Back to Gatefold#2 by A. Crute
August 2017 |
MAGNETO!
Miles above the ground…
Bobby Drake screamed at the top of his lungs. He was plummeting quickly. He turned his head to watch the plane he had missed soar past him through the air while he plummeted down. He turned his attention back to the ground which was dashing up to meet him at an alarming rate.
He screamed all the louder and closed his eyes. Neither action proved to be of any use as he continued to plummet and with having eyelids made of perfectly formed ice he could clearly see through them.
“Iceman are you okay?” Bobby turned his head and instinctively opened his eyes though it made no real difference because of his transparent eyelids.
The figure who spoke to him was shooting through the air upside down next to Bobby. He was topless showing off his thin but well chiselled figure. His blonde hair rippled across his face as he hurtled down. His large white wings were pressed tightly against his back.
“He’s just a little nervous,” the voice came from his other side. Bobby turned to look at the red visored form of Cyclops. He was in free fall alongside Bobby with his arms and legs threw out to maximise his area.
“Don’t worry Bobby we’ll be fine,” Jean Grey floated upwards from below Bobby. Once she reached Bobby’s eye line she began to fall alongside him. The young iced teen was now surrounded by his team mates.
He tried to speak only to have his mouth filled with liquid. He could feel himself dissolving slightly as he fell as the water slid over his icy form. “Were falling!” Bobby barked before returning to his scream.
The other X-Men looked at one another and shrugged. “He does have a point,” nodded Jean. She joined in the scream but smiled as she did so.
“Don’t worry Jean I can save you!” Angel grinned with his perfect white teeth and spread out his wings.
“No I will,” Cyclops stretched out his hand and moved towards Jean. He grabbed her hand and smiled.
“You can’t even fly!” yelled Angel. He began to circle around the three of the team who were still falling. He matched their speed of descent but was in complete control over his own.
“I’ll figure it out,” Cyclops furloughed his brow and stopped in mid air. “See, anything you can do I can do bird boy.”
“Actually Scott that’s me,” Jean smiled. Cyclops returned her smile like a dreamy idiot. The two darted away as Bobby began to plummet and they remained in place held by Jean’s telekinesis. Angel began to circle around them.
“You can save me Warren! War! Save me!”
“Ah always the youngest trying to get attention. Freud would have a lot to say about that,” Hank waved with his oversized hands as he dropped down into Bobby’s view. His legs were crossed and he rested his elbows on his knees with his chin on top of his hands.
“Hank! You have to do something!” Bobby reached out towards Hank but he seemed to just slide away past him buffeted by the wind.
“Antidisestablishmentarianism sesquipidalianism Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis Splot,” Hank grinned. “up up and away!”
“That didn’t even make any sense!” Bobby yelled. Hank waved one last time and then stretched his hand out far above his head and began to rise into the air like Superman.
Bobby cast another look down at the trees of the ground far below him. They were still hurriedly rearranging themselves into a large bulls eye. The world sped up for a split second and then.
Bounce!
Bobby opened his eyes and let out a small yelp as his rigid body released it’s tension and he slammed into the bed before spinning from the mattress and landing in a heap on the hard wooden floor.
He pressed his hands against his head and let out a thankful sigh as he began to extricate himself from the sheets which had came with him with his feet.
He was dripping with sweat which made his T-shirt and his shorts stick to his skin uncomfortably.
It had been a week and a half since he joined the Xavier Academy which also made it a week an a half since he had been tossed from one aeroplane to another thousands of feet above the ground.
It seemed there had not been an hour pass since that day where Bobby’s mind hadn’t shifted back to the event and he would get that churning queasy feeling in his stomach. It haunted his dreams at night and turned them into nightmares.
The two worst things about it were firstly that he hadn’t thought about it at the time. The idea of being a superhero and hurtling between the two to save the day (onto a plane about to crash) seemed almost fun, he was making jokes about it. Looking back it made him feel sick. Secondly no one else seemed to care, it was that which galled him the most.
They had been busy in the last week and a half. They had been getting settled into their new home and getting to know one another. Bobby had came to the following conclusions. Scott was overly uptight about absolutely everything, if he had any more pity for himself he’d be an emo and he had the worlds biggest crush on Jean.
Warren was the big man on campus (despite being an outcast) he had everything, good lucks, personality, wit, intelligence and most importantly for women money. He too was interested in Jean but it seemed like less of a crush. Less of an adolescent crush and more of an adult attraction…of course Bobby didn’t have the words to put this into context.
Jean herself was nice, she was cool and pretty, Bobby however so far could not see why the others were so head over heals in love with her. In truth Bobby thought to himself that these three had barely noticed he was there, their little love triangle seemed to fill most of their thoughts (which could be why they didn’t think of the terror in the skies).
Hank was brilliant! He was like the older brother Bobby never had. He was also without a doubt the smartest person had ever met, he however unlike most people bobby would consider an adult (over 18) let his intelligence or his age get in the way of having fun.
They had also been training heavily. Since the day after the plane Xavier had been working them hard. They had an hour and a half of general exercise before breakfast. They’d head to the gym or outside the mansion and they’d run sprints and lift weights. Once breakfast had been wolfed down by the then starving teens it was off to their individual lessons. Jean, Warren and Scott for the most part spent the day together all being the same age they had mostly the same lessons given by Xavier telepathically. Bobby was most of the time somewhere else sitting comfortably having a separate lesson given telepathically by their mentor. Hank was either alone in the library reading for his degrees or would make the commute to the university for the lectures he couldn’t afford to miss.
Once the day was over they had an hour or two to kick back and relax before their power training. Xavier was intent on teaching them all about their powers, though their was only so much he could tell them about their own powers most of it seemed to be down to feeling. He taught them theory and he taught them philosophy, meditation, specific physics and what their powers meant to them and to the world at large. He explained the Ubermensch of Neitzsche and his own theories on mutation.
Bobby crossed his room, which he was beginning to feel at home at rather than just sleeping there. He grabbed the handle and pushed open the window. His room smelled of sweat.
He looked out across the lawns of the Xavier mansion which his room overlooked. The boat house and the lake could be seen just beyond a row of trees glistening the morning sunlight beautifully.
He closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh morning air. He focused inwards, a technique in meditation which Xavier had taught him. The calm he was amassing suddenly vanished as he felt himself yanked forward.
He opened his eyes to see the ground hurtling towards him before he suddenly stopped and flew into the air. He spun as he went upwards getting a painfully panoramic view of the building he had just been yanked from. He stopped hanging upside down held by the large toes on the large foot of Hank McCoy.
Bobby swore loudly and swung his fist. “Why Mr Drake you seem shocked? Here was I thinking that…and with evidence giving the ice cubes in my uniform yesterday…that you were a fan of practical jokes? Don’t I even get some points for crouching out here above your window for forty minutes?”
Hank’s grinning face dropped to one of concern as he regarded his little friend’s face. “You look some what perturbed?”
“Please, please, please put me down.” Bobby was babbling and shaking his head in rapid succession. He closed his eyes tightly.
Hank wasted no time. With one smooth motion, he tossed himself forward and swung effortlessly into Bobby’s room while rotating Bobby to an upright position and setting him down.
“Is this about the aeroplane?”
“y-You know?” Bobby didn’t think anyone picked up on his worry. He was hoping they didn’t, he was the youngest and he felt he had much to prove to these older students. He was very much the younger brother mouthing off and acting big to get attention…or in some cases to pass under the radar.
“What sort of best friend and dare I say mentor would I be if I hadn’t picked up on it?” Hank patted Bobby on the back gently in a comforting gesture.
“Am I the only one? The only one bothered by the whole thing.” Bobby turned his face slightly, he didn’t want to appear weak or childish before his older friend.
“Most probably,” Hank nodded.
“Thanks you’re a real friend, very good at comforting people.” Bobby rolled his eyes and blushed.
“Ah you misunderstand. It is most understandable. Jean has her own protection, she can hold herself stationary at any height. Warren can fly and has no fear of heights…a side effect of his powers which I am beginning to think I may share or how else would I be able to turn off the higher portions of my brain and throw caution to the wind and instinct as I tumble around. You however young ice cube have no such advantages.”
Bobby made an ‘oh’ face. When Hank explained it like that it all seemed to make sense and was ok. “So what do you think? Should I go see the Professor or will I just get used to it and forget it.”
Hank rubbed his chin gently. “Well you’ve told me, so I’m here to talk to whenever you need it…the Professor would be much help with his powers wouldn’t he. Have you perhaps thought of approaching Scott? Having been thrown from a plane himself maybe he could offer some valuable advice. He of course has a crippling fear of flying and may indeed wake up in cold sweats for all I know but he has much more experience in hiding it in the least.”
Bobby nodded and the two began to make their way out of the bedroom. “What’s astounding is that both Jean and the Professor have telepathic powers and neither seemed to pick up on your distress.”
“Well Jean has her hands full with Romeo and…er the other Romeo.”
“Perhaps a reference to a famous love triangle would have been more appropriate. Gianciotto and Pablo from divine comedy perhaps.” Hank looked down at the confused look of Bobby. “Jack and Sawyer from Lost?” Bobby again nodded and made the ‘oh’ face of realisation.
“The Professor.” Bobby continued “He seems to be off in his own world. Like he’s lost in his own thoughts.”
Xavier’s study…
Charles Francis Xavier sat behind his large oak desk. He was named after his grandfather but in time it would be commented how appropriate it was the joint source of his grandfather’s name. A great saint who converted many people to his way of thinking and a great man of science. Their dreams and ideals both present in the wheelchair bound mutant.
His elbows were resting upon the top of the desk while his fingers were steepled together and pressing against his face. He had no work to do at the moment, he was not busy writing scientific paper or creating a training plan he was simply looking at two photographs he had laid out on his desk top.
The first was one of his students. Even now he could sense all 5 awake and going around the business of dressing or eating breakfast. Today was Saturday so they had no lessons to take, they had a training session for 2 hours in the later morning but once that was done the day was their own. He had much to think about today, again, as he had been since the aeroplane event.
He scanned the faces in the photograph, taken on that same night.
Scott Summers AKA Cyclops stood in the centre behind Xavier. He was taller than the rest of this first class of X-Men. He was smiling but it couldn’t hide his true feelings at the time. Xavier remembered them clearly, like an aftertaste of the mind. He was happy and proud of the things that they had done but also ashamed and embarrassed of his own contribution. Scott had very little contact, so few relationships with other people over the course of his life he was uncomfortable around them, he was constantly critical of himself and unsure of everything he did…and everything others did. The lack of comfort was especially strong on that day because of his fear of flying, he had let his team down and backed out of the mission because he couldn’t bring himself to go into the air to help. There was still however much inside Scott waiting to come out, so much so that he didn’t realise how much he had to offer. He focused solely on his mistakes and problems both social and personal. His feelings for one Miss Jean Grey were not helping the matter. It was for these reasons Charles had chosen Scott to be the ‘team leader’ of the group…in the intermin at least. Should another student prove to be more adept it would be unjust and just plain stupid if Charles didn’t act and change the command structure. He was at the moment however thinking he wouldn’t have too. Scott’s mind was tactically sharp, he understood tactics like Mozart did music. He didn’t seem to work on it or practice it was simply a gift he had, an ability.
Scott also needed a confidence boost, to see the things inside himself that Xavier and indeed the others could see. A strong moral centre, intelligence and a truly commanding nature. He could make tough decisions when the time came. He had been doing it for most of his life choosing to let his brother live a separate life even though it hurt. Choosing to go without human comfort and much contact when his powers became uncontrollable. He was only young but already Xavier could see the great future this boy could have.
The third reason was because of his critical nature. Scott’s power was destructive on a massive scale. He held power behind his eyes which could level a mountain, power he could not control. His powers though very rarely seemed to get out of his control, there had been one or two incidents in the past week…after which Scott was despondent and angry with himself to the point which if he was older would have driven a lesser man to drink. He was however cautious and careful, his glasses never slipped, he never opened his eyes in the morning without first finding his protective glasses. He criticised and examined every action both of himself and of the others to ensure they would not come to harm by his hand…or eyes. The meticulous attention to detail was important, he would identify every source of danger or mishap almost instinctively and knew what to do to avoid or rectify it. That ability would serve him and his team mates well.
Scott however was still greatly unsure of himself, he would walk into things and bump counters. He got tongue tied even in the most casual of conversations…though never during training where his voice was clear, direct and powerful. He seemed especially out of sorts whenever he was with Jean, it seemed he took a step outside his own body (another valuable skill) and viewed everything which went on with his critical eyes. In these situations however the over critical viewing lead to many of the problems he tried to avoid as he held back speech examining everything he says carefully.
Jean herself was standing to the side of Charles and Scott in the photo. She was smiling brilliantly. So proud of herself and the others, so happy with what they had done. Jean had also been through much, her powers had been just as tough on her as any of the others but most of the time she wore it well. Her powers had linked her into that of a friends at the moment of her death. The backlash on Jean almost sent her mad, her telepathy at which she used to be instinctively adept and her telekinesis both went wild and became completely uncontrollable.
Her telekinesis was stripping furniture apart thread by thread or else tossing it against walls. Her telepathy was catching and reading people indiscriminately mixing memories and thoughts of those closest to her. Her personality was fractured and almost none existent at one point, she was a live but not living. Charles had help her back into health and control of her powers.
Her telepathy was now all but shut off from her. She could simply send and receive thoughts. She was getting better very slowly with time but still she was far short of what she used to be and it would take a long time before she was at that level again.
