Write Me an X

[Flight]

Ok, this hasn't been updated in a while so I'm starting a new topic because I like writing stuff about Havok and Polaris
My story is called Age of Azazel!!

Background:
In this reality, Magneto founded the X-Men instead of Xavier but a mutant called Azazel has taken over North america and is enslaving the world with his colorful offspring. The only color he needs to have a complete rainbow army is Green... and he has his sights set on one Lorna Dane to impregnate...

Story:
Old Azazel sat on his thorne in Azazel City IV (he renamed every city in the world this with a number) and tapped his fingers on the arm.
"Blue offspring... red... yellow... freakin purple!! Every one of my children has skin the colour of the rainbow except I don't have a green one!!"
One of Azazel's slaves stepped forward
"Sir, I think we've found a green mother!"
"Oh?! At long last... Bring me my tux, a bunch of flowers and a death gun! If she won't be swayed over dinner then she will be forced!!"

Meanwhile, in Azazel City XVII, a group of mutants called the X-Men are playing AzazelTwister.
"Rogue, right hand yellow!!"
"Oh mah, sugah! I'm almost touching Stormy warmy's foot! Y'all kow what happens when I touch someone! I absorb their powers! Their memories! Oh sugah, Ah just can't take this pain anymore! Ah can't go on playing Twister!"
Rogue picked up a random gun on the floor and shot herself in the head
"Och, that selfish rat! She always ruins the game. Can someone clean this blood up. Polaris, you wench YOU DO IT!!!" said Dazzler
Polaris picked up a random mop and started cleaning the blood away. Havok put his hand on her shoulder
"Don't worry my love. It could be worse. We could be getting ambushed so someone could have your child! HAHAHAHAHAH!!!"
Polaris and Havok laughed hysterically but suddenly the X-Mansion roof was ripped off! Magneto soared to the sky!
"Who dares!! AAAAHHHH!"
Magneto was shot with a death gun along with all the other X-Men except Alex and Lorna
"There she is! The green haired woman!"
It was Azazel's henchmen coming to take her away!
"Noooo!" Havok cried as he shot a blast at the oncoming troops
"He wants my hair! I have an idea!"
Polaris levitated in the hair and her hair suddenyl turned orange!
"With the focased totality of my magnetic power, I turned the iron in my hair a different substance!"
"No!!" cried Azazel "Foiled again!"

The End

[atoningunifex]

I think you deserve commendation for using focused totality, Bryn.

[Flight]

I was re-reading the Shiar Saga at the weekend and nutty Psylocke said it when she brain fried Wolverine.
I almost choked on a cream cracker

[atoningunifex]

Okay, since this thread hasn't really been updated in a bit, I'm gonna steal it back from I am Sci Fi.

*pounce*

*steal*

*scamper*

Okay.

I ahve a new theme for us all. One that is currently very popular on the board right now. The new theme is Retcon!

Write anything you want, but try and include at least one retcon in it. A retcon is an act of retroactive continuity- something revealed about a character or story that majorly impacts previous stories. For example, Emma Frost suddenly finds out that Xavier is her father.

Go to town, kiddies! I have an idea for this myself, but I need to find some time to write it out.

[Mr. Jip]

Sorry, no retcon story here... but i just read Flight's masterpiece & i am giggling like a drunken fool...


....Ohf coruse i AM drunken right now.

:o

[Mr. Jip]

Paige Guthrie ripped & ripped.

She shredded & shredded her own skin, like an onion, until she could peel no more.

Her epidermis was still BLACK.

"That's odd..." she thought to herself,
"I'm not concentrating on more melatonin, why would I morph..?..."

His older brother Sam enters the headmistress' room with Emma Frost, Mage, Ororo, Rachel & Henry McCoy.

"We've checked your genetic makeup, Paige." said the blue, noseless doctor. "And you've acquired your secondary mutation. You've mutated into an African. Northeastern African genes to be precise. For good. It's really not that bad, I suppose... It's better than transforming into freaking Cookie Monster like me, or finding out that you're half-Sh'iar and turning into Big Bird..."

Ororo shoots Henry a look.
Outside the French windows, a sudden flash of lightning heralded two loud impressive claps of thunder a split second later.

"Oh."
Exclaimed Paige nonchallantly.

"And what's more," adds the White Queen, "...is that apparently, according to Blaquesmith & the lovely Miss GREY's returning memories of the future & the past, you will be lost in the timestream & hurled into the past after a battle with Illyana."

"Illyana..?"
Ororo exclaims in alarm.
"Is this why you called for me so anxiously, Emma? Have Piotr & Kitty even been notified?!? Blessed bright Goddess...!.."
She ponders aloud.

"Illyana Rasputina will indeed resurface again, in exactly a month's time."
Mage responds.

"Reading Destiny's diaries again, huh?"
asks Rachel.

"Quite correct. I have been practicing magic spells in secret to prepare for the upcoming battle. My hypermnemonic skills have alllowed me to utilize 30 spells from the Enchantress' grimoire, as well as the basics of Wanda Maximoff's Chaos Magic and the sorcery of Forge & Shaman. I also picked up ancient Norse, Celtic, & a smattering of Native American languages & won the international chess championship while I was at it last week, but that's not really of any importance right now..."
replied Tessa the Mage.

Emma, tired of Mage's growing arrogance, states succintly, with a piercing, icy smile at Ororo,
"AHEM. Anyway, child. You're actually going to be.. .or well.. ahahuh is, the great-grandmother of dahling Miss Munroe here!"

Paige stares at her audience in disbelief, her thick, luscious African lips wide open in shock.
She looks at her darkened skin, then looks to her big brother for some sort of answer.

Sam Guthrie & Dr. McCoy both nod in unison, confirming Emma's announcement.





"...That explains my blue eyes."
Ororo mutters as she walked out of the room, whereupon it started to pour all across the Xavier campus.

"Scrabble, anyone?
asked Tessa.

[Sheldon]

Great Stuff, Flight and Jip!!!!

That pic of storm in the X-Caption looks like Paige!

[Ontir]

An excerpt from the diary of Emma Frost May 18, 1969

I can't believe I'm back here. It's been two months since Professor Xavier passed away. I never liked him, but he was more palatable than Tessa "the Ice Queen" and Jean "the Pleaser." I don't know how we're going to work together. Aside from telepathy, feminity, and humanity (I, more than the others), we have absolutely nothing in common. Well, there is the one thing: The last will & testament of one Charles Xavier.

He willed the school not so surprisingly, to his five precious X-Men. In a stunning turn of events, he included Tessa and myself. I can't imagine why this would be. Well, I can understand him seeking me out, I'm a graduate of his school, and familiar with the facility. I've also become an exceptional educator, something that will be sorely needed if Xavier's Institute for the Gifted is going to survive the passing of its founder. Why Tessa? That is the question that remains. She was sent down during the first quarter of Sophomore year. Neither Hank, nor I have seen her since. Scott has little to do with her, and Warren and Bobby never met her. Jean, of course, knows more than she's willing to tell, and their psionic defenses are too formidable for me to go snooping un-noticed. I've got to find out why. Why has Charles, in death, brought his "three little maids from school" together having spent so many years trying to keep us apart?

Here we are, bringing in new students; and what a motley crew! There's this one from Canada, Bobcat or something. He's truly psychotic, and I don't believe he's house-broken. Just this morning, I caught him whittling on the grand Steinway! There's one from Africa. She's going to be tough Aurora, I think she's called. She's far older than any of us, but entirely un-trained, which given the scope of her elemental abilites, makes her quite dangerous. Then there's Kurt. He's got the face of the devil, but that dark blue furr... it'd be like making love to a mink coat! There's one who calls himself "Banshee." I didn't have the heart to tell him that he needs to find a new name, or become a drag act, and an indian. He's extremely aloof, and as yet, none of us has any idea what he's capable of. We'll find out tomorrow though! Hank's spent the last month re-designing the Danger Room, and he promises it's going to be a doozie! I think that may well be applicable to the whole term. Imagine, the first six graduates, along with one expelled pupil running a school for mutants!

[Mr. Jip]

i always LOVE Ontir's stuff.

[venuscameback]

Ontir - I very much enjoyed your piece on the indfuction of a second team of X-Men following Xavier's death. cute.

Atoning - your letter to Rhane is fab

Flight - fun story with Avalanche, great one with Azazel - I love that ending!

good work, people. so much cool stuff here

DLW

[Ontir]

Thanks for the kind words.

I've enjoyed this thread for quite awhile, and have started a similar one, Write Me an "L!" over on the DC board for the Legion. Check it out when you have a minute.

[atoningunifex]

In the White Hot Room……

“Live Scott. Live”

In New York…….

Magneto, insane on Kick and under control of the Sublime Entity stands and speaks. Logan doesn’t hear the words. He feels the rage building. And he attacks. And for a second time goes weird and his senses lose touch with reality. But it passes too quickly for control to be regained and claws connect with body and the man who was Magneto and who is now someone else dies.

In the White Hot Room…….

“They don’t understand what you’ve done. Or, rather, they understand what you’ve done, but not why.”

Jean Grey, White Phoenix of the Crown Chakra smiles.

“You’re Quentin Quire. You were under the control of the Sublime as well.”

“If you say so. I don’t understand why you did that either. Summers deciding to stay was the nodal point. Changing his mind eliminated the possible future. Why make the other changes?”

“Scott won’t be able to head the school himself. He’ll need Emma. And Emma is flawed in ways she doesn’t understand. Together they will make a mess of things. They’ll focus on cheap superheroics when they should be focusing on teaching. And when things get bad Charles will return and take charge.”

“Just like always.”

“Yes. So I’ve changed things.”

In China……

There was one Xorn who was Magneto and then there were two Xorn who were not Magneto. Xorn is not a Chinese name. It is a Shi’ar name meaning “Cuckoo”.

In the White Hot Room……

“I still don’t understand. Why Magneto?”

“For Charles.”

“Explain.”
“Why is it, Quentin, that your generation needs everything spoon-fed to you? You’re a Phoenix avatar. Follow the path.”

“Charles and Magneto in collusion and conflict. I see. Magneto’s existence will force Charles to distance himself. But that means Summers and Frost will fail.”

“Yes.”

In Texas…..

Ororo Munore and Valerie Cooper sign the XSE into existence.

In the White Hot Room…..

“Ahhhh. Charles and Magneto building Genosha. But eventually Magneto will fall again into his despair.”

“Yes.”

“And the school will be gone.”

“Yes.”

“But Genosha will be there. And the XSE……”

“Yes.”

In the slight future……

“Charles, will we ever know who the impostor was?”

“I doubt it, Erik. And somehow I don’t think it matters.”

“Really? It matters to me. It matters very much. He did things in my name, monstrous things. I shouldn’t be forced to take blame for them.”

“You’re hardly an innocent victim, Erik…..”

In the White Hot Room……

“You’re rather devious in your own way. Did you tell Charles?”

“No. Charles is an Omega level mutant. Just like you were. You were able to access the White Hot Room on your own. Charles can as well.”

“Everything you did could end up a nightmare worse than the nodal reality you eliminated.”

“It could. Or it could end up glorious and complex and wonderful. Life is chance. Sometimes, here in the White Hot Room, it’s too easy to see possibilities. That’s why Phoenix manifests.”

“So now we wait.”

“Yes.”

“You’re going to go back again, aren’t you?”

Jean Grey smiles and for a moment Quentin Quire udnerstands why so many of her friends love her so. The smile is fiery and full of life. And Quentin Quire leaves her to her contemplation and begins to wonder about reincarnation…….

[Tre Styles]

Light flickers on.

"Oh...sorry, I didn't know you were....what are you doing sitting in the dark?"

"Thinking about what happened..."

"Well then, I'll leave you...."

"No, please don't go..I...I want to talk"

"To me? For what? And why now?"

"Because I still love...I think, I mean..."

"You really don't know, and neither do I. Our minds have been messed with so much that..."

