Hellfire and Brimstone
CHAPTER 76: JUDGEMENT DAY
War Room
All students meet in the War Room…I repeat, all students meet in the war room IMMEDIATELY.
After having had his ominous vision, Jack promptly contacted the Professor and requested that everybody, both regulars and New Mutants alike, meet down in the War Room for a very important briefing. Xavier did not question the mutant warrior's words, for his word was not one to be taken lightly…Especially when one considered the kind of forces they were up against.
Naturally, the urgency in the Professor's message caused everybody to act quickly. As if by impulse, everybody completely dropped what they were doing whether it was tending to a garden, playing a video game, going through baby catalogues for Emma, or even spending some quality time with a significant other as was the case for Rahne and Jamie. Slayer's training and the danger room sessions that so many had complained about since this whole mess started finally kicked in as everybody rushed to the elevators.
In the back of their minds, the X-men knew this was it…This was the fight that they had all been dreading, but knew was inevitable. And for those like Jack and August, this was a fight long overdue…For Selene was finally making her move and it was now all on their shoulders to stop her once and for all.
Xavier, Hank, Sage, and Jack were all gathered around the main console. Each of them had some rather grim expressions on their faces, but then again who could blame them? It's not every day they faced the end of the world…Even for Jack, who had faced dark forces before. But in the center of it all, the Professor was holding the book that had harbored the key to this very conflict…The ancient book that Slayer had given them. It had taken a lot of work to decipher it's secrets, but they had finally succeeded…Only to realize that their time was up.
"Professor, what's going on?" said Scott as everybody assembled in the war room and gathered around the holographic projector, "What's happening?"
"Is it Selene?" said August, her words brimming with venom as she clenched her fists with rage, "It's her, isn't it? I can feel it in my bones…That bitch is finally making her move!"
"August…" said Amara, trying to calm her friend and new love interest down, but then again she could hardly blame her.
"No, she's right…" said Slayer with a grim tone, the mark over his eye flashing a bright yellow color, "It's finally happening…The darkness that has been building after all this time is finally preparing to break free. And as I'm sure you all know by now, Selene is at the center of it all…"
"Figures…" muttered Emma, who shared August's deep hatred of the Black Queen that had inflicted so much pain, "Of all the people who had to bring the end of the world, I can honestly say that nobody fits the bill better than that crazy bitch."
"Can't argue with you there, luv…" said Betsy in agreement.
"I don't think anybody in this room would for that matter," said Sage as she punched in a few commands on the computer to bring up a map of Tibet along with a readout of some of the translated inscriptions, "But it's not just who's doing this that we should be worrying about…It's how she's doing it."
By now everyone either heard the rumors or they knew a bit about what Selene was planning. They remembered how that item at the museum would have helped her with her plans. The adults knew the most of the story but now it was time to give the full story behind it all.
Xavier took a deep breath as he prepared to explain what he, Jack, Sage, and Hank had discussed. Looking back at the students that he was so proud of, he found it difficult in a ways because he was about to explain to him how the world was pretty much going to end. But on the other hand, he had to remember that these weren't just his students…These were the ones who had gone up against Magneto, Apocalypse, and the Hellfire Club and come out victorious. They had faced enormous odds before and seemingly impossible odds in the past and this time was no different. Once again, they were up against something that could bring an end to everything they held dear.
"X-men…What you see before you is a very remote, very isolated area of Tibet. To some, it should already look familiar…"
"Hey!" said Gambit, who immediately recognized that location as if it were his own backyard, "Ain't dat de same place ya sent me, Wolvie, and Sabretooth when we were tryin' to stop Apocalypse from bein' released?"
"Yes Gambit…In fact, the area in question is only a mere forty miles or so from where the chamber of Apocalypse's tomb once stood."
"Wow…That, like, can't be a coincidence," said Kitty, her eyes widening at this news.
"Oh believe me, Kitty…You have no idea," said Jack, having known all too well the grim details thanks to his all seeing eye.
"Well, coincidence or not, this is where the inscriptions in the book seem to be referring to. It spoke of a passageway in the shadows of three of the highest mountain gates on top of a plateau before a crescent shaped peak from where the moon perfectly aligns with once a year. Obviously, the highest mountains were referring to the Himalayas and the plateau and crescent shape peak were only found after some rather intense deduction based on sketchy mapping of the remote area."
"It also happens to be an area of intense spiritual energy," added Slayer, who was also very familiar with the area, "For centuries it's been completely isolated from the known world, safely guarded by a race of mountain mystics descended from ancient Chinese Xiaolin from the outside world. They harbor some of the most powerful mystical relics this side of the universe. I know because I traveled there once while chasing a few renegade neo-nazi's trying to use it's occult potential to take over the world again."
"Again…What do you mean by, again?" snarled Logan, who, as a World War II veteran, had one of the most thorough distastes for Nazis.
"Believe me, Logan…You don't want to know."
Leaving that story for another day, Beast continued with the details.
"Well, history aside…We have finally deduced from the book the importance of this site and the power that it holds. And at the moment, it seems as though that power is on the verge of being released."
"Power…Just what kind of power are we talking about here?" asked Bobby, not sure if he really wanted to know.
"This power…" said the Professor as he set the enigmatic book that had so deeply consumed him upon the table, "The Gate of Hell."
The sight of the old, worn text made the blood of all those who saw it shiver. For some, it was just brimming with this…This evil that they couldn't touch or feel. But they knew it was there…They could feel it in their bones. After having been around beings such as Selene and Sinister, the X-men had come to know true evil when it was near and this book was no exception. And for those like August and Jack, who had a much greater understanding of the metaphysical world, it was a sight that brought out untold rage and determination…For this was the kind of darkness that embodied everything they had been fighting after all these years and here they were, about to face the worst of it's breed.
