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XME Reboot

Chapter 43: Shaken Foundation

While Lance struggles with his powers, the X-men deal with an urgent emergency at the world famous Powr-8 Tower.

~~

It was days later, in a S.H.I.E.L.D. base, when things would take a turn.

"Honestly, you are RATHER well prepared." A dashing looking gentleman was saying, his hair properly coiffed and mustache fantastic. "I'm quite impressed. And thankful, it's making my job far easier." He said, soldiers standing stock stiff as they passed.

Around them lay the scattered remains of what was the base's turret defense system. What were not torn to bits lay dead on the floor, and the cameras were all malfunctioning.

"Make it good, Wyngarde," Magneto replied sharply. He had no time for frivolities.

"Of course, of course." He said, pausing before a hefty door. "You said he's in suspension? I should be able to make quick work of his memories before he can even form a thought." Wyngarde gave him a sly smirk. "And after that, well. Any thoughts he has will be what you allow."

With a wave of Magneto's hand, the door was peeled open. The soldiers around them did little to react, save for posturing and saluting as the duo entered the chamber. "Good."

Magneto made his way to the center console. He knew the codes, of course; his Acolytes had provided as much. When he was done, the middle of the floor opened up, and from the depths arose a giant stasis chamber. "Tell me when you're ready."

"Of course."

~~

Miles away, Creed would snort loudly. He'd been drugged, dragged out of his cell, and plopped into an interrogation chamber.

One with it's own set of tranquilizers, of course.

"We both know this is a waste of time, Fury." He snarled out, arms bound behind him. They no longer trusted him to have his hands free in the front.

Fury sat at a desk, behind a protective barrier about two feet thick. He leaned into the microphone, "I'm sure your schedule is very busy."

"Oh, yeah it's jam packed. Prisoner enrichment is FANTASTIC."

"Maybe if we didn't think he would EAT the other prisoners..." Coulson muttered, taking notes.

Fury leaned back in his seat, "Well, Creed, maybe if you're a good boy we can talk about rewards."

Creed scoffed loudly. "Don't patronize me." He replied sharply. It was probably most annoying when, out of everyone here, Fury snarked at him. "You're not getting anything out of me. Haven't broken yet, and I don't intend to."

After all, when Magneto got around to getting him, he wouldn't exactly be happy if Creed had mouthed off.

He glared at nothing a moment. How long HAD it been since he'd been locked up? Weeks, at least. Months?

Longer?

He didn't want to entertain that last thought, it was more than a little concerning.

"I am very curious as to what you think is left for you," Fury said, "I don't think you have much to lose at this point."

He gave him a slight growl. "Still got my pride."

"Can't see HOW." Coulson said, far away enough from the mic that Creed couldn't hear. Hopefully. "Considering the conditions."

"Look--" Fury had to pause when his phone rang. Frowning, he switched the mic off and answered, "This is Fury."

There was a moment of silence. Fury sat up suddenly in his chair, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. Finally, he nodded, and said softly, "Be right there." With a flick of the wrist, he switched his phone off, then moved out of his seat quickly, "Coulson, we'll have to cut this short."

"Why, what's happened?" He asked, slightly chilled to see such an expression on Fury.

"Wha-Hey!" Creed snorted loudly. "What, leaving already? I was almost looking forward to chattin’!"

Fury gave Sabretooth a wave as he turned to leave, "Get him back in his cell and meet me in the hangar."

"Yes sir." Coulson replied, speaking into his collar. "We've cut it short. Come retrieve Creed." He looked to Fury, eyes narrowed in concern. "What's happening?"

"The Juggernaut is loose."

~~

"Okay so."

Things were a bit more domestic at the Institute, news not yet having reached them.

"I have another album cover I need you to draw." Lance was currently commissioning Todd.

Todd, who was hanging from the banister waiting to ambush Kurt, gave a non-committal, "Uh-huh."

"Like, I want a demon chick with goat legs and badass armor on a platform? There can be whatever but it's gotta have a couple skulls and I want her hefting a giant weapon and lava crashing on the rocks behind her and is this a bad time?" He asked, smirking slightly.

"Uh-huh," Todd tensed, readying himself for the pounce.

He snickered loudly, giving Kurt a grin as he strolled past. "What's so funny?" Kurt asked him.

Not a moment later did Todd drop on him, "TAG!" He cackled.

"NGAH!!" Kurt yelped, porting away. His fur was ruffled, and he gave him a slight glare, pouting. "Oh. Oh it's ON now."

Grinning, Todd leaped back onto the banister and climbed, "Okay, demon lady goat legs lava skulls, got it!" He called to Lance as he dodged and ducked out of Kurt's way.

Lance gave him a mock salute as he took a step back. Kurt pounced past him, towards Todd. "C'MERE!" He called.

"RUN TODD!" Lance called after, snickering loudly. "Coupla NERDS..."

Logan suddenly moved past him, on high alert. Hank wasn't far behind him, "Logan, where are you going?"

When he reached the bottom of the stairs, Logan practically ripped the front door from its hinges. A second later, the wind picked up wildly, and a small aircraft touched down on the Institute lawn.

Lance perked, intrigued. He kept after Logan, standing behind him as the craft touched down. "Oh..."

Apparently, Logan had heard it coming before anyone else had. When Fury stepped out of the craft, Logan moved to meet him.

"Wolverine," Fury greeted, "I need to speak with the Professor, immediately."

"It's a matter of great importance." Coulson added.

Lance looked over them both, suspicion clear on his features.