"..our thoughts, and our lives have been shaped so much by others...Malice, Sinister, ...."

"I really didn't love her. It was her son, he did something to my mind....I don't know, I think he just wanted a father or something."

"Well, my mind has been messed with too......after Geneosha...and then seeing you with her, and when you seemingly rejected me...I went a little well crazy..."

"Do you think we could ever...?"

"Anything's possible.....you know I never believed you were dead. Even after the explosion...."

"The explosion...yeah...that was...."

"I know it's hard for you to talk about."

"You always did understand me better than anyone else......yeah, I was in another world for a time."

"Alternate reality...."

"It was dark there....It made me appreciate what I had....and I wanted so much to get home to....all of you....and deep down, I wanted more than anything for us to work things out....I..."

"When I heard you were alive....my heart came back to me....I just..."

"I know. And I wished I could've been what I wanted to be for you, but I had lost my mind....literally to the wishes of a child....strange, yet true..."

"Well he and his mother are gone now....."

"Yeah...."

"And there's just us left...with our past.."

"And what about our future?"

"I don't know....can we start again? Should we? There's been so much hurt...and pain...."

"But we can try...."

"We could...."

"Lorna....I..."

"Shhh. Alex, I know...I know... let's just sit here for a while. And rest. It's been a day."

She lays her head on his shoulder. He places his hand around her.

Lights flicker out.
;)

[Brian Cronin]

You both are good. :)

I am Brian Cronin, and I approved that compliment.

-Brian

[atoningunifex]

very cool, Tre. I'm sure Flight will love it.

[Kirayoshi]

========





It was supposed to be the end. Of the virus, of the last legacy of the monster Stryfe, and of his life.


Logan would no doubt spit on his grave and declare him a coward. He didn't care.

Kurt might believe that his act of suicide would damn his soul. He didn't care.

Kitty would probably hate him for abandoning her. He didn't care. Doctor Reyes tried to talk him down, but he had decided his course. He calmly opened the canister and let the gas do its work. Within seconds, Cecilia was unconscious. And with the rest of the X-Men outside playing baseball, no one would know what he was planning until it was too late.

Peter Rasputin took the syringe in his hand, punctured the skin of his forearm with the needle and depressed the plunger. Hank McCoy had informed the X-Men that, when a mutant injected him/herself with the Legacy cure and triggered his/her power, it would catalyze the formula, spreading it like the virus it was designed to eliminate until all forms of the virus were eradicated. The triggering would also kill whoever took the cure.

With a last lingering thought to the life he was leaving behind, he triggered his mutant ability, letting his body convert from flesh to steel. He felt vertigo, then convulsions, then a sense of nothingness. He knew his body was going into shock, and he welcomed it. An end to sorrow, a surcease of a life of pain.

With his last dram of awareness he found himself thinking of Kitty. Wishing he could see her warm hazel eyes and soft brown hair one last time, and let her know that she was the one true love of his life.

Do svedaniya, Katya, moy angelichek, he said in his mind. Be happy.

As consciousness fled, he could hear Illyana's laughter echoing musically in his ears, could smell her floral perfume, could catch a glimpse of her flowing golden hair. He knew then that he had made the right decision.

Then he awoke to discover that it was all a lie.

========

Close every door to me

Hide all the world from me

Bar all the windows and

Shut out the light.




Do what you want to me

Hate me and laugh at me

Darken my daytime and

Torture my night...

========




He felt cold metal against his back and metal straps binding his arms and legs in a spreadeagle formation. He opened his eyes only to see gunmetal gray walls on all sides. As far from any image of Heaven as he could conceive.


He assumed his armored form, and tried to wrench his arms free of their restraints. His captors were not unprepared. Pain shot through his steel form like the fires of Hell. He was so shocked by the sudden pain that he reverted to flesh and blood immediately, his body flat against the metal gurney.

As his pain-misted vision cleared, he saw a door open in the wall directly in front of him, and an imposing figure walked in. The being was clearly not human; an impossibly large frame, skin resembling granite, with the cold dead eyes of a tyrant. A mutant perhaps. Peter's first thought was Apocalypse, or perhaps Mr. Sinister. But this man was neither. "Patient 002," he spoke in a voice like ground glass. "I see you have awakened from your coma." The granite-skinned being snarled sadistically at the prone mutant.

Obviously this being was his captor. And Peter felt no desire to capitulate to him. "My name," he snarled, "is Colossus."

"Correction," he snapped at the Russian farmboy. "Your name was Peter Nikolevitch Rasputin. As you have been legally declared dead by competent doctors, you no longer have such luxuries as a name. And I went to great lengths to acquire your body, 002, including creating the illusion that you were cremated. Your former teammate, Shadowcat I believe, scattered the ashes we provided her over your farm in Siberia. For what it's worth, mutant, you may address me as Ord."

Peter attempted to lift his form from the gurney only to receive another harsh electric jolt. "We cannot allow you to remain at large, 002," he chided him. "We require something from your body. You were brought here to fulfill the work of the Benetech Corporation. With the aid of the Legacy cure you still carry in your genome, we will succeed in curing mutancy altogether."

"And if I refuse?" Peter snarled.

Ord smiled cruelly at his captive. "You seem to be under the misapprehension that I require, or particularly desire, your permission. Or that I even regard you as anything more than a resource. You live only as long as your body is capable of producing the cure." With clinical detachment, Ord unwrapped a sterile needle, before seizing Peter's left arm with his other hand. Even in his armored form, Peter found the grip over his arm to be excruciating. "You should feel proud, 002," Ord glared harshly at his prisoner. "You managed to eliminate a virus that would have destroyed all mutant-kind. And I will make you regret that action."

Peter remained defiant, refusing to give this monster the honor of tears. "They will find me, Ord," he groaned through clenched teeth. "They will defeat you!"

Ord regarded Peter's face quizzically. "They? Oh, you mean the X-Men? I suppose they would have posed a threat…if I hadn't disposed of them already." Peter's face blanched, and this first sign of emotion from the stoic Russian caused Ord to chuckle. "They're all dead, 002. I saw to that myself."

Peter gritted his teeth, denying the monster's words, but fearing that they were true. "Yes, the young one, Kitty, was it?" Ord continued, almost casually. "The poor girl thought she could phase through my hand as I held her neck. But I was able to negate her powers. Just like this…" He twisted his wrist slightly, triggering a charge of energy through Peter's body. Instantly the Russian mutant's body reverted from steel to flesh. With an expression of bland contempt, he immediately punctured Peter's arm with the hypodermic in her hand, emptying the contents of the syringe into Peter's bloodstream. Within fifteen seconds Peter's arm was completely paralyzed, and the rest of his body quickly became immobile shortly afterward.

Without another word, Ord began his work, collecting samples of Peter's blood and flesh, attaching diodes to his skin and monitoring his physical and mental vital signs. As he finished, Ord glanced darkly at the helpless mutant. "Please don't hesitate to inform me if you're feeling any pain, 002," Ord told Peter as he strode out of the door. "It will please me greatly to know that you are." The door whooshed shut with a vacuum seal, leaving Peter motionless in the darkness, with only his rage for company.

[Kirayoshi]

========
If my life was important.
I'd ask, 'Will I live or die?'
But I know the answer lies
Far from this world...
========
He tried counting the days of his captivity, but ultimately gave it up as a futile gesture. His cell had no windows, no access to the outside world. His tormentors awoke him whenever they felt the need to 'extract' plasma or other genetic material, and Ord seemed to delight in making the 'extraction' process as painful as possible. And Ord was imaginative in the ways of inflicting pain without damaging his body.

Ord was his only company during his captivity, and he would only arrive to extract blood or plasma from Peter's body, to create this 'cure' he spoke of. Often Ord would strap diodes to Peter's body and run electricity through his frame, all the while negating his powers so he couldn't assume his armored form. Other times he would simply leave Peter alone for days on end, with nothing but his thoughts and memories. As the measureless hours passed slowly into days, familiar voices began to torment his sleep, then over time his waking hours. Each ghost would condemn him, before fading into memory.

"Way to go, bub," Logan would always begin the taunting. "Taking the coward's way out."

"We needed you with us," Ororo spoke in icy tones, her eyes flashing coldly into his soul.

"You left us when we needed you," Kurt continued the condemning litany.

"We didn't have a chance against Ord," Scott declared, his voice almost hollow, devoid of emotion before he faded into thin air.

"Please," Peter pleaded. "I only wanted to prevent others from suffering as Illyana did!"

"Oh, please," Remy shook his head, almost chuckling. "You only sought de easy out! You didn't think about us once when you injected dat stuff into your arm!"

"And now he's gonna use your blood to kill all mutants," Rogue snarled. "Thanks for nothin', sugah!"

He wanted to plead his case to these phantoms, to explain why he took the Legacy cure upon himself. But they only turned their backs on him, fading into the ether before he could beg their forgiveness.

The last two faces to remain were always the same; the faces of the two women to whom he had dedicated his life, and finally his death. Blue and hazel eyes burned holes into Peter's soul as blond and brown hair framed their heads in fire. Kitty glanced briefly at Illyana before the two of them spoke a single word to him; "Traitor." His sister and his beloved then faded, leaving him alone with his despair.

And every time he slept, the ghosts would come back to torment him again.

========

Just give me a number,
Instead of my name,
Forget all about me
And let me decay.



I do not matter,
I'm only one person.
Destroy me completely
And throw me away...

========

A vending device in Peter's cell provided the only food that Ord saw fit to give his prisoner; a daily protein-suppliment wafer, dry and tasteless but sufficient to sustain life. Several times Peter simply refused to eat, to simply starve himself. If he was dead, he'd be useless to Ord.

But Ord acted swiftly to Peter's effort to starve himself to death. Without words, he simply supressed Peter's powers again, shoved another needle into his arm and forced nutrients into his system intravenously. From that moment he was kept alive against his will.

Occasionally Ord would regard Peter with a gentle, almost charitable eye. He would speak civilly to Peter as he performed his regular procedure of drawing his blood, his voice taking on an almost conversational tone. Peter vaguely remembered something Hank McCoy had mentioned to him once, something called 'Stockholm Syndrome'; victims of lengthy abductions would sometimes feel an emotional attachment to their abductors, especially if the abductors occasionally demonstrated small kindnesses to their hostages. Peter refused to give in to Ord's seeming kindness; he knew it to be a pretense. He never spoke in his presence, nor did he look directly at him. He maintained a white-hot hatred for his captor. Ord had stripped him of his friends, his freedom and his name. Hatred was all he had left.

========

If my life was important
I'd ask, "Will I live or die?"
But I know the answer lies
Far from this world...

========

Ord hadn't bothered to strap him to his bed that night, nor did he feel the need to negate his powers. He knew that he had broken him, and didn't feel the pressing need for any extravagant security measures. The airlock door opened, allowing a glaring red light to stab into the blackness of the cell that had become Peter's universe. Staccato gunshots could be heard from outside. Vaguely curious, Peter allowed his body to armor up as he moved toward the door.

A bullet whizzed through the doorway, caroming off of his steel chest. The airlock door was wide open, and Ord was nowhere in sight. A nagging voice in the back of his head declared, "It is time."

Almost mechanically, Peter lumbered toward the gunmen, not noticing the small brown-haired girl they were firing their weapons at. His anger fueling his motions, he grabbed the first guard within reach by the base of his neck and threw him hard into the floor. He made his way through the sea of suddenly frightened faces, immune to their gasps of horror or any pleas of mercy that they may have made.

"Peter." The voice called but didn't register at first. Peter continued to toss bodies around like cordwood, as those who were still conscious lost their resolve and fled for their lives. "Stop, Peter!" she called again, and a faint ember of recognition glowed faintly, but with growing strength, in Peter's mind.

"Please stop," she pleaded, "you'll kill them!"

That voice. Over the years since he had met her, he had memorized every cadence, every tone, every aspect of that voice. If there was one sound in the world that said 'Home' to him, it was that voice.

Peter dared to turn his head as he reverted to flesh, to look upon her. "Katya?"

