16179/Attack on Genosha

Attack on Genosha
Date of Scene:	09 April 2024
Location:	Hammer Bay, Genosha
Synopsis:	Clan Akkaba blow up on a vault on Genosha before leaving with the Segment of Death
Cast of Characters:	Magneto, Polaris, Havok, Marvel Girl

---

Magneto has posed:
The sun dips low over Hammer Bay, casting a golden hue over the sprawling capital of Genosha. The city, a blend of sleek modern architecture and remnants of a more tumultuous past, buzzes with activity as its inhabitants go about their evening routines. Towering buildings stand alongside open markets, their stalls brimming with fresh produce and vibrant fabrics, reflecting the diverse culture of a nation rebuilt from the ashes of conflict.

Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, strolls through the bustling streets, his presence a mixture of awe and reverence among the citizens. Clad in his iconic red and purple attire, the colours of his legacy, he moves with a regal air, the weight of leadership evident in his every step. Recently returning from a journey to Egypt, the experiences and revelations of that ancient land still linger in his mind, adding a contemplative depth to his usually stern demeanour.

He pauses near a fountain in the central square, its waters sparkling under the setting sun. Children play nearby, their laughter a stark contrast to the memories of strife that haunt his thoughts. The fountain, adorned with sculptures representing unity and resilience, serve as a reminder of Genosha's rebirth---a dream Magneto had fights tirelessly to realise.

As he watches the children, Magneto's mind wanders back to the deserts of Egypt. There, amidst the sands and ruins, he had sought answers to questions about Apocalypse and Clan Akkaba.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna Dane hadn't been to Genosha in quite some while. With all the recent problems she has experienced at Xavier's coupled with the drama at Mutant town, she's been trying to keep a low profile ever since.

But with the threat of Apocalypse's revival hovering over everyone, it was high time she returned to this mutant haven and supported her father, even if she has struggled to recruit many members for the Brotherhood recently.

Arriving from Mutant Town, she comes in a bit later than her father, dressed in her classic emerald unitard, leggings, cape and matching circlet, ever the regal Princess even if she's not sure she wants to take up the mantle.

Either way she is here to support her father and when she spots him she steps swiftly to his side, surveying the peaceful scene.

"Hello father, sorry I'm late, I hope things are well here?"

Magneto has posed:
Magneto's gaze shifts from the playing children to the familiar voice of his daughter. A warm, albeit brief, smile crosses his usually stern face as he acknowledges Lorna's presence.

"Lorna, it's good to see you back in Genosha," he says, his voice a mixture of relief and resolve. "Your presence here is always welcomed, especially in times like these."

He turns to face her fully, taking in her appearance. The emerald unitard and circlet remind him of her strength and the legacy she carries, a blend of his own ambitions and her unique identity.

"Things are stable, for now," Magneto continues, his tone becoming more serious. "But the threat of Clan Akkaba is ever-looming. The people here, they look to us for guidance and protection. Your support means more than you know."

Magneto pauses, his thoughts momentarily drifting back to the sands of Egypt and the ancient secrets he had unearthed there. He looks back at Lorna, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion rarely seen.

"There's much to discuss, Lorna. But for now, let's enjoy this moment of peace, however fleeting it may be." He gestures to a nearby bench by the fountain, indicating for her to join him.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna Dane smiles affectionately at her father. it's true their relationship has been strained at times but she is slowly trying to mend the rift, and to maybe one day take over as leader of Genosha. Their safety comes first afterall.

"But will try really threaten even Genosha? it always seems so much isolated from from the rest of the world."

Deep Dawn she knows it's always been a target for mutant haters but Lorna can sometimes be naive and maybe those looking to revive a mutant are on the side of mutants?

She nods, following him to said bench.

Magneto has posed:
Magneto's expression darkens further as he begins to explain the gravity of the situation to Lorna. His voice, although calm, carries a heavy weight.

"Lorna, there's something you need to know," he begins, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "The Segment of Death, the part of the Sceptre of Eternity we recovered, is here in Genosha."

He turns to face Lorna, his gaze intense. "I thought bringing it here would protect it from those who seek to use its power for destruction. But now I realise it has made Genosha a target."

Magneto sighs, the weight of his decision evident in his posture. "Clan Akkaba will stop at nothing to reclaim the Sceptre of Eternity. They believe in to reviving Apocalypse and ushering in a new age of mutant supremacy, but under his tyrannical rule. If they obtain the Segment of Death, they will most likely be able to complete the sceptre."

