Marie and Sarah could barely wait to get back to their shared room. The sexual tension of their workout making them wet like nothing else could. Well, other than the taste of the other's sweetness. Dripping down the other's mouth like nectar. The scent of the other's body, sweat and skin.

Once back in their room they were busily stripping each other, Marie concentrating hard on her control, Sarah on making Marie as gloriously naked as possible. Hungry mouths and tongues devoured the other, licking, tasting, sampling the flavor of each other's skin and mouth. Marie's much smaller tongue dueled with the slightly longer rougher one of her lover. Long slender fingers delved into Marie's wetness making her moan. "Sarah." It came out breathy and soft. Soft full lips locked onto a nipple making her knees weak. The taller stronger woman held up Marie's lithe form, still stroking her inner depths.

Carrying Marie to the bed they fell in a tangle of light honey tan, and creamy alabaster limbs. Slowly licking her way down Marie's soft, soft body, she parted the firm thighs that housed heaven. Silky curls soaked with arousal beckoned to her; lowering her full lips to the tender skin of Marie's thighs she nipped leaving small marks of ownership. Parting the velvet folds she licked slowly, oh so slowly while her younger lover's hips bucked upwards. Circling the winking opening, she let her tongue drift in to sample the citric sweet and sour of her love's essence. "Oh God, Sarah. Uhmmmm… more." Small fingers wove into the golden chestnut hair holding the slightly older woman's face to her pussy. Sarah continued to lap and moan encouragements to Marie who was starting to buck frantically crying out for more. Keeping her lips firmly pressed to Marie's vaginal opening, she drove her tongue in and out, licking the inner top, then the bottom; her fingers parting the cheeks of Marie's bum. Pulling away from the wine of Marie's cum, Sarah slid a finger in to moisten its length.

Mouthing the tender little bud of Marie's clit while she slowly probed the tight pucker of muscle at Marie's anus, she pushed all the way in, listening to Marie crying out. Rotating the finger as she pulled out then pushed in, still sucking hard at the pearl, Marie's hands still urging her on she did it again and again, speeding up the thrusts and the force behind it. Within moments Marie had come again, but Sarah did not stop. Adding a second finger she continued the anal play, scissoring her fingers open and closed to widen the delicate ring.

When Marie had climaxed a few more times Sarah reached over to their 'toybox', pulling out what she had purchased the day before. A red triple headed dildo. Grabbing some lube while Marie's fevered eyes watched her; she smoothed the glistening gel along the length of the three heads. Positioning two of them towards Marie's tight holes, she pressed them into her. Marie winced slightly at the new and much larger girth of the vaginal cock, and wanted to cry out from the odd feeling of having her ass filled with something other than a couple long fingers. It was such a surprise but something of a good one when Sarah started to thrust them in and out of her.

Sarah raised herself up, allowing the tip from the third head tease at her own sopping wet cunt, then slammed herself down, thrusting the other two heads deeply into Marie. Pulling Marie to her so that they were then laying on their sides, legs all atangle, she showed Marie how to ride both ends while shoving the one inside Sarah deeper with each buck of her hips.

The thrust of thick exaggerated cocks buried deep in her sweet body, made Marie splinter apart again and again, but Sarah would not cease, she was feeling a bit more dominant than usual. Which was all well and good in Marie's eyes, she knew Sarah would never hurt her, not with anything they ever did. Sarah held back her own orgasm for as long as possible, wanting to watch Marie fall into bliss until she thought she would faint. Driving Marie on she thrust her strong lean honey hips against the creamy rounded ones held hard in her hands. Finally her release rushed over her, dragging her down to that place where she was safe and floating freely.

Gently pulling away from Marie, she removed the dildo from the pliant body next to her. Turning Marie around so that she was on her stomach, Sarah stretched herself out over her young lover. Kissing her way down the slope of neck and back, she came to the firmly curved muscles of Marie's tush. Again parting her thighs Sarah reached for the strap on she'd been wanting to use on her for so long, and Marie's sexual response to the triple dildo made it seem like a good idea to try now. Lifting Marie's hips gently, leaving the younger woman's upper body lying limp and relaxed on the bed. Reaching again for the crystal clear lube and smoothing a generous helping on, in and around the hole she was going to penetrate, she worked her lean fingers, three this time, into the sweet little orifice. Marie started moaning for more almost immediately.

Hooking on the strap-on she kept massaging Marie's ass firmly until her hips ground backwards forcing more of Sarah's lengthy fingers into her. Deciding that Marie was ready she leaned over, placing the tip of the artificial penis at the opening, nipped at Marie's neck, whispering in her ear. "Marie, I'm going to take you so good, make you come so hard, you won't be able to walk tomorrow."