She stood before her, her hair tied back behind her head, wearing a modified version of her standard blue-and-yellow uniform, her face frozen in an expression of pure wide-eyed shock. Peter's knees gave out, as his anger faded and all the strength his rage gave him escaped like air from a punctured tire. He half-walked, half-crawled to her, his arms finding their way around her torso as he lay his head on her chest. No longer able to dam the tide of emotions, he sobbed openly. "Oh God," he cried brokenly. "Finally… God, am I…God please…Am I finally dead?"

Kitty stood in awkward silence, praying that this was not an illusion, but uncertain what to do if it was true.

[Kirayoshi]

========

Close every door to me

Keep those I love from me

Children of Israel

Are never alone…

========

Peter stood silently in one of the attic lofts of the rebuilt Xavier School building, admiring the M. C. Escher print that Kurt had given him as a housewarming gift. He found the simple images of birds morphing into nothingness as the null space between them gradually transformed into fishes oddly relaxing.

Trasformation, he thought. There's been a lot of that going on here lately. He would have never thought it possible that Emma Frost would ever become Scott's lover, let alone a member of the X-Men. So much has changed since his foolish actions led him into Ord's tender mercies. He shook his head, shamed anew at his act of hubris.

Nearly three years had passed since he had attempted suicide. No noble sacrifice, no 'greater good', he shook his head at those turns of phrase. He tried to kill himself, there was no other excuse. He grew tired of his life and wanted out. And came close to taking his allies with him.

"Hey," Kitty's voice chimed from the stairwell, shaking Peter out of his reverie. "You decent in there?"

"Come on in, Katya," Peter forced a smile on his face as he greeted her. Kitty strolled into Peter's new residence, her arms behind her back and a small purple dragon draped nonchalantly around her neck. Lockheed craned his neck around Kitty's head and observed the spacious surroundings. He had just moved an old chest of drawers from storage into the corner, along with a couple of chairs and his old bed, and was just now considering wall decorations. With the high ceiling and sunlight filtering in from the enormous overhead window, the room seemed almost empty. "Gotta say," Kitty nodded approvingly, "like what you're doing with the place so far."

"Thank you, Katya," Peter answered. "I'm just grateful that the attic space was available. It seems that following my period of captivity, I have acquired a rather severe claustrophobia. I've already spoken to Ororo, and she has suggested some meditation techniques."

"Glad to hear that," Kitty answered. "Oh, and here," she added, withdrawing the denim garment she had hidden behind her back. "Logan gave me this after you...died," she explained. "I thought you'd like to have it back."

Peter accepted the denim jacket and looked at it. "You gave this to me on my nineteenth birthday," he breathed. Gingerly he tried the jacket on, marveling as the sleeves slid over his arms and he buttoned up the front. "It still fits."

"It still hangs nice on you," Kitty smiled approvingly. "So, you're gonna be sticking around then?"

"Da," Peter nodded. "Emma Frost wants me to teach English Literature and art appreciation at the school. And Hank has officially dropped the suicide watch, I am pleased to report." Kitty flinched slightly at the word 'suicide', causing Peter's face to grow less animated and more serious. "Don't worry, Katya. I have no plans toward ending my life anytime soon. Logan made it abundantly clear that if I ever made the attempt again, he would insure that I lived long enough to regret it."

Kitty regarded Peter sternly, and for a brief moment Peter was almost afraid of what she would say next. "You ever pull a stunt like that again, Rasputin," she intoned menacingly, "you'd better pray that Logan finds you before I do. What the hell were you thinking, trying to kill yourself like that?" Lockheed lifted his head and nodded once, snorting an affirmative.

Peter shook his head sadly at Kitty's accusations. "If you're looking for me to excuse my actions, don't bother. I cannot. I was only thinking of my own pain. I had the last three years alone in Ord's care to meditate on that fact." He turned his body away from Kitty's, not wanting to face her condemnations.

Kitty allowed her anger to ebb, as she walked toward him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Peter, but it hurt me, thinking you had died. I still have a small vial of ashes from what we thought were your remains. It hurt, but I managed to move forward with my life."

"I know," Peter spoke, his voice thick with melancholy. "And I'm glad that you did. I just wish I had had that opportunity. Ord had me believing that he had killed you. That I was the sole surviving X-Man, and that he would use the Legacy cure to destroy all mutants."

"Yeah," Kitty's anger flared, but this time she directed her rage at the monster that had stolen three years of Peter's life. "He hates mutants because he thinks we stand in the way of his plans to conquer the world."

"And we will, Katya," Peter assured her. "Believe me, if he ever shows his face again, I for one will be ready."

"You, me and the dragon," Kitty agreed. "I just...I don't know...I just wish I knew what was going to happen next. With us, I mean."

"I don't know either, Katya," Peter answered honestly. "I know I betrayed you, and I will always pray that we can at least find our way back to the friendship we shared."

"Hey," Kitty turned Peter around and placed his arms around his waist. "We've been through too much to stop being friends now." She smiled openly, as a tear traced its way down her cheek. "As for the rest of it, we'll take it one day at a time."

"Small steps," Peter suggested as his arms slowly encircled Kitty's small waist. "I think I'd like that."

"Just promise me," Kitty pleaded with Peter, "next time you feel as low as you did then, talk to me. You're not alone. None of us are."

"I know that now," Peter vowed, "and I thank God for that fact." Peter tightened his embrace, and Kitty gladly leaned into his arms as the two friends and once-lovers hugged fiercely. "God I missed you, Katya."

"And I you, Peter," Kitty breathed joyously as she felt the body of her beloved in her arms again. Lockheed happily draped his tail around Peter's neck, while his head nuzzled against Kitty's hair. His mistress was happy, and that was enough for him. They weren't 'together', in any serious definition of the term, but they had begun to build something again. For now, that was enough.

As Peter reluctantly leaned back, ending the embrace, he asked Kitty, "So, anything else I miss over the last few years?"

"Well..." Kitty pursed her lips in thought, wondering where to begin. "You missed 'Lord of the Rings' in the theatre."

"What?" Peter asked incredulously. "I can't believe they made a movie out of 'Lord of the Rings'."

"You're right," she smiled hugely. "They made three of them. One for each book."

Peter arched one eyebrow, staring quizzically at Kitty. "You're kidding!"

"I got the whole thing on DVD," Kitty announced.

"This I must see for myself," Peter answered.

"Well then," Kitty grinned hugely as she led Peter out of his attic room, "get ready for an evening of sensory overload!" The two friends headed for the TV lounge for a long night of fantasy cinema and bonding.

And for the first time in recent memory, Peter Rasputin felt at peace.

========

For I know I will find
My own peace of mind
For I have been promised
A land of my own.

[Tre Styles]

Perfecy Kirayoshi, perfect. :)

[Brian Cronin]

Holy gosh, Kirayoshi, that came out of nowhere like a shining beacon of light! :)

-Brian

[Schellenberg]

"Once-lovers"? Oooh. Phrasing-OUCH. Boy howdy. "Friends" is okay here, 'cause Girl Genius and Farm Artist really have nothing in common, BUT--

She was fourteen. She had a crush. Nothing happened. Or is Our Resident Appliance a statutory rapist? There's billions of 'em out there, fishing the chatboards. But I prefer to think She was fourteen. She had a crush. Nothing happened.

Say it with me, folklets! How many of us are Seriously Involved fifteen, ten, or even fuh-ive years later with a former junior-high crush? Even the fascinating ones who can wear refrigerator magnets?

[Rachel Grey]

Awesome stuff Kirayoshi! Megaprops :cool:

Just one little thing: I'm missing out on a lot so, um, when did Pete start beliving in God?

[Rachel Grey]

Of kissess & Cell Phones

"You're kidding!"

I just had to grin at her astonished tone, I could imagine her staring at the phone half shocked, half amused.

"Nope, it happened. Naturally we got interrupted before it got interesting but, I mean... heh, damn, that was one hell of a kiss. I'm still kinda flustered you know?"

I heard her snort derisivly at that. "Flustered? Oh come on, It's me you're talking to."

I laughed "Okay, wiseass. 'I'm still kinda horny you know?' Is that better?"

"More honest at least."

Ouch.

"Who's side are you on anyway?"

"Side? There are sides?"

"Well, okay not really, but you zinged me with that one."

"Heh, sorry."

"That's okay. So, hows things with you?"

"Good, good. Emma's being a pain but what else is new?"

Guh, Emma Frost. She so needs a plasma suppository....

"Hehe I can hear that little strangled noise you make whenever her name is mentioned."

"Can we not talk about the Silicone Queen?"

"Sure, let's talk about you. About what your next move should be."

I had to sigh there, that was a very good point. After all I couldn't just charge in, guns blazing... so to speak. Hm.....

"Still there?"

"Hmmm? Oh, sorry, just navel gazing I guess. I am a little worried."

"I would be too, stealing boyfriends is a dangerous occupation."

"PRYDE!!"

... I could hear her laughing on the other end.

"I am so confiscating your Buffy DVDs..."

Before I could say anything else I saw Tessa striding towards me.

"Gotta go, I think we might have a case. Bye Kitty."

"Bye Ray."

[Kirayoshi]

Awesome stuff Kirayoshi! Megaprops :cool:

Just one little thing: I'm missing out on a lot so, um, when did Pete start beliving in God?Was it ever established in the book that he was an athiest? I know he was born in Communist Russia, but that doesn't automatically mean he's godless.

Even so, some agnostics I know use phrases like 'Oh my God'. Some people say it without necessarily implying religious preference. My apologies for the confusion.

[Kirayoshi]

"Once-lovers"? Oooh. Phrasing-OUCH. Boy howdy. "Friends" is okay here, 'cause Girl Genius and Farm Artist really have nothing in common, BUT--

She was fourteen. She had a crush. Nothing happened. Or is Our Resident Appliance a statutory rapist? There's billions of 'em out there, fishing the chatboards. But I prefer to think She was fourteen. She had a crush. Nothing happened.

Say it with me, folklets! How many of us are Seriously Involved fifteen, ten, or even fuh-ive years later with a former junior-high crush? Even the fascinating ones who can wear refrigerator magnets?I said 'once-lovers' to imply two people who were once very much in love. Whether or not they actually did the deed notwithstanding! Agape as opposed to eros, if you will.

Not meant to be a flame, but you wouldn't happen to be of the Kete persuasion, would you?

[J Harper]

Peter said he was raised an athiest in one of the X-Men annuals, the one where the X-Men have to brave an illusion of Hell to save Nightcrawler. But hell, that doesn't mean he can't swear or thank some God in the generic sense. As you said, Kirayoshi, agnostics and athiests do it all the time in real life.

Peter strikes me as a rather spiritual, contemplative character. He doesn't adhere to a formal religous structure, but he does have a reverance to the earth and the cycle of life that feels almost pagan to me. I wonder how his years of imprisonment is going to affect his beliefs. It'll be interesting to find out.

Cheers!

Jeremy Harper

[Kirayoshi]

Peter said he was raised an athiest in one of the X-Men annuals, the one where the X-Men have to brave an illusion of Hell to save Nightcrawler. But hell, that doesn't mean he can't swear or thank some God in the generic sense. As you said, Kirayoshi, agnostics and athiests do it all the time in real life.

Peter strikes me as a rather spiritual, contemplative character. He doesn't adhere to a formal religous structure, but he does have a reverance to the earth and the cycle of life that feels almost pagan to me. I wonder how his years of imprisonment is going to affect his beliefs. It'll be interesting to find out.

Cheers!

Jeremy HarperConsidering his line at the end of AXM #4("Dear God am I finally dead?") I'd say he has some idea of Heaven. Plus his belief as he 'died' in UXM #390 that he could feel Illyana near him as the Legacy cure kicked in. I suspect that the technical term for Peter would be 'deist'. One who believes in God, but just doesn't subscribe to a specific faith. Hey, it worked for Ben Franklin!

