Chapter 76
Arc 6 - Ch 9: Petitioning a Goddess
Date: Saturday, June 25, 2011.
Location: House of M, Manhattan, New York
Tyson guided Jubilee towards his motorcycle, handing her the helmet. She accepted it, her dark eyes searching his face for answers. "Where are we going?" she asked.
The motorcycle's engine roared to life as Tyson kicked it into gear. The throaty rumble of the bike reverberated off the buildings surrounding them as he revved the throttle. Jubilee tightened her arms around Tyson's muscular waist, the helmet securely fastened over her dark locks. With a twist of the wrist, they tore off down the streets of Manhattan, leaving the Flatiron Armory shrinking behind them.
Tyson's face was grim, his jaw clenched tight. "Cerebro at the Institute is our best bet to find Amora," he said, his voice an illusion that cut through the engine's noise. He hesitated, and Jubilee could sense his reluctance. "But I do have one other option… I could project an illusion of myself requesting Amora's help. I'd be able to reach about a quarter mile with it. But that's a lot of minds to influence all at once." He glanced back at Jubilee, his mismatched eyes intense. "I heal fast, but I've hit my limits on how many people I can manipulate. Plus I'd have to go through Manhattan, section by section until I found her. I might be able to draw Amora's attention that way, but it would draw far more attention from everyone else than I'd want. Honestly, I'm not even sure she's in the city."
Jubilee nodded slowly, understanding the implications. It would reveal Tyson's desperation and Amora's presence. And there was no guarantee it would even work.
She knew Tyson would do anything to help her. But his discomfort at returning to the Institute was obvious the last time they were there, briefly before their trip to Monaco. As much as he didn't want to draw unwanted attention by projecting an illusion across such a long-range, she knew he likewise wanted to avoid the institute. But Tyson and Xavier had spoken for the first time yesterday at his graduation. She hoped that meant things were getting better between them.
Tyson weaved the motorcycle through traffic, his enhanced reflexes and senses guiding him effortlessly through the streets. Jubilee clung to his muscular frame, her petite arms wrapped tightly around his waist as they leaned into the curves. The city became a blur around them, the buildings and cars streaking by. The roar of the engine drowned out the cacophony of the metropolis. They raced up the Hendrick Hudson Parkway along the similarly named Hudson River, the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan rising to their right while the churning waters stretched to their left. The looming silhouette of the George Washington Bridge appeared ahead, its massive steel structure spanning the river's expanse. Tyson gunned the engine, ignoring the bridge as they continued north, the wind whipping fiercely at their clothes and hair.
Soon the city was left far behind, replaced by the stately mansions and manicured lawns of Westchester County. Tyson navigated the tree-lined suburban streets of Scarsdale where homes sat on green lawns, a stark contrast to the densely packed city they'd departed. The acrid smells of exhaust and asphalt were replaced by the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers.
And then, at last, the stone walls and wrought iron gates of the Xavier Institute emerged before them. Tyson brought the motorcycle to a halt just outside the entrance. He swung his leg over and stepped off the bike, then reached out a hand to help Jubilee dismount.
Tyson let her take the lead as they approached the mansion. Whatever the institute had for security, or perhaps Xavier himself, must have noted their arrival because Logan opened the door as they reached it. He greeted them with a hug, his gruff voice tinged with amusement. "Didn't expect to see you so soon, kid. But I probably should have, you can't stay out of trouble, can you?"
Tyson shrugged. "You know me."
Logan ushered them inside. "Jean hasn't stopped talking about what you said."
They were led to Xavier's office, where the Professor waited. Storm and Jean entered the room, just behind them. Greetings were exchanged, cordially, but the air was heavy with the weight of the situation. Jean sat with Jubilee, pulling the other girl into a hug.
Logan cut straight to the heart of the matter. "Vampires, huh? It's not the strangest thing I've ever heard. But it's close."
Jubilee launched into the story, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush as she recounted the attack at the club, the horror of the blood rain, and the journey to the Sanctum only to be sent on a 'quest'.
"So you need Cerebro to locate a goddess to obtain her blood for a cure?" Xavier asked.
Tyson explained, "They're the Norse gods of myth, but if you're uncomfortable with the idea of gods, they're long-lived aliens. Asgard is the name of their planet. They've protected Earth for centuries. One of them, Thor, ended up on Earth a few weeks ago. I helped him out and ended up going back to Asgard with him. A sorceress named Amora helped me return to Earth, but she tagged along. Getting her blood is our best hope. She's the only one who might be able to cure Jubilee."