She had however for the most part put her personal problems behind her. The dreams had stopped, her sunny and confidant personality had once again been coaxed back. Charles would have liked to take credit for that but in truth it was her family. Her parents and her siblings had pulled together and showed Jean all the love she needed and all the help they could give and it had worked. Their daughter had come back to them. It was this reason Charles believed why Jean and Scott were so different, she had her family to support her and pull her through the tough times and made her who she was today. Scott had no one, he had to pull himself through as best he could and it had made him who he was today.
Jean herself had a bright future ahead of her. She was sharp, beautiful and a person who you couldn’t help but like. She was the epitome of Charles’ dream.
It was obvious to Charles even though he viewed her almost as a daughter having experienced so much of her life via telepathy during their sessions why the boys in his school felt so strongly for her. It was her out of all her students who he was closest too due to their shared telepathy, they had conducted long conversations and discussions in the blink of an eye.
Warren who was one of her potential suitors was standing next to her. His wings held loosely to his back. Warren was conflicted within himself, he was also a conundrum to others.
Warren Worthington III had never wanted for anything in his life. He had wealth and power which he gained thanks to his fathers business. Any worldly possession which could be bought he could, any which couldn’t he could still get. He however took it all within his step, he was by no means worldly and he didn’t understand the true value of things but he was far from Paris Hilton. He wasn’t spoiled or at least did not act in such a way (though the Professor was in no doubts that he had always got what he wanted all through his life).
He was handsome (even more striking now because of his large wings) to the point he was once included on a list of eligible bachelors despite his young age. He was brilliantly athletic thanks to his mutation even before his wings had sprouted. He in fact held several records for his athletic accomplishments. He also had that wit and charm which could charm the stars from the sky when he tried. He knew how to talk to people and make them feel like they were the only one in the world that mattered.
He was again however tempered with this gift, he wasn’t ‘spoiled’ by it. He didn’t abuse it and see people in the ways they could serve him. His parents may not have reacted in the best way when they found out about his mutation (in no way the worst way Charles had seen either) it was still obvious they loved him and just needed time to come to terms with his new status but Charles could not fault them on how they raised their son. They taught him right from wrong at a very young age and to value all people regardless of their net worth. Warren had taken all of this to heart and because of this and his charm had become a social butterfly. He knew how people worked, how they felt and could relate, people were drawn to him.
It was even more of a shock then when his wings appeared and he had to push people away. He couldn’t allow people to be close to him, to be near him in case they found him out. He had to turn his back on his friends and all he knew, he was aloof and a loner. He was miserable. Now he was amongst those from who he didn’t have to hide, who he could be totally himself he was flourishing again.
Warren whilst not worldly was arguably the most adult out of Charles’ recruits. He viewed the world in a very adult manor. He thought like a man twice his age probably because of the way he was raised with the idea he would one day take over the company and be responsible for it all, all those workers lives and all the charities it contributed too. He was aged beyond his years.
Age had however not mellowed him the way it does most. He was still a teenager at heart full of fun. He was also without an intended pun ‘flightly’. You didn’t know if he was listening to you or staring out of the window with his head in the clouds wishing his body could be there too. He was most of the time like a caged bird, something instinctive inside him told him he needed to fly. He needed to be up there in the sky stretching his wings. Any chance he got he would take to the wing which was why the Professor was now sure to close the large glass doors behind his desk if he had to pop out of the room during one of their chats.
Hank McCoy was crouched on the other side of Xavier in the photograph. Charles couldn’t help but smile whenever he saw Hank. He was such a contradiction and so special. Physically he was most atavistic, his body formed into a form like that of an ape but his mind, his mind was so far beyond most of the people Charles had ever met in many ways even beyond his own.
There wasn’t a concept Hank couldn’t grasp and understand in almost no time. Whether it was scientific theories or the yearnings of the heart in the worlds finest poetry he would understand it.
It was this which would be Henry’s gift to the world. He embodied part of Xavier’s dream. He was a mutant with amazing powers but that was only the smallest part of him. It was his mind which was truly phenomenal (and wholly natural) no matter what he chose to do with his life whether it was physics, medicine or write poetry which he seemed to enjoy it would be a gift to humanity. He would expand understanding or improve life whether it was via healing or simply speaking to people in a way no other could.
Hank was a nonchalant, friendly and brilliantly funny individual. Despite the bullying he had received in his life or possibly because of it everything could be the source of levity. A chance to brighten some ones day who may need it. He was however an individual in need of attention.
He demanded attention from the professor via his excellence. He had his hand up to ask or answer questions at any given point. Though who could blame him, he had spent so many years hiding his true brilliance but now he had a chance to let it run wild and discuss with someone who might actually understand all the things which galloped through his head at such rates.
He was not however like most intellectuals Charles had met. He didn’t wield his knowledge as a weapon or as a badge to show who he was. He didn’t try and make people feel stupid or feel they should respect him for his abilities. He wanted to share them, knowledge was a gift and one he intended to share with everyone.
Bobby Drake hung over Hank’s shoulders in the photo. It was clear from when they first met they would get on like a house on fire and it was so far proving to be a brilliant deduction. Despite being the two with the highest range in ages they were the most alike in temperament.
Bobby was nonchalant and laid back as much as Hank despite the problems with acceptance he had in his life. He too took every chance to make a joke though for different reasons to Hank. His was for acceptance.
This isn’t unusual in fact quite usual for a teenage boy his age especially when with those who are a few years older to whom Bobby felt lesser than…like he had to play up to be their equals. He wanted to be accepted and he did this by having them laugh with him, to avoid them laughing at him.
He has a good heart. He out of all the teens was probably the most ‘normal’. He was the average man amongst them mostly non-exceptional in any manor. He kept his mouth shut and feigned his own ignorance (again as not to stand out) but he was the one who understood the most about people. He could cut right to the heart of any matter. He was the one who when looking at a forest could see both the wood and the trees when it was needed.
He was of course immature, for all he wanted to be accepted by the others he was happy to single himself out with his immaturity simply because it was fun. He enjoyed it and it was who he was. He wanted to be accepted but he wasn’t willing to change who he was to get it done. Xavier respected that in the young man, he was true to himself in the face of everything and that characteristic would suit him well in his later life, especially due to his mutant nature where people would be wanting him to apologise for who he was.
They were a fine bunch of not only teenagers by people. Xavier was already given the short time he had known them was so proud of all they were within themselves. They would indeed represent their entire race well.
He looked at the other photo. He remembered once he had thought that same thing about that group. Time however had changed his mind. They had been the same once full of youth, life and a need to change the world.
It was the two men in the centre of the picture he was looking at. Himself and Erik Lehnsher AKA Magneto. “Erik?” he asked himself quietly “Where did it all go wrong?”
He sadly knew where it all went wrong. It went wrong long before the two best friends had even met one another. It went wrong during the darkest portion of human history before he had even been born.
Erik who would one day be known as Magneto was at the time known as Magnus. He had explained years later that over the years he had gone under a host of different names. A host of different identities. A man and especially the boy at that age stood out, his white hair and the steely cold blue eyes which pierced through you…not to mention the strange phenomena which followed him around. The things which happened around him drew attention.
He had not always however been in the role he set himself as aggressor. He began his life as the aggressed. He in Germany by his parents who were German born Jews. His father was a watch maker and his mother a bakery assistant.
There lives were not perfect but they were a family, they were happy for the most part as most families were. They argued and complained but they made up and loved each other. These were however worrying times, especially for the jews.
The rise of the Reich and Nazism threatened their lives. Erik told Charles many stories of that time. His sister being attacked. His being attacked on what seemed like every other day at least.
He lived through the first two stages of the nazi plans. The first being conversion. He watched his friends and neighbours turn their back on their religion that they believed in whether they practiced in secrecy or wholly converted was unknown to him even given all these years. ‘You do not deserve to live amongst us as Jews’. Erik kept his head down as much as possible as his father and mother instructed and it didn’t seem too bad.
Then came the second stage, exclusion. ‘You do not deserve to live amongst us,’ the family were being prepared to move into a ghetto. They had their business and lands reclaimed by the German government. The family instead decided to move away from the city all together. To live on the road with Erik’s uncle and become gypsies, this way they could be free to practice their religion how they chose and live their lives away from persecution.
The respite they enjoyed in this new life did not last long. It was a happy time after how they had been treated in the cities but it was not to last. The final solution was put into effect, annihilation. ‘You do not deserve to live’.
The entire family complete with the rest of the camp were arrested as they came upon a patrol of soldiers. A large majority of the men were shot on the spot. Erik slipped by due to his age, he was only 11 years old at the time.
He like all the other Jewish and polish families was separated. He went to the male camp and his family, his mother and sister were taken to the female camp. Auschwitz and the things which happened there would go down in infamy.
Erik remained at Auschwitz for the duration of the entire war. It was a miracle that he did so. The sheer numbers of people exterminated within the camp walls made it astounding that this small and weak totally alone Jewish boy survived.
Erik was a survivor though. He did whatever was necessary to survive to one day breathe fresh air again and have the earth beneath his feet as a free man. To see his family again…the last wish never came true.
He was freed at the end of the war when the allies liberated the camp and it’s inhabitants.
It wasn’t till years later when his health and strength returned to him after the years of starvation throughout puberty that Magnus learned he was a mutant. He didn’t know what it meant at the time, just that he had this strange gift to control metal in all it’s forms.
Those close to him, those he loved reacted with fear, abject terror in several cases. The reaction of those around him cost him his first daughter. He had nothing left for him. He spent many years wandering the globe after that, he learned about himself and his powers. He learned about the man he was and about the people of the world. He found little to his liking.
He did however find others like himself. He found other individuals with powers beyond comprehension. Those individuals who had been given gifts by god. One such was Charles Xavier fresh out of college and bristling with ideas and theories about people like themselves.
Erik by this point in his life was younger than he should have been. He never talked about it and Charles despite being able to never pried with his powers. Something had happened to him however which gifted him with extra years of life to live.
Erik and Charles were similar in physical age but despite their differences in actual age they were equals. They both had minds sharp as tacks and would spend much of their time debating one another. They had both travelled much and met others like themselves and learned many things.
The thing which drew them together, bound them to one another was their belief that those like them, the mutants would continue to increase and could not stay below the radar forever.
They planned and discussed every course of action and possibility they could think of. They knew that humanity would respond to their appearance with fear and hostility and it would be the likes of them, the first mutants who would have to deal with it.
Erik saw it as a war. He saw what he had been through because of his religion and knew powers such as theirs would not be treated so ‘kindly’. Peace would be achieved but only if mutants took the dominant step. Charles disagreed, he believed the goodness in humanity would prevail. Peace would be accomplished but only through true equality. It was this which they discussed most often.
They set out to bring together mutants. Erik bending to Charles’s dream, he helped plan and discover new mutants each adding something to their group something which would help them help the world. Help them become a valuable section of humanity’s population.
They had several years of high prosperity creating a commune of like minded individuals both mutants and humans in a secret jungle which was their garden of Eden.
There dream however could not last. The commune was a democracy but it was obvious who the two leaders of the group were. They worked towards the same goals but were working from different ideas, different road maps to the same goal and it could only be so long before the tension they began to experience tore them apart.
No one knew when it was coming but when it did it happened quickly. Charles turned the photo over and stared at the back. He closed his eyes and pushed the thoughts away. His students were waiting and he didn’t want to think about that time in his life at the moment.
Training room…
Beast (as he was called during training) grunted gently as he gripped the heavy set of weights which were balanced with 150lbs on each end. He grunted further and lifted the weights above his head. This would have been impressive for most but the fact that Beast was lifting with his feet while dangling from a swinging trapeze with his hands just added to it.
“Beast stop hamming it up. You can lift double that without breaking a sweat,” Cyclops was well aware of the abilities and known limits of all his team mates. He had made sure to observe them well and to read the files The Professor made available to them.
“Alas Cyclops,” Beast sighed as he released the bar with one of his feet and the trapeze with one of his arms and began to flex both raising and lowering himself and the weight. “You are a fine leader and tactician but I fear you will never master showman ship….lookout!”
Scott turned sharply to where Beast was glaring at. Three solid balls of metal about the size of golf balls were hurtling through the air fired from an unseen location in the danger room. Cyclops’ finger flew to his visor and he unleashed three perfectly aimed blasts of energy…though aiming for Cyclops was as simple as looking in the right direction.
“Marvel Girl, what do you think you’re doing?” Scott snapped as his head turned towards the telekinetic red head who was standing somewhere else in the room. He blushed and mumbled slightly as he finished the sentence. He had been taken over by his leadership duties that he didn’t even realise he was turning his annoyance at the girl he was currently trying to impress.
Jean seemed taken aback. She hadn’t had Scott raise his voice to her, she thought him so calm and well tempered. “I just thought some combat training rather than the weights were doing might…,” Jean pointed to the weights on the floor which she had been TK lifting with her mind. “How did you know it was me?”
“There are no ball launchers in the direction those balls came from. I studied the blue prints,” Scott’s voice was a lot softer now, he sounded almost like he was the one apologising. “I should have paid more attention though…been prepared. An attack can come from anywhere,” Scott was back tracking like the worlds finest politician, it was now no longer Jean’s fault but his own.
His head turned sideways as three more balls slammed into his face. Had they been metal like the ones Jean had fired his scull would have been cracked but thankfully they were thrown by the youngest of the X-Men and so the worst Scott had was a cold and wet face as the snow dripped from his face.
“You should have paid more attention, an attack can come from anywhere,” Bobby smiled and winked at Scott as he leaned on a plinth of ice he had created to watch Scott backtrack. Iceman had been practicing his weight lifting in iced form, so far it seemed his ice form was a little stronger than his human one.