[J Harper]

Considering his line at the end of AXM #4("Dear God am I finally dead?") I'd say he has some idea of Heaven. Plus his belief as he 'died' in UXM #390 that he could feel Illyana near him as the Legacy cure kicked in. I suspect that the technical term for Peter would be 'deist'. One who believes in God, but just doesn't subscribe to a specific faith. Hey, it worked for Ben Franklin!


That works for me.

Cheers!

Jeremy Harper

[J Harper]

This is the start of an Evo fic. I was planning on using this as the opening scene of a new collaboration with my partner-in-crime Lia Fail, but I'm not too enamoured with it right now. I just don't know Evo well enough to be comfortable working with it. No promises it'll ever be finished.


Friday Night


Remy LeBeau stormed into the kitchen, muttering angrily to himself, Piotr Rasputin close behind him, the young Russian watching his annoyed friend with a tolerant, amused expression. They were both fresh from a team training exercise in the Danger Room, and were still in their costumes – Remy in purple and green Kevlar, his trench-coat worn over his outfit, his bo staff clenched angrily in his right fist, Piotr dressed in red and gold trimmed with black.

“I swear to the good God above, Petey, if Summers don’t lay off us I’ll cram my bo right up his tight ass, see if I don’t,” Remy snarled as he paced around.

Piotr snorted, pulling a chair away from the kitchen table, turning it about and settling into it. “That would be wasted effort, brother. He all ready has a stick up his ass; there’s no room for yours.”

“Then I’ll stuff a royal flush down his throat. At the very least it’ll shut him up.” Remy leaned against the counter next to the refrigerator. He pressed hard on a stud set in the center section of his bo. The staff collapsed in on itself and he thrust the now compact rod into his coat pocket. Remy ran both hands through his thick auburn hair. He was scowling, his red on black eyes smoldering. “Does he think we incompetents? I was risking my neck when he was in elementary school, trying to sneak peeks up Jeanie’s skirt, and Mags sure as hell didn’t skimp on your training.”

Piotr shrugged. “Scott does not like us because we are thugs.”

“No, you the thug, Petey. I’m a thief.”

“I do not think Scott is capable of discerning so fine a difference,” Piotr answered dryly.

“In that case the boy is a bigger idiot than I thought.”

Piotr grunted in agreement. “Make yourself useful and get me a Stewart’s.”

[J Harper]

Remy opened the refrigerator and looked in. “What kind you want?”

Piotr stripped off his gauntlets and tossed them on the table. “Black cherry, please.”

Remy looked around. “There ain’t none.”

“What do you mean there isn’t any? I threw a six pack in last night.”

“That may be so, but there ain’t none now.”

Piotr cursed in Russian. “When I find out who is swiping my sodas, I will kick him into low earth orbit.” Remy snickered. Black cherry Stewart’s Soda was, as far as he knew, his friend’s sole vice. “What else is there?”

“Root beer, grape, lime, orange… ah, one strawberries ‘n cream left, hidden in the back.”

“A small favor,” Piotr muttered sourly. Remy smirked, took a root beer for himself, handed Piotr the strawberries ‘n cream, then returned to his perch on the counter. They twisted open their sodas and drank in silence for a minute.

“So Summers don’t like thieves and thugs, eh?” Remy said. “Even when they be reformed?”

“ ‘Past conduct is a guideline to future behavior.’ I overheard him saying that to Jean a few days ago.”

“How tolerant. Magnanimous bastard, ain’t he? Not a big believer in redemption. I can maybe understand him not liking me – I’ve been a bad man all my life. But what really pisses me off is how he acts to you. Not like you ever believed what Magneto preached. The old man coerced you.”

Piotr shrugged. “No excuse. He thinks I should have stood up to Magneto.”

“And watch him impale your family on steel poles and parade ‘em around Ust-Ordynski as a warning to those who defy ‘im. Hope I’m around to see the day when reality smacks that boy upside the head.”

“Scott is not so bad. At any rate, I prefer working with him than Creed or Allerdyce.”

“Sabretooth knew if he pushed us too far we’d tag-team him, and Pyro, little psycho that he is, was too afraid to try anything. Summers don’t know that yet. Gonna cost him.”

Piotr shook his head. “If he irritates you that much, Remy, why do you stay? It is not like the Professor is forcing you to be an X-Man.”

“What, and give that pencil-neck geek the satisfaction of thinking he ran me off? No. I’d sooner swill blanc.”

Piotr grinned at Remy. “And that is the only reason you stay?”

“Of course it ain’t.” Remy grinned back, pulling a playing card out of his coat and flashing it his friend. It was the ace of hearts. “I be a slave to love, brother.”

Piotr winced and took a pull from his soda. “It is no wonder Rogue can not stand you, you spouting lines like that.”

Remy laughed and put the card away. “Oh, she likes me a bit more than she lets on. She plays her cards close to the vest. I can respect that.”

“If you say so, Remy. You do not make things easy for yourself, I will grant you that much. Bad attitude on top of not being able to touch makes for one hell of a woman to chase after.”

“I like challenges,” Remy said with a shrug. “They spice life up. And as for her powers, they ain’t as big a deal as you think.” He reached into an inner pocket and produced a slim gold bracelet. Piotr looked at it curiously.

“What is it?”

“Power nullifier. I commissioned Forge to make it. Paid him in Playstation 2 and X-Box games. He also made me a back up pair in the form of handcuffs.”

Piotr shook his head in disbelief. “You are evil.”

“What, you only just figure that out, Petey?” Remy finished off his root beer and put the empty bottle in the sink. “You won’t object too violently if I have another Stewart’s?”

[J Harper]

“Who do you think I get the root beer and the orange for in the first place?”

“Merci. You a good friend.” Remy got an orange this time. Piotr was still working slowly on his strawberries ‘n cream. “Turnabout: why are you still here? I never thought you’d stay around once you slipped Mag’s chains.”

Piotr thought about it in silence. “What would I do if I did leave?” he finally said. “Scythe wheat in Siberia? Work in a shop in Little Odessa? Break legs for the Russian Mob?”

“Don’t knock leg breaking ‘til you try it. The hours are short and the pay is good.”

“I will keep that in mind. The point is, after all that I have seen and done, such options – “ Piotr frowned, trying to articulate his feelings. “I would feel constrained. I love my family very much, but I cannot go back to them yet. Not until I have seen enough of the world. God knows when that will be.”

Remy nodded. “I can relate. I felt the same way, after I finished my first job as a Journeyman of the Thieves Guild. Hell, I still feel that way, and it’s been nearly ten years.” Remy took a pull off of his soda. “But, like me, that ain’t the only reason you stay here.” Piotr arched an eyebrow.

“What are you talking about, Remy?”

“Please, Petey! Don’t play innocent. You good at it, but it won’t wash with me. I know you too well, and my Pappy, he didn’t raise no fools.”

“You are babbling.”

“Feh. You want me to go fetch one of your sketchbooks, show it to some of the kids, maybe ask them their opinion on your subject matter?”

Piotr’s eyes went hard and flat. He gave his friend a glare that would have made any student in the Manor shake in their boots and maybe even make Logan think twice. Remy just grinned, his red eyes gleaming humorously.

“Do so,” growled Piotr, “and I will put you in traction.”

“Only if you caught me.” The Cajun thief’s expression became suddenly serious. “I’ve seen how you look at Katie, brother, when you don’t think anyone is watching. Nearly breaks my heart. Why don’t you go do something about it?” Piotr sipped his soda and looked away from Remy’s searching gaze.

“It would not be proper or honorable,” he muttered. “She all ready has a boyfriend.”

Remy snorted. “ ‘All’s fair in love and war’,” he quoted. “And Alvers ain’t much of a boyfriend to begin with. Yah, they were all lovey after Egypt, he and Katie, but things aren’t so hot now. Besides, I’ve also seen how Katie looks at you, like you something good to eat. You’d be better for her, anyway.

Piotr glanced at Remy, then shook his head. “She would be trading one thug for another.”

“Don’t make me come over there and smack you, brother,” Remy retorted sharply. “Difference between you and Alvers as big as the Mississippi.”

“How so?”

“What you mention a minute ago: honor. We honorable, you and me - that’s why we get along so well, despite our differences.” Remy drank more of his root beer, nearly finishing it off. “We don’t say ‘yes’ when we mean ‘no’ and when we give our word, we damn well keep it. You can’t say that ‘bout Shaker Boy, or any of those other geeks in the Brotherhood, ‘cept maybe the Witch. Even then I’d watch out for her. Never know what someone will do when they fou.”

“… I’ll give what you say some thought,” said Piotr, his tone indicating he considered the subject closed. He finished his soda, set the empty bottle on the table, cricked his neck and looked out the kitchen window. “It’s Friday. Let us go out and do something.”

Remy downed the rest of his root beer. “Sounds like a plan. What you up for?”

“Anything. Shoot some pool, go out to eat, see a movie, trawl the mall, hit a club, whatever – as long as we just go out. I do not relish the idea of being cooped up on a Friday night with a horde of teenagers running amuck.”

“No kiddin’. Shooting some pool sounds good. It’ll let me win back the money you cheated me out of at cards last week.”

Piotr gave his friend an exasperated look. “For the last time, Remy, I do not cheat.”

“No. No, no, no. I refuse to believe that some hick farm boy I taught the damn game to can beat me regular at poker without something underhanded going on. It ain’t possible.”

“Oh for the love of – pull your head out of the sand and face reality, brother.” Piotr flashed Remy a wicked grin. “I am just that damn good.”

Remy was about to retort when Kitty Pryde walked into the kitchen. She was still in her blue and black uniform, her gloves pulled off and tucked into her belt, a bottle of soda in her slim right hand. “Hey guys.”

“Hey Katie,” answered Remy. Piotr nodded pleasantly to her.

“What are you up to?”

“Just talking,” answered Piotr. “What about you?”

“I was looking for you two.” Kitty glanced down at her boots, looking glum. Piotr and Remy traded glances. “Something up?” asked Remy.

“No. It’s just…” Kitty sighed and looked up at her two teammates. “I just wanted to apologize for how Scott’s acting. Kurt, Rogue and I, we really don’t think it’s cool, the way he’s treating you. I mean, like, even Jean thinks he’s going too far.” She made a face. “He can be a real jerk sometimes.”

“Don’t sweat it, Katie,” said Remy. “Petey and I, we’ll deal. We a tough pair of bastards.”

Piotr nodded in agreement. “We use to work with Sabretooth and Magneto. Scott is a… ah… creampuff, in comparison.”

Kitty smiled at him. She didn’t notice him blush slightly, but Remy did. He covered his mouth with his hand to conceal his smirk and snicker. “Still,” she continued. “I’ve seen him pull stunts like this before. I can’t help but feel bad about it.”

“Please don’t.” Piotr smiled back her. “It is not your fault your field leader behaves like an ignorant chipmunk.”

“Or that he’s intimidated by our suave manners and robust masculinity,” added Remy with a grin.

Kitty giggled. “You guys are funny.” She took a dainty sip of her soda.

“We try.” Piotr blinked and took a closer look at her soda bottle. “Kitty, is that a black cherry Stewart’s you are drinking?”

“Hmmm? Oh, yeah, it is. Want a sip?” Remy threw back his head and laughed uproariously. Piotr sighed, ducked his head and covered his eyes with a hand. Kitty blinked, looking back and forth at them in confusion. “What? Like, what’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” answered Piotr. “Remy has an inappropriate sense of humor.”

“The hell I do. The look on your face be the funniest thing I seen all day. Where you get the soda, petite?”

“From Kurt. When you guys left the Danger Room, he ‘ported out and came back with a six pack of them.”

“Oh.” Piotr dropped his hand and looked up. The expression of relief on his face set Remy off on another laughing jag. Piotr glared at him. “I will have to discuss this with Wagner,” he muttered to himself.

“I still don’t get what you’re laughing at,” Kitty directed to Remy, her lips pursed in a small pout. She did not like being left out of a joke.

