we must have won the worst lottery of all time huh," (We then see Tabitha add with a sad pout on her face before she then sets her utensils down onto the table and leans back in her chair).

Much Later

(We open with a three hundred and sixty degree rotational view of the interior of the mansion's living room with Christmas decorations all up including the tree, and a roaring fire in the fireplace). (We see that Betsy is sitting with her legs crossed on the floor beside a square thick blanket that Charles and Moira are busy playing on with several toys near them and Betsy is wearing a beat, sweatpants, and no socks or shoes with her hair up in a bun and with her glasses on). (We then see Warren standing nearby standing out of the window as his wings are slowly moving back and forth). "So all that they gave you was a name, what kind of name is…The Legacy," (We then see Warren ask with a nervous look on his face as he stares out of the window). 'They didn't have much information about them, although a young detective did confide in me that their efforts were blocked at first and then outright thwarted by officials in the government," (We then see Betsy say back with a concerned look on her face as she picks up one of the toys and then gives it to Charles, who squeals with joy).

"That does not sound good," (We then see Warren reply with a grim and worried look on his face as he half turns away from the window and looks down at Betsy and the children). "I thought that as well, although governmental denials and cover-ups are never a new occurrence," (We then see Betsy say with a skeptical look on her face as she picks Moira up and sets her down in her lap). "I'm not sure what we can do about it though, my contacts in the Justice Department probably do no have enough clout within their respective departments to accomplish much," (We then see Warren say with an unhappy frown on his face as he leaves the window and kneels down beside the blanket and helps Charles up to his feet). "It couldn't hurt to get in touch with them, maybe it would be possible for them to flush out a few rats," (We then see Betsy say with a subtly optimistic smile on her face as she then pulls a feather out of one of Warren's wings and then uses it to tickle the bottom of Charles' feet). (Then we see a quiet panel of the four as we see Betsy tickling the bottom of Charles' feet as he starts to laugh and Warren and Betsy are both smirking and trying not to crack up laughing).

(Then we see Warren shrug his shoulders before he then says with a serious look on his face), "But that course of action could also backfire terribly on us." "While that may be true Warren it could also prove very helpful because right now we are sorely lax on any information about The Legacy, and for all that we know we could be under some kind of surveillance at this very moment," (We then see Betsy say with a serious look on her face as she hands Moira to Warren and then stares at the feather as she holds it up in front of her face). (Then we see Warren look quickly out of the window and squint before he then turns back to Betsy and says with a serious look on his face), "It's possible, although if they are they'd have to set up shop off of the mansion's ground, because of the added security measures that have been put in place to prevent teleporting in and out." "Perhaps we should check that out then…given that we have little else to do currently," (We then see Betsy say with a subtly nervous look on her face as she walks over to the windows and draws the blinds).

"I'll have Forge get on it before he and Erica leave for whatever particular hotspot that they've chosen to fly off to," (We then see Warren say with a calm look on his face as he looks back and forth between Charles and Moira). "Rather than do it yourself I see," (We then see Betsy say with a sly grin on her face as she walks back away from the windows and lays a hand on Warren's shoulder). "Hey now, I'm not the tech guy here…you know that Betts, sure Charles ran the five of us original X-men through several rudimentary lessons in electronics but Hank was the star pupil…not me," (We then see Warren say with a slightly hurt pout on his face as he turns and looks up at Betsy, who's trying to look angry but can't as a sly smile spreads across her face). "Great…I fell in love with the class dunce," (We then see Betsy say with a sarcastic look on her face and hands on her hips before she shakes her head and leans down and kisses Warren). "Rotten luck I'd say," (We then see Warren say back with a sarcastic and sly look on his face before he then kisses Betsy again).

"We really should start seeking out the members of The Legacy, we should find them and assess the full level of their threat to us," (We then see Betsy say with a more serious look on her face as she sits down beside Warren and takes Moira from him and then fixes her hair). "Forge brought up that very idea earlier today over lunch, but mostly to get out of accompanying Erica to the sun drenched locale of her choice," (We then see Warren say with a calmer look on his face as he shifts Charles from one arm to another). "And I am sure that you did your utmost to dissuade him from that notion, I know for a fact that Erica has been looking forward to having some unfettered time for several months, and if Forge wants to continue to walk upright he will refrain from objecting and keep her company over the next few weeks," (We then see Betsy say with a stern and almost scolding look on her face as she leans back up against the nearest chair and then in a quick panel we see Betsy grin confidently).

"I'll make every effort to remember to relay that news to him the next time that I see him…I promise," (We then see Warren say with a sly grin on his face as he sets Charles back down onto the blanket). (Then we see Betsy scowl over at Warren as she raises one of her eyebrows like The Rock does before her attention get diverted by Moira as she drops her toy and then fusses in an attempt to retrieve it, ending up nearly toppling over forwards). "Whoa now," (We then see Betsy say with a half smile on her face before we then see Warren cut in and say with a curious look on his face), "So who do you think these guys are…honestly?" "More than likely they're simply a bunch of snot nosed smart asses that have nothing better to do with Daddy's money than to spend it on some frivolous boys club that worships a now thankfully gone and dead warlord…," (We then see Betsy say with a calm and serious look on her face as she looks off towards the fire). "Seems as though we've encountered such groups before, and they've all fallen by the wayside from one thing or another, what makes this collection of power mad thrill seekers any different," (We then see Warren say with a concerned look on his face as he pushes a toy back over towards Charles).

