Greetings to you all! This is the second chapter of "Downfall Blessings and Uprising Legacies" and so far, it looks like there is promise! I really enjoyed writing this chapter, I hope you like it too.
CHAPTER 2
The Newest Form of Transmutation
An owl flew gracefully over the cliffs that over-looked the sea. The sea itself was as black as ink in the late hours of the night. The moon however, presented a brilliant silver-white glow that lit up the landscape that the cliffs lined, providing a faint illumination of the forest and trees.
The nocturnal bird of prey soared effortlessly over the trees at the edge of the cliffs. Its massive eyes and keen ears were in full blast, on the look out for prey, but it saw nothing which it could eat, no sign of animal movement anywhere nearby. No movement came to its eyes. No sound except the wind whistling through the tree reached its ears.
Soaring without the slightest sound, the owl perched itself on the branch of an oak tree. It looked around at its surroundings from the perch. Suddenly, the owl's eyes caught sight of something. There in the distance, some several hundred yards away was a big human structure, over three stories tall and at least several hundred feet in width. Lights were abundant on and in it. Small shapes moved around with great excitement at the base of the mammoth creation. The owl's keens ears heard the sound of shouting and laughing, then something else that it hadn't heard before. Music.
The owl didn't know what was going on, nor did it understand why. But it understood it wasn't safe there for it. This was not natural nature at work here. This was beyond all animal understanding or intelligence.
The owl turned and flew off in the other direction.
"CANNONBALL!" came a high shout of playfulness and amusement as Kurt Wagner teleported himself right into the air over fifty feet above the pool. Kurt fell straight downward toward the water, his arms, legs, head, and his prehensile tail all tucked and curled so that he was a living cannonball. He hit the water with gravity in full pull on him. Water sprayed in all directions as Kurt's rolled up body hit the water, crating showers of water droplets.
Several other kids in the pool either moved away or dived under the surface to avoid Kurt's momentum-produced waterfall. People all around laughed.
Kurt's blue-furred face reappeared from under the water, the pool's moisture clinging to this navy blue hair. He had just wiped the water the clung to his face when a big splash of water came crashing down over his head, making his semi-dry fur now soaking wet.
Kurt heard a giggle from behind him that he recognized only too well. He turned to see Kitty Pryde smiling as innocently as an angel at him, the mischief sparkling in her pretty blue eyes. "You've still got to be wary of all who surround you, Kurt," she giggled, "You leave yourself wide open way too much of the time."
Kurt gazed over at the young girl with a twinkle of his own in his golden eyes. Kitty really was girl for surprises, some of them funny, some of them annoying, some of them totally heart-stopping when she used her powers to phase through a person's body to make it look as if he were a ghost, especially while that person slept.
"I'll get you back, Kitty," mocked Kurt, "I juzt need to figure out how."
A second splash of cool water washed over Kurt's head, like water running down a windshield. "Sure you will," mocked Evan Daniels as he swam lazily past Kurt with an over-arm stroke.
Kurt let out a big sigh of being outnumbered on this one. "Iz everyone getting on my case?" he sighed.
He hadn't really said that to anyone in particular, mostly to himself. But he suddenly wished that he hadn't spoken those lines out loud. Out of the corner of his eye, Kurt saw the grinning face of Tabitha Smith coming towards him as she used the breaststroke to swim.
"You asking if anyone's on yer case, Blue?" asked Tabitha, eyes twinkling, "Cause I can sure answer that for ya."
As soon as those words left Tabitha's lips, Kurt felt a pang of caution rise in himself. When Tabitha had that twinkle and grin while looking at him, something usually came his way, something that usually ended with an explosion more often than not. Kurt immediately tried to cover himself up with some sort of excuse before Tabitha did anything that made her live up to her codename.
"No-no-no, Tabitha," stammered Kurt, trying to swim backwards away from her, "I juzt got a little-uh, paranoid iz all." Kurt crossed his fingers, hoping silently that Tabitha would just ease off.
Tabitha just smiled mischievously at Kurt. What came next, fate would have to decide on that one. "Aaaaww, is Blue Cutie paranoid," she did a tisk-tisk thing with her head, "Well Kurt, if you need a big strong girl like me to protect you, you know my number." She laughed at her own lame joke and turned back to what she was doing.
The sigh of relief that escaped Kurt's lips was totally uncontainable. "Vis must be my lucky day, he thought, Boom-Boom didn't do any explosions in my face."
Laughter from nearby in the pool snapped Kurt back to reality. He saw Evan grinning in delight, "You've got one dangerous bodyguard there, Kurt," he chuckled, "You must be losing your touch."
Very funny, Evan," groaned Kurt. Turning his eyes back to Tabitha, he saw Kitty and Amara Aquilla giggling at him. Tabitha winked at them. Kurt felt a little urge to prove himself to them, but he managed to fight it back. But girls could be such a headache sometimes, especially the kind that have mutant powers. A hand clapped Kurt on the shoulder.
Evan smiled at him. "Come on, Kurt, you've gotta let the girls have some fun," he said, "Ladies need to have fun once in a while."
"Ja, I know vhat you mean," said Kurt, "But not too much fun."
"Heard that before," Evan replied, "Say, how 'bout you teleport us both up in the air and we both to a fifty foot double cannonball."
Kurt smiled at the idea. A cannonball act like that would certainly get a lot of people wet. "Let'z do it!"
Scott Summers took another drink of the soda he held in his hand as he watched Kurt get water washed by Kitty and Tabitha. In spite of himself, he smiled. At least the girls were having fun. And fun was the whole point of this outdoor pool party and it had taken a lot of work to get the professor to allow it. If they were having fun, all was cool.
"Poor Kurt," Scott sighed, "Having Big Bad Boom-Boom saying that he needs a bodyguard."
