Jenskott: Yeah it was time to take a new tone with the fic after all of that. As for Slayer we just want to bring him into the story more.
Sparky Genocide: Yeah, I know you're a Romy fan, and I always though Jamie/Rahne made a cute couple I think this is the first time I got to write that on this site.
Uncanny R-Man: Yeah I know, but I wanted to have Rahne and Jamie seal their feelings with a kiss but I ran out of ideas to get that to turn out better. Well Tabitha usually hides her pain like with her father and you never really saw how she deals with physical pain, but yeah it does give her more Sammy time. Yep you know who will show up soon for Amara.
Mark C: Glad you liked the Jamie/Rahne scene and I think Hank and Sage will work out just fine. You'll see Slayer's choice in this chapter. Yeah that's what I wanted to set up with that Vince/Scott scene cause tragedy can really bring people together at times and that's true it's a good thing those two have such great loves in their lives to help them through this.
Aaron: Yeah with the Jamie/Rahne being the youngest I wanted their relationship to be innocent it just fits. Yep Sage will definitely keep Hank on his toes. Don't worry, Amara will get over it in time. You'll see Slayer's choice in this chapter and for his feelings, thank Slickboy for that.
KaliAnn: Yeah, I wanted a lot of fluff to balance out everything else in this. But yeah you know that mental healing is a lot tougher to get over.
GothikStrawberry: Glad to hear you had a good time. Yep after all that fighting some fluff is long over due. Don't worry about Amara too much, trust me. Yep finally some Rahne/Jamie stuff and others as well. Oh and for the future, be afraid be very afraid.
Thanks to: X00001, Simba317, Quillian, Kaliann, The Uncanny R-Man, Silver Warrior, Wen1, Cold queen
Hellfire and Brimstone
CHAPTER 50: A NEW DAY WITH A NEW DAWN-Kurt's Room-
As the morning came, Kurt woke up to someone in his bed. He found himself sleeping against Wanda's back, his arm around her waist and his tail it felt around a leg. He smiled upon remembering that they were back home. He closed his eyes and sighed, nuzzling her. They had both pretty much collapsed onto his bed after he ported them to his room and didn't bother to change.
He was just glad she was here. He thought back to their relationship to be honest, he never thought he would fall for the Scarlet Witch. When she first came into their lives at the mall, she had been so full of anger and he had been honestly been scared of her.
But over time she cooled down. When she came to the mansion everyone had been a little uneasy with a former enemy…Hell, she had clashed at first with everyone and was actually more anti-social then Rogue. But he had decided to change that, so after two weeks he started to just talk with her, even if she didn't say anything back.
It took a few days of this before she said more then just eight words to him. He even got a few of the others to try and get her to open up. After her first month, Wanda was a bit less anti-social then she had been and Kurt even had gotten her to smile. After that, she and him developed a strong friendship. But it was during the kidnappings of the Hellfire Club that his feelings started to grow for her and apparently hers for him too.
He sighed as he thought about how their relationship had been strained because of his rape by Selene. He never got used to the impact it had on him. Yet in wake of that happening to him, Wanda had actually revealed that she had suffered that as well. But he never thought it could happen to men, he never thought a woman would be so cruel as to do that to him. He knew that if that hadn't happened then he and Wanda would have been closer.
But he had been through that. He knew that under his fur, there were still scars. Thankfully his fur hid them. But he had never felt so used or violated until that day. He was glad though that Amanda had been his first…He didn't want that to have been. But then thoughts of Rogue and Wanda came to mind and how they felt about that.
Every time he thought about it, he got so angry and so sick to his stomach. In group therapy with Xavier they had to talk about what happened and tried to learn to cope. Rogue had said the first few times she might never forget, but it all blurred together for her after awhile. He and everyone saw the pain in her eyes when she described it. She heard from others like Jean's feelings of betraying Scott's trust or how they felt about being turned evil. Vince talked about how he wished he could forget and Kurt didn't blame him. Kurt knew that he and the others would eventually forget the details, but the sad thing was Vincent would never be able to do it.
He talked to him a few times on the roof when it was just them, and he was a strong person and yet so frail. It seemed a lot of his inner strength was created just so he didn't lose his mind from the horrors that were running through his head almost constantly. Kurt didn't want to know. After meeting Sinister, the man in charge of the experiments that his friend had been under for three years…Kurt couldn't imaging the pain of suffering in his soul. They all had their own suffering, but they were healing and they were becoming stronger as well.
