Chapter 4- Shadows of the Heart


Scott watched Ororo as she examined the unconscious Paige Guthrie. Ororo’s eyes moved from the young girl’s lower back to the MRI scans being displayed on a screen. Ororo sighed and glanced at Scott. She could tell that he was stressed and upset that his own actions were responsible for Paige’s current condition. Ororo turned the screen off, and pulled the bed sheet up to Paige’s waist, as the girl lay on her stomach.

"Well?" asked Scott nervously.

"It seems that she’s going to be fine," replied Ororo. "The force from your optic blast was too strong for her diamond husk to refract all of the force. When she shed the skin, her flesh absorbed the force and the pain simply washed over her at once." Ororo heard a sigh of relief escape Scott’s mouth as he stepped closer towards Paige.

Then, the door of the infirmary burst open, and Jono came charging through with pure fear in his eyes. He searched the room quickly and saw Paige lying motionless on the gurney at the far side of the room. Jono rushed to her side, and took her hand into his. Scott also noticed that he wasn’t alone. Jean had led him to the infirmary and was now slowly approaching the rest of them.

"Will she be okay?" asked Jono telepathically. He looked up at Ororo as she nodded in the boy’s direction. "How did this happen?"

"It’s my fault," began Scott. "We had a little accident in the Danger Room."

"An accident!" spat Jono. "Why don’t you stay away from her, mate, heh? That way we can avoid any future accidents."

"Look, I know that you’re upset, but Paige going to be fine," said Scott.

"You’re right," said Jono, as he rounded on Scott. "She is going to be fine, because you’re going to stay away from her." Jono lifted his arm and shoved Scott away from the bed.

Scott was obviously becoming upset. His brow furrowed as he took a step closer towards Jono and stood eye-to-eye with the young mutant. "Listen, I think that’s a decision for Paige to make, not you," replied Scott as he clenched his teeth.

"I’m not about to let a bloody bloke like you, harm Paige again. Understand? So stay away from her," warned Jono. "Otherwise, there’s likely to be another accident around here. Got it, chum?"

Scott stared into Jono’s eyes as he prepared to respond, but he felt two small hands tug on his arm. He turned to find Jean grabbing onto his arm. Scott then looked towards Ororo, who was standing there with her arms folded. She obviously didn’t approve of his current behavior. "I think we should give him some time alone with her, Scott," whispered Jean.

Scott looked back at Jean, and then turned his attention back to Paige. Jono was now sitting next to the bed with Paige’s hand in his. He sighed and left the infirmary abruptly. Once he was outside, Scott’s frustration began to show.

"Who does that guy think he is, huh?!" said Scott.

"Scott, you have to understand, that he’s very close to Paige," explained Jean. "He’s only trying to protect her."

"I don’t care," said Scott. "He has no right to tell me I can’t see her."

"Scott, why are you making such a big deal out of this?" asked Jean.

"Because," began Scott. Then, he sighed as he looked into Jean’s eyes. "Forget it, you wouldn’t’ understand." Scott turned away and started to face the wall that was behind him.

"You’re right! I wouldn’t!" said Jean, her voice sounding as if it were cracking. Then, she stormed off towards the stairs.

"Jean! Wait!" called Scott, but Jean kept going and didn’t look back. Scott looked at the infirmary door once again, and sighed. The last few minutes of his life had just become the most complex. Par of him wanted to go after Jean, and find out what was wrong. However, another part of him couldn’t bear to leave Paige, not now. He couldn’t decide what to do. So, Scott remained where he was, alone, and tried to figure out what was happening.
***
Monet and Clarice were sitting on the couch talking to each other. Kurt and Evan watched closely as the two girls chatted away. Evan eyes were completely locked on the two girls as he took a sip of his soda. He sat the glass on the counter and nudged Kurt on his arm to get his attention. Kurt, who was also watching the pair of girls, turned to face Evan.

"This is it, Elf," said Evan. "I’m going in."

"You’ve got to be kidding," replied Kurt as he smiled. "She’s totally going to shoot you down."

"You’re wrong," said Evan. "There’s now way Monet will be able to resist my charm. So, sit back and watch the master at work."

"It’s your funeral," said Kurt as Evan rose from his seat.

