X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach
Chapter 17: To Those Who Stare into the Abyss, The Abyss Will Stare Back
…
Timeline-2
On the island of Kroako
With urgency and concern etched on her face, Jean presented the haunting photo and cryptic text message to the members of the Quiet Council. "We need your help," she implored. "Have any of you seen Scott? We received this photo and message, and we fear something has happened to him."
The council members, burdened by the recent revelation of the false promise of resurrection and the chaos caused by Mother Righteous' signal, exchanged grave glances. Finally, one council member spoke up, his voice laden with regret. "We haven't seen Scott," he admitted somberly.
Just as hope began to waver, Magneto, a formidable presence in this world, approached the group. In his hands, he held a photograph from their shared past—their time at the mansion. As he handed it to Jean, he spoke with a mix of sorrow and anger. "Take a look," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Someone went to great lengths to erase Jean and Scott from this memory. And they left a message: 'liars.'"
Jean's heart sank as she examined the defaced photograph. The scratched-out faces of herself and Scott spoke volumes, a testament to the depth of Scott's pain and anger. She felt the weight of their broken trust like a physical burden. Logan's gaze hardened, his fists clenching in frustration.
Silence hung heavy in the air as the group processed the revelation. Finally, Jean spoke, her voice filled with remorse. "We've made mistakes," she admitted, her tone laced with determination. "But we need to find Scott and make things right. We can't let this divide us further."
As Jean, Logan, the older Laura, the younger Laura clone, Iceman, Jubilee, and Magneto embarked on their investigation, a heavy silence settled over the group. They were currently mulling through files that nick fury gave them.
The weight of their mission hung in the air, each member lost in their own thoughts.
Time seemed to stretch on as they pressed forward, their senses attuned to any clue or sign that could lead them to Scott. The solemnity of their surroundings intensified the gravity of the situation, leaving them with an unspoken understanding of the challenges that lay ahead.
Suddenly, breaking through the quietude, Jubilee's voice pierced the silence like a beacon of light. "So... you've met Bugs Bunny," she began, her tone filled with curiosity and a touch of disbelief. "Like, the actual Bugs Bunny? The cartoon character?"
A flicker of surprise danced across the faces of Jean, Logan, and the others, momentarily diverting their attention from their grim task. Jean locked eyes with Jubilee, her expression hinting at a shared memory. "Yep," she replied with a wistful smile. "We've had quite the encounter with Bugs Bunny on our new home in Timeline-1. It was... an experience, to say the least."
Jubilee's eyes widened, a mixture of awe and amusement crossing her features. "That's insane!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and incredulity. "I can't even imagine what that must have been like. Meeting a legendary cartoon character in person? Mind-blowing!"
Logan chimed in with a gruff chuckle, his voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. "It was something alright. Bugs Bunny's a character you don't forget in a hurry. Mischievous as hell, but he's got a heart of gold."
As the group continued their search for Scott, the tension in the air began to ease, if only slightly. Jubilee's mention of Bugs Bunny had provided a momentary respite from the weight of their mission, a reminder of the strange and unpredictable adventures they had experienced in the Omniverse.
But the urgency of their task remained, and they pressed on, following the leads they had gathered from Nick Fury's files. Each piece of information was a puzzle piece, and they were determined to put it all together to find Scott.
As the group continued their search for Scott, the tension in the air began to ease, if only slightly. Jubilee's mention of Bugs Bunny had provided a momentary respite from the weight of their mission, a reminder of the strange and unpredictable adventures they had experienced in the Omniverse.
But the urgency of their task remained, and they pressed on, following the leads they had gathered from Nick Fury's files. Each piece of information was a puzzle piece, and they were determined to put it all together to find Scott.
Their investigation took them through the lush, vibrant landscape of Kroako, where they questioned locals and scoured the island for any sign of their missing comrade. The mutant population on the island was tight-knit, and they were met with a mix of sympathy and concern as they asked about Scott's whereabouts.
As they walked along the tranquil shores of the island, discussing their next steps, Shadowcat's panicked voice suddenly interrupted their conversation. She rushed towards them, clutching a tablet in her trembling hands.
"Guys! You need to see this! It's bad!" she exclaimed urgently.
They gathered around as Shadowcat showed them the tablet. On the screen, a live video feed depicted their world's Scott, clad in his Captain Kroako outfit. But he was unrecognizable—the madness in his eyes was highly disturbing. He had multiple humans bound and gagged, their terrified expressions visible even through the screen. Scott was unhinged, his actions horrifying to witness.
