Evolution Shinji 36

Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or X-Men Evolution. Wish I did, though.

All around the world, at the combat sites involved in Apocalypse's mad bid, SHIELD Agents are handling the mop up, with a select few handling transportation for the four individuals that Apocalypse had used as his Horsemen.

(Egypt-1)

"Professor Xavier." Coulson's voice gets Xavier's attention as the Agent goes on. "I'd been tasked by Colonel Fury to escort you for evaluation and debriefing on the heli-carrier." Xavier nods at that.

"Thank you, Agent Coulson." He then yawns before Jean gently pats his shoulder as a happily grinning Tabitha looks toward Coulson.

"How's Shinji, C-Man?" Coulson arches an eyebrow at the nickname before Tabitha goes on. "Is he doing alright? Amara, Jamie and I can hardly wait to see him again." Coulson can only sigh at that.

"I'm afraid that'll have to wait for debrief, Miss Smith, so that it can only be said once. But I can tell you that as far as we can tell, he and JOFA Howlett are both alright." Tabitha, Amara and Jamie all get uneasy feelings at that before Colossus clears his throat.

"Excuse me, comrades, but who is Shinji?" Jamie grins widely before speaking up.

"He's a regular human that's cool with mutants. You're in for a great time meeting him, Colossus!"

(China)

"Ms. Munroe." Kate's voice gets Ororo to give a tired smile as Evan moves to shield his Aunt from the female SHIELD Agent. "I'd been tasked by Colonel Fury to escort you for evaluation and debriefing on the heli-carrier." Ororo gives Kate a thankful smile at that.

"I understand, Agent Neville. I'm glad it's you and not some random Agent. What of Shinji?" Evan blinks at that before Kate sighs.

"I'm sorry, but it's going to have to wait for debrief." As Ororo nods, Evan clears his throat.

"Who's Shinji, Auntie-O?"

"A very remarkable young man, Evan." Evan suddenly feels a whack on his back from Ray before the electricity generating mutant grins widely.

"Remarkable is putting it mildly, 'Storm'! Shinji's a regular human that used to pilot a gigantic cyborg in another dimension, Evan! I can't wait for you to meet him!" Evan can't help but grin at that.

"Cool. Is he on the heli-carrier?" Kate's silence, accompanied by shimmering eyes, is followed up.

"As I said, it's being held until debrief on the heli-carrier."

(Mexico)

As a weary Magneto is aided by Pietro and Wanda, he soon blinks when a male SHIELD Agent steps to in front of him.

"Magneto?" At his nod, the Agent goes on. "SHIELD Agent Alexander Goodwin Pierce. I'd been tasked by Colonel Fury to escort you for evaluation and debriefing on the heli-carrier." Magneto eyes Pierce intently before speaking.

"Am I to be arrested afterward, Agent Pierce?"

"It depends on how your debriefing goes, sir." Magneto gives Pierce a disdainful grimace before nodding his assent.

"Normally, I'd use my powers to suck the iron in your body out through the pores in your skin, leaving you unable to even try. But I'm too tired at the moment to even try doing so." Pierce nods while grinning internally before noticing Lance, Fred, Toad and Pietro looking forlornly at the destroyed plane they'd arrived in.

"Not to worry, gentlemen. I'm sure SHIELD can arrange to replace your airplane."

"It's not ours, Agent Pierce. It belongs to Paul Haits' Dad. He asked us to take good care of it for him and… we screwed up." Lance's comment gets a sigh from Pierce before he nods.

"I think it'll be best for Colonel Fury to negotiate with Mr. Haits on compensating him for the loss."

"I hope so, yo. I don't think we'll be able to make restitution even if we manage to get jobs." Grinning, Toad then asks, "Is Shinji gonna be there, yo?" Toad's query gets Magneto to blink before looking toward the others and seeing smiles on their faces.

"Who is Shinji, Toad?" Pierce clears his throat gently at that.

"It'll have to wait until debrief on the heli-carrier where everyone's together and fully recovered, Mr. Tolensky. Given that JOFA Ikari has met so many remarkable people." Magneto sees them mulling it over before shrugging their agreement. Yet he also sees a familiar sight in Pierce's eyes. One that he'd seen long ago on his own face in a mirror. Sorrow.

(Egypt; Sphinx; Apocalypse's base)

Mystique can only be stunned and angry as Rogue and Kurt turn their backs on her before teleporting away. As she thinks about it, her anger fades away as, quite frankly, she can't even blame them one bit.

"So, it's been a long time, Mystique." Mystique blinks at Fury's voice at her side as he goes on. "I'm personally escorting you for evaluation and debriefing on the heli-carrier. If only to get an idea as to what'd happened after you apparently turned to stone. Do you understand?" Mystique blinks before nodding.

"I understand. I don't care about what happens to me afterward." Smiling ruefully, she murmurs, "I did that for far too long and… my children hate my guts for it. Even if I had the best intentions for them."

Hanging her head in surrender, she follows a stoic Fury on foot as he strides toward the waiting SHIELD helicopter. Upon boarding, she sees Kurt, Rogue and Sam sitting with a Caucasian woman wearing glasses gently holding onto a sleeping mutant child. Wanting to ask, she doesn't, knowing the slightest hint of trouble will set Rogue and Kurt off on her. Next thing she knows, Kurt speaks.

"Will Shinji be on the heli-carrier upon arrival, Colonel? I've been quite worried about him as he was rather… tense while making the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie brownies this past weekend."

"I'm afraid it's going to be in the debriefing, 'Nightcrawler'. So everyone can hear at the same time."

Kurt blinks at that, as do Rogue and Sam at the no-nonsense tone in Fury's voice. Mystique, however, recognizes it and elects to stay quiet. Not to upset them, but out of respect for someone that'd evidently come to mean much to them.

'Whoever you were, Shinji, I hope you're well. Wherever you are.'

(SHIELD heli-carrier; thirty minutes later)

As the transport helicopters land on the heli-carrier's flight deck, they see another helo on approach for landing. Upon the helo they're in being lowered into the hangar on the 2nd Level, Fury opens the side door. Allowing his companions to exit the helo. As Rogue and Kurt exit behind her, Mystique looks around the 2nd Level before hearing a female voice. A very familiar female voice.

"Well, well, well. Look who's here." Mystique slowly turns and sees a young Caucasian woman with short-cut brunette hair striding intently toward her. "It's been a long time."

"Jen… Jenny? Is… is that you?" Mystique doesn't notice Rogue's double take at seeing the Agent, yet Kurt and the Agent do. She, however, winces as the Agent crossly crosses her arms. 'I don't like when she's pissed. It's never a pretty sight.'

"That's Agent Matrix to you, seeing as you dissolved our friendship long ago, Ms. Darkholme." Mystique winces even more at the cross tone before Matrix goes on, in a much softer tone. "Do you have any idea how worried we'd all been about you, Raven? Me? Dad? Cindy? Little Ben? We're still your family, dammit!" Gritting her teeth, Mystique snaps.

"I don't deserve to be worried over by your family, Jenny! I'm a damned freak!" Next thing Mystique knows, Matrix slaps her across the face. Hard with the palm of her right hand.

"We never saw you that way and you know it, dammit!" The tears shimmering in Matrix's angry brown eyes get Mystique to chuckle softly as she turns back toward her.

"I guess I deserved that."

"You don't even know the half of it!" Grabbing her by the arm, Matrix tugs her along as she goes on. "We're going to go get caught up before you get checked up on! Got it?!" Mystique looks back toward Rogue and Kurt, smirking softly at their baffled expressions before shrugging haplessly.

"What about my children, Kurt and Rogue?"

"Wave them along. It'd be good for me to meet them while we get caught up." Mystique nods and does so, while thinking one thing.

'I'm glad you survived that bastard!'

(Val and Remy; same time)

"Are you going to be okay, JOFA LeBeau?"

"Remy don't know, Agent Fontaine." He then feels her hand on his before it gently squeezes, with him returning it just as gently.

"It's not your fault."

"Remy know, but why does…"

"It's because you came to care for them. Much like they came to care for you." Remy gives a silent nod before opening the door, only to look back toward her.

"How much time do you need, Agent Fontaine?"

"As much as I need, JOFA LeBeau."

Remy nods before exiting the helo, with Val closing the door after him. Once it's closed, she breaks down crying. Covering her face as she weeps, she trembles while brokenly praying in Italian.

"Oh, Heavenly… Father, bless… and keep Shinji… and Laura well… until we can… meet them again." She then wails in her grief, knowing that while they were alive in departure, there was no guarantee they'd still be that way. 'I just hope they remembered their breathing plans.'

(Hangar; same time)

"Did that Agent… just strike Mystique after saying she was family?"

"Yeah, she did."

"Why'd you do a double take at seeing the Agent?" Rogue can only 'innocently' shrug at Kurt's query before her grey eyes catch a familiar sight as it exits the helo that'd just arrived.

"Remy?" Upon seeing Mystique wave them along, Rogue rolls her eyes and says, "Ya go, Kurt. I'm gonna go talk to that 'Swamp Rat' and find out why he's movin' freely about."

Striding away from Kurt as he follows, she follows Remy down to the 3rd Level. Only to stop when Remy submits his palm-print for entry. When he's cleared to enter, he does so, making sure to secure the hatch behind him. Rogue reaches for the hatch's handle before stopping.

"I guess I'll have to wait for him ta come out."

(3rd Level; lab area)

"Hey." At Amanda's reverse wave, Remy asks, "Where Arcade at?"

"He's over in the computer area, Remy. How was Wakanda?"

"It was… informative." Amanda has a smile on her face as she turns toward Remy. Only for it to fade upon seeing his agonized expression. Stepping toward him, she has a gentle expression on her face.

"They're gone, aren't they?"

"Oui." Remy then feels Amanda's arms wrap around him, getting him to weakly chuckle as he hugs her back. "Remy don't think 'Nightcrawler' gonna like you hugging Remy. Or Remy hugging you right back."

"He'll have to get over it. Especially since we're both hurting now. Along with he and the others will be hurting when they hear." Looking up at him, she asks, "How long did it take?"

"Remy think it took five minutes for that 'Smurf' reject to suck them into the vortex." Noting Jubilee's asleep nearby, he softly asks, "How asleep is petit? Remy think she won't take it well, either."

