Chapter 6: Storm and Cyclops
Zach yawns as he wakes up at around 7:30 o'clock in the morning. He looks around and sees that he is in the same room that was shown to him the other night. He pretty much figured that this wouldn't be a dream given his past encounter with Rogue. He still wonders why they attacked him and Logan and hopes that his friend was alright.
For now, he showers downstairs, puts clean clothes on and grabs his English book for his first day of class. Zachery stops in the kitchen and grabs an apple and quickly eats. He has been very anxious all morning so far and can have a hard time eating when he's like this. He takes three deep breaths as he makes his way towards his first class at his new school with one of his new teachers. And his first class is with Storm.
Zach looks around and sees dozens of kids walking and running to their class as a couple of the teachers are gathering their students. He walks outside the mansion and into the courtyard as he turns left to head into the building on the left.
"Here we go. First day. No problem." Zach whispered to himself as he opens the door.
He enters the door and into the classroom. Inside, the ceiling is high up and in a big circle. All of the desks are lined up together, like forming a smile. The students all look at the new kid and he immediately freezes.
"There you are. Just the one I was hoping to see." Storm smiles. "Come, we saved you a seat next to two new students named Bobby Drake and Jubilee. They have been here longer than you have alongside several others."
Zach walks over to the desk and puts his book down and sits next to Bobby. He looks around and looks at the many students in the room. Class was about to start, but first, the teacher has something to say.
"Now, class. Welcome to English 9, Part 2, first day of the second semester. Before we begin, I'd like to introduce you to a very special student. Would that student please come up here?" Storm asked, looking at the new kid.
Zach was afraid she would say that. He takes a couple more deep breaths before he stands up.
"Come on. Don't be shy." Storm encouraged.
Zach starts walking up to his teacher slowly. He does his best to keep himself standing as he can feel his legs shaking. The new student looks around the classroom and sees everyone staring at him. He could only hope that they aren't afraid of him or anything given that he was on the news almost two weeks ago. He shakes it off as he makes his way up front.
"Now. Why don't you tell the class what your name is, dear?" Storm asked, looking at him.
It took Zach nearly a minute and a half to sum up the strength to look at up the entire classroom. Storm putting a hand on his shoulder actually helped a little.
"... Zach Martinez." Zach introduced himself, sounding very shy and nervous. He has a very hard time looking people in the eyes.
"Good. Now, class. Zachery Martinez is our first known mutant to be diagnosed with autism. And has very rare powers. Psychometry and intellect transfer. Please give this young man a wave and say hello." Storm instructed.
"Hello, Zach Martinez!" Everyone shouted. Much to Zach's surprise, most of them are rather happy to have a student such as him. Zach once more sighs and is able to relax since the last time he spent with his uncle. He barely puts on a smile as he sits back down with Bobby and Jubilee, sitting between them.
"Now. Let us begin the first day of English 9 Part 2." Storm starts. "Our lessons for today are remembering the story themes, learning about Prose and modal verbs. All of you have learned about story elements when you were in elementary and middle school. You've learned about the setting, the characters, conflict and resolution. Now a story isn't just about what happens, it's about what it is about and explaining it to other readers. But a prose is about reading without any metrical structure. No matter what you're reading. Whether it's a book or newspaper for example. It's also a natural flow of speech, such as me speaking to all of you in this classroom. Now can one of you give me examples of different types of prose?"
As Storm looks around the room, Bobby turns to the new kid. "Hey. Do you know the answers?"
Zach turns to Bobby. He was too shy to speak or look at his face, so he nodded his head instead. This makes Bobby smile regardless.
"Go on. Raise your hand. She'll like to hear it." Bobby encourages him.
Zach was surprised by how friendly he is. No one has ever treated him that nicely before. Luckily, the new kid was able to gather up the courage to slowly raise his hand in the air.
"Yes, Zachery?" Storm asked.
