Buckets full of sweat poured down her forehead, hands quivering at the strain. The ball of flame that once started as barely a flicker was now bigger than a basketball nestled in the palm of shaking hands. The strain and exertion was clear upon the redheads face. Even with all the time on the New Warriors and Avengers, never had the mutant powers given to her at birth ever been stretched so far or so hard.
“Control it. Do not let it falter.”
The words barely registered all her concentration on the ball. With one slip of the mind the flames would either recede to nothing, or lose all control engulfing the room or more in their burning fury. A quiver of the facial muscles greeted the extra control being exerted.
“Can’t…hold it much longer.”
“Try harder.”
The same phrase had been uttered multiple times by the fiery Japanese mutant and each time it drove her on still. To most it would seem like determination to learn, but in reality it was more to spite the hard and arrogant man. He believed she would fail in the control, so therefore she would try ten times harder to prove him wrong. She used to be an Avenger for God’s sake…a little ball of flames should be a cakewalk next to taking on Ultron.
Like the flicking of a light switch it was all gone, including the sweat, the quivering muscles, the struggling for control. All of it was just gone. Green eyes fluttered open to behold the perfectly controlled ball of flame sitting upon her open palm. Her trainer stood to the side with his arms crossed and the same deadpan look upon his face.
“I did it.”
“Indeed.”
A flash of light cut off any further conversation as a figure appeared in the middle of the room. An errant hand ran over spiked hair as the figure stood, dusting off their net shirt and leather jeans and jacket. The M tattooed upon his face stood out above all other features. Dark eyes drifted up to take in the two mutants and a smile emerged as well. “Knock knock.”
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#3
AUG 09 |
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Warped Sensibilities, Part Two:
“Putting the Fanatic in Fanboy”
“Putting the Fanatic in Fanboy”
Promenade
“I’m not so sure about this, Jubilee.”
“Pish, lighten up, boy scout. If Scotty can take the stick out of his ass for a bit, you oughta give it a try.” The slender Asian’s hand wrapped through her companion’s arm, leading the way through the throngs of shoppers.
Eyes settled upon them as they moved as some instantly recognized the city’s newest celebrities. It was easier for others to come to conclusion of their identities when they saw the numerous posters of the X-Men plastered in many a shop window. Yes, even so shortly after coming to the Windy City, the X-Men had become part of the merchandising wave that plagued all popular things, everything from posters and kid’s notebooks for school, to action figures and lunch boxes. In one window sat a mint condition Shadowcat figure with real kung fu grip. It was almost enough to cause Vance to turn and run as quickly as he could.
“I’m just not comfortable with this level of recognition.”
“Dude, you were on the freaking Avengers.”
“Not the same.”
Hands upon her hips, the look Jubilee gave made Vance freeze in his tracks. “How is it not the same? You were on one of the most media followed teams ever, yet you claim the press isn’t the same.”
“I don’t know, I guess it was the same, I just didn’t really notice or encounter it. Now it’s just so different. We’re the flavor of the moment, so everyone wants to follow the in thing, you know?”
“Heh, whatever dude. I say ride the gravy train till it don’t go no further.”
“I don’t know if I can do that.”
“Your loss, buddy. Do they really think that looks like me? It’s way too chunky and that jacket…and don’t get me started on the hair.” The conversation was pretty much over for the girl as her eyes were now locked on the Jubilee action figure in the windows. “Heh, they forgot to include the old Cyclops stick up the ass for yours.”
Clearly she was joking but it still affected him somewhat. Was he really the new ‘Cyclops’ of the team? A stick in the mud, always grim and serious? Not that it was a bad thing to be compared to the X-Men’s leader, as Scott was a man he admired even though the apparent changes the man had been through lately had seriously affected him. The mind wandered briefly back to Angelica at the base practicing and he sighed. Maybe they were more alike than he thought, even down to their choice in women. Shaking the thoughts aside his path continued forward as he raced to keep up with Jubilee, who had found another shop to critique. Typical mall rat.
