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Aftermath: Part 1
This story is inspired by some messages
on the X-Men
message board about how Cable and Nate might merge to
destroy Apocalypse. They are only theories that some fellow
fans thought up. All characters are Marvel's. I didn't asked for
their permission and I seriously doubt they will give me any if they
know
about my fan fics.
It was over. I couldn't believe it after all this time, all this
pain, the fight against Apocalypse is over. There was silence as
everyone tried to comprehend what happened. So much happened, that I was
still trying to contemplate what happened.
Jean was resting peacefully in her bed. I was still awake. I couldn't
sleep. I had to see Nathan. The small room was silent as I crept in. The
small crib that Warren had gotten from an all night department store was
in the middle of the room. The baby inside was awake like me.
Tears were collecting inside of my goggles. I took off the goggles and
put on my ruby quartz glasses to let the tears come out. Even, after all
this time, I still need ruby quartz to keep from blasting everything in
sight. Some things never change. And some things just change back.
I picked up the small baby. He was staring at me with his innocent eyes.
Eyes that I haven't seen in an eternity. Cable had finally fulfilled his
destiny. He destroyed Apocalypse with Nate Grey. Hank and Moria still
couldn't figure what happened with the two. All I remembered was those
two merging as one pure energy being and destroying that monster. The
smoke cleared and a small wailing baby was all that's left... that and
Nate Grey's remains. His body died.
Hank did all the tests and confirmed that it was Nathan before he got
sent to the future. Jean probed his mind to find no trace of the
memories that Cable had. Cable finally got his reward, another chance at
life with his parents in the twentieth century. Nate Grey just vanished.
Perhaps he merged with Cable? I don't know.
Everyone was shocked when they saw Nathan in my arms. Everyone who knew
Nate and Nathan were surprised to see all that's left was a baby. But we
must moved on. We shall not let this sacrifice go on in vain. Look at
me, I'm talking as if he's dead. I know he isn't. Cable's dead. Not
Nathan Christopher Charles Summers... not my son.
I wonder why I should be sad. After all, I should be happy that Nathan
would be getting a new life. I should be happy that he's alive...
Period. It wasn't written what happens after the 'Gathering'. He had
thought that he wouldn't survive the 'Gathering'. He was wrong... and
right.
But, I'm not happy. I'm selfish. How can I lead the new X-Men with a
baby to protect and raise? I love him, but I'm scared that I wouldn't be
able to be the loving father as I was when I was Slymm or I would die
one day and never come back. Who would take care of him? What about
Madelynn Pryor, Nathan's 'real' mother? She could just teleport in and
swipe him away from me... or Sinister. He would still try to capture my
son. We have so many enemies; the baby will become our weakest spot..
I know the X-Men would keep Nathan safe, and if they couldn't, X-Force
and Domino will make damn sure that he's safe. They owed him so much.
Besides, Tabitha had a lot of experience babysitting Nathan back in
X-Factor. Maybe, I could have Generation X baby-sit too. Paige had
experience with babies, Everett too... I think.
Nathan looked up at me. I sighed as I tried to lower him back down only
to see him whimpering. He was scared and lonely. He needed me. "Nate,"
I begged softly as I picked him up. "It's okay, son. It's o--kay."
He started to cry loudly as I rocked him. Only a few days ago, I was
talking to him as Cable, adult to adult. "Please don't cry. I love
you." I whispered softly as I held him close.
I couldn't let him down. He's depending on Jean and me again. I can't
let him down. Not this time. I spoke to him hoping he would somehow
understand, "Don't cry. I won't leave you alone. I will never
abandon you.... not again. If Sinister comes with his Marauders to take
you away, they will have to pry you from my cold hands. I'll teach you
everything I knew. We'll do stuff normal fathers and sons do; play
catch, sled in Alaska, maybe you could even join the boy scouts. You'll
be the first telepathic Boy Scout. Of course, you'll have to learn to
crawl first."
I held him closely. My hands trembled as I sat down in a chair with him
in my arms. "I will never let you go. I promise." He stopped
crying. I put my cheek on his head as I soothed him to sleep. I have a
lot to do, so much to do, but I can't let him down. Not again. The X-Men
can wait for this one night. He needs me. He needs his father. Tonight.
I won't let him down again.
I laid back and saw my son fell asleep. He seemed content with me.
Happy. I smiled at the innocent bundle in my arms. But one very
important thought entered my mind, "How can I get him back to the
crib without waking him up?"
The end.
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