Rebirth of a Pyromaniac, Special Edition!
Disclaimer: "I'm a doctor, not an elevator!" - DeForrest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. McCoy
Chapter 5: Bonding and Developing
New York City
Above the skyline, several metal spheres flew in a formation, led by Magneto in a electromagnetic force-field. They were about to send a message to the humans of the world via the conference.
Those humans think mutants are a genetic flaw that can be "cured" or "treated". We are the next step in evolution. We are the superior species and it scares them. I and I alone shall show the world that the X-Gene indicates the chosen, the true inheritors of the Earth. Charles believes humans and mutants can co-exist in peace. What he doesn't realize is that he is superior. Humans should realize now their time is up and accept it. If they cannot accept that willingly, I shall force them. The only thing humans can do now is die out. Magneto mused as he passed by the Empire State Building.
The Pit's cafeteria
John had found one of his rescuers in the cafeteria. Barbecue was eating a candy bar, and John couldn't help but snicker.
"I thought you'd be hiding, mate. I heard Lionheart has a huge crush on you." John snickered. The Joe fireman laughed.
"She's trying to help find Trinity. Who knows where those geniuses are." Barbecue sighed. "I got another candy bar if you want one."
"I want to talk, mate." Pyro sat down across from the red-haired fireman and crossed his arms. "I don't really understand. You're a human."
"Last time I checked, I was." Barbecue shrugged. "I don't even have a dormant X-Gene."
"Why'd you help me in that warehouse? I thought humans hated mutants."
"Not all humans hate mutants, Pyro." Barbecue smiled. "Just because there are a few bad mutants out there, that doesn't mean all mutants are bad." John put his face closer to Barbecue's.
"You don't think I'm bad?"
"Nah. A little nuts, but not really bad." Barbecue replied. "You were just misguided by Magneto. He's the bad guy, not you. I know the Misfits don't take too kindly to you. They just have to realize you're not an Acolyte anymore."
"Althea can control water." John noted.
"Yeah, so?" Barbecue shrugged.
"I never thought I'd meet anyone else who could control an element." Pyro shook his head.
"You seem to have much finer control over fire than she does over water." Barbecue noticed. "I have an idea. If you could do all that stuff with fire, then maybe…"
"What're you getting at?" John scratched his head.
"You could help Althea accept you by helping her develop her ability to control water. Maybe Althea could do those things with water that you could do with fire. Althea leads the team. If you win her over, you can win over the others." Barbecue suggested. Todd and Althea passed by. "Hey Todd! Althea! C'mere!" Barbecue motioned. The two mutants walked to the table.
"What's up, yo?" Todd asked.
"Yeah?" Althea asked.
"Al, you know that John can control flames, right?" Barbecue asked.
"Yeah, so?"
"I was thinking. Maybe John can show you how to…you know, make shapes and things. Become more capable with your aquakinesis." Barbecue smiled. The three teens looked at each other.
"I don't know…" They said together.
"It's worth a shot. I think it'll help you all bond." Barbecue replied.
"Y'know…" Todd smirked. "Now that I think about it, I can imagine Althea chasing Jean with a jousting knight on horseback made of water, yo. That'd be hilarious! I can imagine the looks on the X-Geeks' faces." Todd started laughing. Althea raised an eyebrow.
"I can form spheres of water, but I never thought of forming things like knights on horseback." Althea shrugged. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to try."
"See, you're winnin' them over already." Barbecue laughed, playfully punching John's arm. John smiled shyly.
"I guess you're right, mate. I guess I am."
New York City
In New York City, a scientific conference was held in an arena. The majority of the guests were geneticists. The X-Gene had generated much buzz in that field of science. Many theories about the X-Gene were being shared, from theories of its origins to possible explanations for its giving different people different mutations. A geneticist stood on a podium, addressing his colleagues in a college-style lecture hall.
"I believe that with this revolutionary new genetic treatment, we can help those cursed with uncontrollable mutations to manage them, and live normal, happy lives. How it works is…" The geneticist started.
"Out of my way, human peasants!" A voice crowed. The scientists murmured and wondered about where it came from. Cortez walked down the aisle in the center of the hall.
"You say you wish to help mutants! You say you're trying to help mutants! Lies! All lies!" Cortez jumped up on the podium.
"Hey!" The geneticist got shoved out of the way by Cortez.
"I know what you scientists are really after! You're trying to find ways to rob mutants of their pride! Trying to destroy them with their own genetic code! You make me sick! You humans can't stand the fact your time is running out!"
"That's not true!" One scientist stood up.
"We only wish to learn about the X-Gene."
"So you can obliterate it! We mutants are your superiors, and it is time you bowed to us!" Cortez yelled. The lights started flickering. Because he kept flicking them on and off. "Behold! The one who will lead mutants to freedom! Your future ruler! The glorious Magneto!" Magneto came down through the ceiling, like a bird about to land. He was surrounded by an EM field.
Man, can Cortez pack on any more melodrama? Magneto mentally groaned. He took over the podium.
"I've come to warn you your little genetic war is over. We've won." Magneto growled. Shiva, Bolt, and the Ram Brothers rushed in, terrifying the scientists.
"Glorious Magneto, we shall show the world that mutants are the greater species." Cortez cheered.
"Cortez, don't take this next order personally. Shut up." Magneto grumbled.
The Pit
Back in the Pit, John was helping Althea develop her power over water. The two teens sat facing each other in the dojo garden, Todd and Paul with them. A ball of flame floated between John's hands, and a ball of water floated between Althea's. She had her eyes closed.
"Alright, Sheila. You have to from a simple shape in your head, and command the water to make that shape." John demonstrated with his ball of flame, mentally shaping it into a pyramid. "Let's do a pyramid, mate. Egyptian-style."
"You think Al can do it?" Todd whispered to Paul.
"Yeah." Paul nodded. "She just needs to concentrate." John snickered as he saw Althea strain. The ball of water pulsed and flattened, but it didn't form a pyramid.
"Ugh!" Althea opened her eyes, growling. "I can't believe I'm doing this!"
"You're forcing it, mate. Don't force it. You're trying too hard. Just relax, and let your mind mold the water." John held up his pyramid. With a sigh, Althea closed her eyes and tried again. She relaxed her body. Todd and Paul watched in amazement. The ball morphed and changed into a pyramid.
"Honey, you did it!" Todd whooped. Althea opened her eyes, and her face lit up.
"My God! I did it! YEAH!!!! I RULE!!!!" Althea whooped.
"Now you're tapping your true power." John laughed.
"Way to go, Al!" Paul smiled.
"Let's try a cube." John morphed his fire pyramid into a flame cube. "Once you master simple shapes, you can do more complex ones."
"Okay, okay!" Althea gleefully concentrated. Her water pyramid morphed into a cube.
"You should keeping practicing, Honeybunch." Todd suggested.
"I will. I really will." Althea smiled.
"Nice work, John." Paul patted John's shoulder.
"Thanks, mate." John cackled. Craig ran up to the four.
"We got a mission." Craig said. Darkstar gave a look to John. "Welcome to your first mission."
"I don't have a costume, mate. Mine was torn up beyond repair thanks to the warehouse."
"The Acolytes are in New York City." Craig said simply. Upon mention of the Acolytes, John leapt to his feet angrily.
"Count me in. They're gonna learn that if you mess with Pyro, you're gonna get burned!"
"Airtight made a new costume and flamethrowers for you." Craig told John.
Can the Misfits stop the Acolytes? Whose side is Pyro on? Will the scientists be saved? Find out in the next chapter!