"Hrm," Logan waved them in. He gave Lance a pat on the arm as he moved past.

"Why do we keep lettin’ these guys in?" Lance asked under his breath.

Coulson's short wave to him didn't help any; they were still the guys who broke into his home in the middle of the night.

"They're good allies," Logan assured him quietly.

"Mm..." Lance didn't seem convinced. He didn't have time to dwell, however, with Xavier wheeling onto the scene. "Fury. I'm sure you have a reason for the visit. Not the type to make social calls, after all."

"Can we talk on the way to Cerebro?" Fury was quite direct.

"Of course." Xavier was all business at that. Coulson gave him a nod, glancing back at Lance.

"You don't have to accompany us"

"Yeah well maybe I WANT to."

"Alvers," Logan said gruffly. HE was going with, that was for sure.

"Hrm... Fine." He huffed sharply, giving them one last once over before moving off.

Xavier waited until they were on the way down, made sure it was clear, and then looked to Fury. "So what IS the matter?"

Fury's jaw worked, though he'd steeled his features, "The Juggernaut has escaped."

Xavier faltered, for a moment. He paled, his eyes widened. "... Whe... How? He's gone?"

Coulson nodded. "He.. yes. Security was down, at the time, unfortunately."

"Do we know where he is? God we need to move the students, he'll be coming for me..."

"That's why we came here," Fury said, "We need you to track him."

"Hmm... Well." He started along once more. "I'll certainly try."

"I thought your Cerebro could find any mutant?"

"Juggernaut's helmet can keep me out."

Fury paused for a moment, "I see...'

"Do you have any idea who broke him out? I could always attempt to track them."

"They've been reporting Coulson and I were the ones seen entering the chamber."

"Which, by the way, we weren't. Lucky for us, OUR security was working..." Coulson muttered, knowing full well who would have taken advantage of THAT.

"I see... That rules out Mystique then, if it was both of you."

Fury nodded, "Finding the Juggernaut has to take priority. We'll worry about the how's and why's later."

"Right." Xavier replied, wheeling to Cerebro's chamber. "Shall we?"

"We shall."

~~

Above, in the living room, Lance was flipping through channels.

"Can we just PICK something?" Pietro asked.

"Hrm..."

Kitty leaned over the back of the couch, "Babe, what are you looking for?"

"I'unno. Something distracting, I guess?"

"He has no- go back one?"

"Why?" He asked, doing as Pietro asked anyway. "... Oh."

An anti-mutant rally was on the news.

"--is our God given right to protest. We should consider the safety of our country, and of our world at large."

Lance scowled, leaning in.

"Great. More of these." Pietro muttered. "Lemme guess his next line, 'we're abominations'." He scoffed.

"Just once." Lance muttered. "I wish these guys would get what they deserved."

"Senator Kelly, uck," Kitty grumbled, "He's like a weasel in a suit."

"The American People want to be sure that our families are safe! We--" There was an explosion that suddenly shook the very foundation of the building.

Lance's eyes went wide at that, leaning in.

The camera's feed would suddenly glitch red, cut out. It flickered a few times, until it found an untouched camera, at a wider angle.

Pietro's jaw slacked when Wanda took the stage, standing before Kelly. "Wanda...?"

She would sling a hand forth, the stage under him suddenly buckling.

Senator Kelly fell, collapsing into the rubble with a shout. Security began to take shots at her, and the crowd began to scatter in a panic.

It did them no good, Wanda snapping. Sparks flew up around her, shots all missing their mark.

Cars around the event exploded, fires starting.

Wanda would stomp a plank, the mic resting on the end. The whole thing would spark, fly through the air.

She snagged it, smirking. "This rally is now under Genoshan control. Pyro, ring them in, if you would.

Everyone was just SO eager to be here."

Pietro grabbed the TV. "Goddammit, Wanda, the hell are you doing?!"

The cameras would cut out amidst screams and smoke and fire.

Kitty started running, "Professor-- Logan-- STORM!"

Ororo was the first to answer. "Kitty! What's the matter, calm down." She urged, taking her shoulder upon finding her.

"Th-There was a rally, and-- and Magneto--!"

"Do you know where?"

"Minnesota- The Powr-8 building, I think?"

"Alright... I'll tell the professor. Be ready."

They assembled a team quick enough; Kitty, Scott, Jean, Evan, and Kurt. Pietro also insisted on going; this had gotten very personal very quickly. The rest of the X-men were left to defend the Institute, in case the rally attack was a diversion.

Though, not everyone was happy about it.

"We HAVE a team, Alvers!" Scott was saying as they loaded up, "We need you to stay behind."

"Come on, it's been ages since I got to go on a mission! I want to help!"

"We need you to stay and keep the Institute safe." Jean told him.

"LOGAN is staying here! He counts for like five guys! What's the deal, why do I keep getting sidelined!"

"I'm not gonna argue with you," Scott said firmly, "You're STAYING."

"Just tell me why I can't go! Come on, Summers, please!"

Scott's words left him before he could stop himself. "Because there's been ENOUGH damage!"

Lance had to pause. "I.... What?"

Scott grunted, "I...Look," His tone softened, "We just need to be careful, okay?"

Lance's fist clenched slightly. "... Whatever." He turned away. "I'll try not to wreck the place while you guys are gone."

"Why are you like this?" Kitty asked Scott as the Blackbird took off.

"Scott didn't mean it." Jean assured. "We're all just... very stressed."

"UGH."

~~

"Ugh."

Gambit was echoing this sentiment for other reasons.

