Night had settled in but everyone moved to the X Jet getting onboard and strapped in. Beast and Cyclops sat in the pilot seats as they soon started off towards Washington DC, towards M.I.N.C.E headquarters..
hidden within the clouds the X jet flew towards the base cloaked. It soon set down near the far side of the base and landed just away from view.
In the X Jet, Cyclops discussed the plan Cyclops: the base is guarded, going through the front gate is not an option, so were going to have to make our way through the side way.
Wolverine nodded Wolverine: soon as I get Storm or Moira's scent, i'll lead us the right way. Don't be surprised if we get some company.
Bishop nodded Bishop: they won't be a problem with me here.
Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: Bishop, I want you here guarding Nalm, You Beast and Nalm are our support. Beast, the X Jet was upgraded by forge to act as a visual scanner right? how well does it work?
Beast typed on a keyboard next to the side of the seat he was in. A viewscreen came up with an x ray view of the base, red dots patrolled what looked to be hallways in the interior of the base Beast: seems our friend Forge has given the X Jet radar a boost as well as hacking capabilities. Limited functions can hack cameras and alarm systems.
A voice came from the jet of Forge Forge: Don't worry my friends, ive already neutralized their alarm systems. No one's coming to help them.
Beast blinked Beast: ah Forge, I take it you have gotten to safety?
Forge nodded Forge: I have, ive spent some time making my own little panic room. Long story short, its unbreakable. Juggernaut couldnt open this room without breaking his arms. Nevermind that though, theres an elevator far in the back of the base that is showing some heavy use. Its likely a prisoner hold. You should focus on going there.
Cyclops nodded Cyclops: We'll start with that then. Wolverine, Ellie, Havoc and I will go. he opened the back hatch of the jet as it lowered down then walked out with the group. He looked to Ellie just remember your training and follow our cues.
Ellie nodded. "I will."
Wolverine nodded Wolverine: don't worry kid, if things get rough, i'll give them somethin' ta cry to mommy about. he unsheathed his blades.
Nalm looked to them Nalm: be careful, especially you Ellie, when you all need me to, i'll use my powers to stop time around the base.. but i can only do it for so long and so many times.. at the most, ten minutes, three times.
Cyclops nodded Cyclops: just don't strain yourself.
Ellie nodded. "Be careful here too.. No telling if they'll try to come after you all if we get found first.."
He nodded to her. Soon, the group headed out moving through the area avoiding the spotlights as they approached a fence. Wolverine cut out a large hole in the fence for the group to walk in. Along the fence the cameras were focused on different areas seemingly moving out of the view of the group. Cyclops stopped the group as they moved ahead and hid in the bushes with the others following. A soldier made his rounds looking around then walked away towards the next spot.
he waved for them to make their way to a locked side door as Wolverine cut the lock and opened the door. One by one they made their way into the base
The interior of the base held a long hallway with doors at the side. They arrived at the soldiers bunks but only few soldiers patrolled the area. Cyclops spoke into a small radio quietly Cyclops: Forge, were in. Where to.
he spoke next to them Forge: from there that hallway should lead further into the base. If im correct youll come to a door that will lead you to the V-Tech Power armor room. Don't worry the whole rooms empty because the projects going to be scrubbed due to funding shifting over.. ahem.. anyhow it will be empty, make your way through that room and it will lead you to the operations room.
Cyclops nodded and headed down the hall with the group dodging opened rooms quietly slipping past them. The soldiers in their rooms were focused on their own things. Some chattering as others simply slept. As they reached the door a keypad lock was in front. Cyclops stood by it and pressed a random button combination. The door unlocked and opened silently. Forge spoke again Forge: dont think you got it right, it was coded to accept any numbers you put in.
Cyclops shrugged Cyclops: thanks for the help. he smirked a bit and shrugged with the others walking into the room. The door closed behind them as they looked around at the mechs on the side of the room.
Havoc shook his head Havoc: sure these things arent gonna start moving?
Wolverine smirked Wolverine: whats wrong? fraid of a little tin cans?
he shook his head Havoc: only the ones that move Wolverine.
Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: Keep focused, were almost to the next room. he headed to the door but suddenly gasped frozen gh! ...I can't move...
Wolverine growled and was suddenly stuck in place Wolverine: grrr! the woman...from before..
they heard a light clapping as Shadestorm walked from one of the shadows Shadestorm: of course you'd take this path. I'm no fool.
