UNIVERSE 11052
As the X-Men reintegrated into society, Alex faced the inevitable farewell to Scott, returning to the foster parents who had shaped his life. The bittersweet parting marked the beginning of Alex's journey to find his place in a world that was both familiar and vastly different.
Meanwhile, the X-Kids immersed themselves in the routines of school life, finding solace and camaraderie beyond the battles they faced. On the sidelines of the school soccer field, they cheered as the Bayville Girls' Soccer Team secured victory, Jean Grey standing out with the winning goal. Sharky congratulated her warmly, and the group embraced before embarking on a long, well-deserved trip.
In a bustling city, Scott found himself behind the wheel, navigating the urban landscape alongside Kurt and Kitty. Their casual conversation took a serious turn as they delved into the enigmatic topic of "The Stone Cypher." Abruptly, a reckless driver swerved into their lane, setting off a perilous chain of events. Police cars pursued the speeding vehicle, which careened onto a bridge, narrowly avoiding a collision with a school bus filled with children.
In a display of quick thinking and teamwork, Scott, Kurt, and Kitty sprang into action. Kurt teleported into the speeding car, evacuating the driver just in time. Scott, utilizing his optic blasts, redirected the careening vehicle away from the school bus, saving the children on board. The police swiftly apprehended the reckless driver, and with a strategic use of her phasing powers, Kitty concealed the trio in an abandoned building, shielding them from unwanted attention.
The New Mutants eagerly showcased their unique abilities in a dazzling display. Boom-Boom, with her penchant for explosive flair, dropped one of her signature "bombs" strategically between Magma, Berzerker, and Jubilee. The result was an impromptu mutant laser tag, with beams of energy crisscrossing between the trio, creating a spectacle of lights and sound.
Observing the scene, Xavier acknowledged the challenge of keeping the new recruits under wraps. He turned to Logan, voicing his concern, "It's very difficult to keep the new recruits anonymous."
Logan, ever pragmatic, concurred, "Yes, we need more instructors; I agree, and I'll find someone to be the instructor."
Considering potential candidates, Xavier suggested, "What about Sharky?"
Logan hesitated, recognizing Sharky's effectiveness as a teacher but acknowledging the nuances, "He is okay, but he is already teaching the first group, so we can't. Besides, he is a tempered guy; he will beat the New Mutants instead of teaching them."
The acknowledgment of Sharky's temperament highlighted the delicate balance required in selecting instructors who could guide and nurture the emerging talents of the New Mutants because Sharky is good at teaching, but he is an angry young man.
Storm entered the room, her presence commanding attention as she turned on the TV, announcing, "You need to watch this." Xavier and Logan focused on the news report unfolding before them, showcasing the inexplicable event where a car was diverted from colliding with a school bus by an otherworldly light.
"Scott did it; even the old one couldn't stop themselves; so how will the new one fare?" Xavier commented, disappointment evident in his tone as he grappled with the actions of his former student.
Unbeknownst to them, Scott pulled up in his car outside the school, with Kurt and Kitty engaged in a serious discussion about whether or not to disclose the truth about their mutant abilities. As they approached the school's entrance, their eyes met Logan, Xavier, and Storm, who were already waiting for them.
"Sir, I don't want to hide who we are," Scott asserted, addressing Xavier about the dilemma of concealing their mutant identity.
Xavier, with a measured response, stated, "The public isn't ready to find out about us yet," highlighting the delicate balance between the desire for openness and the necessity of protecting a world not yet ready to embrace the existence of mutants.
Later on at school, Kurt and Evan found themselves perched together on the bleachers, mischief twinkling in their eyes. Collaborating on a shared idea, they sent a paper airplane soaring over the crowd.
Down on the gym floor, the members of the Brotherhood lingered against a wall, questioning their purpose within the confines of traditional education. Blob, ever direct, voiced his confusion, wondering aloud why they were even bothering with school. Quicksilver, astute as always, claimed knowledge of Lance's hidden agenda.
As Rogue passed by the Brotherhood, her path was unexpectedly intercepted by a new face sitting on the bottom bleacher. The unfamiliar girl introduced herself as Risty Wilde, hailing from England.
The entrance of the new principal, Edward Kelly, marked a shift in the school's leadership. Assigned to replace the mysteriously absent Mystique, Kelly confidently approached the podium.
