It had been a few weeks since the X-Men defeated the Sentinels and Senator Kelly freed Beast. The team had been enjoying the peace and quiet, acting as normal people for once. Unfortunately for Jubilee, that normalcy included returning to school studies. Something she was not looking forward to.
"I can't believe we have to go to classes again," She muttered, slumping onto the lab table in the school's chemistry lab. "We saved the world! Can't we get a break?"
"We may be heroes, but we're also teens," Bobby reminded her. "That means back to school for us. Still, we have Dr. McCoy back in action, and his chemistry class is something I'm really looking forward to. "
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, he's by far the coolest teacher here."
"Hank McCoy, the guy who spends his free time reciting Shakespeare is your pick for 'coolest teacher'?"
"Just wait till you see him in action."
As he said this, the doors opened, allowing for Hank to enter the classroom. The idle chatter died down as he approached the front of the classroom.
"The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things," He recited as he set down a stack of books and grabbed a lab coat off of a coat rack. "And the first is an apology for my extended hiatus."
He took his place, smiling out at his students.
"Now, I say we resume our studies with a favorite experiment of mine." He had a playful gleam in his eyes as he continued. "Creating an iconic 'stink bomb'."
The whole class cheered in response, even Jubilee perked up at the thought. Bobby just grinned in anticipation.
…
In the Professor's office, he was going over some files when there was a knock on his door.
"Come in," Xavier announced.
The door opens and Scott and Jean come inside.
"Ah, Scott, Jean, what can I do for you?"
"Professor, we were talking, and we came to ask if Jean and I could spend some time away from the mansion," Scott requested.
"With all that's happened, Weapon X's attack, Bishop's arrival, the entire Kelly situation, we both feel like we need a break," Jean added.
"Yes, of course," Xavier nodded. "I see no reason why not. Any thoughts as to where you'd like to go?"
"Somewhere remote, where it'll just be the two of us," Scott answered. "We managed to find a beach-side cabin on a small island in the Caribbean. We figured a week or two there is just what we need."
"Sounds delightful," Xavier replied. "Well, I won't keep you from getting ready then."
Both Scott and Jean smiled happily.
"Thank you, Professor," Jean told him, walking around the desk and hugging him. "Thank you so much."
"You are quite welcome," Xavier replied, returning the hug.
With that, the two X-Men took their leave of the office.
…
In the media room, Logan sat on the couch furthest from the door, a beer in one hand as he watched some TV. Kelly's Inaugurations was playing, and despite the Senator's former anti-mutant propaganda, Logan found himself happy the reformed Kelly was taking office.
"I, Robert Jefferson Kelly, do solemnly swear that I will defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of the President, so help me God."
The crowd erupted into cheers as Logan lifted his beer in a toast.
"Better not screw it up, Kelly," he remarked before taking a swig.
As he did, Gambit and Rogue entered the room, plopping onto the couch.
"Man, this room's the only one that ain't stinkin' ta high heaven," Rogue declared.
"Took the words right out of my mouth, Chere," Gambit agreed, waving a hand in front of his nose. "I'm glad Hank's home, but did he have to choose such a fragrant return experiment?"
"Guess he wanted to give the kids something fun now that he's back," Logan guessed.
"Explains why you've holed yourself up in here," Rogue remarked.
"Sensitive nose and stink bombs don't mix." Logan grabbed two beer bottles off the table next to him. "Want some?"
"Don't mind if we do," Gambit replied, grabbing one of the beers.
Rogue snagged the other, the three watching the rest of the inauguration.
"Thank you everyone for your undying support, and for placing your faith in me," Kelly began his speech. "As my first act as President, I have issued a full pardon to Dr. Henry McCoy, a mutant and member of the X-Men. Recent events have convinced me of the truth that this world has failed to see: Mutants are humans too. They must not be excluded from our society because they are different, but embraced and accepted."
"I see it, but I still don't believe it," Gambit remarked.
"None of us do, Sugah," Rogue told him. "Our biggest critic is now our defender."
At that moment, however, a very angry man's voice suddenly began shouting from the crowd.
"Traitor! You were elected to protect us from mutants! You swore you'd get rid of them!"