Remy’s laughter subsided with a sigh and he shook his head. “Forget it. Petey be right – I’m just an inappropriate kinda guy.” He shot his friend a sly glance. “Say Katie, Peter and I, we going out for the night. Maybe gonna shoot some pool, grab a bite to eat. You wanna come with? Nothing like the company of a pretty lady to add some class to an evening’s excursion.” This may cost him a black eye the next time Piotr and he sparred, but Remy felt the amusement of seeing his friend and Kitty dancing around each other would make that worth it. And maybe if he were feeling generous, he would give them a push in the right direction.

[Rachel Grey]

Was it ever established in the book that he was an athiest? I know he was born in Communist Russia, but that doesn't automatically mean he's godless.

Even so, some agnostics I know use phrases like 'Oh my God'. Some people say it without necessarily implying religious preference. My apologies for the confusion.

Way back in Nightcrawler's Inferno. Just a sec....

Page 48 of the DoFP TPB

Pete: Will it never end? Such horror, such cruelty -- I never dreamed...

Pete: If beliving in your God, Nightcrawler, means accepting the existence of this place, I am now glad that I was born an atheist.

Kurt: Do not be so harsh, Peter, so quick to judge. Hell is balanced by heaven. And those who come here deserve their damnation.


Though good point about the phrase being used as is, without actual preference. I had just wondered if he had converted in an issue I didn't have.

[Kirayoshi]

Re: Friday Night

I don't know, but I like what I see so far. As I told OldPrydeFan, I approve of any Evo-fanfic that tries to break Kitty out of that Valley-girl stereotype. And the interplay between Remy and a tougher but still recognizable Peter rang true. I say let it simmer for a while and see what percolates.

[J Harper]

Hey K.

Thanks for the kind words. I think, since I've posted it, I'm starting to like it a bit better. Sometimes it takes a while for me to like a piece, after I finish it. I'll probably let it sit a while. I'm going to have to think on it for a bit. I actually have no idea where to take it from where I left off, since I initially planned on this being a collaboration with Lia Fail.

I hope to have Deathless Chapter 9 up in a few days, and Lia and I will be starting on a new collaboration sometime in the next week or two. How are your projects going? Any new Goblin War or X-fic in the near future? How's OldPrydeFan doing?

Anyhow, thanks again.

Cheers!

Jeremy Harper

[Kirayoshi]

Hey K.

Thanks for the kind words. I think, since I've posted it, I'm starting to like it a bit better. Sometimes it takes a while for me to like a piece, after I finish it. I'll probably let it sit a while. I'm going to have to think on it for a bit. I actually have no idea where to take it from where I left off, since I initially planned on this being a collaboration with Lia Fail.

I hope to have Deathless Chapter 9 up in a few days, and Lia and I will be starting on a new collaboration sometime in the next week or two. How are your projects going? Any new Goblin War or X-fic in the near future? How's OldPrydeFan doing?

Anyhow, thanks again.

Cheers!

Jeremy HarperI'm slowly working on another chapter to "The Goblin Wars". Hopefully in a few days(cross fingers). Some spoilers;
The next chapter, 'Weird Science Tales' will feature Ned Leeds, John Jameson and Harry Osborn, as well as some Spider-Man action. And remember Spencer Smythe? Thought you might.
Oh, and while you're over at fanfiction.net, you should try one of my other forays into comic-related fanfic. During the summer of 2001, before the 6th season premiere of BtVS, I wrote a take on how I would resurrect Buffy. I wasn't even close to what Joss did. For one thing, it's a crossover with Neil Gaiman's Sandman.

It's called 'Return' (http://http://www.fanfiction.net/s/330054/1/) and I think it's one of my better Buffy stories. No non-canon 'ships, and a kick-ass epilogue by fellow-writer Mad Hamlet. Give it a try and see what you think.

[Ontir]

From the diary of Lorna Dane:

"SNAP OUT OF IT!" That's a line from a favourite movie of mine, but it's also what happened to me. I watched myself stalk my ex for months, and taunt and threaten his new girlfriend. All the time wondering why I was doing this. It was like remote control behaviour. Two days ago, I snapped out of it. I can't recall the last time I saw so many looks of relief. Sadly, they didn't last long.

Archangel, Iceman, Chamber, Husk, and Stacy X were called to a warehouse. Cerebro, a phone call, all these things came together, and then they were gone. Archangel and Husk are missing, Chamber and Stacy X were in comas, and Iceman is... WAS dead.

Sage spent months processing the data, while Chamber slowly recovered. He was so badly battered, that Hank had to rebuild his neck, including a new lower jaw. It doesn't look real, but I have to say, it looks better than that gaping maw. I'm told the new jaw also gives him better focus of his power. Kind of like Scott's visor, which is good, because we went back to that warehouse, on the night it all went wrong.

Bishop hooked us up with the time-trip, and we went back to prevent the tragedies. I made one real gaff as leader: I was trying to remind everyone about the dangers of coming in contact with previous selves, but what came out was, "Remember guys, don't touch yourselves!" I'm not even going to tell you what Northstar said! 8 ^>

We were partially successful. Iceman was wounded, but is alive. Chamber ended up exactly like before, but as the outcome of that is unchanged, it's OK. Stacy is in a coma, but this time, she's broken nearly every bone in her body. I feel so responsible, she's far worse than before. As for Archangel and Husk, I have no idea what became of them. Warren took of toward a rafter. There was someone standing there, but my sight is nowhere as keen as his. While I watched, and unsuccessfully tried to get a magnetic lock on the guy, we heard a scream. We both turned toward where Husk was standing, only now she was gone. I then heard a muffled sound, like Warren had been hit. I looked up, and he was dropping. I reached up to break his fall. That's when I felt the tug. The time device was flying off my upper arm, and I was suddenly back in the Danger Room, where I'd begun my journey.

I have very little to go on, but I do have some time. Bobby is alive, Northstar is mostly OK, and Chamber will be ready to roll in five more weeks. Meanwhile, Sage and I are pouring over the data so we'll be ready when they are.

[Kirayoshi]

Giri
by Kirayoshi

standard discaimers apply.


I kinda figured I'd find the boy there, in front of the Phoenix memorial. He'd been reading up on recent events since Kitty found him and we all put the beatdown on Ord. Learning about Jean hit him real hard. Can't say I blame him. Hit us all hard. She was like the den-mother to us. Wendy in our little tribe of Lost Boys. Learning about how Magneto killed her without even a passing thought must have been like having the floor yanked out from under you.


He was staring at the inscription on the base of the firebird statue. She Will Rise Again. Given our current batting average, that's not unlikely. But part of me ain't looking forward to seeing it happen.


Emotions have a smell. Not a lot of people know that. The human body puts out different smells in different moods. I've learned to recognize them over the years. Pete's smell when I saw him at the memorial had 'remorse' all over it. I decided it was time to talk with the boy.


Kurt likes to kid me, saying that I would have made a fine priest. Sorry, Kurt but I'm too much of a Sunday football fan.


"Hey, Pete," I started. He turned slowly toward me, his eyes downcast. "You okay?"

Pete just stood there, his head hanging low. "Fifteen million," he breathed. "Fifteen million died in Genosha."


I nodded. "Yeah, we know."


"Emma and Scott informed me," Pete continued, walking slowly away from the statue. I followed him into the courtyard, hoping I wouldn't have to knock some sense into the boy. The boy's like a brother to me, but he can get pretty damn Russian with his tendency towards melencholy.


"They told me about Magneto's attack on New York," he went on, his hands hanging heavily at his sides as he walked. "About how Reverend Stryker had abducted Katya, the Professor relocated to Genosha and Ororo formed the XSE. Much has changed, but in the end, very little has truly changed. What world have I returned to, Logan?"

I just shook my head. "Same world you left, bub. It's the only one we got."


He sighed briefly, his shoulders sagging. He lost years of his life imprisoned by Ord, and got tossed back into the world and being forced to play catch-up from there. I didn't want to hit him with another bit of bad news, but it had to be done. He had to know. And I had to know something as well.


I'm the best there is at what I do. But that doesn't always include talking about feelings.


"Petey," I started slowly. "I don't know if they told you about this, but there's something you need to know. About Kitty."


He stopped suddenly and turned to me. That got his attention.


"Those fifteen million who died in Genosha," I said simply. "One of them was her dad."


Peter gasped, and I could tell that he was hurting inside for her. Given what happened to his parents, I figured he'd empathize with Kitty losing her dad. "By the White Wolf..." he whispered. "She didn't want to bring up the recent past when we were talking before. Now I see why..."


Now, while he was reeling from this latest revelation, I had to hit him hard. Hey, I'm not a nice guy.


"Pete, I figured you'd better hear that sooner than later. And I didn't tell you for your benefit. I need you to know that Kitty's still hurting from her dad's death. She's in a vunerable spot right now. So if you do anything to hurt her, friend or no, we're gonna find out what adamantium claws can do to organic steel. Comprende?"


Peter regarded me calmly, like I wasn't telling him anything he didn't know. "I understand, tovarisch. You are probably the closest thing Katya has to a father right now. And like any concerned father, you wish to know my intentions toward her. Let me assure you that I will inform you of those intentions...as soon as I figure out what they are."


I had to supress a chuckle. "You're still in love with her, aren't you?"


"Am I?" he asked. "Heh. The last time I re-entered her life with the expectation of resuming our relationship, I ended up nearly killing a man named Pete Wisdom in a moment of insanity. So you'll understand that where Katya is concerned I take nothing for granted."


"It hurt her like hell when she threw those ashes over Siberia."


Peter looked away from me. "And I will forever regret causing her that pain. You asked if I still loved her, and the answer is yes. With all my heart. But there's more to it than that. I owe her. Years ago, she was willing to marry Caliban to save me. And now she saved me from Ord. She was the one who found me, who brought me out of my rage, who assured me that I was still alive, and finally free from Ord's experiments. I owe her my life. What was that Japanese word you used to describe such a debt?"


I felt my lips turn up in a genuine smile. Yeah, I knew exactly what he was talking about. "Giri," I nodded. "A blood debt. Believe me, I know what that's all about. You're lookin' at the guy who married Viper because of giri. It's something that you can't explain to the layman. You have to experience it."


"All I know," he said slowly, "is that I owe her everything. And would gladly give her everything if she would accept it from me." I accepted his words. They seemed to say it all.


"Just take it slow, Petey," I answered. "She's not a kid anymore, but you're both still young. You have time."


"I'm not going anywhere," he reminded me, smiling sardonically.


We just stood there in the courtyard, letting the autumn sun filter through the reddening leaves. The silence seemed appropriate somehow. A chapter had closed on Peter's life, but a new one was starting.


"I dunno about you, Ruskie," I commented, breaking the silence, "but I could use a belt. You up for some heavy drinking?"


"Can you get drunk on saspirilla?" he asked, smiling.


"I dunno," I answered as we headed for the garage. "Let's go find out."

[Tre Styles]

Kirayoshi,

I have to give you mad props. I think we should petition Marvel and have you write a Collossus mini....now that's one series I think SHOULD be made! You're good! :cool:

[For the Good of X]

Kirayoshi - you do an amazing job of capturing the X-characters' voices. Very...Claremontian without all the jingo and bad tics.

[Rachel Grey]

Kirayoshi, mad props. Maaaaaaaaaaad props. :D

[Kirayoshi]

Kirayoshi - you do an amazing job of capturing the X-characters' voices. Very...Claremontian without all the jingo and bad tics.D'oh! I forgot to have them say 'nigh-invulnerable' or 'focused totality'! I'll have to work on that.:rolleyes:

Oh, all you J. Harper fans, check out 'Dreams of Fire' (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2127627/1/). Ties in with his main storyline, 'Deathless', centers on Kitty/Peter(sort of) and is hot enough to grill a steak!

[Mr. Jip]

Giddy about Giri~~!!~~

[Tre Styles]

Giri is like 1,000,000 x's infinity better than GIGLI....but then again almost anything is.... ;)

[Ontir]

"Ahm invulnerble when ahm blastin'..."
"What's a body ta do?"
"I was raised in a demonic limbo..."