"Oh God, yes Sarah, please, take me, I'm yours. I love you so much….ouhunnnnn." She could feel the head sliding into her loosened, wet hole. Sarah's hands wrapped themselves around her breasts, pinching the nipples into tight pebbles while her own hand slid down to her clit, working it hard as the long smooth thrusting of Sarah rocked her back and forth. "Please…. Saa-raah…. Harder…mu-moore." The intensity of the plunges increased until Sarah was ramming into her, panting in her ear, fingers rolling twin sensitive nubs, making her wail out release. Sarah kept going though at an almost frantic pace, needing to make Marie want to beg for her to stop and to beg for her to never cease. A sudden explosion behind her eyes signaled the most intense orgasm of her life, as Sarah pounded away, the impacts driving Sarah to come as well.

Falling again into a tangle of limbs, Sarah caressed Marie gently, pulling out of her carefully. "Let's get you cleaned up, Marie." Tugging on the lax hand, easily lifting her off the bed, Sarah carried her to the bathroom.

---

Downstairs things were a little different.

Logan was walking through the halls for the first time in three years. Three long years since Jean's death, three long years of soul searching. Yeah he loved Jean, as a friend and colleague, he'd always known that, what was so harsh was the fact that she died for no reason. That he wasn't more upset by the death of a potential lover, but that of a friend. It had confused him; he had been more full of fear and sorrow when Rogue was at the mansion while it was under attack.

The halls may have looked the same, but the air was different. More tense, more prepared, more hard, less forgiving. Rounding the corner he found the Professor's office, letting himself in he was far from surprised when he saw Chuck sitting there.

"Welcome home, Logan," was all that the Professor said, cultured English falling over Logan's ears, feeling like a balm on tight nerves. How could Chuck always do that? With just a few words he could comfort even the toughest of restless souls.

"So, whatcha need me to do, Chuck?" plunking himself down in one of the over-stuffed chairs Logan crossed his booted feet waiting to listen to the updates, etc. But especially for news of Rogue.

"As I'm sure you've noticed, things are different. Ororo fell recently in a battle against the FoH, and we no longer have a good history teacher. While I know that may not be your forte, the curriculum is easy to follow. If you could take that class for now, it would be greatly appreciated. There are also some new teachers. Tomorrow you will most likely meet them."

"Are alla'em X-Men too?"

"Yes, even Rogue has managed to come quite far, she is now co-battle leader with her significant other of Beta Team. She teaches the advanced placement students English and Anthropology courses." The news of Rogue being taken, was something of a shock. But at the same time expected. It's not like he could come waltzing back into her life after three years of absence, while barely having acknowledged her when he was here last time, and count on her falling into his arms. He had time; he'd always have time. Thanking Chuck he went back to the room he had been assigned last time.

---

The warm water was heaven on sore muscles; the hands sliding around her body coaxing lazy responses from her were an added bonus. Leaning back on the pillow of Sarah's breast she turned slightly so that she was now on her side, able to look at the side of the bosom she was nestled into. Reaching her hand up to stroke a russet nipple, watching it turn into a firm peak, then bringing her mouth over it, flicking her tongue gently, making Sarah moan softly. Turning yet again she was now over her, looking down at the blue gray eyes whose color changes always fascinated her. Grasping one abundant breast in each hand she licked then suckled at the nipples that were so tempting. Sarah's hand slipped down to her own thick light brown curls, slipping a finger into her cleft, circling her clit. Marie ignored that for the moment engrossed with nipping the bountiful chest in front of her face.

Reaching out with her nimble toes she unstopped the tub letting the water drain out. Rubbing her delicate hands over Sarah's tightly muscled body; she brought her mouth to the full firm mouth. Tonguing gently at the bottom lip, then sucking it into her mouth, she felt Sarah moan breathily against her face. Sliding down her body Marie lifted one leg out of the tub so that Sarah was wide open to her gaze. Two fingers were working on her clit, pinching lightly and tugging it. The sight of Sarah's need for fulfillment inflamed Marie and she couldn't help but want to dive into the curls, ones that were wet from the bath and excitement.

Those full, succulent pink folds that her mouth salivated to taste. But she held back, just looking at the swollen clit, the tiny creases of Sarah's labia minora, moist vaginal opening that was visibly clenching open and closed. The musky scent hit her nose in warm waves, Marie's senses were still more sensitive than most's, and she found that she could no longer hold herself back from plunging three fingers suddenly into the beckoning orifice. An unmuffled cry escaped Sarah's mouth, at the invasion. Marie leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "You like that? You like it when I finger fuck you, don't you? Tell me. Tell me now, Sarah, or I'll stop."

"Oh goddess yes! More, Marie, don't ever stop please!" She was begging for it and Marie had never been able to deny Sarah anything, just as Sarah was never able to deny Marie. Firmly biting a nipple, then soothing the sting away, she glided down tan skin, to the source of the scent that was scrambling her brain. Folds already engorged with the blood of arousal trembled as she withdrew her small fingers, using her tongue instead to tease at the tiny outer creases. Long fingered hands were pushing her face into the sopping portal, and she obliged happily, using lips, tongue and teeth to bring Sarah to the edge and hold her there. Lean thighs started to wrap around her head, but she pushed them apart again gaining full access to the thickly bitter salty ambrosia that was part of the light of her life.

