END OF THE WORLD
CHAPTER TEN
BATTLE PLANS
The Legionnaires and X-Men returned to the Legion headquarters and began planning how to defeat Apocalypse. Scott Summers and Jean Grey were paying very close attention to Mon El and Super Girl as they laid out the strategy. Rond Vidar had suggested that they might need to use the same sort of strategy they would employ against Mordru. Like Mordru, Apocalypse is powerless if entombed. At this point, Jean Grey spoke up. "Entombing him won't be easy. Apocalypse is in possession of every mutant ability known, including extremely high telepathic abilities. He also has a high level of intuition."
"Thank you, Jean," Mon El said. "Rond, we are well versed on Apocalypse. What can you tell us about the other four mutants with him? They are formidable in their own right."
Rond cleared his throat. The four horsemen of Apocalypse are a very dangerous group. Three of them are very powerful mutants. One is Sebastian Morrison Summers, also known as Cyclops II. He is a direct descendant of Scott Summers and Jean Grey and he has the same abilities as Scott does. His sister, Jean Grey Summers, is a telepath like her namesake. Additionally, she is the current holder of the Phoenix Force. She is very prone to violent outbursts and has been found to be responsible for as many as 500,000 deaths in one attack. As Phoenix V, she is able to wipe out entire cities. Her biggest problem is keeping control of her abilities. The third mutant in this group is known as Mesmero. He is a telepath who has long served Apocalypse. He was involved with Apocalypse when the X-Men first battled him. He was the one who provided the tools for Apocalypse to get free of his first imprisonment. As a super telepath, he is able to control peoples minds and their behaviors. The fourth member of the four horsemen is Crystal Amaquelin Maximoff Summers. She is currently married to Cyclops II. She is an inhuman with the ability to control the four ancient elements, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth in all of their manifestations. However, she can only utilize these forces for short periods of time. As Rond Vidar finished describing the four horsemen, there was silence in the room. Finally Rogue spoke up. "How do we entomb Apocalypse?"
"How did you do it before, Rogue?" asked Saturn Girl.
All eyes were on Rogue. She took a deep breath. "When we battled Apocalypse, I was able to temporarily shut down all power in the area, create a blackout if you wish, and Logan and I shut all the flaps. As we did so, his ship just disappeared through time. Then Logan destroyed the control console. Unfortunately, he is now back. That was not enough. Again I ask, How do we entomb him so that he never rises again?"
"We need to find a way to render him unconscious," said Element Lad. "Once he is unconscious, we can imprison him."
"I wonder what would happen if everyone of us hit him all at once with the full force of all of our combined powers," Brainiac 5 said, coldly.
The room went eerily quiet after Brainiac made his comment. Slowly, everyone turned their eyes towards Brainiac. Wanda was the first to speak. "Hitting him with all of our combined powers would cause an overload. It could possibly KILL Apocalypse. At the same time, all that destructive force could also wipe out all life on the entire planet."
Lightning Lad spoke up next. "That makes that plan unacceptable. Brainiac 5, I am surprised at you. You know the Legion Rule against killing."
"Relax, Lightning Lad. I was only thinking out loud. Unfortunately, Wanda is right. In all likelihood, such destructive forces would probably not only wipe out life on earth, it would also destroy the Earth as well," Brainiac said.
"There must be a way to defeat this guy," said Karate Kid. "Without violating the Legion code against killing him."
The group continued talking for several hours. Finally, Mon El decided to adjourn the meeting for the evening. "Let's all get some rest, folks," he said. "We will resume this discussion at 9:00 a.m. Super Boy, you have monitor duty. Shrinking Violet, will you show our guests to their quarters for the evening?"
All of the legionnaires filed out of the room and went to their quarters, except for Super Boy and Shrinking violet. Super Boy went to the monitor room, while Shrinking violet made her way over to where the X-Men were standing. Rogue and Kitty were assigned the first room. Next, Wanda and Jean were assigned to a room. Qpid and Ms Marvel were assigned a room together. Colossus was assigned a room with Night Crawler, while Gambit, Lance and Pietro were put together. Next were Pyro and IceMan and finally, Scott and Forge went into the last room. Once everyone was in their rooms, Super Boy secured the Legion building. No one could get into or out of the headquarters.
