ViciousAssassin: Yeah, they were human. I think his healing factor just makes him have lots of stamina. She'll meet the X-Men later but I don't want to spoil things too much. I don't think there will be an Amara/Tabitha/Sam moment but she will get over her feelings for them.

Mark C: Yep it was about time for that Ororo/Logan scene in my book. Don't worry the Amara thing will be resolved, and true, I can see her making a bet. We also thought it was time Sage got more involved with the kids. You'll see more about August late and you bet it will be on heck of a meeting with her.

TheUnknown325: E-mail addresses and web addresses don't show up in reviews so I didn't get it. I wish you would put up your e-mail or at least allow non-signed reviews. Right the end of the world is the last major part in this. Glad you liked the Sage part it was nice to see her with the kids I think.

KaliAnn: Thanks that's what I was going with the Logan/Ororo scene. You can thank R-Man for August it's his OC, I'm really glad that you liked how I did you and your sister I was worried about that.

Sean Malloy-1: No, that sword that August read wasn't Slayer's. There will be an epilogue in this that takes place nineteen years later so yeah lots of married couples by then. No plans in this fic to hook Laura up with someone.

Aaron: This chapter skips a few months so no on the Laura thing. Personally I could have made the bar fight bigger but I was getting tired of writing it. Amara will talk to them but not confess her feelings.

KSimonT-X: I got August from The Uncanny R-Man. She's also in my Exiles fic and in R-Man's New Mutants fic. Well I figured to give Ray and Roberto someone, they were kind of left out.

GothikStrawberry: lol, glad you liked that love scene so much. I wanted Ray and Roberto to find some kind of companionship at least. Well Sage was just letting lose, I mean she can't be all pent up all the time and we want to show her more human side in this fic.

Jenskott: The area where Storm lived and Black Panther are two separate areas. Glad you enjoyed the sage bit there and yeah Sam would be an early riser. No the girls won't steal the spotlight trust me on that I just wanted to do something for a couple of friends.

The Uncanny R-Man: Well, Laura was 14 in the show and this takes place a year after. Yep you should have know Logan would be an animal in bed lol. Thanks for the hint on August I wasn't sure how well I was doing her cause I haven't seen you write about her in a long time. Amara will get over it trust me and yeah I love bacon too lol.

Silver Warrior: I said so in an author's note, Slayer is 26.

Thanks to: X00001, simba317, KelseyAlicia

Hellfire and Brimstone

CHAPTER 58: AS TIME MOVES ON

It had been a few months for the mutants of the Xavier Institute and things were slowly getting back to normal for them as they started to enjoy the summer months. So far, they had no real trouble even though they still kept up with the training and stayed aware of any dangers, they still have time to heal and have fun.

Rogue's hair had finally grown back and she had been doing well emotionally as well. The therapy that she and the others continued to have was one of the reasons, but over time she also managed to get closer to Gambit, who helped her a lot as well as all her other friends. Wanda and Kurt were getting much closer and lately, they spent the night with each other, although they only used each other for comfort and nothing else. Kurt was still working up the nerve to try and see if he could take their relationship further, but he wanted it all to be just right for her.

Scott continued to talk with his brother and after a month, he took a week to visit him. Jean went with him of course and they met Alex's girlfriend Lorna. The couple had a nice time together with Lorna and Jean getting along just fine…In fact, Lorna was glad to meet her boyfriend's brother and to meet other mutants like herself. It had been a great time for them and Scott felt better then he had in a long time after that short visit with his bother and his foster parents. They even didn't mind that Scott and Jean shared a room during their stay.

Kitty was also enjoying her time posing for her boyfriend. His paintings were breath taking and there was one he gave to her as a present. She hung it in her room and she loved her relationship with him. Her parents had also made it clear that they wanted to meet this boy, but she wanted to make sure things were okay here first. After what happened, she wanted to make sure the Hellfire Club wasn't going to strike at her again. However, that didn't stop her from having a good time. She even doubled with a few couples like with Rogue and Remy. She even stayed up half the night once just talking to Rogue about it with her.

Vincent had taken Emma out for her birthday with a candle dinner on the roof of the mansion. He also set up music for them to dance too. At one point, he even asked her to stand on his feet and he levitated them into the air to continue on dancing. She had never been with anyone that was such a romantic before and to tell the truth, it was very refreshing. For his birthday a month later, she returned the favor. They also had pretty much decided that since they spent so much time in each other's room, they should just share one. So since a week ago, they had been living in the same room and both couldn't be happier.

