Hell Cat Part 1 The Awakening

By Seri

It's been a year since Serina's death and disappearance. Her body was stolen from the hospital in which it had been entrusted for examination. We all feel it had to be a sick mind to steal a dead body. It is even a sicker mind that calls the mansion claiming to be her. Packages began showing up a few months after her body was stolen, things like the dresses and jewelry that she had aloud the ladies to wear at her Scotland home, one had even been sent for Jubilee. The other was an oil miniature of Serina sent directly to Gambit. There has even been some mental attacks on Jean and myself causing us to doubt.

The last contact was two days ago. This was done while I used cerebral. It gave me information of a military lab in Greenland that turned mutants into killing machines. This I felt needed investigating. I am sending Scott, Remy and Henry to investigate the lab. Henry has been accepted as a new lab technician there and he's using Scott and Remy as his bate to get in. They left a few hours ago, I hope everything is going alright.

Hello, I'm Dr. Henry McCoy. I was given the new position in your lab?" Henry said, trying not to look nervous.

"You're a mutant." The guard stated, leery of letting him in.

"Actually, I had an experiment go awry. Here are my papers, your commanding officer knows about me." Henry replied, holding Scott and Remy by a chain.

"Just one moment." He called the office. "Ok, go on in. Leave the mutants in the holding cell on the left as you enter the building on your right."

"Thank you." Henry replied, pulling hard on the chain.

Once they were out of ear shot of the guard, Remy complained, "Hey Beast, go easy on de chain, I almost charged it."

"Just watch your hands, My friend, we're almost there." Henry answered with a chuckle.

They entered the building, cells were every where. A man in a business suit approached them. "Henry McCoy?" He assumed, "I'm Bradd, Bradd Culson. I'm glad you made it." He said, shaking Henry's hand. "These the trainees?" He gestured to Scott and Remy.

"Yea. Wild ones too. Had a hell of a time keeping hold on them." Henry replied.

"Well I got a cell ready for them. We had an unfortunate accident, two dead and an escape." He explained as they walk down the hall.

They passed several cells with all types of mutants, most had been labeled. Gambit stopped to see inside of one labeled 'Hell Cat'. All at once she rushed the door, hissing and growling at him. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Scott." He said, elbowing him.

"Wha.. Oh my God..." He said in awe, tugging on the chain.

Henry walked back too see what the hold up was. He saw razor sharp clawed hands reaching for Gambit, who was barely out of range, "Would you two mind." He stated, then looked to see what they were staring at. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Serina." He said, not paying attention to Bradd. Bradd had come back to get her to calm down. She began to growl more aggressively as he approached. He took a pistol and shot her with a dart. She tried to reach him, still staring at Gambit. A single tear slid down her pleading eyes. He knew those eyes, the eyes of his wife.

"She's the best we have so far. She's the deadliest alive." Bradd said proudly. "Last time she got away she killed seven men before we could tranquilize her. That was in seven minutes." He explained, "We don't know who she is, she was dead on arrival, at least we thought. They prepared her for study and she cried. I'm not saying she cried out, or any thing, but I mean tears. We doctored her up and here she is. When she's not on the shot she's quite intelligent. She even sings." He turned to the two on the chain. "Behave yourselves and you'll get to meet her at dinner." They began to walk, all but Gambit. He watched her till the chain went taunt.

"Remy...." She said, almost comprehendingly, sliding down the wall into a state of unconsciousness.

They threw them in a cell together until another one became available, which he guaranteed would be tomorrow. Remy leaned against the wall. "What did they do to her?" He asked, not expecting an answer.

"If you're referring to Hell Cat, they fused her with some of their 'implants'." Someone said from across the way. "They inject her daily with a serum that makes her wild. They did that to a friend of mine and named him Wild Child. He escaped a week ago, she helped him. They got her before she got away. They plan to make us all like that, for war." She said.

"Who are you?" Scott asked as he and Gambit stood at the door.

"They call me Gargoyle. My name is Catherine." She said, stepping up to her door. She was attractive.

"I'm Trek, nice to see someone's interested in her."

"Why? Is she ignored?" Gambit inquired.

"No, most are terrorfied of her." He answered.