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Meanwhile, about ten miles outside of metropolis, Apocalypse was busy. His power web had begun forming around the planet. He began the process of setting up the evolutionary process which would transform all humanity into mindless mutant slaves. He knew very well that less than fifty percent of the population would survive the transformation process. He also began a behavior reinforcement program in the minds of his four horsemen. He was particularly concerned with the inhuman girl, Crystal and her husband, Cyclops II. Finally, he set his ship's computer to locate and evaluate mutants in this time period who would be able to help him. "By morning," thought Apocalypse, "All will be ready. The first phase of operation evolution is complete."
The next morning saw a bright and cheery day for the Legionnaires and for Apocalypse as well. Scott and Jean were the first of the X-Men/Legionnaires to wake up. Both of them were troubled by the facts that were presented. Clearly this battle would pit them both against two of their descendants. It would also force them to face a very dark period in their lives. The very recent battle between Jean, as The Phoenix, and her X-Men teammates was still fresh in everyone's mind. Scott and Jean both realized that it was Scott's unabashed love for Jean that allowed him to reach into her and resurrect the old Jean Grey and defeat the Phoenix. She still had the Phoenix Force inside her but she had learned to control it. The prospect of having to face that part of her again terrified Jean Grey. As Jean made her way out into the hall, they bumped into each other. Jean smiled at her boyfriend. "You having trouble sleeping, too, Scott?" Jean asked. Scott nodded. Through the psychic link they shared, both knew they were thinking about the same things. The happy couple wandered the halls of Legion Headquarters for a few minutes. AT the end of one hallway, they came to the Monitor Room. Here they found Super Boy watching the various monitors which allowed the Legion to keep track of happenings throughout the universe.
"Hi, Super Boy," Jean Grey Said when he looked up. "Is there anything exciting happening out there."
Super Boy turned around to face the pair who had entered the monitor room. "Nothing much happening throughout the universe," he replied. "The Guardians on OA have created a new group of Green Lantern Corps members. It looks like all the action is going to be here on good ol' earth. The universe is pretty quiet right now. I expect the action to be pretty fierce in the next few days though." Looking at the two X-Men members, he realized that they were clearly in love with each other. Seeing their joy at being together reminded him of Lana and Pete. He was still saddened to know that they had found each other and gotten married. Then he began to think about his future wife, Chloe. A smile crept across his face at the thought of his hyper, blonde friend back in Smallville. Turning his attention back to the two X-Men, he said "You two are up early. Difficulty sleeping or a serious case of Time Travel Lag?" he joked.
Scott cleared his throat. "We have both been thinking about the information Rond told us about Apocalypse's four horsemen. Two of those horsemen are our descendants, apparently. You should know that the battle between the X-Men and Jean as the malevolent Phoenix is still fresh in our minds. She nearly killed all of us. For us to have to face that power of awesome destruction so soon terrifies both of us. And this new holder of the Phoenix Force is even more deadly than Jean was. I would really like to not have to battle those two at all let alone in conjunction with Apocalypse."
Super Boy looked at the two X-Men. "You will probably not be assigned to take them on, at least at first. It is likely, that Saturn Girl and either Ultra Boy or Wildfire would take on those two at first. Unfortunately, battles between the Legion and intergalactic despots have a way of evolving into the type of confrontations we do not like to face. Once, even my cousin , Super Girl, had to battle a super being created from the very darkest depths of her own soul. Ultimately, my cousin's goodness prevailed over her dark counterpart. I have no doubt that if either or both of you are forced to confront your two descendants, you will pass the test with flying colors. I can feel the strength of your love together. There is nothing to worry about."
Scott and Jean were somewhat reassured by his words. At the same time they realized that this was still a perilous time for all of them. Jean also realized that the very fact that they had mutant descendants meant good things for them as a couple. Scott also realized that he and Jean were destined to be together as a married couple. A smile crossed both of their faces at the same time. They would be able to get through this battle.
"Oh, look," Super Boy said going to the window. "The sun is rising over Metropolis. The Two X-Men members smiled at the romantic sight.
Meanwhile, other Legionnaires were starting to get up. Gambit and Lance had awakened. Lance looked around. At first he thought, "this must be a danger room session, at the beginning," As the sleep cleared from his mind, Lance remembered that they were now in the 31st century. Gambit had left the room. In the hall he quite literally bumped into Phantom Girl. She had just materialized from her phantom form after leaving her room.
"Pardonnez moi, mademoiselle," the empathic cajun said with a grin. He took her hand and kissed it. "T' What does Remy owe de honor o' meetin' such a jolie fille dis early in de mornin' ?"
"Merci, beaucoup, Monsieur LeBeau. The pleasure is all mine. Je mappelle Tinya Wazoo. My friends call me Tinya," she said as she batted her eyes at him.
