Genoshia, once a haven for Mutants everywhere. A land of promise for a better tomorrow and safety from prosecution from humankind, has become a living hell.
Sentinels marched through the streets, blasting everything in sight. The giant robots relentlessly attacked and pursued every mutant within the range of their soulless, haunting eyes.
Energy blasts rained down on the helpless citizens from the Sentinel's giant energy cannons located within their massive palms. While each mutant citizen of this island nation has a remarkable power of their own and many are more than capable of defending themselves. In the end of the day, they are not soldiers, but people trying to live normal lives. In the face of an overwhelming force, all they can think to do is run and hide.
Some did manage to fight back. Those few mutants that either served directly under Magneto as his palace guard, and others who had been fighting all their lives against the MRD that hunted them.
They put up an impressive fight, but sadly against the power of the Sentinels, they were outmatched.
As the chaos unfolded on the ground, in the skies above a different battle is being fought.
Thor, Prince of Thunder, swung his mighty hammer and unleashed a blast of lighting from the weapon. The mystical lighting arced towards the Master of Magnetism. Magneto responded by raising his hands and several pieces of metal flew in front of him like a shield. The metal plates shielded him from the lighting, conducting the electricity so it harmlessly avoided the Mutant Leader.
Magneto smiled confidently as Thor grimaced.
"I will warn thee, mortal." Thor said as he raised his hammer. Lighting crackling around the godly weapon. "Cease this madness. Or face the wrath of the God of Thunder!"
Magneto only chuckled in response. "You call yourself a god? I would say that is blasphemy of the highest order. If you truly were a god, then you would have delivered mutant kind from the tyranny of the human race."
The bitterness in his voice was palpable. But Thor didn't care about the Mutants feeble complaints. His actions are prophesised to spell the end of Midgard. And The Thunderer will not allow it.
"Then taste the might of Mjolnir!" With a mighty cry, Thor hurled the hammer at Magneto with his full might.
Magneto smirked as he waved his hand. Suddenly Mjolnir trajectory curved, and the magic hammer missed the Magnetic Mutant.
Thor's eyes widened in shock, seeing his weapon fly around the Mutant as if possessed.
"An interesting metal. This hammer is made from." Magneto praised as he admired the enchanted weapon, using his powers to have it float near him. "But you are a fool to bring metal to fight the Master of Magnetism."
With a flick of his wrist, Magneto sent Mjolnir flying straight at Thor. The enchanted hammer flew directly at the Son of Odin's face.
Suddenly, Mjolnir stopped inches from Thor's face. Magnetos confident grin cracked. He felt a powerful force resist him. Like when someone tries to force two ends of a magnet together with the same poles.
Magneto tried to force the hammer forward, but the opposing force only increased to resist him. His arm started to shake from the strain as Magneto fought the unknown force.
A loud chuckle emanated from the Thunder Gods mouth as he peaked out from behind Mjolnir. A cocky grin on his face.
"It is thou whom is foolish, mortal." Thor stated superciliously. "To believe that thou could command Mjolnir. Its power Is not yours to command. It's mine!"
With that Thor focused on his connection to his hammer and the magical weapon turned around and shot towards Magneto like a bullet.
The Master of Magnetism barely had time to react as he generated a powerful magnetic field around himself that acted like a forcefield. Mjolnir struck against the shield with enough force to stun Magneto, almost sending him falling from the sky.
Magneto managed to catch himself and remain airborne as he flew back to Thor's level. Anger burned in his eyes, but a cold sweet also formed on his brow.
The Mutant prided himself on his power. He was confident that there were only a few mutants in the world that could match his power and he was certainly confident that no human could ever face him.
But this being, this "god" as he claimed. Possessed power that he never imagined any being that's not a mutant would possess. It would take all his strength to defeat such an advisory and that is time he did not have.
If he couldn't outmuscle the Asgardian, then he will use an alternative method.
Raising his arm behind him. Thor saw the Quinjet and Iron Man rise into the sky behind the villain. The hull of the Quinjet along with the metal plating of Iron Mans suit were cracked and dented in various places, due to the Mutants magnetic abilities.
A flick of his wrist and Iron Man slammed into the Quinjet's hull, the metal warping around the suit to trap him.
A groan of pain from the Armored Hero, gave a clear sign that he was still alive inside the armor. Movement from inside the Quinjet assured the Thunder God that Hawkeye and Panther were also alive.
"Your hammer may be under your control. But, they are not." Magneto claimed as he tightened his grip and the metal on the Quinjet started to crumple more.
Thor's grip tightened on Mjolnir as lighting crackled from his eyes. A clear warning to the Magnetic Mutant should he follow through with his threat.
Magneto sighed as he shook his head. "So even gods have turned their backs on Mutant kind." He said in disappointment.
He then glared at Thor with his fist clenched tight. "If you love humanity so much. Then go and save them!"
Magneto then hurled his fist towards the horizon behind him and the Quinjet lunched into the stratosphere in that direction at blinding speed.
Thor's eyes widened in shock as he broke off his engagement with Magneto and chased after his teammates.
"You fiend!" Thor roared as he past Magneto, his cape blowing in the wind from the force of Thor blasting after the Quinjet.
With his foes taken care of, the Master of Magnetism turned his attention to Genoshia. He saw the Mutant Paradise he created in flames as the monstrosities that Humanity had created.
