Chapter 7: Explanations
After seeing Daphne, her friends, and the X-Men leave, Mystique contacted Magneto. Magneto asked, "Are you sure they're her friends?"
"They must be," said Mystique. "According to McCoy, they were looking for answers."
"Perhaps they could be of some use to us," mused Magneto thoughtfully. He then ordered, "Follow them back to the Institute. Should the girl's friends head for town, I'll have Pyro and myself ready to assist you."
"Understood," said Mystique. She then changed back to bird mode and flew off.
After breaking contact with Mystique, Magneto made his way to another room. Inside was a man dressed in a red and yellow costume with flamethrowers built into it. He was watching old police and news footage of all his deeds over the years . . . and enjoying every minute of it. Every time he saw himself blow something up or do anything destructive with his powers, he laughed like a maniac. However, his amusement was cut short when he heard someone clear his throat. He turned to the source of the voice and said in surprise with an Australian accent, "Magneto!" He quickly stopped his "movie" and turned to address his leader.
Magneto said, "Pyro, I want you to head for Xavier's institute. Stay about a mile away from the school. I will join you as soon as possible."
Pyro asked, "Are we going for the girl?"
Magneto answered, "With luck, maybe she'll try to leave with her friends. Even if she doesn't go with them, I am not out of options."
Pyro then said, "Good. 'Cause I've done some research on the girl and her friends. They're the so-called 'Mystery, Inc.' gang. They solve all kinds of weird, phony 'supernatural' mysteries. And should they come to us, I have a perfect plan to capture them."
Magneto smiled and said, "Good. Now, go."
"Yes, sir!"
Back at the Institute, all four of Daphne's friends (including Scooby) were speechless by her revelation. Was it really possible that their lifelong friend really was a mutant? Finally, Velma broke the silence and said, "Jinkies! No wonder you looked ashamed to see us."
Fred then asked, "How? How is this possible?"
Velma said, "Freddy, please! She's going through an emotional shock!"
Fred didn't seem to hear her. "You can't be a monster! You just can't!"
"Young man, please," said Xavier, "settle down. Listen to me. Daphne is not a monster. She has a gift."
Daphne turned to the professor, tear stains on her face. "Gift?" she asked in a combination of both anger and fear. "I don't have a gift! I have a curse!"
"It is a curse only if you let it be," interjected Jean.
"What Dr. Grey says is true," agreed Xavier. "Each one of us here is a mutant. But just because we are different, we are no less human than either of you. If you wish to press charges against me for Daphne's . . . abduction, I will not stop you. But this is perhaps the only place where she will be safe from Magneto."
Scratching his head, Shaggy asked, "Like, what's a magneto?"
"A very powerful mutant," answered the professor. "Who believes that a war is brewing between mutants and the rest of humanity."
Scooby visibly gulped. "Rulp. Rar?"
"Yes, war."
Rogue, who, along with Peter had been in on the whole conversation turned to the Great Dane and asked, "Did your dog just talk?"
Scooby looked around and asked, "Rog? Rhere?"
Fred cut in and asked, "What are you talking about, Xavier? What could this 'Magneto' character possibly want with Daphne?"
Xavier sighed and said, "If you all will sit down, I will tell you my story."
Once all of the Mystery, Inc. gang and the X-Men present were seated, Xavier began. "Mutation is not a disease. It is the key to our evolution. It is an act of God. The purpose of this institute is to help young mutants learn to control their powers and use them in a positive way. However, there are those who seek to use their powers for the wrong reasons. I have dedicated almost my entire adult life to the dream that humans and mutants can co-exist in peace. But, Magneto, among others, is one who believes that my belief is foolish. Magneto believes that Homo- . . . mutants are the future. While I do agree with that, I do not agree with his methods. Magneto wants to see our race flourish, as do I. But the difference between him and I is that he's not afraid to wipe out humanity to see his goal come to fruition."
"You act as if you've known him for a long time," said Velma.
