Disclaimer: I don't own the X-men. They are owned by Marvel, and a bunch of other incredibly creative people who aren't me. I do, however, own this idea, a battered computer, and a wallet that's filled with dust bunnies. None of which are worth the time and effort of the law, so…yeah…

Kaleidoscope

Warnings: attempts at sci-fi-ness, possible OOC-ness, change in histories/personalities/alliances/powers, swearing, blood/gore, weird/sucky/mixed-up writing style (feel free to help =P)

To fly beyond the reach of this mundane existence termed as "life". Isn't that what every mortal dreams? Suffering, hardship, it's all too difficult to endure; why not simply avoid them altogether? The limits of endurance of the human spirit have mellowed over the years, with improvements in this magical weapon known as "technology". They used it to combat many things—sickness, injury, environmental limitations...In some ways, they might have even worshiped this unlikely angel that had been their ultimate source of salvation in so many aspects. Yet, it was a strange angel, with wings built upon the cold concrete of mistake and a heart forged from the frozen elements of sacrifice and betrayal. It knew no mercy for those who failed to embrace its power, and imposed wrath on all who stood in its way. But they still loved it. They loved the power it had brought them; the forbidden power to rule above all other creatures, and indeed, to overcome the very land that had nurtured them from their birth into this complex wheel of survival. Technology had given the earth a new master, one who strived for the goalless goal of perfection and absolute flawlessness. Blinded by the deceptive shroud of improvement, they did not see that the earth they were so painstakingly trying to mould was never destined for a future where everything went right for everyone. Death, that elusive adversary that they had been trying to exterminate, was no more that a tool in an intricately designed master plan. But still they reached, still they tried. For the fruits of success just seemed too sweet to resist…

The maturing years of the twentieth century heralded progression for the humans, yet when the influence over evolution was wrenched beyond their control, they panicked, and took measures to rid the world of those who were different. Instead of acceptance and embracement, mutation was labelled as strange, and dangerous. Mutants themselves were shunned; cast aside as inferiors despite their numerous talents. It all bore down to fear—for that is what a person reacts with in accordance to a new and unfamiliar situation. And what better way to deal with your fears than to beat them down completely? They had thought that they could avoid the feral wrath of the dragon's rage by simply hacking at its claws, but they had not counted on it biting back. Steel teeth tore mercilessly into steel feathers. Advancement was crippled, and the society was prevented from soaring to new heights at the face of rebellion. And so begun the confrontation against themselves. A horribly warped form of natural selection would prove to be deciding factor of the victors—luck was a thing of the past; fate had become obsolete. Talent was only as important as how it was used, and skill and cunning went almost hand in hand. It was a bitter fight; one of thoughts and words as well was blood. And woe betide all who got caught in the way.

Silvery scales glinted sharply as the dragon coiled backwards, red eyes flaring with rage.

Icy formality dripped from the opposition's cold stare as it stared back unflinchingly, wintry wings cocked and ready.

They were two of a kind, there enemies. Not quite prepared, both a little fearful, yet they had undeniable streaks of pride and determination and carried them irresistibly forward. Molten metal flowed through their veins, pumped by the pulsating brilliance of courage and determination. Neither wanted to lose…

Gazes were locked; muscles tightened; breathings quickened. They were waiting now; biding their time; just watching for the perfect opportunity to strike. The dragon growled low in its throat, flexing its claws. The angel's fists clenched and its metallic feathers spread purposively into an offensive stance.

Not yet…not yet…

Fiery streaks of lightning arched across the ebony skies, crackling in the heavy silence. Gusts of chilling wind howled and tugged at clouds, ripping at their blissful nonchalance.

Not yet…not yet…

Tension mounted, yet the adversaries remained unwavering. It was a waiting game. The one who lost its focus first would lose. Concentration grated against stamina as the seconds slipped on.

Not yet…not yet…

Their resilience was unearthly; incredible. The unvoiced apprehension of the atmosphere was broken only by the sounds of the imminent storm. Finally, an inquisitive raindrop slipped from its protective embrace, engaging in an invigorating tumble towards the earth until it finally came to rest, soaked up immediately by the soil. The sound it made upon the face of the terrain was soft; barely discernible, but it was enough to tip the careful scales of wariness into a wildly uncontrollable spiral of pure instinct.

NOW!

A bright flash of brilliance illuminated their poised figures as they shot forward, crudely etching into every last detail of expression. It preserved them forever in the histories of time as they last were—fearful, spiteful, hateful warriors of the blood, unafraid to kill and unwavering in their mindsets. Then, abruptly, the moment of eternity was over.

And the war began.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Whee! That wasn't too confusing, was it? I enjoy making people think a little while they read…

Anyway, this is supposed to be an alternate-reality fic of sorts, so expect a whole bunch of weird stuff from a weird writer on her first venture into the world of the X-men. The prologue's kinda short, but I promise that all will be explained in later chapters, so…read 'em! =P

That's about everything I can think to ramble about. Hope you enjoyed this! If you didn't, too bad…*shrugs*

Comments and constructive criticism are welcome, and much-appreciated! I think I need them as well…._