Issue 3
Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters, Salem Center, Westchester County, New York
After dealing with Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, and Vanisher, along with his motley crew of evil super-mutants, Professor Xavier decided that it was about time the X-Men had a little break. A day out perhaps, somewhere where his students could unwind for a change, not having to worry about the evils of the world. If only for a while at least.
He considered this while he watched them training in the Danger Room from the safety of the control deck up above. He'd set their morning session to test what they'd learned so far, and for the most part, they were succeeding, but, thanks to a little thing called 'Fate', that could change in a matter of mini-seconds.
Down below the X-Men found themselves pitted several cannons that were strategically positioned around the Danger Room, shooting at them from all directions with sandbags, and seemed to be no end of them. At one side of the large room, Cyclops was incessantly pressing the stud on his visor to release as many countless energy beams from his eyes to deflect them while Marvel Girl utilized her telekinesis to manipulate and toss them aside.
However, just as she grasped the next dozen sandbags, using both hands for better control, Jean could feel that her powers were putting a great strain on her mentality, making her feel woozy, "Cyclops! I don't know if I can carry on," she called out just as she was chucking the sandbags aside.
Marvel Girl didn't think she could deflect the next set of sandbags or have time to dodge out of the way as Cyclops noticed the hesitation, "Marvel Girl! Look out!"
Cyclops, forgetting about the training session and concentrating more on Jean's safety, dove in her direction, successfully "spearing" her out of harm's way, and manoeuvring so that she landed on top of him instead of vice versa.
"Ooof!" puffed Cyclops as Marvel Girl pushed herself up, supporting her weight upon both palms, and looking down at the visor that shielded Cyclops' power and his eyes behind it, "Oh Cyclops, are you alright? You're not hurt are you?" There was obvious concern in her voice as she asked.
Cyclops then took that moment to let out a small laugh, but sounded more like a cough as Jean, being on top of him when they landed, sure knocked the wind out of him, "I'm fine, Jean. Just had the air knocked out of me, that's all." He then mentally cursed himself for referring her by her real name, and not her codename.
Just then Iceman appeared on the scene, using his cryo-kinetic powers to erect an ice-shield to protect them from the ongoing assault, "If you two are finished playing a scene from an incredibly mushy chick-flick, for e.g. The Notebook, we've still got a training session to wrap up."
Marvel Girl, still on top of Cyclops, whipped her head around, her red hair slapping her face as she did, her green eyes narrowing at the youngest X-Man, as though she was daring him to joke some more, but luckily he didn't. Instead he headed off into Angel and Beast's direction, eager to help them out than being in the proximity of Jean in her current state.
She soon eased up when he scarpered, and climbed back to her feet, stretching out her hand to help Cyclops onto his, "Ready to continue?"
"Lead the way," he smiled, astonished at the fact that, one minute she was practically on her knees, her mind feeling extremely exhausted, but then in the next it was like she was running on full juice again.
Elsewhere in the Danger Room, Angel was literally "dancing" around in the air, evading the launched sandbags that were trying to put him and Beast down, his wings flapping in a gentle rhythm to keep him afloat. From where he was buoyant, he could see Beast dodging the sandbags with the use of his simian agility, flipping onto them with relative ease before jumping onto the next one. To Angel, it appeared as though Beast was mocking the Danger Room itself.
Suddenly, a sandbag came soaring through the air at such a speed that Angel was lucky that it didn't his head. It actually missed him by a hair's breadth. "Whoa! That could've knocked my block off!"
Don't hestitate for a second, Angel! Professor X warned telepathically, They'll always be dangers around every corner and you must be on your guard at all times!
Gotcha Professor! Won't happen again, sir, the voice inside Angel's head answered, this time managing to dodge the flying sandbag with no effort at all.
"I do believe it's about time this session's brought to an end," Beast replied, mostly to himself, still using the sandbags as leverage as he progressed closer to the main cannon, which remained on the far side of the Danger Room, in between the other two cannons situated on the walls to its left and right. If his evaluation was correct, and most of the time it was, if he could disable the main cannon, it would automatically shutdown the other cannons simultaneously, thus ending the session.
Using his powerful leg muscles, Beast pushed off the previous sandbag fired, and somersaulted into the air, endeavouring to use the momentum when he plummeted to crush the cannon beneath his feet. Just as he was seconds away from achieving his goal, the cannon pulled a fast one on him, firing a red laser beam from a secret slot on its top, hitting Beast's chest head-on.
"Unnh!" Beast growled, not expecting that at all as it sent him crashing down onto the floor, landing hard on his back, knocking the wind out of him.
"Beast's down!" Cyclops informed just as he fired off an optic beam that obliterated a sandbag that was coming toward him fast. "We need to end this now before anyone else's taken out so we need to follow Beast's lead by taking out that main cannon by any means necessary!"
The X-Men took that command as their cue; Angel nose-dived, wings folded onto his back, allowing him more freedom to evade the sandbags effortlessly as he made himself the bait. Using this to their advantage, Iceman began blasting them with ice, cause them to shatter once they connected with the floor while Marvel Girl gathered half a dozen or more telekinetically, and threw them to one side.
It was working. At the start of the session they'd felt overwhelmed, but not that they were working in unison, fending them odd, they found it to be a lot easier. Once they'd reached the main cannon, Iceman hastily flash-froze it so it couldn't use it laser beam before Cyclops finished it off by pressing the stud on his visor once more time to emit a beam of his own to completely destroy their target.
"Training Simulation No. 2.7 complete. Main target eliminated," the Danger Room's computer corroborated, what was left of the main cannon disappearing beneath the floor as the other two withdrew into the walls.
Now that the simulation was over, the X-Men all seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, Iceman and Angel helping Beast to his feet, who was feeling a little woozy after getting hit by the laser, "For a laser that only stuns, it sure does pack quite a wallop, no?" Even though his impressive bulk granted him heightened durability, his chest still ached where the laser struck him, but it didn't worry him. The throbbing would pass in due time.
Well done, my students, Professor X congratulated telepathically from above, I can see that you've all mastered the basics of your powers, and can work solidly in a team. But, I must admit that some of you are also acting thoughtlessly, thinking that you can accomplish any task on your own, but in actuality, you're only endangering yourself, and the people around you. They'd noticed that he didn't mentioned whom he was referring to, but a certain pair had a clear notion.
Nevertheless, now that I've had my say, and that this session's completed, I can safely say that they'll be no more sessions for the remainder of the day. You can use the time to do whatever it is you wish.
The X-Men thanked him simultaneously before heading out of the Danger Room through its only door, sliding open before closing behind them.