Tongue pushing quickly in and out then withdrawing only to draw symbols over the plump bundle of nerves at the apex of Sarah's sex. Gliding down again to penetrate with her tongue, Marie repeated the pattern past the point of overload for Sarah. Though she couldn't stop until she had her fill of the nectar of gods.

Sarah's pleas for 'no more, oh goddess I can't take any more' reached through Marie's lustful fog. Giving a few last cleansing and soothing laps she reluctantly pulled away. Clambering out of the tub, they dried each other off slowly and with great care.

Slipping on a long silk nightgown, because her control wasn't always good while she slept, she exited the bathroom. Sarah was still getting ready for bed, brushing her teeth and combing her shoulder-length hair. Catching an oddly familiar scent she went into a fighting stance, looking up to see if she was just paranoid or not.

Standing there looking shell-shocked was Logan.

He looked different, younger and more tired at once, his hair was shaggy, still wild, but much, much longer, almost to his shoulder blades it seemed. Gone were the huge muttonchops, in their place was a few days growth of stubble.

"Marie? Babe, is something wro-" Sarah had come out when she didn't hear Marie's normal post sex chit-chat; only to see what was one of the best looking men she'd ever laid eyes on. Not that she was attracted to men. They were pigs one and all, and the few who weren't, were taken. No she was more than happy with Marie. But this man was one who could've tempted her when she was a little younger than her vast age of 28.

The odd tableau was interrupted by a mental summons from the Professor.

::All team members meet me in the Ready Room stat. We have a large-scale attack on a school. ::

All three raced down to the lower levels, Logan's curious looks at Marie promising questions later. She ignored him; she was Rogue now, just as Sarah was Ms. Marvel.

Suiting up in the thick leather of her uniform, she and Ms. Marvel jogged to the Ready Room.

---

Seating themselves at the second side of the large table they were unsurprised to see all three main teams had turned out. But Rogue was surprised to see Omega team arrayed and ready for battle. Alpha comprised of Cyclops, Gambit, Beast and Psyn who would also be joined by Wolverine. Beta was Ms. Marvel, Rogue, IceMan, Jubilee and Zion. Theta team was Angel, Colossus, Shadowcat, Psylocke, and Siren. The ultimate team, only pulled out for such large missions, Omega team, were Chaos, Cable, White Witch and Bishop.

"It seems as though a large army of FoH have attacked a school for mutants in Australia, they have already disarmed the military sent to assist the school. There appear to be several Sentinels, how they got their hands on them is not important at this moment, but it is a real second priority. Alpha, I want you to work with Theta team, Omega work with Beta. Wolverine will be joining us for the first time in three years. Psyn I want you to establish the mandatory mental link. Alright people. We must save those children. Gods speed."

---

Getting up to go as quickly as they had arrived they entered their respective jets.

Logan had some reservations and questions. For one what the hell was Rogue doing with a woman?! For two…. How could he join them for one helluva threesome? Smacking himself mentally he corrected his second mental question. What kind of teammates did she have and would they really look out for her. That Ms. Marvel looked like a volleyball player, but not like a superhero. Gambit didn't look too bad; IceMan wasn't too bad in a pinch either. But those two kids Zion and Jubilee, they looked like high school students.

Nonetheless despite his worries he strapped himself in for one hell of a ride.

"ETA 30 minutes. Psyn update Wolverine on procedure mentally and establish link. Then connect with the other tps."

A flood of information spilled into Logan's mind and it was all he could do to not slam all his mental walls down. Quickly though the data resolved itself. Each team had a telepath, one almost as strong as the Professor or as strong. Two they worked as a neural net, a hub of communications that was hard to sever or detect unlike radio or digital frequencies. Three the battle plan was really not a plan at all. Just melee fighting. First come, first killed.

All that worked just fine for Logan; after all it was his forte. Since there was the almost unbreakable communications hub, if a plan needed to be made or information passed, it was done so instantaneously. Logan was surprised though when the 30 minutes passed quickly, after all Darwin, Australia was quite a way from Westchester, New York. And he had thought that the travel time was a little too… optimistic.

A flash of the dark blonde called Chaos flitted through his mind ::Hey, mate, no worries, it's all part of my gig. And don't fret your pretty head, I'll take care of the girls. Just go kick ass; it's what we all do best. ::

Irritated by the mental brush, Logan still decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

::Beta and Omega landing. ::
::Alpha and Theta landing. ::
::Disembarking. Chaos- cover please. ::
::Gotcha, right as rain. :: The mental transmissions almost overwhelmed Logan but he felt the gentle bolstering of Psyn's mind on his, steadying him, thus allowing him to figure all the voices out.
::Sentinel incoming! Cable and Bishop move to intercept! ::
::Copy. Engaging. ::

When Logan stepped onto the battlefield it looked like something from a sci-fi movie.

Large robots, flying mutants in leather, sparks, explosions, foot soldiers geared to the teeth. All in a background of green forest and whipping winds.

Releasing the claws he lost himself in the fight.

