OK, here goes… this LAST chapter is titled 'X-Man is Australian for Mutant: ANNUAL #1'.
Pick up the story in the fourth chapter of 'Peace Between Humans & Mutants: Priceless'.
ANNUAL # 1
Editor: The Ever-Lovin' L1701E!
Prologue
Outer Space, Friday
John Jameson was on a spacewalk, floating from the space shuttle to one of the government's Stark Industries satellites, somewhere over Asia. His mission was standard: make minor adjustments, download data, and check for damage. It was his third walk, so he was confident that nothing would go awry.
"Five clicks from satellite contact; outside surface looks good, no major nicks or dents. I'll do what I gotta and be back on board in ten minutes or so…" he said into his helmet com.
"(click)…10-4 John, all systems green; we'll leave a light on for ya…" came the reply from the shuttle.
Jameson made contact with the orbital, and began the procedure for data transfer.
He never felt the small black puddle of ooze move onto his space suit from the satellite surface.
Final Chapter
Sunday, Noon, Kennedy Center, Florida
Without warning, the front landing gear of the space shuttle collapsed, driving the front end into the tarmac at hundreds of miles an hour. White hot fire broke out instantly, in a chaotic mix of explosions and destructive fury. The shuttle began to crumble as it slid, all before the watching eyes of the crowds gathered to watch the landing. One set of those eyes was squinting though the viewfinder of a snazzy digital camera.
Lowering his camera, Peter Parker watched the event in horror. The hero side of his persona kicked in immediately, and he scanned his surroundings for a place to change to his Spider-Man duds. He saw a port-a-potty close by.
'No one's gonna worry about their bladder now…' he thought, ducking in. He quickly removed his outer clothes, pulled on his mask, and stepped out, flinging a web-line in the direction of the crash.
The shuttle had skidded to a fiery halt, flames and small explosions eating away at the craft. Spidey reached the area in seconds.
'I gotta get in there and check for survivors…the cockpit section is…gone, but I still gotta check…' he thought, moving closer.
One wing had disengaged from the body of the craft, and the cargo bay roof door was slightly parted. Spidey decided that was the best way in. Climbing though the burning rubble, he entered the shuttle.
NYC, The Parkers Flat"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Trish Tilby, CNN, reporting to you live from the Kennedy Center in Florida. The worst has happened, the United States Space Shuttle 'Avenger' has crashed upon landing. No details are in yet, and I do not know at this time the fate of - wait, is that who I think it is…? Viewers, it looks like New York City's famous Spider-Man is headed towards the wreck! What he is doing here in Florida is anybody's guess, but hopefully if there are any surviving astronauts, the hero will be able to help… looks like he's going in the shuttle now…we'll stay here live, with continuing coverage…"
"Oh my…" whispered Aunt May, sitting at home watching the broadcast. She looked beside her, to MJ Parker.
MJ was watching, hands on her slight tummy, the dark glitter of fear in her eyes.
Aunt May quickly reacted. "I'm sure Peter won't do anything to put himself in any undue danger Mary Jane… no need to get over worried."
"I know Aunt May, but he's so far away from us… I've seen him on TV before, but this feels different, somehow. Not right, not right at all…" returned MJ quietly, not taking her eyes off of the screen.
Back at the Kennedy CenterSpider-Man dropped into the shuttle wreckage, looking about for any signs of life. Up towards the front, amid the twisted metal and pavement, he saw John Jameson crawling. The man's legs did not seem to be working, and he looked like he was in great pain. Jameson looked up to Spidey, and then shakily pointed to an array of tanks to his left.
"Spider-Man…" he grunted, "Get out of here, this whole side is gonna–"
Within a split second, three concurrent events happened.
First Spider-Man's 'spider-sense' went into overdrive. Second, the tanks violently exploded, instantly killing John Jameson. Debris and shrapnel flew out from the area. Spider-Man was blown to the back of the ships hull; his agility helping him dodge the larger chunks, but he was still pelted with small sharp projectiles, ripping his flesh and embedding in his body. A black substance with a texture of liquid gel also landed on Spidey. He landed with a thud in a corner.
The last event was the one that really hurt Spider-Man. His 'spider-sense' reacted again after he landed, going berserk, actually 'hurting' Peter Parker's nuero-network. Blinded with pain, both from the explosion and his 'spider-sense', he launched himself up though the bay doors, out of the shuttle. He landed clumsily on the tarmac, pain shooting though his body and mind.
'What is happening to me?' he thought, forcing himself to spring farther away from the shuttle craft.
'My spidey-sense has never done this; I guess the whole ship is gonna blow…' he wondered, grimacing in fierce pain.
In a few jumps, Spidey was far enough away from the wreck, but he was shot, his mind and body riddled with pain. He lay down on the pavement, curling into a ball, his head in his hands.
Peter Parker/Spider-Mans Mind
.host accept.
.symbiote no danger to host.
.host accept.
.host: symbiotic contact benign.
.host accepted: symbiotic nuero-influx.
.host contact/acceptance success – commence graft.
Back on the tarmac'What the hell…? It's stopped…' Spider-Man thought.
Within ten seconds, Peter's senses had returned to normal. It was like… some sort of magic. Free from the harsh pain in his mind, he surveyed his situation. Rescue trucks were speeding towards the wreck, followed by hosts of press vans. It seemed like an equal number of reporters were headed Spider-Man's way as were going to the shuttle.
'I gotta get out of here…' he thought wearily. His facemask had been ripped in the explosion. He was still covered, but he knew from experience that close up shots of even part of his face were not good. He pushed himself to his feet, wincing, holding his ribcage.
