Rogue Replacement: A Marvel Story

Chapter 84 - Part 3

Arc 7 - Ch 1: Opening Morning

Date: Monday, August 29, 2011.

Location: House of M, Manhattan, New York

Tyson slid into the car, which was waiting for him in the garage at House of M. Jubilee and Jean Grey were already in the backseat, while Maki sat behind the wheel, ready to drive them to their first day at Empire State University.

As the car pulled out, Tyson turned to his friends with a grave expression. "There's something important I need to tell you all. House of M is likely going to come under attack tonight. After your classes, I want you to head back to the Institute, where you'll be safe from what's coming."

Maki glanced into the rearview mirror, concern creasing her brow.

Jubilee's eyes went wide, her vibrant energy shifting to fiery resolve. "What? No way! I'm not just going to leave you," she declared.

Jean asked, "Do you know who intends to attack us?"

Tyson met her steady gaze in the rearview mirror. "Magneto is coming for me."

"How can you be certain?"

Tyson sighed, frustration evident in his tense posture. "Because it wasn't Felicia at the training session this morning. It was Mystique. Magneto used the same tactic the first time he tried to capture me."

Jubilee defiantly declared, "We're not abandoning you to face this alone, Ty. We've got your back, no matter what."

"I don't want either of you caught up in this mess again. It's too dangerous. I don't want a repeat of the train incident last year."

"We understand the risks, but you can't expect us to just walk away and leave you to face Magneto alone," Jean insisted.

Jubilee clenched her fists, causing sparks to dance around her fingers. "It won't be like last time on the train. I'm not going to let that freak Toad or that poser, Mystique, catch me off guard again."

Beside her, Jean agreed, "We've all grown so much stronger since the last time Magneto came for you, Tyson."

Tyson nodded slowly, but his expression remained grave. "You're right. We have gotten stronger. But remember Jean, when we were scanning for threats in Cerebro, we picked up Magneto in Sokovia. He's not going to come at us with just Mystique and Toad again. We know that Pyro... I mean, John... has been with him since Alkali Lake. And there are likely other powerful mutants he's recruited as well."

Jean's brow furrowed, her jade eyes darkening with concern. "John? You really think he would help Magneto come after you?"

"He was always hot-headed and impulsive, even back at the Institute. Who knows what kind of mindset he's in after being with the Brotherhood for so long? I don't know if I can ask you both to risk yourselves against unknown enemies just to protect me."

From the driver's seat, Maki chimed in. "Tyson, they're right. If you know your enemies are banding together against you, then you need to gather as many allies to your side as possible."

Jubilee crossed her arms. "No one's taking you without a fight."

Jean placed a reassuring hand on Tyson's shoulder. "We can handle this. We've trained hard, and we know what we're up against."

"I've been preparing for Magneto for a long time," Tyson admitted. "Thank you for standing with me. I'll be honest, I was hoping that you would fight with me, but I wanted you to know the risks."

"We're not fighting with you. We're fighting for you, just like you have for us," Jubilee stated firmly. "I'll die before I let him take you again."

Tyson sighed as the phone buzzed in his pocket. When he looked at the screen, the number was blocked. He answered cautiously, unsure who would call this early. "Hello?"

The gruff voice that responded was unmistakable and commanding. "Agent Mirage. Got some weird shit for you."

Resignation settled on Tyson's face as he rubbed his temple wearily. The day was getting more complicated.

"Director Fury, now's not a great time. I have my first day of college today, and I have an urgent situation tonight that requires my attention."

Fury's sharp voice cut through Tyson's attempt at deflection. "Well, I've got an urgent situation this afternoon. So buckle up, kid."

With no other choice, he asked, "What can I do for you, Director?"

"Last month a group of scientists investigating the impact of global warming discovered a ship of unknown origins frozen in the ice," Fury said. "SHIELD was called in to excavate the vessel." Tyson's eyes widened as he realized where this was going. Fury continued, "On July 22nd, we breached the ship. Inside, we found Captain America. He was frozen stiff. But now he's thawing, the eggheads say that he's going to regain consciousness today."

Fury finished, "Since you're the only active agent with memories from the 1940s, I need you there when he wakes up."

Tyson's eyes widened in surprise. "Of all the days..." he murmured.

"I want you at the facility ASAP. We think having someone with your connection to his time might help him adjust."

"Understood, sir." Tyson thought quickly. "Permission to bring a civilian? I know someone who could help the transition even better than I could."

"Approved. Cap is at the Times Square site, not the RAFT, so there are fewer security concerns."

"I'll be there as soon as I can."

The call ended, and Tyson pocketed his phone, turning to his friends. "Change of plans, everyone. I'm going to miss my morning classes."