As the group gathered around the tablet, the horrific scene unfolding on the screen was nothing short of nightmarish. Scott, in his Captain Kroako attire, had lost all semblance of the hero he once was. He reveled in chaos and cruelty, driven not by a misguided savior complex, but by a deep-seated despair that sought to tear their world apart.
On the video feed, Scott mercilessly tormented his human victims. He laughed manically as he subjected them to a series of sadistic acts, his actions calculated to fuel the flames of hatred and mistrust between mutants and humans.
The group watched in stunned horror as Scott carved hateful symbols into the flesh of his victims, branding them as if they were cattle. He taunted them with delusional speeches, spewing venomous words that sought to divide their already fragile society further.
"You think your heroes, well I've got news for you, there are no heroes!" Scott's voice rang out, laced with madness. "Mutants are the true rulers of this world, and you pitiful humans will learn your place!"
The victims' cries for mercy fell on deaf ears as Scott continued his rampage. He seemed impervious to reason, driven by a malevolent force that had consumed him entirely.
The group was left in a state of shock, knowing that this footage had been released to the public at a time when tensions between mutants and humans were already reaching a boiling point. Scott's unhinged actions threatened to push their world over the edge, and they now faced an even more daunting task—not only to find Scott and stop him but also to quell the escalating conflict before it consumed them all.
The group watched in stunned horror as the video feed continued to reveal Scott's grotesque actions. Each member of the team reacted differently, but a common thread of disgust and dread ran through them all.
Logan's expression hardened, his nostrils flaring as he struggled to contain his anger. His fists clenched involuntarily, his jaw tightening. The sight of Scott's descent into madness disgusted him to the core, and he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of betrayal.
Jean, her normally compassionate eyes filled with tears, looked away from the screen, unable to witness the atrocities any longer. Her hands trembled as her telepathic connection with Scott allowed her to feel the darkness that had consumed him. She felt a profound sadness for the man she had once loved, now lost to madness.
Magneto, who had witnessed Scott branding a human with the words "Human Scum," felt a surge of sickening disgust. His lips curled into a snarl, and for a moment, he contemplated the implications of Scott's actions for mutant-human relations. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of their coexistence and the devastating consequences of one man's madness.
The younger Laura, her typically stoic demeanor shattered, looked on with a mixture of horror and sadness. She had known Scott as a mentor and a leader, and seeing him reduced to this madness was deeply unsettling.
Iceman's face twisted in a mix of anger and sorrow. He had considered Scott a friend, and the betrayal he witnessed on the screen was almost too much to bear.
…
In the midst of their shock and despair, it took only five minutes for Nick Fury to send a video link directly to Xavier's office. As the video call connected, Fury's face filled the screen, but there was no trace of his usual stoicism. He was livid, his eye glaring with intensity.
"What the hell is going on, Xavier?!" Fury thundered, his voice a potent mix of anger and frustration. "This footage is a nightmare, and it's sending shockwaves through the world. Explain it to me, now!"
Emma Frost, standing by Xavier's side in the room, rubbed her temples with a sigh. She was already getting a headache from trying to process the chaos unfolding before them, and Fury's fury was only making matters worse.
Xavier, facing Fury's wrath head-on, took a deep breath and began to explain the dire situation, knowing that they needed to act swiftly to contain the escalating crisis and find a way to reach Scott before it was too late.
In the midst of the chaos, this world's Kitty Pryde was working tirelessly in the X-Men's high-tech control room. She was hunched over multiple computer screens, fingers dancing across keyboards as she attempted to trace the signal that had broadcast Scott's horrifying rampage to the world. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead as she worked feverishly, her dedication to the cause unwavering.
Jean Grey, on the other hand, was in a state of desperation. Her telepathic powers strained as she reached out to Scott through their psychic link. But instead of the familiar presence of her beloved, she encountered only a maelstrom of madness and unbridled rage. Scott's mind was a fractured landscape, his morals shattered and his sanity in tatters.
Every attempt to connect with him resulted in a barrage of incoherent thoughts, images of violence, and a seething hatred that sent shivers down Jean's spine. It was as if the man she once knew had been consumed by an insurmountable darkness, leaving only a husk of the hero he had once been.
The anguish in Jean's eyes was evident as she withdrew from the telepathic link, realizing the dire state of their comrade. It was clear that Scott had lost his mind, and their task to bring him back from the abyss had become even more daunting and perilous.
