******
This morning,
Outside of
“You alright miss?” he asked.
She shook her head, as that was only movement she could make. Chamber reached down and picked her up into his arms gently, as he looked into her hazel eyes, “Don’t worry old girl we will have on your feet in no time.”
She nodded her head as Chamber made his way back to encampment that Mimic had set up as HQ.
******
Elsewhere
“Wurde you like another sir?” the bus boy asked.
“No thanks sonny. I think I have had enough for the nite. Tell that twat Simon that I will want to see him tomorrow,” The man replied.
“Very well Ihnen danken for your service mein Freund,” The bus boy replied
As the bus boy walked into the back, his blue pointed tail wiggled back and forth which caught the attention of Marrow. Who had been looking for Calvin to talk to him about provisions for the rest of the sector. She took her feet off of the table and sat them down on the dusty ground and began walking into the back of the pub where the sight of Nightcrawler mixing drinks and putting away some dishes greets her.
“Well, look at this, if it isn’t the little blue saint in a devil’s skin,” Marrow said.
“Who are you?” Nightcrawler asked as he turned from the sink to her.
“You don’t remember me? Man, this is just too good to be true,” She said to herself
“Nein, I do not recall meeting you before please go way,” Nightcrawler said as he brushed past her to put the dishes in the proper places.
“I will once you tell me how you got behind the barrier,” She purred as walked up behind him and ran her fingers through his hair.
“I-I do not know fraulein all that I know is that the kind owner of this establishment took me in. when no one else would,” He replied.
“Fair enough,” she said as walked around to face him, “but why don’t you come with me as there is some one I would like you to meet.”
Kurt looked at her quzzingly before finally nodding his head,” If you promise me you will leave me alone after I meet this person Ja.”
“Okay,” She said gruffly.
At the edge of the city,
Calvin Rankin focused intently on the task he was performing
which was taking all of his strained might to pull off. The barrier had
diverted the streams that feed water from the city and all of the surrounding
area. So, Calvin was attempting to re-divert the streams back into the city so
the people of
“Hello, McFadden I see that despite your old age you definitely like being out and about,” Calvin said, keeping his back to the old man.
“Aye and you seem to be getting’ more feisty every day lad. I think both of us are too stubborn to be messin’ with the likes of this bewitchery,” McFadden commented.
“At least I like to try old man as every one else looks to me for their safety and what not. I almost wish baldy or Summers was here,” Mimic sighed thinking about his rough encounters with them, “by now he would have thought of a way out of this situation.” Mimic said as he used his bone claw to start clipping his growing beard.
McFadden looked at the dry ground beneath them letting a few moments past before he looked up at Calvin,” Lad I have been in the business of doing things that me mother would not be proud of. Yet, through them all I picked up skills that have benefited us during these dark times.” McFadden then paused as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a clipping of the X-Men, which he handed to Calvin.
“Despite them all being dead their dream lives on even at such dire times, through what ever hell that will become. Saint’s preserve us if we lose hope now,” McFadden said as he took a drag on his pipe, “Every one down in that city and in the area looks up to you. You cannot give into your petty feelings of worthlessness, for if you do by god I will kick your sorry ass all over this area.”
Calvin looked at the burning pride and courage in the old man’s eyes. It was the something that inspired every one here to continue despite the harsh conditions.
“You know old man I think it must be fate that put us together,” Calvin said as he laughed heartily
“My dear boy its not fate it must be dumb luck that I am stuck with your pitiful ass,” McFadden replied sharing in the laughter
An explosion erupted in the distance. Which caught their attention and Calvin trained his eyes in the direction it came from. To try and see what was going on. All he could make out was massive figure smashing into the barrier with explosive impact. Calvin spread out his wings and flew over to where the behemoth continued to attack the accursed black field.
“You know you’ll never get anywhere that way,” Calvin said as he watched the towering grey figure continue to pound the on the barrier.
“Go away little man I must be free of this barrier so I can have retribution on those damnable Martians!” the giant said.
“You do realize that even if you could smash your way free that you would have to fight almost innumerable odds in order to exact your retribution?” Calvin replied.
