This is the usual line saying I don't own anything except for my own characters being Reaper, Brandon, and Alan. If I did own the entire thing well I would not be writing here now would I?

Also this is a completely redone version that I couldn't have completed without Agent-G's advice. Hopefully the improvements are helpful and I implemented them correctly into the story.

Characters:

Name: Brandon Ayers

Codename?

Allegiance: Xavier

Height: 5'11

Hair/eyes: black/brown

Powers: Controls energy in all forms and can use it for energy blasts, an energy barrier, and to fly by forming an energy bubble. His powers rely on the fact that his hands must be placed in the direction he wants the energy to go.

Characteristics: An easy going young man Brandon is the grandson of a U.S. Marine general. A marine himself, Brandon aspires to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. His grandfather helped train Brandon so he could use his power and used his connection to keep Brandon hidden from the government. Brandon's mother and father died during accident years ago, and the rest of his history will be learned as we go.

Name?

Codename: Reaper

Allegiance?

Powers: Super strength, flight, enhanced senses, tritanium sickle

Characteristics: An odd crazy mutant who desires death and destruction. His only goal seems to be chaos, and his true master seems to be remaining behind the scenes. He and Brandon have a violent history due to what occurred at the Nuclear Research Institute two years after Apocalypse's defeat.

Nuclear Research Institute- Location lower Pennsylvania.

Brandon Ayers picked up his belongings and walked through his grandfather's house at the NRI. Being the grandson of the commanding military officer, the young man quickly readied himself in his marine uniform. It was time to report in to his commander or grandfather as it was for his morning work.

Walking down the sidewalk he saluted as a pair of majors walked past him and continued on his journey to the office.

"Good Afternoon, Brandon," said a small marine clerk behind her desk. "Is my grandfather in his office, I need to see him about something." Brandon replied curtly and smiled as he waited for an answer.

General Henry Ayers was one of the top dogs in the Marine Corps, one spot away from joining the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. Not only being Brandon's commanding officer, he also determined the work load, granted that Brandon had other work to deal with as well. For the past few years his grandfather had trained him in controlling his abilities.

The young lady merely nodded and Brandon knocked twice and waited for a bellow telling him to enter.

"Good morning, sir what are my new orders," Brandon spoke as he saluted the senior officer.

"You are going to be assigned guard duty for the new experimental material that was being worked on in Area 51. Report to section 12 for the specifics of your assignment," General Ayers stated.

"Report in after your shift is over, I think its time we went over an improved training schedule."

Brandon nodded and saluted as he did an about face and left the office building.

"Hey Johnson, you up for the usual after our shifts," Brandon asked a marine he ran into on his way to section 12.

"Sure, but I got to run, I'm assigned section 5 security today. So long as I don't lose 50 dollars to you again," Johnson stated as he began to run down the street.

Brandon nodded and continued moving to sector twelve or the security headquarters for the base.

The man who ran the department was a career marine and the second in command of the base.

"Well here you are, at least you are on time, this time anyway," Major Thompson, the head of security, stated.

"Great I drew the security center again; somebody must really hate me somewhere." Brandon muttered to himself.

The security center was a plain white building made out of concrete designed to withstand some major strikes. It was also the worse assignment on the base, because it was just sitting there telling others were to go during a disturbance, Brandon had unfortunately been assigned to the monitors.

Brandon sat there bringing up the various cameras, as he watched over the compound.

"Not exactly the thrilling life I dreamed of when I joined the corp." He stated and the other marine nodded agreeing with him.

Brandon turned and pushed a few buttons bringing up the camera viewing the new material and watched as it was unloaded.

Three hours later and absolutely nothing had happened on the base besides the normal activities.

"Move it people, I want this stuff unloaded and be quick about it," General Ayers stated as he looked over the procedure.

Normally he wouldn't be present for a mundane task, but he had to take possession of the computer disks that were on board. The fact was he was there waiting rather impatiently for these disks so they could be locked up in his office.

"Sir these papers require your signature before the transfer can be complete," an army lieutenant stated as he handed him a clipboard.

The general was getting ready to sign the sheets when the perimeter alarm went off.

Brandon couldn't believe what he was seeing; an unknown man had just broken through the first perimeter.

"What the hell, is he doing," Brandon commented watching as the man flew over the electrified perimeter fence.

