Chapter 112 – The Mutant (5)

"Maybe he's right," I thought to myself, pondering the implications of Magneto's statement. "Maybe without the challenges I faced, I wouldn't have become the hero people needed me to be."

But before I could dwell on these thoughts any longer, a sense of urgency gripped me. There were innocent lives at stake, and I couldn't afford to lose focus.

"Magneto," I said, my voice laced with determination. "You may be right, but even if they hate me, I'm still going to protect them." Locking eyes with Magneto, I declared, "Because I am a hero."

My words touched something deep inside Magneto. It was like they reminded him of his past, of a time when he was just a young boy with dreams of being a hero. For a moment, his face softened, and I could see a hint of that boy in his eyes, the one buried beneath all the pain and anger.

But that moment of vulnerability was fleeting, quickly overshadowed by Magneto's resolute demeanor. With a heavy sigh, he turned to Mystique and commanded, "Open the box."

Mystique nodded, her face showing a mixed emotion, as she did what Magneto asked. When the box opened, we saw what was inside: shiny adamantium. Magneto looked even more determined after seeing it.

"Let the Mutant War begin," he declared, his voice echoing with a chilling certainty as he manipulated the adamantium with his magnetic power.

"Eric, please!" Professor X's voice pleaded, filled with desperation and sorrow.

But Magneto remained unmoved, his gaze fixed on his former friend. "Charles, you can't change me now. It's too late," he retorted, his voice heavy with resignation.

With that, he charged ahead, using all his power with the adamantium. This marked the beginning of a huge fight among mutants and X-Men. It was clear that the coming battle would challenge us like never before. But I was determined to stick to what I believed in, ready to fight for what makes us heroes, whatever it takes.

[Meanwhile on the other side]

On the other side of town, in the bustling offices of the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson's voice boomed through the newsroom.

"A mutant has caused havoc in the museum, and guess who's leading the charge? None other than Magneto himself!" Jameson exclaimed, his usual gruff tone filled with disdain. "I knew mutants were a pain in the ass, just like Spider-Man."

The reporters in the room scrambled to take notes, their fingers flying across keyboards as they prepared to break the story to the world. For J. Jonah Jameson, the boss, this was just another chance to make Spider-Man look bad. He wanted people to be scared of Spider-Man, just like they were scared of Mutants.

[Meanwhile Wolverine Side]

"Let's go," Wolverine growled, his adamantium claws is glowing as he prepared for battle.

But Beast hesitated, his keen senses alerting him to something unexpected. "Wait, is that our enemy?" he questioned, his blue fur bristling with concern as he caught sight of the massive figure before them.

Wolverine's eyes narrowed as he followed Beast's gaze, confirming their adversary's identity. "Yeah, looks like the big guy is our prey," he agreed, his muscles tensing as he prepared to engage in yet another fierce battle against the formidable Juggernaut.

With a loud roar, Juggernaut charged straight at them, crashing through everything in his way with his huge body. Wolverine and Beast got ready for the fight, knowing they had to face him.

[Meanwhile Cyclops side]

"It looks like Wolverine and Beast are occupied," Cyclops observed, his visor emitting a focused beam of energy that struck down another mutant enemy.

He swiftly turned his attention to Jean, noticing a threat approaching from behind her. "Jean, behind you!" he exclaimed, his voice cutting through the chaos of battle.

Jean reacted instinctively, her telekinetic powers springing into action as she swiftly erected a protective barrier, deflecting the incoming attack just in time.

"Thanks, Scott," Jean said, gratitude evident in her voice as she glanced back at Cyclops.

Cyclops nodded, staying focused as he shot powerful beams from his eyes, taking down their enemies with careful aim.

[Meanwhile Angel and Iceman Side]

"Warren, they're swarming us," Angel panted, his wings flicking out to strike another mutant as they closed in.

"Yeah, I see them," Iceman acknowledged, his breath forming frosty clouds in the air as he froze another opponent in place.

Their attention was suddenly drawn to the appearance of two more adversaries.

Multiple Man and Pyro," Angel identified them, his voice tense with anticipation.

"Sup, idiots," Pyro taunted with a smirk, flames dancing at his fingertips.

"We're your enemies for now. How about playing a little game with us?" Multiple Man proposed with a mischievous grin, his duplicates multiplying around him.