"You are correct," admitted Xavier. "In fact I am one of the few people that he, despite our differences, considers a true friend. You see, when I was a boy, I learned that I had the ability to read and control people's minds, make them think or do whatever I wanted. Much the same powers your friend Daphne has discovered. When I was in the military, I met a young man named Erik Magnus Lehnsherr. He too had an unusual power. He found that he could create magnetic fields and control metal. Believing that humanity would never accept us, he grew angry and vengeful. He became Magneto." When he saw that everyone was still listening, he continued. "This Institute, my school for gifted youngsters is school and home to mutants of all ages, races, and genders. Some already have control of their powers, some are just learning. And there are mutants with gifts so extreme that they've become a hazard to themselves and those around them." He pointed to Rogue as she gripped Peter's bare hand with her gloved hand. "Like Rogue here. Incapable of physical human contact, probably for the rest of her life."
Finally, Fred stood up and said, "Look, this is all a little weird for me." He walked to Daphne and said, "Look, Daphne, you will always be my friend, even if you are a mutant. But I just don't know what to think of this."
"I don't know what to think of this either, Freddy," said Daphne as she turned away.
Scooby walked over to her and asked, "Raphne? Are rou rokay?"
Daphne smiled slightly at Scooby's concern. "I don't know, Scooby. I just don't know."
Xavier then suggested, "Why don't you four come back here in the morning. We're a little short on rooms, but I know someone in town who runs a hotel that allows pets. If you wouldn't mind staying there for the night, I'll pay for everything."
Velma said, "I think that's the best thing. Especially for Fred." Before Fred could say anything, Velma said to him, "No offense, Freddy, but I think you need some time to think about this. I may not be able to read minds, but I know that you're not handling this well." Fred nodded. He knew that she was right.
Daphne said, "Why don't you guys go? I need to think about this myself. I also need to talk to my parents about this."
"Are you sure about this, Daph?" asked Shaggy. "Cause, like, we don't want you to feel unwanted."
"I'm sure, Shaggy," said Daphne. "I'm sure."
Daphne watched her friends walk to the Mystery Machine. As she watched them climb in, Xavier approached her and said, "I'm sure you wish to tell your parents about this yourself, am I correct?"
Daphne nodded. "I'd like to tell them face to face here. I'm not sure telling them at home is a good idea."
The professor nodded in agreement. "How about I send a few of the X-Men to Coolsville and talk to your family. Perhaps they can convince them to come here."
Daphne mused for a moment. Finally, she nodded her head before heading to her room.
Xavier watched the Mystery Machine drive away and turned to Logan. "Logan, since you, Peter, and Kitty are the only three that won't be busy tonight, why don't you take the Velocity and head to Coolsville. See if you can talk to Daphne's parents and have them come with you."
Logan simply nodded and said, "Sure thing, Chuck."
Mystique, in bird form had heard the whole conversation. She quickly flew to a safe distance and changed back to her 'normal' form. She said, "Magneto, come in. It's Mystique."
At his headquarters, Magneto said, "What is it, Mystique?"
"The girl's friends have left the Institute. They're heading for town. Also, Wolverine, Colossus, and Shadowcat are about to head for Coolsville and talk to her parents."
"Make sure Pyro's ready to strike," ordered the Master of Magnetism. "But remember, I want to capture her friends, not kill them. Yet. As for her parents, I'll send Juggernaut and Avalanche to get them."
"Understood. Mystique out." She broke her contact with Magneto and contacted Pyro to make sure he was ready.
Meanwhile, Magneto went into another room. Inside was a dark-haired man in a silver armor-like outfit and another dark-haired man, hugely muscular man in brown. The man in silver had a silver helmet close by while the other and a large brown one close by. They were playing cards and drinking beer. Their attention however, was turned to Magneto when he entered the room. He said, "Juggernaut, Avalanche, Xavier is sending some of the X-Men to Coolsville to see the girl's parents. I want you follow them, but don't get too close. Get the girl's parents and bring them to me alive."
As he put on his silver helmet, the Greek mutant Avalanche said, "Sure thing, boss." He then walked toward where the transportation orbs were stored, the larger Juggernaut close behind.
Magneto made his way into his personal quarters. He walked over to a metal closet and opened it magnetically. Inside was his costume. He spread his arms to his sides. His crimson and purple suit wrapped itself around his body like mercury. He then reached in and pulled out his purple cape. He turned from his closet and put it on. Without turning back to the closet, he simply clamped his right fist tighter. Once he did so, his crimson and purple helmet floated in front of him. He pulled it out of the air and put it on his head. He then turned toward the window and outstretched his hand. The metal braces around the window were magnetized and the window moved outward and upward. He then surrounded himself in a magnetic force field and flew out the window to meet his soon-to-be hostages.
