Attention: Generation X and their villians, as well as any other mutant
mentioned in this story, is property of Marvel Comics. The character
Richard Cale is named after family relations. Any other reference to
anything copywrighted is a chance happening.
====================================================
If I Had A .....Delerium
Richard Cale was nervous. This was the first time he had ever had
the chance at doing this, but then again, he dreamed about it in his
youth. Before he had been ushered to his spot, Sean, Yvette, Monet, and
Everett had wished him the best of luck. He also knew that they were in
the stands watching. This was a special show, and he knew that of all
the money he might win, only a quarter of it he would keep. Now the
cameras were rolling, and his eyes were on the two people in the center
of the stage. The man was on his 10th question, but it was the first
question of the day. Richard listened intently as the man choose his
answer. He noticed the upset look on the other man's face as he said,
"I'm sorry, but the correct answer was D. However you do leave with
$1,000." They stood and shook hands. It was upon him, the moment of
truth.
He watched as they prepped the stage and the man went to the main
entrance onto the stage and said, "Well, now we have ten new faces ready
to see if they can reach that hot seat and they are..." Richard listen
as the names were listed off, one by one, each making a motion to the
camera. He was last on the list, as the list approached completion, he
noticed the lady next to him smiled at the camera as the man said,
"Clare Mulroy, Riverview, New Brunswick, and Richard Cale, Easton, Pa."
Rich smiled and nodded at the camera. The man then said, "Now let me
tell you all how this works. In front of you is a computer with four
buttons. In a minute, a question and four answers will appear on the
screen. The one who puts them in the correct order in the fastest time
get to go to Hot Seat today on this hour long show. Now here's our
first Fastest Finger Question."
Rich focused his eyes on the screen as the question appeared in
front of him, and the host read it aloud. "Put the following Presidents
in order of length of term, from shortest to longest. A: FDR, B:
Harrison, C: Truman, D: Bush." Rich knew enough about presidents to
know the answer to that question. His fingers were a blur as he hit the
buttons, B, D, C, and A. He saw the time clock stop on his podium. It
read 3 seconds. In what had to be a minute the host was saying "Ok, now
let's see who had the correct answer in the fastest time." The screen
changed and names lit up, one was flashing. "And with a time of 3
seconds, Richard Cale is our next contestant." He stood up and went
over to the host. As he shook hands, the host said, "Congratulations.
When we come back, Richard Cale will be going for $1,000,000.00. Don't
go away." He heard as the show went into a break, and they set the
stage. During that time, the host said, "Fast answers there. Hope you
do well in the Hot Seat."
Richard Cale turned and faced the man and said, "Thank you, Mr.
Philbin. I hope so too. Most of the winnings will go to charities."
The man just said, "Call me Regis. You mean to say you're giving
it to charity?"
"I don't need the money. I did this on a dare, but I always
swore, if I won anything, I'd give most of it away. 75% of the cash is
already promised to charity."
Regis smiled and said, "That's one of the nobelist things we had
someone do on this show. Well, good luck." Regis then led him over to
the Hot Seat. Rich sat in his chair as Regis got into his chair. The
show started up again and Regis began, "Welcome back to Who Wants To Be
A Millionaire? I'm here with Richard Cale, who got here today because
of a dare. Now who dared you to do this?"
Rich laughed and said, "A few friends of mine where I'm going to
school. They said I should try, and here I am."
"Any of your school friends in the audience?"
"Yep, 3 of them and one of the teachers."
"Well, I wish you the best of luck. Now I'll go over the rules
for you. I'm going to ask you fifteen questions. There are two
guarenteed money levels at 5 and 10. If you get stuck on any question,
there are three lifelines available to you. There's 50:50 where the
computer removes 2 answers leaving one right one and one wrong one.
There's Ask the Audience where they vote on the answer. Finally, there
is Phone A Friend, where AT&T will phone anyone in the country for you
for 30 seconds. You got that?" Rich nodded. It wasn't hard to
understand. "Ok, let's play Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Rich,
here's your first question for $100. What animal did Hannibal use to
cross the Alps? A: Rhinoceri, B: Elephants, C: Llamas, D: Chihuahuas."
Rich smiled. He knew the answer, but he'd be a bit jovial about
it. "Well, I don't remember history saying Hannibal arrived in Rome
saying `Yo quero Taco Bell.'" Everyone in the audience chucked, and Rich
said, "And it wasn't La Llama, so I'd say my final answer is B:
Elephants."
Regis smiled and said, "You're right, you have $100. Now, for
$200, On what show would you find Fox Mulder? A: ER, B: Law & Order,
C: X-Files, D: Unsolved Mysteries."
It was another easy one. "Well, I know the top two are wrong, and
unless I'm mistaken, Duchovny doesn't look like he's eighty so I'll say
C is my final answer."
Regis chuckled a bit and finally said, "You're right for $200.
Hope you're ready, now for $300, which of these states was last inducted
into the United States? A: Utah, B: Alaska, C: Hawaii, D: Delaware."
Rich felt the look of shock cross his face. He couldn't think of
the answer. He knew it was B or C, but he didn't want to waste a
lifeline. He looked a Regis and said, "Do you have a coin I can flip?"
Laughter echoed through the room, and Regis said, "No, but you do
have all your life lines."
Rich shook his head and said, "No, I'd like to save those for the
harder questions. I'll take a guess and say its C."
Regis looked at him. "Final Answer?"
Rich nodded and said, "Yep, I just pray it's right." Rich crossed
his fingers as his choice lit up.
Regis just sat back and said, "Well, Rich, your guess is right."
Rich let out a sigh of relief. Now Regis said, "Now, for $500, Which of
these hands in poker, cannot beat a Full House? A: Four of a Kind, B:
Striaght Flush, C: Three of a Kind, D: Royal Flush."
Rich knew poker, from playing it on computer games. He looked at
Regis and said jokingly, "I thought a Royal Flush was found in Buchinham
Palace." Another set of giggles went through the rooms, and then he
said, "Seriously, my final answer is C: Three of a Kind."
Regis had a calm look as he said, "Well, you now have $500 for
your next poker game." Cheers went through the audience. Then Regis
said, "Now for a guarenteed $1,000, Which movie series debut in May
1979, and celebrated it's 20th year? A: Star Wars, B: Star Trek, C:
Alien, D: Predator"
Rich chuckled. "Oh, that's the one with the cute critter in it.
My final answer is C: Alien."
The pressure would have gotten to him, but he knew he was right,
and Regis finally said, "Congratulations, you've reached the $1,000
level." Regis then said, "We'll be right back as Richard Cale tries to
get the $1,000,000." When the camera stopped, Regis looked at him and
said, "Need a drink, or something, you look like you could use it."
Rich had felt a bit fatiqued, but he brushed it off to nerves.
"Just water. This is enough to make one pass out from worry." Regis
handed him the glass that was brought over and he drank it down.
Something was bothering him in his gut, but he couldn't place it.
He saw Regis sit up again, and he knew the camera were back on.
"Welcome back, we're here with Richard Cale who has reached the $1,000
level. You ready to continue on, Richard."
Rich swallowed and said, "As ready as ever." He noticed his
throat felt a bit raw. He started to worry more.
Regis then said, "Then let's play Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"
Rich noticed that the lights focused on the floor. It was the next
level of suspence. Regis then asked him, "Now if you get this wrong,
you don't lose anything. For $2,000, The movie Ravenous was based in
part, off what monster legend? Is it A: Bigfoot, B: Wendigo, C: The
Jersey Devil, D: El Chupacabra."
Rich looked over his choices, as he said, "Well, if I remember
right from the commercials, it was out west and in a forest, so C and D
are out. So its a toss up between A and B, and last time Bigfoot was on
film it was a walk by, so I'll go with B as my final answer."
Regis looked at his screen and said, "You don't wait for me to ask
final answer, you just say it. Well, you're right again." There was
cheering all around. Rich glanced up to the section he saw Sean, Yvette
and the rest were sitting. He smiled. The light returned to the floor
and Regis said, "Ok, now Rich, here's the $4,000 question. Which of
these British Shows doesn't star Rowan Atkinson? A: Thin Blue Line, B:
Mr. Bean, C: Black Adder, D: Absolutely Fabulous."
Rich smiled and said, "I think this final answer will be
Absolutely Fabulous." There was a chuckle through out the audience as
he finished the line. It was good timing, cause he felt a quiet cough
coming.
He watched as Regis said, "Well, I don't how to say this, but that
pun is worth $4,000." Cheers were going aroung the room. Soon the
lighting returned and Regis said, "For $8,000, who was know as the
Sleeping Prophet? Was it, A: Nostradamus, B: Edgar Casey, C: Joan Of
Arc, D: Mother Teresa."
Rich looked a him and said, "I thought they were suppose to get
harder. It's Edgar Casey, and that's my final answer."
Regis sat back at that, and said, "Rich, let me say Final Answer
once in a while, I'm getting paid to. But, you are right." Rich sighed
and felt another cough stiring. Regis then said, "Well, you've reached
$8,000, you can leave with that, or for $16,000 you can answer this
question. Who attempted to kill President Reagan? A: Haley, B: Haney,
C: Hinkly, D: Hillary."
Rich put his hand to his mouth and let out a little cough. He
then said, "That's a tuffy. Although I think it was the same as the
main character of a show until it happened. So I'll say C, cause I
think the guy on the show was Hinkly."
Regis looked at him and said, "Final Answer?"
Rich just looked at him and said, "Final answer."
A hush fell over the room. Rich heard a cough and realized it was
him. Regis looked at him and said, "Well Rich, that answer just got you
$16,000." Rich took a deep breath and Regis said, "Now, for $32,000,
the next guarenteed level, here's your question. Which of these Henson
movie didn't have a single human actor? A: Muppet Treasure Island, B:
Muppets Take Manhatten, C: Labyrinth, D: The Dark Crystal."
Rich smiled and said, "That's one of my favorite movies. My final
answer is the Dark Crystal." Rich coughed again. This time he couldn't
cover it.
Regis looked at him, and Rich could see the worry in his eyes.