"And with good reason. She's their assassin. If we screw up, she kills us." Catherine replied. "Shhh, here they come." She said, ducking back.

They soon found out why everyone backs away from the door when a guard walks by. They felt the electrical shock of a tazer rod, commonly known as a cattle prod. Both hit the floor for an unscheduled nap.

They awoke sometime near early evening. "I'm glad to see you're awake." Catherine purred, they had obviously given her a daily shot as well. "Thought I'd have to spend another meal with the rif-raf."

"Oh, now I'm rif-raf." Came an almost too familiar purr. She purred as she spoke, probably an effect from the drug.

"Of coarse not, my love, but lately your moods have been unfavorable. Besides, I was referring to the men in this place."

"Oh really. Let me guess.... you got a view of the "newbies". Are they at least good looking?" She asked.

"Purrrrrrr." Catherine responded. "They're right across from my cell." She said in a "na na." like teasing voice.

"Bitch." Came the reply. "Don' forget love, share and share a like." She paused for a moment. "Are they the ones from earlier? You know, the ones that came in with the new Doc?" She asked in a realizing voice.

"Yea, why?" Catherine replied, not liking the sound of her friends voice.

Hell-Cat sat on the floor with her legs drawn up against her chest. Her arms hugged her knees. "Describe them to me." She demanded, her voice began to shake.

"Well, let me see. One is tall, 6'1 or so, brown hair, handsome, wears glasses, and is mine. " She laughed seductively. "The other is about is about 6'3. Reddish hair, really good looking and has an accent." She replied, with a smile.

There was a long pause. "His eyes, what color are they?" She asked, her voice shaking strongly now.

"I don't know, I can't see him." She said as Remy sat on the floor, still trying to regain control of his balance. Hell-Cat's voice haunting him. "You'll see him at dinner."

She didn't answer, not saying anything for a few moments, Then she heard foot steps coming down the hall. "Back up, someone's coming."

Bradd came with two guards and stopped at Scott's door. "Take the one called Gambit. It's time for his first treatment." He said, opening the door. "You just stand back and we won't hurt you." He said as they Help Gambit off the floor.

They barely got him out the door when Hell-Cat began to throw herself against the door. "Now!" She exclaimed, hoping they had use of their powers. Her rage let loose, tearing the door from the wall. She rushed them, Bradd was unable to get his pistol out in time. She was Crazy. Her hair faired behind her like a mane, her eyes wide with anger. Scott grabbed one of the guards while Catherine had hold of Bradd. The one who had a hold on Remy began to draw his weapon but decided to run instead. Wild-Cat then pushed Gambit to the floor, threatening attack if anyone got too close.

Bradd tranquilized his captor and raised his gun to Hell-Cat. She leaped for him, reaching him before the dart took effect. She slashed him twice before she fell unconscious.

They were all taken to an arena type room, Serina was sat in a chair to the side of the room. Henry was the nearest to her in an observation block. "Now you'll see why we are doing this. Gargoyle and the one you call Scott have broken the rules by attacking with Hell-Cat. Now she will be their punishment." Bradd explained as they gave Serina an injection. She awoke with a scream of agony, so wild with pain she didn't know who was in front of her. She growled wildly, shoving Gargoyle away from Scott, grabbing him. Claws extended from her finger tips and fangs began to grow, forcing her mouth open. "She's in the final stages of metimophasis." Bradd explained proudly. "She has surpassed the others by maintaining her intellect when calmed.

Hell-Cat raised her hand to snake-strike him, it was a move she had become famous for. The claws that held him making open wounds on his chest while she ripped his shirt. "Renia! No!" She heard Gambit say, "He' your friend! Think Chere' think!"

She blinked a couple times, trying to clear her mind. She still held her position of attack when Bradd hollered at her, "Kill them!" He ordered. She flipped. She threw her hand down cutting Scott's restraints and pushing him away. She turned and struck a technician dead with one blow. Scott released both Gargoyle and Gambit before he began to attack, trying to make an escape.

Hell-Cat was on a rampage, bodies flying everywhere. She reached Henry and Bradd and stopped, Henry in hand. She slapped Bradd, scarring his face. "This is mine!" She growled, then hissing, "I'm taking him with me, so don't try anything stupid. I'll kill him while you watch as you die slowly from my wounds." She then pounced away, the adrenalin giving her exceptional strength. She carried him out dropping him a safe distance from the compound. She then leaped into a tree, attempting to calm herself. Someone had got off a dart during the battle and it had finally began to take effect.