'Musta done some damage… I gotta fix myself up.' He saw the CNN truck coming closer.
'No time, gotta bolt. Gotta get out of sight. I'll clean up back at the hotel room…'
With that, Spidey jumped off, heading towards the highway that roped around the space center.
NYC, The Parkers Flat, mid-afternoonThe Parker ladies were still watching TV, hoping against hope that some reporter would come on and tell them that Spider-Man was alright. They had watched Peter escape from the shuttle compound about an hour and a half earlier. MJ and Aunt May had seen that Peter was in pain. They knew he could take care of himself, but they were worried, and had yet to hear from him. The CNN reporter, Trish Tilby, had 'told' them there were no survivors from the crash. A tragedy of great magnitude, to be sure.
Someone knocked on the apartment door, startling them.
"PETER!" MJ shouted, tense from the waiting.
"No, dear, even our Peter could not get back to New York that fast… at least I don't think he could…" Aunt May said, rising to answer the door. She peered though the peep hole, 'hmphed', then opened the door.
"Hello, Mrs. Parker," Logan said, standing in the hall, "I saw the news report, and I… had ta come to town tonight anyhows to… take care of some things, so I thought I would check in on you ladies. How ya doin'?"
Aunt May eyeballed the feral mutant. She looked back to MJ, then stepped into Logan's 'personal space'.
"Mr. Logan. My MJ is not in the best mood right now; is there anything I can do for you?" she said, blocking the doorway.
"Ah, well, yes ma'am," stammered Logan, taking his hat off, backing up,
"I'm… concerned about Pete too. He had, ah… asked me too… ah, look in on you ladies while he was gone. I promise I won't alarm the other 'Mrs. Parker', if you'll let me in. I have… good news from Professor Xavier fer ya."
As soon as they had watched the shuttle landing, Logan had asked Xavier to locate his 'friend' Peter Parker for him, and tell him of his condition.
Xavier had used Cerebro to do so.
"Pete's is fine… well, he's hurtin', but alive. He's still in the Kennedy Center area, workin' his way back ta his hotel room, I think. He's…" Logan looked up and down the buildings hallway, "traveling undercover. I just wanted ta let ya know."
"Well then, come in, young man," Aunt May said, grabbing his arm and pulling, "and tell her yourself. You don't have any of those nasty cigars with you right now do you?"
"Ah, no Ma'am. Thanks fer askin'. I'd hate ta jeopardize the twins' health as it were." smiled Logan.
"Thank you, Mr. Logan. MJ could use some good news about now." Aunt May stated, smiling, relieved herself. "Go on in and tell her yourself. And thank your Mr. Xavier for me. Very nice of him to think of us during our time of need."
Logan knew Aunt May had assumed Xavier had been the one to think to check on Peter. 'One cigar, and da lady thinks I'm a goon.' he thought.
"Yes ma'am. Thanks." He walked into the living room, where MJ was. She looked to him expectantly.
"Pete's OK, we 'found' him. He's hurt, but trying ta get ta where he can… fix himself up, if ya get what I'm sayin'.'" Logan rumbled.
MJ jumped up into Logan's arms, giving him a big squeeze.
"THANK you!" she exclaimed. "Thank you so much, thank you for coming to tell me. Was Peter hurt badly?" she asked, breaking the hug she gave Logan.
"Ah well…he's hurtin', but that's really all we know." Logan didn't mention that Xavier had a tough time even locating Peter, sort of like he had a mental 'shield' up. He didn't want to worry her. "Maybe that's why he hasn't called. But, he'll come back to ya, if I have ta go get him myself. He's OK, don't ya worry yer little redhead about it." assured Logan. "If he ain't back by tomorrow, I'll find him. Promise."
"Thanks, Logan." MJ sighed, smiling slightly. "I know he'll be OK, but this feels so different with Peter being out of town… thanks for coming to tell us the news. Peter's right; you are a big teddy bear inside."
Logan smirked. "Nah. I just was 'in the neighborhood' so, ya know…"
"Be that as it may, Mr. Logan, it was nice of you to come and ease my daughter-in-laws mind." Aunt May asked, smiling. "May I get you something to drink?"
Logan wanted a beer like nobody's business, but he didn't think he should ask Pete's aunt if she had any. "No ma'am; thanks."
"How about something to eat then? You must be hungry, young fellows like yourself always are… I have some nice roast beef, how about a sandwich?" Aunt May asked, patting his arm.
'I think this is her way of saying I'm OK now…' thought Logan, laughing on the inside. 'She called me young fellow…'
"Now that you mention it, a sandwich sounds good. Peter always says his Aunt can cook…" Logan stated.
Aunt May beamed. "Splendid. Come into the kitchen and sit down. MJ, come with us," she said, "get your mind away from that news program for a bit."
"But Aunt May," protested MJ, "what if they say something about Peter?"
Logan spoke up. "Just leave the tube on, if somethin' does happen, I'll hear it in the kitchen."
"There. No more excuses, follow me…" Aunt May agreed, walking into the kitchen, followed by MJ and Logan.
Super 8 Motel, Florida, twilightPeter climbed down from the roof of the motel to his door. He had made it there without to much attention, but it had taken him a while. His body was hurt, and web-slinging was not the easiest thing for him right now. He slipped his key card into the slot, and entered the room.
Tired and in pain, he sat on the edge on the bed. He turned the TV on and flipped to CNN. He tried focus on the picture, but his head was swimming, making it difficult. He looked down at his body. His costume was shredded, and he was covered in blood, dust, and some kind of black grease.