Regis then said the words, "Congratulations, Richard, you now have
$32,000." There was a fanfare, as Rich let out a sigh of relief. Regis
then faced the camera and said, "We'll be right back as Richard Cale
goes for $1,000,000 with 3 lifelines still intact." Rich noticed as
things went into a relaxed state for the commercial break. Regis looked
at him and said, "Are you ok? If you want, we can do the rest at a
later date."
Rich looked at him and said, "No. If this is what I think it is,
I might not get better until after your run time is done. If we keep
this moving, I'll make it through, just inform my friends over there to
be ready."
He watched as Regis called a person over and told them to inform
his friends. He could see even before he said anything to Regis that
Yvette knew something was wrong. He could see it in her eyes. Soon,
the lighting was back. He heard Regis say, "Welcome back, we're here
with Richard Cale, and Richard, here's a check for $32,000, yours no
matter what. Now, no risk, but for $64,000." Rich noticed that the
lights were now focused on them. Regis then gave him the question.
"What did Samuel Clemen's Pen name mean? A: 2 Weeks, B: 2 Miles, C: 2
Years, D: 2 Fathoms."
Rich looked at the question as he coughed again. "Pardon. I saw
a film on him a couple of years ago. It meant D: 2 Fathoms, and that's
my final Answer."
There was a hush as every watched the two of them. It ended when
Regis said, "Let me present you with check for $64,000." The fanfare
played again. Regis then said, "4 to go and still three lifelines."
The light were dead center as Regis said, now, if you want to go for
$125,000. The question is, What celebrity made the 100,000,000,000
Crayola crayon? A: Big Bird, B: Fred Rogers, C: Levar Burton, D:
Macuallay Culkin."
Rich smiled, it was a home town question. He smiled and said, "I
know this one. It's B: Fred Rogers, and that's my Final answer." He
coughed again. This had to go faster.
Regis looked at him and said, "You did it again, You now have a
check for $125,000." Everyone was cheering. He would have cheered to,
but it might knock him out. It felt like what he thought it was. The
only way to confirm it was to contact home. If he was the only one, it
would be mild. Regis then said, "Now you have 3 lifelines still at your
disposal, so lets see if they help you. For $250,000," Rich noticed
the lights were on them again. "How many labors was Hercules originally
sentenced to preform? A: 8, B: 10, C: 12, D: 14."
Rich looked at the question and saw the key word. He looked at
Regis and said, "I see, trying to trick me." He looked over the
answers. He knew the valid one, and he thought he'd have a little fun.
"I'd like to ask for the audience's opinion on this one, Regis."
The light flashed up and Regis said, "Ok, audience, you've heard
the man. He would like your help on this question so use your key pad
to pick the answer." In no, time all the votes were in and Rich saw
what he expected, as Regis stated, "Well, 90% of them say C, 8% say B,
and the other 2% said D. You know the audience has a good track
record."
Rich nodded and said, "True, but the audience didn't listen to the
question, but I'll agree with 8% of them and say B for my final answer."
Regis leaned back, with a grim look on his face, and said, "You
know, you could be losing $93,000." Rich nodded, but he smiled. Regis
looked at him and said, "But you know that you got the $250,000." Rich
heard the cheers, loudest from his friends. Regis showed the check to
him. "Here's the check, you can take it, or try and answer this
question for $500,000." The question appeared on the screen as the
lights were focused on them again. "Which of these movie's was a
ficticious movie? A: The Exorcist, B: The Amityville Horror, C:
Poltergeist, D: The Entity."
Rich swallowed, and coughed. He wasn't too sure. He knew B and D
were real, but he couldn't pick the third film. He looked at Regis and
said, "I'd like to phone my cousin, Godiva Cale."
Regis said, "Ok, our friends at AT&T will get her on the line for
you." Rich waited. He also needed to find out how much time he had
until he'd be out of it.
The line picked up. There was a cough, followed by a raspy
"Hello." He might not make it.
Regis said, "Hello, is this Godiva?"
"Yes."
"This is Regis Philbin, from Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? I'm
here with your cousin, Richard, and he needs you help on a question."
There was a cough again on the line.
"If I'm right, he'll need more than help on a question." He knew
what she meant.
"Ok, the next voice you hear will be that of your cousin." Regis
nodded to him, he was on the 30 second count down.
Rich swallowed and said, "Godiva, Which of these movie's was a
ficticious movie? A: The Exorsist, or C: Poltergeist? I ruled out two
of them."
There was a slight pause followed by two simultanious coughs.
"It's C, Rich. Now hurry." The phone hung up quick. He didn't have
long.
He looked at Regis with urgency in his eyes. "C's the final
answer."
He noticed Regis understood, and said, "Well, that help gave you
$500,000." Cheers came from all around the room. Rich started to feel
faint, but he held on. He had to hold on. Regis then said, "Richard,
here you are at the last question. 1 lifeline. For $1,000,000, How
many different presidents have been elected into office? A:42, B:41, C:
39, D:40."
Rich looked them over. He couldn't focus on the numbers. He just
said, "50:50 please" He knew one wasn't elected, and another served two
non consecutive terms. He just couldn't focus on the right number, was
it 40 or 41.
He heard Regis say, "Computer, remove two of the wrong answers,
leave the right answer and one wrong one." Rich could tell by position
that B and C disappeared. It helped him.
The room was filled with a hush, but he couldn't tell if there was
a sound. He bearly heard his own voice as he said, "D's the final
answer." He couldn't feel the chair, he was losing consiousness.
Regis looked quickly at the screen, amazed. The screen told him
the one thing he had been hoping to see. Then he looked at Richard
Cale. This amazing boy managed to do this, and at the key moment, he
was on the floor, ill. Regis jumped out of his chair and yelled, "We
need help here. Cut the cameras." He turned to see Richard Cale's
friends running out to the center.
The one man said in an Irish accent. "He fell ill, but with
what?"
Regis was dumbfounded but said, "I don't know, but he said he knew
it was coming. He said he was giving the money to charity." Regis
noticed that the one girl went over to Rich's side. She was holding
him, like she was his girlfriend.
"I know. His family's very wealthy, but he didn't want any of it.
Only uses it to fund for the betterment of people. He told me he was
donating 1/4 of his winnings to the National Epilepsy Foundation."
Regis was impressed. Most of his contestants spent the money on
themselves, but not this boy.
He then noticed the girl was excited as she said, "He's talking."
They all gathered around as Regis looked at the boy. The boy wasn't
with it, but he was talking.
He listened as Richard Cale just muttered, but a few words were
understandable. "Black... Tom.. Killed..."
Regis looked at the man and said, "What did he mean by that?"
The man sighed and said, "A terrorist, Black Tom Cassidy attacked
our school. Rich stopped him, using lethal force. It shook the lad up,
but if he didn't, God only knows what that maniac would have done."
Regis didn't know what to say. He looked at the man and said, "I
take it he didn't want to use that kind of force." The man nodded and
Regis said, "I won't tell a soul." Regis turned to see a man run off.
"Damn. The news people are here every day, waiting for something like
this. I'm sorry."
The man had a worried look on his face, until it turned to a calm
look. "Don't worry. Hopefully, no one will try anything. We'll take
care of Rich, I'll give a call to his home and find out what happened."
Regis watched as the man turned to the others in his group and said,
"Monet, Everett, Yvette, get Rich out of here. We need to get him back
to the school, pronto."
Regis stopped the man just as the kids left. "Listen...."
"Sean."
"Thank you. Before Rich fainted, he gave the right answer. I
want to give you the check, in his name." The man nodded, and Regis
directed him to the stop where he had to be for the next fast finger
round. "When the camera's go on, I'll tell them what happened and give
you the check."
Sean looked at him and said, "Thanks, again."
Regis stopped him from saying anything else as the camera's came
to life. Regis looked at the camera and said, "Welcome back, sorry for
the abrupt break, but Richard fell ill just as he answered the last
question. Ironically enough, he answered it correctly and is our first
$1,000,000 winner. Now since Richard is ill, his friend, Sean, will be
accepting the check. Sean, here is Richard's check for $1,000,000. I
hope he uses it wisely."
Sean shook his hand and said, "Thank you. I know he will."
Regis then said, "If he gets better before the end of our run, I
do hope he will stop by and thank us in person."
Sean smiled and said, "I hope he can do that."
Regis watched as the man walked off stage and said, "Well, that
got us off on the right step, accept at the end, now, let see who's next
for a chance at $1,000,000"
Yvette was overjoyed when her `father' finally came out of the
building. She had been huddled over her lover while they waited. Now
she was worried sick. As he got in, she said, "What's wrong with Rich?"
She knew he heard the worry in her voice as he said, "I don't
know, but it's serious. Godiva had the same problem over the phone."
She felt the vehicle lerch, and soon the vehicle was moving. She hoped
they would get back to the school quick.
As the vehicle moved, she heard her `father's' carphone ring. She
watched as Everett picked it up and said, "Hello?" She watched as he
turned his head and said, "It's Emma. She said she just got a call from
Rich's mother. She said that she was worried that Rich was ill, since
his father and Godiva and her brother fell ill."
She watched as her `father' said, "Does she know what's wrong?"
She watched as Everett spoke into the phone and then said, "Emma
said it's something called the Cale Delerium. She wants us to get back
to the school pronto. It's not lethal, but Rich is not in a state to
fend for himself, which means he's an easy target for anyone to attack
him." There was a brief pause as Everett then said, "By the way, she
wants to know how he did on the show?"
She reached for the phone and took it. "He toughed it out and
won. He was falling ill sometime into the questions, and passed out
before he found out he won. You'll see tonight." She noticed that her
`father' grabbed the phone from her. Something was bothering him
severly.
She listened as he said, "Emma, I think we lucked out partially.
After Rich passed out, he started to talk. He mentioned, in vague
terms, about when Black Tom was at the school. He didn't say what the
school was, but someone from the news was there. Rich is the show's
first million dollar winner." She could have sworn she heard the
silence on the other end of the line. It was ended as she heard her
`father' say, "Alright. We'll high tail it back there."
As her `father' hung up the phone, she looked at him and said,
"What's wrong?"
He kept driving as he said the next few words, "Yvette, Emma's
afraid that Rich's condition might cause a big problem. If the deal
with Black Tom is aired on the news, which it will most likely be, it is
going to cause alot of Black Tom's friends to come gunning for Rich.
