Chapter 27: A false return to normalcy
The school is a buzz with news of the return of former classmate Joshua Essex. Many of the younger classmen think of him as awesome for starting a riot and think that he looks cool. The upperclassmen however have a more negative view of the return of Joshua. Nevertheless, Joshua walked down the hallway filled with students with his head down. He could hear the various comments made as the other students talked.
"Hey that guy is so cute." one of the girls said.
"That's the guy that caused the riot last year." one of the boys said.
"Yea, my sister was here during that. Get lost you freak!" another boy screamed.
"We don't want terrorists here!!" Another girl yelled.
As soon as the other students heard those comments, they all started to scream jeering comments and various other vulgar things. Joshua walked into Scott Summers office and sat down with him.
"Hello Mr. Summers" Joshua said as he sat down.
"Well it seems your return to the school has gotten around." Emma said as she walked behind Joshua.
"Hello Mrs. Frost." Joshua said as he got uncomfortable.
"So what brings you to Mr. Summer's office?" Emma said looking at Joshua.
"I need a class schedule." Joshua said as he looked at the floor.
"So you need to get your advisor Joshua." Scott said as he handed Joshua a piece of paper.
"Do you want your father, so you would feel better about yourself darling." Emma said.
"No Mrs. Summers, I think I'll have Mr. Drake be my advisor again; if he would let me." Joshua said as he got up and walked down the hall.
Joshua walked into Amy and Charles who were on their way to class. The two X-men stopped and looked at Joshua.
"So you're here for good now?" Amy said with an attitude.
"Yea I am." Joshua walked past them and down to the office of Robert "Iceman" Drake and opened the door.
"Well Josh, welcome back." Bobby said as he shook hands with Joshua.
'Wow he is taking this really well.' Joshua thought to himself.
"So you're still planning on doing Economics and business Josh?" Bobby asked as he grabbed a slice of pizza from a box that was sitting on his desk.
"Yea, I just need to finish up some of the classes that I missed after the whole incident." Joshua said with uneasiness in his voice.
"Yea I know that kid. So here is your class list." Bobby said as he typed on his computer and printed a new class list for Joshua. Joshua took the piece of paper from Bobby and walked out of the office.
'Well I guess I have to start a new day at this school.' Joshua thought to himself as he walked downstairs to his first class of the day.
Elsewhere on the school grounds, Ace sat in his room looking over his notes for a class he had later on as Charles played his Nintendo DS.
"Hey, I think that we need a break from all of this." said Charles as he continued to play his games.
"Look, I need to still study for this test." Ace said as he looked at his notes "It's not fair that we still have to do work after coming from that big of a battle."
"I know, but whatever. I'm giving myself a day off. In fact, I think we should get a national holiday for our work." said Charles.
"Damn right. A parade, with girls and a huge after party in Manhattan." said Ace with a grin on his face looking up from his notes.
Meanwhile Jennifer was outside by the pool with her feet in the water and Kelly sitting next to her.
"So what do you think is going to happen with Joshua now that he is here?" said Jennifer kicking her feet in the water.
"Jen, Darling, I think that he will be ok. If you care about him as a friend, you will help him during this time." said Kelly as she stood up and jumped into the pool.
"I do want to help Josh out, but what about Brent?" Jennifer asked. "He's been pretty depressed lately and I don't know what's wrong. Every time I try to talk to him about it, he shuts down. And now having Joshua back has made it even worse."
Kelly came up from the water and laughed at Jennifer. "I'm not the person to be asking about relationships." Kelly then went back under the water.
Inside the school John and Luke were playing cards in Luke's room and were watching MTV.
"Damn right I got a straight." John said as he took the pot of money they had collected.
"You know I hate this game. Why don't we try a trivia game?" said Luke as he watched his money being taken away from him.
"Hell no. I need this money for later. I'm going out for awhile and heading down to the city." John said with a smile across his face
"We can always do that. Go down and have a good time after the other day's battle." Luke said taking out his car keys. "We can always go now."