He grinned at the sight like a deranged madman. His plan was coming into fruition, now they will all see. They will understand.
Magneto glided down to the city below coming to hover above the city's plaza, where the largest number of mutants had gathered and the perfect place for them to hear and see Him.
"Foolish human!" Magneto called out in a triumphant and heroic tone, loud enough for them to hear him.
The gathered crowed all looked up to him in awe as he stretched out his arms on both sides.
"Building an army of Metal Men, to attack the Master of Magnetism!" He proclaimed as he focused his power across the entire island.
Across the Nation of Genoshia, the attacking Sentinels all froze as the magnetic waves gripped them and pulled them into the sky. The small army of Sentinels formed a circle around Magneto as he suspended each one in the air, completely level with him.
Concentrating his might, Magnetos waves his hands and in perfect synchronisation, the heads of each of the Mechanical Warbots disassembled, each screw, each bolt, each plate, came apart until each individual component of the machines where in pieces, floating in place in the air.
Normally, this would be enough. He disabled the threat to his people, demonstrated to humanity that their ultimate weapons are useless against him, and the unprovoked attack would be plenty of incentive for the Mutants to rise up and attack.
But, Magneto's flare for the theatrics wouldn't let him stop there.
Another wave of his hands and the individual circuit boards of the Sentinels control matrix disconnected. With the circuits and chips rearranging themselves per Magnetos instruction and the Sentinels heads reassembled themselves perfectly. As if nothing happened.
But Magnetos alterations became clear as the Sentinels reactivated themselves and Magneto lowered them to the ground. The Mutants all backed away in fear at the sight of the Machines.
However, instead of attacking them. The Sentinels all turned towards Magneto and remained stationary. As if awaiting his instructions.
Magneto grinned, the blueprints his spies stole from Trask proved more than useful as he has successfully reprogrammed the Sentinels to follow his commands.
The Mutants below all looked up to Magneto, their saviour and cheered. But there was one who was not cheering.
Inside Magnetos castle, in the shadows just inside of the balcony, stood the Scarlet Witch aka Wanda Maximoff. The daughter of Magneto had recently found out about her fathers betrayal of the Mutant race. Allowing this attack to take place, using their people as sacrificial pawns for his selfish delusions to seize power.
She bowed her head in shame and disappointment.
"Cheer up, sis." A voice spoke to her right. Wanda rose her head to look at her twin brother Pietro aka Quicksilver. Who bore a smug smile. "The humans were gonna attack us sooner or later anyway."
Wanda gritted her teeth as she glared at her brother. "You don't know that." She snapped at him.
"Just because Kelly got cold feet doesn't mean other would." The Silver Speedster argued. "Father and I just took out the guesswork."
The Scarlet Witch gripped her fists in rage at his admission. So he was a part of this too? Even worse is that, this was just another one of his desperate attempts to earn their fathers approval. And father was manipulating him as a means to an end.
"Father and You? You mean nothing to him!" Wanda stated in a vain attempt to get her brother to open his eyes and see the truth.
Pietro smirked as he leaned in close to his sister, letting him look her in the eye. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy?" He gloated.
The Scarlet Mutant scoffed at the sheer pigheadedness of her brother as she turned away to head inside.
"Wanda." Magnetos voice called out to her.
Wanda froze as she turned around to face her father as he glided down to the balcony, her arms crossed in contempt as she glared at the Master of Magnetism.
"Once the Sentinels have cleared the way, be ready to transport our armies." He commanded.
Her body shook in fury at his words. Armies? Since when were her people an army? This was supposed to be a refuge for Mutants to feel safe and protected. Not to be some grooming grounds for soldiers.
Whatever delusions he had for this "Perfect world" she did not want any part in it.
"Why don't you give that job to Pietro." She hissed at Magneto before turning around to walk away.
Quicksilver practically leaped at the opportunity as he stood in front of Magneto, his face beaming with confidence. "Yeah, Dad. I'll take care of it."
However, Magneto scowled at the Silver Speedster and brushed past him, focusing solely on her. "Wanda, you've stood by my side this long. Don't abandon me now. You're the only one I can count on."
From behind him, Pietro clenched his jaw and furrowed his eyebrows, but kept his expression as neutral as possible to try and hide how much his fathers words stung him.
A pain that was equally shared by his sister, who paused at the doorway. She didn't turn around, but her expression remained solid. Her father's words cut deep, but not in the same way as Pietro. It's that her father really didn't know her at all if he truly believes she would go along with this madness.
After letting out a sigh, she walked inside, shutting the door behind her.
Magneto stood motionless for a moment. Until Quicksilver stepped up, standing right in front of him so he'd be forced to look at him.
"So. Want me to prepare the troops?" He asked, eagerly.
The Magnetic Mutant narrowed his eyes at the Speedster. "No, you just convince your sister to come to her senses."
With that, Magneto rose into the sky and landed on the shoulder of one of the Sentinels. Leaving Pietro to slump his shoulders from the rejection. He'd hoped that his efforts would pay off and he'd finally get his father's approval. But, seems he had a fair ways to go as not even being abandoned by Wanda was enough to win him any favours.
On his command, the Sentinels thrusters roared to life and the small army rocketed into the sky, their course. New York and the humans who lived there.
