Hey guys! So, this is my first X-Men fic! I based the reader's powers on waterbending from Avatar: The Last Airbender. If you don't know what that is, you should totally look it up! :) Hope you guys enjoy!
—X—X—X—
I checked the clock.
9:30P.M
I sigh. Finally, I can go home.
I was just finishing locking up the local library I worked at. It wasn't the best paying job, but I loved books. Plus, it was a quiet job. Which is good for people like me...
A mutant.
Let me back up. My name is Y/N. And from what I've researched, I'm a Hydrokinetic. That means I can control water. Cool, right? Except, that means I'm a mutant and mutants aren't exactly "liked." In fact, they're pretty much hated. So the quieter the job, the better. No one really pays attention to librarians. They certainly don't listen to you when you tell them to 'shush.'
I grab my bag from under the front desk and make my way out. I make sure only the security lights are on and then lock the doors. The streets are pretty much deserted this time of night. Only the streetlights keep me company as I make my way back to my small apartment. The place I live in is somewhere between a city and a town. Too small to be a city, but too big to really be a town. Just big enough that I'll go unnoticed, but not so big I feel like I'm drowning. I call it home, but it's not. I left home a long time ago.
My parents died when I was eighteen. My younger brother as well. It's a memory I don't like to relive..
I grew up in a small town. Which was nice... For awhile. But in a small town, people talk. So when a young girl started doing weird, unnatural things, it spread like wildfire. People would stare, whispering behind my back. Kids would bully me relentlessly. Most of the time, I was miserable. My parents did their best to support me. But they honestly had no clue what to do. 'How to Parent a Mutant' isn't exactly in the Parent Handbook. My little brother didn't understand either. How could he? He was so young.
The day of the 'incident,' as I call it, seemed normal. Well, normal for me. My dad made breakfast for everyone before work and school.
"Thanks, Dad." I say, smiling softly and grabbing a plate of eggs and toast.
He smiles back. "You're welcome. All ready for school?"
"Yeah. I'm pretty sure I'll ace my history test." I say, shoving a spoonful of eggs in my mouth.
"Glad to hear it." He responds.
"Good morning!" My mom calls, making her way into the kitchen. Dad hands her a cup of coffee. Mom takes a sip and smiles.
"Perfect. So what's going on today?"
"Y/N was just telling me she thinks she'll ace her history test." Dad says.
"As much as she loves history? I should say so!" Mom looks at me with a smile. "We raised a smart daughter."
I grin. "Thanks, Mom."
Even though they weren't sure how to raise a mutant, they still cared about me and loved me. So for their sake, I didn't tell them I was dreading going to school. While I liked learning, and learned quickly, I didn't want to face the bullying of the students and the judge-mental stares of the students. My senior year it seemed the bullying and alienation had reached a whole new level. Then again, so had my powers. If I got too emotional, my powers would flare. Like, say, if I was being bullied.
One time, some kids were pushing me around and calling me a freak and I got overwhelmed. Next thing I knew, all the water fountains in the hall exploded. The hall was quickly flooded. The bullies definitely didn't leave me alone after that.
I quickly finished eating my food and dumped my dishes in the sink.
"Bye, Dad! Bye, Mom!" I say, giving both of them a hug. I walk over and ruffle my little brother's hair. "Bye, buddy."
I grab my backpack and head for the door.
"Love you guys!" I call.
That was the last time I spoke to them.
The school day was long and terrible. Kids were still as horrible as ever; tripping me in the halls, laughing at me, whispering behind my back, and calling me names like 'Freak' and 'Filthy mutant.' The adults were a little better. They only gave you dirty looks and called you names behind your back. The only bright part of my day was that I did, indeed, ace my history test.
'Can't wait to tell my parents.' I think, as I walk home. I had my graded history test in hand.
But when I was still a little ways away, I could see smoke and hear sirens. I ran towards my house as fast as I could. When I got there, my house was in flames. A crowd had formed, wanting to see the drama up close for themselves. I shove my way to the front of the group to see what was happening to my house. Firefighters were trying desperately to put the flames out. I could hear some of them shouting to each other.