'Gotta clean up…" he thought. He laid back on the bed. '…gonna put my head down for just a second...'
Within a minute, he was out.
While he slept, the black 'grease' on his body began to move, oozing to the cuts and scratches on his body. It would cover a laceration for about a minute, then move to another one, leaving just a little scar or scab where the slice had been. At some points, it even 'spit out' little piece's of shrapnel it apparently had removed from Peter's body. Peter never moved; in fact, a sleeping smile was on his face.
When it finished, it spread out over his entire body, covering him in a skin-tight black body capsule. With a shimmer, the black became a 'Spidey-suit', the familiar red and blue appearing. With a 'click', it unlatched his web-shooters, a rubbery tendril grabbing them and tossing them off the bed.
In his slumber, Peter Parker sighed contentedly.
NYC, around 7:30 p.m., warehouse districtA short flat-headed man in a pinstripe suit addressed a large group of thugs circled around him in a dank run down warehouse.
"Alright boys, here's what da Kingpin wants: tonight, we's are gonna light up as many fires as we's can. Not too big; just enuff ta get the coppers and redhats called out. If ya gets caught, keep yer fat mouths shut; Kingpin says he'll have ya's out of da klink by tomorrow mornin'. And if ya do talk, Kingpin says yous'll be swimmin' in da East River by tomorrow night. Ya hears me?"
A chorus of "Yeah, we hears ya Hammerhead…" and like responses came back at him.
"Good. Any fires set afta midnight, ya don't gets paid for. In fact, If I were yous, afta midnight, I'd get outta da city." Hammerhead warned.
"Now get out there, ya goons…"
NYC, around 8 p.m.
Logan was walking back to the parking garage where his bike was. He had spent the afternoon with the Parker ladies, just trying to help keep their minds off of Peter's safety.
At one point, MJ mentioned his claws, and Aunt May had innocently asked if she could see them.
"Aunt May!" MJ had gasped.
"No, that's alright." Logan stated. "Just don't touch 'em, Mrs. Parker, they're really sharp."
With that said, he had slowly released the muscles in his forearms, grimacing slightly, forcing the blades to slide out slowly. Instead of the usual 'snikt' noise, it had sounded more like a sword slowly coming out of a scabbard.
Aunt May had been morbidly impressed, asking if they hurt at all.
"No ma'am, not really… well, I'm used to it." Logan admitted. "Besides, I heal pretty quick." To demonstrate, he used a claw to prick his forearm, causing May and MJ to recoil a bit. A tiny dot of blood welled up, but when he wiped it off, there was no wound.
"Amazing…" May Parker breathed. "Is it always like that, no matter what?"
"So far, yes ma'am." Logan had told her, pulling the claws back in.
When he had made to leave, Aunt May had insisted on making him another roast beef sandwich to take with him. At the doorway, the matronly lady gave him a small hug, completely surprising him.
"Thank you, Logan, for bringing us your news about Peter. That was very thoughtful of you." she said. "Now, I want you to be very careful on that motorbike on your way home. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Well Mrs. Parker, I don't think a bike wreck will do me any permanent damage… remember?" Logan said.
"Never you mind, young man, just promise me you'll be careful." Aunt May commanded.
"Yes ma'am…" Logan had grinned.
May just stared at him, a motherly 'I'm waiting…' look on her lined face.
"I promise I'll be careful." Logan stammered, as MJ covered a giggle.
"That's a good boy." smiled May. "Please say hello to Angus and the good doctor for me."
He had left a smirking MJ and smiling Aunt May standing in the doorway.
'She's a pistol…' Logan thought, turning the corner onto the street the parking garage was on. 'That lady would give Chuck a run for his money any day.'
Suddenly he stopped tensely, sniffing.
'Sabretooth… and the morphin' bitch…' he thought, quickly scanning the area. He only saw the normal crowd of New Yorkers milling about.
'Maybe I oughta hang around town for a bit…' he thought, passing the garage entrance, walking on into the city.
NYC, around 10:30 p.m.
A patrol car was parked next to the Daily Bugle building. Two officers sat inside, munching on subs. A sputter of static broke though on the radio.
"- fire at a Bryson's Sporting Goods – any cars in the vicinity report for crowdcontrol –" came out loud and clear.
"Dang it, where in Sam Hill are all these fires coming from?" groaned one officer. "This is the third time we've tried to finish dinner!"
The other man grabbed the CB in disgust. "Car 54, reporting in, we're on it." He growled, placing his sandwich on the dash.
The cruiser started up, lights flashing, and pulled away from the Daily Bugle building.
NYC, Daily Bugle building, midnight
A ravishing blond bombshell in a little black dress strolled into the lobby of the Daily Bugle. She confidently moved up to the security desk.
A weasely looking man in a guard uniform looked up. 'That's a fine piece a grade 'A' beef, sure enough…' he thought.
"I'm sorry Miss, but the offices are closed right now. Unless yer here to see me…" he lecherously stated.
"As a matter of fact, I am here to see you…" the blond purred, leaning forward on the desk, giving the guard a little show. The guard eyed her breasts hungrily.
"Like what you see, big boy?" she teased, a sexy smile on her pretty face.
Then her fist launched out, ramming the guards nose with the bottom of her palm, crushing the front of his face in. The man passed out, sliding to the marble floor, blood gushing from his nose.
Blue skin quickly replaced the tanned ivory, golden blond tresses becoming dark crimson. The sexy smile remained.
