Grim Resolve #53

As Evan, Wolverine, and Colossus grappled with the relentless sentinels on the surface, Domino, Forge, and Beast confronted their challenges below. Domino's remarkable luck-altering powers wreaked havoc on the intricate web of technological devices within the underground lab. 

It was only a matter of time before the Master Mold's vigilant gaze detected this intrusion, prompting it to dispatch whatever Sentinels it could spare to investigate.

Yet, the combined prowess of Domino's unpredictable fortune and Forge's technological mastery made short work of any occasional Sentinel that dared to impede their progress. As one such sentinel crumbled into scattered parts, its demise leaving a metallic heap on the ground, Forge dusted his hands with a sense of accomplishment.

"That's that," he declared, his tone laced with satisfaction. Extending his left hand, he opened his palm, revealing an array of circuitry imprinted on his skin. With a deft motion, he activated his mutant power, and the air seemed to shimmer with digital energy. 

A holographic map materialized a three-dimensional representation of the sprawling underground facility, hovering above his outstretched hand.

Forge traced their path on the holographic display with his index finger, deftly maneuvering through the labyrinthine corridors. His eyes scanned the intricate network of passageways, and he muttered, "Now then, let's see where we're standing..."

With precision born of familiarity with the facility's layout, Forge charted their course on the holographic map. His finger moved with finesse, highlighting potential obstacles and the path leading to their ultimate destination.

"The cell they moved the professor to should be just ahead," he announced, his voice carrying a note of certainty. The holographic map provided a tangible guide through the intricate underground maze, guiding them toward their crucial objective.

Beast and Domino exchanged nods, promptly following behind Forge as he moved ahead. 

...

Evan clenched his teeth, a grimace etching across his face as the force of a sentinel's punch rocked his head back. The impact was jarring, but it did little to rattle his composure. With a steely resolve, he countered, swinging his own fist with precision. His knuckles met metal, and the sentinel's head crumpled under the tremendous force of Evan's blow. Simultaneously, he drove his knife into the energy source of another nearby sentinel, effectively crippling it.

Even as the sentinels closed in on him, their relentless assault raining blows upon his body from every direction, Evan remained eerily calm. His combination of brute strength and martial finesse was nothing short of remarkable, drawing more attention from the machines. They swarmed him, a cacophony of metallic limbs and armored bodies attempting to hold him in place. They clung to his arms, determined to subdue him.

Colossus, observing Evan's predicament, felt a surge of concern. He, too, had reached the limits of his stamina, exhaustion taking its toll on his formidable form. The desire to aid his friend coursed through him, but he found himself in a similar predicament, unable to muster the strength for a rescue.

However, his worry was unnecessary. In a sudden burst of intense heat, an explosion of energy radiated from Evan's body. The sentinels surrounding him were sent hurtling through the air, their mechanical forms cast aside like discarded toys. The unleashed power cleared a path around Evan, freeing him from the grasp of the relentless machines.

The abrupt release of his pent-up energy had its consequences. Evan's once-dapper dark suit now lay in tatters, revealing the grim extent of the injuries he had sustained. His body bore the harsh marks of battle, an intricate tapestry of bruises and lacerations, some so deep that they laid bare his very bones.

Colossus watched in horrified silence as Evan's battered form struggled to maintain its upright position. His muscles, severely abused during the relentless combat, quivered under the weight of his own body. But they refused to yield, each fiber standing firm against the overwhelming exhaustion and pain.

In stark contrast to the physical turmoil he endured, Evan's demeanor remained remarkably composed. Seizing the opportunity offered by the momentary reprieve, he drew in ragged breaths, allowing his battered body a moment of respite. His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, assessing the condition of his companions.

It was impossible to overlook the state of Wolverine, who appeared even more battered than Evan himself. The indomitable mutant's regenerative abilities had certainly been put to the test. Colossus, though still physically unscathed thanks to the extraordinary durability of his steel-coated form, showed signs of fatigue. 

His relentless endurance had sustained him thus far. However, it was clear that he was running on fumes, his incredible strength and resilience unable to fend off the relentless abuse from the sentinels indefinitely.

