THE FIRST SUNSP⦻T

The sun is beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the pavement. The street is relatively quiet, with only a few people going about their business. Logan and Jose Martinez walk side by side, their footsteps echoing softly against the concrete. Logan's rugged appearance contrasts with Jose's more polished, professional look, but there's an easy camaraderie between them.
Logan: (lighting a cigar, his voice gruff) You ever wonder about Magneto? The way he think
Jose: (glancing at Logan, curious) All the time. The man's a mystery. One minute, he's fighting for mutants, the next, he's declaring war on the world. Hard to keep up with his agenda.
Logan: (nodding, taking a drag from his cigar) Yeah, well, that's Erik for you. He's got his reasons. Doesn't mean they always make sense to the rest of us.
They pass by a small park where children are playing, the sound of their laughter a stark contrast to the weighty conversation.
Jose: (thoughtful) Do you think he's justified? I mean, after everything he's been through... all the loss, the pain. It's hard not to see where he's coming from.
Logan: (exhales a cloud of smoke, his tone serious) I get it, trust me. But just 'cause you've been through hell doesn't give you the right to drag everyone else down with you. He's always pushing the line, testing how far he can go before someone pushes back.
Jose: (nodding slowly) He sees himself as a savior, though. For mutants, at least. A necessary evil, maybe?
Logan: (gruffly) Yeah, well, that "necessary evil" has cost a lot of lives. Good people, too. I've fought beside him and against him. Man's got conviction, I'll give him that, but sometimes I wonder if he's too far gone to see the damage he's done.
They continue walking, the sound of their footsteps blending with the distant hum of the city. Jose seems deep in thought, his hands in his pockets as he considers Logan's words.
Jose: (after a pause) Do you think he can change? I mean, really change? Or is he too set in his ways?
Logan: (grimly) People like Erik... they don't change easy. Maybe he's got it in him, but it'd take a hell of a lot to make him see things differently. And even then, who knows if it'd stick?
They reach a corner, and Logan stops, looking down the street with a contemplative expression.
Logan: (with a sigh) World's full of folks trying to save it in their own way. Problem is, not everyone agrees on what that means. Erik... he's got his way, and it's a hard one. Just gotta hope it doesn't end in more bloodshed.
Jose: (quietly) Let's hope so, Logan. Let's hope so.
Logan and Jose Martinez continue their walk, the earlier conversation about Magneto lingering in their minds. The street remains quiet, almost too quiet, as they pass by a series of empty shops. Suddenly, Jose feels a strange sensation, an unease that makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up.
Jose: (stopping abruptly, his voice tense) Logan, something's not right. I can feel it... something dangerous is coming.
Logan: (immediately on alert, his hand moving to his side) You sure, kid? What're we talking about here?
Before Jose can respond, Logan's instincts kick in, and with a snikt, his claws slide out, glinting in the fading sunlight. Jose's eyes narrow as he channels his powers, his body igniting with black and fiery energy as not fully transform into Sunspot.
Jose: (glancing around, his voice firm) I don't know what it is, but it's close. Be ready.
Just then, they spot a figure swinging towards them at high speed. The familiar red and blue suit of Spider-Man comes into view, his movements frantic. He lands a few feet away, breathless, his eyes wide with panic.
Spider-Man: (urgently) You guys need to run! Now!
Logan: (frowning, not lowering his claws) What the hell's going on, Webhead? What're we running from?
Jose: (echoing Logan's concern) Yeah, what's the big rush?
Before Spider-Man can answer, his body suddenly convulses, and a horrifying transformation takes place. His skin turns a sickly grey, his eyes cloud over with a dead, hungry look, and his mouth opens to reveal jagged, decaying teeth.
Zombie Spider-Man lunges at Logan with terrifying speed.
Logan: (shouting) What the fuck!
As Zombie Spider-Man's teeth come dangerously close to Logan's neck, Jose Martinez reacts instinctively finally fully transform.
With a burst of intense heat, he sends a blazing inferno towards the undead Spider-Man, engulfing him in flames. The zombie screeches in agony before disintegrating into ashes at their feet.
Sunspot: (breathing heavily, his voice shaking with disbelief) What the hell is going on?!