"Deep. It seems the day out wore her out enough for her to sleep soundly." Remy nods before moving away from Amanda. "Why're you asking about Arcade, anyway?"

"Shinji took pictures, said it was reason why 'Smurf' reject wanted him gone. Remy could barely understand, though, as it was all convoluted. Shinji was even giving Remy bad freak out."

Amanda nods her understanding as Remy steps toward the computer area. Seeing Arcade hard at work gets him to roll his eyes with a smirk. But before he can get near enough…

"Shinji and Laura are both gone, aren't they?" At Remy's silence, Arcade asks, "What happened?"

"They got sucked into vortex. Remy tried stopping it from happening, but there was a barrier in front of Remy. It was blue." Putting a memory card in front of Arcade, he goes on. "Shinji took pictures on that card, mon ami. Remy hoping you can make more sense for Remy."

"I'll do what I can. But I'll probably need Dr. McCoy's help for this while I get the translation program going."

"If he on board now, Remy find him." Arcade nods while picking up the memory card and silently putting it into the computer. "Remy miss them too, mon ami. As do Amanda."

"I know. But I can't help but wonder how the others are going to take it. Along with Jubilee." Smirking softly, he asks, "Remember, before she fell asleep on the flight back to here, she asked Shinji to tell her about how his Mother's a gigantic cyborg?" Remy gives a snicker at that before nodding.

"It nearly took all of Remy strength to not burst out laughing as it'd disturb petit. Even if it funny."

"Oh how true that is." As the program works, Arcade asks, "So what'd Shinji say about the pics, anyway?"

"Basically, from what he could determine while giving Remy freak out, bunch named SEELE being conned by Apocalypse into killing whole planet with promise of power galore. Even more, it seems that Apocalypse and Adam knew each other. But…"

"But what?"

"What got Shinji going was what he called glyph of 'Shadow of the 12th Angel', along with how it shouldn't even have been there." Remy then grimaces before adding, "Bad gumbo brewing, mon ami. Big time, Remy think."

"Yeah, it is. I'll let the Colonel know when Dr McCoy and I have everything translated."

Remy nods before striding away. As he opens the hatch, however, he sees a familiar Southern Goth vixen.

"Chere. Remy surprised to see you."

"I'm surprised to see ya too, 'Swamp Rat'. Ya look good." Rogue then tugs him after her, saying, "Ya also gonna tell me why ya such a grump!"

"Remy not grump, chere." Rogue snorts at that.

"Yeah right, 'Swamp Rat'! Ya bein' a grump an' tryin' ta hide it!" Nudging Remy into a corner, the energy-absorbing girl traps his head in her constantly gloved hands and grits out, "Now ya gonna tell me why ya bein' a grump."

"If Remy don't?"

"I'm gonna do somethin' I've both been wantin' and not wantin' to!" Remy stares defiantly at her with a cockily charming smirk. 'Oh how his smirk infuriates me! I want to wipe it off of his face'

"Not much of a threat, chere. What Colonel Fury say when you asked about Shinji?"

"It wasn't me, but Kurt. But I get what ya sayin'. He said we have ta wait for debrief." At Remy's nod, Rogue adds, "Don' mean I'm acceptin' it, though!"

Without warning, she then solidly slams her lips against his. Immediately gaining access to his powers and memories. Including those of Amanda telling him what's ahead and Shinji and Laura being sucked into the vortex in front of his eyes. Stunned by it, she withdraws her lips and releases Remy's head, letting him collapse to the floor. Remy can barely stay awake as he looks up at her, smirk still on his face.

"You've one heck of a smooch, chere. Remy think you'd make a great interrogator." Rogue gives him an incredulous look before sadness takes its place.

"Why?" Her body shaking, her eyes dripping tears as she drops to in front of Remy. Looking toward him, she asks, "Why didn't he tell us 'Swamp Rat'? We'd have helped him!"

"You'd also have lost the fight, chere. All of you."

"Huh?"

"He wanted you to be able to concentrate on what ahead, chere. Shinji felt that if you knew, you all be so heavily distracted, looking for ways to help him…"

"We'd have been defeated." At Remy's silent nod, Rogue then smiles weakly. "Ya came ta care for him, didn't ya?"

"Both he and Laura." Remy gives a weak grin of his own before adding, "Remy admit that those two touched Remy life." Rogue's weak smile brightens slightly before she nods.

"I'm glad. How long did ya get ta know them?"

"About a month." Rogue blinks at that before narrowing her eyes, getting Remy to gulp before standing up. "Remy have to go to gym now, chere. Remy want to work grief out on punching bag."

"Why didn't ya come visit with them last weekend, 'Swamp Rat'?! It'd have been nice to see ya with 'em!" Remy doesn't answer. He just flees the irate Goth, prompting her to chase after him. "I'm gonna make ya wish ya went with 'em when I get my hands on ya!" As Rogue chases Remy, the two come across Charles, Ororo and Magneto with their escorts. Getting Magneto to blink incredulously.

"Why is Gambit onboard the SHIELD heli-carrier wearing a SHIELD field uniform, Charles?"

"I'm afraid it's a long story, Erik." Ororo gives a soft giggle at that as they reach the hatch and Kate authenticates her access. Magneto rolls his eyes before giving a smirk to one of his oldest friends in the world.

"I can hardly wait to hear it." In the background, Rogue can be heard yelling.

"Get back here, 'Swamp Rat'! Ya gonna be my punching bag partner!"

(Massachusetts Academy; Frost's quarters; same time)

"Oh, where is it?!" Frost searches frantically for her usual meeting wear as it is her favorite. "I can't go to the meeting dressed in this tacky blue zip shirt and black skirt as I'd lose my edge!"

"Hi, Emma. Looking for something?" Deadpool's voice behind the frantic woman gets her attention, getting her to turn around. Irritation in her eyes.

"Why do I have the feeling you're behind my meeting garb vanishing?!"

"You mean your slut-wear? Oh please. There's someone much sluttier than you, Emma." The woman gives a smirk at that.

"Oh please, Deadpool. There's no woman alive that can be much sluttier than I." Deadpool taps the side of his head before shrugging.

"I don't know, Emma. When it comes to being the sluttiest, you're both neck and neck." Frost's eyes go wide at that before she smirks.

"You hear me and hear me well, Deadpool. I am the sluttiest slut in the world. I'm so far ahead of her in being the sluttiest, she is the next sluttiest. She can only dream of outslutting me when it comes to it."

"Well, since you put it that way…"

"Good." She then says, "So you can do whatever you have to in order to return this… conservative attire to the runner-up, with a personal note from me."

"Alright. I'll wait while you write the note out and take off the conservative attire."

"Fair enough. What's the name of the runner up, anyway?"

"Dr Ritsuko Akagi." Frost can only blink at that before thinking.

'Where have I seen or heard that name before? I'm sure I came across it beforehand.'

Shrugging, Frost writes out the note and steps to behind her partition. Quickly taking off the clothing, she drapes her white robe over herself before stepping back around. Clothes being picked up and folded meticulously. Spotting a hair on the shirt, she picks it off of the shirt and eyes it intently before smirking.

"A bottle blond, huh? No wonder she's runner up." She then hands them to Deadpool and says, "Do be quick about it."

"Yes, your sluttiness." With that, he pops out. Only to reappear five minutes later, her slut-wear in hand. "Dr Akagi said you can keep the title of 'Sluttiest Slut in the World', Emma."

"Excellent, Deadpool." He then pops out of her room. Next thing she knows, a knock is heard on the door. Striding to open it, she sees a shyly smiling Tarot. "Yes, Ms. Colbert?"

"I would like… permission to spend… time with Doug… in his dorm." Frost blinks at that before sighing.

"Why didn't you while we were in the Bahamas? Things were more private and romantic there."

"I wanted to, really, I did. But… when I went to see him, I started shaking and felt like I was going to be sick."

"Are you sure it wasn't just food poisoning?"

"I was thinking it was but…" Tarot then sighs and adds, "I'm sorry to have disturbed you, Ms. Frost." Starting away, she hears Frost clear her throat.

"There is an expression for you to consider. Carpe diem. It means 'Seize the Day', Tarot." Tarot smiles softly before looking back to Frost and nodding softly.

"I understand, Ms. Frost. Thank you." With that, she makes her way to Doug's dorm and knocks on the door.

"It's open." Smiling softly, Tarot opens it and sees Doug lying on his bed, only to see her and move until he's upright. "Tarot… hi." She can only smirk softly before stepping into his dorm and closing the door. "Tarot?"

"Don't be afraid."

Doug can only be baffled as Tarot starts undressing herself. Relishing in the sight of his face going red, she strides toward him, wearing only her panties. Once she's right in front of him she gently brushes his chin before straddling him. Looking into his eyes, she sees they're blue. Leaning forward slightly, she brings his right hand to her left breast.

"Did you ever hear the song 'Eternal Flame', Doug?" At his nod, she murmurs, "That's the song in my mind right now. How about…"

The feeling of Doug's lips against hers gets a delighted moan from her before she slightly opens her lips and taps her tongue against his lips. Upon feeling his lips open, she slips her tongue in and soon feels his tongue dancing with hers. The two are kissing so fervently, neither of them notice that Tarot is getting onto her back on Doug's bed until the need to breathe prompts them to break the kiss.

"Tarot?"

"Please… make me yours." Doug shyly nods before removing his clothes. Only to slap his forehead.

"I have no condoms!" Doug then blinks at the soft sound of amused laughter from Tarot. "I'm not joking, Tarot. What if you get pregnant?"

"Mmm, I wouldn't mind getting knocked up by you and just you." Unsure, he nods and eases her panties off before she opens her legs widely. "Come to Tarot, cutie." The feeling of him easing into her gets her to moan in delight until he reaches her barrier. Looking into her eyes, he sees her trust in him.

"It'll hurt."

"As long as it's you, my sweet Doug, I don't mind."

The feeling of his lips against hers, as he breaches her barrier, gets her to scream into his mouth as they kiss fervently. Keeping himself still, Doug ends the kiss and sees her panting. Only for her to start moving against him, signaling for him to keep going.

(Heli-carrier; Galley; same time)

Kurt can only be in sheer disbelief at the most unlikely sight in the world. Mystique and a regular human female SHIELD Agent laughing with each other. Wide smiles on both their faces. Feeling awkwardly out of place, Kurt gets ready to walk away until the Agent smirks.