Soon four soldiers appeared from each side of the area surrounding the group.
Ellie was frozen in place, but she was ready this time. Forming an electric charge throughout her body, she began to glow brightly, until her entire body flooded the space with light - hoping to blind the group as well as the others against them as well as drown out the shadows.
the soldiers covered their face along with Shadestorm. Her power was disabled long enough for the group to get free. Cyclops looked to Havoc Cyclops: use the low lights on your suits! Wolverine and Havoc turned on a small light on the side of their suits being covered in light. The glow slowly faded around the area as Ellie soon had lights activate on her gauntlets, preventing Shadestorm from using her powers to grip them. Recovering faster than the soldiers, Cyclops blasted one away into a wall knocking him out while Havoc did the same, Wolverine slashed at one soldier and punched him in the face with his other hand crawling up him and then from the soldier pounced on the one beside him diving his claws into the side of the soldiers hip then headbutted him knocking the two out.
Shadestorm soon recovered and pulled out two pistols and began firing at them aiming to the lights on their suits. Cyclops and Havoc took cover behind a leg of a robot as Wolverine moved in front of Ellie taking the shots and moving her behind cover with him. Shadestom then rushed into the shadows vanishing as she spoke with a laugh Shadestorm: you know you will all hang for this! attacking a US sponsored facility is the same as saying muties want war with the stupid Americans that shape them.
Wolverine shook his head Wolverine: way I see it you got two options miss fraid of light, yer gonna give us our people back or your gonna get stabbed then give em back!
Ellie placed her hands on the metal around the area that they were hiding behind while they argued, and tried to send her electricity through it aiming for the area the other woman had dove into the shadows of, since a lot of it was interconnected.
the shadows lit up revealing the woman was now moving through the walls of the very shadows themselves all around the room. From behind them an arm aimed a gun at their heads. Wolverine smelled the air and slashed turning around. Shadestorms arm was cut clean off but vanished into smoke. She laughed at his effort Shadestorm: you X men make me sick! thinking your little group is above anyone else, you think your untouchable dont you? Pah! Lots of you are already dead, you should just lay down and die already! suddenly a smoke bomb was dropped down from the cealing and smoke filled the room blocking out the lights around the others. A fist flew by punching at Cyclops and Havoc. The two began to dodge them and swung back but only hit smoke. Shadestorm started to use the smokes own shadows to strike at them. She then tossed a knife from the smoke towards Ellie*
Ellie formed energy into her glove, forming the sword of it, and swiped up at the knife just in time to knock it away from herself.
Soon a shadow rushed forward in the form a woman and slashed at her neck. Wolverine moved in front and pierced its chest with his claws but it vanished not before dimming the light on his suit. He suddenly became sluggish but was still able to move. The figure then reappeared below them and moved to grab Ellie's leg.
Ellie turned the sword downwards and jabbed it down at the figure below.
the figure faded as she stabbed solid ground at her feet. The smoke cleared as Cyclops and Havoc were shown with cuts along their body and their lights broken. They were soon stuck in place as the shadow of the woman appeared walking over to them. She carefully aimed Cyclops head towards Ellie and Wolverine Shadestorm: your friends couldn't last long against the darkness, now lets see if you can stand one of your own attacking you.
Forge spoke through a small radio in her glove Forge: Ellie, use your powers to charge your gloves, you may get a useful power!
Ellie charged her glove to 12% , letting the sword fade away as she moved in front of Wolverine defensively. "Let's hope this works.."
Soon her powers changed with her gloves glowing and she could feel the tips of her fingers glowing. A vision of small orbs appeared in her palm and then a woman throwing them at the shadow went through her mind.
Ellie blinked, but followed the vision, forming them as they appeared in her palm from the energy, and threw the orbs at Shadowstorm, aiming carefully.
She tossed a multitude of the orbs at the shadow who gasped. Cyclops blinked and was released with Havoc as the light from the orbs hit them and both ducked in cover. The shadow blinked and was hit by explosive blast of light splitting herself from the shadows as Shadestorm was knocked out of the shadows and crashed tumbling into the wall She staggered to stand bleeding from her head Shadestorm: nnngh! what.. in the... no one told me you had this power!? she formed the shadows again slowly around her.
