X-Men Storyline

[S.S.A. Erin]

X-MEN STORYLINE

Eight years after the events of The Last Stand, the world's mutants are accepted tentatively by society. Those who were affected by the cure have yet to regain their powers, though S.H.I.E.L.D. has been considering research into the subject. Charles Xavier returned to the school in the body of his twin brother, whose mind had been destroyed at birth when Charles' powers manifested, and once again acts as the leader to the X-Men and the student body.

Since the Chitauri attack on Manhattan, Charles has been in negotiations with S.H.I.E.L.D. to make the X-Men an official unit. Just this year, the X-Men have been invited to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s newly formed 'Mutant Unit' put in place in the event of another extraterrestrial attack. The Mutant Unit reports to the Avengers Initiative, who report directly to Director Nick Fury.

The members of the X-Men and other mutants are slowly being integrated into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ranks and training to assist against the coming threat.

[S.S.A. Erin]

BROTHERHOOD STORYLINE

After the fall of Worthington Labs, the Brotherhood of Mutants scattered. With Magneto nowhere to be found and rumored to be completely powerless, the Brotherhood was left leaderless and too at odds with one another to co-operate under a new head. Those who tried to take the reins were challenged, until eventually those who had once worked together formed small groups and moved away from those they did not get on with. The once large and well networked society of mutants fell away, leaving nothing but shadows in its wake.

Of course, not everything was as it appeared. In the eight years that have passed, Eric Lehnsherr has cultivated a life for himself as a civilian and allowed the world to think him gone for good. Biding his time, the leader of the Brotherhood pushed the boundaries of his recently limited power until he had fully regained his strength. The time it took was longer than he planned, but that is neither here nor there. What matters now is that Magneto is back – and he will be looking for his Brotherhood once again. Proving beyond a doubt that he is superior – perhaps.

The question is not whether or not the Brotherhood will rise again. The question is how they will face up against Thanos and his coming armies – for Magneto has been approached and he has refused the allegiance. Eric Lehnsherr knows where such deals lead with tyrants such as Thanos and never again will he bow to another. The Brotherhood will face considerable challenges – standing against Thanos means standing with the X-Men and others who purport human and mutant equality as opposed to mutant superiority. So the real question is, will they continue to count Magneto as their leader, or remain as disbanded fugitives without purpose? Will they perhaps ignore Magneto’s wisdom and join Thanos against humanity? Only time will tell.