The giant looked at him and stopped hammering on the barrier
with massive rocky fists. His entire body seemed to be carved out of stone in
form of a human. He looked intently at Mimic for a moment then gave his name,”
My name is
“Its Calvin Rankin, but I am known as the Mimic. It is nice to meet you Hudson,” Calvin replied
The two shared an expansive conversation while McFadden
looked at his pocket watch checking the time. He heard them talking about
******
Mid-day,
Lauren sat on her bed in her brightly decorated room with thick dusty book laid upon her lap. Her mind was transfixed on the stories that were told in the book about fairies, goblins, witches, clerics, warlocks, and the like. Her nostrils flared up as the dust rose up from book as she turned page. She let out a sneeze as dust tickled her nosed. Cecilia looked at Lauren from the hallway and a small smile crossed her face for the girl seemed to coping well despite whatever those monsters at Weapon-X did to her. After turning another page and letting out another sneeze Lauren got up and put the book on top of the stack of the books that she had completed reading. Cecilia walked in from the hallway and tapped the girl on the shoulder.
“Its lunch time hun,” She said.
“Okay,” Lauren replied,” I will be down in a little while…”
“Have you started remembering anything yet?” Cecilia asked as she noticed the sadness in Lauren’s eyes.
“No, I still can’t remember anything,” Lauren said softly.
Cecilia draped her arm across Lauren’s shoulder and pulled her close,” I’m sure it will come back with time, but in the mean time let’s get something to eat.”
******
Observing from a discreet location,
In the tunnels
underneath
“It’s quite amazing these dolts have not discovered that it was I who cut them off from the water they so desperately need. For how else could I subvert them to my will?” the stranger said.
“It is quite amusing master, but what was the point of cutting of these people from the rest of their wretched kind?” the giant asked.
“Ah my friend the simple point of my plan may elude your simple mind, but it does not elude our allies. He has need of these sheep for his bid to take a position of power in the scheme of things,” The stranger explained.
The giant snorted his reply and continued looking into the psychic projection in front of them which showed what was transpiring above.
******
Somewhere outside
It lies at the bottom of the sea between the
“Damn you backwater monkeys!” Noh says as he walks up to the door and pounds on it.
Some time ago the cube experienced some major problems such as power loss, technical failure, and some of the convicted felons broke free during the events. Unfortunately none of them felt that Noh were worth letting out as they broke out of the cube and made their way to the surface. So he has sat trying to free himself and failing at it. Yet, suddenly the door that he has left numerable fist prints on buckles and an incoming flood of water ushers in washing the demented alien out of his doomed prison and into the open sea.
******
Club Vampyre,
Marrow sat at the meeting table of Club Vampyre watching her
erstwhile guest. Ever since
“Ich, warum do you stare at me?” Kurt asked.
“I find it….interesting that you don’t remember a thing and I also wonder how you survived the destruction of X-Corps.” Marrow said.
“I do not know that which you speak of,” Kurt replied as motioned for the bar keep to keep filling up his glass.
“So you don’t remember watching your allies Monet, Proudstar, Feral, and Thorne dying at the hands of skorpsman? Or how about the black mass barrier and the hell after?” she asked as she slammed a bone shaped dagger into the middle of the wooden table.
Kurt looked away his eyes showed a glint of hidden shame and upon seeing it Marrow pushed further.
“You do remember don’t you? You’re just trying to walk away so your bleeding heart won’t be filled with the pain of losing every one you cared for,” Marrow said as she walked over and stood in front of him placing her foot between his legs, “You know I can see the yellow streak running down your back. It’s pretty sickening to think one of the best European heroes has been laid so very low.”
“I advice you not to push me fraulein as I am not in the mood for you games,” Kurt said his temper starting to boil over.
“Why? What are you going to do coward?” she said only to receive a fist knocking her through the nearby table.
Mimic rushed in having received word about what Marrow found only to see her sprawled on the floor nursing a busted lip and Kurt eyeing her with admonished hate.
“What just happened here?” Mimic asked.
“Nothing that concerns you Rankin and I have already been told about what is going on here. I had wished to live in peace, but now it’s apparent that I cannot because even here I am surrounded by the life that which haunts me,” Kurt said.
“Do you want your uniform?” Calvin asked.