"Why don't you go and help him?" asked a gentle, teasing voice from beside Scott. Scott turned his head in the direction of the voice, the voice that sent shivers of delight and love down his spine every time he head it in that tone. There stood Jean Grey.
Even though Scott saw everything in a brilliant red haze because of the ruby-quartz glasses he always had to wear in order to prevent his extremely destructive optic blast beams from raging out of control, he was still stuck by Jean's beauty. He looked at the lovely intelligent green eyes and the sea of shining bright red hair that fell past her shoulders. She was as beautiful as ever. She was smiling.
"Hey, am I an X-Man or am I a bodyguard and supervisor for the younger mutants of this institution?" asked Scott, smirking at his own joke.
Jean giggled in response. "Well, Kurt does look up to you. And besides, you're one of the oldest students here. You might want to set a good example for our younger students," said Jean, gently placing a hand on Scott's shoulder.
If there was one thing Scott couldn't deny about Jean, it was that her words and encouragement was something that he could never ignore. He felt totally powerless against her requests.
Scott arched his eyebrows. "Jean, you just make me want to obey your every command when you sweet talk me like that," he said, smiling and sighing at the same time.
Jean smiled wide at Scott's comment. "I guess underneath all that X-Man captain exterior, you're a good, kind man. Trust me, I know."
Remaining quiet was the only thing Scott could do other than commenting on that. Jean Grey, the X-Men's resident telepath and telekinetic, could tell you the truth about yourself years before you told it to yourself. But Jean was right, Scott did have a soft side to him, despite his stern battle captain mask he wore a lot of the time.
Scott looked back at the pool and at all the younger X-Men swimming or getting food and refreshments from the tables off to the side. Party this and party that, nothing else but that. Jubilation Lee and Bobby Drake were getting punch for each other out of the punch bowl, filing their cups and then moving on to something else to consume. Bobby used his powers of ice and cold to create ice cubes for each of them.
Beyond them, Scott saw several of the same boy, Jamie Madrox. The kid was using his power of self-multiplication to get as much food as he could. Being the kid of the group really took a lot of energy to run on, so Jamie needed all the food he could get to keep up. Sometimes though, the kid tried too hard and usually ended up doubling, tripling, or quadrupling his unintended annoyance. Jamie really needed to get his powers under tight control. One of him accidentally bumped into Rahne Sinclair, who was picking up a handful of potato chips.
"Hey, careful with your times tables, Jamie," she said in her Scottish accented-voice. The Jamie who had done it shrugged with embarrassment.
"Sorry, Rahne," Jamie said sheepishly.
"Look at poor Jamie over there," said Scott, "Being the kid of the group just doesn't cut it."
Jean looked over to where one of Jamie was talking to Rahne. Jean knew what poor Jamie was thinking, even without using her telepathy. But even so, she wouldn't use her powers to invade a person's thoughts without permission unless it was needed. It just wasn't ethical.
"You're right about that, Scott," she asked.
"I think I have a solution, Scott," a new voice came up to them. Kitty revealed her wet petite self standing before them. She had climbed out of the pool and approached them without either Scott or Jean noticing. Once again, she had that innocent smile and look on her face.
Scott arched an eyebrow. "Are you giving me advice, Kitty?" he asked, half-jokingly, "I though it was supposed to be the other way around."
Jean giggled at that remark. "Oh, Scott. Even the young can inspire and advise the older. Isn't that right, Kitty?"
Kitty grinned. "You got it, Jean. Anyway, Scott, I think I know something you don't."
Scott sensed a challenge coming from Kitty. The young X-Man placed his soda down and crossed his arms challengingly. "Oh yeah? What?"
Kitty put a finger on her chin, pretending to be in deep thought. "Well, now, let's see. Oh, I know. You're like the oldest teenage X-Man here right?"
Scott nodded. "Yeah."
"Well, it seems that the younger X-Men, including Kurt and Evan look up to you as a big brother figure. And on top of that, there are lots and lots of younger X-Men. And the way I see it, you need to be a big-brother figure for too many mutants to handle."
"You are so good with the men, Kitty," Tabitha appeared behind Kitty, smiling like she was a know-it-all.
Jean noticed that Kitty's words really seemed to reach Scott. After all, it was true in more ways than one. Scott was the oldest male student at the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters and he played a fair amount of influence on the younger members of the team, even those who were less than three years younger than him, Kurt included. And there was no denying that it took a lot of work to live up to that.
Scott moved onto the next part of Kitty's conversation. "So, what are you suggesting?" he asked.
"Well, I think that maybe what we need is another X-Man around here who can sort of be co-big brother with you, someone about your age, with all the basics and all," said Kitty, winking at Jean.
"Well, Kitty, that sure sounds like a pretty good idea," said Jean.
Scott could only shrug and think. He sort of agreed with it and sort of didn't. After all, as the oldest male student at the institute, he was captain in the X-Men and having someone else his age around could bring rivalry. Scott knew that sort of thing happened a fair amount of the time. But then again, it would sort of be easing if someone got half the burden of being a role model figure for the younger mutants. There were times when Scott was just too weighed down by it to do much else other than sit and think.
"Well, if we get a second "Scott Summers" man around here, I hope he's cute," said Tabitha, "I want a senior X-Man with looks, attitude and some mondo-mega mutant powers."
Kitty let out a sigh at Tabitha's words. "You always hope that the new guys have looks, Tabitha."
The mention of powers sort of came to both Scott and Jean's attention. "I'd be careful about wanting a new student with major powers, Tabitha," Jean cautioned, "You never know what they might be."
Tabitha shrugged, "Well, Miss. Jean, the way I figure it, we X-Men don't have a super weapon on our side. We need some mega muscle, we need some mega power, we need a mega mutant!" There was the same old Tabitha. Going on and on about guys was something Tabitha did far too often to be much of a surprise, but this approach to one was new. Scott had never heard her talk about that sort of thing, let alone about wanting a new student, nor had Jean or Kitty.