Mystique vaulted over the desk, stooping to grab the guard's key ring from his belt. She looked to the front door.
Sabretooth and Colossus walked in, the big cat-man snarling. He walked over to the security desk.
"…love that smell…" he murmured, breathing in the scent of fresh blood.
Mystique walked past him to Colossus, who was still in his 'human' form. "Your job is to not let any one on the elevators or stairs. No one. Understand?" she hissed.
"Da." The Russian replied, bands of organic steel snaking around his frame.
A giant metallic idol now stood before Mystique. "Good," she said, "Don't let Magneto down."
"Da, comrade," he said, "Piotr Rasputin always pulls his own weight."
Mystique turned, walking to the elevators. As she passed Sabretooth, she barked.
"Come."
The giant blond mutant drew himself away from the dead guard with a subtle roar, walking with Mystique to the elevator doors.
"Jameson's office is on the top floor. He should be the only one up there;" she said, "but if any one else is there, you may have them…"
The doors slid open, and the pair stepped in the elevator cab, the blond mutants grin widening.
On the top floor, J. Jonah Jameson's Office
The room was dark, save a small desk lamp on a giant desk in the middle of the room. A draft copy of the Monday edition of the Bugle was spread out on the top, along with an overflowing ashtray, and a big bottle of dime-store whiskey. A man slumped in the shadows behind the desk, seated in a leather office chair. He reached out and took a large swig off the bottle.
J. Jonah Jameson had been at home with his wife when he watched his only son die in the shuttle crash. It seemed as if he had died along with his child, his heart shutting down, his emotions gone.
At ten o'clock this evening, he'd left his over-medicated wife sleeping in bed, coming in to work. He spent most of his life in this office; it was where he made it all happen. His beloved newspaper.
"I shoulda spent more time with Johnny…" he slurred, a solitary tear rolling down his weather beaten face. He turned to look at a framed front page, hanging on the wall. It was a picture of Spider-Man swinging though Manhattan. The caption read: 'Hero or MENACE?'.
"YOU WERE THERE, YOU FREAK BASTARD! WHY COULDN'T YOU SAVE MY BOY!" he yelled, throwing a paperweight at the picture, shattering the glass.
"SAVED YOUR OWN ASS, DIDN'T YOU, PUNK! YOU ARE A MENACE, TO MY ENTIRE LIFE! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE HIM?" he roared, spittle flying off his lips.
"Just because I write a few articles about you; did you have to let my only son die, did you have to kill him?" he mumbled, grabbing the whiskey bottle.
"Your grief won't last long, Jameson…" hissed a voice from the doorway. He squinted, seeing a female form outlined in the darkness.
"…and you'll soon see your son again, if you're a religious man." the form finished.
"Who the devil are you?" Jameson barked, standing up.
At that moment, the entire frame of the big office window behind him was yanked violently outward, falling to the street below. A helmeted man stood on a disc hovering in mid-air, a cape billowing out behind him. He slowly floated forward, into the office.
"That is Mystique, Mr. Jameson. And somewhere on this floor, I am certain, is Sabretooth…" the man toned, stepping off the disc, "and I am Eric Lehnsherr, better known to all as Magneto."
NYC, 2 blocks from the Daily Bugle'What the hell was that?' thought Logan. He began to run toward the sound, a large something had smashed to the ground. 'Sounded like glass, but that's a lotta glass…'
Logan turned the corner, seeing the giant window frame resting on top of four cars parked out on the street in front of the Daily Bugle building. Broken glass was all about. Looking up, he saw Magneto float into the hole it had left on the top floor.
"…shit…" he mumbled. Quickly he made sure no one had been hurt, and then he dug out his cell phone. He dialed Xavier's private line at the Institute.
"Logan." answered Xavier, recognizing the number on his caller ID.
"Yeah, Chuck, I'm still in the city. Somethin' is goin' down. Mags just entered the Daily Bugle though the top floor window."
Xavier, sitting in his office at the Institute, closed his eyes. "Was anyone injured, Logan?"
"Not yet." He replied. The boys in blue were driving up, although only two or three cars arrived. "Cops are showin' up. Maybe the rest of the X-Men oughta follow. You know the cops can't stop Mags, let alone if he's got anybody with him. I smelled Mystique and Sabretooth earlier, but didn't see them."
Xavier paused a second. "Logan, don't go in on your own. Magneto has… an unfair advantage over you. Just make sure no one is harmed."
As he said this, two police men that had gone in the front door of the building came flying out, unconscious.
"Too late Chuck. You guys better get up here, Mags brought friends…" Logan growled.
"I'll bring Storm, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Cannonball, and Rogue. Stay out of it until we arrive."
"Why are you comin' Chuck?" grunted Logan.
"I may be needed if Magneto is to be defeated. No time to discuss this Logan. Stay safe."
Saying that, Xavier hung up, already sending out mental alerts to his X-Men.
'Shit, I hate it when he comes on dangerous missions,' Logan thought, 'it scares the crap outta me. Makes me worry.'
Logan quickly ducked into an alley next to the building. 'I hope he remembers my duds…'
Meanwhile, in Florida, Peter Parkers Mind
.host repair complete.
.graft at four percent.
.host awake: pause graft.
Super 8 Motel, Florida, 12:30 a.m.
Peter woke up, groggy. The TV was saying something about New York. He sat up and tried to focus.
"A grave day in the news; first the crash of the Space Shuttle at the Kennedy Center, now it seems a group of mutant terrorists has infiltrated the Daily Bugle building in New York City…"
Peter snapped to attention.
