Everyday, the X-men are tasked with saving and protecting a world that doesn't want them part of it. Part of this mission is to fight against those who are mutant extremists, most notable, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and Magneto.
Recently, Magneto and his Brotherhood teamed up with the Morlocks to send all the X-men away on an impromptu "vacation" to the Savage Land. Upon being separated from one another, the X-men had to learn what it meant to rely on each other for survival. As a result, Rogue and Wolverine have begun to mend their hostility toward each other, and Scott Summers and Jean Grey have seemingly grown closer into something more.
Now, the X-men must go to the island of Genosha to rescue Matthew Risman, a man who was responsible for financially backing Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane in their quest to "cure" mutant children.
Issue 39: Revolution
Risman Financial – One Hour Ago
Risman Financial prided itself to be one of the most well-known banks in the city of Manhattan. However, what most probably did not know was that Risman Financial also had its share of skeletons hidden in the closet, especially about the organizations that it supported financially.
Matthew Risman, owner of Risman Financial, was a business man with intelligence so sophisticated and high-level, he could make supposed "geniuses" like Tony Stark look like amateurs. He could remember back all those months ago in November, nearly six months prior, when he'd met with Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane, who had approached him about being a financial backer for their side project.
"Absolutely, gentlemen, you know what my convictions are. You know I'm seeing how mutants are the cause of so much of our problems today in America. Does Warren Jr. know about this?" he'd asked at the time.
"He has no idea. We have a feeling if he did have an idea of what we're doing with his cure, then he won't want to support us financially even though this project is something we feel he'd have an appreciation for," Hodge had explained at the time.
Now that Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane were locked away in Rikers Island Prison, Risman understood that there was the chance the two could potentially rat him out for supporting them financially. Thankfully, their lips had stayed sealed the whole time. Now, as Risman walked through his bank, he couldn't help but feel pride. In fact, he would be more than willing to support Senator Edward Kelly financially for his campaign since he'd lost Hodge, Stane and Warren Worthington Junior.
Suddenly, Risman was pulled from his thoughts as he saw the lights above his head flickering. At first, he figured that it was just the light bulbs needing to be changed by the custodians. However, when it happened several more times, he knew that something was off. That was the moment he heard several of the tellers and several clients screaming in fear. Turning around, he saw Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants standing there along with a few Morlocks. However, in that moment, Risman didn't feel fear. He felt nothing but rage at the sight of the Brotherhood and Morlocks breaking into his establishment; his second home.
"Magneto!" he spat in disgust, a cold, hard glare plastered on his face.
"Matthew Risman," Magneto said; his voice cold and voided of any emotion. "Owner of Risman Financial right here in Manhattan. You know, before you go financially supporting humans who decide to buy an island to oppress mutantkind, that you should hide it somewhere deeper."
"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about! Get the hell out," shouted Risman, loathing evident in his tone.
"Oh contraire," Pietro "Quicksilver" Maximoff spat out. "You know, anyone with common sense can find anything on the dark web. It just took a little quick search with the help of some technopathic mutants from the Morlocks for us to know the truth."
"If you're not going to admit to it, then maybe, just maybe, I can make you admit it," said Quentin "Kid Omega" Quire. He turned to look towards Todd "Toad" Tonybe, who had a cell phone ready to record the whole entire showdown for the world to see. Freddy "Blob" Dukes and Lance "Avalanche" Alvers went over to hold Risman in place.
"Get away from me you freaks!" Risman yelled in anger.
"Just do as we say, and nobody here gets hurt," whispered Clarice "Blink" Ferguson darkly. "For so many years, my mutation made me look so deformed; I couldn't even go out in public because I knew people would identify me as a mutant just by looking at me! My own parents kicked me out! You've got no fucking clue what I had to be put through; what the Morlocks had to be put through. I was living on the Goddamn streets, eating out of dumpsters like a rat, before Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane grabbed me and drugged me and I awoke in a prison cell on the island of Genosha collared like an animal! If you do not see anything wrong with that, then you're the one who is crazy."