“Bobby!” Scott yelled as he wiped the snow from his face.
“Fine yeah sure shout at Bobby but not Jean…that’s fair,” Bobby rolled his eyes and sighed.
Scott glared at Bobby. He didn’t think his crush on Jean was that obvious but Iceman’s comments could make it so. “So you guys want a more active work out?”
Scott crossed the room passing Warren who was now landing with the dumbbells he had been carrying. He went to one of the small compartments on the wall and pulled out two long pieces of red cloth. He tied one in a loose not and tossed it into the air towards Beast. He began to tie the second onto his waist. “Two on three capture the flag. The safe word to stop is Darwin.”
Cyclops crossed the room and stood back to back with Beast. He scanned the other three X-Men who were looking like this was a lot more fun.
The two teams looked at one another tensely wondering who would make the first move. It was of course Iceman who made the first move. His hand flew up launching a beam of ice directly towards Scott. The other X-Men instantly launched into action as Angel launched into the sky and Marvel Girl span behind Iceman to provide support.
Beast launched himself sideways and pushed Scott aside with his massive hands before leaping into the air letting the beam of ice hurtled below him. Scott skidded across the floor and instantly went to his visor unleashing a blast for crimson energy into the chest of Iceman shoving him aside and to then floor.
Cyclops’ attack was on one of the lowest intensities but it was enough to shove someone around much like if he physically pushed him.
Beast barrelled along the length of the ice beam having it crumble beneath his weight as he charged. He pushed himself up into the air and brought his knees in tight to his chest as he spiralled through the air like a cannonball.
He suddenly span out of control and shot in a different direction. Jean had set up some kind of telekinetic deflection which shot him in a different direction. He of course being Beast managed to land with a somersault and was perfectly balanced from the second his first limb touched the deck.
Marvel Girl turned her attention now to Scott. He felt a TK tug at the length of cloth around his waist. His hand gripped the cloth tightly while his other moved to his visor to fire a blast passed Jean. The TK bubble Marvel Girl had created around his trigger on the visor however stopped him. He smiled and pushed himself to his feet making sure to keep tight hold of his cloth.
He took two large bounds towards Jean before he suddenly felt two strong hands grip him beneath his arm pits. The air hurtled passed him and he suddenly felt the ground drop away below his feet. His head began to swim instantly and he tossed his entire body weight to the left while swinging his right elbow up. Scott was terrified of heights following the event in his youth in which he fell from an aeroplane.
His elbow connected hard with the face of Angel causing the winged mutant to drop them both down onto the floor. “Ow! Scott damn it!” Angel held his face as he pushed himself up away from Scott. “It’s training, you’re not meant to hit that damn hard.” Angel moved his hand before his face and looked at the small trickle of blood on it from where his cheek had been cut.
“I didn’t mean too. I just,”
The five teens suddenly bent double. They had been ready to argue or break one up but suddenly that was the furthest thing from their mind. It was a wave of sheer blind panic which swept through their minds and bodies. It passed in a matter of seconds. “Professor Xavier,” Scott gasped as it stopped. He was the first to his feet and was already nearly out of the room as the others gave chase.
Their mentor was the only one who could have launched such an effect upon them. That level of emotion meant something was wrong with the man who had taken them in.
The five raced at their top speed (forced to a halt as the elevator rose) towards their mentor. They exploded from the lift and raced up the flight of stairs and through the professor’s study door.
They were all prepared for what lay on the other side. Cyclops’ finger pressed the trigger of his visor gently. Marvel Girl’s hand was pressed to her forehead. Mist was rising from the hand of Bobby as he chilled the air around him ready for any attack he need use. Beast’s fists were balled tightly as were Angel’s.
The Professor sat almost calmly before a small television screen. “I apologize, I momentarily lost control.”
The X-Men looked at the screen which the professor didn’t bother to look away from. The news was playing. It was a picture of news reader Trish Tilbilly. Somewhere above her in the sky hovered a crimson figure. A long crimson cape billowed wildly around the form.
“….A mutant. Yes we believe this Magneto is a mutant. He has laid waste to the police and military police who have tried to intervene in the situation thus far. Cape Citadel is of course famous for it’s controversial role in researching and housing nuclear weapons.” She was silent for a moment as if the immensity had just dawned on her.
This mutant was attacking and so far beating the cape. If he got his hands on the nuclear armaments within who knows what devastation this could cause.
“Quickly X-men we must act. It is this threat which I have been preparing you for.” Charles wheeled backwards away from the television. “Magneto is an old…enemy of mine and one of the most powerful mutants on the planet. He will not rest until mutants rule over humans with an iron fist. We must stop him getting those weapons at all costs.”
“Well do everything we can Professor,” Angel spoke up and nodded. He was not yet caught up in the super heroic life but the thought of such a madman holding nuclear weapons sent a chill down his spine. They had been training and there was a chance they could do something about it.
A few minutes later the hangar…
The X-Men lined up as Professor X manipulated the jet into launching position from the console on the side of the yellow hovering chair he had climbed into. It looked like a cross between a go cart and a steam machine.
“Professor, I don’t think I can…the jet and…” Scott was stumbling over his words. His fear of heights and especially flying in aeroplanes was acting up again.
Charles was a caring and empathic man who understood the effects of such trauma on people’s psyches. This however was not the time. He was more focused on defeating the greatest enemy to his dream who just also happened to be his closest friend. “I don’t have time for this Scott. Proceed onto the jet now.”
“Professor I don’t think I…” Jean’s hand pressed on his shoulder gently and rubbed it softly interrupting him.
“Scott I’ll be with you all the way,” she smiled as comfortingly as she could. She could do much with her powers to calm Scott and make him not focus on the flight. “I wont let anything happen.”
Scott bit his lower lip. His mind was racing with the fear and memories of his youth. Jean’s words echoed in his mind. He nodded and inhaled deeply. He could feel his chest tighten.
“Hank I…” Bobby turned to Beast who had already started to make a B-line to him.
“I’m sure my heartfelt empathy wont mean as much to you as Jean’s to Scott but I’m with you too Bobby.” The others took it as a joke in bad taste from the two but a moment passed between them. Bobby’s stomach was churning with fear. “Worst comes to worst and I’ll let you use me as a crash mat.”
The six took their seats in the jet. Xavier and Hank took their positions at the console at the front of the cockpit and began with their checks. The jet began to hum as it powered up.
The lights which stretched along the long tunnel before them lit up one by one until the thick metal doors could be seen before they started their slow slide open revealing the blue cloud filled sky outside the hangar.
The engines in the back of the jet began to fire up and the plane began a slow roll. The hallway picked up speed vibrating as it went as the powerful engines poured more and more energy into the propulsion.
Scott inhaled and exhaled sharply and deeply. His chest was heaving as he was taking in oxygen to try and cope with the stress, fear and panic he was experiencing. He gripped the arm rest tightly as he could.
He felt a hand brush his. He turned his head to look at Jean. She smiled at him and slowly closed her eyes. Scott didn’t know why but he followed suit, it was as if something instinctual made him follow her lead.
Warren eyed them nervously.
The noise suddenly died for Scott. He opened his eyes and stared out at the red sea which lapped up towards his feet across the crimson sands. He hadn’t been to the beach since his powers erupted. This was the first time he’d seen it so red. It made him pause for a moment, his mind suddenly came back to what was going on.
He panned his head up to look further into the sea. The water and waves rolled up to the edge of the chair he was reclining in. The ocean ended twelve feet away. His rotated his head to get a panoramic view the sand did the same. The entire large circle was surrounded by a brilliant red wall which Scott guessed was actually brilliantly white.
“Everything ok Scott?” Jean sat up from her lounger. She was dressed in a red bikini. She leaned over the arm of her lounger and lowered her sunglasses.
“Yeah…I just…what’s all of this?” Scott swung his legs to the sand and stood up motioning to the large bubble of beach which surrounded them.
“Welcome to my mindscape,” Jean motioned “I’m sorry it’s so small, you’re the first person other than Professor Xavier who has been here…it’s usually much more elaborate when I’m by myself.” The strain of supporting Scott’s mind there had limited it’s scope.
“It’s…amazing. I had no idea you could do anything like this. I haven’t been to a beach in years. It’s all here, the smells…I can feel the sand. It’s just like I remember, but red.”
“You can solve that,” Jean pointed to her sunglasses. “It’s like The Matrix. You look like your mind represents you as. Just think your visor…and uniform,” Jean smiled as she tilted her sunglasses again to look at the full costumed Cyclops.
Scott turned his head to face Jean. “I...I can’t do that. The blast is too dangerous.”
“You wouldn’t blast me Scott. Were not really here remember, your powers wont work here unless you want them too,” Jean smiled, she knew what it was to have powers out of control. The fear that comes with trusting yourself to take control of them.
Scott regarded her smiling face and felt calm. His hands moved to his visor and he lowered it slightly. The red glow immediately shone around the rim. He slid them back up and pressed it tightly to his face again.
Jean smiled sympathetically. He wasn’t ready for that yet, not ready to trust himself. She reached over and patted the lounger next to her and then held up her hand. A glass filled with fruit juice and an umbrella appeared there as if by magic. “The least you can do is sit back and relax. We’ll be fighting a crazed mutant in a little while…lets have some fun.”
Scott smiled as he lifted his leg over the chair and sat down taking the glass from Jean’s hand. “So,” Scott smiled “What do you do for fun around here?”
Cape Citadel, shortly later…
The figure of Magneto hovered in the air. His long cape billowed around him buffeted by the wind hiding the form of his body. The figures of the police, military and media stood below him glaring up at him with what he described as hate and fear as he always knew it would be when his people finally made themselves known.
The people on the ground below were staring up at him with fear. This man, this mutant was powerful beyond belief. They had just seen him stop bullets in mid air and strip a tank down to nothing with but a gesture. He was up to this moment however not harming any people.
It was obvious why he was here. Cape Citadel was the U.S. foremost nuclear research and development location. The weapons housed within the base would be enough to wipe half a continent clean of life, it was more than enough leverage for any terrorist and their demands would have to be met…or the unthinkable, he could plan to actually use the weapons.
What wasn’t obvious however was why he was waiting. He had yet to do anything other than breach the bases defences and defend himself. He simply hovered in the air. It did seem however he was using his powers subtly. Every now and then the cameras of the TV crew would have their pictures interfered with, the picture would wobble and shimmer. He was sending out waves of energy.
The purpose of this was yet unknown. He was possibly scanning the base or already interfering with the nuclear weapons in some way. There was however nothing that the military could do to stop him either way.
He seemed to be waiting for something.
His helmeted head shifted sharply to one side. He stared into the distance. It took a few seconds until the sounds of a jet engine could be heard by everyone else. It hurtled towards him at full speed.
He flung out his hand and it a flick of the wrist blew the jet into nothing but a fine mist. The mist began to flutter to the ground gently. Leaving only a large ball of magnetic energy. In it hung the pilot of the jet, he was in his complete US Air Force flight suit. The figure bobbed towards Magneto and hung in the air for a few seconds before being lowered down to the ground.
On the ground…
“And that’s why we didn’t just ram him Iceman,” Hank nodded responding to a question Bobby had asked as they landed at the nearby private airport. The six figures were coming up on the crowd of reporters. They had started to notice the group and turned their attention to them. Six masked individuals had just arrived…they were most obviously not human.
The military police moved to cover them with their weapons. Their commander stepped forward. “Halt! Who the hell do you think you are?” He had a large white moustache and his face was bright red.
“We are the X-Men. Mutants, were here to help fight Magneto should it come down to it.”
The commander viewed the group sceptically. “You mutants eh? What makes you think that I’ll let you through to join your spokesperson up there?”
“He is no more our spokesperson than the KKK are to white America…simply because we share genetic structures similar to his do not assume he speaks for us,” Beast spoke up. “If he were to get nuclear weapons it could be bad not only for you but every human, mutants included.”
The commander stopped and glared at the gorilla like teen. “You’re superheroes like The Avengers? You think you can stop him?”
“We have more of a chance than the entire US military using weapons reliant on metal and electrical impulses…when you aim your fancy targeting systems does he even show up as a target?” Beast grinned again.
“You can stop him getting the nukes?”
Charles placed his hands to his head. He was wearing a simple cowled mask to cover his features. “He has an unseen band of mutants with him. His ‘Brotherhood’. The Blob, Mastermind, The Toad. His children Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch and the reason they’re unseen. The reason they’re already inside the facility while he distracts you all The Vanisher. He took them right past your defences. They may already have the nukes…we can try and stop them if you give us a chance.”
“Stand down! Let them pass,” He commanded. He turned away from them and glared up at Magneto as they filed passed the barricades and onto the base.
Magneto seemed to see them. His attention was turned to them. The sirens around the base which had been whining quietly suddenly crackled out into silence. “Charles,” the boomed next. Magneto’s voice, speaking through them.
“Magneto,” Xavier responded. He was surprised to hear his own voice amplified through the speakers too. It seemed that Erik wanted to do this in public. In the sight of all the humans watching around the world. He was careful to call him Magneto as not to antagonise his friend into acting rashly.
“You have brought your little band? Your X-Men to…stop me?”
“If it comes to that. I would prefer to reason with you…do you realise what you’re doing. You’re firing the first shots in this war you’ve prophesised.”
“I did not start this war Charles but I will finish it…can’t you see. You know as well as I do what the humans are like and yet you turn the other cheek.” Magneto’s voice was sharp. “Charles I do not wish to harm you or your fine young charges but I will if needs be. You need to see the truth behind the world, see how things truly are.”