"The Gates of Hell…" said Laura, who had only a vague understanding, but could sense from everybody's reaction that it was something truly sinister.
"Yes…A gate that separates this world from the darkest of entities on the other side of the spiritual realm," said Xavier, his voice once again becoming serious and solemn, "This book is probably one of the only sources that speaks of it's true power, which is why it was written into a vast enigma so only those of the greatest determination and dedication could decipher it."
"So…Are you telling me that this…Whatever it is…Is a real honest gate to hell?" Asked Tabitha, feeling a chill run up and down her spine as her mind struggled to process that.
"In a sense…Yes," answered Xavier, "According to the book, this gate was constructed millennia ago to contain the greatest sources of evil in existence. You see, wherever life arises in the cosmos…Be it on Earth or otherwise…Natural forces of good and evil develop in both a physical and metaphysical sense. And in the domain of this life, there is a constant struggle for balance between the opposing forces. For some, that balance hinders the development of such entities from forming in the first place, but in others, such as the one we are dealing with, there is plenty of ripe ground for such heinous forces to gather and strengthen. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to forcibly contain such forces through mystical means in areas ripe with energy…And our realm here on Earth just happens to be in an area of the universe so thick with metaphysical energy that the forces of darkness have managed to converge into an area that could permanently upset the natural balance between good and evil on all fronts…Not just on this world, but in many others as well."
Everybody's jaw seemed to drop to the floor upon hearing that. They knew this was big, but they had no idea that it was THIS big.
"Now usually…The laws of magic and nature coalesce and such great forces are balanced through means like peace, civilization, evolution. Even special individuals such as Slayer become champions of light that seek to balance this ever present force…"
"But now, that balance is about to be permanently upset by Selene," finished Slayer, the mark on his eye now flashing red at the mention of her name, "She's going to actually open that gate and unleash and army of demons and minions that are going to be completely under her control. And from that gate, all the evil, the darkness, and the vast power that spawned forces such as Dormammu and Apocalypse will find it's way into our realm…Consuming this entire world in fire and brimstone with every living thing in it dying and suffering for all eternity."
It was probably the worst possible scenario that anybody could have possibly contemplated. It was the end of the world as they knew it…The end of everything they held dear. The ultimate battle between darkness and light was actually at hand and they were the ones at the forefront. They had gone up against powerful forces before, but never like this. This was on a truly incomprehensible level…A level that pushed the boundaries of their understanding. They weren't just dealing with peace or intolerance anymore…No, they were dealing with Heaven and Hell.
This was a fight to the bitter end…A fight that left the world hanging in the balance. But in the minds of the X-men both new and old alike, it was a fight that they would not back down from. This was their world…Their home. And no entity, no matter how dark, was going to threaten it on their watch.
"Okay, so we're really talkin' about the end of the world here, eh?" asked Logan just making sure he was getting it all down correctly, his voice still gruff with the determination that so often defined him.
"In every sense of the word, yes…" answered Hank, finding no other way to describe this situation despite his vast intellect.
"Great…So how to we stop it?" asked Vincent, ready to do what he had to in order to save this world and his family…After all, he had a baby on the way and there was no way he was going to let it be born into a world consumed by the fires of hell.
"That's easy…" said August, stepping forward and holding out the dagger that she had 'acquired' from Egypt, "We kill Selene before she can open the gate."
"And you're sure that this little dagger can do the job?" said Ray, finding it hard to believe that their fate now rested in something that looked so small and obscure.
"Positive…" affirmed August, "I've used this thing before…Believe me, it'll do the trick."
"I would most certainly hope so because our time is almost up," said Xavier as he brought up an image of the star map, "In addition to the location of the gate, this book also referred to a series of star formations and celestial alignments that had to be in place in order for the gate to be opened. It was written as a puzzle, but thanks to our collective efforts we finally managed to draw up the proper format of the heavens along with the necessary positions of the planets and moon."
"And we are talking about a once in a thousand years kind of alignment here," added Beast, "I can find only a few records of an astrological formation such as this in any kind of records, so it's logical to assume that this is a very rare occurrence."
"How long?" asked Warren wondering just how much time they had left.
"With regard to the position of the moon…We estimate a little under six hours," said Sage, showing them a little clock that she had programmed, which only served to heighten the urgency.
"Then what are we waiting for!" exclaimed Logan.
"Easy Wolverine…" said Jack, who managed to keep a calm face despite the seriousness of the situation…After all, it wasn't like this was the first time he had faced the forces of darkness, "This is the battle to end all battles here…The end of the world as we know it. Therefore, we have to proceed carefully."
"Indeed, Jack…Which is why I have already organized a plan," said the Professor, quickly garnering everybody's attention, "Nobody is going to stay behind with this one…Not even me. We are all going to have to be a part of this if we're to have any hope of victory here. I am going to be in the X-jet with the regulars. I'll be using a new portable Cerebro to help with mentally shielding and keeping you all informed. Emma has made it clear she wants to help no matter what, so she is going to be in the Velocity with the New Mutants. She'll be using another one a spare unit we have as she does the same. Our target is simple…Take down Selene. While I know some of you, myself included, have certain feelings about killing…"
"Oh believe meh, Professor…With this woman, we'll gladly make an exception," said Rogue, wanting nothing more than to see the bitch that had inflicted so much pain and suffering to her and her family die.
"Yeah, and besides…Given how old this lady is, she's WAY overdue," said Tabitha.
"I'm glad that you feel that way, X-men…" said Jack as he hit the commands to power down the holograms, "Because at this point, there's no other way. If Selene opens that gate, then all will be lost. I know that I've been training you all for a while now and there's still a lot you haven't learned…But unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time anymore."