However, Lance, utilizing his seismic powers, decided to inject a bit of chaos into the proceedings, making the principal stumble. Unfazed, Kelly chuckled, embracing the unexpected disruption, and proceeded to deliver an uplifting speech. His words encouraged everyone to embrace their unique gifts and talents, setting the stage for a school year.
Witnessing Lance's use of powers, Scott swiftly intervened, urging him to cease his display. Kitty, echoing the sentiment, reminded Lance of the imperative to keep their abilities under wraps in public. As they walked away, the laughter of the Brotherhood echoed behind them, their defiance met with ridicule.
"I think we should show our powers, I'm tired of hiding them," Lance declared to the rest of the Brotherhood, laying the groundwork for a more confrontational approach.
Later that night, at the pep rally, Principal Kelly proudly unveiled the new school mascot to the enthusiastic crowd. However, the festivities took an unexpected turn as the Brotherhood disrupted the event, revealing their mutant identities and bringing the game to a screeching halt.
Chaos ensued as the Brotherhood unleashed their powers, creating havoc at the stadium and targeting Principal Kelly. With Jean and Sharky unavailable, off on a trip, the X-Men swiftly donned their uniforms. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Xavier turned to Storm, stating, "We need you."
In the chaotic midst of the confrontation, Cyclops skillfully directed a blast at the hawk-shaped explosive device, diverting it from its intended target. However, the projectile careened into the gym, triggering a small explosion. Simultaneously, Kitty phased through the crowd, swiftly dismantling TV cameras and severing cables to disrupt the broadcast.
Rogue, displaying her electric prowess, zapped Blob just as he attempted to wreak havoc on the bleachers, and Kurt utilized his teleportation abilities to subdue Toad. The conflict reached a climax when Storm, with a wave of her hand, conjured rain, causing a collective pause in the battle.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Xavier made a decision. Using his formidable telepathic powers, he initiated a subtle alteration of everyone's memories, erasing the events of the mutant revelation from their consciousness.
As the storm subsided, a tranquil calm settled over the scene. The mutants, now hidden once again, chose to maintain the secrecy of their existence. Days passed, and the memory-altering effects took hold, effectively erasing the knowledge of mutants from the public consciousness.
Back at the Xavier Institute, Xavier and Logan discussed the aftermath. Xavier, with a measured tone, inquired, "Anything about has broadcast on the TV? Is there any news about the mutant going out?" The question hung in the air, highlighting the delicate balance between protecting the mutants and navigating the complexities of a world unaware of their existence.
"No, Charles, some weird magnetic interference stopped the broadcast," Logan clarified, offering an explanation for the unexpected disruption.
As the revelation settled in, Xavier made a connection. "It must be Magneto; he is still alive somewhere," he deduced, sharing his realization with Logan.
"Of course, after all, he was the greatest mutant," Logan acknowledged, a mixture of respect and wariness evident in his nod.
However, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a ringing phone. The urgent call conveyed news about the containment failure of the Juggernaut, prompting Xavier to take immediate action. Jean and Sharky were entrusted with leadership responsibilities in his absence, as Xavier prepared to leave for a few days to address the pressing situation with the Juggernaut.
At school, Taryn's attempts to coax Scott into revealing his eyes unfolded amidst playful banter and a subtle undercurrent of flirtation. A palpable connection began to form between them, hinting at the potential for something more.
Simultaneously, at the Xavier Institute, Xavier successfully repaired the containment unit housing the formidable Juggernaut. However, a revelation awaited him — the failure was not a mere accident but a deliberate act of sabotage. The ominous revelation hinted at a new layer of danger lurking in the shadows, challenging the X-Men's vigilance.
Meanwhile, X-Kids become busy in doing a party, Sharky and Jean decline the invitation, because they are in an enjoyment mood. And when the X - Kids went for a party leaving behind Sharky and Jean at Xavier Mansion.
Sharky quickly takes Jean into a bedroom, and undresses her, and becomes busy pounding Jean's Sacred Forest, and Jean enjoying it every time Sharky's Dragon pierces her.
But while both of them were enjoying each other's intimate moments, someone entered the academy; no one was there to catch them since the rest of the X-Kids were too busy at the party.