A grin plastered on his face as his army of Metal Warriors flew across the sea. The war has finally begun, and Humanity will fall to the superior power of the Mutant race.
The skies rumbled over New York City as the Sentinels arrived on the scene. Magneto looked over the city in anticipation to see the fear of the Human race.
They constructed these very machines to be used to exterminate Mutants. Now he will use those very weapons to wipe them out.
A wave of his hand and the Sentinels descended into the streets. Their titan forms shaking the ground with each step as they stomped across the streets of New York. Some remained in the sky, flying overhead as a way to intimidate the populace and show them that there is now escape.
Magento listened closely, so he may hear the screams of terror and anguish of the Humans as they run in fear from their own creations….
But no sound came.
The Mutant Leader turned his gaze towards the city and to his surprise, the streets where empty. Not a single human was visible from his vantage point.
Dismounting his Sentinel perch, he flew down below the skyline to get a better view. Surely they must be hiding inside the buildings?
Again, there was no one. Not a single soul within the buildings. If they were, the Sentinels would attacked. His reprogramming made it so the Sentinels would seek out and attack any human within the area. But, there was no one around. Where could they have all gone?
"Target Acquired!" A Sentinel at the end of the street, near Magento suddenly announced.
The Master of Magnetism turned his head in the direction of the Machine, just in time to see a metal, red white and blue, disc strike the Metal giant in the head, damaging one of its optics in the process, causing it to stumble back.
The metal disc flew back to the ground, where it was caught by the one who threw it.
Captain America stood tall and defiant as he placed his shield back on his arm.
The Sentinel of Liberty looked up at Magneto with determination.
"Erik Lehnsherr! My name is Captain Steven Rogers. You have entered this country with hostile intention, bringing weapons of mass destruction. I request that you vacate this airspace and return to your country of origin." Captain America spoke in a clear and authoritive voice.
Magneto scowled at the Super Soldier. How dare he speak to the Master of Magnetism in such a way.
"Do not speak to me of hostile intentions, Captain." Magneto spat back at the Super Soldier. Venom dripping from his voice. "I am merely responding to the actions of your kind. These weapons where created by your government to exterminate my kind."
Captain America lowered his guard and took a few steps towards the Mutant Leader. His expression sympathetic as he looked up at Magneto. He knew the truth behind Magnetos actions. But, if there was a chance to end this fight before it escalates out of control. Then he had to try.
"These the actions taken against your people, are the actions of a small group. They do not speak for all of humanity." Captain America started to say.
"Don't try to speak to me on what you do not understand, Captain." Magneto shot back, interrupting him.
"You don't know the persecution that humanity has wrought upon the Mutant race! You humans have hunted us, imprisoned us, all out of ignorance and fear!" The Master of Magnetisms voice shook in rage as if he was reliving all the pain he's endured throughout his life.
Captain America bowed his head in shame. It is true, he was ignorant to what has been happening to Mutants. He could never fully understand what they have gone through.
It was a harsh truth that not all Men are made equal. He knew that better than most. It was only by chance that he was chosen to become Captain America. A mere stroke of luck that allowed him to serve his country and fight. A right that given to every other man his age, but it took him being in the right place at the right time to be given that right.
That was the injustice he faced. That's what he understood. He knew it was nothing compared to what Magneto and other mutants have faced.
But, he didn't need to fully understand the injustice they faced. He just needed to understand enough to stand up for what is right.
Captain America raised his head, his resolve clear. "We cannot change the past, Mr Lehnsheer…"
"My name is Magneto, Homosapien!" The Master of Magnetism spat at him.
The Super Soldier flinched at the outburst. But quickly composed himself and continued.
"Mr Magneto. The past is set in stone. We cannot take back what has been done. What those people have done to you is awful. But, that does not have to define your future. We have a chance to change it. Here and now. Set aside old hatred and build a better future!"
Captain Americas words seemed to echo across the empty streets of the city. Reaching Magneto loud and clear. A devilish grin soon appeared followed by a chuckle as Magneto flexed his hands causing the metal in the entire city block to shake.
"A touching sentiment, Captain." Magneto said condescendingly. "But, I have heard it all before. From you the words carry less meaning. For they are the words of a mere human who's plea for mercy now that he has bared witness to the superior race."
The Man out of Time clenched his jaw and glared at Magneto. He then raised his hand to his shield and secured the straps and got into a fighting stance.
"There was a time when I fought a man who spoke as you do." Captain America stated, anger appearing in his tone. "Who boasted about a superior race. Started a war for his ideals and butchered those who he considered inferior. I stood against him then, just as I will stand against you now."
A flash of pure white rage coursed through Magneto's every fibre. Did this man just compare him too….
Magneto roared in anger as he raised his hands. Magnetic waves surged through the area as half of the skyscraper next to him, broke off and rose into the sky. The Magnetic Mutant hurled the building at Captain America.
The Super Soldier planted his feet and raised his shield as if he believed that would be enough to prevent the building from crushing him. Regardless, the Super Soldier stood his ground without hesitation as the colossal structure descended on him.
The building slammed into the ground, kicking up debris and dust as the shockwave spread across the city.
Magneto grinned in satisfaction. The first human to fall by his hand and it is the one that all these pathetic humans idolise. The death of this Symbol will no doubt further demoralise the rest.