Most we can handle, however, one of Tom's best friends is Cain Marko."
She didn't understand what it meant, but the looks in Everett's
and Monet's eyes told her something was wrong. She just said, "Who is
that?" not wanting to know the answer.
Monet put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Yvette, Cain Marko is
Professor Xavier's half-brother. He is also known as the Juggernaut,
and I should add, unstoppable." Yvette felt her heart stop for a
second. She understood what it all meant. It meant that Rich's life
might end at the hands of a madman.
*************************************************
Emma stood and watched as she saw Sean's jeep come in the gate.
The rest of the kids were behind her. When she had gotten off the phone
with Sean, she asked the kids to get the Med Lab ready. As Sean's
started up the driveway, she heard Jubilee say "Emma, what is this that
hit Rich?"
Emma just held up her hand and said, "In a minute, Jubilee. I'd
rather explain it once." When the jeep pulled to a stop, she watched as
Sean and the others got out. Monet and Everett was carrying Rich. She
watched as Darrett and Jono moved a stretcher over to Rich and placed
him on it. As they started to move Rich into the school, she followed
and said, "Well, this is something I wish we would have known about."
Sean was keeping in step with her, asking the question she knew he
was going to ask. "So, what is this Cale Delerium?"
Emma watched as Yvette stayed right by Rich's side. Emma could
see the concern in Yvette's eyes as Yvette asked a different question.
"Will he be alright?"
Emma knew she could relieve the child's fears. "Rich won't die.
This Cale Delerium is something that effects all the Cale family.
According to Rich's mother, it appears like a bad cold, but it's more
complex. All the Cale family have some sort of psychic bond. Hense, if
one falls ill from it, the defences on the others goes down, so if two
of the Cale bloodline are near each other and one has this Delerium,
they all fall into this state they are in now."
Paige asked what would have been the most important question.
"How long does this last? Ah mean, he can't be incapacitated too long,
can he?"
Emma just looked at Paige and said, "That's the thing, it all
depends on the mental healing. The delerium causes each Cale to
revisualize things in their past, however unlikely that they will
remember them."
She felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned to face Sean. He
looked at her and said, "Yur not thinking of going into his mind and
prancing around in there, are ye?" She could tell that in his tone, he
didn't want her doing that. That was a little more complicated due to
the call she had gotten.
She just said, "The thought never crossed my mind, but it was
asked by Rich's mother. She felt that I might be able to help, as well
as Yvette." She noticed that Yvette had looked in her direction.
Yvette just said, "How so?" Emma could tell that the idea of
helping Rich had sounded good to her.
Emma just took Yvette's hands and said, "Remember how Jean told me
to teach you to go on the Astral plane." As the girl nodded, she said,
"I think this is a good test for you. Besides, you might be more help
this way, then out here." They had finally reached the med-lab. She
saw Daria standing at one of the bed's and had it set up. Soon,
everyone was helping to move Rich from the stretcher to the bed. The
second they started it up. Emma could see everything happening. His
brain wave patterns were starting up. She knew he was reliving a
memory. She just said, "Yvette, get ready for the next one." She faced
the others and said, "As for you, keep an eye on the show and the news
afterwords. We need to know if they do tell about Black Tom's defeat."
Everyone ran out of the room, and she entered a trance. She travel
through the Astral Plane and into Rich's mind.
As she stood, as an impartial viewer, she saw a young boy, which
had to be Rich, standing with an elderly man, who was still fit. She
watched in silence as he said, "That's an ugly rat, Granddad." Emma was
amazed. This had to be Rich at about age 10. She also noticed that
Rich was holding a cat in his hands. It was spotted and just meowed.
She noticed that Rich's grandfather just said, "It's a very mean
rat, too. You see Rich, my father caught that rat. It's a rather
unique creature, called a Wi-Lu-Gho-Yuk." She heard Rich giggle at the
name. She moved closer to the rat and looked at it. She noticed that
it's teeth were rather large. She jumped back as she saw it go to bite.
It was still alive. She then heard Rich's grandfather say, "That thing
feeds off human organs." She noticed Rich's eyes go wide. "It's mean,
and very fast, but your great-grandfather caught that. It's been a
family hobby. We are like that cartoon you watch, `The Real
Ghostbusters'."
She heard Rich giggle again as he said, "Granddad, that show ain't
real." Rich then left the room. With that she blinked and she was back
in the med center. She couldn't believe it. Rich had said that Godiva
fuelled his intrest in the supernatural, but now she wondered if that
was true. Maybe the boy didn't remember it. She got up and left the
room, and went to where all the others were. They had the show on.
When she looked at the T.V, she heard a strange sound. "What was
that?"
Angelo just said, "The end of the show. You were out for an
hour." Emma was startled at how long she was in that small memory.
Angelo then said, "Don't worry, we taped it. Some of those questions
Rich had were tough."
She heard Jono say, {I know that one about the Sleeping Prophet
would have tripped me up.}
Sean then said, "Quiet everyone, here's the moment of truth."
Emma watched as the news preview started. As they mentioned a
few story's, the last thing they said was, "But first, the first
millionaire on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? stopped a terrorist. More
about this on the 10 o'clock news." Emma's heart stopped for a second.
They needed all the help they could get.
*************************************************
Cain Marko sat in the bar, only listening to the show. He had
heard the commotion and they said that someone had fallen ill. At
first, he could care less, but then it caught his attention, when the
man who accepted the check in the name of the winner spoke. He turned
and saw the face. It was Sean Cassidy, Banshee from the X-Men. His
step-brother had founded them, and he hated his step-brother. He
watched, hoping to see if he could find out something. Maybe he could
find where ever Sean was and cause him some problems. He then watched
as the show ended and the news started. The news held information that
he didn't want to here. "Tonight's top story. The first Millionaire on
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? had stopped a terrorist. Excitement
mounted on the show today, and all was stunned when Richard Cale, the
show's first millionaire, fell ill at the key moment. At that time, a
reporter overheard Sean, Richard Cale's teacher, state that Richard
defeated Black Tom Cassidy. Apparently, the terrorist attacked a school
in New England, where Richard Cale is going to school. From what we
have gathered, Richard Cale stopped the terrorist using lethal force.
That only cuts down the terrorists by one, but according to rumor, Black
Tom was a mutant terrorist."
Cain Marko slammed his fist on the bar when he heard the news.
His friend was dead, and at the hand of that boy. He heard the
bartender say, "Listen buddy, you break anything, I'll have to throw you
out and call the cops." Cain would have liked to see the guy try it,
but now was not the time. He just quietly got up and left the bar. He
walked to an alley right near the bar.
He had been in the army, and nothing phased him much. Especially
with the discovery he had made. He handled the crystal he had found
there and used it it like he always did. Soon, he was in the
unbreakable armor that made him the ultimate weapon. He just smiled and
said, "It's time for the Juggernaut to even that score up." He knew
where to head. He had to go to were his half-brother had set a new
school before the Onslaught deal. It would be a long trek, maybe a day
or two, but the Juggernaut wouldn't need sleep. He was unstoppable.
*************************************************
Yvette had done as Emma told her too. She knew she had to be
ready for this, but she also wanted to do something to comfort Rich's
physical form. She ran from her room in the girl's dorm, to Rich's
room. She knew that during the day, he left it unlocked, especially
with the security the school had. She looked over the room and found
the item she was looking for. She quickly picked it up and carried it
off to the Med center. She ran as quickly as she could, knowing that
the next minute could mean another attack on Rich's mind by the
delerium. When she ran in, she saw that the brainwave patterns had
stablized from last time. As she placed the item she got from Rich's
room over him, she heard Emma say behind her, "Think that might help him
in some way."
She spun around in surprise and nodded carefully. She then asked
the question that was on her mind. "What did you find out in Rich's
mind?" She was worried about what was going on in Rich's mind.
She noticed as Emma looked at her and said, "Something odd.
Remember how Rich said Godiva fueled his intrest in the paranormal and
unusual." She nodded again, and Emma continued. "It appears Rich's
family has a deep root in that stuff, since the memory I saw involved
Rich and his grandfather, and something along those areas. I've asked
Monet to look up the creature."
This had Yvette worried. "Do you think it will come up again in
his memories?" She almost got an answer as the monitoring devices
started up again. It was a signal that Rich was reliving a memory
again.
Emma looked at her and said, "Are you ready for your first trip,
Yvette? We will be impartial viewers."
Yvette nodded and almost instantaniously, Emma drew her into the
Astral Plane. She needed some help still, but she was slowly getting
the hang of reaching this level of consciousness. She then travelled
with Emma's mind into the memory that Rich was reliving. When she
blinked her eyes, Yvette realized that she was in a room. It had all
the tell-tale markings of a childs room. She turned and saw on the bed
in the room her boyfriend, as a child. As she watched with Emma, she
noticed Rich was petting a cat. He just said, "I don't understand it,
Grimore. Mom, Dad and Granddad have company, and I can't go down to
visit. It's like I'm being punished."
She turned to Emma and said, "Do you have any idea what he means?"
She watched as Emma shook her head.
She looked in surprise as she heard the cat hiss. She heard Rich
go, "Grimore, what's wrong? What's out there?"
As they all watched, Yvette noticed that Emma heard a voice and
said, "Yvette, do you hear that voice?"
Yvette listened and in a moment she recognized it. "Isn't that
Monet's father?"
Emma watched as the cat still hissed and said, "Yes, it sound's
like it. And if it is, judging from the age of Rich, Monet and her
sister are either babies or not yet born, so the only child he's talking
to is..."
Yvette went to complete the sentence and noticed the cat had
calmed down, and the memory ended. When Yvette blinked, she was back in
the Med Center. She turned to Emma who had a worried look on her face.
She then said, "Do you think Rich relizes that he knew ..."
Emma stopped her and said, "I don't think he did, but I wonder how
much he did know about the St. Croix family. When he saw Cartier back
at the museum, he didn't recognize him at all."
Yvette looked at Emma with a little bit of worry. "Do you think
he knew about Emplate?" She was totally concerned now. She was scared
that Rich and Emplate's paths had crossed before.
