"You must learn". The words seemed simple enough to the group of X-men standing before the alien telling them of the Shiar ceremony to get more in touch with their faults. They were to use this opportunity to overcome fears or weaknesses they wouldn't share with others.

They had no idea what they were in for.

Instead of some ceremony in which they'd do a group session and be out of the Shiar empire, they instead found themselves in other times. In other lives and bodies, where, through life and death and every tear these unknown strangers cried, they would find themselves struggling to survive. To live. And most of all...to learn. No matter what the cost to their souls and bodies.

Note: The stories below can be read in any order AFTER you read the introduction chapter, so feel free to skip around. Also...some chapters deal in death and violence, some more adult aspects, as well as a wee bit of harsh language, so I would suggest little kids not reading this. Also a big thanks goes out to Crow for her help on this story arch by helping me through a few rough patches. Thank you.