Risman continued to glare at the Brotherhood and the Morlocks standing before him, who were looking at him with so much disgust and hatred towards him and the rest of humanity.
"They were not looking to kill you. They-They were doing that cure for you!" Risman growled, struggling under the grasp of Avalanche and Blob.
"For us!" Magneto let out a bark of emotionless laughter. "You must have one truly twisted idea of looking at things, Risman." He turned towards Wanda "Scarlet Witch" Maximoff, whose fingertips seemed to glow a bright shade of red as she made the lights above flicker. He then gave Toad a look to start recording a cell phone video. "Now, Mr. Risman, you will publicly admit to your actions and what you have done, or there will be consequences for your employees." He then turned to Kid Omega, who turned his attention to several of the bank tellers.
'You will stop breathing,' Kid Omega said telepathically to the two tellers, and both proceeded to struggle with breathing as they choked severely. Scarlet Witch proceeded to hold several other bank tellers in place using her hexing powers, almost as though she was binding them up from head to foot with restraints. It was a sight that Matthew Risman felt nothing but horror over as he watched. Everything he had ever worked for could be ruined either way.
"FINE!" he yelled out. Quentin Quire then let the tellers go, allowing them to gasp for air before he turned his attention to Risman.
'Tell the truth,' Kid Omega told the ruthless bank owner telepathically.
"I . . . Matthew Risman, am responsible for having financially supported Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane. I supported them in their attempt at conquest of turning the island of Genosha into an island used to illegally experiment the Worthington Legacy Cure on mutant children," Risman said finally, under Kid Omega's telepathic control. Finally, Toad stopped recording the video.
"Thank you, Mr. Risman, but you're not done yet. You are coming with us to our new home known now as Genosha. You are going to see the work we have done with renovating it since Hodge and Stane had been arrested," spat Magneto, an icy glare still in his eyes.
Magneto's Citadel – Present Day
For the past hour or so, Matthew Risman was bound with metal restraints in Magneto's citadel, his muscles aching and tense as he sat there. After Magneto had broken into his bank, he'd coerced him into exposing the fact that he had financially supported Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane. Upon his forced arrival to the island, Risman saw that the island was now occupied with mutants, even some of the mutant prisoners who had been held prisoner.
Leaned there against the wall with metal binding him from his shoulders to his feet, Risman let out a sigh of exasperation as he noticed Magneto coming into the room with his two children.
"Magneto, what the hell is the point of this?" Risman asked angrily, continuing to struggle.
"It's time for me and my Brotherhood to create a new world. It's a world where one day, mutants won't have to deal with the likes of you!" the master of magnetism spat coldly. "Humanity is doing nothing but poisoning the world for mutants everywhere. And you're part of that equation. Did you think for one second that those mutants whom you held against their will on this very island to get a cure injected into them had lives of their own? That there were mutant children on this island? Did you think about that? So how dare you suggest that you are any better than Hodge or Stane just simply because you provided them the finances for their little side project? How is that any better? You tell me."
"I will tell you I don't regret it," Risman said, his voice tinged with disgust and hatred towards Magneto.
"Really now?" asked Pietro. "Because that is just an excuse that you are coming up with right now; I'm not stupid. My sister and I had to grow up in Sakovia where we witnessed our mother get killed in front of us simply because she had a mutant for a husband and she was Jewish. How the hell is that any different than what Hodge and Stane were attempting at doing? I heard through the grapevine that that Legacy Cure nearly killed a young boy! How do you excuse that?"
"Don't lecture me! You're the one holding me hostage, kid. You are sick, you are going to hell; every last one of you!"
"Does it say in the Bible if we're going to hell or not?" Pietro asked rhetorically.
"You won't get away with this!" Risman growled.
"Oh contraire," Pietro said in a cold tone of voice. "We're already making this island our new home! At the rate Senator Edward Kelly is going, and the rate President Norman Osborne is going, mutants are with no doubt going to end up needing their own country!"
