“…and then he left,” said Dr. Cecilia Reyes. She sat in an old chair where the cloth was torn and the stuffing was coming out. The other furniture in this small room in the Morlock tunnels were in a similar condition.

To her right was a couch where Jean Grey, Alison Blaire and John Proudstar sat. Kurt Darkholme hung from the ceiling, his tail wrapped around a large water pipe and Hank McCoy was hanging in a similar fashion, albeit from his feet. Peter Rasputin sat on a loveseat across from Cecilia with Scott Summers. The man known only as Logan leaned against the wall with the aborigine called Gateway sitting next to him on the floor in the lotus position.

Logan held the invitation Cecilia was given by the man who visited her office. He looked down at it, then back up at her. “An’ he mentioned it was for us?”

Cecilia nodded. “He said it was for the X-Men.”

“Alright,” said Logan, looking at the rest of the team, “what do we think?”

“Trap,” said John.

“Agreed,” said Hank. “Most-likely SHIELD.”

“I don’t think so,” said Scott. “Fury had the chance to take us down in Alaska, but he gave us a free pass. Why would he do something like this?”

“Give you guys a false sense of security,” said Logan. “But I don’t think it’s SHIELD. Not Fury’s style.”

“You also didn’t think his involvement in Weapon X was his style,” said Scott. “What makes you so sure?”

“Just a feelin’,” said Logan. “Fury may be many things, but he’s also a man of his word. If he says he’s gonna let you guys slide, then he’ll do just that.”

“What about this credit card?” asked Jean. “Why in my name?”

“Obviously it’s got something to do with you,” said Peter. “The Acolytes maybe? Seeking revenge after what you did to Magneto?”

“And with what resources?” asked Gateway. “Remember, I used to live beside them in Avalon. And without Magneto, the Acolytes are just a bunch of kids with no idea of what they’re doing.”

“Can I see that invitation?” asked Jean. Logan held it out and Jean’s telekinesis took it from his hand, levitated it through the air and placed it in her waiting fingers. She examined it.”

“’You are cordially invited to the home of Sebastian Shaw for a charity dinner to benefit mutant rights’,” she said, reading the invitation. She noticed something else on it. A stylized letter H with a pitchfork over it. Her emerald eyes grew wide at this little thing. “Oh my god…”

“What is it?” asked Ali, looking over her shoulder at the invitation.

“This symbol… it’s the same one from my dream,” said Jean.

“What dream?” asked Logan.

“It’s… kind of hard to explain,” she said with her cheeks turning slightly red. “But I dreamt I was in this mansion and in one of the rooms, I saw this symbol.”

“So what does it mean?” asked Kurt. “Plus, who’s this Shaw guy anyway?”

“Dunno about the symbol, but Sebastian Shaw is one of the wealthiest men in the world,” said Cecilia. “He’s the CEO of Shaw Industries and he’s a mutant. Runs a lot of charities to benefit mutant rights. One of them is the Mutant Liberation Front.”

“When my parents found out I was a mutant, they donated some money to them,” said Jean.

“Maybe that’s why your name is on the card,” said Ali.

Jean shook her head. “No, they never donated that much. Not enough for something like this, anyway.”

“I think we’ve all gotten to the point where we figured out that there aren’t any coincidences when it comes to the X-Men,” said Scott. “This sounds like something Xavier might have been heavily involved with.”

“That’s it, then,” said John. “The Professor was probably a big member of the MLF. And you’ve been trying to look for him, right?”

“Someone mind filling in the new guy for a moment?” asked Peter. “I thought Xavier was dead.”

“In the physical sense, yes,” said Jean. “His body was destroyed after our battle with the Shadow King. But a mind as powerful as Charles’ wouldn’t just die like that. I know he’s out there somewhere on the Astral Plane, but I haven’t had any luck finding him. Maybe that’s what the dream was about? After all, the Shadow King was controlling him before he formed the X-Men, so I’m probably the only one of us he really knows.”

“How does that work?” asked Peter.

