A New Generation:

Alex's Plight.

Alexander Grey looked out over the rolling grass surrounding the Mansion. He could just hear the birds singing from his room, catch little snippets of his peers laughing as they played some game or other. He knew with a cold certainty right then; he was alone. In this world where friends meant everything, where having someone watching your back was the ultimate security blanket, Alex knew he was alone.

He left the window seat, wistfully, grudgingly. As he walked across his room he caught his reflection in the mirror.

:Jeesh!! I look like hell…no hell might just look more attractive than me right now. What happened?:

His once copper red hair had turned a bright red, one that loomed awfully close to burgundy. His once fair skin, all cream and slight tan, had become sickly transparent. His bright green eyes that shimmered, had been replaced with dull, lifeless green. He scrutinized every aspect of himself, and in horror knew that something was wrong. He ran a hand over his taught abdominal area, flexed his biceps, they were still ok, although they had lost some of their mass.

:I need to ask Ororo for a break, I look awful. I wonder where mom and dad are? I'll ask the professor. But first; Ororo.:

He grabbed his jacket from the peg by the door, and floated his wallet from the dresser. He looked around for his keys, but couldn't see them anywhere. He closed his eyes and concentrated, they were inside his jacket.

:Use your God-damned hands once in a while you twit!!:

He walked out and closed the door behind himself. The hallway was deserted, then again, most of the guys and girls his age hadn't just come home from a three month mission in Antarctica. They hadn't chased Magneto et al through half of that forsaken ice-continent. They hadn't faced off against Avalanche in places where his power was truly and inequitably dangerous. In other words, they weren't full X-Men, they were here, in the cozy old Mansion, surrounded by rolling grass, tempered pools, tennis courts, and other pleasantries. Alex did not know how to balance both sides of his life successfully, and it cut deep to be ignored by his peers, and undermined by his elders. He was caught in between, and there was nothing he could do about it.

He made his way to the Southwest Wing, the one that all the X-Men used as their quarters and offices. Ororo would be at her desk, catching up on all the missed paperwork from her mission to Zimbabwe to rescue Nightcrawler. It seemed to Alex that lately, more and more so since January, most of the missions they were sent on were rescue missions.

He approached her door, voices from inside floated out, a little muffled, but still perfectly understandable.

"He can't know what his real powers are, he's merely a boy. We have to find and neutralize him before Eric does, and you know that Ororo." Anna Marie's voice drifted out, her lazy southern drawl making the entire sentence sound like a single word. "Y'know the professor ain't gonna let us do it, but ya also know we gots to, he's dangerous to himself, and to us…my mind is, we send Alex, they're close enough in age that he can gain the boy's trust like we can't."

Alex froze, his entire body going rigid, he could feel a strand of his power flowing out, fast and deadly, he directed it at the nearby window, and with a thought flung open Ororo's door.

"Before you even THINK about sending me on another mission, I want you to REALLY look at me, Rogue, Storm, I'm not speaking as Alex, I'm speaking as Imperium. I am not up to anything…I can barely sleep…I'm going to Hawaii. I'm going to relax, whether you like it or not." Alex's voice was sharp, controlled, and poignant. Damn their plans, he needed rest, and if he had to he'd go A-WOL.

Ororo's piercing blue eyes darted to him, Alex felt tentacles of lightning being held back by sheer willpower. He stood his ground, his jaw set, hands and arms rigid at his sides, back taut as a harp string. He wouldn't back down. He couldn't let them drive him into the ground, he was overworked, and he needed to relax, to regain a vestige of humanity. He returned her glare, knowing that if she held on long enough, she would actually see him, not just the cursory glance they always spared for him, but actually LOOK at him.

"Listen, very carefully to me now Alexander Grey, for it'll be a fool's errand if you don't. I am the leader of the Blue Team, therefore your orders come from me, not from Rogue, no offense Anna, so if I say you will do something, so you shall." Her voice bit into him, severing all his thought processes, "Right now, I want you to pack your things, and go to the cabin your parents bought near Alkali lake. You have three weeks' leave, I suggest you enjoy it."

Alex turned to leave, no words were safe, not right now, not when storm could hardly keep her face in control.

"Alex…one more thing. One more outburst like that one, and you'll be back to trainee status…understood?"