“I see clearly enough Magneto,” Xavier’s voice was much calmer. The X-Men stood tensely behind him ready to act on the slightest sign they were needed. They were all tense now. Their stomachs churning with worry and their systems pumping with adrenaline. “This is not the way, not the way it should be done…or the way you want it to be done.”
There was silence for a second. “I have changed much. I cannot sit back as I have done for these past few years and act peacefully, preparing the basis for a better world with those willing to follow me as I await The Phoenix. A line has been drawn and I am not the first to step over it…this base is an abomination and my brotherhood will show you what it truly means.”
“Magneto, you tell us not to but we must stand in your way. I cannot allow you to take these weapons. You would set us on a course which I could not bring us back from.”
“Weapons!” Magneto barked. Their was a churn of metal as several posts in the base snapped simply in two. The X-Men and all of the reporters jumped. Charles remained unphased. “I will show you weapons Charles!”
Xavier nodded. “So be it Magneto and I will show you mine. My students are well briefed. Your Adamantium helmet may protect you completely from my powers but if you were to lose that then this battle would end instantly.”
Magneto laughed gently to himself. “That is a feat I would enjoy seeing.”
The lampposts trembled again. This time their bases were hauled from the ground.
On telepathic command the X-Men launched into action. Angel hurtled into the air while the others burst forward running.
Iceman hurled balls of cold energy at the floor icing the vapour in the air just above ground level so he skated forward. His powers controlled the ice perfectly so that it not only limited friction but pushed him forward. He moved like a speed skater.
It was these two X-men Magneto aimed his first shots at. Two of the lampposts accelerated rapidly and shot forward in the directions of the two boys.
Angel arched his back letting it zip passed him. He glanced over his shoulder to see it change direction and come for him again. The millionaire swore loudly and beat his wings faster.
He sharply twisted his body and dove with his wings tight to his back towards the crimson form of Magneto. The crimson figure dodged back as an equally crimson beam of energy rocketed towards him from Cyclops. It seemed enough of a distraction as Angel got within a few feet of Magneto and stretched out his arms.
He suddenly felt like he hit a wall at his top speed. He was hurtling backwards completely out of control. His stomach was churning and his head spinning. The magnetic powers of Magneto had somehow effected his body. It was due to the iron and other metals naturally in his body all of which open to Magneto’s manipulation.
Once he was again at a safe distance Magneto seemed to release his effect.
The stump of a lamppost thumped along behind Iceman. Hurtling and spinning towards him. His motion now was aimed at avoiding the mass of metal rather than going after Magneto.
Beast bounced against the hunk of metal before spinning through the air and grabbing Iceman. He tossed him sideways and then bounced in the opposite direction himself letting the metal hurtle through where they had just been.
Beast seized Iceman from the ground and dragged him up over his shoulder. “Hey what’s the big idea!” Iceman was relieved for the assist but he didn’t want to feel like he needed the others to save him.
“The big idea my little subzero buddy Bobby is you are made of ice correct? Ice made of water…H2O. No metal whatsoever…in theory you should be completely immune from a direct blast of Magneto’s powers as none of us are.”
“So?”
“So as long as I can,” he leapt into the air with the iced boy on his back and somersaulted backwards as the metal span beneath them. It changed direction sharply. Beast planted his feet on it and launched away before it could slam it’s weight into him. “As long as I can keep you away from these massive hunks of metal you become our secret weapon in removing that helmet.”
Beast tossed Bobby up into the air as he dropped flat on his back to the deck. The metal ball shot quickly over his chest. Beast leaped to his feet and caught Iceman again and set of running.
Cyclops let of a blast of energy blowing the metal trunk away from his two team mates. He suddenly crumbled forward as a mass glanced his shoulder. It was some of the remains from the tank which Magneto had stripped down.
It span through the air altering position and came hurtling back. Magneto had discovered Cyclops’ power and now knew it was a threat to him despite his height so he was intending to take the youth out of the fight.
Cyclops skidded sideways as Jean flung out both hands letting the metal slice into the concrete ground beneath them. It was too heavy and when controlled my Magneto too powerful for her to move but Scott however wasn’t too hard. She couldn’t fully lift him form the ground as he weighed more than her but a full strength shove was more than enough.
Scott rolled to his back and let fire another couple of blasts. The first hit some metal Magneto was lifting into the air sending it spinning out of control. The second was at the master of magnetism himself.
The mutant’s cape billowed from around his body and solidified taking the blast with no seeming ill effects. It spiralled around his body before shooting off towards Angel who was again getting close to Magneto.
He dodged the cloth as it tightened into a spear like object and accelerated towards him. Angel ‘skidded’ to a halt and changed his direction sharply so he was now flapping his giant wings taking him away from Magneto.
He stopped flapping and began to fall. Magneto was the mutant master of magnetism to be sure but for skills in the air he was miles behind Angel. Thinking in terms of three dimensions and agility Angel was second to none making sure he could avoid the spear like object. He was still unable however to capitalise and get anywhere near Magneto.
A blast of crimson energy hit the spear sending it spiralling away. Angel’s eyes flicked to Cyclops who had already changed his attention again to firing at Magneto. Angel shifted again and accelerated towards Magneto. He was suddenly weighed down from above. The spear had shifted back to it’s cloth form and Magneto was now yanking it down towards the ground ensnaring Angel with it.
Jean jumped back away from Cyclops as metal began to be hurled at him. He was handling it perfectly well at the second without her. She watched Angel carefully as he fell and concentrated on the cloth on top of him. There was no effect. She kept at it.
Angel hurtled ground wards and then suddenly was free. The cloth was hurled away from him by Marvel Girl’s powers letting him find his wings again and take to the sky under his own power.
“I want everyone on the offensive now…give us that window.” Cyclops commanded. Xavier relayed his orders to the others who were out of ear shot.
Cyclops began to fire blasts more rapidly cycling through positions of fire rather than directly at Magneto meaning the crimson figure had to dodge all the faster to avoid the blasts.
Marvel Girl fell into place behind him. She blasted two smaller pieces of metal which hurtled towards them letting Cyclops handle a third larger one before he returned to firing at Magneto. She looked around her and found the perfect weapon.
The rocks and chunks of broken concrete form the battle were hauled into the air several at a time before being hurtled skywards towards Magneto.
Beast span through the air again once again releasing Iceman to spin similarly as he avoided a stream of metal pieces aimed at him. Iceman this time however iced the air around him and skidded in a direction different to what Beast had intended. He landed and flung his hands in the air creating a wall of ice and letting the metal slam into it.
He flung his arm in a long arc hurtling a ball of ice into the air. It fell well short of it’s target.
“Allow me!” Beast sprung over the wall and grabbed a second ice ball of Bobby’s with his feet and pivoted on his hand hurtling the chunk towards Magneto.
Magneto was now dodging attacks on all sides as chunks of ice, concrete and Cyclops’ blasts were hurled at him. Every second he dodged seemed to bring another one into a few inches of his body. It was amazing so far that he had not been struck.
He seemed to know it too. He was old but he was intelligent and sharp. He was going to have to step up his game. He stretched out his hands and then grunted. The feet of Angel slammed into his back as the winged mutant changed direction sharply.
The teen had peak physical ability for his age and size thanks to his mutation so it sent pangs of pain hurtling through his body. Angel clasped his hands around the helmet of Magneto.
Xavier prepared himself ready to act swiftly and decisively. His heart fell as Angel was tossed back by another blast from Magneto. His helmet remained in place.
The remaining metal which had been scattered across the yard was joined by cables and pipes which were yanked from the ground sparking with power and spilling gas and water from their ends. They weren’t flying at the teens any more and instead hurtled in circles like a maelstrom all around them.
“Cyclops!” Iceman yelled. He was getting nervous as he dodged back from the wall of rapidly moving metal which was now hurtling around them.
“Beast can you climb it?” Cyclops asked. He didn’t look at Beast as he talked but continued to fire at Magneto. It was dodged again.
“I can most certainly try,” Beast didn’t even wait for the next part of the orders. He seized Iceman and using the wall of ice he had created launched into the air. His foot first found a large chunk of metal just as it arced into his range. He sprang upwards to the next and the next.
He leapt and span up the ever moving wall of metal. Iceman’s heart skipped a beat as Beast missed a large chunk and appeared to be falling but the atavistic mutant simply stretched out his free hand and swung around a bar and continued unabated.
He reached as high as he could and unleashed the smaller mutant with the full strength of both his arms.
Cyclops and Marvel Girl continued with their barrage of assaults. They needed to keep magneto busy so Iceman could get close enough to be of use.
Iceman angled his body as best as he could and flew towards the mad mutant. Magneto flung out his hand towards Iceman to no avail as the iced teen was immune to his powers in his iced form. A sheet of red metal span across Bobby’s view and wrapped him tightly.
Iceman now found himself unable to move bobbing uncomfortably just before the helmeted figure of Magneto. “Did you really think this would defeat me?”
“Did you really think The Professor wouldn’t have us all in telepathic communication at all times? Distraction dude,” Bobby smiled as Angel ploughed into Magneto’s back sending him hunching forward.
A massive blast of crimson energy shot up between Angel and Iceman and engulfed Magneto. Cyclops had unleashed the largest blast his visor would allow. It was sloppy at best but it seemed to do it’s job.
Angel hurtled around the outside of the energy and grabbed the metal cloth which was wrapped around Iceman…who was screaming his iced lungs out. “I got you,” Angel reassured.
“You’ve got me? Whose got you?”
“I can’t believe you just went there?”
“Wait till I start the free form poetry Superman,” Bobby smiled. He turned his head back to look at Magneto as the crimson energy died down. He was hovering in the air having blue magnetic energy crackle around him. It died quickly and the form of Magneto began to plummet.
He seemed to slow himself as he neared the ground but still landed with a hard thump. Beast barrelled forward. He was the strongest and quickest of the X-Men on the ground and had the most chance of dodging the metal which was now falling and ripping the helmet from Magneto’s head.
The crimson figure lifted his head and threw out his hand blasting Beast away before he even got close. It seemed the fight wasn’t out of him yet.
Angel circled around behind the master of magnetism and released Iceman whilst keeping tight hold of the cloth. Iceman landed and a patch of ice he was creating and hurtled forward again impersonating a speed skater.
He hurtled at his top speed towards Magneto from behind. Even if the mutant knew he was coming there was little he could do. Beast and the others kept dashing towards him from the front to keep him distracted just to add to their chances. Xavier held his breath ready to attack.
Iceman’s icy fingers slid across the smooth surface of Magneto’s helmet as he looked for purchase to grip too.
BOOOOOM!!!!
The sonic boom was deafening. The figure of Iceman was hurled away not aided by his frictionless body.
A thin figure appeared motionless beside Magneto. He was a slim teenager with an eastern European look to his face and skin. He had high cheek bones and had brilliantly white hair. He was dressed in a green one piece. “Father we are prepared.”
Magneto swept up into the air in an instant seemingly unharmed in any way. Energy crackled around him forcing the X-Men to cover their faces. Magneto’s voice crackled over the speakers again. “You did well X-Men. You fought me harder than I thought you could do…still the time has come for truth.” The green suited figure sped away and vanished instantly.
The ground beneath the mutants trembled and began to split. Chunks of metal began to break the ground before it crumbled and slid away completely. A number of metal spheres emerged from the ground.
The five of them split open as they reached ground level revealing four or five figures in each one. They stepped forward as one of the figures in each ball indicated. One was visibly the white haired boy, the others guessed the X-men were the other members of the brotherhood.
The figures varied in shape, size and colour. Some looked human while others due to golden skin or four arms etc were clearly mutant. “This is the weapons store the humans have,” spoke Magneto’s voice. “A boy able to heal all illness, a British teenager whose body is a living reactor, a boy able of ingesting any matter…all being tortured and experimented on. Powers which could aide the world and yet the humans use them for nothing but torture…I have freed your brothers. Ask yourself who is in need of your help and protection, these poor mutants or the humans who enslave them?”
A gesture by Magneto sealed the balls around the groups again and lifted them from the floor. They began to rise slowly and then very quickly vanished into the sky leaving only the X-men standing in the ruins of the base’s grounds.
Iceman stumbled towards the other teens from wherever he had been blasted by the shove from the super speed teen. “Did we win?”
The other teens looked at him. They were silent. “I don’t know Iceman,” Hank shook his head. “I really don’t know.”
Xavier drifted towards his team powered by his hovering chair. He was about to speak when the ‘cocking’ of gun behind him drew his attention. The military moved in around them. He could sense their unease and mistrust, these mutants had just found out a shocking secret and having seen them fight moment ago they were to take no chances.
“I think it best if we continued any such discussion somewhere else.” Xavier raised his hands to his head and in a flash of light every witness at the base saw the X-Men vanish as if they had been teleported.
The six figures now masked from the perceptions of others began to calmly and quickly leave.
They quickly headed to the jet and loaded themselves inside. “Professor what does all of this mean? Magneto and all those mutants…what were the military really doing?” Jean asked. Xavier could sense great confusion in the minds of all his students. He had to give it to Magneto he knew exactly what he was doing, all of this was some sort of show or example to all of the mutants out there to persuade them where they stood on the nature of humans.
“It means Xavier someone has already fired the first shot…whether you consider it Magneto or the military but from here it will only escalate. We will be there when it does.”
Xavier lifted off the jet. He was worried about the feelings he could feel from his students. They were considering both his and Magneto’s words carefully. He thought over the words of Magneto himself, those which he had parroted back to him. “Tomorrow is another day”.
Xavier wondered what the following days had in store for him and his X-Men.
