My name is Ava and I am a mutant. The word itself carries a lot of weight, yet its concept is alien to the majority of the human population. Sadly, we must share this world with those who fear us, hate us and those who wish to exterminate us. Some of us perceive their powers as a divine gift; they consider it a blessing. I wish I could see it the same way as them, but the reality is entirely different. From the very moment I discovered my 'gift', I knew my life would never be the same.
Broadcasts of innocent people killed by ferocious gangs of mutants were dominating the news. I foolishly believed them. It was on the day I became one of those 'killers', I finally apprehended how the world works. I could see clearly. I could see the hate emerging day after another; it was a matter of time before it would climax into a mass genocide of mutants. Sorrow, confusion and desperation weaved themselves into my life. Apocalyptic thoughts began to consume my brain. I can remember the endless nights of staring into the moon, expecting it to turn red and mark the beginning of an end. But it never did, not yet.
Years passed and I started to see that my previously established division of black and white never truly existed. I met as many corrupted mutants as I did humans. Pages of grey began to unfold, as a glint of hope ignited within my heart. It's that hope which led me to Professor Xavier and him to me.
Are my powers a blessing or a curse? I am yet to discover that. What I do know, is that there are people like me out there: confused, worried and tired of running. I will find them and we will unravel the unknown together.
From now on I won't run or hide. Today I begin my new life at the X-Mansion. Once lit, the hope within me burns like a star. I will keep it lit for as long as I live.
X-Men: A New Hope
To be continued…