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A New Threat
chapter 13: Joining Forces |
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| "You did well, my
dear," the Count said while stroking the side of Panther's face and watching her wounds heal. He could sense she felt she had somehow failed. Storm was brought in struggling to get free from Sabertooth and Mystique. The Count again stared deep into her eyes calming her angry spirit. "We have a new ally," the Count said as he seductively stroked Storm. Panther got up and eyed Storm jealously. "This is my turf, bitch," Panther snarled while popping her claws. "Well, learn to share," Storm replied with a sinister voice as her eyes glowed white and a light wind began to blow around them. "My darlings, there is plenty to share," the Count said as he draped his arms around both women. "Change me, master. Change me to be more like him," Panther demanded shoving her claws into Dracula's face. "Anything you wish, my dear." The soldiers were sent off to the hospital to have their wounds tended to. Van Helsing demanded to stay with Jean. She took him down to the medlab and helped clean up his wounds. “You have no idea what this creature is capable of,” he said. “I have learned a great deal about what this mutant is,” Jean replied as she fastened the bandage on Gabriel’s hand in place. “We will discuss this with the Professor.” “Professor, let me introduce Gabriel Van Helsing,” Jean said. Gabriel shook hands with the Professor before being seated. “I’m Gabriel Van Helsing. Let’s put aside the pleasantries for the moment. There is a force in this world that has again risen. This force goes beyond anything comprehendible.” “Cut to the chase, man. What’s this all about?” Logan growled. “The creature you are after goes by the name of Vlad Valerious – known in my time as Count Dracula – a creature with no love of life – a force so evil and powerful that it has again found a way to be a part of this world.” “I told you I felt evil,” Kurt interrupted. “I have been hunting this creature.” Kurt’s yellow eyes never left Van Helsing and Gabriel wondered about Kurt’s appearance. He looked like a demon. “I am sure you know we all belong to a new race of humans that has been evolving over the last several decades. Our recent findings seem to indicate that the new evolutionary line may be much older than we originally thought. I am aware of the religious stories surrounding the devil and other evil forces trying to take over the world, but we tend to believe this Count is indeed a mutant,” the Professor explained. “And a very powerful one – combining gifts to heal, teleportation, flight, telepathy, and shape shifting into one great force,” Jean said. Wolverine shifted his weight. He had thought he had seen and heard everything and his mind drifted to Danielle. “So, the story of Dracula is true then?” Scott muttered. Logan rolled his eyes growing impatient with all the intellectual discussion. “Yes. He is not a myth or legend. I had hunted this creature centuries before and was called in when his existence was brought to my attention,” Van Helsing said. “I hunted all kinds of creatures – gargoyles, warlocks, werewolves.” “But what the hell has this all got to do with Danielle and what she’s been doing?” Logan asked angrily. “Logan, I am sure this will all come to light as we figure things out,” Charles scolded. “These creatures could all have been early mutants,” the Professor said. “For centuries, mankind has told stories of creatures like the Wolfman and Dracula. Religious beliefs thought of these creatures as minions of the devil,” Scott said. “They were the devil’s creations,” Van Helsing said. Kurt crossed himself. Gabriel took note of it. “Our thoughts are that they were indeed early mutants. So, maybe the evolution of man was actually beginning sooner than we thought. The early trials failed or were hunted into extinction,” Charles said before adding, “but these genetic changes were still occurring and only now is there a sizable and viable enough population to say the line is far from dying out.” “I have been aware of mutants and perhaps your scientific studies might prove this to be true. But, believe me – Dracula is the most evil creature you will ever face. The devil gave him wings,” Gabriel said. “The werewolf story can be explained too. During the full moon, there are plenty of creatures that are affected by it. It is known that certain creatures are affected by the moon’s gravitational pull on the earth – causing