|
Post by Gambit on Apr 26, 2007 19:11:12 GMT -4
No sooner had the dust begun to settle among the remains of the mansion when another massive explosion shook the grounds, this time destroying a fair sized section of the exterior wall that surrounded the property. Through the smoke stepped a man, his long duster billowing behind him, his eyes burning red with determination.
When one is at risk of losing everything, what wouldn’t he risk to win it all back? When he had gazed into the crystal, he had seen many things; terrifying things, wonderful things, but most importantly he saw change. No matter what happened today, nothing would ever be the same.
“Looks like de boss man started dis party wit’out us. What say we crash?” he called back over his shoulder to the team that followed him.
((Open Tag. Come one, come all!))
|
|
|
Post by scarletwitch on Apr 26, 2007 19:41:40 GMT -4
Wanda made a face that teetered well past the edge of disgust while a wave of gravel and soot came wafting out from the explosion to try and disgrace her scarlet outfit. Her long heels cracked down into the uneven ground as she merely sashayed slowly up behind the Cajun speaking towards them, mostly ignoring his words.
She wasn't about to do any running.
Her lithe hands floated down onto her hips as she surveyed the scene with a discriminating eye for destruction. She flicked her gaze upwards to see the familiar familial figure of her father in the distance and she smirked before looking back over the ruined landscape.
Time to make Daddy-dearest proud.
And with that Wanda delicately raised up her slender arm into the air. Her middle and ring finger slammed down against her palm as the remaining three digits strained outward. For a moment her eyes flashed a brilliant color of fuchsia only to have that same mystical energy form into an orb between her pinkie and pointer like electrodes charging their reactor. Her other arm came swinging up, hand open and directed over to a single-shivering tree closer to the torn open mansion. The formed hex flew towards the plant, slamming into the wooden surface and disappearing--evaporating into it.
For a moment nothing seemed to have happened---until the tree started to twist. It curled at an odd angle before suddenly exploding and sending a shower of splinters outward as the oak was split from the inside out. It was then that Wanda let out a dark, sultry cackle as she started wading forwards into the scene--throwing her chaotic energies without concern and possibly even without control. All the more exciting. All the more dangerous.
|
|
|
Post by Callie on Apr 26, 2007 20:20:56 GMT -4
A third, lithe figure hopped almost delicately over the rubble that had - up until recently - been a section of wall. The grin on her face was nothing short of satanic, and her metal gloves caught the light ominously.
She had lost so much recently, and she wasn't about to lose any more, she would fight even if it killed her - because she couldn't bear to fail Magneto again. This would make things better. She knew it - she trusted Magneto implicitly, anything he did would lead to a better world for all of them.
Hopping down from the rubble, she grinned, flexing her clawed fingers "Crash..." she repeated with a faint smirk, looking around at the destruction they'd already wrought "Sounds good t'me."
|
|
|
Post by Kurt Wagner on Apr 27, 2007 19:32:33 GMT -4
It had taken Kurt only minutes to pull himself free from the piece of roof that had collapsed inward into his room. He ran a hand cautiously over his head to make sure the goose egg lump there wasn't any worse than it felt. He heard voices downstairs and was about to head there when the sound of the explosion outside changed his mind.
Better anyway, he thought, because the odds of teleporting into something he couldn't see were much more to his advantage outside. In a flash of smoke and brimstone, he was there.
Judging the distance by the sounds of the attack, Kurt materialized a fair distance beyond it and in shadow. It was so hard to see. In the dim light, he could only make out silhouetted figures passing through a gap in the outer wall.
Two were clearly female. One was obviously male. It was impossible in the dimness to tell if they were alone, but Kurt knew if there was ever a time to press whatever advantage surprise might afford him, this was it.
And as far as the possible targets went for his ambush, there really was only one choice.
He dropped to all fours and ran toward them as fast as he could, but still yards before he reached them Kurt leapt into the air. He spun his body as he leapt, his leg forming a swift and powerful arc.
And he disappeared.
Without warning, he appeared again in front of the lead - and male - attacker, his leg completing its arc into the side of the neck and head of the front man. He hit hard, skillfully so, and he felt the man drop beneath the assault.
Kurt was on all fours, his yellow eyes narrowed and his tail twitching as he stood between his female opponents and their obvious goal. He was poised defensively, but he could easily shift into an attack.