Forge spoke up Forge: Boom Boom? couldn't have happened at a better time!
Shadestorm faded into the wall once more as Cyclops and Havoc regrouped. Havoc shook his head Havoc: i'm seeing it but i don't believe it! she really can use others powers... that's insane..
Cyclops nodded Cyclops: Told you.
the shadows soon pulled away from the group and formed a large pillar around them. It began spinning like the eye of a tornado with them in it and shadowy hands with knives and guns appeared on each side aiming at them. Wolverine growled Wolverine: Shoot! she wants to shish kabob us huh!?
Ellie frowned but held her hand out towards the Shadows and focused, sensing for Shadowstorm's blood inside of it and did something new. She let her body react to the coming danger as she moved in front of the other three and held out both palms towards the force. Her veins begun to glow pink over her body in reaction as they spread from her hands to up her arms, and she flung her arms wide before stringing her fingers backwards to try to control the blood in shadowstorm's body and force her out of the tornado and to freeze before them, as she tried to control her movements in the blood/electricity in the nerves.
Shadestorm was soon pulled from the shadows and to the ground unable to move. She struggled to break free gasping as she watched her weapons drop around the group. She shook her head growling Shadestorm: Wh-what the hell are you doing to me?! I will.. not be restrained!... grahhh!
Cyclops blinked Cyclops: that's new..
Forge shook his head Forge: Ellie, what are you doing.. I wasnt prepared for this.. it looks like the percentage of the gloves is rising faster..
Shadestorm huffed coughing Shadestorm: I can't... I can't breathe well... it hurts... let me go now!
Ellie glared at her. "I've been shot at, stabbed at, fired at, punched at, what ever else at, and seen a lot of folks getting hurt and I'm getting tired of it!" She vented a bit. "I don't like to use this power.. but you better stay put or I will." She warned Shadestorm, then finally released her.
Shadestorm huffed and kneeled down Shadestorm: hah... hah.. fool.. she rose her hand sending sharp blades of shadow at Ellie but before they could reach her the lights turned on around the group. Shadestorm screamed in pain aiiigh! the light! too bright... no gah... she crawled to a shade below the leg of the powersuit and hid away.
Forge spoke up on the radio Forge: got it... I hacked the lights.. she's defenseless now.
She hissed from the shadows Shadestorm: You wont win.. its far too late for them all.. Sinister has created the ultimate weapon.. its too late!
Wolverine pulled a hanging light down to shine in her face as she yelled and tried to hide more Wolverine: Start talkin' or i'll make ya see the light dark witch!
She spat a bit at the floor and snarled Shadestorm: you can be the one to beg for mercy when hes done, Soon the Trinity wont even matter, Sinister has almost everything he needs to make himself a god among mutants! In just four hours this world will burn away in times fire!
Cyclops shook his head moving the light away from her Cyclops: she's raving, we need to keep moving.
Forge spoke up Forge: you should get going now, the elevator is out of that room and at the back of the hallway.
Cyclops nodded Cyclops: alright, Havoc, Elle, lets move. Wolverine, make sure she doesnt come after us.
Wolverine nodded and grabbed the wires from the lights then pulled her forward and wrapped her arms around it while having the light hang down like a lantern on her arms. She hissed trying to shake loose but was too weak. He smirked as the group started off out of the room to the hallway Wolverine: brighten up chump.
Ellie nodded and began to follow after the others out of the room, moving towards the elevator.
Doors long lines of doors were lined up left and right down the hall, inside some, were weapons while others held supplies. A room in particular held what seemed like equipment specifically built for mutants sealed away. Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: A storage hall. Looks like their taking whatever they can and holding it here. He shook his head it doesnt matter. Move down the hall now. he started to run with Havok and Wolverine following him.
As they reached the elevator the door opened revealing Colossus inside. He stepped out seeing them and stared silently. Cyclops looked to him Cyclops: Colossus? Whose side are you on?
Colossus shook his head Colossus: Do not worry comrade, I have always been on your side. Ever since I "died" that time ago.. but now is not the time. You must hurry and take the elevator down to rescue the others. he moved aside as the elevator doors opened.
Cyclops nodded and walked in with the others. Wolverine looked to him Wolverine: suppose you aint joining us yet tin man?
He smiled Colossus: Nyet.. I have still much to do my friend. I shall act as a decoy and lead soldiers away. Be prepared for alarms though, it is only way this will work.