Jamie and Rahne were the resident 'cute' couple. Being the two youngest, they were teased a bit by the older ones, but not that much since everyone was pretty much dating. Jamie did his best to put what he learned from the older boys to his first real relationship. So far Rahne liked the attention he gave to her and his thoughtfulness.

Warren and Betsy were still the same couple, but were getting along with the students more now. Especially in the classrooms, even though it was summer, they wanted to make sure that the kids continued to learn things that would help them in the future.

Logan and Ororo were also quite the item now and even went out with Hank and Sage a few times. Logan even seemed to have lighted up, if only a little since he and Ororo had taken their relationship to the next level. Although the strange weather they had from time to time was sure indication of when Logan and Ororo were alone and enjoying their special time together

Laura and Logan were still growing and learning together and developed a pretty close bond. He was helping her with controlling her anger and Ororo helped her out as well, especially with the more female problems. Ororo had to take her shopping since Logan knew next to nothing about what a girl might like and of course Ororo had to show her female underwear as well as any feminine products she would need and how to use them. Logan nearly had a heart attack when Laura asked him how to use a tampon.

At the moment, Amara for her part was watching Sam and Tabitha play on the grass with a Frisbee. Sam had just tackled Tabby and the two were now in a tickle war. She watched them and for over a month she had avoided them as she got her head together. There was no way she could tell them the truth, for it would be too hard for her to say anything. But in the last month, she had forced herself to be with them more since she was being too suspicious and she had to get over her feelings for them sooner or later.

She had talked with that Slayer guy a few times to help clear her head and the man gave some pretty good advice even though he couldn't really relate to such a dilemma. And as she looked at them, watching as they laughed and played together, she had to be happy for them. She had waited too long in a ways and it was her own fault. She accepted that now and they really were happy together. Maybe it was for the best that they had ended up together anyway. She had enough of being sad and depressed, although at the moment she was the only single person there. Well there was still X23, but she wasn't sure she counted since that girl was new to the world.

But Amara thought she should get out of her rut and return to the world in a way. It was time for her to stop feeling sorry for herself and try to find happiness in her life again. Slayer had told her that she couldn't move forward without letting go of the burden of your past. But for some reason, he looked kind of sad while saying that. She got the feelings he had some kind of painful past, but she didn't pry.

She saw Sam and Tabitha see her and Tabitha waved to her. Amara decided to wave back and to join with them. She still cared for both of them but she wasn't going to lose them either, she still wanted to be friends with them at the very least. She may or may not tell them that she had a crush on both at the same time. That was up for the future, right now she just wanted to enjoy the day with her friends.

"Hey guys, room for one more?" she asked them both.

"Yeah, sure thing Mara," Tabitha said putting an arm around her best friend, "The more the merrier, right Sammy?"

"You got it Tabby," Sam said smiling. Amara couldn't help but smiled as well, for she may not have one of their hearts ,but having two friends like this might just be as good.

-By the Pool-

The older girls were out sunning themselves in the warm, pristine weather out near the pool. The summer was ending and that meant back to school for a few of them. Emma, however, was taking 'time off' as she said from school wanting to enjoy life a bit more before that and she talked Vince into being with her for it too. At the moment, she was sunning herself in a tiny white bikini with shades on.

"Pity we can't have weather like this more often," she sighed.

"True, it's sure better then what we get in England," Betsy was next to her in her a purple one that was just as revealing although in a different style. She and Warren had planned to take classes at the same college as Jean and Scott this year. They were both getting a minor in business, but she was going to major in fashion. She always did love world of high end clothes and she had even been a model at one point in her early teens. Warren, however, wasn't sure what he was going to major in though.

"True, but then again I kind of like the snow," Wanda admitted. She was on her stomach in a red one-piece since she wasn't as comfortable with showing her body off like the other girls were. "I'm just glad to get my GED. Anything that happens after that I can wing."

"Not goin' ta college with Kurt?" Rogue asked next to her in a green one-piece. Over the last few months she had come out of her shell a bit and was a bit more open. Her hair was back to normal and lately she and Wanda were getting closer. Mainly because Rogue found out they had a lot more in common then she had previously thought and they got along pretty easily.