City Hall
Mayor Alexander’s Office
With a smile and clasped hands the Mayor sat across the desk from his three current guests. Since the introduction of the X-Men to Chicago recently, the man had been using all his influence in the city and surrounding areas to bring good press to the mutants. Their current meeting had been on the books for quite some time.
“I’m glad you all could be here today. I know it’s hard finding time in all our busy schedules.”
“Nonsense, it was our pleasure, Mr. Mayor.” A warm smile crossed Jean’s face as she spoke. Scott and Bobby were seated beside her, nodding their agreement. “We have quite a lot to discuss, I’m sure.”
“Indeed. How are you all adjusting to Chicago?” Mayor Alexander asked as he leaned back in his chair, keeping his gaze upon each of the three visitors.
“You have a lovely city here. We’ve encountered nothing but good people so far. We’re quite grateful you’ve allowed us to set up shop here,” said Jean as she kept up with the warm smile, genuinely feeling at east in the situation.
“Nonsense, it was the least we could do, Ms. Grey. Oh, I’m sorry…is it Mrs. Summers?”
Scott’s eyes lingered on the man for a moment beneath his ruby quartz glasses, before shooting back towards the window. Jean picked up on the brief intense thoughts and frowned slightly before recovering her smile. “Quite alright, Mr. Mayor, I go by Mrs. Summers now. It’s a common mistake for people to make.”
“Well, at least he didn’t call you Marvel Girl. That’s something, right?” Bobby’s intentions to clear the tension were not really successful.
“Smooth one, Drake.” The icy mutant shrugged at the other man’s reproach and leaned back in his chair.
Jean glared at both before turning back to the Mayor seeking to get the topic at hand back on track. “I’m sorry, Mayor, where were we?”
Mayor Alexander gave a short nod and looked down at the papers upon his desk. “Yes, I wanted to discuss with and get your input on some new special laws and tax breaks going into effect. With the X-Men’s presence in our fair city, along with the growing surge of mutants accompanying it, it’s only natural that certain changes must be made to the way things are being done. On that note I am pushing later this week for tax breaks for contractors that cater in building specialty homes for mutants. Word has already come down of one particular housing community being built along the lake close to your own base that would house mutants, and there is also talk of building an entire neighborhood around this housing center. They are seeking to call it District X…a true part of the city that would be full of mutants and allow mutant culture to be seen and appreciated by all.” Pausing for a moment, the man pushed the papers across the desk. “I’m sure you all will be quite pleased with the initiatives we are pushing forward to make this an even more welcoming city for mutants.”
Eyes scanned the paper as Jean nodded silently. Everything she read seemed on the up and up and would be more than a boon to the mutant community that was growing within Chicago. “This is all very well planned out and appreciated, Mr. Mayor.”
A dull beeping cut off any further conversation as Scott reached into his pocket to pull out a small spare communicator. The red flashing alert warned them of danger back at the island. Frowning, the X-Men’s leader leapt from his seat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor, but it seems we have an emergency back at the island. Sorry to rush out on you like this.”
“Heavens no, it’s quite all right.”
As the three mutants rushed from the room, the man settled back into his seat with a smile. Things were definitely looking up for the city as a whole, not to mention his upcoming campaign. Re-election was a sure thing with such heroes on his side.
Thank God for mutants.
Graymalkin Island
The entirety of the island seemed to shake all the way to its foundations as explosions rocked the interior. A wall exploded out, sending shrapnel every which way, as the body of Sunfire flew through the new hole. The floating figure of Warp Savant followed with a grin upon his face. So far the big bad X-Men were hardly providing the fight he had expected.
“You know, I’m gonna admit to a bit of fan boy excitement to meeting the X-Men. I was one of your biggest fans growing up. Yet I find myself at a loss for how pathetic a fight you’re putting up.”
“Try me on for size.” The hole from the danger room was filled as the ex-Avenger stood tall, a momentary flicker of her gaze drifting to her prone instructor.