"They haven't offered you membership yet…that's a plus," (We then see Betsy say with a cheeky grin on her face as she pats Warren heartily on the shoulder to which he scowls). "That was only Shinobi dear, and only because he though that I would say yes," (We then see Warren say back with a concerned scowl on his face before we then see him take the feather that Betsy had taken from his wing earlier and he then looks at it oddly). "And if I have not been there would you still have declined his overly generous offer," (We then see Betsy ask with a calm and serious look on her face as she takes the feather back from Warren and then pokes him in the shoulder with it). "Yes Betts, even if you had not been there with me that day I still would have declined the offer, mostly due to the fact that by that time I'd had more than my fill of the Hellfire club for one lifetime and knew that I was needed back at the mansion," (We then see Warren say back with a somewhat unhappy look on his face as he leans forward and takes the feather back from Betsy and pokes her right back before he then gets closer and also pokes Moira lightly on the tip of her nose, which causes her to giggle while Charles looks on and then laughs). "Silly," (We then see Moira chuckle with an amused look on her face as Charles stands up on his own and then starts to make for the Christmas tree).

"Hey now kiddo…stop right there," (We then see Warren shout with an alarmed look on his face as he jumps up and rushes to catch up to Charles before he's able to get to the tree). (Then we see a panel of Warren as he snatches Charles up and then twirls him around a few times as Charles and Moira start to laugh happily and they're soon joined by Warren and Betsy as the whole family starts to laugh together).

Elsewhere

Stringing up Christmas lights had always been one of his happiest memories of childhood. Helping his younger brothers and sisters commemorate the holidays always brought a smile to his face and a warm feeling I the cockles of his heart. But this Christmas everything has changed…for the worse. He tries to keep up a brave face for her sake, hoping to make the most of his chance at a future with the woman that he loves…. (We start out with a few panels of a pair of glove wearing hands holding up a string of lights as we also see someone say from off panel), "Is this all of them?" "Yes Tabitha, this is all of them…," (We then see a bundled up Sam say over his shoulder to an overly bundled up Tabitha, who's standing on the ground while Sam is up on a ladder). "Are you sure…because I don't think that we have enough here to do the rest of the house," (We then see Tabitha say with an unconvinced look on her face as she walks over to a large cardboard box filled with other Christmas decorations). "This is stupid, I should be in bed," (We then see a pouting and not very amused Strobe say as she pulls herself into her coat and since it's a big coat her face and head almost disappear into the coat).

"Party pooper, c'mon…where's your Christmas spirit," (We then see Tabitha reply with an unhappy pout on her face as she starts to rummage through the box for something). "Sorry…must have forgotten it in my other outfit…the one where I actually give a damn,"(We then see Strobe reply back with a serious look on her face before she quickly looks down at her feet and quickly wipes away a tear that she does her best to hide that last bit from Sam and Tabitha). "Give it up Tabitha, Maggie doesn't want to be out here so don't push it," (We then see Sam say down to Tabitha and Strobe with a concerned look on his face as he takes a couple of steps down the rungs of the ladder). (Then we see Tabitha look up with an unhappy pout on her face while we see Strobe also look up at Sam but she has a silent look of thanks on her face). "Okay…but she still has to help me make supper…otherwise I can't be held liable when everyone gets sick," (We then see an unhappy but persevering Tabitha say as she pulls some more lights out of the box and she then grins widely at Sam, who just frowns and shakes his head).

"Why don't you just order in, it'd be a lot easier…and safer," (We then see Strobe say with a slightly happier look on her face as she partially comes back out of her coat and looks like she was about to smile but stops just at the last second). "We could do that…then Warren wouldn't get mad at me," (We then see Tabitha say with a somewhat optimistic smile on her face before she turns to Strobe, who shrugs a bit and looks to be cheering up a bit). "Well at least unless you screw up on some other part of the meal, the dessert perhaps," (We then see Strobe say with a sly grin on her face as Sam joins in and grins as well before we then see Strobe wince sadly in pain). "You sure you're okay Maggie, you look a little pale," (We then see Sam say with a concerned look on his face as he continues his descent and steps off of the ladder). "More so than usual…sorry," (We then see Tabitha add at first with a cheesy grin on her face before we then see her expression change to one of regret and embarrassment while dipping her chin down a bit).

"Maybe I should go inside and sit by the fire, you two should stay out here and finish putting up the light, I can't wait to see the look on Charles and Moira's faces tonight when we light all of this up," (We then see Strobe say with a tired and weary look on her face before she does her best to walk back to the front door of the mansion without stepping into any drifts of snow). "She going to be okay," (We then see Tabitha ask with a worried look on her face as she and Sam stand together and the two are watching Strobe walk away). "I hope so," (We then see Sam say back with a sad but optimistic look on his face as he lays a hand on Tabitha's shoulder).

Elsewhere

(We start off with a few panels of Siryn and Warpath as they're taking clothes out of drawers and closets). (Then we see Warpath jamming and cramming some clothes into a duffel bag). "Are ye even going t' fold a single piece of clothing," (We then see Siryn ask with a happy smile on her face as she watches Warpath with some fascination). "Not if you want to be able to eat a full dinner and still catch the red eye to London," (We then see Warpath say with a half grin on his face as he throws open a suitcase and starts to stuff some more clothes into it). "Well then eat up boyo, because otherwise ye won' be able to sleep on the plane," (We then see Siryn say as she strips off her shirt, wearing a modest black lace bra underneath, before she pulls on first a red turtleneck and then a sweater). "I don't know why that is," (We then see Warpath say back with a humorous smile on his face as he sits down on the bed and looks at Siryn as she continues her packing). "Beats me, now if ye ever figure it out tell me okay," (We then see Siryn say with a very warm smile on her face as she leans over the bed and puts one hand down for support and kisses Warpath).