Suddenly the building shifted and started to rise slightly. Magneto's eyes widened in shock. He knew the Super Soldier was strong, but there was no way he could be this strong.
The building suddenly shot directly at him at tremendous speed. Magneto quickly reacted and with a swat of his hand and sent the building flying into the harbor.
Looking down the Master of Magnetism saw that the Sentinel of Liberty was no longer alone. Cap grinned as the Hulk stood beside him, panting from having to catch and throw the building. But not from exhaustion, judging by the grin on his face, he was happy to finally get in on the fight.
Hulk roared at Magneto, who responded by raising his hands, only for a yellow beam of energy to strike his hand. The pain caught him off guard as he almost lost his concentration and plummeted from the sky, only just managing to catch himself.
Several more energy beams struck Magneto in other areas of his body as he yelped in pain from the assault. Looking around rapidly, the Evil Mutant finally saw the tiny form of Wasp flying around him, zapping him with her stingers.
"Hey Grumpy, I know the old generation likes to complain about things, but this is going too far, don't cha think?" Wasp quipped as she flew around the Villain, continuing to zap him.
"Insolent, Insect. You dare mock the Master of Magnetism!" Magneto roared in frustration.
Wasp simply grinned as she continued to zip around him. "I know I should respect my elders. But come on, Grandpa. I think it's time to take your medication."
As he continued to swat at her, Magnetos guard was lowered allowing a crimson beam of energy to strike Magneto directly in the back. Causing him to scream in pain as he is forced right into the side of a building, blasting through the walls and crashing into the office space on the inside.
The Master of Magnetism groaned as he pulled himself to his feet and groggily made his way to the hole he was just blasted through.
There he got a good enough view to see Cyclops, standing atop of the building across the street from him, his hand at the controls of his visor ready to fire another beam.
Magneto glared at the One-Eyed mutant.
A puffing noise from his right, drew Magnetos attention as he saw Nightcrawler appear on the wall a few meters from him. The sound of metal scrapping on concrete draw his attention to his left as Wolverine used his claws to slide down the building and land on a ledge a similar distance on his left.
Thunder rumbled above as Magento looked up to see Storm, descending from the sky, gliding as graceful as a goddess. Her eyes glowing white as her white hair flowed in the wind.
A chilling breeze blew in from his left as Magneto looked towards the street and saw Iceman slide in on the ice ramp he generated.
The sound of helicopter blades, thumping in the air drew Magnetos attention to the skies to the skies just above Iceman, where an MRD helicopter, piloted by Beast, with Shadowcat, Rogue and Forge where all sitting as they glared at Magneto from the cabin.
Counting the Avengers on the street to his right, Magneto has been surrounded on all sides, X-Men and Avengers, both sides united against him.
The Master of Magnetism narrowed his eyes as he glared at the X-Men. "So, you have chosen to stand with the humans?" he said in a disappointed tone.
"So disappointing that you would turn against your own kind."
"You're the one turnin against your own kind." Wolverine growled back. "You saw the future Charles is in. You know how this ends. No one's gonna win this war."
Magneto chuckled in response as he turned to the Clawed mutant. "You think because Kelly was scared off by Charles warning that would be the end of it? No. He will just be replaced with another. The only way for this war to end is for Mutants to take their rightful place in this world."
"There won't be a place for anyone in this world if you continue down this path!" Storm announced.
"Now that I have seen what the future holds. I can change the outcome and ensure victory. The future will belong to the Mutants!" Magneto exclaimed, his complete denial of the situation making seem delusional.
His eyes glowed as the building started to shake from his power. "I had hoped to spare you all as a favour to Charles. But, since you refuse to accept the truth. I will tell him about your sacrifice this day. He will forgive me for this."
With that Magneto raised his hands. Cyclops immediately fired another beam at Magneto, only for metal beams to burst from the walls to shield him. Wolverine quickly leaped at the Evil Mutant, only for Magneto to raise his hand and catch Wolverine with his powers. Having a skeleton covered in metal was not the best match against the Lord of Magnetism, yet that didn't stop Wolverine from trying.
A flick of his wrist sent the Clawed Mutant flying towards the helicopter, which forced Beast to swerve the vehicle out of the way. The sudden change caused Shadowcat to loose her balance as she fell out of the chopper and fell to the street below.
She screamed out of reflex as she plummeted, as Iceman immediately moved to intercept, blasting ice from his hands to create his ramp as he slid down underneath her and caught her in his arms.
The pair slide down to the ground level as he cradled her in his arms.
"You, ok?" Iceman asked concerned.
Shadowcat nodded as she held onto him. "Y-yeah. Thanks for the save."
"Well, you'd've done the same for me." The Cold Mutant said as he put her down.
"You know, I would've been fine. I could've just phased through the ground and popped back up no problem." She then explained in a cocky tone.
Iceman chuckled bashfully as he rubs the back of his head and turned his head down. "Oh, yeah. Right."
Had he been in his normal form, he definitely would have been blushing.
Shadowcat giggled as she walked over to him and planted a kiss right on his cheek.
"But it's sweet that you're worried about me." She said, sincerely.
Iceman's eyes widened as he reached up and touched his cheek. Maybe it was her making the first move, or the threat of the end of the world, but the Young X-Man figured he'd have no better chance than now to say what he's always wanted to say to her since they reunited.