“Leave it in the room across the hall from the girl and I will go get the rest of my stuff. I am beginning to think tonight will be a long night of discussion,” Kurt replied.
******
A while later,
After collecting his gear and stowing it away in his new room. Every one talked of the events that placed them in their present state. This left Kurt more worried about how close he was coming to see more people die. He had still held a lot of anger towards Marrow which is why he sat far across from her and despite the others prying he did not feel like speaking of his feigned amnesia.
“I tell you this bewitchery must descend from somewhere and we must find the source of it or we will all die,” McFadden said.
“Ja, we will not survive long on the current rations and with the water at its current levels people are suffering from dehydration,” Kurt said.
“Yeah, but as far as I can tell the field extends all around
“Nein, we might be unable, but I know of some one who can. I just hope that we can reach her,” Kurt said.
“Who are you talking about?” Chamber asked.
“Amanda, she is the only one who can help us now and I believe the last place I saw here was around the pub I worked at. She kept trying to get me to respond to her, but I was too embroiled in my pain,” Kurt replied.
“How can that waif help us? Isn’t she pretty low on the power scale?” Chamber asked.
Kurt shot a glance at Jono before explaining,” If what we are dealing with is bewitchery then Magik’s soulsword will be our best weapon against it. Our only problem is finding her.”
“I haven’t seen the lass at all I’m afraid.” McFadden said, “However I do know of a person who may not only be able to help find Magik, but could perhaps help us find the source of our woes.”
“Who would that be?” Cecilia asked as she interrupted the conversation.
“The man’s name is Meri and he is a sage who possesses some knowledge of European magic as well as the folklore and legends of way back,” McFadden replied.
“Well if he can help then we should get an early start in the morning and so every one try to get some sleep for tomorrow we will see this sage,” Calvin addressed every one at the table.
******
That Night,
Kurt paced the floors as the things Marrow said still dwelt upon his mind. He heard a creaking sound and Lauren stood at the foot of his door peaking in.
“What is the matter fraulien?” Kurt asked.
Lauren shied her eyes away from his,” I-I heard you pacing
the floor-- I wondered if you were alright.”
“Ich, I’m fine Danke for your concern. How are you doing?” Kurt replied.
Lauren nervously ran one of her hands through her hair,” Scared and confused.”
“I…heard of what happened to you and I’m very sorry. Sometimes I wonder what gods could allow such things to happen to children,” Kurt said with voice laced with sympathy.
Lauren nodded her head. After a moment a large crash could be heard from downstairs. “Mein Gott what was that?” Kurt said with worry in his voice as he ported down stairs.
When he reappeared he was tackled by a youth who seemed incredibly strong. Kurt tried to fight free of his grip, but the youth’s strength was staggering. “Where am I backwater trash? Who is in control of this establishment?” the youth said.
“Ack, your harsh words wound me mein fraund, perhaps I can elevate you of you’re rude demeanor.” Kurt quipped as he grabbed hold of the youth and started porting all over the place.
When they reappeared after multiple trips around the room Kurt fell to the ground exhausted with the youth standing over him.
“Is that the best you’ve got? I have been through worse you blue freak.” The youth said as he kicked Nightcrawler sending him flying into the far wall.
“Now to figure out where am I.” The youth continued.
As he neared the stairs he heard a low growl that soon turned into a loud roar as Lauren leapt from the balcony and landed upon him with claws extended. The youth tried to hold firm to keep the young girl’s claws from piercing his throat and killing him.
“You’re strong young one, but-I bet I’m stronger.” The youth said as he flung her with all his gathered strength.
Lauren flipped off the wall that she nearly crashed into and landed a flying kick to his temple driving him off his feet. The youth spat blood and felt extreme pain in his head which was quickly rerouted by his unique physiology.
“So you think you have downed Noh Varr have you wench? Well prepare for a rud--.” Noh Varr was cut off when a crimson beam of energy slammed into his chest and knocked him out cold on the floor.
“Lauren what the hell is going on here?” Mimic asked as he fashioned his belt and ran down the steps.
“He attacked Kurt and hurt him--I fought back to save him…” Lauren replied as Cecilia brushed past her to attend to Kurt.
“She speaks the truth, ach my whole body aches. Danke Lauren.” Kurt replied as Cecilia checked him over.