"Son of a, it's a mutant and he's breaking through the concrete barrier." The other marine stated pushing the alarm alerting a couple hundred marines of an uninvited guest.

"Activate the barrier seals for the research area," Major Thompson stated as he ran in opening a fire arms locker.

Brandon shook his head as marines attempted to stop the unwanted intruder, the fact was that they were being massacred. Those that got to close fell prey to a wicked metal scythe or just flat out being overpowered.

"I can't let this continue, it's not right, I should be able to stop it with my own abilities," Brandon thought to himself picking up a communication headset.

"General Ayers, come in," Brandon stated as he tried to reach his grandfather only to receive static.

Brandon shook his head moving to the door ignoring Major Thompson's demands that he return to his post.

"Where are you going marine," Thompson barked at Brandon over the headset.

"To put a stop to this, he's in sector 5 now and that's only a few minutes away from the main center," Brandon stated as he removed the headset and started to run.

Brandon ran full speed towards the area that he heard multiple gunshots and screams. This place had quickly turned into a war zone with marines injured, dying, and some even dead. The floor was literally dripping with blood and Brandon continued going until he ran into the ugliest man he had ever met.

"That's enough, who the hell are you?" Brandon demanded speaking directly to the intruder.

The intruder released a marine watching this new comer; he hoped that he would be more of a challenge than these pitiful insects.

"Those that stand in my way will perish," the foreign man stated taking flight heading straight for Brandon.

Brandon stood there throwing an energy blast and hitting dead on target. The man stopped only for a moment recovering from the attack.

"So you are different, not like these insects," the man motioned to the injured and dead marines.

"I don't know why you are here and really I don't care any more," Brandon said as he charged up sending energy through the atmosphere.

"So you intend to protect these insects," the man laughed smiling at the impending challenge.

Brandon couldn't believe his eyes as the man lifted a three ton truck and threw it at him. Raising an energy barrier, Brandon focused hard making sure that the truck would not go through. The next thing Brandon knew the truck had bounced off landing upside down on top of some bodies and the man was right in front of him.

A punch later and Brandon had been sent flying back towards some injured marines. Brandon stood there and spit up some blood from the punch he had just received.

"Great, one hit and I'm already bleeding and at least one my ribs are injured," Brandon muttered to himself as he attempted to stand.

"You okay, Brandon?" A marine questioned attempting to move towards him.

"Just great, excuse me for a moment," Brandon said wiping off some blood and then charging at his opponent.

Brandon watched as he took flight again, but this time Brandon used his energy barrier to prevent him from moving in one direction and forcing him back towards him.

"Fool the weak can not help you nor can you help them," the man stated as he picked up another truck.

This time the truck was thrown in the direction of some injured marines and Brandon used his left hand to bring up a barrier to protect them.

"If any of you can leave, now would be a good time," Brandon commented to the marines as he threw some energy blasts at the man.

The other man merely picked up a small crate and threw at Brandon. Brandon dodged to the right and rolled over using his right arm to bring up another barrier. Brandon watched as the man flew up and then charged directly at the barrier with energy crackling as the barrier sparked.

"You should give up fool, there is no future for these insects," the man stated as he bounced off the barrier and recovered by flying into the air.

Brandon stood there panting he was exhausted and to make matters worse his opponent knew it. The attacks and barriers were taking their toll on Brandon physically.

"Whatever," Brandon replied as he desperately flung energy blasts at the man.

The man dodged the remainder of the attacks moving closer and closer as Brandon prepared for his final effort to stop him.

"This game has ended fool, goodbye." The man stated as he punched the last barrier Brandon had managed to place inches in front of him.

Brandon watched as the barrier broke and his neck was grabbed by the man. The next thing he knew the man had thrown him into a nearby parked truck and he placed his hand on his head as blood started to flow from the injury he had received to his head.

"You too are not worth my time, it is time to end your existence along with these other insects," the man replied grinning sadistically.

What the man did next baffled Brandon as he waited for the final blow to occur, his vision starting to blur due to the amount of blood he had lost. He watched as the man stood there for a moment and Johnson running towards the man firing an assault rifle.

"Brandon, you okay, get up and get out of…" Johnson started only to be cut off.

The man just looked over, and flew straight at Johnson grabbing him by his neck. Brandon watched as he moved attempting to stand up again and continue the fight, but in reality this battle was over. He watched as Johnson fell to the floor, slumping onto the ground his neck broken.