"Are they fictional, non-fictional, heroic and poetry?" Zack politely asked.
"Yes, sir. That's right. Well done." Storm compliments him. She turns to her big marker board to write the examples down. As she does so, Jubilee gets Zach's attention.
"Nice one. I'm Jubilee. And this is Bobby." Jubilee introduced herself and smiled. Bobby offered to shake his hand.
"I'm also called Iceman." Bobby shakes his hand. Despite wearing gloves, Zach can still feel the cold from his hand as it was partly frozen.
"Quite a handshake." Zack smiled a little. He slowly begins to look at the two. "N-nice gift. I like it."
"Thanks. I can do more than that." Bobby said. "Just wait till lunch. You'll see what I mean."
"Yeah. You should sit with us. We can always use another on our team." Jubilee invited Zach. This makes him turn to her out of surprise.
"R-really?" Zach asked.
"Of course. We could use a friend like you. What do you say?" Jubilee asked. No one has ever invited him to their groups beforehand. How could he let an opportunity like this slide?
"Umm…. sure. I-I'd like that." Zach nods.
"Perfect. Sounds like a plan." Jubilee is pleased as they turn back to Storm.
"Now. Like I said. Prose is extended to a form of speech. An example of said speech can come from a famous person. Such as MLK Jr and his famous "I have a dream" speech. But how is heroic prose explained?" Storm asked. This time, Jubilee raises her hand.
"A heroic prose can be either spoken or written, and they could come from myths and legends. Such as Icelandic sagas for example." Jubilee answered.
"Yes. But there are many kinds of heroic prose. Other examples of the other types of proses that your new classmate Zachery just said can include real books I have here. Such as To Kill a Mockingbird or Harry Potter, Great Expectations and Pride and Prejudice. These are examples of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. And now, onto one other important aspect of english literature and that would be foreshadowing." Storm said.
While Storm works on her board, Zach decides to show his powers to Bobby and Jubilee. He takes off his glove and touches the book. Within a second, he starts seeing who the author of said book is, where it came from and how old it is. And it has information.
"This book came from Boston, Massachusetts. This has been here for more than a while and at least 4 other people have used this." Zach described.
"Wow. That's amazing, Zach. I didn't even know that. Can you also do it on people?" Bobby asked.
"Y-yeah. I suppose so." Zach slowly and quietly said.
"Can you show us later?" Bobby asked. Zach actually smiles and nods. "Great. Can't wait to get to know you better."
"Me too." Jubilee supports Bobby's opinion.
"Alright. Class is over for today. Now tomorrow, be prepared for a small quiz. Dismissed. And please see me if you have any other questions. Thank you." Storm bows her head to the students as they slowly one by one picked up their materials and left. Zach was the only one who stayed as Storm asked him to.
"So. How was your first day with me in my English class?" Storm asked the new student.
"I-It went better than I hoped. Like I s-said, I-I love the subject. I-it's one of my f-favorites." Zach pointed out. The new student is slowly feeling like he's less afraid of looking at his teacher.
"Good, good. And I can tell that you enjoyed sitting with Jubilee and Bobby. They took a quick and great liking to you." Storm smiled.
"Umm, well. I-it's just that…. No one has ever been that nice to me." Zach admitted. "Same with the teachers. I…. I'm still trying to get used to everything. Y-you know. A-Actually having friends. I didn't th-think I'd be friends with people like them. P-please I'm not being prejudiced, no."
"I understand, young Zach. There's more where that came from. And don't forget that you have us as well. Maybe including Logan." Storm said. This reminded Zach.
"I-is he okay?" Zach is worried.
"Yes. He's quite well…. Resilient. But it was kind of him to assist and protect you. But he'll come around to us eventually. Just as everyone does." Storm said.
"I-I get the feeling that this is not the only reason why you wanted to see me." Zach guessed.
