"You brighten my life like a polysterene hat. But it melts in the sun like a life without love."

-Silverchair-

Chapter Four

            "We all have a destiny," Drake Armitage said, rubbing the hairs on his chin. "We can act like we're heroes who can save the world from destruction. We can pretend we form our own paths. But we have a reason for being here. And Lillian Romania's reason is to be our weapon against humanity. Yes, we have powers beyond beliefs. But there are still not enough of us to destroy humans. She changes all that. With her powers, we could destroy everyone and everything."

            "She's just a kid," Ms. Frost answered. "I can feel her power. And it is limitless. But she's not going to live long enough to be a weapon. Can't you feel it? As soon as word gets out, every mutant on earth will either be out to use her or destroy her. Her power will only serve to

 kill her."

"Yes, it will." Drake grinned showing teeth so sharp they looked like fangs. "That's why I plan to get to her first. And after she's done my bidding, there won't be any of her left to be a threat." Miss Frost sighed and stared up at the ceiling.

"Xavier's School for the Gifted. Manchester, New York."

"Xavier," Drake growled.

"Okay, so here's what you do," Logan swung himself off the ropes and catapulted onto the ledge of the wall.

"Um," Lily laughed. "Oh, that's all. I see."

"Come on its easy."

"Yeah for twenty-five year old mutants with lots of practice."

"You think I'm twenty-five?"

"Yeah, well, somewhere around there, right?" Logan laughed and lowered the ledge of the training wall.

"I'll tell you the story sometime. But for now, we're gonna get you X-ified." He stopped and wrinkled his nose. "Did I really just say that?"

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

"Next thing you know I'll be wearing ruby quartz glasses and hovering over Chuck's shoulder every minute." Logan shuddered.

"Want to take me out?"

"What?"

"I've been cooped up in this mansion for weeks. Learning my mutant abcs and what not. I want to get out! See the town!"

"Didn't you grow up in New York City? How much more city life can you possibly want to see?"

"Believe me. With all that teenage angst bullshit and parental issues going on I barely had time to look at my surroundings." Logan raised his eyebrows. He didn't have any family besides the X-Men. He wouldn't know what it was like to have "issues".

"So," she continued. "You gonna take me out?"

It was odd. How they shouldn't have anything in common. Yet he could feel the essence of her very soul.

 Xavier turned the corner sharply, knowing Rogue was standing by the danger room door, watching Gambit run through a scenario.

"Rogue!" he called out, making her jump about three feet.

"Oh! Sorry professor, ya scared me half to death!"

"Sorry, Rogue, but I wanted to talk to you about a mission."

"A mission jus fer me or fer the otha x-men too?"

"Just for you. I've heard reports from various sources of a new organization of mutants. They're goals are-" Xavier paused and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief and smiled wryly. "Rather violent, to say the least. Anti-humanity, that sort of thing. I want you to go to their headquarters in New York City, and see what you can find out. Weaknesses, mutants involved, where they plan to operate, plans."

"Want me ta leave right away?" Rogue asked, desperate for any way to escape having to see Remy every day.

"Yes, Rogue, as soon as you can."

"Sure thing, professor." Rogue started her way down the hall.

"And Rogue?"

"Yeah?" she turned around to face him.

"Be careful…I don't know who this leader is…but he seems dangerous. Avoid fighting anyone at all costs. Don't even try to face him alone. He's out for blood."

Eric Lensherr smiled to himself as he looked down at the piece of paper his sources had brought him.

"Poor Charles," Magneto said. "Always so trusting and ready to help. Even when it will destroy you." Magneto sighed and got up from his chair. Charles may be his greatest nemesis, but he was also his best friend. And he wasn't going to let him and his X-Men be destroyed for the life of one stupid mutant kid.

Apocalypse laughed loudly at the news of the mutant discovered in New York. He had been in the Temple of Time many times for thousands of years. He knew the legend well. And he also knew the unstoppable powers that he could gain, just by capturing one girl. Powers that could wipe out the world and begin it again.

Mr. Sinister told Vertigo to get the jet ready.

"We have a few old friends to visit," he said, smiling with his grotesque teeth and beady red eyes. The bit of heart he had left pounded as he thought of the super-beings he could create with just a drop of her blood.