He pauses, letting the gravity of his words sink in. The peaceful scene around them---the children playing, the market bustling---seems almost fragile in contrast to the looming threat.

"We must be vigilant, Lorna. The safety of Genosha, and perhaps the world, depends on it."

Magneto's hand tightens slightly on her shoulder, a rare gesture of reassurance and trust. "Together, we can protect our people and prevent the rise of Apocalypse. We have to be ready for whatever comes our way."

Polaris has posed:
Lorna Dane seems to relax as she watches the peaceful scene around them. But when Magneto explains the magnitude of their situation she gasps.

"Really?! it's here? Then we should remove it, take it as far from here as possible! otherwise we put everyone here at risk."

Magneto has posed:
Just as Lorna suggests moving the segment as far away as possible, a deafening explosion rocks the city, the ground trembling beneath them. The peaceful scene shatters as a plume of smoke and fire rises in the distance. The sounds of children laughing are replaced by screams and the panicked cries of the citizens.

Magneto's eyes widen with alarm, and he springs to his feet. "They're here," he says, his voice filled with grim determination. "Clan Akkaba has found us."

He turns to Lorna, his expression fierce and resolute. "We have no time to lose. We must protect the Segment of Death and defend Genosha. Rally the Brotherhood. We fight now, for the future of our people!"

With that, Magneto takes to the air, his powers crackling around him as he surveys the source of the explosion.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna Dane is about to suggest calling the Xmen for back up when the proverbial sh** hits the fan. "No! not now!" she climbs to her feet, rising into the air to get a better look at the city, and makes a beeline for the source of the explosion to assess the situation.

Magneto has posed:
Hovering above the ground, Magneto moves forward, his eyes narrowing as he focuses on the distant explosion. People scatter in all directions, their screams piercing the air, creating a symphony of panic and desperation. Smoke billows upwards, dark and foreboding, staining the sky with its malevolent tendrils. The acrid scent of burning metal and scorched earth assaults his senses, a grim reminder of the destruction wrought by the blast.

His gaze shifts to one of the secure vaults, now engulfed in a roaring inferno. Flames lick hungrily at its reinforced walls, consuming everything in their path. The oppressive heat radiates outward, distorting the air and creating a hellish mirage. His mind a whirlwind of calculations and strategies. The urgency of the situation pulses through him, amplifying his determination. This is no ordinary explosion; the stakes are high, and every second counts.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna Dane takes in the scene of the chaos, eyes widened in fear and anger. "No!" emerald eyes glow intensely with power, focusing on the fleeing civilians as the blast sends shrapnel flying. She does her best to contain the explosion, using her powers to create an electromagnetic shield between the fleeing civilians and the explosion.

With her free hand she taps her comm badge, sending an urgent distress signal to any and all xmen who might be nearby.

The heat is unbearable and she flinches in response, even as she does her best to contain as much of the explosion and shrapnel while Magneto heads for the vault.

Havok has posed:
Havok gets the all call and was already suited up and here in Genosha anyway. So in he comes, flying using his powers and suit to sustain flight. "The hell is going on here?!" He calls out from the sky.

Magneto has posed:
Magneto whips around to face Lorna as she exclaims, "No!" He hears her voice trembling with urgency, eyes wide with fear. A moment later, he sees Alex Summers rushing to their side.

Magneto casts his gaze downward at the panicking Genoshians, their terror rippling through the crowd like a wave. Screams and cries for help fill the air, creating a chaotic symphony of desperation.

"Polaris, handle the people below," he commands, his voice slicing through the noise with authority. "Havok, you come with me." The tension crackles between them like electricity. "Polaris, join us when you can."

The urgency in his tone leaves no room for hesitation. Time is of the essence, and every second could mean the difference between life and death.

Havok has posed:
Havok glances around. "Alright Stay safe my love!" He calls to Polaris before angling his trajectory to head off with Magneto. "What the hell is going on here, what have I walked into?" Havok asks as he glances around. "Another attack?" He growls looking down at the chaos his plasma beams used to keep him air born. "So what's the plan man?"

Magneto has posed:
Magneto hovers in the air, his keen eyes scanning the island below. The scene is chaotic, a tapestry of turmoil and destruction unfurling beneath him. He turns to Havok, his expression resolute.

"On second thought, you help Polaris," he commands, his voice firm. "The people of this island will need your assistance more than I do."

Without waiting for a response, Magneto pivots and surges forward, a determined force heading straight towards the site of the explosion. The air around him crackles with tension as he speeds toward the heart of the chaos, driven by an unwavering resolve.

