Wolverine #4: Desecration Part 2 (Phoenix Wars Prelude)
Alberta, Canada—Alkali Lake
Finally Jubilee has had a chance to be alone with Logan. Unfortunately the time was limited as warriors of the Hand have entered the old Weapon X complex at the command of the man named Agent Zero. The two X-Men found their way into the operation room where old x-rays of the previous experiments remain. Along with them they found proof that Logan's daughter is alive.
"Kill them," says Agent Zero commanding the Hand ninjas.
The ninjas all attack together like a swarm of locus. The two X-Men are completely surrounded. Jubilee laughs to herself and says to Wolverine, "I bet I can take more out then you."
"Sounds like a challenge," replies Wolverine.
One of the ninjas tries to kick Jubilee. She grabs hold of his leg and snaps it in two while hitting it with her forearm. She then whips the ninja into a pole that holds the second floor in place. The metal platform of the second floor shakes and Agent Zero becomes off balance, but then regains it.
"So, that's what we have to do to get him down here," says Jubilee.
Jubilee looks at Wolverine and they nod at each other. Wolverine turns to a ninja running up to him and cross-slashes him in the face, leaving six claw marks.
"Ahh," yells the Hand ninja.
Wolverine retracts his claws and then picks the ninja off his feet throwing him into another one of the poles. There are now two poles down with four more to go. Jubilee makes some molecules in the air explode creating a large flash of light, blinding two of the ninjas she's fighting. She kicks one back through another pole and turns to the other landing an uppercut under his jaw. The ninja flies back and lands on another pole. Wolverine stabs a ninja directly in the chest with both set of claws he uses them to throw the ninja through a pole. He begins slashing at another, but the ninja dodges and under the metal platform above him. Wolverine slashes at the last pole with his claws causing the platform to fall. The ninja is killed when it lands on him. Agent Zero finally is down on the first floor, which in fact is the only floor now.
"Tell me where they are now," yells Wolverine.
"No," says Zero.
Jubilee runs towards Zero and he releases a force blast that sends her flying.
"Let's dance old man," laughs Zero.
Somewhere…
John Howlett, the brother of Wolverine, sits in a chair behind his desk. He has just received to visitors about his current items up for bid.
"It's quite amazing how much your masters want these two," says John. "Can I ask what they want them for?"
In front of him on his left stands Cassandra Nova and to his right stands Ozymandias.
"My dear do not concern yourself with my lord's ventures," says Cassandra Nova.
"You have yet to mention who your lord is Nova, is he hiding himself," asks Ozymandias.
"Lord D'Ken does not hide himself," says Nova. "You will see him soon enough, that I can assure you."
"There's no need for arguing, we're all here to do business," says John. "Now that I have received your payment, my people are delivering your new warriors to your respective vessels outside. I thank you for your business and hope you will come to the Hand for future needs."
"Thank you," says Nova. "Your clan is most honorable. I will give word of you to D'Ken."
"And Apocalypse appreciates your service as well," says Ozymandias.
They all bid farewell, Cassandra Nova and Ozymandias leave the lair of John Howlett.
"It seems the future looks big for our planet," says John. "Who doesn't love war?"
Outside…
Nova walks to her spacecraft and Ozymandias to his jet.
"Do you think Apocalypse will really take over the planet, servant," asks Nova.
"He will and will rule with an iron fist," says Ozymandias. "He will send your lord running back to his home world with his tail between his legs."
"How dare you misspeak of Lord D'Ken," yells Nova.
Nova motions towards a soldier standing outside her ship and says, "Starbolt I command you to destroy this fool."
Starbolt takes flight and heads for Ozymandias, he says, "You will never take our lord's name in vain again!"
"Famine, defend me," commands Ozymandias.
The Horseman Famine, formerly Exodus, comes forth to defend his master, "As you wish!"
Famine and Starbolt send energy blasts at each other, while their leaders stand watch. The blasts cancel each other out and the two fly towards one another. They throw punches at each other.
"You are a formidable opponent," says Starbolt.
Famine blocks a punch from Starbolt and then throws one of his own to Starbolt's stomach.
"Ahh," yells Starbolt falling out of the air and to the ground.
"I would say the same, but you're nothing close to it," says Famine as he walks to his master.
"Our paths may cross again, woman," says Ozymandias. "When that day comes expect death."
The two go to their ship and leave. Nova watches their ship fade into the sky.
"Let's go," says Nova. "We may have to watch this group as we prepare for the invasion. You need to prepare most of all, and know this there is no room in the Imperial Guard for light weights."
