Fanged Butterfly, Vol. 1: Chapter 3 by Phil Hartman DISCLAIMER: They're Marvel's (so far). No money is being made off of this. Etc. NOTE: Some harsh language, intimations of violence, and angst - here be teenagers, so hence the angst. Also, AU ... -------------------------------------------- Betsy Braddock had been mind-controlled, almost violated by a psychotic cross-time version of her own brother, and even died and been reborn not just twice, but apparently three times (and counting, she suspected). Still, looking into what was to have been her own casket was ... unique, even for her. #I did have a certain beauty, certainly - but that bloody Crimson Dawn mark was just ... garish,# the British telepath - and having to remember to shield her thoughts was still going to take some getting used to, she reminded herself - thought, looking down at the form which had housed her consciousness for the better part of six years. Formerly the mortal shell of the Hand assassin Kwannon, the Asian woman was laid out in a casket on the west lawn of the Braddocks' estate, while rows of now-rather-pointless folding chairs stretched out behind where Betsy stood with her brother Brian and his wife Meggan. There was supposed to have been a wake, and brief funeral, later today, for Betsy, but since Franklin Richards had accidentally reincarnated her the day before, the Braddocks were trying to decide what to do about the whole affair. That didn't mean that Betsy was going to fail to appreciate the body that had housed her. She - in Kwannon's body - had aged rather well, whether in spite of or because of the beauty Kwannon had possessed. The Crimson Dawn tattoo *was* rather garish, marring most of the left side of the body's face, Betsy admitted. It hadn't been nearly as painful as the marring it had left on her soul - and the fact that that was gone from her spirit, with her telekinetic power, was just one of the mysteries Betsy still wanted an answer for. Franklin had been at a loss as to why or how he'd "failed" to transfer the Crimson Dawn mark and its powers to Betsy's new form ... not that she was complaining. "McKillian's did a good job with the body. We really should do something about this - I don't suppose we could have them carve a stone for Kwannon and just claim her as a distant cousin, could we?" Betsy asked, her once-more Caucasian face scrunched up in frustration at the whole affair. #I hardly begrudge being alive again, but we usually don't have details like this to handle - we rarely leave corpses behind when we die. And how odd is it to be THAT blase' about the affair?# Betsy thought. "It might be easier to do that, but ask Franklin or Amanda to whip up a stone. I shudder to think of the paperwork we'll have to deal with at the M.E.'s office - and that in Valencia. Not that I'm sorry to have you back, of course," Brian said, still wearing the same schoolboy grin on his face that he'd had all morning. His glee and wonder were infectious, Betsy had to admit, both because they were once more psychically linked and because she couldn't help but be happy. Breathing again had that effect on a woman, she figured, just before the air parted behind the family and they turned to see a group of formally-dressed young people appear. "Whoa. Illyana, are you SURE we're in the right timeline?" the red-headed Caucasian girl at the front of the group asked, her eyes widening as she looked at the Braddocks, then at her companions. "Yes, Summers - I *told* you I scryed your boyfriend doing something wacky with Ms. Braddock. I just never thought it'd be reincarnating her," a blonde girl among the crowd taunted, with a faint trace of Russian accent in her English. "Rachel! Illyana! Welcome, all of you - and yes, Franklin did put me back in a physical form. Suffice it to say that I am really me, and I'll be happy to take any tests you wish to prove it," Betsy said, smiling as several of the second team of New Mutants approached her and her family. "I know it's you, Betsy - that mental signature and down-to-earth attitude are impossible to duplicate," Rachel said, returning Betsy's smile as they hugged. The psionic girl's smile turned shy as Frank Richards walked out of Braddock Manor, followed by Kitty Pryde and Kurt and Amanda Wagner. "Ray! `Yana! WAY too long, you guys - hey, everyone," Kitty said, beaming when Rachel hugged her, followed by Illyana. Illyana