Emma put a hand on her shoulder and said, "I have a feeling that
Rich first found out about Emplate here, because he had never seen
Emplate before. Now, if the Cale's and the St. Croix's knew each other,
and knew about Emplate before hand, they probably managed to keep the
two from meeting. But the key question is.."
Yvette knew the answer before Emma could say it. "How did they
know? I wonder if Rich's mother knows."
Emma just shook her head and said, "Yvette, the two act as if they
never met before. If Emplate knew who Rich was, there would be a much
more visible bond of knowing there. I think we might have to see if
Rich's mind shows more of that. I think for now, we should not mention
this to anyone." Yvette understood what Emma was getting at. It was a
little upsetting to her, but she felt that Rich never knew about Emplate
until he came to the school.
Monet had been up in the library. She didn't understand Emma's
strange request. Why would she want to know about a weird rat? Then
when she found it, she was puzzled even more. It was such an odd
reference, and also a very oblique legend. She ran quickly back to the
Med Center, only to see Yvette and Emma talking. When Emma saw her, the
two clammed up. It was like they were hiding something. Monet walked
over to them and said, "What's the problem?"
Emma just said, "I was wondering if you found anything out on that
rat." Something told Monet that there was more to it, like they were
hiding something.
Monet just said, "Some unique things, there are two references in
the books about that rat. One is a Inuit legend about a creature by the
same name, but the other is very puzzling. I found out about a
newspaper article from around the turn of the century." She pulled out
a copy of the article and laid it on the table. "Here it is. Monster
hunter captures killer rat." She pointed to a photo and read the
article. "A monster hunter from the east coast proves to many that
monsters exist. This apparently non-threatening rat is actually a
visious creature, that feeds on living people. The hunter caught the
creature alive, and took it with him, in a special case, back east for
study by cryptozoologists."
She noticed that Emma and Yvette were looking intently at the
picture as Yvette said, "He looks like he's related to Rich." Monet
nodded, because she noticed that as well.
Emma then said, "It's his great-grandfather, and that rat is still
alive."
Monet looked at her puzzled and said, "It can't be. That rat, if
it hasn't eaten, is most likely dead, and replaced by a less threatening
one."
Emma just looked at her and said, "Monet, we are finding out some
very unusual facts about Richard, and his family. Some of which we
believe have been kept from him by himself. I'm beginning to wonder
more about Rich's family as well. He said they are very wealthy. He's
giving $750,000 of his winnings to charity, $250,000 to the national
epilepsy foundation, $250,000 to his home town, $250,000 to Moria's
drive to find a cure for Legacy. Of what's left, $125,000 is going to
the school. I don't know what he's doing with the rest, but if he would
have named all his charities, he would have brought a plaque of problems
on us. As of right now, we only have to worry about one, if that. Now
why don't you get some rest. Yvette and I won't be getting much sleep."
Monet nodded and left the room. Something must have bothered
Emma, and Yvette. She noticed that Yvette seemed a little tense. She
wondered about the problem as she walked to her dorm room and entered
it, locking the door. She figured that she would freshen up. As she
got ready to do so, she heard the mocking voice in her head. [You know,
now would be a fun time for Marius to visit.]
She stopped and said silently, "Claudette, don't you dare."
The laughter of her sister bothered her. [I should call for him,
but you know, I don't think it would be right. That Juggernaut
character is probably plowing his way here to pummel Rich.] There was
laughter again.
"Claudette, you are sick."
[Be quiet, sister, besides I'm trying to puzzle something out.
Like why the White Bimbo clammed up with Rich's lover.] Although Monet
didn't like her sister's words, she was wondering the same thing. [I
wonder if it has anything to do with that memory of Marius', when he
took care of Mere.]
"You're sick, Claudette" She still remembered father telling her
that Marius had killed their mother.
Then Claudette said something that she had almost forgot about the
shared memory. [He heard someone slam a door in our direction. He
thought of a second meal. Father stopped him. Who did Marius' hear?]
Monet's mind started rerunning it through her mind, and slowly put the
pieces in place, but so much of it didn't make sense. She forgot about
her plans and just collapse onto her bed, trying to piece the riddle
together.
Daria walked by the Med-lab. She had been wondering how Richard
was doing. When she arrived, she saw both Emma and Yvette were sitting
by Rich's side. She just looked in, looking at the form of Richard Cale
on the table. As she stood there, she heard a small whimperish sound.
She spun to see Darrett standing there with a very hideous creature, one
of the few creatures he could summon and control. He just looked in and
said, "You know, during the wars and that, the Delerium was one thing
that never happened. I think I know why though."
Daria knew that Darrett was from the future. A very dark future.
She just looked at him and said, "You mean he didn't suffer from it in
the future?"
Darrett shook his head and said, "Nope. In the future, only he
and Godiva were alive, but Godiva probably wished to be dead. Rumor had
it that she was both the meal and reluctant lover of her own lover. It
was said that Rich enthralled Kyuukai and she feasted on Godiva."
Daria shiverred at that. "I met those two. It hardly seems
likely."
Darrett then said, "According to rumor, Rich used that
relationship to control Kyuukai. That's part of why I have a hard time
adjusting to this timeline. I grew up seeing those two as monsters.
Now, their my allies. It's just too hard to understand, but I have to
understand it." She watched as the boy turned and walked off.
She noticed that the creature started to follow, then stopped and
looked at her. In its whinney voice it said, "Darrett need to learn to
make peace." The creature then followed Darrett again.
She almost jumped when Yvette said, "He's got that Skeksis again.
I hate those things." Daria turned to face her put her hand to her
chest. Before she could say it, Yvette just said, "Sorry to scare you,
saw you and Darrett out here."
Daria just smiled and said, "It's ok. How's Rich doing?"
Yvette just shook her head, "I don't know. I've never knew about
this."
Daria took Yvette's hand in comfort. "He'll pull through. He
wouldn't leave you behind." She saw a thankful smile come from Yvette's
face. She then asked a question that had been on her mind since
Soundwave's attack. "Yvette, how can you tell that someone, ummm..."
She couldn't get the words out.
Yvette nodded and said, "You just know in your heart. It happened
like that for me and Rich. It's hard to explain how you know, but you
just know. No one can set that up. We spend time together, and we love
the time we are together. Why do you ask?"
Daria just lowered her head and told Yvette. "I think I'm falling
in love with Mondo, but I don't know if he shares the feelings."
Yvette just smiled and said, "You'll never know until you ask him.
Ask him out. The worst he can do is say no."
Daria just looked at her and said, "What if he does say no? I
don't think I can take that." She was scared that Mondo would reject
her. She didn't think she could deal with the ache of that little word.
Yvette then said, "Think of how much pain you'll be in if you
don't ask him. The unsureness of the whole thing might just eat you up
inside. The only way is to ask him."
Daria just smiled and said, "Thanks Yvette, I think I'll do that."
She noticed that Yvette smiled. It gave her confidence. She started to
leave the Med-Lab. She was going to do it. She was going to ask Mondo
on a date.
She turned to thank Yvette again, but she heard Emma shout,
"Yvette, get ready." She knew what was happening. She remembered how
Emma explained it. Rich was reliving a past memory.
Emma had just time enough to call Yvette into the room. She
noticed how active Rich's brain got with this one. It must have been a
vivid memory. Something he remembered very well. The second Yvette got
into her chair, they were off. Soon enough, they appeared to be next to
twelve people. She heard Yvette say, "My God, it's the trial." She
glanced over at the one table and saw Davis Skinur, Soundwave, sitting
there.
She watched as the trial unfolded around her. The procescuting
attorney stood up and said, "Procecution calls Richard Cale Jr. to the
stand." Emma watched as Rich was escorted to the stand by two people.
One looked liked an FBI agent, while the other looked like a police
officer from town. She came to the conclusion that both were there to
protect Rich. After he was sworn in, the two stepped back and the D.A.
just said, "Master Cale, can you tell us the events of the day in
question?"
She noticed Rich swallowed and started to speak. "I was doing
some banking for my parents. It was while I was there that Soundwave
attacked. Everyone was scared. I stood there as Soundwave walked over
to me. He smiled and proudly introduced himself. He mocked me cause I
didn't realize it. He then told me how he was going to frame me."
She watched as the Defense attorney shot out of his chair and
said, "Objection, heresay."
The judge just said, "Overruled, Continue Master Cale."
She watched as Rich swallowed and said, "That was when the FBI,
arrived. They told Soundwave to surrender. He was prepared to send me
in his place, but I had latched onto his ability. I used it against
him. I didn't want to, but he had fooled me, and I wanted the madness
to stop. It was a great strain on me, and I eventually collapsed. At
that time, the FBI took me into protective custody."
Before the Defense attorney stood up, she watched as Davis stood
up and shouted, "I get you for that Rich. I'll kill you." The FBI and
the police officer rushed to protect Rich, and Emma could see it, fear
in Rich's eyes.
At that moment the memory ended. Emma just sat there in shock and
said, "Now I understand why Rich wanted to disappear from Easton. He
felt safer out here. I wonder if he regrets coming out here."
Yvette looked at her and said, "I don't think he does." Emma
smiled as she remembered the love that the two shared. Yvette then said
"Besides, he told me so."
Emma just chuckled and said, "Well then, I have no choice but to
believe it." The two just laughed. They were laughing so hard they
didn't notice Jono looking in the room. She looked at him and said,
"What's wrong, Jono?"
Jono looked nervous as he said {There's a bloke on the phone
wanting to talk to Rich. He insists that Rich would want to hear this
and that he's here.}
Emma quickly got up and ran to the phone in the hall. This scared
Emma. No one knew Rich was here, not a single soul, except his family.
She quickly picked up the phone and said, "Yes, I think you have a wrong
number."
The man just spoke and said, "I'm with the FBI. I was assigned
to the case after the agent that he helped left. I'm calling from
somewhere in Georgia. We saw the news broadcast after the show, and
then head of some guy in armor ripping up the area down here. We found
out from his mother were you were. We're offering this as a warning.
Someone is coming after him, and we'll do what we can to stop them, but
you better be ready to run or fight." Emma felt the blood drain from
her. The man then said, "Don't worry, this is staying under our hat
here. Rich is under FBI protection, as is his friends."