"Yes, but I've changed since then," Kelly tried to explain. "Mutant Kind as a whole is not our enemy."
"Liar! Mutant lover!"
The crowd started getting into an uproar as Secret Service men started ushering Kelly away. Logan sighed, downing the rest of his beer.
"Typical. We sway Kelly, and some new dirtbags take his place."
"Kelly had a lot of people backing him," Rogue reasoned. "Makes sense some of them wouldn't take his new change of heart well."
"Let's just hope things get better before they get worse," Gambit mused.
…
Out in the city, a rash of anti-mutant attacks were being launched, perpetrated by a group of men in shirts with the words Friends of Humanity as well as berets. They drove down the streets in a large pick-up truck, throwing grenades and Molotov cocktails at any places that welcomed or sheltered mutants. They cheered the entire time, chanting 'No More Mutants' at the top of their lungs. Things got really bad when a mutant that resembled Sasquatch was cornered in a back alley.
"Please… I don't want any trouble. I'm just trying to get home."
"No more mutants!" the group let out.
One of the men grabbed the mutant by the hair on his chest, throwing him to the ground. Before anything more could be done, Nightcrawler bamfed in, grabbing the mutant's shoulders.
"I believe you gentlemen have done enough damage for one night," He said before porting off.
Before the men could register what had happened, a shockwave of power suddenly hit them, sending them flying. As they crumbled to the ground, X-Gene lowered her hands, letting out a sigh.
"This is the fifth lynching we've stopped tonight." She looked at the Bamf on her shoulder. "If this keeps up, there won't be a safe place for mutants anywhere."
Stealthy just chirped nervously, his tail flicking at the men. X-Gene nodded, quickly making herself scarce before they came to.
…
Back at the mansion, the rest of the X-Men gathered in the War Room to discuss the situation.
"Just when we thought it was safe for mutants to walk the streets." X-Gene pulled off her helmet and rotated her neck. "These Friends of Humanity make the MRDies look like saints."
"Zhey've been attacking mutants on the streets for days," Kurt reported. "Zhey've been random and merciless. I fear zhe situation is as volatile as zhey come."
"I suggest we all be incredibly cautious for the foreseeable future," Xavier insisted. "These 'Friends of Humanity' are a threat that cannot be taken lightly. For now though, everyone should get some rest. I fear there will be little time for it in the days to come."
Everyone nodded before heading off. Once he was alone, Xavier felt his phone go off in his pocket. He pulled it out, not recognizing the number but answering it anyway.
"Professor Xavier speaking."
"Charles!" The panicked voice of Magneto came through the phone. "Terrible violence!"
Magneto let out a cry of pain, one that had Xavier clutching his phone so hard his knuckles were white.
"Erik, what's going on?"
"Need… Help! Please… hurry!"
"Where are you?" Xavier was beginning to panic himself, his mind showing him multiple images of what might be happening to his friend. "Erik, where are you?!"
"75… South… 139… East… My coordinates."
Charles looked up the coordinates and was surprised by what came up.
"Antarctica?"
"Hurry!"
The line suddenly went dead, much to Xavier's horror. Wasting no time, Xavier made his way down to the hanger to find his friend.
…
Meanwhile, Jubilee and some of the other kids were coming out of class, still reeling from the stink bomb experiment.
"Well?" Bobby let out. "What'd I tell you?"
"Okay, I concede, that was pretty cool." Jubilee then shrugged out of her coat, holding it away from herself. "However, I think we may have gone overboard on the stench."
Ororo walked over to the two teens, a mask over her face.
"All students from Dr. McCoy's chemistry class are to report directly to the bathrooms for a shower after delivering their clothing to the wash for proper sanitation," she announced.
"Won't get an argument out of me," Jubilee replied. "I think I'm gonna need three showers after this."
"Yeah, probably," Bobby agreed, taking a sniff of himself and reeling back.
Ororo ushered them off, letting out a sigh behind her mask as Hank came out of the lab.
"You too, Hank," she insisted. "You know how strong smells stay caked in your fur."
"A fair point," Hank relented. "It's hard enough to wash under normal circumstances anyway."