To Be Continued
After seeing Daphne, her friends, and the X-Men leave, Mystique contacted Magneto. Magneto asked, "Are you sure they're her friends?"
"They must be," said Mystique. "According to McCoy, they were looking for answers."
"Perhaps they could be of some use to us," mused Magneto thoughtfully. He then ordered, "Follow them back to the Institute. Should the girl's friends head for town, I'll have Pyro and myself ready to assist you."
"Understood," said Mystique. She then changed back to bird mode and flew off.
After breaking contact with Mystique, Magneto made his way to another room. Inside was a man dressed in a red and yellow costume with flamethrowers built into it. He was watching old police and news footage of all his deeds over the years . . . and enjoying every minute of it. Every time he saw himself blow something up or do anything destructive with his powers, he laughed like a maniac. However, his amusement was cut short when he heard someone clear his throat. He turned to the source of the voice and said in surprise with an Australian accent, "Magneto!" He quickly stopped his "movie" and turned to address his leader.
Magneto said, "Pyro, I want you to head for Xavier's institute. Stay about a mile away from the school. I will join you as soon as possible."
Pyro asked, "Are we going for the girl?"
Magneto answered, "With luck, maybe she'll try to leave with her friends. Even if she doesn't go with them, I am not out of options."
Pyro then said, "Good. 'Cause I've done some research on the girl and her friends. They're the so-called 'Mystery, Inc.' gang. They solve all kinds of weird, phony 'supernatural' mysteries. And should they come to us, I have a perfect plan to capture them."
Magneto smiled and said, "Good. Now, go."
"Yes, sir!"
Back at the Institute, all four of Daphne's friends (including Scooby) were speechless by her revelation. Was it really possible that their lifelong friend really was a mutant? Finally, Velma broke the silence and said, "Jinkies! No wonder you looked ashamed to see us."
Fred then asked, "How? How is this possible?"
Velma said, "Freddy, please! She's going through an emotional shock!"
Fred didn't seem to hear her. "You can't be a monster! You just can't!"
"Young man, please," said Xavier, "settle down. Listen to me. Daphne is not a monster. She has a gift."
Daphne turned to the professor, tear stains on her face. "Gift?" she asked in a combination of both anger and fear. "I don't have a gift! I have a curse!"
"It is a curse only if you let it be," interjected Jean.
"What Dr. Grey says is true," agreed Xavier. "Each one of us here is a mutant. But just because we are different, we are no less human than either of you. If you wish to press charges against me for Daphne's . . . abduction, I will not stop you. But this is perhaps the only place where she will be safe from Magneto."
Scratching his head, Shaggy asked, "Like, what's a magneto?"
"A very powerful mutant," answered the professor. "Who believes that a war is brewing between mutants and the rest of humanity."
Scooby visibly gulped. "Rulp. Rar?"
"Yes, war."
Rogue, who, along with Peter had been in on the whole conversation turned to the Great Dane and asked, "Did your dog just talk?"
Scooby looked around and asked, "Rog? Rhere?"
Fred cut in and asked, "What are you talking about, Xavier? What could this 'Magneto' character possibly want with Daphne?"
Xavier sighed and said, "If you all will sit down, I will tell you my story."
Once all of the Mystery, Inc. gang and the X-Men present were seated, Xavier began. "Mutation is not a disease. It is the key to our evolution. It is an act of God. The purpose of this institute is to help young mutants learn to control their powers and use them in a positive way. However, there are those who seek to use their powers for the wrong reasons. I have dedicated almost my entire adult life to the dream that humans and mutants can co-exist in peace. But, Magneto, among others, is one who believes that my belief is foolish. Magneto believes that Homo- . . . mutants are the future. While I do agree with that, I do not agree with his methods. Magneto wants to see our race flourish, as do I. But the difference between him and I is that he's not afraid to wipe out humanity to see his goal come to fruition."
"You act as if you've known him for a long time," said Velma.
"You are correct," admitted Xavier. "In fact I am one of the few people that he, despite our differences, considers a true friend. You see, when I was a boy, I learned that I had the ability to read and control people's minds, make them think or do whatever I wanted. Much the same powers your friend Daphne has discovered. When I was in the military, I met a young man named Erik Magnus Lehnsherr. He too had an unusual power. He found that he could create magnetic fields and control metal. Believing that humanity would never accept us, he grew angry and vengeful. He became Magneto." When he saw that everyone was still listening, he continued. "This Institute, my school for gifted youngsters is school and home to mutants of all ages, races, and genders. Some already have control of their powers, some are just learning. And there are mutants with gifts so extreme that they've become a hazard to themselves and those around them." He pointed to Rogue as she gripped Peter's bare hand with her gloved hand. "Like Rogue here. Incapable of physical human contact, probably for the rest of her life."
