Fanning the Flames

"THIS IS INTOLERABLE!" Creed shouted as he trashed his bedroom. "HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? HOW?"

"I don't know sir," Jake told him. "The authorities found their bodies along with the mutant suits."

"And of course they've identified them as FOH members," Creed snarled. "It's taken a lot of influence to keep the authorities at bay for now. I had to claim that I didn't know anything about it of course. Claimed it was a splinter group."

"We can always claim that mutants took over their minds," Jake told him. "I mean that freak Xavier was there. We can claim that he used them to break Mystique out!"

"Good plan…" Creed snarled. "Except it's well known that the witch is Xavier's enemy! Why would he help that monster? Even if she is…" He clenched his jaw.

"Well some other mutant then," Jake said. "Anything to deflect from the truth. If they start snooping around why you would want to break Mystique out of jail…"

"THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN!" Creed snarled as he threw a vase. He calmed down after a moment. "But you are right my friend. The time for subtlety is over. It is time to start the true war. I will start a fire…a cleansing blaze that will eradicate the mutant disease from this planet once and for all!"

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"Anti-mutant hysteria is gripping the country," Trish Trilby reported from her news desk. "Today two more teenagers who were suspected of being mutants were attacked. It was later revealed that the victims were human. Still paranoia rules the day as neighbor suspects neighbor of mutantcy."

"These mutants live to bring fear to decent hard working Americans," Creed was shown in an interview. "A registration law will not only show who is a mutant, but more importantly, who is not a mutant. That way mutants can't have us turning against each other. Once we know exactly who our enemies are we can untie as a country in dealing with them any way possible!"

"Thousands of supporters have joined Creed since he announced his bid for the presidency," Trish Trilby spoke. "And already the polls have shown that he is a clear favorite."

"One of Creed's main supporters is the Reverend William Stryker," An image of a white haired man could be seen. "For years Reverend Stryker has been well known for creating and running the Genesis Vision, the world's leading Christian based multimedia corporation. Since the day mutantkind was first revealed to the world, Stryker has openly crusaded against mutants."

"Man was created in God's image," Stryker spoke on camera. "Yet these mutants claim to be the replacements of man. This is a lie derived by the most unholy one himself. Earth was given to man and no one else. These mutants that wish to usurp man's rightful place in the universe are creations of none other than the devil himself. They are demon seed planted in the unwitting wombs of those led astray. Corrupt from birth these creatures are capable of only one thing: devastation!"

Trilby spoke again. "Many other prominent officials support Creed despite criticism from some human rights groups. However, as controversial as he is, Creed is shaping up to be a tough contender for the presidential race. In other news the economy took another downturn today…"

Creed shut off the television. Jake spoke to him. "With Stryker backing you, you've got the religious right support."

"Yes," Creed nodded. "An interesting man. I wonder if I can make him some kind of national chaplain when I become president. I have to look into that."

"You still have a long way to go," Jake told him.

"Don't worry," Creed nodded. "We'll get there. Are the members from Unit 43 here?"

"Waiting right outside for you," Jake opened the door. Several FOH men were waiting for him. "Gentlemen, our leader has a little job for you to do."

"Tonight we will make an example of those who oppose us…" Creed grinned to his supporters. "No mutant will dare challenge us by the time we are through"

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"Are you sure this is a good idea Shipwreck?" Ororo sighed. "I'm sure my sister will slam the door in my face."

"Just let me do the talking," Shipwreck told her as he drove down the street.

"Oh yeah that will work…" Roadblock groaned.

"It's worth a try," Cover Girl said. "Maybe your sister just needs to know…"

"Holy!" Shipwreck stepped on the brakes. "What the hell is going on here?" To their shock the apartment where the Daniels lived was on fire.

"VI!" Ororo screamed as she flew upwards. She created a rainstorm in order to try to put the flames out.

"Come on Shipwreck!" Roadblock shouted as he kicked in the door. Cover Girl called in to report it. By the time the police and fire officials had arrived the two Joes had rescued the Daniels and the fire was nearly out.

"What happened here?" Ororo asked. "Are they going to be all right?"

"I dunno…" Roadblock coughed. "They were out cold. Had to cut through the ropes that held 'em and…"

"Ropes? You mean somebody deliberately wanted to kill them?" Ororo gasped. "But who? Why?"

"I think I got your answer right here…" Shipwreck pointed to the Daniels' car. It was covered with graffiti saying: MUTANTS GO HOME! DEATH TO THE TRAITORS! FOH.

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"What happened?" Paige ran downstairs several hours later. Several X-Men were gathering.

"Evan's folks just got their house torched by the FOH!" Logan growled. "It's a good thing Shipwreck convinced Ororo and the others to go visit them…"

"Are they okay?" Tabitha asked.

"They suffered some minor smoke inhalation but otherwise fine," Xavier told them. "But their house was completely destroyed."

"But why?" Kitty asked. "It doesn't make any sense!"

"Hate never makes any sense," Xavier sighed. "But it's clear that the FOH wants to make an example of Evan any way possible."

"Those bastards!" Rogue slammed her fist onto a table and broke it with her strength. "Sorry Professor."

"It's all right Rogue," Xavier smiled. "I can think of worse things to call them. And I can always get a new table."

"Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse…" Scott groaned. "We have to do something! I'm sick of just sitting here and taking it!"

"You're right," Xavier nodded. "It's time we went on the offensive. If Creed and the FOH remain unchallenged, we don't have a chance."

"What do we do?" Kitty asked.

"We must prove that mutants are not monsters," Xavier thought. "Perhaps it is time to use our powers more openly and frequently. Where they can do the most good."