"Don't just stand there, silly. Come sit by your Aunt Jenny." Kurt's double take gets both women to start guffawing before he shrugs and sits beside her. Only for her to gently grab his face and coo out, "Oh, Raven, he has your eyes." Mystique gives a soft smile before nodding.

"He and Rogue are the best things that happened to me. Even if they hate my guts." Matrix nods before bringing a small snapshot, smirking gently.

"Remember this one?" Slipping it over to Mystique, Matrix sees tears dripping down her face, yet with a gentle smile.

"Yes. After the meet before everything went to Hell." Sensing Kurt's curiosity, Mystique slips it over to him, adding, "That's your and Rogue's Uncle Ben when he was little. He's close to your ages now."

Kurt's eyes go wide at the sight of two teenage girls wearing green-yellow one-piece bathing suits. Both holding an infant boy between them, wearing wide warm smiles on their faces. One of the faces being that of…

"Risty Wilde?" Kurt looks over at Mystique and sees her shaking her head gently in negation until he blinks. "You… You mean…"

"That's right, Kurt. That's actually what I used to look like before my life took a turn for the worst." Her gaze going wistful, she adds, "That day was actually one of the best days of my life because Jenny was right with me and we were doting on Ben together." Kurt then turns to Matrix, getting a grin from her.

"What is he like?"

"I'll put it to you like this, nephew. He's going to be a lady killer like you are, from what I hear about you when it comes to Amanda." Kurt can only be alarmed at that before Mystique giggles softly.

"What your Aunt Jenny means, Kurt, is that you and Ben both are charmers. No killing involved." Matrix can only give Mystique a sardonic smirk.

"Oh I don't know about that, Raven. Remember Rebecca Itonsako?" Mystique winces at that one.

"That one so did not end well." Shuddering before seeing Kurt's curious expression, she adds, "It's for the best that you don't know, Kurt. Less chance of nightmares for you."

"Speaking of nightmares, remember Howard Fraser?" Mystique's smile drops significantly before she stiffly nods. "The day after you split, the sack of shit tried Frenching me and wound up having his nuts cut off after I made it necessary." Mystique's eyes go wide before she sadly smirks in amusement. With Matrix noticing. "Raven?"

"I just wish you could've done it sooner, Jenny." Matrix blinks at that before her fists clench.

"Kurt." When he looks back toward her, she adds, "Please leave us be for a short time." Seeing Mystique give him a shamed nod, he nods back and stands before looking toward them.

"Anything I can do?"

"Not for right now, kiddo. We'll let you know." At Matrix's words, Kurt nods again before looking toward Mystique and feels pain for her before walking away. Once he's out of earshot, Matrix grits out, "When?"

"That evening. After… after…" Sighing, Matrix gets up from her seat before going to the side of her 'sister' and holding her close as she starts trembling. "I'd never… been more… scared."

"What happened? Why didn't you scream? You know I would've come running to help you even if you'd hated me for it."

"I… I know." Tears start falling from her eyes as she thinks back.

(Sixteen years ago; mountains of LA County, CA)

As seventeen year old Raven Darkholme ran away from her friend/sister, she had tears of regret in her eyes. Her mind was awash in thoughts.

'It's not too late, Raven. You know they still love you.'

'It is! I love them too, but I can't let their lives go down the toilet for a freak like me! I had to burn that bridge! For their sakes!' Next thing she knew, a familiar Caucasian male with black hair stepped out from behind one of the trees.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here." Howard Fraser's eyes lit up with glee before he started toward her. "My favorite 'would've-been-playtoy', out all by her lonesome."

"What are you doing out here?" With a guttural undertone that went even more guttural with each word, Fraser spoke again.

"Just noticing you were having trouble at home." Not liking the way Fraser's voice was still sounding, Raven started backpedaling.

"More like trying to ward it off for them." Next thing Raven knew, Fraser vanished in front of her eyes. He then reappeared, her physically pinned to a tree, he grinning savagely.

"A noble effort, though for naught." Kicking outward, she made contact with his left thigh and angrily gritted out.

"Let me go, you pathetic insect!" Smirking, Fraser positioned himself between her legs after one kick gave him ground. "Back off!" Maintaining her struggle, she felt him lick her neck. "Let me go, asshole!"

"No. I have some unfinished business with you." The sound of a zipper running down, with his hands still holding her wrists solid, got her attention as he added, "Which I'm going to finish right now!" The feeling of her being brutally invaded caused her to open her mouth in a silent scream until she got her wind back. She then gets ready to scream for help. Only…

"Scream for help, even if it's Matrix, and I will gut them like a fish!" Chortling as he raped her, he went on. "I'll even whack that Commando Dad that Matrix is sharing with you! It doesn't matter how well armed or trained he is! Scream for help and the help that comes, if any, will die!"

"I… I will tell…"

"Who'll believe a girl that's turned out to be a 'mutie'? Aside from the Matrix family, the whole area hates your kind." Fraser's eyes then burned bright yellow as he added, "Much like I had planned."

"Wha…"

"I knew that you were a shape-shifter the whole time. It, of course, took some doing when I 'nudged' Betty Tompkins into inviting both of you. I even used her knowledge that you two were a package deal for my plan. Which was carried out flawlessly."

"You mean… you devised the party that exposed me?!"

"That's right!" Pausing talking while thrusting, he added, "I just had to trash your life first before tainting you. Which will happen… now!"

"No… you can't mean…"

"Oh, yes." Holding her limbs telekinetically as he removed his hands, he placed his right hand against her belly before he ejaculated into her. His hand glowing red the whole while. "The two children I'm putting inside you will have very difficult lives. No matter what you do, they will suffer greatly. As they should."

"No… no…" Raven then started sobbing as she felt herself begin to gestate.

"Yes. And, as an added bonus, I'm going to kill Jennifer Matrix, right in the school, with a lethal French kiss. Wanna know the best part? It'll be considered an unfortunate accident and I will get off." Through her tears, Raven sobbed out.

"Why, Howard?! Why do you want to kill Jenny?! She did nothing to you!"

"She was supposed to die when she was twelve. Although I did like the way Mr. Matrix literally 'piped' the lead merc Arius hired. It being Bennett was icing on the cake." Raven then smirked evilly at him.

"I'd really like to see Dad 'pipe' you, asshole." Fraser gave her a wicked chortle at that.

"How will that happen? You just burned your bridge with them." Withdrawing from her, he zipped back up and strode away, saying, "By the way, Howard Fraser is not my real name. It's Azazel, not like it'll help you one bit. Don't count on seeing anyone from your old life ever again. Especially Jennifer."

Feeling his telekinetic hold dissipate, Raven started after him, only to collapse and vomit onto the ground. As she vomited, Azazel cackled evilly as he vanished into thin air. Propping herself upright against a tree, she looked down at her stomach and became alarmed at it enlarging in pregnancy. She then screamed, in agony, for help as the contractions started.

"JENNY! HELP! I'M SORRY! JENNY, PLEASE! I NEED YOU! JJJEEENNNNNNYYY!" Tears started falling from her eyes, realizing that she'd ran too far from help. 'Lord, I know I haven't been on the best of terms with you lately, but please give Jenny the warning that she's in danger!'

She then screamed again as she felt her firstborn exit. Upon hearing the baby cry, she saw it was a girl and started to reach for her, but then the other child started coming out. Screaming out even more, she heard her stomach churning violently before the other baby exited. As the other baby started crying with its sibling, Raven saw it was a boy. Both of them looking totally normal. As her stomach size returned to normal, she weakly and gently picked both of them up into her arms before crying.

(Present day)

"That night, I deleted my school transcripts after breaking into the high school." Smirking, she adds, "By posing as one of the security guards after knocking him out after he left the grounds, no less."

"That explains quite a lot. But, still…"

"I know." Smiling softly, Mystique then asks, "Do you know how hard it is keeping two newborns from squirming while inside a half-open backpack? Let alone crying for attention while inside said backpack?"

"I'd say you had your hands full." At Mystique's eye-roll, she asks, "Why do Kurt and Rogue hate your guts, anyway?" Mystique can only give a sad sigh.

"I did the dumbest thing ever and split them up that same night. I mean, I was a scared single mutant teenage girl, forcibly raped and wound up carrying two children to term in under thirty minutes. There was no way I could care for them with that kind of crap against me. Even more, even if I went to you, there was no way you guys would believe it as it'd have been way too far-fetched for you guys." Matrix gives her 'sister' a grin, getting Mystique to go wide-eyed. "You mean…"

"I don't know about that as I'd seen a lot of far-fetched things before. Rape with rapid gestation and birth is a twist, however." Mystique snorts ruefully at that one.

"A twist I could've certainly done without. I left Kurt in front of a Catholic Church in LA with a note for him to be adopted into a loving family and raised in the Catholic faith to preserve his innocent soul."

"Just in case, huh?"

"Yep. I then took Rogue to the home of Irene Adler, an old elementary-school friend of mine in Mississippi. It took me two days to get there and… I had a very hard time saying good-bye to her, Jenny."

"I don't want to imagine how that went." Mystique nods her head in agreement before being engulfed in Jenny's arms, returning it as Jenny says, "That doesn't explain why they hate your guts, though."

"I acted very selfishly, using them for my own ends for their protection. All while not wanting to see your family's heartbreak at your death." Shaking violently, she adds, "You'll never know how many times I'd wanted to pick up the phone to call you over the years, only to remember…"

"Oh, Raven." Jenny hugs her long-lost 'sister' tightly as the latter starts crying. "It's alright. We're going to find that guy, wrangle Dad in on the fun and annihilate him. It'll be great." Mystique can only smile weakly with the prospect of future mischief with her family before a thought occurs to her.

"What about… him having a guttural voice, Jenny? I mean, it sounded like he was a demon or something." Jenny just smirks.

"Dad's always looking for challenges, Raven. I'm sure he'd relish the opportunity to whack a demon." Mystique's body soon starts quaking with mirth-filled silent laughter, with Jenny quickly joining in. The two silently laugh together before they taper off. "Ready to go get checked out now?"

"Yeah. Jenny?" At the gentle hug of reply, she asks, "Would you please be with me during the check up?"

"You don't even have to ask." Curious, Jenny then asks, "Raven, why did my niece do a double take when she saw me?" Mystique can only laugh sheepishly, with Jenny smirking at it. "It must be a doozy."