Scott just decided to get to the point. "What are you saying, Tabitha? Can't you just speak like a normal human being for once instead of your "too-cool" manner?"
Tabitha pretended to be hurt. "Come on, Shades, you got to let a girl have her fun."
Lucky for Scott, his request got through to Kitty. "She's saying that we need a secret weapon like the Brotherhood does."
Jean's eyes widened a little. "What do mean by a secret weapon? We've been training hard and long. What kind of "secret weapon" are you talking about anyway?"
A loud BAMF of sound interrupted Jean's questioning. What followed was a puff of smoke and the pungent aroma of brimstone. Kurt appeared, the water he was soaked with making his fur look a darker blue than when it was dry. He shook a few beads of moisture from his blue hair. "I zhink I can answer that for you," Kurt said, "Vanda."
"You mean the Scarlet Witch?" asked Jean, looking a little surprised.
"Yeah. Remember the first time ve saw her?" asked Kurt, his face, scrunching with the hurt of being beaten by that red-clad Goth.
"I don't think we can forget that night even if we wanted to," said Kitty, cringing at the memory of having Wanda Maximoff, or the Scarlet Witch as she was known, using her awesome Hex powers on the X-Men. She had proved to be too much and the X-Men had been forced to retreat from the mall where she fought them after literally bringing it down on their heads. If there was one thing that was hard for X-Men to take, it was defeat, especially if it was at the hands of a single opponent.
"Well, Kurt, it sure wouldn't hurt having someone like that on the team. The problem is, very few mutants are like Wanda, and on top of that, that mutant would have to be willing to be an X-Man. As the professor has told us before, Wanda's power has a source of strength that was created by a terrible life in an asylum. I can't really think of a mutant with powers like that without a lot of anger fueling them," said Scott
"Ja, I know," said Kurt, "It'z juzt that I vish ve could just even the odds a little."
Scott could only let out a breath at the suggestion. Event he odds. That was what Mystique had done in regards to turning the tide of this war between the side of Xavier and the side of Magneto. Mutants who could single-handedly fight all the X-Men at once to a standstill were few and far between. But as chance would have it, Wanda Maximoff was one of them. In fact, all of the mutants like that that they had so far seen were bad mutants, either evil by nature or too immersed in their own anger, hatred, or suffering to turn good.
"You know guys," Jean said, "Maybe you should stop thinking too much and just relax and enjoy the party."
Jean always had the ability to fix things when they so needed it. Bring the kids back to their party; forget the need for more mutants. "Jean's right guys," Scott said, "You're thinking too much."
Kurt looked to the young captain of the X-Men, "Vell, aren't you an agreeable one," said the blue-furred teenage mutant, "But, you're right, ve vill think more of zhe party." Kurt then turned and did a big cannonball teleport right into the pool. His shockwave splash was sent flying over Sam Guthrie and Ray Crisp, sprinkling the two younger mutants with water. Kitty and Tabitha both shrugged and went over to the table for refreshments.
Scott looked back to Jean, the most beautiful, gentle, kind, caring girl he had ever known. Oh yes, he had fallen for her hard. Jean smiled at him. "This was a wonderful idea, Scott," she said, "Your idea to celebrate spring break sure has gotten everyone into the party mood."
Those words just seemed to make Scott melt in the inside. Praise for Jean was more than enough to make his head swim with pleasure. However, Scott hadn't seen the professor at all ever since last night. In fact, no one except for Mr. McCoy and Ororo Munroe had really seen the professor at all in the past day. Xavier had pretty much been in the Cerebro room ever since midnight the night before. As well as Scott knew the professor, he knew Xavier wouldn't do that unless he had a good reason too. As both the headmaster and founder of the Xavier institute, Charles Xavier was very busy man. But it was unusual for him to be so occupied that no one would see him for more than a day.
Jean noticed that Scott looked to be in deep thought. She couldn't really read his eyes, for they were always hidden by the ruby-quartz glasses he wore, but she had been around him long enough to be able to see other indications at to what he was thinking, without her telepathy if she could help it. "Scott?"
The young man turned to face her. "Yeah, Jean?" he asked, wondering what she had to ask him.
"You seem far away all of a sudden," said Jean, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Like you were thinking about something. Is something bothering you?"
The corners of Scott's mouth turned up in a slight smile. "Well, Jean, I was just thinking on the at the professor hasn't been around all day. I mean, last night when we all went to bed, he was in Cerebro doing his daily scan for mutants. But no one except Ororo and Mr. McCoy have seen him all day. I'm just wondering what's going on that makes him need to not be available so much."
Jean herself had been wondering about Xavier almost the whole day, but once the party had started, all the fun and excitement had helped her forget it. But now Scott had helped her remember it. "I understand, Scott," she said understandably, "It's not like him to be so occupied, especially with Cerebro. He wouldn't do that unless he had a very good reason to. I'm sure he'll explain it to us all once he's done with it."
"Do you think he's found a new mutant?" Scott suggested.
"I don't know, Scott," said Jean, "Usually he's on Cerebro for less than fifteen minutes when it comes to a new mutant to recruit. He may be just upgrading Cerebro's systems and abilities."
Jean Grey was as wise as she was beautiful. Hearing words like that made Scott question himself as to why he didn't think of those in the first place. But then again, he hadn't really thought about it for long.
Scott took another big gulp of his soda, drinking the last of it. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand to wipe away the coating of pop that had taken up residence there. "You're right, Jean," Scott admitted, "I guess I'm just letting it get to me."
Jean smiled warmly at him. "I think I know why I love you, Scott," she said, smiling so warmly Scott was sure he would die of feeling comforted by that smile. "Why?" he asked, smiling in mock question. Well, half-mock question.