"Will do…," (We then see Warpath say back with a happy smile on his face, with Siryn's face still close to his before he then pulls her back into a kiss). (Then we start to see Siryn pull back but Warpath reaches out with one hand and picks her up off of her feet and he then pulls her fully onto the bed as we see Siryn softly suck in her breath in surprise at first before she then laughs and puts her hands on both of his cheeks before she then chuckles and kisses him again). (Then we see Siryn pull back and frown sadly before she then says), "Ye know…we really should keep packing…or else we'll never get it done." (Then we see Warpath frown before he then nods his head and sits up as he then says), "Yeah, we should…otherwise the food will get cold." "Tabitha would hate that…plus her food is bad enough t' stomach when it's warm…," (We then see Siryn say with a slightly sarcastic smirk on her face as she also sits up and slides her legs over the edge of her bed).

"I hate to think what her cooking tastes like reheated," (We then see Warpath add with a slightly sickly look on his face as he then gets back up to his feet). "Well then let's get going so that we don't have to find out," (We then see Siryn say back with a sheepish and somewhat queasy look on her face as she picks up her toiletries bag from off of the dresser and carefully places it into the corner of one of her suitcases). "Wonder what she's got cooked up for us this time," (We then see Warpath add with a humorous look on his face as he walks over to the door and opens it). "You'll be happy to know that for tonight's meal we will all be spared from having to endure Tabitha's cooking, somehow I managed to talk her into ordering out," (We then see Strobe announce with a tired and slightly happier look on her face, her arms crossed and she's dressed up warmly with a few less bandages and bruises, as she is standing in the middle of the hallway as if she were walking down the hallway minding her own business until Warpath opened the door).

"Hello t' you to Maggie," (We then see Siryn say as she appears in the doorway beside Warpath, and she doesn't look to happy to see Strobe). (Then we see Strobe shrug her shoulders, appearing as if she could care less about Siryn not being happy). "Tell Tabitha that we're sorry that she won't be cooking this year…but we'll both be looking forward to next year…okay," (We then see Warpath say with a nervous look on his face as he's looking out into the hallway at Strobe before he then shuts the door, leaving Strobe just standing there in the hallway before she then says with a stunned look on her face as she leans back slightly), "Will do…." (Then we see Strobe shake her head and continue on her way down the hallway). (Then we see Betsy step out from around a corner and Strobe stops her walking as Betsy then asks politely), "Feeling any better today?" "Sort of, but I've still got a ways to go…so you're in luck, I'll be gracing these halls for awhile longer, besides I don't really have anywhere else to do," (We then see Strobe answer with a depressed smile on her face as she laughs and then stares at the floor).

Well you're always welcome here, so stay as long as you want to , (We then see Betsy say back telepathically with a calm look on her face as she slips her hands down to her hips and looks straight at Strobe). "You sure you're going to be alright with a recently reformed super villain just coming and going through your house…," (We then see Strobe ask with a look of some disbelief on her face as she leans up against the wall for some small means of support). "Recently reformed…you sound as if you're not entirely convinced of that fact yourself," (We then see Betsy ask with a sly look on her face as she crosses her arms and leans up against the wall a few feet from Strobe). "Well I am…mostly, but I'm not quite sure that the others do, Theresa especially, despite my saving her ass I think that she sees me as a rival for James' affections," (We then see a nervous Strobe answer as she reaches a hand up and awkwardly scratches the back of her ear). Is she correct , (We then see Betsy ask Strobe with an interested look on her face as she raises both of her eyebrows and smiles slyly).

"Sorry…I don't go for the type of guy that can toss school busses around with their pinkies," (We then see Strobe answer with a slightly relieved look on her face as she stands fully back up and shakes her head). "That's good to know, if you want I could talk to Theresa about this matter, maybe make things between the two of you run a little more smoothly during your tenure here," (We then see Betsy say with a slightly optimistic look on her face as she turns and puts her back up against the wall instead of her shoulder). "Thanks for the offer but I think that it'd be best for everyone if once my injuries have healed I make for greener pastures," (We then see Strobe say with a somewhat hesitant smirk on her face as she looks back over her shoulder and down the hallway where she came from). "Don't be to hasty about the future Maggie, not every member of the X-men started out as a white hat," (We then see Betsy start to say with a half smile on her face as she holds one finger up in front of her face to further emphasize her point).

"Me…an X-man, sorry but if that's what you're hoping for then I think that you've got your…," (We then see Strobe start to say with a smiling look of disbelief on her face before we then see Betsy step in and say telepathically), A word of advice my new friend, it would not be wise of you to finish that idea . "Duly noted," (We then see Strobe say with a nervous look on her face as she takes a quick step back). "If you want I could lead you through the beginning steps to becoming an X-man," (We then see Betsy say with an optimistic but reserved look on her face as she starts to half turn away as if to leave but she stays where she is). "Do you honestly believe for a moment that anyone could ever buy me as an X-man, let alone anyone of the current rosters ever trusting me," (We then see Strobe ask with an unconvinced look on her face as she takes a step back towards Betsy and laughs as she shake her head).