Logan asked, "So are we going to have to force her to give up her blood?"
"I sure hope not," Tyson scoffed before explaining, "Amora is powerful. All Asguardians are at least as physically strong as someone like Captain America. Even though she's focused on magic, Amora is stronger than I am. We fought before, and I only got by because she didn't know about my life absorption. Now that she knows my tricks, if we fought again, she'd trounce me."
Tyson hesitated briefly before continuing, "But I don't think it will come to that. I got the impression that Amora is fond of me. I'm confident she'll negotiate, or hear me out as a petitioner in the worst case."
The room fell silent once more. Everyone knew how formidable he was, and knowing that the woman they were searching for outclassed him gave everyone pause.
Logan broke the silence. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's fire up Cerebro and find this Amora dame."
Professor X wheeled himself around his desk, his expression pensive as he admitted, "I've never searched for someone who wasn't a mutant or human. I'll try, but there's no guarantee it will work."
Tyson nodded, his jaw tightening, "I understand."
"Tyson, if you would join me, along with Jean? It may help since you've seen and had contact with this Amora."
Tyson hesitated. He remembered his last encounter with Xavier, inside the makeshift Cerebro at Alkali Lake. He still had reservations about what transpired between them. But to his surprise, Jean stepped forward reassuringly placing her hand on Tyson's arm. "I'll be there," she said softly, "Everything will be fine."
He glanced down at Jean's hand, taken aback by the sudden show of support, but as he met her gaze, he found himself drawing the strength he saw there. Jean led him by his arm and grabbed Jubilee's hand. They followed Xavier out of the office and into the hallway. The Professor rolled ahead of them towards the elevator to the lower levels of the mansion. The doors slid open with a soft hiss, depositing them in a long, high-tech-looking corridor. At its end stood a massive metal door, the surface decorated with a stylized "X". Xavier placed his hand against a scanner, the device whirring to life as it read his biometric data. With a soft click, the door swung open, revealing the cavernous space beyond.
Cerebro.
The room was a marvel of technology, its walls lined with panels and pulsing lights. While at the center stood a raised platform. Xavier wheeled himself forward. Tyson and Jean followed toward the raised dias while Jubilee hung back. Xavier reached out, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface of the helmet. As he placed it on his head, the room hummed to life, the air crackling with palpable energy.
Cerebro darkened, plunging the room into a momentary void before a dazzling display of light burst forth. Billions of glowing dots formed a shimmering globe suspended before them. Each point of light represented a sentient life on Earth.
Xavier spoke to Tyson. "I need details that might help identify Amora."
Tyson's brow furrowed as he delved into his memories, sifting through everything he had gleaned from his encounter with the Asgardian sorceress.
"She's tall," Tyson began, his voice hesitant. "Over six feet, blonde, with green eyes. Exceptionally beautiful." He created an illusion that was a perfect match for Amora. His gaze was distant as he recalled the unearthly allure of Amora's features. "She would identify as Asgardian, maybe a goddess, sorceress, Enchantress, or magician."
"She'd be keeping an eye on me," Tyson continued, his voice growing more certain. "So I imagine she'd be in New York somewhere. But with her abilities, she wouldn't have to be."
"That should be enough for now," Xavier murmured. Xavier's brow furrowed and his eyes closed in concentration as he absorbed Tyson's words. The strain of his mental exertion was evident on his face. The globe before them shifted, its countless points of light representing the vast population of Earth. Suddenly, half of the dots vanished, leaving the sphere noticeably less crowded.
"I've isolated all male minds and removed them from the search." Another large portion of the dots winked out. "And now," Xavier continued, his voice strained with concentration, "I've eliminated all 'normal' humans from the search."
Jubilee stepped closer, her eyes wide with wonder. "That's still so many," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tyson had to agree. There were a surprising number of dots that were not normal humans.
Millions.
He was surprised by the number of extraordinary individuals in the world. The remaining lights pulsed softly, each representing a being with abilities or traits that set them apart from the average person. How many of these were mutants? How many were enhanced individuals? And how many were something else entirely?
Jean leaned in, her voice low as she spoke to Tyson. "Isn't it incredible? To see just how many of us are out there."
Xavier's voice cut through their musings. "I'm narrowing the search further. I'll focus locally and pick out individuals that might match your description."
The globe spun, zooming in on the East Coast of America and then further still until the sprawling expanse of New York City filled their view. A projection of Manhattan's iconic skyline came into view.
