Hello all it is the excellence of storyline execution, the master of twists, the future writer for the next X-Men t.v. series(this is hopeful not fact, and please don't comment on my intro just having a little fun) sirjman. Back with another chapter, I know I said I'd be doing Young Justice first, and I'm still working on it, but I've got a minor creative log jam. Anyway we pick up six months after the last chapter, as always I onw nothing, but Joey Stonewell and Darius James belongs to the the great one, the people's author, if you can readdddd what he's writing, (again having fun) GET'EM. Enjoy the story!

Chapter 21: Light in Darkness, Part 1

(Random Park, 8 P.M.)

Darkness filled the heavily wooded area of the park. It was a new moon, and fog clouded the light of the stars. Rogue was breathing heavily looking to her friends Darius, Bets, Paige, and Joey. Then she looked over her shoulder praying that they had lost the mob, "They're over there get them!", cried the voice with an all too familiar phrase.

Rogue looked to Bets, hoping for some wise words. Bets opened her mouth, "Should we keep running?", not what Rogue was wanting to hear.

Darius cried out in anger, "Y'all run if you want I ain't bringin a mob back to the mansion!"

He charged the mob Joey tried to stop him, "Darius, Darius! Will you wait up.", rolling his eyes Joey decides it best to help his friend.

Bets, Paige, and Rogue follow behind him. Joey takes a look around using his thermal sensing to get a quick sense of the numbers game. Roughly about twenty people, all angry and all holding some type of weapon baseball bat, lead pipe, golf club, and basically anything they could get their hands on. This was getting real old real fast, can't even grab a burger without getting mobbed.

"Get them!", with that the mob charged at our group of misunderstood heroes. Four of the men swarm on Paige, "Didn't your momma teach ya not to lay hands on a woman!", she yells sidestepping a punch, and landing a strong kick to the guys gut. One of them tries to jump on her back, but she simply throws him to the ground. Two grab a hold of an arm each while the guy on the ground gets up grabbing her face, "You and your friends are gonna be taught a lesson.""The onlys ones learning a thing are you creeps.", she kicks him in the gut causing him to double over. She places her foot on the back of his head pushing down driving his face into the ground, and giving her the momentum to backflip out of the grasp of her two captors. She lands a swift elbow to the back of the head of one while landing a powerful knee to the gut of the other. He doubles over, seeing her chance she lands a punt kick right to his nose causing him to collapse to the ground.

Bets looked to the four men surrounding her. She just smiles, "So who's first?", all four charge at her at once. Her smile grows as she flips over one pushing her feet into his back driving his head into the gut of his cohert. She turns around surprised one of the creeps is already behind her with a lead pipe. He swings at her as she barely dodges, she grabs the top of the pipe pulling it out of his hand. She spins and drops low using the pipe to land a devastating blow to the back of her attackers knee. The fourth makes his way over chain in hand. He swings at her, and she avoids with a backflip, letting the chain wrap around her leg she pulls the thug towards her as she lands landing an elbow to the eye socket, a knee to the gut, and a wheel kick to finish him off.

Joey looks at the collective group surrounding him one holding a chain, one a baseball bat, a golf club, and a pair of brass knuckles. The man with the bat swings at Joey, and Joey barely dodges it. The man with the golf club attempts to swing at Joey, but again Joey dodges it causing the man to hit his accomplice with the bat in the back of the head. Joey lands a vicous right to the man's temple causing him to stumble he proceeds to throw the man in a nearby trash can. The final two decide to double team him, the one with the chain swings at him, and Joey dodges it, but is hit on the cheek by the man with the brass knuckles. The man with the chain swings it managing to wrap it around Joey's forearm. Joey uses his power to heat up the chain causing the man to drop it, and he just runs off. Joey grabs the still hot chain, and hits the man with the brass knuckles right on the cheek, leaving a burnmark in the shape of the chain.

Darius smiles as his attackers approach, he looks to their weapons all baseball bats. He throws his hat chopping through the bats one by one before it returns to his head. He looks to the men, "Still wanna try me?", the group take off afraid for their safety.