"Yes, Ms. Munroe, understood." he stood at the door, his body frozen in fear and fatigue. Storm looked at him one more time.

"Dismissed" the word was bit off, an order if he'd ever heard one.

He backed out and began his walk to his room, half-way there he let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. Relief spread over him in warm, comforting waves. Ororo had given him the time off, better yet she'd sent him to Alkali lake. Alex loved that place, nothing but woods and water as far as the eye could see, and that cabin, that cabin was so relaxing even Magneto would mellow out if he spent time in it. He couldn't wait to get there. Some R&R was exactly what he needed right about now.

:Alex, before you leave, I'd like a word.:

Prof. X, of course he would, after all it was seldom anyone went anywhere without his having the last say. Alex veered right and headed for the elevator, with any luck this'd be a short visit, then he could be on his way. As he got to the elevator his mind began to wander, all he could think of were birds, and the sound of water, and light summer breezes through the boughs of evergreens. It was in this mindset that Alex boarded the elevator and walked in the Professor's office.

"Take a seat Alex." the Professor was looking out the window, his fingers steeped before his face, an utter look of concentration on his face "I know that Ororo has given you a leave of absence, and I can sense, and see why. I am sorry that you've been deployed so many times in such a small amount of time, however I wanted to talk to you as to why" the wheelchair moved, and the Professor's eyes were on him.

Alex flopped unceremoniously into one of the overstuffed chairs that sat in front of the Professor's desk, after all Charles Xavier was like his grandfather as much as he was his teacher. "Prof, look I know I shouldn't whine and moan because I know that we're shorthanded, it's just that I feel like I'm being given these assignments, and performing fairly well in them, and yet I still feel like the new kid, even though by all accounts, Magma is younger and newer than I am." his voice came out hoarse and unsure, after all whining wasn't what a battle-seasoned X-Man was supposed to do, but apart from that Alex was still just 20, his level of maturity wasn't that of Storm, or Rogue, he could whine.

"I understand, and I am sorry that Ororo, Remy and the others take that stand with you, but you must remember that to them, you're not only a teammate; you're part of their family. Perhaps in trying to protect you, they lost track of who you are." the look that the professor fixed on Alex would have leveled a building. "However young man, I would like you to keep a better rein on your temper, not only is Ororo you team leader, she is also your elder, and your godmother. I expect that you give her the righteous respect that is due to both those stations."

Alex sank in his chair, he knew Storm hadn't yet spoken to the Professor, but any argument had within the Mansion's walls and campus was likely to be quickly picked up by Xavier, after all, he had to ensure the safety of every student on campus, he needed to be in control of every situation.

"I know, and I am sorry. I'll apologize to aunt Ororo before I leave…I'm just…I don't feel quite human right now. I'm so tired, and I barely recognize myself anymore, even my powers are outta whack." Alex felt so tired, he decided to postpone his trip until the morning.

"Alex, the reason you and every other available team member has been deployed so often, is that…Magneto is moving quicker than he ever has. That alone is cause for alarm, but now he is making strikes at very precise locations, on very precise times, and getting through our ranks very quickly. No real harm has come to any of them, but they are injured, or disabled. I am trying to keep us all together, but it has indeed become harder and harder to do that." the expression on Xavier's face grew worried and distant, his brow knitted in concentration.

Alex felt the all-too-familiar twinge of broadcast thoughts, he extended his senses toward Xavier, lending his own strength to the Professor, hoping to amplify the range of reception. He met no resistance, his mind merged with Xavier's, twin strands looking for a common target.

:Professor…can you hear me? It's Jean, Scott and I are fine, but Psylocke isn't, I just got her message. Scott and I are heading to Barbados to help her out, Remy is headed there as well. Ill inform you when we get anything else. Hello Alex, be good. Your father says hello, and sends his love, as do I. Take care of yourself, and be mindful of Ororo and the Professor. Charles, I can't hold this anymore. I will speak with you later.:

Alex felt the power ebb and withdrew his own power. Jean's voice had been crisp and clear, perhaps a little strained but since she'd broadcasted from Okinawa, it was to be expected. She had sensed him in the thread, that gave him hopes that maybe they would try and contact each other soon. His mind wandered to his father, and the now all-too-familiar lump swelled in his throat. He remembered every word of that faithful day, and every inch of him wanted to take it back.