The man hung up. He didn't say his name, but she knew he wasn't
lying. She then turned to Jono. "Get everyone together. We need to be
prepared. Juggernaut is coming. Bring them to the Med-Lab." She
watched him run out of the Med-Lab. She then returned, and just the
look on Yvette's face told her that the girl knew something was wrong.
Mondo just sat in the TV room, watching a film. It was late, but
he couldn't sleep. No one could. Everyone was worried about Rich. He
wondered what Rich was going through. It had him worried. His mind was
on that thought when he heard Daria ask, "May I sit down here?"
He looked at her, smiled his ever friendly smile, and said, "Sure,
I'd like the company right now." As she sat down, he noticed that she
seemed happy to be sitting next to him. He liked Daria, a little bit
more than a friend, but he was scared to ask her out. Scared she might
say no, but then no was just a word to him. If she said no, he'd just
move on, if she said yes however, he'd be more happier than he was now.
He turned to face her, and said, "I'd like to ask you something." He
was surprised that she said the same exactly same thing.
She let out a small laugh and said, "You first."
He smiled and felt nervous. "I was wondering if you would like to
go out on a date."
He saw her eyes light up as she said, "I was just about to ask you
the same. And I'd love to go out on a date with you." Right then, he
could tell that she liked him too.
He was about to ask her when they should go out when Jono entered
the room. {Sorry to interupt you two, but Emma want's to see us all,
right away.} He left as fast as he appeared. Now he was a bit more
worried. Emma and Sean both mentioned the threat of Juggernaut, and he
was worried that this person was on his way to the school.
Daria just stood up and looked at him. "Maybe we can use a
survalance as a date." She gave him a wink. He thought about it and
relized that it would be a good idea. They could still meet, and they
would be doing their job. He then got up and they went to the Med-Lab.
On the way, he just said, "How long were you thinking about that
question?" He was curious, about how long she had waited to ask him.
She looked at him and said, "Since before Soundwave attack, I was
wondering if you had feelings for me. How about you?"
He started to blush. "Since the occurance at the museum. I was
worried about about you during the whole time." He saw her smile. It
brought something to his soul to see that. He figured that must be what
love felt like. The completeness of one's spirit that is the feeling of
love. He was almost lost in that thought as they entered the Med-Lab.
Mondo noticed that some of the students had gotten to sleep, but
they didn't look to rested, especially Monet, as she said, "Emma, why
were we all so rudely awakened?"
Jubilee just looked at her and said, "You mean you got to sleep?
I've been so worried, I couldn't sleep."
He heard Sean then say, "What's up Emma, you didn't even try a
psychic summons?"
Emma looked at him and said, "With all the jaunt's Yvette and I
have made into Rich's subconscious, I don't think I could try and summon
that way. I have grave news. We received a call from the FBI. Someone
who was given the charge of Rich's safety felt it right to call us and
inform us that Juggernaut is making his way her."
Mondo felt his heart drop then. He just said, "Is there anyway to
stop him?"
Jubilee just said, "If I remember right, a psyonic attack stopped
him, but the trick is getting the helmet he wears off."
Emma then said, "Which means we have to weaken him down someway.
Detain him until we can get Rich safe, and prepped for attack. I want
some of you to act as look outs. Monet..."
Mondo just watched as Monet said, "I shall help Yvette in your
place."
He noticed as Emma gave her a stern look and said, "No. You are
to act as both psychic and physical strength. I don't want you to help
in the mental healing of Rich." Mondo noticed that Monet appeared to be
fumming at this, but the shouting didn't start as the machines
monitoring Rich went off again. He noticed as Yvette started to loose
consciousness, but Emma just said, "Oh no. She won't be able to handle
everything. I better get in there." But Mondo noticed as Yvette
appeared to have passed out. She was no longer part of the real world.
Yvette realized it the second she entered her lover's mind. Emma
wasn't there. She hoped she could get back. She wondered what she
would see. Soon she was in the memory Rich was reliving. He was a
teenager. She watched as he was in a room she hadn't seen before, but
something about it seemed familiar. She watched as he looked in awe and
said, "I didn't know they had a boy. I wonder if we could be friends."
She watched as he walked over to a book that was open on top of a
bookcase. He looked like he was looking over the words. "I wish I
could read French better." Yvette felt herself tremble. French was
Monet's native language, which meant that it was also Emplate's native
tounge.
She noticed as he smiled. He must have recognized a word. He
just said, "This must be that Lovecraft story. Maybe I can make it
out." She watched as he started to turn the pages, but he became a
little more perplexed. He then said, "That's weird, there's nothing
after this page." She watched as he lifted the book and looked under
it. "Journal? Is this thing a diary? It can't be. Those names are
fiction." She noticed that he started to shake a bit as he placed the
book down.
She heard a female voice shout out, "Richard, what are you doing
in here?" She turned as he did to face an African woman.
He looked upset as he said, "I was just walking the hall when I
saw the room. I didn't know you had a son. Will I get to meet him?"
She looked at him and said, "I don't think so. He spends alot of
time with his father. Besides, I don't think he would appreciate you in
here, and he knows what people do." She noticed Rich swallowed as if it
scared him. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, this will be our secret,
now would you like to help me with the twins. I need to make some
dinner, and I want you to keep an eye on them."
She watched as he smiled and said, "Alright, I'll look after the
girls. I think little Monet likes when I play my flute." She realized
it then. Rich never met Emplate, but somehow, some way, he knew Monet's
family. Then another thought hit her mind, what bothered Rich about
the journal. When she focused on that thought, she was out of Rich's
memory. She openned her eyes and she was back in reality. Everyone
just looked at her.
Emma was the first one to ask the question, "Yvette, what
happened?"
Before anyone else asked, she quickly bolted out of the room. She
needed an answer to the question of the journal. She heard Emma and the
others following her. She ignored their questions. She needed to find
an answer. She ran directly for Rich's room in the boy's dorm. When
she entered it, she ran right to his desk. She noticed him writing in a
book once, and he told her that it was his journal, and she could only
look in it if he was unconscious, or if he was around. He was
unconscious. However, she had to do something first. She quickly
turned on his tape player, and the music was playing. It was something
New Age. She then opened the journal. The music had a calming effect
as she reached a page. On it was, "July 5. Just discovered the
identity of my great-grandfather's cousin. I would never have pegged
the character actually existed. I wonder if Derceto and the other
places in the series are real as well. To think that my search into
this would have been spawned by that journal long ago. I wish I knew
who owned that journal, but something makes me wish I don't want to
know. This is a dangerous topic."
She closed the book as she heard Emma say, "What did you find out,
Yvette?" She turned only to see Emma there. Before she could ask, Emma
said, "I had them get ready in case Juggernaut arrives, now what's up."
Yvette sighed and said, "I don't know how to explain it. Rich was
in a room I never saw before, but I knew of it. He looked around, and
found some stuff. He remarked that he wish he knew French. Then an
African woman came in, scolded him for being in the room. It was her
son's room."
Yvette could see the concern in Emma's eyes as she said, "Was
it...." She didn't want to say the rest of the question. Yvette
understood why.
Yvette nodded and said, "The woman asked for his help keeping an
eye on her girls. One was named Monet." She heard Emma gasp. She then
said, "I think that there is more to it. Rich started keeping a
journal, after seeing Emplate's, not knowing it was Emplate. Let me
show you something." She motioned Emma over as she started up Rich's
computer. After it started up, she put a CD-Rom in and the game
started. She then said, "Rich's journal said that his great
grandfather's cousin was the main character in this game. I'd have to
read more, but I don't want to. Rich told me only to open it if he was
unconscious or the unthinkable happened, and if I did open it, to be
playing anything New Ageish"
Emma looked at her and said, "I understand. Right now, shut his
computer off, hide that journal, and let's get back to the Med-Lab. If
Rich jumps into another memory, we don't want Monet fishing around in
there, especially if their families have met. There must have been a
reason they kept him and Emplate secret from each other."
Yvette thought about it for a while and then said, "Emma, the cat
must be the key. The cat must hold the answer to the riddle of how they
knew."
Emma just said to her, "Animal's supposedly have a sixth sense,
maybe. What did he call it?"
Yvette thought about it and then said, "Grimore. Strange name for
a cat."
Emma said, "I'll have Sean give Hank a call, maybe Hank can shed
some light on the cat." Yvette nodded. She knew Emma was right about
that. Now they had to get back to the Med-Lab, before Rich had another
mental attack.
Sean had been greatly puzzled by the current turn of events. It
seemed as if every jaunt that Yvette and Emma took into Rich's mind
meant more secrecy. He was getting tired of it and waited at the door
to the guy's dorm. He watched as Yvette and Emma left Rich's room. As
they walked toward him, he just held his hand, "Alright ladies. I'm
starting to get a little tired of all yur secrets. Everytime one or
both of you jaunt into Rich's mind, ye keep us in the dark."
He listened as Emma just said "I don't think you want to know all
that we discovered so far."
He looked at her sternly and said, "I don't care. If it means
anything, I shouldn't be kept in the dark." He noticed that Yvette
looked at him with a bit of worry in her eyes. This was something she
worried about. He just looked at her and said, "Yvette, ye got to know
that this could be something that affects the entire team."
She just looked at him and said, "Father, I think it would be
worse if we told everyone." This made him wonder if he wanted to know,
and if he should have done what he had done.
He looked at Emma and said, "I have a feeling I shouldn't have
asked Monet to observe his thoughts when his mind went into another
memory." He was almost knocked down as Yvette ran out of the building.
He noticed that Emma started to follow her. He quickly caught up with
her and said, "Ok, what's the problem?"
Emma just psyonically said, [We figure that Rich's family knew
Monet's family, and also, that both families went to great lengths to
keep the two boys apart.] Sean realized what that meant.
He just said, "You mean that....Saints perserve us." He ran as
fast he could to head off Monet. He then said, "Do you think that Monet
was aware of any of this?"
Emma just said, "I don't think so. I hope that she doesn't find
out about this. The twins might not take it too well." He nodded with
that. He followed as they ran into the main building where the med lab
was.