Alberta, Canada—Alkali Lake
Wolverine moves in on Agent Zero, swiping his claws. Zero flips backwards to dodge his claws. Wolverine leaps up and lands a dropkick on Zero sending him flying back into a wall. He looks around while Wolverine moves in closer.
"Hmm," mutters Zero noticing the old fuse box on the wall to his left.
He throws a knife at the fuse box causing the electricity to go out. He takes the opportunity, while Wolverine tries to figure out where he is, to go off in another direction.
SNIFF!
Wolverine uses his nose to try and pick up Zero's scent. There's a problem. There's no discernable scent.
"@#$%," mutters Wolverine.
[Wolverine Narrates]: Can't smell nothing, can't hear nothing. Who is this guy, must be a big time merc if he can pull this off in darkness.
At that moment Wolverine hears a noise, the sound of something metal hitting the floor.
"He left the room," says Wolverine.
He uses his enhanced senses to guide himself out of the operation room. Jubilee picks herself off the ground and raises one of her hands creating a small light show.
"I'm gonna blow his head off," says Jubilee using the light to guide her way.
Wolverine continues through the complex trying to get an idea of where Zero has gone. Wolverine turns to the sound of something else falling behind him.
"What," asks Wolverine.
He sees a small flash and flips out of the way. The flashing light flashes faster and then the object explodes with a blinding light. Wolverine covers his eyes after being blinded and then a red dot appears on his head. Zero pulls the trigger, but Jubilee jumps in the room pushing Wolverine aside. While saving the X-Men leader she got a glimpse of where the merc was standing and ran quickly grabbing on to his arm.
"So, you found me," says Zero.
"You bet," says Jubilee. "Say bye to your right arm!"
In that instant Zero's arm explodes.
"Ahh," yells Zero as the lights flicker back on.
"Surprised? Bet you were like all the others…thinking that all I do is little balls of light…like that pop singer…whatever her name is…well I got news for you buddy. I'm MORE than that…I combust molecules. I could blow off your head so much as look at you…all I have to do is concentrate just a little and BOOM! How does that sound," asks Jubilee.
"Damn woman what have you done," asks Wolverine.
"What he had it coming," says Jubilee. "Tell me you weren't about to gut him."
"Urr," growls Wolverine.
Zero reaches for a gun with his other arm.
"Keep it up I'll make you lose something else," says Jubilee.
"Damn, it what the hell is wrong with you," asks Wolverine looking at Jubilee.
Jubilee looks back at Zero and says, "Jeez, he was gonna shoot you. You should be thanking me right now."
Zero tries to pull another gun, but Jubilee with just a look makes his other arm explode.
"Now didn't I just warn you," asks Jubilee. "Now what did we learn?"
To her amazement Zero's arms begin to heal themselves.
"Okay so you're another healer," says Jubilee. "How about we get some randomness with these mutant powers?"
Zero snaps his fingers and more Hand ninjas appear from the shadows.
"Looks like more fun," says Jubilee. "You know Logan I have a higher death toll then you."
Wolverine smirks and says, "I doubt that."
"Killed more people on the day I left sensei, then the day you left Weapon X," says Jubilee. "Of course all those were just a tragic accident."
Jubilee stops talking to leap at two oncoming ninjas. She kicks one in the neck and the other in the jaw. Wolverine grabs hold of a ninja by the arm and throws him into another. Another ninja comes in with a dropkick, but Wolverine blocks it with his arm. While he focuses on the ninjas surrounding him, Agent Zero makes a move for Jubilee.
"Huh," asks Jubilee as her arm is grabbed.
"Payback," says Zero.
He breaks her arm and she yells in agony, "Ahh!"
SNIKT!
Wolverine strikes down all the ninjas with his claws. He stabs one in the stomach and then slashes one in the face. This complex will now be known as a slaughter house. Wolverine slices off a ninja's head and throws the body in front of Zero who's now holding Jubilee down with a gun to her head.
"Stand still," says Zero. "She can't heal herself like we can."
"You already broke her arm," says Wolverine. "Put her down and fight me one-on-one. No weapons, no tricks."
"Fine," says Zero throwing Jubilee hard to his left and the gun to his right.
"@#$%," yells Jubilee as she lands on her arm.
Wolverine retracts his claws, while Agent Zero cracks his neck. Wolverine flips forward sending a kick to Zero's ribs. Wolverine then throws a punch hitting his opponent square in the face, he throws another but it's blocked and Zero then throws a punch of his own. Wolverine staggers back a bit, while Zero pulls out a knife and tries to take a swipe at Wolverine, but he is kicked in the stomach.
Zero steps forward and Wolverine flips over him, turning in midair to kick Zero who blocks the kick. Wolverine on the ground takes another attempt with a kick and knocks Zero's knife out of his hand. Wolverine punches him between the eyes, and with his neck back Wolverine grabs hold and begins to choke him.
