1 Prisons
Psylocke awakens to find herself in a desolate, grungy and murky dungeon prison. She tried to budge, but her arms, legs and midsection were shackled to the wall. On top of that she ached from the beating that Kuragari gave her. She couldn't help but wonder what memory would he bring out next to beat her down with.
Betsy awoke from her thought to try and get a good idea of her surroundings. There were no windows and no visible door that she could tell of. There were a bunch of skeletons were what were probably once fascinating creatures, but she really didn't want to add her bones to the collection.
As she was about to use her telepathy to feel for a door she heard a loud guffawing laugh. It rang in her ears like two pounding cymbals. She had never heard laughter that dark before except maybe from the Shadow King. She couldn't really remember straight and being covered with dry blood didn't help matters.
"So I see sleeping beauty is awake?" a lion-like creature said walking through the wall. So the walls were transparent and she had been staring at an illusion the whole time.
"Who are you?" Psylocke managed to sputter out.
"Otto is my name. Glad to see the master didn't harm you too much. You're very pretty."
I would be even prettier out of these shackles
"The master not to let you out so that's what I'm going to do."
Do you always listen to what the master tells you? Do you always do what he wants? Psylocke was asking these questions so he would open up his mind and she could learn what she needed to get out of this god- forsaken dimension.
"Yes I do as the master tells me. Like earlier today when he told me to clean these nice books he said you gave to him. Books of Truth I believe they were called," Otto said scratching his head. Psylocke was in shock at hearing these words, but she had to play it cool if she was going to get out of here.
Well I'm glad he received my gift so well. I hope he put them in a nice place
"Oh yes he did put them in a very special place. He put them right in the front of his grand library. You should be proud."
Oh but I am! I would be even prouder if I could see them, but alas I'm stuck here. It's a bloody shame too
"I guess I can take you down. The master wouldn't mind too much," Otto said as he began to unlock Psylocke's shackles. When he got done with all of them Psylocke smiled and walked out of the door with him.
You know you are really are nice luv. You've helped me get my books back
"What do you..UHNN!" Otto said passing out from Psylocke's psi-blade penetration his cranium.
Now where was I? From what I gleamed in Otto's head the books are straight ahead and two rights down
Psylocke began to run as best as she could especially considering the condition she was in. She ran down the hallway until she was about to make her first right turn when she ran into Deck. He stood well over seven feet tall and carried a large scythe in his hand. His skin was black like his brother Kuragari and he wore a giant purple cloak that covered much of his body.
"You were looking for these," Deck said holding up a bag. Psylocke could tell by the way the bag was shaped that it contained the Books of Truth within it.
"Alright we'll I'm caught so lets just get this over with!" Psylocke exclaimed as she took a step back, bent down and charged up her psi-blade.
"Earth woman I am not here to destroy you! I'm here to help you out of this wretched place and to help you defeat my brother!" Deck hissed.
"First things first give me the bag," Psylocke said as she wetted her lips. Deck held out his long arm and Betsy snatched the bag with the books.
"Now if you really are here to help me you'll take me back to my dimension," Psylocke declared. Deck smiled and pulled out a remote control looking device from his cloak. With a few clicks a portal opened. He waved his hand in a gesture to direct Psylocke to the portal. Betsy tried to read Deck's mind before she left to see if his intentions were true, but she couldn't. After a persistent ten seconds Deck finally realized what she was trying to do and allowed her in his mind. She then understood that he sincerely wanted to help her. With that she smiled and ran into the portal back to her home. Deck nodded his head as she departed and very shortly left in a portal all his own.
2 Australia
Psylocke found herself no longer holding a bag with the four books in it, but instead she was holding the four Books of Truth themselves. She found that she could easily get off of the ground and that all her wounds were healed.
"I would have never thought you so low as to take the books," Bishop said coldly as he came into the base. Obviously the rest of the X-Treme team followed.
"Well I've never heard such a bloody wrong accusation in my entire life!" Psylocke yelled disgusted with Bishop and his attitude.
"Drop the books now," Bishop said pointing a gun at Psylocke.
"Bishop stop!" Storm yelled.
"This woman was trying to take the Books of Truth," Bishop grunted.
"How can you be so sure of this?" Storm asked hoping that Bishop would see the error of his ways.
"Let's put it this way Storm. She couldn't have been trying to protect the books so she was either trying to take them or find out the information within the books before anyone else did. She wasn't too smart though since she only took four books and not five," Bishop remarked. Psylocke looked down and realized he was right. She had four books instead of five. That meant one of the books was still in the hands of Kuragari.
"There is an easy way to resolve this. Psylocke if you'd please," Sage said approaching Betsy and entering her mind. After about a minute Sage stepped away. It took her a minute to do what a telepath of Psylocke's caliber could do in a few seconds.
