Chapter 10: Examination and Explanation
Class was over for today. Everyone was pleased with their jobs as teachers and were more than happy to help their students in need, particularly Zachary. They plan on setting with a counselor meeting with him over the weekend, but for now, they decided to let him adjust to his new home on his own terms. Now with the day done, it was time to help somebody else in need. This time, it's Wolverine.
Below the mansion, Hank and Jean plan to take a closer look at Logan and his mysterious powers in hopes of helping him find any clues to his past.
Logan is lying on the table preparing for an imaging test. Everyone is wondering what kind of metal his claws are made from and what other powers he has.
Logan looks up at Jean as she's helping Hank make preparations.
"Hey." Logan gets her attention. "I'm sorry, by the way."
"For what?" Jean looked at him with confusion.
"For hurting you. I didn't mean to do anything wrong." Logan explained. Jean gives him a smile as a sign of forgiveness.
"You're okay. I've been hurt worse. Trust me." Jean assured him.
"So. How long will this thing take besides having to take my shirt off? I'm not pushing or anything." Logan partly joked with a hint of impatience in his tone.
"Only for a few minutes. Your powers are unlike any other. Rare. Similar to your new friend." Hank said, walking up to Logan.
"Well. Guess I must be that damn special, huh?" Logan smirked.
Hank pushes a button and Logan slides inside the imaging tube. One by one, lights brighten and nearly cause Wolverine to close his eyes. Hank and Jean are taking a close look at Logan's X-rays. And they couldn't believe their eyes at what they were seeing.
There is metal coated to his entire skeleton from his skull to his toes. And they can see the metal claws from both hands. They are resting just within his fists until he extends them.
"Oh my stars and garters." Hank is stunned by the image results.
The other X-Men have gathered in the conference room where Hank is presenting the X-rays. Everyone is just as surprised as he and Jean are.
"The metal coated to his skeleton is known as adamantium. I've read about it. It's said to be virtually indestructible. It appears to be surgically coated to the entire skeleton. Theoretically, this includes his claws which were originally just ordinary bone claws." Beast said.
"My god. How could Logan survive such a thing and not kill or poison him?" Storm asked with widened eyes.
"His mutation. From what we have seen, he has a healing factor. It proves to be stronger than Sabretooth's. Even his claws are affected. His fists heal rapidly each time he uses them. It also prevents him from becoming sick, making it impossible to catch a disease or cancer. And it also affects his age. For all we know, he may be older than you, Charles." Beast explained.
"What kind of evil mastermind would do such a horrible thing to Logan? Clearly there must be an answer." Colossus added.
"He doesn't know who is responsible for his condition. Nor does he remember his life prior to meeting us or how long he's had this amnesia." Beast answers. Charles rolls closer to the images.
"Experimenting on mutants. This is not unheard of. Dear god. These new mutant powers are becoming new as the years go by. But it's a terrible thing to do to someone." Charles expressed shock and sadness.
"But still doesn't explain why the Brotherhood attacked him and the kid. What do you think Magneto would want with them? He wouldn't go as far as to wanting to hurt a kid or kill one of his own." Scott said.
"Indeed, Scott." Charles agreed.
"But there might be an easier way of helping the old man. Why don't we ask the new kid to help? Use his powers on his adamantium and see where it came from, maybe help him find some answers." Scott suggested.
"Scott!" Jean looks at her fiancé with a dismayed expression on her face.
"What? He has control over his powers. We've been helping him all day today." Scott reminds her.
"Out of the question. Zach still has much to learn about his powers and he is far from mastering them. Besides, Logan may have been born in the 1800s or so. And we do not know how long the adamantium has existed. If Zach were use his powers on something as old as that or someone as old as him, it may cause him great pain and injure him. We're lucky enough that it won't kill him." Charles explained.
"What do you suggest we do?" Beast asked.
"For now, we need to find out why they were attacked. Logan must be kept safe." Charles instructs everyone.
"Well that won't be a problem for us. The guy can take care of himself. He's a tough guy, considering the strength he has, otherwise he wouldn't be moving an inch with all that metal." Scott said.
"But Zach can't. He's only a boy. He doesn't understand the world for what it is and how dangerous it can be." Storm worries for Zach.
"We must keep an eye on him. I do not think Magneto will want a child for his own intentions. As for Logan, I can deal with him. Hank, find out what you can about adamantium. Where it came from, and any locations possible." Charles instructs him. "Jean."
"Professor, you know I can't." Jean tries to argue.
"I know. But you are strong enough to unlock certain memories. It may help us all. Besides, I think Logan could be a valuable person on the X-Men." Charles smiles.
"I can only hope it'll be a temporary stay." Scott whispers to Hank.
"What about Zach? He's a special kid. The last thing we need is to see him scared to the point where he runs away." Storm said.
"Have faith in young Zach, Storm. We're here to help them all. And maybe someday, he may want to do the same. But that is up to him." Charles reassured her.
Charles and Jean leave to go find Logan. Storm and Colossus head upstairs to check up on the students while Scott stays with Hank.
"Oh boy, oh boy. There are very powerful mutants in the world. Why is this one so special?" Beast wondered.