Marvel Girl has posed:
For her part, Rachel had playing 'tourist' in Genosha. It has felt...strange to be here. New. Even for a girl out of time, constantly encountering new, this was surreal. There had never been a Genosha in her timeline, not that she remembered anything about anyway. A nation for mutants, made up of mutants? Impossible. Unbelievable. And yet here it was. Magneto had done the seemingly impossible.

And while she visited scenic landmarks and spent time among the people, Rachel had kept her head down and avoided drawing attention to herself. She didn't deserve these peoples' attention. Phoenix she might have been. Marvel Girl she might be now. But she still remembered the days, the months, the years she'd spent as a Hound in Ahab's service. An indeterminable time she'd spent hunting down her fellow mutants. Even killing them. That time was far behind her, left in a future that would never happen now. But the guilt remains.

The sound of an explosion ends her rumination, however. Instincts and training combined draw her to look towards the source of the blast. She sees only the immediate aftermath. People panicking. Scattering. Smoke. Fire. Destruction. Her past in the future, rising up yet again, the sight of terror among the only people in the world like her. The mental cry of hundreds, thousands of voices in her head, filling her mind with their emotions. Overwhelming.

Enraged, brilliant crimson unfolds into psionic fire as she launches into the sky. Dressed in a black jacket, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a local band's name on it, she's not costumed for the part at the moment. But the need to protect and defend these people takes all priority in her mind. And getting some elevation reduces the sheer crush of so many frightened minds.

Initially unaware of Magneto's approach, owing to his helmet, Rachel at least makes for a much more attention-getting spectacle as the Phoenix image blazes across the sky.

Magneto has posed:
Magneto catches a glimpse of the fiery Phoenix streaking across the sky from the corner of his eye. He halts mid-flight, turning to face the magnificent bird. Awe and curiosity mix within him as he wonders what this sight could mean. He presumes it must be the result of someone's powers---this is not a phenomenon that occurs naturally. But who could possess such abilities? He racks his brain but cannot recall any mutant with the power to manifest a Phoenix shape in flight. Could it be linked to the enigmatic Clan Akkaba? He isn't sure. Regardless, it is a distraction from the task at hand.

focusing, Magneto propels himself towards the site of the explosion---the vault containing the Sceptre of Death. As he arrives, he surveys the scene. The eastern wall of the vault has been almost entirely destroyed by the blast. This is the first thing he notices. The second is the dozen or so figures dressed in robes. Some are already inside the vault, while others stand on this side of the wall, waiting. The air is thick with tension, and Magneto senses that a confrontation is imminent.

Marvel Girl has posed:
The sheer scale of that Phoenix image begins to reduce to something less overwhelming as Rachel reduces velocity. She's coming up on the site of the explosion herself and she sees she's not alone in the air. That psionic fire pulls back little more than a halo as she approaches towards Magneto's side, her trajectory plainly less of a direct intercept and more of a parallel course. Assuming he doesn't object or react to her getting within conversational distance, Rachel comes close enough to be observed for the young redhead she is, whose resemblance to Jean Grey is marked to say the least.

She initially waffles between 'Erik' and 'Max' but even with the helmet on, she picks up on a degree of uncertainty on his side. She slows her approach velocity while keeping an eye on the people in robes below. "Magneto," she settles on instead. "I'm here to help." Her voice is strong, still worked up over what's happened but her face and tone suggest she's genuinely glad to see him. "How do you want to handle this? You take half, I take half?" Now there's a bit of playful banter in her tone. His reputation is clearly not a frightening one for her.

Magneto has posed:
When Rachel lands, Magneto turns to glance at her. He doesn't recognise the mutant, but he sees the resemblance to Jean Grey. A mutant that he is familiar with. He decides that this must be some relation to the favourite psychic student of Charles Xavier. Therefore, she must be on his side. At least in this conflict.

Then one of the cloaked figures steps forward and drops the hood down from around his face. His face is square and angular with a look of fierce determination. His red hair is pulled back into a ponytail.

"You will not stop us, Magneto," the man states. "You will not stop us leaving this island. It is our destiny to resurrect the Eternal Pharoh once more. We already have obtained the other pieces of the Sceptre of Eternity. And now we have come here to obtain the last piece. Then we can complete the Sceptre. Then the Savior will bring a new era of mutant supremacy to the world."

Magneto grunts at the mention of mutant supremacy, "Mutant supremacy is a foolish idea. I have come to realise that myself. Mutants do not need to rule the world to live in peace. I have brought peace to mutants here on this island. A peace that you threaten by wishing to bring back Apocalypse. A threat that I cannot ignore and stand by idly."