Suddenly, the globe vanished, blinking out of existence with a sharp snap. Xavier's eyes flew open, his expression a mix of frustration and surprise.
"She's in New York," he announced, "But she somehow blocked me." He hesitated, his gaze shifting to Tyson. "I did receive the impression that she wouldn't speak with me. However she may have been interested in speaking with you, Tyson."
Tyson's jaw clenched, a surge of frustration rising in his chest. "How can I speak with her if I don't know where she is?" he demanded, his voice raw with desperation. "The whole point of coming here was to find her location so I could speak with her. It's like which came first the chicken or the egg."
Jean's touch on Tyson's arm once again tempered his emotions. She calmly stated, "I'll do it."
Tyson turned to her, confused. "Do what, Jean?"
She met his gaze with a quiet determination. "Your illusions are amazing, and while psionic, they're not exactly suitable for using Cerebro. My power is... together we could do it."
Tyson shook his head, still not grasping the full extent of her suggestion. "I don't understand."
"I know after what happened between you and the Professor at Alkali Lake, neither of you is interested in using your powers in concert." She turned to face Tyson fully, her expression open and earnest. "But I am."
"I trust you, Tyson. I've let you in before. If you let me in, you could use Cerebro with me. Through me. Just like you did with the Professor at Alkali Lake, but without it being forced." There was a moment of hesitation followed by a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "If you trust me, that is..."
Tyson's response was immediate, his voice filled with a quiet conviction. "It's not a question, Jean. I do trust you… But can you even use Cerebro?"
"Since Alkali Lake, I've been working with the Professor on slowly reducing the limitations on my power."
The look of surprise must have been clear on Tyson's face.
Xavier clarified, "Jean came to me after seeing you utilize her power against Magneto, we discussed it and agreed that she was likely at the point where she could begin training to utilize more of her potential."
Tyson's eyes darted between Jean and Xavier. Jean's next statement, however, cut straight to the heart of the matter. "We can do this... for Jubilee."
She knew exactly what to say. Those simple words were all it took to banish any lingering doubts from his mind. With a solemn nod, Tyson agreed.
Jean approached the control panel. Xavier wheeled himself back toward the entrance, allowing her to take his place at the helm of Cerebro. She removed a foldable chair from the dias and settled in. Unlike Xavier, Jean sat facing the platform and exit, not the dias at the center of Cerebro.
Her eyes drifted shut. The room hummed with a palpable energy, the air crackling with the force of her psychic presence. The projection of the globe burst to life again, dotted with a myriad of dots each representing a life. It was a breathtaking display of how much Jean had advanced her abilities in the past year.
Her eyes slowly opened, her gaze meeting Tyson's. He had no idea how much she'd grown and felt a hint of shame at having not realized how much progress she'd made.
Tentatively reaching out with his mind, he brushed against the edges of Jean's psychic presence. Her mental defenses were lowered completely, allowing him entrance into her consciousness.
The multitude of personas dwelling within his mind granted him some resilience against psionics. Steadying his breathing, Tyson opened himself fully to Jean's abilities. He actively attempted to quiet the other influences in his head, inviting her in instead. A warmth enveloped his thoughts, like a soft knock echoing through his mind. Then, suddenly, she was inside him, their consciousnesses mingling. He focused on keeping his psyche as calm and welcoming as possible, while at the same time, marveling at her mastery over her powers, and how they effortlessly interfaced with his mind.
Tyson found his mind suspended in the vast expanse of Cerebro. Surprisingly the sensation wasn't overwhelming thanks to Jean's presence providing a steadying anchor by his side. The multitude of lights, representing the minds of countless individuals, stretched out before them in a dizzying connect-the-dots of psychic energy.
Tyson reached out, guided by Jean. One presence shone brighter than the rest. Amora's essence blazed like a beacon, a searing point of light that drew his focus like a moth to a flame. Whether it was Jean's immense power, the Professor nearly discovering her location earlier, or the fragment of her that resided deep within Tyson's psyche; the connection was undeniable.
He reached out toward that dot, and to his surprise, Amora accepted his call.
The air within Cerebro crackled as an otherworldly presence manifested before them.
Amora the Enchantress had arrived.
Her essence was transported across the distance through the combined effort of Jean's telepathy, Tyson's potent illusions, and the Asgardian's arcane magic.
Amora's piercing emerald eyes swept the spherical chamber, taking in every detail. Her expression shifted from cool evaluation to mild disappointment as she surveyed the utilitarian surroundings. But a glimmer of interest sparked when her gaze fell upon Jean.