As the group went off to rid themselves of their stenches, they were unaware of one of the students slipping away from the group. The student in question snuck away from the students, breaking off towards the professor's office. Once inside, the student approached the bookcase hiding Cerebro, pulling the secret book that opened the doors. This revealed the secret elevator, which the student quickly took down to the massive machine itself.
Unbeknownst to the student though, Emma entered the office just as the bookcase closed up. Her eyes narrowing, she reopened it, descending as well.
…
Down in Cerebro, the student was tampering with the mechanics of the main set-up, crossing wires and dismantling safeguards. As Emma entered the Cerebro chamber, the student jumped to their feet.
"What on earth are you doing?!" She demanded.
"Nothing!" the student quickly replied. "See for yourself."
Emma walked up the console cautiously. Just as she bent down to take a look, the student struck. They hit her right in the back of the neck, forcing her head right into the console. She fell to the ground unconscious as the student cackled, their form rippling for a moment before becoming that of Emma herself.
"Sorry about that dear," 'Emma' apologized. "But I still have work to do."
She cackled again before retreating up the elevator. Once she reached the top, she closed the secret door and pulled a second book, locking the entrance down.
"One down, just a few more to go."
…
Storm finished corralling all the students towards the showers and was headed towards the kitchen for a break. As she entered the kitchen "Emma" was there with a happy expression on her face.
"Ah, Storm, just the woman I wanted to see. I need your help de-stinkafying Beast's lab, if you don't mind."
"Of course. What do you need?"
"As much extra strength bleach you can carry. I'm still figuring out where everything goes here, so would you mind fetching it for me?"
"Certainly. One moment."
Storm made her way towards a supply closet, opening the door and stepping in to grab the bleach. That's when 'Emma' suddenly shoved her inside, slamming the door shut. She then snapped off the knob, ensuring the door wouldn't be opened anytime soon.
"Emma!" Storm cried out, banging on the door as her claustrophobia began to set in. "What are you doing?! Let me out!"
"Emma" just walked away, walking deeper into the mansion, smiling as Storm continued screaming at the top of her lungs.
…
Meanwhile, Scott and Jean had just finished renting a boat for their little getaway and got on board.
"That should take care of everything," Scott relayed. "We should arrive at the island within the hour."
"Sounds good," Jean said with a smile as she leaned onto Scott's shoulder. "This is gonna be nice."
"You're telling me. Just the two of us, lying out on the beach, enjoying the sun and the ocean."
"Paradise."
As the two reminisced about their long overdue vacation, they were unaware of someone watching them from the dock. A man with long pink hair sipped on a margarita at a bar, spying on them before hitting a communicator hidden in his ear.
"Just like you predicted, they took the bait. They'll be at the island within the hour."
"Excellent. Rendezvous with the others and prepare for the next part of the plan."
…
Meanwhile, Alexis, Gambit, and Logan had taken a break from the mansion, going out to shoot some pool. It was Logan's turn to shoot, but his mind was not on the game, and it showed in his shot. While he managed to sink the ball he was aiming for, he also sank the cue ball.
"Ooh, that's unfortunate," Alexis commented.
"Yep, scratched again, Wolverine," Gambit piped up, chalking his cue stick. "Usually you're the man to beat."
"Yeah, well I've had a lot on my mind lately," Logan commented. "And you can't tell me you two haven't."
"Of course we have," Alexis assured him. "These 'Friends of Humanity' are a serious threat."
"Took the words right out of my mouth, petit." Gambit lined up his shot and struck his ball, knocking it into the pocket while sparing the cue ball. "Once we get a lead on that scum, we'll take 'em all down."
"Properly I hope," Alexis spoke up. "Even if these guys are racist assholes, they deserve to receive proper justice."
Logan snorted, shaking his head as he downed a mug of beer he had sitting on a nearby table.
"You're kidding, right? After the things they've done?"
"The law is the law, Logan, and it's in place for a reason." Alexis thumbed the sheriff's badge on her jacket. "I'm still an officer of the law, remember?"
"How can I forget? You tried to shoot me when we first met, remember?"
Alexis sighed, rolling her eyes.
"You are never going to let me live that down, are you?"
Before their conversation could continue, the front of the bar was blown open. The three of them instantly turned towards the front and saw the Friends of Humanity gathered outside the door.