Finally, Fred stood up and said, "Look, this is all a little weird for me." He walked to Daphne and said, "Look, Daphne, you will always be my friend, even if you are a mutant. But I just don't know what to think of this."
"I don't know what to think of this either, Freddy," said Daphne as she turned away.
Scooby walked over to her and asked, "Raphne? Are rou rokay?"
Daphne smiled slightly at Scooby's concern. "I don't know, Scooby. I just don't know."
Xavier then suggested, "Why don't you four come back here in the morning. We're a little short on rooms, but I know someone in town who runs a hotel that allows pets. If you wouldn't mind staying there for the night, I'll pay for everything."
Velma said, "I think that's the best thing. Especially for Fred." Before Fred could say anything, Velma said to him, "No offense, Freddy, but I think you need some time to think about this. I may not be able to read minds, but I know that you're not handling this well." Fred nodded. He knew that she was right.
Daphne said, "Why don't you guys go? I need to think about this myself. I also need to talk to my parents about this."
"Are you sure about this, Daph?" asked Shaggy. "Cause, like, we don't want you to feel unwanted."
"I'm sure, Shaggy," said Daphne. "I'm sure."
Daphne watched her friends walk to the Mystery Machine. As she watched them climb in, Xavier approached her and said, "I'm sure you wish to tell your parents about this yourself, am I correct?"
Daphne nodded. "I'd like to tell them face to face here. I'm not sure telling them at home is a good idea."
The professor nodded in agreement. "How about I send a few of the X-Men to Coolsville and talk to your family. Perhaps they can convince them to come here."
Daphne mused for a moment. Finally, she nodded her head before heading to her room.
Xavier watched the Mystery Machine drive away and turned to Logan. "Logan, since you, Peter, and Kitty are the only three that won't be busy tonight, why don't you take the Velocity and head to Coolsville. See if you can talk to Daphne's parents and have them come with you."
Logan simply nodded and said, "Sure thing, Chuck."
Mystique, in bird form had heard the whole conversation. She quickly flew to a safe distance and changed back to her 'normal' form. She said, "Magneto, come in. It's Mystique."
At his headquarters, Magneto said, "What is it, Mystique?"
"The girl's friends have left the Institute. They're heading for town. Also, Wolverine, Colossus, and Shadowcat are about to head for Coolsville and talk to her parents."
"Make sure Pyro's ready to strike," ordered the Master of Magnetism. "But remember, I want to capture her friends, not kill them. Yet. As for her parents, I'll send Juggernaut and Avalanche to get them."
"Understood. Mystique out." She broke her contact with Magneto and contacted Pyro to make sure he was ready.
Meanwhile, Magneto went into another room. Inside was a dark-haired man in a silver armor-like outfit and another dark-haired man, hugely muscular man in brown. The man in silver had a silver helmet close by while the other and a large brown one close by. They were playing cards and drinking beer. Their attention however, was turned to Magneto when he entered the room. He said, "Juggernaut, Avalanche, Xavier is sending some of the X-Men to Coolsville to see the girl's parents. I want you follow them, but don't get too close. Get the girl's parents and bring them to me alive."
As he put on his silver helmet, the Greek mutant Avalanche said, "Sure thing, boss." He then walked toward where the transportation orbs were stored, the larger Juggernaut close behind.
Magneto made his way into his personal quarters. He walked over to a metal closet and opened it magnetically. Inside was his costume. He spread his arms to his sides. His crimson and purple suit wrapped itself around his body like mercury. He then reached in and pulled out his purple cape. He turned from his closet and put it on. Without turning back to the closet, he simply clamped his right fist tighter. Once he did so, his crimson and purple helmet floated in front of him. He pulled it out of the air and put it on his head. He then turned toward the window and outstretched his hand. The metal braces around the window were magnetized and the window moved outward and upward. He then surrounded himself in a magnetic force field and flew out the window to meet his soon-to-be hostages.
To Be Continued