Amora's power rippled through the room with a wave of her hand. The stark interior of Cerebro melted away, replaced by the lavish illusion of an upscale apartment. Tyson instinctively knew what she'd done; they'd brought Amora to Cerebro and in turn, Amora brought her apartment with her to create a more comfortable setting for their discussion. Plush carpets, antique furnishings, and ornate decor now filled the space, conjured from Amora's imagination. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the walls, though their panes were obscured. Tyson studied the windows intently with his enhanced senses, hoping for some indication of Amora's whereabouts. But the sorceress had warded them against prying eyes; he could discern nothing of the world outside the illusionary apartment. Thwarted, Tyson turned his attention back to the Asgardian enchantress. Her beauty was as captivating as he recalled. Jean stood poised at his side, radiating a calm strength that seemed to push against the Enchantress's charms.
"Tyson," Amora greeted.
Tyson bowed his head deeply. "Amora, thank you for answering my call."
The Asgardian sorceress arched a brow at his gesture of respect and deference. "You haven't sought me out until now. Consider me curious."
"I apologize for interrupting your sojourn, but I have a problem, and you may be the only person on the planet with the solution."
Amora's eyes glittered with wicked amusement. "As always, Tyson, you have my attention."
"A friend of mine was attacked by a vampire… a human afflicted by a magical curse which transforms those bitten into their kind."
Amora waved a dismissive hand. "I'm familiar with Earth's vampires. They've been a plague here for millennia."
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"I sought the aid of the Sorcerer Supreme," Tyson continued, undeterred. "She informed me they were aware of a way to cure the vampire infection before it takes root, but the ritual requires the blood of a god."
Amora's rich laughter filled the space. "And when you thought of a god, your first thought was to look to me?" The projection of Amora sauntered up to him, her finger trailing along Tyson's chest in a seductive, yet imperious gesture. "You petition me like a worshipper of old, seeking a miracle." She paused, her gaze boring into Tyson's with an intensity that stole his breath.
"I admit I was aware of your plight. I approve of your methods and your approach. Today, I shall fill the role of your goddess. Show me your friend."
Jubilee still stood near the entrance to Cerebro. Tyson's eyes pierced the projection to meet hers, and his power took hold. He dragged Jubilee's presence into the illusion with them. Jubilee gasped as she laid eyes on Amora.
Amora's assessing gaze raked over her. "Tyson goes to great lengths to save you. Why?"
Jubilee squared her shoulders, meeting Amora's gaze, "Because he's my friend."
Amora scoffed, her lips twisting into a sneer. "Not good enough."
"I want Tyson strong." She looked Jubilee up and down, mockingly. "He petitions for you, bearing your burden."
Disdain crept into her voice as she declared, "You don't look like his strength. You look like his weakness."
Jubilee's eyes flashed, a spark of igniting in their depths. "I have supported Tyson since the moment he arrived here. I admit, I was weak in the past, but I've gotten stronger since then. When we were attacked, I killed double the amount of vampires he did." She took a step forward, her chin lifted in fierce pride. "I love him, and I think because he's doing so much to save me, that he might love me back. I won't let him leave me behind again. I'll continue to fight with him. I am not weak."
Amora regarded Jubilee for a long moment, her expression inscrutable. Finally, her expression broke with a small smile. "That's better. Perhaps you will prove yourself a suitable mistress."
Amora turned back to face Tyson, regarding him with an inscrutable intensity, making Jubilee seem only an afterthought. "What are you offering in exchange for my aid?" she asked.
Tyson reached to his belt and withdrew the Uru dagger. He held it out before him, an offering to the projected goddess.
"You told me it was a great honor to lose an eye in defense of Asgard, and that this weapon was a suitable reward," he said, keeping his tone respectful. "I bled for this dagger, and now, I offer it in return for your blood."
Amora was silent, her gaze fixed on the proffered dagger. After a long moment, she stepped forward, the illusion of her form seeming to glide across the floor. She raised a slender hand to Tyson's cheek, the contact sending a tingle through his skin. Moving close, she stood mere inches below his eye level, close enough that he could feel her breath.
"You lack training in etiquette and magic," she whispered, her voice low and intimate. "Yet you surprise me. You grasp at straws, yet your grip is firm. That dagger is a worthy trade for what you ask."
