*** Of gods and Men
I do not own X-Men nor do I endorse their products. This story should fit in continuum. Though I personally chose the main characters from the X-men in mid 2003. I decided to do this story because certain characters in New and Uncanny have not been crossed over lately. I thought it might be a good chemistry since certain issues haven't been resolved. Each chapter is suited to fit a general timeline within a comic. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 1 - Clash of the Titans
*Inside the office of Xavier's Mansion
The sunlight cascaded through the window of the office behind the desk. There were pencils in a can and books open on the table. Sitting behind the desk was a bald man with great influence and power. His eyes reflect experience and knowledge not many can comprehend. He is talking to two people who are sitting in front of him. One is a blond woman, clad in white and with annoyed expression. Her legs and arms are crossed. The other is a man with wings. He sits forward looking attentive but his thoughts are elsewhere.
"Both of you have contributed so much to our cause physically, mentally and . economically. This is why what I have to tell the both of you. disturbs me," Professor Xavier said as he leaned back on his chair and folded his arms.
"Oh stop wasting my time Charles. I was just teaching my class how to push the bliss buttons of an entire crowd."
"I'm sorry Emma but this concerns both you and Warren."
Warren looked fatigued. "Go on Charles."
"There has been a theft."
"Good God! What in Hell does this have to do with us?"
"Let me explain Emma. An archeologist by the name of Professor Grant Austin had found mysterious black diamonds in the coast of Costa Rica. His findings were given to a museum in Florida but have been stolen two nights ago. The Professor had worked under Worthington Enterprises."
"What do you mean *had?" Warren asked with growing curiosity.
"He died of a stroke last night. The issue that concerns me the most is that the both of you are possible suspects in the grand theft of the Black Diamonds," He answered to the shocked faces of Warren and Emma.
IDarling, I repeat, what in the hell does this have to do with us? /I Emma said telepathically.
"Well Emma. Frost Enterprises and Worthington Industries had wanted to use these mysterious diamonds for scientific research, however a University had won the rights to the research under Austin's permission. The museum have placed accusation on both your companies since many of your employees were present the day the diamonds were stolen."
"Those idiots, I could strangle them!" Emma pounded the desk.
"That's not all I'm afraid. You see research from Austin and his men confirms that the diamonds can be used as a bomb with the right chemical reaction."
"That is definitely not good," stated Archangel.
"So because of this incident, both of you may be charged for grand theft and terrorism."
Emma sighed, "Well this is a very interesting Monday morning."
*Later
My name is Bobby Drake and I make jokes. Well I use to be funnier. but things change. You're probably thinking, "what a loser". But I am an accountant now. So I'm smart and funny. Though you'd probably be thinking, "that's why you don't have a girlfriend". I live with my ex- girlfriend who is now an official psycho. She tried to kill me when I professed my love to her. So basically I'm smart, funny. and I have interesting relationships.
Interesting relationships is key in my life. My psycho ex-girlfriend is in love with another guy who's in love with the girl I just made out with. Yeah, Annie. she's hot, but way too high maintenance for a guy like me. And her honesty really bothered me. She told me that I "just wanted to be a mutant who can pass off as a human when I want to be". Maybe she's right. So I'm funny, smart, I have interesting relationships and I have self-esteem issues.
IRobert Drake. You think too much. /I
Emma, are you in my thoughts again? You do know that I'm piloting the X- Jet.
IDarling I'm bored and your mind is so familiar/I
Can't you read someone else's thoughts? I mean you've got a list here from Warren to Paige and even Beak. Speaking of which, what is he doing here anyway?
IAfter being possessed by that wretched woman/thing and forced to beat Henry to a bloody pulp, I thought it would be nice to heal his traumatized mind by taking him to Disney World while we try and solve this Florida fiasco with my company/I
You're sweet. Don't you think the children there would be a little . I don't know. petrified that big bird is riding the rides with them?
IThe human children will embrace him like they embrace Mickey Mouse. with a few mental alterations/I
Gee Emma, you never seem to stop impressing me with you're uncanny way of comforting people. But you still haven't answered the question. Why did you choose to enter my mind when there are three other people flying with us to Florida?