higher tides at certain times of the year – an it could be said that hormonal changes may occur with the full moon. Perhaps a lycanthrope is vulnerable to change when the moon is full and maybe causes the metamorphosis.” “So, we load up on silver bullets and garlic now? Christ, this is stupid,” Logan barked. “The only way I can explain it is that a werewolf when pierced by silver goes into anaphylactic shock – which is deadly if not treated.” “We heard the old stories saying you destroyed Dracula after becoming a werewolf,” Scott said. Logan looked to Gabriel and wanted to laugh. “Is this for real or are all of you trippin’ on old B-movies?” Logan snarled. “Well, I was known as a monster hunter and protector of the ways of the church. These creatures were the unholy creations of the devil,” Van Helsing said. The group became silent for a moment. “I know you are wondering why I am still alive. I was gifted by God with immortality.” Kurt crossed himself again. Xavier had a hard time accepting the religious beliefs but refused to comment on them. “We have heard of other such immortal beings. The ancient Highland inhabitants are said to have descended from a line possessing the gift to heal and immortality. Our knowledge and studies have shown these people are mutants as well.” “But, I have been told that you might be the Archangel Gabriel walking the earth to protect the good and destroy evil,” Kurt said. “The old story tells that you resided at the Left Hand of God and was granted flesh and blood centuries ago in order to battle evil.” “It is quite possible your religious beliefs may indeed be founded in truth,” the Professor said addressing Kurt’s determination to show his deep beliefs in the religious stories. “Alright, enough of this shit. What has this all got to do with Danielle and Storm, and what the hell are we gonna do about it?” Logan growled. “This isn’t just any mutant, Logan. This is a mutant with extraordinary gifts. He can’t be taken lightly,” the Professor scolded. “Your professor is right. I have fought this creature and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses. I thought for sure I destroyed that beast, but he lives now. If he succeeds in gaining complete control of the civilized world, it will be doomed to eternal damnation,” Gabriel added. Logan popped his claws – feeling the pain as they slid through his skin – a searing pain like the pain he felt in his heart in not having his woman at his side. “Just give me five minutes with the son of a bitch.” Charles eyed Logan sternly as Logan sheathed his claws. “This isn’t something we can just go rush into. There is great danger to be faced here and the last thing we want to do is put Danielle and Storm in any more trouble than they may already be in. I implore you to be patient.” Logan had all but lost his patience and slammed his fist down on the table, then turned away running his hand through his hair. Anger boiled inside him like molten lava. He stormed outside where he sat down on the porch, pulled a cigar from his shirt pocket, lit it, and inhaled a long drag. Scott followed him outside. “Look, I know what you are feeling. I know I would feel the same if it were Jean.” Logan jumped up and slammed Scott against the wall of the mansion. “She’s havin’ my baby, man! And, she doesn’t remember me!” Logan stormed. “I know, Logan. I know,” Scott said trying to get Logan to release him. Logan let him go and turned away. His blood was boiling with anger. His woman had been taken – his woman and his unborn child. And now Storm was missing too. “Damn woman. Why didn’t she listen to me? She’s got a freakin’ mind of her own.” “I know this is very upsetting for you.” “She always got mad at me, sayin’ I was bein’ stupid in not trustin’ her. I always trusted her – it’s everyone else I don’t trust. I just wanted to keep her safe.” “I know. We all feel that way. We have been through this before – like when Stryker took her. We’ll get her back. And we will get Storm back. Right now, you have to focus on your daughter. She needs you too.” “I feel so responsible for what has happened to Danielle and Storm. I couldn’t convince Storm to let go of her anger and now he may be using it to control her. And Danielle, she is in trouble too,” Kurt said. “Kurt, I know you are upset.” “I sensed the evil during the party. I said nothing. I am responsible.” “You cannot blame yourself for what happened. We must now try to find a way to make things right.” “It will never be right.” Logan and Scott rejoined the