"Hmmmm, Kurt?" Wanda asked waking up and feeling him behind her.
"Ja, I'm right here," he whispered and kissed her neck slightly. He was glad he could still kiss her and not feel anything like sickness or something.
Wanda smiled as she felt his lips, "We're home aren't we? It wasn't a dream." It was more of a statement then a question and she just wanted to make sure.
"Ja, ve're home…Ve all are."
Wanda hadn't never though of this place as home since she never really had a real home, but at this moment with him wrapped his arms around her, for the first time she thought this place felt like home to her. She took a minute to take in this moment, but she knew that she and Kurt needed to talk. She shifted around to face him. "Kurt…About what happened, you know…With us back there?"
Kurt nodded his head, he knew this was coming, "Ja, I know. I know zhat our first time together should have been more special, but…I vould have preferred to have had a choice in it."
She caressed his cheek, "Kurt ,that moment was for just us, but you're still not fully comfortable with us being so intimate are you?"
Kurt sighed and closed his eyes enjoying her hand in his face, "Ja…I know zhat I haven't been in the greatest mental state."
"Kurt, that's hardly your fault, in fact it isn't. It's perfectly natural."
"Ja I know, I know. But I vant to be the kind of boyfriend zhat you need and deserve."
"Kurt…You are, and don't think for a second that you aren't. I wouldn't change a thing about you," she told him and it was the truth. He was kind and loving to her, he made her feel good about herself, and he made her laugh. That was a rare thing in her life and she loved him for it, for making her life filled with so much happiness.
"I know and even I vill always treasure our first time…"
"Your not up to it again," she said nodding her head. They really had no choice in that matter and they had tried to at least make the most of it but deep down they both felt that they would have preferred it to have been on their terms. "Kurt, I'm not going anywhere so trust me. When you're ready I'll be waiting."
He took her hand and kissed it, "Thank you Vanda."
"Besides this is my first real relationship and I'm not sure of what to do sometimes," she told him honestly. She really didn't know how to be in a relationship and Kurt was her first boyfriend ever. No other boys had even given her a second look she thought. Well, there was Toad wherever he was, but that wasn't love. He just had a crush on her and she hadn't been interested.
He was too forceful with her, plus the fact he smelled horrible and kept calling her those names that she hated being called didn't help. Kurt, however, had been kind, patient, and also had always respected her. She sometimes wondered what happened to them all. They all pretty much scattered, although Fred said he was going back to the monster truck show. Lance took off on his jeep for who knows where, her brother was most likely with their father, and Toad just disappeared one day. She wondered what her brother and father would say to the fact she was with Kurt?
And moreover, how would Mystique handle it? Well, they all seemed to be busy and they hadn't been seen in a few months actually. Mystique had told them that Magneto was offering them a place with them, most likely to replace Gambit and Piotr who left. Only Pietro went that day. Mystique had visited Kurt and even Rogue a few times or had tried to. Rogue hadn't been pleased, but hat was several months back.
She wondered if she or her father knew of what was going on? Most likely they were too busy with whatever they were doing to notice.
"You know…Ve never really had a decent date yet…You vant to go see a movie or something tonight?" Kurt asked her pulling her out of her thoughts. She smiled and nodded her head, for that definitely sounded like a good idea. So then they just got comfortable with each other and just spent the morning just holding each other, drifting in and out of sleep and letting the moment soak in.
Meanwhile in Kitty's room, Piotr was just waking up. He was on his back and he was looking up and wondered why his ceiling had changed color, when he suddenly realized he wasn't in his room. He looked around and knew what room it was and the sleeping form on his chest was only proof of that, for Kitty Pryde was on his chest and they were on her bed.
He thought back to after they had gotten back and she had looked so tired that he helped her to her room. They ended up just holding each other, glad that the nightmare was over. She had fallen asleep first and he was planning on leaving her alone after he made sure she was so deep in sleep he wouldn't wake her. Then, he remembered his eyes feeling like lead and was just going to rest his eyes. Falling asleep wasn't what he planned.
He was trying to think of a way to get out without waking her, but she just looked so peaceful there on his chest hugging him and he wasn't sure he had the heart to wake her. He also didn't want to get caught like this or coming out of her room. It would send the wrong impression and he didn't want that.