Webber and Risty, ventured off into the depths of the Xavier Institute, eventually stumbling upon the concealed elevator leading to the sub-floors. Webber, skilled in the art of hacking, deftly bypassed the security measures and gained unauthorized access to Cerebro.
Within the vast expanse of Cerebro's files, Webber unearthed information pertaining to the New Mutants. Recognizing an opportunity, Risty requested a copy of the files for her computer class, and Webber, with a hint of dismissiveness, handed her a disc before instructing her to leave. Meanwhile, his exploration led him to the discovery of the Danger Room training programs.
Back on the surface, Rogue detected the activation of the Danger Room and raised an alarm. Kurt teleported into the Danger Room to rectify the situation and shut it down, when he failed to reappear or open the door. Concerned for Kurt's safety, Kitty phased through the solid barrier to investigate, only to find Kurt unconscious on the floor.
In a swift response, Evan and Rogue were phased into the Danger Room to rescue Kurt, but the peril escalated when Kitty, too, succumbed to the danger. As impending disaster loomed, Kurt regained consciousness, employing his teleportation abilities to whisk them all to safety, averting the imminent threat within the confines of the Danger Room.
Interrupted by the sounds of fighting, Jean and Sharky swiftly abandoned their intimate moments, their instincts leading them to investigate the disturbance. As they delved deeper into the mansion, they discovered the source—the Danger Room had been activated.
The ground-based weapons within the Danger Room unleashed a barrage of attacks, threatening the safety of those within. Acting swiftly, Scott intervened, utilizing his optic blasts to halt the onslaught.
Simultaneously, Risty, still lost within the labyrinthine structure, found herself cornered by a defense system. In a surprising turn of events, she underwent a transformation, revealing her true identity as Mystique, which no one has present to see it.
Undeterred, Jean and Sharky entered the building through the Blackbird launch bay, encountering the X-Kids navigating the chaotic halls. The treacherous devices within the mansion targeted them, intensifying the confusion. Working together, Jean, Sharky, and the X-Kids pieced together the puzzle, realizing the true orchestrator of the chaos.
In a final attempt to eliminate the threat, Webber unleashed an electrifying assault. However, the resourceful group managed to evade the danger. Kurt, with his teleportation abilities, strategically positioned Rogue behind Webber, allowing her to incapacitate him and bring an end to the orchestrated turmoil.
Xavier, in his composed manner, arrived on the scene and addressed Webber. With a calm demeanor, he informed Webber that a taxi was waiting to take him home, signaling an end to the tumultuous events orchestrated by the young hacker. Sharky, laden with guilt, attempted to apologize to Xavier and shoulder the blame for the night's chaos. However, Xavier, perceptive as ever, asserted that someone had orchestrated the entire sequence of events, prompting them to unravel the mystery.
Meanwhile, Mystique, perched atop the gate, observed the Xavier Institute with a calculating gaze. With a graceful descent, she transformed back into Risty, concealing her true identity. Clutching the disc Webber had burned for her, she smiled with a sense of satisfaction as she sauntered away, leaving a trail of intrigue in her wake.
Since Jean has already got her Sacred Forest filled with Sharky's Dragon Tonic in the morning, Sharky goes to sleep with Rogue and Kitty. And he became busy watering their fields.
In the realm of dreams, Jean found herself pursued through an eerie, abandoned carnival by grotesquely large and menacing clowns. The experience was a nightmarish ordeal, evoking terror within her. Upon awakening, the lingering fear compelled Jean to contemplate seeking comfort in Sharky's presence, recalling the solace she found in his embrace.
However, the tranquility of the waking world was shattered when the jack-in-the-box on Jean's nightstand autonomously sprang to life, playing an eerie melody. To her horror, a tattooed face emerged from the box, eliciting a scream from Jean. In this unsettling moment, the dream seemed to transcend into reality as Jean, caught in a state of distress, fled from the Xavier Mansion to an unknown location.
The following morning, the Institute grounds buzzed with activity as all the X-Men joined in the search for Jean. Xavier and Sharky, concerned and puzzled, found themselves in Jean's room, grappling with the mystery that unfolded during the night.
"I couldn't find any sign of Jean," Beast solemnly conveyed as he entered the room, delivering the disheartening news. Beast, now a New Mutant instructor, had undergone a transformation through an experimental process. Initially terrified by his altered appearance, Xavier's calming influence had not only assuaged his fears but also led to an invitation to join the Xavier Institute as an instructor, offering refuge in a world that would otherwise shun him for his blue, beastly visage.
