~XAVIER’S STUDY (one month later)~
Xavier leaned back, letting his mind drift through the mansion’s interior. Dark emotions colored the walls, permeating it with the stench of sorrow, regret, and guilt. It had been a month since the loss of Vision X. The memorial service had been one to remember as members of every X-group as well as Spidey, The Avengers, and the Fantastic Four had come to pay their respects.
Even the knowledge that someone else shared in the pain they were feeling still did nothing to fill the void within their hearts. Gen X had been here the better part of a month. Emma and Sean had felt it best for them to be here for counseling, plus Wolverine really needed Jubilee right now.
/I still can’t believe she’s gone…that they’re gone./ Knock! Knock! The sound of the door draws Xavier out of his reverie as Jean enters.
“Are you okay Professor?” Jean asks with a worried expression on her face. The fact that Jean noticed his pain tells Xavier that he has been projecting, something that hasn’t happened by accident in a very, very long time.
“I’m fine Jean. Thank You. Although, the others could benefit from some form of stimulation... maybe we should schedule extra training sessions. A dose of relative normality will be good for us.”
**WILL ALL X-MEN AS WELL AS GEN-X PLEASE REPORT TO THE DANGER ROOM IMMEDIATELY!**
*****
~DANGER ROOM~
As the members of the X-men and Gen X entered the Danger Room, an eerie purple light spread throughout the room, before ending at the control room.
“What was that all about?” Iceman asks.
“I’m not certain... but I shall endeavor to find out, my most frosty compatriot.”
{{DRAKE…ROBERT…. DESIGNATE: ICEMAN-psi print confirmed}}
{{MC COY…HENRY…. DESIGNATE: BEAST-psi print confirmed}}
{{LEBEAU…REMY…. DESIGNATE: GAMBIT-psi print confirmed}}
{{ESPINOSA…ANGELO… DESIGNATE: SKIN-psi print confirmed}}
{{LOGAN…. DESIGNATE: WOLVERINE-psi print confirmed}}
{{XAVIER…CHARLES F. …. DESIGNATE: PROFESSOR X-psi print confirmed}}
{{PROGRAM CODE LOCK DISENGAGED-RUNNING PROGRAM}}
The room did not change. They all looked around, confused but alert, waiting for an unseen attack. Wolverine is the first to notice a black robed figure just appear out of static.
Wolverine steps forward and growls “Who are you, bub?”
The figure removes his hood, and they all stare in shock at a holographic representation of Jamar.
“If you guys are seeing this, one of two things has happened. We got transported home, or we’ve been blasted to oblivion by Sinney and his goons.” He smiles, giving them all that familiar lopsided grin of his.
“Don’t you think that was a bit dramatic, Jedi?” They all turn at the voice to see Amanda and the other members of Vision X.
“Hey, it’s the truth.” He turns towards Amanda. “But anyway. We have each left a personal message for several of you in the Danger Room’s computer system. They will upload for each specific individual, except there’s one catch... they can only be accessed by giving the computer the proper pass code.” Jamar’s smile turns to one of evil glee as he imagines their expressions.
“That’s really twisted kid.” Wolverine says offhandedly. The hologram turns to regard him before replying, “DON’T CALL ME KID!!!”
“Whoa, dude!” Jubilee mutters under her breath.
“Charles.”
Xavier lifts his head and makes eye contact with the hologram of Amanda.
“Do not grieve so. No matter what may have happened, we are okay now. Do not wallow in sorrow. You should be spending your time figuring out what the pass code I set up for you is.” She says as she giggles. “Just think of this as a way for all of you to take your mind off your grief.”
“So while you think on what Amanda said, how ‘bout I take you back to yesteryear. Computer, activate VXMWW interactive.”
The room ripples, changing into a scene that’s vaguely familiar. Water balloons drop on the unsuspecting occupants of the Danger Room except for Wolverine, who has disappeared.
~BESIDE THE BOATHOUSE~
Wolverine drops from the sky and into the lake. Wolverine pulls himself out. As he steps on dry land, three members of Vision X meet him. Each flips over a card.
[Card#1: 9.5]
[Card#2: 9.5]
[Card#3: 5.5]
Hope drops her card and walks over to Wolverine. “Mr. Logan choose your weapon.” She says as she holds up a water cannon and a Supersoaker.
He takes one and she disappears.
