Part 18
N/A: Ok, more chapters and I´ll end this story. Here we see the test being prepared.
Remy meet Storm aka Ororo Monroe in Cairo, Egypt, and he was aware she was no longer a thief, yet, it didn´t stop him to admire this old past of her. When they first spoke, still in Cairo, the woman offers him a place among the X-men and it was tempting to accept the offer, however, Remy wasn´t ready...and if he can be honest with himself, maybe, just maybe, he will never be.
"The X-men will always have their open door for you, my friend" she did promise and Remy had to believe if nothing else, because, if Ororo turns into the woman she is now, then, maybe Remy can be a hero. Maybe.
Nowadays, Ororo is picking her cellphone when she notices the notification of Gambit and is quick to answer his request. "Gambit, which cat you found today?" and to her surprise this time the talk is not about cats.
"No cats, Ororo...I want to talk about a boy named Michael Darkholme...I know his sister and she wants to say hi to him"
"And his mother also wants to say hi, Gambit?"
"No, I promise, only Rogue"
"Is not exactly my call if Michael does not want...but if, big if here, he wants to meet her...it can be arranged"
"Thank you, Ororo"
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With the absence of the Avengers, and no one in the media will ever let this be forgotten so soon, people are speculating who will take the mantle of the Avengers. Sure, the Fantastic Four is dealing with some of the Avengers´rogues, but, it´s too much for them and with Sue Storm pregnant for the second time...they´ll need help.
"Scott?" Jean asked as the young man is looking at the TV. Once again, the news is showing facts about the Avengers and Scott is not thrilled. "You´ll get older faster this way"
Now the man looks back to the red hair and offers a tiny smile. "You would love me even if I had white hair, right?"
"Of course, but I´m dumping you if you get bald"
"Ouch"
Then Scott confess because what´s the point in keeping secrets from Jean anyway? "I´m afraid the X-men will be called to take down some of those rogues ...Dr Reeds was not exactly subtle in this idea, and, I not sure if we´re ready to take them down"
"Doubting, my fearsome leader?"
"Worrying, yes"
Jean Grey then reveals a sad smile. Another confession is on the making. "Scott, you know I follow Prof X´s words. I believe in his dream. But...what you think of his actions lately?" Scott has no response to this question as Jean predicted. "In regards to Michael? is he the real antichrist or is this all a lie everyone is believing? I´d not know...but I know you would be a better leader...I have faith in you"
"Jean?"
"I made my choices and I know in the end, you´ll make yours...so, if you take me out from the team...I´ll understand"
"Jean...what the Prof asked you to do?"
"In one word? lie"
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When Michael was alone in that attic. When Michael used to dream of being free(and what he would do? So many possibilities, so many ideas...and now as if Life is mocking him...he´s out in the open, free, but, with no idea on what to do) and still remembers the rumours, the hints and the low sounds emitting from the corner of his attic...his companionship listening to his screams and frustrations. An imaginary friend, or friends, who soothe his soul.
Now, Michael is no longer alone. He has friends and Kitty. There´s no need for those imaginary friends to exist still, but, Michael still sees and hear them.
"Am I the antichrist?" Michael asked emotionless. Never let people know what he´s truly feeling. They can take advantage of you, is what Mommy Irene used to tell him.
The creatures only peering at him. Waiting too.
"Can I command you to leave?"
And the creatures leave him alone. Michael is back to gaze at the ceiling. Michael has so many ideas and plans, but, life is mocking him as Michael is lacking the courage to take the first step.
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The day arrives as always, the birds even begin to chipper as Ororo is trending her garden, Logan is taking care of his bike and the other students are waking up for their usual routine, however, someone asked something that will forever change everything.
"Hey, is anyone here saw Kitty?"
And Michael is silently looking for his friend. Terry Pryde now realises she didn´t see her daughter for a while and now, as any normal mother, is concerned for her safety.
"Where is Kitty?"
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Kitty Pryde is not a reckless girl Marrow could point out she´s too reliable and a bit of nerd, but, the point is...Kitty Pryde is not the type of person that would be in this situation. Fate, however, completely disagrees as Kitty is tied up in a strange place along with unconscious Rogue.
"Rogue? Rogue? Can you hear me?" Kitty speaks again but Rogue seems to be out of it. That worried Kitty even if she has mixed feelings in regards to what the older girl did to her little brother.
Trying to phase proves to be extremely painful, which it scared her because normally she could phase so easily and so painless. She tries to assert the situation, it seems she´s on an abandoned warehouse ("makes me think of Batman´s comics") and she focuses her magic to send a message to the X-men.
No, to send a message to Michael first. She can always count with Michael to help her.
"Michael, please, the situation here is...scary" Kitty deliver her message and give as much information she could give, meanwhile, her eyes are searching for her captors.
How odd...there´s no one here aside from me and Rogue.
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Courtney is drinking Mimosa in her white palace, however, the beverage is far from help in the relaxation as the woman is vexing inside in her own words, Prof X is a fool, and his test will only proof this boy must be killed asap.
Dr Strange is in the palace as well and seems to agree with the sentiment as well, but, one problem arises. "How can we kill something like him? Pheonix refuses to help and...Zaorva is hard to make contact"
Courtney looks at him as if he´s stupid, but, refuses to tell the secrets to summon Zaorva to Dr Strange. To be fair, she knows he wouldn´t believe even if she shows to him. (put a dog on a pentagram and makes all people give lots of kisses...Zaorva favours dogs, again, no one would believe and maybe is for the better)
"I have no idea. I sincerely have no idea"
"There´s a way to kill him, but, Dr Strange...half of the US will be affected...are you ready to face the consequences?"
"The percentage of death?"
"50% if we´re lucky"
"Very well, I´m listening"
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Doom is drinking wine as Clea Strange and Merlin announced what Courtney and Dr Strange plan to do, in their eyes, they hope for Doom to stop this madness, but, sadly, Doom is not exactly hell-bent in stop such foolish.
"Their stupidity is my greatest strength...if they want to end their country in this plan...then is not Doom´s problem"
And the two women exchange eyes and fear is laced in their eyes. What will happen now?