"It is, Jenny." With that, the two exit the Galley. Not seeing Kurt standing in the shadows, shocked at what'd he'd heard.

'Mother… was raped?' Meanwhile…

As Mystique and Matrix walk along the corridor, Matrix notices four other young ladies doing double takes. Utterly bewildering the SHIELD Agent as she looks toward Mystique and sees her struggling to control her smirk.

(Massachusetts Academy; Doug's Dorm; same time)

As the two have sex for the first time in their lives, the two kiss passionately before Tarot feels her orgasm start. Screaming out her bliss into his mouth drives Doug so wild, he sends his essence into her womb. Heightening her bliss to no end. As the flow tapers off, Tarot gazes up into his eyes and smiles softly.

"I love you. Even if it's just for tonight. I love you." Doug can only kiss her passionately even more.

(3rd Level; computer area; same time)

"So, how're you holding up, Arcade?" McCoy's query gets a tired sigh from the teen, prompting the former to sigh as well. "I see. You and the others must be devastated by what'd happened."

"We were. Even us knowing ahead of time didn't help very much." McCoy gives Arcade a nod before the translation program dings completion. "That was quick."

"Sure beats my rusty Egyptian any day." Arcade gives a chuckle at that before they read the translation together. Before long, however, both feel a horrid sense of dread. Leaving both to look at each other before saying one thing.

"Oh dear." Arcade then picks up on the Colonel's hotline and quickly hears Fury's voice.

"Go for Fury."

"JOFA Torque on the 3rd Level. Colonel Fury, sir, we've a gigantic butt-honking problem."

"I understand, JOFA Torque. On my way." With that, Fury ends communication and Arcade looks toward McCoy.

"The Colonel's on his way." McCoy nods as Arcade adds, "I don't think Shinji expected it to be that bad. I mean, he was spot on about the majority of it…"

"I agree, Arcade. This development, however, is most distressing."

"I'll say. The rainstorm has just become a typhoon." McCoy can only grin at that one.

"An apt metaphor if ever one." Upon Fury's arrival, Arcade starts rising, only for Fury to grin.

"As you were, Torque. What've you two got?" Fury's good eye follows their glances until it goes wide. "Aw shit." As McCoy and Arcade both nod in agreement, Fury frowns intently before he starts grinning. Both noticing it before Arcade speaks.

"Sir, what's cooking?"

"JOFA Torque, do you know anyone good at flustering people?" At his nod, Fury smirks. "Good. Here's what I have in mind to lighten the moods of everyone present. Except, of course, for Pincer."

"What do you have in mind, sir?"

(30 minutes later; 15th Level; Briefing Room 10)

The New Mutants' eyes are wide in shocked disbelief, as are the eyes of the Brotherhood. Mystique and Magneto sense their shock, surprised that a meaningless, in their own opinion, human as Shinji could have a profound effect. Sam, Ray, Roberto, Kurt, Fred, Pietro and Toad all look downward toward the floor panel.

At Kitty's beginning sobs, Lance gently wraps his arms around the intangibility-capable girl before she clutches onto him. Tabitha and Amara both sniffle before gently clasping Wanda's hands into theirs, the hex-caster seated between them gently squeezing their hands before looking toward Fury.

"Why didn't… he say anything, Colonel?"

"He wanted to, Miss Maximoff. But he wanted all of you, X-Men and Brotherhood both, even if you were on opposite sides, to be able to concentrate on more important matters. Whether it be studies or the action you all took part in this day."

"Yes, indeed. Much like SHIELD should." At Pincer's voice, Fury and Logan both growl in irritation before the AD goes on. "Now that the boy is NERV's problem once again, the girl to give them more with him, we can get back to proper business." Fury clenches his jaw, willing himself to not charge at Pincer.

"I don't understand you, Pincer. First, you don't believe Shinji's origin and want him jettisoned or committed. Then you decide to try bringing 'Tango Squad' back, with him in it. Then you decide to use his skills as a cyborg Pilot to operate a fully-robotic machine… now you pull this shit, you dick?!" The sudden chill in the air at Fury's words gets Pincer to blink before he sees an angered Ororo and snorts.

"Don't tell me you came to care for that useless little punk and the HYDRA-created copy of Weapon-X, Ms. Munroe." Ororo can't help but be aghast at his casual demeanor.

"You dare to be happy that Shinji, a child, has gone back to that Hell to finish his war?! To protect his world and perhaps ours at the same time?! Much like Laura accompanying him to watch his back?! How can you even call yourself a human being, Mr. Pincer?!"

"I'm with 'Storm', yo." Toad's reply gets a soft smile of thanks from Ororo as he goes on. "I don't think you even liked Shinji to begin with period, yo." Kurt nods in agreement with Toad.

"Shinji's one of a rare kind and you're acting like it's no big deal that Shinji's risking his own neck. With only Laura there to cover him. Have you no compassion for a child that'd been through Hell and has to finish it? If I didn't know any better, Herr Pincer, I'd say you're in cahoots with HYDRA." Pincer's eyes go wide with that allegation.

"That's absurd, Nightcrawler! I have no allegiance to HYDRA at all!"

"Then why're you acting like Shinji's life is expendable?! Like his old man was treating him and probably is again?!" Ray grits his teeth before priming his abilities and says, "I'm sorry, Professor, but this jerk has it coming!"

"I'm with you, Ray!" Roberto primes his as well before the two grin sinisterly at Pincer. Only…

"Power down, you two rams." Logan's voice gets them both to blink before doing so as he goes on. "Much as I'd love to see 'Pincer BBQ' be put onto the menu for the night, there's just not enough of him to feed everyone on the heli-carrier. Even more, he might not even be edible." Lance then feels Kitty gently ease herself out of his arms.

"Thanks, Lance."

"You okay?" At Kitty's nod, he then sees her grin evilly before chortling. "Uh-oh. You're in for it now, jackass." Pincer blinks at that one.

"How do you mean?"

"Colonel Fury, I'd like to, like, have one of the meals, like, I made brought up from, like, the Institute for Mr. Pincer to try."

"We'll do that later, 'Shadowcat', as what we found out is far more dire than expected. JOFA Torque?"

"Thank you, sir." Taking the point, Arcade goes on. "NERV, the Agency designated to fight the aliens designated 'Angels' in Shinji's world, is the muscle working for the benefit of a secretive cabal named SEELE. Which is intent on causing 3rd Impact in a bid for immortality and power over all."

"WHAT?! ARE THEY NUTS?!" Arcade can't help but smirk at the stereophonic query from everyone. Including Pincer.

"I really can't deny that possibility. But, what SEELE doesn't know is that what they're working from is a con job manufactured by the 'Smurf' reject that Rogue managed to shunt out of our plane of existence." Rogue's face goes a soft red as Arcade clears his throat before resuming.

"At some point, the reject and the 1st Angel made contact in some way. The 1st Angel, designated as 'Adam', hated humanity with a passion. He had sent every feasible malady humanity's way, not figuring on the resiliency of humanity." Magneto nods his understanding before smirking softly.

"No wonder my plans always go south. I always underestimate those not like us." Magneto notices Xavier's glare and has the grace to wince before nodding. "Go ahead, JOFA Torque."

"Thank you, Magneto. I don't mind if I do." Going over the notes, Arcade nods and goes on. "The 'Smurf' reject wrote a document named 'Dead Sea Scrolls', wording it to where anyone nuts or dumb enough would go for it. Give you three guesses who falls under both, but you'll only need one."

"SEELE." Arcade nods while chuckling before going on.

"He felt it was as complete as possible, but 'Adam' was not as convinced. So, 'Adam' requested that if humanity was to not destroy itself, Apocalypse would step in and do the work. With the hatred the reject had for humanity as a whole, he was only too happy to accept."

"Oh, so he's a continental plan." Toad's comment gets everyone to look toward him, eyebrows raised. "Constipation?" Tabitha's barely able to stifle a snort as Toad asks, "Commendation?"

"Nope." Arcade gives a smirk before he adds, "Try again."

"Contraception? Centralization? Contemplation?" Arcade shakes his head in negation with each attempt as Toad goes on. Aware of everyone, save Pincer, snickering softly in humored disbelief.

"Confederation? Consolidation? Caterwauling?" Tabitha bursts out laughing, with Amara and Wanda both barely hanging onto their snickers.

"Keep trying." Remy and Arcade both are barely able to keep from guffawing, with Kurt snickering.

"Conventional? Cabover? Conversion?" Kitty screeches in laughter, with Remy, Colossus, Pietro, Lance and Fred guffawing as Toad goes on. "Confectionary? Configuration? Conspiracy?"

"You got that last one aspect right, but keep trying, Toad." Logan's mirth is barely contained as Mystique and Jenny both shake in laughter before Jenny looks toward her 'sister'.

"Is he… always like… this, Raven?" Mystique has a wide smirk of amusement on her face.

"Only if someone's in pain, Jenny. And there're a lot of people in pain here right now."

"Conviction? Committal? Craziness?" Amara and Wanda both screech in laughter, with Rogue giggling softly. "Calculus? Calculation? Calculator?" The rest of the room, save for a now irritated Pincer, breaks into raucous laughter as Toad happily goes on.

"Cervical? Convoluted? Chiropractor? Contingency?" At the last one, Arcade nods, wide smile on his face.

"That's the one, Toad! Apocalypse is the contingency plan." Toad can only blink in befuddlement before he shrugs.

"If you say so, yo." Next thing everyone knows, Pincer's screaming and banging his head against the wall of the briefing room. Toad blinks in concern before looking toward Arcade. "What's with him, yo?"

"I've yet to figure him out, Toad." Arcade shrugs as he adds, "Even back when we were all still JOs, he was as uptight as he is now. He must be constipated again. This is most worrisome." The banging stops before Pincer yells out.

"I am not constipated, Torque!" Pincer then glares at Toad before gritting out, "You were doing it on purpose, weren't you?!" Toad mulls it over before shrugging.

"Maybe." Pincer can only scream in aggravation before running out of the room, leaving the room baffled. Toad and Arcade then look at Fury before all three share a smirk. "Did Arcade and I do okay, yo?"

"You two did perfectly, Toad. SHIELD thanks you for your assistance." The room's other occupants blink before breaking out into more laughter at that one. The mirth goes on for five minutes before a chortling Fury sighs. "That was the most fun had in weeks." Kitty then raises her hand, getting him to nod to her.