"You care about your team." With that, she brought her lips to his in a loving kiss. Scott felt Jean's love and passion wash over him, enveloping his being with tenderness and caring. Nothing could ever make him melt like the taste and feel of Jean Grey's lips on his own.
Reluctantly, they drew apart. They smiled at each other. Suddenly, Scott saw something in the corner of his eye. He turned to see what it was. It soon turned out to see WHO it was.
It was Rogue. Rogue was over fifty feet away from Jean and Scott, wearing her usual full-body coverage to prevent her skin coming into contact with someone else's to keep her memory and power absorption abilities under control as much as she possibly could. That pretty much meant no swimming in the pool when it was full of people. Doing that, she would touch someone skin-to-skin for sure. So instead, she sat in a pool chair, sipping from a cold bottle of natural spring water.
Rogue was looking at Scott and Jean. Scott realized that she had probably watched their kiss. And the effect it had on her was as plain as the deep purple lipstick and violet eye shadow she wore. Scott could have sworn he saw tears welling in Rogue's green eyes. She looked sad. Rogue was trying to hide it, but she wasn't quite succeeding.
When she realized Scott was looking at her, Rogue turned away, hoping to avoid making eye contact.
The sudden movement she made really made Scott wonder. "What was that about?" Scott asked aloud. But he had a pretty good idea on how she was feeling at the moment.
Jean's voice came to his ears. "I think she's sad, Scott. She's been that way for quite a while."
Turning to Jean again, Scott saw Jean's green eyes had taken a look of thoughtfulness and concern. "Why?" he asked.
Jean looked over that the younger girl, whose mutant powers gave her incredible formidability in the battle, but great handicaps in the social field. "She feels that she can't ever love someone because of her powers. Seeing us kiss reminds her of that."
Scott let out a sigh. "She told me about that once," he explained, "While we were rehearsing the part of Henry for Theater in school, she said that she couldn't get close to anyone."
"I never really knew just how much it hurts her," said Jean, "I feel sorry for her, but there's nothing I can do but comfort her about it."
"If only she could control her powers, she could get close to someone."
"What can we do?" asked Scott. He really wanted to help Rogue, for she had helped him many times, and jean as well. But helping her on something like this was beyond his ability.
"Nothing, I'm afraid," Jean said sadly.
Just then, a new voice came to them. "I admire your concern for Rogue, young Cyclops" said strong, confident woman's voice. Jean and Scott turned to see a tall, beautiful, dark-skinned African woman with long white hair that shimmered like pearl and crystal and penetrating blue eyes filled with wisdom whose color contrasted deeply with her African ancestry. It was none other that Ororo Munroe herself. Once worshiped by a tribe in Africa as an elemental goddess, she was also known as Storm, which suited her perfectly in partnership with her powers to create and control the weather.
"Hi there, Ororo," greeted Jean, "We were just discussing Rogue's feelings."
Ororo raised an eyebrow in question. Scott noticed her reaction, so he chose to elaborate. "Rogue saw me and Jean kiss, and I guess it reminds her of something she can't do."
It took a second of time for Ororo to let that piece of information sink it. But being the intelligent woman who she was, she quickly caught on. "That poor child," she said in reference to Rogue, "I can't imagine how it must feel to not be able to hold someone."
"It's obvious friendship isn't enough," said Scott analytically, "She's been with us ever since the beginning of the last school year, over nine months. She's gotten closer to us, but I guess it isn't enough anymore."
Ororo and Jean looked over to where Rogue was sitting by herself. The girl looked as forlorn as ever. The look on her face was one that could make even the most callous person's eyes water. The look of loneliness and sorrow on the face of a young, beautiful girl who had her whole life ahead of her, yet a life of being distant from society and others. It would take a miracle for Rogue. But what chance of that was there?
It was too much to look at anyone for Rogue. She just couldn't feel the happiness the others were. With what she was seeing and was reminded of, she was being torn apart. Romance was in the air. She could smell it, taste it, see it, feel it. It was everywhere one looked. At least one who was in Rogue's position.
Rogue's heart hurt, both from beating too fast and from emotion. She had seen the whole thing unfold with Scott and Jean. Rogue tried to feel happy for them, but she couldn't. Jean and Scott together was the perfect symbol of what she had never had had or ever would have. Loving, kissing each other. It was too much.
Just the thought of love made Rogue's heart hurt and her eyes water. If there was ever a time Rogue had thought that her powers were a curse, now was that time. She could never be able to enjoy the feel of someone stoking her skin lovingly, of holding her face while she relaxed or to kiss her. It would completely drain them, knock them into a coma, like she did with Cody unintentionally.
What did I do to deserve this, Rogue thought sadly, I need to feel it.
Was her rather defensive and isolated attitude a product of her constant frustration on her disability? Was it possible that her own defense mechanisms were one cause why no one had ever tried to be romantic with her? Maybe so. She had always pushed people away. Always in fear of making friends outside the institute, for only her fellow X-Men knew of her secret and how to avoid it. But what it basically boiled down to was that she could never touch another human being without endangering their health or life.
A few months back, Rogue had found herself grateful that he had such good friends. But now she needed more. She needed someone who harbored feelings for her that were deeper than friendship. But how could someone love her if they didn't touch her? She was trapped by her "gift."
One part of Rogue's sorrow just now was seeing Scott with Jean. Scott Summers. Rogue had found herself attracted to him ever since she first met him. Oh, how strong that attraction had been.
She had always wished that Scott could love her. But it was obvious that his heart belonged to Jean Grey, the incredibly beautiful, incredibly popular Jean Grey. Rogue had been envious of Jean's popularity and beauty almost from the start. Over time, she had sort of accepted it, but still, it hurt from time to time.