Luke and John walked across the campus and went to Karen's room to grab her. When they got to the door they saw a note on the whiteboard on the door saying "Karen is down with Mrs. Frost and Jenny is pool side"
"Well let's go with out her. I'm driving" John said as he grabbed Luke's keys and ran down the hall.
"Get back here." Luke screamed as he ran after John down the hall
Amy sat in class and looked at the board with no idea what was going on in the class.
'I need time to myself' she thought as she played with her pencil on a piece of her notebook paper. She was drawing a heart with her name in and a blank space to fill someone else's name in.
"Ms. Rasputin do you think you can day dream in my class?" Ms. Guthrie asked
"No Miss Guthrie." Amy said as she jumped up from her chair and with embarrassment in her voice.
Then the laughter of the other students filled the room as Amy sat back down and put her face into her books.
Brent walked out of his Telepathy class and headed over to the greenhouse. His eyes were glowing red as he projected an illusion that caused people to ignore him. As he walked, he was haunted by visions of Maria Maximoff convulsing on the floor and blood being everywhere. He snapped out of it when he reached the greenhouse. He scanned the area to see if anyone was there. When he discovered that no one was there, he went in and walked around. Brent always felt most calm and serene when he was around nature. He walked around and lost himself in the wonderful simplicity of the greenery. His eyes glowed white as a gentle wind lifted him above all of the plants. He concentrated as the weather outside became cloudy and rainy.
"Damn, I only wanted to rain in here." Brent said as he concentrated even more.
The weather began to clear up outside as rain clouds appeared above the plants. A gentle rain shower began to water the plants as Brent finally looked truly happy for once. In the midst of his joy, another flash of Maria crept into his mind. He joy ceased as his face became sullen and sad. His glowing white eyes welled up with tears as he began to cry. The weather in the greenery ceased as he lost control and the weather outside expressed his inner sadness.
"Somethin' on ya mind sugah?" Rogue said as she entered the Greenhouse.
"Oh Rogue, I didn't hear you come in." Brent replied as attempted to regain composure and descended to her.
"Ahm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude." Rogue said as she walked over to Brent. "I heard ya cryin' and wondered what was up."
"It's just… it's nothing Rogue." Brent said as he looked up at her. "Really"
"Now you know I don't believe that." Rogue said in disbelief as she pointed outside. "You may be sayin' dat but you're obviously in pain and it shows."
"I don't know. I feel like I can't talk to anyone." Brent said as he sat down on a bench. "No one knows how it feels to actually…"
"Actually what sugah?" Rogue asked as she sat down next to him.
"You promise you won't tell anyone?" Brent asked with a serious look on his face. "I mean it Rogue; not Mom, Dad, the X-men, Scott, Emma, or anyone."
"Sure honey, you can trust me." Rogue said sweetly. "Now what can possibly be so bad that it has you lower than snake slithering in the center of a valley?"
"I killed Maia Maximoff." Brent said in a low voice. "I thought it was a dream but it is real. I have flashes of her dead body and me using my powers to kill her."
"What in sam hill are you talking about?" Rogue exclaimed. "Are you sure this is real and is not your mind playing tricks on ya? Maybe your telepathy is pickin' on some other varmint."
"No Rogue it's the truth." Brent said solemnly.
Brent's eyes glowed red as the greenhouse transformed into the Red Dragon throne room and the memory enacted itself out. He showed her the death of Sonic Boom and the eventual death of Maria Maximoff. He changed the scene to the last memory in Maria's mind and what was said there. After the memory ended, the greenhouse returned and Brent's eyes returned to their original bright blue as he looked down in shame.
"Well if what ya showed me is true, then ya did the right thing." Rogue said as she put her hand on Brent's shoulder. "Ya did what you had to do in order protect the people love."
"But how am I supposed to deal with that?" Brent exclaimed as he got up. "How do you go on knowing that you took the life? To know that someone's blood is on your hands no matter the situation. Is that what it means to be an X-man, to kill people who want to kill us?"