"I should be there…" he quietly said. "MJ is in New York…and Aunt May. And Jameson doesn't need any more trouble today, I'm sure. Poor old curmudgeon."
Peter stood up, stretching. His body felt surprisingly good, considering how he had felt earlier. He looked down at his torso, brushing his abs, checking for bruises. Suddenly he stopped.
"Wha? No tears in my suit! My costume is repaired…how the hell?" He walked to the motel room mirror, noting that his costume was indeed fixed all over. It felt exactly like his original suit.
"Weird…" he said, reaching down to the sink to get a cup of water. He filled a plastic cup, then reached up to pull his mask up. Before his hands reached the edge of his cowl, it flowed away from his mouth and nose, not disturbing the top.
Peter stood still, staring into the mirror.
"Did my costume just do what I think it did?" he blurted out, perplexed and a little spooked. "Great Beyonder's Ghost!… calm down Pete, your spidey-sense isn't going off, so this…whatever it is… can't be a threat…"
He put the cup to his lips and drank. As he gulped, the 'costume' poured back down over the front of his face, molding with his lips so he could continue drinking.
"Holy capes and cowls Batman…" he spluttered, "what the hell is this thing? Maybe I should take it off…"
Very quickly, his entire costume 'peeled' off his body, coming to rest in the shape of an orb about the size of a tennis ball. And black.
Peter stood naked, completely bewildered. "Well, how about that? This must be something that was on the shuttle! Maybe some super-secret NASA space suit or something… I wonder… uh, what do I say? Uh, get back on me!" he quipped, mocking himself.
The orb slithered back up his body, changing shape and color until it resembled his Spidey suit again.
"Unbelievable…" he muttered. "Do the 'lips' thing again…" he asked, turning back to the mirror. He stuck his tongue out at his reflection, wiggling it. Once again the 'costume' adhered to his lips, allowing his tongue to pass through.
"Ok…uh, well, what about street clothes?" he questioned, thinking of an outfit he would wear normally.
The 'costume' morphed to a sport shirt and khaki pants, his face revealed.
"Ok, do a tux!" Peter laughed, enjoying his new find.
A black double-breasted appeared in a shimmer, complete with a 'red carnation' in the lapel.
"Well…quite the little tailor we've got here…ok, time for a few costume adjustments…lets see…"
Peter closed his eyes, envisioning his ideal Spidey suit.
The 'costume' began to transform, turning black with dark red 'webbed' highlights, morphing into a 'leather' bodysuit with cargo style pockets on the legs, complete with boots and padded gloves. A triangle of 'webbing' ran under his arms, down his torso. His mask went black, his 'eyes' white, with the 'costume' conforming with his lips, so you could see his open mouth move when he spoke.
Peter checked himself out in the mirror. "Hmmm, a lot like Wolverine's getup. Didn't know I liked it so much…" he mused, smiling at what he saw. "And my mouth is downright eerie."
The 'costume' formed a belt at his waist. Instead of the yellow 'X' that was on the buckle of Logan's costume, a white 'spider' sat, just like the one on the chest of his original suit. It flashed, lighting up the motel room in bright white light, similar to his old red 'Spidey-Light', but better. He noticed the pouch on his right leg held his camera, ID, and other Spidey gear, all in compartmentalized sections.
"OK, but where the heck are my web-shooters?" he said.
Turning his wrist over, he noticed a small white dot above his 'suicide' veins. On impulse, he formed the familiar 'web-shooting' motion with his hand. Webbing shot out, just like he was used to.
"Holy crap…" he breathed, grabbing the strand of webbing. "This feels like the real stuff, but no cartridges, no…anything. Oh yeah!"
"I don't know what's going on with this suit, but I've got no time to waste. I have to get to New York, pronto…" Spider-Man stated, opening the room door, stepping out.
A bus was pulling out of the far end of the motel parking lot. Spidey jumped towards it, firing a webline. He didn't need to, as he came down ever so lightly on the roof of the vehicle.
'Whoa! I musta jumped a hundred yards… ' Spidey thought, smiling. 'Once this thing gets on the highway, I'm heading to NYC, quick-time!'
The bus turned onto the exit ramp for highway 95, headed north. Jumping from the bus to a semi already speeding along, Spidey headed towards his hometown, jumping truck to truck.
"Yeah! Screw the 'friendly skies'! Let's roll!" he shouted, springing forward to another trailer top, sixty yards ahead.
Central Park, NYCA large section of grass flattened out, pushed down by an unseen thrust of air. Three points in a triangle pattern completely flattened out, as if a great weight was upon them. A sound like a hatch of some sort opening was heard; all witnessed by a drunken bum lying on a park bench. Six figures, four in black uniforms; another in a wheelchair pushed by a girl with a stunning white streak running through her brown locks, dressed in a normal black top and leggings, came down an 'invisible ramp', appearing from nowhere. One of the figures clad in a black uniform resembled a blue 'demon' of sorts.
"I left the Blackbird in stealth mode, Professor. It should be okay here; not too much traffic in the park this late at night." Said Cyclops.
"That's fine, Cyclops. Take your team ahead to reconnoiter with Logan. Rogue and I will head towards the Bugle building in a 'conventional' manner. Do nothing until we arrive, unless absolutely necessary." Xavier commanded.
The bum stumbled, getting up off the bench, eyes wide. "Holy Jesus, you's came from nowhere…" he breathed, not believing his eyes.
"Ja, ve came from 'nowhere'…" smiled Nightcrawler, making use of his fang filled grin. "That's vhat too much booze will do to you, mein friend. Maybe you should give it up."