CHAOS
Sammi was the next to drop her card. She held a water cannon in her hands and said," I never got the chance before." She squeezed the trigger, and Wolverine was hit with a blast of water.
Sammi was laughing as she said," Don't forget... after everything is said and done, you still have to figure out the pass code, dad." She smiled sweetly and continued,"Oh, one more thing. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi! You’re my only hope!" She started laughing again and said, "I always wanted to do that." And then she faded away.
~In the Danger Room~
Jubilee was looking around at everyone and she felt a little left out. Then a holographic image of Sammi appeared in front of her.
"Sammi?" Jubilee asked.
"That's right, sis. Don't think I forgot about you." Sammi smiled as a huge water balloon fell from the ceiling and landed on Jubilee's head.
"You also have to figure out a pass code, sis. I'll see you then." Sammi said as she faded away.
jubilee_79
Wolverine sat in the danger room trying to think of the pass code Sammi would have chosen for him. An image of Ryan appeared before him.
“Logan I have a message for you too. You have to guess the pass code before you get it, though.”
Logan smiled and thought. “Scooby,” He said plain and simple.
“Am I that obvious? I just wanted to ask you a favor. You have dealt with your feral nature for so long, and have succeeded in controlling it. Victor has never been able to do that until I came into his life. Could you please help him with it, now that I’m gone? You’re the only one who I think can. I know you hate him and you have good reason to. He really isn’t such a bad guy. Please?” With that the image cut off and Ryan disappeared.
Logan thought for a moment on how that girl had brought out the man in Creed. She was the only one who kept the animal in him at bay. After the island blew up, everyone presumed that Creed died in the explosion. At least he died a man and not a monster, Logan thought.
“Nope Darlin’, he ain’t such a bad guy after all… at least not with you.”
Le Fae
Bobby knew immediately what his pass code would be. He looked at the image of Athena standing before him and said, "Queen of Hearts."
The likeness of Athena smiled at him. It moved closer to him and whispered something to him. Athena's message was personal, between her and Bobby. She didn't want anyone else to hear. The image of Athena vanished and Bobby was left standing alone.
He seemed stunned at first, almost disbelieving. Then the look of shock gave way to a smile. He left the danger room smiling, with a tiny tear frozen on his cheek.
flame
Logan went to his room to try and figure out what the pass code could be. He walked over to the dresser and looked at the photo he took of Jamar and Sammi. It was now in a frame, thanks to Jubilee. He stood staring at the photo remembering everything that happened before it. He remembered Sammi saying, "If he my brother and your my father, then he's your son by default."
Then it came to him. "Family."
"Geez, It took you long enough." A voice said from behind him. He knew it and smiled as he turned and said,"Well, I'm an old man. Stuff takes longer to sink in, darlin'."
"It’s not because you’re old. It’s because you have such a thick head." Sammi said as she smiled and continued. "Just like me."
She motioned to the bed and he sat down. Her image sat down next to him and said, "I know I wrote you the letter, but some things are better said in person. I love you, and no matter what, I always will. I hope I made you proud."
"You always do. I love you too." He said as the image disappeared.
~~Jubilee's Room~~
Jubilee laid on her old bed and looked at the ceiling, remembering the night of the pool party. She suddenly remembered Sammi saying, "No matter what, I'll always be your Big sister."
Jubile sat bolt up right and said, "Sisters."
Sammi's image appeared at the foot of her bed, and said, "See, you can figure out anything." The image smiled and continued. "I just wanted to give you some sisterly advice. First, Don't ever feel threatened by Kitty. Dad has a lot of love, but it’s just hard for him to show it sometimes. And second, when Monet pulls her 'Miss Perfect Priss' 'tude, just say, "You’re not that perfect, you could never survive Half the stuff I did." And believe me, she will back down. You’re a survivor, and I know that one day you'll be the one leading." Sammi smiled again as her image disappeared.
Jubilee leaned back on her bed and said, "Maybe it’s time I showed everyone what I really can do." She smiled as she looked at the Black Leather Jacket that she bought Sammi at the mall. "Thanks, sis."
Jubilee_79
~Wolverine's Room~
"That was touching. You learn fast, young padawan." said the voice of Jamar.
"I didn't think you'd be coming around."
"Well, that family thick-headedness can only stretch so far." Jamar jokes before once again becoming serious. "Before coming here, Sammi and I could count close family on one hand. Now we know that we have a family out there. I know things were a bit strained between us ,and I regret we didn't pitch around the ole baseball...or at least sparred once or twice.”