Logan retracts his claws, his eyes narrowing as he surveys the scorched remains of what was once Spider-Man. The street, which had been so quiet moments ago, now feels ominous, as if something much worse is lurking just out of sight. The wind picks up, carrying with it a faint, sickly-sweet smell of decay.
Logan: (grimly) Whatever it is, it ain't good. We need to figure this out, and fast. There's more where that came from, I can feel it.
Sunspot: (determined) Let's split up and find some civilians! We need to get them to safety!
Logan: (shouting after him) Wait bub, don't you da-
But before Logan can finish, Sunspot takes off into the sky, his fiery trail leaving Logan behind on the street.
Logan: (frustrated, muttering to himself) Danggit, bub, why do you always leave it to me?
Sunspot flies over the city, his senses on high alert, scanning the streets below for any signs of civilians in danger. As he soars above a familiar neighborhood, he spots someone he knows all too well, his wife, Carol Danvers, aka Ms. Marvel. She's hovering in the air, her expression as tense as his.
Sunspot: (yelling over the wind) Carol! What the fuck is going on?!
Ms. Marvel: (equally exasperated) That's my question too, Jose!
Before they can exchange more words, Ms. Marvel's eyes widen as she senses danger.
Ms. Marvel: (shouting) Incoming!
She darts to the side, narrowly avoiding a fast-moving object. Sunspot turns just in time to see a zombified Iron Man rocketing towards him, the undead Avenger's eyes glowing with malevolent hunger.
Zombie Iron Man: (in a distorted voice) This world is ours to feed!
The impact is brutal. Zombie Iron Man slams into Sunspot, dragging him down from the sky and crashing them both into the ground with a deafening thud. The pavement cracks under the force, dust and debris flying everywhere.
Sunspot: (gritting his teeth, his voice strained) Carol, get Caroline out of the school! Now!
Ms. Marvel: (hovering above, torn) But Jose!
Sunspot: (punching Zombie Iron Man with all his strength, his voice desperate) Now, Carol! Get them safe!
Ms. Marvel hesitates for a split second, her heart wrenching at the sight of her husband battling the undead Iron Man. But she knows he's right. With a sharp nod, she turns and rockets away, her mission clear: protect their child at all costs.
Sunspot and Zombie Iron Man are locked in a brutal struggle, the air around them thick with heat and tension. Sunspot's fiery fists clash against Iron Man's decaying armor, each blow sending sparks flying. The undead Tony Stark, with his hollow, hungry eyes, inches closer, his teeth bared for a deadly bite.
Zombie Iron Man: (in a guttural voice) You'll be a fine meal, just like Sunspot in my world!
Sunspot: (struggling to push him back, desperation in his voice) Stark, you need to stop! This isn't you!
Zombie Iron Man's response is nothing more than a growl as he lunges forward, his metal teeth bared, ready to bite down on Sunspot's shoulder. Just as Sunspot braces for the impact, a massive shadow looms over them, blocking out what little light remains in the late afternoon sky.
Sunspot: (glancing up, eyes widening in horror) Shit!
Above them, the monstrous form of Zombie Hulk descends, his decaying muscles rippling with unnatural power as he prepares to smash down on both of them.
Zombie Hulk: HULK WANTS TO EAT HUMAN BRAIN'S NOW!
The ground beneath them shakes from the sheer force of the incoming attack.
Sunspot: (acting on instinct) No time to think!
With a powerful kick, Sunspot sends Zombie Iron Man flying backward just as the massive form of Zombie Hulk crashes down, obliterating the spot where they had been fighting. The ground shatters like glass under the impact, debris flying in all directions.
Sunspot doesn't waste a second. He ignites his flames to maximum intensity and rockets into the sky, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow from Zombie Hulk. As he ascends, he looks down at the destruction below, his mind racing.
Sunspot: (flying higher, his heart racing) That was too close...
Sunspot: (flying away, his voice filled with urgency) I've gotta find Logan... and tell X-men fast. This is getting way out of control!
-LOCATION: Scarsdale Senior High School-
The classroom is empty, save for Caroline D. Martinez, Franklin Richards, and Valeria Richards, who are huddled together in a quiet corner. The room is decorated with colorful posters and educational materials, but the atmosphere is tense and charged with concern.
Caroline, who has been quietly fidgeting with a small object in her hands, looks up as Franklin's question hangs in the air.