"Then it looks like you leave us with no choice," the man replies. He pulls of his cloak throwing it to the floor. Underneath the cloak the man bears his torso which displays a red symbol across his chest. He lifts his arm up, which shifts into the shape of a blade.

Marvel Girl has posed:
Apoclapyse. Rachel has memories, faint as they may be, of leading a resistance movement against him in another future that won't come to pass. It's -painful- to hear him being brought up again, by cultists willing to blow up mutant facilities. The hypocrisy of it draws a grimace from her, erasing any of the pleasure she'd had in seeing Magneto again.

Once more, the image of the Phoenix unfurls like a massive banner in all directions from her. "You people never learn," she hisses down at them. "Apoclapyse is no savior. He wants only the strong to lead. Himself, in other words! He'll use you and discard you like the stepping stones you are to him. Mutants like him, mutants like you are the reason Sentinels exist and why the future stands on the knife's edge of genocide for our kind. Stop this! I won't let you bring destruction down on our kind again!"

She's ready for them to make the first move.

Magneto has posed:
The red-headed man charges towards Magneto with a ferocious intensity, his blade arm raised high above his head, gleaming menacingly in the dim light. His eyes burn with determination and rage, every muscle in his body taut with the promise of violence. Behind him, other cloaked members of Clan Akkaba surge forward in unison, their movements synchronized and purposeful. They form a dark, menacing wave of hostility, their faces hidden beneath their hoods, creating an aura of faceless dread. The air is thick with the sound of their footfalls and the rustle of their cloaks, adding to the mounting tension.

Magneto stands his ground, a pillar of unwavering resolve amidst the chaos. His eyes narrow, assessing the threat with cold precision. He can feel the magnetic fields pulsating around him, ready to be harnessed at a moment's notice. His stance is firm, feet planted solidly on the ground, and his hands subtly begin to move, preparing to manipulate the metal around him. The hum of magnetic energy grows louder, an almost imperceptible vibration that signals his readiness for the imminent clash. His mind races through possible strategies, each one calculated to neutralize the attackers swiftly and efficiently.

Suddenly, a strange sound cuts through the cacophony of approaching footsteps and the hum of energy. It emanates from within the vault behind them, distinct and otherworldly. The noise is sharp and abrupt, like the sudden snap of a camera shutter, but imbued with an eerie, resonant quality. It's a sound that can only be described as a blink, a disconcerting auditory anomaly that instantly grabs Magneto's attention. His senses sharpen, and he casts a quick glance towards the vault, his curiosity piqued and his instincts on high alert. This unexpected noise hints at something unknown and potentially dangerous lurking within, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

Marvel Girl has posed:
Rachel sees the incoming masses and fears little for Magneto. She remembers seeing him handle numbers before, with an effortless ease even her powers would be hard-pressed to pull off. Suddenly conscious of her choice of outfit, she telekinetically rearranges the molecules of her clothes into her Marvel Girl costume, which is mostly a crop top and shorts done in a distinctive green and gold pattern, with a white belt and a pair of golden gloves.

Then she falls from the sky like a comet. The Phoenix fire swirls and condenses down around her, funnel outward as she extends one hand into a fist. A great three-taloned claw of fire matches the gesture, smashing down amid these cultists in a furious blend of telekinetic power and psionic fire. She lands a moment later, among them.

"I'll hold them here!" she calls out to Magneto. "Fly past me, get inside and stop whatever they're doing in there!" What was that strange sound anyway...?

Magneto has posed:
Magneto turns to look at the redheaded woman. She seems resolute with determination as she prepares to confront the charging members of Clan Akkaba. She seems confident and no stranger to battle. If she is any relation to Jean Grey, Magneto muses, then she likely possesses formidable mutant powers. The thought offers him a moment of reassurance amidst the chaos.

After a swift assessment of the situation, Magneto nods in approval. He then rises gracefully above the ground, lifting himself well above the heads of the charging mutants. His cape billows around him, and his eyes remain fixed on his target---the vault. With a focused mind and a surge of magnetic energy propelling him forward, he begins moving towards it.

However, an unexpected force slams into him with tremendous power. The impact catches him completely off guard, knocking him off his intended course. He tumbles through the air, struggling to regain his bearings. With practiced skill and a surge of magnetic control, he quickly halts his descent and steadies himself. Magneto's eyes narrow as he spins around, ready to face his assailant.