"Where is she?" Gambit asked moments after the compound was taken over. Henry just pointed up to the tree. "Give me a boost." He asked, Henry obliging his request. He had to clime a few branches to reach her. She lashed out, slashing his hand. "No, Renia. It's me, Remy." He replied, catching her hand, he kissed it. "Always, devoted to you." He said softly.

A single tear sld down her cheek as the drug took full effect. He caught her before she fell, lowering her to Beast. "Who are you people?" Catherine asked, seeing the genteelness they used with her friend.

"My name is Henry, also known as Beast. We are X-men." He then handed Hell-Cat to Gambit. "This is Cyclops and that is Remy LeBeau, or Gambit. And we believe That Hell-Cat is Serina, his wife." He explained, "Can we take you somewhere?" He asked as the others began to head for their plane.

"Where you headed?" She asked, finding him intriguing.

"New York."

"Sure, I'm from New Jersey." She smiled as she accepted his offered arm.

Beast drove Catherine home after introducing her to Xavier. Hell-cat was in the infirmary, Remy refused to let her go. He sat on the bed holding her. She began to stir after Henry returned.

She immediately took a position of defense, growling as she leaped around the room. "What is going on in here?" Xavier asked, seeing her attack a first aid tray. "I thought you said she was fine once the shot wore off."

"She was before." Gambit replied trying to get close to her as she threw things at Henry. "Renia, no." He began, getting a little closer to her. She was wildly tearing at the window, trying to get out. "It's alright. We're home." she stopped briefly. He inched closer, seeing that she had heard him. She turned, staring at him with fangs and claws bared. He had her complete attention, that is until Wolverine made a move to grab her.

She threw him with ease to the other side of the room, hitting Scott and Beast in the process. "What in the world is going on here?" Storm inquired, hearing the disturbance from the lounge.

"Get out!" Remy yelled. "Don't touch her!" She started at the widow once again. He began to move toward her once again. "It's alright. They are your friends, your family. Think, Renia, try to remember. We're at the Xavier estate. Remember, our children are here, as is your father and me." He was getting through to her, slowly advancing toward her. The claws and fangs still apparent. "Remember, you had Sky in this very room, she's five now and Nicholas, he's four. He's gotten' so big. They never gave up on you, none of us did." He saw his break, " It'll be alright, I'll protect you, I promise." He said, arms out stretched.

"Are you absolutely sure that it's her?" Xavier asked astonished at the change if this was her.

Cautiously, she inched forward, keeping an eye on the group now gathered at the door. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she let him pull her to him. Once she felt safe in his arms, she laid her head on his chest. Scott motioned the others chose to leave her to Xavier, McCoy and Remy. "If Gambit hadn't said anything to her I would be dead now. She broke my bindings letting my powers free so we could all escape." He sounded almost astonished. "She killed two of our captors with one blow. One second they were in control of her, the next they were dead, their heads split by her claws."

In the infirmary, Remy LeBeau held his wife tightly against him. She had turned to face Henry and Xavier. "Are you back with us?" Henry asked, seeing her calm her breathing. Her fangs were growing, she could barely close her mouth. Her claws were about three inches long, and razor sharp. She nodded her head.

"Who are you? Can you tell us what happened?" Xavier asked as Logan walked back in.

"I am Serina Shema MacPhearson LeBeau." She breathed through her fang. "Not with him." She said mentally to Xavier. He whispered something to him and Logan left only to go to an observation where he would see and hear everything. "You turned away from my contacts. I tried over and over again, trying to get anyone who would listen to help me." She tried to swallow. "Can I have some water?" She asked, having some problems with her fangs.

"Sure." Henry replied, get her one.

"Thank you." She gratefully took a drink. "I'm sorry about the mess. I've spent so long in their hospital under going their experiment, I guess I freaked."

"It's understandable." Xavier replied. "Please go on."