"I don't know…Being in a nut house for your entire life doesn't make you think much about the future," Wanda sighed, "I mean, I had nothing to look forward too and now…Well now I do…I just want to enjoy my new life at the moment."

"I think we can understand that," Jean said from down the way a bit, laying in her yellow two piece on her back. "I'm still nervous about going back to college…I mean, I haven't been back there sinceWsince I was kidnapped."

Jean wasn't looking forward to walking by that spot where they had been attacked by the cyborgs. It seemed like a lifetime ago, but it was all so fresh in her mind. She had never been so helpless and when she had thought Scott had been killed, it had been truly horrifying. Rogue could nod in sympathy for Jean, for she still got chills walking by the spot she had been taken and Gambit was stabbed.

"At least you guys are out of high school," Kitty muttered, wearing a new pink two piece that Emma insisted that she got. The top wasn't as flattering as the other girls, but looking at the others only made her sigh inside. She was eighteen now and in her last year of high school, but she was still the shortest girl on the X-Men team and still hadn't 'filled out' as well as the others.

"Well it's you last year Kitty," Rogue said to her, although she was glad that her studying in the summer and taking those final tests she passed. It was a good thing Xavier had pull a few strings to give them the ability to make up what they missed in the summer.

"I know," Kitty wined a little, "It's just that I'll be the only one there. Like sure, the New Mutants will be there, but none of you gals will be."

"You'll live," Emma smirked, "Piotr is taking art at the local college and you'll know he'll be here for you." Kitty simply sighed and nodded upon hearing that. "Speaking of taking care…You two have seemed awfully close lately," Emma smirked.

Betsy smiled and went with it, "Yeah, have you two gone all the way yet?"

Kitty just blushed bright red. "Uh…Well…No…Not yet anyway…" she said shyly to the older girls.

"Don't worry Kitty, there's not rush," Jean told her younger girl.

"I know, but lately…I've been…Thinking about it," she admitted, "But I just want it to be right…Well that and I'm kind of nervous. I mean…What if I'm not good enough for him?"

Emma and Betsy laughed and even Jean smirked. "Trust us luv, it doesn't take much for a man," Psylocke told her, "If anything, you should be more worried if he can't do it well."

"I think he would," Wanda said surprising everyone and got a strange look from Rogue, "I just mean he's all Mr. Niceguy all the time I bet he'll be very…What's the word I'm looking for?"

"Gentle…Pleasing…Tentative?" Emma asked her.

"Yeah that's it."

"True, I can see that," Emma nodded, "Vincent can be the same way. He only roughs it up when I want it to be a bit more…Exciting." She grinned at a few of the memories.

"God Emma," Jean laughed, "Don't you ever keep anything to yourself?"

The blonde telepath raised up her sunglasses and looked at Jean with a smile, "Why should I? I'm in love with a man that is the best lover I ever had. He's got one hell of a body and isn't afraid to experiment."

"Experiment?" Kitty asked, not sure if she wanted to know, but then again with all these girls she may pick up a few tips that she may want to know for that special time she chose to be with Piotr.

"Well…You know…Positions, intensity, and even a few games here and there…" Emma said to her.

"Yeah me and Warren like to do that too…Even a little role playing to spice things up," Betsy grinned at some of their more inventive games. Thankfully, though, she made sure that her room was soundproof now since she didn't want Rahne to get anything else from that.

"And…That works?" Kitty asked them.

"Yeah it does," Jean smiled a little and then noticed Rogue, "Rogue…If you don't want us to talk about this…"

The Goth sighed. She had been listening and of course she hadn't said anything through all of this. She had the hardest time with intimate details even before the Hellfire Club. "Go on. The Professor says that Ah need to talk about things…So go ahead, but don't expect meh to join in."

"That's understandable," Wanda told her looking at her eyes and the two shared a small look of understanding between them. They both knew how hard it was to live with what they both had gone through.

"Yeah…Although Vincent and I do make love and sex…I also just need him there beside me at night," Emma leaned back looking up into the sky, "There's no greater feeling then to just have him there gently stroking my back or hair, hearing his heart beat, and just feeling him there next to me."

"Yeah I know…Without Scott there next to me I don't think I could have done as well." Jean agreed.

Rogue had been wondering about what it was like…To have someone she loved next to her all night and who would be there for you as well. "Is it really that great?"

"Yeah it is…Why? Is there a certain Cajun that you want to snuggle up to at night?" Emma grinned at her. Rogue just blushed and turned away.