IBecause Warren's a bore and all Paige can think about is how two men are in love with her. Beak's primitive mind is a horror all on its own, God bless the little dear. And you Robert Drake, you're mind is like a wonderful storybook that I had enjoyed as a child, full of simple and colorful pictures. But darling, it's your confusion and frustration that entertains me. It makes me giggle like a schoolgirl /I
Nice to know that I'm still entertaining! So tell me the truth Emma, are you really innocent of robbery?
IFor Heaven's sakes, Robert Drake, of course I didn't steal those stupid diamonds. I was too busy being a teacher that I had barely enough time running my own company. Just because I tried to kill you all in my lost years does not mean that I'm the same woman. I am no longer the White Queen Robert /I
No you're not. Sorry, I just don't trust you. I know you helped me out when I had a hole in my chest. You were the only one that knew how to work my body since you once possessed it. But I can't help but think that you're not a *real X-Man.
IOh darling you're just full of self-loathing because everyone has moved on and evolved except for you. You don't trust me because I know you Iceman. more than anyone ever has or ever will. /I
Maybe. But I still say it's because you're conniving and manipulative.
*That night
White walls and a large sparkling staircase, a dazzling chandelier hangs over the elegantly dressed crowd. There are tables suited for dining lined along the sidewalls. Caterers carried silver platters filled with sweet smelling food to the guests. At the center of the room, the guests danced to the sound of classic jazz. A skylight displays the starlit sky overhead.
Paige Guthrie walks down the large staircase wearing a red dress. Each step she takes was well practiced for this special event. Around her neck lies the necklace of an angel that Warren had given her the day he thought she died from the werewolves. Down the stairs, Warren looks in her direction and approaches her.
"You look beautiful Paige."
"Thanks. Right now I'm struggling not to fall face first. How does Emma manage this?"
Warren chuckles and gives her his arm.
"Dance?"
"If you insist," Paige grinned.
"I feel out of place Warren. Everyone here is out of my league. They're all so rich and the women are so beautiful. I know this is part of our mission but I can't help but feel like I'm an outsider."
As they dance Paige clumsily follows Warren's lead.
"Hey don't worry about it. A lot of these people are only here for appearances' sake. They don't understand why there here because they're witless and have no character."
"You smell good."
"I give you all these compliments and that's all I get from you?" Warren jokingly asks.
"You know that I'm not good at playing elegant. I'm an X-man now. We're supposed to be fighting bad guys, solving crimes and cooking hotdogs in rough conditions. But instead we're here."
"I'm convinced that whoever took the black diamonds are here at the museum charity ball. It's only been a few days since they were stolen from here and the museum is on high alert. My company, along with Emma's, is being accused of a crime and I'm here to find out if it's true. After what happened at Lobo Tech, I don't trust my industry anymore. Hotdogs?"
"Their time efficient and tasty. So why do you think the people who stole the diamonds would be here?"
"Because Paige, they don't have enough information on the diamonds. And many of the people dancing around us are world known scientists."
"Oh I get it. The value of the diamonds is based on the knowledge behind them. No wonder they have no wit and character. Okay so answer this question: would you rather be with some of the other women here than young and impressionable me?"
"I rather eat hotdogs than be with those women."
Paige grinned. The dance floor shined. And the music echoed.
*In a hotel room, Florida
My name is Barnell Bohusk and I'm a freak because I look like a bird. But I am not a loser. Do I look like a loser to you? I am hanging out with the X-Men now. Angel Salvador says that it's because they feel sorry for me. I'll prove to her and to everyone else that I'm X-Men material.
I was watching Charlie's Angels on TV when I heard Mr. McCoy's voice coming from a small communicator on the table.
"X-Men are you there?"
I reached for the communicator and pressed a button.
"Beak here sir!"
"Barnell? Where is everybody?"
"Their at the party. I'm going to Disney World tomorrow."
"You mean to tell me I'm missing out on the most intellectually stimulating party of the year? Barnell! Since you're the only I can reach there is something important I must tell you. There is a metallic device that looks like a gameboy in the room. Find it and -"
"Found it sir!"