Wolverine brings Zero to his knees and says, "You'll tell me where they are now! Or so help me I'll make your death be slow and painful."
"I told you I would never say," says Zero muffled voice. "Even if I would they're probably gone now."
"GONE," yells Wolverine.
Wolverine pops his claws on his right hand and stabs them into Zero's stomach. Zero jerks his neck around in pain.
"Ahh," yells Zero.
Wolverine lets go of his neck and let's Zero's body fall back. He bends down and puts his left fist upon Zero's throat popping only two claws, which go into the ground locking Zero in place. The middle claw remains sheathe.
"They may not be there anymore, but I can still go kill my so-called brother," says Wolverine. "Now tell me or the last one comes out."
"A shoot to the throat won't kill me," says Zero. "This is pointless."
"Can't heal if I sever your brain's pathways," says Wolverine.
"You wouldn't," says Zero. "You were disgusted with what the girl did to me. How would you be able to kill me?"
"I don't enjoy killing, but I do what I have to do," says Wolverine. "Now talk or the claw comes out."
"You'll never find him," says Zero. "You'll never see your daughter or wife again."
A look of disappointment grows on Wolverine's face. People always saw him as a vicious animal in the days before the X-Men, and he never liked that. He hated seeing blood spilled for something ridiculous as revenge or war. However, like he said, he does what he has to. And so the claw pops out, with a loud SNIKT. Zero's head is severed from his body. He is dead.
Wolverine wipes the blood off his claws and retracts them. He then walks over to Jubilee and picks her off the floor.
"You all right," asks Wolverine.
Rubbing her arm she says, "Never better."
"Come on, you need medial attention," says Wolverine.
"What, we're leaving Canada so soon," asks Jubilee. "How about we hit one of your old joints and get a drink?"
"Believe me," says Wolverine. "I would like nothing more, but we'll have to settle for something in Westchester."
Wolverine and Jubilee leave the Weapon X complex with no clues of the whereabouts of Logan's family. They get to the Blackbird and with the press of a remote the lower hatch opens and they enter.
Westchester, New York—Nowhere Special
Logan sits at a bar with a drink in hand. Two televisions are on the bar, one on each side. A report from the White House comes on.
"I am proud to introduce to you the forty-fourth and newest President of the United States," says the woman standing behind the podium before the symbol of the White House. "Robert Kelly."
"Turn that garbage off," says Logan.
The bartender grabs the remote and switches the channel.
"It's the bottom of the seventh and the New York Yankees lead the Boston Red Sox, fifteen to two," says the broadcaster. "Derek Jeter is due up to bat…"
"Hey, didn't know you were into baseball," says Jubilee grabbing the seat next to Logan.
"Hey, how you feeling," asks Logan.
"All right, just a broken arm," says Jubilee. "Beast says I should take some downtime, and that it should heal up pretty fast."
"Good to hear," says Logan before taking a sip of his beer. "Want a drink?"
"Sure, make it a beer," says Jubilee.
"Barkeep," says Logan while placing a cigar in his mouth and lighting it.
"You know you can't smoke that in here," says the Bartender.
"What'cha gonna do sue me," asks Logan. "Get the lady a beer."
The bartender goes to get Jubilee a beer.
"Quite the tough guy," laughs Jubilee. "…Okay, in all seriousness now, are you all right?"
"Fine," says Logan.
"Seriously," asks Jubilee. "I mean your daughter and wife…"
"Cut it," says Logan. "I know what you're trying to do. Save your pity for someone else."
"Okay," says Jubilee. "I though maybe we could just have a heart-to-heart before I head for LA."
"Heading out," asks Logan.
"Yeah, thought with the downtime I'd check into some things back home, see if I can find anyone left from my family," says Jubilee.
"Good luck with that," says Wolverine.
"Thanks," says Jubilee looking at Logan stare at the television. "Don't miss me too much."
Jubilee grabs and turns Logan's head to give a kiss on the lips. The bartender comes over and places the beer on the counter and walks away. The kiss ends and Jubilee grabs the beer and chugs it. She's done in a matter of seconds and slams it on the counter.
"Later," says Jubilee walking out of the bar.
Logan watches her walk away and slowly a small smile grows on his face.
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NEXT: Ahh, it's a secret. Hint, hint, Phoenix Wars!
But what I can tell you is to look for a Jubilee series coming soon to All*Star X written by Robert 'Staredcraft' Willing. Jubilee is in search of her own family and she has to go to LA to do so. Will she find anyone? Who will she meet along the way? Stay tuned for the upcoming five-part opening this summer.