"Mutant lover!" One of the members of the mob shouted. "Send out the muties or we'll burn them out!"
One member even began taking pot shots into the bar, forcing everyone to dive for cover.
"They want mutants?" Logan then extended his claws. "They'll get mutants."
"Easy there, Logan," Alexis warned. "We need to be smart about this."
"Petit, smart went out the window when it was blown open," Gambit informed her, charging a pool ball and chucking it through the hole.
The ball landed in front of the Friends of Humanity, exploding and blanketing the area in smoke. Alexis took the opportunity to slip through the confusion towards the member taking pot shots. She wrenched the gun from his hand, shaking her head.
"You have a permit for this?" she inquired.
She threw it in the air and took out her own blaster, shooting at it and destroying it. This turned out to be a mistake which the leader of the Friend of Humanity took advantage of.
"Over there!" He shouted. "The mutant has a gun!"
Alexis realized that several members of the group were recording the entire fight. She quickly shielded her face, trying to keep herself from being recognized.
"Think it's time we made our exit," Logan decided.
"Oui," Gambit replied.
The three took off into the night as Gambit tossed another pool ball, the explosion scattering the terrorists and giving the mutants a chance to escape.
"Still think justice is in the cards for these guys?" Logan remarked.
"Shut up and run," Alexis snapped.
…
Back at the Mansion, the three of them were watching a news report featuring the footage shot at the bar.
"We were set up," Logan snarled.
"I'm just glad the petit kept her head down," Gambit remarked. "Havin' the world think she's human is onna our biggest weapons."
"This is definitely gonna put a damper on human/mutant relations," Alexis lamented..
"Oh don't worry," Logan spoke up. "I plan on making all kinds of new human friends soon enough."
He got up and moved towards the door, but Alexis quickly caught his arm.
"Logan, stop. If you go out there and start picking fights, it's just gonna make things worse."
"Then what do you suggest I do? Cause your way ain't workin so well for us!"
"I suggest taking some time to clear your head before you go looking for a fight.
"... fine. But I can't promise some friends of humanity won't have some broken bones when I get back."
He pulled his arm free and stalked off. Alexis watched him go and sighed, Stealthy climbing up her arm and perching on her shoulder. He chirped slightly, cocking his head as Gambit came over, ruffling his hair.
"He'll be back by morning," Gambit guessed. "Like you said, petit, he just needs time to cool off"
"I know. I just hope he doesn't do anything too stupid…"
…
From an upstairs window, "Emma" watched as Logan rode off on his bike.
"Even Wolverine's bike sounds angry," she remarked, walking off.
As she walked down the hall, her appearance shifted, becoming that of Logan.
"Let's see how angry I can make everyone else," he chuckled maliciously.
As he rounded the corner, he came across Rogue, who was looking more than a little tired.
"Hey Logan," she greeted. "I thought I heard your bike earlier. Forget something?"
"Yeah, just grabbing something from my room," 'Logan' lied.
"Well, don't mind me. I'm just heading to the rec room to get some rest. It's the only room that doesn't stink to high heaven."
"I hear ya."
Rouge walked off and 'Logan' smirked, taking on her appearance.
…
Back in the war room, Jubilee came wandering in, finding Gambit still watching the news, sighing.
"What brings you here, petit?" Gambit asked.
"Boredom, mostly. I managed to snag my turn in the showers, but the water heater gave out. Forge is trying to fix it, and until he does, everyone's been quarantined."
"Guess you got lucky."
"Not really. Because I don't smell anymore, I'm being kept away from everyone else, so I'm beyond bored."
"Maybe this will help." Gambit picked up his deck of cards and shuffled them before presenting them to Jubilee. "Pick a card. Any card."
"Seriously?"
"Trust me, petit, you'll love it."
"I'm not a kid, Gambit, I'm too old for card tricks."
"You still look like a kid to me," "Rogue" remarked, walking inside. "Now why don't you run along while I talk to Gambit?"
"But I just got here, and there's nothing for me to do," Jubilee whined.
Gambit glanced at 'Rogue,' who gave Gambit a seductive wink.