While holding off her attackers Rogue can't help, but to be impressed by the progress of her teammates. She is pulled from her thought process when she hears a voice yell out, "Finish off the human scum!", she looks around. Sure Joey and Darius have gotten a little more hardcore the past couple of months, but they would never say that. She looks around spotting a camera, "Guys camera we've...""Stop the human from seeing our attack!", she grits her teeth.

Unfortunately for her Darius has pulled the camera man from his hiding place in the bushes, "You think you can make yourself look like the victim?", the camera man is now sweating, and looks afraid for his life, "Somebody help me!", his so called "friends" run away one crying out, "A sacrifice for our cause brother!"

Darius throws the man to the ground, "I'd ask who sent you, but the camera is Creed's calling card!", Rogue steps infront of Darius, "Darius enough we need to go before the cops show up.""We need to show these guys we ain't nobodies punching bag!", Joey grabs Darius' shoulder, "I don't like it either, but we can't afford any more bad..", Joeys stops in hs tracks as he sees the camer man jump to his feet a knife in hand, and he's charging at Rogue. He charges forward forcing Rogue out of the way, as the camera man brings the knife down into Joey's shoulder.

"Ah!", Joey turns around landing a punch to the man's chin. Joey takes a few deep breaths looking at the man, he becomes unsettled when he see the man being lifted from the ground. Turning he sees Darius' eyes glowing,looking at the man, "Darius."

Darius doesn't respong just stares on. Bets steps in between him and the man, "Darius enough!", Darius lowers his arm letting the man go.

Siren's blair from the distance, and Rogue knows they need to get out of there, "Let's go the police will take care of him.", the group of mutants quickly make their exit. Taking off for the mansion.

(Xavier Institute, Scott's room 9:30 P.M.)

It's a sad sight in the room of Scott Summer's . Laying on his bed, only light coming from the T.V., clothes scattered throughout the room, and he wasn't in much better shape. Hair clearly hasn't been washed in a while, clothes wrinkled and dirty, even looks like he's gained some wait. Staring at the celing was all he did now, ever since Jean died. He blamed himself everyday. He's pulled out of his pitty party when he hear's the news start.

"And our top story tonight once again a rally for Graydon Creed's Purifiers was interrupted by a mutant attack. Eye witnesses claim that they are students of the Xavier Institute. Xavier's students have been blamed for many of the attacks on Creed's Purifiers. In spite of the attacks the local and national mutant approval has been on the rise thanks entirely to government santioned task force X-Factor. Over the last six months they have dealt with very serious threats fom mutants and terrorists alike. Not much is known about the group aside from they are slowly raising the nation's and this reporter's hopes that maybe not all of the mutants out there are evil. In other.."

Scott looks around the room surprised that the T.V. cut off without him touching the remote. He looks around seeing Wanda Maximoff standing in the doorway, "You know Summer's there's better ways to spend a Sunday night."

Scott looked to her eyes, "Why'd you do that?""I needed to get your attention.""Don't ever do that.""Geeze didn't know you were such a couch potato.""It's not that. Jean used to.."

Scott couldn't finish his sentence, and truth be told he didn't need to. Wanda knew what he was going through, and didn't feel comfortable talking to him about this. She sit at arms length from him on the bed and pats him on the shoulder.

"I know this is...well. tough and all, but it'll get better I guess."

Scott just clinches his fists, "You have no idea how hard this is..""I'm sorry I'm not good at this..""Then don't try to be just stay out of my room, and stay away from me."

Wanda looks at him angry, "You wanna be an asshole that's fine by me."

She walks out of the room fists clinched, she uses her powers to slam the door before screaming, "Ah!"

She takes a few deep breaths before she hears, "Still not in the talking mood?"

Wanda turns around seeing Storm, "The jackass doesn't wanna talk then he can..""Wanda,watch your anger.""I'm not watching anything as long as he's..""He's depressed, it's understandable he lost someone who was very close to him.""Yeah six months ago, and she was trying to kill us for..""Wanda. show some sympathy, that boy has been through more in his life than any of us can imagine."

Wanda grits her teeth, "Then how do you suggest I react?"

