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Fanfic Idea 6

Dr. Higurashi

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Xavier quickly glanced over the paper Jubilee had used for her assignment, avid curiosity written all over his face. An exercise in media slant and spin had most of the students picking anti-mutant pieces from local sources. So the fact that Jubilee, the poster child for a self-absorbed upper-middle-class teenager, had come up with a Japanese doctoral thesis was curious in and of itself. But from the small bit she'd had translated, he'd grown very interested in meeting the person responsible for writing the paper.

"It seems that Miss Jubilee has found a very interesting piece of literature, amusing mistranslation aside. I'm sure Mr. Fire will be happy for another day to put together his report, so I will read the conclusion of the paper for you. Possibly you will find something quite interesting about it as well, once properly translated." His smile brought the kids in, and there was a low roll of laughter from everyone except Jubilee. The teenager in question just threw her hands up, huffed and returned back to her desk. Xavier smiled at her thoughts, which were quite a contrast to her actions, before turning his attention back to the paper she'd left on his desk. Picking it up, he read it out loud to the waiting students, getting quite a different reaction to it than Jubilee's humorous rendition had received.

"'—And so, while much of the mutant phenomenon can be attributed to a biological leap in evolution, one cannot dismiss the probability that there is a link between the mortal world's quickening and the spiritual world's sudden decrease over the past two hundred years. Thanks to Japan's isolationist policies, we are the only first-world country with firm proofs of the existence of spiritual life forms and their relationship with the human world. Our tenshi, youkai, mononoke, and akuma are thoroughly documented, and most shrines have journaled accounts of the decrease in their sightings.'

"'This knowledge of our cultural heritage is why we must not follow America and the European countries in their persecution of the so-called mutants. Instead, we should follow the example of Buddha and the teachings of the monks and priests of both Buddhism and Shintoism, accepting those who have ascended to a higher spiritual plane and assigning them proper roles in our society. They are not hafu, as some in the Diet have contended, but rather a rebirth of our rich heritage; heralds of the return of spiritual power to our illustrious nation.'"

Putting aside the paper, Xavier further explained, "Hafu, in the sense it was used in this paper, means half-Japanese. It is most often a statement of fact, that one is of mixed blood, but culturally speaking, people of mixed-blood are heavily discriminated against. It's been less than a century since the old imperial system was dissolved by the American occupation of Japan after WWII, so most Japanese, especially older folks, still have a sense of class strictures. Younger people are breaking down these walls, but it will take many more years before being hafu will not be looked down upon."

"Sounds like an old propaganda film," Andrew said, rubbing the bags under his eyes. An inability to sleep combined with a love for TV and movies and a mutation that gave him control over electronics made the twelve-year-old the resident expert on video culture.

"Yes, it does. But that's the difference between America and Japan. We are encouraged to be individuals, to question authority and government. Japan, however, is a nation dedicated to homogenization. One does not argue with the status quo, and even if a youth decides to be different, there are acceptable ways of being so."

"Like Visual Kei?" Jubiliee asked, flashing a CD case.

"Yes." The Professor chuckled. "That's a very good example. Their music and dress are quite different from the norm, but even in that sub-culture, there are rules about behavior and dress. They are vastly different from the 'salary man' persona, but they are wrapped in almost as many rules of conduct as the normal work-a-day Japanese."

Ice raised his hand. "Professor, what are those things? I mean, most people our age have seen anime and manga, so I've heard the words youkai and mononoke. Are they the monsters they are shown as?"

Xavier thought for a bit, cocking his head in the way every student knew meant he was trying to find an answer for them. It's what made his classes so well liked. He never lied to them, never covered up a lack of knowledge, and encouraged them to challenge him. Kitty grinned and poked Rogue's arm, interrupting her internal debate.

"Rogue," she whispered. "Pay attention! How many public school teachers answer questions about anime?"

"I had one who would spend the last half of class discussing the newest Naruto chapters, so this is nothing. What I want is to meet the person who wrote that essay."

The two girls straightened up when they realized they were the subject of the Professor's knowing gaze. "I think that would be an excellent idea, Rogue. Not only would Higurashi-sensei be able to tell us the truth about such things as youkai, but I am quite interested in his or her theories. Jubilee, please stay after class so I can ask you a couple of questions about it. The rest of you, enjoy your lunch. I look forward to our class on Monday."

The bell sounded, and everyone noisily left for the kitchens. Jubilee stood and plodded up to his desk, lips pursed in a pout. "If Fire eats the dragon roll I hid, I'm not going to be happy, Prof."

"If your name is on it, Jubilee, I can promise you that he will greatly dislike the punishment for taking it. You know I don't tolerate theft."

"I'll still be out my dragon roll. So whatcha need?"

"How did you find this? It's rare to find a doctoral thesis with a normal Internet search." He smiled as she finally understood what he wanted.

"Oh, well, I was looking at a news report on the mutant registration hearing Dr. Grey spoke at, but it was all about that mutant-hating senator. So I thought I'd find out who was against registration and do my paper on how their opinions weren't heard. I sent interview questions to a bunch of them, and one wrote me back with lots more information and a link to that essay. I didn't mean for it to be funny, but that's how it came out of the online translator."

"Thank you, Jubilee. Enjoy your lunch, but when you have time please send me that link. I'd like to read the rest of the thesis and try to find the author of it. I think everyone at the school would enjoy hearing Higurashi-sensei's ideas."

"Sure! See ya, Prof." She dashed out, leaving the door open behind her.

Xavier chuckled and sent one more warning to the boy who had indeed found Jubilee's lunch. Eat that, and I will let Jubilee participate in your punishment. You do recall the last time you both faced off? A grudging assent was all that he picked up before he put the paper in his lap and rolled out of his office. The chef was fixing one of Ororo's homeland's recipes, and Logan's reaction to it was bound to be priceless.

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I adore finding oblique ways of introducing characters into a crossover.

I'm glad everyone is enjoying these, though I understand when you're upset that they end too soon. I was too! But if you have a really good, well-thought out idea on how to expand the story, let me know! I'd love to finish all these as proper stories.