3 Months Ago

Alex stood in the kitchen of the Mansion, knives, spices, pots, pans, food and many other things whizzing about him. He'd never been so angry in his life, he'd never felt so utterly betrayed.

"Lex, we have to talk. Your behavior, out there…in here, it's beyond reproachable!!! What made you think you could use full power on Iceman? Are you insane or just plain old stupid?!?" Scott's voice was like waves, hitting Alex like buckets of ice water.

:Did any of you stop to think, that maybe there was something more behind MY outburst? Did you consider that it might have been provoked?:

"Use your voice Lex, you don't need to use telepathy, it's unnecessary. This type of utter disregard for others, this…display of power at every chance, this smugness you have about you, this is why Bobby and the others keep you at arm's length!!! You think you're better than them just because you have an X-Men uniform?!?" his words dripped ice and ire, their edges cutting deeper and deeper into Alex's already battered self-esteem "I told Jean this was a bad idea, I even told Charles…but you've got such potential…if only you could use it in the right way, but you're too vain to even see that, too coddled to use all of it right!! I'm revoking your assignments, as your father, and as your team-leader. Turn in your gear…I never thought I'd be so disappointed in you"

"I never thought I could hate you…and I do you know? I hate you. You're so preoccupied with being a 'team-leader' with keeping the 'good of mankind' that you've never been a father, you've been a teacher and a leader, but never father…I'm glad my last name isn't Summers, 'cause quite frankly, I'm disgusted by the thought…" Alex could see his father's expression withdrawing, hiding, but he was angry, he didn't care, not now. "I've been the only one here with both my parents, most of the others were rejected by their families, but I was born to mutant parents in a mutant school…and yet my father is more absent in my life than Bobby's or Amara's are in theirs. You're disappointed in ME? Hunh!! I never even had expectations of YOU Scott after all, Charles has been more my father than you'll ever be…"

Alex lifted himself off and out of the kitchen through the window, his anger rising higher and higher. He had to get away from Scott, he had to get away from them all. He floated to the East Gardens and flopped onto a bench, feeling drained and utterly exhausted. He let the familiar sounds waft over him; the call of blue jays, the feel of the wind, the wind chimes that hung from Ororo's window.

:Why can't he understand? He's always judging me before he even knows what happened, always ready to be judge and executioner, but never jury…he's so pig-headed…and still I love him all the same. If only he could be more my dad than Cyclops sometimes…:

:And do you ever let him know?: Jean's mind-voice was clear as always, tinted with a jingling so unique it gave her a certain "signature." :you know Alex, this has to go both ways…he's not a mind-reader and he's not a person to let people in easily. Love, you both have to try.:

:Mom, I try. He's so cold, even Psylocke isn't that bad, and her last name is Frost for God's sake.:

:Doesn't mean he's not trying in his own way. Go apologize to him. You never know if those are the last words you'll ever say to him.:

Alex rose from the bench and began walking towards the Mansion. His thoughts were a cacophony of sound in his head, every single one being seven. He rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes, he knew the grounds well enough that he could walk them blindfolded.

"Hey, Lex. Can we talk" Bobby Drake's voice drifted to him, and he was sure trouble was brewing "the hell was that in the Danger Room? It's a training exercise you moron, not an actual mission"

"Leave it be Robert. You and I both know what really happened, don't play the victim with me" Alex wheeled around, facing Bobby. "you goaded me into it, and you don't want the Professor to know that do you? You know he can delve in my head…are you willing to risk it Icecube?"

Alex dug his heels into the ground and readied his mind, if Robert wanted a fight, then Alex was happy to comply. Bobby was Alex's main problem at the Institute, ever since Storm passed Bobby over for a promotion handing it to Alex, Bobby had made Alex persona non-grata and his little circle of friends was happy to oblige.

"Just 'cause your Jean's son that don't give you the right to treat the rest of us like scum Imperium, and it's my job to make you remember it"

Iceman launched himself at Imperium, his body coating in ice as he flew the ten feet that separated them. Imperium levitated out of the way making Iceman crash against the stone planter behind Imperium.

