Mutants Anonymous
Ch2: Knight On The Town
The Batwing flies over the Gotham City Skyline, inside the the cockpit of the Batwing is Beast. Beast is wearing his X-Man uniform: black leather pants with a yellow X on the leg and a sleeveless jacket with the same yellow X design. Beast looks out to see the neon lights below contrast against the cloudy sky above. Alfred then radios to Beast asking. "How's my flying?".
Beast: Smooth my friend! Believe me when I tell you that I have been in much more turbulent skies.
Alfred: I have no doubts about that. I am going to drop you off at the same city block that video of Mystique, but I have someone that would like to talk to you.
On the computer monitor in the Batwing a video call begins to patch through. The call is from none other than the first Boy-Wonder, Dick Grayson AKA Nightwing.
Nightwing: Doctor McCoy, thank you for coming to Gotham on such short notice! We really appreciate it! Huntress and I are currently on Miagani Island. The Purple Dragon think they can expand into other cities, so we're going to give them a warm Gothamite welcome.
Beast: Hello Mr. Grayson, it's good to see you! We shall rendezvous shortly. I am investigating the city block where that video of Mystique was recorded.
Nightwing: Good place to start and best of luck to you. Gotham architecture to a shapeshifter is the meta-human equivalent of a kid in a candy shop.
Beast: Yes, well I have been to other planets and hidden civilizations in the arctic. Surely I can survive a few Gotham City blocks!
Nightwing: I don't doubt it doc! We'll see you a little later in the night! Oh, and thank you again for coming out to Gotham. With Bruce still... dealing with the loss of Jason, we're going to need all the help we can get.
Beast: I understand. And might I add, it's quite impressive to see how you've stepped up in his stead! He must be proud of you.
Nightwing: Thanks, Doc. Just doing what I can. We'll catch up once you're on the ground. Be careful out there.
Beast: Of course. Beast out.
The call ends, and Beast focuses on the Gotham skyline from the view of the Batwing. The Batwing descends on an apartment building. Once the Batwing has landed Beast jumps out from the cockpit and the Batwing begins to ascend once more leaving Beast in Gotham City. Alfred radios to Beast, "Good luck Doctor McCoy. If you need any further assistance you know where to find me.". Beast begins to jump between rough tops until he comes across the exact angle the video of Mystique posing as a gargoyle was taken.
Beast: Beast to Penny-One, I am in position. I have confirmed that there is no gargoyle in the position of that recording I was shown earlier. Is there anything close to my current location of note?
Alfred: Wayne Tower is down the road and I am currently watching the security feed from their right now, nothing out of the usual. The building you are facing is a marketing firm based out of Gotham.
Beast: What about the surrounding buildings?
Alfred: More marketing firms, administration for hospitals, and a few banks but it seems that the Brotherhood aren't exactly interested in money.
Beast: Not at the moment, no.
Alfred: There is one place you can go and get a lead, how familiar are you with Oswald Cobblepot?
Beast: I am aware that he is a mob boss and a gun smuggler here in Gotham.
Alfred: I am going to send you the address to his club, the Iceberg Lounge. If anyone in this city knows about the criminal underbelly of this town, it'll be the Penguin.
Once Beast receives the address of the Iceberg Lounge, he scales the large buildings of Gotham getting closer and closer as he effortlessly leaps through the air. Beast admires the neon lights contrasting against the gothic architecture that makes up the city. He climbs over the large neon sign for the "Vicki Vale Show" while being in awe of massive skyscrapers such as the Novick Building. After sometime, Beast perches on the edge of a nearby building looking down at the line of people trying to get into the Iceberg Lounge. Beast radios to Alfred while observing the line of potential patrons as he asks a rhetorical question.
Beast: I take it I can't just wait in line?
Alfred: There a skylight on the rooftop that Master Bruce has used several times over the years. Once you get in Oswald is not so hard to find.
Beast's eyes widen as he sees a very familiar but unfriendly face, Victor Creed AKA Sabertooth. Creed is standing in line wearing trucker jacket, khaki pants, and his long blonde hair down to his shoulders.
Beast: I think I just found our lead in line.
Back at the cave, Alfred hacks into a security camera near by and runs facial recognition software finding. Surely enough multiple files on Victor Creed populate on the monitor of the Batcomputer confirming that this man in line is in fact Sabertooth.
Alfred: Well looks like you caught our friend here on a night off! You may proceed Doctor.
Beast begins to scale the nearby buildings until reaching the rooftop of the Iceberg Lounge where he opens the skylight. Doctor McCoy perches himself on the rafters of the roof observing all the poshly dressed club-goers. He pays keen attention to the front entrance as Creed walks in and heads straight to the bar. Alfred radios to the X-Man.
