Genosha
September 10, 16:36 EAT
Sitting in a palace made of pure metal and seated upon a metal throne was an old man in his 70s wearing a red and purple costume with a red cape. This man was Erik Lehnsherr, but he was more commonly known as Magneto.
A woman with long red hair and a red outfit approached him. "Father, what is it that you require?"
"Wanda, I'm not satisfied that your brother is doing a good job when it comes to antagonising the humans," said Magneto.
"I'm sure Pietro is doing his best," said Wanda.
"Not good enough," said Magneto as he rose to his feet. "If Charles and his X-Men aren't bad enough, I have also heard rumours that the Avengers have started a covert strike squad."
"Why would the Avengers need a black ops squad?" Wanda asked.
"The Avengers may claim that they wish to serve people as a whole, but they don't hold one single mutant within their ranks."
"But they are allied to the X-Men," Wanda pointed out.
"Which is secret, and they do answer to the United Nations; if they demanded it, they would attack us. However, with this black ops squad of theirs, they can now infiltrate and gather information without getting their hands dirty."
"So what is it that you want me to do?" Wanda asked.
"I want you to assist your brother and the Brotherhood; we need to step up our timetable," Magneto commanded.
"As you wish, Father," Wanda bowed and left the room.
Westchester County
September 11, 9:56 EDT
Johnny was currently driving his car with Peter riding shotgun, and Crystal was sitting behind.
"So tell me again where we're headed?" Johnny asked.
"We're going to see Professor Charles Xavier; he might be able to help Crystal with her memory loss," Peter explained.
"And how do you know his address?" Johnny asked.
"He runs a school for gifted people," Peter explained.
"And by gifted, you mean mutants," Johnny assumed.
"Yeah, but don't worry, I sent a message ahead telling them to expect us," Peter assured him.
"So, what exactly are mutants?" Crystal asked.
"Basically, the next step of human evolution, humans born with unique powers," Peter explained.
"Like you and Johnny?" Crystal asked.
"No," said Peter, shaking his head. "We're mutated humans, but real mutants get their powers through genetics. Unfortunately, there are quite a number of bigots out there who want nothing more than to ostracise them."
"Why?" Crystal asked.
"Because it's human nature to be afraid of the unknown," said Peter. "Plus, some mutations are more obvious than others."
"Is this the place?" Johnny asked.
They were driving up to a set of gates leading to a mansion, and they could see many children playing in the yard.
"This is it, Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youths," said Peter.
'Greetings, Peter,' said a voice in their heads.
"Is someone speaking inside our heads?" Crystal asked.
'That is indeed correct, Crystal. I am Charles Xavier, and I do apologise for the intrusion,' said the voice.
"Uh, we're expected," said Johnny, slightly baffled.
'Yes, I have your appointment in my diary, and so I welcome you to my school,' said Xavier and then the gate opened. 'Miss Grey will lead you to my study; do make yourselves at home.'
Johnny then began driving through the gate, and they got a better view of the children playing in the yard. Most of them didn't look much older than they were, but a few of them didn't exactly look human. Some had extra arms, others had horns, and others were covered in fur.
"So every child here is a mutant?" Crystal asked.
"Yep, and try not to stare. They may take it the wrong way," Peter suggested.
They soon parked in front of the mansion, where they met a beautiful young woman with long red hair. She looked roughly Peter's age, and she smiled at them.
"Peter, it's nice to see you again," she said.
"Same, Jean," said Peter as he climbed up the car. "Guys, let me introduce you to Miss Jean Grey and one of the X-Men."
"You may know me better as Marvel Girl," Jean smiled. "Now I'll take you to the Professor; just follow me."
Jean then led them into the mansion, seeing even more students running around.
"So this mansion is a school?" said Johnny, looking around.
"It used to be the Professor's home, but he turned it into a school for students, teaching them how to use their powers responsibly," Jean explained.
"Jean was one of Professor Xavier's first students," Peter explained.
"How do you know so much about the X-Men?" Johnny blinked.
"Magneto tried to recruit me when I first started my hero career; he believed that I was a mutant," Peter explained. "Tried to get me to join his brotherhood, but when he realised that I was human, he attacked me."
"Fortunately, we realised that Magneto was after Peter, so we quickly rushed in to save him," Jean explained.
"So is every student here and X-Man?" Crystal asked.
"Oh no," said Jean. "Only a handful of us are X-Men, and we don't force our students here to become X-Men either."