"Back off Iceman. I'm pulling rank…back off or I'll transfer you to the Junior Squad." Alex hated pulling rank on his peers, after all he didn't feel it was any fair, but Bobby was a different thing, Bobby was his public enemy.

"You wouldn't dare!!!" Bobby's anger dripped from his words in unchecked waves, crashing against Alex's nerves.

"You're right Robert. Alexander wouldn't…I on the hand, well I WOULD. Back Off." The voice was unmistakable, Cyclops.

"You know…Mr. Summers, this whole thing ranks…he's no better than I, and yet he's the one getting all the perks."

"You think I want them? You think I asked for this? If you want it so bad, come with me to Storm's office…I'll gladly give this shit up." Alex landed next to Bobby, his body tensed with repressed emotion. "Y'all think that I somehow asked for this or something, but it was thrown at me…I don't want this shit!!! I want to be at school, I want to sit on the sideline for another year or so…I DON'T WANNA BE AN X-MEN!!!!!!!!"

The ground around them heaved, and several of the nearby planters lurched 20 ft into the air, Scott, Bobby, Kitty all floated up five feet.

:Alex…let them down:

Alex relaxed, lightly putting everything and everyone back on terra firma. He could feel his frustration pushing at his inner shields, straining them, lashing at them. He breathed deeply, hoping to keep his powers under control, hoping to calm the bitterness that engulfed him. He couldn't let his powers get the better of him, it was dangerous and Alex knew it with a certainty that was as undeniable as the fact that he needed air to survive.

He stood there, surrounded by people who cared little about him; his disapproving father, envious school-mate, and his bitter ex. Perfect. The people he'd least wanted to break down in front of, were the people who'd cornered him.

:This blows ass…ugh! How could I lose my cool with these shit heads around me:

Jean arrived then, her auburn hair flowing in the light breeze, her gaze fixed on her son. She walked with the confidence that could only be gained by having lived through what she had lived through.

"Iceman, one week suspension for the stunt you pulled in the Danger Room today. Shadowcat, 3 days suspension for failing to alert school staff of a possible fight on school grounds. Imperium, two weeks suspension for losing control under duress, and for lashing out with your powers at fellow students." There was a tone to her voice that barred all arguments, Alex knew he deserved it, but he wasn't all there about Kitty's.

"Professor Grey…I accept my punishment as is, but I don't think it's fair to punish Shadowcat for something she really had no opportunity to do. I'll take the extra time unto my own punishment, rather than let her take a fall for something that's not her fault."

"Imperium…you're right, so Kitty gets to walk, and you get three more days. Bobby, Kitty get back to class. Cyclops, Imperium, follow me."

Alex and Scott shuffled behind Jean, to Charles' office. And still the last words spoken between them were mean and curt. Upon arriving at Charles' office, Jean and Scott were deployed to Aruba.

It had been three months, and still the words sat heavy as led in Alex's stomach. He felt awful at the mention of his dad's name, he had come to his defense and Alex knew that deep inside that outer shell, Scott loved him.

"Are you still ruminating on the fight with your father?" Charles' voice shook him from his reverie, jarring Alex back into place "You should know that he's forgotten about it. Scott and Jean both know that youngsters say certain things when they're angry, just for the sake of hurting their parent and elders…Scott knows how much you love him, and he's only worried about your safety. Leave in the morning for Alkali lake. I will speak to Storm and allow you an extra week, but remember to be mindful of any activity there. That's all for now Alex."

Alex rose from the chair and walked out of Xavier's office. He knew Xavier was right, but it still bugged him, he loved his father and the way they'd left things was simply not Kosher.

As he entered his room Alex couldn't help but feel endlessly tired, he shuffled to the private bathroom and opened the faucets, setting the water at the right temperature. He undressed dazedly and stepped under the stream of warm water, letting it unknot his muscles. After 20 minutes he stepped out, toweled himself off, got his favorite pajamas on and gave himself into the blessed arms of sleep.

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Author's Note:

Hello all, I hope that you like this story. It's not my first fan-fic, but it is the first one I have posted to this site.

Some questions that you might have (AKA Alex's last name) will be addressed in the next chapter.

I hope you enjoy it, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail adds New_.