Storm held her head, "Just next time you want to check on him come and get me."

Wanada scoffed at that, "Big chance of me checkin on that asshole again."

As Wanda walked off Storm shook her head, she went to Scott's door and peaked inside. Seeing him burrying his face into his pillow she decides it best to just leave him be.

(Xavier Institute, Foyer 9:40 A.M.)

Our young group of mutants attempt to quietly make their way into the mansion. Paige being the first to voice their concerns, "You think anyone knows what we did?""I do!", chills shoot through their spines slowly turning only to relax seeing Deadpool standing on the staircase. Darius asks the important question, "How do you always know?""It's in my contract with writer guy. Yeah that's right I said contract. We're gettin legit with this story now bitches!", the group look to each other unsure how to respond. Joey asks the next important question, "Does Xavier know?"

"Yep, and he ain't the only one."

The group slowly turns around seeing Logan entering the room. Deadpool quickly joins his side.

"What you gonna do to them? Want me to unalive them?""Wade.""How about just Daiurs and Joey those two OC's need to learn there place."

Joey and Darius both got a little nervous hearing that. Logan shoots Deadpool a mean mug and Deadpoll sighs, "Fine, but if I don't get to unalive anyone soon I'm suing for a breach of contract."

As Deadpool makes his exit Rogue sighs, "So what's the punishment?"

Logan looks at her, "I'm gonna give y'all a choice. One month of two a days in the Danger Room, with two months of cleaning the X-Jet, or one week of survival training."

Rogue waited for him to add more to it, "Is that it?""That's it."

She looked to her squad who were nodding there heads, "We'll take the survival training."

Logan smirked, "Alright y'all leave in one week, and remember don't bring anything with ya. This is to teach you to live off the land."

They all nod their heads. Darius and Joey go to high five, but Joey quickly grabs his shoulder. Logan sees this, quickly spotting the blood, "I thought I smelled blood. Another scar for your collection."

He quickly makes his way to Joey spotting the wound, "Huh, Rogue take him to the infirmary and get him stitched up. You three it's time for sparring practice, since Rogue will be busy Laura will take the lead."

Paige and Bets cringe at that. Logan smirked at their reaction, "Alright y'all are dismissed."

Rogue and Joey take off for the infirmary, while Darius,Bets,and Paige head for the Danger Room. Bets immediately dreading the session that awaits them, "Why does it have to be Laura?""What's wrong with X?""She's a psycho, I swear I don't know why they chose her to replace Scott."

Darius shook his head, "Bets she's great at what she does, you're just mad cause she can still kick your ass."

Bets' muscles tightened up at that, "That has nothing to do with it, she's just...just.."

Bets fell silent unsure how to respond, Paige chuckled, "Don't worry I've been itchin to go a round with her again. You can take Darius."

Bets rolled her eyes, "Great so I dodge the pysho, and get the one man army."

Darius chuckles, and Bets shoots him a stare, "No trash talking this time.""Fine by me, after all a one man army really doesn't need to talk, just kick ass."

Bets regretted saying any of that, she was mentally kicking herself for inflating his ego even more.

(Xavier Institute, Danger Room, 10:15)

Laura was waiting impatiently for the others, they should be here by now. This was just disrespectful. She heard the door open quickly turning around ready to bite their heads off, but is instead distracted by Darius and Bets being all mushy with each other. She snaps out quickly yelling, "Do you know how long I've been waiting down here?"

Darius was brushed her off, "X, don't act mad you pretty much live in here."

Laura wanted to respond, but just clinched her fists, "Alright usual partners we'll..."Actually Laura I was hoping I could tussle with you."

Laura looked at Paige who was startled, but quickly replaced it with a nervous grin, "First don't interrupt me, second you're gonna regret that, third this is a power session. We're up first."

Paige made her way out to the middle of the room cocky as could be. Laura cmirked at that, "Ready?""You know it."

Laura unsheaths her claws as Paige rips off her skin, changing into adamantium. Laura smiles at this, charging swinging furiously at Paige. Paige just blocks with her forearms, smiling finally she had found a way to even the playing field with Laura. Laura stops her assault, and Paige takes the opening throwing a straight right at Laura. Laura ducks under it grabbing Paige's wrist with her right hand, and shoving her left elbow into Paige's armpit. She easily flips Paige over onto the ground.