"Yes. Professor Xavier has asked us to show you how to control your powers. Like he said, your gifts are very rare. And it's very important that you control them. We do not wish to say this to you, but there are people out there who want to use other's gifts for selfish benefits. When you mature more, we may tell you other reasons why we formed together. But right now, it's time for your own lesson. Take off your gloves." Storm asks.
"B-but…. I-I'll hurt you. W-what if you end up like my uncle?" Zach is scared.
"You won't hurt me. I promise." Storm said. "Please. Take them off and grab my hand. You can do it."
Zach slowly and shakingly removes his gloves and holds out his right hand. He looks at his teacher in the eye and she nods, telling him to trust her. The autistic mutant can feel his heartbeat as he slowly grabs Storm's hand.
"Follow my voice. Heed it. Learn self-control. Think of what you want to see and think of when to stop." Storm instructed.
Zach holds Storm's hand and they both close their eyes. Zach then begins to see images. They're all playing so fast just like last time.
"Take it slow. Think of one thing at a time. What you want to see. Self-control is important. What do you see?" Storm asked.
"I see….. A blue sky. A different country. I see animals. Elephants, giraffes. Tigers. Cheetahs. Different cultures and families. Is this Africa?" Zach asked.
"East Africa. In Kenya. Where my mother was born. She brought me there every year on my birthday." Storm corrects him.
Zach and Storm both find themselves in Africa. Like they just suddenly teleported there. And all the people and animals around then all seemed real. Then they appear in New York City within seconds.
"But why do I see New York now?" Zach asked.
"It was where I was born. In the Harlem district. We later moved to Egypt after my father died." Storm explained.
Zach and Storm find themselves in Egypt. A red car is crash. A woman has died, but a little girl with silver hair has survived. And she's crying.
"Oh no…. I see… a little girl. All alone. In a car crash….. That's you." Zach realized.
"I was scared that day. I became claustrophobic. I cried so much, my gifts came. I can control the weather. Wind, rain, lightning, sunshine. Even snow and hail." Storm said.
Then they look into the sky and see the clouds immediately appearing, blocking out the sun. And it started raining as the little girl kept crying. Then Zach and Storm are transported to yet another country, it appears to be some sort of village,
"I don't recognize this country. Which one is this?" Zach asked.
"Cairo. I grew up and became a thief. I stole mostly food and water to survive. And when I got caught, I was threatened with losing my hands. But then, the professor came. He made them go to sleep for an hour. And he convinced me to join him." Storm said.
"I… I'm sorry. I… I did not know… you had it tough." Zach apologizes.
"No need to apologize. I'm doing this to show you that you are not the only one in this world who has felt loss." Storm assures him. "Now. Transfer the knowledge I have shown you."
"B-but…. Your memories. You need them." Zach protested.
"Do not worry. They'll always be intact. Please. Do as I say." Storm ordered. Zach nodded and he thinks about wanting to absorb the knowledge that was shown to him. Slowly, his head starts to hurt from the strain. Like he is developing a headache again.
Not wanting to take the pain any longer, Zach finally pulls away and they both gasp for air.
"Are…. are you okay?" Storm asked, catching her breath.
"I'm okay….. But why did you have me….?" Zach asked.
"So you can know me. As a better teacher and friend. So you won't forget us." Storm smiles as she stood up straight.
"I….. I don't want to forget you. I…. I don't want to forget anybody. I owe you my life." Zach tells her. He sees her friendly, motherly eyes and sees how beautiful they are.
"The honor is ours. What is good is you're beginning to learn how to control it slowly. But I can promise you that things will get better." Storm compliments him.
"T-thanks." Zach nods.
"You're welcome. And when it comes to your autism, don't be afraid to open up to others you can trust. All of this including what I just told you was a lesson entrusted to me by the professor." Storm smiles.
"Thank you, Storm." Zach starts to put on a bigger smile as he was about to leave. But Storm stops him one more time.