Logan, ever vigilant and attuned to the emotions of those around him, noticed the depth of Jean's distress as she withdrew from her failed telepathic connection with Scott. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her, offering her a comforting embrace as tears streamed down her face.
Jean buried her face in Logan's shoulder, allowing herself to cry, the weight of their predicament and Scott's descent into madness taking a heavy toll on her. Logan held her close, providing a source of solace in the midst of the chaos.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Jean pulled back slightly from Logan's shoulder, her eyes red and puffy, but a spark of determination flickering within them. She spoke with a tremor in her voice, echoing a sentiment she said when she went to the other Kroako, one filled with hope.
"Oh, Logan," she whispered, her voice breaking. "We never should have embraced the lie that's resurrection. It's brought us nothing but pain."
Her words hung heavy in the air, a profound acknowledgment of the mistakes they had made and the consequences they now faced. Logan could only nod in agreement, understanding the gravity of their situation and the difficult choices that lay ahead.
…
Within a few agonizing minutes, this world's Kitty Pryde finally managed to track down the signal's source. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the screen displaying the signal's origin.
"It's coming from here...?" she muttered incredulously, her voice filled with disbelief. She pointed to a location on the map, just a few feet in front of them in the physical world. "But it's distorted, like it's between universes...?"
The members of the team gathered around the screen; their brows furrowed in confusion. It was a phenomenon they had rarely encountered—the signal seemed to exist in a strange, liminal space between dimensions, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact location.
…
With their resolve strengthened, the team prepared to set out on their mission to confront the unhinged Scott. Storm, with her commanding presence, had decided to join them, and the group consisted of Magneto, Storm, Jean, Logan, Iceman, and this world's Nightcrawler. Kitty Pryde remained behind to monitor their progress, her fingers flying over the controls as she watched the video feed of Scott's torment.
As they stood before a shimmering portal-opening device, the video of Scott's madness still playing on the screen, they prepared to step into the unknown.
The team walked through the portal in solemn silence, their determination etched on their faces. The cacophony of Scott's cruelty still echoed in the background, a haunting reminder of their mission's urgency.
The portal led them to a desolate and unfamiliar landscape, a reflection of the turmoil that had gripped Scott's mind. They moved forward with measured steps, the weight of their purpose heavy on their shoulders.
It was Iceman who finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty. "So... what do we do once we find him?" he asked, his words cutting through the tension. "I hardly doubt our Kroako will let him off easy after this... especially how our laws operate." He knew that their world had strict laws against the kind of atrocities Scott was committing.
The team exchanged knowing glances, fully aware of the complexities of their situation. They were prepared to confront their friend, but the path forward was fraught with uncertainty and difficult decisions.
As the team pressed forward into the unfamiliar dimension, their senses heightened and nerves on edge, they came across the base that had been the source of the signal. What they found there turned Storm's stomach sick and sent a shiver of horror through Jean's very soul.
In the dimly lit base, they stumbled upon a gruesome scene—a pile of lifeless bodies, all bearing the signs of unspeakable torture. The bodies lay in twisted, contorted positions, their limbs broken and mangled. Some had been subjected to cruel experiments, with surgical incisions still visible on their skin.
The state of the bodies was a grim testament to the madness that had taken hold of Scott. Some had been branded with hateful symbols, similar to the ones seen in the video feed, etched into their flesh. Others had been brutally beaten, their faces unrecognizable, with evidence of blunt force trauma.
A sickening chill settled over the team as they surveyed the nightmarish tableau before them. The sight of such cruelty and suffering filled them with a mixture of anger and sorrow. It was clear that Scott's descent into madness had led to the most horrifying consequences imaginable, and they knew their mission had taken on a new level of urgency—to stop him before more innocent lives were lost.
Logan was the first to spot something behind the gruesome pile of tortured bodies, and it made his blood run cold. He nudged Jean, and their eyes locked in shared dread. Behind the lifeless victims was a ghastly sight—a greenish rift, crackling with an eerie, malevolent light.
As Logan and Jean stared at the rift, the others in the team noticed the shift in their expressions. Storm's keen observation led her to inquire, "What is it? What's behind those bodies?"
With a heavy sigh, Logan and Jean exchanged somber glances before Logan spoke, his voice laced with concern. "That rift... it's the gateway to the Serpent's domain."
The rest of the team looked puzzled, prompting Jean to explain further. "The Serpent, the original devil, we've encountered him before. These rifts... they're not just portals. They're corrupting, evil, and they lead to the original Hell in the original universe. Or in other words, the serpents domain."