“When my powers first manifested, my dad took me to see him,” said Jean. “He trained me in my abilities and put mental blocks on them because I was too young to handle the power.”

“Somethin’ don’t smell right about this,” said Logan. “If it is Chuck, why not just come out in the open?”

“Charles was always weird like that,” said Jean. “He would always play little games like this. Far as I’m concerned, this is probably right up his alley.”

“I think there’s more goin’ on here,” said Logan.

“I think you’re right,” said Jean.

“I think we should give it a shot, see what happens,” said Ali. “I mean, what’ve we got to lose?”

“Girl’s got a point,” said John.

“Alright, then here’s what we do,” said Logan. “We’ll pick up the threads we need for this place, we’ll go, but be on your toes. We don’t know anythin’ about Shaw or this Mutant Liberation Front. For all we know, it could be just that—a front.”

“But Shaw’s a mutant,” said Cecilia.

“So were the Marauders and Magneto,” said Logan. “Not all mutants are good mutants.”

“Then why are we walking right into what could possibly be a trap?” asked Scott. “Doesn’t seem very strategic to me.”

Logan shot him a stare. “That’s why we’re doin’ this my way. We go in with our eyes open.”

“Hope for the best but expect the worst,” said Hank.

“Yeah well, at least we get a chance to get out of the sewers for a night, and rub elbows with the rich and famous,” said John.

PHOENIX RISING

Part III: Hellfire

By Dino Pollard

Alison stepped out of the changing room wearing a green gown that shimmered in the light of the store. She did a little twirl as she came out of the room.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“Looks nice,” said John.

She made a face at him. “That’s what you said about the other ones.”

“And they all looked nice,” said John. “What do you want from me? I’m no good at this kinda stuff.”

“You could at least show a bit more enthusiasm,” said Ali.

“Hey, if you wanted a fashion consultant, you should’ve had the Ruskie look at it,” said John.

“Where is he anyway?” asked Ali.

“After he got his own suit, he went to look for something for Kurt,” said John. “Not like the guy can just waltz into one of these places.”

“Speaking of which, aren’t you supposed to be looking for something for Hank?”

“One step ahead of you,” said John. “I got a suit for him and me. They’re waiting at the register. See, a man knows how to shop. Just pick the right size. In and out in ten minutes.”

“You mean you don’t try anything on?”

John shook his head.

“What if it doesn’t fit?” asked Ali.

“That’s why we have sizes, babe,” said John.

“They’re not always the best indication. Plus what if it doesn’t look good on you?”

A cocky grin came over his face. “Everything looks good on me.” She rolled her eyes at him with a faint smile of her own.

“Typical male ego,” she said.

“It’s not ego if it’s the truth,” he said.

“Too bad it’s not.”

John craned his neck to see Scott walking up to them.

“You’re just jealous because you don’t look as good as I do,” said John.

“Yeah, that must be it,” said Scott.

“Bit of the Summers sarcasm, huh?” asked John. “Been awhile since I’ve heard any of that.”

“What do you mean?” asked Scott.

“You’ve been pretty tense lately,” said Ali.

“Just a lot going on.”

“What with your dad and all?” asked John. “Plus, you and Logan seem to be on edge around each other. Well… more than you used to be at least. What was the story with him coming back anyway?”

“It’s… a long one,” said Scott. He glanced over his shoulder to see Logan walking over. “Maybe I’ll tell you guys later.”

“Tell ‘em what?” asked Logan.

“I was just askin’ Scott—” John began, but Ali stepped on his foot. “Hey!”

“Nothing important,” said Ali. “How do I look?”

“Like a young Farrah Fawcett,” said Logan. “But yer more pleasant to be around.”

“What do you mean?” asked Ali.

Logan smiled. “I’ll tell you when yer older.”

“Wait… you know Farrah Fawcett?” asked John.

“Knew,” said Logan. “Anyone seen Jean or Petey?”

“I saw Peter waiting at the register, haven’t seen Jean though,” said Scott.

“She’s still in the dressing room,” said Ali. She took one final look at her dress. “Well… I guess this will do. I’m gonna go change.”