---

Using their personal link established by Zion and White Witch, Ms. Marvel, Rogue and Chaos worked their teams in sync perfectly. Chaos may have been something other than a mutant, true, and his nature was just as chaotic as his name implied, but he was ordered chaos in these instances. Invaluable, as he not only fueled Rogue's borrowed powers she had gained from him, but for sheer ingenuity. The first two teams were to smash through and to dole out as much carnage as possible, but Beta and Omega were special ops. Some of them smashed like the big bad rocks they were, others gathered intel, and the last few got the innocents out of the way.

Chaos and Rogue were perfect for that, Chaos had something of an infinite power that he could channel to Rogue when need be.

Guiding the more than few dozen children and school personnel quickly to the jets and getting them strapped down while Ms. Marvel guarded the 'Birds with Psyn and Zion. Rogue and Chaos then started the real business of being the big bad rocks that -they- were. Their powers complemented perfectly- Chaos did heavy output of power in what looked like uncontrolled blasts of matter, while Rogue sucked in the output like a black hole.

More quickly than the FoH thought possible, they found themselves routed.

No casualties were taken by the X-Men, but there were wounded to be cared for ASAP.

Parts of the disassembled Sentinels were loaded up, and they all packed back into the X-Jets.

---

After the exhaustion of channeling and redirecting Chaos's powers, Marie was ready to drop. Before her lover could get ahold of her though, Logan's strong arms were supporting her.

He glanced at Ms. Marvel, and received a nod. ::Put her to bed, the power absorption always makes her overworked. Chaos put out more than usual. I will attend the debriefing and fill you in later. ::

Deciding that these mental links were somewhat handy, because he sure as hell wasn't going to ask a woman if he could put his girl to bed, he just sucked it up and went upstairs.

Carrying the seemingly so slight weight in his arms, he got to what was apparently her bedroom now instead of his. Stripping her carefully of the highly singed uniform, he dressed her in a similar nightgown to the one he'd seen her in.

The scent of sex was so heavy in the air that Logan almost couldn't take it. That woman's smell was all over his Marie, but he knew that there was nothing to do about it now. Feeling a fleeting brush with the flavor of sun and cyclones that he associated with Ms. Marvel he knew she was coming in.

"Hey. We weren't really properly introduced you know. I'm Sarah Danvers." A long tanned hand held itself out to him, and he reluctantly took it. "Have a seat." Graceful gestures to one of the well-stuffed recliner near the bed indicated that he had to make nice. When he looked up from making himself comfortable, he saw a long honey back, soft chestnut hair spilling to shoulder blades, impossibly long legs all of which was quickly covered by a steel gray night dress. "The mission was a success, all the children are safe, no major injuries- minor lacerations and bruises- to the team. Only one to worry about is Marie, she'll be spent for days now. Chaos pushes her too hard sometimes. I'll explain later how that works. But I did want to get a few things straight right off the bat. You left. I came here and was here for Marie while you dithered around hither and yon. You don't have to like it; you just have to not give Marie any grief. She's had it rough enough these last few years, without some childhood crush coming in thinking he can take over where he left off. The truth of the matter Logan is this: this business is dangerous. She and I lost Ororo to it, in all likelihood I will die doing this as well, and eventually she will too. Mainly because I know only a few people have mutations that can save Marie if worst comes to worst. And it will come down to it. I won't be looking to die, you won't be looking to let me be killed. But when I go-" holding up her hand in protest Sarah continued, "you can have your chance. Give her this time, she deserves it."

Logan cleared his throat. She was right, he didn't like it, but now he needed to know what she meant about Loki pushing Rogue too hard and all that stuff about beneficial mutations for Rogue. "And what about Loki? What did he do to Rogue that's left her like this," waving his hand at the bed, he glared at Sarah. "Also, 'beneficial mutations'? Please don't tell me that means what I think it does."

Sighing, Sarah flopped down on the bed, jostling Marie, but not waking her. "OK…. How to explain this? OK, Loki doesn't test out as human on DNA scans. Nor does he come out as mutant. No one -knows- just who or what he is, and the same goes for himself. Well, that's what he says. As far as I can understand it, Loki puts out pulses of pure matter. This matter can corrupt/warp/create new forms of…. stuff, for lack of a better word. Chaos theory, it's something I'm not too familiar with, but all of that along with a few advanced degrees in quantum physics would still not shed light on what he does. Somehow during training Loki and Marie found out that she can act as an anchor for his power if he sends some of the matter to her, it's like a living being and she absorbs it, and then she can 'redirect' it as antimatter. Sometimes he sends too much, he really doesn't know his limits. Also he can 'form', his word not mine, the flow into a mimicry of other powers if he's had a lot of contact with them. Like weather control, telepathy, teleporting etc. That's why he's on the Omega team; he's one of the most powerful 'mutants' ever. Beneficial mutations are the ones that Marie can use to protect herself, or others can transfer to her to help. Like your healing. My invulnerability can keep her safe from most things, Loki's allows her, if transferred through touch, to rematerialize missing body parts. She's had cause to use both in the past. It's not an invasion, because our personalities all mesh.