smirked as Rachel and Frank nodded at one another, then shyly smiled and started to chat softly. "SINCE our Fearless Leadress is indulging her ubermench-godling addiction, I'll intro the rest of the crowd, or at least those you probably haven't met in a while," Illyana said loudly, grinning perversely as Rachel and Frank blushed. The Siberian teleporter motioned the rest of the young people forward, then nodded when a brown-haired white boy shook Betsy's hand. "Welcome back, Aunt Betsy," Charles Lehnsherr said, his blue eyes twinkling. "I got a call from Mom about what happened - I hope you've called Ororo's team." "It's definitely on my list. They were incommunicado in Hong Kong, however," Betsy said, half-smiling as the other member of the party stepped forward shyly with widening blue eyes. "Wow. Welcome back. You're - young - again, Aunt Betsy," Nathan Summers said, running a hand nervously over his buzzed brown and white hair. The 10-year-old extended a hand carefully toward Betsy, his nervous smile growing as she took it and clasped his wrist gently. "We can't always choose our age when we're reborn, Nathan - and it's good to see you. You've certainly grown," Betsy said, pulling Nate carefully into a brief hug - she could sense his warm, if confused, happiness, and didn't want to embarrass him. "Thanks. Is that really Kwannon's body?" Nate asked, blushing a bit. Betsy nodded, then let him approach the casket, as Rachel and Frank walked over to him. Frank and Nate exchanged a friendly greeting, and Rachel put a hand on Nate's shoulder as he looked at what remained of Kwannon. #Sibling protection ... he's grown braver, though. I can hardly fault the boy for being wary - but none of them are small children anymore, either,# Betsy reminded herself, smiling faintly as she watched Rachel smile at Frank as he and Nate chatted. Both teens looked more comfortable than they had before, but Rachel looked embarrassed as she met Betsy's gaze. ~For heaven's sake, Rachel, enjoy your time with the boy! He cares for you as deeply as you care for him, after all, and I'm hardly going to keel over *again.* If there's anything to be learned from this whole affair, it's to make hay while the sun shines - at least, within legal limits,~ Betsy sent, winking a t her fellow telepath. ~I know, Betsy - but I just didn't want to seem rude. I mean, we were coming to your funeral, and now it's a celebration, and I'm hanging off of Frank like some empty-headed seventh-grader!~ Rachel sent, blushing. ~Well, dear, you're only just entering eighth grade. And I can hardly fault you for being clingy - by the by, I promise, I have no untoward aims where dear Franklin's concerned, Brian's smart remarks notwithstanding. I owe Franklin for reviving me, but it's strictly friendship,~ Betsy replied, sending to Frank as well this time, with a briefly naughty grin. Frank and Rachel both blushed, but they looked relieved - until Illyana cackled wickedly and blurted, "So, the great and terrible ex-ninja queen is renouncing her claim, huh?" "For a teleporting sorceress who's going through adolesence for a second time, you're unusually insightful, Ms. Rasputin," Betsy shot back, crossing her arms and regarding Illyana. The Siberian shrugged, then just smiled too sweetly and asked, "I was curious, Betts - with a miraculous return, shouldn't there be an archangel?" "'YANA!" Rachel and Kitty both snapped, looking outraged (Rachel) and aghast (Kitty) in various measures. Betsy just sighed, then raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. "I've been a bit busy dealing with the whole living affair to call my erstwhile ex. I was curious, though - no X-Men came with you?" Betsy asked. Rachel and Nate exchanged nervous looks, while Illyana coughed and rolled her eyes, and Chuck sighed from where he and Kitty were chatting. "Mom's watching over Uncle Hank - he's becoming a giant *cat*, thanks to Sage, and he's still relearning how to use his hands. She sends her condolences, as did Uncle Hank - he could really use a call, Aunt Betsy - and the Professor had to wait for some special parts for Cerebra. Dad and Logan had to go to Australia on some emergency, and Bobby, Piotr, and Jubilee were investigating some weird mutant disappearances - Cecilia's not answering her phone," Rachel said, her voice growing nervous. "Mmm. That is odd - Cecilia usually returns calls," Betsy