He was thinking of what to do when she moaned and started moving. He tried to ignore how certain parts of her were rubbing up against him though. He really didn't want her to wake up and well…He pushed that thought aside. He looked at her angelic face as she woke up. Piotr saw the surprise in her eyes, but that was soon replaced by a smile and her eyes had this shining quality to them that he loved to look into.
"Morning Peter," she said blushing a bit. She couldn't believe they spent the night together, sure while being capture they had shared a cot, but that was with everyone else in the same room. This was in her room, on her bed alone…Although this was strangely comfortable like this.
"Morning Katya," he said back to her. The two slowly got up into a sitting position on her bed.
"Thanks for, like, staying with me and all," Kitty said a bit shyly at him moving a bang from her face with one hand.
"It wasn't a problem, you needed me and I was there."
"Yeah you are…" She thought back to her shower breakdown in that cell. "I just hate being so weak and scared…You'd think I would have gotten over it."
"Katya, you are not weak and I have seen you fight in a few battles without flinching," he told her seriously.
"I know, but…God the last couple of months have been like total hell for us all. I mean, I was worried sick when Rogue and Jean disappeared and then on the rescue when…When Selene…" She couldn't bring herself to say it. Seeing one of her closest and best friends so hurt right in front of her. She had nearly thrown up from the horror of it and she could still remember Kurt's screams.
"I mean, I broke down in that shower and you comforted me again! I don't mind it, but it just makes me feel so damn weak!" She hated it…And it was times like this she wished she had a better power too since hers was mainly for defense anyway. Although she will never get that image of her naked as that man looked her over and his invasive procedure to see how well she was as a 'breeder'. She never felt so dirty after that and event will haunt her forever.
"Katya, let me tell you something…I was scared too…A lot more then I let on," he admitted and placed and arm over her shoulder. "I was terrified and I too felt powerless. I can usually punch through a tank and barely anything harms me. But when I had that taken away, I never knew just how weak and vulnerable I was without it."
She gave a weak smile, "You didn't look it."
Piotr smiled back at her. "We Russians are good and hiding our fears…It helps us seem more strong."
"Thanks…Maybe I should take up more of the self defense classes. You know, so I can handle myself more. I like having my own knight in shiny armor," she said, giving him a grin.
"But you need to feel strong on the inside. I know what you mean and trust me Katya, I don't mind at all." He reached over and cupped her chin to him. "And I already see a strength in you, and I love that part of you."
'Love!' Kitty thought about that word. "Love? Do you mean…Like…" She looked up at him with wide brown doe like eyes.
Piotr had just realized what he had said to her. He wondered if he truly meant it. She was so amazing…A true angel in the flesh. From her face right down the light of her soul, he knew he cared for her and he would do anything for her. When he really thought about it…His life without her just seemed to empty. She gave so much light into his life. Right down in his heart, he knew…He knew that he did love her.
"Da…I…I do love you Katya."
With those simple words Kitty's breath had been taken away. No one had ever said that to her. Lance had never said it, or anyone other then her family. Her heart had skipped when he said those words to her and she just had this sense of pure unabated joy. She felt tears in her eyes looking up at this kind, artistic man who had one of the purest souls on Earth.
"Oh Piotr!" she said and kissed him.
They held each other kissing and she broke away as they took in the powerful moment between them. He gently brushed away a tear from her cheek.
"I love you too," she said to him, for never in her life had she felt so happy then in this moment. It was hard for her to believe that after so much pain she could feel so good. But she didn't care she just held him burying her head in his chest just enjoying the moment.
Slayer
The sun had risen and the Xavier Institute was now bathed in the warm glow of a new day, brimming with hope and new possibilities. Last night, they had all come back from a very difficult mission after having faced true evil and succeeding against insurmountable odds. Now they were all alive and well, residing comfortably in the one place they all thought of as home. However, as strong as they were, they owed a great deal of their success to one man who aided them in their time of need…Slayer.
Because of the mysterious mutant warrior, they were able to beat Sinister, overcome Selene, and come out victorious against all odds. He had fought beside them and witnessed just how strong and driven they were. It was truly unlike anything he could have foreseen even with his all seeing eye. He had shown the X-men that he was an ally…And he could help them fight darkness in its most sinister form. And they showed him just how strong they were as a team and how committed they were to the side of light. And for that, he knew they wanted him to stay with them…To be a part of their team…And to be part of their institute.
