The next morning dawned bright and early for all of them, too early in fact. They all got dressed and gathered in the kitchen for a light breakfast made by Simone, not many having the stomach to eat, but she had insisted that they eat something.

"Where's Hank?" Sean asked when the resident genius didn't make an appearance.

"Probably down in the lab making some final adjustments for the mission." Charles replied gesturing for them to follow him to said lab once they were done eating. Posted to the doors was a note telling them that Hank was at the airfield and to bring the box marked X. Charles pushed the doors open revealing the wrecked lab.

"What the hell happened here?" Erik asked as they walked in. They all picked their way through the debris until they came to the large box which Charles opened.

"Hank has been busy." Simone commented.

"Do we really have to wear these?" Alex asked.

"As none of us mutated to endure extreme g-force or being riddled by bullets, I suggest we suit up." Charles said closing the case so they could carry it out of the room.

Simone looked down at her uniform considering taking the chance of extreme g-force as to wearing the costume. Reluctantly she pulled on the yellow and blue costume, not at all caring for the color scheme. When she came out in the skin tight form fitting uniform Charles was just stepping out of his room, his brows shooting up to his hairline making her blush.

"You look amazing." Charles breathed out and upon realizing what he had said while openly gaping at her his face turned cherry red matching Simone's.

"Vous regardez très beau vous." (You look very handsome yourself.) Simone said with a shy smile making him grin then he offered her his arm.

"Shall we go?" Charles beamed.

"Lead the way." Simone answered looping her arm through his heading out to where the others were waiting to drive out to the airfield.

-0-

They all arrived at the airfield coming up to a giant hanger with an impressive sleek black jet plane sitting in it, everyone starring up at it in amazement having never seen the like before.

"This is stupéfiant." (Astounding) Simone breathed out then glanced around. "But where is Hank?"

"I'm here." They heard Hank reply walking toward them, but he was different, very much so in fact. He was covered from head to toe in blue fur, had fangs, claws, and yellow gold eyes.

"Hank?" Charles questioned.

"It didn't attack the cells. It enhanced them. It didn't work." Hank said starring down at the ground when he came to a stop in front of them.

"Yes, it did, Hank. Don't you see?" Raven said to him. "This is who you were meant to be. This is you." Hank smiled slightly as Raven placed a hand on his cheek. "No more hiding."

"You never looked better, man." Erik placed a hand on Hanks shoulder, only for Hank to lash out grabbing at Eirk's throat with a roar.

"Guys, stop!"

"Come on, break it up!"

"Hank!" Charles called out.

"Le libérer." Simone shifted into her titanium form and grabbed Hanks arm pulling it from Erik's throat.

"Don't mock me!" Hank growled down at Erik who was coughing for breath.

"I wasn't." Erik chocked out as Simone helped him to his feet.

"Even I got to admit you look pretty badass." Alex commented. "I think I got a new name for you. "Beast."

"Thanks." Hank said with a small smile, then looked apologetically to Erik and Simone.

"Bête, I like it." Simone smiled, accepting his silent apology.

"You're sure you can fly this thing?" Sean gestured to the plane.

"Of course I can. I designed it." Hank replied once again astounding those around him. They all loaded up onto the jet as soon as Moria arrived strapping into their seats then taking off.