"Perhaps…well perhaps not Ororo, Lorna, or Anna, but what they don't know won't hurt them," (We then see Betsy say with an impish grin on her face before we then see Warren come and walk around the corner). "Tabitha ordered the food and so neither one of you start anything that'll interrupter her hours of planning…too much," (We then see Warren say with a sly smirk on his face with a little wink before he slips an arm around Betsy's waist, pulls her close, and then leans down and kisses the top of her head). "Knowing her she's probably going to be expecting me to help her set the table…don't really remember that being part of my deal," (We then see Strobe say with a sour pout on her face as she hesitantly looks back at Warren and Betsy). "Well part of being an X-man is chipping in with the day to day chores, although come to think of it I don't recall you ever helping with the laundry," (We then see Betsy say with a fake scowl of anger on her face as she pulls away slightly and looks up and over at a sheepish looking Warren).

"A perk of being one of the original X-men Betts, we got a bigger room and were fortunate enough to be let out of tasks like laundry," (We then see Warren say with a small smile on his face as he tries to keep from blushing). "Right, you better be glad that you're hot, cause otherwise your ass would be…," (We then see Strobe shoot back at Warren with a sarcastic grin on her face as she crosses her arms and leans forward towards Warren). "Trust me Maggie, he knows exactly what his ass would be in that particular sense, don't you luv," (We then see Betsy say with a very determined and serious look on her face as she pulls away from Warren and she gives him a telepathic slap to the back of his head). (We then see Warren react to the telepathic slap from Betsy with shock and surprise but he then just laughs). "We should probably get ready for dinner before we're late," (We then see Warren say with a nervous smile on his face as he awkwardly rubs the back of his head where Betsy telepathically slapped him).

"Is this going to be one of those fancy dress up gala events where I'm going to need to borrow a dress…though with the way I look right now I'd more closely resemble Frankenstein's monster that a model," (We then see Strobe say with an unhappy look on her face as she turns her arms at the elbow to inspect her bruises and bandages). "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder remember, except I'm not sure that any of my dresses would look good on you," (We then see Betsy say back with a slightly comforting smile on her face as we see Strobe nod her head and then shrug her shoulders). "Guess I'm plum out of luck then huh," (We then see Strobe say with a nervous look on her face before she starts to head off down the hallway). "Think she'll stick around to long after her physical injuries have healed," (We then see Warren ask with a grim and serious look on his face as he and Betsy watch Strobe walk away towards us down the hallway and away from them).

"I cannot honestly say luv, although with Apocalypse gone perhaps the more appropriate question would be whether or not any of us should stick around…if I were more of an optimist my decision would be to leave this life behind, possibly forever, and give our children as close to a normal childhood as we could possibly hope to give them…if I were an optimist," (We then see Betsy say with an equally serious look on her face as she turns to Warren and then pats him on the shoulder).

Later

(We open with everyone, including Charles and Moira in high chairs, sitting around the table, all wearing comfortable looking clothes with a big meal all set out on the table and Tabitha is hurriedly dumping all of the delivery boxes into the trash to try and make it look like she cooked it all herself). "This looks nice," (We then see Forge say with a pleased look on his face as he picks up his fork and knife and looks down at the food). "Really…baked it all myself," (We then see Tabitha lie with a sheepish grin on her face as she leans back in her chair and picks up her fork). "You did…really, because…," (We then see Betsy say with an odd smirk on her face as she is halfway in between spooning some baby food out of the baby food jar as she's feeding Charles before we then see Tabitha sitting next to the trash bin as we see the delivering boxes being telekinetically pulled up and out of the trash bin).

"Now where did those come from," (We then see Tabitha say with a shaky smile on her face as she hunches her shoulders and looks off to the side). "Where indeed," (We then see Warren add with a sly grin on his face as he's sitting beside Betsy and using Moira's bib to wipe some spilled food off of her cheek). "Anyway guys…since this is probably the last time that we are all going to be together for some time…if ever, so for what it's worth I want to thank all of you for helping me through the worst time in my life," (We then see Sam say with a nervous but heartfelt look on his face as he stands up and raises his drink in an almost mock toast). "Here, here," (We then see Betsy say with a cheerful look on her face as she sets the jar of baby food down on the table and then picks up and raises her glass to join Sam in the toast). (Then we see the others all join in on the toast, some warmer than others). (Then we see Sam take a long drink from his glass as he's sitting down, Tabitha is sitting beside him and Sam, with his free hand lying flat on his thigh and Tabitha lays her hand flat over his and bends her fingers in between Sam's and they're holding hands).

"Now on to the other matters at hand…as unpleasant as the thought may be, when all of your well deserved vacations are over I invite all of you to remain her with Elizabeth and the children and myself," (We then see Warren say with a serious and somewhat hesitant look on his face as he stays standing and looks around the room before we then see Betsy cut in and say, as she's still in her seat, with a slightly unsure look on her face), "Do you think that it's necessary luv?" "Unfortunately I do Betts, now I'm hoping that my fears and concerns are all for naught but until we know for sure whether or not The Legacy is of any threat to us…," (We then see Warren answer with a very serious and almost regretful look on his face as he's looking down at Betsy, who is still sitting). "Uh Warren, for the super villains for dummies section of us, who the hell are…," (We then see Tabitha ask with a nervous and also somewhat embarrassed look on her face as she hesitantly raises her hand).

"The Legacy Tabitha…is as far as we know a collection of insanely rich young men that have nothing better to do with their money than devote themselves to following Apocalypse and his antiquated philosophy of survival of the fittest, as of now we aren't sure what threat…if any, they pose," (We then see Betsy answer with a very serious but also somewhat nervous look on her face as she unscrews the lid of another jar of baby food). (Then we see around the table shots of the rest of the group as they react to the news in different ways). "Well you don't have to worry any about Tabitha and myself…after all, we don't really have anywhere else to go," (We then see Sam say with a serious and somewhat noticeably solemn look on his face as we see Tabitha look over at him, her heart breaking for him and we see it on her face). "I'm sorry about that Tabitha…Sam," (We then see Betsy say with an apologetic look on her face as she looks down the table at Sam and Tabitha).