Rogue and Kitty walked into the hall at that precise moment. Remy noticed and a grin appeared on his features. "Y'll have t' fo'give Remy, p'tie, but Remy's angè be awaitin'." He gently kissed the back of her knuckles and moved toward the two X-girls.
Phantom Girl quickly measured the approaching girls disdainfully. "Oh, I didn't realize you had a girlfriend..." She locked her eyes on Kitty, deeming her as Remy's girlfriend. "Isn't she a bit, young for you?"
"Course not." Remy chuckled. "Bon matin Chère," He smiled. "Remy, trust y' slept bon, even wit'out Remy by yo' side?"
Rogue rolled her eyes but Kitty gave each of the southerners an amused look before giggling softly.
"Remy, are you, like, flirting with everyone again?" Kitty asked, trying to seem serious but she was still smiling.
"Flirt? Remy!" He asked in mock shock. He placed a hand over his heart. "Dat hurt Kitty, dat hurt. Remy LeBeau flirt! De scandal!"
"Drama King." Rogue drawled under her breath.
"I don't think you should, like, be doing that." Kitty warned.
"We just bumped into each other and were introducing ourselves." Phantom Girl grinned smugly, believing she had flustered Kitty. "It was completely innocent, and I didn't realize somebody such as yourself had already lay claim on him, Kitty."
Kitty blinked in surprise and blushed lightly. "Oh! He's not MY boyfriend!" She laughed and Phantom Girl raised an eyebrow. "I'm, like, perfectly happy with Lance thank you very much. Remy's girlfriend is Rogue, not me!"
"Well then perhaps you should mind your own business, then." Phantom Girl said coyly.
Rogue shot daggers at Kitty. "Shut yo' mouth Kit." She snapped before turning back to the other girl.
Phantom Girl gave Rogue an appraising look and snorted in mirth and clear amusement. Obviously Rogue did not rank as a threat to her.
"Well, who would have guessed?" She drawled airily.
"An' jus' what is that sposed to mean?" Rogue's eyebrows shot up. "What, ya don' think someone like him would ever date someone lahke meh?" Kitty gulped, and Remy looked a bit nervous, realizing that the deliberate thickening of her accent usually accompanied a sweeter tone of voice but with Rogue that meant she was in one of her moods and everyone nearby was at risk.
"I didn't say that." Phantom Girl smirked softly, her tone clearly implying that she meant it though.
Rogue matched Phantom Girl's smirk with an impish one of her own. She stepped haughtily past her, getting what could be viewed as dangerously close to Remy. She grinned at his brief look of surprise as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer.
He uncertainly embraced her in return, completely not expecting her to lean up on her toes to seal the six or so inch difference in their heights and quickly place a delicate kiss on his lips. The surprise registered in the black and red orbs was absolutely priceless though he wasted no time, to grin and return the fleeting yet gentle kiss.
Rogue smirked at Phantom Girl. "Ya were suggestin' what, again, darlin'?"
Phantom Girl merely shrugged it off. "Not like I care that much. I was just on my way to visit my own boyfriend, truth be told."
By now the hallway had been filled with Legionnaires and X-Men coming out of their rooms to see what all the fuss was about. Lance saw Rogue and Phantom Girl silently glowering at each other, while Kitty stood there as if struck dumb with her mouth hanging slightly open and huge shock in her pretty blue eyes. Lance quickly walked over to Kitty and put his arms around her. "What's wrong, Pretty-Kitty?"
"She...Rogue just..." Kitty seemed unable to finish a sentence.
"What?" Lance asked in concern with a quick glance toward Rogue.
Kitty squealed in happiness. "This is, like, absolutely perfect! Rogue, way to go!"
"Calm down, Kitty. Could you at least tell me what's going on?" Lance asked cautiously.
"Them!" Kitty squealed again, pointing at Rogue and Remy.
"Uh, Kitty, we aren't exactly here to start soap opera romances. So you can be happy for them, which I'd actually rather you not...but you guys are causing a scene...and we're in a war right now so the squealing can be mistaken for screaming." he reminded her. At the same time, Ultra Boy made his way into the crowd and wrapped his arms around Tinya. "Causing trouble again, luv," he whispered in her ear, half joking.
Phantom Girl smiled at Ultra Boy. "Not really darling. This was just a simple misunderstanding between Rogue, Shadowcat, and I." Then she explained what happened.
Kitty blushed a little but Rogue put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Ah want ta thank ya for defending mah honah, Kitty. An' Ah'm glad ya happy, an Ah know ya gonna want answers but that'll just hafta wait a lil okay?"