When they came upon the Med-Lab doors, Sean noticed as Monet was
pounding on the doors. He heard her yell, "Yvette, Sean asked me to
scan Rich's mind during the next attack. Let me in."
Sean just yelled, "Don't worry about it Monet, just start getting
ready if Juggernaut attacks. We need to be able to protect Rich."
Monet just looked at him and it just worried him. There was something
in the look she gave him, that worried him. He watched as she turned
and left. He sometimes wondered about the split mind that Monet had.
As they walked over to the Med-Lab doors, he could tell that an attack
had just started, and Yvette had taken control and delved in.
Emma looked in and said, "I guess we have only to wait. In the
meantime, there is something I'm wondering." He watched as she walked
over to the vid-phone.
He looked at the number she was dialing. "Calling Hank?" It was
a question that he already knew the answer to.
She nodded and soon enough, Hank's furry blue face appeared on the
screen. "Yes. Ah Hello Emma, Sean. How is everyone doing?"
Sean just said, "Everyone is fine except for Richard. He's fallen
ill with something called the Cale Delerium."
Hank just stroked his chin as he said, "I take it that it affects
the family members."
Emma just responded, "Yes Hank, but I want to ask you one question
about something? Richard is reliving past memories, and in a few is a
cat."
Hank's eyes lightened in recognition. "Ah yes, the feline
familiar." The term almost went over his head until Hank said, "Richard
said that family cat was an odd cat. He just never fathomed how right
he was."
Sean just looked at his friend in the X-Men and said, "What do you
mean, Hank?"
Hank just smiled and said, "You see, I looked into records from
the Cale's homeland. With each family member that was head of the
family, they are accompanied by a feline during the descriptions. The
feline is a familiar, bound to the family through the life of the
family. He had thought the cat was carefully replaced with an identical
cat, but it appears through out history."
Sean was a bit surprised at that. "Hank, are ye tell us that
Rich's family is some kind of warlocks?"
Hank shook his head and said, "No, I do not think that they are
Wicken, because the Cale's obviously have ties to the church. This
throws a puzzler on what their title is, but I can tell you the cat
means something. Ownership of the cat is like saying this is the head
of the family. I wish I could learn more about it."
Sean just smiled and said, "Well, Hank, thanks for the info." The
call ended and Sean sighed. He then turned to Emma and said, "You know,
the more we find out about Rich, the more I wonder which is tougher for
him, being a mutant or being a Cale."
He watched as Emma turned and said, "Well, maybe Yvette can tell
us what was on his mind this time. She just came out of the Med-Lab."
He openned the door to a private room and said, "Yvette, could you
come over here." He noticed that she looked at bit nervous. Something
deep down inside him wanted to not know what she had seen, but something
nagged at him. When she got into the room with him and Emma, he just
said, "What was on Rich's mind this time Yvette, that it has you
nervous?"
Yvette just said, "He was writing in his journal." He noticed
that Emma's eyes widen as if she knew what Yvette was talking about.
Sean looked at the both of them and said, "Care to let me in on
this?" He had to admit that the reaction to this news had him
intrequed. He wanted to know about this journal.
Emma just said, "This journal he's writing in is highly unusual.
Only other person who has looked into it was Yvette."
Yvette nodded and said, "He said he was in a town not to far from
here, when he saw something odd. He followed it from a distance, until
something happened, like it saw him. He retreated back to where his
folks were staying."
Sean looked at her and said, "Do you think it should be something
we should worry about?" She just shrugged. He didn't know what to
think. It was starting to turn out that Rich had more secrets than
Monet.
Jubilee looked over her boyfriend and Angelo as they searched the
room. "Do you guys honestly think this is a good idea? You don't even
know if Darrett can do it." Angelo had come up with the briliant idea
of using some of those collectable card game characters to have Darrett
create help. She didn't think it was too good.
Angelo just looked at her and said, "Chica, I used to play these
games with my cousins, and my friends. I think it might help tip the
scales in our favor."
Everett looked at her and said, "You have to admit, it might help
us stop Juggernaut if he gets here." He then turned to Angelo and said,
"Found some Magic cards."
Jubilee just shruged as the idea started to make some sense. "Ok,
let me look." She started searching through all the stuff in the room.
She had no idea what would be good for this plan.
She heard Angelo say, "Ok, found my Jyhad game, unopenned.
Probably some good creatures in there."
As she continued to search and found a box. She looked at it very
puzzled. "What's Mythos?" She was almost knocked over as Angelo sped
over to her.
Angelo looked at it and smiled. He motioned Everett over and
said, "Now this was the motherload of monsters. We should be able to
use one of these." Jubilee looked at one of the cards. For some
reason, the picture didn't give her much hope.
Everett looked at the same card and said, "Ang, you think Darrett
will be able to control these things?"
She notice that Angelo looked concerned as he said, "Not this one,
but maybe this one." She looked at the card and saw what looked like
something out of a bad monster movie, one where you could tell the guy
was wearing a rubber suit.
She started to wonder why she was having an odd feeling about
Angelo's plan. She then started to worry about Rich. She had a nagging
feeling to check on him. She just turned to Everett and Angelo and
said, "Hey guys, maybe we should check on Rich. I have this funny
feeling that we should check on him." They both nodded and they went
over to the med-lab.
When they reached the building and approached the med-lab, they
walked right into Emma, Sean and Penny coming out of a room. She heard
Angelo drop all his cards as he said, "Sorry. Didn't mean to run into
you."
Sean looked at them and said, "What's with all the cards?" She
didn't know if he already had an idea or not.
She watched as her boyfriend quickly came to the explination.
"Angelo had a clever idea. Use these creatures from the card games to
help us agains't Juggernaut."
Emma looked at them and said, "I take it then that you were on
your way to see Darrett."
She nodded and then heard Penny gasp. She looked at her surogate
sister as she knelt down and picked up one of the fallen cards. "This
is it," was all she said. It was the same card with what she thought
was a guy in and ugly suit. She noticed that there seemed to be like a
psychic talk between Emma and Penny.
When it was over, Emma turned that card over and looked at the
back. She then said, "Alright. I want all of these cards right now. I
don't want you having Darrett try to summon anything from these cards."
After hearing that, she noticed that Angelo seemed reluctant about
handing the cards over.
She watched as he started to argue, "Emma, these things are fake.
They're not real."
Sean just said, "They may not be real, but do you know how
powerful they are." Jubilee just watched as Angelo shook his head. He
didn't know.
She heard a sound and turned her head. She saw the door to the
med-lab close. She didn't like that. "Ummm.. who just went in the med
lab?" She noticed a scared look crossed Penny's face, as well as Emma's
and Sean's.
She head Sean go, "Oh no. She didn't." The three ran for the
door to the med-lab, and she, Everett and Angelo followed. When they
got to the door, they found the door was locked, and Monet was sitting
near Rich, as if she didn't see them at the door. She then heard Sean
go, "We got to get in there before...." Jubilee watched as the
machine's monitoring Rich came to life. Instead of Emma and Penny, this
time Monet would be in Rich's mind, and that idea unnerved Penny, Emma,
and Sean. For some reason, it was unnerving her as well.
Sean was about to use a scream when Jubilee held up her hand. She
had an idea. "I might be able to pick this lock. Besides, we might
need the door in one piece later." She noticed as Sean nodded, and she
began trying to pick the lock.
Monet was struggling to get control of her body back. She didn't
know what Claudette was going to try, but she had to stop her sister.
She noticed that instead of being in the confines of their mind, they
were in a house. She then heard her sister mutter, "Damn. This isn't
home. I thought that punk had been in our house." She quickly came up
behind her sister and grabbed her. She started to struggle as she said,
"Trying to control me again, Monet. You can't hold be back forever."
Monet pushed her sister down and then noticed that they were at
the top of a stairwell, where a young Rich was looking down. He had a
book by him. She had her sister pinned as she said, "Well, it looks
like you were wrong sister."
She heard voices from below and Claudette looked at her and said,
"But maybe I did find something. Listen." She noticed her sister had
an evil grin on her face. Monet didn't like that grin one bit.
She had to regain control. "I will, but first." She started the
mental merger, so she would appear to be a 16 year old, in case Emma
jumped in. She knew Claudette had locked the door, but they would find
a way in.
When she finally merged, she heard a voice shout, "You'll never
get that book, Marsh. We know what you plan to do with it, and we even
managed to get hold of the land."
She heard another voice say, "You're family won't hold the book
forever." This voice sounded unearthly. "I know that one day, your son
will hold your title, and your company. I doubt he will be as wise as
you on the book in question. He doesn't even understand what your
family is, despite what your father tried to teach him. Besides, he'll
think I'm one like him." She saw a figure move towards the door. She
then noticed that Rich backed away from the railing. She saw why. It
appeared the man was a mutant, all scaly with a malformed face. He then
said, "He won't suspect that I am a hybrid, not a mutant." He turned
and left and she saw Rich head toward a room.
She wanted to follow, but she felt herself being yanked out of the
memory psyonicly. When she blinked, Emma was staring her straight in
the face, obvoiusly upset. "Monet St. Croix. Can you explain
disobeying an order, and locking us out of this room, when we needed to
be in here at the time."
Monet quietly swallowed and said, "I was wondering if I might be
able to help. I thought you would try and stop me from helping, so I
locked the door. I meant no harm."
She noticed that Emma's expression didn't change. Emma just said,
"What is happening in Rich's mind is that he is reliving the past. A
past he has forgotten. A past he doesn't want to truely remember. It
might be disturbing to him, and you might have done something,
inadvertently, to damage his memories. I must ask this, what did you
see?"
Monet quietly gulped as she said her answer. The sight had
unnerved her abit. "It was a man. He looked like a mutant, but he said
he was a hybrid. He was talking to Rich's parents about a book and
something else."
She noticed everyone was looking at her in disbelief, until she
heard Angelo say, "Monet, did he look something like this?" He showed
her a card. She almost gasped in disbelief. It was the same exact
image, and the last name was the name mentioned. She nodded, and Angelo
said, "Umm, Emma, I'm starting to get major freaked out."
Emma looked at the card, and Monet understood Angelo's fears. She
listened as Emma said, "Angelo, I think you better ditch the card idea,
and give just these cards to me. Monet. I want you to go and prepare
yourself for a battle with Juggernaut. Yvette and I shall stay here.