"Betsy had no intention of stealing the books in fact she was trying to protect them. I think you would be more suited to give them all a download than myself," Sage sighed hating that her telepathic abilities were so minor. She had always dreamed of being powerful like Xavier, but she made due with what she had. While she was thinking back to her old days with Xavier, Psylocke completed the psychic download with her teammates. Bishop grunted after the transfer was complete. He then walked away from the rest of his team headed towards the Monitor Room.
"Storm I really don't know why you even put that guy on this team," Sage exclaimed.
"He's a lot more confident in his mutant powers than others on this team and he has had vast military level training. The man's literally a walking tank," Storm replied. Neal knew that Storm was talking to him about confidence in powers. He didn't even participate in the battle against the Crimson Dragons because he was afraid that he would harm his teammates.
"He's also a walking time bomb. He's just as much a mistake on this team as Neal and Rogue," Sage said, but when she said this it was only Storm and Sage in the room.
"Tessa those two are far from mistakes. Rogue understands what the abuse of power can do and she is a real moral asset to this team. Neal has suffered great tragedy before he even became an X-Man so I think he knows what danger these diaries represent."
"Storm we don't need moral assets on this team! What we need is powerful and might I add stable members. The only ones so far that fit that description so far are you, Beast and me."
"What of Betsy? She is just as stable as you or I."
"You sure do forget about the Crimson Dawn quickly don't you? That magical mumbo jumbo is affecting her in ways we probably don't and won't understand."
"I'm sure it will all work out for the best."
"Ororo I know you can see that it will not work out for the best. Because of Betsy's connections we have lost one of the diaries. Do you have any clue how we are going to get it back?"
"Well, I have an idea, but it'll require the present of our esteemed colleagues."
"I guess you want me to call them to the Combat Room," Tessa said with a smug look on her face.
"As you wish," Storm said walking away from Tessa leaving her to realize how she had just set herself up.
3 Combat Room
"My comrades the situation is this. A madman named Kuragari has one of the Books of Truth. We are going to get it back no matter the cost to us. Is that understood?" Storm said sternly with her strong, yet feminine presence.
"Question is Storm how the hell are we going to get them back?" Bishop asked twirling his gun in the air.
"I believe Reed Richards has an interdimensional transporter that we may be able to use for this endeavor. That is the only idea I have right about now."
"Oh great so what happens if we can't contact the FF? You know they are always busy. I guess we'll just let Kuragari keep the diary then," Psylocke exclaimed.
"If it wasn't for you and your Crimson Dawn baggage this would have never happened."
"Bishop luv what stick got caught up your ass?!"
"Silence!" Storm yelled shooting off a bolt of lighting. Everyone became silent.
"Now that's more like it. To answer your question Bishop if we can't contact Reed we'll just wait to Kuragari makes his next move. The man has an obsession with Betsy and it's obvious he's not done with her yet."
"I wouldn't say obsession luv. More like interest."
"I think you know what she means. Why you always got to be so damn nitpicky?" Sage asked angered by all the dissension on this team. Before Psylocke could even reply Storm called the meeting adjourned.
4 Later on in the Medi-Labs
Beast found this base very boring. He could leap around somewhat, but what was the fun in that. He much preferred the large expanse of the mansion, but he didn't come all the way to the Medi-Lab to complain. Rather he came for information. Specifically on what Tessa had been doing since she joined the X-Men? As he came upon Tessa hard at work on the computer he tapped her slightly on the shoulder. She jumped up in fright and when she turned she became slightly angered at the smile on Beast's face.
"Is scaring people your way of passing your free time Mr. McCoy? I was sure you were much more sophisticated than that," Tessa said not even taking the time to look at Beast.
"Please call me Hank and no I did not journey down these steel filled halls to come and scare you. Rather I desire to understand the massive research that you have been doing since you joined the X-Men. That is of course if you want me to know."
"Finally an intellectual that is interested in what I am doing. Please sit down," Tessa said pulling out a chair for Hank. He graciously sat in it.
"What I am basically doing is exploring three things. I'm studying factors that cause mutants to have the powers that they have and secondary mutations and how they affect mutantkind as a whole. Finally I'm studying mutants and their connections to subspecies of man."
"Sounds interesting enough."
"Yes, it is very interesting. See the three factors that I have broken down that I contribute to mutant powers are environment, genetics, and want. See for instance imagine a mutant. Now this mutant is going to have psychic powers in some form. That's what I call genetics. Now imagine this mutant growing up in the forest his entire life. That portion is environment. Finally imagine this mutant wanting very badly to be in touch with nature since that is all he has ever known. That portion is want. The result is a mutant that can speak with trees."
