Summary; Twenty mutants gather under the safe haven known as the institute. At first, it's just to protect them against what the world could do, but when a crazed man with an unusual power joins the brotherhood, it quickly becomes a fight for servival... Will the X-men be able to stop him in time, or will the world be no more?

This is a total AU story, because one, I haven't seen the show in a really long time, though I used to watch it all the time, so I remember a lot, and two, I haven't seen the last half of the last season (save a few episodes here and there), so I don't know what happened in the end… so, this is just going to be a total AU. And I mean total AU!

Chapter One;
Summer Fun

It was a peaceful day at the institute. The brotherhood was staying quiet, which meant that the students were pretty much free to do as they wanted. Provided, it was within the rules of … everything. So young Amara Aquilla decided that she would go and sit by the pool. Summer was almost upon them, meaning most students would probably be going back home… but Amara was to stay at school; it would be much to long of a ride for the young girl. Sure, she wanted to go see her father, and her old friends. But she knew that she knew they'd be asking questions. And with every that that was going on lately, she clearly didn't need people breathing down her back, asking her annoying questions. Plus, she'd gotten used to things in civilization, and going back now would just confuse her.

So, with a smile on her face, Amara made her way to the pool. She was wearing a long, light pink shirt that came down to her knees, over a one piece bright red bathing suit with bright orange floral designs, and black flip-flops. Of course, she had no intention of actually getting into the water, but knowing some of the students at school… it helped to be prepared. Finally, she made it to the pool, only to notice that there was someone already there. Sam Guthrie was sitting on one of the beach chairs, clearly focusing on something in the sky. Amara quickly occupied the chair next to him, and looked up at the sky. "What are you looking at, Sam?" she asked, causing the young boy to jump. Apparently, he was in too deep of thought to notice Amara walk up and sit down.

"Oh, Hey Amara … didn't hear you come by … I was just thinking about… home." Amara nodded, and the two friends sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity.

"So…" Sam said awkwardly, clearly trying to change the subject, "… What are you doing over the summer?"

Amara sighed. "Not much. Just staying at the Institute."

"Really?" Amara nodded.

"Me too." Amara looked shocked. Sam had been talking about how much he missed his family and friends, and that he was looking forward to going home, back to Kentucky. Sam gave a chuckle.

"Ma called a few days ago; said things were pretty bad down there. Didn't give any specifics though. Just said she didn't want me comin' home."

"Oh…" Amara sighed. "

But hey," he replied with his trademark goofy smile, "at least we can wreak some serious havoc this summer!" The two friends laughed together, and again it was silent.

"CANNONBALL!" Bobby shrieked as he ran and jumped into the pool, causing a huge wave to rise, splashing the two friends as they sat. Just like that, people came rushing into the pool. Amara shook her head.

"I was hoping to find some quiet." She told Sam. "

Yeah, me too… you wanna go somewhere?" "Where?" "I dunno, anywhere."

"Just the two of us?"

"Yeah, why not?" Amara sat there, thinking if it was such a good idea, but hey, what harm could be done? Sam was, after all one of her best friends.

"Sure. Why not." She finally replied, smiling, and the two friends were off to find a quieter place to talk and relax.

IIII

Summer had started a month ago, and the institute seemed bare and boring with out the normal bustling of people. Sure, there were a few people still there, but it certainly wasn't the same. Amara sighed as she threw off the covers. She looked at her clock; it read '7:30' Breakfast was always at seven, and ending at eight. Amara threw her legs off the bed, and quickly got up. She didn't care about getting dress; Everyone at the institute knew that she hated getting up early. So, off she went to the kitchen, in light pink flannel bottoms, and a matching tank-top shirt. She soon walked into the kitchen, and noticed that everyone who stayed at the institute was sitting already there, and pretty much everyone was still in their pajamas. Jean (who, strangely, was wearing the same thing as Amara, only in light blue) and Scott (wearing black shorts and a white t-shirt) were sitting at one end of the table, across from each other, talking about something or another. Kurt (in a white shirt, and olive green pants), was sitting next to Jean, scarfing down his cereal, while Rouge (in black shorts and a black t-shirt, also wearing gloves), who was sitting across from him, and next to Scott, was making rude comments. Sitting next to them were Sam (light blue shirt and red shorts), and Roberto (red shirt, and orange shorts), just minding their own business, eating their cereal, and Logan was leaning against the counter, wearing his regular biker stuff. "Mornin' Sunshine." Sam said as Amara took a seat next to him. She just glared at him and gave a smile. She grabbed a piece of toast, then turned to Roberto.