Jean then led them to the main study, where they found a bald man who looked like he was in his 70s and sitting in a wheelchair.
"Ah, greetings," said Xavier, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please have a seat."
"I'll leave you to it, Professor," said Jean, then left the room.
"Now Peter informs me that you, my dear, are suffering from memory loss," said Xavier, looking at Crystal.
"That's right, I don't remember anything up to the point that my team saved me," Crystal nodded.
Xavier nodded. "Yes, I am aware of your condition and will do everything I can to assist." He then looked up at Peter. "Peter, how are you and Mr Storm walking around the school while I tend to Miss Crystal? I assure you no harm will come to her."
"Of course, Professor," said Peter as he rose to his feet and looked at Johnny. "Let's give them some privacy."
Johnny looked at Crystal, reluctant to leave her behind, but Peter placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him outside.
"I don't feel comfortable leaving Crystal alone," said Johnny.
"Professor Xavier is a good man, and he won't do anything to harm her," Peter assured him.
Johnny didn't look so certain that then someone caught his eye. Making his way down the corridor was a man his age wearing a pair of red sunglasses.
"Who's the guy with the shades?" Johnny asked.
"That would be Scott Summers, the leader of the X-Men, who goes under the name of Cyclops," said Peter.
Scott looked up and approached them. "Peter was told that you'd be here."
Peter shook his hand. "Hey, Scott, let me introduce you to Johnny Storm."
Scott frowned, looking at Johnny. "Ah, the hotshot."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Johnny glared.
"Only that you jump in without thinking," said Scott.
"Are you trying to start a fight?"
Peter quickly placed himself between the two of them. "Guys, let's not do this in the school." He then quickly looked at Scott. "Scott, I was wondering if Dr. McCoy was here."
"He should be in the lab," said Scott.
"Good, I've got a few questions to ask him."
"I'll take you to him then," said Scott, and he began to lead them towards the lab.
Meanwhile, Crystal was lying on a couch with Professor Xavier beside her.
"Now, I need your mind to be perfectly calm," he said softly. "I'm going to reach into your mind and see if I can't bring up those lost memories."
Crystal nodded. "You are only going to look for those lost memories, right?"
Xavier smiled. "Do not worry, I won't violate your privacy. If there's something you don't wish for me to see, just think of the door, and I won't enter."
"Okay," she said and took a deep breath.
Professor Xavier began to enter her mind, and several images began to appear. Among them was a glorious city, quickly followed by images of a group of people. Among them was a tall, stoic-looking man in black, and beside him was a beautiful woman with long red hair.
Then came an image of Crystal landing some sort of spaceship which was on fire and crashing straight down towards Earth. She was desperately trying to regain control of the ship and then crashed.
Crystal suddenly shot up, covered in sweat. "Wh-what was that?"
Professor Xavier looked a little overwhelmed himself. "Those were your memories; I was able to unlock them. However, I cannot say what they mean."
"But who are those people I saw?" Crystal asked, thinking back to that image of the man and the woman. "Are they my family?"
"I do not know, but if the renewal memories mean they hold some sort of importance to you, All I can really suggest is that you try to retrace your steps."
"But I don't even know where to start," said Crystal as she sat up. "I mean, it looks like it is not even from this planet."
"Yes, that is indeed a problem."
Scott had taken Peter and Johnny into an elevator, and they were making their way to the mansion's underground complex.
"I'm guessing you don't show this place to just anyone," Johnny assumed.
"Only those we trust," said Scott. "And if Spider-Man didn't vouch for you, you wouldn't be here."
"Nice to know that I'm wanted," Johnny muttered.
Peter sighed. "Can you two just at least try to play nice?"
Johnny frowned when he heard music. "Is that music I'm hearing?"
"Hank loves to listen to Mozart when he's working," said Scott.
He then led them to a lab, and they saw a beastlike creature with blue fur in a lab coat hanging upside down from the ceiling.
Johnny just blinked. "Uh, what exactly am I seeing?"
"Hank, I've brought some guests," said Scott loudly over the music.
The creature turned and smiled as he somersaulted onto the ground and switched off his iPod.
"Ah, greetings, my friends," he said, then his eyes fell upon Peter. "Ah, Peter, so lovely to see you again, young man. Who is your friend?"
"Dr McCoy, let me introduce Johnny Storm, who you might know is the Human Torch," said Peter. "Johnny, this is Dr Henry McCoy, who goes by the codename Beast."
"Uh, high," Johnny waved.