Professor Xavier had made him an offer…And a good one at that. He was offered a place to stay…A place to live…And a place where he wouldn't be so alone for once. But as appealing as that sounded…There were still so many things that he wasn't sure about. The darkness was still out there and the threat was still very real and this latest triumph had only slowed, but not stopped what was quickly becoming inevitable. He knew that it couldn't be stopped and he knew that he had to stand against it…But this time, he didn't have to do it alone.
Twice, the X-men had proved themselves to be stronger than he ever could have imagined…Twice, they had overcome a great evil. Now, after the second triumph, he was finally beginning to believe that they may actually have a chance against this evil…They may actually be able to beat this darkness. But did that have to mean that he had to return to the shadows? Was it possible for him to actually stay here and prepare them for something that was beyond human comprehension?
As usual, Slayer still clung to the belief that this wasn't where he belonged. The X-men fought for a very different cause compared to him. They hadn't seen the things he had seen or fought the things he had fought. He just wasn't sure if it was possible…He just wasn't sure that it could work. He had been alone for so long now that he didn't think it was possible for him fit in anywhere except the shadows he had always dwelled in. And if he did stay…What if he grew attached? Every time that happened, something horrible would in turn take it away from him, leaving him hallow and alone to deal with yet more guilt on his already heavy conscious. And he just couldn't bring that kind of sorrow upon these people…He could never forgive himself if that happened.
And for that reason, he felt as though it was impossible for him to stay. He stayed wide awake, thinking about it all night, but every time he entertained the possibility of sticking around and getting to know these truly magnificent human beings, he was reminded of his curse. He was a warrior of the shadows…And that was where he had to stay…For the good of the world and for the good of the innocent who he protected with the power and responsibility that he had been so blessed and cursed with.
Slayer was about to call forth a transport spell, not wanting to have to go through goodbyes since he was never really good at them. But before he could disappear back into the shadows where he belonged, a voice once again stopped him…This time, it was that of Vincent Freeman.
"You're thinking of leaving, aren't you?" said Vincent as he stepped out onto the back balcony overlooking the pool.
Abruptly halting is spell, Slayer turned to face the young man whom he had faced numerous times before.
"Actually…I was just about to," he told him, sounding as though he had made his definitive choice, "I've stayed here long enough. The Professor's offer was very kind…But I just don't think I belong here. I'm sorry."
Vincent walked over towards the mutant warrior who had saved the woman he loved. He had a feeling that Slayer would reach this conclusion…For he knew a thing or two about loners and the way they think.
"Don't go…" he told him, with a subtle hint of urging in his voice.
"I have to…" said Slayer in response as he looked away back towards the rising sun.
"No…You just think you have to," said Vincent in response, not believing in that for a second, "You think that now the job's done, you can just leave us again because we don't need you…"
"It's a bit more complicated than that…" made Slayer, but Vincent wouldn't let up.
"Bullshit!" he said in response, he rarely swore but when he did it was used only in rare times like this, "You helped us…You saved us…You saved the woman I love…And now you're just going to leave us again without even so much as a goodbye."
Slayer didn't respond, for Vincent had used the guilt card pretty effectively and he was not about to give up that easily. He could tell that Slayer was a truly tormented soul. Having been down that road before, he wasn't about let the man who saved Emma just pick up and leave without trying to give him something in return. This man definitely had a past…But if he could overcome his, then so could Slayer.
"Slayer…You once told me that once you start running, you can never stop…" said Vincent, remembering back to that fateful first conversation he had with this man, "And I took that advice…I didn't run from my problems…Instead, I faced them and it was the best decision I ever made. Now you say you're still running…And you regret having made that choice and having to live with it every waking hour. But now…You finally have a chance to stop. Are you going to let something like that pass you by?"
Slayer took a moment to think about those words as his thoughts drifted back to everything he was running from, yet could never escape. He ran from his past, he ran from his sorrow, and he ran from the incessant heartache that he had suffered over the years because of this awesome responsibility that had been thrust upon him. Never once did he doubt his commitment to his duty and honor…But time and time again, he kept running from the things that got in his way rather than fighting them.
Now, in the face of something truly profound, he had a chance to do something about the unending pain that was his life. He could be a part of something else…Not just a cause. For so long now, that's all he was dedicated to…His cause. But there were so many other things in life he had never experienced because he never had the chance. Now, here was an opportunity to experience something that could either cripple him or make him stronger. And as he looked into the glow of the rising sun…He actually began to consider taking another path for change…Taking a risk that could truly lead to something. And besides…It's not like he had anything else to lose.
