Chapter 6
As Alex, Bobby, Roberto, and Rockslide stepped out of the school, the neon lights of the city night beckoned them.
"So, how's this gonna work?" Bobby asked, a hint of doubt in his voice. "You're the only one who's 18. The rest of us are underage."
"Don't sweat it," Alex replied with a confident grin. "I'm good friends with the owner. He knows I'm a mutant, and he's cool with it. We'll fit right in."
Rockslide shot him a skeptical look. "Really? Just like that?"
Alex nodded as they reached the back door of a sleek, black building. He knocked, and moments later, the door creaked open, revealing James, the owner.
"Alex, darling! Good to see you," James greeted, his voice dripping with charisma. He was a sight to behold in a loose denim vest, with no shirt underneath, and black eyeliner that made his eyes pop. "These must be your friends?"
"Yep. This is Bobby, Roberto, and Rockslide," Alex introduced.
James's eyes lit up as he looked them over. "Oh my, you all look fabulous. Especially you, Rockslide. Love the look!"
Bobby blinked in surprise. "Wait… are you—?"
"Yes, sweetheart," James said with a wink. "I'm gay. And before you ask, I'm totally fine with mutants. We're all human, after all."
Roberto and Bobby exchanged looks, clearly taken aback by James's easy acceptance.
"Come on in, boys. You're going to love it here," James said, ushering them inside.
The nightclub's dim pink lights cast a soft glow over the lively crowd, blending humans and mutants into a seamless, vibrant mass. Alex and his friends settled into a cozy corner booth near the bar, the plush pink padding sinking beneath them.
"Alright, boys, let's have some fun. Sodas are on me," Alex said, grinning as they placed their orders.
Alex sipped his ginger soda, feeling the subtle burn of ginger on his tongue. Roberto savored the sweet tang of his orange and mango juice blend, while Bobby, ever the chill one, enjoyed a Blizzard soda that tasted like fresh cranberries. Rockslide, on the other hand, was nursing a green apple fruit punch, its vibrant color matching his rocky complexion.
As they laughed and shared stories, the atmosphere around them felt oddly perfect. But before any of them could dwell on it, the door swung open, and Alex's heart skipped a beat.
"Psylocke."
Her arrival was anything but subtle. She strode in with purpose, her violet hair flowing behind her like a cape, her sharp gaze locking onto Alex and his group.
"(Crap! What is she doing here?)" Alex thought, his smile fading.
"ALEX!" Psylocke's voice cut through the noise like a knife. "What do you think you're doing?"
The boys froze, trying to act nonchalant, as if they were just another group of club-goers. But Psylocke was having none of it.
"Look," Alex began, trying to keep his cool, "we're just hanging out, having some fun. Is there something wrong with that?"
"Yes, there is," she snapped. "You're not supposed to be out of the school without permission. All of you are in serious trouble."
Alex rolled his eyes. "Wow, look at you, all about the rules now. We're just trying to enjoy our time. Can't you focus on something else for once?"
"I'm not here to debate with you, Alex. You're all coming back with me, now," Psylocke ordered, reaching for him.
But before her hand could touch him, shimmering pink energy cuffs appeared around her wrists, yanking her arms behind her back. A second later, bands of energy wrapped around her entire body, immobilizing her completely. Psylocke struggled, eyes wide with shock.
"Gah! What is this? Who's doing this?" she demanded, her voice rising in frustration.
"Sorry, honey, but these boys are my guests, not yours," came James's voice, now laced with an almost playful menace. He stepped forward, his fingers tracing the air as more energy tendrils appeared, tightening Psylocke's bonds.
"James is a mutant?" Roberto asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
James flashed them a mischievous grin. "Never judge a book by its cover, darling. My power lets me manifest objects from my imagination." With a swift, almost graceful movement, he struck Psylocke's neck, knocking her out cold.
"She'll be fine," James assured them, waving off their concern. "Just a little nap. I take it she's from your school?"
Alex nodded. "Yeah. We'll take her back with us when we leave."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll keep her safe until then," James said, lifting Psylocke effortlessly. "Now, you boys enjoy your night. Don't worry about her."
As James disappeared into the back with Psylocke, the boys exchanged uneasy glances. But the mood quickly shifted back to carefree as the music pulsed through the club. They returned to their drinks and food, letting the night take them where it may. They danced with some of the girls at the club, laughing and losing themselves in the moment.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, the club was winding down. They thanked James for the hospitality and headed back to the school, carrying Psylocke with them. They managed to sneak her into her bed without anyone noticing, they then tiptoed through the hallways back to their dorms
The next morning, they woke up groggy but determined not to let it show. As they suited up for Danger Room training, the events of the previous night felt like a distant dream.
Havok and Iceman were the first to enter the Danger Room. The simulation started off simple enough—buzz saws emerging from the ground, forcing them to dodge and weave. The saws picked up speed, but the two mutants handled them with ease.
Then things took a turn.
The saws moved faster, almost too fast to avoid, and the floor began to flood with water.
"Simulation stop," Havok commanded, but the program continued. The water level rose, creeping up their legs.
"Simulation STOP!" Iceman shouted, panic creeping into his voice as the water reached their chests. "It's not stopping!"
"Damn it!" Havok cursed, blasting the door with his chest beam, but the attack barely left a scratch. The water was nearly to the ceiling now, leaving them with only a small pocket of air.
"Rockslide! Sunspot! Help us out of here!" Iceman yelled, his voice echoing in the confined space.
On the other side, Rockslide pounded the door, denting it with each punch. Inside, the water had almost swallowed Havok and Iceman completely.
"Hurry!" Iceman's voice was muffled by the rising water.
With one final punch, Rockslide shattered the door, and a torrent of water flooded out, knocking everyone off their feet. Havok and Iceman gasped for air, coughing up water as Sunspot and Rockslide helped them up.
"You guys okay?" Sunspot asked, concern etched on his face.
"Yeah… we're fine," Havok panted, his chest heaving. "But what the hell happened in there? The simulation wouldn't stop."
"We need to talk to Forge and Beast," Sunspot said. "There might be a glitch in the system."
"Good idea," Havok agreed, leading the way to Forge and Beast's office.
But as they approached the office, the sounds of a struggle reached their ears. They burst into the room to find Beast and Forge locked in combat with Psylocke.
Beast moved with his usual agility, his claws flashing as he swiped at her, while Forge fired blasts from a laser gun.
"What are you doing?" Havok yelled, his mind reeling from the confusion.
Beast paused mid-leap, his eyes narrowing. "Sorry, Havok, but you and your friends… you must die."
Why is Forge and Beast fighting X-Men? Why did the Danger Room fill with water almost killing our heros? Find out in the next chapter!
If you did enjoy this please consider a review! Thank you!
If you enjoyed this chapter please consider a review.