21 Chapter 21 - When It Rains It Pours

For the next couple of days the news was filled with coverage of the Argent Tech Expo as they showed footage of the event. Melinda's astonishing demonstration of the speeder's capabilities by completing five laps of the three mile course around the waters of Governor's Island in just over four minutes left people wondering her identity due to the helmet and bodysuit she was wearing. Interviews with different attendees speaking about the experience they had as they were given an opportunity to operate the vehicles filled the papers while scientists and scholars all over the country were speculating about the possible applications of Argent Tech's repulsorlift technology and the changes it could bring to transportation.

As the excitement extended across the country and even overseas, Mikael spent the majority of the following week avoiding the press when possible while meeting with investors and officials. He even managed to get a contract with the Department of Defense to begin developing other land vehicles equipped with his repulsorlift technology. During this period rumors also began to circulate of other countries attempting to copy his technology which only served to make him chuckle whenever he was questioned about it.

As Mikael was returning from overseeing the construction of a new factory in Silicon Valley he heard a news report that caught his attention.

"Billionaire playboy Tony Stark has gone missing following an attack on the convoy escorting him through Kunar this morning. The military has stated that they have begun search and rescue operations to find the missing billionaire. We will keep you updated with further developments."

"Well that's an issue isn't it." Mikael muttered before he pulled his comlink from his pocket.

"47 I need you to send HK-52 and 53 to Afghanistan. Have them take the advanced speeders. They are to locate Tony Stark as soon as possible and observe his activity without being detected. Anything he builds while he's there, I want to know the entire process."

"Statement: Right away master. The meatbag won't even be able to sleep without you knowing about it." The droid responded over the comlink before Mikael tucked it away into his pocket.

"Right on my birthday too. Well at least I'll get a late birthday present. That mini ark reactor will come in handy." Mikael muttered as he took a sip of his tea. A couple hours later he was back on solid ground and he made his way home to spend the rest of his birthday with his parents. The following week passed quietly as Mikael purchased a building in Manhattan to act as the headquarters for his company and started renovations. He one handed commando push-ups while simultaneously moving his equipment into his new lab and workshop when he received a phone call. Without stopping he lifted the phone next to his ear as he answered the call.

"Mikael? It's me Kitty. Something's happening and I don't know what to do." Kitty's panicked voice sounded over the phone.

"Take a breath and tell me what's going on." Mikael stood up from his exercise as he grasped the phone in his hand.

"It's Jean and Professor Xavier. Something tried to force their way into his mind to make him fire nukes or something and Jean is trying to help him but I don't think she can take much more. I didn't know who else to call." She said as her voice started to crack.

'Apocalypse? Now?' Mikael thought for a moment before he responded.

"Send me the address. I'm on my way." Mikael grabbed his lightsaber and headed to the balcony on the top floor just as he received a text. After giving it a brief glance he leaped from the building as the force carried him through the air as he bounded across the walls and roofs of the buildings in his way before landing on the ground outside the city limits. The instant his feet touched the ground he pushed off again causing the dirt beneath his feet to kick up into the air as he sprinted in the direction of the address. Soon he began to weave back and forth between the different trees as a large mansion came into view. Without slowing he jumped into the air easily clearing the large wall surrounding the property as he slammed down in the middle of the courtyard in a three point landing. He stood up as the surrounding teens and kids stared at him. In seconds the familiar form of Kitty could be seen phasing through the wall as she sprinted to him.

"You're here! Hurry they're downstairs!" She cried as she dragged him through the walls of the mansion before passing through the ground. The sensation of passing through solid objects felt like he was being pulled through thick gelatin. Mikael then dropped into a silvery hallway as he could see the familiar form of Jean with her hands on both sides of a man in a wheelchair. Mikael quickly rushed forward and placed a hand on both of their shoulders. As he pushed his power into both of them he felt as though he was being pulled through a tight space before he found himself standing alone in a similar corridor when the sounds of Jean yelling pulled his attention towards a shut metallic door at the end.

Jean reached down and helped Xavier to his feet as she looked at the 15 foot tall form blue skinned, red eyed man in thick armor. They had been fighting him for what felt like hours. Xavier has blood trickling from his lip and nose as he held his left arm that seemed to be dislocated. Jean had sweat pouring down her cheek and her clothes looked worn and damaged. The large figure stood up to his full height, his head just short of touching the ceiling, as he reeled back an arm before his fist came crashing down towards the pair. Jean quickly grabbed Xavier as they dived out of the way just as the fist impacted with the ground causing the room that resembled the lobby of their mansion to shake heavily. Jean quickly stood up again before she launched the fallen chandelier nearby towards the giant.

The giant man easily slapped the attack aside reducing it to broken pieces of metal that seemed to melt away into mist. He looked towards Jean and Xavier in disdain as he spoke.

"Give up Charles. Even if I have not fully recovered you still cannot hope to stop me. Even with the help of this…child." He reached out his hand as though asking for them to take it.

"I will never let you do this." Xavier said through gritted teeth.

"You don't have a choice." The giant responded. "You will do as I command. Once all of this worlds nuclear weapons are gone, mutants will rule this world with me as their god."

The giant formed a fist with his outstretched hand before he pushed it down towards them. Now backed into a corner Jean could only rely on her power to stop the incoming attack. She reached out her hand as she willed for the fist to stop as it began to slow to a halt.

"I am not a child." Jean said as she strained to hold his fist in the air as it began to slowly come down towards them once more. She closed her eyes as she focused with all she had before her eyes snapped open they glowed fiery red for a brief instance. They watched as his fist rose slowly as she pushed herself further than she ever had before. For a moment they believed to be pushing him back before the giant crushed that belief and his fist came pushing down once more. Jean struggled to hold strong as she slowly began to sink down to a knee as Xavier watched on in worry and fear. As Jean began to lose hope, she heard a voice in the back of her mind. A voice that felt both familiar and unfamiliar that said one thing.

"He's here." The voice faded as the fiery light in her eyes flashed for a brief moment as she turned her head towards the metallic door across the room. She watched as the doors opened revealing a familiar silhouette walking through the door.

"Kept you waiting huh?"