Storm went on another rampage this morning. A commercial had come on the television during the morning news set to a Christmas jingle and she just lost it. "It's not even Thanksgiving yet!" she screamed as she ran out of the mansion. Once she was beyond Leech's power dampening power, she took to the air in a violent gust of wind and started to rain lightening bolts down upon the local strip mall. Some of the X-Men rushed to the scene.

Colossus picked up Wolverine and tossed him straight into the air at Storm. That's their famous "fast-ball special" maneuver, in case you didn't know. Storm blasted Wolverine with a vicious lightening barrage before he could reach her, though. His crispy body tumbled to the ground but Jean was able to catch him telekentically and soften his landing. With his amazing healing abilities, he was already coming around.

While Storm was distracted, Cyclops zapped her in the back with a rather intense optic beam. It was really much stronger than it had to be to. That boy does have some issues. Storm fell unconscious towards the Earth at a rather quick pace. Fortunately, Rogue was on hand to swoop up and catch her.

Storm was returned to the mansion and, after having her locked in the room next door to Leech, I assembled the X-Men in conference room.

"Obviously the Shadow King is goading us into attacking again," said Beast. "He wants us to launch another assault on him."

"I think you are quite right, Hank," I replied. "And unfortunately we have no choice but to play along."

"Professor, things were really touch and go that last time," said Gaia. "He's got something that nullifies powers, sort of like Leech does. I think we're going to need some more help."

"The Scarlet Witch and her X-Hibitionists have returned to their headquarters at the Dazzler's nightclub. We shall leave them in the reserve, in case we need back-up," I said.

"But Professor," Gaia continued, "we barely escaped with our lives last time. Taking less people doesn't make any sense! It's . . it's like Bush's invasion of Iraq strategy!"

"As much as I hate to say it," chimed in Emma Frost, "but I have to agree with Gaia. Bush's strategy was ill-conceived."

"Now let's not make this political," I said. "Besides, it's me the Shadow King wants. We can use that fact against him. Now then, I want you all to get a good night's rest. I'll be giving you your team assignments in the morning and then we will launch our attack!"