The three of us can cohabitate with her without trying to take over. Ugh…. Too much thinking, too much talking. I'm tired and going to bed. Now. There is a room next door that should be vacant. If you can't handle the noise that'll be coming from this room, find somewhere else to sleep. If you cause her any grief, my strength is strong enough to bend you into a pretzel. We have an understanding?"

Logan could only gape at the woman seated on the bed looking softly at Marie, while she stroked long auburn and platinum locks. Gulping slightly, Logan got up.

"I understand perfectly. And I think I understand why she's with you. She always wants someone she knows she can honestly depend on." Pointing a finger warningly at the willowy woman he admonished her. "Don't get your ass killed any time soon, got it, bub?" Grabbing his discarded duffel from near the doorway he shuffled into the hallway and next door. Then he shuffled into mansion life, fitting in seamlessly.

---

Life passed on for a while, missions came and went, none though on the scale of the first. Logan found himself falling more and more in love with Marie, (who had given him first name rights back) or maybe he was just acknowledging it finally, but also he came to the realization that Sarah and he got on as great friends. Shooting pool, motorcycle racing, sparring, hockey- if it was something he liked it was a fair bet that Sarah liked it too. She wasn't what could be called 'mannish' but she sure was a tomboy. For that matter so was Marie, but she gave off an aura that said that she was soft and feminine while she kicked your ass at pool and in the Danger Room.

Then that night happened. Five months of comfortable friendship altered by one night of a game of Star Wars shots.

---

It was a dare. Sarah -dared- him to make a move on Marie to see if she'd respond. Oh and respond she did. So did Sarah for that matter. They found themselves in a tangle of alabaster, honey and cinnamon limbs. Marie bent over with her face planted in Sarah's pussy, while Logan was behind, riding Marie hard.

"OH GOD, LOGAN!" Lifting her damp face from Sarah's folds she threw back her head, crying out her orgasm, still feeling the swirling of tongue on her clit and Logan sheathed to the hilt pounding into her heaven. Her hips rocked back into him while she buried her face back in between Sarah's thighs. Licking, probing with her deft little tongue, Marie could feel Logan's flared glans rubbing her just right, while Sarah continued to lick up and down her, sucking her clit, lapping gently at Logan's underside. She'd never had a man before and even with all the various toys Sarah and she employed it was never quite like this. Maybe because they didn't pulse deep within her, spilling down her thighs only to be lapped up eagerly by Sarah's skilled tongue.

She wanted to make Sarah feel all that she was, so when they took a breather, Marie pulled out the strap-on, fastening it around her waist, making sure the slit in it was big enough for Logan to fit through. "Let me make you feel good, Sarah," she whispered pulling the other woman underneath her.

Soft velvet lips brushed her ear, "Not like that, Marie, on your side, in-between us."

Shifting so she lay facing Sarah, she could feel Logan sliding her leg back over his own. With a soft grunt he was in her, and Sarah was taking the rubber cock a little at a time. Finally all connected they moved slowly at first, finding a rhythm that suited them. Soon they were hurtling to ecstasy.

The next morning Marie didn't know what to do. She loved Logan, always had, always would, but she also loved Sarah with an equal part of her heart. When it was
Sarah, Ororo and she it was simple. None of them were possessive, while she knew that Logan could on a good day be described as such. Marie knew also that Logan had been biding his time, waiting for the chance to gain her for himself. Not because he was a bad man, it was simply that he wanted her, needed her so much.

Much to her surprise though, the relationship developed into an easy set up. Logan and Sarah shared her, neither jealous of the other. It was one of the more odd situations in the mansion but nobody commented.

---

"Hey, mate! Wanna give it a go?" The voice was odd, something about it discordant and haunting. It was easily identifiable as Loki and what with that Ozie accent even more unmistakable. Turning around Logan visually measured the seemingly younger man over. A height that matched his own, shoulders not quite as broad, face that almost appeared to be -shifting- in proportions, lean muscle covered frame. This would definitely be an enlightening match.

Nodding brusquely they squared off on the metal floor of the DR.

Feinting left, Loki whipped out his leg in an attempt to get Logan off his feet.

Responding in kind Logan snapped his bare foot into Loki's knee, neither one's blow connecting. For an hour they tested and measured their opponent, coming to the conclusion that they were actually a fair match. Loki had some greater speed, while Logan had more experience. Finally a double fist punch to Loki's sternum sent him flying back a few yards. Bounding up with all the agility of a cat Loki cocked his head and squinted at Logan.

Long pale fingers suddenly held a pack of smokes. It looked almost like they had materialized in Loki's hand, hell for all Logan knew, they had. Taking one of the proffered cigarettes he lit up. While he inhaled Loki started bombarding him with questions, his thick accent and odd voice filling sensitive ears.

"How old are you, mate?"

"Dunno."

"Where ya come from?"

"Dunno."

"Do you know that your name is Welsh for 'meadow', with the implication of spring time, and thus flowers?"

That one seemed to be so far out of left field, that Logan's head whipped around to glare at the other man. Loki just shrugged with an enigmatic smile.

"One last question. Do you really think that things can keep going as they are with you, Rogue and Sarah?"