"Forget about it," (We then see Tabitha say with a nervous look on her face before we then see Erica look up and then say with a nervous look on her face), "And what happens if The Legacy actually are dangerous and they do something like attack you while the rest of us are off on vacation somewhere, because where Forge and I are going they definitely do not have phones." (Then we see a quick panel of Forge as he looks over at Erica with a worried look on his face). "Then I'd say that we would definitely have a problem on our hands," (We then see Betsy say with a less than happy look on her face as she first looks down the table at Erica and then up at Warren). "So then let's try our best to avoid that particularly negative eventuality shall we," (We then see Warren add with a very serious smile on his face as he starts off looking down the table at Sam and Tabitha before he then looks down at Betsy with a very serious but heartsick and worried look on his face).

"Any idea who any of these spoiled rotten rich guys are," (We then see Erica ask with a nervous look on her face before she takes a drink and then looks over at Forge). "Well unfortunately Erica with groups such as this they're loathe to put that fact in their brochure's or any of their business cards," (We then see Tabitha say with an unhappy look on her face as she idly taps her fingers on the top of the table). "I know that Tabitha, but unless you've become psychic in the last five seconds then we're going to have a lot of problems trying to figure out who The Legacy's members are, for all we know we could look one of them straight in the face…and never know it," (We then see Erica say back sharply at first before she turns and looks back down the table at Warren and Betsy). "Which is exactly the problem that we are currently facing Erica," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious look on her face before we then see Warren add with an equally serious look on his face), "And so while the rest of you embark on your well deserved vacations I am going to have the mansion's security doubled, upon your return…should you choose to return you'll all need special pass keys tagged with your individual DNA, you'll need them to enter and exit the grounds of the mansion…plus I have plenty of security ideas for protecting Charles and Moira, they are going to be the safest twins on the planet."

"That's good to hear," (We then see Forge say with a very serious look on his face as he nods his head and then takes a drink). "More than you could possibly imagine," (We then see Betsy say with a very concerned and almost worried look on her face as she uses her thumb to rub some baby food off of Moira's cheek). "So do we get expense accounts for these trips or do we have to pay for everything out of our own pockets," (We then see Erica say with a nervous look on her face as she leans back in her chair and starts to put her feet up on the table before we then see a very stern and disapproving Betsy loudly and angrily scowl and clear he throat). (Then we see Erica jump a bit in surprise before she then smiles sheepishly and pulls her feet down). "Well I guess that it all depends on how hard you hit the mini bar," (We then see Warren say with a sly grin on his face as he picks up his own glass of wine and he gives her a mock toast with it).

"You really know how to hit a girl where it hurts don't ya," (We then see Erica say with a sarcastic pout on her face as she eyes Warren over the rim of her glass of wine). (Then we see Betsy pick up a strip of turkey off of her plate and pop it into her mouth before she then sucks the juices off of her fingers). "Maybe you and Elizabeth should take a vacation of your own, Tabitha and I can handle everything here for awhile, you could always visit the relatives in England, I'm sure that Brian and Meggan would love to have you," (We then see Sam say with a tired but content smile on his face as he leans back in his chair a bit and rubs his shoulder up against Tabitha, who looks surprised at first before she catches on to what Sam meant and she then grins widely). "Yeah, it's been like forever since the two of you went on a vacation," (We then see Tabitha add with a slightly cheesy grin on her face as she's looking down the table at Betsy and Warren, who remain silent for a bit before Betsy smiles and turns and looks over at Charles while Warren looks down at the table and does his best to keep from laughing).

"We'll think about it Tabitha, just don't get any crazy ideas like planning a party if we do decide to take a vacation of our own," (We then see Warren say with a forced serious look on his face as Betsy looks on with a half amused look on her face). (Then we see a couple of panels of the group eating their dinner before we then see Strobe think with a somewhat nervous look on her face) Should I stay or should I go…Sam and Tabitha seem nice enough, don't know about the others though, or if I'm really even cut out for this whole hero thing . Not many of us would take the time to ponder that quandary Maggie , (We then see Betsy say telepathically with a subtle but sly smirk on her face as she half turns and glances down the table at Strobe, who freezes in place at first before she hunches her shoulders and stays silent for a panel before we then see her think back without changing the look on her face), Well now Elizabeth, most of you X-men didn't start out your spandex clad life on the FBI's ten most wanted list .

That's true, although there have been more than a few X-men that started out on what could only be described as being from the wrong side of the tracks, Theresa, James, and Tabitha being amongst them , (We then see Betsy say back telepathically with a serious look of deep thought on her face as she carefully takes Charles' bib off and then takes the tray off of his high chair and then sets it on the table near her plate). Well I'm not them am I, I don't have their luck , (We then see Strobe say back telepathically with a sarcastic look on her face as she stares straight down at the forks and spoons on the top of the table beside her plate). If you leave now then you'll never find out, you'll never know if you could have been a contender , (We then see Betsy say back telepathically to Strobe with a sly grin on her face before we then see Siryn notice and lean closer to Betsy as she then says with an unsure look on her face as she's trying not to draw attention to her question), "Something ye wanna share with the rest of us?"