"Maybe it's his way with everyone he bumps into because he's an ass." Scott displays his distrust.
"I don't need psychic powers to tell that you don't like him." Beast turns to him.
"I'm that easy to read, aren't I?" Scott smirked.
"You've always been easy to read since you were a student. You were a troublemaker as well when you were a kid. You're just like a your brother Alex." Hank joked. Scott actually snickers.
"That's true. But still. Can't imagine how Alex would feel about him. But he's getting a little too close with the kid and Jean." Scott said.
"Don't go all jealous on us, Scott. Otherwise, Logan may have a fan." Beast teased.
"You wish. I'd like to take him on in a fight one day. If Magento doesn't kick his ass first." Scott imagines what Magneto could do to him. Beast and Scott share some laughs with each other.
Upstairs, all the students are eating dinner in different places around the mansion with some going over homework assignments and studying for any potential tests. And other kids are either watching tv, playing games or any kind or playing basketball or baseball.
Zach felt comfortable after getting through his first day at his new school and home. And he feels safe and happy since meeting his new friends. Bobby and the others were more than pleased to accept him as part of their group. They continue to get to know him more and more and vice versa. But they still opted not to tell him their full backstories given the breakdown he went through during lunch hour. At least not until he is ready.
They all sit down and have dinner while having conversations with each other.
"So I've been into cars since 6th grade. Watched a few car shows on history channel while watching my uncle and by the time in 8th grade, he decided to let me help him from that moment on." Zach explained.
"Well that explains why you've been doing good in Cyclop's class earlier. You know your stuff." Kitty compliments him.
"Dang. I was having a little trouble with that one. I want to learn to ride a bike like he does. Word has it he has like a turbo button on his bike that makes him go even faster." Warren smirked. He can quickly imagine himself riding something like that.
"Reminds me of Need for Speed and Fast and Furious. Those guys are hot and those cars are hot as well." Magik sighs. Apparently she's a big movie buff and a fan of certain video games.
"I know what you mean because I've seen all of them." Zach admitted. Magik's eyes light up as she finally found someone who also likes the series.
"Finally! Someone who appreciates and shared my opinion on Vin Diesel and family! Thank you, Zach!" Magik fist bumps his shoulder.
"Yup. I watch a lot of things in my free time, such as I mentioned Star Wars to Miss Grey. But I prefer working on cars the most. And I'm good at writing too." Zach replied.
"Hey, so. Now that you're part of our group, we do like to ask. If it's okay with you, we could always help you with any sort of homework. I know you have trouble with math, but that's where I come in. And is it okay if maybe you could help me and Bobby with our English class?" Jubilee asked, looking at her friend.
"Umm, s-sure. I-I like that." Zach accepts while blushing.
Jubilee smiles and gives Zach a squeezing hug and gives him a big smile. "Thanks! Us friends gotta stick together, am I right?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Zach smiled back.
"So what do you want to do after we're done catching up on stuff?" Bobby asked.
"You wanna maybe play a game or watch tv? See if there's anything good on?" Zach asked.
"I'd like the sound of that. Why don't you pick something, Zach?" Warren asked. Zach nodded in reply. "Good. You deserve some relaxation after your first day."
The group gets up from the table and washes off their dishes and throws away any garbage before they grab their notebooks and head to find a tv room where they could all sit together.
A few hours later, the group was having some relaxation time after some studying and helping each other out with homework. Zach was happy enough to help his friends out with some assignments regarding English and auto mechanics. And in turn, they helped him with some of his weaker subjects such as math.
"And that's how you use the square root and divide. It's still a lot, but remember everything step by step and you should do good in Beast's class." Warren said to Zach.
"Wow. It's still gonna be somewhat h-hard to do, but hopefully I can handle it." Zach said.
"You will. Just have faith in yourself. Give yourself a chance and if you do well, then you'll never doubt yourself again. I'm sure of it." Warren fist bumps his friend.
"Thanks. I suppose." Zach smiled a little while trying to hide his blush.
"He's right. You're smarter than you know. I mean you gave us some tips on Storm's english class. Good thing you have her class first with me and Jubilee." Bobby compliments him while fistbumping his shoulder. Zach smiles a little more while continuing to hide his redness.
"Yeah. I've barely passed Mr. Summer's class last time. But you've helped a lot, showed some cool things. Maybe that should be a class you teach if you want to." Kitty praises him and gives him a hug with Magick high fiving Zach.
Zach could no longer hide his emotions as his face started turning more red by the minute. Kitty, Magik and Jubilee can't help but giggle at their new friend blushing really hard. Bobby smiles and rolls his eyes.
"Hey, dude. So what plans do you have this week?" Magik asked. They all wonder the same question and want to know his answer. Zach wasn't sure as he felt his tongue twisting from trying to talk.
"Oh…. um….. I d-don't know. I-I never thought about it. W-why do you ask?" Zach asks them.
"We were wondering if maybe Friday after the professor's class, we could take you to a mall in New York for dinner and a movie. We can let you pick a movie. It's on us." Jubilee offered.
