X-Men: Past, Present, Future

"God says we need to love our enemies. It hard to do." - Aibileen Clark, The Help.

Past Chapter 28: The Dark Side

Angel Salvador struggled to free herself from her straps that confided her to the medical table. After a while, she gave up and decided it would be best to sleep.

"Giving up?" asked Erik as he and Hank walked into the medical room.

"I'll just sleep until they get here to save me," replied Angel.

"It's been four hours," said Erik. "They're not coming at all."

"Wait, it's been four hours?" asked Hank. "Crap, I didn't get to eat dinner...it's already 11!"

"Why don't you go eat something and I'll watch over her," suggested Erik.

"Good idea," said Hank as he took off his lab coat. "I hope there's still some of Moira's lasagna left."

Hank exited the medical room, leaving Erik alone with Angel. Erik looked down at the table to see the beautiful Latina with her eyes closed.

"Are you going to stare at me while I sleep?" asked Angel as she opened her eyes.

"Does it hurt when your wings come out?" asked Erik.

"No," said Angel. "Just feels odd...luckily they can retract back into my body. Let's me be normal looking...unlike your blue furry friend."

"Wouldn't it be great to live in a world where you don't have to be afraid to be yourself?" asked Erik.

"It would be," said Angel. "That's what we're fighting for. Isn't it also what you're fighting for?"

"Yes," said Erik. "But through different means. This is a school."

"This is a school?"

"You're in the lower levels of the school right now. We have some young mutants here who we want to teach how to hone their powers, while we try to fight for acceptance and to live peacefully among the humans. We call ourselves the X-Men."

"X-Men? I like the teaching them how to hone their powers part...but I don't agree with the peace with the humans."

"I don't agree either."

Angel looked into Erik's eyes and smiled. She could sense there was something dark within Erik. An urge to do things that goes beyond what others have told him.

"There's a dark side to you, isn't there?" asked Angel.

"What do you mean?" asked Erik.

"You want the same things The Hellfire Club is doing," replied Angel. "You want to not only show the humans that we are the dominant species, but also to prove it. Feed into that dark side. Let out the real you."

Erik smiled as he took a seat. He put his hands to his face and took slow breaths. He then raised his left hand towards Angel. Suddenly, the straps holding Angel down loosened. Angel squirmed a bit before setting herself free. Angel jumped off the table and ran towards the door. She quickly stopped and looked over at Erik.

"Thank you," said Angel as she ran out of the room.

Angel ran out in the hall but was confused on where to go. She turned to her left and ran down the hall. She was faced with a giant round door. Suddenly, the door opened and Angel ran through it. Angel had accidently ran into Cerebro. Erik walked into the room and looked at the confused Angel.

"What is this place?" asked Angel.

"Cerebro," answered Erik. "It's a machine that allows telepaths to expand their powers and make them more powerful. We use it to locate other mutants."

"How powerful can it make telepaths?" asked Angel.

"Very powerful," answered Erik. "You'd want to leave this place and run down the other side of the hallway. Take the elevator up and sneak out the front door. Everyone's asleep and Beast is in the kitchen eating. You won't be caught."

Angel followed Erik's instructions and was soon flying in the air back to the Hellfire Club. She flew back to the busy urban area of New York and landed in front of an apartment building. She made her way to the penthouse suite, where she found the other Hellfire Club members enjoying drinks.

"Where were you?" asked Riptide.

"And why isn't Robert Kelly dead?" asked Jason.

"Those other mutants caught me," said Angel.

"Those mutants are really getting in our way," said Benedict.

"They call themselves the X-Men," said Angel.

"X-Men?" asked Selene. "What a ridiculous name!"

"There's more," said Angel as she approached Jason. "I know how you can get your revenge on them."

Present Chapter 28: Parent's Night

The school was busy Friday night, preparing for the Parent's Night event. Parents of the mutant students were coming to enjoy a night of celebrations. They would be allowed to see their child's work and progress in school. Most of the students were helping out for the event.

"This is so exciting!" said Kitty as she spun around, showing off her new dress.

"Watch it!" said Armando. "You're gonna make me spill the tarts."

"Yeah, Kitty, can you please help us bring out the food?" asked Sophia. "We only have an hour until they come."

"Ok, I'll help," said Kitty. "I'm just so excited to see my parents. I haven't seen them in forever!"

Upstairs in the art room, some students were sitting around playing board games and painting. These students were the students that had no parents. Cannonball agreed to look after them for the night.

"Sammy," said Melody as she brought him a picture. "Do you like my picture? It's our parents."

"That's good," said Cannonball. "You still remember what our parents look like?"

"It's been so long," said Melody. "But I still remember."

"You like it here right?" asked Cannonball.

"Yeah, I do," said Melody. "It sure beats living on the streets like we used to."

"Yeah it does," said Cannonball.

"Can I have a codename?"

"A codename? Why?"

"I want to be a part of the X-Men when I'm older."

