A Different Path

Chapter 1 Lethal's Quote for the chapter: Who doesn't love being a teenager? Oh yeah, normal people. Disclaimer: Everything not owned by me isn't mine. That's not a double negative is it? Um... me no own

AN: My first fic everyone! NO! Don't run away! I'm not THAT bad! Erm, this is the first fic I will actually publish without feeling totally idiotic. Only semi-idiotic. Go me! *Grins stupidly* Any hoo this takes place 3 or 4 generations after the originals x-men and co. Some of are still alive due to their necessity in the story. ^-^ Mutants are the dominate species and humans are lower class. The story is centered on Kurt's great granddaughter (who is not blue) Ella Wesley. She may be considered a tinny bit sarcastic and cynical, but then aren't we all. She is after all growing up in a mutant dominated world where she herself has yet to display any signs of powers. It starts off at her 17th birthday. Her mother is a telepath *shiver* and her half-brother is a bit like a chameleon. Um... just to let you know Jean and Scott are dead. * Hears loud cheering* Um and *says something quietly, getting suspicious looks* Fine I said Pietro is dead too! *Dodges a conveniently located sink* I needed SOMETHING traumatic to happen and what's worse then that? Besides Remy kicking the bucket. I wouldn't want to torture the X-men that bad. Heck I might need therapy after that. Suggestions for mutant powers are more then welcome. Uhh, I missed a couple episodes so it won't be completely accurate. And I favor some characters more then others because they're easier to write. Any one who could point me to some IN DEPTH summaries will get a fic written on any couple. No incest cause that stuff freaks me out. And I doubt I could really do a slash couple very well, but whatever floats your boat. I haven't read any of the comics. My dad says she was wimpy in them. True? She was wimpy in the movies, too! Evo Rogue rocks! Enjoy my fic!

//telepathy// *action* _________________________________^_^___________________________________

Drip, drip, drip. How fitting. It's my birthday and it's raining. Guess I get to look forward to another year of disappointment and depression. Whoopdee- freaking-do.
//Ella, please at least try to make an effort to be a little cheerful this year. And come down, the guests will be here soon. //
Damn telepathic mothers. I can't get away with anything. I can't even think bad thoughts.
// Ella! I mean right now! And do not use that foul language. It will dirty your mind. //
It's my mind! I should keep it as goddamn dirty as I want it to be!
No response.
I guess she wasn't prying.
//I don't pry. NOW GET YOUR BUM DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW! //
Ow. Who says 'bum' any more?
I sigh and drag my self from the window. "I don't even want to celebrate and it's MY birthday," I say to no one as I walk down the hall. The only reason any one comes is to see if poor little Ella's powers have manifested. Suddenly my nerdy little brother fades out of the walls. He says, " The first sign of going crazy is talking to yourself. Maybe you're taking after our great aunt." "Look, I'm not crazy and neither is our great aunt. She's a hermit, Lizard Face." " Don't call me lizard face, and she is to crazy! Great grandpa says she doesn't even want her powers." " I told you already, lots of Great-pas stories are made up. Remember the one about the unkillable man with the metal skeleton? And how about the mouse infested moon that's actually made of cheese?" "I guess you right." "Whatever. Mom says to get downstairs the guests are coming." ________________________________^_^___________________________________

"Mom, don't you know 'bum' is a totally retro word?" I greet mom as she stands by the door. "And where are the guests?"
"Turning the corner."
" You do realize how freaky it is when you do that, right? And is Kooky Great-pa Kurt coming?"
Mom turns around and glares at me.
" My grand father is not 'kooky'. You should show some respect he was one of the pioneer mutants. And are you wearing THAT?"
" What?" I look down to examine my outfit. Black tennis shoes. Fairly new. Blue jeans. My favorite pair. Black shirt. Has name of favorite band, a retro one, Blink-182. I could do worse.
"Mom, I'm surprised I thought you liked that retro stuff."
She lets out a big sigh. No sense of humor my mother.
" At least you brushed your hair. But could you have at least put it up? It's getting in your eyes."
" Mother you know I have absolutely no interest in my hair."
" It's one of the few good thing you father gave you. And you have such nice hair."
Yeah, yeah, I know and the black really sets of the green in my eyes. And if I just put a little more effort blah blah blah blah. I know your whole speech by heart."
She says nothing as the doorbell rings. She turns to greet the guests. In my head she says //We will talk about it later. Now, BEHAVE. //
I paste a smile on my face as I greet the guests. _________________________________^_^_________________________________