"What do we do, sir? It's, like, possible that Shinji and Laura don't, like, know about that 'Smurf' reject being, like, a contingency plan."

"They don't, petit. Remy think we should find way to them both and help them survive." Remy glances to the side before he looks back to Fury and adds, "Remy ready to go when possible, Colonel." Fury looks toward Arcade and Amanda before seeing them nod in agreement.

"Anyone else interested?" At seeing the hands raised, Fury grins at seeing Magneto, Mystique, Jenny, Evan and Colossus raising their hands as well. He then sees a pair of Caucasian men, one with wings, raise their hands as well. "Glad to have you onboard, Mr. Worthington and Mr. Masters."

"From the way you spoke of Shinji, I cannot in good conscience, as a Worthington, stand idly by while a pair of innocents is imperiled for a fate they don't know is coming."

"Shinji may not have been born here, but he's one of us. I'm in."

"Alex…"

"I know, Scott." Masters then leans forward and asks, "When do we go, Colonel?"

"When Dr Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, appears before us. Hopefully, we'll get enough advance notice to consolidate what resources we can."

"I'll give you five days' notice. Will that work, Colonel Fury?" The voice from nowhere gets everyone looking around before the astral projection of Dr Strange appears before them. Soft smile on his face before Fury nods. Only…

"Are Shinji and Laura alright?" Everyone looks and sees a still-recovering Jubilee standing in the doorway before she adds, "Dr Riesman told me about five minutes ago." Everyone looks and sees Riesman standing behind her, tear streaks on her face.

"They are well. However, as we speak, Gendo is up to his shenanigans as Yui has informed me. He and his favorite thug, Chiron." Fury frowns at that before Xavier clears his throat.

"What kind of shenanigans, Doctor?"

"The kind that seek to regain control of a young warrior that broke through what'd been done to him thanks to SHIELD, your friendships with him and Laura's love." Strange then fades, adding, "In five days, I will appear again." Once Strange is out of sight, Fury nods.

"Okay, since we have a time frame, we better get any and all affairs in order. Tim…"

"Yeah, Nick?"

"I want you to do a mass call-in for heavy-hitting assets."

"Got it, Nick." Striding out, Dugan brings out his com-link and gets to work while Fury goes on.

"Professor, Magneto, Mystique, can you put your differences aside enough to stop the madness going on over there?"

"I believe we can come to some agreement, seeing as Erik and Mystique both are fascinated by what's going on." Fury looks the others over before nodding. Only for Jubilee to chime in.

"I think 'Skid' would be interested, Colonel. Of course, he'd have to be read in to the whole thing." Mystique and Magneto both blink at the moniker before looking toward Xavier. Magneto taking the opening.

"Is 'Skid' a mutant like us, Charles?"

"No, Erik. He's the LA County ADA. He and Jubilee became fast friends four months ago." Mystique's bafflement is evident, getting Xavier to chuckle. "Before he became ADA, he and a retired Judge went after criminals that walked free due to technicalities. With the aid of the 'Coyote-X', 'Skid' and Judge Hardcastle were a formidable team."

"Hardcastle? As in… the late Judge Milton 'Hardcase' Hardcastle?" At Xavier's nod, Mystique can only shake her head in bemusement. "Small world." Before Xavier or Magneto can even speak, Matrix does.

"He put Raven in with us some time before he retired. He may have been a criminal court Judge primarily, but he also had a soft spot for teens in bad circumstances. Raven's was as bad as it can get."

"You can ask 'Skid', Miss Lee." Fury's reply gets her to nod before he sighs. "Now I have to prepare myself to notify the Fujioka family." Nodding, Matrix chimes in as well.

"With your permission, sir, I'd like to take Raven, Rogue and Kurt home for a reunion." Seeing Jean, Tabitha, Kitty, Amara and Rogue looking at her intently, she adds, "But first, I have to have a word with the five young ladies that did double takes when they saw me. Also, Raven and I need to consult with JOFA Torque."

"Feel up to it, JOFA Torque?" At Arcade's nod, Fury grins and says, "Let's hammer out the logistics and prepare." With that, he exits, with the others except for Arcade, Matrix, Mystique and the five young ladies.

"JOFA Torque, if you'd be so kind as to step out briefly…"

"Not a problem, ma'am." At that, Arcade steps out and closes the hatch.

"Now that we seven are alone, why did you five do double takes when you saw me?" The five young ladies look toward each other before back to Matrix. "Well? Out with it."

"Remember that night? In the garage?" Jean's query gets Matrix to blink in bafflement and Mystique to stifle a smirk. "You let us go and told us to stop otherwise you'd bust us for our doings."

"I have no idea what you're talking about whatsoever, Ms. Grey. Perhaps if you can tell me more, I can piece it together better." Tabitha snorts and jumps in.

"You're the cop that shut down the 'Bayville Sirens'! Us!" Next thing they know, Mystique bursts out laughing in mirth before shifting herself into a double of Matrix. Dressed in a Bayville Police uniform. Matrix looks Mystique over and snickers, shaking her head.

"Let me guess. You made yourself look like me at the proper age in a Police uniform because you remembered what I wanted to do in life. Become a Police Officer and help people. Also because…"

"I thought you were dead, Jenny. You'd always tried to be the voice of reason for me. So, I figured…" Mystique trails off as Matrix side-hugs her and she returns it while finishing, "I'd at least make your aspiration happen. Even if it was just once."

"Oh, Raven." Matrix chuckles softly before looking toward the five. Only to see them staring blankly ahead at them. "Oh great. Looks like their brains crashed." Mystique can only smile sheepishly at that as Matrix gently moves her toward the hatch. "We'll just let them recover their wits in here while we talk to JOFA Torque."

"Sounds like a plan, Jenny." As they exit, Mystique looks toward the five and sees they're still stationary. "I hope they'll be alright, Jenny. It wasn't my…"

"I know, Raven. They'll be alright. They're very strong girls that just received a massive overdose of far-fetched explanations." Mystique cackles at that before Matrix catches sight of Arcade. "JOFA Torque, how are you when it comes to putting out BOLOs for rapists?" Arcade can only shrug haplessly before replying.

"I'd never really tried. But, shouldn't that be the job of the Police, though?"

"Not when it involves what could be a demon as the Police would be overmatched if it was. That kind of thing falls under SHIELD jurisdiction." Arcade mulls it over before nodding.

"I can take a shot at it. Who's the vic?"

"That would be me, Arcade." Mystique's voice gets his attention before she goes on. "I know I did many bad things, and have no excuse for them. But I'm also a victim of a crime committed by someone that may well be a demon."

"Alright. Let's get to work."

(Five minutes later; comm. hut)

"We can make a BOLO out here and send it to the SHIELD offices worldwide. If need, they can liaise with the local authorities while making it clear SHIELD has point on apprehending the rapist." Arcade's voice gets Mystique to nod as he sits by Agent Barnes. "How's it going, Norman? Meet Ms. Darkholme. She's here to help make a composite of a slimy creep."

"Okay, Arcade. Cool. Ready for us to make the composite, Ms. Darkholme?"

"As I can be." Matrix gently squeezes her shoulder before Mystique nods. "His high school picture should be in the system still as I left town after it happened."

"Okay. Accessing the LA County School system's mainframe." Arcade's fingers work deftly on the keyboard alongside Barnes'. "Name?"

"Howard Fraser. But he also said his name was Azazel. So that first name may have been an alias." Nodding, Arcade enters the name and a picture appears on the screen. "That's him, Arcade. That's the bastard."

"Alright. Norman?"

"Applying digital aging protocols… now." The picture quickly shows a Caucasian man in his thirties with dark hair. "He aged well."

"Too well." Mystique lightly trembles before Matrix lightly hugs her. "But it's all we can get."

"Alright."

Arcade merges both the picture and aged composite with the information. He then transfers them onto a 'Wanted' poster with the words, 'Extreme Caution is Advised. Possibly of Demonic Nature'. Barnes then shunts the poster into the SHIELD network as Arcade sighs.

"All we can do now is wait for a nibble. I'm afraid we can't do much more than that." Mystique nods. Only…

Five thousand hits appear on the screen. Same picture, all different locations. Most of them after Mystique's rape and Matrix's neutering kick. Along with cases of impregnation or reproductive system destruction. Matrix can't help but be baffled by it.

"But, I kicked him in the nuts hard enough to warrant their removal."

"It seems there's credence to the demon theory then." Mystique peers intently at the screen before gasping. "Jenny…" Matrix blinks and looks at a picture of a victim.

"Betty?" The blond young woman had been brutally beaten, bruises covering her face. Tear streaks down her cheeks. Matrix gives a growl before looking toward Mystique. "Feel up to…"

"Yeah. Hopefully time had managed to mellow her out enough." Matrix snorts at that, with Mystique snorting as well. "I know. Not very likely. But we can hope."

(Bayville NY; Fujioka residence; next morning)

Knocking on the door, Fury waits until the door opens, revealing Taryn's face. Which goes wide with a soft grin.

"What a surprise, Colonel Fury. Please, come in." Fury nods and does so before Taryn closes the door. "Mom! Dad! Colonel Fury's here!" The sound of footsteps coming toward the family room soon reveals Hidoshi and Kiyone. "Mom, Dad, this is the Public Director of SHIELD. Colonel Fury. Colonel, my parents." Fury gives Hidoshi and Kiyone a nod before Taryn looks back toward him.

"How're Shinji and Laura?" Fury's wince tells her everything. "You… you mean…"

"I do. You might want to sit down before I go further." Nodding numbly, the Fujioka family sits down together while Fury remains standing. "It happened yesterday, when they were checking out a temple."

"Where's the temple at, Colonel?"

"Southern Wakanda, Miss Fujioka. JOFAs Ikari and Howlett both, along with JOFA LeBeau and Agent Fontaine, went and found out why Apocalypse wanted Shinji gone so badly."

"Why, Colonel?" Hidoshi's query gets a sigh from Fury before he goes on.

"Ego. That 'Smurf' reject didn't want a blow to his ego because if Shinji was to survive and the rest of his world didn't…"

"That's… just really frickin' retarded, sir! The 'Smurf' reject, throwing Shinji out of this world, just to protect his ego?!"

"It is, Miss Fujioka. But there're plans in the works to go to Shinji's world and assist he and Howlett."