“Mmm, you’re definitely my type of girl. Pity I don’t mix business with pleasure.” With just a thought the floor beneath the woman crumbled away, catching her off guard. Satisfied with her tumbling down to the next level his gaze returned to Shiro, only to come face to face with a red gloved fist on fire. Staggering back, a laugh fell off puffy lips. “Now that is the fight I was looking for. You totally caught me off guard.”
There were no words given by the Japanese mutant, as flames licked across his fists as he swung them once again. Energy rippled along the younger man’s face, emanating seemingly from his eyes and, before Shiro could react, he found himself launched across the room into the far wall once again. “I definitely thought you guys were more intelligent than this.”
“My turn then.” Ruby red energy slammed into the youth’s back, driving him back through the hole into the Danger room. Fingers slid down from the controls of the black visor as the team’s leader emerged fully from the elevator. The figures of Iceman and Phoenix emerged from behind, all decked out in their costumes.
“Dude, you picked the wrong base to rob or invade or whatever today.” Bobby stayed close to the others as the approached the hole. Shiro’s groan from the floor brought the icy mutants glance over. “Oh, damn. So much for ole Sunny’s superiority complex.”
The figure of Warp hovered through the hole, energy crackling from his eyes and anger was clear on all his features. The fun and games, mixed with a level of star struck affliction, were gone.
The upper deck of the island seemed to just disappear in a section, as it was disintegrated by the mutant powers of their attacker. From the hole emerged the limp bodies of the X-Men. Reaching out with her mind, Jean snagged each of her friends with telekinetic energy before lowering them to the deck. Warp surged through the hole, energies glowing in his eyes.
“This was supposed to be just a simple job. Slip in. Destroy the island. Get to beat on some X-Men in the process. Cool million in cash in my pocket. But you just had to put up a fight. Oh well, makes the million much better if I earn it. Maybe I’ll get a bonus for bringing your corpses in.”
Fiery telekinetic energy surrounded the body of the red headed X-Man, as she rose back into the air. “You think yourself a master of mental powers? You haven’t seen anything yet.”
The energies continued to flare around their bodies as a mental battle the likes of which had not been seen in a long time began. Pieces of the exterior walls began to fade away as the power of Warp moved through them. Pushing himself to a standing position, Scott eyed the situation. The visor was keyed open fully, as a full power blast of energy slammed into the unaware assailant. Savant’s body crumpled like a doll as he tumbled from the air to the deck below.
Jean was yanked back to reality as her head shook, trying to regain semblance of reality. “What…Scott I was close to bringing him down from within. There was no need to resort to such a…cheap attack.”
A wave of the hand dismissed her concerns. “The punk’s down, the day is saved and that is all that matters. Bobby, call Fury or something and get this trash picked up.” Moving past the others, the door to the elevator opened and admitted the man before closing him off fully from sight.
Landing beside Bobby Jean’s frown grew. Catching sight of his friend’s discomfort, Bobby’s hand settled onto her shoulder. “Telling you, Red, give it another few weeks and Scotty will be back to barking orders with the stick firmly back in place within his ass.”
As the icy mutant moved away to handle the call to S.H.I.E.L.D, Jean’s frown grew. “I wish I was so sure, Bobby.” Things had changed with Scott and the situation was moving closer to a head. The question was would she be able to help him before he reached a point of no return.
Epilogue
A single light illuminated the cavernous room only occupied by a large triangular table. Three chairs surrounded the unusual table, each one occupied by a different figure. The large view screen behind them flashed images of Warp Savant’s defeat over and over again. Clearly the figures were far from happy.
“Unacceptable. Your outside agent has failed. We placed the welfare of future operations in the hands of an inept operative.” The figures fist slammed into the table, clear agitation radiating from them.
“Agreed. A slight error in logic, but one that can easily be rectified. Have we contacted our inside man?” The second figure slid forward somewhat adjusting the collar of an expensive suit.
“Yes, Mr. Savant is being taken care of as we speak. There will be no loose ends. May I remind both of you that as a triad this decision was reached by a consensus? Therefore any errors in logic are shared by all.”