Half an hour later
After they'd retreated to their dormitories, cleansed their bodies of the sweat they'd gathered from training with nice, long showers, and clothed into their casual clothes, the X-Men gathered together in the entrance hall of the mansion, waiting for one another until they were all present. Seeing as Professor Xavier had given them the rest of the day off, they'd all decided amongst themselves that they were going to spend it down at Coney Island, seeing as it was the right time of year to do so.
Just before they were about to leave, Professor Xavier exited the small elevator that'd brought him up from the subbasement, a concerned look on his face. They all immediately picked up on it, knowing that the news thet were about to receive wasn't going to be good, and probably meant that their day off was officially over. They all looked in his direction, ready to return to their rooms, and "suit up" if need be.
"I don't mean to infringe on what you all have planned, but Cerebro's detected a rather significant mutant by the name of Frederick J. Dukes within the confines of Coney Island."
The X-Men's curiosity was peaked, Scott being the first to ask him, "Significant? How do you mean, Professor?"
The Professor supported himself on his elbows, his hands pressed together as though he was in prayer, a gesture the others knew meant that he was thinking, "Well Scott, it seems that he has the uncanny ability to become completely immovable, as well as wielding the combined capabilities of superhuman strength and invulnerability, but to what degree, I do not know. Fundamentally speaking, my X-Men, he could be a very dangerous mutant if influenced by a certain someone."
Even Bobby knew exactly who the Professor meant, "Magneto, you mean. Him with his "Mutant Superiority" attitude he seems to be spreading around." He smiled at what he'd implied, even emitted a small laugh, but the others didn't seem to find it as amusing as he did.
The Professor looked up to him, "In a matter of speaking, yes Bobby," his attention now on the rest of the team, "From probing his mind, Frederick's not utilizing his powers in hostility, rather he's demonstrating them in a series of rather dangerous acts that would effectively kill a normal human being just to earn an honest buck."
"What would you like us to do then, Professor?" Scott asked, his tone of voice now in serious mode, "Do you want us to suit up? Go as the X-Men?"
The Professor shook his head, "No, but take them with you. In your civilian guise you'll appear more gregarious to him as you're convincing him to join our cause, but if he becomes in any way hostile, I'd suggest you find a way to change into your suits, and let the X-Men handle him."
Everyone was a little disheartened that their day-off was going to be part mission, but Bobby seemed the only one to be excited about it, "Wahoo! We've got ourselves another mission!" but before the Professor could correct him, he was already up the stairs, heading into his room to fetch his suit.
Warren shook his head, a smile on his face, "I swear that kid lives for action!"
The Professor sat up in his wheelchair, a smile also on his face, "So it appears, but the X-Men's not just about exploiting action. We're also endeavouring to make this world a better place for mutants and humans alike via communication. Out cause won't succeed otherwise."
"And I'm sure Bobby knows that Professor," Jean sympathised, "but as we all know by now, his enthusiasm for action mostly gets the better of that. Don't worry, though, we'll make sure to keep him in check." She then smiled down at him, it seeming to make the hallway a little brighter.
"And be sure you do. I don't want this to escalate into something we won't be able to control. Be sure to keep it simple, don't arouse any suspicion. Bring Mr. Dukes back here, and then we shall go from there."
Scott stood up, his back straight, "Understood Professor, we'll collect our suits, and be on our way. We shall have Dukes when we return."
Just before he left with the others, the Professor grabbed Hank's attention, "And I'd advise you to take one of the bigger vehicles. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get to Coney Island." After saying that, the Professor wheeled himself in the direction of his office, leaving the intellectual X-Man in a state of confusion as to what he'd just said, peaking his interest just that little bit more.
Coney Island, New York City
After nearly half an hour waiting in traffic, the group of teenagers finally reached their destination. A good thing too as Hank was about ready to rip the steering wheel off, and throw it at the next vehicle that passed them.
Before he'd joined the X-Men and was still in high school, being 16 at the time he decided to learn how to drive, and in short of a month, he passed it with flying colours. Now, in addition of being one of the X-Men, Hank would also have to drive himself and the others to places they obviously couldn't go to in the X-Jet, like Coney Island for instance, and until they learned how to drive themselves, he was pretty much stuck in that role.
"Here we are, boys and girl, Coney Island." Hank announced as he parked the bottle-green 1999 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in one of the few empty spaces nearer the entrance before shutting off the engine. As they all climbed out, Hank slipped the key into the lock and turned it to the right in order to lock the other doors as well.
They could see, being that time of year, that Coney Island was as busy as ever, brimming with all matter of life.
"Now, remember the assignment, people," Scott mentioned, looking around in their current vicinity to see any sign of this Dukes guy, but having no such luck. "We go about our day as usual, but we need to keep a sharp eye out for Frederick J. Dukes. If he's doing what the Professor had said he was, he can't be that hard to find. Alright, let's go."
As the others nodded in agreement, Warren, Bobby, and Hank headed off down the wooden walkway that lead to the pier, mingling into the crowd, eventually heading in different directions while Jean stayed behind. "Scott? Is it alright if I stay with you? The crowds are a little overwhelming, and I'd feel a lot safer if I was with you." She asked, that dazzling smile which bared her stunning white teeth, making Scott's heart beat a little faster.
Scott couldn't help, but smile back, "Of course you can," he answered simply, lifting his left arm up, and bending it so Jean could hook hers around I, "Where would you like to go to first?"
Jean placed her left index finger on her bottom lip, the usual gesture for someone who was thinking, and uttered with a grin, "I'm hankering for something light, fluffy, and incredibly sweet."
Meanwhile, elsewhere on Coney Island
"Can I have your full attention please, ladies and gentlemen!" The barker's raucous voice exclaimed, who was standing in front of a large tent that was white in colour with thick red and yellow stripes. He was a tall, rather thin man with Fu Manchu-style moustache, and was garbed in a bottle-green topcoat and tails - which was decorated with black stars - same goes for his boots, and wore dark crimson trousers. Upon his head, he wore a black top hat with a swirling pattern on its front.
Some of the people were paying attention, but most of them were obviously ignoring him, transfixed by the "grander" attractions elsewhere. If need be, he'd have to utilize a more "persuasive" incentive.
"You may have seen many wonders in your life…the Pyramids of Giza or the Grand Canyon, for example, but have you seen something so uncanny, your mind won't be able to comprehend it?"
The people looked at each other, brows raised in confusion, obviously the barker's pitch had peaked their interest, muttering amongst themselves about what he might have in store for them.
"Well, I won't have you waiting in anticipation any longer!" He then moved out of the way to the entrance of the tent, pulling the entrance flap along with him to reveal them the next wonder, "Let me present to you, the one, the only, the unbelievable marvel of the 21st century! The Invulnerable! The Immovable! The Blob!"