"Hey Kitty?" Bobby started to say catching her attention. "When this is all over… How about… If you're up for it. You and me. We go…"
"Target acquired." A Robotic voice announced, interrupting the Ice Mutant as the pair turned around to see the towering form of a Sentinel looming over them.
The Mechanical Giant raised one of its hands and charged up a beam of purple energy.
Shadowcat smirked as she patted Iceman on the shoulder and walked towards the robot.
"How about we save the world first?" She asked him, giving a playful wink as she ran towards the threat without a fear in the world.
Iceman grinned as he generated another ice ramp and slid after her. The fate of the world on their shoulders and she was still grinning.
The pair went on the offensive and attacked the Sentinel, with the robot moving to intercept.
Around the area, other Sentinels moved to attack the gathered heroes and support Magneto.
The Master of Magnetism grew frustrated. He intended to use the Sentinels to attack the people of the city, not engage in another petty street brawl with the Charles X-Men. The addition of Humanities defenders the Avengers was close to what he intended. Crushing the human's champions would certainly demonstrate the superiority of the mutant race. But it wouldn't leave the impact that would ignite the spark to get humanity to retaliate.
He needed a better target. A more innocent target.
On his command, the Sentinels attacked all the heroes near him. Their energy weapons easily causing the heroes to scatter as he rose into the sky above the city.
The Master of Magnetism scanned for any signs of movement. The city looked deserted, aside from the twinkling of lights from the buildings, streets and bridges….
He paused and looked back. The bridges. The lights where brighter around them and also moving.
It was an evacuation. These heroes were merely trying to stall him in order to by time for the citizens to escape. Clever and noble, but pointless.
Magneto smirked as he raised his hands. He focused his power as he manipulated the magnetic fields. Suddenly every single bridge around the island of Manhattan started to shake, people screamed, and cars honked as the structures swayed from side to side. Suspension cables started to snap as the metal bent and warped, becoming more and more unstable.
The Evil Mutant grinned sadistically as he prepared to destroy their only hopes of escape.
Suddenly, thunder boomed from above him and a bolt of lightning arced down from the sky, aiming directly at him.
Magneto quickly responded and erected a field of magnetic energy around him that blocked the attack. His eyes narrowed as Storm, flew up to him, her eyes glowing white as the winds howled around her.
"It's too late!" Magneto informed the Weather Witch. "Even with my concentration broken, the bridges have all be destabilised. Your pathetic attempt to buy the humans time to escape has failed. There will be no escape for them."
Storm narrowed her eyes as lighting crackled around her. "So, this is how low you have sunken, Magneto? You would willingly slaughter innocent men, women and children, all for your twisted ideals?" She asked, knowing full well what the answer will be.
Magneto chuckled. "You know nothing of the evils of humanity. I have seen what they are capable of. I have seen what their hatred has brought. You think these machines are my creation? They intended to use these machines to wipe us out. I am simply retaliating."
The Weather Mutant furrowed her brow. It was pointless, he would never see reason. He started down the path to war way before Charles warned him of the future. It was inevitable.
But she was an X-Man. So long as she drew breath, no innocent life will be harmed.
She unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning at Magneto. However, the Mutant Villain swiftly raised his hands and generated a field of magnetic energy around him which blocked the lightning. But the force was enough to push him back.
Magneto then waved his hand and several cars and trucks from the street below lifted into the air as he prepared to hurl them at the Silver Haired mutant.
Suddenly, a roar, louder than the thunder erupted from below him as Magneto looked down to see the raging form of the Hulk, soring straight at him.
The Magnetic Mutant attempted to counter him, but was not fast enough as Hulks massive arms wrapped around him tackling him out of the air and sending both crashing into a nearby building.
The vehicles dropped back down to the streets, crashing and crumbling, with several alarms going off due to the damage.
Storm prepared to go and assist the Green Goliath, only for the sound of screams to fill her ears. She turned around to see that Magneto was not wrong. The damage he inflicted on the bridges did make them unstable. Any moment now, they could collapse, and the panicking citizens were only escalating the instability.
While Magneto was the clear threat, the people still needed protection.
The Mistress of the Elements floated down to where the others could hear her as she pointed in the direction of the bridges.
"The people! Magneto has destabilised the bridges!" She summarised as clear as possible.
Cyclops paused for a moment while he thought of a plan of attack.
"Storm, take Iceman and Nightcrawler to the bridges! work on stabilising them long enough for people to be evacuated!" Captain America suddenly ordered, clear and precise. "I'll have Hulk join you shortly!"
Cyclops eyes widened behind his visor. The Super Soldier didn't even hesitate before giving his commands. Yet he was able to efficiently determine who among their current ranks would be the most efficient in saving the people on the bridges.
Storm briefly looked to Cyclops for confirmation. Despite in this current period Wolverine is the acting leader of the X-Men, most of the team still turn to Cyclops by default.
He quickly nodded to her, which she returned before flying off.
Once she was gone, Cyclops turned to Captain America.
"I'm sorry for overstepping." Cap said as he met Cyclops gaze. "Please don't think that I am trying to undermine the chain of command. My concern for the citizens compelled me to act."
The One-eyed mutant was taken aback by the Avengers statement, before chuckling. "It's fine. You did what you felt you had to. Really, it's the right call."
Captain America smiled and nodded in agreement. Only for it to fade as he turned his head back to the action.