"Well sugah, yah askin' a buncha questions dat ah don't think ah don't think ah can answer." Rogue said as she got up. "However, ah do know how ya feel. The first boy ah ever kissed was put into a coma and died years later; every person ah touch has the chance of dying. However, there memories are always in my head, their life essence is always in mah head and ah have to live with that."
"How do you?" Brent asked.
"One day at a time sugah… one day at a time." Rogue said as she hugged Brent. "Now just rememba, if yah evah need to talk… just give me a holla."
Rogue left the greenhouse leaving Brent deep in thought. Brent pondered Rogue's words and vowed that he would never be responsible for another person's death unless it was the only possible way.
After hours and hours of classes and the idea of feeling lost, the day was finally over. Joshua walked out of the cafeteria and headed to the boy's dorm. He went down that hall until he approached to the room with the number matching the piece of paper that he got on arrival. He opened the door and looked around. The room was riddled with various types of machinery and science magazines. On one of the beds, Ethan Starsmore was sitting with Mary, trying to build something. They turned around to see him enter the room.
"Hey what are you doing here?" Ethan said as Mary got up and walked out of the room.
"I'm your roommate, so I'll be moving all of your stuff from this side…" Joshua said as his eyes started to glow red and all of Ethan's belongings on one side of the room moved to the other side of the room. "…to that side."
"Hey that's all mine." Ethan said as he jumped from his bed and stared at Joshua.
"I know and I want them moved from MY side of the room." Joshua said as he sat on his bed.
"Look I don't know who you think you are..." Ethan said as he snapped his fingers and fireworks came out of them. "…but it's going to be a cold day in hell before you're going to order me around."
"I want my side of the room. Now if you don't mind…" Joshua said as he lay down and closed his eyes.
"Oh hell no; get up!" Ethan said as got ready to fight.
Joshua got up and clenched his fist ready to fight, but all of the sudden Emma's telepathy contacted both Joshua and Ethan.
"I want the both of you down in the meeting room." said Emma "And Joshua I want you to go see Scott about staying here at the Institute before you head to the meeting room."
Joshua and Ethan both walked out of the room and down the hallway until they got to the elevator. They heard Ace run down the hallway screaming to hold the door. Ace got in the elevator and pushed Joshua out.
"See ya!" Ace said with a smile as the door closed and he and Ethan went down to the meeting room.
Joshua walked down the stairs to Scott's office. He knocked and waited for an answer. 'This is it. I was only here for three days, only been awake for at least one of them and now I'm getting kicked out already' Joshua thought to himself.
"Come in."
Joshua walked in the office and sat down. The chair rotated around and Scott looked at Joshua.
"Well I know you seem to be having a hard time adjusting to this place." Scott said as he looked at Joshua
"Mr. Summers all I did was walk down the hallway, then to my room and you know what… I don't care." Joshua said as he was about to walk out of the office but Scott grabbed Joshua's arm and put him back into his chair.
"Look, I know that it is hard for you to understand, but you need to adjust to your surroundings." said Scott as he went back into his office chair. "I know just how you can do that."
Meanwhile downstairs in the hanger, the X-men stood around waiting for what will happen. Emma Frost-Summers walked in, stood for a moment and looked at the X-men.
"So this is the team that was chosen to fight for our school." Emma said with a pale remark
"Ok, what an odd statement" Charles said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" John asked defensively.
"Hey Mrs. Summers, are you ok?" Jen asked.
"Yes darling, just questioning the ideas that the original X-men had made." Emma said as she walked amongst the students.
"Emma, you can't be seriously questioning their decision" said Jennifer with a glare on her face.
"You have no right to say such things." Brent said angrily. "Especially after all the times we succeeded on missions."
"Yea, you have no need to question them" said Amy.
"What, do you think you can make a better choice" said John.
"Well yea I can and have made a better choices." said Emma as the door behind them opened.
On the other side of the door, Karen walked in.
"Hey guys" said Karen as she waved to the X-men that stood there.