From within the tent, out emerged the wonder known as Blob, and the onlookers gasped in bewilderment. The guy was easily over 6'5", perhaps even taller, and was terribly obese. Some of the people even wondered how he was still breathing. He also had short brown hair, eyes to match, wore a large, black leotard with a thick, yellow belt around the waist, and a pair of black boots to finish the ensemble.
He was followed by a woman who was of average height, had shimmering green eyes and auburn hair that fell to her shoulders. She also didn't look like she belonged with this sort of troupe; with her voluptuous physique clothed in just a body-hugging green leotard, but it was the huge rock python that she had positioned on her shoulders and had coiled itself harmlessly around her waist.
At her side was an incredibly muscular man that could be just as tall as the Blob, wore a one-strapped leotard that was coloured in horizontal yellow-and-black stripes and red boots. The garb made most of the crowd think of wrestlers back in the '80s, most likely Andre the Giant or Nikolai Volkoff.
"What we are about to demonstrate," the announcer began again, "with the help of Princess Python," who waved at the crowd with her large pet snake, "and Bruto the Strongman," who bowed at them, "is how awe-inspiring Blob's feats really are. My helpers will use their talents against him when I give the word, and I can guarantee you that he won't be harmed."
Most of the women gasped in horror, hands over their mouths as Princess Python stepped forward, aiming her rock python right at the Blob. "Alright Princess Python, when I give the word, set your loving pet upon him!"
The snake-charmer nodded simply, her lips curving into a grin, as though she loved what she was about to do, but others were waiting in both anticipation and shock as to what was about to happen.
"Set her loose!"
At the command, Princess Python unleashed the snake upon Blob, who did nothing to block or stop it from coiling itself around his corpulent waist in an attempt to squeeze the life out of him. For a few minutes, the snake endeavoured its best, but the Blob's body was like putty and it ultimately failed, slithering back to her master, who petted her affectionately and promised her a nice meal when this was over.
"What do you think of that, folks? A feat that would've easily killed a man, yet has the Blob still standing. Next up is Bruto, who's going to demonstrate just how durable and immovable the Blob is!"
His act with Princess Python had now gotten everyone's attention, even those who weren't really interested, even the X-Men's who were now watching Blob's performance, one of them holding some pink candy floss.
"We'll go talk with him after the show's over," Scott instructed, Jean's arm still hooked around his, leaning closer tom him as the scene that was about to unfold was too much for her, "Oh, I can't watch."
"On three Bruto! One…two…THREE!"
As soon as the number was uttered, Bruto turned to face a large weight that looked too big and heavy for any normal man to lift, but then again he, like his other associates, wasn't entirely human, and he lifted the tremendous weight over his head. The crowd gasped in amazement as he kept it up without showing any signs of fatigue. The X-Men gathered that Bruto wielded some amount of superhuman strength, but couldn't clarify how much he could lift.
Facing the super-strong man, Blob stamped his feet into the ground, small craters forming beneath his feet as he utilized his immovability, readying himself for Bruto's attack. Waiting no longer, the strongman threw it straight at Blob, in an attempt for it to throw him back or at least squash him, but it did neither.
As soon as it neared Blob, he raised his hands up to block it, and using his own super-strength, he forced it down in front of him, hitting the floor with a tremendous rumble. Everyone, including the X-Men, were amazed to say the least. He'd not only stop a massive weight from crushing it, but he managed to do so whilst standing in the exact spot. Not even an inch. That was truly incredible! There was complete silence within the area. Then it erupted with clapping, and cries of astonishment such as, "He truly is immovable!" and, "That's unbelievable!"
"Okay, people! The Blob shall be right back after a short break, showing you more of his uncanny talents!"
This was the moment for the X-Men to pursue their next task, "Alright, come on. Let's have a little talk with Dukes," Scott replied, leading them in the direction of the Blob's trailer, which was actually a modified container off the back of a semi, and situated on the beach beside the boardwalk. Which was probably convenient seeing the size of the guy.
Jus before Scott was about to knock on the metal door however, Jean stopped him, her hand on his shoulder in a gesture for him to stop, "Scott, let me talk to him. I don't like to say it, but with those glasses, you do look a little intimidating. Might send him the wrong way."
Hank stepped forward and agreed with Jean, "I do believe that she's right on this one, Scott. A little feminine charm could help us gain the Blob's trust that we so indubitably need."
Scott didn't like where they were going with this, but they did have a valid point. They needed to convince Blob onto their side, and they needed to do it without causing any trouble or bringing any attention to themselves. He still didn't like the idea though.
"Alright, I can see your point, but I'll accompany you so at least you'll have someone watching your back if the Blob tries anything."
Jean let out a small laugh, accompanied by that addictive smile again, "Oh Scott, always my knight in shining armour," she spoke softly, earning a slight blush from the team leader, whispers and smiles from the others. She then knocked on the door as hard as she could, all of them hearing it echo similar to that of a cave.
"Hold your horses, I'm comin'!" A hoarse voice exclaimed, obviously Texan, followed by loud stomps as he made his way along the container, causing it to shake also, the X-Men worried for a moment that it might topple over.
A minute later one of the two doors opened outward, Jean and the others having to take several steps back so as not to get bit by it, and there stood Blob, out of his ridiculously large leotard and into something which he deemed comfortable…a grey cotton vest with a flaming skull etched on its front, charming, a pair of grey jogging bottoms…all of which was obviously in the biggest size he could get. However, his feet were left bare. Jean introduced herself and Scott, who just gave Blob a short nod, who in turn replied with a huff.
"I was hoping if we could take a few minutes of your time, is that alright?" she asked benevolently. The Blob just stood there, his mouth slightly agape, and his eyes seemingly fixed on her, making her feel somewhat awkward, and regretting her decision to take Scott's place. The moment soon passed as Blob's voice thundered, "Sure, sounds mighty fine at me, cutie."
As soon as Scott's ears picked up Fred's choice of an endearment, he clenched his hands tightly into fists, having to fight the urge not to unleash an optic blast right in his face, but just as quickly came to his senses. Letting loose his powers in such a confined space like Blob's trailer could prove catastrophic, and of course could severely harm his team-mates.
"The name's Fred, by the way," he introduced himself, as everyone only knew him as "The Blob". He watched Jean enter his trailer, her eyes looking all over the place, seeming to take everything in. There were several posters decorating the metal walls, most notably Metallica, Linkin Park, Korn and a band called Rammstein. It pretty much said what his tastes were in music, but they definitely weren't Jean's. Also situated on one side of the trailer was a large, soft armchair, a large TV, a cable box, and a games console. An extremely large bed was lent up against the wall, but there was no bathroom or, indeed, a shower.