group. “I’m sorry,” Logan said. “We know you have been lost without Danielle,” Jean said. “You are Wolverine?” Gabriel asked. “Yes, he is,” Jean replied just as Logan looked up into Gabriel’s direction. “Then, Danielle is his…” “My wife.” Gabriel crossed himself. A profound look of sadness overcame him. “There is something I must tell you.” Logan walked over to the table and waited. “I was with Danielle – Panther – a few months ago.” “What the hell happened to her?” Logan asked trying to restrain his mounting rage. “I am sorry to have to tell you this but she…” Gabriel hesitated. “What?” “She miscarried your baby.” Shock overcame Logan as his face paled out. He got up and leaned against the wall. He clenched his fist and pounded the wall howling in anger. “I am sorry to bring you such news,” Gabriel said. “Logan, do you wish some time alone?” Charles asked. “You may leave if you wish.” Logan headed upstairs to his room. He excused Marie from babysitting, who refused to leave. She sensed his deep sadness. “Logan, what happened?” Logan peered into Jean Marie’s room seeing his daughter sleeping peacefully. “Danielle – the baby.” “What, Logan? What happened to Danielle?” “She lost the baby. That guy down there said so,” Logan said as he turned to face Marie. “Christ, Marie, my Danielle is out there heading up a mutant rebellion and my baby is dead.” “Logan, she can’t possibly be in control of herself. She can’t know what she is really doing. You know, Jean thinks the mutant that is really behind this all is a telepath too. Maybe he is more powerful than the professor and is making Danielle do all those terrible things.” “I intend on returning to battle that beast again,” Gabriel said. “Please let us join you. We can do better as a group,” Scott said. “I normally fight alone.” “Mr. Van Helsing, let me offer you lodging for the night. I am sure you could do with some food and rest tonight,” Charles said. “I thank you for your generous offer.” “I insist that you stay the night,” Jean said. The next morning, Logan was outside trying to find enjoyment in a cigar. He peered out into the huge expanse of the finely manicured lawn of the mansion. Van Helsing walked outside preparing to leave the School and head off to confront the Count again. He hesitated briefly as he saw Wolverine trying to hide his grief as he puffed on his cigar. Van Helsing decided to take a moment and enjoy a smoke himself, taking a fresh cigarette from his jacket pocket and lighting it. He leaned against the mansion wall, took in a deep drag from his cigarette, and slowly exhaled. “Yer in love with her,” Logan said without changing his line of sight. Van Helsing cocked his head suspiciously. “Why do you say that?” “Pretty obvious with the way you spoke of her.” “I swear I did nothing with her.” “Never said you did.” “I must tell you part of me feels responsible for what happened… to your baby.” Logan turned his head and eyed Gabriel angrily. “I hunted what I thought was a demon creature born from the vileness of the Count himself.” Logan stood up. His heart pounded with anger and fear. “The chase, the intense fear she must have felt, must have stressed her terribly.” “You hurt her?” “I didn’t mean it. Hunting evil creatures of the darkness has been my job over the centuries.” “We’re mutants, not evil creatures of darkness!” Logan barked. “All I can say is if I could take back what happened, I would.” “Logan! Something’s wrong with Duke!” Kitty called from the doorway of the mansion. “Excuse me, that’s Danielle’s horse,” Logan said before running off. Gabriel followed. Logan ran down to find the gelding hanging his head in the corner of his stall. “I found him that way. He always has his head up.” Logan walked in and checked Duke’s legs, the brightness of his eyes, and color of his gums. He took in a deep breath inhaling the animal’s scent and was convinced there were no signs of injury or ill health. “Is he sick?” Kitty asked with great concern. Duke pushed his head into Logan’s chest nuzzling him gently. The horse pricked his ears forward and tilted his head to look at Logan. “Miss her, too, hey old man?” Logan asked the horse. Logan stroked the gelding’s head and then Duke shook his head up and down. “I know. I miss her too.” Duke nickered in apparent agreement. “We’re gonna bring her home – I promise you.” The horse lifted his head and pawed the hay in his stall. “We’re gonna bring back both Danielle and Storm – I promise you that,” Gabriel said. |
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