She walked back toward the dressing room as Jean came out in a black, low-cut dress of her own.

“So… how do I look?” she asked.

“Gorgeous,” said Logan. He looked at Scott. “Close yer mouth, one-eye.”

Scott blushed. “Sorry.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment,” said Jean. She then smiled. “But watch your fantasies around a telepath.”

He blushed harder.

When the X-Men arrived at the front gates of Shaw’s mansion, they were escorted up to the front door by a limousine. The drive from the front gate to the actual house was about a half-mile. Along the way, they could see numerous sculptures fashioned in the bushes. The home itself had dozens of limos and expensive cars parked along the way.

Jean led the way first and the sentries smiled at the team and opened the doors for them. She was shocked to see that it was the same house she had witnessed in her dreams.

“Holy shit…” said John. “This foyer could probably hold the main area of the tunnels.”

“…is that John Cleese?” asked Kurt.

One of the men who took notice of the X-Men’s arrival was Warren Worthington. He made no effort to hide the large wings which protruded from the back of his suit. He came over to them.

“Welcome,” he said. “I trust Mr. Shaw’s accommodations were satisfactory?”

“Extremely,” said Jean. “You’re…”

“A mutant? Yes,” he said with a smile.

“Actually, I was going to say you’re Warren Worthington, right?”

Warren’s smile grew larger. “My reputation precedes me, apparently. And you must be Jean Grey.” He took her hand and lightly kissed it. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

“Why me?” asked Jean.

He ignored her question and made his way to the rest of the team, introducing himself.

“That man you were talking to just now…” said Scott. “Was that…?”

“Our Prime Minister, yes,” said Warren. “We may not see eye to eye on politics, but he’s a good man. You should see him when he’s drunk. He’s the life of the party.”

“Ah, our esteemed guests have arrived!”

The team and Warren looked up to the giant staircase to watch a man descend it. He had long black hair pulled in a ponytail and his sideburns reached down to his jawline.

“Welcome, welcome,” he said, shaking their hands. “I’m so glad you accepted the invitation. My name is Sebastian Shaw.”

He noticed Hank and Kurt shifting uncomfortably and smiled. “No need to be worried. We’re all friends here and everyone in this home is a staunch supporter of mutant rights.”

“We’re still wonderin’ just why we got the invite,” said Logan.

“…I don’t believe we’ve met,” said Shaw. He extended his hand.

“Just call me Logan,” he said, ignoring the hand.

“Yes… well…” said Shaw, withdrawing his hand. “Please, feel free to mingle. Go around, enjoy. I do hope you’ll stay for the after-party as well.”

“Why’s that?” asked Logan.

“Because I promise you will enjoy it,” said Shaw. A man in a tux came up to him and whispered something in his ear. He nodded and waved the man off, then turned his attention back to the team. “I must beg your pardon, there is something that has to be taken care of.”

Shaw walked off into another room and closed the door behind him.

“Still think this is a trap?” asked Ali in a whisper.

“More than ever,” said Logan.

“Well…” said Warren. “Who wants drinks?”

Shaw closed the doors behind him and saw Harry Leland in a tux and Martinique Jason in a red dress, both sitting in his office.

“That’s the Wolverine out there,” said Leland.

“Yes, I know,” said Shaw.

“Our sources told us he was no longer with the X-Men,” said Leland. “He could pose a problem.”

“Nothing will stop the ascension,” said Shaw.

“Don’t underestimate him,” said Martinique. “My father told me enough horror stories about the man to last a lifetime. He’s not someone to be trifled with, Sebastian.”

“If he causes any trouble, we’ll deal with him when the time comes,” said Shaw. “For the moment, we can’t do anything to arouse suspicion. Which means you and Emma need to start working your own little brand of magic on Miss Grey.”

“You’d best not screw this up, Shaw.”

“Harold, I did not become the Black King of the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle by making mistakes,” said Shaw. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Fine, but if Wolverine becomes a problem, then I’ll deal with it,” said Leland.