"Iceman, you handle Pyro. I'll take care of Multiple Man," Angel decided, his gaze firm as he prepared to engage in battle.

"Got it," Iceman replied, determination evident in his tone as he readied himself to confront Pyro head-on.

With a nod of understanding between them, Angel and Iceman split off to face their respective opponents, each prepared to do whatever it took to emerge victorious in the heated conflict.

[Meanwhile Storm and Rogue]

As Storm and Rogue swiftly moved to evacuate students, teachers, and visitors, their efforts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of an ominous figure.

"You're Arclight," Rogue identified the newcomer with a hint of concern in her voice.

Arclight smirked menacingly before unleashing a powerful blast, causing everyone in the vicinity to cry out in pain.

"Aargh!" Storm grimaced, summoning her thunderous powers and directing a bolt of lightning towards Arclight, forcing her to evade.

"Protect the people while I handle Arclight," Storm instructed Rogue, her voice firm with determination.

Rogue nodded, swiftly turning her attention to the task of reassuring and safeguarding the frightened individuals around them. "It's going to be alright, folks," she reassured them with a calm demeanor.

[Peter side]

Among the crowd, young Peter Parker found himself stunned by the chaos unfolding around him.

Peter Parker, who was only fourteen, felt really scared by all the crazy stuff happening around him. He wondered quietly, "Is this what mutant battles are like?" Everything seemed so strange and confusing to him, like he was seeing a whole new world.

Mary Jane noticed Peter looking worried and asked him, "Do you think we'll be okay, Pete?"

Peter wasn't sure, but he tried to sound brave. "I don't know, but we've got to stick together," he replied, trying to stay strong for both himself and Mary Jane.

Harry added, sounding hopeful, "My dad will save us, I'm sure of it." He seemed to feel better, thinking about his dad coming to help them. His confidence in his father gave Harry a bit of hope, like a light shining in the darkness.

Even though they were scared, the three friends knew that they had to support each other. In times of trouble, sticking together was their best bet for staying safe.

[Rogue side]

Amidst Rogue's efforts to comfort the panicked crowd, she suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out to her. "Rogue, are you okay?"

Recognizing the voice as Cyclops's, Rogue exclaimed, "Cyke!" relieved to hear from a friend.

"Cyclops!" she said, reaching out to him, but as he made contact, Rogue was shocked to absorb memories that revealed the truth—it wasn't Cyclops at all, but Mystique in disguise. "Wait, you are not Cyclops!!!!" 

With a smirk, Mystique revealed her true form, her blue figure standing as a chilling reminder of the dangers they faced. "It seems the rumors weren't just rumors after all," she said, that things She heard were true not just rumors.

[Meanwhile Quicksilver side]

Quicksilver and Aper were squaring off again, both ready for round two. Even though Aper boasted about adapting to Quicksilver's speed, nobody was sure who would win.

"Have about Round 2?" Quicksilver taunted, his voice laced with confidence and determination.

Aper, confident in his abilities, responded, "You know that I've already adapted to your power."

Quicksilver didn't back down. "Yeah, I know, but can you really adapt My full speed?" His question carried a smirk on his lips, challenging Aper's claim that he had completely Adapted his powers.

[Meanwhile Michael Wilson Side]

As Magneto lunged his adamantium metal towards us, I swiftly swung into action, saving Professor X and placing him at a safe distance.

"Men, you need to stay away from him," I insisted firmly, my voice edged with concern.

Professor X began to protest, "Spider-Man, but I need to reason with him, perhaps—"

I interrupted him, meeting his eyes with a determined gaze. "He cannot be reasoned with anymore," I asserted. Then, shifting my focus to Magneto, I added, "Besides, he just needs a little knockout." I glanced back at Professor X. "So just help from the sidelines, use your powers or whatever you can do."

Without waiting for further discussion, I swiftly turned back to face Magneto, preparing to confront him once again.

As Professor X watched me go, he murmured to himself, "Does he know my ability?"

My mind raced with the possibilities of what he might be thinking, but I had no time to dwell on it. The immediate concern was stopping Magneto before his rampage endangered any more lives. With determination, I leaped back into the fray, ready to do whatever it took to defeat him. 

To be continued