Note: A part may seem like it doesn't belong due to something that happens in this chapter, mentioned forehand. But after reading, it does fit.
Her hand is propped against her hand, sighing. "You are so lucky. You have it all. Hell, you and Ikaris can even argue like mature adults, not agree and still not have problems that direly affect your marriage." "Lyja Storm, Johnathon may be a lot of things, however, honesty is a priority he holds dear. Sure, your initial reason for being on this planet was to be a spy. But once you fell in love with him, you should have come clean.
You knew at that point, how important that quality is to him. Heck, Rachel knew and she had known him for a shorter period of time." "But Rachel Summers was also a telepath." "Who didn't abuse her power. He might have still married you if you had been honest and your marriage would have survived its ordeals." "Our always finding our way back to each other became a pattern, I needed to break from. And after rediscovering myself, we were finally on solid ground again. And yet with Sky, things have become difficult again.
So, your and Ikaris's marriage makes me jealous. I love Johnny. I always have since he came into my life. I always will." "Lyja, our relationship hasn't been as easy as you are making it out to be. Not that I hold it against him, we never expected the other to be virgins, especially given our longevity. However, you didn't have to compete with Sersi and Margo Damian's ghosts." "Then what about Crystal?!"
"Crystal left him long before you two ever met. So even though, she was his first love. He had gotten over her. Besides, Johnny despite his forgiving nature, would never settle for being second rate. And her marriage to Pietro made him such, even when she told him she regretted leaving him for Pietro.
Sure, Sky may be in the picture. But he still loves you and you two have a child, fight for him. Just don't be underhanded and lie again, you will lose him if you do. Even one such as Johnny has limits to being forgiving and having patience. Learn from your mistakes. Besides the space between them is going to be a major problem for them. Now which should I wear?" Holding the two outfits side by side. "Who is accompanying you this time?!" "I am!" Turning The Skrull sees Adam Extreme standing in the hallway.
The group nearly bowl him over from behind, barely arriving. "Where are you going, Kathleen?" "Kitty, I thought I already talked to you about this?! Oh, but the bachelorette party?!" "I may have been making peace with all of you. But at the moment, all of you are pushing it." "But since you didn't have one last time and with the two of you going to renew your vows. We can't have it without the host?!" "Don't worry, I will be there. But this event was planned months before this impromptu event, I can't skip it."
"But they are throwing Ikaris a bachelor party!" "And Johnny is lucky he wasn't murdered when my dear husband found out what Johnathon planned for their entertainment. I trust Ikaris so I have no problem with the company they will be keeping. Though, I can't guarantee all bets will be off if one of the strippers tries to tempt him. Johnny wouldn't be able to find a place to hide from him. You can actually use this to your advantage, Lyja. He will forgive your masquerade, just tell him the truth when alone and reveal yourself." She takes Adam's arm as the two leave the group behind.
His arm searches blindly as his vision is blurry, sitting up. She appears in his view. Bending down, "well I must say that, that was some party you attended!" "Uhh! What happened?!" Turning to see Lyja and Kitty standing in the doorway. Rachel Grey and Hope Summers behind them. Standing up, "he wants to know what happened?" The females begin laughing as Kathleen controls the smile on her face. "The better question, my love, is what didn't happen?
Johnathon Storm is sitting in a cell. We all thought it were better he sits and think about what he did. Especially since all of this is technically his fault, he knew such a place wasn't your idea of fun. It didn't help that Johnathon still possesses his own immaturity. Suffice to say, mayhem ensued. Do you remember any of this?" I do. Though, not all of it. If I had known, I would be rethinking this ceremony. And consider our nuptials enough." "And thankfully, Kitty managed to hack all the footage."
Becoming pale, "child, please tell me you didn't?!" "Oh, but we did. And we all can't unsee it." Lowering his head, "I will be the laughing stock of Olympia now!" "Is committing to me again such a horrible thing?" He jerks his head to look at her, "NEVER! Though, now I know never to trust Johnathon Storm. And let my judgment lapse doing so last night. Just if or when we do it again, we go about it with more subtlety and privacy?!"