"Well what about backup?" asked Mystique.
"Thor is swamped, Dr. Strange is still busy trying to keep Dormammu at bay, SHIELD has been stretched on all fronts trying to hold the world together and are all caught up in keeping the peace…So that means that we're going to have to go it alone here, team."
Slayer's words didn't really lift anybody's spirits, but at this point there was nothing more they could do. They would have to fight this darkness or die trying…It was that simple. Through his all seeing eye, the mutant warrior could see a great deal of fear and anxiety within the people whom he had come to see as his friends…But at the same time, he could also see just how determined they were to save their world from destruction. And he could think of no greater team to stand with him against the forces of darkness.
"Alone, huh…Figures," muttered Laura.
"So we're all going this time?" asked Jamie, who had stayed behind with Rahne on both the Hellfire and Sinister missions.
"Yes…Every last one of you," said the Professor as he prepared for his final word, "Once again the fate of so many rests with you my students and once again we must stand in the face of insurmountable odds in order to save all that we hold dear. Without a doubt, this will be our greatest mission to date. The stakes couldn't be higher. We must all band together…We must all fight as one. Alone we are mighty, but together we are legends…You have your mission X-men. Now let us see it through."
"Well said, Professor Xavier…" said Slayer with a grin, finding it nothing short of amazing how a man bound by a wheelchair could remain so strong in the face of such great odds, "Now the clock is ticking, team. Neither Hellfire nor Sinister could equate to the kind of threat we're facing here. So suit up, get your things together, and prepare for the fight of your lives…"
Mid Air – X-jet and Velocity
Once everybody had suited up and gathered in the hanger, both teams of the X-men departed from the mansion for what could very well be the last time. They were all fighting together now…New and old alike. In the X-jet, Professor Charles Xavier was in the co-pilot's seat setting their course for Tibet and following close behind, was the Velocity with Sage, Beast, August, Emma and the New Mutants. Jack kept an eye out for any possible surprises they may encounter since the area they were headed was thick with metaphysical energy, but for now everybody was just trying to get into the right mindset for the fight that was sure to be greater than anything they had ever faced before.
In the X-jet, Scott, Jean, Rogue, Remy, Kitty, Piotr, Warren, Betsy, Kurt, Wanda, Logan, Ororo, Laura, Vincent, Mystique, and Jack were all sitting in a strange aura of silence. Some had yet to wrap their minds around the fact that they were about to face the end of the world as they knew it. For some, they had even left notes for their families in case something happened to them during the fight. And naturally, all the couples were staying close to one another…For this could very well be the last moment they shared together.
For Mystique, however, there was something else added to the mix that made this all the more strange to her…For she was actually in an X-man uniform, it was an all black one-piece with a small red X-symbol on the front over her heart, her kids had said that since she was fighting with them she should maybe look the part so she made this simple look for her. Even if her friend, Destiny, had predicted this, she never would have guessed that she would end up in a situation like this…Fighting alongside her children and her former enemies for the sake of saving a world that had shown her little mercy. But nevertheless, here she was…Ready to fight evil instead of aiding it. And for her and her children, it was a deeply surreal feeling…One that truly did make her feel stronger in a way that she had never felt before.
"The uniform looks good on you, mozher…" commented Kurt, managing a slight grin as he broke the heavy silence.
"Yes, well…I can't say I ever expected to end up in a situation like this…Fighting as an X-man with my kids," she said, looking at her reflection in the window and actually smiling to herself.
"That makes two of us…" said Rogue, who managed to smile as well, "Did Irene ever predict this one?"
"To be honest with you, Rogue…I don't think anybody could have predicted it," sighed the shape shifter as she turned back to face her kids and the team of young mutants that she had once fought so hard against, "But if there's one thing I've learned since I joined the institute…It's that the future is never truly predictable. And fate as we know it is just an excuse…"
Upon hearing that, Jack couldn't help but grin, for those words were almost exactly like the ones they had shared together during one of their many conversations. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, for he had managed to help someone that had once rejected everything and stood alone as a bitter, resentful woman who once thought she was doomed to a life of obscurity. She really had come a long way in a short period of time, not just with her kids, but with herself as well. And that gave her all the more reason to fight and win this coming battle.
"I'm glad you feel zhat vay…" said Kurt, giving his mother an affectionate hug, "Because ve still have a lot of time to make up for after all zhis."
"I know…And if that means wearing this goofy uniform, I suppose I can live with that," she said with a shrug.
"Still Mystique at heart, aren't ya, mama?" commented Rogue, laughing somewhat as she stuck close to Remy, holding his hand in hers.
"What can I say? I am who I am…" said the shape shifter, having since accepted that about herself since joining the institute, "So does this mean that wearing this uniform officially makes me an X-man?"
"For now…We should probably save that for another day," said Scott, who was sitting in the seat just in front of them.
"Still bitter I see…" sighed Raven, for even in a fight against the greatest of dark forces, she was still very much tied to her past deeds.
"Hey, you said it yourself…We are who we are," said Scott, who was also clinging to Jean as they soared through the air towards their final destination, "But I tell you what…After all this is over, I promise you I'll never speak of the Mexico incident again. Deal?"
"Deal…" said Mystique, "But you know I'm going to hold you to that."
"Oh don't worry, Raven…I will too," said Jean with a slight grin, giving her lover's hand a little squeeze.
That was good enough for the shape shifter and for Scott as well, for after this was over, he planned to propose to Jean. Because if this truly was the battle to end all battles and if they truly managed to come out on top, then he wanted to truly lay the foundations for a new future…One which he hoped that Jean would be a big part of.
