X-Man Issue 9 by Andy Banks. 

The X-Writers is a fan fiction group 
intended on furthering the storylines set forth by Marvel. We are not 
affiliated with Marvel or any other group, company or MUSH, just each 
other. The following is Fan Fiction based on events and characters of 
the X-Men by Marvel Comics Group, Ltd. All characters and likenesses are 
copyright and trademark by Marvel Comics Group and used without 
permission for hobby and not-for-profit purposes. Copyright restrictions 
apply. Do I sound like a lawyer? Gawd, I hope not. WARNING- This story 
may (OK, it does) contain strong language and adult supervision might be 
recommended for younger readers. Batteries not included, some assembly 
required. 

***************************************************************

                  X-Man Issue #9
                  "Strange Fates"


"Never underestimate your enemies," Nate remembers.  These profound 
words were some of the last few that were spoken to him by his mentor 
and father figure, Forge.  At the moment it is the only thing that Nate can 
think about. As blood trickles out his nose and into his mouth, 
Nate realizes that this is a sensation he will never forget because it 
is one that he is very familiar with.  

"Never" he reminds himself. "Never will I be treated in such a 
manner. This Rex wants me for his own purposes...to help him achieve his 
own goals. Sinister wanted me for the same reason and I played into his 
game to finish it and escape. Now, this Rex guy wants the same thing 

from me. Yeah right. Like I'm going to let him use me like Sinister did. 
This sucker is gonna pay for this. I underestimated him before, but I'm 
not gonna hold back now."

Nate opens his eyes wide and takes a deep breath ready to deliver Rex 
his dues. In a startling moment, Nate thinks time will stand still as 
Rex's eyes go glassy and white. Suddenly, the tight and unyielding grasp 
that Rex held on Nate's lapels suddenly loosens and Rex falls limply to 
the floor like a rag doll.  Nate pauses with confusion.

He peers up from his view of the Rex's lifeless body and sees something he 
was definitely not prepared for. Before him now stands a mystery. A  
creature with a devilish grin and defined musculature, although it would be 
difficult to tell through the dense grayish/black fur that covers his 
body. Never before has Nate met this man, if you can call him that. Nor 
has he seen the likes of the device in his right hand that looks as 
alien as the mysterious stranger himself.

He is Hank McCoy, a once brilliant scientist specializing in genetics. 
His obsession with science and the X-factor which causes mutations led 
him to be one of the most revolutionary and daring geneticists in the 
world. But his world was a cruel and harsh one, where fighting for 
survival is a way of life. He was recruited by Sinister to further the 
study of mutant genetics, but his passion for experimentation and 
science crossed all ethical boundaries. He once philosophized that ethics 
were the only thing that seperated men from beasts. He was once Hank 
McCoy, a man, but now he is a Beast.

Nervously, Nate scurries backwards on his heels, almost stumbling over 
broken railing and chunks of the wooden deck scattered about from his 
recent struggle. At the same time, Nate sees a pair of eyes and a tuft 
of blonde hair duck down under the porthole through which they were 
watching. But Nate remains focused on the individual before him, not 
taking his eyes off this mystery man.

"It seems that a lot of people want to get their hands on you. I think 
it's about time you know why." Beast comments as he casually throws 
his weapon over the side of the ship.

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" Nate demands as the his 
telekinetic power crackles around him ready to defend himself from this 
odd and unknown creature.

"I want nothing from you...unlike these others" Beast retorts as his 
nudges Rex's limp and lifeless body. "They want the power that you 
have...they want to use you to take over the world. They don not have the 
power to accomplish such a weighty task...not he or the Sugarman. I don't 
crave these things, I only thought you could use a helping hand. 
I've encountered this fellow before. He is unremittingly obstinate and 
will do whatever he needs to get by. But in this instance, it meant 
letting his guard down which was a tragic mistake."

Nate brings himself to his feet, yet not letting his guard down. He does 
not want to give the Beast an advantage or let him out of his sight. 
"You came out here for this? Why did you kill this dude for me? I was 
just about to put him down until you stepped in." Nate says bravely.

