Disclaimer: I do not own the X-Men, only made up characters. I pulled out as many facts as I could, but if you have any suggestions, then please feel free to tell me.
When you think of life, you think one of two things, those who have lived privileged lives and those who have not been so fortunate. Those who have not lived a life of silver and gold, live one of pain and death. Only considered sloppy seconds, looked at as stray animals, or pest. They are overlooked; uncared for, disregarded, and constantly coating the black roads red with their very own blood. I fall in-between both lives. At one point I lived a life of silver and gold, and now, I am sloppy seconds. I am viewed as a stray dog. Where do I begin? I barely know how to determine the beginning of this story. So I'll start where I believe this tale should begin.
Chapter One (The Blackfoot 'Indian')
It is a misconception that 'Indian' is the proper term to call my people. To properly address us, our tribal name should be given, but unfortunately that will not happen. My people were divided between Alberta and Montana. Many people believed our name derived from the discoloration of moccasins from ashes. Some believe that our tradition of women tanning their skin gave us our name. I'll allow you to come up with your own conclusion. My people call me Sisika, meaning bird. They say when I was born, the birds flew towards me as if I were they're own, hints the name. I know, how original. My father is called Chief Pallaton, meaning warrior. My mother was a black woman. A woman I have never met, only seen pictures of. They say I look like her. She's beautiful in her pictures. My father believes she's dead, but my spirit feels otherwise. If you were to ask me how my mother and father met, I would not be able to answer you. That's another story for later. At any rate, my people were well known for their hunting, and fighting abilities. Believe it or not, but our tribe consisted of over 120 people. We were not attacked for years. We were divided in bands or groups of 10 and 12. Each band consisted of a leader and healer. Just like any society, our bands were defined by place of residence and rank of the leader. I loved the summer. My people would gather around for tribal gathering and ceremonies. Memberships were only for the strong and sacrificial. I remember when I was 9. One of our long time enemies, the Crow tribe attacked us. I remember the smell of smoke and blood in the air. When battle is in order, my tribe paints their faces. The chief and bandleaders were wearing specific tribal markings to inform our enemies of their rank and title. I used to laugh at all the boys who were fighting in battle for the first time. Trust me. If you heard the silly derogatory names my father would give them, you would laugh too. But, I assure you, once they've stolen their first horse, or killed their first enemy, they would be given a name of honor. We would barely win that battle, loosing over 40 tribe members and 3 first born. It's going to take us years to bounce back.
When I turned 13, I remember vividly how my powers began to surface. My eyes went from hazel, to a deep royal blue. My hair, also from black to deep royal blue. My agility, strength and speed were all enhanced. As strange as this sounds, there's more. I can manipulate water. I can even allow myself to become a form of water, if that makes sense. It's like my body will be in this liquid state, yet I am solid. I know, I sound coo-coo, but it's true. I showed my father, trying to open up to him and he said ' Sisika! Stop this witchcraft. I don't ever want to see this again!' So…I kept it to myself. That was almost 7 years ago. Here I am, now, 19 and it is time for me to be given away. My father is anxious to find me a husband, but no man of our stature will want to marry a cursed woman. The one fool my father found is named Akecheta, meaning fighter. He is not only one of the most handsome men in our tribe, but he is the strongest, and best hunter. I know. Who could ask for more? But I called him a 'fool' for a reason. He reacts on emotion more than rationality, and he has gotten into many brawls because of his temper. I cannot see myself marrying him, but my father says 'I am in no position to be picky', which he is right. One day, I needed to get away, so I went to the river called North Saskatchewan River, which is our largest rivers. I sat on the edge and allowed the wind to wrap around my body. I pondered on my very near future for hours, atleast until the sun rests under the horizon. I mean, I know I've said this, but I can't marry a man like Akecheta. I rather marry a starving bear, and be his dinner. If only Akecheta had other views of life. He is so ignorant. We are so different; we can't even pick corn without arguing. Can't a woman pick corn in peace? Later, I heard footsteps, right behind me. They were heavy, so I assumed it was a man. My first thoughts were 'Here comes Mr. High-strung, to inform that the sun has set' As if I cant notice it's dark outside. I rose to my feet, ready to beat him at his own game, but when I turned around, it was a white man, right infront of me. His eyes were piercing, he was slightly slender, he had a baldhead, and he was in a wheelchair. A man with a jacket and ruby glasses was pushing him. I stood proudly, gearing to accept a fight. I mean it's not everyday you see two white men in our parts. They usually stay in the city, and if they are here, usually they want more than directions to the nearest city. But I…I heard someone in my head, speaking to me.
"We are not hear to hurt you, Sisika"
"Who was that?" I said closing my eyes and covering my ears.
"It was I. I am Charles Xavier, and this is Cyclops" the bald man said gesturing to the man with the ruby glasses.
"What is that you want? I hope it is not what I am thinking," I said on the defense. Our women have been getting raped lately, and I refuse to be a victim. If you rape me, then I'm raping you.
"I am not looking for anything of that nature. I have found what I am looking for. Sisika, I know who, and what you are. Your special abilities to manipulate water and moisture in the air. Your bodies ability to literally become one with this powerful force," he said, causing me to back away.
" And what is it to you?" I asked staring at him like meat.
"I would like you to join my elite team of X-Men. We fight for the greater good. We protect mutants and humans…" he began.
"What are these mutants? And who are X-Men?" I asked confused cutting his sentence off. I remember hearing rumors about them, but never really knowing exactly who or what they are.
After hearing Charles Xavier explain exactly who and what the X-Men were, I have to say, it was intriguing. I mean, the whole, saving human and mutant kind was pretty overwhelming. Do I really want the world resting on my shoulders? But, I would be with other mutants, people who understand exactly what I am going through, and maybe they can help me. Now I just have to run this to my father.
"I am glad you came?" my father said.
"What? You knew about this?" I told him walking towards them.
"The X-Men. I have heard great things and believe they can help you. I know you are special, and I have done all I can for you as a man and a father." He said grabbing my wrists. "I can not help you with these gifts you have been given, but this man can" He said gesturing towards Charles
"What about the wedding and…"
"I know you Sisika. You do not wish to marry Akecheta. I will not force you. I will however, tell you to go with these men, I will be here waiting for your return" He said. I just stared blankly at my father, unsure of what to think. He went into his quarters and came back to me with a silver armlet.
"This will protect you, and ward evil spirits away. This was my mothers, so cherish it, as I have," he said grabbing me for an embrace. Tears escaped my eyes, and I could not believe this was it. This was the beginning of a new life.
I followed the men until we were on the flat plains of my land. I looked back towards my father and noticed has usually proud stature was slumped and appeared weak. I couldn't bear to see him like that. I quickly turned away and continue following the Cyclops and Charles.
As I walked with these men, this strange black thingy appeared from thin air. I know. That sounds insane, but there was nothing infront of us only seconds before. I refused to walk any closer.
"It's ok child, it is only the blackbird" The professor began. "It is safe, and will get us home" he said. He held his hand out, and I willingly took it. I went aboard this 'blackbird', and sat in one of the seats Cyclops told me to sit in. He put a safety belt on me, and the Professor took a seat next to him. I looked out the window, as the blackbird began to take flight. I sat back in my chair and shut my eyes.
" This is it. Chapter two"