"Guten abend, damen", he offered in greeting, but his voice was far from welcoming. "Trespassing is not allowed."
|
|
|
Post by Gambit on Apr 27, 2007 19:50:59 GMT -4
Gambit threw a grin over his shoulder at Callie as she came up behind him. Of all the other Acolytes, he knew he could count on her the most to fight this one with everything she had. She had been with him when the Wolverine had invaded their home and stolen the shard. Only Callie shared his sense of failure and determination not to let it happen again.
As for Wanda, he had no idea what to expect from her. The way she used her powers, he wasn’t sure she knew what to expect from herself. One thing was for sure: he was glad she was on his team.
“No welcomin’ committee yet? I gotta say, I be disa-“ Gambit began to say before his words were suddenly cut off by a forceful kick that came out of nowhere. His head snapping to the side, he fell to the ground, stars exploding in his eyes momentarily. He had been expecting an attack from above, or a rage filled charge from the Wolverine. These attacks he had been prepared for and could have avoided easily. What he hadn’t expected was for his opponent to appear out of thin air without warning.
Damn teleporters.
How could he have forgotten the blue fuzzy one? Dieu knew he had heard Chris whine enough about him. Rolling over and propping himself up on one elbow, he held a hand to his jaw as he grinned darkly.
“Dat so? Mais, if y’ followed y’r own rules, den we wouldn’t be here,” he replied. “We jus’ come t’ get what one o’ y’ stole from us.”
|
|
|
Post by Tatiana on Apr 27, 2007 19:51:59 GMT -4
Trying not to be seen as she peeked around the grounds, Purity gave a small sigh. She had been told to stay out of the way and keep herself out of trouble. Having no fighting skills beyond carrying a small knife, she knew she was considered dead weight by some of the stronger, older ones. The ones who got to have all the fun. If anyone did get hurt, that was where she could help. Hopefully she didn't have to heal anyone, but she was at the ready for when she could.
So staying in the shadows was her only option at the moment. Good thing she had worn her black cloths that night. Hearing strange voices, Purity pressed herself into the shadows along the wall, and waited to see if she would be needed or could help.
|
|
|
Post by Callie on Apr 27, 2007 20:52:07 GMT -4
Callie smirked back at Gambit, feeling a lot more at ease as he continued with his usual casual humour - it made her feel strangely at home, and even though this mission was special, of particular importance, she was still comforted to think of it like any other, to get back into the flow of things - and not think about children or husbands or failing Magneto. They were here to kick ass.
The attack on Gambit was unexpected - well, that is to say, the nature of the attack was unexpected, and the suddenness. She held herself where she was, eyes flicking over to their fallen leader to check on his status - a little bruised maybe, but as soon as he rolled over and started wisecracking again, she knew he was fine. She moved closer, almost protectively, tail flicking from side to side and hands up, ready for a fight if it came. Gambit could handle himself, but if he needed backup she was there.
|
|
|
Post by psylocke on Apr 27, 2007 21:13:15 GMT -4
Betsy remained silent in the background as backup for the entire group. If there were going to be surprises, she was surely going to be one of them. How long had it been? How long has she waited to see the looks on their faces when she emerged on the other side of the fence? Betsy didn't really care as the smoke trailed back to her finally in a small dense fog around her body. She brushed her fingers through her perfect hair a bit miffed that it actually got dirty so quickly.
Unfortunately, she wasn't quick enough to stop the little blue monkey from taking Remy off his feet and she stood there in the distance and watched, observing the events as they unfolded. She had only been briefed as to the mission at hand, but when a gem was mentioned along with the Xavier Institute infiltration, Elizabeth was all smiles and all ears.
"You think I'd miss this chance to get a little payback?"
Now, she would get her chance to give a little back that was taken away not so long ago.
|
|
|
Post by scarletwitch on Apr 27, 2007 21:20:28 GMT -4
Just as Wanda raised up her hand, fingers twisting and ready to conjure forth a little more chaos--she heard the crack of bone and flesh against more of the same. Her nose tingled with the faintest hint of...brimstone? With a frown she looked back over her shoulder.
Incompetents. What're they managing to do now?
But by the time she looked over it was just Gambit on the ground. She rolled her eyes, Probably punched himself didn't he--, and looked back to see a blue patch of fuzz in her way with a smoky aura about him. Her smirk came back while she listened to Gambit ramble.
"Now, now," she said calmly, eyes locked on the creature as her head tilted, "It wouldn't be very--fashionable as guests to...ruin such a warm welcome." As she blinked she looked back to Callie and Betsy--and grinned, "What do you say, Girls? Shall we make it warmer?"
Without another word, she clapped her hands together. Her gaze darted back to the shifty little blockade as a surge of energy bolted through her. As she pulled her palms apart a pink ball of light was there. Pulling back she grunted softly while she thrusted her hands forward, sending the hex down its path.