"What? Why? What's going on?" Jubilee asked.

"SHIELD found Captain America. He's still alive. Since I have Sabertooth's memories, they want me there when he wakes up."

The car went silent for a moment. Jubilee was the only one in the car privy to Tyson's metaknowledge, and was left considering how this event fit into the overall course of events. Maki, maintaining her station as his bodyguard, adjusted to the changing situation quickest and asked, "Where to?"

Tyson instructed, "Keep going. We'll drop the girls off at school. I'll need to make a phone call to see if we need to pick someone up. Afterward, Times Square is our destination."

He withdrew the black band of the mutant inhibitor collar from his pocket. He wrapped the device around his wrist. Jean and Jubilee watched as he thumbed the collar's activation button and input a code. He turned to Jean, extending his open hand in offering. "Do you trust me?"

Jean's smile radiated warmth. "Of course I do."

Tyson's ability to drain life and power with a mere touch was not unfamiliar to her. During their past encounters, she had felt the pain it could inflict firsthand, feeling the very essence being siphoned from her body. Yet over the past summer months, Tyson had used his illusions to subtly mute the constant psychic din that pressed upon her mind, granting her the most peaceful time she had known. Jean lifted her eyes to study Tyson's rugged yet earnest features, reminded of the sacrifices he had made at the Institute to protect her and their friends when Stryker and his forces invaded. If he was going to stand against Magneto tonight, he would need her strength. She needed to be ready to fight herself or to let him use her strength to fight.

Steeling her resolve, Jean reached out and placed her slender hand in his open palm.

"I trust you," she reaffirmed. She squeezed his hand gently, ready for the drain on her life force. But this time, no pain came. No weakening sensation.

Jubilee gasped, and then she blurted out, "You finally figured it out!"

Jean closed the distance between them, her eyes shining with joy. She threw her arms around Tyson in a warm embrace, holding him tightly for the first time without having to worry about his life-draining touch. Tyson returned the hug, relishing the comforting feel of her slender frame against his.

"This is amazing, Tyson," Jean whispered, "I'm so happy for you that you can finally touch without hurting anyone."

Jubilee bounced over to join the hug, beaming. "This is incredible! Aww, you two look so cute together, really hugging for the first time."

At the playful teasing, Jean blushed faintly. "Oh, stop. You'll ruin the moment," she chided lightly, though her smile remained.

Laughing, Jubilee continued, "You always get so flustered when you're close to my boyfriend… Now that you can actually touch each other, should I be worried?" she said mischievously.

"I haven't truly learned to control my abilities, not yet," he admitted, holding up his wrist to show the sleek black band encircling it. "This is a mutation inhibitor collar. It disables any mutant abilities."

To both women's surprise, Tyson removed the band and held it out to Jean. "It isn't for me. It's for you."

Jean looked stunned, her eyes widening in surprise. "For me? Tyson, I can't."

"It's the only one we have for now. If House of M is going to be attacked tonight, I certainly don't need it right now. But you can at least enjoy a normal first day of school."

Jean's eyes welled with tears as she reached for the band. One of the reasons she had moved in with Tyson was that his illusions could silence the psionic background noise that constantly hounded her. Now, she had a band that could do the same thing without needing him to be nearby.

"I don't know what to say. This... this means so much to me."

He smiled softly, placing the band in her hand. "You deserve to have some peace, Jean. And to experience what it's like to be normal, even if it's just for a day."

Jean clasped the band tightly, tears spilling over as she looked at him. "Thank you. I can't express how much this means to me."

Tyson ended the illusion he'd been running over her for the past month, and Jean was inundated by all the minds nearby. She carefully placed the band on her wrist. Immediately, she felt a wave of calm wash over her. The grating noise of other minds disappeared into silence.

"How do you feel?" Tyson asked gently.

"I feel... peaceful. It's wonderful."

She leaned in and hugged Tyson tightly, this time being careful not to make any skin contact. Her gratitude and affection were evident in the embrace. "Thank you, Tyson. This means the world to me."

As they pulled up to Empire State University, Jean and Jubilee stepped out of the car, ready to face the day together. For Jean, it was a chance to experience normalcy and peace, something she had longed for. After they had departed, Maki turned to Tyson with an expectant look, clearly waiting for an explanation. Tyson held up a hand, forestalling her questions. "Let me make that call first, then I'll explain everything," he said.

Reaching into his pocket, Tyson pulled out his phone and selected Logan's number from his contacts. The line rang twice before Wolverine's gruff voice answered, "Hey kid, what's up?"

"Hey, old man, remember that time I hooked you up with those free tickets to my show for your date with Ororo?" Tyson asked.

"Yup," Logan replied simply.

