Soul Searching

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the story except for Alyssa. The characters are from X-men Evolution. The setting is in Wolverine & the X-men timeline.

"We've got to go after them. But where is Magneto headed?" Scott asked.

"Home," replied the Professor.

Alyssa did not know what to do. She was practically hundreds of feet above the ocean, with flying metal being the only thing keeping her from falling. It was not before long that she spotted a formation looming in the horizon. Her eyes widen as the seemingly small speck gradually grew larger as she drew closer. It looked like an island made entirely of metal.

"Welcome to sanctuary."

"Storm, prepare the jet."

"Right away, Professor."

Just as Storm was about to leave, Professor X began clutching his head in his heads, groaning in pain.

"Professor!"

Storm rushed to his side, concerned for his safety, though unsure about what was going on.

It wasn't long before Jean, too, felt a searing pain in her head.

"Jean, what's wrong?" Scott asked.

The last thing the X-men heard was a huge blast, before they were swept off their feet and thrown into a state of unconsciousness. And it wasn't the fairy tale definition of being swept off the feet.

One by one, as the X-men gradually regained consciousness, they found almost nothing resembling the magnificent mansion that stood moments before. All around were debris that had been burnt beyond recognition. Charred flakes of who-knows-what still danced in the wind, seemingly falling like black snow.

Logan hurried to Storm's side, only to find a large hole in the ground and a badly dented wheelchair, its wheels still spinning in mocking pleasure. In the background, Scott continued calling for Jean, but she was nowhere in sight.

"What about the kid?" Logan asked.

"We'll get her back," Storm reassured.

"But for now, getting back on our feet is the main priority. We've got to find the Professor and Jean. Right now, we're no match for Magneto," Scott said.

With their home gone, it was inevitable that the X-men would have to part ways and return to their other homes (for those who have homes to return to, that is). Most of the X-children were withdrawned from the institute by their parents. Those like Beast, Kurt and Rogue had no choice but to live in seclusion from the unforgiving world.

Not only had the X-men lost their mentor and Jean that day, they failed to save a new mutant and pretty much fell apart. So much for being heroes.

"Genosha is a personal invitation extended to mutants like you. Don't you want to live in a paradise of peace and protection?" Magneto asked with an odd smile on his face.

"Well, yes, but it would have been more convincing if you hadn't just kidnapped me," Alyssa replied with uncertainty.

"I can see you have a lot of potential. You can stay for a few days and see if you like what Genosha has to offer. If you don't like it, you may leave."

"Er... okay."