Paige sits up only to be met with a knee from Laura right to the face, knocking her back to the ground. Laura tries to stomp on Paige's face, but Paige dodges just in time. She wraps around Laura's leg tripping her causing her to fall face first onto the ground. Paige moves quickly taking Laura's back and attempts to lock in a rear naked choke. She goes to wrap her arm around Laura's neck, but Laura grabs her wrist. Moving quick Laura throws Paige off her back, and quickly jumps on top of Paige attempting to land a flurry of punches. Paige turns into Laura, hoping to reverse position, but Laura locks in a guillotine choke. Paige breaks the grip and forces Laura off of her.

Laura looks at Paige and smirks, "Alright we're getting no where. Good call on the adamantium skin."

Paige shrieked she's never gotten to a stalemate with Laura. Laura shales her head, "Just remember I still kick your ass in regular sparring sessions."

Laura rolled her eyes turning her attention to Bets and Darius, "Alright lovebirds you're up."

The two quickly took to the center of the room, squaring off Darius smiles, "If you want you can still spar with Laura."

Bets smiles, but it quickly faces as she thrws a psychonic knife at darius, but he easily avoids it. Darius smiles, his hat slowly lifts off his head, it starts to rotate very quickly, and he launches it at Bets with his fist. Bets moves quick to try to avoid it, but the hat is keeping up with her. She changes her direction charging at Darius, she leaps over him kick him in the back, and forces him towards his own hat. To save himself, Darius forces the hat to change direction lodging it in the nearby wall.

Bets uses this opportunity to charge at Darius landing a big right hand. She tries to follow it up with a kick, but Darius catches her leg. He trips her to the ground, and attempts to follow it up with a right hand. Bets avoids his punch, and wraps her legs around his, tripping him to the ground. He lands laygin right next to her just on his stomach. She lands an elbow to his back, before rolling to her feet. Darius gets to his knees, as Bets attempts to knee him to the face. He barely dodges it grabbing her waist, and throwing her to the ground.

Both of them quickly get to their feet, as Darius charges in attempting to tie Bets up. While he's reaching for a thai plum, Bets lands a quick elbow right to Darius' nose, followed by an audible snapping sound. Darius grabs his nose, "Ah, you broke my nose."

Bets immediately starts apologizing, "Oh my word Darius I'm so sorry.""You should be.""I'm sorry I was just using a move Joey showed me.""You're not allowed to train, speak, or acknowledge Joey's existence period.""Darius don't you think you're over reacting.""Oh I'm sorry, but remind me again which one of us has a broken nose, and who it was that broke their nose."

Bets and Laura both start approaching Darius, "Wo! X wat are you doin?""I'm gonna snap your nose back.""No! No way nah-uh.""Don't be such a baby I could do this in my sleep.""I know you did it to me in your sleep, and it hurt then too. I'm gonna go see Hank, get something to numb the pain, and let him take care of it."

Laura went to say something, but Bets held her hand up stopping her from speaking, "I just wanted a kiss."

Darius sighed, but leaned in. Bets moved in, but quickly swung around him grabbing his arms, "Now Laura!""Traitor!"

Laura grabbed Darius' nose snapping it into place with an even louder cracking noise. Darius goes to holding his nose, "Ah, I hate both of you!"

Bets and Paige both laugh at his over acting. Laura rolls her eyes, "Geeze, you've gotten soft."

Laura makes her exit after saying that. Bets approaches Darius, "You feeling better yet?""Uh!""Would it help if I told you how sexy it is when you act tough."

Paige quickly pipes up, "Okay I see where this is going, I'll take off."

Bets and Darius both laugh at that a little, as Paige walks out the room. Bets turns her head to Darius giving him a quick peck on the lips, "You know this is the first time we've been alone in like a month.""That's it? We need to make up for some lost time."