Tyson held himself still, resisting the urge to react to her closeness. Before he could respond, Amora stepped back abruptly, breaking the charged moment between them. She turned away, an uncharacteristic uncertainty flickering across her beautiful features.
"I decline your offer," she stated, her voice hardening once more.
Tyson clenched his jaw, biting back the bitter retort that sprang to his lips. He needed her help. Losing his temper would only push her further away. If the dagger was a worthy trade, why had she denied him? His jaw clenched as Amora's refusal rang in his ears. He needed her aid, yet she had denied him for reasons he did not fully grasp. Her pause invited him to respond, but caution stilled his tongue.
Amora's melodic voice continued, "Have you forgotten? I want you strong. By taking such a magnificent weapon, I would only weaken you." Her lips curved into a sly, knowing smile. "But I am not so cold as to ignore the plight of your mistress."
"While vampires are a blight on your world, there is strength in their curse. If I do nothing, the girl becomes stronger. Strengthening you by proxy." Amora's eyes gleamed with cunning as her motives became clear.
"If you wish me to assist you..." Her voice dropped to a commanding whisper. "I task you with becoming stronger yourself."
Amora had thrown down the gauntlet at Tyson's feet.
"Absorb a power, grow your strength," she goaded, "and should I deem it a significant enough boost to your abilities, I shall grant your request and gift my blood for your ritual."
He tensed as the weight of Amora's demand settled over him. She regarded him with knowing eyes. "I see you, Tyson," she said, her melodic voice softening slightly. "I know how you feel about taking a life. So, I offer you an alternative. Take another mistress, bind her life to yours. Someone strong."
Her emerald gaze turned pointedly to Jean.
Tyson's breath caught, his mismatched eyes widening as understanding struck. Amora meant for him to entwine his fate with the telepath. Jean met his stunned look with one of her own, trepidation and outrage warring across her fine features. The tension in the illusory apartment grew taut as a bowstring.
Amora seemed unaffected, continuing to study Jean with an assessing gaze. "Yes, this one would do nicely," the sorceress purred, her voice dripping with covetous allure, "Such power, such potential. I can feel it radiating from her, even at this distance."
He glanced at Jean, searching her face, but Tyson could sense the turmoil beneath the surface. Their mental connection left a lingering awareness of each other that made her emotions more palpable to him. Jubilee shifted uncomfortably near the entrance to Cerebro, her eyes darting between Tyson and Jean. The spark of defiance that had flared in her moments ago seemed to dim slightly in the face of this new development.
Amora's rich laughter broke the tension. "Oh, the drama! The possibilities!" She clapped her hands together in delight. "What will you choose? Will you seek out a new power? Kill to earn my favor? Or will you bind yourself to this fiery-haired beauty? Or perhaps there's another you've had your eye on?"
"What do you want?" Tyson asked, his voice tight with frustration. "Me to get married?"
Amora's laughter rang out, clear and mocking. "No," she said, amused. "That would not be a mistress. That would be a wife." She tapped a finger against her chin, as if in thought. "What do you call them now? Earth languages change so frequently. A concubine? Paramour?" Her smile widened, revealing perfect white teeth. "I'm sure you understand."
Tyson felt a surge of confusion and irritation. He glanced at Jean and Jubilee, both were watching the exchange with varying degrees of discomfort and concern. He turned back to Amora, his jaw clenched. "Why would sleeping with another girl be a step toward gaining power?" Tyson asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
"Not just sleeping with a woman," she elaborated, her tone impatient. "I want you to claim a woman. Make her yours." Her nonchalance was at odds with the demand she was making on him.
"What you decide matters not. Let your mistress pass away, and rise stronger as a vampire. Take a life and grow stronger yourself. Or claim another mistress to stand by your side, making you stronger." Her eyes gleamed with a predatory light. "I will be satisfied regardless."
Tyson risked a glance at Jubilee, seeing the fear and hurt in her eyes. The idea of letting her die was unthinkable, but Amora's alternatives were equally troubling. He then looked at Jean, thinking of the connection they shared.
The idea of "claiming" her stirred something deep within him.
That was probably Sabertooth's psyche.
It felt wrong. He couldn't ask Jean to bind herself to him even to save her friend. Honestly, he thought she would consider it. But he wouldn't push the issue. He would not be forced into a relationship. And he would not force himself upon her, violating her, their friendship, and the trust she had placed in him.
Tyson's mind raced, trying to find a way out of this impossible situation. He had come seeking help, a simple exchange of the dagger for Amora's blood. Instead, he found himself trapped in a moral quandary, with the lives and relationships of those he cared about hanging in the balance.
