Chapter 3:

MAGNETO'S ACOLYTE SPHERE, SOMEWHERE OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN

DESTINATION: JAPAN

Eric M. Lensherr

The time has come… The time has come where mutants shall rise up against the rest of humanity. Mutant domination is the only way to be rid of the prejudice against us. We were always more powerful than them. We are the future, the next evolutionary step in the coming of a new race of humans. We're stronger, more fierce, less judgmental, and maybe a bit more intelligent. So why are the humans still here? Isn't it time that their expiration date catch up with them? Why haven't any of them left the planet yet? There's no reason for them to be here amongst the more dominant.

Foolish Xavier, his beliefs of having humans understand us are virtually impossible. Hasn't he seen the violent rallies of anti-mutants, yet? They always appear in his front gates making him fully aware of how dangerous we mutants are. He's obviously in denial that humans will never accept mutants.

You've become so weak, Xavier. I thought you'd be stronger than this. Stooping to such a low level, lower than your mutant status. It's so pathetic to watch you defend them. You're too important Charles, too intelligent. They're beginning to rise up in unimaginable numbers, and you know what? There's a war coming now. You're only fueling it more, giving others pity for mutants. But most mutants are becoming hostile. What do you think you're doing Xavier? You're dividing the humans so there's a three-way war. You developed the humans who'll pity us. Then, like there always were, there are the hostile anti-mutant humans who want to be rid of us. They want us dead! Do you understand that, Charles? Don't you realize that there will always be prejudice against us? Why must you be intolerable about this simple fact?

We've been placed on the board, in our corners, Xavier. It's only going to get uglier from here on out. Which side are you on? The density of your confidence has made you weak. When will you finally realize how much strength you have to fight? The rest of us are doing it. Make your decision quickly Charles. You've just been put in the crossfire. You'll need to get out of it soon or you're going to burn…

Magneto's plan was to confront Charles about his plans. He simply wanted Xavier to understand his concepts and accept fate the way it was supposed to happen. Of course, this was only Magneto's point of view. He saw everything as a building block for war – the anti-mutant rallies, the anti-mutant laws, anti-mutant rights, the injustice of having mutants elected into office, and the way each of them were being hunted down like criminals. But Magneto knew the mutant population was in fact rising. It was rising tremendously! It rose in practically every one out of every twenty humans, now. Most parents were becoming ashamed and disgraced. It was like a disease to them. Did they ever see it as a chance for humans to become stronger? Did they ever see it like an evolutionary step they way Magneto saw it? No. It was that simple. Their stubbornness, their belief that humans were perfect the way they are; Didn't they see that what mutants have are gifts instead of curses? It wasn't the end of the world, most definitely. If anything, it was a whole new beginning, but starting plans and acceptance was becoming difficult to come by.

Magneto had developed a new Cerebro for himself, so that he may recruit the mutants he knew would fit perfectly in his group of Acolytes. That was how he found Havok, Gambit, Pyro, Sabretooth, and Colossus. Havok of course could've been successful in joining if it weren't for Xavier. Cyclops too, but once again Xavier and his little pack of mutants were the cause of not having them. They could've been an excellent improvement to the group, he thought to himself. No matter. Once we retrieve the most powerful mutant in Japan, Usagi, Xavier will need more than his X-men by his side… Pietro and the Brotherhood should be arriving any minute now. Knowing Mystique, she'll probably be there as well. And if she gets in the way, we're going to have problems. And Wanda… Hmm. She'll be causing massive destruction, no doubt in hopes of looking for me. Same with Pietro. I get the feeling she'll make her appearance very soon…

All of a sudden, an urgent telepathic message was sent to Magneto as he drifted off in a trance. Mesmero's face shown in front of him with cold eyes and fierce gaze. "Mesmero," Magneto snickered.

Mesmero began to speak, "I have imperative news, old friend." Magneto grumbled at the thought of him being called old friend by someone who took advantage of him. "I know who you're after and you're going after the wrong target." He was confused. He would've cocked an eyebrow if he were awake.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean there's a more important batch you can claim which is even stronger than the one you seek, Usagi."

"You're lying!"

"Am I? See, I already know who she really is. I know who they all are, her little friends that she's constantly spending time with. The ones you should gather are Setsuna, Haruka, Michiru, and the most important Hotaru." As he spoke their names, a picture of each one was revealed.

"Why should I believe you?"

"Have you ever heard of the Holy Grail?" From there, Mesmero gave him the scoop of the Holy Grail from the ancient times. The plan was for Magneto to deliver the four girls to Mesmero so he could resurrect the Holy Grail. Magneto wasn't easy to convince. Mesmero negotiated a deal. "If you bring the four girls to me, I guarantee you a chance for immortality. And with them I can bring forth the most powerful mutant this world has ever seen."