mulled aloud, specifically not mentioning that Rachel had avoided talking about Warren. She smiled, then, and added, "Well, if Warren can't be bothered to make a wake, then it's certainly not the fault of any of you." The teens and Nate almost visibly relaxed, until Betsy's eyebrows rose and she added, "What was that about Hank becoming a giant *cat*?" ---------------------------------------------- "HENRY P. MCCOY! What in the BLOODY hell are you doing growing a SNOUT!?" Hank started - he was still getting used to having super-sharp senses - and looked up from his bed as Illyana, the Summers kids, Chuck, and Frank Richards appeared from thin air - - with an impossible traveling companion. "Betsy. OhmyGod. Oh - Franklin? Cerebra had detected something odd in Australia besides that poor mutant who'd been attacked by that Sentinel, but - you're alive. And Caucasian, again," Hank said, blinking as Betsy stared at him in surprise. "I sort of revived her, Dr. McCoy - wow. No offense, but you really are becoming feline," Frank said, blushing as he and the other kids waved or nodded at the Beast. "I'm just glad you're alive - how did Sage cause THIS to happen? If this is some kind of garish secondary mutation, I'll slap that ridiculous woman silly," Betsy growled, hugging Hank carefully. "Well, don't slap her too hard. She `jumpstarted' me, from what she told me - caused my powers to reach their next level," Hank said, trying not to smile too ferally. Betsy really *did* smell good - and it was her, somehow, he knew - and it wouldn't do to be putting the moves on a dear friend - especially one who'd been so close to Neal not that long ago. ~Well, I'm flattered, Henry, but you don't need to be quite so respectful of Neal. The dear boy was just that - a boy, and even with his growth in recent months, I'd hardly call what we had a romantic relationship,~ Betsy sent, releasing Hank and turning to see Jean and Professor Xavier come racing in. "Betsy !? Kitty just called - this is amazing!" Jean said, beaming as she hugged her friend, then put an arm around each of her children. The matriarch of the X-Men looked knowingly at Rachel, then smiled at Frank and added, "Thank you, Franklin. I hope this means you'll be staying ...?" "MOOOM!" Rachel groaned, as she and Frank both blushed. Frank shifted his feet, then nodded respectfully as Xavier smiled at him and moved his wheelchair toward Betsy. "Elizabeth. I can't say how glad I am to see you restored. I just wish Warren were here ... ah, well. Welcome back," Xavier said, gently squeezing Betsy's hand in both of his. "Thank you, Charles. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but I had to see Brian, Meggan and the others first - Kwannon's body will be buried at the family estate, and I'll deal with the authorities after I let Ororo and her team know I'm back. Frankly, we should try and get them back here, as well - with this Vargas on the loose, we should coordinate our efforts instead of running around willy-nilly," Betsy said as her expression grew distant. #I can't say that I sense anything strange from Charles ... I wonder if Ororo's concern about him and the diaries was as founded as she believes?# the telepath thought - - and then the world turned inside out. She was choking on dust; the stench of ozone and corpses was clogging her nostrils, and there was screaming, inside her mind and her ears, and there were three giant THINGS looming over the horizon - - "FRANK!?" That snapped Betsy back to reality; if her precognition had returned with her telepathy, then certainly Franklin should've precogged whatever kind of horror she'd foreseen. She looked at where Rachel - who, with Nathan and Franklin, had gone deathly pale - was helping Franklin to a chair, and Nathan's eyes were wide with tears. "I - I saw people being shot - and blown up - Mom -" Nathan whimpered as Jean pulled him to her. Betsy could hardly fault the boy, but she wondered about his seeing the horrific vision as well. ~Nate and I both have chronovariant powers - he might even be stronger than I am. But even if we didn't, Frank projected his vision strongly enough for anyone to pick up on,~ Rachel sent, meeting Betsy's growing expression of fear. "Sentinels. It had to be - I saw them, but they were misshapen, and HUGE - bigger than any I've seen before - killing mutants by the thousands," Frank wheezed, trying to calm