The last question disturbed him, and he started to walk off.

"Just remember, mate, this business is risky. Protect your own first, that's what I always do, but it still gives nothing but grief." It had too much of a prophetic tone to it, and despite Logan's attempts to forget Loki's words, they haunted his sleep.

---

Things had been going too well though, and as is the wont of the powers that be, trouble came knocking on their doorstep. Namely in the guise of the American government.

Half the students were killed in the initial blast from the F/A-22 Raptors payload.

The only reason why it was so few was because Chaos had been on the side of the building that was targeted. Throwing up some form of deflector/absorber field, he sent the power straight to Rogue, using her as an anchor. The back draft of power from the field destroyed the other Raptors and one Sentinel in the near vicinity before they could continue the attack.

The teams didn't even bother with suiting up. Cyclops, Beast, Gambit and Bishop got the remaining students into the five X-Jets below ground. The remaining forces took to the fighting of the invasion forces. Five more Sentinels were seen to be approaching quickly, crushing anything in their path. It was simply a massacre.

Chaos was almost mortally wounded from the first bomb, but still he channeled all his power into Rogue, trying to keep the fields up where they were needed most. Rogue was defenseless because of the sheer power overload left her catatonic, though not entirely. Wolverine and Ms. Marvel were right by her side shielding her physically from debris and attack. But one of the Sentinels was coming right for them, and Ms. Marvel, ever the no nonsense woman, kissed Rogue on the head, looked in Wolverine's eye and flew off.

Her attacks on the mechanoid almost seemed ineffectual at first, but she kept going. Blow after blow backed by super strength started to dent the headpiece. Though for every three hits she landed, despite her agility, the Sentinel got one on her.

Psyn and Zion succeeded. The telepathic/telekinetic explosion took more than three-quarters of the remaining enemy force. Since four of the six Sentinels were taken out by Psyn and Zion and one was taken out by Chaos when he used his remaining strength to corrupt the atomic matter of the fifth thus destroying it, and leaving Rogue unconscious from the strain of absorbing the excess and providing an anchor. That left the one.

The one still standing and only two X-Men left to fight it. Wolverine couldn't really do shit to the damn thing or at least that's what he'd been told before. Ms. Marvel could. And she was, but it was a losing battle. Wolverine could see her flagging, but also he could see the Sentinel was falling apart. He'd be damned if he let his friend die just because of a little thing like him not really knowing if his claws could do anything to it.

Roaring he leapt. Right onto its head, where he saw one of the control panels. Slicing through the metal like butter while Ms. Marvel distracted it, he took the mechanical brain apart.

When it started to topple, Wolverine felt strong arms lift him in the air, carrying him to safety. Where Ms. Marvel promptly fell unconscious upon landing.

Looking around Wolverine figured they'd lost a good deal of the theta team, part of beta, some of the Omega team too, a couple would survive of the remaining teams, but they were badly wounded. Maybe Chaos wasn't dead, if there was one thing Wolverine had learned about the Ozie, was that he was unpredictable to a sickening degree. And that he had a tendency for dramatics.

---

The children were relocated to the UK, there was a school there that could take them in. The Australian government offered the X-Men a place to call home, but they refused. It had been a group decision, they wanted to be close to where the worst activity was, which was America. They had set up camp on the Canadian side of the US/Canadian border. With grants of aid and support from the Parliaments of the UK, Australia and Canada, they were able to regroup some. At the moment the Canadian government was even rebuilding a base for the X-Men to use.

The official status and use of the team was to prevent insurgencies of hate groups world wide. But first they had to heal up, then they could go step by step to their goal.

---

"Home of the free my bloody ass. What's up with those wonky blokes in power, eh? It's the only modern country that has somethin' against muties. So you'd think that this 'enlightened cou- OW would you stop fucking poking me with that bloody needle you damned bastard! Ok, as I was saying- ouch! Must you?!" Loki was sitting none to happily, getting stitches on his forehead to match all the ones on his stomach and chest. Logan had been right, the damn bastard survived what was pretty much something no one should have. But Sarah and Marie couldn't seem happier with the fact of Loki being alright. Right now they were resting in their tent, while Logan was on watch. "Ok now, will you STOP! Sod off you big blue bastard, I'm trying to finish my lecture and complaints! Now where was I? Oh yes, such an 'enlightened' and 'free' country wouldn't be so blasted interested in making a scapegoat class. This place is fairly well off, despite the fact that they're a few trillion in the hole, but hell the usd is worth more than the aud, so what gives? For a country that's founded on all sorts of -freedom-" the word was more or less spit from Loki's mouth, "that they could at -least- try to play nice. But noooooo, they have to stick their blasted noses into everyone else's business. Too busy playing cowboy, like they're the bloody sheriff! They should just bugger off, and stuff themselves."

"Are you quite finished, Loki? Yes, well I must complete your set of stitches, so cease your whining and take it like a man." Hank's patience was obviously worn thin, he'd most likely had very little sleep because there were so many injured that he had to take care of.