Upon seeing Scott tighten his hold around his long time friend and lover, a sudden thought came to Jack…One that he had been negating somewhat since his arrival. And now that they were on route to the final confrontation between good and evil, it was probably as good a time as any to get this out of the way.
"Oh, that reminds me Scott…I have a little something I've been meaning to give you," said Jack as he reached into his bag and pulled out something he had managed to acquire just before he encountered the X-men, "Seeing as how you're going to lead the team into the ultimate battle between good and evil, I think a little memento is in order…You know, just in case."
Scott was about to respond when suddenly, Jack dropped a brilliant golden charm into his hand. At first, he wasn't quite sure what it was, but as soon as he made out the image…His eyes widened somewhat.
"A Phoenix?" he said, quickly becoming fixated with the elaborate, yet elegant golden relic, "But…Why? I thought you said you didn't believe in things like fate or luck."
"Oh trust me, Scott…" said Jack, casting both Scott and Jean a smile, "This is something I think you'll both need. You'll understand in due time, that I know. Just hold onto that for now…I think it'll really help in the long run."
Not arguing with the mutant warrior, Scott pocketed the mysterious relic. Both he and Jean weren't quite sure what he meant by his enigmatic message, but they took his word for it. And in Jack's mind, he was confident that he had done what he had to do for the both of them…For if his all seeing eye was any indication, then they were definitely going to need it.
Over with Logan, who was sitting close to Ororo and Laura, he was feeling a lot more tense than usual over this fight. Sure, he managed to remain stern and strong during Apocalypse…But things were different now. This time…He had something even greater to lose. Looking back at Ororo and Laura, he was really beginning to get believe that this was his family. The woman he loved…And the girl who shared his blood…This was it…This was his family. And this was what he was going to defend if he was to learn to live in the present rather than dwell incessantly on the past.
"Logan…Logan, are you alright?" said Ororo, her warm voice offering a calming affect on the feral mutant's being.
"Yeah…Yeah, I'm fine, darlin'," he said, taking a cue from the others and taking her hand in his, giving it a hard squeeze, "Just thinkin', that's all…"
"You're worried some of us may not make it back from this one, aren't you?" said Ororo, not needing a whole lot to decipher that little tidbit from the man she knew so well.
"Of course I am, you know that's always bugged me from day one…" admitted Logan, "It's just that…Now it's different. In pretty much every other fight, I've gone about it as if I had nothing to lose. But thing is…Now that's different. Now I really do have something…I don't just have a bunch of kids to protect…I have a family to protect as well."
Upon hearing that, Ororo felt a slight tear form in her eye. She found herself leaning into his warmth, feeling reassured in a sense that this man would go to the ends of the earth for her and his daughter. It was a further testament to how deep their relationship had grown. Now she could honestly see herself having a future with this man…A future that made what they were fighting for seem all the more pertinent. There was still a blank line on Laura's birth certificate…A line that Ororo had been wanting to fill in for some time now. And once this was over, she made a silent vow to herself that she was going to fill in that blank…She was going to make this official. She wanted it, Logan wanted it, and Laura wanted it…And if they had to fight the forces of Hell in order to achieve this, then so be it.
"We'll get through this, Logan…I know we will," she said to her lover in a warm voice, "We still have a lot of family time to enjoy after this is over…We still have a lot to experience together."
"I know…I know," said Logan, feeling a great deal of warmth from this woman who he still considered a goddess, "And I promise you and Laura as well…I'm not going to let anything happen to either of you. I'm gonna protect my family…Hell or no hell."
"I know you will…Father…" said Laura, casting the two people she considered her parents in every conceivable manner a warm smile, "And coming from you, that's all we need…"
Laura Logan may not have had a lot of experience when it came to family. But after having experienced the love and support that Logan and Ororo had given her, she was determined to hold onto it now and forever, no matter what she had to go through.
From the back, the scene with Logan, Ororo, and Laura brought forth a few smiles…Even from the Professor. It was still strange, seeing Logan as a full fledged family man, but if it gave them more reason to fight for what they believed in, then that was just fine with them.
"Aww…De Wolverine really does have a heart," laughed Remy, earning him a playful grin from Rogue.
"Told ya, sugah."
"Yes, I find it to be quite remarkable as well…" said Piotr, who was sitting next to his girlfriend, Kitty, with his strong arm protectively wrapped around her.
"I know, who'd have thought a guy with such a temper could have a side like that to him…" mused Wanda, who had seen just as much as the others just how volatile Logan could be.
"See…I told you guys he was a real softie at heart!" said Kitty, now feeling somewhat triumphant since she had been trying to get that message across for some time now.
"Hey, hey…Keep it down, Kitty," said Warren, finding it remarkable that anybody could be upbeat at this point, "Let's save the celebrations for when we get back…"
"And celebrate we shall, luv…" said Betsy with a grin as she playfully ran her fingers through the feathers of her lover's wings, "I've already got a boatload of champaign back in the fridge and I intend to put it to good use once we get back."
"Amen to that, Betsy…" said Vincent, who was already looking forward to planning his wedding after all this was over.
Over in the Velocity, tensions were running high as well. Things were fairly quiet as well as Emma followed the X-jet closely. She also kept her link with Vincent open at all times, wanting send him as much love as she could muster in order for him to have the strength to fight through this darkness and return to her and their unborn child. While part of her was still anxious about staying behind and not fighting by her friends' side, she knew that she couldn't endanger her baby. But that didn't mean that she wouldn't do whatever she had to in order to make sure that the world her child was born into wasn't a literal hell on Earth.
"You guys scared?" said Roberto, finally breaking the silence as they all felt the gentle vibrations of the Velocity engines.