Surrounded by some of his closest friends and comrades, then there is Johnathon Storm. The group approaches the building. "What is this place?" "A strip club." Ajax answers. "Guys, are you really sure that this was a good idea?" Bucky asks. "Of course, come on, guys. I set this up. What's not to love, he is still human, right?!" Shatterstar looks to Ikaris. "Torch, I still don't think bringing him here was the best…" "It is alright. Johnathon Storm went out of his way to orchestrate this gathering. It would be rude for me to refuse."
Shatterstar looks to Rictor, "Um, Ikaris, you do know what a strip club is?" "Of course, I do. It is a place of debauchery." Eros Starfox, Kingo, and Ajax shrug their shoulders. "And you don't see a problem with that?!" "No. Kathleen trusts me and she has nothing to worry about." "See, he is cool with it." Johnny answers. "Oh boy, kid! I would be afraid if I were you!" Howlett replies.
Johnny becomes nervous at this. "Maybe, we shouldn't after all." "Nonsense, mine friend. What is there not to enjoy?!" Hercules says. "Hercules is right. What is not to love, drinks, women?!" Thor adds. Both grabbing Johnny as he tries to escape, "hey no. I changed my mind. Put me down!"
"Kid, you aren't really scared, are you?" Grimm asks. "Hell yeah, I am, Ben! If Ikaris isn't going to hunt me down, Kathleen definitely will. And we all know how dangerous The Phoenix's wrath is!" The group walk up the steps with him still struggling. A twinkle appears in Sprite's eyes as he follows the group inside under the guise of a young adult. 'Oh, this is going to be good. Let the festivities begin!'
Sitting the younger Storm down, Thor and Hercules keep their hands on him. As Shatterstar, Rictor and Ikaris search for a booth. As Ajax and the others approach the bar for a round. "I will keep the tab open considering how many of you there are." 'We appreciate it." "Oh, it's no problem. I heard this was a bachelor party, consider it a gift. Enjoy!" The bartender turns their back before a response can be issued.
The elders of the group at the tables quickly find that this isn't as enjoyable as they thought. Should say three out of the five anyway. "Are all the woman attired scantily?" "Hercules, it is a strip club." "Aye, but surely they must have more clothing than this?!" Thor adds. Ikaris sighs. Ben and Howlett remaining quiet, pulling cigars out. Just as the bartender and owner appear, "Peter, here has told me that this is part of a bachelor party. I am James Killian and consider these on the house. And let me know if you need anything else, in fact." Johnny appears, "hey, drinks!" James nods to one of the women. Approaching his side, Johnny turns at the movement.
"This here is, Candy!" "Hey there, Candy. I'm." "Johnny Storm, I know!" Taking his hand, "how about I take you somewhere more private?!" The two immediately abandon the group. "Well, we will be off. Don't hesitate to let me or Peter know if you need anything else?!" Approaching the table, "well at least, someone is having fun." Shatterstar says seeing Johnny and the woman disappear down a hallway.
The two sit next to Ikaris. As Ajax and Eros Starfox appear, women on each of their arms. Kingo behind them, his disinterest barely concealed. Two women standing on either side of him, doing their best to get his attention. "We see that Johnny got the party started. Ben Grimm, are you okay?" "I'm fine." He and Howlett the only occupants at the adjacent table. "I don't want to rock the boat with Alicia." "But we brought enough women, Howlett?!" "Maybe later."
"Star, Rictor, Ikaris?!" "Fox, you know two of us don't even play the field you are suggesting. We are only here to support Ikaris." Star answers. "Cousin?!" Scrutinizing him, "you really have to ask or recommend?!" "But come on, Ikaris, this is all for you. Live a little!" Ikaris gets up which the women take advantage of. As the others quickly and wisely make themselves scarce, "Grimm if you don't wish to get involved further you should leave now." "And you?!" "I'll stay. It looks like it is about to get good. Besides, you have your old woman to worry about." Howlett tells him.