"Extremely intriguing, but can you give me an example of a known mutant who this theory can be applied to."
"Of course. Always the scientist huh Hank? As I was saying take Jean for example. She had a very loving family and so wanted to always have emotional connections with those she held dear. That's environment. Her powers were always going to have something to do with psisonics. That's genetics. In conclusion she wanted to be able to feel her friend Annie for one last time. That's want."
"I'm impressed Tessa. But I have a question. The want part of your theory is flawed because that would mean that mutants can change their genes according to want and I don't see that happening."
"Another excellent question on your part. I've been doing extensive research on the mutant gene and I have found that it doesn't contain one specific power in it, but thousands of potential ones. In yours the powers were predominantly animal-based. In Storm's they were predominantly elemental and in myself they were predominantly psychic in nature."
"I have to say again that I'm impressed. Truly impressed."
"Thanks," Tessa said beginning to blush. Beast had never seen that out of the usually cold Sage.
"So what about the other two parts of your research?"
"I'll start off first by telling you about secondary mutations. Within every mutant there exists the potential for multiple powers. Some get them some don't. Others in rare cases get multiple ones. The secondary mutation comes from a possible power you could have had as your initial power within in your genes. For example I've been studying my mutant gene and have found that I could have possibly had the ability to turn my blood into acid. Of course my other potential secondary mutations were all psionic related so it's quite unusual that I got my evolution related powers.
"Hey guys come quick! We just got some weird "Star Wars" looking hologram of a shaman in the Combat Room! He said he can help us get to the Crimson Dawn dimension," Savitar explained nearly out of breath.
"Guess we'll have to continue this some other time," Beast smiled.
"Of course I think you are going to love to hear about subspecies."
X-Treme Notes
Our first note is from the excellent writer Chris Munn.
On to X-Treme # 2...and I've got a big question. Who the HELL is Kuragari? It's implied that he's someone we've seen before, but I honestly have never heard of him. Granted, that's a very likely explanation, considering that I stopped reading comics for five years. A lot of characters came and went that I have no idea about. But that's not the point. When you introduce a character that's from back in the day, footnote...footnote...FOOTNOTE! I mean, if I brought back Super Bob Dog from Amazing Man # 12, most people would say "who the hell is that?" Of course, I just made Super Bob Dog up on the spot, but if he was real - I'd add a footnote! Just explain briefly who he is, when he appeared, etc.
You know honestly Chris I was trying to take a different approach and not use any footnotes because Kuragari's past is not full of grand, epic stories. He rather made Psylocke in a rather more screwed up character. But I thought the character had potential so I didn't mention his past appearance so he might not turn off people. I see that didn't go over well with you though so I'll try to put in more footnotes.
As for the issue itself, we've got all this Crimson Dawn stuff going on, and I can't really comment on it since I've never read any of the CD stories from the past. The story flowed well, went at a good pace, and overall wasn't that bad. Did have some problems, though.
Thanks! Glad to hear my story flowed well. That's something I have really been trying to work on. Another thing I think I need to nail is dialogue. As long as yall guys keep pointing out problems and such to me I can't help but to improve so thanks to everyone who writes or gives me criticism. You guys make me a better writer and you give me ideas.
1) Like I've said MANY times about MRev, the titles MUST be EDITED! Spelling and punctuation errors abound in this issue, just as they do in every title.
Most definitely I feel you on that one! I try and edit my issues. I really do, but I have never been too great at grammar and add that on to the fact I talk more slang than I speak regular English and problems can form.
2) "Every mutant has their powers because deep down in their subconscious it's what they wanted." This one line, uttered by Tessa at the end, is so wrong it's ridiculous. I can see where Brent's coming from with this...Angel, Phoenix, Storm, even Emma Frost can be put to that theory. But what about people who DIDN'T WANT to be mutants? What about Nightcrawler, or the Morlocks, or those poor Brit tunnel dwellers in UXM? What about Toad, or the Blob? That statement is grossly inaccurate, for more reasons than the one I just gave. Mutancy is genetic, it has nothing to do with the subconscious...when a mutant is born, they don't say in the womb "I'd really
like to have wings...yeah, wings...that's the ticket!" My point is that DNA doesn't base itself on people's desires...just because I "really, really, REALLY wanna shoot beams from eyes" doesn't mean it's gonna happen
Actually there is a lot more to this plot than you think. Genetics is involved in mutancy, just in a different way. How mutants get their powers will be an underlying subplot in X-Treme for a while.
Other than that, was a decent read. Keep it up.
Thanks! That really means a lot from you. Now I'll be sure to send you ha letter for your Revolution X issues. Anyone that is not reading UXM at Rev X is a fool! (J/K) Seriously though the series has some great dialogue along with some interesting concepts.