When Kitty nodded, she turned to Remy who was looking mighty pleased with himself and the recent events. "An' you...not one single word." She warned. "Got it? Not a single word."
Remy shrugged and nodded,
"Sugah, ya'd better watch wheah ya goin a little betta. Ya just might tangle with the wrong legionnaiah. Ah would hate fo' ya ta end up the victim of somebody's powers on accounta anotha misundastanding," she smiled as he nodded slowly.
"No hahd feelings, right, Phantom Girl?" she asked as she extended her ungloved hand in a gesture of peace.
All of the X-Men gasped as they saw Rogue reach out to shake Phantom Girl's hand. None of them were aware that Saturn Girl had been able to give her the ability to touch. They thought that Phantom Girl was about to be put in a coma. Kurt tried to teleport himself between the two girls as Phantom Girl began to accept Rogue's hand. He was too late. They shook hands and to everyone's amazement, Phantom Girl was still standing when they released the handshake. Rogue smiled at her teammates.
As the crowd began to disperse, Scott and Jean rounded the corner. Unaware of what had transpired, they saw only the handshake as it was about to happen. Quickly, Jean tried to insert a psychic shield between her teammate and the legionnaire. She was also too late. As the two released her handshake, Jean turned to Rogue and began to berate her. As she began to yell at her, Rogue turned to her teammate and said "Would ya please just shut up, Jean? Ah know what Ah'm doin." She held up her hands. "Look miss prissy face. Ah'm not wearing mah gloves. Would ya like ta bet whether Ah could still put you in a coma if ah want ta? Consider yaself lucky that Ah don't want any mo of ya insahd my head," she said angrily. "As Phantom Girl told mah deah friend, Kitty, 'Mind ya own business.'"
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Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Metropolis, Apocalypse was busily checking his data on his computer. His power web was nearly completed. A wry smile came across the super mutant's face. His reprogramming of his four horsemen was also complete. Finally, he observed a printout listing all of the mutants currently in the 31st Century. To his surprise, he found the names of many of his old foes, the X-Men, on the list. He also found a couple of names which had the status of legionnaire next to their names. Qpid or Carmen Rodriguez was intriguing to him. Scarlett Maximoff was one he considered to be very dangerous. As he studied her profile, he came to the conclusion that she was a lot like Rogue. He had tried to manipulate Rogue many times in the past and could never quite overcome her fierce resistance. Would he be able to turn either of these mutants? Only time would tell.
Suddenly, a glowing sphere appeared before him. Apocalypse looked amused as the Time Trapper and Universo appeared before him in his resting chamber. Universo was wearing some kind of metallic helmet which prevented his mental telepathy or mind reading abilities from reaching into Universo's mind. At the same time that they arrived from the End of Time, there was suddenly a violent earthquake. This earthquake would show a reading of 11.5 on the Richter scale. The net result was a volcanic explosion as the top of a mountain exploded and blew apart. This was no ordinary mountain, however. It had been the mountain which the legionnaires had created to contain Mordru the Merciless. Soon, Mordru himself also appeared at the impromptu gathering of history's most powerful villains.
"Free at last," roared Mordru. "It is time to have my revenge on the accursed Legion of Super Dolts which imprisoned me." The all powerful wizard stopped himself short when he saw the Time Trapper and Apocalypse. His gaze got very angry looking when he saw The Time Trapper. He remembered the last time the two had paired together to defeat the Legion. As Mordru was about to be entombed in the mountain, the last thing he saw was the Time Trapper and Universo fleeing to the end of time. "I should destroy you where you stand," he roared. As he gathered up the forces of dark sorcery to hurl at The Time Trapper, Mordru was stopped by Apocalypse.
"You must be Mordru," the super mutant said holding up his hand. We will work together to destroy our common foe. Then we will rule the entire universe. And I will destroy you and this coward, the Time Trapper, he thought silently. Nothing will then stand in my way.
Mordru looked at Apocalypse. "Who are you and why have you summoned the dark lord?" The master mage felt Apocalypse enter his mind.
"I am your master, Mordru. You will work with me to destroy the Legion of Super Heroes," Apocalypse thought projected to the wizard. "Oppose me at your peril, wizard."
Mordru glared at Apocalypse. "I call no one master, mutant," he spat. "Mordru the Merciless serves no one but himself. I am the all powerful Mordru, conqueror of the universe, feared by all."