himself. Xavier nodded, then steepled his hands and looked around with a concerned expression. "Scott and Logan went to Australia to help a mutant who was being pursued by Sentinels. But for three giant Sentinels to attack a city full of mutants -" Xavier began, before he gasped in horror. "Hammer Bay, Genosha - DAD!" Chuck shouted. He looked at Illyana with a pleading gaze, and she nodded as she started to teleport. "Will you two bloody calm down!? You're all Omegas, yes, but four teenagers against whatever kind of killing machines those Sentinels are is hardly a match!" Betsy snapped. The teens looked chastened, and she crossed her arms as she glanced at Xavier. "Elizabeth is correct - I won't endanger any of you in rushing to Hammer Bay. We don't have any timeframe on how soon those Sentinels will attack, either. I'll warn Magnus, Charles, I promise. Certainly, with proper warning, he and the Genoshan Civil Defense forces can stop them," Xavier said as he rolled out of the medlab and headed for Cerebra. "I'm coming with you, Professor!" Chuck called, bolting after his teacher. Illyana looked after the magnakinetic with surprising compassion, and she uncharacteristically blushed as she caught Betsy's eye. "Well. The Queen of Limbo also has a crush," Betsy whispered, winking as she turned to give Hank a kiss on the cheek. "Get well quickly, dear knight. I have to call the rest of our merry band and warn them to watch for giant purple helmets." "Betsy - !" Jean exclaimed, covering Nate's ears as Frank and Rachel blushed. Illyana just cackled wickedly and returned Betsy's wink as the telepath left the medlab with a randy grin. ~Sorry, Jean. But I'm not going to waste my reincarnation being completely innocent,~ Betsy sent, sashaying a little. ~Psylocke is finally back in a body without shadow-pacts, Mojo eyes, mystical changes or power shifts, and it's time to ENJOY it ...~ ------------------------------------------ tbc ... ------------------------------------------ --^---------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to: lubakmetyk@worldnet.att.net EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiJR.aVz48I.bHViYWtt Or send an email to: outsidethelines-unsubscribe@topica.com For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit: http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER --^---------------------------------------------------------------- Fanged Butterfly, Vol. 1: Chapter 3 by Phil Hartman DISCLAIMER: They're Marvel's (so far). No money is being made off of this. Etc. NOTE: Some harsh language, intimations of violence, and angst - here be teenagers, so hence the angst. Also, AU ... -------------------------------------------- Betsy Braddock had been mind-controlled, almost violated by a psychotic cross-time version of her own brother, and even died and been reborn not just twice, but apparently three times (and counting, she suspected). Still, looking into what was to have been her own casket was ... unique, even for her. #I did have a certain beauty, certainly - but that bloody Crimson Dawn mark was just ... garish,# the British telepath - and having to remember to shield her thoughts was still going to take some getting used to, she reminded herself - thought, looking down at the form which had housed her consciousness for the better part of six years. Formerly the mortal shell of the Hand assassin Kwannon, the Asian woman was laid out in a casket on the west lawn of the Braddocks' estate, while rows of now-rather-pointless folding chairs stretched out behind where Betsy stood with her brother Brian and his wife Meggan. There was supposed to have been a wake, and brief funeral, later today, for Betsy, but since Franklin Richards had accidentally reincarnated her the day before, the Braddocks were trying to decide what to do about the whole affair. That didn't mean that Betsy was going to fail to appreciate the body that had housed her. She - in Kwannon's body - had aged rather well, whether in spite of or because of the beauty Kwannon had possessed. The Crimson Dawn tattoo *was* rather garish, marring most of the left side of the body's face, Betsy admitted. It hadn't been nearly as painful as the marring it had left on her soul - and the fact that that was gone from her spirit, with her telekinetic power, was just one of the mysteries Betsy still wanted an answer for. Franklin had been at a loss as to why or how he'd "failed" to transfer the Crimson Dawn mark and its powers to Betsy's new form ... not that she was complaining. "McKillian's did a good job with the body. We really should do something about this - I don't suppose we could have them carve a stone for Kwannon and just claim her as a distant cousin, could we?" Betsy asked, her once-more Caucasian face scrunched up in frustration at the whole affair. #I hardly begrudge being alive again, but we usually don't have details like this to handle - we rarely leave corpses behind when we die. And how odd is it to be THAT blase' about the affair?