Kitku hated dilemmas and this was the worst one she had ever been in. To stand by idly while two men fought to the death was sickening enough but for it to be Wolverine, the only person in many years who had even shown her what a friend could be, was unbearable. Twice now, Controller had pulled her back from interfering and on the third try, Man of War took hold of her. She discovered that she was unable to move under his grasp and he was not going to let go.

"Wolvie!" she gasped and involuntarily hid her head into Man of War's side. Wolverine had taken a hideous blow to the neck from Viper's sword; blood splattered and sprayed the viewers of the macabre dance of death.

A hand touched her shoulder and Kitku looked up. It was a very battered, bloodied, Jasmine. Kitku threw her arms around Jasmine and held onto her as they both watched the man they loved, bleed to death.

Wolverine was vaguely aware that he was still fighting. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was aware; but like a runner, he had hit the wall. The world swirled in and out. He was fighting on instinct alone. His ragged breath roared in his ears, deafening out the cries of the combat around him and his own gargled screams.

His animal senses warned him that Viper was trying to maneuver them closer to Kitku. He growled and literally bit at Viper's face. He had to keep him from her.

Kim forced his eyes open. Only his right eye would obey his forced demand. His left eye was swollen shut and his face burned and stung from the facial attack he had suffered at the hands of the mutant dressed like a monk. He managed to raise himself to his hands and knees. His head spun from the movement, his stomach lurched in

"Lord," he croaked out to warn him of the facial attack, but his voice was too soft. His throat was swollen and sore. He had never been in such agony but still, he forced himself to his feet. No matter who won the battle, he had to get his Lord out of here.

Viper jerked his head back. The animal had bit at his face. He could not believe that the gijain had just tried to bite him. With as much strength as he could muster, he shoved Wolverine back from him. He touched his hand to his face. A stinging pain and blood gave him the answer.

"Dog!" he hissed at Wolverine.

Wolverine snarled and leapt at Viper before he had the chance to regain his composure. The two foes fell to the ground in a flurry of blows, kicks, and blocks until Viper gained the upper hand. He was on top of Wolverine; sword raised for the killing blow when Wolverine drew back both fists and dug his claws into Viper's sides. Viper screamed in agony but none the less rammed his sword into Wolverine's throat.

Viper slowly rose to his feet; he swayed from blood lose. He looked down at Wolverine's body, pulled the sword from Wolverine's throat and then dissipated the weapon. "You were a worthy opponent, but I am your better."

He turned from him and started to Kim's side. A small glimmer of a smile crossed his face. His eyes locked onto Kitku. He smiled at Kitku. "You and I have much unfinished business, little Kit."

Man of War moved himself between them, his head tilted in a silent question, did Viper really wanted to battle him? Viper closed his eyes for a brief moment. There would be no way that he could take the Man of War. Even on a good day, Viper calculated he would be even more hard pressed to beat the assassin than he was with Wolverine.

"Perhaps, another day, Man of War," Viper said slowly.

Man of War made no reply.

Viper gestured behind him. "Once, I would have thought the gijain to be my match, but I proved once again that there is no one who can beat me. I am the superior warrior."

"Maybe," came the harsh, gargling voice. "But today, that ain't good enough."

Slowly, Viper turned and came face to face with the Wolverine.

Kim watched as the gijain struggled to his feet. He shook his head. The gijain was by no means better than his Master was, but this Wolverine was certainly more tenacious. He observed the two men waver on their feet from exhaustion and blood loss.

"My Lord," he started.

Viper jerked from Kim and produced his two swords. He and Wolverine locked eyes and began to slowly, waveringly, circled each other. They made a few minor attacks at one another, but nothing serious as they both tried to regain their strength. "Gijain, your death is close at hand."

"Like that ain't never been said ta me before," Wolverine growled. "Can't you low-life types think of some new lines? Yer startin' ta bore me."

He slashed at Viper's chest but Viper was faster this time and managed to avoid the nasty blow.

The crowd of mutants had slowly, at Controller's encouragement, stopped fighting amongst themselves. Tracker and Archangel ceased in the middle of their deadly exchange as Controller's voice cut into their minds.

"We're fighting the wrong people! They're here to rescue the girl!" Controller snapped.

Tracker eyed the hovering Archangel and, with great reluctance, lowered his rifle. Archangel, after a signal from Cyclops, slowly, relaxed his deadly blades from another barrage attack.

"Well, can't have everything," Tracker mused mentally.

"Tracker," Controller said in a warning voice.

"I'm ceasing. I'm desisting. Relax, Mind Rat, relax," he said with an amused overtone. His mouth curled into a cruel smile that never reached his eyes. Instead, his eyes were blank, almost dead, except for what seemed like a twinge of disappointment. "Not bad, kid, not bad at all."

Archangel shivered. The man was just not right in the head. He nodded ever so slightly as he flew back from the man and swooped down to Storm's side.

"Jas?" Kitku raised her head, her eyes questioning the older woman. Is this it? Is this how it ends? Am I an orphan again? Is he gonna die?

Jas bit at her lower lip and pulled Kitku closer to her. She wanted to tell her it was going to be fine, but she could not bring herself to lie. She shielded Kitku's face from the fight, but the young girl pulled back so she could watch.

Jasmine didn't stop her.