The team greeted their new teammate and looked around.
"So what is this, a replacement?" Charles asked.
"No, we're just giving her a try out darlings." Emma said. "It is obvious that you are in need of more capable members like my darling Kelly."
The team was about to argue but all of the sudden the door behind them opened up. Scott walked in and the X-men stood at attention getting ready for what he might say.
"Well you guys have proven yourself to be X-men. I am proud of each and every one of you. For your work I have gotten you each a present." said Scott as he walked up and down each of the students in the line.
"I'll start with you John: codename Wild Child. You came to us with many personal demons, but made yourself standout on this team" Scott said as he handed him a box. "You have proven yourself to be a true hero."
"Now over to you Luke: codename Deadly Illusion. You have been a great asset to the team by defending them with all of the abilities you have honed here at the institute." Scott said as he handed him a box. "Your loyalty knows no bounds and this is why you deserve this."
"Mary: codename Level. You made one of the ultimate sacrifices that can ever be asked. You gave up your greatest powers to protect the other team members from certain doom. You acted as a true X-man would and we congratulate you for it." Scott said as he handed her the same sized box like all the others.
"Tyler" Scott said and all the teammates turned and looked at him
"We just call him Ace." Amy said with a smile on her face
"Ok. Ace: codename Ace. You became a threat to us, but you were willing to sacrifice your body to save your teammates. Like Mary, we owe you more than I can give you." He was handed a box just like everyone else plus a smaller box that contained a new deck of cards.
"Amy codename: Phase Shift. You were gravely injured in the match with Winter Solider II and Alpha Spider. However, you still fiercely protected you teammates and fought valiantly. You have a great friendship on this team and it makes you stronger for that"
Amy started to jump as she put her hands out and received a box.
"Charles codename: Phoenix X. Well I'll be totally honest with the team. I didn't think that you would last very long, but you have surpassed all expectations." Scott said. "You may act like a knucklehead most of the time, but when it comes to battle, you are someone I would want to have my back."
"Even mine darling" Emma said
"Well you have found your place on this team" said Scott as he handed Charles a box
"Now on to Karen codenames: Blizzard. You are now a member to our seemingly expanding team and we welcome you to it." Scott handed her a box.
"My daughter Kelly: codename: Solar Cannon. I know that you're upset about not being leader, but your place on the team is important. You fought for your life on the same battlefields and have fought in the classroom. I'm glad that you have stayed on this team." Scott gave her a box and smiled at his daughter and moved on to the next person. "Your talent would be missed if you ever left."
"Now to our second in command, Jennifer: codename Knight-wing. I was shaky with the idea of giving you such big responsibilities at such a young age, but you have made yourself more than worthy of your title. You proved yourself in your battle with Young Devil and your leadership skills during your raid into project 100. You are one of the best members on this team." Scott then handed her a box and smiled
Jennifer looked towards Scott and Emma with an aura of confidence.
"Now to our commander of the X-men; Brent: codename: Psychic Storm. I'm so proud not to only call you an X-man, but to call you family. You have led this group into battle moment after moment. Your leadership is one of a kind and you are one of our star students. You are the soul of these X-Men" Scott handed him a box and then walked in front of all the X-men. "This team would be lost without you and you would be lost without this team."
"Now children open your boxes" Emma said with a smile on her face.
Inside the boxes the students found new uniforms, each one of them custom made to fit each of the X-men's personality and well represents their powers. Luke's was entirely dark red with a giant yellow X on the front. There was a black belt around the center with a small X as the buckle. Amy's suit was full fit black and silver uniform with a scattered design. There is a small X on each arm. Karen's suit is also full bodied an entirely light blue with white snowflake designs which form an X across her chest. Jen's suit consisted of an orange and red full bodied suit with a black X on her right shoulder. John's suit was entirely dark green with some commando design. There was a black trench that went along with it. Charles' suit was full bodied and had a base design that resembled Jean Grey's except the green was replaced by navy blue with yellow stripes along the sides and a yellow phoenix symbol around the chest. Brent's costume was full bodied as well. It was gray with short sleeves. The gray was inter-designed with lighter gray in a way that it looked like storm clouds. There was a belt with which was the lighter gray with blue raindrop like designs. The bottom part of the suit was the same color as the top with lightning designs running down each side. There were also black gloves that came with it. Kelly's costume was a royal blue which had a stark resemblance to Emma Frost's uniform. There was a golden X on the center which crossed at the chest. Ace's costume was in pieces. There was a brown trench coat. There was a dark green and yellow suit underneath which had a black X by the neck. And the last part were black gloves.