"Hey Rogue, I think that is so cool! I think you should go for it." This came from Kitty, which was a bit surprising and noticing all the looks she blushed a bit, "Well…When we got back from Sinister, me and Peter fell asleep together on my bed and…It was really nice."

Rogue considered that for a moment. She was always so alone at night in her room. Although a few times when she had trouble sleeping, she just walked around a bit to clear her head. One time Kurt was doing just the same and, although he had to be careful not to wake Wanda.

The two siblings had spent part of the night just staying up talking and had slept on the couch together. She had to admit if having Kurt, her own brother, being there to lend his love and support she wondered what Remy would be like. So far their relationship hadn't gone past the kissing phase.

"But there's like one thing I have to know…" Kitty was nervous about this part, "See…I'm on the pill and all but…Does it really hurt? You know…The first time?"

A few of the women didn't know how to answer that, "I don't think I'm the one to ask on that one," Emma said in her neutral tone. Wanda and Rogue nodded their heads at that since all three women had their first times from violence and couldn't compare with the first time with someone you loved.

"Well it can," Betsy told the small brunette, "But it's not that bad if the boy knows what he's doing. I mean, my first time was okay. Unfortunately, my next boyfriend was just awful…I mean, I didn't get off once."

"That bad huh?" Jean asked her.

"Yeah…So was Scott your first?" the purple haired woman asked.

"Yes and I'm glad. He at least makes an effort to give me pleasure and boy does he know how!" Jean laughed and blushed a bit, "But I'm glad I waited for the right man."

Rogue had an evil smirk on her face, "Yeah, good thing that ya didn't go all the way with Duncan, right?"

"Oh god, I don't even want to think about that," Jean placed a hand on her forehead, "Well…Not that he didn't try. That was one of the biggest mistakes of my life and I wish I could just erase all those times I went out with that jerk. But don't worry Kitty, I'm sure Piotr will be very gentle and just be sure that you're ready you don't have to rush into it."

"Yeah…Thanks, it's just that well…I really do love him and I've known him all this time and I've never had a relationship go this well. Lance and I just argued way too much, but with him, he's so understanding and compassionate." She sighed to herself, thinking back to all the good times she had with him.

"Speaking of getting laid," Betsy said with a grin, "Anyone else notice how Logan, Hank, Ororo, and Sage are smiling a bit more?"

"Oh god, I thought I was the only one who noticed that," Wanda said with a laugh, "Man I swear…When I see Logan with that smile it's kind of creepy."

"Yeah, I thought he like planning an even worse Danger Room session and waiting to spring it on us," Kitty laughed, "Everyone was on edge that day wondering why he was smiling."

"Yeah, but I saw Ororo smiling and singing to herself," Jean had been in the kitchen at lunch seeing Ororo walk in with just a robe on looking like she had just got up a few months back.

"Yeah, I was there too darling," Emma grinned, "And boy was she walking funny. And was it me, or did you notice that bite mark she had on her shoulder?"

"No I didn't!" Jean was surprised that Logan would have bit Ororo.

"Oh yeah, but I can see it. You know his animal side and all. I think he just marked her or something," Emma smiled, "I would try the same with Vincent, but his skin is too tough to leave any love marks." Although at the moment the girls saw a hickey on the blonde's neck and knew that even if she couldn't, he apparently could.

Wanda however was curious about something, "Tell me, have you two ever tried it in your diamond form? I mean it's pretty tough right?"

"Oh yeah, it is. And we tried once…But it didn't work out. I could feel the pressure against my body, but that's it…No warmth or softness of his skin or anything so we stopped. It was a pity too cause I know he constantly worried about hurting me with his strength so he has to be careful the entire time."

"Man that sucks," Wanda muttered, "I mean having to constantly control yourself…But then again I can understand that…I still have trouble with my own powers now and then."

"Oh God tell meh you're not going to say ya slept with Kurt at the mansion and your powers went nuts," Rogue groaned, "If Ah hear about mah brother's sex life Ah'll want to go back into that coma Ah was in."

"No we haven't had sex here Rogue, you're safe," she said, rolling her eyes although it wasn't a complete lie since she and Kurt had sex only once. Although now that she looked back on it…They did have their powers locked away. That made her wonder…What if she and Kurt finally took the next step and her powers went nuts? That was something she would have to think about. "Hey, does anyone got the time?"