The bum pulled a half-pint bottle of cheap vodka from his coat pocket, looking at the flask, eyes wide.
"Oh, shit… " He whispered, pouring the contents to the ground.
"Now, be a good sort, an ya'll check inta a rehab center before ya see ah sight like this again. Ya hear?" Cannonball drawled.
Storm's eyes turned white, and she rose up into the air on a gust of wind, headed towards the Bugle building. Cyclops and Cannonball each put a hand on the 'blue demons' shoulder, the three men promptly disappearing in a waft of black smoke. Professor X and Rogue moved forward in the same direction as Storm, moving at a quick gate.
"I really gotta get off the juice…" the bum whispered, lying back down on the bench.
Outside the Daily BugleLogan crouched in the alley beside the newspaper building, watching as a few more patrol cars, and many media vans pulled to a halt in front of the structure. "Jeesh, the media whores don't miss a tick, do they…" he mumbled, watching assorted TV crews set up cameras pointed at the building.
A limo with diplomatic tags pulled up, a New York state senator named Kelly getting out, followed by his numerous aides. Kelly had a past political record placing him against mutants and super-humans alike. Some of the news crews rushed up to meet him.
"Senator Kelly, any idea what is going on?" a reported inquired, looking for a scoop.
"Isn't it obvious?" Kelly roared. "This has to be the work of mutants; who else could pull off such a fiasco? As I have told you before, they are a threat to humans! This just proves my point…"
"And I assume all prior threats to the city of New York have been the work of mutant-kind, correct Senator?" Xavier asked, wheeling into the limelight, followed by Rogue.
"No, Mr. Xavier," replied the slick Senator, recognizing the millionaire champion of the mutant cause. "Not all past threats to the city have been perpetrated by mutants. But the threat from mutants and super-humans alike has to be addressed. Normal humans need to be protected, as I have said before. The events occurring tonight only bolster my stand on the 'mutant' problem. People with powers to pull stunts like this need to be leashed in, for every human's protection." The growing crowd of people around them mumbled their agreement.
At this point, Logan walked up beside Rogue, a sneer on his face.
'Control yourself, Logan…' Xavier thought, frowning. 'No outbursts.'
Kelly turned back to the cameras. "I only hope that the humans trapped up there in that building will be safe; just like every other concerned citizen of the great city of New York!" The gathering crowd cheered.
"Mr. Xavier, do you know anything about the events going on right now?" a reporter asked, thrusting a microphone his way.
"We don't know if mutants are at all involved in tonight's proceedings…" Xavier 'lied', only to be interrupted by a voice from above.
Daily Bugle Building, J.J. Jameson's Office"We have decided that tonight is the night to establish our 'presence' in this town…" said Magneto, "…and your involvement was needed to make sure we are noticed, Mr. Jameson. My apologies for any… undue strife."
"You're mutants, aren't you… freaks; just like the wall-crawler. Nothing but troublemakers, all of you. You'll get nothing from me, you filthy bastards…" shot Jameson.
Magneto smiled evilly. "On the contrary, Mr. Jameson, we will get exactly what we need from you; a diversion. Sabretooth," he commanded the hairy mutant entering the office, "please help our Mr. Jameson to the window. Mystique, ready for your performance?"
"Yes, Eric." she answered, as Sabretooth grabbed Jameson, moving to hold him by the scruff of his suit coat out over the edge of the window.
"What the hell! Put me down you fur-ball!" Jameson screamed.
Magneto used his powers to amplify Mystique's voice.
"People of New York!" she began, her voice booming down to the ground. All media sources below turned to address her.
"This publication and the general media has for too long claimed that mutants and super-humans such as Spider-Man and others are a threat to human-kind! This will continue no more!" she proclaimed, standing beside Sabretooth and a dangling J. Jonah Jameson. Cameras zoomed in on them.
"Tonight we proclaim our freedom from persecution! Unless people like this 'Senator Kelly' and the vile media disdain from slandering the rights of mutants and superior humans such as we, a war will begin! A war you 'normal' humans cannot win! Payment will be extracted, payment for 'protecting' humans from danger, as groups like the Fantastic Four and the Avengers have done all along!" Mystique shouted, spinning her story.
"When the city, let alone the world, is 'saved' by our kind, without retribution, you 'normals' rejoice! But when a mutant, such as myself, walks down the street, you recoil in horror! Where do you make the distinction? Perhaps we weren't meant to protect the masses; perhaps we were meant to rule them!" she paused.
"A list of demands shall follow! Do not attempt to stop us! This man's life is a stake!" she stated, pointing to Jameson. Sabretooth loosened his grip on the publisher, letting him fall a few inches before grabbing him again. The gathering crowd of media and public below gasped in fear.
Below, Outside the Daily Bugle
"Do you know the individuals upstairs, Mr. Xavier?" a nameless reported asked. "Are they affiliated with your Institute?"
Xavier frowned. Suddenly, he felt a thought from Scott.
'I have a clear shot at Sabretooth, Professor…' Cyclops thought from a hidden spot across the street from the building. 'Storm says she can 'catch' Jameson if he drops…'
'Take it. If the attempt fails, I want you and the team to move to another hiding spot. These people are against us right now, but we must try…' Xavier mentally asserted.
In the alley across the street, Cyclops' hand went to his visor.
"Ready, Storm?" he asked. She nodded. He fired an optic beam towards the wild mutant.
Unbeknownst to the X-Men, Magneto had also placed a 'magnetic bubble' around the open penthouse office window. Cyclops' beam ricocheted off the force field, slamming into the CNN building located a block over. Debris flew everywhere, chucks of the building falling into the crowd below. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.