"It's too hot!" One yells.
"Any survivors?" Another asks.
"No one could have survived this."
My heart stopped. My mom stayed home and my dad should have been back from work. My brother rides the school bus everyday, so he should have been home from school as well..
"No.." I whisper.
'They couldn't all be gone... They couldn't! How could this have happened?'
Then I saw it. Painted in the driveway were the words, 'Filthy Mutant.' The horrible truth hit me; my family was dead and it was all my fault. I couldn't breathe. It felt like my chest was being crushed. Tears filled my eyes and threatened to spill over. The smell of the smoke made me nauseous. I turned around to run- and saw the whole crowd staring at me. They recognized me. I could see the hate in their eyes.
"No.. No.." I whimper. I felt like my heart was going to explode. "No, no, no, no, NO!" I scream and cover my head. There was a loud groaning sound before multiple fire hydrants exploded. Everyone screamed in fear and ran for cover. I took the opportunity and bolted, my history test forgotten on the pavement. I only glanced back once. The water gushing from the fire hydrants and the fire trucks managed to put out the fire.
'Goodbye.' I think. 'And I'm so sorry.'
Thankfully, I had some cash on me. I was able to buy a bus ticket out of town. It wasn't until that night, when I was riding in the almost solitary bus, that I allowed myself to mourn.
I cried. I cried for hours and hours. At some point, I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, the bus was stopping and I was a long way from home. I stayed in a homeless shelter until I was able to get a job at the library. The little old lady who managed it took pity on me and hired me. It took me awhile, but eventually I was able to rent an apartment. I still didn't have any friends and still wasn't accepted for who I really was, but I was safe. And that was enough.
Or so I thought.
I'm brought out of my thoughts at the sound of two sets of footsteps behind me. At first, I thought nothing of it. There were always a few stragglers out this late. Possibly drunks. But after turning two corners and the footsteps still being behind me, I grew wary. I pretended to look in a shop window as I walked past. Sure enough, in the reflection of the window, there were two men following behind me. I took a subtle deep breath.
Then I bolted. I ran as fast as I could, my converse slapping the pavement. I darted down side street after side street. Eventually I had to stop and catch my breath. I leaned against a brick building in the entrance of an alley, gasping for air.
I think I lost them..
A rustling sound made me tense up. There was a decent sized puddle in the alley from where it had rained earlier in the day. Something moving in the shadows made me take action. I quickly manipulated the water, pulling it off the ground and forming a stream of water, poised to attack.
'I wouldn't do that, if I were you.'
The sudden voice makes me jump. The two men from earlier step out of the shadows. I look for a way out but they stood in the entrance of the alley, boxing me in. I cursed myself for stopping at a dead end alley. I quickly studied the men, hoping to find a weakness or opening. I didn't know a lot about self defense, but I knew some, considering I had to fend for myself for the last four years. The shorter of the two men had longer hair, nicely styled. His clothing was very well put together and looked high quality. While I was wary about him, his blue-grey eyes seemed kind.
Obviously he has money. His eyes seem to say he can be trusted, but then again, so did most of the people in my home town..
The taller man had shorter brown hair that was immaculately styled, not a hair out of place. He was dressed more casual, but still very nice. His blue-green eyes had a haunted look in them, like he had seen too much in his lifetime. I knew because it was a similar look to my own.
Control freak. Has money, but not as much as the other. Some traumatic event most have happened to him. He seems to have an air of anger about him... A quick strike should throw them off..
I get ready to fight my way out. The shorter man puts two fingers to his temple.
'You're very observant, and quite on point with your assessment of us. Please, there's no need for violence. We just want to talk.'
I gasp at the sound of his voice in my head. Before, I thought he had spoken aloud but now seeing him in person and seeing how his lips never moved, I'm astounded.
"H-How are you doing that?" I ask.
'The same way you are controlling that water. You didn't think you were alone, did you?' The man asks.
"Well, I'd heard stories, rumors, about people like me but I've never gotten to meet one before." I reply, hesitantly.