"And one more thing, Zach. You're going to do great." Storm puts her hands on his shoulders. "I promise you. Your spirit will rise high to the sky like the sun."
Zach continues to smile more as he makes his leave to his next class. Storm sighs, feeling more happy around Zach. She just finds him to be a very special boy. The one thing Zach is seeing in his head is Storm meeting Scott and Jean when they were younger and met at the same school.
Wolverine stands outside and feels some sort of relief to see that the kid was safe and sound.
Zach is feeling more happy after his first class with Storm. She has been nothing but extremely nice to him and is beginning to bond with him. Like a teacher and a student. But Storm finds him to be special and tends to act motherly around other students, but why Zach? Even he is confused. For now, it was time for his class with Scott.
Zach enters the room across from Storm's classroom and once he entered, it was not what he expected. It's….. A garage? And it's filled with plenty of cars and at least one motorcycle.
"Just in time, new kid." Scott points out. "Welcome to Auto Mechanics Class. Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself to everyone?"
Zach is beginning to feel more calm the more each teacher talks to him. And the way he just made two new friends is starting to make him feel better.
"Zach… Martinez." He introduced himself. He once more has a hard time looking at everyone, the only exception being Jubilee.
"Great. Sit anywhere you like so we can get started." Scott said.
Zach already sees Jubilee there with him and sees another friend that goes by the name Kitty aka Shadowcat. Jubilee waves to Zach and he already sits between the two girls as well as Pyro. Pyro rolls his eyes, apparently not caring about giving the new kid some attention.
"Now. Auto Mechanics is unlike most other classes, as this one is not seen in most schools. Since this is a freshman class and a lot of people your age are capable of learning this, let us cover some more of the basics as Part 2. Who here remembers, or in the case for some newcomers here, knows some things about auto mechanics?" Scott asked the class.
Many people raised their hands, which Scott expected. Jubilee and Kitty raise their hands, but with a little bit of trouble… but Zach does. Now this catches Scott's attention.
"So, we got at least one new student who knows stuff around here. Now, when you decide you want to buy a car for yourself for the first time, people normally take a car out for a drive. And when you own a vehicle of your own, you want to make sure that it doesn't have any sort of problems. Gas issues, AC issues, anything electrical. That's why my brother showed me how to work on these when I was in middle school. Now to me, you always want to see if there are any problems. Luckily, Dr. McCoy was kind enough to let me use this Caprice as an example. Would anyone like to show me where the transmission fluid is?" Scott instructed.
Jubilee elbows Zach on the shoulder. When he turns to her, she gives him an encouraging smile and a nod. Then Kitty does the same thing. Zach, feeling less nervous, raises his hand.
"Zach. Why don't you show us? Explain to us where you may find it." Scott asked the new kid.
Zach stands up and slowly walks over to the car, which already has its hood open. He looks carefully and remembers some words his uncle taught him.
"Umm…. well… first, you gotta look at the labels on each part so you can remember where they are. The transmission fluid is here in this semi-clear part right here. You can see how it's half empty. It should be red. But it's turning pink. It needs to be replaced." Zach points out.
Scott walks over to see what he is talking about. He nods and actually smirks. He is already impressed with how he knows his way around.
"Not bad, kid. Not bad. It can also be refilled with more, which can also help solve the problem. But what if it's brown or black, then you also would have to–"
"Replace the filter." Scott and Zach said at the same time.
"Good. And right here, it can be tricky to replace this before you have to move some things out of the way." Scott and Kitty help remove the container, and they both refill it with new transmission fluid and Zach helps reinstall it back into the engine.
"Now. How do you know this? I want to know." Scott questions him.
"Yeah. I wanna know too. You're pretty good with this stuff. I like to know the details of this." Kitty smirks, looking at him.
"Well…. M-my uncle is a mechanical engineer…. And works for the government." Zach admitted. Some of the students look at each other. Most of them, particularly Kitty and Jubilee, are surprised to hear this. Raised by an aunt and uncle with the latter helping government.