Brandon passed out hoping that someone would come and help them.

General Henry Ayers stood there with the remaining military personnel that had managed to make it into the research area.

In a flash the man had broken through the titanium wall and was flying towards the cargo transport.

"You insect will give me the computer disks or I will crush all life on this base," the man stated as he grabbed a frightened marine.

"They are in the second container," the man stammered before his neck was snapped.

"Open fire," General Ayers commanded as he unloaded his clip trying to shoot the man.

The man just dodged the bullets or worse yet bounced right off of him, and he continued to move towards the container.

"You are lucky insects, I do not have time for you any longer, he is impatient and that distraction took to long," the man stated as he grabbed the box with the computer disks.

"Who in the hell are you," General Ayers stated firing more shots at the man.

"I am Reaper insect, the one who is destined to destroy all that oppose me," was all that was heard as he flew through the roof.

General Ayers stood there in shock, he had seen what his grandson could do, but this was insane. Bullets weren't effective and it seemed that nothing could affect the man.

"Get started on securing the perimeter and helping the injured. Get me in contact with the security room now," the General bellowed as the marines began to collect their injured.

Two marines stood there trying to and eventually getting a signal through to the security center. While most of the transmission was buried in static, they heard a report from one of the sectors that had been badly hit.

"General, there are injured men and civilians in sector 5. One of the injured is Brandon sir," the marine stated after hearing the transmission.

The men watched as the general stood there and motioned for a medical and security team to follow him. He was in a full blown run as soon as they had reached a clear hallway.

The sights that welcomed him and the teams that accompanied him were startling to say the least. Blood was everywhere and so where bodies of marines that had fought valiantly. Looking over he found Brandon propped up against a truck, two surviving marines attempting to assist him.

"Medical team help anyone that is alive, security team secure the perimeter and use the few cell phones we have to stay in contact." General Ayers stated as the men saluted and carried out his orders.

He walked over to Brandon who stood there held up by a truck with some make shift bandages.

He nodded to the two soldiers and the two medics who had followed him went to work.

"He saved us sir," the two men spoke, "without him he would have slaughtered everyone. We did the best we could to assist him."

"Yes that's all well and good marine, but unfortunately I have a decision to make now," the General said as he watched his grandson being treated by the medics.

"I want a security team to escort him and transfer him to the field hospital that has been set up, also get me a court reporter," the General stated as he looked over the carnage.

He walked off giving out orders and attempting to get at least some semblance of order back.

Meanwhile Charles Xavier felt the battle between the two mutants and had already assembled the X-Men.

"Our mission will be at the Nuclear Research Institute," he began, "a battle between the military and two mutants just broke out and ended there. One mutant fought to protect the marines guarding the base, while the other caused more chaos than ever before."

"A mutant fought for the military, your kidding right professor?" Scott said noticing the professor shaking his head.

"No Scott, this is no joke he apparently is a marine who had managed to hide his abilities," the Professor commented as Logan walked into the room.

"So what's his or her name Chuck?" Logan asked as he leaned up against the wall.

"His name is Brandon Ayers, and we will have to move quickly in order to assist him. Logan, Scott, Jean, Kitty, Hank, and Kurt will accompany me on this mission." Professor Xavier replied as he motioned for everyone he mentioned to follow him.

Logan stood there for a moment, the name Ayers it meant something, he knew them somehow. It wasn't like his normal memories with bad connotations; it was a good memory like something one of them had done for him. He shook his head and continued on heading with the others too the Blackbird.

It was a short flight for everyone with very little conversation, the fact was the military wasn't exactly someone they had a professional relationship. The fact was they were expecting the worse from the remaining military personnel.

General Ayers looked over the reports he had been given, 117 casualties, 58 injuries, and 1 prisoner.

"You disobeyed your orders Brandon, there is no pleasant way out of this," he commented as a marine came up to him and saluted.

"Sir an aircraft has entered the restricted zone, we believe according to the intelligence we have that it belongs to Charles Xavier." The marine commented as the general nodded his head.

"Let them land and notify me when they are five minutes out. Contact the plane and have them land here and have three security details meet me there that will be all marine" the general stated as an idea popped into his head.

"This could work in your favor Brandon, considering the position you have put me in," he mumbled as he started to walk towards the area that the Blackbird would land in.