"If Jean isn't utilizing her powers, Cerebro can't pick up any trace of her," Xavier explained to Beast and Sharky, highlighting the challenge of locating someone with mutant abilities when those powers remained dormant.
As Sharky and the other X-Kids scoured Bayville in search of Jean, Kitty decided to investigate the Brotherhood house. However, her visit took a chaotic turn as an explosion rocked the building, prompting her to hastily phase out through the front door. Meanwhile, back at the Institute, Sam (Cannonball), Bobby (Iceman), Ray (Berzerker), and Jubilee descended to the Danger Room.
At the train station, Logan uncovered a crucial lead—Jean had been there, purchasing a ticket to Boston. Cerebro successfully detected her presence in the city, where she was actively using her powers. However, something was amiss—Jean exhibited strange behavior, bordering on possession. Breaking into a museum, she pilfered a ring from a display case, adding a layer of intrigue to her actions.
Under the cover of night, Jean circumvented security measures and infiltrated the institute. Her destination was Kurt's room. As Kurt woke up and gazed at Jean, an eerie low humming sound permeated the air. His eyes glazed over, mirroring the possessed look that had affected other mutants.
The next morning, a concerned Scott, looking visibly troubled, knocked on Xavier's door to deliver distressing news. "Professor, professor, wake up, Kurt is also missing," he urgently informed Xavier, heightening the sense of urgency within the Institute.
In the computer room, Kitty and Beast immersed themselves in a flurry of activity, hacking into the computers. Kitty's discovery added a crucial piece to the puzzle—Jean and Kurt had been spotted by airport surveillance cameras heading toward New York City. Responding swiftly, Sharky and Logan departed in the X-Jet, embarking on a mission to intercept them.
In the heart of New York City, Jean and Kurt executed a daring break-in at a bank. Professor X, leveraging his telepathic abilities, picked up their signal and relayed the information to Sharky and Logan. At the bank, Jean and Kurt teleported into the vault, and with formidable power, Jean ripped open a safe deposit box. Inside awaited another ring, which she added to the one she already possessed.
Before Sharky and Logan could set their sights on the bank, they were met with an unexpected turn of events—the X-Jet had been commandeered by Jean and Kurt, leaving them stranded and thwarting their immediate pursuit.
"Xavier, these rings are from Tibetan artifacts, dating back to the early Han dynasty. There are three rings altogether," Beast informed Xavier, shedding light on the origin and significance of the mysterious rings that Jean had acquired.
In response, Xavier issued a command to Beast, "Find the location of the third ring," urging him to uncover the missing piece of the puzzle.
Simultaneously, the X-Jet touched down on the Institute's front lawn, carrying Jean, who now appeared to be under some form of possession. Xavier, sensing her presence, attempted to read her mind, only to encounter a struggle. The familiar tattooed face from the jack-in-the-box haunted his psychic vision, but it was too late—Jean and her companions had already departed in the X-Jet, leaving the Institute grappling with the enigma surrounding the rings and the cryptic force that seemed to be influencing Jean's actions.
The following day, Xavier, determined to unravel the mystery, employed Cerebro to extract the image of the tattooed face from his mind, seeking clues to the identity of the enigmatic figure.
"Sir, I know who he is," Rogue declared, turning the crank of the jack-in-the-box, unveiling the face. "He's Mesmero, and he was a part of the 'Circus of Mystery' carnival that we visited last week," she elucidated, providing Professor Xavier with crucial information about the mysterious individual.
In the midst of this revelation, Beast hurriedly entered, bearing news of a screen displaying Kitty phasing through the glass of a display case. The scene captured the pivotal moment when she retrieved the final ring and handed it to Jean, who, in turn, added it to the bag containing the other two rings.
Beast, Xavier, and Rogue, joined by Sharky and Logan, swiftly flew to New York City, en route to the Circus of Mystery. Upon their arrival, the X-Jet touched down, and the X-Kids proceeded to a large tent, the epicenter of their investigation.
Xavier instructed Sharky, "Control them while I take on Mesmero," delegating the responsibility of managing the situation as they confronted the enigmatic Mesmero.