Pyro quietly groans as he reaches behind his pocket and takes out a light and holds his hand out underneath it. It lights up and he forms a small fireball, visible enough to where Zach could see it.
"Now we also want to make sure the fuel and air to come into the chamber. Kitty, why don't you show…. John!" Scott shouted, causing him to nearly drop the fireball to the ground. "What did I tell you about showing off and for bringing a lighter in this room?"
"Sorry." John apologized and put out his fireball.
"Next time that happens, I'm taking it away for a week." Scott warns him before continuing onward. "Now, Kitty. Do you remember where the carburetor is?"
"Yes, Mr. Summers. Can I show the new guy?" Kitty asks.
"Go ahead." Scott approved.
Kitty nudges Zach and gestures to him to follow her. Zach, after more encouragement from Jubilee, follows closely to Kitty. Kitty smiles to her new friend as she shows him with a carburetor. And it looks smaller than he first thought.
"Now. The air bleeder is a very important piece that is needed to mix the fuel and air together as an type of fuel injection. But nowadays, we stopped using them. We now use fuel injection. But carburetors are used for different things. What was the last vehicle to use this thing?" Scott asked.
"Easy. An Isuzu pickup truck." Kitty points out.
"True. But a-aren't they still used for d-dirtbikes and lawnmowers?" Zach asked.
"Correct. Now diesel trucks do not necessarily need carburetors as air is compressed to higher pressures. And that's where the fuel goes. And when the fuel and air mix together. Where does it go next?" Scott asked.
"The fuel evaporates and ignites." Kitty answered. She turns to Zach and whispers to him. "Your turn."
"Uh, uh, and then that's where the ignition drive comes in." Zach finished.
"Not bad. A small display of teamwork. I like it." Scott approves. "Now. Where to go next?"
"Alright. Now, your assignment for tonight will be to give examples and differences between the carburetors and fuel injection and give me two different examples from any vehicle. Everyone is dismissed, but you, new kid." Scott said.
As the students leave alongside a jealous John, Kitty and Jubilee turn to talk to Zach real quick.
"Good job, Zach. That was impressive to look at. You know your stuff." Jubilee compliments him. Now Zach is starting to blush. The girls giggle seeing how his face is turning red.
"I'm Kitty by the way. Kitty Pryde. Also known as Shadowcat." Kitty introduced herself and holds out her hand.
"Zach." He smiled and shakes her hand and looks at her friendly face.
"See you at lunch and any classes we have together." Kitty smiles as she and Jubilee leave. Now it's just Zach and Scott alone in the room.
"Y-yes? D-did you want to talk to me, Mr. Summers?" Zach asked nervously.
"When we aren't in class, you can call me Scott or Cyclops. And yes, the professor asked me to talk to you. How did you feel about the class? You got guts knowing what to do." Scott said.
"Oh… I-I don't m-mean to boast or anything." Zach tries to apologize.
"No, no. It's just that, no other student has shown this much experience in my class before. And you said that you helped your uncle build stuff. How long has he been doing this for the government?" Scott asked.
"Umm, about 20 years I think. He wanted to help make a difference in the world. And I wanted to learn." Zach remembered.
"Well then. Seems like you made a good choice. I appreciate that." Scott said. "Now the professor wants me to help you learn how to control your powers. How did it go with Storm?"
"I-it went well. I-I got to know her some more and I can see a memory. Of her being friends with you and Ms. Grey. And you three are teenagers in that memory." Zach explained.
"I know which one you're talking about. When we made it through freshmen year and began knowing each other more. Became closest friends. We grew up with each other and became X-Men together." Scott smiles, remembering the good times.
Zach nods, seeing how happy Scott is.
"Now, can you give me a demonstration on how they work? Use any object in the room." Scott instructed.