"Well, my dear...I'm sorry, I don't even know your name."  Beast slyly 
hints, knowing full well who he is facing and the power he possesses.

"Nate. Nate Grey." 

"Nate. Excellent. Please, call me Henry. Nate, my only reason for being 
here is to stop this cretin from killing again. That, and I've noticed 
that you had a few problems with him. Running out of energy, are we? 
Nate, I'm a scientist specializing in genetics, and I've seen your 
problem before, and I can help you."

"And just why do you want to do this? And don't give me any 'because I 
care' bullshit either! What do you want from me?" 

Henry can see that Nate is agitated and easily angered, but still weak. He 
thinks to himself "I must approach this matter with kid gloves. He is 
obviously upset about the truth that he has always been predestined by 
others to complete their tasks for them. Indeed, this will call for more 
tact than I had previously thought."

"Nate...I know you are upset and I want to help you. Others seek your 
power to add to their arsenal because they see you as a pawn and not what 
you are... a human being.  Aren't you tired of being treated like that? I'm 
offering you something that no one has probably ever offered you... 
sanctuary. My dear boy, you must realize that if you keep running, there 
will always be someone to chase you whether you know it or not. You need 
some time to recover, to rest, and to renew your strength. You need time 
to overcome your power burnouts. If you can control your powers, you 
don't have to worry whether or not they will be there to save you. 
People like you and me, we need to depend on our powers. Because if we 
can, we can be free. Wouldn't you love to live like that? To have your 
freedom?"

There is a short pause and the only sound is of the sea slapping the 
sides of the boat. 

Still agitated, yet more calm, Nate asks "What do you really want from me? 
What'll this freedom cost me? I know you're not doing this out of the 
kindness of your heart. And don't lie to me, I can read your mind."

The words come from Nate's mouth before he realizes that what he just 
said is not a bad tactic. He tries to focus, but weary from his battle, 
he cannot read Henry's mind. He thinks to himself, "Oh great, I can't 
even read his mind. That fight took a lot more out of me than it 
should have."

"I assure you, I am telling the truth. We haven't much time though. I 
know for a fact that there are others on the way. People who want the 
same thing as this wretch did, to use you for their benefit. Come with me 
now, or you'll end up working the rest of your life trying to repay the 
damage to this yacht." Henry says with a wink and a smile.

It is with a feeling of despair that Nate realizes that he doesn't have much 
of a choice. He looks the boat over briefly and spots the eyes of a 
beautiful young girl who onced looked at him passionately. For an 
instant they make eye contact, but in fright, she ducks away out of 

sight. He realizes that once again, he is leaving nothing behind and 
nothing to return to. 

Then, without a warning, a bright light floods the yacht from overhead and 
Nate squints as he tries to make out the aircraft passing very low 
over the boat. Henry yells to Nate and he starts to run quickly to the 
edge of the boat. "Come with me! Now!", he yells in a panic. Nate cannot 
help but notice Henry touching some buttons on a device that he pulled 
from his belt, and then looks up to see a large, submarine-like vessel 
rise from the waters and a hatch opening on the top. Henry springs along 
the deck of the boat and does a handspring and a flip over the railing and 
into his craft.

Nate looks decidedly towards Henry's submarine and starts to sprint in 
its direction. As he does, he cannot help but look back to the aircraft 
hovering above. As he runs toward the submarine, he wonders 
whether he will regret this decision.

Nate, now crackling with his intense telekinetic power, uses his mutant 
abilities to soar quickly from the boat to the hatch of the brigantine, 
which quickly closes. The vessel then takes off with amazing speed 
and quickly submerges.

"NO! You fool, you don't know what you're getting into," Blaquesmith 
screams knowing full well that only he can hear his cries. 

Blaquesmith, the owner of the flying craft has come a long way to find 
this young man. His disappointment is obvious from his crumpled brow and 
tight lip. 

