NEW YORK CITY
7:19 PM EST | 2/13/13
"Welcome," he says, arms open wide, "to the Hellfire Club!"
Sebastian Shaw stands at the center of his grand hall, flanked with mercenaries and guns for hire. Deathstroke the Terminator stands passively, independent streak intact, against the wall. Beside him is a door, and behind that door is Hisako Ichiki, bright and cheery, captured - as is too often the case - by the enemies of the X-Men. Scott Summers, a small squad behind him, had arrived with a plan to rescue her.
Thus far, things had not gone according to that plan.
"Now," continues Shaw, "I get the impression your men had intended - initially, at least - to rescue your little sidekick, get the intel she and the Titans had gathered, and prevent whatever evil little plot you presume I'm hatching. Unfortunately for you, I have some friend in high places, and the sheer audacity that your ragtag little strike team could sneak into my home undetected..."
He rambles on, indulging, for the moment, in what he knows to be unwise cliché. Cyclops glances to either side - Phoenix close behind, Bishop, hand at his hip, Forge, gripping his tools carefully. He surreptitiously presses the communicator by his ear.
"Jean," he whispers, "try to stay back. No unnecessary risks."
"Stop worrying Scott," she says, mildly indignant.
"You better know what the hell you're doing Summers," Bishop growls. "I've got Deadpool's sights on me and I am not giving that trigger-happy nutjob the satisfaction."
"Just wait. I know she'll be here."
"She's close now," Jean mutters, suddenly more distant. "Nine seconds."
Shaw continues. "...and for that, X-Men? I give you my word, with the full weight of the Hellfire Club behind it, that you will-"
SNIKT!!
From above bursts X-23, claws wild, diving straight toward the Black King, who does not bother to turn. Like water Deathstroke flows forward; his staff extends, turning, thrusting. X-23 grits her teeth and, before she realizes, is splayed on the ground, staff to her throat, electricity coursing through her body.
Sebastian Shaw simply shakes his head. "As I was saying - you will die." He raises his hand, and the bullets fly.