"Things there are far worse then, Colonel?" As Fury nods his agreement, Taryn rises and storms from the room. Fury then sighs again.

"I felt I at least owed the family that came to love Shinji as their own already some explanation as to what'd happened." Kiyone has tears in her eyes as she serenely smiles.

"We thank you for the courtesy, Colonel. Much like we can tell you came to care for the both of them as well."

"They're incredible teens that went through unbelievable stupidity before they met and came to be under SHIELD's care." Taryn then comes back into the room, carrying a black-sheathed sword with her. She goes to a knee, head bowed downward, and horizontally holds it out to Fury.

"Please, Colonel, when you can, get this to Shinji." Feeling it exit her hands, Taryn looks upward and smiles weakly. "Father and I made that especially for Shinji. I even acid etched a message on the blade for his foes should they take human form." Curious, Fury brings the blade out and soon sees the kanji before smirking softly.

"How appropriate. 'Yippee-Ki-Yay-Mother…'." Not wanting to swear in front of a hurting family, he trails off before his smirk goes wider. "You're a fan of the 'Die Hard' movies, aren't you?" Taryn nods while giggling, Hidoshi right behind her in guffawing. Kiyone, however, has her serene smile still before speaking up.

"Taryn felt that line applies to Shinji most of all as he's a younger and Japanese version of John McClane." Fury mulls it over before nodding in agreement.

"I can actually see that with the amount of BS they had survived, Mrs. Fujioka." Sliding the blade back into the sheath, he smiles softly. "I'll get it to him as soon as possible." The Fujioka family smiles softly in thanks as Taryn gets up from her knee.

"Can you stay long, Colonel?"

"I'm afraid not, Miss Fujioka. I need to go inform Mr. Haits about the destruction of his plane in the offensive against that 'Smurf' reject. Along with assure him that he will be compensated for the loss under SHIELD's 'Incidentals Insurance Policy' for cases like this." Hidoshi can't help but smirk wryly in amusement at that.

"I don't know what's scarier. Something like that happening so often, SHIELD actually has a policy for it or SHIELD being prepared by having a policy like that to begin with." Fury can only shrug while chuckling.

"Neither do I, Mr. Fujioka. Neither do I." With that, he heads for the door, Taryn with him so she can open the door. Looking back at her, he sees tears in her eyes before adding, "Shinji's very lucky to have you as his 'sister', even if it hadn't been made official yet."

"Much like I'm lucky he's my little brother, even if it hadn't been made official yet."

(LA County; Matrix residence; same time)

The silence in the unmarked SHIELD Humvee is both welcome and unnerving as Agent Jenny Matrix drives the black tactical vehicle up the winding driveway. Dust flying up behind it as the tires turn. Mystique in her 'Raven' appearance beside her, with Kurt and Rogue in the back seat. Raven's unease is evident as Jenny reaches over and gently grasps the left hand of her 'sister' before smiling softly.

"It'll be okay, Raven. If anything, they'll be happy to see you again more than any other emotion."

"I believe you, Jenny. It's just… so much has changed in sixteen years that I wonder…"

"I do too. But the past is past, all we have is the here and now. With the future yet to be written. Okay?" Raven smiles softly back at her as the cabin comes into view. Stopping shy of a blue Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV, Jenny eases her hand free so she can put the Humvee into 'park'. Looking back toward the teens, Jenny has a soft grin.

"It'll be alright, you two. Dad, Cindy and Ben will love you both."

The teens both nod as all four open the doors and step out. The sound of an axe blade making contact with wood gets Jenny to grin softly before she steps toward the sound. Stepping as softly as she can. Raven, Kurt and Rogue looking to each other before Raven smirks softly.

"Jenny does that as practice with our 'Dad'. Wanna watch?" Both nod before Raven steps away, softening her footsteps as well. Not seeing the two teens roll their eyes before doing as the other two are.

As they follow Jenny, they soon see a large-framed man swinging a single-bladed axe down onto small pieces of lumber, with Jenny lightening her footsteps even more. The man slightly pauses before swinging down again as Jenny gets closer and closer. Picking up another small piece, the man eases the axe blade down to the right and looks down to it as Jenny gets so close…

He then wheels around and picks her up, getting her to squeal in laughter of joy. As the two hug in reunion, Raven softly giggles while Kurt and Rogue can only be baffled. The two hold each other tightly before the man softly sets her onto the ground.

"How good to see you, Jenny." Curious, he then asks, "What about Trask?"

"You too. I had him taken to the Medical Center when time to program the Sentinels came. Both to keep him out of the way and to get his busted leg fixed. If at all possible." Laughing, the man nods before speaking.

"How long are you here for?"

"Not long, Daddy. But, I do have good news. Look who's here with me." John looks to where Jenny had come from and smiles widely before speaking again.

"Raven. Cindy! Ben! Raven's here!" Stepping toward her, he sweeps a still-giggling Raven into his arms and hugs her tightly. With her returning it in form as best she can. "I missed you so much Raven!"

"I missed you too, Dad! That is if…"

"Of course! You're still family, after all!" Gently setting her down, he sees tears streaking down her face before gently palming her left cheek. "Why did you think we couldn't face what was to come with you?"

"I didn't… want you to go through… the BS I did. But…"

"It backfired." Hearing her beginning sobs, John then hugs her gently before rubbing her back. "It's alright, Raven. We understand."

"We do." At the soft feminine voice, Jenny turns and grins upon seeing her Step-Mother. The dark-skinned woman has a teenage boy with softly mocha skin beside her. "And we see that you two aren't alone, either."

John blinks before looking behind Raven and sees a young Caucasian male with messy dark hair standing beside a young Caucasian lady with a white streak in her short-cut auburn hair. John can't help but be abashed.

"I must be slipping."

"It's okay, Mr. Matrix." The male's voice is soft, with a German accent before he goes on. "You were so happy to see Agent Matrix and… Mother again." The young lady softly nods before speaking, a Southern twang in her voice.

"So ya can go ahead an' catch up while we wait." John blinks before looking down toward Raven and sees tears dripping down her face again before sighing.

"Please, you two are also family. Just call me 'Papa' as I'm nowhere old enough to be called 'Grandpa'. Okay?"

"Okay, 'Papa'. It's nice to…" Blinking at their synchronized speaking, the two blink before Raven softly giggles.

"Dad, Cindy, Ben, I'd like you to meet my children. Kurt and Anna Marie, though she's mostly referred to as Rogue. Kurt, Rogue, seeing as you've sort of met Dad, meet Cindy and Ben."

"Hello, Kurt and Rogue." Cindy's smile at them is gentle while Ben smiles widely.

"That's a cool watch, Kurt." Kinking his head to the right, Ben then says, "I'd never seen anything so high tech before, though."

Looking toward Rogue, Kurt sees her shrug before sighing and pressing a button on the watch. As his form fades away, a blue, fuzzy form with a tail takes his place and closes his eyes in preparation for screaming.

"That's pretty cool, too. But why're your eyes closed?"

"You mean…" Kurt opens his eyes before seeing John, Ben and Cindy smiling softly at him. "You're not repulsed at all by how I look?" Cindy gives a soft grin before she chimes in.

"Why should we be?" Ben nods in agreement before speaking up.

"What counts is what you're like on the inside." Ben's reply gets Kurt to smile softly before Ben kinks his head to the side. "Is that all you can do or can you do more?" Kurt smirks softly before disappearing in a flash. Ben's eyes go wide while Raven, Jenny and Rogue giggle while John and Cindy blink. Ben quickly starts looking around.

"Where are you?!"

"Look up on the roof, dude!" Ben looks up and snickers at seeing Kurt waving from the roof of the cabin. John and Cindy both blink again before John chuckles.

"How far can you teleport?!"

"Typically, two miles is my limit! But, apparently, if I'm sick, my range is more!" Kurt can only shrug haplessly at that.

"Ah! Any other limitation?!"

"Ja! I have to see where I'm going. Most of the time, that is, unless I'm sick!" John nods his understanding before turning to a snickering Rogue.

"How about you?" Noticing Rogue's wearing gloves, he asks, "What's with the gloves?" Rogue smiles sheepishly before she peels one off and extends her hand.

"Ya might wanna brace yerself first, Papa." John just smirks before his hand makes contact with hers. Rogue's eyes quickly fly wide open as she sees his memories and gets his hard-won battle skills. Ending the contact, she sees he's still on foot, yet slightly woozy.

"Whoa. No wonder you said for me to brace myself." Rogue's soft smirk gets John to chuckle. "I bet you have some interesting stories about them."

"I'm not sure if 'interesting' is the word I'd use, Papa. But they do come in handy at times."

"I bet. Sure could've used you in action in Val Verde during the operation to overthrow Arius. It probably would have been less bloody." Rogue can only shrug at that.

"I saw what ya saw. Along with what ya did ta rescue Aunt Jenny. If anythin', Arius got off lightly with all the buckshot ya put into him." Snickering, she adds, "I especially like when ya told Cindy that 'ya let Sully go'. Right down into a ravine." Rogue then starts guffawing at that. John can only shake his head and chuckle.

"I sure surprised Sully when I told him I lied when I said I'd kill him last." Making a sound like a falling bomb, he relishes in Rogue's continuing guffaws as he asks, "Sully pancake, anyone?"

Jenny and Raven both screech in laughter while Ben and Kurt look toward Cindy. Seeing amused exasperation on her face, both look back to each other and shrug.

"Well, seeing as we're all together…" Cindy's tone has some mirth within as she adds, "I think it's time for lunch."

"That sounds fun, Cindy, but… Raven and I have someone to talk to. Maybe we'll eat when we get back." Jenny's reply gets the others to blink before she adds, "It's… not a pleasant visit, but one that must be paid."

"Who is it to?" At John's query, Jenny and Raven both sigh before speaking in stereo.

"Betty Tompkins." John blinks before nodding as Jenny and Raven walk back to the Humvee.

(Tompkins residence; forty minutes later)

As the Humvee pulls up to the black wrought-iron gate, Jenny looks toward Raven and sees anger and concern for the snobbish girl that had given Jenny so much grief.

"You ready, Raven?"

"As I can be, Jenny." Nodding, Jenny reaches out the driver's window and presses the intercom's button. Thirty seconds later, a timid female voice speaks.

"Yes?"

"I'm a SHIELD Agent, here to speak with Betty Tompkins. Is she about?"