# Betsy thought. "It might be easier to do that, but ask Franklin or Amanda to whip up a stone. I shudder to think of the paperwork we'll have to deal with at the M.E.'s office - and that in Valencia. Not that I'm sorry to have you back, of course," Brian said, still wearing the same schoolboy grin on his face that he'd had all morning. His glee and wonder were infectious, Betsy had to admit, both because they were once more psychically linked and because she couldn't help but be happy. Breathing again had that effect on a woman, she figured, just before the air parted behind the family and they turned to see a group of formally-dressed young people appear. "Whoa. Illyana, are you SURE we're in the right timeline?" the red-headed Caucasian girl at the front of the group asked, her eyes widening as she looked at the Braddocks, then at her companions. "Yes, Summers - I *told* you I scryed your boyfriend doing something wacky with Ms. Braddock. I just never thought it'd be reincarnating her," a blonde girl among the crowd taunted, with a faint trace of Russian accent in her English. "Rachel! Illyana! Welcome, all of you - and yes, Franklin did put me back in a physical form. Suffice it to say that I am really me, and I'll be happy to take any tests you wish to prove it," Betsy said, smiling as several of the second team of New Mutants approached her and her family. "I know it's you, Betsy - that mental signature and down-to-earth attitude are impossible to duplicate," Rachel said, returning Betsy's smile as they hugged. The psionic girl's smile turned shy as Frank Richards walked out of Braddock Manor, followed by Kitty Pryde and Kurt and Amanda Wagner. "Ray! `Yana! WAY too long, you guys - hey, everyone," Kitty said, beaming when Rachel hugged her, followed by Illyana. Illyana smirked as Rachel and Frank nodded at one another, then shyly smiled and started to chat softly. "SINCE our Fearless Leadress is indulging her ubermench-godling addiction, I'll intro the rest of the crowd, or at least those you probably haven't met in a while," Illyana said loudly, grinning perversely as Rachel and Frank blushed. The Siberian teleporter motioned the rest of the young people forward, then nodded when a brown-haired white boy shook Betsy's hand. "Welcome back, Aunt Betsy," Charles Lehnsherr said, his blue eyes twinkling. "I got a call from Mom about what happened - I hope you've called Ororo's team." "It's definitely on my list. They were incommunicado in Hong Kong, however," Betsy said, half-smiling as the other member of the party stepped forward shyly with widening blue eyes. "Wow. Welcome back. You're - young - again, Aunt Betsy," Nathan Summers said, running a hand nervously over his buzzed brown and white hair. The 10-year-old extended a hand carefully toward Betsy, his nervous smile growing as she took it and clasped his wrist gently. "We can't always choose our age when we're reborn, Nathan - and it's good to see you. You've certainly grown," Betsy said, pulling Nate carefully into a brief hug - she could sense his warm, if confused, happiness, and didn't want to embarrass him. "Thanks. Is that really Kwannon's body?" Nate asked, blushing a bit. Betsy nodded, then let him approach the casket, as Rachel and Frank walked over to him. Frank and Nate exchanged a friendly greeting, and Rachel put a hand on Nate's shoulder as he looked at what remained of Kwannon. #Sibling protection ... he's grown braver, though. I can hardly fault the boy for being wary - but none of them are small children anymore, either,# Betsy reminded herself, smiling faintly as she watched Rachel smile at Frank as he and Nate chatted. Both teens looked more comfortable than they had before, but Rachel looked embarrassed as she met Betsy's gaze. ~For heaven's sake, Rachel, enjoy your time with the boy! He cares for you as deeply as you care for him, after all, and I'm hardly going to keel over *again.