They were still friends of course. Both Jean and Scott cared for her a great deal. It was beyond doubt that they did. But still, there was not real romantic love involved. Rogue had pretty much come to terms with the truth that Scott could never be involved romantically with her, but it still hurt her.
Rogue, who was pretty much alone in both worlds, X-Men and human population, would probably have to live with loneliness for the rest of her life. But she doubted that she would ever get used to it.
Professor Xavier set down the Cerebro helmet and placed a hand to his bald head. He needed a minute or so to get his brain unfrizzled by what he had just been doing. Research, hour after hour of research. The load had taken its toll.
Ever since the detection of the new mutant, Simon Peter Valley, the night before, Xavier had been doing research on him. There were not that many things in the world that could surprise Professor Xavier. As a mutant, and as a geneticist and headmaster of an entire institute, he was pretty much well aware you had to expect the unexpected. He had encountered many things that most ordinary people would never expect, most of them not of the most pleasant type, many of the unexpected type. And some, of the dangerous and deadly type.
What this latest mutant was was a type of condition that Xavier didn't know where to place. He was intrigued by the results he had gotten from Cerebro and his research. But at the same time, he was disturbed. That part itself was not really new to him at all. In fact, it was something he experienced more often than not when finding a new mutant on Cerebro. Each mutant had their ups and downs, goods and bads, safeties and dangers to them. And those opposites applied to many different areas of a mutant's persona; their powers, their personal lives, their personalities, their beliefs, their ethical and religious backgrounds, the list just went on and on. But in this case two major areas were of chief concern, the powers themselves and the inner personal identity.
Unknown. That was what Cerebro had called this new mutant's mutation. The mutations were of the primary, the mutated start of the mutant's powers, and the secondary, the evolved continuation of the process. But an unknown mutant signature was something that Xavier would not have expected to find on Cerebro. After all, Cerebro was designed to seek out and identify all forms of mutant powers and the varying codes of the X-Gene. But seeing why this Simon Valley was unknown to his state-of-the-art machine was enough to make him wonder just how varied mutant powers were. Or more specifically, what varying levels there were for each general type of power. Apparently there were certain levels to all types of powers, such as the varying classes of super strength, the different levels of bodily transformation, and so on.
Well, apparently Simon Valley had provided a new meaning to the word transformation in a mutant. Many mutants had powers related to metamorphosis in one way or another. But Simon had a type never before seen or recorded. And that power alone gave him a lot of abilities.
Xavier steered his motorized wheelchair down the corridor to the elevator. He needed to let his students and faculty know about this. Despite all the remarkable discoveries Xavier had made, he now was concerned and determined. There was no doubt in his mind he would try to recruit Simon Valley to the X-Men. He was a mutant all right, but one of a kind.
But still, there was no clear reason as to why his powers were so unique in that way. He had an X-Gene, there was no question, but it was different from others. The secondary mutation that Cerebro had pointed out was not the least noticeable indicator to that fact. But there was more to it than that. But he still didn't know what. Or why.
He began preparing what he would tell his students on this new mutant. Hopefully they would recognize the importance of this situation and go along with him. He actually had very little doubt, if any doubt at all, that they would. But when it came to issues like this, one always had to be prepared for the unexpected.
The party had moved indoors. Evening had come around and the air had already begun to lose the heat it had gained from the sunlight hours of the day. Swimming had proved to be too cool now. They had congregated the main gathering room for some hanging out.
All the student and instructors, including Mr. McCoy and Logan, had gathered into the main gathering room of the mansion. While Ororo, Hank, and Logan were acting as chaperones for the younger mutants, the rest were buys having a good time and all. All three of the teachers stood together while Scott, Jean, Kitty, Kurt, Rogue, Evan and everyone else had took seats either on the floor or in chairs and sofas.
Logan was not much of a party animal. He had agreed to be a chaperone for this party, but it had been reluctantly. The main reason for that was because some of the kids needed a pretty stiff person to get them to follow rules, and when it came to being stern, Logan was number one on anyone's list of suggestions. "Okay, squirts," Logan called out to be heard over all the commotion that was going on, especially from the new mutants, "I know that yer kinda disappointed that it's too cold out now to go dive and splash, but we can't have ya all turn the mansion into a war zone."
Several of the students groaned, while others simply shrugged, indifferent about Logan's totally unexpected sternness. Logan never really was one for being in a "party animal mood." Needless to say, he was gruff and stern over 99.9 of the time.
"Oh, you never let us have any fun, Badger!" Tabitha playfully remarked. Logan stiffened at the mention of Tabitha's nickname for him. His lips curled over his teeth in a wolf-like visage. He let out a silent growl.
"How many times do I have to remind you, kid?" Logan growled, clearly not pleased at all, "It's Wolverine." Wolverine. That was a real good codename for Logan. When he frowned, he really did look like that fierce carnivorous animal from Canada. Which was another good reason to call him that, for Logan himself was Canadian in nationality.
Kurt and Scott merely shook their heads as Logan and Tabitha conversed. Kurt thought that it was fairly strange. Logan pretty much had nicknames for everyone in the class, regardless of whether they liked them or not. Yet, Logan just didn't tolerate being called anything other than his name or his codename. Whatever the reason was, Kurt never really bothered trying to figure it out. When it came to trying to get something out of Mr. Logan, it was like pulling teeth out of the jaw of a Tyrannosaurus.
Jean and Kitty merely looked at each other and giggled. If there was one thing that those two could do, it was finding laughs in almost any situation, except for sad or angry ones.
Logan then turned back the rest of the students. "Like I said, Kiddies, your spring vacation may be just peeking around the corner, but we have to keep up with our training and teaching if we want to keep up with the Brotherhood."
Those words of Logan's seemed to deflate Tabitha's attitude, as it did with Jubilee and Bobby Drake's. "Aw, I though we got a VACATON at this time of year," Jubilee complained, "This is spring break from school!" Vacation was the key word in that sentence. Most of the younger students were hoping for a real vacation, as in the kind of relaxing and having no worries, no responsibilities and that sort of thing.