It wasn't very long when the jet appeared and began its approach landing right in the area that had been designated. The marines watched as the ramp opened, and the General motioned for them to stand at ease for the moment. They all watched as a man in a wheelchair was levitated down by one of his students.

"Hello I am Charles Xavier…" he began only to be interrupted by an older man with grey hair.

"I know full well who you are and why you are here, my name is General Henry Ayers, would you please come with me and only you Charles Xavier. I can guarantee that you and anyone who accompanies you would not and will not be harmed," He spoke motioning to a set up tent that was functioning as his headquarters.

The two began moving as many of the marines watched them very carefully. Logan stood there watching, it had been a while since he had seen soldiers be so antsy. The marines were literally pacing back and forth never taking their eyes off their guests.

"This was quite a battle, look at how many buildings are destroyed," Scott commented as Logan nodded growling at the marines outside.

"You must forgive my men, professor; they are very antsy about anyone being here." General Ayers spoke he continued into tent.

"To be honest Professor, I need a favor from you. My grandson is gifted with great abilities as you well know, but now he will be facing a court martial for disobeying a commanding officer and dereliction of duty. A deal has already been reached for an honorable discharge based upon his actions here today," General Ayers spoke as he reached for a photograph.

"He won't be welcomed here despite his actions and he has no where else to go, please consider taking him with you back to your institute. He is in stable medical condition so he can be transported now. "He continued as he stared at the picture.

"I understand General, but you must understand it is his choice," Charles stated as he leaned over in his wheelchair.

"No it isn't, at least not right now, my final order as Brandon's commanding officer is for him to accompany you to your institute. Besides there is someone coming who will not be as kind as you are, and I refuse to allow my only grandson to fall into that bastards hands. His actions are less than honorable and I desire a better life for my grandson, and he can't have that if that bastard gets his hands on him. Once there his discharge will take affect and he will be free to make his own choice," he replied as he looked over some papers.

"If you could give this box to him I would appreciate it, and I will have him transferred to your jet in less than an hour," Ayers spoke handing him a box listed Ayers, Brandon.

Two marines appeared who seemed to have orders to escort the professor back to the jet. Charles couldn't believe his ears as two marines escorted him back to the blackbird.

"You aren't to leave your plane, he will be transferred in 20 minutes" one of them spoke.

The other marine waited though and bent over to whisper something to the Professor.

"Tell him thanks, were sorry for what happened, he's a good man." The marine whispered and saluted as he turned to leave.

"How'd it go Chuck," Logan asked as soon as he returned.

"It was interesting to say the least; we will be having a guest for a little while and have Hank prepare the medical bed. We also are restricted to here until he arrives and then we will be free to leave," Charles stated as the others watched the marines moving outside.

Brandon woke up as he was being carried on a stretcher by four marines. The four nodded to him and he replied with the same nod. The medics and doctor had given him some drugs to ease the pain; the only problem was he could barely move. He just watched with his eyes as the four marines carried his stretcher towards a jet. They were stopped by General Ayers and Major Thompson before they could continue.

"Brandon Ayers your orders are to accompany these people to the Xavier Institute, after which you will receive a honorable discharged from the Marines since your actions weight heavily upon you conduct. Do you understand these orders?" Major Thompson spoke as he motioned for the men to continue.

Brandon nodded and watched as a group of 40 marines gathered lining up forming a corridor.

"Salute," Henry Ayers bellowed out as the men immediately went into action.

Brandon was carried to the jet and the four marines walked up the ramp removing his restraints and moving him carefully to the medical bed.

The four saluted and Brandon watched as they walked down the ramp and it started to close. A tear slipped down his face as he could no longer see the marines. The marines fell back away from the plane and saluted again as it begun to take off.

"Logan what are they doing?" Scott commented watching as the plane began to take off.

"They are paying their respects kid because of what he did here today. Marines take care of their own personnel and they still consider him one," Logan stated as he transferred control to Scott.

It took the plane a few minutes and Logan touched a few buttons readying the plane for the return trip.

Brandon stood there white eyed at the man with blue fur who was caring for him. He would have went into shock if the drugs he had been given weren't taking full effect.

"Thank you," was all he managed to say before the drugs that he been given before went into effect.

Next chapter: A New Day

Brandon wakes up after a short trip in the Institutes' medical ward, and faces a difficult decision now that he has been discharged from the Marines. How will the other students react to a professional soldiers appearance and how serious are his injuries.