One of the women lightly pushes Ikaris onto a stool as another straddles his lap, leaning in. As he turns his head, "madams, if you could please put more clothing on and get off of me, then maybe you have a better chance of getting my attention." Before the women can respond, "aye, lasses. This one is spoken for. But maybe you wouldn't mind us?!" Thor replies "But this is his party, right?!" One of the women repsonds. The drinkers' inhibitions lowered at this point. Which is everyone except for Howlett and Johnny at this point.
"It is." Another female approaches, "and you don't want anything from us? Are you sure honey?!" Placing her hand where it really shouldn't be, the group knows that trouble is about to begin. "Rictor, Star, get Starfox and Ajax. And make it quick." Howlett tells them. Hercules and Thor too drunk at this point to comprehend the warning.
Placing his hand over the woman's before moving it. "I have tried to be respectful." "This is the wrong place for that." "I see that now." "So why did you come here then, mister?!" Ignoring her question, "even in a house of ill repute, respect should be given. Clearly, I was mistaken any of you wished otherwise. This only belongs to one woman. And I am done playing." As he pitches forward, his speed has him knocking over and breaking chairs. "JOHNATHON STORM!"
Her hands in his pants, "before we continue, I have something to tell you Johnny Storm!" "Yeah?!" Sitting back, "well go on, beautiful!" Standing up, she morphs. "Unbelievable! How many times are you going to lie?! And how many times am I going to forgive you?!" "Johnny, please, it's not like that?!" "Isn't it, Lyja?!" "Kathleen suggested." "She did, did she?!" "No, please, listen. And if you still don't want to accept what I have to say, then I guess I really have lost you!"
Stopping at the sadness in her voice, "go on." "I am sorry. It's not like I really could have gotten in looking like myself." "Fine. I'll give you that." "Thank you. Surely, you must know that this is all for you. I have always loved you. I always will. And yes, I caused almost all the problems between us with my lies. But I thought we were finally on the same page, then Torus came along. And everything gradually started falling apart again and then you met Sky. I?!"
Sighing, "Lyja! I honestly don't know. Yes, it always comes back to you somehow. But knowing that Sky is meant to be my soulmate, I." Putting her head down, "I see. I lost you a long time ago. If I ever really, had you?!" She turns her back, taking a step. He grabs her arm turning her around. "Lyja, come on?!" His lips are on her before each can truly register what is happening. "…!" Pulling back, "did you hear that?" "Hear what?!"
The wall behind them collapses as he stands there. "JOHNATHON STORM!" "AW, $HIT!" Johnny ignites his power taking to the sky, busting a hole through the wall. Making his way back to the main room. Seeing Howlett getting up, "quick, hide me! Help me, something?!" Lighting another cigar, "naw, kid! You got yourself into this mess. And I am still having too much fun, watching." Bucky by his side, remaining as quiet as ever.
Barely dodging the attack from behind, Lyja is intercepted by Rictor and Shatterstar. As Ajax, Eros Starfox and Kingo approach Howlett, standing next to him. Ikaris and Johnny begin to tussle in the air. "JOHNNY!" Lyja calls out. Shatterstar pulls his sword out. "Wolverine is right. This is becoming fun now. And nay, creature, you will not assist your lover." The warrior tells her "HEY! YOU CAN'T HAVE SWORDS IN HERE!" James yells. "Rictor!" Shatterstar adds. "Right." Julio replies.
Grabbing chairs and smashing them, the laughter boisterous. "AYE! LET HIM HAVE HIS BOON!" As the two deities stand side by side, joining the fray. "You know that we should stop this before it really becomes too out of hand." Bucky finally speaks. "You know that happened when we agreed with coming here. Johnny really should have known better." Howlett says. Seeing Peter and James silently tending the bar, knowing get involved would be detrimental to their health. The warning their only participation. "Wolverine is right. Besides, I know magic when I see and sense it. They did a really good job of masking it." Eros Starfox tells them.