Jean looked at her watch on the ground next to her, "2:10pm, why?"

"Crap, I'm supposed to meet Kurt in five minutes," Wanda muttered and got up and gathered her stuff.

Emma smiled and got up to turn over, but felt a slight headache hit her. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes, but Betsy seemed to noticed this, "Headache luv?"

"Yeah…You know just one of the 'joys' of being a telepath," Emma sighed.

Jean thought it was a bit odd, "Emma you've been getting headaches a lot lately, haven't you?"

"Only a few, but I just want to rest up. We got that DR session later today and I want to be ready for it," Emma laid down on the ground. She had been tired a bit more lately then usual and she would need her rest.

"Man you really need to slow down with the marathon sex then if it's tiring you out." Betsy laughed.

"Yeah, like you and Warren live the life of monks," she retorted back.

Jean smiled, "She's got you there." Betsy just went back to sunning herself not commenting on that last remark.

Kurt/Wanda

With life once again feeling normal for the institute, Kurt and Wanda found themselves taking yet another leisurely walk through the serene wooded areas surrounding the mansion later that day. This was the first time they had been back to these parts since they were abducted during a situation not at all dissimilar to this one. But they didn't want the past to affect them at the moment…For it had already done so much to them that all they wanted to do was just share a moment together in peace.

The weather was crisp, clear, and utterly perfect. Wanda had her arm linked with that of her boyfriend, feeling so content despite all the insanity that seemed to plague both their lives. And after everything she had been through, she felt so lucky to have a man like Kurt in her life. It was the first time she felt as though she had someone who truly loved her and who she loved in return. And after having shared so many profound moments together from their first encounter with the Hellfire Club to their experience with Sinister, she could honestly say she never felt so close to anybody before in her life.

For Kurt, it was equally comforting to have a moment like this with the woman who had so captured his heart. And especially with Mystique now coming back into his life, he needed her now more than ever. They had both endured so much pain from dealing with their mutant powers, to dealing with a difficult family life, to the horrors of rape. Now, as he looked back on how much this woman had come to mean to him…Kurt Wagner felt as though he truly had found the one for him. This was a woman he could see himself with forever…Wanda Maximoff was the girl for him. And through moments like this…Such feelings were all the more vindicated as they simply savored the peace and serenity of their surroundings.

"Amazing isn't it?" Wanda found herself saying, breaking the silence between them.

"Vhat is?" asked Kurt as they both stopped briefly near a shaded spot.

"You know…How far we've come from where we were before all the craziness took place to where we are now…" mused Wanda, maintaining her firm grip on her boyfriend's shoulder, "So much has changed…Hell, everything has changed on some level."

"I vouldn't argue that," said Kurt with a slight smile, "For better and for worse, it has been pretty crazy for us all since…Well, you know."

Thoughts of the horrible memories associated with each trying ordeal once again ran through their minds. It made them both shutter and tense in many ways, but nevertheless…They still made it through. And in the end, it was through such horrors that they had come together.

"So how have you been holding up?" asked Wanda, noticing the slight shift in his expression.

"I…I'm getting there," answered Kurt, managing a smile, "As bad as so many of those memories are…There were still a few good ones that help me make it through. Things like…How you vere there for me vhen Rogue vas missing…How you vere there for me after vhat Selene did to me…And of course…That night ve shared together vhen ve vere both captured by Sinister."

The mention of that last one made her blush, for it was also a memory she treasured even though it was during such a hard and difficult time. The memory of when they first made love…The memory of that profound experience when closeness and intimacy knew no bounds…It hung so freshly in both their minds. The feeling of their warm skin…The blissful sensations…And all the powerful emotions that were put into that one act had come to mean so many things to them and even with their morbid memories of the past…It was something worth hanging onto.

"Yeah…I still think of that too," she told him as she tightened her hold on his arm, "Do you think we'll be able to manage more like that in the future?"

"I'm sure ve vill…" said Kurt confidently, "I know there are still things ve both have to vork through…But I know that vhen the time is right, ve'll find our moment. I just…I vant it to be perfect for the both of us…I vant it to be for all the right reasons."

"Aw…That's really sweet of you Kurt," said Wanda with a warm smile, once again thanking whatever higher force was out there for giving her such a wonderful man to share her heart with, "And I know our time will come. It's just that…Our lives are so messed up that it's hard to really contemplate what's going to happen next."