Jean sipped her wine while her eyes glanced around the room. She saw Scott and Hank engaged with Warren in a conversation. Ali and John were making the rounds, while Peter and Hank discussed politics with the Prime Minister. Hank in particular was giving the poor man quite an earful. Logan was at the bar, puffing on a cigar and downing whiskey.

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

For some reason, Jean had not picked up the thoughts of the stunning young blonde woman who stood beside her. She was dressed in white and the gown clung to her curves while accentuating her bust.

“Oh sorry, you startled me,” said Jean. She took another look at the woman.

“Emma Frost,” she said.

“I… know you, don’t I?” asked Jean.

“Perhaps we met in another life,” said Emma. She glanced over Jean’s shoulder. “Martinique! Come here!”

Jean instantly spun around this time and once she caught sight of the woman approaching her, she dropped her glass. It shattered the moment it struck the floor.

“Oh shit!” she said. “I’m so sorry…”

“Don’t bother yourself over it, dear—Sebastian can afford the loss of a single wine glass,” said Emma. “Ah, Martinique. Have you met our new arrival?”

“I don’t believe so,” she said. Her brown eyes turned to Jean. “Good evening, my name is Martinique Jason.”

“J-Jean… Jean Grey,” she stammered. “Wow… this is eerie…”

The rest of the party went fairly simply. Towards the end, however, many guests started to leave. Others stayed behind, and at the urging of Shaw and Warren, the X-Men did as well.

“The time has come,” said Shaw. “If you ladies and gentlemen would be so kind as to follow me upstairs…”

Shaw led the way with the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle following. The X-Men exchanged some nervous glances, but before any one could voice their discomfort, Jean took the lead and ascended the staircase.

“Jean, hold up,” said Logan. She paid him no heed, though. Just continued to walk up as if she were possessed by something. “Dammit…”

He ran after her and the other X-Men followed. On the second floor of the mansion, Shaw led the way into a large room with a roaring fireplace and a giant, dome skylight. In this room, the team took notice of the large symbol above the fire—a stylized letter H with a pitchfork. On the hardwood floors, the image of flames was painted.

In the shape of a bird.

“Hey Logan… you know that weird feeling you got?” asked John. “I think I’m starting to get it, too.”

“Jeannie?” asked Logan.

She offered no response, just drifted closer and closer to Emma and Martinique. Logan knew there was something off about the whole situation. In his long life, he had learned not to take anything for granted. By flexing certain muscles in his forearms, three adamantium claws extended from between his knuckles on each hand.

“Time’s up, Shaw,” he said. “I wanna know what’s goin’ on here an’ I wanna know now.”

“You are in no position to make any demands,” said Leland. He stepped between Shaw and the Wolverine.

“You’ve got about two seconds to get the hell outta my way, fatboy,” said Wolverine.

“’Fatboy’, huh?” Leland smiled as he extended his hand towards Wolverine.

As Wolverine started to approach, he found his movements growing increasingly slower. His feet felt heavier for some reason. It took all his strength just to take each step.

“Interesting choice of words, Wolverine—particularly when I can control your mass. You see, everyone in this room is a mutant. My talent is one that comes in handy when dealing with riff-raff like yourself.”

Wolverine put his foot down and it left a crack in the floor. He tried to move his other foot, but it began to break through the hardwood as well. With a smile, Leland increased the X-Man’s mass even more and Wolverine fell through the floor, then through the first floor below them. He crashed through the basement as well.

“’Fatboy’ indeed,” said Leland.

“Big mistake, Leland,” said Cyclops. He removed his ruby-quartz glasses and replaced them with the visor he brought in his jacket pocket. Peter’s form grew larger, his skin converting to organic steel while his clothes tore in the process. Beast, Nightcrawler and Thunderbird each shed their own jackets and ties, prepared for the oncoming battle. Dazzler tore a slit in her dress to allow for more maneuverability.

Shaw sighed. “My friends, please. No one here wants a fight.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” said Colossus he charged forward and delivered an uppercut to Shaw. Sebastian simply looked back at him and smiled.

“What the…?”

Shaw smiled. “My turn.”