Alfred: Can you hear what he's saying?
Beast: It's rather difficult to hear anything from the rafters.
Beast watches on from the rafters as Sabertooth sits at the bar talking to a woman sitting next to him when none other than Oswald Cobblepot comes out from the back room. Creed opens his arms and has a sinister smile on his face as he greets The Penguin but Oswald doesn't exude the same energy, instead Oswald has a concerned look on his face and his body extremely tense. After a few moments of the two villains talking, Creed grabs Penguin by the collar and violently lifting him off the ground causing the woman next to him to shriek in fear causing many patrons of the club to turn around to see what happened.
Beast without hesitation jumps down tackling Sabertooth causing him to drop Penguin. The fat mobster rolls onto the marble floor while Sabertooth falls to the floor as he pushes Beast off him. The crowd begin to panic as Beast and Sabertooth begin to pace around the other.
Sabertooth: Should've known one of you assholes would show up! Can't just let me enjoy a night out!?
Beast: We both know you're not here on vacation Victor! Surrender to the authorities now or-
The sound of a dozen security guard's feet marching around them can be heard, each guard aiming their gun at the two mutants. One of the guards even has the gall to step up and speak to the two of the mutants.
Guard: IF YOU TWO FREAKS DON'T GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY CLUB-
In a swift and savage motion, Sabertooth pounces over Beast and in front of the guard, slicing his throat with his razor sharp claws. The security guard falls on the marble floor with a thunderous thud and Sabertooth roars sinisterly as he begins to fight the guards many of them now targeting him. The nightclub erupts into chaos as patrons begin to scatter in fear. One of the guards tries to rush Beast but the X-Man quickly subdues him with an uppercut. While Sabertooth is busy fighting Penguin's men, Beast assists patrons evacuating the club while avoiding the hail of gunfire Amidst the panic, a woman is grazed by a stray bullet and falls to the ground. Beast rushes to her side and offers her assistance.
Beast: Ma'am, are you alright? Let me help you.
The woman recoils slightly, fear flashing in her eyes as she gazes at the blue-fur covered mutant monster before her.
Woman: STAY AWAY!
Beast however holds out his hand as a gesture of compassion and reassurance that he will not harm. He glances behind them seeing Sabertooth reveling in the mayhem he has caused.
Beast: Please, whatever you have heard about me is unequivocally false. I can't say the same for Mr. Creed.
Reluctantly, the woman nods, allowing Beast to scoop her into his arms. With a powerful leap, Beast navigates through the chaos, dodging tables and bullets as he makes his way to the front entrance of the club where GCPD officers and ambulances have already gathered. Outside of the club Commissioner Gordon, Harvey Bullock, and Renee Montoya are among the first responders who greet Beast as he carries the woman he's holding to an ambulance.
Gordon: Dr. McCoy, what's going on in there?
Beast gently places the woman on a gurney in an ambulance before turning back to his newfound allies in the GCPD.
Beast: A flightless bird has ran afoul of a Sabertooth Tiger!
With those words, Beast charges back into the Iceberg Lounge ready to face Sabertooth head on. The three GCPD officers watch as the brave mutant doctor does this but as soon as he's out of ear shot, Harvey Bullock turns to his colleagues with a skeptical look on his face.
Bullock: That thing is a doctor?
Back inside the Iceberg Lounge, Victor Creed towers over a security guard begging for his life. Creed raises his hand of sharpened claws but right before he cuts down the security guard, Beast drop kicks Sabertooth into the wall allowing the guard to crawl away. Sabertooth gets back up and wipes the blood from his mouth, turning to the X-Man.
Sabertooth: So are you working for the bat now? You replacing the little dead fairy boy?
Beast's face hardens at Sabertooth's callous words about young Jason Todd who was taken before his time.
Beast: I shouldn't be surprised that even a creature as lowly as yourself would stoop to the level of mocking a dead child.
Sabertooth: He wasn't one of mine so...
Before the conflict between two mutants can escalate any further, part of the roof above them suddenly collapses, sending debris crashing down. From the rubble emerges Avalanche, Blob, Toad, and Mesmero. The members of the Brotherhood gather around their ally Sabertooth ready to fight the lone X-Man together.
Toad: I see you've totaled the ony place worth anything in this shithole, Victor!
Sabertooth shoots Toad a withering glare as he tells him to, "Can it!". Avalanche then steps forward, his imposing presence casting a shadow over Beast.