He'd been put in charge of watching their prime hostage. "Can't believe this..."

Senator Kelly, dazed from his fall and bleeding slowly from his forehead, didn't dare struggle against his bindings.

One threat of "blowing a new hole in you" was enough to keep him compliant.

"Yer a lucky man, Senator! If ya weren't so important well, I'd probably just kill ya now. All that Anti-mutant talk, why. It just hurts my feelings."

Kelly paled considerably. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing could come out, not a sound.

"HOOO-WEE!" That jubilant sound and the smell of burning oil heralded Pyro's arrival, "Baby, you SEEN how the place is lightin' up right now?! We got 'em all corralled, haha!"

Presently, there was a giant ring of fire around the building, trapping people inside and keeping authorities out.

Gambit snickered, turning his attention to Pyro. "Oh. I've seen. You're welcome on that little start, by the way."

Gambit was QUITE proud of the line of explosions he'd caused. He sighed dramatically. "Must be nice, havin’ a FUN job."

"Awww, but you're SUCH a good babysitter!" Pyro grinned crookedly, "If it were me I'da STUCK this fuckin' pig!" He stomped once near Kelly, making the senator squeal. Pyro laughed. "Ah," He gestured to the device on his back; he'd gotten a new toy, sleeker, sturdier, more powerful. He was quite fond of it, "Duty calls, don't it~? Ey, where's the tin man?! S'posed to be helpin’ me wreck the place!"

"He's not?" Gambit asked, eyes narrowed slightly. "Christ." He scoffed. "Dunno why she gives him so many fucking chances."

"Ugh, I'll find 'im," Pyro started away, though he paused to give Senator Kelly a harsh kick that sent him sprawling on the floor, "Fuckin' pansy little..."

"Burn a little hotter for me when ya do, ah?" Gambit asked, turning a smirk to Kelly. "He's fun, ain't he?"

Kelly found courage to speak, though it was a weak, thin courage, "The...United States government will NOT stand for this."

"It's cute how you think I care." Gambit gave him a grin, though it lacked any sort of warmth. "Though I am curious to see how they'd react. Especially with a high profile man like yerself at risk."

"W-We will NOT bow to you!"

"Ah see. But you expect US to roll over for you. Asking a bit much, aintcha? Oh well. In time…”

~~

Piotr was, in fact, dragging people out of the way of the fire.

"Please don't move," Piotr was saying as he laid an injured man back, "Everything will be...okay.'

He was telling himself that as much as he was the other man.

"'Ey!"

Piotr turned, and a hand smacked hard into his chest, "What do you think you're doin'?!"

"I'm...There are people who were close to the--"

"Who CARES about them, you're supposed to be tearin' that building up! Can't keep this fire burnin' forever!" Pyro grabbed him by the collar and tugged him down to his level, "You care about these shitheads more 'n our job, huh?"

Piotr grunted, "I.."

"Allerdyce!" Piotr would be rescued by a very miffed Wanda. "What is going on down here?!"

"Tellin' this jackass to do his job!"

She looked between them. "'Telling'." She replied flatly.

Pyro growled, shoving Piotr away, "Just get in there!"

"Wanda," Piotr said, "There are people who are hurt."

"I'll take care of it." Wanda assured Pyro. "Just keep the circle going. We don't need them scattering."

She didn't address Piotr yet.

Grumbling loudly, Pyro set about stirring the fire on. "Fuckin'..."

"You'll have fuel soon!" She assured, turning her gaze to Piotr. "... I know you want to help. But we have a job to do."

"I didn't join to hurt people!" Piotr was emboldened, which surprised even himself.

Wanda perked slightly. "... We all have to do things we don't want to do. You know what's at stake." She replied, tone stern.

"There...There has to be a better way. Shouldn't there?"

Wanda frowned. "These people would have us killed. They would have all mutants destroyed. How can there be any other way?"

Piotr gave her a hard stare. "...Then...we must really be monsters."

She paused. But only for a moment. Wanda would turn away. "Just get it done, Piotr. You can help if you want after your task is completed."

Piotr frowned after her. He looked to the fire in the distance...

Carefully, he turned and started towards it.

~~

Lance's knuckles were white. He was gripping the couch far too tight, not even paying attention to the news story going on about the attack.

He was too focused on trying to calm down, to keep the rumbling to a minimum. But it just! The earth shook slightly as hurt took another spiral into anger, Lance's fist balling tighter.

A big hand found Lance's head. "Hey dude."

"Hrm." He replied, adjusting himself to try and shrug him off. A task and a half, when he didn't let go of the couch.

Fred ruffled his hair lightly, then moved to sit beside him,

Lance glanced at him, huffing slightly. Then, with considerable effort, he released the couch, moving to muss his hair back into place.

"...How ya feelin'?" Fred knew Lance too well at this point.

"Fine." He replied. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Fred gave him a look. "Dude."

Lance groaned, slapping a hand to the couch. "Too 'DANGEROUS'. I'm too DANGEROUS to let out, what the hell is that!"

"Oh..." Fred rubbed the back of his neck, "Who said that?"

"Summers. Thought we were past that...." He grumbled. "Unless the teachers think so too. Explain why I keep gettin’ cut for missions."

Fred was quiet for a moment, "...I know it's crappy n’ everything, but you know," He nudged Lance's shoulder, "You pack a punch, dude."

Lance rubbed his shoulder, nodding slightly. "I know..." He was quiet, a moment. "... I don't know if I'm ever gonna get a handle on them. My powers."

"Aw, don't say that."