At this point, the Time Trapper spoke up. "It was not Apocalypse who summoned you. I am the one who caused the earthquake that released you. Like Apocalypse said, we will work together to destroy the Legion of Super Heroes and then we will rule the entire universe in all timelines."
Turning to Apocalypse, the Time trapper asked a question. "How many of the legionnaires have you killed in your first attack?"
Apocalypse laughed. "I was not trying to kill any of them yet. So None of them are dead. It is unfortunate that you did not choose to enlighten me about all of their abilities and origins. Our first skirmish was just that, an indecisive encounter that was designed to give my horsemen and me a chance to reconnoiter our foe. The real battle has yet to begin. I was just examining some additional options when you interrupted me. Since you are here we may as well strategize our next move. I am sure that your little earthquake and volcanic explosion to release our powerful comrade here did not go unnoticed by the Legion or the X-Men who have journeyed through time to join them."
The Time Trapper was shocked by the words and laughter of Apocalypse. "What do you mean, the X-Men have joined the Legion?" he asked incredulously.
Don't be so surprised," Apocalypse laughed. "It makes this battle a bit more fun for us. You told me yourself that the Legion was a resourceful group. I not only anticipated such a move but am welcoming it. Are we not the three most powerful beings of all time. We have nothing to fear. Our victory is assured."
Mordru watched the exchange with interest. He had calmed down considerably since he had arrived. The dark lord began to gather all the dark energy around him. He could feel his magic becoming stronger. Soon he would be ready to take on the Legion. He also realized that the four of them along with Apocalypse's four horsemen would have to coordinate their attacks to best be able to defeat the Legion and X-Men combination.
Apocalypse released his four horsemen from their restraints. They all came into the room and were introduced to Universo, Mordru and the Time Trapper. Phoenix V looked at their guests. Being a major telepath, she wanted to read their minds. She was unable to penetrate the Psychic Helmet Shield of Universo. Mordru also shrouded his mind from her telepathy. When she entered the Mind of the Time Trapper, she found a confusing mess of disconnected events. It was as if he did not want her to see his mental processes. Finally, she left the room and went outside to wait with her fellow horsemen. As she was mentally scanning the area, she picked up the mental vibrations of another mutant telepath. It was a young mutant girl named Charlene. Charlene could trace her ancestry to a very powerful telepath, one Emma Frost, the White Queen. Phoenix V probed the young girl's mind from a distance. She grinned when she realized that the young girl was inexperienced with her powers. Phoenix V waited until the young girl had wandered much closer to her before springing her trap. Suddenly, with a very loud scream, Phoenix sent a powerful psychic blast directly at the young mutant. The powerful blast knocked the young girl to the ground. As she struggled to raise herself, Charlene felt Phoenix V begin taunting her. Quickly, she realized that Phoenix was a powerful mutant. Instantly, she erected her psychic shields. Then she fired off a psychic blast of her own. Soon she was face to face with Phoenix V. The battle did not last long. Soon, Charlene's inexperience began to show. As blast after psychic blast continuously rocked her very being, she soon began to tire. Her thoughts grew weaker and weaker. It was not long before she could no longer keep up her psychic shields. Phoenix V strode up the young girl. She wanted to see her victim as she killed her. To her surprise, the girl looked to be no more than twelve years old. Charlene was nearly unconscious as she saw the Phoenix approach her. Reaching deep within her young soul, she drew on her waning strength and sent one last psychic blast at Phoenix. The powerful blast knocked Phoenix back about ten yards. She also sent a psychic message to her father, the mayor of Metropolis warning him about Phoenix. Then she slipped into unconsciousness. It was probably better for her that she did so because she did not see Phoenix approach her with a cold smile on her face. As she drew over the body of the now unconscious girl, she formed a psychic psionic blade in her hands. Quickly and repeatedly she made several cuts and stabbing slashes all over the girl. Silently, she watched as Charlene's blood gushed from her now lifeless body. Suddenly a demonic laughter erupted from Phoenix and was heard all the way to Metropolis. It sent cold shivers through all who heard it.
