ARCHIVIST'S DISCLAIMER: Characters appearing in this fic are the intellectual property of Marvel Entertainment and are being used without permission. Do not distribute this fic without permission from the author.

"It's been months since the UN foolishly handed Genosha over to 'Him.' How effortlessly he was dealt an influential slice of this ever lasting war. Magneto is as powerful as ever, and if there is anyone as strong willed as I, it is him. This war of humans and mutants is escalating, almost beyond even my ability to mold the outcome to my better. The humans are of no danger to myself, as are any mutants, but rather, I feel a quaint feeling in the pit of my stomach. Could it be, the sacrifice of my 'Son,' has seeded a conscience in myself? I must focus on the task at hand."

His gaze focuses on an enormous machine, which reaches several stories high in his under ground lab. Surprisingly, only a low, moderate hum can be herd radiating from the machine. Nathaniel Essex has once again proven his brilliance.

"The fail safes that I was able to weave into the young Nate's mind in the short time with which he was present on this Earth, were destroyed shortly after he crossed over onto some other world. Shortly thereafter I created this device and, if it works, should allow me to pass from one continuum to another. Able to pinpoint his unique psi pattern, I prepared the machine for his present continuum, just before it dropped of the radar..." His voice trails off as his eyes rest upon his hope. "I must find Nathan, and convince him to return to this world, for I fear the worst it yet to come in this war, and if he would help, not as a weapon, but as a comrade in arms, I would be extremely grateful." Sinister recites his plan to a lonely complex, reassuring that he has planned for every detail. Cool and methodical, the ways that are Essex.

Pacing over to a control panel, the screen flickers as an image of Magneto resting on a throne appears before Sinister.

"How cozy he sits upon his throne, ruling his kingdom. Little does he know that the war he so greatly influenced is about to become his gravest mistake. In a way... I admire his cunning and strategic brilliance. He will prove a useful ally in the time coming. The last preparations are finished on the portal, this computer I wear on my wrist is genetically woven into my skin, and will be useful if I need to escape back to this world. One last..." Before Essex can finish his sentence one side of his lab erupts, throwing him to the ground. A gash on his forehead from shrapnel quickly heals itself, as he stands, ready to face whatever foe has entered.

"Come now... show yourself. That way I can murder you for this treacherous crime you've committed against me." A grin slowly creeps across his face as a young woman in a general's uniform steps over the rubble and into Sinister's vision. "Now, now, aren't you a pretty thing."

"Shut up! I'm placing you under arrest in the name of the Human race. We've declared war, you are now our prisoner, come quietly and peacefully or suffer the extreme consequences." The bold general motions her hand above her head. A group of uniformed men enter the room, aiming guns at a smiling Sinister.

"General... you surely can't believe I am afraid of your petty pop guns. Having an enemy such as Cable, I am seemingly used to any weapon you can shoot at me." easing down into a chair, Sinister strokes the beard on his chin, awaiting the General's next move. Another wave of her hand, and the guns begin to hum. Having already speculated that it would go this way, Sinister hardens his skin, bracing for impact.

"Have it your way Sinister..." Turning her back to Essex, she exits the lab without so much of a glance. Guns light up, and every sound you could possibly hear become one, as the energy from the weapons explode on the awaiting target. Energy crackles long after the explosion takes place, and smoke replaces oxygen.

The smoke begins to clear as the men exit from where they entered, laughing all the way. The opposite end of the lab is stained with blood and Sinister sits slumping in the chair, hanging onto consciousness with every breath. Sliding off the chair, he lies in a pool of blood, hanging onto his life.

"It has begun..." He whispers as he blacks out.