The two meet in a passionate kiss. Bets was in complete bliss, she never wanted Darius to stop. Darius pulls away, brushing some hair out of her face. He looks into her eyes, he loved these intimate moments, he hated that Creed and his stupid Purifiers hadn't given them a moment alone. More importantly he hated how overcrowded this house was it's impossible to get any alone time with Bets.

He gently kisses her lips, before resuming the passionate kiss. This incredible moment, is quickly inteerupted by the sound the door opening. Darius release an angry sigh, Bet shakes her head looking to the door seeing Joey and Rogue standing there, goofy grin on Joey's face, "Whatcha doin?""Matchstick you know how to kill a mood."

Joey laughs shrugging it off. Bets approaches Rogue, "What are y'all two doing down here anyway?""I wanted to see how your session with Laura went.""I didn't spar with her this time, Paige stepped up."

Rogue was surprised, yeah Paige had guts, and she'd been worrking hard, but it was still Laura. Rogue looked to Bets, "How'd she do?""Pretty damn good she managed to hold her to a stalemate.""Paige really?"

Darius and Joey interrupt, "What you expect me and Matchstick been givin her private lessons. How could you not learn with two beasts like us teachin ya?""Everyone knows my elbows are lethal."

Bets burst out laughing hearing that. Rogue looked at her, "What's so funny?"

One look from Darius told her this wasn't the time for it. She just smiled, "I'll tell you later. For now though it's getting late, and we do have school tomorrow. I'll see y'all later."

Bets takes off heading to her room. She gets lost in her mind thinking about kissing Darius, oh how she loved it. She enters her room in absolute bliss, but is snapped from those thoughts when she sees a surprisingly depressed Paige. Paige looks to Bets, "Oh hey roomie you and Darius...""Paige, what's going on?""Nothing I'm just tired is all.""Paige you are lying through your crooked little teeth."

Paige sighs looking to Bets then the floor, "Fine, but you can't tell anyone. I mean no one not even Darius."

Bets was surprised, but nods her head. Paige slumps her shoulders, "Lately I've been feeling pretty...I hate saying this, but lonely.""Really? But you always seem so..""I know, I still seem happy and all, but it's been tough. I mean when I get to hang out with just the girls, or even a few of the guys it's not as bad. When I'm by myself, or hanging out with you and Darius, Rogue and Joey, or Kitty and Piotr it just reminds me I'm basically the only single person in the mansion. Hell even Jamie has some girl in his class he's crushing on."

Bets never really gave much thought to it. She always just assumed Paige was happy, "Come on Paige, a girl like you should be able to find a guy easily.""Really? Where? In the house I live in where every decent guy is taken, at school where every guy is scared to death of me, or wants me dead. I guess I could meet a guy on a mission, you know mutant terrorists are always fun on a date."

Bets rolls her eyes, "I can't believe I'm saying this to you of all people, but there's no need to be so pessimistic.""Sorry, I'm not trying to be a downer, but it's hard not to be when it comes to this."

Bets bit her lip. Paige had a lot of good points, but she can't let Paige know that, "Listen Paige, I could throw every cliche in the book at you right now, but that's not what you need to hear. Being single isn't a bad thing, and for you it's not gonna be like this for life. But when it gets tough just let me know, Darius knows I need a girls night out every now an then."

Paige could tell her roommate was trying, so she decided it best to humor her with a smile., "Thanks, I think I'm gonna hit the bed been a long day, and got school tomorrow. Plus with that survival training next week I don't reckon we'll get much sleep."

Bets laughed a little, and nodded, "Alright I'm gonna go to Darius' room, goodnight."

Paige just smiled as her friend exited the room. She laid down, and tried to let Bets' words sink in. Why is this bothering her so much? It's not like she even likes anyone, but everytime she thinks about another couple she gets this feeling. It's so weird like there's a hole going through her, and nobody except her knows it's there. As much as she hated admitting this she needed to talk to somebody about this.

Almost on cue, someone starts knocking on her door. She goes to open the door, seeing Joey standing there, "Hey Joey what're you doin here?""Bets and Darius kind of took over my room, and Rogue isn't exactly comfortable sharing a room with me yet.""And you were hoping I'd let you crash in here.""Well you do owe me."