As the team stood before the ominous rift to the Serpent's domain, a chilling murmur emerged from the other side. The voice was barely audible but distinct, and it spoke differently to each of them, targeting their regrets and failings.
Logan heard the voice as it whispered, "You were never worthy, Logan. You're a weapon, a beast. Your animalistic nature is your true self." The voice played off his regret for the violence and loss he had caused in his long life.
Jean, her telepathic abilities attuned to the rift, heard a voice that taunted, "You couldn't save them, Jean. Your powers couldn't protect the ones you loved. You're responsible for their pain." The voice fed on her guilt over the deaths she had witnessed.
Storm, her connection to the elements amplifying the voice, heard it as it murmured, "You can't control the storm within you, Ororo. You're weak, powerless, just like the helpless victims of your past." The voice preyed on her doubts about her ability to control her immense powers.
Magneto, with his magnetic senses, detected the voice as it insinuated, "You failed to protect mutantkind, Erik. Your methods only bring suffering. Your legacy is one of destruction and chaos." The voice exploited his internal conflict over his past actions.
Iceman shivered as the voice whispered to him, "You'll always be the joke, Bobby. You freeze people out, just like you froze your heart. You'll never be a true hero." The voice used his self-doubt to sow seeds of insecurity.
Nightcrawler, already grappling with his appearance, heard the voice mocking, "You're a freak, Kurt. Your faith can't save you from the monster you truly are." The voice sought to exploit his fears of rejection.
The voices from the rift suddenly merged, speaking in eerie unison, their words echoing in the minds of the team members. "And what's worse... your all clones... or are you denying the truth that you all indulged yourselves in resurrection?"
The words cut deep, each voice targeting their insecurities and the existential questions that had plagued them since the revelation of their cloned existence. Doubt and confusion gnawed at them, threatening to undermine their resolve.
But Logan, always the one to cut through the noise, had heard enough. He snapped out of the voices' thrall and growled, "It's trying to get into our heads. Just ignore it."
With that, he took a step away from the rift, encouraging the others to do the same. They knew that the rift was a gateway to darkness, and they couldn't afford to let their doubts and fears consume them. With Logan leading the way, they pressed on, determined to confront Scott and put an end to the madness that threatened their world.
After shaking off the unsettling voices from the rift, the team cautiously approached the door of the base. The atmosphere around them felt heavy, and an eerie silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint hum of the strange rift behind them.
With a collective sense of unease, they reached for the door and slowly pushed it open. The creaking of the hinges reverberated in the tense stillness, and as they entered the base, an unsettling chill settled over them.
The interior of the base was dimly lit, with flickering fluorescent lights casting eerie shadows on the walls. The air was thick with an unsettling stillness, and a sense of foreboding washed over them. They exchanged knowing glances, and while some tried to hide their unease, the palpable sense of discomfort clung to them all.
They continued their search for Scott, each step deeper into the base intensifying their sense of dread. It was clear that they were venturing into the heart of darkness, and the true nature of the horrors they would encounter remained shrouded in uncertainty.
Inside, the walls emitted an unsettling green glow, identical to the spectral light that seeped from the rift outside. The chamber appeared to be an uncanny amalgamation of a medical facility and an arcane workshop. Bizarre apparatuses littered the space, with tubes weaving their way to containers brimming with enigmatic fluids. At the distant corner of the room, Scott stood engrossed with a project, revealing something on a table that was deeply unsettling.
Before them was Scott's own previous body, the one he'd inhabited during his last demise, prior to their supposed resurrection of him. The sight was horrifying: the cadaver looked distorted, trapped between decomposition and some grotesque form of life, as it twitched in a disturbing rhythm.
Scott, not lifting his gaze from his grim task, finally acknowledged their presence, his voice carrying an eerie, deranged tone. "You shouldn't have ventured here. This is ground zero for a reborn universe, where the next evolution takes precedence, and mankind... becomes mere specimens."
Jean, her eyes shimmering with tears, approached him. "Scott, this is not who you are. You need to resist whatever has taken hold of you."
Laughter, dark and mirthless, resounded from Scott, emphasizing his descent into madness. "Resist? Believe me, Jean, I did. But the rift... it enlightened me."
Magneto's voice cut through, trembling with anger, "This is madness, Scott! You've become a threat to yourself and to all!"
The chilling silence that followed Magneto's declaration was broken by the soft, maddening whisper of voices. Though Jean, Magneto, and the others couldn't perceive them clearly, it was evident that Scott was besieged by a cacophony of murmurs, distant cries from an abyss of memories.