The End
Next Time: Moira! Rahne!...and WOLVERINE!
Miles above the ground…
Bobby Drake screamed at the top of his lungs. He was plummeting quickly. He turned his head to watch the plane he had missed soar past him through the air while he plummeted down. He turned his attention back to the ground which was dashing up to meet him at an alarming rate.
He screamed all the louder and closed his eyes. Neither action proved to be of any use as he continued to plummet and with having eyelids made of perfectly formed ice he could clearly see through them.
“Iceman are you okay?” Bobby turned his head and instinctively opened his eyes though it made no real difference because of his transparent eyelids.
The figure who spoke to him was shooting through the air upside down next to Bobby. He was topless showing off his thin but well chiselled figure. His blonde hair rippled across his face as he hurtled down. His large white wings were pressed tightly against his back.
“He’s just a little nervous,” the voice came from his other side. Bobby turned to look at the red visored form of Cyclops. He was in free fall alongside Bobby with his arms and legs threw out to maximise his area.
“Don’t worry Bobby we’ll be fine,” Jean Grey floated upwards from below Bobby. Once she reached Bobby’s eye line she began to fall alongside him. The young iced teen was now surrounded by his team mates.
He tried to speak only to have his mouth filled with liquid. He could feel himself dissolving slightly as he fell as the water slid over his icy form. “Were falling!” Bobby barked before returning to his scream.
The other X-Men looked at one another and shrugged. “He does have a point,” nodded Jean. She joined in the scream but smiled as she did so.
“Don’t worry Jean I can save you!” Angel grinned with his perfect white teeth and spread out his wings.
“No I will,” Cyclops stretched out his hand and moved towards Jean. He grabbed her hand and smiled.
“You can’t even fly!” yelled Angel. He began to circle around the three of the team who were still falling. He matched their speed of descent but was in complete control over his own.
“I’ll figure it out,” Cyclops furloughed his brow and stopped in mid air. “See, anything you can do I can do bird boy.”
“Actually Scott that’s me,” Jean smiled. Cyclops returned her smile like a dreamy idiot. The two darted away as Bobby began to plummet and they remained in place held by Jean’s telekinesis. Angel began to circle around them.
“You can save me Warren! War! Save me!”
“Ah always the youngest trying to get attention. Freud would have a lot to say about that,” Hank waved with his oversized hands as he dropped down into Bobby’s view. His legs were crossed and he rested his elbows on his knees with his chin on top of his hands.
“Hank! You have to do something!” Bobby reached out towards Hank but he seemed to just slide away past him buffeted by the wind.
“Antidisestablishmentarianism sesquipidalianism Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis Splot,” Hank grinned. “up up and away!”
“That didn’t even make any sense!” Bobby yelled. Hank waved one last time and then stretched his hand out far above his head and began to rise into the air like Superman.
Bobby cast another look down at the trees of the ground far below him. They were still hurriedly rearranging themselves into a large bulls eye. The world sped up for a split second and then.
Bounce!
Bobby opened his eyes and let out a small yelp as his rigid body released it’s tension and he slammed into the bed before spinning from the mattress and landing in a heap on the hard wooden floor.
He pressed his hands against his head and let out a thankful sigh as he began to extricate himself from the sheets which had came with him with his feet.
He was dripping with sweat which made his T-shirt and his shorts stick to his skin uncomfortably.
It had been a week and a half since he joined the Xavier Academy which also made it a week an a half since he had been tossed from one aeroplane to another thousands of feet above the ground.
It seemed there had not been an hour pass since that day where Bobby’s mind hadn’t shifted back to the event and he would get that churning queasy feeling in his stomach. It haunted his dreams at night and turned them into nightmares.
The two worst things about it were firstly that he hadn’t thought about it at the time. The idea of being a superhero and hurtling between the two to save the day (onto a plane about to crash) seemed almost fun, he was making jokes about it. Looking back it made him feel sick. Secondly no one else seemed to care, it was that which galled him the most.
They had been busy in the last week and a half. They had been getting settled into their new home and getting to know one another. Bobby had came to the following conclusions. Scott was overly uptight about absolutely everything, if he had any more pity for himself he’d be an emo and he had the worlds biggest crush on Jean.
Warren was the big man on campus (despite being an outcast) he had everything, good lucks, personality, wit, intelligence and most importantly for women money. He too was interested in Jean but it seemed like less of a crush. Less of an adolescent crush and more of an adult attraction…of course Bobby didn’t have the words to put this into context.
Jean herself was nice, she was cool and pretty, Bobby however so far could not see why the others were so head over heals in love with her. In truth Bobby thought to himself that these three had barely noticed he was there, their little love triangle seemed to fill most of their thoughts (which could be why they didn’t think of the terror in the skies).
Hank was brilliant! He was like the older brother Bobby never had. He was also without a doubt the smartest person had ever met, he however unlike most people bobby would consider an adult (over 18) let his intelligence or his age get in the way of having fun.
They had also been training heavily. Since the day after the plane Xavier had been working them hard. They had an hour and a half of general exercise before breakfast. They’d head to the gym or outside the mansion and they’d run sprints and lift weights. Once breakfast had been wolfed down by the then starving teens it was off to their individual lessons. Jean, Warren and Scott for the most part spent the day together all being the same age they had mostly the same lessons given by Xavier telepathically. Bobby was most of the time somewhere else sitting comfortably having a separate lesson given telepathically by their mentor. Hank was either alone in the library reading for his degrees or would make the commute to the university for the lectures he couldn’t afford to miss.
Once the day was over they had an hour or two to kick back and relax before their power training. Xavier was intent on teaching them all about their powers, though their was only so much he could tell them about their own powers most of it seemed to be down to feeling. He taught them theory and he taught them philosophy, meditation, specific physics and what their powers meant to them and to the world at large. He explained the Ubermensch of Neitzsche and his own theories on mutation.
Bobby crossed his room, which he was beginning to feel at home at rather than just sleeping there. He grabbed the handle and pushed open the window. His room smelled of sweat.
He looked out across the lawns of the Xavier mansion which his room overlooked. The boat house and the lake could be seen just beyond a row of trees glistening the morning sunlight beautifully.
He closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh morning air. He focused inwards, a technique in meditation which Xavier had taught him. The calm he was amassing suddenly vanished as he felt himself yanked forward.
He opened his eyes to see the ground hurtling towards him before he suddenly stopped and flew into the air. He spun as he went upwards getting a painfully panoramic view of the building he had just been yanked from. He stopped hanging upside down held by the large toes on the large foot of Hank McCoy.
Bobby swore loudly and swung his fist. “Why Mr Drake you seem shocked? Here was I thinking that…and with evidence giving the ice cubes in my uniform yesterday…that you were a fan of practical jokes? Don’t I even get some points for crouching out here above your window for forty minutes?”
Hank’s grinning face dropped to one of concern as he regarded his little friend’s face. “You look some what perturbed?”
“Please, please, please put me down.” Bobby was babbling and shaking his head in rapid succession. He closed his eyes tightly.
Hank wasted no time. With one smooth motion, he tossed himself forward and swung effortlessly into Bobby’s room while rotating Bobby to an upright position and setting him down.
“Is this about the aeroplane?”
“y-You know?” Bobby didn’t think anyone picked up on his worry. He was hoping they didn’t, he was the youngest and he felt he had much to prove to these older students. He was very much the younger brother mouthing off and acting big to get attention…or in some cases to pass under the radar.
“What sort of best friend and dare I say mentor would I be if I hadn’t picked up on it?” Hank patted Bobby on the back gently in a comforting gesture.
“Am I the only one? The only one bothered by the whole thing.” Bobby turned his face slightly, he didn’t want to appear weak or childish before his older friend.
“Most probably,” Hank nodded.
“Thanks you’re a real friend, very good at comforting people.” Bobby rolled his eyes and blushed.
“Ah you misunderstand. It is most understandable. Jean has her own protection, she can hold herself stationary at any height. Warren can fly and has no fear of heights…a side effect of his powers which I am beginning to think I may share or how else would I be able to turn off the higher portions of my brain and throw caution to the wind and instinct as I tumble around. You however young ice cube have no such advantages.”
Bobby made an ‘oh’ face. When Hank explained it like that it all seemed to make sense and was ok. “So what do you think? Should I go see the Professor or will I just get used to it and forget it.”
Hank rubbed his chin gently. “Well you’ve told me, so I’m here to talk to whenever you need it…the Professor would be much help with his powers wouldn’t he. Have you perhaps thought of approaching Scott? Having been thrown from a plane himself maybe he could offer some valuable advice. He of course has a crippling fear of flying and may indeed wake up in cold sweats for all I know but he has much more experience in hiding it in the least.”
Bobby nodded and the two began to make their way out of the bedroom. “What’s astounding is that both Jean and the Professor have telepathic powers and neither seemed to pick up on your distress.”
“Well Jean has her hands full with Romeo and…er the other Romeo.”
“Perhaps a reference to a famous love triangle would have been more appropriate. Gianciotto and Pablo from divine comedy perhaps.” Hank looked down at the confused look of Bobby. “Jack and Sawyer from Lost?” Bobby again nodded and made the ‘oh’ face of realisation.
“The Professor.” Bobby continued “He seems to be off in his own world. Like he’s lost in his own thoughts.”
Xavier’s study…
Charles Francis Xavier sat behind his large oak desk. He was named after his grandfather but in time it would be commented how appropriate it was the joint source of his grandfather’s name. A great saint who converted many people to his way of thinking and a great man of science. Their dreams and ideals both present in the wheelchair bound mutant.
His elbows were resting upon the top of the desk while his fingers were steepled together and pressing against his face. He had no work to do at the moment, he was not busy writing scientific paper or creating a training plan he was simply looking at two photographs he had laid out on his desk top.
The first was one of his students. Even now he could sense all 5 awake and going around the business of dressing or eating breakfast. Today was Saturday so they had no lessons to take, they had a training session for 2 hours in the later morning but once that was done the day was their own. He had much to think about today, again, as he had been since the aeroplane event.
He scanned the faces in the photograph, taken on that same night.
Scott Summers AKA Cyclops stood in the centre behind Xavier. He was taller than the rest of this first class of X-Men. He was smiling but it couldn’t hide his true feelings at the time. Xavier remembered them clearly, like an aftertaste of the mind. He was happy and proud of the things that they had done but also ashamed and embarrassed of his own contribution. Scott had very little contact, so few relationships with other people over the course of his life he was uncomfortable around them, he was constantly critical of himself and unsure of everything he did…and everything others did. The lack of comfort was especially strong on that day because of his fear of flying, he had let his team down and backed out of the mission because he couldn’t bring himself to go into the air to help. There was still however much inside Scott waiting to come out, so much so that he didn’t realise how much he had to offer. He focused solely on his mistakes and problems both social and personal. His feelings for one Miss Jean Grey were not helping the matter. It was for these reasons Charles had chosen Scott to be the ‘team leader’ of the group…in the intermin at least. Should another student prove to be more adept it would be unjust and just plain stupid if Charles didn’t act and change the command structure. He was at the moment however thinking he wouldn’t have too. Scott’s mind was tactically sharp, he understood tactics like Mozart did music. He didn’t seem to work on it or practice it was simply a gift he had, an ability.
Scott also needed a confidence boost, to see the things inside himself that Xavier and indeed the others could see. A strong moral centre, intelligence and a truly commanding nature. He could make tough decisions when the time came. He had been doing it for most of his life choosing to let his brother live a separate life even though it hurt. Choosing to go without human comfort and much contact when his powers became uncontrollable. He was only young but already Xavier could see the great future this boy could have.
The third reason was because of his critical nature. Scott’s power was destructive on a massive scale. He held power behind his eyes which could level a mountain, power he could not control. His powers though very rarely seemed to get out of his control, there had been one or two incidents in the past week…after which Scott was despondent and angry with himself to the point which if he was older would have driven a lesser man to drink. He was however cautious and careful, his glasses never slipped, he never opened his eyes in the morning without first finding his protective glasses. He criticised and examined every action both of himself and of the others to ensure they would not come to harm by his hand…or eyes. The meticulous attention to detail was important, he would identify every source of danger or mishap almost instinctively and knew what to do to avoid or rectify it. That ability would serve him and his team mates well.
Scott however was still greatly unsure of himself, he would walk into things and bump counters. He got tongue tied even in the most casual of conversations…though never during training where his voice was clear, direct and powerful. He seemed especially out of sorts whenever he was with Jean, it seemed he took a step outside his own body (another valuable skill) and viewed everything which went on with his critical eyes. In these situations however the over critical viewing lead to many of the problems he tried to avoid as he held back speech examining everything he says carefully.
Jean herself was standing to the side of Charles and Scott in the photo. She was smiling brilliantly. So proud of herself and the others, so happy with what they had done. Jean had also been through much, her powers had been just as tough on her as any of the others but most of the time she wore it well. Her powers had linked her into that of a friends at the moment of her death. The backlash on Jean almost sent her mad, her telepathy at which she used to be instinctively adept and her telekinesis both went wild and became completely uncontrollable.
Her telekinesis was stripping furniture apart thread by thread or else tossing it against walls. Her telepathy was catching and reading people indiscriminately mixing memories and thoughts of those closest to her. Her personality was fractured and almost none existent at one point, she was a live but not living. Charles had help her back into health and control of her powers.
Her telepathy was now all but shut off from her. She could simply send and receive thoughts. She was getting better very slowly with time but still she was far short of what she used to be and it would take a long time before she was at that level again.