He clenched his fists, frustration, and anger bubbling up inside him. Amora watched him with detached amusement, clearly enjoying the turmoil she had caused.
"You needn't contact me again. As always, I'll be watching."
With a wave of her hand, Amora's presence vanished.
As her absence settled the realization of what would come next sat heavily on their shoulders. To save Jubilee, he would have to become stronger. But to gain the power he needed, he would have to absorb another's abilities, to take into himself the essence of another being.
He would need to kill someone. Exchange someone else's life for Jubilee's.
Or bind Jean or someone else strong to him, as his mistress.
But who would even be an option? He thought of the other women he'd been intimate with. Felicia had no powers, Illyana was out of reach at Kamar-Taj, and Natasha both had no powers and was out of Tyson's reach. There were plenty of mutants at the institute, but none he had a better relationship with than Jean…
"I'm going to try again," he said to Jubilee, "Give me a moment." With a flick of his wrist, he removed Jubilee from their psychic connection.
Turning to Jean, Tyson's mismatched eyes blazed with a fierce intensity. "I need your help."
Jean's lips pressed into a thin line. "I know what you're thinking," she said, "You're going to kill someone to save her. I don't..."
"What choice do I have?" he asked, His hands clenched into fists at his sides, frustration palpable. "Here with you, in Cerebro, is an opportunity I can't pass up. I need to know the locations of some people."
Jean shook her head, her expression torn. "That would be me helping you murder someone. And what about you? Can you handle another mind inside your head?"
He shot back, "And what about you? Are you going to bind yourself to me? Become my slave so that Jubilee can live?"
Connected to Cerebro and Tyson, Jean's telepathic link allowed her to peer deeper into his mind than he realized. His carefully chosen words were a facade. She felt the temptation swirling within him, the whispered thought of convincing her to become his mistress. But she also sensed his aversion to the idea, his desperate grasp for another option.
"I spared the Green Goblin, though he deserved death," he said, "Now I ask you to trust me. I'm not going to kill someone who doesn't deserve it. I'd only pursue someone proven irredeemable." He paused, considering his next words. "If Jubilee turns into a vampire, my healing will let me sate her thirst and keep her in check. But what if I can't? What if the change alters her personality, leaving a vampire with mutant abilities to hunt humans unchecked? Even if she remained herself, she would rely on me for blood, maybe forever." His fists clenched. "Amora knows this. That is why she suggested binding another to me instead."
Tyson pleaded, "At the very least, we must consider Amora's offer seriously. But we have to decide quickly. How much time do we have with Cerebro before the Professor grows suspicious? Minutes?" His words came faster now, urgency creeping into his tone.
"If I'm going to locate someone both evil and expendable to sacrifice for Jubilee, it has to be now."
Jean bit her lip. After a long moment, her shoulders slumped and she nodded, resignation in her eyes. "Alright," she said softly.
Wasting no time, Tyson conjured the illusion of an Asian girl, her image visible only to Jean. "First is Cindy Moon. She's human but may seem to be a mutant or something more. Likely located in Eastern Europe or Asia."
Jean focused intently, her brow furrowing. The globe before them shifted until it focused on a single point pulsing with energy. "An underground facility, a cell in Siberia," Jean murmured, her eyes distant and glazed.
Tyson committed the location to memory, his mind already moving to the next target. He had no intention of harming Cindy Moon. When he had a chance, he would free her. But for now, at least, he knew where to find her.
He projected the image of his next target, and Jean's eyes widened in recognition. "Spider-Man?" she asked, confused. "I thought he was your friend."
Tyson nodded grimly. "He is. But an imposter is swinging around the city. He killed one of my friend's fathers, put both my friend and Spider-Man in the hospital, and destroyed my apartment."
Jean focused once more, and Tyson guided her, his psychic energy melding with hers as they narrowed the possibilities. The points of light reduced until only three remained, each pulsing with an eerie similarity.
"I can't tell them apart," Jean said, her voice strained with effort. "It's like they're the same person. Same psionic signature. The only time I've felt something like this was the Cuckoos."
Tyson's mind whirled with the implications. He had previously considered the potential identities of the imposter, but Jean revealing they shared a psionic signature narrowed the options.
Clones.
Someone had cloned Peter. Nathaniel Essex, Mister Sinister, was Tyson's most likely suspect.
Jean focused on one of the lights, and Tyson recognized it as Peter, having lunch with Aunt May. Nudging Jean along since that wasn't their target, they turned their attention to the next point.