"Um. Ok, now listen carefully. "
My name is Beak and even though I'm a freak. even though people think I'm a loser. and the human race hates me. even though I don't have any super special powers. I think I can be an X-Man. Haven't you ever wanted to be. a hero?
*Back in the ballroom of the museum
"You've been staring at the punchbowl for five minutes Emma. And I heard you say Scott's name."
"Darling, you startled me. I wasn't saying Scott; I was saying 'shot'. There's not enough gin in the punch. Anyway I was thinking how jealous Henry is right now. When we get back he'll be roaring complaints about how he missed an intellectual event with cruelly sophisticated chat," Emma replied to Bobby.
"I can actually picture him doing that. Ironically it sends shivers down my spine. By the way, you're looking hot tonight. in a scandalous and revealing way. Love the white on you," Iceman winked.
"And your wearing the tux I had you fitted for. I was afraid of you wearing anything else. God bless Armani."
"So what exactly are we waiting for Emma?"
"A sign."
"What sign?"
All the lights went off. Complete blackout. Everyone screamed.
"This sign!" Emma yelled.
She took Iceman's hand pulled him to the side. She mentally scanned the area.
IOh my God! /I
"What is it Emma?" He used his powers to make an ice shield around them.
"Emma?" Bobby Drake froze when he realized there were decaying bodies around them.
*In the alley way of a club
The stars shimmered hauntingly in the night sky. Loud dance music could be heard from the outdoors. Beak held the locating device that Beast taught him how to use.
"Mr. McCoy said that this thing would work," Barnell argued with himself.
He lifted the lid of a dumpster. Found nothing.
"Maybe their inside the club," He continued talking to himself.
"Hey! What are you doing here FREAK?" said one of two large men that were approaching him.
"Uh Oh."
*Again in the Ballroom of the museum
The lights come back on. Everyone has a nervous expression on. Most of them are frightened. Some of them are missing. Others are now nothing more than decayed bodies. Warren Worthington the third flies around the room frantically.
"Paige? Where are you? PAIGE!"
I do not own X-Men nor do I endorse their products. This story should fit in continuum. Though I personally chose the main characters from the X-men in mid 2003. I decided to do this story because certain characters in New and Uncanny have not been crossed over lately. I thought it might be a good chemistry since certain issues haven't been resolved. Each chapter is suited to fit a general timeline within a comic. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 1 - Clash of the Titans
*Inside the office of Xavier's Mansion
The sunlight cascaded through the window of the office behind the desk. There were pencils in a can and books open on the table. Sitting behind the desk was a bald man with great influence and power. His eyes reflect experience and knowledge not many can comprehend. He is talking to two people who are sitting in front of him. One is a blond woman, clad in white and with annoyed expression. Her legs and arms are crossed. The other is a man with wings. He sits forward looking attentive but his thoughts are elsewhere.
"Both of you have contributed so much to our cause physically, mentally and . economically. This is why what I have to tell the both of you. disturbs me," Professor Xavier said as he leaned back on his chair and folded his arms.
"Oh stop wasting my time Charles. I was just teaching my class how to push the bliss buttons of an entire crowd."
"I'm sorry Emma but this concerns both you and Warren."
Warren looked fatigued. "Go on Charles."
"There has been a theft."
"Good God! What in Hell does this have to do with us?"
"Let me explain Emma. An archeologist by the name of Professor Grant Austin had found mysterious black diamonds in the coast of Costa Rica. His findings were given to a museum in Florida but have been stolen two nights ago. The Professor had worked under Worthington Enterprises."
"What do you mean *had?" Warren asked with growing curiosity.
"He died of a stroke last night. The issue that concerns me the most is that the both of you are possible suspects in the grand theft of the Black Diamonds," He answered to the shocked faces of Warren and Emma.
IDarling, I repeat, what in the hell does this have to do with us? /I Emma said telepathically.
"Well Emma. Frost Enterprises and Worthington Industries had wanted to use these mysterious diamonds for scientific research, however a University had won the rights to the research under Austin's permission. The museum have placed accusation on both your companies since many of your employees were present the day the diamonds were stolen."