She had however for the most part put her personal problems behind her. The dreams had stopped, her sunny and confidant personality had once again been coaxed back. Charles would have liked to take credit for that but in truth it was her family. Her parents and her siblings had pulled together and showed Jean all the love she needed and all the help they could give and it had worked. Their daughter had come back to them. It was this reason Charles believed why Jean and Scott were so different, she had her family to support her and pull her through the tough times and made her who she was today. Scott had no one, he had to pull himself through as best he could and it had made him who he was today.
Jean herself had a bright future ahead of her. She was sharp, beautiful and a person who you couldn’t help but like. She was the epitome of Charles’ dream.
It was obvious to Charles even though he viewed her almost as a daughter having experienced so much of her life via telepathy during their sessions why the boys in his school felt so strongly for her. It was her out of all her students who he was closest too due to their shared telepathy, they had conducted long conversations and discussions in the blink of an eye.
Warren who was one of her potential suitors was standing next to her. His wings held loosely to his back. Warren was conflicted within himself, he was also a conundrum to others.
Warren Worthington III had never wanted for anything in his life. He had wealth and power which he gained thanks to his fathers business. Any worldly possession which could be bought he could, any which couldn’t he could still get. He however took it all within his step, he was by no means worldly and he didn’t understand the true value of things but he was far from Paris Hilton. He wasn’t spoiled or at least did not act in such a way (though the Professor was in no doubts that he had always got what he wanted all through his life).
He was handsome (even more striking now because of his large wings) to the point he was once included on a list of eligible bachelors despite his young age. He was brilliantly athletic thanks to his mutation even before his wings had sprouted. He in fact held several records for his athletic accomplishments. He also had that wit and charm which could charm the stars from the sky when he tried. He knew how to talk to people and make them feel like they were the only one in the world that mattered.
He was again however tempered with this gift, he wasn’t ‘spoiled’ by it. He didn’t abuse it and see people in the ways they could serve him. His parents may not have reacted in the best way when they found out about his mutation (in no way the worst way Charles had seen either) it was still obvious they loved him and just needed time to come to terms with his new status but Charles could not fault them on how they raised their son. They taught him right from wrong at a very young age and to value all people regardless of their net worth. Warren had taken all of this to heart and because of this and his charm had become a social butterfly. He knew how people worked, how they felt and could relate, people were drawn to him.
It was even more of a shock then when his wings appeared and he had to push people away. He couldn’t allow people to be close to him, to be near him in case they found him out. He had to turn his back on his friends and all he knew, he was aloof and a loner. He was miserable. Now he was amongst those from who he didn’t have to hide, who he could be totally himself he was flourishing again.
Warren whilst not worldly was arguably the most adult out of Charles’ recruits. He viewed the world in a very adult manor. He thought like a man twice his age probably because of the way he was raised with the idea he would one day take over the company and be responsible for it all, all those workers lives and all the charities it contributed too. He was aged beyond his years.
Age had however not mellowed him the way it does most. He was still a teenager at heart full of fun. He was also without an intended pun ‘flightly’. You didn’t know if he was listening to you or staring out of the window with his head in the clouds wishing his body could be there too. He was most of the time like a caged bird, something instinctive inside him told him he needed to fly. He needed to be up there in the sky stretching his wings. Any chance he got he would take to the wing which was why the Professor was now sure to close the large glass doors behind his desk if he had to pop out of the room during one of their chats.
Hank McCoy was crouched on the other side of Xavier in the photograph. Charles couldn’t help but smile whenever he saw Hank. He was such a contradiction and so special. Physically he was most atavistic, his body formed into a form like that of an ape but his mind, his mind was so far beyond most of the people Charles had ever met in many ways even beyond his own.
There wasn’t a concept Hank couldn’t grasp and understand in almost no time. Whether it was scientific theories or the yearnings of the heart in the worlds finest poetry he would understand it.
It was this which would be Henry’s gift to the world. He embodied part of Xavier’s dream. He was a mutant with amazing powers but that was only the smallest part of him. It was his mind which was truly phenomenal (and wholly natural) no matter what he chose to do with his life whether it was physics, medicine or write poetry which he seemed to enjoy it would be a gift to humanity. He would expand understanding or improve life whether it was via healing or simply speaking to people in a way no other could.
Hank was a nonchalant, friendly and brilliantly funny individual. Despite the bullying he had received in his life or possibly because of it everything could be the source of levity. A chance to brighten some ones day who may need it. He was however an individual in need of attention.
He demanded attention from the professor via his excellence. He had his hand up to ask or answer questions at any given point. Though who could blame him, he had spent so many years hiding his true brilliance but now he had a chance to let it run wild and discuss with someone who might actually understand all the things which galloped through his head at such rates.
He was not however like most intellectuals Charles had met. He didn’t wield his knowledge as a weapon or as a badge to show who he was. He didn’t try and make people feel stupid or feel they should respect him for his abilities. He wanted to share them, knowledge was a gift and one he intended to share with everyone.
Bobby Drake hung over Hank’s shoulders in the photo. It was clear from when they first met they would get on like a house on fire and it was so far proving to be a brilliant deduction. Despite being the two with the highest range in ages they were the most alike in temperament.
Bobby was nonchalant and laid back as much as Hank despite the problems with acceptance he had in his life. He too took every chance to make a joke though for different reasons to Hank. His was for acceptance.
This isn’t unusual in fact quite usual for a teenage boy his age especially when with those who are a few years older to whom Bobby felt lesser than…like he had to play up to be their equals. He wanted to be accepted and he did this by having them laugh with him, to avoid them laughing at him.
He has a good heart. He out of all the teens was probably the most ‘normal’. He was the average man amongst them mostly non-exceptional in any manor. He kept his mouth shut and feigned his own ignorance (again as not to stand out) but he was the one who understood the most about people. He could cut right to the heart of any matter. He was the one who when looking at a forest could see both the wood and the trees when it was needed.
He was of course immature, for all he wanted to be accepted by the others he was happy to single himself out with his immaturity simply because it was fun. He enjoyed it and it was who he was. He wanted to be accepted but he wasn’t willing to change who he was to get it done. Xavier respected that in the young man, he was true to himself in the face of everything and that characteristic would suit him well in his later life, especially due to his mutant nature where people would be wanting him to apologise for who he was.
They were a fine bunch of not only teenagers by people. Xavier was already given the short time he had known them was so proud of all they were within themselves. They would indeed represent their entire race well.
He looked at the other photo. He remembered once he had thought that same thing about that group. Time however had changed his mind. They had been the same once full of youth, life and a need to change the world.
It was the two men in the centre of the picture he was looking at. Himself and Erik Lehnsher AKA Magneto. “Erik?” he asked himself quietly “Where did it all go wrong?”
He sadly knew where it all went wrong. It went wrong long before the two best friends had even met one another. It went wrong during the darkest portion of human history before he had even been born.
Erik who would one day be known as Magneto was at the time known as Magnus. He had explained years later that over the years he had gone under a host of different names. A host of different identities. A man and especially the boy at that age stood out, his white hair and the steely cold blue eyes which pierced through you…not to mention the strange phenomena which followed him around. The things which happened around him drew attention.
He had not always however been in the role he set himself as aggressor. He began his life as the aggressed. He in Germany by his parents who were German born Jews. His father was a watch maker and his mother a bakery assistant.
There lives were not perfect but they were a family, they were happy for the most part as most families were. They argued and complained but they made up and loved each other. These were however worrying times, especially for the jews.
The rise of the Reich and Nazism threatened their lives. Erik told Charles many stories of that time. His sister being attacked. His being attacked on what seemed like every other day at least.
He lived through the first two stages of the nazi plans. The first being conversion. He watched his friends and neighbours turn their back on their religion that they believed in whether they practiced in secrecy or wholly converted was unknown to him even given all these years. ‘You do not deserve to live amongst us as Jews’. Erik kept his head down as much as possible as his father and mother instructed and it didn’t seem too bad.
Then came the second stage, exclusion. ‘You do not deserve to live amongst us,’ the family were being prepared to move into a ghetto. They had their business and lands reclaimed by the German government. The family instead decided to move away from the city all together. To live on the road with Erik’s uncle and become gypsies, this way they could be free to practice their religion how they chose and live their lives away from persecution.
The respite they enjoyed in this new life did not last long. It was a happy time after how they had been treated in the cities but it was not to last. The final solution was put into effect, annihilation. ‘You do not deserve to live’.
The entire family complete with the rest of the camp were arrested as they came upon a patrol of soldiers. A large majority of the men were shot on the spot. Erik slipped by due to his age, he was only 11 years old at the time.
He like all the other Jewish and polish families was separated. He went to the male camp and his family, his mother and sister were taken to the female camp. Auschwitz and the things which happened there would go down in infamy.
Erik remained at Auschwitz for the duration of the entire war. It was a miracle that he did so. The sheer numbers of people exterminated within the camp walls made it astounding that this small and weak totally alone Jewish boy survived.
Erik was a survivor though. He did whatever was necessary to survive to one day breathe fresh air again and have the earth beneath his feet as a free man. To see his family again…the last wish never came true.
He was freed at the end of the war when the allies liberated the camp and it’s inhabitants.
It wasn’t till years later when his health and strength returned to him after the years of starvation throughout puberty that Magnus learned he was a mutant. He didn’t know what it meant at the time, just that he had this strange gift to control metal in all it’s forms.
Those close to him, those he loved reacted with fear, abject terror in several cases. The reaction of those around him cost him his first daughter. He had nothing left for him. He spent many years wandering the globe after that, he learned about himself and his powers. He learned about the man he was and about the people of the world. He found little to his liking.
He did however find others like himself. He found other individuals with powers beyond comprehension. Those individuals who had been given gifts by god. One such was Charles Xavier fresh out of college and bristling with ideas and theories about people like themselves.
Erik by this point in his life was younger than he should have been. He never talked about it and Charles despite being able to never pried with his powers. Something had happened to him however which gifted him with extra years of life to live.
Erik and Charles were similar in physical age but despite their differences in actual age they were equals. They both had minds sharp as tacks and would spend much of their time debating one another. They had both travelled much and met others like themselves and learned many things.
The thing which drew them together, bound them to one another was their belief that those like them, the mutants would continue to increase and could not stay below the radar forever.
They planned and discussed every course of action and possibility they could think of. They knew that humanity would respond to their appearance with fear and hostility and it would be the likes of them, the first mutants who would have to deal with it.
Erik saw it as a war. He saw what he had been through because of his religion and knew powers such as theirs would not be treated so ‘kindly’. Peace would be achieved but only if mutants took the dominant step. Charles disagreed, he believed the goodness in humanity would prevail. Peace would be accomplished but only through true equality. It was this which they discussed most often.
They set out to bring together mutants. Erik bending to Charles’s dream, he helped plan and discover new mutants each adding something to their group something which would help them help the world. Help them become a valuable section of humanity’s population.
They had several years of high prosperity creating a commune of like minded individuals both mutants and humans in a secret jungle which was their garden of Eden.
There dream however could not last. The commune was a democracy but it was obvious who the two leaders of the group were. They worked towards the same goals but were working from different ideas, different road maps to the same goal and it could only be so long before the tension they began to experience tore them apart.
No one knew when it was coming but when it did it happened quickly. Charles turned the photo over and stared at the back. He closed his eyes and pushed the thoughts away. His students were waiting and he didn’t want to think about that time in his life at the moment.
Training room…
Beast (as he was called during training) grunted gently as he gripped the heavy set of weights which were balanced with 150lbs on each end. He grunted further and lifted the weights above his head. This would have been impressive for most but the fact that Beast was lifting with his feet while dangling from a swinging trapeze with his hands just added to it.
“Beast stop hamming it up. You can lift double that without breaking a sweat,” Cyclops was well aware of the abilities and known limits of all his team mates. He had made sure to observe them well and to read the files The Professor made available to them.
“Alas Cyclops,” Beast sighed as he released the bar with one of his feet and the trapeze with one of his arms and began to flex both raising and lowering himself and the weight. “You are a fine leader and tactician but I fear you will never master showman ship….lookout!”
Scott turned sharply to where Beast was glaring at. Three solid balls of metal about the size of golf balls were hurtling through the air fired from an unseen location in the danger room. Cyclops’ finger flew to his visor and he unleashed three perfectly aimed blasts of energy…though aiming for Cyclops was as simple as looking in the right direction.
“Marvel Girl, what do you think you’re doing?” Scott snapped as his head turned towards the telekinetic red head who was standing somewhere else in the room. He blushed and mumbled slightly as he finished the sentence. He had been taken over by his leadership duties that he didn’t even realise he was turning his annoyance at the girl he was currently trying to impress.
Jean seemed taken aback. She hadn’t had Scott raise his voice to her, she thought him so calm and well tempered. “I just thought some combat training rather than the weights were doing might…,” Jean pointed to the weights on the floor which she had been TK lifting with her mind. “How did you know it was me?”
“There are no ball launchers in the direction those balls came from. I studied the blue prints,” Scott’s voice was a lot softer now, he sounded almost like he was the one apologising. “I should have paid more attention though…been prepared. An attack can come from anywhere,” Scott was back tracking like the worlds finest politician, it was now no longer Jean’s fault but his own.
His head turned sideways as three more balls slammed into his face. Had they been metal like the ones Jean had fired his scull would have been cracked but thankfully they were thrown by the youngest of the X-Men and so the worst Scott had was a cold and wet face as the snow dripped from his face.
“You should have paid more attention, an attack can come from anywhere,” Bobby smiled and winked at Scott as he leaned on a plinth of ice he had created to watch Scott backtrack. Iceman had been practicing his weight lifting in iced form, so far it seemed his ice form was a little stronger than his human one.