* If there's anything to be learned from this whole affair, it's to make hay while the sun shines - at least, within legal limits,~ Betsy sent, winking a t her fellow telepath. ~I know, Betsy - but I just didn't want to seem rude. I mean, we were coming to your funeral, and now it's a celebration, and I'm hanging off of Frank like some empty-headed seventh-grader!~ Rachel sent, blushing. ~Well, dear, you're only just entering eighth grade. And I can hardly fault you for being clingy - by the by, I promise, I have no untoward aims where dear Franklin's concerned, Brian's smart remarks notwithstanding. I owe Franklin for reviving me, but it's strictly friendship,~ Betsy replied, sending to Frank as well this time, with a briefly naughty grin. Frank and Rachel both blushed, but they looked relieved - until Illyana cackled wickedly and blurted, "So, the great and terrible ex-ninja queen is renouncing her claim, huh?" "For a teleporting sorceress who's going through adolesence for a second time, you're unusually insightful, Ms. Rasputin," Betsy shot back, crossing her arms and regarding Illyana. The Siberian shrugged, then just smiled too sweetly and asked, "I was curious, Betts - with a miraculous return, shouldn't there be an archangel?" "'YANA!" Rachel and Kitty both snapped, looking outraged (Rachel) and aghast (Kitty) in various measures. Betsy just sighed, then raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. "I've been a bit busy dealing with the whole living affair to call my erstwhile ex. I was curious, though - no X-Men came with you?" Betsy asked. Rachel and Nate exchanged nervous looks, while Illyana coughed and rolled her eyes, and Chuck sighed from where he and Kitty were chatting. "Mom's watching over Uncle Hank - he's becoming a giant *cat*, thanks to Sage, and he's still relearning how to use his hands. She sends her condolences, as did Uncle Hank - he could really use a call, Aunt Betsy - and the Professor had to wait for some special parts for Cerebra. Dad and Logan had to go to Australia on some emergency, and Bobby, Piotr, and Jubilee were investigating some weird mutant disappearances - Cecilia's not answering her phone," Rachel said, her voice growing nervous. "Mmm. That is odd - Cecilia usually returns calls," Betsy mulled aloud, specifically not mentioning that Rachel had avoided talking about Warren. She smiled, then, and added, "Well, if Warren can't be bothered to make a wake, then it's certainly not the fault of any of you." The teens and Nate almost visibly relaxed, until Betsy's eyebrows rose and she added, "What was that about Hank becoming a giant *cat*?" ---------------------------------------------- "HENRY P. MCCOY! What in the BLOODY hell are you doing growing a SNOUT!?" Hank started - he was still getting used to having super-sharp senses - and looked up from his bed as Illyana, the Summers kids, Chuck, and Frank Richards appeared from thin air - - with an impossible traveling companion. "Betsy. OhmyGod. Oh - Franklin? Cerebra had detected something odd in Australia besides that poor mutant who'd been attacked by that Sentinel, but - you're alive. And Caucasian, again," Hank said, blinking as Betsy stared at him in surprise. "I sort of revived her, Dr. McCoy - wow. No offense, but you really are becoming feline," Frank said, blushing as he and the other kids waved or nodded at the Beast. "I'm just glad you're alive - how did Sage cause THIS to happen? If this is some kind of garish secondary mutation, I'll slap that ridiculous woman silly," Betsy growled, hugging Hank carefully. "Well, don't slap her too hard. She `jumpstarted' me, from what she told me - caused my powers to reach their next level," Hank said, trying not to smile too ferally. Betsy really *did* smell good - and it was her, somehow, he knew - and it wouldn't do to be putting the moves on a dear friend - especially one who'd been so close to Neal not that long ago. ~Well, I'm flattered, Henry, but you don't need to be quite so respectful of Neal. The dear boy was just that - a boy, and even with his growth in recent months, I'd hardly call what we had a romantic relationship,~ Betsy sent, releasing Hank and turning to see Jean and Professor Xavier come racing in. "Betsy !? Kitty just called - this is amazing!" Jean said, beaming as she hugged her friend, then put an arm around each of her children. The matriarch of the X-Men looked knowingly at Rachel, then smiled at Frank and added, "Thank you, Franklin. I hope this means you'll be staying ...?" "MOOOM!" Rachel groaned, as she and Frank both blushed. Frank shifted his feet, then nodded respectfully as Xavier smiled at him and moved his wheelchair toward Betsy. "Elizabeth. I can't say how glad I am to see you restored. I just wish Warren were here ... ah, well. Welcome back," Xavier said, gently squeezing Betsy's hand in both of his. "Thank you, Charles. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but I had to see Brian, Meggan and the others first - Kwannon's body will be buried at the family estate, and I'll deal with the authorities after I let Ororo and her team know I'm back. Frankly, we should try and get them back here, as well - with this Vargas on the loose, we should coordinate our efforts instead of running around willy-nilly," Betsy said as her expression grew distant. #I can't say that I sense anything strange from Charles ... I wonder if Ororo's concern about him and the diaries was as founded as she believes?# the telepath thought - - and then the world turned inside out. She was choking on dust; the stench of ozone and corpses was clogging her nostrils, and there was screaming, inside her mind and her ears, and there were three giant THINGS looming over the horizon - - "FRANK!?" That snapped Betsy back to reality; if her precognition had returned with her telepathy, then certainly Franklin should've precogged whatever kind of horror she'd foreseen. She looked at where Rachel - who, with Nathan and Franklin, had gone deathly pale - was helping Franklin to a chair, and Nathan's eyes were wide with tears. "I - I saw people being shot - and blown up - Mom -" Nathan whimpered as Jean pulled him to her. Betsy could hardly fault the boy, but she wondered about his seeing the horrific vision as well. ~Nate and I both have chronovariant powers - he might even be stronger than I am. But even if we didn't, Frank projected his vision strongly enough for anyone to pick up on,~ Rachel sent, meeting Betsy's growing expression of fear. "Sentinels. It had to be - I saw them, but they were misshapen, and HUGE - bigger than any I've seen before - killing mutants by the thousands," Frank wheezed, trying to calm himself. Xavier nodded, then steepled his hands and looked around with a concerned expression. "Scott and Logan went to Australia to help a mutant who was being pursued by Sentinels. But for three giant Sentinels to attack a city full of mutants -" Xavier began, before he gasped in horror. "Hammer Bay, Genosha - DAD!" Chuck shouted. He looked at Illyana with a pleading gaze, and she nodded as she started to teleport. "Will you two bloody calm down!? You're all Omegas, yes, but four teenagers against whatever kind of killing machines those Sentinels are is hardly a match!" Betsy snapped. The teens looked chastened, and she crossed her arms as she glanced at Xavier. "Elizabeth is correct - I won't endanger any of you in rushing to Hammer Bay. We don't have any timeframe on how soon those Sentinels will attack, either. I'll warn Magnus, Charles, I promise. Certainly, with proper warning, he and the Genoshan Civil Defense forces can stop them," Xavier said as he rolled out of the medlab and headed for Cerebra. "I'm coming with you, Professor!" Chuck called, bolting after his teacher. Illyana looked after the magnakinetic with surprising compassion, and she uncharacteristically blushed as she caught Betsy's eye. "Well. The Queen of Limbo also has a crush," Betsy whispered, winking as she turned to give Hank a kiss on the cheek. "Get well quickly, dear knight. I have to call the rest of our merry band and warn them to watch for giant purple helmets." "Betsy - !" Jean exclaimed, covering Nate's ears as Frank and Rachel blushed. Illyana just cackled wickedly and returned Betsy's wink as the telepath left the medlab with a randy grin. ~Sorry, Jean. But I'm not going to waste my reincarnation being completely innocent,~ Betsy sent, sashaying a little. ~Psylocke is finally back in a body without shadow-pacts, Mojo eyes, mystical changes or power shifts, and it's time to ENJOY it ...~ ------------------------------------------ tbc ... ------------------------------------------