Scott's eyes darkened further, the unholy green light within them pulsing erratically. His fingers twitched spasmodically, and he slowly turned to face them, the weight of countless souls heavy in his gaze. "You can't possibly fathom the torment, the ceaseless whispers of my past selves, echoing endlessly, each one a testament to our hubris."
He stepped away from the table, gesturing towards the twitching body. "Do you see? That's what your arrogance has wrought. You think resurrection is a gift, but the rift has shown me its curse. The truth of death, the endless cycle of rebirth, every soul bearing the scars of the past. It's an eternal nightmare, and I am its prisoner."
The room seemed to close in, the green hue intensifying as the oppressive weight of the rift's energy made the air thick. Jean, fighting back her horror and despair, whispered, "Scott, we can help. We can find a way to free you from this."
Scott's lips twisted into a grotesque smile, his voice dripping with contempt. "Free me? You still don't understand. There's no freedom from the truth, only acceptance. And the truth is, we are the architects of our own damnation."
Scott's eyes began to dance with madness as he continued, each word dripping with the pain of a thousand lifetimes.
"You all stand there with your promises of hope and your tales of valor, but where were you every time I died? Every time I felt the cold grip of the void, only to be dragged back, kicking and screaming, into this twisted existence? You say you care, but all I see are puppet masters, playing with the strings of life and death on a whim."
He staggered forward, his steps uneven, a haunting reflection of his fragmented psyche. "Resurrection? A second chance? No, it's an endless loop of torment. A cruel joke where I remember every end, every gasping breath, every scream that was silenced. And then you bring me back, over and over, expecting gratitude, expecting me to continue fighting for a cause that's lost all meaning."
He pointed a trembling finger at Jean, eyes wild. "You made me believe in the possibility of a new life. But what is life if death holds no release? I trusted you. I believed in our future. But you, all of you, betrayed that trust every time you played God, thinking you knew better."
Jean's voice quivered, "Scott, please, it was never our intention—"
He cut her off, his voice rising to a manic pitch. "Intention? Your intentions are irrelevant! It's the outcome, the reality of this cursed existence you've trapped me in. You speak of freedom, of salvation. But all I've found is despair, chained to memories of pain and loss that never fade."
His breaths came raggedly, the weight of his anguish visible. "I wish I could forget, wish I could let go. But you've ensured that I remember everything, that I'm haunted by every death, every failure. How can I ever hope to find peace when I am continually confronted with the horrors of my own end?"
There was a desperation in his tone now, a plea for understanding, for release. "All I wanted was to live, to love, and to be loved. But now, all I crave is oblivion, the sweet release of true death. And that's the one thing you've denied me, time and time again."
Nightcrawler, his blue eyes wide with desperation and sorrow, took a tentative step forward, his hand reaching out towards Scott. "Scott... mein Freund, please... We can still find a way—"
But before he could finish, a searing beam of red light shot from Scott's eyes, hitting Nightcrawler squarely on the side. He let out a gut-wrenching cry of pain, his body thrown aside by the force of the blast, smoke rising from the wound.
The room erupted in chaos. Jean screamed Nightcrawler's name, her heartrending cry echoing in the chamber, while Iceman rushed to his side, his eyes filled with tears. Logan, his face etched with pain and realization, unsheathed his claws with a snarl, the metallic sound sharp in the tense air.
"Damn you, Scott!" Logan bellowed, his voice filled with a mix of rage and sorrow. "You've gone too far this time!"
Storm's eyes were stormy, her fingers crackling with electricity, ready to strike. "Scott, stand down! This isn't the way!"
But Scott, his face contorted in a mix of pain and insanity, just laughed, the sound echoing eerily in the chamber. "It's too late," he whispered, almost to himself. "Too late for redemption, too late for salvation. The rift has shown me the truth, and the truth has set me free."
Logan's gaze was steely, his stance defensive yet resigned. Deep down, he knew that the Scott they once knew, the leader and friend they had fought beside, was lost, consumed by the madness the rift had thrust upon him. The reality was heart-wrenching, but Logan was prepared to do whatever it took to stop this deranged version of Scott before he caused any more harm.
Magneto's voice thundered above the mayhem. "Enough, Scott! This ends now!" With a swift motion of his hand, he tried to immobilize Scott using the metal components in the room. But Scott, driven by his unhinged state, unleashed a flurry of optic blasts, deftly avoiding Magneto's control.