"I'm not sure if any of this is the right call. The threat of an impending disaster and none of us know if any of the choices we make here and now will prevent it, or being the very thing that trigger it."
Cyclops shared the same mentality as the Super Soldier. The future seemed so unclear, no matter what path they take. He only wished that he could find Jean and be with her. Whether the world is saved or doomed, he'd want to spend that time with her.
The sound of heavy footsteps approaching, caught their attention as they turned in the direction of the sound to see a Sentinel rounding the corner.
The Mechanical giant glared at them with its glowing soulless eyes as it advanced, prepared to attack.
The Mutant and Super Soldier both got into fighting stances. Regardless on whether their choices will bring about the end. In the here and now, all that matters is that they protect the people. No matter what.
Back at the Inner Circles mansion, Emma and the girls were using their telepathy to manipulate Jeans mind. Their goal was to use her memories and emotions to manipulate her into breaking the mental locks that keep the Phoenix contained.
However, that task proved to be more herculean than initially thought. Emma had to commend Charles Xavier for his work. She has often boasted about her mental prowess, but even she has to admit that this was on a whole other level. On top of that she had to work on keeping Jean Grey, another powerful telepath, unconscious and calm to prevent her from fighting back.
Had it just been herself doing this alone, this process would take hours or even days. Fortunately, she had the Stepford Cuckoos with her. While young and limited in their experience, these five girls have enough raw talent between them to provide adequate support for her maintaining her psychic hold on Jean.
So far things seemed to be going well. From the outside, the members of the Inner Circle watched patiently as Emma worked to unlock the Phoenix. However, it seemed the task was too much for the telepath as her face contracted, forming lines on her perfectly smooth skin.
Suddenly, her eyes shot open as Emma let out a gasp and took a few steps back. The Cuckoos immediately moves and focused their psychic powers to keep Jean restrained as the Red Haired Telepath started to groan and struggle in her unconscious state.
"What happened?" Sebastian Shaw asked, slightly concerned.
Emma took a moment to compose herself as she stood tall. "She's resisting. I attempted to use her happiest memories to lower her guard. But her powers are stronger than I initially thought. She's sensing a hostile force in her mind and is now fortifying her mental barriers."
Shaw grimaced as he pointed to the Cuckoos. "Have the girls distract her so you can slip through." He ordered, his patience starting to wear thin.
"It won't work. Her mind is on alert. If we back in, she will only register us as a threat. She needs a calming presence. Someone she trusts."
"I thought that was the whole reason you joined the X-Men in the first place, Frost?" Selene snidely stated causing Emma to glare at her with her cold blue eyes.
"My infiltration was merely in the attempt to find her. However, her mental stability is tied to Charles Xavier and Scott Summers. Having either of them here would most likely calm her mind enough to proceed." Emma explained.
Selene's eyes narrowed at the mention of the Optic Beam Mutant. "Or maybe, could this be your own desire for Scott Summers presence?"
Emma gritted her jaw as she fought to keep her composure. "Are you questioning my loyalty, Selene?"
"Yes. I am." Selene responded without hesitation. She then turned to the other Members in the room. "The X-Men are of no further use. They should have been taken out when Cerebro was rebuilt."
The White Queens eyes narrowed at the Black Queens statement. "So, now we're assassins? We're trying to save lives. Not take them."
"Wasting time attempting to bring Scott Summers here is a fruitless endeavour." Shaw pointed out. "Besides, I doubt you would be able to convince him to cooperate. Our houseguests are proof that any trust you may have had with the X-Men is extinguished."
The Blonde telepath wanted to argue. But, he did have a point. She pretty much burnt any bridge she had left with the X-Men after kidnapping Jean. After all the time she spent working to earn their trust. Bonding with each of them, working, living and fighting together. Even the ever stubborn, thick skulled ruffian Wolverine had finally let his guard down around her.
But now, after what she did. There isn't a doubt in her mind that the Clawed Mutant wouldn't skewer her the moment he saw her.
However, that pain would be nothing compared to the look Scott would give her if she ever faced him.
She needed to complete her mission. Once he sees what she was trying to do. Then maybe….
"This doesn't change the fact that we need a calming presence to get Jean to lower her guard." Emma reemphasised.
Selene scoffed, while Shaw frowned in disappointment.
"I expected more from you, Emma." He said, shaking his head. "I'd would have thought, your power would be enough to get the job done. Or is it, perhaps your commitment to our cause is not enough to steel your resolve to do what needs to be done?"
Suddenly, Shaw and the others felt a great pressure build up in their head as Emma clenches her firsts and glares daggers at them.
"I have had quite enough of all of you doubting my integrity. Need I remind you, the lengths I went through to get us this far?" Emma stated as her fury rose. "If after all this, you still do not trust me. Then I will demonstrate my commitment, once and for all."
She then released the pressure on their minds and matched towards the door.
"And just where do you think you're going, Frost?" Selene demanded as Emma forced open the doors to the chamber.
"If Charles Xavier and Scott Summers are not available. Then the next best option is Ben Tennyson." Emma stated, turning her head back slightly to address her.
"The human?" Selene asked, with a confused look. "Why would you need him?"
Emma pivoted so that she could face her head on. "That boy provided the first positive interaction, Jean received while her memories were missing. He has been a constant source of warmth and protection to her during the last 24 hours. While it may not be much, it's the best option we have."