"Tell me about it…" he said in an exasperated tone, "It's like…Everything around here can change in the span of an instant. The vorld could be so clear one moment…Then so different the next…"

As Wanda saw the shift in his expression…She had a pretty good idea what he was referring to. Hell, she had noticed how much it had been bothering him for the past few days now. Ever since he told her about Mystique coming back, both he and Rogue had been noticeably conflicted…But as always, she wanted to be there for him even when the things were clearly so overwhelming.

"Still thinking about Mystique, huh?" she said, earning her a slight laugh from Kurt.

"Am I really that obvious?" said Kurt, managing a slight smile from that.

"Well…To be fair, you do a pretty lousy job of hiding it," she said, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.

"Can't say it surprises me…" said Kurt as his gaze once again shifted back towards the trees, "It's just that…After all this time, I came to accept the fact that Mystique vas never going to be the mother Rogue and I vanted. But…After seeing her again…And after seeing vhat true evil is vith Selene…I just…I feel as though there just might be something ve can salvage. Part of me still doesn't vant to trust her…But after seeing her again, it's just been so different. And even after everything she's done…She's still my mother…And if there's a chance ve can put the past behind us for the sake of the future…I don't vant to squander it."

Upon saying those words, Kurt found himself sinking into Wanda's ready embrace, for she knew he needed someone to lean on with an issue like this. And after having dealt with the knowledge of Magneto being her father her whole life, she knew exactly what he was going through. It was one of the reasons why she was willing to open up to him in a way she probably wouldn't have felt comfortable with around anybody else. And even though this was still clearly difficult for him…There was still reason to be hopeful and Wanda didn't want him to forget that.

"I know it's hard…Trying to put the past behind you…Believe me I know," said Wanda as she smiled back at the conflicted young man before her, "But you should feel lucky in many ways Kurt…I mean, your mother is actually trying to make up for everything she did for both you and Rogue. She's actually making an attempt to be the kind of parent that she hasn't been all these years…Which is more than I can say for my father."

"But I just can't help but think…" mused Kurt once again, "Vhat vould happen if ve vere a family? Vhat vould happen if Mystique vas a part of my life and Rogue's? How complicated vould that make everything? And how vould that change things?"

"Well for one…You'd have your mother," said Wanda, thinking it was probably best to remind him of the simplest things rather than dwell on all the complications, "And mistakes aside, as long as you're both willing to try, I can't see how it wouldn't help you both. Because keep in mind…You need your mother and your mother needs you. That's what links the both of you…That's the common thing that binds you. Remember that, and I know it'll all work out for the better…"

Kurt thought about that for a moment and it truly made sense. After all the complications Mystique had caused him and Rogue, it was easy to think in a linear manner without actually considering how their mother truly fit into all this. After seeing her again…It was clear that despite all the bitterness she held for the world, she still had a heart and she still loved them as her children. It was only a matter of loving her as their mother…And the more he looked back on it, the more hopeful things between them seemed.

Looking back at Wanda, Kurt couldn't help but smile…For her words really did the trick. It was uncanny how great an impact she had on him…But it was one that he didn't want to live without. Now more than ever…He was sure that this girl was the one. This was the woman who he wanted to be with now and forever. And even in a world of unmitigated complications…Simply having her by his side made it all worth it in the end.

"Thanks liebe…" he told her with a sincere gratefulness in his tone, "I'll remember that…"

"Hey, what are girlfriend's for?" she said with a smile as she found herself pulling him into another tight embrace.

"You're something…You know that?" smiled Kurt in response, "You are the most amazing voman in the vorld…And I couldn't think of a better person to fall in love vith."

Feeling so warmed by his words, Wanda actually felt tears form in her eyes…For hearing that coming from the man that had made such a difference in her otherwise bleak life made all the struggles seem insignificant. For right here in her arms…She had what truly mattered most.

"I love you too, Kurt…" she said to him as they found their faces drifting closer and closer, "And don't you ever forget…I'll always be there for you…Even when the world seems too crazy to even contemplate…I'll always…Be there."

And with that thought in mind, Kurt Wagner and Wanda Maximoff met in a deep kiss…Remembering through this moment just how far they had come…And how far they had yet to go.

