The coming battle of Avengers vs. X-Men is fast approaching and many characters will find themselves faced with the decision of where their allegiance lies. It used to be that mutant heroes pretty much stuck to the X-teams. These days we're seeing more and more dip their toes into the Avengers' pool. Several characters are even currently members of both teams at the same time.
We don't know the specifics of what event will spark the flame that will consume both teams. What we have seen so far suggests that in involves the Phoenix Force returning to Earth and Hope Summers, the mutant messiah. We recently saw both teams fight each other in AVENGERS: CHILDREN'S CRUSADE (along with the Young Avengers) but this coming clash appears to be set for a bigger stage.
Being part of a team is a huge responsibility and the characters on both teams aren't ones to take their roles lightly. When the fighting begins, whose side will they fight for?
== TEASER ==It should be made clear that this isn't necessarily a mutants versus non-mutants fight. Most likely a good portion of the fight will be over the life or fate of Hope Summers but it looks like it's more about dealing with a threat to the world and beyond (the Phoenix Force). The fact that Hope may be the chosen vessel for the Phoenix Force is an unfortunate position for her to be in.
Wolverine
Wolverine can be one of the noblest characters around. He will always do what is best for the greater good and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty if necessary. With X-Force, that's mainly what they do. They take out threats in a permanent fashion.
Wolverine has recently had a major clash with Cyclops, the poster boy for everything related to the X-Men. Their disagreement was over the treatment of the young mutants. Wolverine didn't feel they should be treated as mere soldiers, preparing for a fight that would cost them their lives. Moving to the East Coast, he opened up the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning.
In this battle, Wolverine will be placed in an awkward position. He will have to choose between fighting alongside Cyclops once again or whether or not he is able to take out Hope, permanently. His affection and desire to raise and protect young (female) mutants might make the decision for him. He is dedicating his time to the young mutants. The fact that the Phoenix Force is involved may stir memories of Jean Grey within Wolverine as well. Despite his warrior attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to end any threats, chances are he will fight alongside the X-Men in order to protect Hope.
Storm
Storm has barely been a member of the Avengers. As soon as she joined, it seemed she's spent more time unconscious on the team (from Norman Osborn's attack) rather than actually fighting alongside the team. Storm is one to have a level head and understands there are some decisions that need to be made. She will not condone killing as a solution.
If the fight is over dealing with Hope, it really depends on what the Avengers tactic will be. If the Phoenix Force is coming for her, how could they prevent it from taking and using Hope as a vessel? Death might be the only option but that's not how the Avengers deal with things. For Storm to decide, it will really depend on what methods are decided upon. But due to her short time with the team, chances are she will choose the X-Men over the Avengers.
Beast
Beast is another member that has spent long periods of his career on both teams. With one of the kindest hearts within both teams, he also has one of the most analytical minds. He will play out every possible scenario in his mind. He will approach the problem from all angles and come up with what he believes to be the best solution.
Beast isn't one to condone killing either and was outraged when he discovered Cyclops formed a killer squad of X-Men (with X-Force). Recently, as part of the Secret Avengers, Hank's decision lead to the death of many members of the Shadow Council. His decision saved millions of lives but it wasn't something he is proud of. If Hope poses a threat to the world (and universe), Hank may realize that she must be contained or stopped. Chances are he will side with the Avengers on this one.
Namor
Namor has spent time with the Avengers but has recently dedicated himself to the X-Men. He has stood by their side throughout all their conflicts of late. He has also spent a bit of time alongside Hope. This makes it clear that he will fight anyone that threatens her. The fact that Emma Frost is on the team also guarantees where his allegiance lies.
Scarlet Witch
Even though she's a mutant, Scarlet Witch has never been a member of the X-Men. With her recent guilt and attempt to to restore the mutant abilities to those that lost them during M-Day. I question whether or not she'll be a candidate for the Phoenix Force. She may not have telepathy, which seems to be a common trait, but she is (or was) an extremely powerful mutant. Because of any guilt she might feel over what she did to the mutants while in her crazed state, chances are she's going to side with the X-Men.