He most likely does his business elsewhere, Jean though as she moved around the room, taking in everything that was Fred Dukes, which wasn't much to be honest. Just any ordinary guy who happens to wield extraordinary abilities like herself and the others.
"I'm not going to waste your time Fred so I'm going to go straight to the point of my visit," Jean said as she turned to face the large mutant, folding her arms over her chest, "Do you like it here? At the carnival?"
Fred scratched the back of his head, shrugging with his broad shoulders, "I dunno…I guess so. Some of the others are total douches, but the pay's good, and I can eat as much food as I want."
"But don't you want to be more than just a circus sideshow to those people outside? Don't you want to prove to them that you're more that jus that?" Jean asked, wondering what he actually saw in living this kind of life.
"Why should I, green eyes? When I was growing up with these abilities, which gave me my enhanced height and blubbery mass," he began, gesturing to his obese figure, "I had nowhere ta go and no-one ta turn to because they were either disgusted or frightened of my new appearance. That is, until the boss approached me, and offered me a place on his circus sideshow where all my past torments would long gone. And he was right. Now, I'm deemed a star in this business, and those who once mocked me, now adore me. What can you possibly offer me that could top that, doll?"
Jean was starting to tire of the endearments he was throwing at her, and could've expressed it by using her telekinesis, but knew it in herself that she wasn't strong enough to do that. The moment soon passed though, her focus back on winning Fred over.
"Better accommodation, for one," she now gesturing to the trailer that he was currently living in, "and a place where your abilities will be truly appreciated. Fred, you demonstrated an amazing ability back there. Think of what you could accomplish if you were to use them for a better cause where they would actually mean something to people instead of exploiting them like you're doing now. All I'm asking is for you to just come with us, and meet with the person who found you, who found all of us, and listen to what he has to say. Okay?"
It seemed like ages waiting for his response, but eventually Fred looked up from the floor, and smirked, "Alright, you've convinced me. But just because you've sweet-talked me inta comin' with ya, doesn't mean I'm gonna accept the guy's offer…whatever it might be."
He then turned away from Jean, and headed for the door, the others quickly moving out of the way when it looked like he was about to barge through them on his way out.
"Where's ya means of transport, Slim?" He asked Scott who, like Jean just moments before, wanted to unleash his powers upon him for his extremely bad attitude, but thought against it. They were here to bring him to the Professor, not to indulge in some meaningless fight that could bring about the wrong message.
"Just follow these three," Scott thumbed in the direction of where Warren, Bobby, and Hank were standing, the trip practically hearing the resentment he had for Blob in his voice, all three feeling exactly the same way. The guy's conceited approach was deplorable, and the four boys questioned within themselves what the Professor could possibly see in him to think he could be 'X-Men' material.
As Fred followed the three en route to where they'd parked the Ford Explorer, Jean come close to Scott from within the trailer, a small smile forming on her lips as she placed a hand on his shoulder, "He's quite the charmer, isn't he?" She said with gentle teasing, "I just hope my interrogative skills weren't spoken in vain. I was just going with the flow, and I don't think I can come up with something that could top that."
Scott smiled behind his ruby-quartz glasses, "You handled it like a true X-Man. The Professor would be proud, if he were here to witness it that is," but what he intended to say was that he was proud of her, his heart beating a little faster as she passed him on her way down the steps of the trailer, smelling her heavenly fragrance that seemed to surround her like an aura.
"Scott, are you coming?" He heard her ask, looking in her direction to see that smile still etched on her face, looking stunningly beautiful.
"On my way," he replied simply, a grin to match hers as they hurried up with the others back at their vehicle, and to the mansion where they'll find out whether Fred can cut it as an 'X-Man'.
Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters
Emerging from the garage, thinking that they wouldn't be able to make it with the Blob's weight and all, they were immediately welcomed by the Professor who instructed them to change into their uniforms, while he gave Blob a tour of their home.
The tour didn't take as long as it should've because Professor Xavier was eager to observe what "The Blob" was really capable of with a series of tests composed in one particular room, "And this, Fred, is what we call The Danger Room."
Having been bored out of his mind with the tour of this place, the mention of the word 'danger' drew his attention, "The Danger Room, huh? That sounds pretty cool," he said with an obviously pleased tone in his voice, the smirk on his face expressing what he felt. "Is it truly dangerous?"
The Professor could sense the overconfidence in Fred's voice, his body language, and knew that he was going to be trouble, but, no matter how difficult he was going to be, he at least deserved a chance to prove that he could be an X-Man.
"No, it is not." Prof. Xavier replied rather promptly, knowing exactly what Fred was thinking, even without exploiting his telepathy, "The Danger Room's a training facility where almost anything can happen to challenge my student, to help them hone and control their abilities. It can be rather overwhelming if not careful. It is where your capabilities will be tested within a series of exercises best suited for you."
The Blob grinned broadly, punching his fist into his palm, cracking his knuckles, "'Bout time, Prof. I was wonderin' when we were getting to the action!"
"Then please, enter through here, and wait as I make my way to the control booth above," Prof. Xavier gestured to the steel doors, watching as they opened sideways when Fred approached them, closing behind him when he'd entered further into the room. He then took this moment to bow his head, still worrying about whether this was a good idea or not.
"Professor? Are you okay?"
He glanced up when he heard Scott's concerned tone of voice, seeing him and the rest of the team fully garbed in their black-and-yellow X-uniforms. All of them sporting the same anxious expression as their team leader.
"Yes, yes I'm fine Scott. Just speculating on whether this is a good idea after all. I mean, Fred could be a commendable addition to the team, but his overconfidence and his thirst for action troubles me. It even rivals yours, Bobby."
The younger X-Man was about to defend himself when he saw the worry clearly written on his teacher's face, and it soon passed. The Professor then turned on the spot, and wheeled himself in the direction of the elevator which led up to the observation deck-cum-control room.
"I'll have to put that aside for now. In the meantime I want you all to join him in the Danger Room," he instructed, reversing into the elevator, "If my assumptions are indeed correct about his overconfidence, you are the only force that can stop him, but even I doubt that, with the abilities that he possesses." He then disappeared behind the sliding doors, the X-Men hearing the silent humming of the elevator as it took him upward.
"Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence," Bobby murmured, everyone feeling the same way, but not voicing it.
Scott looked to his fellow team-mates, swapping his ruby-quartz glasses for his battle visor, making sure his eyes were closed in the process, "Come on guys, you heard what the Professor said."