Danger Room – Slayer & the X-men

Later on that afternoon, the X-men regulars all met in the danger room for what they thought was going to be a normal session. Now that things were reaching a greater sense of normalcy, they could all begin to get back into their old routine and stay sharp for whatever threat reared it's ugly head next. Even after the defeat of Sinister, they didn't forget that the world was still wrought with darkness and they had to be prepared to face it. And with enemies like Hellfire, they knew they had to be strong if they were going to stand against them should they emerge once again and try to inflict their evil upon the world.

In the central area of the danger room, everybody gathered around for the pre-session briefing. Scott, Jean, Kurt, Kitty, Vincent, Emma, Gambit, Piotr, Rogue, Betsy, Warren, and Wanda were all present and in full uniform. And in addition, Laura had also chosen to join them since her skills were already seen as being on par with the regulars…Hell, she took many of them all down single handedly at one point, and it would definitely be interesting to see what she brought to the team.

"Okay Professor, I think we're ready," said Scott as he up towards the observation deck where Xavier, Logan, Ororo, Hank, and Sage at the control console looking back down upon their students.

"Good, then let us begin…" said Xavier, who, along with the others, was interested to see how this new 'arrangement' would work, "Now I know you all came here expecting to run the usual training programs…But I feel that given our recent encounters, a slight change in our curriculum is necessary."

"What do you mean, Professor?" asked Jean, curiously.

"What I mean is…This session is going to be a bit different," he said somewhat ominously, evoking a certain amount of concern in the team. However, he was quick to reassure them as he gave the order to let this little experiment in training begin. "Now I know it's a bit unorthodox…But I sincerely think this will help us all. Okay now…You can come out…"

As soon as Xavier said those words, a familiar purple mist formed before them and a lone figure took shape right before their eyes…A figure they had all come to recognize even though he was still an enigma in so many ways. And as soon as the mist cleared…Jack 'Slayer' Robinson stood before them in full armor with an amused grin as he took in their reactions.

"Hey guys…Say hello to your new combat instructor," he said, sounding as though he had been waiting for this for some time.

"You?" said Warren, "You're the one who's going to teach us how to fight from now on?"

"You bet," affirmed Jack as all eyes were now on him, "As long as I'm here, I might as well make myself useful. And since I know a thing or two about fighting, I figured…What the hell."

Those words got Vincent to smile, for he knew where he got them from, but nevertheless, they all stayed silent. Jack Robinson was still a relative unknown to many of them. Few had even gotten a chance to speak with them even thought he had helped save them against Sinister. This was mainly because of the young man's strongly introverted nature, but after having talked with others like Vincent, Amara, and Laura he was finally beginning to feel more comfortable with these new surroundings. And after suggesting this to the Professor, he hoped that maybe he could open up more as an teacher than just some lost soul who lived in the shadows.

"Now first things first…" began the mutant warrior as he looked over each one of his new pupils, using his all seeing eye to see just what he had to work with, "Even though Sinister is gone and Selene has disappeared again…There is still a great and powerful darkness looming over the horizon. I can still see it even now as we all stand here in this very room. And even though your last two challenges were of the utmost difficulty both physically, mentally, and spiritually…They both pale in comparison to what I can see. And believe it or not, it's a lot closer than you think…And it's for that reason why I'm going to prepare you this time. Because trust me…You'll be needing it."

His ominous words didn't sit well with many…Especially those like Kurt, Vincent, Emma, and Rogue who had been hurt by Selene personally. The knowledge that she was still out there planning something even more heinous than before was enough to make their skin crawl…But that's exactly what Slayer hoped to help with since the coming challenges were shaping up to be more than even he could have ever imagined.

"But…Just what is this darkness you keep talking about?" asked Vincent.

"And what does it have to do with the Hellfire club?" asked Jean.

"I'm sorry…But I can't tell you now because I still don't know," conceded Jack, "Eventually, all will be revealed. And in the meantime…All we can do is prepare. And that's exactly what I'm going to do."

"So you're gonna teach us how to fight against whatever dis darkness shit is?" said Gambit, not sure what to make of this mysterious man.

Slayer just flashed them all a strange grin as he took a step forward.

"I'm sure as hell going to try," said the mutant warrior, "But only if you let me. And if I'm going to succeed, I'll need the trust and faith of each and every one of you. So for the sake of giving you a taste of things to come…I think it's my job as your new teacher to give you a little preview."

"Preview? What do you mean?" asked Vincent.

Slayer was silent for a moment as he turned back towards Vincent and Gambit…Two of the strongest hand to hand fighters on the team. As a warrior and a man, he was never really good with words…Therefore, he hoped that his actions would so say enough.