Everyone else, start keeping an eye out. He may arrive any minute."
She then faced her and said, "Monet, do not try this again. It for the
best of everyone. I plan to talk to Rich about this when he recovers."
She nodded and left the room with the others. She noticed that Sean
went with Angelo, Jubilee and Everett.
As she headed to the grotto, she heard Claudette say, [A book.
Hybrid. I wonder if it has anything to do with Marius' journal.]
Claudette had a way of doing that to her. Monet started to focus on
repressing Claudette, but she wasn't trying anything, right now.
As they walked with Sean, Everett couldn't help but wonder what
was unnerving about the memory Monet had observed. He decided to ask
the question. "Sean, what's going on? What is getting you worried?"
He heard Sean sigh. It didn't sound like he wanted to hear an
explaination.
Sean just said, "We are finding alot out about Rich's family, and
it is starting to worry us. I think it's why he wanted to get away from
his home life. Ironically, some of what he's seen in real life, we are
only seeing in pictures, like those cards you had Angelo."
He noticed as Angelo swallowed quietly. "I know. It's kind of
unnerving knowing that stuff exists. How does Rich manage to cope
knowing this stuff exists."
Everett listened as Sean just said, "Cause it intrests his family.
I don't even know if he realizes that he still has the intrest as deep
as it is."
Everett felt abit confused at this. He looked at Sean and said,
"Sean, it sounds like he's trying to run away from his problems, but
he's running back to them."
Sean just said, "Everett, the truth of the matter is, he's not
even aware he's running back to them. He's in an odd bliss about what
is going on. He's not aware that he's heading back into what he strived
to leave, but that isn't important as the oncoming threat. Jubilee, I
want you here to help in delaying Juggernaut." Everett felt his heart
fall. He was worried that Jubilee would get hurt.
He quickly looked at her and saw the same feeling in her eyes. He
then said, "Sean, I'd like to stay and help here." Everett noticed how
Jubilee looked at him when he said that. It was filled half with worry,
half with relief.
Sean just looked at the two of them and said, "Alright, just start
training with Monet. I'll be sending Darrett over there soon." Everett
turned and left with Jubilee.
As they left the building, he heard her say, "Ev, you didn't have
to stay. Juggernaut's as tough as they come."
He just looked at her and told her the truth. "I want to stay. I
felt bad when I happened upon you after Soundwave caught you. And what
Emma said you were living out, it made me feel worse. I don't want
anything like that to happen to you." The second he stopped speaking,
she hugged him. He knew right then she understood his reasons. From
there, they just walked to the Grotto.
Darrett just sat in his room. He knew he would probably stay
behind to fight, not do the recon. He looked over the catalog he had
made. Most of his time that he was alone, he spent writing down names
of villians in literature. He had found many name, hoping he could
control all of them. Now he was faced with a problem. This Juggernaut
was mean and powerful, which meant he might need power to help the team.
However, the only things he could bring forth that could seriously
detain this foe was way out of his control. He looked to the pages
contain grunt like creatures, henchmen with little intelegence. He
frown at what he saw. The only one that he felt would handle the job,
might turn on him. After that man he summoned once, Emma forbid him to
summon something he couldn't control. His thoughts were interupted when
he heard someone knock on his door. He closed his book and said, "Come
in." He looked up to see Sean and Angelo enter the room. He looked at
Sean and said, "I take it you want me to help fight."
He watched as Sean nodded and said, "Aye. But can ye congure
something that we know will help?" It was the same question he was
pondering.
He then heard Angelo add, "Nothing from Quake." It sounded odd,
but then he thought of the pages he was looking at. It fit together for
some reason.
Darrett stood up and said, "I think I might be able to do
something, but it might not help much. I could summon a few minor grunt
like characters. Hopefully, they can keep this Juggernaut character
detained." He had a few in mind.
Sean looked at him and said, "Anything that can keep him detained
for a bit. We want to minimize the risk to Rich by possible moving him
before Juggernaut gets in the door."
Darrett shruged. "Not unless you want it attacking us. I wish I
could give you more."
Sean looked at him and said, "That's alright. I want ye to get to
the grotto and train abit. This is one of the toughest advisaries that
Gen X has ever gone up against, so I want ye prepared. The rest art
going to do recon." He nodded, and understood his role. He left with
Sean and Angelo. He was still perplexed by the comment Angelo made, but
that would have to wait.
Emma sat in the chair opposite Yvette. They had been waiting for
a while for the next memory in Rich's mind. She still held the cards
that she had confiscated from Angelo. She eyed them with what she could
only call an unnerving wonder. Did such beings exist, or were they the
creation of an author who was called the master of horror by Stephen
King. What worried her more was that that almost all the stories he
wrote were about the are of New England, near where the school was. She
was thankful when Yvette finally said, "Emma, I'm scared. Juggernaut,
and now all this. I wish I could understand it all."
Emma looked at Yvette and said, "I wish I could say I could, but I
fear the only one who can is shutting it all out because he doesn't want
to accept it. It's very scary to think that this is the truth."
Yvette gave her a questionable look as she said, "What do you
mean?"
Emma sighed and said, "In my younger day, I read a few books. One
of them was writen by this man." She handed Yvette one of the cards.
"He wrote very gripping and terrifing novels of horror. His work has
spawned many things, however I fear that he wasn't writing fiction. I
fear he was........" She never got to finish the sentence. The devices
went off again. She looked at Yvette and said, "Get ready."
Yvette just nodded and soon they were in Rich's mind. She looked
around the room and noticed something she was hoping that only they
might glimpse. It was the room of two twin girls, both infants. She
faced the door and saw Rich being pushed into the room by a woman of
African decent. Almost instantly, she knew what she was going to
experience. She just watched as the woman said, "Richard, what ever you
do, do not open the door for anyone except me or my husband. Do you
understand?" She watched as he nodded. He was a bit shook up.
Yvette just stared in disbelief as she went, "Oh no. What's
happening?" They both watched as Rich listen through an almost closed
door. She then heard the screams of anguish. It was a death wail. She
noticed the fear in Rich's movements as he slammed the door.
Emma held Yvette and said, "This is what happened to Monet's
mother. Rich was the only witness to it. He just never knew it." They
watched as Rich barricaded the door with a dresser. He was moving with
the energy of a scared man. They watched as he ran with both girls in
his arms.
As they followed him into a closet, Emma heard Rich say, "Don't
worry, little ones. I'll keep both of you safe." She heard the one
baby start to cry. She saw Rich hold the baby and coo into it's ear.
"Hush little Monet. You'll be ok. It will all be ok. I'll keep you
and Claudette safe until someone saves us."
As the scene continued to play, she heard a man shouting. Emma
recognized the voice. It was Cartier St. Croix, and he was yelling at
someone. "Cartier arrived almost last minute. He was too late to save
his wife."
Yvette looked at her and said, "But he saved Rich. I wish I know
how the two families knew." She still watched as Rich held the two
twins in his arms.
Emma was about to give the only answer she had when a third voice
just said, "Well, if you wanted to know that, why didn't you ask
earlier." They both turned to look at a ghostly figure looking at the
two of them.
Yvette didn't recognize the figure, but Emma did. She had seen
the figure before, in the first memory she saw in Rich's mind. She
looked at the figure and said, "You're Rich's grandfather, at least his
spirit."
Yvette looked at Emma and said, "Is he a ghost?"
The man just laughed and said, "In a way, child. I would like to
thank you both for helping my grandson. He's on the road to recovery.
Now, you wanted to know about how the two families knew each other?"
Emma just looked at the figure and said, "You mean you aren't part
of Rich's mind."
"Nope, I'm the real deal. Now do you want to know some answers.
It might help you understand everything better. It will take Rich a few
hours to recover. The poor boy's been really running the gauntlet
here." She looked at Yvette who was utterly facinated by the gentleman.
The man looked at her and smiled. Emma didn't know what to think, until
the man said, "Well, I don't believe it. I remember you."
That was it. Emma just said, "Alright. You have got our
attention now. Care to fill us in." The figure just smiled, and once
again, they were on the astral plane, but sitting at a table.
*************************************************
Paige stood with Jono on the one side of the street. She was
scared and nervous. Emplate would be one thing, but this was someone
they had no idea of what could happen. She then heard Jono say, {I
think this is going to be a rough problem.}
Paige looked at him with concern in her eyes. "How bad of a
problem?"
She watched as Jono looked around and said, {We can't detain him
in town, not if he's coming through. I just hope we can detain him a
bit at the target area.}
Paige knew what he meant. Before they came out here, Sean and
Angelo had deviced a cunning plan. They would be the look outs, while
Daria and Mondo set up the first section of detaining Juggernaut. Then
it would be Jubilee's teams turn. "Think this will work? Ah mean with
what we are up against."
She felt Jono put his arms around her as he look into her eyes and
said, {I hope it does, cause when we left, both Yvette and Emma were out
of it, and apparently are still out of it.}
She thought back to that, but was distracted when she heard the
shouting. She knew what it meant. She turned in the direction to see a
large form heading straight toward them. She and Jono just looked at
each other, and ran in the direction of the target area. It was a
stretch of road leading to the school. As they ran, Paige hit her
communicator and said, "Banshee. He's on his way. He's heading for the
first defense."
Over the same com line, she head Banshee reply. "Alright Husk.
Skin will get ye and Chamber out of the way. Ye all know what to do
in case he tries to change course once he's in the trap." She looked at
Jono and he nodded.
She reported over the com unit, "Chamber's ready." At that point,
they passed under a tree and she felt Skin grab hold of her and Chamber.
As he lifted the two up, she saw Juggernaut striding down the road.
As Chamber prepared, she watched as Juggernaut continued past
them. She had finally seen this advisary for the first time. Just by
his size, she figured that her husking ability would be of little help.
She watched as he continued straight down the road, toward the school.
Soon, the air was shattered by a sonic scream. She watched as
Juggernaut just looked up and laughed. "You think that puny sound is
gonna stop me."
She watched as Banshee just hovered there and said, "Ye ain't
gonna hurt the lad, Cain. We won't let ye."