She then turned away from them and disappeared down the hall. Her elegant high heels echoing on the stone walls from each click of her steps.
No matter what it takes, she will finish what she started.
Being unconscious, it's like going to sleep only much faster. One minute you're awake, the next you're asleep, you don't even remember closing your eyes, just a wave of relaxation as everything just drifts away. Only to wake up, feeling like you slept on a wooden floor.
Ben groaned as he felt a throbbing pain in his head. Like an alarm clock pounding in his head and he could reach the snooze button.
So the Young Hero groaned as he surrendered to the conscious mind and woke up. Blinking his eyes open, Ben noticed the dim light of the area. He then noticed his bodies orientation as he was not lying down, but upright and hunched over based on the stiffness in his neck.
He made an attempted to rub his neck, only to then feel the stiffness in both his arms along with the pressure on his wrists. The clinking of chains was the final jolt he needed to snap wide awake and raise his head.
Ben winched at the sudden pain as his body swayed slightly from his hanging position. He gathered his feet under him and finally stood up. Though with slight numbness and pins and needles in his legs. He must've been hanging there for a while for his body to feel like this.
Looking around, it was clear that he was in a medieval style dungeon, with stone walls, a sturdy wooden door with metal bars on the window. Obviously a prison setup like this wouldn't hold someone like him. Except for one important factor.
Both his arms were chained up. With the chains secured to the ceiling, keeping his arms raised above his head. While there was enough slack in the chains to allow him to comfortably sway from side to side. But not enough for him to reach his arms or lower them when he stood up. The left cuff in particular completely covered the Ultimatrix, so even if he could reach it, he couldn't activate it.
Meaning that for the time being, he was stuck.
Ben sighed, this certainly felt familiar. It wouldn't be the first time he was in such a predicament. He was embarrassed to admit how often it did happen. But, he usually manages to find a way out, usually with the help of his friends.
"Ben?" Lauras voice suddenly called out. Her words reverberating off the stone walls of the dungeon.
"Laura?" Ben replied, quickly straining his neck up to see if he could catch a glimpse of her through the window of his cell door. Unfortunately, there was no sign of her in the opposite cell. Meaning she must be in the cell next door to him.
Still, it was comforting to know she was ok and nearby.
"Are you ok. You're not hurt are you?" She asked, concern in her voice.
"I'm fine." Ben assured her. "A bit stiff, but I'm ok. How about you?"
"I too am unharmed. And any damage I did receive, my healing factor has taken care of it." She answered.
The sound of chains rattling informed Ben that she was restrained like him. And from the frequency of their rattling, he could tell she was trying to get to him.
"They chained you up too, huh?" Ben asked, making some small talk to try and put her at ease.
"Yes." Came her response, as the rattling died down a little. "They positioned the chains in such a way that I cannot use my claws to cut them. Even my legs have been restrained."
"Really? Mine haven't." Ben commented humorously. He knew they didn't have a reason to chain his legs, he didn't have an Adamantium claw hidden in his foot.
"A shame you did not learn lock picking skills from Storm." The Mutant Clone stated. "She could have taught you to pick the lock with your toes."
Bens head quickly snapped to attention as a look of surprise and awe spread across his face. "Woah, really?"
"Indeed. Ororo is very talented in lockpicked and escape artistry. She has the same dexterity in her toes and mouth as she does with her hands." Laura explained.
As a respectable hero and gentleman, Ben was quite impressed by the Weather controlling Mutants skills. He never would have guest she had that level of skill in her. But, as a red-blooded, teenage male, he couldn't help but find her way more attractive than he already did. Now he envied the lucky man who ends up with her.
Shacking those thoughts out of his head, he still needed to find a way out of this cell. There's no telling how much time is left.
"Do not worry. They have not achieved their goal's yet." Laura informed Ben.
The Teen Hero agreed. If they had succeeded, they wouldn't bother keeping them chained up. Likely they were being kept so they could be used as leverage in case things go south.
"I have a way we can escape and get back to main chamber." Laura stated.
Ben tilted his head in Lauras direction. "I'm listening?"
"The chains are too tight for my wrists to slip through. However, if I were to break my wrist bones and with enough force, rip the skin from my arm, I can slip my arm free of the chains and then cut out of the remaining restrains and then free you?" Laura said in great detail.
The Alien Avenger grimaced at the thought of his close friend, mutilating herself like that. Granted it was a solid plan, unlike Wolverine only her claws are covering in Adamantium, the rest of her skeleton is bone, meaning she can break them easily and her healing factor will fix the damage in no time.
"I felt that you would object to my actions. Seeing as you do not like it when I am hurt. That is why I waited to tell you of my plan first. If you do not want me to go through with it, I won't." Laura's words conveyed her empathy towards him. She really did take his feelings into consideration before she acted.
Of course Ben would object to her harming herself in such a way. Even if she could heal from it, no one would be comfortable with someone they care about, mutilating themselves, regardless of the context.
However, desperate times call for desperate measures. They couldn't afford to tread carefully. Not while the fate of the world is at stake.
"Someone's coming." Laura hissed, before Ben could give her an answer.
The Teen Hero quickly shut his mouth as he listened. Nothing but silence, so it was Laura's heightened senses at play.