"Hit me…" he told them.

"What!" said Gambit, wondering if he heard him right.

"You heard me…Hit me," he restated, "You and Vincent…Try to hit me. Don't hold back…Don't even worry about causing any injuries. Just HIT me."

Both Vincent and Gambit exchanged looks as the others took a step back to give them space. Jack didn't seem too worried and didn't even take his usual fighter's stance. He just stood there…Waiting for them to make their move.

"Well…If that's what you want…" said Vincent, knowing he probably had a reason for doing this given his nature.

"Den dat's what you'll get!" said the ever confident Remy Lebeau.

And with their years of skill and experience to guide them, both Vincent and Remy made a lunge towards the mutant warrior who had gone toe to toe with entities they couldn't even begin to contemplate. Some of the regulars didn't want to watch, but they couldn't tear their gaze away from it. And with this fact in mind…Slayer made his move.

Vincent tried a standard double punch combo while Remy decided to supplement that with a roundhouse kick…However, Jack had seen this coming and with inhuman warrior speed and with the power of his All Seeing Eye, he countered with a quick spin move that helped him avoid Vincent's punches and put him in a position to grab Remy's leg in mid flight. From there, he delivered a swift, fluid back kick on Vincent before hitting Remy with a couple of punch combos that sent him to the ground in a heap.

Vince blocked one kick and countered with a snap kick of his own that Slayer ducked and twisted to deflect a punch my Remy with is forearms. Mayhem and Gambit gave each other a look and nodded, Vince went high with a flying kick as Gambit did a sweep kick. Slayer fell back onto his shoulders taking the sweep kick to avoid getting his head knocked off by Vincent's kick and then as he landed pushed off and jumped back up onto his feet.

But there was no break in the action as Vince did a spin kick to the mid section taking Slayer in the ribs and Remy grabbed him in a suplex and tried to pull it off but while in the air Slayer spun and landed on his feet. He smiled at the two warriors they were definitely good but he had more experience on them.

Gambit kicked back up onto his feet. He ran at Slayer and planted a hand onto the ground and doing an one handstand as he planted two kicks at Slayer. He learned this move back on the streets of his home town from a few street fighters. It was flashy but also unexpected and he had bruised himself badly trying to learn it.

Gambit came back up and threw a right cross that was dodged and he spun around for a backhanded attack but Slayer grabbed that wrist and his collar spun around and threw the ex-thief into Vincent who was going in for another attack. The two mutants collided onto the ground with Gambit on top of Vincent.

"Gambit…You okay?" Vince asked him.

Remy groaned a bit, "Did anyone tell you dat you feel like concrete? Remy is lucky he didn't break anything against ya." He slowly got up knowing he'd have a few bruises from that impact. And upon seeing the two experienced fighters taken down by the mutant warrior…Only one word was muttered through the surprised faces.

"Wow…" said Kitty with a wide eyed look.

"Took the words right out of my mouth, Kitty…" said Scott, he had to admit Slayer was just as impressive as watching Logan only he was more graceful then Logan.

Up in the observation deck, the Professor, Logan, Ororo, Hank, and Sage couldn't help but smile at their newest teacher…For it was clear that he definitely had quite a lot to bring to the institute. And they most certainly looked forward to seeing the kind of place he would find here in the future…Not just with the students, but with everybody.

Back down on the floor below, Slayer helped both Vincent and Remy up, giving them a chance to regain their composure after what he just did. It was a rather harsh means of starting the lesson…But it was necessary to show them just how much they had to learn if they were to stand a chance against the forces to come.

"That was just a taste of what I'll be teaching you…" said Slayer as he once again looked upon his new pupils that he was now responsible for, "Now I know that some of you already have a great deal of skill in terms of combat and martial arts. But as of this very moment…That means precisely dick. You all have a lot to learn and not a lot of time to learn it…But you've already proven to me that you are all very strong. And as your teacher…I'm going to push that strength to the very limits."

"Great…Just what we need," muttered Wanda, "Another hardass instructor…"

"Wanda…X-men…" said Jack as a grin once again fell upon his face, "You ain't seen nothing yet! Get ready to work you guys…Because I've got a lot to teach you and you've got a lot to learn…So let's get started!"

NEXT UP CHAPTER 59: A NEW HOUSEMATE