"Don't you see?" Senator Kelly shouted. "The danger presented by mutants is all around us! We cannot give in to whatever insane demands are put forth by these unstable creatures! Even when they try to 'save' us, we are in danger!" he smiled, turning to Xavier. "Some of your 'heroes' no doubt?"
The crowd grew restless, agreeing with Kelly. They began to gather around Xavier, Rogue, and Wolverine, fear and loathing in their eyes.
"…dirty muties, fight yer own battles, leave us outta it…'
"…they are together, tryin' ta take us over…"
"…goddamn freaks, all of 'em. Let's show 'em what for!…"
The mob drew forward, evil in their eyes.
'Nightcrawler, I need your help…' Professor X quickly thought.
The blue mutant in the alley behind Xavier quickly bamfed to the Professor's position, landing in his lap. Grabbing Logan and Rogue's hands, he transported them all to a spot in a side street a block away. The mob gasped, a hush falling over them.
"They are a danger!…" Kelly said again, smirking. "The ones in the building above us are no worse than the mutants among us!"
The mob agreed, cheering the statement.
"Nothing we can do but await their demands, Senator Kelly," the ranking police officer said, moving in. "I have already called in the National Guard. You can help by asking these onlookers to step back…"
Kelly grinned. "My voters have a right to witness these proceedings, officer…" he grandstanded. The mob cheered.
"Let them witness the evils of mutant-kind walking among us!" he bellowed, answered positively by the maddening crowd.
The Institute"…bringing terror to the people of New York City, as mutants destroy both the offices of the Daily Bugle and parts of the CNN building. The infamous Charles Xavier and some of his students, known as the 'X-Men', have disappeared from sight. It is not known whether they are in cahoots with the terrorist group holding J.J. Jameson or not, as Xavier himself denied to comment before leaving the scene…" the newscaster stated, "…stay tuned for further developments."
Jean turned to Dr. Henry McCoy, a worried look clouding her pretty face. The two mutants were sitting in the rec room watching the goings on, accompanied by Pappy, who was down from the gatehouse at Xavier's request. The rest of the students were asleep, oblivious. Xavier had ordered the three to keep an eye on the grounds while the 'X-Men' chosen went to NYC.
"This isn't good…" Jean stated.
"No, it would appear as if all mutants are being placed in a forlorn light…" the fuzzy doctor replied, "…regrettably, for our cause."
"I hope the Professor and the others will be alright…" the redhead said.
"I'm sure they'll be jest fine, lass…" Pappy chirped, "…at least I hope tis so."
Just as he finished, the Institute began to shake, as if an earthquake was upon them.
"My stars and garters… what is this…?" Henry started, grabbing the arms of his chair.
"Someone's out front!" Jean shouted, hands going to her temples "The Brotherhood kids…"
"Crimeny Dutch! We're under attack!" Pappy crowed, moving to cover the redheaded girl if something should fall.
"Come friends, we should abdicate to the doorway, lest the ceiling fall upon us…" stated the Beast, grabbing the other two in his huge hairy arms, moving to the entryway. He set them down. The shaking increased, beginning to tear the mansion apart.
Minutes before, The InstituteThe Cajun mutant thief known as Gambit was stalking the hallways of the girl's dorm, moving from bathroom to bathroom. Every second dorm room shared a bath between them, with a door for each bedroom, plus a third to the hallway. It had not been a big deal for him to avoid the mansion's burglar alarms; he had gotten by tougher security set-ups in his past. He had been worried about the fellow known as Wolverine, but, as Magneto had promised, he was not around.
'Remy not know why Mags want hair samples from all de filles here at Xavier's, but he get dem for him. Get dem an be gone; Remy not want to be 'round when dose Brotherhood kids start attackin'. Dey goin' for blood, dey are…' he thought, ducking into the next rest room. Spotting two different hair brushes, he pulled out two plastic baggies, and plucked hairs off the brushes, placing them in separate bags.
'Remy not know why, but Remy know where his paycheck come from…" he thought, sealing the baggies, placing them in a coat pocket. 'T'ree more t'go, den Remy be gone.' He murmured, moving on to the next bath.
Minutes later, he finished his task, snaking back down the hallway to the window he had slipped in. Pausing halfway out the window, he looked back, his red eyes glowing.
'Remy not sure he doin' da right t'ing…' he wondered. '…eh, c'est la vie, mon frere…' he finished, ducking through the window, dropping to the ground below.
Outside the Institute gateThe Brotherhood kids nervously waited outside the gates of the Institute. Todd was watching a second story window through high-powered binoculars. He saw the Cajun mutant escape the mansion, his task apparently complete.
"Ok… Avalanche, you can start." He said, lowering the eyepiece, smiling. "Make it a good one, yo…"
Avalanche thrust his hands out before him, eyes closing in concentration. In front of him, all the way down to the mansion, the ground began to shake, rumbling. As his power to move the earth began to rage, his eyes opened, a smirk creeping on his face. "Oh yeah, oh hell yeah…" he whispered.
The Institute, Boys dorm
Mally was woken up by the shaking, and a shout of pain from the hallway. He jumped up, wearing only his boxers, and moved precariously to his doorway. He stuck his head out. The emergency lights in the hallway were on, casting an eerie glow. He turned his head to the room just before his, where Forge was looking out, also awake.
"What is this?" Mally shouted.
"Seems like a quake, but the Institute isn't on a fault line or anything…" Forge shouted back. "Did you hear a scream too?"