Storm, her eyes flashing white with fury, summoned a gust of wind to push Scott back. She cried out, "We came here to help you, Scott, not to fight. But if a battle is what you want, so be it!"
The room was transformed into a battleground, as the team faced off against their former leader. Jean, desperately trying to reach Scott telepathically, found herself overwhelmed by the torment in his mind. Every death, every moment of pain he had endured, crashed into her, and she fell to her knees, gasping for breath.
Logan lunged at Scott, dodging optic blasts as he tried to get close enough to incapacitate him without causing permanent harm. Iceman, his tears freezing on his cheeks, fashioned an icy barrier to protect Nightcrawler and himself.
The battle raged on, the once-close-knit team torn apart by betrayal and misunderstanding. Throughout the fight, a recurring thought nagged at them all: had they truly been the architects of their own downfall? Were they to blame for Scott's current state?
As the intensity of the conflict escalated, a deafening roar echoed from the rift outside. The very fabric of reality seemed to quiver, and a sudden stillness enveloped the room. Scott, momentarily stunned, ceased his assault and turned towards the sound.
Scott's focus narrowed on Logan. He remembered every taunt, every brawl, and every moment they had clashed. Consumed by the chaotic voices of the rift, his very soul was in torment, amplifying every grudge and feud. He perceived Logan not as an ally, but as the embodiment of every challenge he'd faced, every pain he'd endured.
Drawing from the very depths of his pain, his fury, and the overwhelming power of the rift, Scott released a blast of energy towards Logan unlike any he'd unleashed before. It was raw, untamed, and amplified by the vast energy of the rift itself.
As the red beam connected with Logan, it was as though time slowed. The sheer intensity of the blast began stripping the flesh from Logan's adamantium skeleton, revealing the shiny metal underneath. Even as Logan's regenerative abilities kicked in, trying to heal the unimaginable damage, the pain was so intense that not even Ghost Rider's flames could compare. Logan let out an agonizing scream, one that echoed the very depths of his pain and suffering.
The X-Men looked on in horror, witnessing the sheer brutality of the act. The room filled with the acrid scent of burnt flesh, and a silence fell, broken only by Logan's pained whimpers.
Iceman, his eyes wide in disbelief, shouted, "Scott, what have you done?!"
Jean, recovering slightly from the mental onslaught, screamed, "Logan!" She rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face. With her telekinetic abilities, she shielded him from further harm, using her own body as a barrier between him and Scott.
The team regrouped, realizing that if they did not act soon, they would lose not only Scott but perhaps Logan as well. And the rift, still gaping, seemed to mock them with its eerie glow, a testament to the chaos it had brought into their lives.
The chaotic influence of the rift seemed to amplify Scott's already volatile emotions, driving him further into madness. As Logan lay incapacitated and Jean tried to shield him, Scott's gaze shifted, focusing on the two Lauras. Both were formidable in their own right, but Scott's distorted mind saw them only as threats, more figures from his past that needed to be vanquished.
The two Lauras, sensing the imminent danger, readied their claws. As twins in this moment, they moved in synchrony, one ducking and dodging to the left and the other mirroring her on the right. They were swift, their moves a blur, but Scott's blasts were unrelenting. He unleashed twin optic beams, one for each Laura, trying to corner them.
As the chaos intensified with Scott's relentless attacks on the two Lauras, an imposing shadow appeared at the entrance. Just as Scott's optic beam was about to hit one of the Lauras, a swift, dark flash intercepted it. Scott was suddenly struck in the face with the force of a freight train, stopping his blast and sending him reeling backward.
The room went silent, save for the moans of the injured and the sound of shifting debris. At the entrance stood Derreck, holding a small, monolithic weapon wrapped tightly in his grasp. Its diminutive size was deceptive, for its impact was monumental.
Jean, tears still fresh on her face, whispered in disbelief, "Derreck..." Logan, despite the raw pain still throbbing in his fleshless form, managed a pained nod of recognition. "Knew you'd show up," he rasped.
The dust and debris from the fallen walls slowly began to settle. Through the haze, Scott's muffled voice rose, filled with malice and hatred. "You think you can stop me, Derreck? Wait till I get my hands on 'your' Laura. Can't wait to see her bleed. And your runt kids? Oh, it'll be a joy to tear them apart!"
The room was submerged in a shocked silence. The weight of Scott's words hung heavily in the air, suffocating any remaining hope of reconciliation. Logan, his voice filled with a dangerous edge, broke the silence, "Should've quit while you were ahead, bub."