You've got to love Claremontisms!

[J Harper]

I've started a new collaboration with my e-pen pal and partner-in-crime Lia Fail. Here's the initial scene, which I wrote.


Muir (Part 1)


On a gray early afternoon Peter Rasputin stood at the edge of an escarpment overlooking the sea, watching the tumultuous Atlantic waves swell and crash over the thin strip of shingle beach below. The dull, fleecy mass of clouds overhead spat slightly as a cold wind redolent of salt blew from over the ocean. Peter felt none of it – in his armored state, he was impervious to the environmental conditions around him. How he wished otherwise. He raised his steel hands, examined them through narrowed eyes. He curled his fingers. They felt stiff, clumsy. It was hard to paint with them, and almost impossible to draw. Perhaps in time he would grow use to it. He did not want to. Once, he enjoyed his powers, despite how they marked him as different; the god-like strength of his steel form, its almost supernatural durability – what a wonderful thing, being able to become a physical paragon with but a second’s thought. Now, his armor felt like a prison – confining, suffocating. His hands clenched into tight fists. He needed to get out. Peter took a breath, closed his eyes, and concentrated, pushing at the tangible barrier injury had interwoven throughout his entire being. His face became strained. Knots of discomfort swelled in his arms, legs and back. The barrier distended against his mental exertion, but refused to yield. Peter hissed, gritted his teeth, redoubled his efforts. After an interminable moment of pain, energy coruscated over his body. Peter fell to one knee, gasping, sweat beading on his now human brow. He looked at his large, calloused hands, flexed his fingers, turned them over to look at their backs. A smile flitted briefly over his lips. “It is so good,” he said out loud, “to have flesh again.”

“Tell me about it.” Peter blinked in surprised and looked over his shoulder. Behind him stood Kitty, bundled up in sweats, leaning slightly on a cane. “I never thought it’d be such a joy, being able simply to touch things.” She walked over, moving slowly, with care. She looked down at him, a smile brightening her pale, wan face. “Looking good, Petey.”

Peter chuckled, smiling back. “Thank you, Kitty. You are looking well yourself.” His expression became thoughtful. “But, I wonder if you should be outside right now. You have only just recovered.”

“I could ask the same of you,” Kitty replied.

“I was not injured as badly.”

“It was bad enough. You only started moving again a day before Moira finally let me out of that damn containment chamber. I’m so tired of being cooped up all the time. I just had to get out and get some fresh air.” Kitty started to sit down. Peter offered her his hand, but she waved it off. She plopped down and let out a soft groan. “I’m moving like my grandma,” she complained.

Peter smiled. “It is but a temporary condition, I’m sure. No doubt very soon you’ll be your old self, running the rest of us into the ground with your boundless energy.”

Kitty laughed. She laid her cane across her knees and looked out over the straights, her smile fading as her countenance became contemplative. Peter settled down next to her, sitting Indian style, rolling his shoulders, cricking his neck, enjoying sensations long dulled by his armored state. They sat for a while in companionable silence, neither feeling the need to fill it with unnecessary talk. Suddenly Kitty shivered. Peter noticed. He unzipped his sweat coat, shrugged out of it and offered it silently to Kitty. She shook her head. “Thank you, but no. I’m okay.”

“You are cold. Take it, please.”

“I’m fine, really Peter. Besides, what about yourself?”

Peter shrugged dismissively. “I am Russian. This,” he gestured with his free hand, “is a balmy spring day to me.”

Kitty looked at Peter, then down at the coat. Smiling, she accepted it, wrapping it around her, its front hem pooling in her lap. “Thank you.” Peter nodded. She looked around, up at the sky, across the flat, grassy land stretching between them and Moira’s home and laboratory complex, over at the barren, gnarled, salt-stunted tree crouching near the escarpment’s precipice. She sighed softly, gazed moodily across the straights. “Pretty miserable today, don’t ya think?”

“I don’t know,” answered Peter. “Even gray days have their own beauty. There is a… grandeur… to this weather, so lonely and aloof. It appeals to me. I think tomorrow I’ll try to capture it on canvas, if I have the energy for it.”

Kitty smiled affectionately at Peter. “I bet you could find the beautiful side to anything.”

Peter smirked. He was about to say something but suddenly checked himself, his face growing grave. He looked down at the grass. “No. There are some things that will never be beautiful, were never beautiful to begin with.”

Kitty pursed her lips, her own thoughts mirroring Peter’s expression. She nodded in agreement, pulled her knees up to her chest, resting her arm and chin on top of them. “Do you think they’re all right, Storm, Logan, Rogue and the others? We haven’t heard from them in such a long time.”

“I am sure that they are fine,” Peter assured her quietly. “Ororo and Wolverine are no amateurs. Our friends are in good hands.”

“I wish they were all back here, where it’s safe,” Kitty murmured wistfully.

“I but wish I were fit enough to help them.” Kitty glanced up at Peter, startled.

“Are you actually saying you want to fight?”

Peter shrugged. “I do not like violence, but neither am I afraid to use it, when there is cause. There is much cause for it now. The Marauders, and whomever they serve, must not be allowed to escape unpunished. They are as great an evil as Proteus.” He frowned, remembering that battle against Moira’s insane son from three years ago. He had slain Proteus himself, not five hundred yards away from where he and Kitty sat now. “They are more so, in fact. As cruel as he was, at his core Proteus was a confused child, doing what he must to survive. There is nothing on Earth that can excuse the Marauders for what they did to the poor Morlocks, to Kurt, to you.”

“I… I guess you’re right,” Kitty admitted reluctantly. She buried her face against her forearms. “Still, I think that… that if it meant never having going up against them again, I would let them get away.”

Peter glanced down at Kitty, started. A thoughtful frown pursed his lips. “You are scared,” he murmured. Kitty glared up at Peter resentfully.

“Of course I’m scared, dummy!” she snapped. “I nearly died. So did you. And poor Kurt… God only knows when he’ll wake up, if ever. I have every right to be scared.”

Peter nodded. “Of course you do. I am sorry, Kitty. I did not mean for what I said to sound… accusatory.” Peter smiled, his ocean-blue eyes flashing with pleasant memories. “It is just that I am so use to seeing you so brave at the most inappropriate times, I had forgotten that you have the capacity to be scared.”

[J Harper]

Muir (Part 2)

Kitty looked closely at Peter. She gave out a soft little laugh and dropped her head against her arms again. “I’m sorry too, Peter. For yelling at you.” She laughed again, this time bitterly. “I guess… I guess I’m going yellow. I thought I was so tough… What a crock…” She looked up, gazing out across the sea again. “It’s funny, I’ve nearly lost my life before this – Magneto, the Brood, the Sidri, Plague… all of them came close to killing me. But those brushes with death didn’t make me feel the way I do now.” She glanced at Peter. “What you said, about Proteus having his reasons for how he acted, that applies to most everyone we’ve fought. But the Marauders…” she shivered, pulling Peter’s sweat coat tighter around her. Tears glimmered in her large golden-brown eyes. “It was so senseless. They killed all those people, just for existing. I… I don’t think I can ever go up against such senseless hate and evil again. If I saw Scalphunter, or worse, Harpoon…” Kitty’s hands shook, and she clenched them. “I think I’d freeze, maybe just curl up and wait to die.”

Peter carefully mulled through his thoughts before speaking. “I hope and pray, Kitty, that you never have to face evil like the Marauders again. You deserve so much better than that. But I think you underrate yourself. You are… gun-shy… right now, and with very good reason. Yet I believe if the time comes, and you meet the Marauders, you will acquit yourself admirably, and they will forever regret encountering you. You are the strongest person I know, Kitty… Stronger than even Ororo or Logan, and far, far stronger than myself.”

Kitty did not answer for a moment, just continued to stare out at the sea. Then she looked up at Peter, smiling shyly. “You really think so?”

Peter nodded. “I know so.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me. But I think if anyone is underrating himself, it’s you. I mean, you say that I’m so much stronger than you, but here you are, not even afraid…”

“Who says that I am not afraid?” asked Peter mildly. “Of course I am afraid. How could I not be? Two of my dearest friends nearly died, and I was gravely wounded at the hands of those animals. It still scares me, thinking about that, wondering about what will happen next time. I simply refuse to let that fear rule me.”

Kitty’s smile widened. “We’ve talked about this before, I think.”

“So we have, but it is good to talk about it again, to refresh one’s memory.” Peter shrugged his shoulders. “Risk is something that we walk hand in hand with everyday. Even if you hide yourself away, it will still be there. Far better to face risk, I think, than to be afraid of it, to live but half a life, and in the end regretting paths not taken.”

Kitty looked away from Peter. “Yeah… I think you’re right…” She looked back at him, got up on one knee. “Peter…”

“Yes, Kitty?” Kitty laid a slim hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at her, and started, surprised by her expression. Her eyes were large and glittering, the look on her face one of almost desperate longing. Without warning she closed the gap between them, wrapping strong, slim arms around his broad shoulders, kissing him fiercely on the lips. Peter sat still, frozen. Then, almost as soon as it began, Kitty pulled away, fright replacing desire on her face, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Oh God, Peter,” she gasped. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have. You still… you don’t feel that way… Oh God!” Sobbing, humiliated, she turned away, scrambling to get up to her feet. Peter broke out of his stupor, reached out with a hand and grabbed Kitty by the arm. Kitty stopped, turned back to face him, not sure what to make of his ineffable expression. Suddenly his eyes flashed and he pulled her towards him, catching her in a powerful embrace, kissing her with bruising, hungry force. Kitty let out a little gasp of surprise, then hugged and kissed him back. She moaned into his mouth as a beautiful heat rose up within her. She felt like someone quenching her thirst after a terrible, interminable drought.

Then Peter froze, his eyes snapping open. He pulled away from Kitty sharply, his expression unreadable as he stared at her. He shut his eyes tight, agony tensing his face. It passed quickly. He bowed his head, lifted it, and smiled sadly at her, his eyes bright with pain, regret and longing, tears glistening at their edges. He kissed her gently on the forehead, stood up and walked away. Kitty watched him, feeling confused and uncertain. “Peter,” she called out. He hesitated for a moment, and then continued, moving as fast as he could without actually running. He detoured around the lab complex, making way for the other side of Muir Island. “Peter,” Kitty whispered. She pulled his sweatshirt tighter around herself. She shivered, but not from the cold.

Jeremy Harper

[Kirayoshi]

My God, J, don't stop now!

I always enjoy lost scene stories. There's a great Spider-Man 2 movie piece over at fanfiction.net called "Identity Crisis" (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1961403/1/)(no relation to the current JLA debacle) which answered the question, "How did the passengers of the train Spider-Man rescued from Doctor Octopus keep the secret of his appearance?" So far I'm enjoying this missing scene from 'Fall of the Mutants'.

You ever consider rewriting Peter's first encounter with Pete Wisdom, just to show how that scene would have played if Warren Ellis had any idea how to write Peter in character?

[Tommy]

Jerry: On today’s shows we are talking about couples living through comas. Our first guest is a geologist from Upstate New York lets welcome it for Alex Summers.

(Alex walks out)

Jerry: So why are you here Alex?

Alex: Well I have been dating this woman (Lorna) for years now. And recently I was put into a coma during an accident in time and space. Well when I woke up she proposed marriage. But then I realized I had feelings for this nurse. But then I realized the feelings were not real. Then Lorna went all *beep* insane.

Jerry: Wow sounds complicated. Lets bring her out.

(Lorna walks in)

Jerry: Do you know why you are here?

Lorna: Because this *beep* right here cannot make up his *beep* mind.

Jerry: Those are some harsh words. Alex do you have anything to say to Lorna.

Alex: I love you honey, but I am really confused. One minute I am with you, then I am with Madelyn Pryor, then I am with Jean Gray (kinda), then I am back with you, then this random nurse… it is all so confusing.