"Well that's what it FEELS like."

"Well..." Fred shrugged, "We should work on it."

"I've been working on it." He replied, a bit harsher than he'd meant. "...But." He huffed. "Guess it can't hurt to work more."

Fred nodded. He slid off the couch, "C'mon."

Lance nodded, following after him. "Mmhm..." He smirked slightly. "You got a game plan for this training session or?"

Fred shrugged, "Not really."

"So we're winging it."

"Eeyup." Fred led him out onto the training ground.

Lance rolled his shoulders. "Better than moping, I guess."

"Okay, dude," Fred cracked his knuckles, "Let's try aaand...hit that target over there. JUST that target."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Uuuh... Right, right... how hard can this be?" He muttered, sliding his foot back. He raised a hand, fist clenching.

The ground would shake, Lance's eyes narrowed.

Fred stumbled a little, "Hoo, okay! Let's, uh...let's try again."

Lance nodded, taking in a sharp breath. He swiftly slid his foot forward, ground rolling. It quickly approached the target... and several others. Lance jerked, letting up.

It slowed, but not quite quick enough. The target was jostled, as was everything surrounding it. "Come oooon..."

"Hmm...So, what're you thinking when you do that?" Fred asked him.

"What am I... what?" He asked, pausing. "I... hm."

"Like," Fred figured out how he could phrase it better, "Do you focus on one thing?"

"I... don't actually think so? I don't think I actually do. I just... I need to hit the target, is all I think, I guess."

Fred nodded slightly, "Try, like, focusing on just the one target.'

Lance nodded. He took a long, deep breath, staring it down. He clenched and yanked his fist back, a slanted spire of rock jutting out. The poor target wasn't just hit, it was broken free of its stand, Lance wincing slightly.

Fred whistled, "Well...At least you hit it?"

"Yeah... and tore up everything around it." He grunted. "I just! There HAS to be a way to be more precise, right?" He asked. "I have to have a way to like, make it smaller around?"

"Um, maybe you could try, like..." Fred punched his fist forward, "Focus on that specific direction? Map it out in your mind."

"Maybe?" Lance agreed. "Like... thinner and more... focused." He gave him a tentative grin. "At least to start?"

Fred returned it, nodding, "Worth a shot."

He nodded, rolling his shoulder. "Right... Thanks, Fred."

"Shoot," Fred shrugged, "You figured out what you had to do, bud."

"Yeah, well. You helped. A lot."

Fred ruffled his hair, "Go ooon, give it a try." He chuckled.

He nodded, rolling his neck. "Right... Smaller and focused, smaller and focused..."

Lance would, after some minutes, have littered the law with rock pillars. They were various sizes, at various angles, and he grunted. "Well... I'm getting the angle thing down."

"That's progress, innit?" Fred asked.

"Slow progress...But. Yeah."

"Yo, can ya cool it with the shakin' for a minute, Alvers?" Todd called out the window, "We're tryin' 'a hear the news."

"Excuse you, I am TRYING to better myself."

"Better yourself later!" Alex told him, looking out himself. "This is important!"

Fred patted his back, "Maybe a break would be good."

Lance slumped, glancing over his shoulder. He was hardly satisfied with his results but... "Yeah, alright. I have at least one half of it down."

"You'll get it."

"Yeah.. C'mon. Can't hurt to listen to the news too, right?"

~~

The ring of fire Pyro had made was still burning quite strong. Firefighters were trying to put it out, but the mutant was able to keep his flames going forever. The entire area around the building, including several blocks away, was completely sealed off from the public as authorities tried their damnedest to get inside the Powr-8 building.

"Alright." Jean pulled her hand away from her temple. "They're in there. But we're going to need to be careful, they have hostages."

Pietro nodded, eyes narrowed as he looked over the building.

"All of you be on guard. We have no idea what they're planning." Storm told them.

"Kitty," Scott turned to her, "Can you take us all through the fire?"

"Uum..." Kitty bit her lip, and after a moment of thought, gave a nod and a shrug, "Worth a shot?"

"I can port a couple of us through." Kurt offered, nudging her. "At least two more."

"Okay, good," Might lose less limbs that way, was Kitty's silent thought, "So! Who's, uh, who's going with who?"

"I'll hitch a ride." Pietro said, taking Kurt's shoulder. "You comin' on the express, Evan?"

Evan nodded and took Pietro's hand. "Yep."

"Jean and I will go with Kitty," Scott said, "If you don't mind, Storm?"

"No. I'll keep an eye on you all from above." She told them. "Be careful. All of you." She added, looking over them in turn.

Scott took Kitty's shoulder, then offered a hand to Jean, "Ready?'

Jean nodded, taking his head. "Ready."

Kurt gave them a thumbs up, porting past the fire.

Storm took to the air. Storm would fly overhead, eyes narrowed at the building.

She heard a scream, turned her gaze just past it. The shout was remarkably familiar; Banshee was on the scene, it would seem.

And that just wouldn’t fly.

Kitty took a deep breath. "Okay..." She muttered. Carefully, she stepped through the fire, hoping nobody got singed in the process.

"We're fine, Kitty." Jean assured her, over the blaze.

Kitty breathed a sigh of relief. "GOOD," She released them and looked around, "Man..."

Kurt had ported in relatively close.

"Alright. We need to take this slow. We don't know where they are in there." Jean said.

"Mmhm." Pietro was hardly paying attention, focusing more on the building.

Scott carefully stepped around some debris, "Can you track them, Jean?"

She nodded, a hand to her temple. "There are a group of hostages... and one of them is with another."