After the last knot in the sutures was done Logan stood up, slapping the blue mutant on the back, "Why don't ya get some rest, Hank, you've done enough. Loki and I can hold the fort. Just make sure Scooter has his ass covered on his side of the perimeter."

Hank nodded and walked off to get some much-needed rest. Looking back at Loki, he knew this was going to be a long night.

---

"Oh, Marie." Soft sighs spilled from Sarah's mouth as Marie worked her core. Lips kissing trails down to the valley of her breasts, then working their way left to a hard nipple. Sucking on it lightly, fingers pumping slowly in silky wetness, unhurried caresses on Marie's back urging her on.

After almost losing each other, Marie thought she'd be frantic with need, and she was. But it was the need to pleasure her lover, to make sure she still could.

Letting her mouth leave the sweet tip, she drifting down to the soft thatch of curls. Slowly parting the folds gently she ran her tongue over the sensitive flesh held within. Lapping lightly on the wetness she found, Marie continued to pleasure Sarah. With agile strokes she thrust her tongue firmly into Sarah's entrance, then back out again to tease her swollen bundle. Unexpectedly the gush of Sarah's release filled her mouth, which she lapped soothingly up, the rich salty taste satisfying her. Crawling up to kiss the full lips of her lover she took comfort in the fact that Sarah was there, who could be held, who was still breathing, and Marie could still make love to her.

Feeling strong tan hands hold their naked bodies together, Marie drifted into a light doze her own smaller pale hand grasping tightly to the softness of Sarah, as though she'd never let go.

Looking down at the spread waves of russet and silver, Sarah knew how close she had been. If Logan hadn't jumped in when he had, she'd be dead. She was a little angry that he had though, he had left Marie unprotected, despite the fact that it was only a few minutes, but still. Next time they may not be so lucky. What if there had been a soldier that wasn't dead? He should've just gotten Marie out of there.

Marie had only been dozing for a few moments, and Sarah knew that Marie needed rest, but she also needed to affirm the fact that Marie was breathing, just as Marie had required that of her. Nuzzling her nose slowly against the slightly upturned one opposite her, she started pressing soft open mouth kisses against sleep-flushed skin. Combing fingers through the silky mane laid out over milky shoulders. Pulling the light body closer she slowly ground a thigh into Marie's mound, eliciting a sleepy moan and a responding grind.

Large chocolate eyes blinked open lazily, looking into smokey blue, gray ones. Slow smile like molasses lit up her face.

Delicate fingers reached up to push chestnut hair out of Sarah's face, then cupped a cheek. Leaning down to capture that plump bottom lip in her own, darting her tongue into Marie's mouth tasting the sleep and her juices still in it. Her arousal spiked harshly at it all. The flavor, the feeling, the silk of skin on skin. It made Sarah feel as though if she didn't make Marie satisfied now, that she would be consumed in the fires of her need.

Rolling the smaller woman underneath her, she promptly went to search out the wet scent that wafted on the air lightly. Tongue skittering down satiny skin, kissing her way urgently down to Marie's hips, licking the joint of leg to hip, nipping down velvety thighs, kissing firmly the curl-covered mount of Venus.

Parting slick folds with her desperately seeking appendage, she ran it down and into the moist entrance, happy to hear the breathy urgings of her partner. Fluttering among the citric elixir coated clasping muscles, she kissed her internally. It wasn't enough, God it'd never be enough. A moment without the drug of Marie's essence was too much. Sarah would never be able to do without it. Hadn't been able to since the day she took Marie to bed. Marie quickly cried out her release and dragged Sarah back up for a sleepy sated kiss.

Both gave in to the need for sleep this time.

---

"Damnit! Nothin's goin' right! Incoming!" Logan was barking orders to the remaining members of the teams.

The loss of Psyn and Zion was felt, really and truly felt now, on the team. The break in the hub of mental communications meant that they now had to mainly use physical frequencies, which were far more unreliable. This attack was coming a mere three weeks after the one on the Mansion.

The American government had declared war against mutants and the countries that housed such 'terrorists'. In a lightening fast strike they invaded Canada, setting fires and dropping bombs. The X-Men's supposedly safe haven was under a full on attack, but they were fighting.

"Chaos! Get yer ass in gear!"

"That's what I'm doing you bloody bastard!"

The fighting was even more dirty and rough than any of them had seen before. Beast was down, Gambit dead, White Witch M.I.A., the Professor dead, and Cyclops down. The only members of the team still in any condition to fight were Ms. Marvel, Rogue, Chaos and him.

God, I won't let them down. Can't let those fuckers get Marie.
A sudden detonation threw the fighters back, Chaos and Rogue the only two standing afterwards, energy arcing between them. Chaos was building it up to epic proportions; he knew two things had to happen. And he was going to make sure that they did. Using his slight grasp of telepathy he reached for Ms. Marvel. :: Sweets, you think you can save Rogue and Big Hairy from the blast this time? Don't let her chase it. Don't let her ride the wave unprotected, got it? :: The affirmation was quickly granted.

With a sudden drawing up of strength Chaos screamed.