“Bobby!” Scott yelled as he wiped the snow from his face.
“Fine yeah sure shout at Bobby but not Jean…that’s fair,” Bobby rolled his eyes and sighed.
Scott glared at Bobby. He didn’t think his crush on Jean was that obvious but Iceman’s comments could make it so. “So you guys want a more active work out?”
Scott crossed the room passing Warren who was now landing with the dumbbells he had been carrying. He went to one of the small compartments on the wall and pulled out two long pieces of red cloth. He tied one in a loose not and tossed it into the air towards Beast. He began to tie the second onto his waist. “Two on three capture the flag. The safe word to stop is Darwin.”
Cyclops crossed the room and stood back to back with Beast. He scanned the other three X-Men who were looking like this was a lot more fun.
The two teams looked at one another tensely wondering who would make the first move. It was of course Iceman who made the first move. His hand flew up launching a beam of ice directly towards Scott. The other X-Men instantly launched into action as Angel launched into the sky and Marvel Girl span behind Iceman to provide support.
Beast launched himself sideways and pushed Scott aside with his massive hands before leaping into the air letting the beam of ice hurtled below him. Scott skidded across the floor and instantly went to his visor unleashing a blast for crimson energy into the chest of Iceman shoving him aside and to then floor.
Cyclops’ attack was on one of the lowest intensities but it was enough to shove someone around much like if he physically pushed him.
Beast barrelled along the length of the ice beam having it crumble beneath his weight as he charged. He pushed himself up into the air and brought his knees in tight to his chest as he spiralled through the air like a cannonball.
He suddenly span out of control and shot in a different direction. Jean had set up some kind of telekinetic deflection which shot him in a different direction. He of course being Beast managed to land with a somersault and was perfectly balanced from the second his first limb touched the deck.
Marvel Girl turned her attention now to Scott. He felt a TK tug at the length of cloth around his waist. His hand gripped the cloth tightly while his other moved to his visor to fire a blast passed Jean. The TK bubble Marvel Girl had created around his trigger on the visor however stopped him. He smiled and pushed himself to his feet making sure to keep tight hold of his cloth.
He took two large bounds towards Jean before he suddenly felt two strong hands grip him beneath his arm pits. The air hurtled passed him and he suddenly felt the ground drop away below his feet. His head began to swim instantly and he tossed his entire body weight to the left while swinging his right elbow up. Scott was terrified of heights following the event in his youth in which he fell from an aeroplane.
His elbow connected hard with the face of Angel causing the winged mutant to drop them both down onto the floor. “Ow! Scott damn it!” Angel held his face as he pushed himself up away from Scott. “It’s training, you’re not meant to hit that damn hard.” Angel moved his hand before his face and looked at the small trickle of blood on it from where his cheek had been cut.
“I didn’t mean too. I just,”
The five teens suddenly bent double. They had been ready to argue or break one up but suddenly that was the furthest thing from their mind. It was a wave of sheer blind panic which swept through their minds and bodies. It passed in a matter of seconds. “Professor Xavier,” Scott gasped as it stopped. He was the first to his feet and was already nearly out of the room as the others gave chase.
Their mentor was the only one who could have launched such an effect upon them. That level of emotion meant something was wrong with the man who had taken them in.
The five raced at their top speed (forced to a halt as the elevator rose) towards their mentor. They exploded from the lift and raced up the flight of stairs and through the professor’s study door.
They were all prepared for what lay on the other side. Cyclops’ finger pressed the trigger of his visor gently. Marvel Girl’s hand was pressed to her forehead. Mist was rising from the hand of Bobby as he chilled the air around him ready for any attack he need use. Beast’s fists were balled tightly as were Angel’s.
The Professor sat almost calmly before a small television screen. “I apologize, I momentarily lost control.”
The X-Men looked at the screen which the professor didn’t bother to look away from. The news was playing. It was a picture of news reader Trish Tilbilly. Somewhere above her in the sky hovered a crimson figure. A long crimson cape billowed wildly around the form.
“….A mutant. Yes we believe this Magneto is a mutant. He has laid waste to the police and military police who have tried to intervene in the situation thus far. Cape Citadel is of course famous for it’s controversial role in researching and housing nuclear weapons.” She was silent for a moment as if the immensity had just dawned on her.
This mutant was attacking and so far beating the cape. If he got his hands on the nuclear armaments within who knows what devastation this could cause.
“Quickly X-men we must act. It is this threat which I have been preparing you for.” Charles wheeled backwards away from the television. “Magneto is an old…enemy of mine and one of the most powerful mutants on the planet. He will not rest until mutants rule over humans with an iron fist. We must stop him getting those weapons at all costs.”
“Well do everything we can Professor,” Angel spoke up and nodded. He was not yet caught up in the super heroic life but the thought of such a madman holding nuclear weapons sent a chill down his spine. They had been training and there was a chance they could do something about it.
A few minutes later the hangar…
The X-Men lined up as Professor X manipulated the jet into launching position from the console on the side of the yellow hovering chair he had climbed into. It looked like a cross between a go cart and a steam machine.
“Professor, I don’t think I can…the jet and…” Scott was stumbling over his words. His fear of heights and especially flying in aeroplanes was acting up again.
Charles was a caring and empathic man who understood the effects of such trauma on people’s psyches. This however was not the time. He was more focused on defeating the greatest enemy to his dream who just also happened to be his closest friend. “I don’t have time for this Scott. Proceed onto the jet now.”
“Professor I don’t think I…” Jean’s hand pressed on his shoulder gently and rubbed it softly interrupting him.
“Scott I’ll be with you all the way,” she smiled as comfortingly as she could. She could do much with her powers to calm Scott and make him not focus on the flight. “I wont let anything happen.”
Scott bit his lower lip. His mind was racing with the fear and memories of his youth. Jean’s words echoed in his mind. He nodded and inhaled deeply. He could feel his chest tighten.
“Hank I…” Bobby turned to Beast who had already started to make a B-line to him.
“I’m sure my heartfelt empathy wont mean as much to you as Jean’s to Scott but I’m with you too Bobby.” The others took it as a joke in bad taste from the two but a moment passed between them. Bobby’s stomach was churning with fear. “Worst comes to worst and I’ll let you use me as a crash mat.”
The six took their seats in the jet. Xavier and Hank took their positions at the console at the front of the cockpit and began with their checks. The jet began to hum as it powered up.
The lights which stretched along the long tunnel before them lit up one by one until the thick metal doors could be seen before they started their slow slide open revealing the blue cloud filled sky outside the hangar.
The engines in the back of the jet began to fire up and the plane began a slow roll. The hallway picked up speed vibrating as it went as the powerful engines poured more and more energy into the propulsion.
Scott inhaled and exhaled sharply and deeply. His chest was heaving as he was taking in oxygen to try and cope with the stress, fear and panic he was experiencing. He gripped the arm rest tightly as he could.
He felt a hand brush his. He turned his head to look at Jean. She smiled at him and slowly closed her eyes. Scott didn’t know why but he followed suit, it was as if something instinctual made him follow her lead.
Warren eyed them nervously.
The noise suddenly died for Scott. He opened his eyes and stared out at the red sea which lapped up towards his feet across the crimson sands. He hadn’t been to the beach since his powers erupted. This was the first time he’d seen it so red. It made him pause for a moment, his mind suddenly came back to what was going on.
He panned his head up to look further into the sea. The water and waves rolled up to the edge of the chair he was reclining in. The ocean ended twelve feet away. His rotated his head to get a panoramic view the sand did the same. The entire large circle was surrounded by a brilliant red wall which Scott guessed was actually brilliantly white.
“Everything ok Scott?” Jean sat up from her lounger. She was dressed in a red bikini. She leaned over the arm of her lounger and lowered her sunglasses.
“Yeah…I just…what’s all of this?” Scott swung his legs to the sand and stood up motioning to the large bubble of beach which surrounded them.
“Welcome to my mindscape,” Jean motioned “I’m sorry it’s so small, you’re the first person other than Professor Xavier who has been here…it’s usually much more elaborate when I’m by myself.” The strain of supporting Scott’s mind there had limited it’s scope.
“It’s…amazing. I had no idea you could do anything like this. I haven’t been to a beach in years. It’s all here, the smells…I can feel the sand. It’s just like I remember, but red.”
“You can solve that,” Jean pointed to her sunglasses. “It’s like The Matrix. You look like your mind represents you as. Just think your visor…and uniform,” Jean smiled as she tilted her sunglasses again to look at the full costumed Cyclops.
Scott turned his head to face Jean. “I...I can’t do that. The blast is too dangerous.”
“You wouldn’t blast me Scott. Were not really here remember, your powers wont work here unless you want them too,” Jean smiled, she knew what it was to have powers out of control. The fear that comes with trusting yourself to take control of them.
Scott regarded her smiling face and felt calm. His hands moved to his visor and he lowered it slightly. The red glow immediately shone around the rim. He slid them back up and pressed it tightly to his face again.
Jean smiled sympathetically. He wasn’t ready for that yet, not ready to trust himself. She reached over and patted the lounger next to her and then held up her hand. A glass filled with fruit juice and an umbrella appeared there as if by magic. “The least you can do is sit back and relax. We’ll be fighting a crazed mutant in a little while…lets have some fun.”
Scott smiled as he lifted his leg over the chair and sat down taking the glass from Jean’s hand. “So,” Scott smiled “What do you do for fun around here?”
Cape Citadel, shortly later…
The figure of Magneto hovered in the air. His long cape billowed around him buffeted by the wind hiding the form of his body. The figures of the police, military and media stood below him glaring up at him with what he described as hate and fear as he always knew it would be when his people finally made themselves known.
The people on the ground below were staring up at him with fear. This man, this mutant was powerful beyond belief. They had just seen him stop bullets in mid air and strip a tank down to nothing with but a gesture. He was up to this moment however not harming any people.
It was obvious why he was here. Cape Citadel was the U.S. foremost nuclear research and development location. The weapons housed within the base would be enough to wipe half a continent clean of life, it was more than enough leverage for any terrorist and their demands would have to be met…or the unthinkable, he could plan to actually use the weapons.
What wasn’t obvious however was why he was waiting. He had yet to do anything other than breach the bases defences and defend himself. He simply hovered in the air. It did seem however he was using his powers subtly. Every now and then the cameras of the TV crew would have their pictures interfered with, the picture would wobble and shimmer. He was sending out waves of energy.
The purpose of this was yet unknown. He was possibly scanning the base or already interfering with the nuclear weapons in some way. There was however nothing that the military could do to stop him either way.
He seemed to be waiting for something.
His helmeted head shifted sharply to one side. He stared into the distance. It took a few seconds until the sounds of a jet engine could be heard by everyone else. It hurtled towards him at full speed.
He flung out his hand and it a flick of the wrist blew the jet into nothing but a fine mist. The mist began to flutter to the ground gently. Leaving only a large ball of magnetic energy. In it hung the pilot of the jet, he was in his complete US Air Force flight suit. The figure bobbed towards Magneto and hung in the air for a few seconds before being lowered down to the ground.
On the ground…
“And that’s why we didn’t just ram him Iceman,” Hank nodded responding to a question Bobby had asked as they landed at the nearby private airport. The six figures were coming up on the crowd of reporters. They had started to notice the group and turned their attention to them. Six masked individuals had just arrived…they were most obviously not human.
The military police moved to cover them with their weapons. Their commander stepped forward. “Halt! Who the hell do you think you are?” He had a large white moustache and his face was bright red.
“We are the X-Men. Mutants, were here to help fight Magneto should it come down to it.”
The commander viewed the group sceptically. “You mutants eh? What makes you think that I’ll let you through to join your spokesperson up there?”
“He is no more our spokesperson than the KKK are to white America…simply because we share genetic structures similar to his do not assume he speaks for us,” Beast spoke up. “If he were to get nuclear weapons it could be bad not only for you but every human, mutants included.”
The commander stopped and glared at the gorilla like teen. “You’re superheroes like The Avengers? You think you can stop him?”
“We have more of a chance than the entire US military using weapons reliant on metal and electrical impulses…when you aim your fancy targeting systems does he even show up as a target?” Beast grinned again.
“You can stop him getting the nukes?”
Charles placed his hands to his head. He was wearing a simple cowled mask to cover his features. “He has an unseen band of mutants with him. His ‘Brotherhood’. The Blob, Mastermind, The Toad. His children Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch and the reason they’re unseen. The reason they’re already inside the facility while he distracts you all The Vanisher. He took them right past your defences. They may already have the nukes…we can try and stop them if you give us a chance.”
“Stand down! Let them pass,” He commanded. He turned away from them and glared up at Magneto as they filed passed the barricades and onto the base.
Magneto seemed to see them. His attention was turned to them. The sirens around the base which had been whining quietly suddenly crackled out into silence. “Charles,” the boomed next. Magneto’s voice, speaking through them.
“Magneto,” Xavier responded. He was surprised to hear his own voice amplified through the speakers too. It seemed that Erik wanted to do this in public. In the sight of all the humans watching around the world. He was careful to call him Magneto as not to antagonise his friend into acting rashly.
“You have brought your little band? Your X-Men to…stop me?”
“If it comes to that. I would prefer to reason with you…do you realise what you’re doing. You’re firing the first shots in this war you’ve prophesised.”
“I did not start this war Charles but I will finish it…can’t you see. You know as well as I do what the humans are like and yet you turn the other cheek.” Magneto’s voice was sharp. “Charles I do not wish to harm you or your fine young charges but I will if needs be. You need to see the truth behind the world, see how things truly are.”