Ororo suddenly joined in. There were times when she did some more in-depth explaining where Logan preferred to remain on superficial with his descriptions. Now was one of those times. "You forget, young Jubilee, that we are the X-Men, and as X-Men, you must continue to train so that you are always ready and prepared in the need should arise."
"But, Ms. Monroe, who set that up anyway?" asked Rahne, "Did you plan for us to train all summer?"
Hank McCoy then took over. "No, Rahne. The Professor did. As Headmaster and as founder of the X-Men, it is his job to ensure that you all are able to perform with your best ability each time. And to do that, he says you must train throughout the year. And perhaps, Logan is going to increase the intensity of it, since you won't have a lot of schoolwork or quizzes over the next two weeks."
"But why can't we just have some time off for a change?" asked Bobby, "I mean, we've got a couple of weeks off from school, so I think we should have a break from training as well."
"When yer with the X-Men, Ice Cube," said Logan, "You gotta keep your strength up, yer durability. And to do that, you need your trainin.' The Prof said he wants us to keep training for the next couple of weeks."
The mention of the professor suddenly caught Kitty's attention. As she had heard it, Professor Xavier hadn't been seen since last night. And that was unusual for Xavier. As busy as he usually was, spending an entire day and night out of touch with the rest of the institute was rare for him to do. She finally had a chance to ask her question.
"Mr. McCoy?" Kitty asked.
Hank turned his big, blue face to meet Kitty's eyes. "Yes, Kitty?" he asked gently.
"Where is the professor anyway? He hasn't been around since last night."
The effect that question had on the rest of the student body was instant. Everyone quieted immediately. Almost everyone had noticed that the professor had been busy since the day before. Up until now, no one had really bothered to ask the question, but now that the party was simmering down, it rose to the surface of everyone's curiosity.
Ororo answered Kitty's question. It was noticeable that she too was concerned and wondering about Xavier's activities, which was not something she did too often. "He's been down in Cerebro since he went to work on it last night at 10:00 p.m.," she answered.
Jean's brow furrowed with wonder. The way Ororo said what she had clearly showed her wonder and worry for the professor and the reason for his behavior. "Really? Doing what?" asked Jean.
Before Ororo could answer, a voice came from the doorway. "Coming---," The new voice drew everyone's attention to who possessed it. In the doorway in his wheelchair, sat Xavier. His hands were clasped in front of him in the way he always did when he was distressed or worried about something, in deep thought. His eyes had a deep thoughtful looking to them, not to mention an expression of pent up anxiety and confusion. "-to some decisions," Xavier finished after he sensed all the eyes in the room were on him. The confusion and wonder of the students and instructors flowed over him like a wave of heat with his telepathy to pick it up. There were times when being the headmaster left him in positions like this.
Scott stood up from where he sat. He had the feeling that as leader, he needed to be the one to speak on everyone's behalf. The leader of the X-Men had to do things like that on certain occasions. "You've been working and researching for many hours, Professor," stated Scott in a tone that clearly said, what's going on?
Xavier nodded. "Yes, Scott. But I'm afraid that I had to do it."
"What is it that has kept you so occupied, Xavier?" asked Ororo. Everyone's eyes remained fixed on Xavier, for they had never seen him this tense and worried, or better put, mystified.
The professor let out a deep breath. "Logan, Ororo. I need for you to meet in my office. Scott," he continued, motioning towards Scott and the rest of the senior class, "you and rest of the senior students must come as well. Hank, would you be so kind as to watch over the rest of the students for me?"
Hank nodded. "Certainly, Professor."
"Thank you. The ones I have called for, join me in my office." With that, he turned his motorized wheelchair around and steered it away from the room and down the hall towards the elevator that led to his office.
As soon as Xavier left, everyone looked at each other. Everyone seemed to be whispering at once.
"What's up with that?"
"I've never seen him so worked up."
"Could it be trouble?"
"I don't know."
Scott helped Jean to her feet. His mind was in a whirlwind of confusion. Not mention, he was unsettled by Xavier's manner of addressing and how quiet he seemed. "I've never seen the professor like this, Jean."
Jean merely answered. "Let's see what he has to say."
A few minutes later, Logan, Ororo, Scott, Jean, Kurt, Kitty, Rogue, and Evan had gathered in Xavier's study. They all sat on the comfortable couches and chairs that Xavier had placed in his office so that people who he had to talk with could be comfortable when he did.
Xavier had positioned himself before them in his wheelchair. More than ever he looked like the wise, father figure he was to the students. In fact, he now had the air of a prophet. He almost seemed to be wiser than God himself with the air to him he had now.
Everyone couldn't help but feel tense. They all wanted to hear what Xavier had to say. They weren't sure if it was good news or not, but with the professor's current visage, nothing was certain. Usually, Xavier was good-hearted and warm with his students, cheerful and anxious when they asked him for advice and help with their lives and powers. So when he was grim like this, something big had to be up. Either that or he was very nervous about something, which was in itself unusual.
Xavier began talking. "I am sorry to have pulled you away from your celebration of spring break. But I'm afraid this cannot wait. I have something very important to tell you all." The way he said those words conveyed not room for doubt that something very bothering him to a high degree.
"Professor," Jean spoke up, "You've been working it seems down in Cerebro ever since last night and no one has seen you all day until now. This isn't like you."
"Ja, Professor," Kurt joined in on the conversation, "Vhat is going on here?"
Logan spoke out, "You've had us all pretty concerned, Charles."
Xavier folded his hands over his lap. He wasn't quite sure how he was going to break this news to them, let alone how they would take it. "I am sorry to have concerned you all, but I had to research something on Cerebro as thoroughly as possible. And from what I have learned, we have a mission on our hands."