Dr McCoy smiled. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr Storm; I have, of course, know all about you and my constant talks with Dr Richards."
"You know Reed?" Johnny blinked.
"All us scientific heroes know one another; it comes with the job," said Dr McCoy, and then he turned his eyes to Peter. "Peter, I can only assume that you wish to discuss the findings from Scipro-Genesis."
"Good guess," said Peter.
"Well, these Genomorphs that had been created certainly have some of the most advanced cell structures I have ever seen," said Dr McCoy. "However, I do recognise the work, and it is most troubling."
"I was afraid of this," said Peter. "Let me guess, Professor Warren was working with someone else on this."
"Yes, and if I'm not very much mistaken, his partner was none other than Mister Sinister," Dr McCoy nodded.
"Who?" Johnny asked.
"His real name is Nathanial Essex; he is a scientist from the 19th century and has an obsession with human genetics," Scott explained. "He's used mutant DNA to improve his body, which is why he's still alive even after all this time. He is also fixated on both me and Jean."
"So we have two mad scientists who have absolutely nothing in common working together," said Peter.
Dr McCoy nodded. "Yes, not a very enjoyable prospect."
They then heard the sound of alarms.
"What now?" Johnny asked.
Jean then rushed in. "It's the Brotherhood; they're going on a rampage in Boston."
"We need to get everyone to the Blackbird," said Scott.
"But we're already shorthanded. There's only you, me and Hank," said Jean. "Everyone else's on missions."
"Maybe we can offer some help," Peter offered.
"I appreciate the offer, but this is an issue for the X-Men," said Scott.
"It's going to be everyone's issue soon enough," Johnny pointed out.
Scott sighed. "Then let's get moving."
Soon, they met up with Crystal, got suited up with her, and joined the rest of the X-Men at a stunning-looking aircraft.
Johnny whistled upon seeing it. "She's a beaut."
"The Professor save no expense in getting us all the latest equipment," said Scott as they boarded the plane.
"Quick question: who exactly is this Brotherhood?" Crystal asked.
"They called themselves the Brotherhood of Mutants, basically a bunch of hooligans that cause trouble," Marvel Girl explained. "They work for Magneto, trying to start a war between humans and mutants."
"Magneto?" Torch blinked. "I was under the impression that in exchange for his mutant country, he was not to leave the island or cause any kind of mayhem."
"Doesn't stop it from controlling things behind the scenes," said Cyclops. "We X-Men have been doing everything we can to stop this war, but it's not easy."
The hangar door opened, and they took off, heading straight towards Boston.
Boston
September 11, 13:23 EDT
Wanda watched as the Brotherhood were attacking anything in sight, something she found displeasing.
"How is this supposed to help mutant kind?" she said.
Then suddenly, alongside, appeared a tall young man with silver grey hair. It was her brother Pietro, who, as everyone knew him, was Quicksilver.
"I'm sure Dad knows what he's doing," he said.
Wanda looked at her brother. "I wish I were as certain as you, Pietro, but is starting a war really the best way to go?"
"Dad wouldn't do this if he weren't certain we would win," said Quicksilver.
"If we had humans alone, I would agree, but what about the Avengers and the Fantastic Four?" Wanda asked. "Father has also heard that the Avengers have started a black ops squad."
"Don't forget we some powerful heavy hitters ourselves," said Quicksilver.
Wanda watched as a very chubby man who went by the name of the Blob smashed through a building. Then her eyes turned into a frog-like person, went by the name of Toad, hopping around shooting slime out of his mouth.
"Are those your heavy hitters?" Wanda asked questionably. "Blob is dimwitted, and Toad…" Toad panicked as the policeman began firing at him, hopping away from them, "need I say more."
"You worry too much, sis," said Quicksilver, then quickly dashed off, disarming the cops.
"He doesn't exactly inspire confidence, does he?" said a voice with a strong Louisiana accent behind her.
Wanda turned and saw a young woman with long brown hair and several white streaks approaching. She recognised her as the Brotherhood's newest addition, Rouge.
"You're not joining in?" Wanda asked.
"I actually agree with you about this chaos," said Rogue. "The fear I see in everyone's eyes is the same kind of fear I faced."
Wanda looked on as a man in armour, who went by the name of Avalanche, began causing earthquakes.
She then heard the sound of a jet and saw the Blackbird had arrived.
"Looks like the X-Men have finally shown up," said Wanda.