Our next letter is from avid fanfic reader Jason Trenner
I find the X-Treme X-Men to be a well-written title. Now on to the questions...
1) Is there any chance of Damage( a cyborg that was made to look like
the Punisher from the Wolverine/Punisher limited series Damaging
Evidence..who was trashed by Wolverine and blown up by the Punisher....and sent to Piece to be rebuilt ) being awakened by the X-Men(and attacking them)?
I honestly don't have a clue who Damage is or what he's all about. But if you give me more details I might be able to do something with him.
2)Will the X-Treme X-Men battle the Hellfire Club?
I have plans for them to eventually fight the Club, but it won't be till after issue 25(yes I have somewhat plotted that far)
3)Is Rogue going to have flashes of leadership(from Captain America)?
Now this is something I never thought of. Who knows now you have given me an idea.
4)Would having Rogue and Mimic touch cancel out each other's powers?
Now this is something I'm not sure about at all.
5)Will Cable join the team(he needs something to do with the future he
was raised in gone)?
I have somewhat an idea of how to get him to join the X-Treme team, but I'm not exactly sure to be honest.
6)How are the X-Treme X-Men hiding themselves from Xavier?
This is something to be revealed in later issues.
7) Is there any chance of the mutant Nate Grey entrusted with the
shaman job joining the team?
Sorry no can do. Nate is going to be a member of Exiles and from what Karl has told me Nate will be plenty busy.
8)Is there any chance of Maggot joining the team?
I could see him joining the team, but if he does it's not going to happen for a good LONG time.
9)Will Storm's ties to the Black Panther mean the team could move to
Wakanda?
Maybe.maybe not.
10)Will the X-Treme X-Men fight Styfe(and explain how Styfe can be
alive..yet Proudstar fought him in on of the many Marvel hells)?
I have no plans to touch Stryfe whatsoever, but you can expect some other formerly dead characters to show up in X-Treme.
11)Does Bishop still have the symbiote? Or are you avoiding the
Gambit/Bishop limited series?
I didn't even bother reading that series so the answer is yes I'm avoiding the LS, but you can expect a symbiote of sorts to get attached to Bishop. It will definitely have consequences for Bishop. So much so that Bishop actually cries from it.
12)Will the X-Treme X-Men clash with the new X-Force?
I would prefer if they didn't. They just clash with each other so much IMHO and they wouldn't work good together.
13)Is there any chance of the X-Men fighting the Red Skull(something
that should have happened in the M-Tech story)?
Most likely not, but after issue 25 the sky is the limit. I know issue 25 is a long time to wait to see some of your ideas see fruitation, but I really have a pretty intricate plot for X-Treme up till that point.
14)Is there any chance of the X-Treme X-Men fighting the War Skrulls?
None whatsoever.
15)Will Havok return and join the X-Treme X-Men?
Oh most definitely! No need for me to try and hide. So all you Havok fans get ready for the return.
16)Is there any chance of the M-Tech Warlock cast joining the team..and
having a rematch vs. Magus?
I hate to give this answer again, but after issue 25 anything is possible.
17)Will the X-Treme X-Men journey to Counter-Earth, team up with the
Young Allies and battle Dr. Doom?
Naw I don't know crap about the Young Allies.
18)Will the X-Treme X-Men meet the New X-Men sooner or later?
I wouldn't mind to see it happen, but as of right now I would have to say no.
19) Will the X-Treme X-Men battle Halloween Jack?
I don't even know who that is.
20) Will the team go to the UK and battle along side Captain
Britain(and Meggan)?
I did have somewhat of an idea for Meggan, but I think Tony has plans for her.
21)Will Racheal Summers join the team?
That's something I never thought about, but I really don't want to follow everything CC is rumored to do.
22)Is there any possibility of the X-Treme X-Men fighting
Omnivore(who frightened Quasar and the Blue Shield)?
Give me more details on this guy and I might very well use him and it could be pre issue 25 too!
23) Is there any chance of the X-Treme X-Men fight the Dark Beast? Or
Holocaust(aka Nemesis)?
I definitely want to play with Dark Beast, but I'll probably do it in an anthology or something.
24)Will the X-Men battle the Blue Marvel(an insane clone of the 1950's
Marvel Boy)?
Just like Halloween Jack, I really have no idea who this guy is.
25)Will the X-Treme X-Men have to deal with the Shadow King(let out of
Psylocke because of the Contest of Champions 2 and a few other times)?
Eventually they will, but I won't say when.
Thanks for writing Jason and I hope you continue to enjoy X-Treme. Chris is now getting a review for writing me so anyone else out there who wants a review better write ASAP!
Till next time,
Brent Lambert.