"Melody, it's dangerous."

"You do it."

"Yeah, well I put myself in a lot of danger...for you."

"I want to be called Aero."

"Maybe in the future. But for now you're Melody."

At seven, the parents began to arrive. The students ran to their parents and the school's main floor was filled with joy.

"Jean-Paul, Jeanne-Marie!" said an excited Mrs. Beaubier as she hugged her children.

"It's been so long!" said Mr. Beaubier as he kissed his daughter's cheek.

"Dad, you're going to ruin my makeup," said Jeanne-Marie.

"Jean-Paul, are you going to introduce us to your boyfriend?" asked Mrs. Beaubier.

"Yeah, he's right there," said Jean-Paul as he walked over to Roberto and grabbed his hand. "Mom, Dad, this is Roberto."

"Nice to meet you," said Roberto.

"Oh, such a handsome young man!" said Mrs. Beaubier.

"Does my daughter have a boyfriend?" asked Mr. Beaubier.

"No, I don't," said Jeanne-Marie.

"Good!" said Mr. Beaubier. "No boy is good enough for my daughter!"

"Roberto, are your parents coming tonight?" asked Mrs. Beaubier.

"They'll be here soon," answered Roberto. "They're just coming from the airport. They're coming from Brazil."

"Oh, how exotic!" said Mrs. Beaubier.

"Mom!" yelled Jean-Paul.

"Well, it is!" said Mrs. Beaubier.

Over at a table, Kitty's parents, Amara's parents and Sophia's parents sat and ate the student prepared dinner.

"This is really good," said Mr. Pryde. "Did you cook this chicken?"

"Yes, I did, Dad," said Kitty. "And I also helped cooked the potatoes."

"We're just so proud of you," said Mrs. Pryde. "Who's your cooking instructor?"

"Professor Rasputin," said Kitty. Kitty looked over to see Colossus talking with some of the parents.

"I hope you're focusing on your studies and not spending too much time with your new boyfriend," said Mrs. Aquilla to Amara.

"Don't worry, Mom," said Amara. "And Max is a nice guy. He really cares about me."

"Your mom and I just want to apologize for giving you away to Weapon X," said Mr. Aquilla. "We didn't know they were going to torture you. They said they wanted to help you-"

"Dad, it's ok," interrupted Amara. "You didn't know. I don't blame you."

"I got an A in English," said Sophia.

"That's great!" said Ms. Barrett. "You were always so good at poetry."

"No, daughter of mine is going to become a poet!" said Mr. Barrett. "Do better in math. I want you to become a business woman."

"What if she doesn't want to be a business woman?" asked Ms. Barrett.

"She doesn't have a choice," said Mr. Barrett.

"This exactly what I keep saying," yelled Ms. Barrett. "All you do is control people."

"And all you do is let our daughter run loose!" Mr. Barrett.

"I'm so glad we got a divorce!" said Ms. Barrett.

"Yeah, I'm glad too!" yelled Mr. Barrett.

"Mom, Dad!" yelled Sophia. "People are staring! Stop yelling and just eat the chicken!"

Over at the beverage table, Cyclops, Jean, Storm and Beast were talking.

"I like your suit, Beast," said Storm.

"Thank you," said Beast. "I just bought it today. Where's Wolverine?"

"He didn't want to be here," answered Storm. "He went to the casino instead."

"So, do you think you're falling for him?" asked Jean.

"No, we're just friends...with benefits," said Storm.

The elementary student, Jordan Lewis walked over to the adults and pulled on Jean's dress.

"Hello, Jordan," said Jean.

"Ms. Grey, can you please come meet my parents," said Jordan.

"Oh, of course," said Jean as she walked over to Jordan's parents.

"Have you decided on a venue yet?" asked Storm.

"We haven't been looking," said Cyclops. "Every time we want to start planning the wedding, something comes up."

"I'm sure you'll be fine," said Storm. "Oh, is Madelyne coming for Alex?"

"She should be," said Cyclops. Cyclops looked over at the door and saw Madelyne walk in.

Madelyne walked in and was greeted by Alex. Cyclops made his way over to greet Madelyne.

"I'm so glad you caught Magneto," said Madelyne. "I rejoiced when I heard the news on TV. Hurray for the X-Men!"

"The world is a little bit safer now," said Cyclops.

"Madelyne, come sit down," said Alex.

"Alex, how many times do I have to ask you to call me Mom," said Madelyne.

Alex and Madelyne sat down at a table next to Aisha and Julian's parents.

"So, I've been lonely lately without having to take care of you," said Madelyne. "Do you think you want to come back home?"

"No, " said Alex. "I like it here."

"Yes, well maybe you can still go to school here but just live with me," said Madelyne. "I don't mind driving you to school."

"No, Madelyne," said Alex. "I don't want to. I like living here. I have friends here."

Jean-Paul was talking to Roberto's parents.