"Huh…oh, no Terry just thinking about what to pack for our vacation," (We then see Betsy say back with a slight blush and smile on her face as she leans back a bit before we then see Warren cut in with an oddly surprised look on his face), "So you've decided that we're going to England then?" "Not entirely yet luv, but a trip home is starting to sound more and more appealing," (We then see Betsy say with a slightly impish smirk on her face as she picks Charles up out of his high chair and she sits him down on her lap). "Well what do you think about that Moira, do you want to ride on the big plane and see Auntie Meggan and Uncle Brian," (We then see Warren ask Moira with a very warm and humorous smile on his face as he kneels down beside Moira's highchair and he tickles the bottoms of her feet that makes her giggle and then start to laugh). (Then we see a few panels of Warren as he continues to tickle the bottoms of Moira's feet as she laughs hard enough to start laughing until she cries while Charles joins in on the laughter with then a quick panel of Forge as he leans back in his chair and has a sly grin on his face as then we see Tabitha snicker and then finally we see Betsy doing her best not to smile and laugh along but instead look stern and unhappy at all of the laughter).

"Warren…luv, do you think that all of this is entirely appropriate behavior for such an occasion as this," (We then see Betsy say with a forced stern look on her face as she reaches out and lays a hand on one of Warren's wings). "Ah come on Betts lighten up a bit, this is one of those rare moments from Charles and Moira's childhood where we'll all be able to look back on it and laugh," (We then see Warren say with an unhappy pout on his face as he turns his head towards Betsy, who scowls back at him at first). "Some of us will laugh at this, otherwise the rest of us will hallmark this day as the beginning of the onset of both of our children's descent into a life of depravity and criminal activity," (We then see Betsy say back with a rather stern and disapproving look on her face as she reaches up and pushes her plate a little bit further from the edge of the table). "I don' think that ye have to worry about either one of your little angels ever doing anything that would come close t' depravity," We then see Siryn say with a very certain look on her face as she sets her glass back down on the table).

"I second that, take it from me Elizabeth, family is more important than anything else…except possibly love, and unless the two of you are the worst parents imaginable then those two will grow up just fine," (We then see Warpath add with a warm but also very serious look on his face as he rests his hand on Siryn's shoulder). "I hope you're right James," (We then see Betsy say with a sincere look of hope on her face as beside her we see Warren stand back up and then he uses Moira's bib to clean up her face before he takes the bib off and lays it on the table).

Several Weeks Later

They take advantage of the free time allotted to them, slipping off to an uninhabited island for a little fun in the sun. (Then we see a few panels of Forge, wearing a pair of blue swimming trunks, and Erica, wearing a very small white bikini and the two of them are having fun). (We see that Forge has built a kind of shelter up in the line of trees with a fire going nearby as we see the two standing in the surf). "Come on Forge just swallow your pride and admit that you're actually having fun," (We then see Erica say with a fake angry pout on her face as she picks up a seashell out of the surf and then turns it over and lets all of the sand drop out). "I will admit that this vacation has not been as bad as I thought that it would be, but I'm not quite sure that I would go so far as to say that I was having fun," (We then see Forge say with a serious look on his face in a chest up panel as he's all wet and still wearing the gold chain around his neck that has a gold lightning bolt hanging from it).

"Nice Forge…real nice," (We then see Erica shoot back with a less than impressed look on her face as she holds the seashell up to her ear). "I'm sorry Erica, it's just that most of my life has revolved around technology, I eat, drink, and sleep technology and its trappings," (We then see Forge say with a look of regret on his face as he begins to wade through the surf towards Erica while she just watches him walking towards her). "I intentionally picked this vacation destination for that very reason babe, I wanted to get you out of your element, see how you would respond, besides there's the added bonus for me of seeing you…," (We then see Erica start to say with a sly grin on her face before we then see her drop the seashell back into the water before she starts to laugh as Forge throws his arms around her and picks her up and then begins to twirl her around).

(Then in a couple of quick panels we pull back as the two continue to twirl around and around in the surf). (Then we see a panel of the two from a little ways away but through some kind of lens as everything that we see has a green tint to it). (Then we turn around and see in the shadows a number of people moving around using stealth with guns in their hands and special goggles on their heads). "Targets sighted sir, do we have permission to engage," (We then see one of the shadowy figures ask as he puts a finger up to his ear and taps a small button). "Not yet, wait until you have a clear shot, you must take them by surprise…and remember, if you fail me this time…don't bother coming back," (We then see a voice say back over the headset before the man then says back), "Yes sir." (Then we go back to Forge and Erica as Forge holds her up and walks out in the deeper surf as Erica appears to not want to be dumped into the water as she's fighting Forge, but he wins out and takes a fair amount of pride in dumping her into the water).

(Then we see Erica sputter and get angry as Forge grins first and then starts to laugh heartily). "You hate me, don't you," (We then see Erica growl up at Forge with a laugh through a scowl before she can't help but start to laugh in a panel were she is kneeling in the water as the water level is in the middle of her breasts and of course she's all wet and her hair is all slicked down). "Something like that," (We then see Forge say back with a sly grin on his face as he leans down to help her back up but she then grins widely and pulls him down into the surf with her as she then yelps in surprise before the two then resurface and Forge then starts to help her back up out of the surf like a gentleman but then we flip around and see Forge from behind with suddenly a red dot that is hovering in the middle of his back). (Then we see Erica start off looking up at Forge but then she notices something and she leans to the side just a bit and notices the beam of red light and her eyes grow wide as she then says), "Forge look out!" Her warning comes just a second to late. (Then we see a panel of Forge as he gets blasted in the back by a very powerful electric blast that sends him forward several feet). "Forge," (We then see Erica shriek in a panic as she watches him fly over her head).