"That'll be the Senator," Evan grunted, spiking up.

Scott nodded, "Lots of ground to cover...Alright. We'll get the group first. Senator Kelly is too important to kill, at least right now."

"Got it."

"Where's Wanda?" Pietro asked.

"I'm not sure yet."

"Well! Find her, maybe?"

"Pietro," Scott said sharply, "Focus."

"I am. I'm gonna help you guys, but I'm also finding out why she's DOING this."

"We need to save the hostages first."

"Fine." He replied, moving inside. "How about we do that then."

With a short huff, Scott followed him inside.

"So what's the plan?" Kurt asked, following Scott.

"We...find the hostages," He told him. That was about as far as Scott had gotten in his own head.

"Yes. And then what? How do we get them out?"

"If we can get the fires out, we can get everyone away from the area."

"If that's the case, we'll need to fight and beat Pyro." Jean said.

Kurt smirked. "Leave it to me. I've been practicing for a rematch."

"We're not 'leaving' it to anyone! We fight together." Scott said, "Alright?"

Kurt perked, deflating slightly. "Mm.. Alright, I guess..."

Things were too quiet as they traveled through the Powr-8 building. Even the noise from outside seemed too distant, the sirens and voices almost lost amid the dull roar of the fire.

Something would clatter, though it was hard to tell how close with the echo.

Jean jerked, taking Scott's shoulder. "Scott, look out-" She wasn't able to finish her thought.

A small light whizzed by them, striking Jean square in the chest. Her muscles were instantly paralyzed and she fell.

"Jean!" Scott called, trying to catch her, but another hit him, and he was down.

Kurt jerked, grabbing the duo and porting out of sight.

Pietro grabbed Evan, tugging him away as a massive reptilian mutant slammed down. He roared loudly, nostrils flaring. "Who the HELL."

"That's a GOOD question!" Kitty called. She was managing to phase through the projectiles, which were coming quicker and quicker.

Evan fired spikes from his arm at their giant assailant, quickly growing more in their place. Mellencamp turned his gaze to Evan, snarling loudly and charging.

"NOPE." Pietro would drag him out of the way, scooping Evan up as he did. "I'll move, you fire!"

"Y-Yeah, keep it steady!" Evan called, aiming again.

"I'll do my best!" He replied, Mellencamp pulling away from the wall he'd crashed into.

Kitty, meanwhile, was phasing her way through the wall, "I-I'll go get Kurt!"

"WE GOT THIS, NO WORRIES," Evan called, aiming and firing again.

They probably did, right?

~~

Kurt had managed to collect himself, at this point.

Scott and Jean were laid out, and he was trying to rouse them. "Come on, come on!" He urged, patting Scott's chest.They were breathing still, but...? "Aaach!" He groaned,tail flicking in frustration.

Heavy footsteps came towards him. They were slow, unsure even, but they were coming closer nonetheless.

Kurt's fur frizzed. He looked back to the source, then to his downed friends. He stood quickly, getting between them and the sound, sword drawn. He hoped he could lead whoever this was away.

There was a glint of metal in the low light. The heavy silhouette paused, seeming to have now taken notice.

There was a silence.

Kurt swallowed hard. "G-Go back the way you came." He managed, breaking the silence first.

"...Are you X-men?"

He took a moment,though nodded slowly. "Mmhm."

"...Are you hurt?" The figure tentatively stepped forward.

Kurt jerked, taking a half step back, sword raised. He paused a moment, searching the figure's face.

Colossus stepped into the light, squinting at them, "Are you?" He asked quietly, face softening.

Kurt wasn't sure was to make of this other mutant; he certainly wasn't like the other acolytes. He stood stock still for a moment, sword still pointed his way.

Something in Colossus, be it his face or his soft tone, caused him to lower it, but only just. "Wh-why? What are you going to do if we are?"

Piotr spoke carefully, "Help...you?"

"... hey were zapped. Now they won't move. What do you know about that?"

"Aah," Piotr nodded his head, "That will wear off, don't worry."

He nodded slightly. "Good... good.... Who are you?" Kurt gave him a slight, unsure smirk. "Too nice to be an Acolyte."

"Ha, well..." Piotr rubbed his arm, "I guess I am."

"Wha... Why help us then?" He asked.

"I don't like seeing people hurt."

Kurt couldn't help but believe him. "... How long does it take to wear off? I don't want them out in the open while they're like this."

"It depends. A few minutes, an hour maybe."

He groaned loudly. "I can't leave the rest of them hanging for that long..!"

Piotr perked, 'There are more?"

"I... " He nodded, kicking himself for letting it slip. ".. You don't want people to get hurt, right? Does that extend to your hostages?"

"Yes."

"...Alright. We're here to save them." He admitted.

Piotr nodded. That much was obvious. "Well...I tried to get many people away from the fire."

He nodded. "...Do you have somewhere I can keep them safe?" He asked, glancing back at Scott and Jean. "At least until they recover."

"Mm...Maybe," Piotr muttered, "Follow me."

He nodded, tugging the two up. "We're gonna be okay. This guy seems alright."

Piotr led them to a tucked away corner of the building, "You cannot stay here for very long," He said, "Please leave soon."

"Right after we save everyone." Kurt promised. "Danke."

Piotr grunted softly, nodding, "Yes..." He perked up at a noise, and he started away quickly.

Kurt perked. "What is it? Where are you going?"

"You done yet?!" Demanded a sharp voice.

"Almost."

"Well hurry it up! Can't wait around here forever!"