She leaned her head back against Gambit. "They started with what I already had, adamantium. They added to re-enforce the weakened areas, like my face and places damaged by Apocalypse. Then they began adding their own little toys. Implants that when given their serum accelled their growth and caused a reaction making rage uncontrollable. Wild Child helped me when I first got there but by the time he escaped, he no longer had a grasp of the English language. Actually had his own language even though he can understand ours. They had planned to do that to me but for some reason I kept hold of that part of my.....AAHHHHRRRR!" She screamed, breaking the glass by closing her hand. She jerked forward, placing her hands over her mouth.

"Henry, the pain!" Gambit exclaimed, throwing his arms around her. Her rage resurfacing with the pain.

"I'm on it!" He answered, getting a pain killer and attempting to give her a shot. Xavier watched the mirror, he could sense Wolverine's rage.

They managed to get her under control. She calmed as she began her story once again. "They gave me my last injection when they wanted to use Gargoyle and Cyclops as examples of their new weapon." She lowered her head, her voice trembled. "I almost killed him."

"But you didn', Cher'. You stopped them from hurting anyone else. You stopped them from dyeing." Remy said, rubbing his shoulder. She had tried to stop them from injecting him, but didn't make it in time.

"I know, but I took lives. Too many lives." She said looking at him face to face.

"You did what you had to, to stop them. I know it's not something to be proud of but try not to dwell on it." Xavier stated, trying to sooth her.

"That's rich coming from someone who called me a murder. Especially since no one was hurt." She snapped angerly.

"What do you mean?" He asked, knowing it was really her.

"Sam was in Scotland. Sinister was aiding Apocalypse. She helped send me there, along with my mother." She spat. "She's alive, for now anyway. Sam found the place and she sold me to them for 1.5 million dollars. They were going to split it." She heard Logan's reaction. She could feel his anger. "But I doubt that they will live long to enjoy it." She said, reading her fathers mind was easy. He was picturing the many ways he could kill them. "Apocalypse is not defeated, he's just recuperating from our attack. It will be a while before he returns."

"I owe you an apology, Serina. I had no idea that they got out before you collapsed the entrance of that cave. I am sorry." Xavier replied with sincerity.

"I forgave you long ago. You couldn't sense them but I could. Jean had tried to tell you, but you were too angry. She said she had finally given up after a few weeks. I guess we have a few things in common, Stubbornness and telepathy." She said as a wave of pain hit her once again. Henry approached her with another pain killer. "No..... break them.." She pleaded.

"What!" Came voices in unison.

"Do as she says." Logan stated from behind them. "If we don't come up with a way to cap them soon, they'll will keep growing. Her claws are retractable, if she tries." He said handing Henry a tooth extractor. "Break it off at the base of her gumline. That'll give us some time."

She looked at him thankfully. "Hold me down, The pain gives way to the rage."

They pinned her down, wincing as she screamed when they broke, curling up in Gambit's lap, crying on his shoulder. "Why don't you take her to your room and get her to rest. She'll need to regain control of herself before your children find her." Xavier stated. "Get something to eat, your stubbornness made you miss dinner." Xavier said, passing Rogue and Storm as he left. Henry and Logan went to work on the caps for her teeth, leaving the four of them alone.

"Can we help in any way, Sugah?" Rogue offered, her heart ached seeing her friend like this.

"Come here." Serina said, trying to calm herself, pulling away from Remy, standing up. Rogue slowly crept closer. "I'm not going to bite you." She stated, reaching out and pulling her in to a fierce hug. "Yet." She teased, making Rogue pull back a little. Seeing the smile on her face, hugged her tight. "I missed you."

"Ah' thought you were dead. Somethin' in me died." Rogue said, relieved that she was alive. "You mean so much to all of us. We all moped around here for months after." She tightened her hold. "Don't ever do that again, you hear!" She said angerly. "Ah' can't go through that again."

"I promise I will ask your permission next time I decide to die." Serina replied, making them all laugh. She hugged Storm next. "Do you know that I could hear everything you all said. It was so frustrating, I could hear myself yelling at you, telling you I wasn't dead. To take me with you, but you couldn't hear me." She explained as they sat there getting caught up on everything that had happened while she was gone.

Remy rubbed his stomach, "Can we get somethin' the eat, I'm starvin'." He wined.

They laughed, "Yeah, come on." Rogue answered.

Now...on to......... Hell Cat 2