The word "mission" made everyone's ears perk up.
"What is troubling you so, Professor?" Ororo asked, "Please tell us."
Xavier then began his long-prepared speech. "Last night, at precisely 11:58 p.m., Cerebro detected a mutant signature in Southshore County, Washington. However, the signature was identified as UNKNOWN."
That word had the effect Xavier was thinking it would. Several of the X-Men had mixed looks of confusion and surprise on their faces. "Unknown" was a word that they had rarely hear the professor use in any topic. But the topic they heard it in the least was mutants.
"What's an "unknown" mutant signature?" asked Logan, "That can't be correct, Charles. Cerebro has been able to identify any mutant signature you've ever picked up anywhere."
"It is correct, Logan. Beyond any doubt. As for the signature, I found it highly unusual for that sort of response from Cerebro. I have spent the time since then researching on why it was identified as "unknown." It was for that very reason why I have called you here- to tell you why it was identified as unknown."
Xavier tapped a button on the arm of his chair and a large oil painting of Napoleon Bonaparte slid upward into the wall, revealing a large screen behind it. An image came up on the screen. It was of a boy of nineteen. He looked as tall as Scott, though maybe an inch or two taller with blond hair the tint of a 10 karat gold ring and green eyes. "This is the mutant that gave off that unidentified mutant signature," Xavier continued, "His name is Simon Peter Valley. He lives in Moonriver Falls near the Pacific Coastline of Northern Washington."
Evan looked over the image of the nineteen-year-old on the screen. He had sort of expected him to look inhuman, like some mutants did, maybe having unusual colored hair and eyes, or maybe even inhuman physical forms, like a tail, claws, skin-grafted body armor, or some other weird attribute that could have been possible. But by all appearances, this mutant looked as normal as any human being he had ever seen. He could have easily walked up and down a street or into a store and no one would have the slightest clue that he was a mutant. "Why is he unknown, Prof?" asked Evan, "He looks normal to me."
Evan's question seemed to have a rather unsettling effect on Xavier. Xavier simply placed his hands back on the armrests of his wheelchair and was silent. For a few seconds, he was still as a statue. The Scott, Jean, and the others were starting to get a little concerned. Xavier was never really this quiet or hesitant to explain something to them. He would never try to deceive them or trick them, but there were times when he was secretive, sometimes even manipulative, with people. It was never for personal gain, but there was the irrefutable fact that it was for a reason he thought best if kept out of others' knowledge. Like the time Mystique had posed as Principle Darkholme
What I want to know is what kind of powers are talking about here with this kid," said Logan, suddenly barging in, "If he's anything like the Brotherhood's little miss Scarlet Sorceress then I say 'no way.'"
"You said it, Logan," addd Evan, "Having one big bad powerhouse, either guy or girl, around is my limit.
"Well," said Xavier, "I don't really have a true idea as to why he was called unknown. However, I do have a theory that may explain Cerebro's identifying him as 'unknown.'"
"Which iz?" Kurt asked.
"I believe it's because that he has certain properties about his powers that I have never encountered before. Or rather, he has powers on a level that I haven't seen before in any other mutant," answered Xavier, "At the current stage of development that he is in, he is quite powerful. Not only that, but he also shows rather strong control over his powers, which is something very few teenage mutants have without training.
"Professor," said Kitty, "You're like sounding like you're saying you've seen powers like his before, but yet you haven't. This isn't making any sense.
Xavier could hear the confusion in Kitty's voice. He needed to elaborate.
"Well, to put it simply, let me give you all examples. I'm sure you've seen that several mutants we've encountered have super strength, like Sabertooth, Blob, and Sunspot. And also several mutants have the ability to manipulate a natural occurring element of the cosmos, like Magneto manipulates magnetic fields while Storm manipulates weather."
Everyone nodded.
"Well, you have seen that the strength level between mutants who have superhuman strength varies considerably and the manipulation powers differ just as much, if not more," said Xavier, seeing that they were starting to understand, "Now, in the case of Simon Valley, it's something like that as well."
"But what type of power does he have'" asked Rogue, "Ah mean, weh don't know that about 'em yet."
The professor understood what Rogue was asking. "Well, to put it as simply as I can , Rogue, he is a metamorph."
Metamorph. That word made everyone's ears perk with wonder. But also with fear or anxiety. They knew of only one metamorph around, and that was Mystique, who was far from being the nicest lady around.
"A metamorph?" asked Scott, "You mean like a shape-shifter?"
Xavier shook his head. "Not a shape-shifter, Scott. It has to do with bodily transformation. One of the general fields that I catalogue mutant powers into is the ability to alter their bodily tissues into another substance through transmutation. For some, it's into different flesh, like Mystique does. However, there is also the metamorphic mutant that can transmute his tissue on a subtle level of matter into another form of matter. Bobby Drake for example, transmuates his body on a molecular level when he assumes his ice form."
"So this Simon Valley fits into the category of metamorphic transmutation?" asked Jean.
"Yes. But he has a transformation ability that I've never seen before in a mutant. From the information gathered by Cerebro, he has the ability to morph his body on the subtlest level of existence, the subatomic level."
The others listened carefully. This was getting really interesting.
"He has the ability to transform either his entire body or only a certain portion of his body into a form of living, mutant-exotic, bio-molecular energy, whihc is unlike any form of energy I've encountered. Cerebro detected him firing energyfrom his physical structure as powerful energy beams and disruptive blasts. And apparently, he can also control the effects his energy can induce on a target. For example, he can manipulate his energies so that they cause intense heat, create eletrical charges, strike with concussive force, even create violent explosions by mentally altering their patterns to create the effect he desires. In addition, his energy morphing powers also give him a variety of other abilities. One is that he can also absorb pure raw energy energy into his bio-physical structure and reroute it to amplify his own physical strength and energy powers."