Kurt’s fur frizzed. "...Where is he?" He asked Colossus.

Colossus was silent. He looked back at Kurt, face apologetic, then continued quickly on.

Kurt made a snap decision. He made sure Scott and Jean were properly hidden, then ported after him, keeping to the shadows.

"Take out that pipe," Pyro ordered, pointing. Nodding, Piotr smashed it with a wave of his fist. Pyro smirked as he made his way over to a valve and started to crank it. "Place is gonna go up like a matchbox."

Things would happen very quickly.

Kurt ported from the shadows above to the pipe, feet on either side of the crank. He then slammed the butt of his sword into Pyro's face.

Pyro had little time to react. He stumbled back, clutching his eye, "UGH!"

Kurt wouldn't give him a chance to recover, porting behind him and jabbing his sword at Pyro's pack, looking to bust it.

A metal hand caught him and flung him off before he could do much damage.

"Argh..." Pyro growled, whirling, "You little--!" He readied his flamethrower.

Kurt ported, catching himself on a pipe as he recovered from the fling. He jerked as Pyro aimed at him, porting once more. Pyro would find that Kurt hard ported right in front of him, the smoke of brimstone providing cover enough for Kurt to swing a kick up into his jaw.

No time to test if his new sword would slice through these tubes.

Cursing loudly, Pyro swung his arm, "YOU LITTLE FUCKER!" He roared. Flames came bursting forth from the nozzle before Piotr could yell to stop him, and in a split second the room exploded into flames.

"Shizcoff!" Kurt decided that perhaps it was best to cut his losses. He ported away once more, giving Piotr a look of apology before he did.

He landed hard back where Scott and Jean had been left, groaning and pulling himself up. "Please be better, PLEASE be better!"

If they could respond, they had little time to do so, as flames hurtled down the hall towards them as the basement exploded.

He grabbed them, porting once more.

ANYWHERE was better than here.

He found himself upstairs, overlooking the foyer from a few flights above. Evan and Pietro were still engaged with Mellencamp, and they had little time to react as flames spread quickly across the floor. Kitty emerged from a wall, three people in tow. "Kurt!" She grunted.

"Be right down! You two should be okay for a minute.." He muttered, porting down to her. "Pyro lit gas! It's going up in smoke!"

"There's so many people still inside!" Kitty said, narrowly avoiding a stray spike that lodged itself in the wall beside her.

"Me-me~!" Another joined the fray, sliding down the railing and aiming her glowing fingers, "HOLD 'EM STILL!"

"We need to move fast!" Kurt grunted. "I can port people outside, if you can bring them through!?"

"I'm-!" He snapped, Pietro and Evan already gone. "TRYING!!"

Kitty nodded quickly, handing Kurt her hostages before running back through the wall. "This uh. Is gonna be weird." He warned them, porting out.

"Pietro," Evan called, "Slow down a bit, I can't hit him!"

Light whizzed by them. "Yeeeah, slow down!" Gianna cackled.

"I can't!" He replied, glaring at Gianna. "She'll hit US if I do!"

Evan groaned. He shot a spike wall between them and Mellencamp, though it was in vain. He'd been having no trouble busting through them so far.

And bust through he did! Through he took an extra minute to crack one of the spikes in his jaws, out of frustration.

Kitty had another group along with her when she reemerged. Luckily, it didn't look like anyone was hurt, though they were terrified. Gianna took the time to take a potshot at her, for the hell of it, and that made a couple people yell in panic. "HAHA~"

Kurt would port back in shortly after. "Th-they're out! Next ones need to come on, NOW!"

There was a deafening crash. Stone and glass and metal rained down upon them as a new hole formed in the wall above. A S.W.A.T van hung precariously, its front end entirely destroyed. Another joined it, knocking down the front wall almost completely.

In the distance, amidst rubble and smoke and fire, came a towering figure of muscle and metal.

Kurt froze, gripping the civilians just a little tighter. "Oh hell..."

~~

"SHIT." Lance was glued to the screen, mouth dry.

Alex was near frantic. "Do you think Scott's okay, what do you think is going on in there?!"

"A practical giant just entered the the building, which is still going up in smoke, even with this rainfall!" The camera was shaky, as the helicopter tried to get the best view without getting hit. "We still have no word of what's happening in-"

She would be cut off, her cameraman shouting a warning, a massive section of concrete wall thrown their way.

The image cut out.

The Brothers exchanged a shocked glanced with each other, and then with Logan and Beast. Logan was quiet for a moment.

"...We're loadin' up."

"I'm going!" Lance told him. "I know you guys are worried about me making things worse, but I can't- I'm not standing by again! Not with THAT!"

"We need you, kiddo," Logan said, "Gonna need all the power we GOT."

He perked, then gave him a firm nod. "Got it. I'll do my best Logan."

Alex shuffled, swallowing hard. "D-does that mean I can go too? I- I can't lose Scott twice." He managed.

"No," Logan said firmly, "None 'a you new kids are goin'."

"But-" Lance would take Alex's shoulder firmly. "Easy man. I'll bring BOTH our brothers back, okay?"

Alex swallowed hard, though nodded.

"The rest 'a you are STAYING," Logan pointed at the new kids before hurrying off.

~~

It would seem like forever before they arrived, the once proud conference building practically in shambles.

S.H.I.E.L.D. would be bringing back up before long, but that didn't mean they could slack.

Not by a longshot.

"What do you think is going down in there?" Lance asked, eyes narrowed.

There was a rumble, and part of the wall of an upper floor caved in.