The first figure grunted slightly, leaning back with arms across the chest. “Our association is filled with tension already, your reminders are not necessary. Do not push the matter.”
“Bickering gets us nowhere. We all know why we’re here and what we gain from this association.” The second figure had jumped in quickly to smooth over the growing tension. “Let us not forget we share common goals here. As we feared the X-Men are proving to be quite a thorn in our side with their newfound celebrity. A direct assault was a poor choice upon our part. No, we must be more creative, more subtle. Allow the system to do what it does best.”
“Explain.”
Leaning forward, a malicious grin spread across the figure’s lips. “It’s quite simple, really…we need to allow the media to do what it does best. The X-Men wish to be celebrities? Let’s see how they handle the true heat of the media.”
To Be Continued...
Next: In Astonishing X-Men #4: The Plot Thickens
Previous Issue | Next Issue
“I’m not so sure about this, Jubilee.”
“Pish, lighten up, boy scout. If Scotty can take the stick out of his ass for a bit, you oughta give it a try.” The slender Asian’s hand wrapped through her companion’s arm, leading the way through the throngs of shoppers.
Eyes settled upon them as they moved as some instantly recognized the city’s newest celebrities. It was easier for others to come to conclusion of their identities when they saw the numerous posters of the X-Men plastered in many a shop window. Yes, even so shortly after coming to the Windy City, the X-Men had become part of the merchandising wave that plagued all popular things, everything from posters and kid’s notebooks for school, to action figures and lunch boxes. In one window sat a mint condition Shadowcat figure with real kung fu grip. It was almost enough to cause Vance to turn and run as quickly as he could.
“I’m just not comfortable with this level of recognition.”
“Dude, you were on the freaking Avengers.”
“Not the same.”
Hands upon her hips, the look Jubilee gave made Vance freeze in his tracks. “How is it not the same? You were on one of the most media followed teams ever, yet you claim the press isn’t the same.”
“I don’t know, I guess it was the same, I just didn’t really notice or encounter it. Now it’s just so different. We’re the flavor of the moment, so everyone wants to follow the in thing, you know?”
“Heh, whatever dude. I say ride the gravy train till it don’t go no further.”
“I don’t know if I can do that.”
“Your loss, buddy. Do they really think that looks like me? It’s way too chunky and that jacket…and don’t get me started on the hair.” The conversation was pretty much over for the girl as her eyes were now locked on the Jubilee action figure in the windows. “Heh, they forgot to include the old Cyclops stick up the ass for yours.”
Clearly she was joking but it still affected him somewhat. Was he really the new ‘Cyclops’ of the team? A stick in the mud, always grim and serious? Not that it was a bad thing to be compared to the X-Men’s leader, as Scott was a man he admired even though the apparent changes the man had been through lately had seriously affected him. The mind wandered briefly back to Angelica at the base practicing and he sighed. Maybe they were more alike than he thought, even down to their choice in women. Shaking the thoughts aside his path continued forward as he raced to keep up with Jubilee, who had found another shop to critique. Typical mall rat.
City Hall
Mayor Alexander’s Office
With a smile and clasped hands the Mayor sat across the desk from his three current guests. Since the introduction of the X-Men to Chicago recently, the man had been using all his influence in the city and surrounding areas to bring good press to the mutants. Their current meeting had been on the books for quite some time.
“I’m glad you all could be here today. I know it’s hard finding time in all our busy schedules.”
“Nonsense, it was our pleasure, Mr. Mayor.” A warm smile crossed Jean’s face as she spoke. Scott and Bobby were seated beside her, nodding their agreement. “We have quite a lot to discuss, I’m sure.”
“Indeed. How are you all adjusting to Chicago?” Mayor Alexander asked as he leaned back in his chair, keeping his gaze upon each of the three visitors.
“You have a lovely city here. We’ve encountered nothing but good people so far. We’re quite grateful you’ve allowed us to set up shop here,” said Jean as she kept up with the warm smile, genuinely feeling at east in the situation.