Derreck's face was an unreadable mask. Every fiber in his being screamed for revenge, but he maintained a veneer of calm. Slowly, he walked over to the wreckage where Scott lay, grabbed him by the leg, and effortlessly dragged him out, sending showers of rubble in every direction.
With a firm grip on Scott's collar, Derreck thrust Scott's face toward the traumatized, wounded humans scattered around. "Look," Derreck's voice seethed with barely contained fury. "Look at this, Scott! Look at what you have done!"
However, the madness in Scott's eyes didn't waver. He spat, blood and defiance mixing together. "They deserved it," he sneered. "All of them."
For every vile insult Scott hurled, Derreck's fist connected with his face. Once, twice, again and again, until blood dripped from Scott's mangled mouth and several of his teeth lay scattered on the ground. But even in his battered state, Scott's spirit wasn't broken. His eyes gleamed with hatred and derision, each word spat out with even more venom than the last.
The scene was harrowing. Scott's descent into darkness seemed irreversible. The rift's influence had transformed him into something entirely unrecognizable, and Derreck's patience had finally reached its end. The confrontation between the two promised to be as catastrophic as the rift that had started it all.
Derreck's calm veneer belied the fury beneath. The tendrils from his arm shot out, wrapping around Scott and pressing him tightly against the metallic walls of the inter-dimensional base. "You might think I'm here to end your life, Scott, but that would be too merciful. Instead, you will face judgment by the very ones you've wronged," Derreck's voice dripped with cold certainty.
He gestured to the X-Men, each bearing the weight of their experiences and the knowledge of Scott's betrayals. "Your family, the ones you've betrayed, they'll decide your fate."
Jean stepped forward, "Scott, you've amplified the divisions in timeline-2. You've increased the distrust and hatred between mutants and humans, setting us back decades. Your actions have ripples, and it's time you understand their full consequence.
Logan, having finally recovered from Scott's devastating attack, approached Jean. As the weight of the moment sunk in, her defenses faltered, and tears began to stream down her face. Logan enveloped her in his arms, holding her tightly as sobs wracked her body. This was the culmination of a tragedy that had been brewing for a long time, and its weight bore down on them all.
Magneto, ever the pragmatist, used his control over metal to further bind Scott, reinforcing the hold that Derreck's tendrils had on him. He gave a slight nod of gratitude to Derreck, appreciating his assistance in this grim situation.
Scott, though battered and bleeding, tried to muster a defiant glare, but the pain and realization of his current predicament slowly dulled his fiery spirit. The combined efforts of the X-Men and Derreck had neutralized him, but the deep scars he'd inflicted on his family and the world would not be easily healed.
As Jean pulled away from Logan, she looked directly at Scott, her voice breaking with emotion. "We've been through so much, Scott. We faced challenges, enemies, even death itself. But I never imagined the day when you'd become the enemy. What you've done, the pain you've caused... I can't forgive you. I can't be with you. It's over."
The finality in Jean's words echoed through the chamber, emphasizing the gravity of Scott's transgressions. The Summers family, once united by blood and purpose, was now fractured, perhaps beyond repair. The fallout from the rift, both literal and metaphorical, had reshaped the destinies of all involved.
…
A short while later…
This timelines X-Men accompanied by the survivors they had rescued just arrived on kroakoa, with the bound Scott summers behind them. As they ventured towards the central hub, whispers spread like wildfire amongst the residents. The sheer sight of the wounded and traumatized told a story even before words could be exchanged.
At the heart of Krakoa stood this worlds Xavior's office, where this world's Charles Xavier was currently engrossed in a data transfer. The helmet's familiar hum was drowned out by the weight of the moment as the team approached him. Jean took the lead, recounting the harrowing events, detailing Scott's actions, and the dark spiral he had been drawn into.
Xavier listened intently, his face an unreadable mask. But as Jean mentioned Scott's final words, his grimaces and fleeting expressions hinted at a turmoil within. As the tale concluded, he took a deep breath and removed the Cerebro helmet, revealing eyes that held deep sorrow.
"If only we had the wisdom to pair with our knowledge when we endeavored to become independent," he began, his voice laden with regret. "We could have — we should have done better."
He looked up at the assembled mutants and then to Derreck, his gaze lingering for a moment longer. "I cannot begin to thank you enough, especially you, Derreck. Your intervention, your actions — they have undoubtedly saved many. But for now, I need time to reflect and decide on the next course of action for Krakoa and for Scott. We have a monumental task ahead of us, cleaning up the aftermath of this tragedy."