I think about my mother as I greet some obscure branch of relatives. I can't see how I'm her daughter. She's the picture of elegance and class. I'm some foul-mouthed mutant wannabe. She's full of pride about being a pioneer's granddaughter and having another's powers. Me on the other hand, think my great grand father is weird and show no sign of powers, let alone a pioneer's.
A year ago, I had to get tested since I showed no sign of powers. The doctors said I had it, but it would most likely remain dormant. Either that or some big event would trigger it. They also said there was still some chance that I'd get them, but it was highly unlikely.
When I saw the look on my mothers face I felt somewhat ill. It was filled with shame and disappointment. I felt like I failed in life and could never make up for it. So I don't really try too much. At least she has my half brother. He's seven years younger and a confirmed mutant. Not only that he has some kick ass powers. Lucky little dork.
Oops. I think Mom caught that last bit. She's glaring at me. Better pay attention.
"Ah, here's my great granddaughter. Happy birthday."
"Hi, Grandpa Kurt," I say to my gray-streaked blue haired grand father.
"You look wonderful"
"Um, thanks." What else am I supposed to say?
" I see you don't take compliments well, just like my sister. You look a little like her too. Darker hair and skin though."
Before I can say anything, Nerdy Brother Boy fades out of the ceiling and jumps down.
"Grandpa!"
" You sure have gotten handsome, Nickolas."
I let out a snort then glare at my little brother.
"Lizard face would it have killed you to just walk down the stairs and not sneak around. You'll give me a heart attack next time."
"Then my mission will be accomplished."
My great grandfather gives me a grin and says, "You act like her too. Just streak your hair, develop a southern drawl, and suck the life out of me and you'll be her twin."
Nick looks at him and says " Oh... she's the pioneer with THAT power."
Grandpa Kurt looks confused.
"Didn't I tell you?"
Mick and I shock our heads. I guess that explains why she's a hermit. That's a good reason. In school, when we learned about the pioneers, back in the 6th grade, we were taught their powers, names and how the contributed to making mutants the dominate species. I knew my great aunt was a pioneer, but I never bothered to find out anymore. I don't even know her name. Guess that makes me weird. All the other kids obsess over having a pioneer in their bloodline. Almost automatically makes someone popular. Not with me. I've always been too weird (non-mutant) to be popular. It does stop some hassling in the halls.
Anyways, Great-pa Kurt leads us to our living room to tell us about our aunt. Mom was left to direct the guests to the kitchen where the food was.
"Well, my sisters name is Rogue and she has the ability to absorb a persons life force, memories, and powers. That means no skin on skin contact."
I say, "That's crappy."
He nods and continues, "Scientists invented a machine to control it, but since she's getting old it's becoming more uncomfortable. They haven't bothered updating it." A shadow crosses his face.
My confused brother asks, "But isn't she a pioneer? Pioneers are all treated royally!"
Then I ask "And what about other people with that power? Are they walking around with outdated technology, too?"
Great-pa shakes his head, "That's just it there ARE no other mutants with that power. And because she's so hermit like science has forgotten her."
"After all she has done, they've just forgot her?!?" I was outraged. I was shocked. That's why I always hated science.
My brother looks at me, " It's not like you even knew her name."
I cough. Once. Twice. "Right." Sorry science.
Nick turns back to Great-pa, "What exactly did Aunt Rogue do?"
Now it's Great-pa's turn to look shocked, "What!?! They haven't taught you that in school yet?"
Nick shook his head.
"Well, if the schools not doing their job guess I'll do it for them, yes? Listen and I'll tell you how we got this world."
Nick and I leaned in to hear the story.
o.O?

----------------------------

---------------------------

--------------------------

--------------------------

---------------------------

----------------------------

AN: (sorry) I suppose that's a cliffhanger? No? Oh well. You know I have like nine more chapters written down, but I'm not used to typing. I have newfound respect for authors. And possibly carpal tunnel syndrome. I have most of the story planned out just need to fill in the blanks. WOOHOO! I always liked fill-in the blanks more then essay questions. Also I would like to give you all a FLASHBACK ALERT on the next chapter. I think it's my worst one and rather not have it. I sort of need it to get the story along. Two characters will die in there. *SOB* Not much comedy, but the third should be funny. A stress relief. Anyway please review, send in questions, or whatever. Just no flames, because Pyro, unfortunately, won't be mentioned for a while. Let me get used to being a writer before you criticize me, okay? REVIEW AND CAIO.