Eventually, Ben did pick up the sound of high heels on stone floor, clicking their way towards them.
"Do you know who it is?" Ben whispered to her. Making sure to be loud enough so that only she could hear him with her sharp ears.
The sound of sniffing was heard in the cell next door as Laura answered. "It's her."
She practically snarled the words, meaning that it was Emma Frost.
Ben felt slightly relieved. He was worried that Selene woman was coming to snack on his life-force again. He felt woozy just remembering that Psychic vampires touch.
But, Emma's presence was still concerning. If she's coming down here, that means they hit a snag in their plans. But, why come down to them? Not like either of them are in a position to help.
Even if Emma knew about all of his alien forms. Ben doesn't have anything in his current roster that has any skill in telepathy like her, Jean or Charles. Any aliens he does have that could do anything resembling telepathy aren't nearly as advanced. Ampfibian can only read the electrical impulses of the brain, Brainstorm can do the same and even alter brain patterns and Pesky Dust can just enter and manipulate dreams, not like any of them could put up mental barriers or straight up mind control someone.
It pained him to say it, but until such time where Ben manages to unlock a telepathic based alien. The Mutant telepaths are beyond his reach. For the moment at least.
Still, there had to be some reason for Emma to come down to see them.
The clicking got loader as she got closer. Eventually even Ben could tell it was Emma as the exquisite scent of her perfume wafted into his cell. The clicking stopped as the White Queen herself appeared in the window of his cell.
The dime lighting reflecting off her smooth, perfect features. Even if she's a double crossing back stabber, she's still incredibly gorgeous.
Ben narrowed his eyes at her as he planted his feet and leaned forward, bowing his head as best he could in a mocking gesture.
"Well, well. The great Ice Queen has graced us with her presence. To what do we owe the honour, your majesty?" Ben said in the most over the top phony British accent he could muster.
"I need your help." She said, showing no reaction to his dry wit.
Ben raised his head and gave her a serious look. "What makes you think id help you after what you did?"
Emma sighed. She knew he'd behave this way. "I understand, you are upset."
"Yeah, I think we left 'upset' back when you kidnapped Jean and then lied about it." Ben snapped back. "The X-Men trusted you. I trusted you. But, you were playing us the entire time. For what?"
The White Queens brow furrowed. She had quite enough of everyone doubting her integrity as she stepped closer to the door.
"I am trying to save the world. Everything I have done, is all to fulfill that goal." She claimed with passion in her voice.
Ben scoffed. "If that were true, why not bring the X-Men in on this. They're all about saving the world too, ya know?"
"Time was of the essence, Benjamin. You saw the power Jean displayed at Sinister's lab. The psychic fire was a clear indication that the Phoenix was rousing within Jean. Soon, no amount of psychic barriers will be able to contain it. The longer I waited, the more difficult it will be to destroy the Phoenix. I needed to bring Jean here, so that we may destroy the Psychic Force before it can fully awaken and ravage this world." Emma explained.
"That is a lie." Laura stated as she fought against her chains. "The Inner Circle intentions are far from noble."
Emma's facial expression morphed into one of disgust as she turned her gaze to the Raven haired girl in the next cell. Who was fighting against her chains, leaning as far forward as she could, outstretching her arms in a vein attempt to reach the door. Her eyes burning with anger at the Blonde Telepath.
"I don't recall asking for your opinion, Clone." Emma spat at Laura, her words gushing with venom at that last word, as if it left a vial taste in her mouth.
"HEY!" Ben shouted, causing Emma to jump at the tone as Ben jumped to the ends of his chains. His calm demeanour now replaced with fury at her.
"Don't you ever talk to her like that!" He snarled, causing Emma to take a step back.
This certainly wasn't going the way she wanted. Normally shed be able to solve situations like this instantly with her powers. But with Tennyson's mental shielding, she couldn't control him even if she wanted to.
And she had momentarily forgotten how strong the bond is between the two are. With how quickly he jumped to her defence. She couldn't afford another slip up like that. Not at this crucial moment.
The White Queen composed herself and cleared her throat. "Very well. I apologise."
This at least got Bens expression to soften. But X-23 remained unchanged.
"This petty squabbling will have to wait. The Phoenix's power is growing by the second. If it is not released and destroyed soon, it will become too powerful the world will be consumed by its inferno."
Ben held his gaze for a moment as he processed what she said. While he still doubted the intentions of the Inner Circle. From how Emma spoke and acted. It seemed she really believed what she was saying.
Granted she's been shown to be a top notch actress, fooling him and everyone about her true intentions for months.
Still, she was right about one thing. They were running out of time. The countdown to doomsday was approaching and he still had no clue what's gonna set it off.
When the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Any idea, no matter how crazy, could mean the difference between life and death.
So Ben only had one question on his mind.
"What do you need me to do?"
And thats it, for now.
Hope you have all enjoyed this latest chapter. Sadly, it'll be a while before my next update. But, rest asurred that I am working on it. I promise to give it my all to bring out the best in these chapter.
Now, I'm sure there will be some of you that might want to critique how I handled certain things in this chapter. I am willing to listen and discuss this issues with you, if they involve the character portrayals. But, there are a few exceptions.
As always, feel free to message me and leave reviews if you like my work. Please be respectful and civilised in conversation.
Until next time, CaptainRex75 out!