Cyclops nodded Cyclops: let's go Ellie.
Ellie made her way into the elevator with the others with a nod. "Alright."
The doors closed as the elevator went down far into the base. After some time it stopped and everyone prepared themselves as the doors opened. On the other side however were vats of cloned mutants all around them. It extended far through the area a man was at the back of the room focused on the tube in front of him. No guards or anyone else were around much to their surprise.
Wolverine moved quickly sneaking up behind the man and raise a claw to his back Wolverine: Don't turn around. Tell us where Sinister is and we may keep ya alive, bub.
As the others moved forward the figure slowly turned and growled leaping at wolverine. He pulled back as it fell to the ground and scowled with a hiss. Everyone looked shocked at the monster before them. Cyclops: what... is that?!
Wolverine moved forward and stabbed the creature in the head as it roared out and gasped dying on the ground Wolverine: this ain't good.. this was a normal human.. ain't no zombie either.. its blood's been drained!
A voice was heard from a speaker of Sinister Sinister: Do you like my staff X Men? their hard working, so hard working they even gave their blood to this project.
Cyclops snarled Cyclops: enough madness Sinister! Shut this down!
Sinister laughed a bit Sinister: Poor poor X men, Do you not see im saving you all? The world is going to fall to nothing unless someone takes back whats yours.
Havok shook his head Havok: Drop the act Sinister, You only care about yourself. The Life trinity is what your after, you want to rule mutants!
He laughed more Sinister: my oh my, I thought you were dead havok. Did The Acolytes of Magneto fall so far that their teaming up with X men instead of their true ruler?
Havok snarled Havok: I stand for what Magneto wanted mutants to be, not the man himself!
Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: Were done talking Sinister, come out or we'll break everything and pull you out!
Wolverine nodded raising his claws Wolverine: now your speaking my language.
Sinister sighed then spoke again Sinister: Very well.. you wish to see me that badly, I'll allow it.. but there's a two person minimum.. so two of you will have to stay behind and play with.. X-Zero.
Soon loud thumping footsteps were heard as a figure from the shadows moved forward. A door behind one of the tanks opened up as well. The figure dragged a scientist with him by his leg then was revealed to be a giant being in a coat. The figure stood stoic and silent looming over them as it raised the scientist by his head.
The group looked to the menacing being as Sinister spoke Sinister: Meet the prototype of the ultimate life, After years of work, I have created a mutant with the abilities of life. All he needs... is a bit of life force himself..
Soon a glow came from the beings hand as it absorbed the scientist blood. He yelled out in pain and screamed turning into a husk as he was let go and fell to the ground dead
Cyclops blinked Cyclops: ...what... have you done!? This is... a monster!
Sinister growled Sinister: A monster?! Fool! X-Zero absorbs life force from all beings and has the ability to use ANY mutant power. For example.. the beings eyes started to glow red.
Cyclops blinked Cyclops: Duck! *he kneeled down just as a beam of red energy much like Cyclops's shot from the monsters eyes.
Ellie dove down quickly to avoid it.
the beam wiped through tanks knocking clones out of them. Soon Wolverine rushed toward it and slashed but he was blocked by a claw from one of the beings arms. It grabbed him and tossed him back sending him flying into the tank knocking another clone out as it shattered. Wolverine snarled and stood up as Zero stood silent and stared. Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: this thing has some abilities similar to Ellie.. but I bet it's not perfect.
Forge spoke on the radio to them Forge: everyone, I hacked the camera in that area.. that thing may look tough but I can tell its not perfect. Its powers can only be used based on how much energy it absorbs, my guess is he took some of Saurons dna and mixed it with that thing to be able to use our powers. If we wear on the battle it will drain its energy and make it useless.
Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: we dont have time! theres no telling what Sinister is doing to our comrades, we cant waste time on this thing. he fired his beams at the monster only for it to raise armor like Colossus around its body next defending itself. Cyclops and Havoc then focused their beams on it but to no avail. Zero stood undamaged.
Forge nodded Forge: theres definitely something going on.. I dont think this is Sinisters trump card.. but if were going to get past it, we may have to play by his rules.. two of you have to stay behind. Ellie needs to go though.
Wolverine smirked Wolverine: Cyke, get goin with the kid. Let me and Havok take the trash out.
Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: Wolverine.. this thing has all of our abilities.
He shook his head Wolverine: it aint Weapon X, im not scared of shoddy knockoffs. Been wanting to fight somethin like this for some time anyhow.. its got a bit of you in it.. and lets just say.. i've got some rage to work out.
Havok nodded charging his energy Havok: I couldnt agree more, I still havent completely forgot what you did brother.
Cyclops sighed Cyclops: I should feel honored.. alright then.. Ellie get ready.. their going to create an opening for us to pass.
Ellie nodded, readying herself for the chance. "Got it."
the group stared down Zero and soon Wolverine smirked Wolverine: IS that the best you could come up with Sinister? some sort of Weapon X ripoff? ya like stealing other peoples work? thought you were a scientist.
Sinisters voice was heard angry Sinister: Wolverine... you dare... mock ME?!
Havok nodded Havok: This trash is something you came up with Sinister? Here I thought you were looking to make mutants better, not set them back to the stone age.
He snarled Sinister: YOU IGNORANT FOOLS! ILL SPLATTER YOUR CORPSES AND CLONE YOU AS MONKEYS! DESTROY THEM ZERO!
Soon Zero rushed forward building momentum as he charged at Wolverine and Havok much like Juggernaught. The two dodged the attack as it crashed into a wall and stopped turning to them. Cyclops looked to Ellie Cyclops: lets go! to the door in front! Follow me! he rushed off into the door ahead.
Ellie rushed after him, following him through the doorway quickly.
the two of them seemed to be transported to a whole new area arriving in a room surrounded by four tubes. Two were empty while the other two held Storm and Nightcrawler inside them. Sinister stood in front a strange machine that held a woman inside it. He turned around to them with a smile SInister: Welcome X Men, I must say im impressed you arrived, i've prepared a place just for you in my absorption chambers.
Cyclops growled Cyclops: Sinister! let them go now or i'll burn you to ash! he readied to fire.
Sinister ignored him and focused on Ellie Sinister: so marvelous.. the shape... the body.. you are a masterpiece.. to think that, that little body holds all the key to mutants... i wonder how long it would take to dissect you and find out the secrets.. he never told me about that.
Ellie looked to him. "Who never told you?"
He smirked Sinister: I know what your truly here for girl, she's in stasis right now. Her body doesnt even know anyone's around.. its so pale as if its dying.. take a look at Soultouch. *he moved aside showing a woman sealed in the orb. Her body was almost ghostly white.
Cyclops shook his head Cyclops: enough! he fired a beam of energy towards sinister only for him to raise his hands up and block the attack with a barrier, he then formed a barrier around cyclops as he blinked and tried to destroy it with his blasts only for it to shrink a bit damn... when did you get this power?
Sinister focused more on Ellie slowly walking towards her Ellie: im sure you want to know dont you? your past? your reason for life? everything.. allow me into that little head of yours.. don't worry, skulls can be reattached. I won't break you.. I will make you better. Isnt that what he would tell you?
Ellie backed away from Sinister, focusing on avoiding his reach as she circled around. "What who would tell me?"
he rose his hand to her smiling Sinister: Come with me and find out..
Cyclops growled Cyclops: No! He focused his blast and fired out a super focused beam that tore through the barrier, then fired a huge blast at Sinister. Sinister turned and blocked the attack but was pushed back. Soon Sinisters skin seemed to fall a bit from the side of their arms showing a different person bit by bit.
Cyclops moved to Ellie's side and shook his head Cyclops: i had a feeling... your not Sinister! trying to fool her to your side?! who are you?
Sinister sighed Sinister: you X men... you always have to get in the way.. Soon they waved their hands splitting out of their skin and formed a figure of a woman. She formed a barrier around her body shaping clothes from it and transforming. She nodded with a look to them then spoke with a small accent ?: Deception is an art im better off playing later.
Soon Wolverine and Havok appeared walking to room with cuts and tears and burns but still ready to fight. Wolverine snarled recognizing her Wolverine: knew I smelled trash... hello Doctor.
She stared to wolverine with a smile Doctor: Hello Weapon X.. you did some nice work to that prototype. I've missed you.
Wolverine shook his head Wolverine: dat right? I won't.
Ellie stared at her. "They said your name was Cecilia..? Just what are you playing at anyway?"