THE DARKNING STORM SAGA

By De Engi

The Standard Disclaimer: Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo created The Sentinel; Marvel Comics owns the X-Men; CBS & Viacom own Diagnosis, Murder; and Twin Peaks was created by David Lynch & Mark Frost. I lay no claims on any of these characters, I'm just borrowing them for awhile. I'm not making any money off any of this, so please don't sue me. (I haven't got anything worth having, anyway - unless you'd be willing to take my husband...). There will be more disclaimers as I add more cross-overs to this saga.

Author's Notes (tedious, but important):

1. Warning: These stories contain Wiccan/pagan/paranormal/supernatural elements. Anybody who is offended shouldn't read them.

2. This is an Alternate Universe of the Universes detailed in the disclaimers. The "Alternates" are:
a. This saga actually takes place in an AU of the movie version of X-Men, starring Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman. Specifically, the Darkning Storm saga follows the movie tie-in novel's theory (this may also be part of the comics mythology, but I don't know because I never read the comics) that the Mutant's abilities are from what we now call "junk DNA", in other words, DNA which we don't know the function of - or if it even has any - but which we theorize to be left over from more primitive stages of our evolution.
b. This saga begins 3 years after "The Sentinel by Blair Sandburg", and incorporates incidents and ideas from my Repercussions stories The Guide by James Ellison , The Lesser of Two Evils , and Unbeknownst . In fact, although this is an Alternate Universe, it is an AU that is also a direct sequel to the Repercussions series.

c. I missed whole seasons of Diagnosis, Murder. Therefore, put down any inconsistencies to the Alternate Universe. Also, I liked Detective Tanis Archer and Police Chief Masters, so I've put them in. I'm not ignoring the series after that season, but changing it to include these characters.

There will be more notes as I add more stories to this saga.

It's best to read these stories in order, as it is an on-going saga that continues from story to story instead of being a series of stand-alone incidents. Failing that, at least read "The Gathering Storm" first, otherwise, nothing will make any sense.

For those who may not be familiar with any of the series referenced in this saga:

The Sentinel: Detective James Ellison of the Cascade, Washington police department discovers that he is different from most people: he is a Sentinel, someone with substantially enhanced senses (all six of them), and a strong protective instinct. Lacking information on Sentinels, Ellison teams up with brilliant, creative anthropologist-graduate student Blair Sandburg, who helps Ellison control and focus his abilities.

The X-Men: In the near-future, humans begin developing and manifesting Mutant abilities. These abilities can be anything from super-human speed, to X-ray vision, to the ability to freeze any object. Because some of these Mutant abilities are inherently dangerous, and also because some of the Mutants themselves are immoral or deviant, panicky "normal" humans have begun to take the first steps in what may eventually be the outlawing and genocide of all Mutants. In the midst of this fear, Dr. Charles Xavier, himself a Mutant with strong telepathic ability, has opened up the School for Gifted Youngsters, designed to help Mutants control and learn the moral use of their abilities.

Diagnosis, Murder: Dr. Mark Sloan, head of Internal Medicine at Los Angeles' Community General Hospital, helps his son, Detective Steve Sloan, solve mysteries. He is aided in this by forensic pathologist Dr. Amanda Bentley, and by Dr. Jesse Travis, ER doctor.

Twin Peaks: FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, admitted psychic and lover of coffee (black), travels to Twin Peaks, Washington in order to investigate the murder of homecoming queen, Laura Palmer. During the course of his investigation, he becomes embroiled in the many dark secrets and twisted plots of the denizens of the peculiar town. He is joined in his investigation by Twin Peaks' down-to-Earth sheriff, Harry S. Truman, as well as a host of others both unique and strange.

THE DARKNING STORM SAGA

In these modern times, the belief and use of magic has pretty much fallen by the wayside. However, there are still some who adhere to the Old Ways; some, who use magic only to heal, others, who use it for personal gain, no matter the cost to others.

Those who believe in the Old Traditions and use it only to heal, also believe there is a balance to the Universe; a Balance of Light and Dark, Good and Evil. Any who disrupt this balance, do so to their peril, although they may do great harm before they are made to pay the price...

Now, thirteen Black Arts mages - deviant Guides - and their partners - deviant Sentinels - have come together to raise power through the use of sacrifices. This power will be used to gain what they most desire: domination over all the peoples of America, and, eventually, the world. And all that stands in their way are thirteen "normal" Sentinel/Guide pairs who are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect their people, defeat the Darkness, and bring Balance back to the Universe - even if it should cost them their lives.

 Pt. 1: The Gathering Storm - The Dark forces gather, and perform the first ritual designed to bring them power.

(Warning: This story contains a graphic Black Magic ritual and animal sacrifice.)

                        Pt. 2: The Lion and the Hummingbird (The Sentinel/Diagnosis, Murder)- A deviant Sentinel kidnaps Dr. Jesse Travis to replace his own deceased Guide. Can Detective Steve Sloan find him in time - while dealing with his own awakening Sentinel abilities?

Pt. 3 - SOON TO COME!