“Nonsense, it was the least we could do, Ms. Grey. Oh, I’m sorry…is it Mrs. Summers?”
Scott’s eyes lingered on the man for a moment beneath his ruby quartz glasses, before shooting back towards the window. Jean picked up on the brief intense thoughts and frowned slightly before recovering her smile. “Quite alright, Mr. Mayor, I go by Mrs. Summers now. It’s a common mistake for people to make.”
“Well, at least he didn’t call you Marvel Girl. That’s something, right?” Bobby’s intentions to clear the tension were not really successful.
“Smooth one, Drake.” The icy mutant shrugged at the other man’s reproach and leaned back in his chair.
Jean glared at both before turning back to the Mayor seeking to get the topic at hand back on track. “I’m sorry, Mayor, where were we?”
Mayor Alexander gave a short nod and looked down at the papers upon his desk. “Yes, I wanted to discuss with and get your input on some new special laws and tax breaks going into effect. With the X-Men’s presence in our fair city, along with the growing surge of mutants accompanying it, it’s only natural that certain changes must be made to the way things are being done. On that note I am pushing later this week for tax breaks for contractors that cater in building specialty homes for mutants. Word has already come down of one particular housing community being built along the lake close to your own base that would house mutants, and there is also talk of building an entire neighborhood around this housing center. They are seeking to call it District X…a true part of the city that would be full of mutants and allow mutant culture to be seen and appreciated by all.” Pausing for a moment, the man pushed the papers across the desk. “I’m sure you all will be quite pleased with the initiatives we are pushing forward to make this an even more welcoming city for mutants.”
Eyes scanned the paper as Jean nodded silently. Everything she read seemed on the up and up and would be more than a boon to the mutant community that was growing within Chicago. “This is all very well planned out and appreciated, Mr. Mayor.”
A dull beeping cut off any further conversation as Scott reached into his pocket to pull out a small spare communicator. The red flashing alert warned them of danger back at the island. Frowning, the X-Men’s leader leapt from his seat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Mayor, but it seems we have an emergency back at the island. Sorry to rush out on you like this.”
“Heavens no, it’s quite all right.”
As the three mutants rushed from the room, the man settled back into his seat with a smile. Things were definitely looking up for the city as a whole, not to mention his upcoming campaign. Re-election was a sure thing with such heroes on his side.
Thank God for mutants.
Graymalkin Island
The entirety of the island seemed to shake all the way to its foundations as explosions rocked the interior. A wall exploded out, sending shrapnel every which way, as the body of Sunfire flew through the new hole. The floating figure of Warp Savant followed with a grin upon his face. So far the big bad X-Men were hardly providing the fight he had expected.
“You know, I’m gonna admit to a bit of fan boy excitement to meeting the X-Men. I was one of your biggest fans growing up. Yet I find myself at a loss for how pathetic a fight you’re putting up.”
“Try me on for size.” The hole from the danger room was filled as the ex-Avenger stood tall, a momentary flicker of her gaze drifting to her prone instructor.
“Mmm, you’re definitely my type of girl. Pity I don’t mix business with pleasure.” With just a thought the floor beneath the woman crumbled away, catching her off guard. Satisfied with her tumbling down to the next level his gaze returned to Shiro, only to come face to face with a red gloved fist on fire. Staggering back, a laugh fell off puffy lips. “Now that is the fight I was looking for. You totally caught me off guard.”
There were no words given by the Japanese mutant, as flames licked across his fists as he swung them once again. Energy rippled along the younger man’s face, emanating seemingly from his eyes and, before Shiro could react, he found himself launched across the room into the far wall once again. “I definitely thought you guys were more intelligent than this.”
“My turn then.” Ruby red energy slammed into the youth’s back, driving him back through the hole into the Danger room. Fingers slid down from the controls of the black visor as the team’s leader emerged fully from the elevator. The figures of Iceman and Phoenix emerged from behind, all decked out in their costumes.