"And you remember when I organized that whole show based around your life story, the one that's opening tonight and going to make you a ton of money?" Tyson continued leadingly.

"Yeah, kid, I remember," Logan said. "It sounds like you need something. What's going on?"

"Well, first off, Captain America is alive," Tyson stated bluntly. "They want me to be there when he wakes up because I have Sabertooth's memories, and Cap fought with him… well, us, back in the war. Even though you don't remember it yourself. But I want you there too because he'll actually recognize you."

Logan was silent for a moment, clearly taken aback. "That wasn't what I was expecting to hear."

"I know, it's pretty crazy. But I figured you deserved to know and to be there when he wakes up. You two knew each other and fought together, whether you remember it or not. He'll need the support, and you might learn more about your past."

"Alright, kid. I'll be there. Just tell me where and when."

"Oh yeah, and Magneto is going to attack me later tonight. Just wanted you to know."

Logan let out a long, weary sigh, "See, that. That's more what I figured you were going to say. Always fighting, always getting yourself into some kind of trouble. And it can never be easy with you, can it, kid? Teleporting demons, magical goddesses, and, of course, the one mutant we can't properly fight because he can control the metal in our bones."

Frustration crept into Tyson's tone as he replied. "I know, I know. You don't need to tell me. But it's not like I go looking for any of this." He paused, "But I've got a surprise prepared for Magneto this time. You can let Xavier know, and he can decide if he wants to do anything to help. Otherwise, grab something fast from the garage. I'll see you when you get to Times Square."

Logan grunted an acknowledgment. "Alright, kid, I'll give Chuck a heads up about Magneto. But you know how he is about his old friend." Logan's voice held a note of resignation. "He'll probably want to try and talk some sense into him."

"I understand," Tyson replied, though his jaw tightened at the thought of Xavier's idealism in the face of Magneto's relentless pursuit. "But if Magneto is coming for me, I can't afford to hold back."

"I hear you. Even if Chuck doesn't want to fight, I'll be there to back you up."

"Thanks, old man," Tyson said genuinely. "I appreciate you having my back."

Ending the call, he turned to face Maki. "Here's what's going on," he began plainly. "Captain America, the real one from World War Two, has been found frozen in ice. SHIELD wants me there when he wakes up since I have memories of fighting alongside Cap back then."

"And Logan?" she prompted.

"Logan knew Cap back in the day, too," Tyson clarified. "He just doesn't remember it. But Cap will recognize him, so it'll be easier if Logan's there."

"I see," said Maki evenly, "And this attack from Magneto?"

"Magneto is a mutant with the power to control metal and magnetic fields. He's coming after me, again." He paused and said, "Actually, now that I think about it, this will be the third time…" Tyson's voice trailed off as he considered the significance.

"Magneto leads a group called the Brotherhood of Mutants. They're mutant supremacists. He's got a shapeshifter named Mystique working for him, and she's taken Felicia's place. He's recruited more powerful mutants to come after me this time."

Maki's eyes narrowed slightly. "You have a plan?" she asked sharply.

The corner of Tyson's mouth ticked up in a faint, confident smile. "Of course," he assured her. "I've been preparing for this for a long time now. Magneto won't know what hit him."

His expression grew more serious as he continued briefing Maki. "HYDRA likely knows about Captain America being found in the ice. They'll want to get their hands on him or, at the very least, keep him from interfering with their plans."

Maki nodded slowly, considering HYDRA's likely next moves. "I will inform my appropriate contacts."

"I'll do what I can to ingratiate myself with the Captain and gain his trust. Let HYDRA know they'll have someone with my connections handling the situation."

"I'm sure the leadership will be pleased to have you on point for this operation." She inclined her head slightly. "I will update them on the development."

"And tonight?"

Tyson's expression hardened as the conversation shifted to the coming battle. "Be ready," he said, "I want you armed with both live rounds and tranq rounds when we face Magneto and his Brotherhood." A faint, almost feral grin spread slowly across his face as a thought occurred to him. "And who knows... I might even let you use Muse."

Muse was Tyson's Uru dagger, a weapon he had obtained after losing a fight on Asgard against the trickster god Loki. The mystical uru metal held an enchantment that allowed the blade to reproduce endlessly, creating a constant stream of deadly weapons in its wielder's hands. Just after graduation, Tyson had crossed paths with the vampire hunter Blade. Together, they had interrupted a ritual where Deacon Frost was trying to resurrect an ancient blood god named La Magra. He'd trapped La Magra's spirit within the uru blade, making the weapon even more powerful and deadly.

When the idea of using the never-ending throwing daggers in tonight's battle was mentioned, Maki's eyes lit up. "It would be my pleasure, sir," she purred.