"What do you mean, cousin?" Kingo asks. Before getting being able to answer however, Starfox is accidentally shoved by Thor and Hercules; hitting the edge of the table, being rendered unconscious. "Starfox!" As James Killian and Peter make their way to them, just as Johnny and Ikaris rip right through the entrance. "Oh, okay. It is time to go now. Herc, Thor help me. Kingo, Lyja, get Shatterstar and Rictor." Howlett tells them. "WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR THIS?!" Pulling out what he has, he places it in James's hand, "and if you keep your mouth shut, there will be more where that came from."
The group barely get into the car as the two are beginning to become specs in the horizon. "Wolverine, how are we going to track them now?!" "Their scents." "But only one of us is clearheaded enough to fly at the moment. And face it, Skrull, there is no guarantee we can count on you?!" Shatterstar says "If it helps Johnny, then count me in. And I have a name. And you are an alien as much as I am, give or take." "Star, Lyja, we don't have time for this." Kingo tells them.
The groans of pain the only indication he is still breathing. As the car gives way to the pressure, crushing the hood and glass due to the fall. As his companion touches down not far from him, just as officers begin to surround them. "You have nothing to fear from me. I am simply doing my duty. This man was behind everything." "But that's?!" The jolt courses through him the moment they make contact.
Going down like a ton of bricks, just as the others arrive. "CURSED HUMANS! JUST WAIT UNTIL I!" Another surge runs through him as he collapses again. Struggling to get up, supporting himself on his knees. "Easy there, Ikaris." "Kingo?!" "We will handle it. Rictor, Lyja help him to the car. Thor, Hercules, shut up! Shatterstar and Howlett back him if it goes wrong." Hercules and Thor being intoxicated are left to watch over Starfox.
It doesn't take long for the issue to be cleared due to Kingo's composure. Shatterstar making sure Johnny is secure in his cell before walking back outside. "Shatterstar, help me with him. It is going to take a while before he regains feeling again. I think Starfox was on to something. Magic was definitely involved. Though, it looks like the culprit is going to remain a mystery. Though, given the party, I have a suspicion as to who it was. And so, for their sake, it is better their identity isn't revealed." Speaking the last part loud enough, as the form melts back into the shadows.
Opening the door at the knock, Monet, Kitty, Hope, Rachel Grey, Lorna, Jean, Paige, Scarlet and Wanda stand behind Kathleen. Howlett, Kingo, Shatterstar and Rictor step through. Followed by Ajax and Lyja who are supporting Starfox. As Thor and Hercules are aiding Ikaris, "what happened?!" Moaning from pain at her voice, "Aikaterine?!"
The two at his side, never having heard the nickname. Not that their drunken state is helping begin laughing, "what is that?!" "It sounds like. What is it called again, Hercules?!" A bat…a batt…" "Could all of you please keep it down?!" Ikaris responds. Comprehending and focusing on the multiple Kathleen's, through the vision that is rapidly fading due to his injuries, he moves forward. "Kat, you have s'm splain' to do." He adds not having complete control over his functions yet. "Excuse me?!" "You heard me, woman!" He replies before pitching forward.
Accepting the ice pack, pills and glass of water that are placed in his hands. Taking the pills before putting the pack on his head. "Uh, remind me to never go out with Johnny Storm again." "How much of this do you actually remember, Ikaris?" "It is still hazy which is weird, because that amount of alcohol usually doesn't affect me like that!"
"And Johnny?!" "Umm?!" Sitting by his side, moving his head her way. "You left him with the police. And we all thought it was best he was left there for the time being. Susan and Reed agree after the explanation was given to them. Here give me that!" Taking it from his hand, "though, he did manage to give you a few good wallops." She tells him, placing it on one of his blackening eyes. "And how was your night, Aikaterine?" "Apparently much better than yours, not to mention calmer."