"Better do what she says, petit," Gambit remarked.
Jubilee just rolled her eyes as she walked out of the room.
"I'm not a kid… What does it take to be treated like one of the group?"
She slammed the door shut, sparks dancing from her hands and frying the handle. She winced, pulling her hand back.
"Whoops..."
Sticking her hands in her pockets, Jubilee slipped down the hall. Gambit meanwhile turned off the TV before turning to Rogue.
"What's on your mind, Chere?"
"I wanted to show you something, something I think you'll love.
Rogue then proceeded to slip off one of her gloves and reach for Gambit. The cajun flinched slightly, but remained still when 'Rogue' gently shushed him. When she touched his cheek, he felt nothing but the warmth of her skin. His eyes went wide as Rogue pulled away, sliding her glove back on.
"How…?"
"Funny story actually. Come up to the rec room in five minutes, and I'll tell it to ya."
She then blew him a kiss and walked out. Gambit watched her go, alarm bells going off in his head.
…
Down in the kitchen, Jubilee began raiding the fridge for anything to snack on, still a bit miffed about being called a kid.
"I've gone above and beyond for these guys," she fumed. "What's it gonna take to get a little respect around here?"
As she pulled out a can of soda, "Storm" came walking up to her.
"Jubilee," she spoke. "We have received word that the Friends of Humanity seek to lead an assault against a mutant halfway house." She handed Jubilee a slip of paper with an address. "I want you to go to this address and deal with the situation."
"Me? Uh… yeah. I'm on it!"
"Take your spare uniform and hurry. Time is of the essence!"
"Right!" Jubilee replied before taking off.
"Storm" watched Jubilee go, smirking a bit.
"That gets rid of her. I wish I'd gotten to the water line sooner so she'd be in quarantine with the rest of the brats, but this will do nicely. Now, to deal with the rest of the X-Men."
…
In the Danger Room, Beast was in the midst of a training session to hone his long dormant skills. Unbeknownst to him, the mysterious shape changer was up in the control area, fiddling with the settings.
"Time to put a little extra danger in the Danger Room."
As Beast landed on the ground, panels on the wall opened up, revealing giant buzz saws moving towards him at tremendous speeds. Beast quickly leapt out of the way, noting the increased difficulty of his training regime.
"Curious," he noted. "I don't recall signing up for a level increase."
Before Beast could ponder any further, laser turrets opened fire on him, prompting him to think on his feet once more.
…
In the rec room, Gambit entered and found Rogue fast asleep on the couch. He approached her carefully, gently brushing hair out of her face.
"Gotta admit, it be so tempting to wake you with a kiss," Gambit commented. "But Gambit don't go where he's not invited, and he knows you ain't the one who invited him."
He then gave Rogue's shoulder a gentle nudge, waking her up. She groaned slightly, shuffling on the couch.
"Gambit…" she groaned. "What's the big idea of waking a girl from her beauty sleep?"
"As if you need it, Chere. Unfortunately, someone in the mansion is wearing your pretty face and trying to make me do you dirty."
"What?" Rogue let out, sitting up. "Are you sure?"
"She said she had a way to touch me. And I'm guessing you don't."
"No…" She turned away solemnly. "I'm guessing whoevah's behind this isn't aware of our little bout with the inhibitor collar."
"Don't remind me," Gambit groaned. "Gambit still feels bad about that."
"I know. And it was nice… despite what came after. Still, we've got a new problem."
"Right. Let's get Alexis and Kurt on this one. I get the feeling this is a big one."
…
Across town, Jubilee made her way to the address "Storm" had provided for her. As she approached the building, she took a breath before knocking on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing the leader of the Friends of Humanity. He leered down at Jubilee, recognizing the symbol for the X-Men on her uniform.
"Uh… hi," Jubilee greeted. "I was told that there were some mutants in need of protecting."
"Why yes," the leader jeered as more FoH members began surrounding the poor girl. "Right this way."
…
Back at the mansion, Kurt and Alexis were sitting on the couch in the living room, watching the news on TV. Seeing all the violence going on made Alexis lean into Kurt, Stealthy curled up between them.
"It's times like these that remind me of why everyone hated me when they thought I was human," she mused.