It was the imposter he was seeking. He was moving through Manhattan, but Tyson marked his location in his mind. If he could catch their scent, he could track them. He'd need to call Peter and tell him to stay home to avoid confusing the trails.
With a nod of confirmation, Tyson projected the image of his next target.
Magneto.
Jean searched, her psychic presence stretching out across the vast expanse of the globe, but she came up empty. "His helmet blocks psionics," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "Even Professor X can't find him."
Undeterred, Tyson projected the image of John Allerdyce, their former classmate. His expression hardened. "At Alkali Lake, John sided with Magneto, joining the Brotherhood. Tracking him will lead me to Magneto."
Jean shot him a questioning look, her unease evident. "Is this a good idea?"
She knew Magneto presented perhaps the greatest challenge to Tyson due to the power mismatch. Even with Jean's power, Tyson had barely survived their first encounter. But she sensed that he wouldn't back down. With a resigned sigh, Jean closed her eyes again and stretched her psychic senses. A faint glimmer appeared on her mental map, flickering in Eastern Europe. Opening her eyes, she frowned slightly.
"Sokovia," she said.
Tyson cursed under his breath. Sokovia was too far away, clear on the other side of Europe. The only notable things he knew about the country centered around the events of Age of Ultron. A worrying thought occurred to Tyson.
The Maximoff twins, Wanda and Pietro.
In this world, could the twins possibly be Magneto's children?
Either way, Sokovia was too distant for Tyson to reach in time to find and kill one of the Brotherhood to save Jubilee. But to be certain, he projected an image of Wanda Maximoff, drawing from his meta-knowledge. He watched Jean's face intently as she searched, her eyes closed in concentration.
After a moment, Jean's eyes fluttered open. "She's in the same location as John," she said, her voice tinged with surprise.
Tyson cursed under his breath.
Magneto was with the Scarlet Witch.
This was trouble. Big trouble.
He could feel the weight of this revelation settling on his shoulders, adding to the burden of Jubilee's predicament. But he needed to prioritize Jubilee first. The clock was ticking, and her life hung in the balance.
He projected an image of Mystique.
Jean sought out the elusive shapeshifter. For long moments, she came up blank. Tyson thought about what he knew of Mystique. Shifting the illusion, he projected the image of the senator Mystique had impersonated during the movies, and sure enough, his light glowed bright, located in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Tyson grinned, triumph flickered in his eyes as he mumbled, "Gotcha."
But even as the satisfaction of the discovery washed over him, he mentally kicked himself. The one time he was in D.C. he'd been so distracted by the Senate hearing, the senator hadn't even crossed his mind.
Next, Tyson projected the image of Emil Blonsky, the Abomination. Jean had little trouble locating him, his presence a pulsing beacon in Barrow, Alaska. Again, another location that would be impossible to reach within their time limit.
Tyson racked his brain, contemplating who might possess the power to satisfy Amora's request, yet also be morally bankrupt enough that he wouldn't feel remorse in taking their life. At the same time, he knew he needed to avoid someone with an overwhelmingly dominant psyche, as absorbing them could overwrite his personality and mind.
Briefly, he considered seeking out Mr. Sinister but quickly dismissed the thought. Tangling with someone of Sinister's abilities would be reckless. Tyson's thoughts turned to the villains of this world that he was aware of, particularly those imprisoned in the RAFT. He had already dealt with Kraven and Green Goblin, yet neither offered any abilities worth absorbing. Then there was Dr. Sterns also locked within the RAFT. His intellect could perhaps satisfy Amora, but Sterns had not committed any true crimes yet. Nothing that made him deserving of death. Plus, Tyson had concerns about the physical transformation and megalomania that might accompany absorbing The Leader's psyche.
As for the X-Men's adversaries, Tyson had already verified that Magneto and the Brotherhood were well out of reach.
Thoughts of his former martial arts mentor, Colleen, sparked an idea in Tyson's mind. Her connection to the street-level heroes caused him to consider their rogues galleries. Luke Cage didn't have any notable villains that fit his criteria. But thinking of Cage led Tyson to Jessica Jones. He recalled seeing her photo in Midtown High's previous yearbook since she was an alum. Right now, she should be in college somewhere in the city. Focusing on Jones stirred a promising idea in Tyson's mind.
He projected the mental image of an unassuming, average-looking white man to Jean. "His name is Kilgrave."