"Apocalypse, I'm assuming. So, you're going to grant me immortality if I do you this little favor? Do you realize whom you're talking to? I am the Master of Magnetism, one of the most powerful mutants in existence, as you know it. Why can't you get them yourself? I'd be a fool to do your bidding twice and fall for the same trick!" Magneto was angry. He wasn't the mutant to mess with when he was angry.

"I can get rid of the X-men for you, including Charles Xavier. And immortality! You could live forever and watch the rest of the world before you! You can be a god!"

"I don't believe you. You're going to have to come up with a better offer than that. Besides, Charles keeps me company. It lets me know I have other challenges to face besides recessive humans below myself."

"Then, what is it that you want?" Mesmero asked.

"I want to know why you can't get them."

"I need to stay at the door of Apocalypse. The time key, which I manipulated someone to steal, doesn't allow me much access to the rest of the world. It's trapped me inside Apocalypse's cave. He needs another messenger. With you being a powerful mutant and someone I've had experience with, you're perfect. I can only unlock the Holy Grail with those girls in Japan! Your chance for having immortality is a simple answer away. Will you be foolish enough to turn it down?"

"What is so special about these girls?"

Sighing and frustrated, Mesmero answers impatiently, "Three of them hold the talismans to resurrect the Holy Grail. The last one has the power to hold it in her grasp. Depending on who holds it when it's resurrected, good or evil, it will unleash immense power! This power is enough to unlock the last door of Apocalypse, thus freeing him from his prison. Take Usagi if you must. She is useless to me. But I need those girls!"

Magneto sighed grumpily, "So you're in southeastern Asia, yes?" Mesmero nodded.

"Yes. Will you help me?" Magneto thought for a moment and decided, If he doesn't grant me my immortality, then it's best to be rid of him before he uses the Holy Grail to unlock Apocalypse. Charles and X-men will probably get in the way. We'll see how willingly the girls will come to me. But I need Usagi to be a part of the Acolytes.

"As foolish as it sounds, I may need to."

"Good." The telepathic message disappeared as Magneto once again was left by himself. "Just to make sure, I'm sending someone over there to watch you!" Mesmero said lastly echoing in the metallic sphere.

Magneto wondered for a moment. He's powerful, possibly more powerful than Xavier is. He penetrated through my helmet, which Xavier was never able to do. This Mesmero may not keep his word but at least I'll have the most powerful mutant I've ever recruited – Usagi Tsukino!

XAVIER INSTITUTE, WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK 3:30

"Okay, is everybody here?" Mr. Hank McCoy called out. "Lets see, we have…" Beast began counting heads making sure everyone was on board, strapped in, and ready to take off. The new recruits were going on their first trip to Japan to not only help out Xavier recruit more students but defend against Magneto and the Acolytes. It was a dangerous mission, Beast knew. Charles seemed panicked according to Jean when she had called. Perhaps there's more in the plot than just these "newer" recruits.

Beast knew this was something important. Xavier requested to go alone with Logan, Ororo, Jean, and Scott. Now, he was asking for "back-up" sort of speak. And Kurt and Rogue were nowhere to be found.

"Lets see, the only one missing is Bobby Drake. And I need him to help to fly the plane. Looks like I'm going to have to get someone else to steer. In the meantime, does anyone know where he is?"

"Right here Mr. McCoy!" He trampled into the plain in the nick of time obviously out of breath. "Uh, sorry I'm late. Tabitha decided to tag along. I thought it'd be good to have her back for a little while. Is that okay?" Just then, Boom-Boom entered the cabin. Some groans were heard but a few smiles from some of the guys and a whistle from Multiple was noticeable.

"Sure. Welcome Tabitha. We have an extra seat for you in the back if you'd like?"

"Aw man! I was hoping to have one of the pilot seats! Maybe I can have a little practice flying this baby!" Tabitha sat in one of the chairs and pretended she was flying an airplane making brake noises and gun shot sounds. Mr. McCoy put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head, pointing with his other fingers to the back of the plane. Tabitha scoffed, "You guys are no fun!" She strutted a quick catwalk to the back and sat behind Ray Crisp a.k.a. Berzerker, flirting casually with him.

Ray was a bit dumbfounded unsure why she was talking with him. They weren't the best of friends. He found her quite irritating actually but responded respectively whenever she asked him a question. "Hey, Bezerk! How's it going? Haven't seen you around in a little while! We should hang out some time after this. Or we can chill in Japan. Hey! I know! How about when we get there, we can go somewhere to eat, how 'bout it?" Ray rolled his eyes and continued the conversation quietly while Tabitha was practically screaming out everything she said.

Amara's attention was taken away from Roberto as she looked in Ray's direction. A frown and cold glare was easily seen on her face. She had never really liked Boom-Boom and she felt sorry for Ray who didn't want to be mean to her and tell her, "No". Roberto was also easily distracted when Multiple reveals a deck of cards to play along the way there. Roberto, Rahne, and Sam invited themselves in a game of poker. Kitty and Jubilee were rather quiet along with Amara who was busy thinking about a certain someone. Kitty picked up on this and tapped Jubilee's shoulder to get her attention.