"The cruelties of humankind truly make one irksome," Kurt commented.
"I'd expect that kind of poetry from the other blue, furry X-Man."
"It appears my ears were burning," "Beast" remarked, walking into the room.
"Hank," Kurt greeted. "Come to vatch zhe news vith us?"
"Unfortunately, no. I've just received word of these so called 'friends of humanity' launching an attack on a mutant counseling center. You two are the only ones available at the moment."
Alexis let out a long sigh.
"No rest for the weary. I'll grab my gun and helmet."
"I'm afraid in my rush, I forgot to fully shut down the Danger Room," Beast informed. "I'll join up with you in a little while."
"Very well," Kurt replied,. "Try not to take too long. Zhis is escalating faster zhan the registration act ever did."
The two slipped off as "Beast" grinned maliciously.
"That'll teach you to try and replace me, you mutant pretender."
…
As "Beast" had informed, the mutant counselling center was under besiegement by the Friends of Humanity, one of the low lives actually tossing a grenade into the building. It exploded, starting a massive fire that trapped the occupants inside.
"No more mutants!" they cried out.
On a nearby rooftop, Kurt and Alexis ported in, watching the events unfold.
"This isn't good," Alexis muttered, sliding her helmet on. "Get in there and get everyone out. I'll deal with the FoH."
"Right. Be careful."
"You too."
Alexis gave Kurt a quick peck on the cheek before he ported away, prompting her to climb down the fire escape towards the FOH. Inside the building, several sprinklers were going off, drenching the building and putting out the fires. Several members began charging inside, but Alexis quickly got between them and the building. She aimed her gun at them, snarling.
"Don't take another step, whack jobs."
She fired the gun, shooting several energy blasts at the goons, knocking them back. Back inside, Kurt quickly got to work, teleporting the mutants to safety. As he dropped off the last of them, he spotted an explosion in the distance.
"X-Gene!" he shouted.
Alexis turned, seeing the smoke and nodding. She shot herself in the side, absorbing the power of the shot before stomping her foot as hard as she could. The ground exploded, shaking everything around her and causing all of the FoH members to get sprayed with shrapnel. Satisfied they wouldn't be getting up anytime soon, she took off in the direction of the explosion.
"Nightcrawler, keep with the mutants! Make sure these punks don't try and pull anything!"
"You sure you can handle zhis?" he questioned.
"Even if I can't, Beast ain't far! Now go!."
Kurt nodded before heading back to check on the mutants. This left Alexis to deal with the FoH, and the new explosion. As she ran, one of the FoH goons lobbed a grenade at her. It exploded and she grunted, getting minor burns while absorbing most of the explosion.
"Now, that wasn't very nice!" she shouted.
She flicked her finger at the goon, knocking him clear through a wall. As she continued to deal with the goons, someone emerged from the alley, transforming into a goon mid-step.
"Hit that freak with all we've got!" he shouted. "Show everyone just how dangerous these freaks are!"
The goon opened fire on Alexis, prompting the others to do the same. They hit their marks and Alexis began to glow brightly. Sparks danced and she realized what was about to happen. She began trying to get away, to put some distance between herself and everyone else.
"Stealthy, get out of here!" she insisted. "Go!"
The Bamf ported away, seconds before she completely overloaded. The blast tore through the entire street, wrecking buildings, overturning cars, and shattering every pane of glass in a mile radius. The FoH were all sent flying, and the fake goon was blown back as well, smacking his head hard on the corner of a building. He slumped to the ground, his vision blurry.
"Alexis!" Kurt screamed, porting into the middle of the destruction.
The dust settled and he found her on the ground, out cold. He scooped her up, Stealthy appearing with a nervous look in his eyes. Kurt could hear sirens in the distance and he knew that they would take Alexis away, so he quickly ported out of there. The goon, also hearing the sirens, forced himself to his feet, retreating deeper into the alley. As he did, his body began to shift, his mind too scattered to hold the form. He began reverting to his natural form, a young man wearing an old, torn X-Men uniform with pale skin and sunken in, bloodshot eyes.
"That'll… teach ya… to replace… Morph..." he wheezed, letting out a madness-ridden giggle as he slunk away.