Pulling on their masks, they all followed Scott into the Danger Room, all seeming to speculate what was about to happen inside at the same time…
The Danger Room (2 of 3 exercises completed)
"That's quite impressive Blob," Prof. X commended from the intercom after witnessing the large mutant lift a holographic representation of a barbell, its density had been increased to that of a hefty 30 tons. "I have reason to believe that your pliable body is capable of withstanding any number of attacks, making you near enough invulnerable. Now I believe it has also granted you with tremendous super-strength. Now for your final test; your immovability."
The Blob threw the barbell aside proudly as it dissipated into thin air, the Danger Room constructing into his next, final test. Once the room had finished changing, Blob and the X-Men found themselves standing in what appeared to the Serengeti Plains, complete with short grass and trees scattered about. In the distance, they could even see herds of animals which consisted of blue wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos.
"To truly test your immovability, let's see how you fare against a charge from the heaviest mammal on land, the African Elephant!" Prof. X proclaimed, pressing a button on the console which produced a holographic representation of the said mammal, charging at full pelt at the Blob.
The large mutant didn't seem scared nor fazed by the imposing elephant's mighty charge, instead stomping his feet into the ground and bracing himself, much like in the same way as a sumo wrestler. The elephant trumpeted loudly with its trunk raised high, ready to knock him down with its charge, holding an average weight of 13 tons behind it.
What seemed like a second later, the two behemoths connected, the sheer force of the connection causing a shockwave that near enough knocked the X-Men off their feet. When they look back at the clashing titans, they could see that the Blob had managed to halt the elephant on the spot, gripping it via its long tusks, it having failed to move him from his specific spot.
"HHHIIIRRRAAAHHH!" Blob let loose an almighty holler, using his amazing strength to up turn the mighty land mammal onto its side, just to prove how formidable he was.
"Whoa!" Iceman gasped, "Did you see that? Blob's really strong, isn't he?"
The others couldn't voice their answer, too amazed of his display of super-strength and immovability. Professor X was also amazed at Blob's aptitude, but he managed to respond, "Simply remarkable, Blob! You really are one of a kind! Not only do you possess superhuman strength and an extraordinary resistance to physical injury, you've also proven that you're truly immovable!"
The Blob scoffed smugly, "Yeah? Well I coulda told ya that in the first place! Are we about done 'ere? Because if ya done wasting my time, I'd best be getting back to the carnival before the boss fires me or somethin'." He was already heading for the door as he was saying this.
The X-Men were aghast, standing by the sidelines with open mouths, and the irrepressible urge to teach this guy a valuable lesson on manners. "This dude's got a serious attitude problem!" Iceman stated out of nowhere, "Permission to give him a lesson in manners, Professor?"
Even though he could sense that that the Blob was a formidable opponent for his X-Men, he was eager to see how they'd fare against him. Already gaining victory in the past endeavours against Magneto, and Homo-Superior.
Permission granted Iceman, but be careful. The Blob's as dangerous as he is mighty, warned the Professor telepathically, watching the scene unfold from above as the youngest X-Man stepped forward, his hands raised out in front of him.
"Think you're tough? Let's see you break out of this!" Iceman then blasted the Blob's feet with sheer cold until they formed chunks of ice. That'll stop him! No-one can get out of that! He told himself, but gasped in absolute disbelief when Blob shattered them with a meagre gesture.
"Was that supposed to stop me?" The Blob asked incredulously, "Didn't even tickle." The sneer was back on his face, which suited his ego just fine.
"Enough!" shouted Professor X from up top, looking down on them with a slight smile on his face, "You have convinced me that you're as formidable as you say Blob, and I've come to a decision…I would like you to join my X-Men! Even though your arrogance precedes you, and we shall have to work on that, I have no doubt that you'll be an excellent addition to the team."
The Blob waved him off, scoffing again at the Professor's proposal, "Thanks, but no thanks Prof! I don't need ta be in a team ta determine that I'm the strongest one here, and a weedy one at that. Also, I don't like being bossed around, particularly by a bald guy in a wheelchair." He then turned to face Marvel Girl, who was staring back at him behind her mask, expressing sheer disbelief at what she, and the rest of the team, was hearing, "Sorry doll, but this ain't my craze."
Glancing up at the Professor again, he brought his speech to a close, "It was fun while it lasted. Catch yous later," and he was off, stomping his way toward the steel door.
X-Men, stop him at all costs. He mustn't be allowed to leave, he knows too much! Professor X alerted with his telepathy, not wanting Blob to get a hint of what he was informing his students to do.
"You heard the Professor," Cyclops started, pointing to the receding back of Blob, who was just about ready to walk out the door, "Blob doesn't go anywhere."
This was all that Iceman wanted to hear, his eagerness for action getting the better of him as he transformed his entire body into solid ice, and projecting a blast of sheer cold from his hands at the blubbery mutant, grabbing his undivided attention, "What? You wanna go another round, Snowman?"
This only fuelled Iceman even more, exerting more of his powers to encase the Blob's entire body in a block of ice, looking like one giant ice-cube. However, like before with his feet, Blob gathered up all his strength, and impelled it outward, breaking out of Iceman's prison, looking quite chagrined, "Is that how yous are gonna play, huh? Well fine, let's play it your way!"
The Blob then stampeded in the direction of Iceman and the other X-Men, surprising them with his impressive speed, regardless of his corpulent mass. The X-Men scattered in all directions, successfully avoiding the stampede which caused Blob to carry on and ended up embedded in the Danger Room's wall, thanks to his invulnerability. Though the attack didn't do much, it did enough to stun him. This was the X-Men's chance to strike, "X-Men! Attack formation no 2.1 now!" Cyclops ordered.
From above Angel nose-dived toward the dazed Blob while Beast came at him in a series of flips from the ground in an attempt to double-team the large mutant. Angel struck at his face with a right-hander with the force of the dive behind it, then Beast finished with a dropkick followed from a handspring. They knew from the carnival that anything below the neck was practically invulnerable to any attack, so they chose to attack above it. It paid off, if only for a few seconds.
"Yous are gonna pay for that, X-Geeks!" The Blob bellowed angrily, swinging with his left and right, trying to hit them, but to no avail. Angel soared back into the air, and Beast back-flipped away just in the nick of time.
While he was in this state, Marvel Girl took this as her chance to attack, gesturing her hands toward him, her telekinesis pinning him to the wall, but because he was so strong, it was already getting difficult for her to maintain this feat.
"Surrender Blob, or face the full extent of my powers," Cyclops warned, his forefinger just touching the button on his ruby-quartz visor, ready to unleash the destructive power behind them if Blob refused his proposal.
Even though it seemed like the odds were against him, the Blob wasn't about to give up so easily, "Go ahead, take your best shot, four-eyes!" He coerced, Marvel Girl's telekinetic power over him already failing, the strain of such a feat too much for her.