In Metropolis, the mayor felt his daughter's struggle and violent death. He had received her message about the Phoenix. As their psychic link was violently shattered and ripped by his daughter's murder at the hands of the cold blooded Phoenix, the Mayor sadly began to make his way over to City Hall. He had to make an announcement regarding the impending battle. He also opened a channel to the Legion. He silently punched the buttons to allow him to access the airwaves of Metropolis. "My fellow citizens, I have grave news to report. Our fair city of metropolis is facing a peril far greater than any ever seen before. It has come to my attention, that the Super Mutant, Apocalypse has arrived at our city. He is trying to take us over and create mutant slaves. My fellow Mutants, I can not urge enough caution with Apocalypse or his horsemen. According to the Legion of Super Heroes, and our own Scarlett Maximoff, Apocalypse has been seen. One of his four horsemen is a mutant telepath named Phoenix V. According to information gathered by the Legion and The Time Institute, this mutant is a very vicious and evil being. I can attest to the truth of this. I received a message from my daughter who had been battling her. The psychic link my daughter and I shared has been irreparably broken. Charlene was killed by this Phoenix V. It was a very violent end for her. I urge all mutants to now join with the Legion in an attempt to defeat these monsters who so callously murder children." When the mayor finished his announcement, he turned away from the microphone and began crying over his lost daughter.
The Legionnaires were stunned by the mayor's announcement. Jean Grey was also shocked. Mon El hastily called the Legionnaires into emergency session. "Saturn Girl, Super Girl and Ultra Boy, I need you to go claim the young girl's body for her family. We will honor her sacrifice by offering to bury her in Shanghalla, the cemetery of heroes, with full Legion honors. I can't urge you enough to be very careful. The battle has begun."
At this moment, Scott Summers spoke. "With your permission, Mon El, we would like to accompany your contingent and also honor the sacrifice of this young girl." Turning to Jean, he said, "Jean, you and I and Qpid will go with the Legionnaires. It is the least we can do. Qpid, with her Super Speed and Invisibility, should be able to retrieve the body. I need you, Jean, in case we encounter Phoenix V. Only you can counter the power of the Phoenix force."
Mon El quickly agreed to Scott's request. "Once again, I must urge caution. We need you all to come back alive."
Brainiac 5 went over to Super Girl. "Don't forget about your force field belt, Kara. Remember it can be expanded to cover all of you. Use it. We will need all of you in this battle." Then he kissed her goodbye. As he turned away, Super Girl looked to see her sister coming over to her. "Take care of yourself, big sister." Carol Danvers said. "I need you"
The chosen Legionnaires and X-Men took off . Using her Telescopic vision, Super Girl quickly found the body of young Charlene. Despite her best efforts, she could not stifle her gasp of pure shock upon seeing the mutilated body, even at a distance. Soon the legionnaires arrived where Charlene lay. As Ultra Boy, Cyclops, Jean and Saturn Girl looked on, Super Girl and Qpid quickly gathered up the body. Super Girl used her cape to wrap the body. Then she handed the corpse to Qpid who then turned invisible and rushed the body back to Legion headquarters. The rest followed without incident. The whole operation was over within forty five minutes. The legionnaires did not go unnoticed, however. Phoenix V was watching them. She could not believe the mad rage she had been in when she sensed the young mutant girl. The memory of her battle was playing itself out over and over again in her mind. Now that it was over, the battle seemed like a distant memory of an old horror movie. She felt absolutely horrible at how she had murdered the young mutant. These feelings were not new to her either. Ever since the Phoenix Force had taken over her body as a young teenager, she was prone to fits of insane rage which were always followed by extreme bouts of depression and guilt. Now she was keeping watch over the body of the young girl she had so brutally mutilated. She sensed the presence of the Legionnaires and X-Men as they approached. She also sensed that while these 6 people were teenagers, they were all very experienced with their powers. Two of the group were extreme high level telepaths. Watching the group go about their macabre mission, she decided to hide herself from them. She did not want to bring this group after her at this time nor did she want to expose Apocalypse's base of operations to them. As the Legionnaires came near her she had to suppress a gasp of surprise. Standing before her about 20 yards away was a girl who could have been her twin. That person was none other than Jean Grey. She wanted to search the girl's mind but decided not to in order to protect her own secret hiding place. Finally, the Legionnaires finished their gruesome task and left, carrying the body of the young mutant girl away. Phoenix V wept as the horrors which she had done finally hit her like a wagonload of boulders.
When the Legionnaires returned to Legion Headquarters, Mon El contacted the mayor. "Mr. Mayor," he said, "The legionnaires and I wish to express our deepest sympathy at the loss suffered by you and your family and the mutant community as well. We would like you to know that we have recovered your daughter's body for you. The Legion would like to make you an offer. We would be willing to bury her at Shanghalla with full Legion honors. Shanghalla is the cemetery of fallen heroes. Charlene would be buried alongside other Legionnaires who have fallen in battle."
Mon El continued his offer. "The Legion will pay all of your family's expenses for the funeral and will also pay to have the funeral televised through out the universe so that all will know of your daughter's sacrifice and heroism."