"I've been in the shadows for a long time, Vincent," said Slayer in a musing tone of voice, "For so long now I've known nothing but conflict and combat. It's been unending…Incessant…And trying on my mind, body, and spirit. My honor has kept my soul intact…But it has never been able to build off that which has been tainted over the years."
"Well maybe it's just because you haven't been given the chance…" suggested Vincent, "I mean…You've made it abundantly clear you've had a rough past."
"You don't know the half of it," quipped Slayer in response as he hung his head low.
"But now you have a chance to deal with it," urged Vincent, not wanting to see this man leave again after everything he did, "Just stay…Stick around…Let us help you…Let us help you like you helped us. You say you don't belong here…But Xavier once told me that this is a place of ideas…Not his ideas, but all ideas. And something tells me…You'd fit in just fine here. All you have to do is take a chance…If, of course, you would honor us."
Looking back into the light blue eyes of the young man standing before him, Slayer considered his words. There were still so many things going through his mind at the moment…Things that reminded him of what he had been through and things that reminded him of why he didn't belong. But after thinking about what he had learned from Xavier, Vincent, and the rest of the X-men…Something else came to mind seemed to supercede all those complications…Something surprisingly simple that he wished he had thought of long ago.
And with that thought in mind, he did something he almost never did…He smiled.
"There's still a powerful darkness out there, Vincent…" he told them as he looked back at the man who was eternally grateful for what he had done for him, "It's written in the stars…I can see it through my eye. And as I have said before, I'm just a messed up guy who wields a ton of power he didn't ask for who's never belonged anywhere except shadows."
Vincent was a bit confused at where he was going with this, but the strange smile upon the mutant warriors face seemed to say it all as the mutant warrior finally settled on his choice.
"But…I guess sometimes, whether in the heat of battle or in the face of the mundane…You just got to say…Eh, what the hell."
A smile soon formed upon Vincent Freeman's face as he found himself laughing somewhat at Slayer's unorthodox choice of words. Yet it spoke volumes to him. Now Slayer would be sticking around for a while. And even though neither of them knew what that could lead to, it didn't seem to bother either of them in the slightest as Vincent extended his hand to welcome the institute's latest guest.
"Then I guess all I can say to that is…Welcome aboard," said the young man as he shook the hand of the mutant warrior, "And it's a true honor to have you with us, Slayer."
"Likewise Vincent," said Slayer in response, his smile not waning, for he felt that he had finally made the right decision, "And if I'm going to be sticking around here…Please, call me by my real name…Jack Robinson."
Logan/X23
All throughout the night, Logan had remained at the bedside of the unconscious X23. During the flight back, she had passed out from the stress of what she had just been through and was still recovering from some of the injuries she had suffered from her fight with Viper. He stayed close to her…Not willing to leave her side after having once again found her. Their fate seemed as intertwined as their blood and Logan was not going to let something like that pass when it clearly meant something so much more to the both of them.
Upon returning to the institute, Hank did a quick scan to ensure that the injuries weren't too severe and found that there were still fragments of Sinister's device in her head. He was able to quickly remove them through the same process Logan went through when he had a chip removed from his head as well, but it would still take a little time for her heal up completely and Logan wanted to be there when she awoke.
It was strange how this teenage girl who had been through so much in her short life seemed bring out so many feelings him. Logan had always had to contend with being alone in the world, not having any other family except the institute. But here was a girl created from his blood…Here was a girl who had been through the same hell as he had been. She had his eyes…His powers…And his personality in many ways. And because of that, they had a connection that neither of them could deny. While he wasn't quite sure what it was or where it would lead him…He was determined to see it through because as he had told her before, he was the closest thing to family she had.
Suddenly, as Logan was once again drifting into a state of light sleep, he heard a slight moan escape from the young girl, bringing him back to a state of heightened awareness as he watched intently, wanting to make it so that he was the first thing she saw when she woke up so she wouldn't be startled or frightened.
"Kid…Kid, can you hear me?" said Logan as he continued to watch her stir back into the realm of the conscious.
"Ugh…" she moaned, feeling as though every inch of her body had lead weights upon it.
The former living weapon that was only known as X23 gradually found herself arising to the sound of a familiar voice. She wasn't sure where she was or what had happened, for it had all been like a dream to her…A daze that seemed hover over her as a result of the ordeal she had just endured. She remembered vividly fighting Logan and then going onto fight Viper…Then, after having left her behind, it all got a little fuzzy.