"Alright, you asked for it!" Holding down on the button, Cyclops unleashed a prolonged optic beam in an attempt to pin Blob in his place, but the large mutant seemed to be waving it off, as though it wasn't even fazing him! How's it possible? This optic blast's powerful enough to level a tank, but he's just waving it away like it was nothing!
"Is that you got? Figures," Blob muttered, forcing the optic beam away as though it was tangible, and charged forward again, the X-Men having no choice, but to dodge out of the way. Not wanting to risk trying to stop him this time. He persevered, charging straight through the door, creating a massive hole behind him, "See ya later, suckers!"
"He's escaping! We've gotta go after him!" Iceman alerted, on the verge of chasing after him when Professor X spoke to him telepathically, No Iceman, leave him! He's already proven to be a formidable foe, and you are all going to have to recuperate before facing him again!
Iceman looked up at the Professor, flabbergasted that he was letting Blob get away, and with their secrets, "What? We're letting him go? But what if he tells someone of our secrets? What if -," but he was cut off by the Professor, this time via the intercom, "I know, Bobby. It's my own mistake for having him brought here. I foolishly believed he would join us…If he talks, the secret I have sworn to dedicate my life to will be a secret no more."
"Can't you use your telepathy to wipe this scenario from his mind, Professor?" Jean asked with concern, standing beside Scott as they all gathered together.
"I could have Jean, but his uncontrollable rage made it difficult to pinpoint the exact scenario for me to erase it," Prof. Xavier answered, now clicking off, and heading down the elevator to join the others. "After a good rest, we shall try again, and this time we shall succeed…"
Back at Coney Island
Fred had managed to make it back to the carnival, and he could see that the others were already packing up their stalls, equipment and locking up the animals for the night. That's good…now I can gather them all together, and take the fight ta the X-Men before they have another chance ta take me down! The Blob planned, heading straight for his boss's trailer which was parked near to his.
As he barged through the front door, near enough taking it off its hinges, the barker, who was really Maynard Tiboldt AKA Ringmaster, leader of the Circus of Crime, was just discussing "business" with Princess Python and Bruto.
Ringmaster swung around in his chair, an angry look on his face as he blurted out, "Blob? How many times do I have to tell ya to watch your strength! And where've ya been anyway? I come to your trailer to get you ready for your next act, and you do a disappearing one instead!" When Blob didn't answer straight the way, he stood up from his chair, "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Calm down, boss! If you just shut ya yap for a sec, I'll tell ya." The Ringmaster's face was a picture of shock, being told to shut up did that to people, a smirk etched on his chubby face, "You're going ta love this, boss. I was visited by THE X-MEN, the real deal. They wanted me ta join them, use my powers ta better myself or some such crap, even taking me ta their home ta show 'em what I am capable of, but I refused their offer."
This intrigued the Ringmaster, turning to look at both Princess Python and Bruto, who seemed to understand what he was thinking, before he looked back at Blob, "The X-Men, you say? That is very interesting. They would make a fine addition to my Circus. With them on board, we'll be unstoppable."
The Blob was gob-smacked, "Are ya kiddin' me, boss? When I refused, they attacked me from outta the blue. I mean, I whooped them and managed to escape, but ta try ta humiliate the Blob like that, I demand serious payback!" He clenched his fists tightly.
Suddenly, he was hit by an intense mental beam, causing him to immediately fall down on one knee, both hands cradling his head, screaming out for it to stop. It was Ringmaster, assaulting him with his own natural ability; the ability to control minds via hypnotism.
"Enough! Remember your place here Blob! I'm the leader of this group, not you! If it wasn't for me taking you into this group and making who you are today, you would've ended up in prison or God knows where else!" The Ringmaster stop his mental assault after Blob submitted to him.
Leaving Blob to get himself back on his feet, Ringmaster turned to his most trusted cohorts who'd stood by him since the formation of the Circus of Crime.
"Now, with the information of the X-Men's whereabouts still fresh in Blob's mind, it would be rather stupid of me not to take this opportunity. Zelda, Bruto. Gather up the best of our team, and meet back here. We'll pay them a visit as soon as everyone's ready." He then turned back to Blob, who'd regained his composure and was standing at his full height of 6'5", "And you, Blob, remember where you stand in this group."
The Blob, who hated it when Ringmaster spoke to him like he was beneath him, just stood there, and nodded in agreement, "Yes, Boss," he answered, emphasizing the last word with obvious scorn before he was being told, along with Princess Python and Bruto, to leave his trailer, and to get everybody ready.
Returning to his trailer, Blob couldn't help, but think about the two things that were now currently wondering around in his mind: 1) Taking down the X-Men and 2) Showing the Ringmaster a peace of his mind when this was all over.
No-one makes a fool out of the Blob! No-one!
Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters
It had been quite the afternoon for the young students. First, they'd planned to go to Coney Island to chill, seeing as the Professor had given them the rest of the day off from training. However, it didn't go according to plan as the Professor had detected a rather significant mutant by the name of Frederick J. Dukes, calling himself The Blob, and how accurate that name was. His powers of super-strength, invulnerability and immovability were tremendous, nothing like the X-Men had ever seen before. They'd asked him to come back with them, meet the Professor, and become involved in a series of tests to demonstrate a little of his powers. They were truly remarkable, but when the Professor offered him to join them, he refused, a first by all means.
Knowing their secrets Professor X ordered his X-Men to stop him from escaping, from revealing them to the outside world. It failed however, the Blob's abilities overpowering them. He obviously escaped, back to the circus that he'd called his home, and they've all been on edge since.
The X-Men were all in the library, catching up with their homework for tomorrow with the use of the computers. Bobby however, wasn't liking it one bit, "Guys, aren't we about done? Shouldn't we be going after Blob?"
Hank, who'd obviously finished his homework ages ago, was sat perched on one of the windowsills, reading something about Genetics and Mutation. A book handed down to him by the Professor himself. He was already near the end of it. He looked away from his book and replied in his usual sophisticated tone, "If you spent more time doing your work and less moaning about it Bobby, you would've been done by now."
"Yeah, but it's alright for you Hank. You've got the brains to figure all this out within a couple of minutes. Couldn't you just help me out this once?" He begged, it bringing a smile to the intellectual X-Man's as he laughed, returning to his book, "And how will that help you learn if I do all the work? I'm sorry Bobby, but this you'll have to do on your own. The others aren't making a fuss."
Before Bobby could even retort to that, the mansion's security system was screaming red alert, "Warning! Warning! The grounds have been breached! Initiating standard defensive procedure!" It wailed, as the five heroes got to their feet, and headed straight to the window to see what could be setting off the alarms.