"That dude almost sounds like he's a walking dynamo," said Evan.
"However, you don't yet know the full extent of his powers," said Xavier, "For according to my discoveries from Cerebro, he has also undergone what is called a secondary mutation, which is a rather rare occurrence for a mutant to undergo."
"You mean there's more?" asked Ororo.
"Yes. His secondary mutation gives him the ability to surround his body in it's energy form with some type of living armored carapace exoskeleton. While in his energy form, he produces some type of energy reactions that generate some type of living armor around his body that is composed of an ultra-resilient organic substance that covers his energy-composed body like a shell, which gives him enhanced strength, speed, senses, and reflexes, as well as a very high degree of resistance to physical damage and injury."
Logan head heard enough about this teenage mutant and his powers. He immediately cut in. "Look, Charles, I think we've heard enough about this kid already. Do you really think we should approach him and try to recruit him?"
"He sounds dangerous, Professor," said Kitty, "I don't think it's safe to go near him."
Scott himself thought on that too. He had seen enough to convince him to be cautious. He had seen too many evil mutants in his time, Magneto, the Scarlet Witch, and perhaps others in the near future. He was not prepared to have a third like that. With that though, he barged in. "We have enough dangerous enemies opposing us as it is; Magneto, the Scarlet Witch, not to mention Mystique and the rest of the Brotherhood. Remember how they've beaten us?" asked Scott, trying to make others see what he was getting at, "This dude doesn't sound insanely powerful like the Scarlet Witch is, but as far as I can tell, he sure doesn't sound like a slouch either."
The young field leader looked at everyone around him. Everyone seemed to be thinking on what he had just said, for no one answered right away and appeared to be in deep thought, and were probably coming to the same conclusion. They had all gone up aginast Wanda just days ago and had lost terribly. Not to mention, Magneto and his followers had given them a hard time as well, and if one thing was certain about Magneto other than his intentions of enslaving the rest of the humanity, it was that the X-Men were practically no match for him in a confrontation.
Scott spoke one last sentence to end his little speech. "We can't let this guy join the Brotherhood."
"Scott is right," Xavier said, "We can't risk losing him to Magneto or Mystique. That is why we must take action now. His powers could be extremely destructive under Magneto's hand, but with the proper training, discipline, and guidance, his powers could become extremely strong and very useful to us and our cause."
"What else should we know about him, Professor?" asked Ororo, "What is he like personality-wise."
"Well, Ororo, that is an interesting part of it. From what I have learned on Simon Peter Valley and his character, I believe that it may be risky to approach him with the intention of recruitment. But once we get through to him, he should be easy to talk to and to be convinced to join us."
"Why is that?" asked Jean.
"As far as I can tell, this young man is normally a quite-mannered, self-contained individual. Most of the time he is quiet and composed. However, when he feels threatened or is pushed hard enough, his behavior can become aggressive and in some cases, violent. In addition to that, he is also stern and silent most of the time and trust in others does not come easily to him. But if we approach him in the correct way, convincing him to join us should not be difficult at all."
"I don't see how someone with that kind of character could be easy to recruit, Charles," said Logan, sounding like he didn't believe that last part. Heck, many of the others probably didn't either. How could someone not trust others but still be easy to talk to? "He sounds like he doesn't trust anyone."
"I know that he may sound risky to approach, Logan, but as I said before, if we can get him to listen to us, recruiting him sound not be a problem," said Xavier.
Kurt suddenly cut in. "Vell, I don't know about you guys, but I say, let's do it!"
"Yeah man. He doesn't exactly sound like the social kind, but I'm thinking we could use a little boost in our ranks," said Evan.
"When do you want us to try and recruit him, Xavier?" asked Ororo.
"Tonight."
"Tonight?" asked several of them all at once.
"Yes," Xavier confirmed, "Magneto does not know of Simon Valley yet, but I know that if he learns of the power of Simon's mutant abilities, he may go to any length imaginable to recruit him for his own side. We must act as soon as possible. Since this is a mutant that will need all the encouragement possible to join us, I want all of us to go."
"Professor, you've never taken all of us on a recruiting trip before," Rogue pointed out, sounding a little surprised.
"I know, Rogue. But since we cannot risk losing him to Magneto or Mystique, I want all of you to be with me on this. If he hears about this from all of you, chances are that he may be more easily convinced to come with us."
"Well, that makes sense," said Kitty, "He hears of all the benefit this can give him, the bad news about Magneto, how we can help him, how he can help us and that should be enough."
Logan suddenly stood up. He looked ready to do it now. "Okay, people," he said gruffly, "I think we're wasting valuable time just talking here. If this kid's tricks are as big as I think, we have to get him like yesterday."
"Logan is right. I've said enough. Now we must act. I'll be coming with you on this. Ororo, Logan you will come as model instructors on this mission. Scott, you and the rest of the senior students will come as examples of students and X-Men as well. Since this young man is overly cautious about who he talks to, I believe it best that we do not wear our uniforms. Dress as casually as you would at school." Xavier turned to Logan and Ororo. "Logan, Ororo, prep the Blackbird. The rest of you get ready. We'll be heading for Washington in half an hour. Dismissed."
Everyone immediately got up to leave. Logan and Ororo immediately went to the hanger to get the Blackbird ready for a flight. Scott, Jean, Kurt, Kitty, Evan, and Rogue all went to their rooms to change out of their party clothes and into something more casual under Xavier's instructions. Most of the time they would be excited about finding a new member for the team. But this new mutant had them all feeling nervous. But then again, when recruiting someone to be an X-Man, you had to be prepared for anything.
And so the journey begins. How will it go for the X-men as they try to recruit this new mutant? Stay tuned for later chapters to find out. And remember, REVIEW! I really want to know what you think about my story. Have Fun!