The mayor was astounded to hear Mon El's offer. The Legion was going out of their way to help him and his family with their loss. He never would have imagined his daughter being buried alongside Legionnaires with full Legion Honors. He had never been a big supporter of the Legion before but now he found a new level of respect for them.
As the mayor was pondering the Legion's offer regarding his daughter, a strange thing began happening throughout Metropolis and all over the planet. High in the sky, strange energy beams began crisscrossing and surrounding the planet. Apocalypse's energy web was beginning to form. Many of the world's mutants saw the energy web and began to be afraid. They had only heard tales passed down through generations of Apocalypse's attempted conquests of the world. Now they were about to see it for themselves. Throughout Metropolis, many of the mutants were joining together to protect themselves from Apocalypse. If Apocalypse wanted a fight, he was going to get one from the mutants of Metropolis.
The mayor looked at the sky and made up his mind. He would accept the Legion's offer. As he relayed this information to the citizens of Metropolis and to the Legion, he realized that his daughter's funeral would become an intergalactic event. Mon El and Super Girl began setting up the funeral arrangements. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the intentions of Apocalypse, they decided to have the funeral the next morning. Princess Projectra and Karate Kid would be presiding over the ceremony. Super Boy, Marvel Girl, and both of the Scarlett Witches were dispatched to the Mayor's home to gather his family and friends who would be going to the cemetery to bring them to Legion HQ.
As the preparations continued for Charlene's funeral, the Legionnaires noticed a crowd gathering outside their headquarters. Saturn Girl went outside to see what was going on. She saw a thousand people gathered together. Each was carrying a single lit candle. Legion headquarters had become the sight of a massive mutant candlelight vigil for their fallen friend. Saturn Girl was impressed. All of a sudden, one of the younger mutants pressed forward. "Saturn Girl, we have come to pay our respects to the young mutant, Charlene. She was one of us. She was one of my closest friends. I want you to know that even though I am young, I want to use my mutant abilities to help the Legion put a stop to this menace. We all do."
"What is your name, young man?" Saturn Girl asked.
"My name is Jean Luc Henri. But my friends call me Quicksand. My power is the ability to change solid things into mush which no one can stand on. Charlene was my best friend. I really cared for her. Apocalypse will pay for what he has done to her."
The other mutants also murmured their agreement. Each and every one of them had pledged to help the legionnaires. As the candlelight vigil continued, more and more people showed up. A lot of these people were not even mutants. They were ordinary people who believed in the cause of freedom and wanted to help in any way they could. Saturn Girl had been joined by several of the X-Men and several legionnaires. All of them were surprised and excited by the unity being showed by their community. Additionally, the mutants were banding together. Many of them had formed a team called X Factor. Their costumes were very similar in nature to those of the X-Men.
At dawn, the next morning, the legionnaires and hordes of mutants made their way to Shanghalla. Charlene's body was in a closed casket. Princess Projectra and Karate Kid stepped forward to the pulpit. "Please be seated, folks," Projectra began. "We are gathered today to honor the memory of a young girl. Charlene Watson was a mutant telepath. Her father is the Mayor of Metropolis. Even though we never met this girl, the cause for which she fought is one that unites us all. She will always be remembered as a bright young woman who was the first casualty in this newest war for freedom. This time, the fate of the universe and time itself is at stake. Her death may have been a senseless and tragic murder but we can't let it become one without meaning. I have seen several of her friends come up to Legionnaires and tell us that they are willing to help in any way possible. Most of these youngsters have asked us to let them join in the battle to avenge their young friend. Charlene's death has also served a more noble purpose. It has united the mutant community in a way that many would not have thought to be possible. Often times, the mutant community is not given much consideration. Charlene's death can help change the perception that the mutant community is divided and unimportant. In this time of turmoil, it is good to remember Charlene. She is being honored as a hero should be honored. Look around you. There are several Legionnaires buried here. Charlene is being accorded the same rights as our fallen comrades. I have no doubt that should she have lived, Charlene would have made a wonderful Legionnaire. She was already known as a great friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Every legionnaire who is buried here has a life size statute at their grave site. A bunch of legionnaires have stayed up all night to prepare Charlene's statue. One of these legionnaires is Karate Kid, my husband. Chameleon Kid took a photo of Charlene and assumed her shape so that Karate Kid. Mon El, Ultra lad, Super Boy and Super Girl could carve her statue. I have seen the statue and so will you soon. I believe that it captures the essence of this beautiful young woman who has sacrificed her life in the cause of freedom and honor for all mutants."