"Yeah… sounded like Jamie…" Mally stated, nodding towards the room across from his own. "I'm gonna check on him. Maybe you should get the others together…"
Forge looked the opposite way down the hallway, noticing the other boys beginning to come out of their rooms, "Okay…yell if you need help." He said, moving out.
Mally hopped across the hall to young Jamie's door, kicking it in. He entered, instantly seeing the 'original' Jamie on the floor beside his bed, trapped under a fallen chest of drawers, four or five 'others' on the floor about him, writhing in pain.
One looked up at Mally, panting "…my ribs, I think they're broke…"
'Oh crikey…' Mally thought, moving over to the 'original' Jamie. He leaded down to grab the drawers, righting them with a grunt. Below him, Jamie grimaced.
"I can't get up, Mally, help…" he asked, holding his side.
Mally bent down, cautiously picking up the young mutant. He could feel the boy's body stiffen in pain with each movement.
"Yer gonna have ta 'pull yerself together, Lil'J…" he said, forcing a smile. "I can't carry all of ya's…"
Jamie nodded, closing his eyes, both in pain and thought. One by one, his dupes vanished. "Ok, I'm all here…" he moaned.
"Right then, here we go…" Mally said, heading out the bedroom door, the young mutant in his arms, the ground beneath him shaking violently now.
Out in the hall, Forge and the other boys, save Kurt, Sam, and Scott, were gathered against the walls in their pajama's.
"This is everyone…" Forge said, "…the other three aren't in their rooms; I checked… I don't know where they are."
"We gotta get outta here…" whined Freddie, fear in his eyes.
"Take it easy, big guy, we'll be ok…" smiled Forge.
"He's right, Fred-O, let's get downstairs. Forgie, Logan will know what to do…" Mally stated, still holding the hurting Jamie.
"Gentlemen, I bid you, come this direction!…" came a shout from the end of the hall. They all turned seeing the Beast waiting for them. "it is still reasonably safe footing. Hurry now, no time for lollygagging…"
The boys shuffled across the rumbling floor towards the doctor.
"The estate is built to withstand most terrain tremors…to a certain extent. However, we must make haste. Down the staircase now, quickly lads! I must gather the ladies from their quarters. Forge, Mally, keep everyone together. Jean and Mr. O'Bryanson are waiting in the foyer. Meet up with them, then head outside." He noticed Jamie's apparent discomfort, frowning. "Xavier and some of the team were called out tonight. I shall check on your condition post haste, young master James, keep your chin high. I must see to the young ladies…"
"We're here, Doctor McCoy…" called Kitty from the adjoining hallway, the rest of the girls behind her. "…except, I can't find Jean or Rogue! Are they OK?"
"Never mind! They are in good health! Come, children, we must take flight to the outside!" The doctor stood at the head of the stairs down, the rumbling growing ever louder.
"HURRY!" he bellowed, out of character, causing the students to move quickly.
When they all reached the bottom of the stairs, Mally saw his Dad and Jean crouched under the rec room archway.
"Pappy! Whats happening?" he shouted. "Are ya OK?"
At that moment, through the bay window in the rec room, the group saw a band of fire tear across the outside patio, melting the lawn furniture, the heat shattering the glass.
"Clarice…" the Beast toned, remaining calm. "Can you open a portico to the stables? Quickly…"
The pink haired girl nodded, raising her hands, a black oval appearing before her.
"No time to dally, friends, MOVE!" proclaimed the Beast, moving to guard Clarice from any danger while she held the portal open. One by one the students moved into the opening, followed by Jean and Pappy.
"Shall we?" said Beast, picking Blink up, and exiting through the portal with the girl in his arms.
The woods beside the Institute Stables
Gambit stopped, crouching.
"Remy not know why these hairs so important to Monsieur Maggy," he said to himself, "but Remy know a deal when he see it…"
Gambit stooped, pulling a strand of hair from each baggie, placing it into a pouch on his overcoat.
"I keep these back, jist in case Remy need a favor…"
Outside the Mansion
Toad watched through the binoculars as Gambit left the area, running off through the woods away from the Institute. He looked to his teammates. Avalanche, Lourd, and Pyro were having a blast, wreaking havoc on the Institute buildings; Avalanche causing the earth to move, Lourd raising the gravity of sections of the mansion, causing them to crumble, and Pyro, burning anything he could, laughing like a nutcase.
So far, none of the 'X-Jerks' could be found.
"Where the hell are they, yo?" He wondered. "I wanna kick some X-Butt…"
Suddenly, he turned to Boom-Boom, who was standing with the Scarlet Witch beside him.
"Why aren't you helping, yo? Blow sumthin' up why don't cha?" he stated, scowling at the blond.
"They don't need any help, froggy…" she stated forlornly. "…they're doing just fine without my help."
Toad made a face at the nickname. "Names 'Toad' yo…" he grunted. "…remember it."
Quicksilver appeared next to him. He had been zooming about the grounds, making sure nobody hit them on the flank. "They just appeared outta no where up by the corral…" he shot. "Came walking out of a black hole, plain as day."
Toad frowned. "Well, they can run, but they can't hide. Let's go get them, yo."
Turning to the three causing the destruction to the Institute, he shouted.
"HEY! They moved up to where they keep the horses. Let's go kick some X-ass!"
Holy Moley! What happens next in NYC? At the Institute? Whats up with Spidey? Is the mansion destroyed? Check out chapter 4 of 'Peace Between Humans & Mutants: Priceless' to find out! It's coming soon...
THANKS! to all! Luv ya!