"And then Roberto got out of the pool and his swim trunks had fallen off!" said Mrs. Da Costa.

"That's hilarious," said Jean-Paul.

"Yeah, so hilarious," said Roberto in a sarcastic tone. "Mom, please stop talking."

"I always had a feeling Roberto would date a boy," said Mr. Da Costa. "He was always a curious young man who liked to try new things. I remember one time I found him eating earthworms from the garden."

"Dad!" said Roberto. Suddenly, there was commotion coming from a table.

"Fine! Don't come back to live with me!" yelled Madelyne. Everyone in the room went quiet. "I raised you for six years! Got you out of foster care! This is how you repay me!"

"Hey, lady you making a scene," said Aisha's father.

"Dad, don't get involved," said Aisha.

Cyclops and Jean ran over to the table.

"Calm down," said Cyclops.

"No, I will not calm down!" yelled Madelyne. "This school has turned my own son against me!"

"I'm not your real son!" yelled Alex.

"Alex, don't say anything," said Jean as she tried to pull Alex away from the scene.

"Don't touch my son!" yelled Madelyne. "Just because you look exactly like me, doesn't make you his mother! I was the one that raised him since he was 10! Then you and Cyclops come to Chicago and take him away from me!"

"You agreed to come here," said Cyclops.

"I didn't know what I was getting myself into being at this school!" Madelyne grabbed her coat and walked over to the door. Professor X made his way to the door.

"Madelyne," said Professor X. "Don't do this."

"Don't tell me what to do!" said Madelyne. "I'll get my revenge on this school of yours. On your stupid X-Men!"

Madelyne walked out the door, leaving the students and their parents shocked at what they had seen.

"Crazy bitch!" said Aisha's father.

"Dad!" Aisha yelled out in embarrassment.

Future Chapter 28: Madelyne's Broken Mind

Madelyne closed her eyes as she tried to use Cerebro to locate Cyclops. The X-Men who were levitating a bit above the ground, were struggling to break free from Madelyne's psychic grip. Cerebro centered in on Cyclops' mind and located him on Utopia.

"Now I just have to concentrate and kill him," said Madelyne.

"No!" yelled Beast.

"Alex, do something," said Polaris.

"What can I do?" asked Havok.

"Just a little bit more," said Madelyne.

Havok was trying to think of a way to make his adoptive mother stop what she was doing. Suddenly, an idea came to mind.

"Mom!" yelled Havok. Madelyne's heart skipped a beat when she heard the word "mom" come out from Alex's mouth. Madelyne took the helmet off and reached her hand out to Havok, pulling him forward.

"What did you say?" asked Madelyne.

"I said Mom," said Havok. "I don't want you to hurt, Scott. Don't hurt my brother. Together...we can be a family."

"Do you really mean it?" asked Madelyne.

"Yes," said Havok. Havok looked into Madelyne's lifeless eyes. Her insanity had broken her mind.

"I don't believe it," said Madelyne. "I'm not a fool, Alex!" Madelyne then waved her hand and Havok was sent flying in the air. His body hit the metal wall of Cerebro and he fell down to the bottom of the round room.

"Alex!" yelled Polaris and Northstar.

"Back to business," said Madelyne as she put the helmet back on.

Madelyne concentrated harder and harder, until suddenly, an electric shock from the helmet zapped Madelyne's head. Madelyne screamed in pain and fell to floor. The X-Men were released from her psychic grip. Cerebro turned itself off. Polaris flew down to the bottom of Cerebro and grabbed Havok and brought him back to the main level.

"What happened?" asked Sunspot.

"Emma must have put a safety device on the machine to prevent anyone from using it to kill others," said Beast.

"Is she ok?" asked Northstar.

"She's not dead," said Beast as he took her pulse. "She's just knocked out."

"What do you want to do with her?" asked Polaris.

"Mystique?" asked Beast.

"We'll put her in a bed and keep an eye on her," said Mystique. "She's been subdued, so she shouldn't be a threat to us anymore."

An hour later, after Madelyne was put in a bed to rest and everyone had unpacked, Northstar and Havok were outside on the patio, watching the sunset.

"You said mom," said Northstar.

"I know," said Havok. "Never thought I would."

"What are we going to do about our lovers?" asked Northstar.

"Our lovers?" laughed Havok. "Don't call them that."

"Well, they're still mad at us," said Northstar. "We should apologize."

"Or we could sleep together," said Havok.

"Yeah, because that will solve all our problems," said Northstar sarcastically.

The two walked into the mansion and found Polaris and Sunspot making sanwiches.

"Can you make me a sandwich too?" asked Northstar to Sunspot.

"Sure, do you want mayo?" asked Sunspot.

"Yes, please," said Northstar.

"We have to tell you something," said Havok.

"What is it?" asked Polaris.

"We're sorry," said Havok. "We're sorry for fighting with you guys." Polaris and Sunspot looked at each other and smiled.

To be continued...