"What? We're just about to head into a fight that could leave the world as we know it completely and utterly destroyed…What's to be scared about?" made Bobby, still keeping the same sense of humor that he so often carried with him no matter what the situation.
"Of all the times to be joking…" muttered Jubilee.
"Hey, you know me…" he said, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze, "I always try to cool things down."
That got her to smile somewhat as she snuggled somewhat closer to her boyfriend, hoping that they truly did come out of this one alive, for they still had so much to live for and so much to experience with one another.
"Dude, after this…I am so going to take a vacation," said Roberto with a sigh, looking out the window at the vast, darkened sky, "Maybe I'll go back to Brazil for a while…See my folks…Introduce them to Kelsey."
"Yeah, I take it you sent her a letter too," said Ray, his thoughts drifting back to Kali, "After this, I plan on just going over to Kali's place and give her a big kiss…"
"Good God…That's probably the most romantic thing I've ever heard you say, man," said Bobby, surprised by Ray's words.
"What can I say…The end of the world makes you think crazy things," sighed Ray.
Such words hung strong over the others, particularly Jamie and Rahne, who were just beginning to experience the profound power of their relationship with one another. They were still young, but there was so much they wanted to experience together…So much they wanted to learn. Rahne found herself resting her head on Jamie's shoulder as they both tried to prepare themselves for oncoming fight, hoping to whatever higher power there was out there that they would all come out of this alive.
"You still wanne to come back with me to Muir Island and meet me mother after this, Jamie?" she asked him, taking his hand in hers and holding it tightly.
"Of course, Rahne…" he told her, "Hell, after this…I want to take you out on a date…A real date…Just the two of us."
"Mmm…A date? Sounds like fun…" she said, smiling at the thought.
"Yeah…But we have to win this first."
There was still a great deal of fear amongst the team who did not have the luxury of experience that the others did. Even for those who had been in the fight against Sinister, it had been quite a struggle to say the least.
"So what do you think, Sammy? What do you want to do after all this is over?" asked Tabitha, who was sitting close to her Kentucky born boyfriend, taking in his comforting warmth.
"Afterwards…Ah really don't know Tabby," he said, still very much uncertain as to where this fight was going to lead them, "What about you? Anything in particular that you want to do after this is over?"
"Well…There are a few things," she said, entertaining thoughts of them making love after this was over to celebrate if they came out on top, "But let's wait until it's over, kay?"
Upon seeing her glowing smile, Sam's anxieties seemed to ease somewhat…For this woman really did have a knack for taking seemingly impossible situations and turning them around. And for something like this, they needed all the help they could get if they were to win the day.
For some, however, anxiety was the last thing on their mind. For August, who had chosen to ride on the Velocity so that she could be close to Amara, all she could think about was her mother…And how much she wanted to end her immortal life once and for all. For years, she had been chasing her…Trying to make her pay for all the evil she had inflicted upon the world. And now it seemed as though she had even more reason do finally do this insidious woman in. She was going to bring about the end of the world…She was going to destroy everything worth fighting for and send every living soul into a pit of despair. This was something that August was NOT going to allow. This woman may have given her life, but she was not about to let her send everything and everyone she cared for into the fires of hell.
"August…August, are you going to be okay?" said Amara, placing a hand upon her shoulder as she watched her anxiously stroke the dagger.
"My own mother…" she mused as she held the ancient relic in her hand, "Of all the people to bring hell on Earth, the woman who gave me life is about to bring the worst possible death all over the world…"
"Hey, I know it can't be easy, but…"
"You don't understand, Amara…" said August, cutting her off in mid sentence, "This isn't just about me killing my mother…That part I get. It's just that…All this time, I've been wanting to kill her…But it's not just because of all the pain and suffering she's inflicted upon the world. I guess…I guess I just want to be rid of her because of all the shame I carry for having that sick bitch's blood in my veins. And no matter what I do, I can never escape the fact that I'm her daughter and she's my mother…"
"Hey, come on, August…Nobody will blame you for doing this. I mean, she's trying to bring an end to the world for crying out loud and you're trying to stop it…That alone speaks of just how different you are compared to her."
"But still…It feels somewhat greedy in a sense that I'm doing this for myself just as much as I am for everybody she's hurt."
"All the more reason to fight through this and end it once and for all…" said Amara, trying to sound strong as any born Princess should, "Because once this is over, you'll be free…You won't have to run from her anymore. Don't you want that?"
"Of course I do…I just…"
But Amara didn't let her finish.
"Then let's get through this together…Okay?" she said, pulling her into a strong embrace, "Let's get through this fight and stop Selene before she destroys everything we love. You helped me August…You've given me a reason to be strong…A reason to have hope. Now it's my turn to return the favor. So let's do it…Let's destroy Selene."
For a girl who had been so broken up about the whole Sam/Tabby ordeal when she arrived, August couldn't help but smile at the Nova Roma Princess's resolve. It reminded her somewhat of just why she was so attracted to this girl to begin with. And with her by her side, she had all the more reason to get through this and finish what she started so long ago.
"You're right, Amara…We can do this," she said, firmly gripping the dagger which would be the means of Selene's demise.
"And once this is over, I'm taking you on a nice, long vacation back to my homeland…" said Amara, giving her a kiss on the cheek to show her support.
"A vacation…Yeah, sounds like fun."
With the spirits of New Mutants not getting any brighter as they drew closer and closer to their target, both Hank and Sage exchanged worried looks. As two people of science and knowledge, it was still very difficult for them to believe that they were going up against the forces of Hell. It wasn't scientifically possible…It defied logic in pretty much every manner. Yet here they were, about to head into the thick of it with their friends…And there was truly no turning back.
"You think they're ready for this, Hank?" said Sage, leaning into her lover's furry warmth.