"Chaos." Logan replied gruffly.

"So... What's the plan?" Lance asked him.

"Ain't no time to scout it out." Rogue added.

"We're just gonna go in and knock heads."

"There's a plan I can follow..." Lance muttered, glancing at Fred. Fred had clenched his fists, and his knuckles were white. He kept his gaze forward.

Inside, the building was falling apart around the X-men as Juggernaut rampaged. "I'M GONNA BREAK EVERY BONE IN YOUR LITTLE BODIES!" He screamed, swinging his fist and taking out the stairs. Luckily he missed Kurt...barely.

"Gotta catch me to break me!" Kurt replied, unable to keep the hint of panic out of his tone. He was hoping taunting would open things up but. No such luck, just yet. The smoke and fire didn't help matters, supports groaning.

Scott had regained some control over his muscles, but it wasn't much. He couldn't get a bead on the Juggernaut, especially when he would charge. Evan was trying to keep both the Juggernaut and the other two Acolytes busy, but with his focus split so much, he could barely hit anything, not that it would have affected the giant Juggernaut very much anyway. Kitty was trying to get the remaining people out of the building before it came crashing down around them, and she was running out of time.

Jean was trying to keep the building together, but she only just had HERSELF in order. Her efforts weren't helped by her frustration, Jean growling in exasperation.

Pietro skid back, avoiding Mellencamp dropping from above. "Fuck!" He shouted, backpedaling from the larger mutant's tail swinging.

"Pete!" Evan called, "You gotta put me down and deal with--" Part of the ceiling came down, narrowly missing them, "-- Juggernaut!"

"What?!" He half yelped, stumbling slightly. "Are you insane?!"

"You're the only one who can take him, dude!"

"Where does that leave you!?"

"Dealing with the REST of them!" Evan fired at Mellencamp again, spines winding up his arms in thick shields.

Pietro growled, holding Evan a little tighter. "He's HUGE! And the other one could do- who KNOWS what she did to Jean and Scott!!" Mellencamp swung a clawed hand at them.

"Find out!" He urged; Pietro scowled. "Fuck off!"

"Pietro," Evan was firm, "Put me down NOW. Before the whole building comes down!"

"I-" He fumbled over his words. He knew Evan was right. He didn't have to like it. "Y... You have to promise you'll be okay!"

Evan offered him a smile. "Who do you take me for?"

"I... Okay." He put on the speed, pausing a ways away. He released Evan, looking over him. "... Be safe." He urged, giving his forehead a quick peck before speeding at the Juggernaut.

A split second later, light narrowly missed Evan and cratered the wall. "STAY STILL~" Gianna urged him, cackling. Evan rolled out of the way quickly.

"Hey ugly!" He called to Mellencamp, armor growing up his arms, "Let's dance!"

Mellencamp returned his wit with a roar, charging him. He would leap at him, claws poised to pin,

before ripping and tearing, of course.

Evan met him head-on. The spikes in his legs and feet kept him upright, and his armor shielded him, but Seamus was still very strong and he was dragged backward from the force.

"Aww, Me-me!" Gianna called, "I can't hit him if you're--" A hand came out of the wall and cold-clocked her. Kitty stepped out a moment later, looking all too proud of herself.

Whether from the noise or just his investment in Evan, Mellencamp hadn't noticed. He powered against Evan, acidic spit dripping from his maw.

It was about this time that Wolverine made his grand entrance. He leaped onto the Juggernaut's back, adamantium claws slicing at the giant's armor, but he was tossed very quickly.

"Logan!" Scott managed to call, and he tried to move his head.

"I got 'em!" Rogue called, running to the duo. "Ya alright? What... How did this..?" They didn't LOOK injured.

"Can't... can't move." Jean explained, best she could.

"Rogue..." Scott was as urgent as he could be, "Take...my powers!"

"Wha-" She froze, hesitating a moment.

"Rogue!" Jean urged. "H-he'll be fine!"

Rogue grunted, deciding the situation was a little too urgent to falter. One more under the belt couldn't hurt... "Just a bit." She told him, yanking her glove off and brushing his forehead. The contact was short, but it was enough, Rogue's eyes glowing bright.

"Get Juggernaut!" Scott urged her. The Juggernaut was grappling with Fred now, and, try as he might, Fred was losing.

"Got it... Hold on Fred, I'm comin'!" She called, running over, eyes glowing bright. She would circle to the side, zeroing in on Juggernaut before letting a blast loose.

Juggernaut was thrown off balance by the blast, giving Fred enough brevity to slam him into a wall. It didn't stop the beast for long, and he swung a heavy fist into Fred before preparing another charge.

"Kitty!" Todd called as she stepped out with a few more people, "Lemme help!"

"Todd!" She sighed in relief, and moved quickly to get the rest of the people out of the building. It would go a lot quicker with help.

"Good havin’ you!" Kurt told him, porting in beside them. A few extra hands on the Juggernaut let him focus on getting people out.

Lance was currently trying to stabilize the building. With, of course, as little shaking as possible. He didn't want the whole place coming down on them, after all. "C'mon, c'mon! You worked on this!"

Pietro had attempted to lift a clasp, but had found the helmet fused to his suit. "Are you-?!" He was forced to back off, eyes narrowed. "The clasps are fused, I can't open 'em!"

"Are you serious?!" Rogue asked, glaring Juggernaut down and unleashing another eye blast.

The Juggernaut fought through the blast, hurtling towards her with a yell. Wolverine made a mad dash and snagged Rogue out of the way. She hissed, cutting the beams. "H-how are we supposed to take him down?!"