(Then we see Erica start to go to help Forge but then she gets hit as well and is thrown down into the surf as well before we then see the shadowy men come charging out of the trees). "Dawkins, Tonkin…left flank, Harris, Gilroy…right flank, Taylor, Horowitz…follow me," (We then see the lead soldier shout as he directs his men towards Forge and Erica). "Nnh…damn," (We then see Forge growl with an angry scowl on his face as he starts to pick himself back up out of the surf as nearby we see Erica doing her best to cough and choke and get the water out of her lungs). "Don't move," (We then see one of the soldiers shout as they aim their weapons at Erica). "# off," (We then see Erica growl with a very angry sneer on her face as she's getting up out of the surf before then in the next panel we see Erica stretch her hand out over the water and it quickly starts to begin to boil, something that causes the soldiers to start to hesitate and look around and begin to back up a bit).

"Stand your ground, she's been deemed inferior by the council, she cannot hurt you," (We then see the head soldier shout as he's trying to get his men to stand their ground and fight). "Says you asshole," (We then see Erica growl with a very angry scowl on her face as she does a sidekick to the stomach of the leader of the soldiers, causing him to gasp in shock and surprise and drop down into the surf). (Then we see the other soldiers draw their weapons and one starts to advance on Erica as we then see Forge recover his bearings and reach out and grab the back of the ankle of the nearest soldier and he pulls the soldier's feet out from under him as that soldier then falls down into the surf). (Then we see a fight brake out in the surf with Forge and Erica taking it to the soldiers as we see the soldiers firing their weapons at Erica and Forge).

(We see Erica barely be able to avoid the bullets but we see that Forge isn't so lucky as bullets ricochet off of his metal leg and his metal fist as we see some of the bullets end up killing several of the other soldiers). (Then we see Forge knock aside a gun and then slam his fist into the stomach of that same soldier). (Then we see Erica be able to take one of their weapons away and she then uses the gun as a club and knocks away another of the soldiers). (Then we see the leader that Erica kicked earlier get back up out of the surf and he grabs Erica from behind and tries to use the weapon that she grabbed earlier to choke her out as he's able to catch her off guard). (Then we see a couple of panels of that soldier and Erica fighting against each other before we then see Forge use the actions of one of the soldiers against him by grabbing his arm and swinging him into the back of the lead soldier that's fighting Erica, knocking them apart and back down into the surf). (Then we see a panel of the other soldiers ganging up on Forge as he tries and struggles against them all but he's quickly overpowered).

"Forge," (We then see Erica shout as she's coughing and choking on the water and on her knees before we then see blood start to come out of both of her nostrils and down her face before all of the water around her begins to foam and then boil). (Then we see two of the soldiers press their guns against Forge's temples before we then see Erica see this and her eyes grow wide and she panics and screams and thrusts her hand out at Forge as her eyes burst into flames and twin jets of flames shoot out of her hand and incinerate the two soldiers that were about to shoot Forge). (Then we see Forge stumble a bit before he decks the nearest soldier as we see that there are only a few soldiers left). (Then we see Forge kick a spray of water up to confuse them before everything goes crazy). As her fears reach their peak she experiences a new kind of meltdown. (Then we see everyone but Erica get blasted violently off of their feet by a shockwave of pseudo-fire as her body shudders violently and she flops back down into the water). (Then we see a wide panel of Forge, Erica, and the soldiers all floating knocked out in the surf as the sun sets in the background as a jet flies overhead).

Meanwhile, On Board The Jet

High above the surf and discord of tiny string of islands below them the newest family amongst the X-men sits back in comfort and revels in the time that they have together. (We start off with a close up panel of the bubbles in a cup of a clear, fizzy liquid before we then see Warren reach down and pick the cup up and then take a sip as we see that he's wearing casual clothes and sitting at a table with Charles and the latter is playing with some of the toys on the table while we see Betsy sitting nearby, also wearing comfortable clothes, with Moira in her lap and she's reading her a book and letting Moira turn the pages, something that she really seems to love to do). "This is the tenth time that I've read her this book…and yet," (We then see Betsy say with a pleasantly surprised smile on her face as she looks up at Warren, who starts to laugh before we then see Moira clap her hands together happily and yell), "Again mummy, again!"

"Quite the exuberant little angel isn't she," (We then see Warren say with an amused look on his face as he takes a toy that Charles hands him). "She takes after her mother," (We then see Betsy say with a sly grin on her face as she laughs at Warren's look of surprise). (Then we see a panel of Warren as his laptop beeps in the bag at his feet as Warren then looks down at it and says with a slightly nervous look on his face), "Guess this means that the vacation is over." "You're giving up pretty easily Warren, and her I was thinking that you had a pair…," (We then see Betsy shoot back with a very calm look on her face as she's initially helping Moira turn a page of her book before at the end we see Betsy glance up and grin). "I have not yet begun to fight Betts, besides for all I know this message on my laptop is from Tabitha asking me some inane question that is a terrible attempt to try and cover up the fact that she's spilled something on the rug," (We then see Warren say back with a somewhat nervous look on his face as he sets his laptop on the table in front of him and flips it open while glancing up at Betsy).

"She better not have gotten anything on the Persian in the dining room," (We then see Betsy say with an almost scolding and disapproving look on her face as she glances out of the window of the plane). "If she did then I'll take it out of her paycheck for the rest of her life," (We then see Warren say with a subtle smirk on his face as he pushes a few buttons on the laptop before we then see Betsy cut in with a stern look on her face), "Warren, that particular rug has been in my family for well over one hundred years, if Tabitha has spilled something on it I'll be taking it out of her hide and not her checkbook!" "Well you're in luck Betts, it looks like it's only an email asking us how many motion sensors that we wanted set up around the perimeter of the mansion," (We then see Warren say with a relieved look on his face a she looks up from his laptop and over at Betsy).