At this moment, Karate Kid stepped forward. "Charlene Watson, you never had the chance to live. Because you have died so young in such a horrific manner, fighting for justice and honor, We honor your presence here in this hallowed place. You are truly a hero and deserving of such honor. I place an eternal flame here for you so that the universe may know of your sacrifice and that it was not made in vain." When he had finished speaking, Karate Kid lit the eternal flame at the base of the monument, then he unveiled the statue of Charlene Watson. The crowd gasped. It looked like she was standing among them. One by one, each legionnaire came to the statue. As a group they all knelt down. "Let us Pray," said Princess Projectra. "Our father, who art in heaven, we commend the body of Charlene to its eternal rest. We ask that you guide her to an eternal reward of peace in your presence. Let us not forget her sacrifice, oh Lord, we pray in your Son's name. Amen" Each of the legionnaires filed past Charlene's casket and statue. They were followed by the X-Men and Charlene's friends. Finally, the rest of the mourners filed past.
Once the procession had moved past the statue, the base of the monument was opened and her casket was rolled inside the crypt. Then the tomb was closed and sealed. As a finishing touch, Element lad changed the composition of the front of the monument. When he was done, Mon El took a replica of a Legion Flight ring and inserted it face out into the monument. then Element Lad changed the composition back to a solid marble and granite column. The gold "L" would signify that a Legionnaire was buried there. Carol Danvers stepped forward to honor the fallen hero. Using her heat vision, she engraved the name Charlene Watson into the column. Super Girl then carved these words under the name: "A true friend and a great hero. Let not her sacrifice be in vain for the cause of freedom for all is the most noble cause there is." Finally, Super Boy engraved the years of her birth and her death. At this moment, a plaque bearing the same information and another replica of a Legion flight ring was presented to Charlene's parents. A tri folded Legion of Super Heroes flag was also presented to them. At that moment, back at Legion headquarters, the Flags of the United Planets, the Legion of Super Heroes, and the City of Metropolis were lowered to half staff. Mon El made an announcement: "There will be a reception at Legion Headquarters in honor of Charlene's sacrifice in one hour."
Charlene's funeral was over. All of the mourners left the cemetery and headed to the Legion headquarters building in Metropolis. When everyone had left, one person suddenly appeared at Charlene's Grave site. She was visibly weeping over the fallen young girl. It was none other than Phoenix V. She had come to pay her respects to her fallen foe. "I am sorry, Charlene," she whispered. "I could not help what I did." Then she left the cemetery and went back to Apocalypse.
Back at his base on the outskirts of Metropolis, Apocalypse was planning his means of attack on the Legion. "First, after my energy beams are completed and powered by the world's pyramids, my Horsemen and I will begin our initial attack on the science police building. Once all of the science police are destroyed, we will begin on attack on the Legion. The attack on the Legion will be a four pronged attack. Mordru will begin the attack on the Legion Headquarters. Once he has drawn the Legion out of their fortress, My four horsemen will begin their attacks on the X-Men component of the Legionnaires. Universo and the Time Trapper will then attack the Legionnaires with all of their abilities. I will begin the enslavement process of these puny humans. Once we have enslaved the non mutants we will have an army that the Legionnaires will not fight given that their sole purpose is to protect these humans at all costs. They are bound by a code that forbids the taking of life. We are not. Most of the humans will not survive the process which changes them into mutants but they are our expendable soldiers," Apocalypse said. "Remember the population of this puny planet is approximately 25 billion persons. Our army will still be sufficient to get rid of the Legion and the rest of the ones who will attempt to stop us."
"And when is this energy grid of yours supposed to be done, Apocalypse?" demanded Mordru. "How long must we wait to get rid of the accursed Legion and rule this puny planet?"
"Patience, Mordru. My energy grid will be complete by tomorrow morning. Surely we can wait one more day to own this world and then the universe."
Mordru appeared to calm down after the exchange. Reluctantly, he agreed to allow Apocalypse the time to finish his energy grid. No one noticed Universo slipping out of the room.
Okay, folks. If you are still confused on characters, there is some helpful info on a link in howlerdrode's profile page.
Just go to h t t p / w w w . f a n f i c t i o n . n e t / h o w l e r d r o d e (take out the spaces) for some character data on characters you may not be familiar with. Alright, The plans for the bad guys are in place. Let us know what you think. The war is about to start in earnest. You have seen the first shot fired. Stay tuned. Meanwhile use the little review button at the bottom of the page.