"GOOD! Have your own country. We don't need scum like you contaminating the United States of America!" shouted Risman angrily.
"Contaminating?" barked Wanda Maximoff. "Really? You're saying we're contaminating the country? Wow! That is so rich. And meanwhile, people like you are hiding and sneaking around and getting away with torturing and harassing us! You may justify it, but, there's nothing that can justify it. Lie to yourself all you wish to! We know the Goddamn truth!" Her fists turned an aurora of bright crimson as she glared at him.
"You really do not want to piss her off. She's got a temper on her," Pietro said, leaning a hand on his sister's shoulder to try and calm her.
"Sit back and enjoy the show, Mr. Risman. You're about to witness a change unlike anything you've ever seen before," Magneto whispered, and he and his two children walked out of the room. For them, it was quite convenient that Risman was right across from a huge open window to see the whole entire island for what it was.
SHIELD Quinjet
The X-men stood on the SHIELD quinjet as they flew towards the island of Genosha, not knowing exactly what it was that they were in for.
Putting all of the evidence together, it was clear to everyone that Magneto was planning on turning the island of Genosha into his new home, a country just for mutants. However, hearing that he potentially kidnapped the founder of Risman Financial was something that they all felt was low, even for the master of magnetism.
Scott and Jean stood on the quinjet in their X-men uniforms, which had gotten repaired with the help of Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton who were two of Nick Fury's best agents. Standing beside each other, Scott grabbed Jean by the hand to reassure her. He could tell that she was no doubt anxious.
"Jean, it's going to be fine. All I hope is that we just find this Risman guy and free him, because as much as I hate the idea of saving a dick like him, we need to remind ourselves we're doing the right thing right now," Scott told her.
"Yeah, Scott, I know," said Jean. "It's just . . . our lives are so crazy right now. Can we ever just sleep at night knowing that we don't have to fight for peace?"
"Nobody ever said it would be easy, Jean," said Cecilia as she moved to stand near them.
Everyone on the team noticed that since they got back from the Savage Land, how close Jean and Scott were hanging near each other. Sure, they were close before, but now, it seemed as though something had bloomed between the both of them. Logan knew from his experience of being a member of Alpha Flight and having been in the military, what happened when soldiers needed to lean so closely onto each other for survival. It was clear that Scott and Jean had formed an even deeper bond than they had previously. They might not notice it, but, everyone around them knew.
Tony sat on the quinjet, observing his prodigies and future employees. Nursing a glass of scotch, Tony took a sip. During the three weeks of his X-men having been missing in the Savage Land, Tony had been drinking a lot more heavily than usual due to how stressed and worried he had been.
The past year of trying to cut cold turkey from his alcoholism got thrown out the window after he saw his X-men get teleported off to God only knew where. The previous week, he had gotten so drunk he'd been nearly drowning in his own vomit leaned over his desk. And now, he was especially worried, because the previous week, he'd also felt pains in his chest, something he shouldn't be experiencing at the age of thirty-five. All he knew was now that the X-men were back where they belonged; he for sure was going to stop, no doubt. The last thing that he wanted was for his X-men to see him addicted to booze again. However, he also knew that they were all aware that he had a problem when it came to drinking.
Before the X-men knew it, they were hovering over Genosha, and they were on Magneto's new homeland. Scott let out a sigh as he adjusted his visor. Bobby went into his organic ice form.
"Alright, X-men, let's do this," Cyclops said. He nodded for Rogue, Marvel Girl, Angel and Storm to start flying off the aircraft with Iceman. Once the quinjet landed down, the professor, Beast, Wolverine, Natasha, Clint, Cecilia, Forge, Danielle Moonstar, and Cyclops got out of the plane the old-fashioned way. However, the minute they set foot on the island, that was the moment they were distracted by a hex bolt fired their way by the one and only Scarlet Witch.
"Shit!" hissed Rogue as she dodged Wanda.
"X-men, scramble!" Cyclops ordered as the Blob and Avalanche made their way over.