"Enough so that a carpet of beams exists at varying levels, so that there are no spaces in between the beams at any of the levels, you wouldn't believe the mechanical and technical devices that I've seen people use to circumvent home security devices," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious and confident look on her face as she calmly and slowly changed the books that she is reading to Moira). "And would you by any chance have a working knowledge of any of these devices," (We then see Warren say back with a sly grin on his face as he uses his thumb to scroll down the arrow over to the reply button and opens up a reply to Tabitha). "Warren…are you implying that there are elements in my past where my employment was less than honorable," (We then see Betsy say back with an almost furious look on her face before we then see Warren look up with furrowed brows before we then see Betsy wink and smile over at him).

"Of course not Betts, I'd never dream of ever doing something like that," (We then see Warren quickly say with a nervous look on his face as he opens up a few websites and then checks a few things). "Smart answer Warren, no Moira we can't read that book yet, we're not done with this one yet," (We then see Betsy say with a happy smile on her face as she leans over and picks the book that she had been reading to Moira up off of the floor and then takes away the other book that Moira was reaching for). "She has her mother's impatience," (We then see Warren say in a panel in which he's peering over the top of the screen of his laptop). "Perhaps, but at least we're fortunate that Charles did not inherit his father's sense of humor," (We then see Betsy say back with a sly grin on her face as she tickles Moira and then Moira starts to laugh). "So far we've gotten messages back from James and Theresa saying that they weren't having to much luck in finding a new home for the Cassidy clan but they have said that they both plan on coming back at the end of their vacations, so that's good," (We then see Warren say with a relieved look on his face as he picks up a plastic bag filled with what looks like Cheerio's and then opens it and takes a few out and lays them on the table in front of Charles).

(Then we see Betsy set Moira down onto the floor before she walks over to stand beside Warren and together they then open up a new email that just came in to Warren's account). At first it appears as just any other email sent to his account. But that quickly changes. (We then see Warren open up the email and then we see a sharply dressed man sitting behind a desk where most of him is hidden in the shadows and he's smoking a cigar).

"Good afternoon Mr. Worthington, Ms. Braddock, so nice of you to open up this two way link and begin the briefing, first off I feel it pertinent to let you know that the two of you have been deemed inferior by the council and therefore must be whitewashed…or and do not worry about little Charles and Moira…we will take good care of them, our medical personnel are more than eager to begin the dissection of their brains," (We then see the man behind the desk start to say before he smiles at the end of his speech but then he gets interrupted by a furious and livid Betsy as her fingernails scratch across the table and they scratch the table up as she then says), "Don't you dare lay one finger on Charles or Moira, because if you do then I sear to you that I will hunt you down and…." "Now Ms. Braddock, please calm yourself, I assure you that they won't feel a thing," (We then see the man behind the desk say with an evil grin on his face before he's interrupted again, but this time by Warren instead of Betsy as his glass gets shattered and Warren's hand gets cut up but he doesn't notice as he tightens his jaw until his neck muscles are all strained and says), "I think that you should be aware that I do not respond well to threats, especially those against my family, and those that dare to cause any member of my family harm do not meet with a pleasurable fate."

"You are surprisingly calm for a man whose family has just been threatened with a most painful death," (We then see the man behind the desk say with a subtly surprised look on his face as he puts his fingers up into a steeple look and he leans forward slightly). "And you have judged him hastily…and incorrectly, I would advise you to quite while you're ahead in this matter, otherwise your life will be forfeit," (We then see Betsy say with a very serious and threatening scowl on her face as she leans down over Warren's shoulder and momentarily blocks his view of the screen). "You are passionate about your love for your family, how fortunate, it will make your painful deaths just that much more delicious for me," (We then see the man behind the desk say with an overly delighted sneer on his face as he sits back in his chair, laughs a bit, and then pushes a button). Suddenly at the simple touch of a button the connection is broken and any change to trace the link is gone.

"Damn it," (We then see Betsy shout with a simply furious sneer on her face as she reacts extremely violently and in one quick and sudden burst of action she angrily rears back and sweeps the laptop off of the table and it flies through the air and up against the far wall of the jet and the laptop explodes into a lot of pieces, scaring Charles and Moira as they shriek and then start to cry and Warren is stunned at first but immediately then turns back to Betsy and lays a hand on her arm). "Warren I…no Moira," (We then see Betsy say with a nervous look on her face as we see her momentarily hang her head before it shoots back up again at Moira's whimpering). "The second that we land I'm going to recall everyone, I'm going to find out who that bastard was and how he was able to get through security and actually talk to us directly," (We then see Warren say with a calmly furious look on his face as Betsy goes to console Moira while Warren slips around the table and picks Charles up into his arms and does his best to comfort him).

"No one is going to lay a finger on…I don't care what you have to do but Charles and Moira are going to have the best, safest, and happiest childhood that any two children have ever had," (We then see Betsy say with a very upset and determined scowl on her face as she sat down in the chair and holds Moira close). "Looks like we can now classify The Legacy as a hostile organization," (We then see Warren says with a very serious and angry scowl on his face as he sits back down in his chair with Charles in his arms and turns and looks over at Betsy). "One that we will bring to its knees," (We then see Betsy say with a very determined look on her face as we pull back and out to a nice sunset). -END