Paige just smiles letting him in. He looks to Paige, "Congrats on the stalemate with Laura by the way.""Ah it wasn't nothin.""Yeah right, I haven't even gotten a stalemate with Laura.""I just turned into adamantium, and used the moves y'all taught me.""EIther way you should be proud that's a big accomplishment.""Well thank you.""Welcome."

Joey went to fixing a spot on the floor, Paige looked at him. Maybe he could, nah he wouldn't wanna hear her problems. Joey looks at her, and knows somethings on her mnd, "Paige everything alright?""Um yeah I guess.""You didn't sound too confident with that. What's up?""Just been feeling kinda lonely lately."

Joey was surprised, "Really you? Why's that?""Seein everyone paired up and all. It just makes me feel, like I'm missin somethin."

Joey knows this feeling all too well, "I went through the exact same thing believe it, or not..""How'd you deal with it?""I threw myself into anything I could find sports, school, ROTC, just whatever I could do to make me feel better about myself. Yeah I still felt like I was missing something, but it was easier to take knowing that I wasn't wasting my time dwelling on it.""Did you meet somebody?""Yeah Kendel.""That girl who..""Told everyone I was a mutant yeah.""Sounds like a bitch to me.""She wasn't. She was so kind, up until I got my powers I didn't think there was a mean bone in her body.""Yeah well guess that should be expected. impossible for mutants to find a good normal person to be with."

Joey shook his head, "Don't think like that. Just focus on getting yourself where you wanna be, and the right guy will come along."

Some of the things Joey said made sense, even if Paige didn't think she'd ever find anyone. She looked to him and nodded her head, "I guess I need to be thinkin bout stuff to do with my free time.""Plenty of time for that tomorrow, for now let's crash cause I'm exhausted.""True, and Joey.""Yeah what?""Thanks."

Joey smiles and nods his head, he lays down on the floor resting up before their long day tomorrow.

(Hidden S.H.I.E.L.D. location, 11 P.M.)

Trask slammed his fists on his desk, staring at the ground in disbelief, before looking back up to his one eyed Colonel, "Dammit Fury, I've spent years perfecting this Sentinel program, and now your stupid team is making it to where they won't see the light of day.", Fury couldn't help, but smile, "Trust me Trask nothing makes me happier than knowing I'm keeping those monsters you call machines locked up, but believe it or not I'm just trying to help the mutants. No personal vendetta whatsoever."

Trask throws his head back laughing, "I sincerely doubt that. You can do whatever you want with your stupid X-Factor, but trust me the saviour of the human race will still get his way come election day."

Fury shakes his head, anger levels rising, "Listen hear, I'm not pulling my team from any missions just cause your god complex wants mutants living under your thumb."

The two lock in a heated stare before Trask's cellphone rings, "I would like to take this in private.", Fury stomps out of the room. Trask answers, "Hello?""Hello Trask.", responds a male voice, "What do you want?""I was wanting to see how your meeting with Fury went.""Not good, he's refusing to keep X-Factor out of the public eye.""Very well we'll just have to tear them down infront of everyone."

Trask was shocked at the words, "How do you plan to do that?""Let's just say I have an ace in the hole.", a sinister smile grows on Trask's face.

(Xavier Institute, Scott's Room 7:50 A.M.)

Scott sat in his room listening to everyone running around crazy outside his door, trying to get into the shower, or get something to eat before school. He doesn't miss that one bit. Still there were a lot of good memories. Most of them involved...No he can't think about her. He grabs a nearby remote turning on the T.V.

"..and the government sponsored X-Factor, is once again making huge leaps in improving the mutant approval rate having just stopped a suspected mutant terrorist 17 year old Kevin Sydney, better known in the underground community as..."

Scott couldn't take it. Here he was sitting in his room, rotting away, and his egotistical brother was actually doing something to help mutants. A knock on his door snaps him from his pity party, "It's unlocked!"

The door opens, and Wanda walks into the room. Scott scowls before looking to the ground, "What do you want?""Just here to tell you Xavier wants to see you in his office."

Scott shoves past her, and makes his way to Xavier's office.