Jean's eyes took on a faraway look and a point of light lit up. "He's at the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas. Who is he?" she asked.
"Someone very dangerous and bad, but an easy target if you're ready for him and he's not ready for you," Tyson replied.
Tyson had the locations of his targets, the individuals who could hold the key to saving Jubilee's life. He glanced over at Jean, seeing the conflict and worry etched onto her features. She knew the toll this could take on him, the burden of absorbing another's mind, another's powers. But she also understood the depths of his care for Jubilee and the lengths he would go to save her.
"Jean," Tyson said softly, his voice heavy with emotion. "I know what I just asked of you, what I'm asking of myself. But I can't let Jubilee die without doing everything in my power to try to save her.
Jean's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her hand coming up to rest on Tyson's arm in a gesture of support and understanding. "I know," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "And I want to help find a way to save her. But I don't want to lose you, or myself, in the process."
Tyson ended his illusion, focusing on severing the psychic connection with Jean.
As he stepped back from the psionic space, breaking their connection through Cerebro. Jubilee's voice drew his attention, her tone laced with concern. "How did it go?" she asked, eyes searching Tyson's face for any hint of progress or hope.
Tyson's shoulders slumped, his expression grim. "Not well," he admitted, his words heavy with disappointment. "I'm going to go find Logan and bum a cigar. I'll be outside. I need to think." With that, he turned and strode out of Cerebro toward the elevator.
Jean removed the helmet causing her red hair to cascade around her shoulders. She walked the platform back to where the others stood. Jubilee's gaze fixed on her, worry etched onto her features.
"What did Amora say?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.
Jean shook her head. With a somber expression, she replied, "We didn't speak to Amora."
Jubilee's brow furrowed, her confusion deepening. "Why not?"
"Because Tyson knew she wouldn't negotiate further."
Frustration mounting, Jubilee's hands clenched into fists at her sides. "So, what took so long?"
Jean hesitated, her gaze darting to Professor X before settling back on Jubilee. "Tyson was looking for bad people with powers he could absorb to fulfill Amora's bargain."
Jubilee's eyes went wide, horror dawning across her face. "What? No. He can't. That's not what I want at all," she protested, panic and disbelief warring in her tone.
Jean tried to reassure her, though her expression was etched with concern. "Don't worry, we'll figure this out together. Binding myself to Tyson wasn't how I intended to spend my weekend, but I'll do it if that's what it takes to save your life." Jubilee vehemently shook her head in denial. But before they could speak further, Jean's unease grew, mirroring the younger girl's distress. "Where did Tyson go just now?" she asked.
Jubilee's answer came absently, clearly distracted by the revelation. "He said he was going to see Logan for a cigar." She paused, her brow furrowing in contemplation. After a moment, she added in a perplexed tone, "I've never seen Tyson smoke before."
Jean's disquiet deepened at this. "Neither have I," she admitted gravely.
Professor Xavier's voice suddenly cut in. He revealed, "I'm no longer sensing Tyson's presence on the institute grounds,"
The two women exchanged an alarmed look. Jubilee's face had gone pale, her usual exuberance vanishing. Her head snapped to the Professor. "Isn't that normal? You've said he's resistant to telepathy."
Jean urgently strode back to Cerebro. She donned the helmet again, her eyes closing in concentration as she reached out with her psychic senses. After a long moment, her eyes snapped open.
"He's gone," she said, "Left the mansion on his motorcycle, heading south."
Jubilee's heart sank, the realization of Tyson's intentions crashing over her like a tidal wave. "He's going to kill someone and take on the burden to save me." Her words were a whisper, a plea, and a condemnation.
She turned to Professor X, her eyes wide and imploring. "We can't let him do that for me."
Professor Xavier's expression was grave, his fingers steepled beneath his chin as he considered the weight of Jubilee's words. "Tyson's decisions are his own," he declared. "He has made it clear that he isn't a student at the Institute, and he isn't an X-Man. I have little say over his actions."
Desperation was etched onto Jubilee's features as she pleaded, "Can we rally the X-Men?"
Professor X was silent for a long moment. "Tyson is seeking someone to absorb. While I believe in his character, it's better not to tempt him. Take only those we're certain he won't attack. Yourselves, and Ororo so long as she stays with Logan. And Colossus, his relationship with Illyana would prevent him from attacking her brother."
Jubilee and Jean nodded gratefully. They knew they could not stand idly by while their friend, a man they cared for deeply, walked a path of self-destruction.
They would find him and convince him to stop. And together, they would find another way.