Avalanche: You're outnumbered, big blue. I'd go back to that cozy mansion if I were you.
Suddenly, a familiar shape streaks through the air, striking Avalanche squarely in the head. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the projectile is more bird-shaped than batarang. With a flurry of movement, Nightwing and Huntress descend alongside Beast, their arrival causes Toad and Blob to falter ever so slightly.
Nightwing: Sorry we're late doc, traffic was a nightmare.
Beast: Not a problem. Now let's finish this!
With a mighty roar, Beast charges into battle alongside his allies, the partners of Batman united against their common foes. Blob lunges forward, his massive fist crashing into the marble floor as he attempts to crush Nightwing. But the agile former Robin dodges the attack with lightning-fast reflexes, narrowly avoiding the devastating blow. Meanwhile, Huntress has Toad in a headlock, her expertise in combat evident as she maintains control over her opponent. Toad struggles to speak through the chokehold, his words strained but defiant.
Toad: I know your type, love... Former birds for the bat don't kill!
Huntress smirks, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she responds with steely determination. She slowly reaches for a knife sheathed on her belt loop.
Huntress: Oh, I was never a Robin.
With a swift motion, she retrieves a razor-sharp knife from her belt, poised to strike. But before she can make a move, the ground beneath them begins to tremble. Avalanche rises from where he fell, his formidable presence once again looming over the battlefield. Mesmero, seizing the opportunity, unleashes his powers, enveloping the three heroes in a disorienting haze of vertigo. As the room spins and swirls around them, Nightwing, Huntress, and Beast struggle to maintain their balance, their senses overwhelmed by the chaotic onslaught. In the confusion, the members of the Brotherhood seize their chance to escape, slipping away into the night. The three heroes gradually regain their composure, shaking off the disorienting effects of Mesmero's Vertigo. As they sit up, Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock approach them alongside multiple GCPD officers. Concern etched on the faces of the commissioner and his partner.
Gordon: Dr. McCoy, what happened here?
Beast: Creed, he was after...
Before Beast can finish his sentence, he notices The Penguin peeking his head from behind the bar. Huntress reacts swiftly, firing an arrow from her crossbow that shatters a liquor bottle near Cobblepot, causing him to scream in fear.
Penguin: PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!
Nightwing chuckles at Penguin's reaction as the three heroes approach the bar, Huntress drags Cobblepot along with them to face Gordon and Bullock. Penguin continues to shake in fear as if he saw a monster, Bullock steps up to Penguin with his arms open and a cigarette in his mouth.
Bullock: Ozzy, this is a new low. Selling weapons to bio-terrorists? The money can't be that green!
Beast's ears perk up at Bullock's mention of "bio-terrorists," a term often used as a slur against mutants. Gordon sees the expression on Beast's face and immediately changes the subject.
Gordon: Where is Erik Lensherr?
Cobblepot's fearful demeanor ever so evident translates into his voice, shaking as he speaks. He tells them, "I don't know! I didn't give them anything. They wanted blueprints for some buildings in Gotham, and I told them no. I'm not a part of whatever genocide you're planning! I'm not selling my own kind up the river!". This comment sets Beast off, already having problems with the word Bullock used now Beast decides to speak his mind and interjects in the conversation firmly.
Beast: We are your kind.
This comment weirdly calms Penguin down. The crime boss stops shaking and instead turns to the X-Man with a look of confusion, cocking his eye through his monocle back at the mutant scientist.
Penguin: Are you having a laugh?
Realizing that they aren't going to get much out of Cobblepot tonight, Gordon and Bullock handcuff the Penguin and escort him out the Iceberg Lounge. Nightwing pats Beast on the shoulder with a reassuring smile.
Nightwing: I wouldn't think about it too much. He's almost 300 pounds and maybe four foot five tops!
The heroes begin to scale the walls and climb up through the hole in the rafters. The noise of them moving causes Gordon to turn around and promptly ask Beast a question.
Gordon: Doctor McCoy, are you still going to that ops meeting tomorrow morning?
Beast turns to the commissioner from what he is currently perched on the rafters. He shoots Gordon a warm smile as he responds.
Beast: I'll bring the coffee if you bring the donuts!
With that Beast climbs further up into the skylight of the club and is now out sight. The three heroes are now gathered on the rooftop of the Iceberg Lounge discussing their next move.
Nightwing: We appreciate the extra help, Doctor McCoy. It means a lot.
Beast nods at the comment understandingly. Beast responds, "But of course my acrobatic ally! Now I must ask, where do mutants tend to congregate in Gotham? Surely the Brotherhood would hiding there.". Huntress and Nightwing both look at each other shrugging.