Zach looks around the room and tries to see which object to touch. Then he spots the carburetor that Kitty showed earlier. He walks up to it and removes his gloves and slowly places his hands on it and closes his eyes.
"Take deep breaths. Think about what you want to know and learn to stop." Scott advised.
Zach starts seeing images of the current object he is touching. He sees it being carried around and fixed after being damaged. He sees that it came from an old company from decades ago. And what year it was made. He pulls away with a bit of strain. After collecting himself, he turns to Cyclops.
"I see…. It came from a Ford Crown Victoria. From 1991 at an old police station." Zach explained.
"A crown vic? I didn't even know that. I have heard they were popular police cars back then." Scott is surprised.
"That's not all. The car it came from was bought from a Ford company and the carburetor was then taken to an auction store. And you were the one that bought it." Zach tells him. Scott is shocked. He has never mentioned it to anyone besides the professor and Jean.
"Wow. The professor was not kidding when he mentioned what you could do. He also asked that you use them on me. C'mon." Scott instructed.
Despite feeling like he has a bit more control, he is still afraid to touch others. But he then does what he asked. Zach touches Scott's hand by the back of it and they both close their eyes. They see images like they are connected together.
"I see…. A small boy….. Is that you?" Zach asked.
"Yup. Me before I got my powers." Scott answered.
Scott and Zach see more images and we see him growing up and not having to wear special glasses for his optic lasers. He was always able to control them willingly. That was until Zach suddenly sees the boy being thrown into a wall by some sort of bully, head first. Then all of a sudden, his eyes opened and he lost control and accidentally blasted the bully away and created a huge hole in the roof in a school hallway.
"W-what happened right there?" Zach asked.
"The moment I hit my head, I suffered from brain damage. I lost control of my powers and had to wear blindfolds." Scott answered.
"I-I'm… I'm so sorry. I…. I didn't know…. That you were…. You know." Zach feels bad for him.
"It's alright. My brother Alex talked me into coming here and learn from the professor. Doctor McCoy made these special visors and quartz glasses so I can see." Scott said.
"Is this… you and Ms. Grey? I didn't mean to…" Zach tries to apologize again.
"No, no, you're fine. It's no secret to anyone at this school." Scott chuckles. "Now do what Storm instructed you to do and take some of them."
Zach nods and he is beginning to feel more memories in his head. He sees Scott meeting Charles Xavier, recently meeting Logan, and becoming an X-Man and a teacher. Zach can feel his head hurting again and he immediately pulls away from Scott.
"You okay, kid?" Scott asked.
"Y-yeah. I-I can only…. Take so much. It makes my head hurt." Zach stands up. "H-how does it make you feel? That you can't control what you have?"
"At first, I wasn't too proud of it. I do miss my normal eyesight, not having to wear these at first. But I learned to adapt." Scott said. "You did good, kid. Listen to me. I can't control mine. But I'm sure you'll be able to control yours. It'll take time. I promise you that. And while I don't know as much about autism as the professor does, I can say this. Live your life to the fullest. Don't let anyone decide for you. Forge your own path. And it's okay to take advice."
"Thanks, Scott." Zach nods.
"Keep going. Don't stop." Scott advised him. Zach once more smiles as he leaves the room and onto his next class. This day just keeps getting better and better for him.
Once alone, Zach sighs after viewing Scott's memories. One particular one he saw was Scott proposing to Jean…. And she said yes. Zach wishes that he could experience love one day. Just maybe.
Note: So for these next few chapters, we will be focusing on Zach taking these classes with his new teachers and members of the X-Men. But I don't want to bore you guys so I made some of these class scenes short. And we also see Zach befriend Iceman, Jubilee and Kitty. There's more interactions to come. And another thing, while here, the teachers will be teaching Zachery some very important morals that people, including those with autism, can use in real life. I hope you like them. In Storm's and Scott's case, don't be afraid to open up to others you can trust. And live life to the fullest and don't let anyone decide your path for you. Until next time!