Scott made his way into Xavier's office, he looked around spotting the Professor at his desk. Scott cleared his throat getting Xavier's attention, "You wanted to see me Professor?"

Xavier smiled, "Yes Scott have a seat."

Scott quickly took his seat, and stared at the ground. Xavier looked at his student, he was a shell of the student that lead the X-Men in battles that seemed like ages ago. Xavier made his way by Scott, "I need you to go with some of the others to Arizona."

Scott looked to the Professor in shock, "Professor I'm in...""Scott, it's time you get out of the mansion. You won't have to be down there as long as them. I just need you to drop them off, and possibly bring back a new recruit.""Why don't you have...""We're stretched very thin right now Logan and Deadpool are going on a top priority reconnaissance mission. Hank and Ororo have a meeting with Mayor Kelly...""What about you, or Magneto?""Our public image still has some rough edges...""So basically you have no other choice."

Xavier shakes his head, "I'm sorry Scott if anyone else could pilot the Blackbird, and not risk losing this new recruit I'd do it in a heartbeat.""All I have to do is fly the Blackbird.""Yes you may also train someone to fly it so we don't have to risk this again."

Seeing no way out of this Scott sighs and nods his head, "So who am I taking?""Rogue, Paige, Bets, Darius, and Joey are all going to the Sonoran Desert for survival training. Wanda and Bobby will be going to recruit..""You're sending Wanda!""Scott, I know you and her don't see eye to eye, but..""She's Magneto's daughter Professor.""She's also a great example how well our teaching methods work."

Scott just grunts, and walks away seeing no point in arguing with him. He turns around, "When do we leave?""Monday morning 6 A.M."

Scott turns to exit, only to turn back around, "Professor."

Xavier looks to his student. Scott sighs, "Have you heard from Alex."

Xavier just shakes his head, as Scott sighs again finally making his exit.

(Hidden S.H.I.E.L.D. location, X-Factor base, 10 A.M.)

Alex Summers looked around at his team smiling. His group had done more for mutants than the X-Men ever have. He looked them over one by one Forge, Warren, Lance,and Rhane, all of them had done so much together, and all under his leadership. He couldn't have a higher opnion of himself. His self absorbed thinking is interrupted when he hears footsteps. He turns seeing none other than his mentoer Trevor Fitzroy standing there.

"Hello Alex.""Agent Fitzroy.""Congratulations on apprehending that Kevin Sydney fellow. Who knows what kind of trouble he could've caused.""He didn't seem like much of a threat to me.""Any mutant that's not with us is a threat. Which reminds me I have another mission for you. John Proudstar, mutant possesses superhuman senses, strength,speed, agility, and durability.""So just bring him in.""No, try to recruit him, but if he won't go willingly. Well a mutant as strong as him can't be trusted to stay out of trouble, and can't be confined to a cell."

Alex was shocked by that last statement, "So wait, you want us to..""Only if it's absolutely necessary Alex.""But we're the good guys, we're not suppose to kill people.""Alex I admire your grasp of right and wrong, but this isnt a T.V. show this is real life. And in real life the bad guys can't be allowed to just do as they please, and sadly that means crossing the lines sometimes."

Alex wasn't sure about this. Killing people, that's not what he signed up for. Fitzroy could tell in Alex's eyes he wasn't on board, "How about I take the lead on this one that way if it goes wrong, the blood won't be on your hands.""You said this guy was..""I know, you and you're team can take him down, and I'll finish him off."

Alex was still very hesitant, but nodded his head in agreement. Fitzroy flashes his sinister smile.

"Good, you and your team will depart for the the Sonoran Desert Tuesday morning. Report to Agent Hill for further information."

Alex again nods his head making his exit. FItzroy again smiles as his protege makes his exit. He turns around before speaking, "Soon my protege you and your team will face off with the X-Men, and my future will be secure.", his sinister smile grows as he begins a maniacal laughter unlike any I've heard.

Well there y'all have it. I'm so sorry for the wait I wasn't intending this long of a break, but please let me know what you think. I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter I've been trying a few methods, and I promise future chapters will do a very good job on filling you in on what happened the last six months.