Psylocke awakens to find herself in a desolate, grungy and murky dungeon prison. She tried to budge, but her arms, legs and midsection were shackled to the wall. On top of that she ached from the beating that Kuragari gave her. She couldn't help but wonder what memory would he bring out next to beat her down with.
Betsy awoke from her thought to try and get a good idea of her surroundings. There were no windows and no visible door that she could tell of. There were a bunch of skeletons were what were probably once fascinating creatures, but she really didn't want to add her bones to the collection.
As she was about to use her telepathy to feel for a door she heard a loud guffawing laugh. It rang in her ears like two pounding cymbals. She had never heard laughter that dark before except maybe from the Shadow King. She couldn't really remember straight and being covered with dry blood didn't help matters.
"So I see sleeping beauty is awake?" a lion-like creature said walking through the wall. So the walls were transparent and she had been staring at an illusion the whole time.
"Who are you?" Psylocke managed to sputter out.
"Otto is my name. Glad to see the master didn't harm you too much. You're very pretty."
I would be even prettier out of these shackles
"The master not to let you out so that's what I'm going to do."
Do you always listen to what the master tells you? Do you always do what he wants? Psylocke was asking these questions so he would open up his mind and she could learn what she needed to get out of this god- forsaken dimension.
"Yes I do as the master tells me. Like earlier today when he told me to clean these nice books he said you gave to him. Books of Truth I believe they were called," Otto said scratching his head. Psylocke was in shock at hearing these words, but she had to play it cool if she was going to get out of here.
Well I'm glad he received my gift so well. I hope he put them in a nice place
"Oh yes he did put them in a very special place. He put them right in the front of his grand library. You should be proud."
Oh but I am! I would be even prouder if I could see them, but alas I'm stuck here. It's a bloody shame too
"I guess I can take you down. The master wouldn't mind too much," Otto said as he began to unlock Psylocke's shackles. When he got done with all of them Psylocke smiled and walked out of the door with him.
You know you are really are nice luv. You've helped me get my books back
"What do you..UHNN!" Otto said passing out from Psylocke's psi-blade penetration his cranium.
Now where was I? From what I gleamed in Otto's head the books are straight ahead and two rights down
Psylocke began to run as best as she could especially considering the condition she was in. She ran down the hallway until she was about to make her first right turn when she ran into Deck. He stood well over seven feet tall and carried a large scythe in his hand. His skin was black like his brother Kuragari and he wore a giant purple cloak that covered much of his body.
"You were looking for these," Deck said holding up a bag. Psylocke could tell by the way the bag was shaped that it contained the Books of Truth within it.
"Alright we'll I'm caught so lets just get this over with!" Psylocke exclaimed as she took a step back, bent down and charged up her psi-blade.
"Earth woman I am not here to destroy you! I'm here to help you out of this wretched place and to help you defeat my brother!" Deck hissed.
"First things first give me the bag," Psylocke said as she wetted her lips. Deck held out his long arm and Betsy snatched the bag with the books.
"Now if you really are here to help me you'll take me back to my dimension," Psylocke declared. Deck smiled and pulled out a remote control looking device from his cloak. With a few clicks a portal opened. He waved his hand in a gesture to direct Psylocke to the portal. Betsy tried to read Deck's mind before she left to see if his intentions were true, but she couldn't. After a persistent ten seconds Deck finally realized what she was trying to do and allowed her in his mind. She then understood that he sincerely wanted to help her. With that she smiled and ran into the portal back to her home. Deck nodded his head as she departed and very shortly left in a portal all his own.
2 Australia
Psylocke found herself no longer holding a bag with the four books in it, but instead she was holding the four Books of Truth themselves. She found that she could easily get off of the ground and that all her wounds were healed.
"I would have never thought you so low as to take the books," Bishop said coldly as he came into the base. Obviously the rest of the X-Treme team followed.
"Well I've never heard such a bloody wrong accusation in my entire life!" Psylocke yelled disgusted with Bishop and his attitude.
"Drop the books now," Bishop said pointing a gun at Psylocke.
"Bishop stop!" Storm yelled.
"This woman was trying to take the Books of Truth," Bishop grunted.
"How can you be so sure of this?" Storm asked hoping that Bishop would see the error of his ways.
"Let's put it this way Storm. She couldn't have been trying to protect the books so she was either trying to take them or find out the information within the books before anyone else did. She wasn't too smart though since she only took four books and not five," Bishop remarked. Psylocke looked down and realized he was right. She had four books instead of five. That meant one of the books was still in the hands of Kuragari.
"There is an easy way to resolve this. Psylocke if you'd please," Sage said approaching Betsy and entering her mind. After about a minute Sage stepped away. It took her a minute to do what a telepath of Psylocke's caliber could do in a few seconds.