"That Beast is a tricky one. He's always got his hands into something. 
Now he's got his hands on perhaps the most powerful mutant I've ever 
scanned. But if my readings are correct, this young man poses more of a 
threat to the future than the present. His pattern is almost exactly that 
of Cable's, but his power readings are off the scale. I've got to 
continue to track him. The longer he goes unchecked, the more he could 
upset The Chosen One's destiny. With Cable in the future, I should be 
able to calibrate my equipment to track Cable's mutagenic pattern and be able
follow this dangerous young man and the dark Beast."

"Whoever it is that wants you is very intent on getting to you." Henry 
says aloud as he taps away at a keyboard within his craft. "But I 
think my mastery of stealth will win this day. Try and track us now, 
villain!"

"WHAT? Mutagenic signature scrambler is making my detection equipment go 
haywire. Damn you, Henry." 

A very disturbed and upset Blaquesmith realizes that his search has been 
made fruitless by the technology that he once relished in. He scratches his 
head a moment and tries to recalibrate and reset his equipment. He is 
frustrated, but never discouraged. 

"I will find him..." Blaquesmith reiterates to himself, "...and when I 
do, I'm afraid of what I will find. This anomaly was a possible, but 
unexpected entrant into the destiny of The Chosen One. This will be a 

difficult time for us all. Bright Lady, we'll need your strength."

And with these words, Blaquesmith sets his instruments to fly an 
unsettling trip back to his hidden laboratory in Baltimore. 

"Ha! I've outwitted him again" Henry exclaims with a diabolical grin.

"Who? Who was that? What did he want with me?" Nate asks as he tries to 
settle into his seat next to the dark Beast.

"Well, the word 'he' was meant in a more general manner. Another villain to 
society and more importantly, a power hungry fiend. So you see now? I've 
already helped you to outwit another foe. You can rest comfortably now 
knowing that I really am here to assist you."

Nate finds no consolation in Henry's words. He tries again to psi-scan 
his new found friend, with no luck. Still restless and nervous, 
Nate tries to remain on his guard.

"We'll dive a few hundred feet more. No one will find you down here."

"Where are we going?" Nate queries.

"We're headed to my laboratory. We're going to see if we 
can't figure out exactly why you've been undergoing these power 
brownouts. Tell me, have they been happening for a while?"

"No, only once or twice. I was just really tired, that's all. That guy 
caught me in the middle of the night." Nate says knowing full well that 
this is not the case. He thinks to himself "Ever since I ended up in this 
weird place, I've been having that problem. And now on top of it all, I'm 
so hungry I could butcher Henry and eat him."

"Is that right?" Henry says with a profound look of deep thought, "I'll 
have to run a few tests when we arrive at my laboratory, but I think I 
know what the problem is."

"It sounds to me like the Legacy Virus," Henry thinks to himself, "but 
it's probably attributable to Sinister's inferior genetics. But it 
matters not whether it is the virus or not since I only need him for a 
short time. What is important is that I've now got two of extremely 
powerful and unknowing allies. He'll soon see who is indeed the most 
superior."

"Hey Henry, um... do have you got anything to eat? I'm starving."

"Certainly, my little tatterdemalion, and also some less ragged clothes 
for you also" Henry says as he walks to the rear of his submarine.

He pulls out some a pair of blue jeans and a T-shirt from one of the many 
metal chests laying on the floor and throws them blindly in Nate's 
direction. "These should fit you. You may change in the front while I 
try and find something edible for us."

Nate looks at the clothes and holds them up to himself for size. He 
wonders how Henry could possibly have such things handy, but shrugs off 

the thought. Now, more relaxed, he heads to the front cabin, where he 
proceeds to change out of his ripped and ragged clothes.

"So Henry.." Nate calls out, "where's your laboratory?"

"A despicable city called New York"

Nate panics as he realizes the significance of the name. With one leg in 
the pants of his jeans and the other raised and ready, he falls over onto 
the floor and wrestles the pants for a second. "NEW YORK CITY?" he cries out?