Then suddenly, flying out of the Blackbird was Torch, who immediately flew straight down and fired a fireball at Avalanche.
"Is that the Human Torch?" Rogue stared.
Wanda stared as Cyclops led the rest of the X-Men into battle, but among them were Spider-Man and Crystal.
"I told you to wait for my orders," said Cyclops, looking up at Torch.
"I don't take orders from you," said Torch.
"You do with me, and I agree with Cyclops," said Spider-Man.
Quicksilver then suddenly stared at Cyclops. "What with the new team Summers? Your old team couldn't handle us?"
"Let's see if you can handle this!" Torch yelled, firing fireballs at Quicksilver.
Quicksilver easily dodged the fireballs and smirked at him. "Is that all you got, hothead?"
Cyclops looked at Spider-Man. "Is he always like this?"
Spider-Man shrugged. "Only when he thinks he has something to prove."
Wanda looked on, surprised. "Spider-Man as well? But I don't recognise the girl in yellow."
"Maybe we should call it quits," said Rogue. "I mean, we don't know who's gonna show up next?"
"Even if I did, I'd done my brother would listen; we better give him some support," said Wanda, then floated down to the battlefield.
She was then suddenly pushed back by Marvel Girl, who floated in midair.
"I have to say, surprised that you're here, Wanda," she said.
"I don't take any joy in this, Jean Grey," said Wanda.
"Then why do this?" Marvel Girl asked as she began tossing fallen rubble at her.
Wanda quickly blocked the attack. "Because it's what my father wants."
Toad was sticking to the wall, watching the battle. "Uh, maybe this is a good time to leave?"
"Good suggestion," said a voice above them.
Toad looked up and saw Spider-Man sticking to the wall; he immediately panicked and hopped away.
"Okay, not what I was expecting," said Spider-Man, swinging after him.
Cyclops and Beast were facing against Blob, who was finding it difficult to grab them. Beast kept on somersaulting out of the way every time you tried to make a grab, and then he was blasted by Cyclops' energy beam.
"Curious, why would the Brotherhood attack out in the open?" Beast wondered. "What could they possibly hope to gain from this confrontation?"
"We can ask them after we take them down," said Cyclops.
He attempted to blast Blob with his energy beam, but then the ground began to shake, and he toppled over. It didn't take them long to realise that Avalanche had recovered from Torch's surprise attack.
Crystal then quickly jumped in, firing bolts of lightning at him, and he quickly rolled out of the way. He then tried to start another tremor, but Crystal counted it with her own powers.
"You're not going to be shaking up anyone," she said.
Spider-Man was chasing after Toad, who was making no effort to attack him.
"Leave me alone!" Toad cried.
"Maybe we would attack innocent people. I would!" Spider-Man yelled back and fired some webbing, only to discover he was out of fluid. "Damn, out of web fluid."
He quickly landed on the ground and moved his glove to switch cartridges. However, when he was in the middle of switching out, Rogue appeared out of nowhere and grabbed his hand, and he suddenly began to feel weak.
"What the?!" he said.
"Sorry, sugar, but I'm going to have to ask you to take a little nap," said Rogue.
"Not going to happen," said Spider-Man and swung his fist at her.
Rogue quickly jumped out of the way before it made contact.
"Nice one, Rogue," Toad clapped. "Now we can take him down!"
Rogue glared up at him. "We? Last I checked, I'm the one fighting him."
Spider-Man was still a little dazed by what happened but managed to snap out of it. "Don't know who you are, lady, but you're messing with the wrong hero."
He swung his fist at her, but she certainly performed a perfect somersault and, even more surprisingly, stuck onto the surface of the building next to her.
"Those are my moves," Spider-Man stared. "Now I get it. You're able to absorb the abilities of anyone you touch."
"I can do a lot more than that, sugar," she smiled and then jumped off the building to perform an axe kick.
Spider-Man quickly jumped back to avoid it and then fired some webbing, but she also dodged that.
"It's like fighting a mirror," he said.
Quicksilver was still running across the city, Torch following close behind.
"I'm surprised you can keep up matchstick!" he said.
"You're not the only one who can break the sound barrier!" Torch yelled.
"Yeah, but I bet I'm the only one of a second to make tight turns!" he said, quickly shooting off to the right.
Torch quickly had to hold his acceleration just so that he could make the turn.
"Yeah, but I'm the only one of us who can do this!" Torch yelled and began firing fireballs at him.
Unfortunately, Quicksilver just dodged them effortlessly. "True, but it doesn't do you any good if you can't hit me!"