"This is she. What could SHIELD want to speak with me about?"

"Your rape by one Howard Fraser fifteen years ago." Tompkins' gasp over the intercom is quickly accompanied by a stern tone.

"I have no interest in speaking about that."

"Do you not want justice, Betty?"

"How dare you speak to me as if you knew me personally?!"

"My companion and I did. We went to high school together, in fact. Open the gate and you'll see for yourself." There's only silence before the intercom cuts off and the gate starts opening. "It seems she'd changed somewhat, though not by much."

Raven nods softly as the gate finishes opening and Jenny drives the Humvee through. With the gate closing behind the massive vehicle, Jenny wheels the Humvee up the long, marble granite driveway until the two see the red brick mansion. Pulling to a stop outside the front door, they both see it open and a Caucasian woman with blond hair peers outside before frowning at the vehicle.

"I hope your gas-guzzler didn't ruin the marble granite with its tires." Both snort at the arrogant tone before exiting the vehicle. The woman then blinks upon seeing them, asking, "Matrix? Darkholme?"

"That we are, Betty." Raven smirks softly as she adds, "I'm not with SHIELD, although you and I were both raped by the same asshole."

"So… So he told me when he was…" The woman gives a sniffle before scowling. "Why are you here with her, 'mutie' whore?"

"Hey, if you don't want help for justice, just say so, snob! Jenny and I will be more than happy to leave you be so you can off yourself or whatever! But do not ever, ever, call me whore!" Tompkins turns her nose upward, getting Raven to snort.

"Still a useless piece of garbage, I see. Let's go, Jenny. She can die for all I care." Jenny nods before they both start toward the Humvee, open the doors and get in. Only…

"Wait." Tompkins' voice as Jenny reaches for the ignition switch gets her to pause before Tompkins asks, "What interest does SHIELD have in a rapist, anyway? Rape's under Police jurisdiction."

"Only if the rapist is a normal human." Raven's voice is even as she adds, "Fraser, however, is not a normal human. He's much more dangerous."

"So the Doctor found when… when…"

"They found your womb and ovaries were destroyed." Tompkins looks toward Raven, aghast, as she adds, "Jenny and I saw the police report, along with the rape results."

"What about you? Did he do what he did to me to you?"

"Nope. I gave birth to two beautiful children in under an hour after he got done raping me."

"That's…"

"Of course, he also said they'd have very hard lives. So, I vanished without leaving a trace, splitting them up for their own protection."

"Why? Why knock you up instead of…"

"My guess is he felt the world can do without another snooty Tompkins, but decided Darkholme children need to suffer. However, he fucked up because they thrived as they found friends and each other."

"Where are they now?"

"The cabin. I'm sure you heard about what Apocalypse nearly did by now."

"I did. Along with how 'muties' had a hand in stopping it. Why?" Raven smirks softly at that.

"The 'mutie' that ultimately stopped it just happens to be my daughter and I'm very proud of her, her brother and their friends. For taking a stand against that 'Smurf' reject. For seeking to preserve your worthless, bigoted ass. For seeking to build a bridge between the deep divide even when idiots like you hide your jealousy with hate."

"I am not jealous!" Raven just smirks before nodding to Jenny.

"She's so in denial about being jealous. Let's go, Jenny."

Nodding, Jenny starts the Humvee before driving the vehicle down the driveway. Upon seeing the gate opening, Jenny slows until it's fully open before having the tires bark on the marble. Leaving tread marks on it as Jenny drives the vehicle past the gate. Both 'sisters' laugh in glee as the gate closes behind the tactical vehicle.

(Acolyte Base; same time)

As Magneto and Colossus walk in, they see Pyro hard at work on his laptop. Prompting Magneto to roll his eyes while smirking.

"Hard at work on your newest book, Pyro?"

"Too right, boss! I've just about gotten me newest character's description done and…" Pyro looks toward Magneto's voice and sees him standing beside an amused Colossus. "Oh… welcome back, boss. Had I known you'd be back, I've have torched something special to celebrate."

"You will never know how touched I am by that, Pyro." Curious, he then steps toward Pyro, adding, "Let's see what your newest character's like." Reading the screen, he starts shaking his head in mirth before looking at the fire-happy mutant. "This character just might help your book make 'Best Seller' in a week, if not a day. Although…"

"Although what, boss?"

"The character your newest one is based on is in dire straits, as is his home world." Pyro's eyes go wide at that before he gives his reply.

"That won't do, boss. I'll flambé the ones responsible for the straits."

"I have absolutely no doubt that you will, Pyro." Looking around, he then asks, "Where's Sabertooth? I'd expected him to be here upon my return."

"He went to get drunk, as usual. I'm getting worried, boss. He'd been hitting the sauce pretty hard ever since Mexico."

"Then I think it's time he learned that sauce can hit back. Hard."

"What do you have in mind for 'Sabey', boss?"

"Do you remember the 'wake-up juice' from 'Back to the Future 3', by any chance?"

"Too right. I even developed me own formula for it. But one that's potent enough for 'Sabey'. Haven't had a chance to make it yet, though."

"Then consider this your opportunity, Pyro." The youth nods excitedly at that while Magneto grimaces.

(SHIELD heli-carrier; four days later)

Fury looks over the reports of the past several days before nodding. Next thing he knows, a knock on his hatchway gets his attention. Upon seeing Pierce standing there, he waves the Agent in before speaking.

"Have a seat, Pierce." Nodding, Pierce does so before Fury asks, "What's on your mind? Wondering about the trip to JOFA Ikari's home world?"

"Somewhat, sir. Seeing as I'm not sure how long the trip to JOFA Ikari's world will be, and SHIELD's rules about missing start dates for new assignments… even with your sign off…"

"I understand. Do you want me to give JOFAs Howlett and Ikari your regards?"

"Yes sir. That'd be most kind. In fact…" Reaching into his blouse pocket, he brings out an envelope and hands it to him. "I know it's not quite protocol, sir, but I felt I should at least let them know I look forward to seeing them at the Kirby Academy as one of their Instructors on an official basis."

"I'm sure they'll enjoy learning from you on an official basis." The two share a chuckle before Pierce sighs.

"It was an honor and a privilege to serve SHIELD under your command, sir."

"It was an honor and a privilege having you serve SHIELD under my command." Rising, he sees Pierce do the same and extends his hand. "I look forward to seeing you at work at the Kirby Academy, Agent Instructor Pierce." Pierce returns the gesture and both men shake hands before it ends.

"I think if you hurry, you can catch Garrett's flight up to here before it leaves."

"Garrett's going as well, sir?"

"Yep. Seeing as he had no pending assignments, he volunteered after hearing about JOFAs Howlett and Ikari." Shrugging, Fury grins. "It's not too late, though. I can make a note that you took on a mission that lasted longer than expected should you miss your start date."

"It's very tempting, sir… but I best not take chances. Besides, you know how the Kirby Academy is when it comes to new Instructors."

"Oh yes. 'Hit the academic ground running'. I hate that philosophy. Too literal at times." Pierce chuckles softly while Fury rolls his good eye. "I hope somebody'll have the guts to change it to something not as absurd one day."

"As do I, sir." With that, Pierce exits Fury's office and makes his way to his quarters. Only to see Kate standing in front of his hatch. "Kate…"

She then launches herself at him and passionately kisses him, with him returning the kiss with gusto. Running her fingers through his hair, Kate moans happily before the need to breathe prompts her to end it.

"I just wanted… to at least give you one kiss… since we won't see each other as Field Agents anymore."

"We could write, see where we go from there." Kate smiles softly at that before softly pecking his lips, with him returning it.

"I'll be waiting to hear from you."

"Likewise." With that, Kate eases away from him and flounces her long brown hair. But before she can get far, he adds, "Take care of yourself, Kate."

"You too, Alex." Resuming her stride, she soon sees Thompson, May and Coulson walking toward her. "Agents Thompson, May and Coulson. Are you about ready?"

"Just about, Kate." Thompson's reply has a soft grin as the African-American eye-patch wearing man goes on. "Colonel Fury wanted to go over some extra details with us before all four of us leave the heli-carrier together. You?"

"Yeah. I just said good-bye to Alex. I'll wait for you in the Quinjet." May gives a soft nod before speaking.

"Good enough. Wheels up in approximately fifteen. If you have more good-byes to say, best do it now." Kate gives a soft nod before moving on. As the trio reaches Pierce's quarters, they see him exiting. His duffel bag on his shoulder and a soft blush on his face. "You're running out of time, Agent Pierce."

"I know, Agent May. It's just… I was just a bit overwhelmed earlier." May smirks softly before striding past him.

"It shows. By the way, that shade of blue on your lips is so not your color." May's comment gets Pierce to blink before his blush goes even redder.

'Kate was wearing blue lipstick!' Feeling Thompson and Coulson's hands on his shoulders, Pierce weakly grins. "Maybe I should've cleaned up a bit first."

"A little bit." They then walk on by as Pierce moves toward the stairwell. Gently wiping his lips. Ascending the staircase, he soon reaches the flight deck and sees Garrett exiting the AF-64 VTOL he'd flown up in.

"Alex!" Garrett gently thumps Pierce's back before he asks, "You sure you want to miss the trip of a lifetime?!"

"Much as I'd love to go, John, I can't. Kirby Academy's rules are very strict. Even for those that served directly under Colonel Fury." Seeing the pilot looking over the avionics, he asks, "Who's that one?"

"Ah. Andy Kaminsky. One of the best AF-64 VTOL pilots SHIELD has in its ranks, next to Colonel Fury and Agent Fontaine, of course."

"Ah. Where's he going after he leaves here?"

"He'll take you to Kirby so you can get a look around, find quartering and formulate your lesson plans. While he, however, takes that bird to the SHIELD boneyard before going to transition training on the Quinjet series." Pierce can only sigh sadly.

"A real shame. I quite like the AF-64 VTOL platform."

"As do I. But it's also not very roomy at all." Garrett then clasps his shoulder and winks. "I'll bring you a souvenir from Tokyo-3."

"Okay. But, please, no macadamia nut cookies this time. You know they give me gas."

"It was just the one time." Pierce gives him an exasperated grin at that.

"Try one hundred times."

Garrett snickers softly at Pierce before the latter walks over to the AF-64 VTOL. Upon seeing the two Agents get into the aircraft after getting Pierce's duffle bag stowed, he smirks internally.