"Where…Where am I?" she said in a raspy voice as her vision began to clear.
"Don't worry kid…You're back at the institute. You don't have to worry about Sinister anymore…" assured Logan as he smiled back down at the young girl as she began to focus on the familiar voice she knew all too well.
"L…Logan?" she groaned as she took in the sight of the man whose blood created her…Who she once tried to kill only to have him save her in return…Twice.
"Don't worry kid…I'm here," he told her, placing a comforting hand on hers as she became more aware, "And I ain't goin' anywhere."
His words of comfort seemed to keep X23 from resorting to her usual instincts of fight of flight, but as she looked back into the eyes of the man she had so valiantly fought against, she remembered the fateful moment in that fight along with Deathstrike when she had a chance to end it all. The pain, the torment, the agonizing feelings she had to live with every day because of the life she had lived with Hydra could have finally ended…But now here she was…Once again in the presence of the only man who could even begin to understand what it was like for her.
While at first she accepted Logan's comforting gesture, she quickly turned away from him, the expression on her face growing cold and grim as she refused to look at him.
"Hey…What's wrong?" he asked her, not knowing if he did or said something he shouldn't have.
"Why?" she asked him, her voice suddenly becoming strained.
"Why?" said Logan in a confused tone, "Why what?"
"Why didn't you kill me, Logan?" she said, choking on her words as tears threatened to flood her eyes, "Why didn't you do it? You had the chance…You could have ended it right then and there…Why?"
Logan was shocked at her words. Did she really want him to kill her? Did she really want to die?
"Kid…Come on," he told her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "You know I can't kill ya…I could barely fight ya."
"But I wanted you to…So bad," she said, tears no flowing down her face.
"What? But…Why?" he said as he watched the fragile young girl who shared his blood look back at him with a mixture of anger and sorrow.
"Because…Everything…My whole life…Everything has been so painful," she choked out, unable to fight the building sobs, "First there was Hydra…Then Viper…Then Sinister…It never ends. The pain never ends! It never stops! It never gets any better! They took everything away from me except my ability to feel pain! And…I wanted you to end it for me…I don't want to live if there's nothing left for me in this life but pain."
Hearing her speak of such pain struck Logan hard, for this was just a kid…A kid who was brought into this world through his blood…And she had been tortured in a way nobody should ever have to endure. His face contorted in anger…Anger over what was done to her and anger towards the people who had done it. Now more than ever, he felt as though this child was his responsibility. She never had anybody in the world who was there for her when she needed it…She never had anybody to turn to when the going got tough. So much had been taken away from her…And Logan was determined to help her get some of it back in any way he could.
"Hey…Come on…Don't say that," said Logan as he wiped away some of her tears, "I know it hurts…Believe me, I know."
"How can you know!" she cried, "How can anybody know!"
"Because…" he said, gently holding her hand in his, letting her know that she wasn't alone, "You're a part of me…"
X23 felt a wave of emotions come over her as she heard him say those words…For they actually gave her hope for the first time that she wasn't alone in her pain. There was someone out there who understood…There was someone out there who gave a damn whether she lived or died…There was someone out there who truly cared.
She found herself unable to speak, for she could no longer contain her tears as they continued to stream down her face. But Logan just gave her hand a firm squeeze, letting her know that he was there for her…And he had no intention of changing that.
"I know you've been through a lot, kid…" he told her as he looked back into the tear stained eyes of the young woman who shared his blood, "And believe me…I know it hurts. And in a way…It always will. But that doesn't mean you have to let it consume you…That doesn't mean you have to go through it alone."
Looking back down at X23, Logan couldn't help but smile…For in her eyes, he could see a great deal of strength and hope. This young girl had suffered through so much…But it was finally going to stop…And Logan vowed to see it through.
"It's like I said before…And I'll keep sayin' it again until you remember it," he told her as he gently cupped her chin with his hand, "I'm the closest thing to family you've got…And you're the closest thing I've got as well."
Upon hearing those words…The same words she had heard on that fateful night she first fought him…She couldn't take it anymore…She couldn't hold it in. She broke down in a wave of tears and sobs as so many pent up emotions overwhelmed her. And once again…She collapsed into Logan's waiting arms, which eagerly embraced her and held her close just as he had on that night. She cried and she cried…And Logan just kept holding her in a protective embrace, shedding a tear himself as he held in his arms the only real family he had. Even after all the pain she had endured…There was still so much hope for her…And Logan as well. And maybe through all their suffering, they could fill the void in their hearts that had hung over them for so long.