"It's okay kid..."
"How many times must I tell you... don't call me kid." Logan begins to chuckle. "If you wish to call me something, call me son... because I'd be honored to call you father."
Jamar disappears just like his sister, leaving a very misty eyed Logan sitting alone on the bed.
Chaos
Xavier smiled as he could sense that the messages were helping the various X-men deal with their lost. He knew that this was the best gift they could have left the X-men. Like Sammi said, some things need to be said in person.
Charles knew the password, but declined to use it. A part of him knew that he would find Amanda again. She was his soul mate. He pulled out her letter to read the last part one more time. It was his favorite part.
P.S.
I will always love you no matter what keeps us apart.P.S.S.
Lighten up, CharlieCharles laughed out loud until Scott came in to see if he was all right.
A.C.
Remy stood there, still racking his brain his brain for the password. He looked down, and notice something on his hand. The ring she had given him. "Turquoise."
Leilee popped up in front of him. "Hey, Baby. Miss me?"
Remy grinned. "Always, Ma cherie."
"Good. Because I'll be back to see you. You know me. I'm like a bad penny. Except for the bad part. I always turn up again. I love you." she smiled and kissed his cheek before fading away.
Leilee
Hank hurt. He had never hurt this badly in his life. While the others stood trying to figure out their messages, he felt lost. how could his beautiful shining lady been taken from him?
A shimmer of light flashed brightly in front of his eyes, and Hope stood before him.
"Do not grieve, my love. Remember what I have taught you," She smiled so sweetly that it broke his heart anew. Then, she was gone.
"Hope," He cried out hoarsely.
All around him the view changed, and he found himself standing in the same glade that he first met Hope in. She stood a few feet away, brilliantly shining in her silver and white.
"Hank," she called to him. "I will always be near my love, only a dream away. We will see each other again. I want you to know that I Love you dearly. Should the gods see fit to give us time together again, I shall not choose to leave your side again till you no longer want me. Hold me one last time and carry that with you to your dreams."
Hank enveloped her in his arms and held her as tightly as he could.
Lady_Yann
Just then, an alarm blared throughout the mansion. Everyone looked up from what they were doing, and wondered what was going on.
The alarm was cut short, followed by an unmistakable impish laugh. It was Cara's.
"Sorry to 'alarm' you, but I had to get your attention. My goodbye is for everyone, I set up a special program in the Danger Room...I'd appreciate it if you all would gather there. Thanks." the recorded message ended.
All of the members of X-Men, Generation-X, and everyone else stopped what they were doing, and went to the Danger Room one last time. When everyone was there, the figures of Cara, Athena and Hope all appeared in the middle of the room, as well as a piano.
"Most of you don't know it, but I am a composer...and I've written a little song for you, which Athena and Hope are going to sing. I will be accompanying them on the piano." said Cara.
She seated herself at the piano, went through the intro and nodded at the two girls. They began to sing.
"Remember how things used to be.
Remember how we laughed.
Time stood still, we used to dream,
that time would never pass away,
things would never change.But time went on, and we moved on,
Forging seperate paths.
The life we shared, was left behind,
but lives on in dreams.For time will bring sweet memories,
and we'll remember, how we used to laugh."They finished, and the room was quiet. Cara stood up from the piano, and faced the room.
"If you are viewing this, it means that we probably didn't make it back."
Cara sighed, and looked around her. All of the other members of Team Vision-X appeared around Cara, and they were all smiling too. Cara looked at Amanda, who nodded to her, then Cara looked once more at the room's inhabitants.
"Do not grieve for us," she said, "for we will always be with you, only a dream away."
Then the members of Vision-X, faded into the background.
Rainfall
~In our world~
Amanda awoke from the strangest dream she had ever had. She had dreamt that she had meet the X-men and had powers, and had fought Sinister. It had seemed so real, that a part of her believed it had happened.
"I’ve gotta stop reading fanfics at night. I also must be too hyped up about seeing the movie."
Amanda went to the computer and went onto The Wolverine and Jubilee Storyboard. She thought about starting a new story. I wonder if I could use my dream for an idea, she thought.
Slowly she began to type the first part of her dream down before she forgot it.
"I hope someone likes this story." she stated as she hit submit.
THE END???
A.C.