“Dude, you picked the wrong base to rob or invade or whatever today.” Bobby stayed close to the others as the approached the hole. Shiro’s groan from the floor brought the icy mutants glance over. “Oh, damn. So much for ole Sunny’s superiority complex.”
The figure of Warp hovered through the hole, energy crackling from his eyes and anger was clear on all his features. The fun and games, mixed with a level of star struck affliction, were gone.
The upper deck of the island seemed to just disappear in a section, as it was disintegrated by the mutant powers of their attacker. From the hole emerged the limp bodies of the X-Men. Reaching out with her mind, Jean snagged each of her friends with telekinetic energy before lowering them to the deck. Warp surged through the hole, energies glowing in his eyes.
“This was supposed to be just a simple job. Slip in. Destroy the island. Get to beat on some X-Men in the process. Cool million in cash in my pocket. But you just had to put up a fight. Oh well, makes the million much better if I earn it. Maybe I’ll get a bonus for bringing your corpses in.”
Fiery telekinetic energy surrounded the body of the red headed X-Man, as she rose back into the air. “You think yourself a master of mental powers? You haven’t seen anything yet.”
The energies continued to flare around their bodies as a mental battle the likes of which had not been seen in a long time began. Pieces of the exterior walls began to fade away as the power of Warp moved through them. Pushing himself to a standing position, Scott eyed the situation. The visor was keyed open fully, as a full power blast of energy slammed into the unaware assailant. Savant’s body crumpled like a doll as he tumbled from the air to the deck below.
Jean was yanked back to reality as her head shook, trying to regain semblance of reality. “What…Scott I was close to bringing him down from within. There was no need to resort to such a…cheap attack.”
A wave of the hand dismissed her concerns. “The punk’s down, the day is saved and that is all that matters. Bobby, call Fury or something and get this trash picked up.” Moving past the others, the door to the elevator opened and admitted the man before closing him off fully from sight.
Landing beside Bobby Jean’s frown grew. Catching sight of his friend’s discomfort, Bobby’s hand settled onto her shoulder. “Telling you, Red, give it another few weeks and Scotty will be back to barking orders with the stick firmly back in place within his ass.”
As the icy mutant moved away to handle the call to S.H.I.E.L.D, Jean’s frown grew. “I wish I was so sure, Bobby.” Things had changed with Scott and the situation was moving closer to a head. The question was would she be able to help him before he reached a point of no return.
Epilogue
A single light illuminated the cavernous room only occupied by a large triangular table. Three chairs surrounded the unusual table, each one occupied by a different figure. The large view screen behind them flashed images of Warp Savant’s defeat over and over again. Clearly the figures were far from happy.
“Unacceptable. Your outside agent has failed. We placed the welfare of future operations in the hands of an inept operative.” The figures fist slammed into the table, clear agitation radiating from them.
“Agreed. A slight error in logic, but one that can easily be rectified. Have we contacted our inside man?” The second figure slid forward somewhat adjusting the collar of an expensive suit.
“Yes, Mr. Savant is being taken care of as we speak. There will be no loose ends. May I remind both of you that as a triad this decision was reached by a consensus? Therefore any errors in logic are shared by all.”
The first figure grunted slightly, leaning back with arms across the chest. “Our association is filled with tension already, your reminders are not necessary. Do not push the matter.”
“Bickering gets us nowhere. We all know why we’re here and what we gain from this association.” The second figure had jumped in quickly to smooth over the growing tension. “Let us not forget we share common goals here. As we feared the X-Men are proving to be quite a thorn in our side with their newfound celebrity. A direct assault was a poor choice upon our part. No, we must be more creative, more subtle. Allow the system to do what it does best.”
“Explain.”
Leaning forward, a malicious grin spread across the figure’s lips. “It’s quite simple, really…we need to allow the media to do what it does best. The X-Men wish to be celebrities? Let’s see how they handle the true heat of the media.”
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To Be Continued...
Next: In Astonishing X-Men #4: The Plot Thickens
Previous Issue | Next Issue