May 4 2003, 10:01 PM
Horus. Hooorruuuussss... HORUS!
BC rousted himself to consciousness, only to have the inky gloom of the basement prison greet his sight.
"What do you want from me?"
Want? My dear, I thought it was obvious what I want. I want you. Only you, can make this change in me, for it's true, you are my destiny. Just say the word, and I'll stop. All the torment, all the strain, it will all stop. Just say you are mine.
"NO... No... N... "
A blood-curdling screech could be heard through the planes, piercing hearts and minds of mortals and immortals alike as an immortal soul, weary from torment, died.
Oh honey. I just love you. Welcome home.
It's good to be home.
Gingerly Xavier pulled a clean shirt over the burnt flesh of his chest.
"That was about as graceful a move as I've ever made. Spilling that deep fryer of hot oil on myself, and with Dad here. And worse yet, with me wearing that vial of phoenix blood around my neck. So much for keeping it in a safe place." Feelings of idiocy and futility went tumbling through his head like a pair of children on a playground.
He waited for some time after Ben left before venturing out to go check on it, the phoenix. When he reached the basement of Madison's laboratory he found it still hanging chained to the wall, not moving.
The basement was flooded with light as he hand swept the switch. Walking across the dirt and stone floor, he stared it in the face.
"Why? Why must you be so damned important to him? You're not his any more you're mine. Why?" The frustration of the dilemma powerfully made itself known in the tone of his voice. This thing was becoming more of a nuisance than a benefit.
Abruptly it let out a screech that pierced through his body, mind and spirit. Grabbing his ears, Xavier dropped to the floor in agony, drifting into unconsciousness and black oblivion.
The pounding in his head was excruciating when he woke. His ears were still ringing as the screech reverberated in them. Somehow he managed to push himself up into a sitting position on the floor. Xavier rested an arm on bent knee and slowly, with great effort rested his head on the arm. Raising other hand to the side of his face, his fingers became covered with a sticky wetness that ran from the left ear.
A chuckle began softly, building to an insidious laugh, from the creature chained to the wall on the far side of the basement. Rolling his head around Xavier looked up at it, beholding a face contorted with insanity.
"What's wrong little man? Aw, you fall go boom?"
That laughter sent chills of terror through Xavier. I need to do what I came down here to do, and quickly. I have to get this... thing... outta here before it's too late. Or maybe, it's already too late.
His balance proved to be severely impaired as he tried to get to his feet, aching muscles retaliating to the effort. Steadying himself with an outstretched hand Xavier gradually rose to his feet. He stumbled over to the table, grabbed the blade and rack of vials, and then like some drunk managed to walk over to the creature. It taunted him as he did his best to quickly fill the vials.
Aw, honey, look at that, the little man's hands are shaking while he cuts you.
"Just cut and get it over with, child. Your father shall be greatly disappointed in you, not that I am. You are exactly the threat I perceived you to be. Cut!"
Now, now honey, patience with the boy. He'll get his in the end. They always do. More like he'll get US in the end. The insidious laughter erupted again from the creature, as it’s fiery eyes glared menacingly at Xavier.
Xavier worked as fast as he could to fill all the vials, and then stumbled up the stairs, turning out the light behind him.
Oh look, he did it again. We're back in the dark. Oh well, not for long. Baliel dear, I've got him. The phoenix is with us now. I told you time would work to our favor.
Slamming the door of his home behind him, Xavier fumbled around in the dark until his hand brushed the light switch. Wincing against the glaring light, his eyes adjusted to the room as he made his way to the bathroom. Xavier needed to shower and then change clothes before going to look for his father. Gasping, the vision in the bathroom mirror frightened him. Between the drawn appearance, the drying blood, and the dirt he looked like something the cat wouldn't even want to drag in. The shower did wonders to revive him and relieve the aches in his body. Being clean was also a fantastic feeling. After showering and changing he rummaged around his townhouse, making it top priority to stash the vials in a very safe and secure place. Somewhere no one other than himself would find. Then Xavier walked back outside and through the park toward the Foundation.
"Since that's where I left Dad at the close of our first meeting then that's where I'll find him," he muttered to himself.