"My name is Professor Charles Xavier, and this is my associate Erik Lehnsherr. Now you've met two people like you." The shorter man, Xavier, says. He actually spoke aloud that time.
"I'm Y/F/N.. Y/F/N Y/L/N. So, you can talk inside people's minds?" I ask him.
"I'm a telepath." Charles clarifies.
I nod. "So you can read minds and communicate with others."
Professor Xavier looks surprised. "Yes, among other things. You know about telepathy?"
"I studied anything to do with mutants the moment I found out I was one." I respond. I still kept the water poised, I didn't what these two men wanted. "What about you?" I nod my head to Erik.
"I can control metal." Erik states.
"Magnetism." I nod again.
"Indeed." The Professor says, sounding impressed.
"As you can see, I'm a Hydrokinetic. I control water. Now tell me what you want from me." I demand.
"Per the government's request, we are building a team of mutants to assist them. There's a mutant by the name of Sebastian Shaw who has his own team of mutants, including a telepath. They are trying to put Jupiter missiles overseas to create World War III. If Shaw gets his way, there will be massive chaos. Thousands of innocent lives will die. We need your help."
"Wait.. You want me to help you fight a war? Me? A twenty-two-year-old girl?" I ask, incredulously.
Are these guys insane?!
"We might be a little insane, yes. But we need your help."
Right. Telepath.
"Your powers are quite spectacular. You would be very useful. Not to mention you'll be with other mutants. You won't be judged by them. It will be a safe place for you to use your powers." The Professor assures.
"So, what? I just drop everything and go with you? Two complete strangers?"
Professor Xavier and Erik exchange a look.
"Here, will this help?" The Professor reaches into his coat pocket. I tense, ready for anything. "Hey, take it easy." He says. He slowly pulls a business card out and holds it out. I scan it quickly. It was a very official looking CIA business card. I didn't recognize the name, then again I've never met a CIA agent in my life. Or any government agent for that matter. After looking into the pleading eyes of Professor Xavier, I finally let my guard down. I release the water, letting it fall back into a puddle on the ground.
"Okay.. But the first sign of dishonesty, and I'm gone. And don't try to stop me." I warn.
"Deal." The Professor agrees.
"I think I'll like you." Erik muses. They both lead the way out of the alley.
"Can we stop by my place and let me grab some stuff?" I ask.
"Of course. But I suggest you pack light. We have a long trip and I can supply you with whatever you need." Professor Xavier responds.
Right.. Lots of money.
We walk in silence the short distance to my apartment.
"Wait here." I say, going inside.
I make my way quickly and silently to my apartment on the second floor. I unlock my door and enter. I head straight to my bedroom. I grab two spare sets of clothes, a set of pajamas, and some toiletries; throwing them in my backpack. I take a quick look around my apartment, seeing if there was anything I absolutely couldn't live without. My old school binder caught my eye. I opened it and saw the picture of my family still tucked inside of it. Their smiling faces stared up at me. I smiled back sadly. I tucked the photo in an interior pocket of my backpack. I also grabbed a small box that had a silver ring my dad gave me when I was eleven, and put it in the bag as well. Then I zipped it up and slung it over my shoulder. I took one last look at my tiny apartment, before locking the door and jogging silently down the stairs.
When I made it back to the Professor and Erik, they were leaning against a car that was there when we arrived. Erik moves around the back of the car and opens the back passenger door.
If this car was here when we arrived...
"Spying on me, were you?" I ask.
The Professor smiles apologetically. "Yes, well we weren't entirely sure where you would be at what time. So yes, some spying was involved."
I chuckled lightly and got in the car. Erik shut the door behind me. The Professor takes the driver's side while Erik takes the passenger's.
"So, where are we headed?" I ask.
"A secret CIA facility." Professor Xavier responds.
"Because that doesn't sound threatening..." I mumble.
Erik snorts.
Well, this is it. Off to a new life...
—X—X—X—
Hope you guys have enjoyed! Review, let me know! Your feedback is greatly appreciated! :)
~Kate