Evan began to venture across the living room as he approached the pair of girls. When he stopped in front of the couch, the girls’ conversation ceased and they look up at him. Evan cleared his throat as he sat on the end of the couch next to Monet.

"So, how are you two enjoying yourselves?" he asked. The girls nodded approvingly. Clarice was smiling, however Monet’s face appeared to be completely devoid of emotion. "Uh, Monet, I was wondering if you’d be interested in a tour of the mansion?"

"Listen, Aaron," began Monet.

"Uh, it’s Evan," he replied.

"Right," said Monet. "I know what you’re thinking, but it just won’t work between us. I’m sure you’re really a nice guy, but I sort of seeing someone right now."

"Sort of?" asked Evan.

"Yeah, she’s been waiting for Everett to ask her out," chimed Clarice.

"Clarice!" Monet said.

"It’s okay. I get it," replied Evan. "Didn’t mean to bother you. Excuse me." Evan backed off, and headed back towards the counter where Kurt was now filling Evan’s glass with more soda.

"Here," said Kurt as he slid Evan the glass of soda. "I tried to varn you, mein Freund."

"Yeah, I know," began Evan. "I think I’m going to get some air."

"Vant some company?" Kurt offered.

"Nah, Elf," replied Evan. "I’d rather be alone for a while." Evan rose from his seat, leaving his glass of soda untouched. The young mutant headed for the patio door. Once the shut door behind Evan, Kurt realized he wasn’t alone.

Kurt turned around to see Clarice with her elbows resting on the counter and her chin nested on top of her hands. Her eyes were staring dreamily into Kurt’s eyes, and then he noticed the smile on her face as well. "Hello, Kurt."

"Hi," said Kurt. For the first time in his life, Kurt Wagner found himself speechless. As he stared at the lavender-skinned girl in front of him, he couldn’t think of anything to say. He was completely hypnotized by her exotic beauty. His thoughts were lost as he examined her lavender skin and vibrant red hair. Then, Kurt felt himself come back to reality as he heard giggles erupt form Clarice’s mouth. Then, he realized he had been staring at her with his mouth open.

"Sorry," said Kurt. "I didn’t mean t-to stare." Kurt heard the giggles slip from Clarice’s mouth again. Kurt cursed himself for acting like a fool. "I guess I’m a little nervous."

"Well," began Clarice. She leaned very close to Kurt, and only stopped when the tips of their noses touched. "I think you’re kinda cute when you’re nervous."

"Y-you do?" Kurt chuckled nervously.

"How about we play a game, Kurt?" asked Clarice.

"A game? Sure. Vat kind of game?" said Kurt.

"Let’s play hide-n-seek," Clarice replied. She backed away from Kurt and stood in the middle of the room. "I’ll hide. You seek. If you find me, you win."

"Vat do I vin?" asked Kurt, sounding enthused by the prospect of the game.

"You’ll have to find me first," teased Clarice as she bit her lip. Then, above her head a golden disk of energy opened in the middle of the air. Clarice winked at Kurt, and leaped through the opening. The opening closed, and everyone in the room looked towards them.

"Vait!" shouted Kurt. Then, the furry, blue mutant disappeared in a cloud of brimstone.

Kitty looked over her shoulder as Kurt vanished in the explosion of brimstone. She turned her gaze back to the television and continued to watch the slasher flick. Everett, Rogue and Jubilee were all sitting on the floor watching the film as well. "Do you think he’ll be able to find her?" asked Kitty.

The sound of Jubilee’s bubble gum popping caught Kitty’s attention. "I betcha ten bucks, she lets him find her," said Jubilee. However, before Kitty could respond, screams erupted from all four of their mouths as the killer in the film exploded through a window a grabbed the unsuspecting female victim.

Meanwhile on the couch, Monet shook her head at the sight of her frightened peers. "Who couldn’t see that coming?" Monet said to herself. However, seeing there was nothing else to do, Monet joined the rest of the kids on the floor and watched the film. Fortunately, she was able to squeeze herself into the small gap between Jubilee and Everett. Yet, she refused to get up, even when Jubilee insisted she was sitting on the remote control.
***
Evan could feel the grass crush under his feet as he walked across the lawn under the moonlight. Monet’s rejection of his proposal weighed pretty heavy on his heart. Although he had expected the rejection, he hadn’t expected her to be so blunt about it. She made it perfectly clear that she wasn’t interested in him. Then, he paused and lifted his arm and sniffed. "It’s got to be my deodorant," he told himself. Then, Evan heard the rustle of some bushes nearby. Evan turned his attention into the direction of the noise.