"Betsy had no intention of stealing the books in fact she was trying to protect them. I think you would be more suited to give them all a download than myself," Sage sighed hating that her telepathic abilities were so minor. She had always dreamed of being powerful like Xavier, but she made due with what she had. While she was thinking back to her old days with Xavier, Psylocke completed the psychic download with her teammates. Bishop grunted after the transfer was complete. He then walked away from the rest of his team headed towards the Monitor Room.
"Storm I really don't know why you even put that guy on this team," Sage exclaimed.
"He's a lot more confident in his mutant powers than others on this team and he has had vast military level training. The man's literally a walking tank," Storm replied. Neal knew that Storm was talking to him about confidence in powers. He didn't even participate in the battle against the Crimson Dragons because he was afraid that he would harm his teammates.
"He's also a walking time bomb. He's just as much a mistake on this team as Neal and Rogue," Sage said, but when she said this it was only Storm and Sage in the room.
"Tessa those two are far from mistakes. Rogue understands what the abuse of power can do and she is a real moral asset to this team. Neal has suffered great tragedy before he even became an X-Man so I think he knows what danger these diaries represent."
"Storm we don't need moral assets on this team! What we need is powerful and might I add stable members. The only ones so far that fit that description so far are you, Beast and me."
"What of Betsy? She is just as stable as you or I."
"You sure do forget about the Crimson Dawn quickly don't you? That magical mumbo jumbo is affecting her in ways we probably don't and won't understand."
"I'm sure it will all work out for the best."
"Ororo I know you can see that it will not work out for the best. Because of Betsy's connections we have lost one of the diaries. Do you have any clue how we are going to get it back?"
"Well, I have an idea, but it'll require the present of our esteemed colleagues."
"I guess you want me to call them to the Combat Room," Tessa said with a smug look on her face.
"As you wish," Storm said walking away from Tessa leaving her to realize how she had just set herself up.
3 Combat Room
"My comrades the situation is this. A madman named Kuragari has one of the Books of Truth. We are going to get it back no matter the cost to us. Is that understood?" Storm said sternly with her strong, yet feminine presence.
"Question is Storm how the hell are we going to get them back?" Bishop asked twirling his gun in the air.
"I believe Reed Richards has an interdimensional transporter that we may be able to use for this endeavor. That is the only idea I have right about now."
"Oh great so what happens if we can't contact the FF? You know they are always busy. I guess we'll just let Kuragari keep the diary then," Psylocke exclaimed.
"If it wasn't for you and your Crimson Dawn baggage this would have never happened."
"Bishop luv what stick got caught up your ass?!"
"Silence!" Storm yelled shooting off a bolt of lighting. Everyone became silent.
"Now that's more like it. To answer your question Bishop if we can't contact Reed we'll just wait to Kuragari makes his next move. The man has an obsession with Betsy and it's obvious he's not done with her yet."
"I wouldn't say obsession luv. More like interest."
"I think you know what she means. Why you always got to be so damn nitpicky?" Sage asked angered by all the dissension on this team. Before Psylocke could even reply Storm called the meeting adjourned.
4 Later on in the Medi-Labs
Beast found this base very boring. He could leap around somewhat, but what was the fun in that. He much preferred the large expanse of the mansion, but he didn't come all the way to the Medi-Lab to complain. Rather he came for information. Specifically on what Tessa had been doing since she joined the X-Men? As he came upon Tessa hard at work on the computer he tapped her slightly on the shoulder. She jumped up in fright and when she turned she became slightly angered at the smile on Beast's face.
"Is scaring people your way of passing your free time Mr. McCoy? I was sure you were much more sophisticated than that," Tessa said not even taking the time to look at Beast.
"Please call me Hank and no I did not journey down these steel filled halls to come and scare you. Rather I desire to understand the massive research that you have been doing since you joined the X-Men. That is of course if you want me to know."
"Finally an intellectual that is interested in what I am doing. Please sit down," Tessa said pulling out a chair for Hank. He graciously sat in it.
"What I am basically doing is exploring three things. I'm studying factors that cause mutants to have the powers that they have and secondary mutations and how they affect mutantkind as a whole. Finally I'm studying mutants and their connections to subspecies of man."
"Sounds interesting enough."
"Yes, it is very interesting. See the three factors that I have broken down that I contribute to mutant powers are environment, genetics, and want. See for instance imagine a mutant. Now this mutant is going to have psychic powers in some form. That's what I call genetics. Now imagine this mutant growing up in the forest his entire life. That portion is environment. Finally imagine this mutant wanting very badly to be in touch with nature since that is all he has ever known. That portion is want. The result is a mutant that can speak with trees."
