Disclaimer: I own none of these characters. The X-Men belong to Marvel. All other characters belong to themselves.

Pairings: None.

Rating: Let's say PG-13. I like to err on the safe side.

Summary: Professor X hears about two young Canadian mutants.

Notes: This story is set in the early days of the X-Men, before Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, etc. joined. I haven't read many of the early comics, so some character's personalities and ages may be off.

Two Elves and a Dragon

Chapter 1

"Fur and Feathers? Times Square Books? I don't remember making purchases at any of these stores." Professor X thought, "Perhaps I'm losing my memory due to age, but it seems far more likely that someone has been charging unauthorized purchases to my Visa." He made a note to speak to the X-Men about it then opened his other mail, which was a letter from Canada.

Dear Professor Charles Xavier:

My name is Kate Bowdler. I run St. Ignatius' Orphanage in Hasty Creek. I am writing because you are a world-renowned expert on mutants. The board of Directors has recently created a policy of testing for the "X-Factor". In the latest round of testing, two of the children here tested positive. The directors have informed me that the children cannot remain here as they are considered a risk to the other children.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate any foster homes or orphanages that are able
to take in potential mutants. There is a metahuman facility in the province, but there are
some reservations about placing small children there.

I am hoping that you may be able to offer some possible solutions.

Yours sincerely,
Kate Bowdler

"I'm so glad you were able to come." Kate greeted Professor X warmly. "I haven't had any luck finding a new home for the children, and the board won't budge on this. They insist that mutants are a danger to the other children as well as the orphanage itself."

Professor X looked serious. "There is a small risk, as some mutants are unable to control their powers when they first manifest. Not many have destructive powers, however. Most mutations only affect appearance. It is unfortunate that the only mutants who get on the news are the dangerous ones."

"Especially since the governors seem to get all their information from the evening news."

"Can you give me any more information about the two possible mutants here?"

"They're siblings. Blaise isseven and Becka is five. They are both well-behaved, intelligent, and in good health." She passed a small photograph across her desk. "The other boy is their half-brother Jakob. He's ten and he's tested negative for the X-Factor."

Professor X examined the picture. It showed three blond children smiling uncertainly at the camera. The two boys were dressed in well-worn jeans and sweaters, while the little girl wore a plain blue dress. He handed it back to Kate, who placed it back in her desk drawer.

"Jakob was placed in another orphanage about a year ago. His mother said she was unable to control him. The superintendent there described him as a troublemaker." Kate pulled a large folder out of her desk. "This is what they sent with him when he was transferred here. I haven't had any problems with him, though."

"Do the children have any relatives who might take care of them?"

"Their mother passed away a month ago. The only relative I know of is a cousin, but we've been unable to get in contact with him. He's a professional athlete and was too busy to go to the funeral. The children don't know him, anyway."

"Not much of a chance there, then. Would it be possible for me to meet the children?"