Before him hovers a four-winged mutant, her red skin a stark contrast against the dim, chaotic backdrop. The ornamental helm she wears obscures her eyes, adding an air of mystery and menace to her appearance. Despite the helm's coverage, a smirk is visible beneath its brim, exuding confidence and malice. Her wings beat with a rhythmic power, keeping her aloft as she fixes her gaze---or what he assumes to be her gaze---upon him. She radiates an aura of danger and unpredictability.

She dives at him once more, her wings slicing through the air with fierce intensity. Magneto braces himself for the attack, his mind calculating the best way to counter. But just as she charges, the strange blink sound reverberates through the air again.

Marvel Girl has posed:
Despite her best intentions, Magneto's blocked. And Rachel has her hands full. She's experienced any number of tough fights. But a direct confrontation with a score or more of mutants in service to Apocalpyse, believers in his might-makes-right philosophy, is a signature example of a tough fight. So she brings what she has to bear.

Still on the ground, Rachel radiates telekinetic energy. There's no way to be in the middle and not be hit from behind. But she can erect a barrier around herself to hold back most conventional attacks. Psionic flame flashes out as she extends her hands, sending punishing force in a myriad of directions. Rachel's not trying to be outright lethal but neither can she afford to be gentle with adversaries this dangerous. She sends forth fire to scorch and telekinetic blows hard enough to break bone.

As the fiery energy pours out of her, distinctive black tattoo-like marks seemingly radiate across the circumference of her face. Rachel's eyes become panes of energy. And her shoulder-length hair radiates out behind her in waves, now transformed into fiery whirls of energy.

Magneto has posed:
As Rachel creates a barrier around herself, another blink sound echoes through the air, sharp and disconcerting. Channeling her immense power, she unleashes a torrent of fire and telekinetic energy at the charging cult members. The flames roar forward, licking hungrily at their cloaks, while invisible waves of force strike with unrelenting precision. The cult members falter under her onslaught, their advance momentarily halted by the sheer power of her defence.

Meanwhile, high above the fray, the four-winged mutant dives at Magneto once more, her red skin gleaming ominously. The blink sound repeats, a haunting echo that adds to the tension. Magneto reacts swiftly, summoning a protective magnetic barrier. The mutant crashes into it with a force that reverberates through the air, her momentum completely stopped by the invisible shield. She struggles against the barrier, her frustration palpable, but Magneto's focus remains unbroken.

Another blink resounds, clearer this time, and suddenly, realization dawns on Magneto. He pieces together the pattern---one of the members of Clan Akkaba is a teleporter, using their ability to whisk away cult members while the others create distractions. The attacks were a ruse, designed to divert attention from the true objective.

Before Magneto can react, the teleporter reappears, grabbing the remaining cult members, including the four-winged mutant, and vanishes with them in a final, decisive blink. The battlefield falls eerily quiet, the sudden absence of the attackers creating an unsettling calm.

Magneto immediately flies over to the vault, urgency propelling him forward. He lands amidst the wreckage, his gaze sweeping over the destroyed eastern wall. His heart sinks as he peers inside---the Sceptre of Death is long gone, taken in the chaos. The vault, once a fortress of security, lies in ruin, a stark reminder of their loss. Magneto clenches his fists, a mix of frustration and determination surging through him. The battle may be over, but the war is far from won.

Marvel Girl has posed:
The battle is fierce, needing her to flex much of her full strength against this many adversaries. But the blinks keep going off. Rachel ignores the first several, assuming if it's a problem it'll come to her sooner or later. The fear and reactions of Genosha's civilian population in the background crowd her mind. The anger and devotion of these cultists immediately around her also press in on her psychic senses. Both effectively screen her from discerning the teleporter's thoughts in their midst. Only when they appear and vanish the attacking force right in front of her does Rachel realizes what's happening.

She grinds her teeth and the Phoenix image above her shrieks in matching frustration. Then the flame is gone, as swiftly as she'd summoned it forth, leaving only Marvel Girl alone on the ground, staring at the ruined vault before her.

Rachel sighs and looks up at Magneto. She gently drifts up to meet him in the air. "I'm sorry, Magneto. I wasn't fast enough. So many thoughts and feelings here." She presses one hand to her temple. "I should have read their plan, seen through this strategy. This got out of control too quickly." She takes a deep breath and looks resolved. "Next time, it won't. I'll be ready." Then realization settles in as she picks back through her memories and makes a certain discovery. "...I'm not sure that we've actually met, now that I think about it. I'm Rachel. Rachel Grey. I help the X-Men, when the occasion comes up. I'll help you too. What you're doing here...it's a dream come true for me. I'll defend it with you."