"Extremely intriguing, but can you give me an example of a known mutant who this theory can be applied to."
"Of course. Always the scientist huh Hank? As I was saying take Jean for example. She had a very loving family and so wanted to always have emotional connections with those she held dear. That's environment. Her powers were always going to have something to do with psisonics. That's genetics. In conclusion she wanted to be able to feel her friend Annie for one last time. That's want."
"I'm impressed Tessa. But I have a question. The want part of your theory is flawed because that would mean that mutants can change their genes according to want and I don't see that happening."
"Another excellent question on your part. I've been doing extensive research on the mutant gene and I have found that it doesn't contain one specific power in it, but thousands of potential ones. In yours the powers were predominantly animal-based. In Storm's they were predominantly elemental and in myself they were predominantly psychic in nature."
"I have to say again that I'm impressed. Truly impressed."
"Thanks," Tessa said beginning to blush. Beast had never seen that out of the usually cold Sage.
"So what about the other two parts of your research?"
"I'll start off first by telling you about secondary mutations. Within every mutant there exists the potential for multiple powers. Some get them some don't. Others in rare cases get multiple ones. The secondary mutation comes from a possible power you could have had as your initial power within in your genes. For example I've been studying my mutant gene and have found that I could have possibly had the ability to turn my blood into acid. Of course my other potential secondary mutations were all psionic related so it's quite unusual that I got my evolution related powers.
"Hey guys come quick! We just got some weird "Star Wars" looking hologram of a shaman in the Combat Room! He said he can help us get to the Crimson Dawn dimension," Savitar explained nearly out of breath.
"Guess we'll have to continue this some other time," Beast smiled.
"Of course I think you are going to love to hear about subspecies."
X-Treme Notes
Our first note is from the excellent writer Chris Munn.
On to X-Treme # 2...and I've got a big question. Who the HELL is Kuragari? It's implied that he's someone we've seen before, but I honestly have never heard of him. Granted, that's a very likely explanation, considering that I stopped reading comics for five years. A lot of characters came and went that I have no idea about. But that's not the point. When you introduce a character that's from back in the day, footnote...footnote...FOOTNOTE! I mean, if I brought back Super Bob Dog from Amazing Man # 12, most people would say "who the hell is that?" Of course, I just made Super Bob Dog up on the spot, but if he was real - I'd add a footnote! Just explain briefly who he is, when he appeared, etc.
You know honestly Chris I was trying to take a different approach and not use any footnotes because Kuragari's past is not full of grand, epic stories. He rather made Psylocke in a rather more screwed up character. But I thought the character had potential so I didn't mention his past appearance so he might not turn off people. I see that didn't go over well with you though so I'll try to put in more footnotes.
As for the issue itself, we've got all this Crimson Dawn stuff going on, and I can't really comment on it since I've never read any of the CD stories from the past. The story flowed well, went at a good pace, and overall wasn't that bad. Did have some problems, though.
Thanks! Glad to hear my story flowed well. That's something I have really been trying to work on. Another thing I think I need to nail is dialogue. As long as yall guys keep pointing out problems and such to me I can't help but to improve so thanks to everyone who writes or gives me criticism. You guys make me a better writer and you give me ideas.
1) Like I've said MANY times about MRev, the titles MUST be EDITED! Spelling and punctuation errors abound in this issue, just as they do in every title.
Most definitely I feel you on that one! I try and edit my issues. I really do, but I have never been too great at grammar and add that on to the fact I talk more slang than I speak regular English and problems can form.
2) "Every mutant has their powers because deep down in their subconscious it's what they wanted." This one line, uttered by Tessa at the end, is so wrong it's ridiculous. I can see where Brent's coming from with this...Angel, Phoenix, Storm, even Emma Frost can be put to that theory. But what about people who DIDN'T WANT to be mutants? What about Nightcrawler, or the Morlocks, or those poor Brit tunnel dwellers in UXM? What about Toad, or the Blob? That statement is grossly inaccurate, for more reasons than the one I just gave. Mutancy is genetic, it has nothing to do with the subconscious...when a mutant is born, they don't say in the womb "I'd really
like to have wings...yeah, wings...that's the ticket!" My point is that DNA doesn't base itself on people's desires...just because I "really, really, REALLY wanna shoot beams from eyes" doesn't mean it's gonna happen
Actually there is a lot more to this plot than you think. Genetics is involved in mutancy, just in a different way. How mutants get their powers will be an underlying subplot in X-Treme for a while.
Other than that, was a decent read. Keep it up.
Thanks! That really means a lot from you. Now I'll be sure to send you ha letter for your Revolution X issues. Anyone that is not reading UXM at Rev X is a fool! (J/K) Seriously though the series has some great dialogue along with some interesting concepts.