Lorna: Go *beep* yourself. You be stepping out all over town. Macking on all them honeys. You *beep* . Well it is just because I am to much woman for you anyway!

(Lorna Take off her top)
(Crowd goes wild)

Jerry: Well there seems to be one more person in this story so lets bring out Nurse Annie!

(Annie walks in and Lorna leaps off her chair and start punching her)
(Two burly men pull them apart)

Jerry: Now Annie can you tell us what is going on here?

Annie: Well when Alex came in I was like he is such a total hottie! And then my son woke him up out of his coma and I was like so majorly bumed out because he was back with that slut bag over there.

Lorna: Bitch!

(Lorna leaps out of her seat and bitch slaps Annie. They tussle for a bit only to have the two burly men pull them apart again)

Annie: Owww! But then Alex was like all up in my grill. And I was all like Cool!

Jerry: Did it ever occur to you that coming in between a couple who had been together for years might not have been a good idea?

Annie: Well I didn’t expect Lorna to go all Bates Motel on me.

Lorna: You *beep* *beep* head with a *beep* and a*beep* in your *beep*

Annie: Shut up *beep**beep**beep*

Alex: Calm the *beep* down.

Lorna: Shut up you *beep*

Annie: You’re the *beep*

Lorna: *beep* you.

(Lorna leaps out of her chair and starts to pummel Annie. The two men try to pull them apart but Lorna has a strand on Annie’s hair. They pull hard and the hair is ripped out)

Jerry: For my final thought I would just like to say that it is always a bad idea to get involved with someone who already has a partner. No one gets out of that situation unhurt. So take care of yourself and each other.

Announcer: On tomorrow’s show Scott has something to admit to Jean and Bobby learns who has a secret crush on him.

[Tre Styles]

Pure poetry Emma, pure poetry. :D
In other news, I finished the sixth chapter of Clan X: A Family United....and I have pictures of some of the Clan X members on the main page. You can check out the fun at:
Clan X: A Family United (http://www.geocities.com/dasynchster/index.html) :cool:

[J Harper]

My God, J, don't stop now!

I always enjoy lost scene stories. There's a great Spider-Man 2 movie piece over at fanfiction.net called "Identity Crisis" (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1961403/1/)(no relation to the current JLA debacle) which answered the question, "How did the passengers of the train Spider-Man rescued from Doctor Octopus keep the secret of his appearance?" So far I'm enjoying this missing scene from 'Fall of the Mutants'.

You ever consider rewriting Peter's first encounter with Pete Wisdom, just to show how that scene would have played if Warren Ellis had any idea how to write Peter in character?

Hey there, Kirayoshi.

I finished my second pass on Muir and sent it back to Lia on Thanksgiving Morning. Hopefully she'll have her second pass done by next weekend. I have no firm idea on when it'll be finished, but right now I'm thinking maybe mid to late December. It'll make a nice Christmas present to the Kiotr clique on FFNet.

I actually read Identity Crisis, thanks to one of your recommendations. I liked it a lot. Very clever, and jells very well with what happened in Spider-Man 2.

I actually have an idea for a fic dealing with a split from the infamous 'Colossus Goes Nuts' issue of Excalibur. It's called Cold Steel. Here's the general plot - Peter goes to Muir, sees Kitty with Wisdom. Instead of snapping, as he did in the mainstream MU, he simply walks away without saying a word. He is now totally empty, his life a shambles. His family is dead. He has burned his bridges with the X-Men and does not want to go back to them. Avalon is destroyed, and even if what happened with Holocaust had not occurred, he now knows that his attempts to reform the Acolytes was doomed to failure, as long as Exodus held sway over them. The girl he fell back in love with has found someone else. With nothing else to do, Peter loses himself in London for months, working as a laborer during the week and selling sketches to tourists on the weekend. Then, one day, Peter is harassed by some hooligans. He snaps and beats the hell out of them without needing to shift forms. Every time he hits one, something pops in him and he feels a black joy surge in his blood. Peter knows now for certain something is very wrong with him, and what is worse, he just doesn't care.

Eventually a wealthy, and rather shady, businessman gets wind of the incident. He does some research and discovers that Peter is the X-Man Colossus. He tracks down Peter and offers him a choice - agree to bodyguard his daughter for a fabulous retainer or else he lets everyone around Peter know he's a mutant. Peter agrees - not because he's intimidated, but because he has nothing better to do. There are complications, however. For one, the said daughter is such a wildcat and spoiled brat she makes Paris Hilton seem a model of rectitude. Second, someone with connections wants her - bad, sending various nasties to fetch her.

This story is basically a rift off of Robert B. Parker's Valediction, the novel where Susan Silverman leaves Spenser. Peter is in that gray, cold place Spenser was, not caring whether he lives or dies. Unfortunately, the chances of Cold Steel actually seeing the light of day is rather low, for two reasons. First, Deathless, and what I have planned for after it, is consuming most of my creative energy. I don't want to leave that cycle just yet. Last, I'm intimidated by the research I'm going to have to do to make the story work. Not only do I need to read Ellis era Excalibur, copies of which I don't have, but I have to research England and the UK, a country I only know the most superficial things about.

Cheers!

Jeremy Harper

[Tommy]

I have a feeling this is going to be the last Jerry Springer writting I do unless people really really like them.

Jerry: Today’s show is about adultery. I would like to bring out our first guest Scott Summers.

(Scott enters)

Jerry: Hello Scott. Would you like to tell us why you are here?

Scott: Well I am a married man. I love my wife, but things have gotten a little strained between us lately.

Jerry: How so?

Scott: Well Jerry she has been act’n all high and mighty. And she kinda died on me again. But anyways I met this hot girl who treats me like I am a man and I wanna date her.

Jerry: Well let’s bring her out. Everyone say hello to Jean.

(Jean enters)

Jerry: Jean do you know why you are here?

Jean: No.

Jerry: Scott has something he wants to tell you.

Scott: Honey, baby girl. I love you. But you ain’t meet’n my needs. So I am dumping you for Emma.

Jean: You *beep* what?

Scott: You are all cold and *beep*.

Jean: *beep* you!

Jerry: Well let’s bring out Emma

(Emma enters)
(The audience boos)
(Jean flies out of her chair and starts wailing on Emma)
(Two bodyguards separate them)

Jerry: Now Emma, Scott is a married man you know.

Emma: Well that *beep* over there don’t take care of him Jerry! I love him Jerry! She can go *beep* herself!
Jean: *beep* you! How could you give me up for that *beep* Scott? I gave this marriage everything!

Jerry: Everything? I understand you have something to confess to Scott, Jean.

Jean: Okay so I might have kissed our friend Logan a few times.

Scott: You *beep* Logan?

Jean: I did not! And it is no worse than you *beep* Emma!

Scott: I knew you were a *beep*! And Emma and I haven’t even touched! We only thought about it you *beep*

Emma: That’s telling that *beep*

Jean: Stay out of it you *beep*

Emma: Bitch!

(Emma picks up her chair and throws it at Jean’s head. She misses but Jean dives at her. Emma bites Jean but the two are pulled apart)
(The audience screams “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry”)

Jean: Well I should have seen this one coming. Tell them about your fir5st wife you *beep*!

Jerry: First wife?

Scott: Well I loved Jean but she died! So I hooked up with this chick named Madelyn. And then she got this nasty ass S.T.D…

Jean: She was pregnant you ignorant *beep*!

Scott: And it turned out Jean was still alive so I started putting the moves on her.

Jerry: You left your pregnant wife?

Scott: She had popped it out by then. But I was like *beep* that. Plus it turned out she was an evil clone all along.

Jerry: I find it hard to believe that you could spend five years with this woman and not realize it was an evil clone.

Scott: She was hot! And Looked like Jean.

Jerry: Well let’s bring her out!

(Madelyn Pryor enters and leaps onto Jean and tries to strangle her. Emma leaps onto Madelyn’s back and start punching her. All three women roll off the stage into the cheering audience. Several bodyguards pull them off.)

Jerry: Madelyn how do you feel?

Madelyn: He left me with our infant son for that *beep*! Well at least she got hers!

Scott: I left because you were being a total *beep* with a *beep* and *beep**beep*!

Madelyn: *beep* you!

Emma: Jerry I gotta say something! Jean totally attacked me when she found out Scott and I were thinking about *beep* each other! That is the kind of *beep**beep* she is.

Madelyn: She is totally a *beep*!

Scott: Did that *beep**beep* ever even say anything to me? No she just goes all out on *beep* Emma.

Jerry: Is this true?

Jean: He was thinking about *beep* Emma!

Emma: He needed a real woman not some skanky-ass *beep*-bag.

Scott: Well you were *beep* Logan.

Jean: I never *beep* Logan. I only kissed him. Once or five or six times.

Scott: You liar I bet you *beep* in that cell in Genosha.

Jean: I didn’t you *beep*!

(Jean leaps out of her chair and attacks Scott. Scott punches her in her head. Emma jumps on top of them and starts to scratch Jean)
(The audience goes wild)
(Madelyn sits back with a smile on her face)

Jerry: For my final thought today I would like to tell people that if you cannot commit you should not be in serious relationships. Today we saw several people who couldn’t commit no matter how much they loved each other. And look at how many people got hurt in the process.

[Rachel Grey]

Rachel Grey, Rahne & Illyana probably wrote some terrible teenage angst poetry whilst serving as New Mutants.


This post gave me an idea. :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
The horrors of storage.


"No, I'm not kidding, I was digging around in the attic and found my old Notebook of Horrificly Bad Angst."

"Hehe. Oh God yeah... Jeez. Hey wanna hear some of the bad poetry I wrote back then?"

" *Ahem!* Okay...

Ruined buildings hunch over me like claws waiting to rend my soul.
I hear terrified breathing as I near my goal.- Shut up! Back then I thought poetry had to rhyme -
A leap, a pounce, a howl
to alert my master most foul.
The kill is swift and brutal
yet another evening fruitfull.
Then back to my cage at the pound
a little pat on the head for his most sucessfull Hound."

"You okay, Pryde? You sound like you're hyperventilating."

"Hmmm? Really?! Okay, you and Pete have fun! When you get back, tell me everything. Leave nothing out! Bye Kitty, love you too."

[J Harper]

Even though only one of you will probably enjoy it, I've decided to post a sneak peek of Deathless (www.fanfiction.net/s/1925143/1/) Chapter Ten: Treachery. Click on the link if you want to know what's going on, though I must warn you, Deathless is now a very long read.


Deathless

By

Jeremy Harper


Note – The Astonishing X-Men are the property of Marvel Comics, and are used without permission.


Chapter 10 Treachery


“It took great effort,” whispered Koschei the Deathless. “Dobrynski wove powerful charms of obfuscation, and I think the hand of the Old One himself contested against me. But in the end, my craft prevailed. Behold, my darling son – the resting place of the Eye of Volos.”

Nikolai the Deathless peered closely at the ornately jeweled globe floating above the cupped claw-fingered hands of a gargoyle imp carved of black marble. “Kyoto, Japan,” he murmured, his voice purring like a drowsy tiger’s. “Unexpected.”

“Yes,” agreed Koschei. “I knew Dobrynski would not dare leave the pieces of the key within the boundaries of Mother Russia, fearing that their presence would hasten my awakening. But I did not suspect that one of the segments would find its way into Oriental lands, especially so soon after that fool of a Romanov lost a war to those monkeys.”

“It is somewhere within – or near – the grounds of the Imperial Palace.” Nikolai rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. “The Japanese once considered their royal family divinity. Perhaps that is another factor in why it took you so long to divine the Eye’s location.”

“Perhaps,” agreed Koschei. “Foreign gods do not take kindly to strangers spying on their domains – but no matter. I want you to go in force to Kyoto within the hour. Sweep aside any who oppose you, and bring back the Eye. Make haste - this waiting grows tedious.”

“As you command, Father. I foresee no difficulties – there are fewer heroes in Japan than in the Americas. With the druzhina and a hundred zalozhiny, I will have it in short order. I shall take Solovey, Vultariax and Myedvyed Tsar.”