The children all put on their new uniforms. They were all excitedly chatting as Emma looked at the children.
"Well Scott and I have one more surprise to give you." said Emma with a smirk on her face.
"What a new plane." Charles said with excitement.
"No." Emma replied.
"You not being a bitch." said John glaring at Emma.
"Again no." said Emma "And the next time you say something like that to me, I will assure you that it will the last. It's something I will enjoy."
The door behind them opened. The X-men turned and looked at the figure as he walked in wearing an X-man uniform.
"Welcome Joshua; codename Marvel Boy." said Emma with a smirk on her face.
"Hey. I'm here for good. Scott and Emma figured I fit in more on a team." Joshua said.
"Are you kidding me?!" Brent said as his eyes began to glow.
"Oh hell no, this bitch be trippin'!" John said as he got out his claws.
"This has to be a mistake or a joke." Charles said as his claws unsheathed.
"And if this is a joke, I ain't laughin'." Ace said as he charged up a couple of his new cards.
'Oh god they're going to kill me.' Joshua thought to himself as he began charging a concussive blast.
"Maybe not kill, but definitely teach a lesson." Brent said as Psionic spikes began to erupt.
Suddenly all of the combatants fell to the floor and grabbed their heads. The others looked around to see Emma's eyes glowing.
"Now are you children going to play nice or are am I going to have to give you all a time out?" Emma said as she took control of the situation.
"Alright fine." Brent said as he regained composure.
"I didn't do anything." Joshua said.
"You can release them Emms." Scott said as he saw them relenting.
Emma released her psychic hold on the group and the team looked at Joshua. There was clear resentment and scorn on all of their faces. They remember how just a week ago they were in the battle of their lives against this kid that now Scott and Emma want to call an X-man.
"Look, I know all of you are not thrilled with this, but the best way for Joshua to become adjusted and redeem himself is by being part of a team; this team." Scott said. "It wasn't too long ago that you guys were just a random assortment of kids who really didn't know each other, but you pulled through to become a successful X-men team."
"That is a valid argument Mr. Summers." Brent said with contempt. "However, there is one key difference between that situation and this one. There we forced to get along and come together because our lives depended on it and we didn't know each other. With Sinister, he has spent the last six months fighting and almost killing a lot of us. I'm sorry but I think we are justified in not being thrilled with this arrangement."
"Brent, I know you of all people have issues with trusting me." Joshua began. "However, I am here because I want to better myself. I know I have done things in the past that has caused you pain and torment, but I don't want to be that person anymore. I want to be an X-man again and prove to you guys that I am here as an ally and a friend. I just don't want my past to influence your ability to forgive and forget."
"I don't believe a word he says, but that's just my opinion. We are a team and I think everyone should say how they feel about the situation." Brent said.
"I know he is an evil, psychotic, bastard but everyone deserves a chance to start over." Kelly said. "He's got my vote."
"He was an awesome friend last year and I think that he would be a great asset to the team." Karen said. "I say let him come back."
"I don't trust him and I think that he is a highly manipulative person, but I know a lot about being manipulated and if he is as sincere as he says…" Amy said as she looked down. "…then we may as well try it out."
"He can be on the team, but I ain't talking to him." John said as he looked at Joshua directly in the eye.
"T'ain't no way I'm gonna go for trustin' this kid on our team." Ace said. "If he's gonna be here, then Ace's gonna be keepin' an eye 'im."