Evan's gaze flitted between his companions, a sigh escaping his lips. His body emitted a soft, orange glow as the Extremis Serum within him surged to life. The advanced nanotechnology worked diligently to mend his battered form, knitting torn flesh and mending shattered bones.

Recognizing that Colossus and Wolverine had reached their limits, Evan steeled his resolve and issued a commanding order, his voice ringing out through the chaotic battleground. "Nightcrawler! Get Colossus and Wolverine out of here!"

With unwavering determination, Nightcrawler appeared in a swirl of sulfurous smoke next to Wolverine. His hand found purchase on Wolverine's shoulder, and in the blink of an eye, the two vanished from the maelstrom of battle.

Reappearing beside Colossus with seamless precision, Nightcrawler was prepared to whisk the formidable mutant away to safety. However, this time, the sentinels were primed for his arrival. In a coordinated assault, they lunged at Nightcrawler and Colossus, their mechanical limbs reaching out to grasp at their intended targets.

Despite Nightcrawler's swift activation of his teleportation power, one of the relentless machines managed to land a blow on him. Pain flared through his body, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood but refused to succumb to unconsciousness. His resolve held firm, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Evan, now standing alone amidst the encircling sentinels, couldn't help but muster a weary smile as he watched Nightcrawler disappear in a swirl of smoke, leaving behind a somber puddle of blood. 

"There goes my ticket out of here..." Evan muttered. Despite his words, he felt nothing but concern for his student. However, now was not the time for worry.

Turning his attention back to the encroaching machines, Evan spat out the blood pooling in his mouth and cast an audacious grin at his mechanical adversaries. With fists raised and determination etched across his features, he issued a taunting challenge, "Come on, you piles of bolts! I'll turn you all into scrap!"

Forge observed the scene with a proud smile as the two robots he had crafted from the dismantled sentinel parts swiftly dispatched the sentinel guards stationed near Xavier's cell. 

Although he had used the same components to construct both robots, Forge had implemented several ingenious improvements and meticulously stripped them of their processing units, manipulating these units with his own powers to prevent any reassertion of control by the Master Mold.

Turning his attention toward Beast and Domino, Forge spoke with a sense of urgency, his voice carrying a directive. "Let's retrieve Charles and make our way out of here."

Approaching Xavier's cell, Domino demonstrated her remarkable strength and expertise by forcefully striking the security console. The console malfunctioned under her powerful blow, causing the cell door to slide open smoothly. Xavier, seated in his wheelchair, looked at the rescue party with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you for coming to my aid."

Forge shook his head modestly, deflecting the acknowledgment. "Thank this young lady here, but we don't have time for pleasantries right now." He motioned toward the hallway leading out of the secure facility. "We need to evacuate as soon as possible."

Xavier, however, interjected with a somber expression. "We can't leave just yet."

His statement perplexed Forge, who furrowed his brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Xavier's gaze shifted to the sentinel remains scattered about the laboratory. He felt a heavy responsibility weighing on his shoulders and felt compelled to clarify. "These machines, the sentinels, pose a grave threat. Not only to mutants but to the entire world."

With a gravity that mirrored his words, Xavier continued, "As terrifying as they are now, they are merely prototypes. Our only opportunity to destroy them lies here and now."

Forge couldn't help but rub the bridge of his nose, his expression one of deep contemplation. "I understand your concern, and I've considered this as well." He sighed, his frustration evident. "I tried to hack into the lab's network to disable the machines, but I regret to inform you it's impossible. Something or someone has prevented all of my attempts."

Charles nodded, his conviction unwavering, as he revealed their last hope. "It might be impossible for us, but there's someone in this facility who can halt the sentinels. The same man who created them—Bolivar Trask..."

Beast couldn't help but grimace, his skepticism evident in his words. "I highly doubt that bigot would entertain any notion of decency. With all due respect, Professor, this sounds like a far stretch..."

Charles, however, remained resolute, his gaze unwavering as he spoke with an intensity that reflected his determination. "He must see reason..." His voice trailed off briefly, and then he continued with an expression of grim resolve, "If not, I... I will make him see reason and the error of his ways..."

...

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