The flirtation between Cyclops and a mutant singer named Dazzler exacerbates the Phoenix-controlled side of Jean Grey, leaving her open for manipulation by a secret sect of mutants coveting her immense powers for their own evil designs.

When Oracle, the psychic member of the Imperial Guard is kidnapped by Apocalypse, Professor Xavier deduces his scheme involves capturing mutants with telepathic abilities. The X-Men are split up to track them down before the villains can, which puts Wolverine & Shard in the middle of a scuffle between Archangel and a ninja named Psylocke.