"Those idiots, I could strangle them!" Emma pounded the desk.
"That's not all I'm afraid. You see research from Austin and his men confirms that the diamonds can be used as a bomb with the right chemical reaction."
"That is definitely not good," stated Archangel.
"So because of this incident, both of you may be charged for grand theft and terrorism."
Emma sighed, "Well this is a very interesting Monday morning."
*Later
My name is Bobby Drake and I make jokes. Well I use to be funnier. but things change. You're probably thinking, "what a loser". But I am an accountant now. So I'm smart and funny. Though you'd probably be thinking, "that's why you don't have a girlfriend". I live with my ex- girlfriend who is now an official psycho. She tried to kill me when I professed my love to her. So basically I'm smart, funny. and I have interesting relationships.
Interesting relationships is key in my life. My psycho ex-girlfriend is in love with another guy who's in love with the girl I just made out with. Yeah, Annie. she's hot, but way too high maintenance for a guy like me. And her honesty really bothered me. She told me that I "just wanted to be a mutant who can pass off as a human when I want to be". Maybe she's right. So I'm funny, smart, I have interesting relationships and I have self-esteem issues.
IRobert Drake. You think too much. /I
Emma, are you in my thoughts again? You do know that I'm piloting the X- Jet.
IDarling I'm bored and your mind is so familiar/I
Can't you read someone else's thoughts? I mean you've got a list here from Warren to Paige and even Beak. Speaking of which, what is he doing here anyway?
IAfter being possessed by that wretched woman/thing and forced to beat Henry to a bloody pulp, I thought it would be nice to heal his traumatized mind by taking him to Disney World while we try and solve this Florida fiasco with my company/I
You're sweet. Don't you think the children there would be a little . I don't know. petrified that big bird is riding the rides with them?
IThe human children will embrace him like they embrace Mickey Mouse. with a few mental alterations/I
Gee Emma, you never seem to stop impressing me with you're uncanny way of comforting people. But you still haven't answered the question. Why did you choose to enter my mind when there are three other people flying with us to Florida?
IBecause Warren's a bore and all Paige can think about is how two men are in love with her. Beak's primitive mind is a horror all on its own, God bless the little dear. And you Robert Drake, you're mind is like a wonderful storybook that I had enjoyed as a child, full of simple and colorful pictures. But darling, it's your confusion and frustration that entertains me. It makes me giggle like a schoolgirl /I
Nice to know that I'm still entertaining! So tell me the truth Emma, are you really innocent of robbery?
IFor Heaven's sakes, Robert Drake, of course I didn't steal those stupid diamonds. I was too busy being a teacher that I had barely enough time running my own company. Just because I tried to kill you all in my lost years does not mean that I'm the same woman. I am no longer the White Queen Robert /I
No you're not. Sorry, I just don't trust you. I know you helped me out when I had a hole in my chest. You were the only one that knew how to work my body since you once possessed it. But I can't help but think that you're not a *real X-Man.
IOh darling you're just full of self-loathing because everyone has moved on and evolved except for you. You don't trust me because I know you Iceman. more than anyone ever has or ever will. /I
Maybe. But I still say it's because you're conniving and manipulative.
*That night
White walls and a large sparkling staircase, a dazzling chandelier hangs over the elegantly dressed crowd. There are tables suited for dining lined along the sidewalls. Caterers carried silver platters filled with sweet smelling food to the guests. At the center of the room, the guests danced to the sound of classic jazz. A skylight displays the starlit sky overhead.
Paige Guthrie walks down the large staircase wearing a red dress. Each step she takes was well practiced for this special event. Around her neck lies the necklace of an angel that Warren had given her the day he thought she died from the werewolves. Down the stairs, Warren looks in her direction and approaches her.
"You look beautiful Paige."
"Thanks. Right now I'm struggling not to fall face first. How does Emma manage this?"
Warren chuckles and gives her his arm.
"Dance?"
"If you insist," Paige grinned.
"I feel out of place Warren. Everyone here is out of my league. They're all so rich and the women are so beautiful. I know this is part of our mission but I can't help but feel like I'm an outsider."