The gate that electronically opened to allow entry into the grounds had been ripped off, and running down the driveway, with others following shortly behind, was none other than the Blob! Probably back to finish what he'd deliberately started by refusing the Professor's offer, which ultimately ended in their little scrap.
X-Men! Professor X's voiced boomed inside their head, It appears that Blob has brought a few friends along in an attempt to take us down! Hurry, suit up and be prepared to face them! I shall hold them off until you return!
With not a moment to lose, the X-Men hurried out of the library, and into their respected dormitories to suit up, Bobby feeling incredibly giddy now that they were about to head into some action instead of doing homework, which could be finished off…later.
In the control booth above the Danger Room, Professor Xavier utilized the computers there to access the mansion's security system. From there, he could see the intruders, and take care of them until the X-Men were on the scene.
Outside, the Blob and the rest of the Circus of Crime did their best to dodge and take out whatever was thrown at them. Blob and Bruto were both utilizing their invulnerability to withstand the stunning lasers while using their super-strength to rip them from out of the ground, from which they emerged.
The Great Gambonnos, Ernesto and Luigi, Italian twins who were both expert acrobats and aerialists, were using their gymnastic skills and agility to dodge the incoming fire while Princess Python and Ringmaster kept their distance, letting the others handle them.
The last member of the group, Livewire, used his electrified cable like a lariat and ensnared the systems one at a time whilst dodging them before frying them with an electric jolt. He was immune to the effects because he wore insulated gloves and clothing which protected him.
It was over in a matter of minutes. They'd completely demolished most of the ground's security systems, and what was left Professor X couldn't leave out just to be destroyed so he withdrew them. Just in the nick of time too as the X-Men made their appearance at the front doors, garbed in their X-uniforms.
"Remember people, we've only got to engage them until the Professor's modified Cerebro!" Cyclops informed the team, as they readied themselves for what was going to be an epic battle. "Only then can we have the upper hand here!"
"X-Men! I am known as Ringmaster! I've come here, with my cohorts, to make you an offer!" He bellowed, catching their attention, "Join us! We've all your powers and ours combined, nothing could stop us! We'd be living as millionaires! Or if you choose not to, well then I hate to be cliché, but you shall suffer the consequences!"
Cyclops stepped forward, his visor glinting red in the Sunlight, pointing right at the ring leader of the invasion, "Sorry Ringmaster, but we X-Men don't use our powers to make a profit or to get our own way! We use them for the good of mankind!"
The Ringmaster huffed, "I expected as much from you do-gooders! Which brings me to the obvious conclusion that we shall have to take you down until you beg us to join! Circus of Crime, attack!"
Just as they came charging forward, Cyclops pressed the stud on his battle visor, unleashing an optic blast straight at Bruto, the momentum sending him flying backward through the air, landing hard as his body skidded across the front lawn, creating a long, deep trench. He was out, at least for the moment. From there, the fight was imminent.
The Blob, using his super-strength, picked up what was left of one of the defence systems, and hurled it toward the X-Men, Marvel Girl thinking quickly, raised her hands out in front of her, and caught it telekinetically. She quickly tossed it to one side. Iceman retaliated with a ice blast to the face that took the Blob by surprise, as he was apparently susceptible to attacks directed at his head, which wasn't good.
"X-Men, spread out! We're easier targets if we stick together!" Cyclops ordered, watching as they did, indeed, spread out to give themselves more ground to fight in.
The Great Gambonnos both back-flipped and somersaulted in Beast's direction, both dropkicking him hard to the ground. Even though the attack hurt, it didn't throw off Beast. He instead counteracted his fall by reverting it into a back-flip, showing that he was just as good an acrobat as they were.
"Your moves are impressive, but even they cannot surpass our incredible talents!" Ernesto crowed, Luigi nodding in agreement.
This brought a smirk to Beast's face, "Oh? Well, then you two wouldn't mind, but I'd like to test your quite presumptuous theory," and before the twins could even respond, Beast flipped into the air, and performed a split kick that sent the Great Gambonnos in opposite directions. "This is going to be most fun!"
Meanwhile Angel was busy evading Livewire's attempt to ensnare him with his electrified cable, Cyclops and Iceman were trying their best to take care of Blob and Bruto, but both wielding super-strength and invulnerability, it wasn't an easy task.
"Looks like it's just us girls now, darlin'," Princess Python practically purred, lovingly stroking her pet python that was wrapped snugly upon her shoulders, "I promise you that this'll be quick."
Marvel Girl stood her ground, ready to defend herself, "Don't think me helpless, lady. I can take care of myself as better as the boys can!"
Princess Python grinned evilly, "We shall see!" She then commanded her pet to attack the female X-Man, but Marvel Girl was too quick in utilizing her telekinetic powers, halting it in mid-attack, it hissing at its obvious dilemma, "Is this the best you can do? Attacking with your pet snake?" She then threw it back at her opponent, which knocked her off her feet.
With whispered words, Princess Python commanded her pet to retreat as she would deal with the X-Man who dared to harm her precious. Standing back up she pointed at Marvel Girl, "I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me no other choice!" She then stepped up to one of the statues that decorated around the front lawn, and lifted it over her head.
Great, another one with super-strength!
From above Angel swooped down and right-hooked Livewire, sending him hard onto his side, before soaring back into the sky. He did it again the second time, but this time with his left, but when he came to do it the third time, Livewire caught on, and whipped the cable straight at him. It swathed itself around Angel's waist, and was struck with an electrical jolt that stunned him onto his knees, weakened so that he couldn't immediately fly to safety.
"I give you my word, X-Man, this won't hurt…much," Livewire informed as he was about to strike him again, but, from literally out of nowhere, Ernesto collided into him from the side. Having been thrown by Beast, who approached the fallen X-Man's side, "Angel, are you okay my winged friend?"
"Fine…now, thank you for the…assist Beast," he replied, allowing Beast to help him to his feet, his body, particularly his waist, throbbing from the electric shock.
"No problem Angel, but I kindly insinuate that we cease conversing and returning to the skirmish. We're not out of the woods yet."
Just as he said that, he was attacked from behind by Luigi, who'd "cannonballed" right into his back, sending Beast flying forward, landing vigorously on his front. Angel flew into the air again immediately to avoid the next attack.
Elsewhere Cyclops and Iceman were, at the moment, keeping the Blob and Bruto at bay, dodging their right and left hooks with their super-strength behind them whilst blasting them with optic blasts and ice beams.
"Keep at it, X-Men! The Professor just needs a little more time!" Cyclops shouted, rolling to one side, and pressing the stud on his visor, shooting Blob right in the eyes, causing him to stumble back and rub at them.
"I'm gonna rip ya apart when I get my hands on ya, four-eyes!" Blob exclaimed, trying to grab the "one-eyed" X-Man in a bear hug, but was met with incredible resilience.