“I see clearly enough Magneto,” Xavier’s voice was much calmer. The X-Men stood tensely behind him ready to act on the slightest sign they were needed. They were all tense now. Their stomachs churning with worry and their systems pumping with adrenaline. “This is not the way, not the way it should be done…or the way you want it to be done.”
There was silence for a second. “I have changed much. I cannot sit back as I have done for these past few years and act peacefully, preparing the basis for a better world with those willing to follow me as I await The Phoenix. A line has been drawn and I am not the first to step over it…this base is an abomination and my brotherhood will show you what it truly means.”
“Magneto, you tell us not to but we must stand in your way. I cannot allow you to take these weapons. You would set us on a course which I could not bring us back from.”
“Weapons!” Magneto barked. Their was a churn of metal as several posts in the base snapped simply in two. The X-Men and all of the reporters jumped. Charles remained unphased. “I will show you weapons Charles!”
Xavier nodded. “So be it Magneto and I will show you mine. My students are well briefed. Your Adamantium helmet may protect you completely from my powers but if you were to lose that then this battle would end instantly.”
Magneto laughed gently to himself. “That is a feat I would enjoy seeing.”
The lampposts trembled again. This time their bases were hauled from the ground.
On telepathic command the X-Men launched into action. Angel hurtled into the air while the others burst forward running.
Iceman hurled balls of cold energy at the floor icing the vapour in the air just above ground level so he skated forward. His powers controlled the ice perfectly so that it not only limited friction but pushed him forward. He moved like a speed skater.
It was these two X-men Magneto aimed his first shots at. Two of the lampposts accelerated rapidly and shot forward in the directions of the two boys.
Angel arched his back letting it zip passed him. He glanced over his shoulder to see it change direction and come for him again. The millionaire swore loudly and beat his wings faster.
He sharply twisted his body and dove with his wings tight to his back towards the crimson form of Magneto. The crimson figure dodged back as an equally crimson beam of energy rocketed towards him from Cyclops. It seemed enough of a distraction as Angel got within a few feet of Magneto and stretched out his arms.
He suddenly felt like he hit a wall at his top speed. He was hurtling backwards completely out of control. His stomach was churning and his head spinning. The magnetic powers of Magneto had somehow effected his body. It was due to the iron and other metals naturally in his body all of which open to Magneto’s manipulation.
Once he was again at a safe distance Magneto seemed to release his effect.
The stump of a lamppost thumped along behind Iceman. Hurtling and spinning towards him. His motion now was aimed at avoiding the mass of metal rather than going after Magneto.
Beast bounced against the hunk of metal before spinning through the air and grabbing Iceman. He tossed him sideways and then bounced in the opposite direction himself letting the metal hurtle through where they had just been.
Beast seized Iceman from the ground and dragged him up over his shoulder. “Hey what’s the big idea!” Iceman was relieved for the assist but he didn’t want to feel like he needed the others to save him.
“The big idea my little subzero buddy Bobby is you are made of ice correct? Ice made of water…H2O. No metal whatsoever…in theory you should be completely immune from a direct blast of Magneto’s powers as none of us are.”
“So?”
“So as long as I can,” he leapt into the air with the iced boy on his back and somersaulted backwards as the metal span beneath them. It changed direction sharply. Beast planted his feet on it and launched away before it could slam it’s weight into him. “As long as I can keep you away from these massive hunks of metal you become our secret weapon in removing that helmet.”
Beast tossed Bobby up into the air as he dropped flat on his back to the deck. The metal ball shot quickly over his chest. Beast leaped to his feet and caught Iceman again and set of running.
Cyclops let of a blast of energy blowing the metal trunk away from his two team mates. He suddenly crumbled forward as a mass glanced his shoulder. It was some of the remains from the tank which Magneto had stripped down.
It span through the air altering position and came hurtling back. Magneto had discovered Cyclops’ power and now knew it was a threat to him despite his height so he was intending to take the youth out of the fight.
Cyclops skidded sideways as Jean flung out both hands letting the metal slice into the concrete ground beneath them. It was too heavy and when controlled my Magneto too powerful for her to move but Scott however wasn’t too hard. She couldn’t fully lift him form the ground as he weighed more than her but a full strength shove was more than enough.
Scott rolled to his back and let fire another couple of blasts. The first hit some metal Magneto was lifting into the air sending it spinning out of control. The second was at the master of magnetism himself.
The mutant’s cape billowed from around his body and solidified taking the blast with no seeming ill effects. It spiralled around his body before shooting off towards Angel who was again getting close to Magneto.
He dodged the cloth as it tightened into a spear like object and accelerated towards him. Angel ‘skidded’ to a halt and changed his direction sharply so he was now flapping his giant wings taking him away from Magneto.
He stopped flapping and began to fall. Magneto was the mutant master of magnetism to be sure but for skills in the air he was miles behind Angel. Thinking in terms of three dimensions and agility Angel was second to none making sure he could avoid the spear like object. He was still unable however to capitalise and get anywhere near Magneto.
A blast of crimson energy hit the spear sending it spiralling away. Angel’s eyes flicked to Cyclops who had already changed his attention again to firing at Magneto. Angel shifted again and accelerated towards Magneto. He was suddenly weighed down from above. The spear had shifted back to it’s cloth form and Magneto was now yanking it down towards the ground ensnaring Angel with it.
Jean jumped back away from Cyclops as metal began to be hurled at him. He was handling it perfectly well at the second without her. She watched Angel carefully as he fell and concentrated on the cloth on top of him. There was no effect. She kept at it.
Angel hurtled ground wards and then suddenly was free. The cloth was hurled away from him by Marvel Girl’s powers letting him find his wings again and take to the sky under his own power.
“I want everyone on the offensive now…give us that window.” Cyclops commanded. Xavier relayed his orders to the others who were out of ear shot.
Cyclops began to fire blasts more rapidly cycling through positions of fire rather than directly at Magneto meaning the crimson figure had to dodge all the faster to avoid the blasts.
Marvel Girl fell into place behind him. She blasted two smaller pieces of metal which hurtled towards them letting Cyclops handle a third larger one before he returned to firing at Magneto. She looked around her and found the perfect weapon.
The rocks and chunks of broken concrete form the battle were hauled into the air several at a time before being hurtled skywards towards Magneto.
Beast span through the air again once again releasing Iceman to spin similarly as he avoided a stream of metal pieces aimed at him. Iceman this time however iced the air around him and skidded in a direction different to what Beast had intended. He landed and flung his hands in the air creating a wall of ice and letting the metal slam into it.
He flung his arm in a long arc hurtling a ball of ice into the air. It fell well short of it’s target.
“Allow me!” Beast sprung over the wall and grabbed a second ice ball of Bobby’s with his feet and pivoted on his hand hurtling the chunk towards Magneto.
Magneto was now dodging attacks on all sides as chunks of ice, concrete and Cyclops’ blasts were hurled at him. Every second he dodged seemed to bring another one into a few inches of his body. It was amazing so far that he had not been struck.
He seemed to know it too. He was old but he was intelligent and sharp. He was going to have to step up his game. He stretched out his hands and then grunted. The feet of Angel slammed into his back as the winged mutant changed direction sharply.
The teen had peak physical ability for his age and size thanks to his mutation so it sent pangs of pain hurtling through his body. Angel clasped his hands around the helmet of Magneto.
Xavier prepared himself ready to act swiftly and decisively. His heart fell as Angel was tossed back by another blast from Magneto. His helmet remained in place.
The remaining metal which had been scattered across the yard was joined by cables and pipes which were yanked from the ground sparking with power and spilling gas and water from their ends. They weren’t flying at the teens any more and instead hurtled in circles like a maelstrom all around them.
“Cyclops!” Iceman yelled. He was getting nervous as he dodged back from the wall of rapidly moving metal which was now hurtling around them.
“Beast can you climb it?” Cyclops asked. He didn’t look at Beast as he talked but continued to fire at Magneto. It was dodged again.
“I can most certainly try,” Beast didn’t even wait for the next part of the orders. He seized Iceman and using the wall of ice he had created launched into the air. His foot first found a large chunk of metal just as it arced into his range. He sprang upwards to the next and the next.
He leapt and span up the ever moving wall of metal. Iceman’s heart skipped a beat as Beast missed a large chunk and appeared to be falling but the atavistic mutant simply stretched out his free hand and swung around a bar and continued unabated.
He reached as high as he could and unleashed the smaller mutant with the full strength of both his arms.
Cyclops and Marvel Girl continued with their barrage of assaults. They needed to keep magneto busy so Iceman could get close enough to be of use.
Iceman angled his body as best as he could and flew towards the mad mutant. Magneto flung out his hand towards Iceman to no avail as the iced teen was immune to his powers in his iced form. A sheet of red metal span across Bobby’s view and wrapped him tightly.
Iceman now found himself unable to move bobbing uncomfortably just before the helmeted figure of Magneto. “Did you really think this would defeat me?”
“Did you really think The Professor wouldn’t have us all in telepathic communication at all times? Distraction dude,” Bobby smiled as Angel ploughed into Magneto’s back sending him hunching forward.
A massive blast of crimson energy shot up between Angel and Iceman and engulfed Magneto. Cyclops had unleashed the largest blast his visor would allow. It was sloppy at best but it seemed to do it’s job.
Angel hurtled around the outside of the energy and grabbed the metal cloth which was wrapped around Iceman…who was screaming his iced lungs out. “I got you,” Angel reassured.
“You’ve got me? Whose got you?”
“I can’t believe you just went there?”
“Wait till I start the free form poetry Superman,” Bobby smiled. He turned his head back to look at Magneto as the crimson energy died down. He was hovering in the air having blue magnetic energy crackle around him. It died quickly and the form of Magneto began to plummet.
He seemed to slow himself as he neared the ground but still landed with a hard thump. Beast barrelled forward. He was the strongest and quickest of the X-Men on the ground and had the most chance of dodging the metal which was now falling and ripping the helmet from Magneto’s head.
The crimson figure lifted his head and threw out his hand blasting Beast away before he even got close. It seemed the fight wasn’t out of him yet.
Angel circled around behind the master of magnetism and released Iceman whilst keeping tight hold of the cloth. Iceman landed and a patch of ice he was creating and hurtled forward again impersonating a speed skater.
He hurtled at his top speed towards Magneto from behind. Even if the mutant knew he was coming there was little he could do. Beast and the others kept dashing towards him from the front to keep him distracted just to add to their chances. Xavier held his breath ready to attack.
Iceman’s icy fingers slid across the smooth surface of Magneto’s helmet as he looked for purchase to grip too.
BOOOOOM!!!!
The sonic boom was deafening. The figure of Iceman was hurled away not aided by his frictionless body.
A thin figure appeared motionless beside Magneto. He was a slim teenager with an eastern European look to his face and skin. He had high cheek bones and had brilliantly white hair. He was dressed in a green one piece. “Father we are prepared.”
Magneto swept up into the air in an instant seemingly unharmed in any way. Energy crackled around him forcing the X-Men to cover their faces. Magneto’s voice crackled over the speakers again. “You did well X-Men. You fought me harder than I thought you could do…still the time has come for truth.” The green suited figure sped away and vanished instantly.
The ground beneath the mutants trembled and began to split. Chunks of metal began to break the ground before it crumbled and slid away completely. A number of metal spheres emerged from the ground.
The five of them split open as they reached ground level revealing four or five figures in each one. They stepped forward as one of the figures in each ball indicated. One was visibly the white haired boy, the others guessed the X-men were the other members of the brotherhood.
The figures varied in shape, size and colour. Some looked human while others due to golden skin or four arms etc were clearly mutant. “This is the weapons store the humans have,” spoke Magneto’s voice. “A boy able to heal all illness, a British teenager whose body is a living reactor, a boy able of ingesting any matter…all being tortured and experimented on. Powers which could aide the world and yet the humans use them for nothing but torture…I have freed your brothers. Ask yourself who is in need of your help and protection, these poor mutants or the humans who enslave them?”
A gesture by Magneto sealed the balls around the groups again and lifted them from the floor. They began to rise slowly and then very quickly vanished into the sky leaving only the X-men standing in the ruins of the base’s grounds.
Iceman stumbled towards the other teens from wherever he had been blasted by the shove from the super speed teen. “Did we win?”
The other teens looked at him. They were silent. “I don’t know Iceman,” Hank shook his head. “I really don’t know.”
Xavier drifted towards his team powered by his hovering chair. He was about to speak when the ‘cocking’ of gun behind him drew his attention. The military moved in around them. He could sense their unease and mistrust, these mutants had just found out a shocking secret and having seen them fight moment ago they were to take no chances.
“I think it best if we continued any such discussion somewhere else.” Xavier raised his hands to his head and in a flash of light every witness at the base saw the X-Men vanish as if they had been teleported.
The six figures now masked from the perceptions of others began to calmly and quickly leave.
They quickly headed to the jet and loaded themselves inside. “Professor what does all of this mean? Magneto and all those mutants…what were the military really doing?” Jean asked. Xavier could sense great confusion in the minds of all his students. He had to give it to Magneto he knew exactly what he was doing, all of this was some sort of show or example to all of the mutants out there to persuade them where they stood on the nature of humans.
“It means Xavier someone has already fired the first shot…whether you consider it Magneto or the military but from here it will only escalate. We will be there when it does.”
Xavier lifted off the jet. He was worried about the feelings he could feel from his students. They were considering both his and Magneto’s words carefully. He thought over the words of Magneto himself, those which he had parroted back to him. “Tomorrow is another day”.
Xavier wondered what the following days had in store for him and his X-Men.
The End
Next Time: Moira! Rahne!...and WOLVERINE!