"Honestly my dear…I don't know," sighed Hank, "But for now, I suppose such a confrontation is unavoidable. We are about to face forces that defy all science and logic…And if we do not, then the consequences would be dire beyond description."
Hank found himself holding her closer as he watched the darkened sky speed by, his eyes periodically drifting towards the countdown clock that was ticking away, drawing every closer to the inevitable alignment.
"After this is done, I think we should take a vacation as well…You know, just the two of us," said Sage, looking back up at her lover's face and running her hands through the soft fuzz.
"Yes…A vacation," he said, her words evoking a fury of emotion, "I have not been on one of those in ages. And I could think of no better way to celebrate the survival of the world…Than by the side of a woman such as you dear Sage."
"Oh Hank…" she said, becoming somewhat choked up in her words, "I love you…"
"I love you too, my dear…And mark my word, we are going to take that vacation…We are going to be victorious on this day."
Upon seeing and sensing how everybody was spending their last few moments with their respective loves, Emma found herself somewhat yearning for one last moment with Vincent. There was just so much she still wanted to say to him…So much she still wanted to do. Looking down at her engagement ring that Vincent had proposed to her with, she found herself reflecting upon all the things that she now had to live for. She had people who cared about her, friends that she treasured dearly, and a man she loved with all her heart and who loved her back. And on top of it all, she had a baby growing inside her…A baby that she was going to bring into this world and love and cherish alongside her future husband now and forever. She didn't even want to consider the notion of losing somebody in this battle. After having lost so much in her life, she just couldn't bear it.
'Emma…Emma, baby, are you okay? You feel a little tense…' sent Vincent through their link, having sensed her feelings.
'I am…' she replied to her fiancé, 'Vincent…We're about to head into a fight that could lead to the end of everything we hold dear. And I'm going to be stuck in here when I should be out with my friends helping them fight.'
'Emma, I know how you feel about that…But think of the baby.'
'I know, I know…That's all I can think about at this moment,' she sent to him, her hand suddenly drifting down to her womb, 'It's just that…I want to make sure that my baby has a world that's worth being born into. I don't care what it takes, I just want it to live in a world not consumed by pain, sorrow, and despair. I want to bring it into the world where it can live a life without the heinous things we both suffered growing up…I want to bring it into a world where it'll always feel happy, strong, and loved by it's mommy and daddy.'
Such thoughts made Vincent Freeman smile, for it helped him remember just what was at stake here. At long last, both he and Emma were going to have the family they had lost. They were going to get married, have a baby, and spend the rest of their lives together. And no evil Black Queen was ever going to get in the way of their happiness…Not now, not ever. Vincent didn't give a damn at just how evil this force was…If that's what he had to face to protect his future wife and unborn baby, then so be it.
'You never cease to amaze me, Emma Frost.'
'Hey…You're the one who's marrying me, remember?' she replied, managing a slight smile from his words.
'Or course…And we still have a big wedding to plan,' he reminded her, 'We still have the rest of our lives to spend with one another. And I promise you, and our child for that matter, that we're going to stop this…We're going to win. I love you so much, Emma…And I'm going to love you forever. Don't ever forget that…Don't ever doubt that.'
'I know…I love you too, Vincent. We have the rest of our lives to spend together…We just have to get through this first.'
'Yeah, I know…But for you, my friends, and my future family…It's worth it.'
And with one final message of love, the two settled back in for the rest of the flight…Their link remaining wide open so they could draw strength from one another through the course of this epic fight.
They knew along with the others that time was almost up…The end of the world as they knew it was at hand. And all that stood in their way from victory or defeat was the woman that had caused enough pain for all of them…Selene.
-In the Skies over Tibet-
The X-Jet and the Velocity soared through the air as they arrived in the high mountainous regions of where they had guessed where Selene was held up along with the infamous Gate. Everyone knew of how much this meant and that this was all or nothing. They were all tense as they got closer to their final destination. Although, the sky over the area was grey and the clouds seemed to spiral over one mountain in particular.
"Damn, looks like she might have just started," Slayer said as he felt the evil unnatural energy that was being sent out in waves. He could feel it from here and he didn't like it at all.
"Great, looks like we're late for the party," Logan muttered to himself seeing all of this.
"But we're not too late," Slayer said, he still felt like there was a moment of hope, "The Gate isn't all the way open and it will take time for the darkness to full manifest. As long as it isn't opened up completly there is still a chance to close."
"Any ideas on how to do that?" Wolverine asked him.
Xavier spoke up instead as he remembered what he had been researching, "There was supposed to be a Key that is used in the opening. I believe there was mention that as long as the Key was being used, the doors would remain open."
Slayer nodded. In his experience with this type of thing there usually was something like this. Some weakness or flaw that could be used, if they got the key or even destroyed it, then the Gate should close back up without it keeping it open.
"Although there was a reference that the Key is used as a sacrifice to give it dark powers and there was a little confusion in the translation." Xavier along with Hank and Sage hadn't been able to get an accurate translation on something about the Key. "It said that in order to destroy the Key, it must be balanced out. But what that means I have no idea."
"We'll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it…" he paused for a moment as a black cloud seemed to be moving right towards them. Only Slayer could sense it wasn't a cloud, "These things have weapons right?"
"Of course, why?" Logan then noticed with his great eyesight what the cloud was made out of. "Shit," he flipped the open channel so the Velocity would hear him. "Guys we got incoming, fire everything you got!"
"Roger, that" Sage's voice was heard as the Velocity fired rockets and a chain gun at the mass. They had been making a few new improvements to both vehicles and Xavier after the affair with Sinister felt they needed to be a bit more prepared and had gotten his hands on a few special items. Sage managed through her SHIELD contacts and a few favors, managed to get most of the items he needed along with a few extra.
