Chapter 85

Problems Of Biology

Disclaimer: This is the next time jump of around 10 years, making it a full 15 years after Xavier's leaving Earth some chapters ago. This chapter's also inspired by the fact that Xi, oddly enough, is no where to be found in the last chapter of RW's 'The Final Chapter'. Something I didn't realize until doing re-reads for this fic and thought that was weird. Making me wonder if that was an over sight on her part or something she intentionally did. Anywho, let's go! Travis is RW's and showed up in the 15th chapter of 'Interdimensional Dementia' and I thought it'd be great to bring him in for this.

10 Years On (Or 15 Years Altogether), Misfit Manor At The East Coast JOE Base

In the front yard of the home long known as Misfit Manor, could be seen several kids playing together with their Uncle Xi. One of the original founders of the Misfits team and one of the few still an active part of the team as well for that matter. "Can't catch us, Uncle Xi!" Called out one of the kids by the name of Travis.

Who is one-third of a set of 8 year old triplets by Todd and Althea and was considered an oddball given he liked to look presentable in comparison to his father and his siblings. Who never really cared that much for that sort of thing! "Ever think I am merely taking my time, young one?" Xi asked as he chased Travis and the others.

"Is that an excuse to cover for old age?" Claudius asked cheekily while having little issue with Travis' sister, Beth, being on his shoulders.

"Of course not. For I am in the prime of my life!" Answered back the genetically engineered Misfit as he used his agility and landed in front of Barney.

Who had the other triplet, Tommy, on his sholders. Barney grinned at him and ducked Xi's attempt to catch him while Tommy shrieked with laughter. "Can't catch us! Can't catch us!" Called out Tommy laughingly.

"All in due time, young nephew, all in due time." Promised Xi as he readied himself to pounce once more.

But his vision suddenly began to darken and this alarmed him. "I…" Began Xi but wasn't able to finish what he was saying as he passed out.

Unknowing of the alarm this had caused in the others present as they all swarmed him and called for help.

Sometime Later

Xi awoke with a groan and had to close his eyes due to the brightness of the lights. "What… What happened?"

"You passed out, Xi." Lifeline told him gently while nodding to Bree to let everyone else know their long time friend is awake.

"That is… Unusual. Even for me."

"And worrying, my friend. But I will wait until the others are here so that I can inform all of you at once."

"Very well."

It didn't take long for everyone in the Misfits past and present to get to the Medbay to see Xi and it considerably warmed his heart as it always did where his family is concerned. "So what's going on, Lifeline?" Althea asked in worry.

Lifeline sighed. "After Xi passed out, I did a complete work up of Xi to check for anything that could've caused it and what I found isn't good." Began the man.

Taking a deep breath, he continued. "Xi… The cells in your body are dying and without knowing the exact process of what Mindbender did all those years ago, its going to take some time to figure out a means to ensure your survival." Informed the head medic sadly and the news greatly horrified everyone present.

Willow would even take any young ones out of the room so they wouldn't have to hear more at that point. "We could get Elixir to help out." Suggested Lance.

"Or clonin'." Offered Fred.

Lifeline shook his head. "Given how inexperienced Mr. Foley is, I'm not sure he'd be able to help. As for cloning… Given the situation with his cells, I don't think it would be viable."

"But either one is still a viable option to pursue though, right?" Pietro asked with a frown.

"It is."

Xi then spoke up in a troubled tone. "If I am experiencing this… Then my brother Solitaire is surely experiencing it as well. Its also likely this is happening because we weren't meant to last this long." He offered up.

"That would be just like Cobra, yo." Grumbled Todd unhappily.

For even in death, they still found ways to screw with them while Lifeline frowned. "Admittedly I hadn't thought of that given how focused I was on you, Xi. But a call does need to be made."

"I'll get on that." Althea declared.

Unfortunately, Solitaire would be affected as well and was immediately flown in to the PIT to be with Xi. Naturally, several of the Chicago based Morlocks were along for the ride as they weren't about to let one of their own be alone with his condition. And though it would take some time and a little bit of luck, both Xi and Solitaire would thankfully be saved and just in time as well due to how close to Death's Door they were much to theirs and everyone else's relief. This situation would also inspire the original Misfits to go on something of a Reunion tour around the world given how long it'd been since they'd all done something together as a group. Allowing for a lot of fun to be had and a problem or two to deal with along the way.

Author's Notes: I… I honestly hate this chapter. Its been a slog to do for months to perhaps a year given the last time I updated this story. Hopefully next chapter won't be like that. Course this could be a sign to just mark this fic as complete and move on.