Atomic matter materialized, and dematerialized. His eyes were blazing hot green, his booted feet floating a few inches in the air, crackles of force radiating out from him, latching onto anything that moved. Ms. Marvel got between the arcs reaching for Rogue even through Chaos' protection, guarding her from the living tendrils of power. Unfortunately they latched onto her instead. Just like they were everything outside of the small shield that Chaos had thrown up, before unleashing everything in him.

The lights got brighter and brighter, and then... silence.

---

The smell of burnt flesh and hair broke through Marie's fog. A warmth in her mind startled her from her befuddlement.:Relax, babe, it's just me.: :What, am I just chopped liver? Hey, sweets, I'm here too, don't mind me crashin' your party, eh?:A familiar weight resolved itself on top of her, it was Sarah. She was cold, and her face was buried in Marie's neck. Oh God…no-

:Babe, I decided to do it, don't fret. Everything'll be ok. Just don't know why Loki's here.::Well, sweets, I got a theory on that-:"Marie! Marie!" Strong hands were lifting Sarah's body off of her, and shaking her, making her focus on the outside world. Still though she could feel Loki and Sarah debating in the background.

Sluggishly she looked up to see Logan's smoke-blackened face, tears streaking down his cheeks. He looked like hell, and was also probably the most welcome sight. Flinging herself into his arms she just cried. In so short a time she had lost more than anyone ever should. First a friend and lover in Ororo, a brother in Loki, and dear God…..She couldn't even think about the loss of Sarah. It was too much.

Sarah. Just the thought of her not being able to brush her fingers through that chestnut mane, seemed as though it'd break her. Contemplating Sarah's death, would be like thinking about Logan's. Simply not possible.

The emotional pain overwhelmed her, crashing down and sending her back into darkness, enveloped by strong adamantium reinforced arms.

---

Perth, Australia. One Year Later.

Looking over at the newest recruits, he pinched his nose and sighed. God these kids were so green. Not like the world would let them stay that way though.

"All right, can you tell me the most efficient way to deal with a fight? Anyone?"

The girl with bright red eyes, silver hair, elongated ears and obsidian black skin nodded.

"Don't get in one in the first place. Avoid if possible, but if one starts, go for the quickest win."

"Sygun, -when- not -if-. Otherwise- correct. The rest of you clueless lot- ten laps. And don't forget to cool down before gulpin' that water. Don't wanna hafta deal with you dehydrated boogers pukin' all over the damn place!" Motioning Sygun to follow him back inside he told her to sit.

She looked as twitchy as a bunny rabbit. Unsure and a little intimidated by him, but honestly doing her best to get through.

"Relax kid, I'm not gonna hurt ya. Got one more question for you. How much do you like leather?" Sygun's head snapped up, a wide grin spreading across her face.

Then the smile dropped. "Sir? Don't think I'm not taking this seriously. I am. This isn't about vengeance, it's not even about survival. It's doing what is needed. That's what you've always said. And I believe you on that one. None of us are invulnerable, we all die, and in this line of work….we will. Most likely it will be more painful and gruesome, and maybe not even for a good reason. But it will happen and I understand."

Logan was a bit surprised, then again he really shouldn't have been. Sygun was one odd character, and she was thoughtful. That's why despite her age and inexperience she would be the first new full recruit on the team in years.

"Alright then. You know the rules you know the drill. So I won't bother with the whole song and dance. Now go and get some rest, you've earned it. Just make sure on your way out to tell Rogue to get in my office."

It wasn't long before he got absorbed in the mountains of paperwork that came with running a special forces and training unit.

Then the click of the door and the soft scent filling his nose reminded him why he still did this job.

Smiling up at his just-starting-to-show pregnant wife, he got up to give her his chair.

"Hmm, shoogs. Haven't seen you all day. I take it from all her smiles on the way out that Sygun is joining?" At his nod she smiled. And what a glorious smile it was. Logan knew how lucky he was to have Marie still with him. He could've lost her so many times over in just the last two years, let alone all the ones before it.
"Cat got your tongue?"

He shook his head, still just gazing at her.

"Well if a cat doesn't have your tongue, shoogs, who does?"

"Heh, just soaking you in, darlin', you look so happy. Gotta just bask in it."

"Oh, shoogs, don't think about that. It's over, I'm ok, you're ok. We have the team getting rebuilt. The U.N. is fighting for us, for our future, our children's futures. And I still don't look like too much of a blimp yet." Marie's little hands were gliding soothingly across his chest as she looked up at him. And there was that little sparkle in her eye, the one that made his pants seem like a prison.

"Really now? A blimp you say? More like the sexiest thing on two legs, darlin'." Leaning down over her, he kissed her slowly, tasting the chipotle chicken on her breath. Well, at least her pregnancy cravings weren't weird. But she had become even more insatiable.

Pushing away the worries he carried on his shoulders, the ones about Marie falling back into grief madness, government hate wars, the team, and the future of their soon to be born child, he took care of his wife. Slowly, sweetly with all the love he bore for her shinning through. Soon they would be a triad again, just this time it'd be a product of their love.