The X-Jet too launched their own weaponry as they streaked through the sky hitting the mass. It was actually a horde of flying demon types. Missiles hit and exploded the fireball engulfing many as the shockwave and scrapple also did damage as the high velocity rounds tore through their ranks. They split up in the sky spreading out.
"Great this just got a little tougher now," Logan muttered to himself.
"Then let us even the odds," Storm stood up from her place as she walked to the back of the jet.
"Ro' what are ya doin'?" Logan asked her taking the jet into a tight circle.
"Going out there to lend a hand," she told him, she looked at a few of the others, "Anyone else up for it?"
Mayhem and Rogue stood up with her being two of the flyers of the bunch they of course didn't have to worry about falling. Warren stood up as well, but Psylocke stopped him for a moment, "Here you may need a little something extra for this," She handed him one of her Katanas.
"Thanks, I'll try not to lose it," he smiled at her.
"You better not…Those cost a bloody fortune you know," she grinned at him as he met the others out back. He saw that he wasn't the only one with a weapon strapped to Mayhem's waist was a samurai sword that usually hung in his room.
"What's with that?" Warren asked him.
"Last time I went home, my teacher gave me this. It's the clan sword and has been in service for hundreds of years," said Vince as he looked down at his weapon with great respect and even a bit of reverence, "It's a great honor to hold it and to even take care of it. It has been used in many great battles and well…It just seemed right that it should help in some way about saving the world."
Rogue smirked, "Sounds like another legend ta add ta tha blade."
Vince smiled and nodded he wondered what his sensei would say to all of this. They got to the back hatch while trying to keep their footing with Logan taking them into combat turns and dives. They just steadied out and Storm knew it was time.
"Now!" he opened the door as the cold air rushed in.
They hit the cold air, but they didn't take the time to notice it. They were soon surrounded by winged flying creatures of various sizes and types. Ororo took control of the wind making hurricane winds with even colder air currents trying to freeze them in the air. Many got so cold that their wings stopped working and they started to fall to the rocky ground below.
Rogue took to the close encounters with the creatures and with her new powers she finally felt like she could pull her weight on the team now. Instead of feeling like a liability at times, she now had a new found sense of confidence in herself helping the team.
Suddenly, one ugly two jawed creature flew towards her, "Ah don't think so!" she spat as she landed an uppercut that sent the creature back with the force of a truck behind her punch, but there were many more where they came from but she was ready for much more as she flew forward both fists out in front of her powering her way through a score of them like a flying battering ram.
Warren was flying in the air as several converged on him, but they stopped for a moment. They looked at each other for a bit talking in a guttural language he didn't understand. Warren wasn't sure what was going on till one of them made wing motions with his hand and he looked at his.
'Oh I get it,' He grinned. "Oh yeah, you got it ugly, an angel is here so what are you doing to do about it?"
One of them looked at the other as he spoke in their language, "Well what do we do? We were told the Ones from Above wouldn't be involved."
"Maybe they could only send one?"
"Wait…He smells mortal," one stated and the others sniffed the air.
"Maybe a half-breed?"
"It's not full blooded so I say we eat it and see if it bleeds," one grinned as they charged forward towards him.
Warren responded by diving to the left and made his move with Betsy's sword, cutting through the grey skin of the creature as black blood leaked out from him severing one of the wings. The creature started to freefall without both wings and Warren moved on to face the others.
Mayhem was cutting through the ranks with easy as he sped past a maze of ugly demonic creatures. His sword may have been old, but it he easily found that they really knew how to make them back then. He used it to impale, slash, and cut with one hand and used the other to fire energy blasts or punch and kick with his strength feeling bones break from the impacts.
He had to admit this was something he never saw himself doing, but he was damn good at it. All those years of training made him react without thinking and all the new training with the X-Men he felt more connected to his powers then ever. He was trying to gather a bulk of them towards him while keeping the other craft covered.
In the Velocity, Emma placed on the modified helmet which she liked to call Cerebra on and was trying to fire psychic blasts to all the monsters around her. Sage and Hank were keeping their hands full with the Velocity as the others watched. Sam, however, felt like he had to do something other then just sit around and wait for things to get better.
"Ah'm goin' out there to help." He said and stood up suddenly going for the door.
"Cannonball, are you sure about this?" Beast asked him as he made an evasive move as Sage handled the weapons taking out anything in their sky.
"Ah am sir, Ah'm the only one here that can fly and Ah can't be hurt while in flight either," Sam said to him, confident in his abilities.
He knew he could and there was no way he was sitting this out they needed all the help they could or they would land in pieces. It was like the day of that cave-in in the coal mines he was working with this father. He knew he had to do something to help save his father and the other trapped miners and thankfully his powers kicked in and he saved them with it flying out of the mine making a way for them to get out. Now it was time to do it again.
"Very well then," Hank nodded to him.
Tabitha touched his arm slightly, "Sam…Be careful."
She smiled at her and nodded as he walked to the door holding on. Sage opened the door from her controls and Sam launched himself out of the door flying like the projectile he took his name after. Sage closed up the door again as they saw Sam fly through several of the creatures.
The sky was littered with the battle. Winds, lighting, and energy explosions along with bullets and missiles turned the sky into a fireworks display. The X-Jet took a few hits as a few creatures tried to claw their way into it, but either Storm or Mayhem took care of those if Logan didn't shake them off or Xavier didn't send a powerful mind blast to hurt them.