Franklin: (voice filled with concern) Caroline, do you think your parents are going to be okay? I mean, with everything that's been going on... the arguing, and the rumors about your dad having an affair with Rogue...
Valeria: (listening intently, her expression sympathetic) Yeah, Caroline. We're worried. Things have been so strange lately.
Caroline's eyes meet Franklin's, her face a mix of worry and determination. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts.
Caroline: (softly, but firmly) My dad... he's a good person. He's not like those rumors say. People say things that aren't true sometimes. I know he's not bad.
Franklin: (nodding, still worried) But with all the fighting and the rumors... it's hard to ignore. You think they're gonna be okay?
Caroline: (nodding slowly, her voice steady) They will be. My mom and dad love each other. They'll work it out. They're strong.
Valeria: (gently) It must be hard, dealing with all this. But you're really brave for saying that.
Caroline: (smiling slightly) Thanks. I know they'll figure things out. They have to.
The three of them fall into a thoughtful silence. Caroline's hands fidget with the small object again, a comforting habit. Franklin and Valeria exchange glances, appreciating Caroline's reassurance but still feeling the weight of the situation.
Suddenly, there's a faint sound of footsteps approaching. The trio quickly glances toward the door, their brief moment of calm interrupted by the possibility of someone discovering them out of class.
Franklin: (whispering urgently) Someone's coming. We need to hide.
Valeria: (nodding, her eyes scanning the room) Quick, over here.
They move swiftly, finding a hidden corner behind a stack of books and supplies. The footsteps grow louder, and the door creaks open. The three of them hold their breath, trying to stay quiet, as the reality of their situation remains ever-present.
-BACK TO MC-
The grand entrance of the X-Mansion is eerily quiet as Sunspot lands with urgency, his heart racing. The once lively home of the X-Men feels abandoned, with no sign of life anywhere. The mansion's hallways, usually bustling with activity, now echo with silence as Sunspot rushes inside.
Sunspot: (shouting, his voice echoing) Hello? Anybody there?
His footsteps quicken as he moves through the empty corridors, the tension mounting. The mansion's emptiness is unsettling, and every creak of the floorboards sends a chill down his spine. As he rounds a corner into the main living area, his breath catches in his throat.
There, in the middle of the room, is a horrifying sight. Zombie Wolverine, covered in blood, is crouched over Storm, who is barely recognizable.
Her body lies motionless as Wolverine tears into her flesh, his claws slick with her blood. The sound of ripping flesh fills the air, grotesque and horrifying.
Zombie Wolverine: (noticing Sunspot, a twisted grin forming on his blood-stained face) Too late, bub.
Sunspot stands frozen in shock, his mind racing as he watches Zombie Wolverine take another savage bite out of Storm's leg. The undead version of Wolverine lifts his head, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent hunger.
Zombie Wolverine: (mockingly) Better save your own kid... before it's too late.
The realization hits Sunspot like a freight train. It's a trap a setup meant to lure him away from his family. Panic surges through him as he snaps out of his shock, the horror of what he's just witnessed fueling his urgency.
Sunspot: (shouting, his voice filled with terror) CAROLINE!
Without a second thought, Sunspot ignites into flames and rockets out of the X-Mansion, his heart pounding in his chest. The image of Zombie Wolverine and Storm burns in his mind as he speeds towards his daughter's school, desperate to reach Caroline and Carol before it's too late.
Sunspot: (flying faster, his voice desperate) Please be safe... please be safe...!
The wind roars in his ears as he pushes himself to the limit, racing against time to save his family from this nightmare
.
.
.
Sunspot arrives at the school, his heart pounding in his chest. As he lands, the fiery energy around him dissipates, and he powers down, becoming Jose Martinez once more. The urgency in his movements is palpable as he rushes toward the entrance of the school, shouting desperately.
Jose: (shouting, his voice echoing through the empty hallways) Caroline! Caroline, where are you?!
The hallway he enters is dimly lit, the flickering lights casting ominous shadows along the walls. The strong metallic scent of blood hits him like a wall as he takes a few more steps inside, his eyes widening in horror at the scene before him. Blood stains the floors and walls, smeared in a chaotic pattern, and his stomach turns.