Then, he saw the bushes move. As a reflex, the spikes began to emerge from Evan’s arms as he slowly approached the rustling bush. Suddenly, the Toad exploded from the shrubbery and tackled Evan. Evan rolled with the momentum, and then pushed the Toad off of him with his feet. Toad landed flat on his back, and before he could get up, two bone spikes landed on both sides of his head just missing his skin.

"What are you doing here, Toad?" asked Evan. He was standing over Toad with another spike aimed directly at Toad’s face. "I’m not asking again?"

"Please, we mean you no harm," said a voice from behind. Evan turned and felt his jaw dropped as he gazed upon the beautiful, scarlet brunette emerging from the shrubbery. "As a matter of fact, we need your help."

The moment of bliss faded away once Evan realized she was here with Todd Tolansky, the Toad. He thought it would be better if he tried not to display his attraction towards her until he understood the situation. "My help? What are you talking about?" asked Evan. "And who are you anyway?"

"My name is Wanda," she stated. "Listen, there is no time to explain. Some creature attacked my brother and his friends. It absorbed them, and now it’s after us." Wanda stepped closer to Evan and looked into his eyes. "Todd said that you could help me free them. Can you?"

"Sure, come on. Let’s head back to the house," said Evan. "The Professor needs to know that thing is in Bayville."

"You already know what I’m talking about?" asked Wanda.

"Yeah, it attacked some of our friends earlier," explained Evan. "But they’re from Massachusetts. So, if that thing is here in Bayville, then we don’t have any time to waste. Come on."

"Wait," said Wanda. She turned to face the shrubs once again, and motioned for someone to come out. "Come on. It’s okay. You’re safe here." The shrubs began to shake as another form emerged from the bushes. It was a young girl with red crystal like skin, and the fingers like small blades. She approached Wanda and the others cautiously, always keeping her eyes on Evan.

"Look, can we go inside now?" said Todd. "That thing could be here right now!"

"Would you stop worrying," said Evan. "Our defenses wouldn’t let anything on the grounds without us knowing about it."

"Well, how do you explain us?" protested the Todd.

"Uh?" began Evan.

"Or better yet, how do you explain that?!" shouted Todd. Then, he turned and started leaping in the direction of the house. Evan turned to see what had scared him off, and found a large black and gold humanoid creature towering over him. The creature swung his arm and smacked Evan across the lawn.

When, Evan looked up, he noticed the creature had its tentacles wrapped around Wanda’s ankle and was slowly pulling her towards him. Evan got to his feet and ran towards the creature. Evan fired several darts at the tentacles and managed to sever the connection. "Back off, creep!" shouted Evan as he stood between Wanda and the creature.

"Fool, I am Harvest! There is no way you can stop me!" roared the creature. Then, Harvest swung at Evan so fast, he barely saw Harvest’s hand move. Evan turned with the momentum of he punch and felt another punch collide with his face. This punch put Evan on the ground and looked up. How was it possible that the thing was that fast? The only person he knew who was that fast was Pietro Maximoff, Quicksilver.

"You always were too slow, Evan," stated Harvest.

"How do you know my name?" asked Evan as he stared up at Harvest.

"I think it’s time that you found out," replied Harvest. Then, Evan felt a tentacle wrap around his waist, and began to draw him towards Harvest. He looked over and saw Wanda being dragged as well. Her fingers were clawing into the moist ground trying to free herself from his clutches. "Give up you two. Resistance is futile."

Suddenly, a lightning bolt struck Harvest in the chest, and his grips on Wanda and Evan were released. Evan looked up and saw Storm floating in the sky. He grabbed Wanda’s hand they both started to dash away from Harvest. Harvest grasped his chest and looked up into the sky at Storm. Then, he opened his mouth, and a piercing scream sent Storm falling to the ground. Evan saw his aunt fall slowly to the ground.