While Logan continued to embrace the tired, distraught X23 in his arms…Neither of them were aware that this tender moment had been witnessed by a single onlooker. Ororo Munroe had come by hoping to coax Logan into getting some rest…But upon seeing what she saw between her and X23, she decided to let them be. And in seeing the looks on both her and Logan's face, she couldn't help but smile…For even in the face of such tremendous adversity, there was still hope.
-Selene-
Selene wasn't happy to say the least. Her whole body ached from Slayer's attack, but when she found out about the destruction of Sinsiter's lab, she tried to see if he had made it to his alternate base. He had told her about it, but he never arrived. She couldn't find him anywhere either through normal means or through any mystical ones. Although in her current state, she was too weak for the more powerful spells.
That only left one option…He was still back there. He had never managed to leave the base in time.
When she realized that, she went insane with rage. She threw everything that wasn't too heavy or nailed down across her room, she over turned furniture, and set several things on fire. After her rage was over, she was just sitting on the floor of her room breathing heavily and very tired. She looked over her room, it was pretty much trashed now and she also saw two bodies there on the floor of Hellfire guards. Before her anger got the best of her, she had two guards come to her room. She had taken their life forces to help replenish herself, but it wasn't enough.
Then she thought back to Sinister. He was the only man that was an equal to her in any way, shape, or form. He was the only person she thought she could come close to loving. Although to be fair, she was certain that she never felt that emotion in such a long, she had forgotten what it was like…Maybe once when she was young, but that had been a very long time ago long forgotten in her memory.
She thought back to those X-Men, for once again they have made a fool of them, of HER! She was Selene, Mistress of the Dark Arts, she was immortal, once ruler of Nova Roma! She had been beaten again! And that accused warrior was with them again too. She hated them all…Especially that man.
She kept wondering how they had found Sinister's lab so soon. She had placed wards to hide it all over from that Slayer person, and Sinister was too careful with hiding the location of this labs. There was Tessa, but she had been wondering if she didn't have help. But if so, who?
Then she thought of Shaw. She wouldn't put it past him to have some kind of hand in all of this, but she wanted to be certain of that first. But now there was only one thing on her mind…Revenge.
She wanted to see the X-Men and their mystical ally burned to the flesh, to see them in unspeakable agony for eternity to being the entire planet down into flames and screams of pain and suffering.
The only question was how? How to make the entire world suffer for all of this humiliation? She wanted the world to on it's knees and so she could punish them all. For centuries she tried to find a way to do just that, and Nova Roma was a step in the right direction, but that was a small country in the middle of nowhere. She wanted the entire thing. She wanted to rule again, to have her name cause fear in all that heard it and she wanted the power to crush all her enemies at once.
She looked over her room not sure if she should bother cleaning up herself. There were artifacts here that if mishandled could kill or do worse to a person. But she could always hire more help if that happened. Then she caught something…One of the many book that she had collected over her lifetime that were scattered all over the floor was open.
She looked at the drawing on it…It was of a gate and it was entitled: The Gate of Hell. She read on and the more she read the more she liked it. It made reference to this Gate and how it was made during the fall of the Angles that lost the war how the Fallen had been sealed away into the depths of Hell. There was also mention of a ritual to open it, but the ritual itself wasn't in this book.
There was more…It said that any who opened it would be granted the favor of Hell and all its inhabitants. She had summoned those from the Pit before, but only in small numbers and only certain types could cross over, but this…This was something that could grant her and army of hell to command. With the armies of Hell, she could take over this planet and turn it into literally a hell on Earth that she would rule.
She grinned to herself as she read how the Gate could be opened only at certain times. She made the calculations and figured it might be soon. It was perfect…The only thing she needed now was to find more reference material to use. She would search out any mention of this Gate and with her army, she would conquer and destroy this world.
She would also make the X-Men pay and send their souls to Hell to be tormented for eternity. She hoped she would be able to see that from time to time. And if Sinister was dead she could see him there on the other side as well. She could be reunited with him and together they would rule it all.
Selene for the first time in awhile threw her head back and laughed. Soon they would all face the hellfire and be burned by it. Soon she would have everything…Power, rule over the earth, and her Sinister back…But most of all she will have her revenge.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 51: ACT III