"Like that's going to happen, Blob!" Cyclops retorted, rolling away again when Blob was about to elbow-drop him, but instead made the concrete crack underneath his colossal weight.
Back with the ladies, Marvel Girl had successfully hindered Princess Python's attempt at squashing her with the statue, and took down an unsuspected Blob, by ripping it from her grasp with her telekinesis and sending it hurtling in his direction. As he was not aware of this, he wasn't able to make himself immovable in time, and thus, was sent hard onto his side, creating an even bigger crack in the concrete than before.
The Ringmaster was witnessing the epic battle from the sidelines, and after getting the feeling that his team was losing, he thought he was the right time to intervene, and change the outcome.
"Listen to me, X-Men! Listen to my voice!" The Ringmaster started, exploiting his hypnotic powers, unbeknownst to the X-Men that they were being augmented by the Nullatron that was installed into the swirling symbol on his hat. "You will not fight us no more! You will instead, join us! Join us and become the mightiest team the world will ever know!"
The sudden mental attack brought the X-Men to their knees, their hands upon their heads as though it might help to block out his voice, but to no obvious avail. Angel, who was flying in the air at the time, suddenly plummeted back to the ground, hitting it hard. They were obviously trying to fight off the mental attack, but its constant thumping felt like their minds were about to explode.
However, the attack seemed to be working somewhat differently on Marvel Girl. Sure, her mind felt like it was on fire, but it didn't bring her to her knees like it'd done to the others. Something in the back of her mind was fending it off, but she couldn't explain what it was.
All of a sudden, without even realizing it, she released a powerful, telepathic attack that knocked all the Circus of Crime, including Ringmaster, unconscious, but miraculously left the X-Men unscathed. After such an abrupt assault Marvel Girl let out a sigh, before her eyelids fluttered and she too fell unconscious.
Once his head wasn't feeling so fuzzy, Cyclops sprinted over to Marvel Girl, shouting out her name, before skidding onto his knees beside her, and holding her up in his arms. Checking just to make sure, she still had a pulse, and she was breathing normally.
Do not fret Scott. She's perfectly fine, Professor X reassured him, appearing before them wearing Cerebro, which he'd just modified to go wireless during the X-Men's skirmish with the Circus of Crime, Tired, but nevertheless fine. Take her to the infirmary, Scott. Have the others join you as well. I shall take care of our intruders.
Scott need not voice his reply. He just nodded, and lifted Jean into her arms before he was running back into their home, calling for the others to follow.
Professor X, on the other hand, looked to the unconscious interlopers, and heaved a sigh, That should not have happened. Not so soon, and not so abrupt, he thought as he used his telepathy, with the aid of Cerebro, to wipe the minds of the Circus of Crime of this scenario and their knowledge of the X-Men.
The Infirmary, Sub-Level 1
Scott had laid Jean on one of the beds, and Hank was already checking up on her, just in case they'd missed something, but like the Professor had telepathically mentioned to Scott, she was perfectly fine.
"What happened back there?" Bobby asked, just as dumbfounded as the rest of them, Scott could only answer with an unknowing shrug.
"I know what happened Bobby," the Professor uttered as he entered the room, all four boys looking in his direction as he made his way to Jean's side, "You see, I had known Jean before I'd met all of you," he began, staring at Jean's sleeping body as he continued his elucidation, "When she was 11 years old, her good friend of hers was involved in a terrible car accident, and that's when her powers first manifested."
"I'm guessing that was her telekinesis, am I right?" Bobby asked again, but the Professor shook his head, "I'm afraid not, it was her telepathy. You see, she possesses both that and telekinesis. However, at such a young age and witnessing such a terrible tragedy, it was too much for her to handle. In such distress, it caused her to fall into a coma. Her parents came to me in need of help, and I tried my best, but all I could do was suppress her telepathy until she's old enough to be able to control it."
He then held onto her hand, like an affectionate father would, "That's why she's only been utilizing her telekinesis." There was a short silence before Professor X finished, "I plan to suppress her telepathy again until I know she can handle them."
Still holding Jean's hand, he began the suppressing procedure while the others stood in silence, trying to take in what the Professor had just told them about the new addition to Jean's powers.
It felt like an eternity, but when he'd finally finished, he turned to his X-Men and simply replied, "It is done. I suggest we leave her to rest, and for you all to get changed. It has been a long day."
The young men just nodded in silence, following their Professor out of the infirmary as Scott took one last glance at Jean, his heart sinking for what she'd been through, and he'd thought he was the only one with a troubled childhood. Guess they were all analogous in that kind of way.
He left a moment later to catch up with the others, just hearing Bobby asking the Professor what he'd done to the Circus of Crime.
They saw him smirk and he answered with a smile, "I managed to wipe out any knowledge they knew of our whereabouts and the X-Men from their minds. I also took it upon myself to sway them into cleaning up the mess they'd made before they leave."
The young men couldn't help, but smile as they followed the Professor into the elevator, looking out of the nearest window when they got out of it a few seconds later. Laughing amongst themselves as they watched the Circus of Crime tidying up the front lawn for them.
The End of Issue 3
Enemies
Circus of Crime
Frederick J. Dukes AKA The Blob - Like most mutants, Fred's abilities manifested when he hit puberty. He gained superhuman strength (able to lift up to 30 tons), endurance, and great resistance to physical injury (his elastic, blubbery mass grants him great resilience). As well as those abilities, Fred also has the ability to alter his personal mono-directional gravity field beneath himself to make himself virtually immovable as long as he was in contact with the ground. Despite all the resilience, he's highly susceptible to attacks directed at his face, as it doesn't have the same protection as the rest of his body.
Maynard Tiboldt AKA Ringmaster - Maynard has low-level hypnotic powers which's strong enough to dominate a single victim's mind. His powers are greatly enhanced, thanks to his late father's invention called the Nullatron, to the point that he can control many people at one time.
Bruto the Strongman - Bruto has superhuman strength (able to lift up to 25 tons), and has an incredible resistance to physical injury.
Zelda AKA Princess Python - As well as an ordinary snake handler and charmer, Zelda also wields superhuman strength (able to lift 10 tons), and invulnerability (enough to withstand blunt force trauma and bullets).
Ernesto and Luigi Gambonnos AKA The Great Gambonnos - Although they have no superpowers, like their cohorts, they are, however, expert acrobats and aerialists to rival Beast and even Spiderman.
Rance Preston AKA Livewire - Like the Great Gambonnos, Livewire too hasn't any powers, but wields an electrified cable which utilizes to ensnare his opponents and shock them. He wears insulated gloves and clothing to counter its effects.