"Auntie O!" cried Evan. He started to run to her aide, but felt Wanda’s hand hold him back.

"No! You mustn’t!" protested Wanda. Then, just as Evan freed himself, Storm became engulfed in Harvest. Evan looked at the sight in horror as the skin of Harvest began to close and cause Storm to disappear from view.

"Now, it is your turn," said Harvest. He raised his hands into the air, and a strong gust of wind hit Evan and Wanda and sent them flying towards the house. They landed on the ground a few feet from the patio door. Evan started to get to his feet. He looked over at Wanda, she was unconscious. Evan’s spikes came flying out of his arms as he prepared to defend Wanda and himself from Wanda.
***
Clarice crawled to the edge of the roof, and started to look down. She believed Kurt would never find her up there, but she would be able to see all the places he would look her. The grin grew larger on Clarice’s face, but slowly faded as she saw a shadow begin to cover her.

"Gotcha!" cried Kurt as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Clarice was startled by the touch and jumped. She almost fell, but Kurt used his weight to pull her back. However, he wasn’t able to keep his balance and the two young mutants began to roll down the roof. They came to a halt in as they just before they reached the edge. A sigh of relief escaped both of their mouths.

Then, they looked at each other. During their escapade down the roof, Clarice had somehow ended up on top of Kurt and was now facing him. Kurt could feel her long red hair rest on his neck as both of them stared at each other panting. "Vell, I found you. So, vat do I vin?"

Clarice smiled as she down at Kurt. She brought her hand to his face and brushed the blue strands of his hair aside, so that she could see his face clearly. "This," she replied. Clarice closed her eyes and started to lean closer to Kurt’s face. He could feel her warm breath blow over his lips when they heard the scream. Both of them looked down from the roof to find Harvest, standing only a few feet from Evan and some other girl. "It’s Harvest! Come on! We have to save them!"

Clarice quickly got off of Kurt and to her feet. She opened a portal on the roof and leaped inside of it. She disappeared into the roof, and the golden disc disappeared. Kurt followed her lead, and disappeared in a cloud of brimstone.
***
"You time has finally come, X-Man," said Harvest. Just as the tentacles began to erupt from Harvest, the red, crystal-skinned girl leaped onto Harvest’s back and began clawing away. Harvest cried out in pain as he tried to reach back and grab his attacker. Suddenly, a cloud of brimstone exploded just in front of Harvest. Kurt’s foot connected with Harvest and sent him stumbling backwards. The crystal-skinned girl leaped off of Harvest’s back and her momentum caused him to fall into the pool.

Suddenly, a golden disc appeared on the ground next to Wanda. Clarice’s head emerged from the disc. Evan looked down at Clarice as he began to wrap Wanda’s arms around his neck. "Come with me if you want to live!" she said.

Kurt came and wrapped Wanda’s other arm around his neck. A smile was on his face as he watched Clarice disappear into the golden disc. "A comedian in the face of danger," said Kurt. "A woman after my heart." Then, Kurt and Evan leaped into the golden disc with Wanda, right after the crystal-skinned girl dove in. Then, the golden disc disappeared.

Harvest emerged from the pool and arrived at the golden disc just as it disappeared. He stared at the place where the portal had just been, however, his thoughts were interrupted. A red beam of energy hit him in the arm, and Harvest grasped the point of impact in pain. He turned to find that he had been surrounded by members of both Generation X the X-Men.

Cyclops’s visor was still glowing red as he stared down at Harvest. Chamber’s chest and mouth were glowing with golden psionic energy. M was floating in the air, ready attack, and on the other side, floating and glowing in an aura of every color, Synch was ready as well. Jubilee was blowing bubbles, and had her visor down over her eyes as sparks erupted from her fingertips. And Shadowcat stood next to Logan, who had his claw unleashed and was ready to pounce.

"You realize you’re trespassing?" said Wolverine. Harvest simply stared at his attackers, waiting for them to make their move. "Hmm, the silent type, huh? Well, I guarantee before the night’s over you’re goin’ to be screamin’."

"That’s not a bad idea," said Harvest. Then, he opened his mouth, and the supersonic pitch that escaped his lips caused the lives of everyone their to flash before their eyes.


TO BE CONTINUED…