Torch then reached for his radio. "Yo, Webs. I hope you're having better luck than me."
"You kidding? I can barely land a blow," said Spider-Man as he and Rogue continued swinging blows, but neither one of them could land a hit. "I take it you're having problems?"
"Yeah, the speed freak here is untouchable, and every time I catch up, he quickly makes a sharp turn."
Spider-Man looked at the street and got an idea. "I've got a plan, but all I need is a guide fast and furious over to me."
"You guys," said Torch.
"Come on, Rogue it already!" Toad yelled as he watched them fight.
Rogue glared at him. "You know you could help instead of providing useless commentary? You're as helpful as a bull in a china shop."
"Hey, I led him to you!" Toad protested.
"Well, you shut up," said Spider-Man and fired some webbing onto his mouth.
Toad began yelling in a muffled voice as he desperately tried to move the webbing, but it was just too strong.
"Thanks, he was getting annoying," said Rogue.
"Why do you work with or any of them?" Spider-Man asked.
"Because they gave me a home when one else would," she said.
"The X-Men would be more than happy to give you a home," said Spider-Man. "And they wouldn't ask you to terrorise people just to earn your spot."
"No, instead, they have me play dress up and try to help the people who shunned me," Rogue countered.
"All they are trying to do is foster understanding between humans and mutants. Tell me, do you think trying to start a war is the best way to get people to accept you?"
Rogue looked at him, and it seemed as if his words had reached her. "Your hero through and through, aren't you, Mr Parker?"
Spider-Man's eyes widened. "Wait? How did you—"
"Yo, Webs, I have a speedy delivery coming your way. You better be ready!" Torch yelled on the radio.
Spider-Man quickly stepped out of his trance and instantly fired the web line across the street. A few seconds later, Quicksilver turned round the corner, tripped over the line, and skidded across the ground.
"Classic," said Torch as he arrived.
Wanda was still fending off Marvel Girl, but she could see the turn of the battle was changing abruptly. She then used her powers to remove a fire hydrant and blasted the water Marvel Girl, sending her flying backwards.
"We're leaving," she said and looked at her brother. "Pietro, we need to get away."
"Fine," said Quicksilver, still a little shaken from his fall.
He then began spinning around, creating a mini whirlwind that caused us to fly all across the area, hiding everyone from view. When they were finally able to see, everyone could see that the Brotherhood had vanished.
"Looks like they're gone," said Beast.
"We better go before an angry crowd shows up," said Cyclops.
Westchester County
September 11, 16:18 EDT
Everyone had now returned back to the school.
"So Wanda was there," said Xavier.
"Yes, but I get the feeling that she wasn't happy being there," said Jean.
"I got the same vibe from that Rogue girl I was fighting," said Peter.
"I don't get Professor. What was Magneto trying to accomplish with this?" Scott asked.
"I don't know," said Xavier, looking troubled. "He's always made it clear that he believes in mutant superiority, but he never does anything without reason."
"Trying to start a war that he one seems reasonable enough," said Johnny.
"Having the Brotherhood stir some trouble isn't going to be enough," said Dr McCoy.
Xavier turned and looked at the window, pondering. "What are you trying to accomplish here, Erik?"
Magneto was currently sitting at his throne talking to the Cabel.
"It would seem as if your young heroes have now joined forces with the X-Men," he said.
"We're not too concerned about that," said C-1.
"And why not?" Magneto asked.
"Simply put, as long as the conflict between humans and mutants intensifies, we could care less who these heroes work with," said C-2.
"As long as the Cabel reigns supreme in the end," said C-1.
Professor Charles Xavier created the X-Men in secret in 2005. Their first members were Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Beast, and Angel. The X-Men's main goal is to prove to the world that mutants and humans can work together and fight for basic civil rights for mutants. They are close allies to the Avengers and Fantastic Four.
Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, was born in 1942; he is the son of wealthy Dr. Brian Xavier, a well-respected nuclear scientist, and Sharon Xavier. He studied at Oxford, where he became a famous professor of genetics.
He became close friends with Erik Lehnsherr but soon clashed over the different ideologies. In one of these fights, Charles Xavier was crippled and lost the use of his legs; it was after that that he formed the X-Men.
Charles Xavier is possibly the most powerful telepath on the planet; his powers can be amplified using a special machine called Cerebo, which allows him to communicate with any mutant on the planet. His mind is so strong that he can take control of practically anyone at any time.