It hurtled towards the little beast, moving as a streak of colored lightning through the air. Yet, instead of ending anywhere--it merely seemed to dissipate into the air before ever touching the crouched man.
Wanda only smiled.
A few moments later the air seemed to stir and the molecules of atmosphere seemed to quake. A powerful gust of wind suddenly came wailing down onto the teleporter, picking up any nearby chunks of debris in its wake.
Wanda then chuckled and licked her lips slowly, "Oops--Now, how'd that happen?"
|
|
|
Post by Storm on Apr 27, 2007 22:24:16 GMT -4
Upon regaining consciousness, the first thing Ororo noticed was something warm and wet running down her face. The second was the smell: dust and smoke filled her nostrils. The third was the closeness around her.
The third was what banished the fog from her mind and brought her back to reality. There was a weight on her legs and one arm was pinned beneath her, but the walls… there were no walls, at least not in the traditional sense. Opening her eyes did nothing; all she could see was darkness. She could feel a stinging in the corner of her left eye. Painfully manoeuvring her free hand, she touched the side of her face; the substance was warm and sticky. Blood. Placing her palm to the floor, she ignored the biting pain of the debris as attempted to push herself up. Raising her shoulders, she felt her back hit something solid. A wooden beam. So close.
Breathing deeply, the air was stale and stifling. Too close. The walls were destroyed, rubble all around her. Close. Closing in. No air. Couldn’t breathe. Her breaths coming in quick gasps, she was oblivious to the dark clouds that were forming outside. She was suddenly transported back in time to an eerily similar situation. Her home destroyed from something above. All alone. Trapped. What was once her sanctuary now her prison. Not alone. A hand. A body. No breath. No life. Silence. Stillness. Cold.
“Mother…” she whimpered, her movements in the present becoming frantic now as she tried to free her legs. Rain began to fall, the light breeze becoming a strong wind. No air. No room. Too close. Trapped. Imprisoned. No freedom. Can’t move. Can’t breathe. Too close. Walls crumbling down. Getting closer. Darkness. Can’t see. Can’t breathe. No light. No breath. Alone. Too close.
Outside, a bright flash of lightening lit up the sky.
|
|
|
Post by wildchild on Apr 28, 2007 18:44:49 GMT -4
((sorry about the length))
It had been sheer luck that Kyle had been taking in the outdoors that very instant, and his acute sense picked up on something so terribly.....rotten, that it made his hair stand on end. He trailed it, for a short distance, when a huge explosion rocked his sensitive ear drums. He took off on at a eerily silent run towards the disturbance.
His nose had already told him so much before he even got to their position.
Three...no four of them, at least four. One male, smelled like cigarettes and sheer musk. Three female, all out for blood. The one female was distinctly feral, and it emanated from her like cheap perfume. The other stunk of somehting....utterly alien. The third was feminine...but there was a danger about her scent.
Silently he scaled a tree, close enough to pounce, but within a good enough distance to remain unnotice. They were bad people, and despite his better urges, a low growl vibrated from his throat.
Time for blood. Time to Kill. For the Pack.
He was in full predatory mode now. He stuck by his instinct; Find the weak link, and pick them apart. All that remained was his target
The man caused the wall to explode, and Kyle didn't want to be in pieces all over the grounds. The woman dressed in crimson had that...aura about her that unsettled him. He wasn't sure of the feral, but she looked formidable enough. The other woman had done nothing yet.
He'd have to be quick. Strike hard enough and fast enough, spreading as much blood around as possible. If there were any deaths.....
Then eat. Eat like the old days.
He quietly removed his shirt, lest it be caught on the branches on his way down, and crouched, preparing to leap.
Go for the throat. Break the neck if you can. Cut it if you can't break it.
He leaned forward, tensing his legs and arms for maximum impact.
Then the stomach. Spill the innards. Good for eating.
He would take the woman in red first, she seemed the most dangerous and although she displayed awesome power, her flesh looked soft and tender. Then the man, who Kyle hoped would be so shocked that he would forget to blow Kyle up. Then the woman in purple. Then the other feral, so he could fight her on equal grounds.
Arms good too. Bleed a long time. Makes them weak. Makes them easy.
His lips drew up in a snarl as he readied his jump, revealing dagger sharp teeth.
Human flesh. Miss the taste of human flesh. Been so long. So.....Hungry
What happened next was a blur.