In a strategic move, Kurt attempted to teleport unpredictably, but Sharky, leveraging his Time Pause ability, froze Kurt in place before he could vanish. "It will hurt, but you need a good sleep," Sharky declared, rendering Kurt unconscious and swiftly turning his attention to Spyke.
As Spyke unleashed a barrage of spikes aimed at Rogue, Sharky skillfully froze them in midair, shielding Rogue from harm. With a stern warning, he addressed Spyke, "If your aunt isn't beautiful, I'll already turn you into a pig's head," before rendering Spyke unconscious.
Amidst the chaos at the carnival, Jean's powerful telekinetic force sent Scott hurtling through the air. With a close call, he narrowly missed Logan as he soared across the carnival grounds. Sensing a nearby presence, Logan instinctively unsheathed his claws, only to retract them when Kitty phased up from the ground, her ethereal form momentarily startling him.
"I will never hurt you," Logan reassured Kitty, but his words were met with a swift kick to the shin as she phased right through him, a playful yet assertive gesture.
Unwilling to let the situation escalate, Sharky, conflicted but resolute, employed his time-stopping powers to freeze Kitty in place. He carefully incapacitated her, acknowledging the necessity of his actions despite the personal connection he felt.
Meanwhile, Xavier, recognizing the impending danger, attempted to intervene as Jean moved to hand over the rings to Mesmero. In a desperate bid to thwart the unfolding plan, Sharky utilized his time-freezing abilities once again. Approaching Jean from behind, he swiftly knocked her out, preventing the potential catastrophe.
Despite the interruption, Jean, in her weakened state, managed a final act of defiance. With a surge of telekinetic force, she flung the bag containing the rings into the opening of the tent.
As Jean collapsed, Xavier dropped to the ground, the strain of the mental duel taking its toll. Mesmero emerged from the tent, chuckling confidently. Xavier, undeterred, challenged him, "You were able to take control of the children, but can you handle me?" The mental duel ensued, and Mesmero quickly found himself overpowered.
A mysterious voice interjected, unsettling Xavier as he was forcefully thrown down. Swiftly, Sharky caught Xavier, aiding him back into his wheelchair. Meanwhile, Rogue utilized Jean's dormant telekinesis to tear the tent apart, revealing an empty space—Mesmero had eluded capture.
As Xavier grappled with the aftermath of the mental duel, a sudden, ominous voice echoed in his ear, "You have no idea, who are you messing with?" accompanied by a force that sent him sprawling to the ground. Swiftly, Sharky intercepted the fall, ensuring Xavier's safety and helping him back into his wheelchair.
Meanwhile, Rogue harnessed Jean's latent telekinesis, tearing the tent apart in a display of raw power. However, their efforts were in vain; Mesmero had already slipped away, leaving the X-Men in pursuit of a formidable and elusive adversary.
Concerned, Beast addressed Xavier, noting Mesmero's apparent harm, "Mesmero hurt you."
Xavier corrected him with a sense of revelation, "It wasn't Mesmero at all; Mesmero was a puppet like Jean, and someone else was in control the whole time. A mind more powerful than any he had encountered." The weight of this revelation settled in the air, underscoring the depth of the threat they faced—one that transcended Mesmero and hinted at a force with unparalleled mental prowess, challenging even Xavier's formidable abilities.
Curiosity gnawed at Logan as he questioned Xavier, "What did he want to do with the rings?"
"I don't know," Xavier replied, a hint of uncertainty clouding his expression. Assessing that the immediate danger had passed, they decided to return to the academy.
Meanwhile, in the remote mountains of Tibet, Mesmero stealthily infiltrated a concealed temple. Delving into the ancient structure, he discovered a hidden chamber where he unearthed a gold rod from a pillar. With calculated precision, Mesmero adorned the rod with the three rings, forming a mysterious key. As he inserted the key into a massive door, a radiant light split it open, revealing yet another imposing stone door adorned with a beetle carving.
Confident in his success, Mesmero spoke into the void, "I have done as commanded. The first door has been opened. I await your instructions on the location of the other two keys." As his words echoed through the chamber, a strange humming noise permeated the air, signaling the unfolding of a cryptic plan and leaving Mesmero poised on the precipice of even more enigmatic and potentially ominous revelations.