"I don't plan on hurting him. I plan on killing him. Besides,
who's we. You and Xavier's puny X-Men." She noticed that Juggernaut
was starting to reach for a tree. She realized that he was going to use
it as a bat.
Almost on cue, Chamber let out a blast of energy. She saw
Juggernaut look in their direction. She look him square in the eye an
said, "We're Generation X." As Juggernaut looked at them, she saw Daria
come up behind him, with sledge hammers for hands.
As the scene continued, Paige watched as Daria hit him with both
hammers. Juggernaut just looked at her and said, "That tickled. Let me
show you how to hit someone." He punched her so hard that she went
flying. As Juggernaut laughed, she watched the ground shake. Soon,
Mondo surged up from the ground, sending Juggernaut falling down. She
watched as he caught Daria.
Paige realized what was happen when Juggernaut fell. He had
grabbed a hold of a tree and spun around, hitting Banshee, Daria and
Mondo, and finally connecting with the tree that she, Chamber and Skin
were in. She lost her balance and almost fell out, were Skin was
holding onto both the tree and Chamber. As they clung there, she
watched as Juggernaut continued to the school. While she could still
reach, she hit her com badge and said, "Jubilee. He's heading your way.
I hope you have a plan."
After Jubilee heard that Juggernaut was coming, she quickly
thought it out. She had sent Monet to the Med-Lab, as the last line of
defense. She had led both Synch and Darrett to the main room. She and
Synch had taken spots on the upper level looking down at the door, while
Darrett was standing on the lower level. Hiding in the shadows was the
surprise they all had prepared for Juggernaut. She looked across the
room and said, "Ready Synch." He looked at her and nodded. She then
looked down at Darrett and said, "Think they can handle this."
The boy looked at her and said, "I hope so. They're mindless
drones. They won't rebel." That helped her confidence. She was
nervous how well that part of the plan would work.
She found out how soon she would find out as the door came
crashing down, and the huge meanace just said, "Knock knock. I'm here."
She and Synch were almost letting lose paffing him. She just
yelled, "You're not going any farther, Juggie."
She watched as he went to shield his eyes and shouted, "You again.
Is Logan here protecting you again, or did you leave that loser." She
felt her fury building, but she held it in check. If she lost her
temper, she'd be of no use.
She then saw the shadows move, and the huge armored creature
started towards Juggernaut. She then heard Darrett shout, "This is the
end of your mad quest, Juggernaut."
Jubilee was startled when as one of the creature that had gotten
close to Juggernaut was pummeled into pieces with one punch. He just
yelled, "I don't need my eyes to take these out." She watched as he
grabbed a claw from one of them and threw it at Darrett. It openned up
and pinned him to a wall. She saw the disbelief on his face.
She quickly yelled to Synch, "Fall back," but it was too late as
Juggernaut pounded the other two creatures and threw the claws in the
same way. Soon, they were all pinned to the walls.
As she struggle to move her arms, Juggernaut just continue on,
saying, "Was fun playing with you all, but I have a score to settle" He
started laughing and continued on.
She then remembered that Darrett had summoned the creatures.
"Darrett, why don't you unsummon theses things, so we can stop him."
She was distressed to hear him say. "I've been trying. It's as
if once they are no more, they can't be unsummoned. Would make sense
then." She realized what that meant. They had to wait until someone
got them down. That also meant that all that stood between Juggernaut
and Skitz was M.
*************************************************
Yvette sat at the table as the image of Rich's grandfather said,
"So you want to know about the families. I'll tell you a little bit."
She was overwelmed by some of it, but she felt she needed to know.
Emma then said, "Yes, how did both the Cale's and the St. Croix's
know each other?" This was one of the key questions in her mind as
well. She wondered how Rich's parents and Monet's parents knew each
other.
The figure just said, "Well, it goes back a long way. You see,
the Cale's and the St. Croix's are part of a few families that try and
preserve the good of the world. Out of all the families, there are
three families which are considered the high figures. The Cale's and
the St. Croix's are two of them. For the past centuries, the families
have been trying to protect the world from those who would destroy it,
be they natural or supernatural, human or mutant, terrestial or
extraterrestrial. Our family has been knights of honor, Paladins."
Yvette look at him and said, "You mean that Rich will be this
Paladin thing." This somewhat blew her away.
The figure nodded and then said, "Someday, but I hope not before
the time arrives. You see, the patriarch of the Cale's, or the Paladin,
at the end of one hundred years, had to always fight a figure know as
Apocalypse. Apocalypse always left weakened, where the Paladin always
died soon afterward. I fear if Rich went into the battle, he would not
be able to survive, and the family line would cease to be."
Yvette was petrified when she heard that. She then asked a
question that was on both her's and Emma's mind. "How did you know
about Emplate?" The figure looked at her and she then said, "Monet St.
Croix's brother."
The figure then frowned and said, "I always feared that the two
would find out about each other. I don't think they have yet. You see,
when Rich was just a baby, we visited the St. Croix's. We all did not
know how Marius would turn out. It wasn't until Grimore reacted that we
knew that the child was evil."
Emma then said, "So, that's why the two were kept apart, to keep
Rich safe." Yvette now understood alot about what had happened. The
cat was special.
She then remembered what he said before they were at the table.
It puzzled her and she needed to know. "Sir, you said that you
remembered me. How?"
The ghostly figure looked at her and said, "When you were very
young, maybe 2, I was in Yugoslavia with my family on business. Rich
and you both met there. I also never saw Grimore so content. I kept in
touch with your family, until the day I died. I was upset when they
joined a few years afterword. They said that their daughter was taken
by a monster."
She heard Emma say, "The same monster that took her, is the same
one you tried to protect Rich from."
Yvette watched as the figure was saddened by this. "This is
truely upsetting. How could all we tried to keep the children seperate
manage to pull then back together."
Yvette just said, "Because it happened that way. If it wasn't for
Rich, I would still be afraid, still have no control over my ability.
Without Rich, I would not feel safe. I'd be alone."
The figure looked at her in almost surprise. He just said,
"That's why Grimore was so content around you. He...." The figure
stopped and then said, "You must go. Rich is in trouble, and you need
to stop who's attacking."
Emma looked at her, and she knew what she was going to say. "He's
here." Almost instantaniously, they were back in the Med-Lab. Yvette
looked out the window in horror as she saw Monet fighting the massive
man in armor. She was scared. She then heard Emma say, "Penance.
Skitz's vitals are stablizing. If we hold Juggernaut back long enough,
Skitz will be able to fight." She tensed up to be ready, and at that
moment, M came crashing through the window.
Cain Marko had finally reached his goal. This Generation X group
was more pitiful that Xavier's X-Men, but he had to settle the score.
He had just sent the African girl into the med lab and then entered
where he saw his quarry laying on a bed. Then he was Emma Frost, with
one other girl, who obviously was primed to fight. "Is this another
pathetic attempt to stop me? You should know by now you can't stop me."
The African girl came back at him with another punch, right at his
helmet. He now understood why they were focusing on his helmet. "I
ain't letting you pull any of your mind tricks on me." He grabbed the
girl and threw her right at Emma Frost. He then saw the other girl come
charge at him, with a sharp claw. He was startled when it glowed. He
wasn't expecting that to happen. He was still confident that the claw
wouldn't do anything. Then he felt it. He looked at he side of his arm
and saw the cuts. The armor was sliced clean through. "You bitch. I
get you for cutting my arm."
She turned to face him and said, "That ain't all that's cut." He
then felt then. His helmet felt lighter. He then heard a clang as it
hit the floor. He was furious. He glanced quick at Emma and the other
girl. Both were out. He then heard a voice shout. [I won't let you
hurt him.] He looked at the girl. She was trying to stop him.
He looked at her and said, "You may have the power to cut the
armor, but you can't stop me, not even with mind tricks." He smiled
when a crest fallen look crossed her face. She backed up near the bed.
He started to approach. "First, I squash him for Black Tom, then I'll
break you."
He then saw something that startled him more than the glowing
claw. He saw the boy's eyes open up, and glowing. He couldn't move.
He glanced at Emma and the other girl. Still both out, which meant that
the boy was doing it. He then heard the boy say [I won't let you hurt
her. You can threaten me, but not my love. I won't have you hurting
anyone else today.]
Then Cain Marko felt a sharp stabbing pain rip through his mind.
When it passed, he couldn't remember where he was. He looked around the
room, stunned. All he could say was, "Where am I?"
Richard Cale laid on the bed in the Med-Lab. All he remembered
was falling ill on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Now he had mentally
stopped a madman in armor. He had no idea why that guy was there, but
the person was threatenining his love. He felt Yvette hug him. He
looked to face her and said, "Hello love. What happened while I was
ill?"
She didn't get to answer him, when he heard Emma say, "Rich,
you're awake, but where's Juggernaut." He was confused by this
statement.
He then heard Yvette say. "Rich stopped him. He came through
just at the nick of time."
Now he was totally confused. "Can someone please tell me what
happened?"
Yvette took his hand and gave it a slight squeeze. "You fell ill
with the Cale Delerium, and mention about Black Tom. Juggernaut, who
you took care of, came for revenge." Rich felt himself go pale.
He then realized what that meant. "What about the others? Are
they ok?"
Emma just looked at all who was in the room, and said, "We better
check on them."
Yvette just looked at them and said, "I'll stay here. I want to
talk to Rich for a bit." He watched as Emma nodded and left the room
with Monet. When the two were gone, he heard Yvette say {I had to tell
Emma and Sean about your journal.}
He looked at her, a little bit scared. That journal was a listing
of eerie truths, at least he believed they were truths. {What did they
say about it?}
She frown and said, {A bit discomforting, since some of the towns
you mentioned aren't far from here.} He sighed. He hoped that the
journal would never be seen. He didn't mind Yvette seeing it, but
knowing Sean and Emma knew about it was discomforting. Yvette then said
to him {My love, Emma and Sean swore not to tell anyone. Hopefully you
find all to be false.}
He looked at her and held her close. He just said, {Hopefully,
that will be true. I'm scared if the diary proves to be true. I have
writen many things in that diary, and I always convinced myself that
they were all my overactive imagination. I pray that it is.}
Fade out...