“No, not Solovey. Take Volkevich instead.” Nikolai looked curiously at his father, his golden eyes widening a trifle.

“May I ask why?”

“I have a task that requires Solovey’s particular attention,” answered Koschei with studied carelessness. “It is but a trifle, my son. You have far more important matters to concentrate on.”

Nikolai nodded thoughtfully. “As you say, Father. I will find a way to get along without Solovey, or Danila. He is still sleeping off his hunt from last night. I will not risk my younger brother when his wits are addled by fatigue. I will take Misery. His particular talents may prove more useful than brute force.”

“As you like it. I leave the decision in your capable hands, Nikolai,” said Koschei. Nikolai placed his hand over his heart, bowed, and left the Great Hall. Koschei watched his son depart, his agate eyes glittering with a sinister, anticipatory light.

[J Harper]

Nikolai walked through the winding, shadow-arched hallways, his thought milling thought dark speculations. He arrived at the door to his chambers and hesitated a moment before entering, staring in the direction towards Kitty’s suite. He had not spoken with her today, and very much desired to do so. He enjoyed her company immensely, despite the strange feelings she stirred; her presence soothed him in a way that even Danila could not. Should he take that as more proof of what she told him is true? Nikolai sighed. He had no time for this – duty takes precedent over pleasure. Once he returned with the Eye of Volos, he would spend the rest of the day with Kitty. He was on the verge of a revelation – he could feel it in his bones. Kitty would show him the way.

Within his chambers Nikolai found Danila asleep, his rangy body sprawled across his bed, on top of the blankets, stripped down to his loincloth, his breeches and furs massed in a heap to one side. Nikolai’s battle panoply had been set out, arrayed upon an armor stand next to his divan. He examined it quietly, fingering the silk of the greatcoat, running a fingertip over the contours of the golden mask. He inhaled sharply through his nose, an inexplicable feeling of weariness passing over him. Not even a week ago, he would have been eager to prepare, impatient to set out and do his father’s bidding. But now… He scowled violently, annoyed with this maudlin temper. Burying it beneath his will, he snapped his fingers, summoning Baldek. The ghostly manservant materialized next to him with, bowing his obedience. Nikolai swiftly undressed, removing his dark blue poet’s blouse, trousers and shoes, Baldek silently taking the clothing away. Nikolai donned first his outfit’s loose, black trousers, golden serpents coiling up the legs, white undershirt and simple under-belt. He pulled on his boots, tucking the pant cuffs into them and buckling them firmly. He allowed Baldek to help him into his blue and gold greatcoat, but waved the ghost off when he tried to pull its hood over his mane of black hair. Nikolai then girded his sword-belt, making sure his broadsword and poniard were hitched securely, then pulled on and laced up his leather gauntlets. He took the golden mask and looked at it. Its close-lipped smile seemed mocking. Nikolai bared his teeth, his deep-gold eyes reflecting his distaste. He raised his arm to throw it into the fireplace, but checked himself, again scowling. He needed to compose himself, remove himself from his feelings, or else he would not be able to function. There would be time to explore these emotions later. Right now, he could not afford to let Vultariax or Misery to take advantage of a lapse in judgment or a moment of indecision – he would regret such, though he was not precisely sure why. Sighing, he took his steel skullcap in his free hand, then turned to take care of one final, but important, matter of business. He walked over to Danila’s bed and kicked its leg, making it shiver violently. Danila awoke with a start, blinking his golden eyes owlishly. “Rouse your bones, Little Brother,” said Nikolai. “I have a task for you.”

[J Harper]

Danila’s eyes cleared. He sat up and grinned wolfishly. “The Master has found the Eye? We are going for it now?”

“Yes. But I am venturing out to fetch it. You are staying here. I want you to guard Lady Katerina while I am gone.”

Danila frowned angrily. “Am I being punished for something, Elder Brother? I returned to the Hall well before sunrise.”

“I know. I heard you enter the bedroom while I was taking my bath. You are not being punished.”

“Then why must I stay and play watchdog?” he growled. “The lady does not like me, and I do not trust her.”

“You stay and watch because I command it. That is all you need to know,” Nikolai snapped. Danila flinched and bared his throat, but his eyes were sullen, resentful. Nikolai sighed and closed his eyes. “Katerina is important to me, Little Brother. She holds truths, secrets, which I need to know if I am to put my spirit at ease. I cannot afford to lose her. I think… I think Father is planning to do her harm.”

Danila paled, his eyes growing large. Open strife between his Elder Brother and the Master would be disastrous. “Would the Master dare?”

“I know not. Ordinarily I would say no – I owe Father fealty, but as his warlord and heir I have inalienable rights he cannot revoke. Katerina is my guest, sheltered under my aegis – to hurt her would be a breach of hospitality and dishonor me. However, I am under no illusion of how far Father will go to achieve an end.” Nikolai smiled sardonically. “He dislikes Katerina’s presence as much as you do, Little Brother.”

Danila nodded, remembering Koschei’s reaction to seeing Kitty cradled in Nikolai’s arms, and the violent quarrel his command of execution had precipitated. He licked his lips and shifted nervously, a soft whine humming in his throat. “But what can I do if the Master comes for the lady?”

“Nothing. That is not your purpose. Before I leave I will lay a ward on Katerina’s chambers. If Father steps foot in them, I will be alerted and will return at once. Your task will be to keep her in her rooms, and guard her from anyone trying to get her out of them, either by force or enticement. Be very careful, Danila. Father is keeping Solovey here in the Hall, for a task that requires his particular attention.”

Danila sneered. “I neither love nor fear that bandit-troubadour, Elder Brother. Thrashing him would be a great pleasure.”

“Your bravery is commendable, but do not underestimate him. In Times before Time, he fought Ilya Muromets to standstills. Solovey Razboynik is not to be despised.” Nikolai grimaced and spat. “Maybe I fret over nothing, but better to prepare for ill than do nothing and hope for good. I cannot tarry any longer. I must prepare the zalozhiny.” He sniffed the air, then donned his mask, pulled up his hood and placed his skullcap. “Go take a bath – I doubt Katya will appreciate the smell of deer blood and old sweat. Be quick.”


Jeremy Harper

[LoneWolf21]

Excellent work as always Jeremy. Should be interesting to see where this leads. Ever read anything by Phil "Mr.Sinister" Hunn? He's done some good stories, at least two that feature Piotr pretty prominetly.

I got to get back to writing though. I have this idea for a ficlet based on Illyana venting that her best friends are geeks, Kitty with her sci-fi and Doug is a manga fan, and how she puts up with stuff like Kitty quoting Star Wars and Doug calling her "Dragon Spooker"

[Kirayoshi]

Even though only one of you will probably enjoy it, I've decided to post a sneak peek of Deathless (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1925143/1/) Chapter Ten: Treachery. Oh, he's gotta be talkin' about ME!

And I really should invest in a thesaurus, J. I am running out of superlatives to describe your work! This plotline is getting downright byzantine in its loops and subplots and who's betraying whom setup.

I happily await seeing Korshei's comeuppance. Preferably administered by a solid steel fist to the nose, followed by his face being scorched by an irate dragon, and finally a sword being phased halfway through his midsection and then left there!

Oh, some good news for Kitty fanfic fans; ETWolverine's finished his epic two-parter over at Mutatis Mutandis (http://www.mutanthigh.com), "Future's Beginning" and "New Life, New Civilizations". The whole thing is an X-Men/Star Trek crossover centering around Kitty. FB involves the heroes of the Marvel Universe led by Captain America as they fight against Khan Noonien Sighn in the Eugenics Wars, and follows Kitty as a lieutenant in Cap's superhero army. NLNC shows Kitty(who became functionally immortal at the end of FB, and that's all I'm saying about that) joining the crew of the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701E, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, as the Federation opens peaceful negotiations with the Shi'ar Empire. ETWolverine wrote a damn good story that'll please both X-Geeks and Trekkers alike. There's even a few choice Kiotr moments.

[J Harper]

Excellent work as always Jeremy. Should be interesting to see where this leads. Ever read anything by Phil "Mr.Sinister" Hunn? He's done some good stories, at least two that feature Piotr pretty prominetly.

I got to get back to writing though. I have this idea for a ficlet based on Illyana venting that her best friends are geeks, Kitty with her sci-fi and Doug is a manga fan, and how she puts up with stuff like Kitty quoting Star Wars and Doug calling her "Dragon Spooker"

Hey Joey!

Thanks for the kind words. I plan on restarting the story later today. No idea when I'll actually release it, but hopefully sometime before the New Year.

I've actually read a bit of 'Mr. Sinister' over at FFNet. He's pretty good. I did like his Colossus story, about Peter at Illyana's grave, but I haven't cared much for his current one, about a AU Marvel Universe where the Soviets invaded the US. Not that I think it's badly written or anything, but the scenario just doesn't appeal to me.

You should try writing that vignette. It'd be funny, and I know my friend Lia would definitely enjoy it. How's the X-Men manga project you told me about going?

Cheers!

Jeremy Harper

[J Harper]

Hey K.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you've enjoyed Deathless so much, and have supported it since the beginning way back in June. The hammer will be dropping on Koschei in the near future, don't you worry. Hope you'll be around for the finale.

Cheers!

Jeremy Harper

[Tommy]

Rouge lay as still as death. Her eyes moved rapidly back and forth under her lids. She was having a severely disturbing nightmare. Portents of the future and visions of the past seemed to be hurling themselves at her across the nightmarescape.

Outside it was raining as if in sympathy to Rouge’s nightmare. One person was awake to notice. He briefly wondered if the young woman in front of him had ever come into contact with the mutant Storm.

His shadow crossed over Rouge. He leaned down as if to kiss her but held back at the last moment. Outside the rain pounded the window.

“Do you know how many lines must cross to bring about the future? How many points of light must shine in the darkness?” he asked whispering in her ear. “You have a great role to play in the future. But this body is merely the beginning.”

Rouge seemed to calm down. Her eyes stopped their rapid movement.

The man pulled out a small syringe. He pressed it slowly into her skin. She somehow did not wake up even as he pressed down the top. Rouge let out a little moan.

Outside a bolt of lightning crossed the sky. The whole world was lit up. Had Rouge been awake she would have seen the face of death above her. A pale white face with blood red eyes and a red diamond sitting like a crown jewel.

“Yes tomorrow you will go and fight. And for once you will keep what you steal. She will be utterly drained and you will have introduced Kree into the global mutant gene base. Then when you meet Gambit he will fall deeply in love with you. And through your pair you will give birth to the ultimate counter part to Scott Summers and Jean Grey. You are the Grand Mother of the future.” His gloved hand stroked her face. Then he was gone. Vanished into nothingness.

Rouge woke up screaming. She clutched the covers to her body. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her door flew open and the woman she loved most in the world entered. Raven held her in their arms, but was careful not to touch her bare skin. No one had ever loved Rouge like this before. It was for Raven that she was going to fight Ms. Marvel today. For Raven.

(This is the first time I have tried serious fan fiction so any comments would be appreciated.)

[Ontir]

Emma, it's good, but I think you meant Rogue, instead of Rouge.

[Tommy]

Emma, it's good, but I think you meant Rogue, instead of Rouge.

Spell check will do that on occasion.

[Greyhame]

I thought of this story yesterday and since I saw this thread I figured I would go ahead and write it out and post it. I just wrote it and its not edited so bare in mind it is a draft as you read it.

Here we go:

“Database entry, new, subject: McRay, Quinn, 16 years of age. Abilities: Omega Level Offensive Psi. Power Classification: Dangerously Unstable, Containment Required.”

Charles Xavier is the world’s most powerful mind, and one of its most powerful optimists. He has spent the better part of his life hoping to achieve equality in a world were such equality is always and ever, a dream. But it is his dream, and he works diligently to see it achieved, and while he has had his successes, the dream remains merely that, and his failures mount. Toda