As they dance Paige clumsily follows Warren's lead.
"Hey don't worry about it. A lot of these people are only here for appearances' sake. They don't understand why there here because they're witless and have no character."
"You smell good."
"I give you all these compliments and that's all I get from you?" Warren jokingly asks.
"You know that I'm not good at playing elegant. I'm an X-man now. We're supposed to be fighting bad guys, solving crimes and cooking hotdogs in rough conditions. But instead we're here."
"I'm convinced that whoever took the black diamonds are here at the museum charity ball. It's only been a few days since they were stolen from here and the museum is on high alert. My company, along with Emma's, is being accused of a crime and I'm here to find out if it's true. After what happened at Lobo Tech, I don't trust my industry anymore. Hotdogs?"
"Their time efficient and tasty. So why do you think the people who stole the diamonds would be here?"
"Because Paige, they don't have enough information on the diamonds. And many of the people dancing around us are world known scientists."
"Oh I get it. The value of the diamonds is based on the knowledge behind them. No wonder they have no wit and character. Okay so answer this question: would you rather be with some of the other women here than young and impressionable me?"
"I rather eat hotdogs than be with those women."
Paige grinned. The dance floor shined. And the music echoed.
*In a hotel room, Florida
My name is Barnell Bohusk and I'm a freak because I look like a bird. But I am not a loser. Do I look like a loser to you? I am hanging out with the X-Men now. Angel Salvador says that it's because they feel sorry for me. I'll prove to her and to everyone else that I'm X-Men material.
I was watching Charlie's Angels on TV when I heard Mr. McCoy's voice coming from a small communicator on the table.
"X-Men are you there?"
I reached for the communicator and pressed a button.
"Beak here sir!"
"Barnell? Where is everybody?"
"Their at the party. I'm going to Disney World tomorrow."
"You mean to tell me I'm missing out on the most intellectually stimulating party of the year? Barnell! Since you're the only I can reach there is something important I must tell you. There is a metallic device that looks like a gameboy in the room. Find it and -"
"Found it sir!"
"Um. Ok, now listen carefully. "
My name is Beak and even though I'm a freak. even though people think I'm a loser. and the human race hates me. even though I don't have any super special powers. I think I can be an X-Man. Haven't you ever wanted to be. a hero?
*Back in the ballroom of the museum
"You've been staring at the punchbowl for five minutes Emma. And I heard you say Scott's name."
"Darling, you startled me. I wasn't saying Scott; I was saying 'shot'. There's not enough gin in the punch. Anyway I was thinking how jealous Henry is right now. When we get back he'll be roaring complaints about how he missed an intellectual event with cruelly sophisticated chat," Emma replied to Bobby.
"I can actually picture him doing that. Ironically it sends shivers down my spine. By the way, you're looking hot tonight. in a scandalous and revealing way. Love the white on you," Iceman winked.
"And your wearing the tux I had you fitted for. I was afraid of you wearing anything else. God bless Armani."
"So what exactly are we waiting for Emma?"
"A sign."
"What sign?"
All the lights went off. Complete blackout. Everyone screamed.
"This sign!" Emma yelled.
She took Iceman's hand pulled him to the side. She mentally scanned the area.
IOh my God! /I
"What is it Emma?" He used his powers to make an ice shield around them.
"Emma?" Bobby Drake froze when he realized there were decaying bodies around them.
*In the alley way of a club
The stars shimmered hauntingly in the night sky. Loud dance music could be heard from the outdoors. Beak held the locating device that Beast taught him how to use.
"Mr. McCoy said that this thing would work," Barnell argued with himself.
He lifted the lid of a dumpster. Found nothing.
"Maybe their inside the club," He continued talking to himself.
"Hey! What are you doing here FREAK?" said one of two large men that were approaching him.
"Uh Oh."
*Again in the Ballroom of the museum
The lights come back on. Everyone has a nervous expression on. Most of them are frightened. Some of them are missing. Others are now nothing more than decayed bodies. Warren Worthington the third flies around the room frantically.
"Paige? Where are you? PAIGE!"