Chapter 3: Down Below

Genesis sat at the window, looking up at the sky and down at the students playing in the garden. It hurt her to think that someone would want to destroy such a peaceful and beautiful place.

'You're out there somewhere' She sighed 'I can feel it. I stopped you twice before and I will stop you this time as well'

She closed her eyes and let the sun's rays bathe on her. It warmed her and brought her into a state of calmness. She knew that as long as it was shinning, the earth was safe. Apocalypse was still preparing for his attack, but when he did strike, she would be ready. She sat there silently, letting the sun give her the energy she needed and allowing her to forget her anxieties, for at least a short while. A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

'It's open'

The door opened slightly and Warren poked his head in.

'Morning'

'Morning, come on in'

Warren came in and shut the door behind him. When he turned to face Genesis, he was stopped dead in his tracks. There she was sitting by the window and he couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. Her light coloured hair shimmered in the sunlight and her already hypnotic green eyes were even more striking.

'Do you need something Warren?'

Warren shook his head, snapping him back to reality.

'I was just wondering if you'd like the official tour of the lower levels'

'I've already been down'

'But you haven't seen everything' Angel pointed out 'including the best part'

She smiled and stood up 'Lead the way'

She followed him out of the room and around the corner. They stopped halfway down the corridor and Warren pressed a button on the wall. A piece of the wall slid over to reveal a clean stainless steel elevator.

'Going down' Warren said when they had stepped in and he pressed the button to the lower levels.

'So what's the best part?' Genesis asked once they were down and they stepped off.

'It's what we X-Men call, the Danger Room'

'The Danger Room?'

'Simulation room used for training. It can create the projection of anything you want. Though it may only be like virtual reality, the pain you experience in it is real enough'

'Sounds like fun' she smiled

'Here we are' the door slid open to reveal the control centre for the danger room. The rest of the X-Men team, except for Colossus, Storm and Logan were watching the training going on at the moment. They turned around at the sound of the door opening.

'You must be the new girl' One said, she had two long white bangs in her hair.

'Everyone, this is Genesis, Genesis this is Bobby, aka Iceman. The little one there is Kitty Pryde also known as Shadow Cat and that thing perched on her shoulder is her pet, believe it or not dragon, Lockheed. Last, but certainly not least is Marie, Bobby's Girlfriend, formerly known as Rogue. She a retired X-man, no longer in battle, but still one of us'

'Please to meet all of you'

'Likewise' They said

'Who's training?'

'The new recruits, Colossus and Storm are down there with them. Take a look'

Angel and Genesis went to the window. Genesis recognized Storm and Colossus, but not the other two. One was a young man about 22 years old, 6'3, with short curly black hair and dark brown eyes. The other was a young girl about 18 years old, 5'5, with straight brown hair and big bright brown eyes.

'The boy is Anthony Guay, aka Xaos. The girl is Marie Josée (MJ) Deven also known as Overload' Angel explained

The simulation below showed a ravaged city amidst a dark sky. Storm hovered in front of MJ. Her eyes were a ghostly white, showing that her powers were under her control.

'Concentrate' Storm told her 'Focus the energy'

Storm lifted her arms and the sky thundered. A lightening bolt shot from the sky and Storm directed it towards MJ. MJ raised her hand and the bolt hit it right on. Instead of scorching it however, the energy went straight into her hand. Marie Josée clinched her fist and the energy started to curl around her hand, the bolt flowed around it. She brought her hands together and the bolt travelled to the other. Her hands buzzed with the energy from the lightening bolt. Now both hands had the power. Overload looked up at Storm and brought her hands forward, the lightening bolt shot back towards Storm with even great strength. Storm just had time to get out of the way before getting hit.

Overload smiled, happy at how much her powers had grown. Her hands still crackled with the electric energy that now flowed through her entire body, even her eyes now had sparks in them.

'She's like a big generator' Bobby said 'anytime she gets a taste of electrical energy she can amplify it and send it back at you'

'Storm's been working with her to help her control her amplitude and the degree of energy she sends out. I say she's been going a pretty good job' Rogue said

'Guys, check it out, its Xaos' turn' Kitty told them

They all turned their attention back to the window. Colossus and Xaos stood about 50 feet apart.

'You sure you ready for this Xaos?' Colossus asked

'Bring it on' Xaos grinned

Colossus groaned as he picked up the massive boulder.

'Catch' he yelled and threw it at Xaos

'What's Xaos' power? Super strength? Protective armour?'

'Neither' they all told her

'Than, how is he going to stop that rock?'

They all stood silent as the boulder got closer and closer. Genesis watched, ready to see Xaos squashed flatter than a pancake.

When the rock was about three feet away Xaos raised his hand and the boulder stopped in front of him. He turned his hand so that his palm faced him and the rock turned as well.

'He's telekinetic; he can move things with his mind. He also has some telepathic abilities' Kitty told her

Xaos brought his hand back 'Right back at you' He sent the rock hurling back towards Colossus.

Colossus threw a punch and the boulder exploded into pieces. He blew on his fist to remove the dust and raised an eyebrow at Xaos with a smirk on his face.

'So what do you think?' Angel looked at Genesis 'Everyone that you see before you, the four down there and Logan are X-Men. We are your team to save the world'

Genesis looked at them and smiled 'I think we're going to be fine. We're going to beat Apocalypse, once and for all'