"Really, X-men, invading our turf? I thought we had more courtesy than to do that to you!" said Avalanche, stomping his foot down hard on the ground and releasing a shock wave that rumbled the ground below.
"MARVEL GIRL, WOLVERINE, ROGUE, DR. REYES, GO ON WITHOUT US!" Cyclops barked, firing a concentrated optic blast at the Blob.
"On it, Scooter!" Wolverine yelled. "X-men, let's go!"
Marvel Girl, Rogue and Cecilia followed Wolverine's lead, with Marvel Girl using her telepathy to try and find the mind of Matthew Risman. As much as she hated the idea of needing to rescue him, she also knew if she didn't, it would just make things worse for mutants across the United States. She and Rogue took the skies, Marvel Girl scanning the minds of everyone on the island of Genosha.
"I got him," she announced. "He's in the citadel!"
"Alright, Jeannie!" Logan said as they pushed forward, Marvel Girl dodging the attack of Quentin Quire, who attempted to attack her telepathically. Luckily, she managed to shield her mind and release a surging psychic attack on Kid Omega, causing him to pass out. The four X-men continued pushing forward in pursuit of just getting Matthew Risman out of there. But they also knew when they got hold of him, that he was no doubt going to face trial for his actions of funding Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane's illegal project. He had to face justice too, but, he wouldn't be able to if Magneto continued with holding him hostage like this.
Before they knew it, the four X-men were inside Magneto's citadel, which looked more like an iron maze than anything else in the world. Given that Magneto had the powers of controlling anything metal, it was no surprise that he would build a home like this for himself and anybody else willing to live on the island of Genosha.
"Dammit, this whole place is like a maze," said Rogue. "Ah heard Mystique sayin' that Magneto had aspirations of mutants having a new home to live in. When she said that, she wasn't kiddin'."
"Yeah, no kidding, Stripes," Wolverine said, popping his claws out.
"You reckon that we split up?" asked Cecilia.
"No, there's somethin' that don't smell right about this place. I don't like it. Stick together," Wolverine said, his instincts taking over as he turned to Marvel Girl. "Jeannie, can ya pinpoint this prick's location?"
"Yes, I can. He's on the top floor of this place. Rogue?" she asked.
"Okay, Ah'm on it." Rogue broke into flight and used her enhanced strength to punch her way through several floors. Despite the foundation of the building being what appeared to be vibranium or adamantium, Rogue managed to get through it easily. Marvel Girl used her telekinesis to form a bubble around herself, Cecilia and Wolverine to get them upstairs. Marvel Girl used her powers to get a feel of where Risman was.
"He's in the next room," she said. "I absolutely hate the idea of needing to save this prick, but it has to get done."
"At least after this he'll be in Alpha Flight's custody for his part in what happened on Genosha all those months ago," said Rogue with a heavy sigh. "Let's just stay positive by thinking that." They all made their way into the room where Risman was being held as a hostage. They saw that he was bound to the wall in nothing but metal. Cecilia shook her head, sighing heavily. Marvel Girl just released the corrupt bank owner from his bindings and went over to him.
"What was that for?" Rismon asked her.
"Just shut up, bub," Wolverine hissed.
"As much as I hate the idea of needing to rescue a dick like you, I've got no choice. I could use my telepathy to make you do and say whatever it is that I want like Quentin Quire does, but, I don't, and I won't. Like I would even give you the satisfaction," Marvel Girl said with a shake of her head as she and Wolverine dragged Risman along with them.
"Fucking freaks," spat Risman in disgust.
"Call us whatever names you wish. We just saved your ass," Cecilia said calmly. As they were about to move out of the room, they saw Magneto standing there, blocking their way.
"Oh my God, are you kidding me right now?" asked Marvel Girl around a groan as Magneto used his powers on them to bind them to the walls with his magnetism. "MAGNETO!" she yelled.
"Ms. Grey, do you honestly think I will let any of you leave this easily?" the master of magnetism asked them.
"Oh please!" shouted Rogue. "Magneto, enough! Just let us go and we'll be on our way home!"