"Yes..." Beast hastily says while grinning to himself. He thinks "You 
remember that place, don't you Nate? Remember the confinement of the 
breeding pens where you were conceived and the Citadel of Apocalypse, 
where you fought so bravely? I knew you would remember. And if it wasn't 
for my psionic inhibitor, you'd probably know that is a town very dear to 
me." 

Henry continues to scrounge through the chests, gathering food for 
them both and, remembering the importance of keeping the facade 
of a caring friend, asks "Are you okay, I thought I heard you fall?"

"No...um...I'm fine." Nate says, "I just dropped something, thats all." 
Nate slaps his forehead realizing that there is nothing around he could 
drop to possibly make the sound of his body hitting the floor. 

"If New York is anything like I remember it to be, I'm going to have to 
be very careful. I might be playing right into Apocalypse's trap. I still 
can't scan Henry. If he's one of Apocalypse's chumps, he'll be sorry he 
duped me." Nate thinks.

"Hey...uh, Henry. These clothes are a bit baggy." Nate says looking at 
himself as he walks into the back of the ship.

"Don't worry, son. It's all the rage these days" Beast says as he smiles 
pleasantly. "I've got a meal ready for us. It is not fit for a king, but 
I've got a lot of it as I suspect you are hungry."

"Famished" Nate exclaims as he picks up an ear of corn and starts to 
eat before sitting down. Henry sits in sheer wonder watching Nate scarf 
food down his throat, almost not even chewing.

"Watch those fingers" Henry insists.

"Humphff..." Nate chuckles with a mouth full of food. Henry starts to eat 
as well, although his appetite is not really set on food.

Silently, the Beast reaffirms himself, "Oh my dearest Nate, you are going to 
make me so proud. Soon, you will make me the most enviable creature on 
the face of this sickened planet.  Soon, the power struggle will be 
brought forth for all to see. This silent battle will erupt into a war 
in which I will stand victorious. My adversaries will falls to my feet, and I

won't have to lift a finger." A devious grin covers his face as he 
watches Nate devour his food ravenously.


"My goodness, you might eat the table at this rate." Henry remarks coyly. 
"I have something here that will help you regulate your powers. 
What it does is regulate the hormones that trigger the release of energy 
so that you do not use it all up. Stamina in a capsule, I like to call it."

Henry stretches his furry hand out to reveal a small, green pill. Nate, 
still chewing and looking nervously at Henry slowing reaches for the pill 
and holds it up in the light. He looks again at Henry hesitantly.

"Go ahead, it's positively safe." Beast says.

Cautiously, Nate takes the capsule and puts it in his mouth and follows it 
up with a long drink of water. A warm, yet completely fake smile covers 
Henry face. Nate, trying not to think about what it is he might have just 
taken, continues to eat. Not even garnishing his sandwhich, he picks it 
up and finishes it within seconds. 

A few minutes pass by filled only by Nate's chomping and the sound of a 
hurried fork clanging against the plates. 

"Nate, I think you might be able to help me out. I try to help out as 
many needy mutants as I can, and there was another like you who was 
kidnapped. We mutants must stick together and fight for each others and 
our own freedoms, but there are still those that want to use us to fight 
their battles. The same people who tried to use you for their own purposes, 
have forced another to bend to their will."

Nate, who froze after Henry's first sentence realizes that maybe Henry is 
no different than those he is talking about. "Wait a minute, he really 
does want something from me" Nate thinks, "I shoulda known."

"Wait...you just said to me earlier that you don't want anything from me, 
and now you want me to go out and find this dude for ya? Uh-uh...you're 
just using me to fight your battles for you." Nate says angrily.

"Quick temper" Beast thinks to himself, "Let's see if we can soothe the 
savage".

"You misunderstand me, I hold no vested interest in either you or the 
kidnappee in question. This 'dude' who was kidnapped needs your help, not 
mine. Don't tell me you've already forgotten about... MADELYNE?"

"Kla-kingt-ta-dink" was the sound the fork made against the plate when Nate 
dropped it.

---------------------- TO BE CONTINUED -----------------------------


Next issue - Maddie-Quest starts and...ends? in "To find a friend"  


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