"I may be the only one but I trust that his motives are sincere." Mary simply said.
"I don't agree with you being on our team, but at least if you are there we can keep an eye on you." Luke said.
"The main issue here seems to be trust and I must say that I agree with everyone when I say I don't trust you as far as I can throw you. You've hurt me, my family, my friends, and countless others." Charles said. "Nevertheless this team wants you on here for some strange reason so I guess we may as will give the second chance."
"What is wrong with you people?" Brent said as his eyes started to glow red. "Do you not remember everything he put us through? All of the pain, misery, sadness, and destruction."
Suddenly the hanger changed into the various fight scenes that occurred between the X-men and the Hellions. The several moments of near death, the nearly fatal injuries that the team has endured were replayed right before their very eyes. The team, Scott, Emma and Joshua looked on as the images played through until the hanger returned and Brent's eyes stopped glowing.
"After all of that, you just welcome here to our team as if nothing happened?" Brent said angrily. "Jennifer, please back me up on this and show them that this is wrong."
"Well Brent, I don't think that it is." Jennifer said meekly. "We were all good friends here at the institute and there were several valid arguments that have been made here. He should be given the opportunity to defend justice as we do and prove that he is truly good."
"Thank you Jen." Joshua said as looked over to the team.
"He's manipulating them, just as he did you." A voice silently whispered in Brent's mind.
"I guess that settles it, you're on the team." Scott said as he walked over to Joshua.
"He's going to turn on you just like he did before." The same voice said even quiter.
"I see, well then I guess that's it huh. Nobody sees how bad this is and that this may be a potential trap." Brent said as his eyes glowed white. "I'm glad to see that everyone cares about this team so much."
Brent summoned a wind which opened the hanger and carried him to the night skies.
"I'll talk to him." Joshua said as his eyes glowed red and he flew after Brent.
Brent kept flying until he was high above the hanger opening. He looked down and saw a figure following him.
"Brent we need to talk." Joshua said.
"There is nothing to talk about, you're on the team and that's that." Brent said angrily.
"No, that is not the end of this discussion." Joshua said as they stood level with each other. "There is obviously something bothering you and let's get it out of the way now."
"Yes there is a problem, it's Joshua." The voice said again. "He's going to compromise your team's safety."
"Well I'm glad you're such a genius Dr. Phil. I thought it wasn't obvious at all." Brent said sarcastically. "Well I don't know maybe I have a problem with have a maniacal terrorist on the team and fear the safety of my team."
"Well that's part of it. I know the other part." Joshua said quietly. "It's Maria isn't it?"
"You don't know how I feel and don't you dare be so arrogant to think that you understand." Brent said angrily as a flash of lightning is seen and a roar thunder is heard.
"I know the pain that you are going through, I lost someone too." Joshua continued. "I lost someone that I cared about."
"He didn't care, he manipulated her and you." The voice said.
"More like manipulated; I know the games that you run and I can never forgive for those things that you have done." Brent said seethingly. "Let me ask you a question Sinister, have you ever killed someone to prevent the death of another? Did you ever think that you should've let the other person die because they deserved it more than the person who you killed?"
"I have killed someone and regret doing so; I have also killed another person and don't regret that." Joshua said with a hurt look on his face. "I have never thought that you hated me so much that you wish I were dead."
"He deserves to be dead. You want him dead." The voice says.
"Sinister, I don't think that Maria deserved to die, in fact if I had to do it all over again I might have let her kill you and figure out another way to change reality back." Brent said with deadly silence. "You've hurt me, Maria, my family, my friends, and many others with your destructive ways. You weren't worthy of surviving that day and that's how I truly feel. I will never accept you as a teammate, never trust you as a friend or ally. I wish we had never met. Do me a favor and just drop dead."
And with that, Brent flew back to the institute leaving Joshua stunned and ashamed. He slowly flew back down to the hanger and walked back to his room reflecting on the vicious words that Brent said. 'Should I have been the one to survive?'