Nightwing: Believe it or not, no. We have literally every other criminal you can think of. Clowns, ninjas, mad scientists, but not a lot of mutants. I think Waylon is the only one.
Huntress chimes in, her voice tinged with concern as she comes to an uncomfortable realization.
Huntress: With Joker being in a body cast, it's possible that they could've taken up Amusement Mile. It's an abandoned theme park in Gotham. A lot of gangs use it when Joker has an extended stay in Arkham.
Beast considers her words thoughtfully, scratching his chin as he ponders.
Beast: Perhaps they have. Members of the Brotherhood are... at least under the impression that they are more elegant than they actually are.
Huntress: They're too good for abandoned theme parks?
Nightwing interjects, a wry smile playing on his lips. He begins to pace around saying, "Creed was just at a spot where the cover fee might as well be a down payment. That doesn't surprise me.". Beast nods in agreement at Nightwing's observation.
Beast: Still, it's a good theory. I'd say let's investigate it if it weren't so late in the evening.
Huntress chuckles and responds with hint of exhaustion in her voice saying, "Welcome to Gotham. The real city that never sleeps!". Alfred begins to interject on their comm link.
Alfred: While I agree with your sentiment Miss Bertinelli, Doctor McCoy has to attend a staff meeting at Arkham Asylum tomorrow morning and on top of that does have to be Waylon Jones' therapist in an attempt to uncover what he knows.
The Batwing descends right next to the trio and Beast begins to walk toward the aircraft. Beast gets situated in the air craft but before he leaves he speaks with Nightwing and Huntress one last time.
Beast: We will reconvene tomorrow evening at Amusement Mile. We'll speak throughout the day I'm sure.
Huntress: We'll see you there.
The two Gotham vigilantes grapnel over to the next building running off into the night and the Batwing flies out of Gotham City limits toward the cliffs of Wayne Manor. Back in Gotham City at the Beacon Hotel, Magneto, sits on the plush couch of his opulent penthouse. He sits on the couch shirtless with his flowing white hair touching his shoulders and his signature red helmet sitting on the coffee table. His piercing gaze fixed on the television screen displaying the latest news updates. Erik watches the news as it reports on his two children Wanda and Pietro more commonly known as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, be sworn into the Avengers by Captain America.
News Anchor: In a surprising turn of events, Captain America has officially welcomed Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver into the Avengers. The former members of the Brotherhood of Mutants seem to have found a new path-
Magneto's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger crossing his face. His grip tightened on the remote, and with a flick of his wrist, he changed the channel to MTV. The upbeat, chaotic energy of the music network filled the room.
MTV Anchor: And at Metropolisfest, the crowd went wild as The Hex Girls brought out former Rage Against The Machine and now Audioslave guitarist, Tom Morello! Morello rocked the stage wearing a 'Magneto was right' t-shirt.
Magneto smirks muttering to himself, "How quaint." A appreciating the gesture but feeling the weight of the ongoing struggle more acutely than the symbolic support of a rock guitarist. He changed the channel again, landing on a local news broadcast where Vicki Vale is talking about the battle that just took place at the Iceberg Lounge.
Vicki Vale: Gotham's Iceberg Lounge was the scene of a massive brawl. Footage shows Beast, Nightwing, and Huntress taking on members of the Brotherhood—Sabertooth, Toad, Blob, Avalanche, and Mesmero. The fight has left the lounge in ruins.
As Magneto absorbs the information, the door to the penthouse swings open, and his Brotherhood cohorts enter, their faces etched with varying degrees of exhaustion and agitation. Sabertooth, Avalanche, Blob, Toad, and Mesmero make their way towards Magneto, despite their presence Magneto does not turn around.
Magneto: I believed I expressed to you that our secrecy was of the utmost importance for this mission.
Toad: Me and the lads we're exploring the town when this furry dickhead decided to cause a scene!
Sabertooth growls at the comment but Magneto waves his hand at him, signaling him to calm down. Two other Brotherhood members, Pyro and Mastermind both wearing civilian clothes walk out of their bedrooms to see what's going on. Sabertooth scans the room looking for someone.
Sabertooth: Where's Raven?
Magneto gets up from the sofa and looks out at Gotham Harbor, he looks in particular interest at Arkham Asylum. The leader of the Brotherhood responds, "She is still on her assignment. She has located Waylon Jones, and has found the weapons cache left behind by the clown.". Magneto then turns back to his soldiers in the war for mutant liberation.
Magneto: We shall move to the next phase of our plan tomorrow. Prepare yourselves accordingly.