The team nodded in understanding. The weight of their shared experience bonded them in a way words couldn't express. As they exited the chamber, they left Xavier behind, deep in thought, his fingers massaging his temples, grappling with the overwhelming reality of what had transpired.
In the days that followed, the island of Krakoa buzzed with whispered conversations and hushed discussions. Yet amid the uncertainty and the rumblings of a shaken community, a beacon of support emerged in the form of Derreck.
The quiet groves and serene landscapes of Krakoa provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and healing. Jean and Logan, often seen lost in deep conversations, found solace in the presence of Derreck, who remained steadfast by their side. Laura, both the older and the younger version from timeline-2, also found comfort in his unwavering support.
The evenings were particularly poignant. The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, and the four of them would often sit by Krakoa's serene waters, sharing tales of their adventures and cherishing the moments of reprieve. Derreck, with his profound understanding and empathy, provided a listening ear, often offering insights that brought clarity to the tumultuous feelings swirling within them.
Word quickly spread around Krakoa about Derreck's role in the recent events. Mutants, young and old, would occasionally approach him, their eyes filled with gratitude. The shared sentiment was clear: in their darkest hour, Derreck had emerged as a beacon of hope.
As days turned into weeks, the time finally arrived for Jean, Logan, and the Lauras to return to timeline-1. As they made their way to the departure point, the air was thick with emotion. Their farewells were heartfelt, filled with promises to return and reunite.
Upon their arrival back in timeline-1, Derreck's Laura, along with their two toddler kids, Aroura and Orian, awaited them. The sight of family brought a sense of peace and relief to the weary travelers. Laura wrapped her arms around Derreck, a mixture of concern and joy evident in her eyes.
Having heard of the harrowing events in timeline-2, she whispered words of gratitude to Jean, Logan, and the Lauras. Her gaze then rested on Derreck, filled with admiration and love. "The whole island knows of your bravery and compassion, Derreck. Thank you for being there for our friends when they needed it the most."
In the vast, timeless sanctum of Doctor Strange, a group of powerful sorcerers, led by the Sorcerer Supreme himself, stood in a circle. Ancient runes glowed underfoot, creating an intricate pattern of blue and gold. Incense permeated the air, its thick tendrils weaving through the room. Above them, an elaborate skylight refracted light, turning it into a prism of colors, casting an eerie glow throughout the sanctum.
Gandalf stood beside Doctor Strange, his staff firmly in hand, his mind returning to Shelob's enigmatic words. They resonated even louder now, and he felt an urgency in his heart that couldn't be ignored.
"We seek an audience with Mistress Death," Doctor Strange intoned, his voice echoing through the sanctum, imbued with power and authority. "The time has come to discuss a matter of grave importance."
A cold wind blew, extinguishing some of the candles and casting the room into near darkness. Then, emerging from the shadows, the ethereal figure of Mistress Death appeared. A long, flowing black cloak obscured her features, but her presence was palpable, filling the room with an oppressive weight.
"Strange," her voice was a chilling whisper, echoing in the vast chamber. "To what do I owe this summoning?"
The Sorcerer Supreme stepped forward, respect evident in his posture. "Mistress Death, the rifts across universes grow in number and intensity. We need answers, and we believe you hold some of them, especially concerning a certain individual… Derreck."
Mistress Death's demeanor changed at the mention of Derreck's name. Her cold exterior seemed to crack, revealing a hint of maternal concern. "What about my son?"
Gandalf interjected, "We remember the words spoken in the caverns. The implication of a sibling, perhaps?"
There was a heavy pause, and Mistress Death looked as if she was battling internal conflicts. Finally, she nodded slowly. "Yes, Derreck has a twin. A secret I've kept hidden, even from him. A few years into his life, there was something... unsettling about the twin. He radiated warmth, but his eyes... it was as if he constantly weighed decisions that bore implications beyond my comprehension. And then one day, he simply vanished. I've felt, deep within, that his intentions were not noble."
Doctor Strange, ever analytical, questioned, "Do you believe he might be connected to these rifts?"
She hesitated, her gaze distant. "It's possible. If he has tapped into powers similar to or greater than Derreck's, he could be influencing the balance between universes."
Gandalf frowned, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. "Then it is imperative we find him and understand his intentions. For the sake of all realms."
Mistress Death nodded, her face a mask of sorrow and concern. "For the sake of all realms... and for the sake of my sons."Top of Form