'Andi will be quite pleased with her new acquisitions.' Watching as the AF-64 VTOL lifts off of the flight deck, Garrett then turns to walk into the tower, mentally adding, 'In an hour, they'll be in HYDRA's hands.'

(Fury's Office; same time)

"You wanted to see us, Colonel?" Thompson's query gets Fury to smirk before nodding.

"Yep. I think it's time for you to become Nick Fury to keep up appearances, Marcus. If anyone asks, just tell them the truth. As long as there's evil, there'll be a need for a Nick Fury to lead SHIELD to fight the good fight." Thompson nods his understanding as Fury goes on. "I've compiled a list of potential 2ICs. I'll leave the choice up to you."

"Any recommendations, sir?"

"Well, there is one Agent that fits the requirements. Third one from the top. Phil, I want you to take a new Agent under your wing in about five months. Her file's in the pile second from the bottom."

"I understand, sir." Fury then looks toward May.

"I'm afraid the simulators will have to be put on hold. More than likely, however, they'll be better utilized at the Kirby Academy. So if you'd tell the company…"

"I will, sir. But, what about when you get back?" Fury gives an audible sigh at that.

"I think I'll retire and go back to my mine in the Yukon, Agent May. I'm just getting too old for this shit."

"Never, sir." The trio's shared reply gets Fury to chortle softly before they exit his office.

(Pierce and Kaminsky; same time)

As Kaminsky flies the AF-64 toward Pierce's destination, a binary anesthetic agent concealed within the VTOL's oxygen system starts mixing. With the mix producing pressure, the latter sends the agent into the cabin's interior. Causing both men to blink before their vision starts going blurry.

At the same time, however, a remote guidance system hidden within the avionics activates. Kaminsky, still barely conscious, notices the loss of control before struggling to regain it. But to no avail as both men surrender to the anesthetic.

(SHIELD heli-carrier; thirty minutes later)

As the Quinjet May had flown to the heli-carrier lifts off of the flight deck, the Blackbird comes close for a landing. Once cleared, it lands, its nose facing the tower before powering down its engines. The lower nose hatch then opens downward, showing Logan and Ororo coming down from the powerful jet.

"I was starting to wonder if we'd be able to land again before having to swim." Logan's gripe gets Ororo to softly giggle as he adds, "We were very lucky, 'Ro."

"I know, Logan." Her amusement is soon tempered as a look of concern appears on her face. "I wonder how much has passed in Shinji's world and…"

"I know, 'Ro." With that, they enter the tower and descend into the hangar. "We got a load here."

Ororo can only nod at the sight of Kitty and Danielle marveling at the 'Coyote-X' while Jubilee helps 'Skid' by handing him the tools he needs. Standing nearby is a Caucasian man dressed in black leather, wiping a cloth on a chopper-style motorcycle with flames painted on it.

The motorcycle is parked alongside a black van with large off-road tires, its driver wearing a black combat uniform with a white skull on it. Seated in front of the van, all types of weaponry being gone over by him. Seated nearby him is Pyro tapping on his laptop's keyboard, smiling excitedly while cackling. Colossus and Magneto both watching over a still-recovering Sabertooth. Watching the scene in amusement are Stark, Rhodes and Pepper in their respective armors.

"It's too bad the Fantastic Four couldn't make it, though. Especially since Doom got it into his head to try conquering the world through karaoke." Logan groans as he shakes his head, adding, "As if that tin-plated dictator can actually sing." Ororo giggles again as Jubilee looks and grins upon seeing them both before walking over after getting the okay from 'Skid'.

"Hey, 'Wolvie', 'Storm'. All set to go?"

"As ready as we can be, 'Firecracker'. I still can't believe you up and became a SHIELD JO yesterday."

"I'm nowhere near ready enough to be an X-Man again. With Viper out there still…" Her eyes develop an angry tone as she grits out, "I might not ever be ready, but I can at least use my time in the program as my anger management therapy."

"You have very much of it too, child." Ororo gently hugs the teenage girl before whispering, "Much like your parents are proud no matter what you do with your life." Jubilee gives a soft grin before another voice cuts through. A powerful sounding male voice.

"Seeing as all of you are together now… I, Dr. Strange, will be opening a portal to young Ikari's world… now!" Strange then utters an incantation in an unusual tongue before a solid slam is heard. Two minutes later, Strange says, "Come to the flight deck and see where we are!"

Curious, the group moves toward the flight deck and soon see a world much different from their own. Logan notes the high temperature and winces.

"Fury wasn't kidding when he told us what Shinji said about '2nd Impact' resulting in an endless summer. 'Ice Cube', you best stay on-board in the Galley's freezer."

"I'm not going to melt because of this heat, Logan." Curious, he looks around before asking, "Where's NERV HQ at, anyway?"

"A very good question, Drake!" Pincer's snort at the view causes the group to be annoyed as he adds, "Doesn't look much different from our world! High temperatures aside, of course!"

"Seeing as Mr. Pincer's eager to see NERV HQ…" Strange utters another incantation before the view is quickly replaced by steel walls. Walls that look exactly like the walls of the heli-carrier. Pincer can only snort again.

"Some supreme sorcerer you are, Strange! We're still on the damned heli-carrier!" Pincer then stomps off, yelling, "I'm going to arrange for a conventional flight of five helicopters down to NERV HQ! We leave as soon as we get the go ahead!" As they watch Pincer angrily stomp away, Toad gives a shiver. Not liking the feeling of their surroundings.

"I might be crazy, but I don't think this is the heli-carrier, yo." Lance can only smirk softly at Toad for that one. With Wanda giggling softly in the background.

"No argument with you on you being crazy, Toad. But you're right. The ceiling's too high for us to be on the heli-carrier still."

"GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!" Pincer's yell gets Charles and Magneto both to arch eyebrows.

"I never thought I'd hear those words spoken again in my lifetime."

"Neither did I, Charles." With that, the group moves toward where Pincer yelled from. As they walk into a cavernous room, they see an extremely pale Pincer staring down into a pit. As they reach the fencing for it, they peer over it and gasp.

"By the Goddess."

"Oh cool!"

"Major creep factor!"

"I'm in agreement with young 'Shadowcat'. This place is by far the creepiest place I'd ever seen."

"There's writing on the skulls!" Arcade fumbles with his glasses before zooming in on the nearest skull. "It says 'Rejected', in English. Could've been part of the Evangelion creation process. Lots of trial and error involved in any kind of long term process. Evangelion creation being no exception." Garrett can only nod in agreement at that before smirking.

'Oh, if only you could see this, Alex!'

(Marvel-verse; HYDRA Base)

Opening his eyes, Pierce can only be alarmed to see the HYDRA symbol on the wall ahead of him. Electing to get himself away from them, he soon finds that he's fully secured in a metal chair. An awake Kaminsky right beside him. Just as bound.

"What's going on, Andy?"

"Wish I knew, Alex. Woke up about… three minutes ago myself. First time I fell asleep while flying, though. By all accounts, we should be charcoal by now instead of this dump of a dump."

"I'll thank you both to not criticize the state of my newest base." Viper's voice sends chills up and down Pierce's spine as she goes on. "And my associate managed to get me the pretty one with the strong one."

"Oh bother." Pierce can only roll his eyes before saying, "I see you haven't changed one bit, nutcase. You still have problems differentiating descriptors between men and women." He then feels a carefully sculpted fingernail caress the underside of his chin from behind as Viper moves to in front of him.

"Not as much as you seem to have, my pretty little SHIELD Agent." Smirking, the deranged woman adds, "But you won't be worrying about that by the time I'm done with you."

"So you're going to kill me. I'm ready when you are." Next thing Pierce knows, Viper cackles insanely, prompting him to roll his eyes once again. "Oh great. She missed her meds again." Kaminsky gives a snicker at that as Pierce asks, "You do know about timers for meds, right? Wonderful thing that lets you know when to take them so you don't miss a dose."

"How sweet of you to worry about my meds. But I'm not going to kill either of you. It'd be a waste of a perfectly good resource." Bringing out his paperwork of Instructor status, she adds, "Especially since your arrival here paid off beautifully."

"Why do I not have a good feeling about where this is going, Andy?"

"Because it sounds like Viper's inviting us to join 'The Dark Side', Alex. Along with intending for us to entice future SHIELD Agents into doing the same."

"I thought so." Mustering as much dignity he can, Pierce smirks before adding, "Go fuck yourself."

"I second that emotion." Kaminsky then snickers before adding, "It's probably the only kind of fucking you're getting, anyway." Both SHIELD Agents burst out laughing, irritating Viper before she snaps her fingers. At the snap, both men feel electricity coursing through their bodies. As it courses, Viper goes on.

"This can go one of two ways, gentlemen. You agree to serve HYDRA as embedded moles or we 'convince' you to do so. Either way, you will serve HYDRA."

"Not on my agenda, bitch." Kaminsky's voice as he's electrocuted is shaky as he asks, "How about you, Alex?"

"I actually like the third option better, Andy. It's more honorable than betraying an organization dedicated to stopping HYDRA and others of its ilk."

"Oh?" Viper's genuinely amused as she says, "You're securely bound, being subjected to electro-manipulation. How do you intend to maintain your 'honor' as it were?"

"Easy." Pierce then bites down on a molar before starting to convulse even worse. White foam smelling of bitter almonds slowly exits his mouth. Viper can only blink at that before snapping her fingers again, and the electricity stops.

"That'd work. However…" Looking toward Kaminsky, she sees he's about to bite down as well before picking up a ruler and shoving an end vertically into his mouth.

"Get the dentist of the house. It seems Mr. Kaminsky has an appointment for a tooth extraction today." She has a smirk on her face the whole time as she adds, "The very least we can do is help him keep it."

"Yes, Lady Hydra. What of the stiff, though?"

"If this Alexander Goodwin Pierce won't serve HYDRA, then we'll make our own. Get the needed data and incinerate the remains."

"Yes, Lady Hydra."

As the green-suited goons go to work, Kaminsky sheds a pair of tears for his colleague. They make quick work of recording his dental work, fingerprints, toe-prints, eye color, hair color, weight and height. Once they're done, they roughly carry his body to the furnace in the room and throw it in. Nodding her approval, she watches as the HYDRA dentist arrives.

"Now to find someone willing to undergo an extreme makeover. HYDRA style."