Jose: (gagging, covering his mouth) Oh, God...
He doubles over, vomiting from the sheer horror and the smell. His body trembles with the realization of what he might find. Swallowing hard, he forces himself to stand and wipe his mouth, fighting back the tears that threaten to overwhelm him. He staggers forward, each step heavier than the last.
Jose: (shouting again, his voice breaking) Caroline! Please, where are you?!
The school is eerily silent except for the occasional drip of blood from somewhere unseen. Then, a sound reaches his ears—a faint, wet, chewing noise coming from the direction of the student cafeteria. A feeling of dread settles over him as he moves toward the sound, his heart pounding faster with every step.
Jose: (whispering, almost pleading) Please, no... please, no...
He pushes open the doors to the cafeteria, and the scene inside stops him dead in his tracks. His worst nightmare has come to life. There, at a blood-soaked table, are his daughter Caroline, along with Valeria and Franklin Richards. Their faces are twisted into horrifying versions of their former selves, their mouths stained with blood as they feast on the remains of their fellow students.
Jose: (choking on a sob, tears streaming down his face) Caroline... no... not you...
Zombie Caroline looks up from her grisly meal, her once-bright eyes now clouded with the same mindless hunger that consumed Zombie Wolverine. For a brief moment, there's a flicker of recognition, but it's quickly drowned by the primal urge to feed. She lets out a low growl and lunges at her father.
Jose: (screaming, his voice breaking) No!
Instinct takes over. Jose's arm bursts into flames, and with a heart-wrenching cry, he thrusts his burning hand forward, piercing through Zombie Caroline's chest. The fire spreads, consuming her as she lets out a final, guttural scream. Jose's tears fall freely as he watches the flames take her, his soul shattered.
Jose: (crying, his voice filled with anguish) I'm so sorry, Caroline... I'm so sorry...
But there's no time to grieve. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Zombie Valeria and Franklin turning their attention to him, their twisted faces filled with hunger. With a heart heavy with despair, he ignites both of his arms, flames roaring to life as he braces himself.
Jose: (voice quivering) I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry my baby...
As they charge at him, he unleashes a wave of fire, incinerating them in an instant. The cafeteria is bathed in an eerie glow as the flames die down, leaving only ashes and charred remains in their wake. Jose collapses to his knees, the weight of what he's done crashing down on him.
Jose: (whispering, his voice hollow) What have I done...?
Jose Martinez is on his knees, tears streaming down his face as the weight of his nightmare crushes him. His breath is ragged, and his whole body trembles with the horror of what he's just experienced.
Jose: (crying, voice shaking) This is a nightmare... this can't be real...
Suddenly, a familiar voice breaks the silence, sending a cold shiver down his spine.
Zombie Ms. Marvel: (in a twisted, mocking tone) Yes, it is...
Jose's eyes widen in terror as he slowly turns around, his heart pounding in his chest. There, standing in the doorway, is a horrifying sight Zombie Ms. Marvel, her face twisted into a grotesque smile, blood dripping from her mouth as she moves closer, ready to devour him alive.
Jose: (screaming in terror) No! No, please!
Just as Zombie Ms. Marvel is about to pounce, Jose jolts awake, his scream echoing through the room.
Jose: NO!
He's drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. It takes him a moment to realize that he's back in his room, safe and sound. One of his goons is standing by his bedside, looking concerned.
Goon: (worried) Boss, you okay? You were screaming...
Jose: (panting, trying to catch his breath) Yeah... yeah, I'm fine. Just a weird dream...
The goon nods, but the concern on his face doesn't fade.
Goon: (hesitant) Boss, the Kingpin wants to meet with you tomorrow. You okay with that?
Jose: (rubbing his temples, still shaken) Okay, okay... just let me sleep, alright?
The goon nods again and quietly leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Jose lies back down, staring at the ceiling, the remnants of the nightmare still haunting him.
Jose: (whispering to himself) What the hell was that? Was that a dream? Am I a hero? Who's Caroline and Carol...?
He shakes his head, trying to push the thoughts away.
Jose: (whispering, dismissively) Nevermind... just a nightmare...
He pulls the covers over himself and closes his eyes, trying to find some semblance of peace. But as he drifts off to sleep, the unsettling feeling lingers, making him question the reality he's always known.