"So," Amara said, taking a large bite out of her toast, "have you talked to your dad yet?"

The young Brazilian shook his head. "No, and I don't think I am any time soon." Amara nodded.

Roberto, Sam, Amara. Please get dressed. Then report to my office as fast as possible.

Amara jumped a little as she heard the Professor's voice inside her head. After a little more then a year of this; and Amara still wasn't used to it. She looked over at Sam, who just shrugged.

"We've got to go," Roberto said to the others as they gave the three young mutants questioning looks.

"What do you think the Professor wants us for?" Amara asked as the three were walking down the halls.

"Don't know." Sam replied. The three friends walked silently together, until the friends made it up the stairs, and Amara went her separate way to the girl's dorms. She walked over to her door, opening in, revealing the bare room. Amara let out a sigh as she walked over to her dresser. Things certainly were different without Tabitha around. As much as the trouble maker teased and annoyed Amara, which she did quite often, the girl was still her best friend, and things were much quieter with out her. Amara slid on some cloths, then quickly walked to the bathroom to brush her teeth. After that, she made her way over to the boys room. The two were patiently waiting for at the door, and the three friends made their way to the Professor's office, questions arising in all of their minds. Finally, the three friends made it to the office, and before any of them could knock, a voice was heard.

"Come in." The three friends slowly walked in, and waited for further instructions from the Professor.

"You all are probably wondering why I asked you three to come this morning." Xavier, who had been looking out the window, turned around to face the three students. "Well, it turns out we have a new mutant that we must get to, before the Brotherhood…"

The three students looked at the Professor in a state of shock.

"But… but why do you want us to go?" Roberto asked.

"Why not Jean, or Scott? I mean, there still here…" Sam replied. Lost for words, Amara just nodded, to emphases what was said. The professor just smiled and let out a soft chuckle.

"You and your powers are maturing greatly; it's time to broaden your horizons. Jean and Scott will not be around her forever… we need others, like you, to help." The Professor looked deep into the eyes of each of his students, before he continued.

"Of course, if you're not up to the challenge, you're welcome to stay here." No, Amara wouldn't do it. being off the ground had always been a problem for her; and flying was something she liked very little. But the look the Professor was giving; she had never seen anything like it. Her seemed genuinely scared, and worried. Very worried. Like there was something he wasn't telling any of them... Amara squinted, like if she did that, maybe she'd find the answer... But of course, maybe there wasn't something worth looking for. Maybe he just thought that the three of them couldn't do it. Maybe he thought that it was a mistake to ask them.

"No," Amara said. "I want to do it." To prove that I can. The Professor smiled.

"You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Amara, but if you must..."

"Well, I certainly can't let Amara go alone," Sam replied with a cheeky grin, "She'd kill her self!"

Amara elbowed Sam hard in the ribs.

" Well, then I can't let those two have ALL the fun!" Roberto replied. The Professor smiled, looking at the three young mutants. "Alright then. Logan will accompany you, and pilot the X-Jet. You're stop; London."

In this story, no one knows that they're mutants or anything like that… it doesn't go well with my story, and I sort of have an idea for people finding out about the mutants. Also, the only way rouge can absorb peoples powers and such is through her hands; not her whole body. Hope you enjoy it...