"We just gotta hold him off, kid!" Wolverine told her.

"Great..."

"You guys okay?" Lance called, running to them.

"Fine, but we can't keep lettin' him charge." Wolverine said, "Gonna bring the whole place down!"

Lance nodded, looking around. "I could try to slam him out? One good pillar of rock!"

"We want the building to NOT come down, Lance." Rogue said.

"I've been working on it! Less rumbles, I swear!"

"Lance!!" Fred called, recovering from the hit at last. Juggernaut readied another charge, this time aiming to take the building out.

"Got it!" He replied, steadying himself. Just had to focus on the ONE thing, that was all that mattered. Concise and focused as possible. He would clench his fist, foot quickly sliding forward.

A hefty pillar jutted forth, meeting Juggernaut dead on and from a lower angle.

"Argh!" He was knocked flat. In a split second, lights shown on the building.

"All mutants put your hands up!" Came the voice from the above helicopter.

"All... even us?" Lance asked, almost disbelieving it.

Another voice, more familiar, said, "X-men, step aside. We'll take it from here."

Rogue took that as her cue to go back to Jean and Scott.The former was QUITE frustrated with this whole turn of events, it seemed, and her scowl was plain as she stumbled to her feet.

"YOU WON'T TAKE ME BACK!" Juggernaut roared as he stumbled to his feet.

Lance readied himself, to bring up another pillar.

"CAIN," He wouldn't get the chance, Wanda appearing on the scene. "We're leaving." She ordered. Pietro froze a moment, voice catching.

He and Wanda met eyes, for a moment.

She averted her gaze back to the Juggernaut, quickly. "They won't take you twice. But a retreat is in order."

She snapped her fingers, a wall lighting up red and starting to crumble, taking the rest of the building out first. "You'd best get the rest of the humans out, X-men." She advised. Mellencamp quickly pulled away from his tussle with Evan, giving him a snarl before he ran to snag up Gianna.

The S.W.A.T car was first to fall free, crashing with an echo.

"Maximoff!" Logan called quickly. He was the only one fast enough to get the rest out, after all, as they building started to come crashing around them.

"But- I- She- AUGH!" He darted off, really hating how many people were right about things today.

Growling, Juggernaut hesitated a moment, then followed his group quickly. "Next time, X-men!" He promised.

"I'll be waiting!" Lance challenged, shoulders setting. He didn't keep his stance for long, turning and running to help Rogue with Scott and Jean.

"Logan," Scott grunted, "We need to go after them."

"No," Logan was short, firm, "We got a hundred guns pointed at us, kid."

As the fires died down from the rain and efforts of the disaster relief, that became clear. Police, S.W.A.T, and others surrounded the building, weapons pointed at the group. Aside from Pietro, the X-men remained quite still, as if any sudden movement would set the firing squad loose on them. S.H.I.E.L.D's aircraft touched down in the plaza, and soldiers swarmed the building.

Lance watched them hard, throat dry. Storm would land beside Logan, standing tall despite her shortness of breath.

Pietro couldn't help but be ansty, especially when Coulson stepped out. It didn't help when he approached them. "Well! All things considered, this could have been worse." He started.

Logan could only offer a nod in reply. Nearby, paramedics swarmed the freed hostages.

Coulson continued, "We're going to have to do a headcount.. and the building is... well, it's going to be condemned, if it can be salvaged at all." Lance grunted. This wasn't a helpful speech. "Juggernaut escaped, as did the other acolytes. But! You did get people out! You saved lives today, and I'd say that's what matters."

"Got a favor to ask ya, Coulson," Logan said, "We can't get outta here with all this fuzz around."

God forbid these kids get locked up or worse.

"Ah." He nodded, waving a hand. "Got it. Follow after me, I'll explain to 'the fuzz'. The X-men are allies of S.H.I.E.L.D. should suffice..."

As they cautiously trailed behind Agent Coulson, Fred clamped Lance on the shoulder. "Told ya you could do it."

Lance perked, giving him a slight smile. "Yeah... You did. Thanks.” He was still going to need to work on things, but… It felt good to know.

"Jean," Scott was saying, as he stumbled along, "Are you alright?" He'd recovered, for the most part, though his movements were slow.

"Fine." Her tone said otherwise, as did the tenseness in her features.

Scott, of course, wasn't convinced, but now wasn't the time to get into it. He squeezed Rogue's arm, perhaps in thanks, perhaps to comfort her as well.

"...You okay?" She asked. "Not to woozy? I didn't take too much?"

He shook his head, "I'm fine. You did good."

"Good..." She replied, already tugging her glove back on.

As the X-men retreated, Senator Kelly was escorted out of the building on a stretcher. Media began to swarm him, much to the distaste of paramedics and law enforcement.

"Can't imagine this event has improved his opinions." Storm told Logan quietly.

Pietro fell into step beside Evan, hooking a finger in his as he glanced back at the building and Kelly. "Yeah..."

"Well...It coulda been worse." Logan muttered, "Could always be worse."

"Of course... What do you think they hoped to accomplish, with all this?"

"Fear. A show of power."

"And what a show it was... They have the Juggernaut. And he's listening to them."

Logan nodded, scowling, "I don't like it."

"I don't either. How did Magneto even get him out? And without anyone knowing." She asked, eyes narrowed. "There's much to this we don't know. And I don't like it."

"Well..." Logan watched as, in the distance, a silent plane took to the sky, "We'll find out."

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