A bloodthirsty roar resounded as Kyle made his attack, descending from the trees like some terrifying creature of the night.
|
|
|
Post by Kurt Wagner on Apr 29, 2007 0:33:05 GMT -4
It might have been over just that quickly, if not for the flash of lightning from above.
Kurt was expecting the attack, he saw the crimson-clad girl throw some kind of energy his direction. He saw that energy evaporate without warning or explanation.
He was tense. And agile as anyone alive.
But it wasn't until the flash drew his eyes skyward that he understood what she had done. Instinct took over as debris rained down. Another second and all of his agility would have meant nothing.
Kurt sometimes wished that his looks and abilities were different. He sometimes wondered what it would be like to be normal. To look normal. Like Kitty. Or Ororo. Jean. The Professor.
Even Logan.
Okay, so maybe Logan was a bad example.
But at just that instant, Kurt Wagner wouldn't have traded his ability to teleport for anything in the world.
Except maybe Kitty's ability to phase.
Or maybe the ability to turn into metal.
Adamantium claws, even.
Nah. Nein. Teleporting was sehr gut. From a distance he heard the chunks of debris fall and caught his breath. How close had he been to losing his life? Too close. He was covered in dust and the cloud hovering over the pile where he had been hid the normal brimstone he typically left behind.
He heard the roaring attack as he paused to let his heart sink down from where it had stuck in his throat.
|
|
|
Post by psylocke on Apr 29, 2007 0:59:05 GMT -4
"Atta girl", mumbled Elizabeth as she walked slowly towards the group. She stopped in her tracks, when her mind picked up another near by. This being was different than the rest of the residents and she didn't recognize the signatures his mind was leaving hers. It was definitely someone or something new and from the feel of it, not too intelligent. And he smelled awful too.
The one thing predominant in this beast's mind was his intent to draw blood. He moved quickly yet silently in the trees and Betsy needed to move a little quicker to catch up to him. By the time she arrived near the others, it was leaping from the branches showing teeth and what appeared to be claws extended to take out the scarlet witch.
Betsy was part of a different team now and she would defend them like she once had with the X-men. Only this time, she wouldn't allow herself to open up and become close to any of these goons. She wasn't going to have another mission where they just left her behind, left her for dead. Not again.
She lunged outright to the beast with her fist extended forward. A purple and white aura formed around her knuckles and hands poiinting out like a small dagger ready for the kill. The impact alone should send this thing flying backwards to land on his behind and think again before attacking with his stomach rather than its head.
|
|
|
Post by wildchild on Apr 29, 2007 10:30:30 GMT -4
The pain was intense.
Kyle was sent backwards, into the trunk of the tree he had leapt from, his spine making a disheartening crunch as he knocked against the hard wood. Something warm ran down his torso as he cringed in pain. Blood. His blood.
The blade had taken him entirely off guard; he had underestimated this woman, a mistake he wouldn't repeat to be sure.
His mind felt like someone had taken a egg beater to his thoughts and went to town. If anything, this would shut his dark side up, and Kyle struggled to regain control as his primal alter ego screeched in his head. He wouldn't have long, the feral being in him had become so enraged that it wanted to get up and attack right then and there.
PAIN! PAIN! Make them HURT! Make them BLEED!
Squeezing his eyes tightly shut, he laid down. As he turned away from the group as he clutched his stomach. He would need a few moments to heal, and he was positive that they would have no idea he could survive a wound like that.
And as soon as they went to confirm the kill, he would strike.
|
|
|
Post by Storm on Apr 29, 2007 10:34:19 GMT -4
The dust and heat in her lungs seemed to compress them; just like air around her; just like the small space she cowered in. All getting smaller. All closing in.
“Oh Goddess… help me…” she gasped, struggling desperately to breathe. How long would it be this time before they found her? Last time nobody had. She had had to save herself, dig herself free, leave them behind. She couldn’t wait for rescue; not enough air; the walls were closing in, the space getting smaller and smaller every second. Soon it would crush her, there would be no room to move.
The wind began to howl as the rain fell heavier upon the battle that had begun outside.
Rolling over as much onto her side as she could, she grasped the heavy boards and stone that pinned her legs, preventing her movement. No air. Trapped. Had to escape. It was an awkward position, but her terror seemed to aid her strength as the load began to shift. Struggling to pull her legs free, she would have laughed in relief if not for the fact that the second she let go the walls began to fall again. As the debris rained down on her, she screamed.
Outside, a loud clap of thunder sounded, followed by another bright flash of lighting. As it lit up the sky, it revealed that the dark clouds overhead had begun to swirl in a circular motion. The heavy rain only became denser in structure, not in volume, as it began to change into hail.
|
|