"Look," Kitty said gesturing to Amara. The girls giggled noticing what Amara had her eyes on.

Amara quickly turned asking, "What? What are you laughing at?"

"Okay Beast, so this is where we start her up? Then we pull this thing and we just sit back until the door opens…" Bobby was talking himself through the process of flying the newest X-jet, a back up to the one Xavier was currently using. The engine was roaring. The smoke exhaust from the jets could be seen on the sides. The wide door to the basement could be seen slowly opening.

"Good Bobby! You're learning quickly. Keep it up," Beast complimented. Bobby smiled at the compliment but kept his eyes to the front trying not to be distracted. "Just take it easy when you're pulling out. This is the just the hard part about flying. Flying itself, we can put it on autopilot until we reach Japan, okay?" Bobby nodded concentrating.

The plane took off smoothly as they picked up speed, and altitude. Once they had surpassed popped ears, turbulent range, and the perfect degree for flying, it was smooth sailing. "Great work Bobby! You've been training rather hard for this. Excellent!"

"Thanks Beast. Can I put it in auto pilot, now?"

"Sure, kid. But you still got to keep your eyes peeled for any 'oncoming' aircraft, got it? The last thing Xavier needs is a new plane."

"I understand, Mr. McCoy." With that, Bobby sat back in his chair and looked out at the clouds passing them by. The destination coordinates were set to Japan and things were okay. He was excited about going versus the Acolytes again. Just thinking about it made him smile. He had never been so thankful of his powers until that time. It was a big thing for him. Magneto's minion, Pyro, was his strength. Fire versus ice. Who do think'll win? His mind dwelled on everything – his family, his friends, his teammates, school, and someone he's felt he's gotten closer with, Jubilee.

He smiled at the sound of her name in his mind. They were still just really good friends. He always hoped they would become something more though. They always goofed off together, having bunches of fun in the Danger Room. He liked the way she talked, the way she dressed, the way she smiled… everything. She always listened to him whenever he was mad, sad, or just plain old happy! He did the same. They were closer than he was with the other guys. She understood him a bit better. He was never jealous of her or the other guys that he thought liked her. In fact, he just wanted her to be happy. Sam, Roberto, and Ray were his best friends. Jamie was a pest but he had good intentions, Bobby thought for a minute and laughed.

He wasn't much into the other X-girls. Kitty was of course cute, but he knew he wasn't her type. He never had much of a thing for Amara because he knew Ray and Roberto kind of liked her. Jean was old for him and besides, Her and Scott fit nicely together. Tabitha? Tabitha was cute but too wild for his taste! Rahne was just weird. Her and Jamie go good together though, he grinned to himself at that one knowing neither of them would probably ever admit it. Rogue… Rogue's very interesting. I like Rogue. She's a bit fiery, somewhat depressing, and not very open but she's definitely hot according to my standards! Rogue maybe a bit TOO complex for me. Maybe some day…

Jubilee just responded, "I think someone's got the hots for Berzerk! She nudged her elbow at Kitty." Kitty just smiled and claimed the same thing. Amara hadn't really been paying attention as her eyes still drifted elsewhere. "Hey Amara!" Jubilee shouted. She immediately turned around again this time with more focus as to what they were talking about.

"What? Oh, Ray?" Amara scoffed. "Not much of a chance especially if SHE'S hanging all over him." Jubilee and Kitty just stared at each other. "Besides, what about you and Bobby, Jubilee?"

"Bobby? Um…? We're not doing anything." She perked up obviously nervous about the question. "We're just friends like you and Roberto, Jamie and Rahne, Kitty and Lance. Isn't that right Kitty?"

"Yeah…" Kitty responded but was noticeably disappointed when she heard Lance's name and hers used in the same sentence. Her face immediately hung lower, giving out a heavy sigh, her lips pouty, and her eyes looking rather depressed. It was an instant reaction just by the sound of his name.

Kitty was infatuated with him after getting to know him some more. She hated it when he didn't want to talk to her anymore. She felt pained, hurt. Even though he used her in the beginning she wasn't conscious about holding grudges against people. She was forgiving. That's one of the things Lance liked about her. She would've called them a couple but so many things got in the way of letting that ever happen. Kitty snapped out of thought and continued the conversation with Amara and Jubilee.

"So like what do you think of Ray, Amara?" Kitty asked.

"Ray? Well, he's different. I guess I like him. I'd like to know him some more though."

"So, why don't you go talk to him right now?" Jubilee urged.

"Yeah, he's looking kind of bored over there with Tabitha like totally talking to herself." Amara laughed at Kitty's comment noticing Ray's expression of boredom which Tabitha couldn't see being the one to sit behind him.

With an empty seat beside her, Amara called out for Ray, "Hey, Ray! Come sit next to me!" Ray got up with no hesitation and plopped down next Amara.

"Hey ladies!"

MORE TO COME! KEEP IN TOUCH!