"Not today, Rogue. You try breaking into my home, on my island," Magneto said coldly.
"MAGNETO WHAT IS THE POINT OF ALL THIS?" yelled Wolverine as Magneto started using his powers to force the Wolverine's claws out of his hands. Wolverine was in such a position that his hands were right underneath Marvel Girl and Risman's chins. He could so easily have Wolverine kill the both of them.
"The point is to show the world that my Brotherhood and I are not going to take humanity's abuse any longer, especially at the likes of men like this," said the master of magnetism.
"For the love of God, Magneto, just because we X-men fight for humans and mutants to live together peacefully doesn't mean that we are weak!" shouted Cecilia. "Do not get it twisted!"
Marvel Girl just stayed where she was, letting out a sigh. This whole entire situation felt so ridiculous to her; she was already sick of it. She wanted nothing more than to just go home. Taking a deep breath in the effort to keep herself calm in that situation, she knew not to get herself worked up in that moment in time. The more they stayed there, the more they were at Magneto's mercy as Wolverine's claws were forced closer and closer to Marvel Girl and Risman's throats.
"You stupid son of a bitch!" spat Risman in disgust towards Magneto. However, that was the moment a large, red optic blast forced the metal wall of the citadel down and a single arrow fired, exploding close to Magneto. It was enough of a distraction for Marvel Girl to use her telekinesis to release them from the metal restraints as Clint Barton used one of his trick arrows to get himself into the citadel. Marvel Girl had contacted Barton and Cyclops telepathically.
"Thanks Barton," Wolverine said gruffly as he grabbed hold of Risman again.
Clint nodded as he took hold of Risman from Wolverine. "It's no problem, Logan. He'll be in SHIELD's custody we can take it from here. Just go home. If anyone's earned it, it's you guys."
The four X-men nodded and they proceeded to make their way across the beaches of Genosha to meet up with the others with Cyclops, who all looked exhausted after having fought the Brotherhood. Cyclops especially looked exhausted. However, he did have a loose end to tie up with his younger brother.
"Alex," he said as he walked over to his brother.
"Scott?" Alex asked.
"I take it you're staying here?" Cyclops asked, not liking the idea of it at all.
"It's the safest place for me, Scott," Alex said. "My foster parents were being harassed so badly by the neighbors; I knew that it would get to a point where I would be in danger because of that. When Mystique approached me with the offer to live here, I couldn't pass it up."
"You could always come with us and get an education at the high school Bobby goes to," Cyclops offered.
"Believe me, Scott, I've considered that option, but, at this point, over these past three weeks, I feel so at home here," Alex said, though his eyes were drifting over to Lorna Dane, his cellmate from when they had been prisoner on the island together. He had grown closer to her during the past three weeks, nearly inseparable at that.
Cyclops looked over at Lorna, knowing what Alex was referring to. "You like her?" he asked his brother.
Alex grinned a little bit. "When you're stuck in a cell with somebody on this island when you're captured to be forced into taking a mutant cure, you get to know her pretty damn well," he said.
"Well, I cannot make your decisions for you, Alex. It's your life," Cyclops said as he and his brother hugged. "Love you."
"Love you too," Alex said. "Good luck," he added.
Cyclops let out a sigh as he walked back over to the SHIELD quinjet so that he and the others could all go back home. Taking his seat on the aircraft, he breathed out a loud sigh of exhaustion, closing his eyes as he felt Marvel Girl sitting beside him.
"I am drained," Jean groaned as she took her mask off of her face.
"I'll second that. I need twenty-four hours of sleep," Warren said as he sat beside Tony.
Logan sat down beside Scott and Jean, rubbing his hands over his face.
"I take it you're going back to Alpha Flight?" asked Jean.
"Actually, kid, I plan on stickin' with the X-men for a while," Logan said. "I'm stayin'."
Jean smiled tiredly, closing her eyes and allowing herself to rest for what felt like the first time in a thousand years.
Up next: Holding onto Hope