Warren had taken a few close calls, but he was still flying and was covered in black blood in certain places. He did have a scratch here or there, but nothing major as he fought on stabbing the sword into the throat of one of his enemies. Storm was fighting just like the Goddess she had been called back in Africa, lightning was all around her as she was using her powers to their fullest, something she only did on rare occasions. She knew that inside her powers wouldn't be as helpful that and if she could go inside, after all they had faced she was still terrified of small spaces and knowing they would be inside of a mountain didn't help matters.
Vince and Rogue's uniforms had signs of the worst battle damage as they tended to throw themselves into the thick of things. Their invulnerability gave them the advantage of not worrying about their physical bodies unlike others so they would throw themselves into the heaviest of the fighting knowing they could take it and dish it out even more. Rogue was already feeling a few of the hits, but before now she would have been either needed to go to a hospital or dead by the hits she had taken.
She let out a battle cry, slamming a right fist into one creature caving in its skull. They also didn't have to hold back as they weren't fighting humans or mutants. Vince's eyes had taken on their crimson glow as he was lost in his warrior spirit. He only focused on the battle as he slew scores of the creatures and threw out energy bombs that he exploded taking out a few in one shot. He was tiring from this, but he would push on because he knew they had to. This was all or nothing and they all had to fight their way through this.
As the battle raged on it was apparent that the X-Men were winning as the creatures fell from the sky by scores and their numbers were quickly weakening. But they knew that this was only the beginning and maybe even the easy part. Once they landed, then that was when the real battle would begin. All of this was just the warm up.
-Selene-
Selene held the Key to the Gate in her hands as she stood in front of the ruined golden door that had sealed the camber with the Gate of Hell. Just walking into the large cavernous room could send chills down anyone's bones.
The sides of the cave had deep depressions that suddenly were alight with roaring flames started to sprout from them, but even the heat and the hint of sulphur in the air the cave was still cold somehow. Her heels echoed in the large room as the Gate stood in front of her. The large midnight black door stood there large and imposing and very intimidating. There were images of every kind, depicting a hellish existence with gruesome creatures and monsters covering it. They also seemed to be looking at her as it those on the other side could see her there through it.
For a minute she actually paused and the first doubts about this entered her mind. But she quickly put it aside. Over the centuries she had been on this world and truth was she was sick of it. It had become repetitive and boring. No matter what she tried she could never get the power she had been trying to get for her long lifetime. Everything ended in disappointment or ruin to her. From ruling Nova Roma, to her place in Rome, to losing Sinister the only man she considered an equal was gone, and the Hellfire Club was in turmoil as many members were now dead or just gone. Even her own daughter had been a disappointment.
Now it was time to end it all…To bath the planet in cleansing fire and from the ashes build it back up from the ground up. It was time to go and clean house with this pathetic world and for her to remake the Earth in her image. She grinned as she found a small depression in the floor about the size of the sphere in her hands. By now it was glowing with dark energy and she could see the stars align themselves in this chamber.
She placed the Key into the depression and as soon as she took a few steps back a black beam of light shot out and hit the Gate. The air seemed to ripple with the unholy force that was unleashed. Then a loud breaking and grinding noise echoed off the walls. It was almost enough to make her deaf as she covered her ears as the massive gates slowly opened. Then as soon as there was a crack red light came through as did a rush of heat and even more sulphur and brimstone washed over her.
There was also a chaotic sound, it was like billions of voices merged into a symphony of horror. She knew they were the cries of the dammed and their voices were like nothing she had ever heard before. So much pain, anguish, hatred and anger…It was a sound not meant for the land of the living and just behind the noise was cheering. The first cried of joy that realm had known in eternity as the doorway slowly opened and she fell to her knees as she glimpsed hell.
It was pretty much like one would expect, only with a black and scorched sky, an endless realm with hellfire and brimstone. She saw ruined temples, buildings, and other structures throughout all of time there. Some that were so warped and twisted she didn't know what they were for. The ground was covered in rust coloured dust as well as blackened ash. The land screamed of suffering and torment. She watched and a single tear fell from her face seeing it all.
"It's…Beautiful," she whispered out to herself.
Then a large black creature with large red eyes and long slender spikes that look like they were part of the body came forward. It spoke in a dark tone with a deep voice, "You are the one that opened the Gate, Selene." It wasn't a question, but she nodded anyway.
"I am Blackheart, I am to take the Key to the Altar." He pointed and just behind the Gate was an altar there. The Gate was opening slowly, but she saw a bit of it through the crack. She guessed it would take some time for it to fully open and for the larger more powerful beings that lived in that realm to be able to walk out of it.
Blackheart picked up the sphere and started walking towards the slightly opening gate when a minor creature in Selene's service ran up.
"Mistress! Enemies have landed they are-" the small creature stood still as it saw the opening gate and not only Selene, but a high level Demon Lord himself there. The small grey creature was brought out of his pause and went back to face his Mistress that had summoned him and his brethren. "We are losing ground and they may be here before the Gate is fully open!"
Selene didn't like this at all. She didn't have the strength to summon any more creature, but then maybe she didn't have to. She looked to Blackheart and grinned, "I don't suppose there are any that will want the chance to fight and kill some pesky mutants?"
"There are many that will relish the chance to tare into living flesh again…That is if they choose to kill them. Some may take their soul, others may enjoy wounding them and then…Playing with what's left," the high level demon told her.
Selene only smiled coldly at him, "That sounds perfect to me. Just see if they can keep a few of them alive. I want them to suffer for the pain and humiliation they caused me." She wanted many of them to suffer long and tormented deaths at her feet. She watched as Blackheart walked back into Hell with the key in hand and soon a small army of creatures seemed to rise up and started for the door.
"This is only the beginning," she said to herself seeing her new forces start to emerge from the Gate and she couldn't wait until the X-Men faced her new warriors.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 77: THE FINAL CONFRONTATION