“Well let’s find some place to put him until we can interrogate him in the morning.” Mimic replied.
******
The next morning,
Mimic popped a bone claw and brought it under Noh’s chin,” Alright who sent you? What are you doing here?”
Noh spat on Mimic and Mimic slammed his claw into the boy’s leg. The young man let out a pitched yelp before biting his lip.
“Tell us what are you doing here?” Mimic asked again
Noh turned away from Mimic and muttered something in his native language. Mimic dug his claw back into the wound in the boy’s leg, but this time the boy felt nothing.
“Neat trick, but I doubt your power can resist my other abilities.” Mimic said as he placed the tips of his fingers on both sides of the boys head and entered his mind.
After a few moments of seeing vivid images relating to the boy’s past and how he came upon the city Mimic releases him from the probe.
“Well what brought him?” Cecilia asked.
“Apparently he was a prisoner of the SHIELD until a little while ago. Some how he got free and some force drove him here, but he has no idea what it was that beckoned him.” Mimic replied
“Then we are right back at square one,” Kurt sighed.
Suddenly a yellow disc appeared a few feet above them and when it lowered a woman in armor appeared.
“Amanda? Where have you been?” Kurt asked as he took her in his arms.
“I was momentarily detained by business in limbo when I felt you reaching out for me. What has been going on here?” she asked.
“A lot and will probably take a while to explain,” Mimic said.
He then began the lengthy reenactment of what has been going on and making sure he left out no details. Once he finished Magik held her soulsword at her side and had a look of deep thought on her face.
“I think I may know of the cause of this barrier,” Magik said.
“Really then tell us,” Cecilia replied.
“While Kurt was working at that shop I felt angered and alone that he had with drawn into himself. So I went to visit this sage who claimed he could help me, but upon meeting him I sensed something evil about him and tried to focus on what it was I was called back to limbo,” Magik explained.
“What would this sage’s name happen to be lass?” McFadden asked.
“Meri or Merrion I believe,” Magik replied.
McFadden looked horrified and the others looked at him.
“Isn’t he the mate you wanted us to see?” Chamber asked.
McFadden nodded his head.
“Well it looks like we found the cause of all our recent woes.” Mimic said, “Now let’s go put an end to this.”
“I’m going with you,” Lauren said as got in the middle of the circle that gathered around Magik
“Well we don’t have time to argue and we could probably use the help,” Mimic said.
After another disc descended the group disappeared and reappeared before Meri who stood next to a giant creature.
“So they have found me out? Amazing as I thought none of you possessed the mental capacity to discover my duplicity,” Meri said.
“Your sick game ends now,” Mimic said sternly
“I think not,” Meri said as the giant attacked.
Chamber let loose a binuclear blast which knocked the lumbering giant off his feet. Lauren leapt from Mimic’s shoulders and landed upon their foe swiping and clawing him.
“Mongu stop playing with them and destroy the foul wretches!” Meri barked at his subordinate.
Mongu slapped Lauren off him and charged at Mimic with a look of death in his eyes. Mimic used the powers of Iceman to cause the lumbering oaf to slide right into his haymaker punch which knocked the lumbering brute out.
“Must I do everything myself?” Meri asked himself before unleashing his telepathic powers on the heroes.
Yet to his massive dismay Lauren continued forward
unaffected by the mental onslaught. Meri pushed further but he felt some form
of barrier protecting her mind. With a quick slash Meri fell to the ground
bleeding from the throat. Up above the barrier that nearly killed the people of
******
Later, Club Vampyre…
Magik laid a kiss on Nightcrawler’s lips before she disappeared with her new prisoners. After a serene moment Kurt turned to the others.
“So what shall we do now mein fraunds?” Kurt asked.
“Well these people need protecting and we are basically all
they have. I don’t know about you, but I think
“What shall we call ourselves though?” Cecilia asked.
“Bugger if I know,” Chamber said.
“I have no idea.” Lauren replied.
Mimic turned them as an idea crossed his mind,” Since we are the last of our extended family then why not the X-Men?”
Kurt ran a hair through his hair before replying, “Why not let the dream live on.”
“Agreed,” Cecilia and the others chimed in as they forged a pact.
The end or perhaps a beginning?