Our next letter is from avid fanfic reader Jason Trenner
I find the X-Treme X-Men to be a well-written title. Now on to the questions...
1) Is there any chance of Damage( a cyborg that was made to look like
the Punisher from the Wolverine/Punisher limited series Damaging
Evidence..who was trashed by Wolverine and blown up by the Punisher....and sent to Piece to be rebuilt ) being awakened by the X-Men(and attacking them)?
I honestly don't have a clue who Damage is or what he's all about. But if you give me more details I might be able to do something with him.
2)Will the X-Treme X-Men battle the Hellfire Club?
I have plans for them to eventually fight the Club, but it won't be till after issue 25(yes I have somewhat plotted that far)
3)Is Rogue going to have flashes of leadership(from Captain America)?
Now this is something I never thought of. Who knows now you have given me an idea.
4)Would having Rogue and Mimic touch cancel out each other's powers?
Now this is something I'm not sure about at all.
5)Will Cable join the team(he needs something to do with the future he
was raised in gone)?
I have somewhat an idea of how to get him to join the X-Treme team, but I'm not exactly sure to be honest.
6)How are the X-Treme X-Men hiding themselves from Xavier?
This is something to be revealed in later issues.
7) Is there any chance of the mutant Nate Grey entrusted with the
shaman job joining the team?
Sorry no can do. Nate is going to be a member of Exiles and from what Karl has told me Nate will be plenty busy.
8)Is there any chance of Maggot joining the team?
I could see him joining the team, but if he does it's not going to happen for a good LONG time.
9)Will Storm's ties to the Black Panther mean the team could move to
Wakanda?
Maybe.maybe not.
10)Will the X-Treme X-Men fight Styfe(and explain how Styfe can be
alive..yet Proudstar fought him in on of the many Marvel hells)?
I have no plans to touch Stryfe whatsoever, but you can expect some other formerly dead characters to show up in X-Treme.
11)Does Bishop still have the symbiote? Or are you avoiding the
Gambit/Bishop limited series?
I didn't even bother reading that series so the answer is yes I'm avoiding the LS, but you can expect a symbiote of sorts to get attached to Bishop. It will definitely have consequences for Bishop. So much so that Bishop actually cries from it.
12)Will the X-Treme X-Men clash with the new X-Force?
I would prefer if they didn't. They just clash with each other so much IMHO and they wouldn't work good together.
13)Is there any chance of the X-Men fighting the Red Skull(something
that should have happened in the M-Tech story)?
Most likely not, but after issue 25 the sky is the limit. I know issue 25 is a long time to wait to see some of your ideas see fruitation, but I really have a pretty intricate plot for X-Treme up till that point.
14)Is there any chance of the X-Treme X-Men fighting the War Skrulls?
None whatsoever.
15)Will Havok return and join the X-Treme X-Men?
Oh most definitely! No need for me to try and hide. So all you Havok fans get ready for the return.
16)Is there any chance of the M-Tech Warlock cast joining the team..and
having a rematch vs. Magus?
I hate to give this answer again, but after issue 25 anything is possible.
17)Will the X-Treme X-Men journey to Counter-Earth, team up with the
Young Allies and battle Dr. Doom?
Naw I don't know crap about the Young Allies.
18)Will the X-Treme X-Men meet the New X-Men sooner or later?
I wouldn't mind to see it happen, but as of right now I would have to say no.
19) Will the X-Treme X-Men battle Halloween Jack?
I don't even know who that is.
20) Will the team go to the UK and battle along side Captain
Britain(and Meggan)?
I did have somewhat of an idea for Meggan, but I think Tony has plans for her.
21)Will Racheal Summers join the team?
That's something I never thought about, but I really don't want to follow everything CC is rumored to do.
22)Is there any possibility of the X-Treme X-Men fighting
Omnivore(who frightened Quasar and the Blue Shield)?
Give me more details on this guy and I might very well use him and it could be pre issue 25 too!
23) Is there any chance of the X-Treme X-Men fight the Dark Beast? Or
Holocaust(aka Nemesis)?
I definitely want to play with Dark Beast, but I'll probably do it in an anthology or something.
24)Will the X-Men battle the Blue Marvel(an insane clone of the 1950's
Marvel Boy)?
Just like Halloween Jack, I really have no idea who this guy is.
25)Will the X-Treme X-Men have to deal with the Shadow King(let out of
Psylocke because of the Contest of Champions 2 and a few other times)?
Eventually they will, but I won't say when.
Thanks for writing Jason and I hope you continue to enjoy X-Treme. Chris is now getting a review for writing me so anyone else out there who wants a review better write ASAP!
Till next time,
Brent Lambert.