Zach was moved by this. He figured that his new friends are nice to him, but never before has anyone invited him on a trip to a cool place with them. Hang out, food and a movie. Zach once more tries not to tear up as he can feel himself trying to bottle up his emotions.
"R-really? W-why me?" Zach is trying not to get emotional again.
"It's because you're our bud. Our friend. We look out for each other. We want to show you that you deserve to be part of us. We care about each other, that includes you." Bobby reminds him.
"I'm sorry. It's just that no one really invites me to anything. This is the first time it's happening to me. I-I don't know what to say or do. B-but are you sure?" Zach looks at everyone.
"Yeah! I mean, we're here to help you. Let you be part of our society. Society here at this school. We're mutants. And we're proud of it. No matter what." Magik said. "And if anyone disagrees with us, then don't let them get to ya. Am I right?"
"Y-yeah. You're right. Just like what Mr. McCoy said to me earlier. And sure. I-I'd like to come along with you guys this weekend." Zach nods and accepts.
"Great! We meet up at the entrance at 3:30 this Friday afternoon after class!" Jubilee glees with excitement. She is very happy that her group planned something with Zach.
"But enough studying today. I'm bored. Let's see what's on tv." Magik said.
"Come on. No Fast and Furious stuff. We've seen enough memes regarding Vin Diesel." Warren said with an annoyed tone.
"Maybe Rambo?" Kitty suggested.
"Or Robocop." Bobby brought up.
"Maybe Star Wars. But maybe the originals first?" Zach joked.
"Ha! Good one, Zach!" Magik laughed. "I don't mind the prequels besides the bullshit they have. I mean have you seen the memes online? Just makes them funny in an infamously bad way.."
"Yeah. Like Jar Jar Binks and whatever he speaks. Even though he talks, he's still stupid." Zach snickered. Once more, Magik, and this time, Warren and everyone else joins in. They all get what he meant by that.
"You know what? For good times sake, let's pick the original movie." Kitty said. "I like that one a lot. It got me into it, and I think both Han Solo and Indiana Jones are hot."
"That's because they were both played by the same guy." Jubilee said with a deadpan look on her face.
"Exactly." Kitty answered. Jubilee giggled and rolls her eyes.
"Umm, guys? I'm gonna get some air real quick." Zach steps outside. His friends smile and nod at him. They quickly get to work and set things up.
Zach walks outside the backyard and sits on a bench by himself. He sighs as he stares at the moon and the cold air. Zach doesn't mind the cold much since he lived most of his life up north. The new student reflects on today and how good it was with meeting his new teachers and friends. He closes his eyes for a few moments….. Until he feels all warm.
Zach opens his eyes and no longer sees the cold air whenever he breathes nor could he feel it around him. He feels confused at the sudden change.
"The weather said it is supposed to be extra cold tonight."
Zach turns to see who spoke out to him and it appears to be Storm. Her eyes glowed silver white as she was the one who made the temperature warmer. She approaches the young boy and sits next to him alongside Colossus.
"How are you feeling, young one? How's that arm treating you?" Colossus asked, referring to his injury he sustained from earlier.
"I-I'm okay. I-I've been through worse." Zach gestures to his elbow as he looks at his teachers in the eyes.
"That is good to hear, son. I hope that you have had a good day today. You performed well on the basketball court." Colossus praised.
"And you did very well in my English class this morning. You surprised me with how much you know." Storm smiles at him.
"Oh, uh, t-thank you." Zach blushes once again. "I-I didn't know I had it in me. I-I was just doing my best."
"Exactly. Being a student in this school is all about doing your best as long as you know what it takes to be successful. Even when you have friends such as Bobby, Jubilee and Kitty." Storm said.
"As well as the young Angel and my sister Magik. Warms one's heart to see you make friends with them all in one day. It shows that you do belong in this school." Colossus said to the young mutant.
"I was told that you've gained more control over your powers. How does that make you feel?" Storm looks at him.
Zach thought carefully about the words in his head and his recent experience.
"W-well. I-I can see things more carefully. Like reading a book more carefully. I showed an example to Jubilee and she was surprised. A-And my head s-still hurts a bit whenever I use them and makes me feel a bit lightheaded." Zach described.
"Be patient, young one. Still have much, much to learn. When the sun rises, one's potential will grow strong and be able to withstand even the darkest times." Colossus said.
"G-good poetry." Zach said.
"He's right, Zach. And don't forget the moral lessons we've told you today. And remember that you're going to do great. You're only going to become a better student than you know. Trust me. And your autism only makes you a better person. In here." Storm puts one hand on Zach's shoulder and places another hand to where his heart is. Zach begins to smile more.
"I-I will try my best to remember everything you guys showed me. T-thank you." Zach nods. He starts to understand their words carefully.
"You're welcome, Zachery. Go on inside where it's safe and warm. Remember your first class, right?" Storm asked.
"W-with you, Storm." Zach remembered. Storm only showed a bigger smile and nods to him as Zach makes his way back inside.
Storm sighs. She can't help but feel happy around Zach. She appears to enjoy having an autistic mutant like him as her student. She sees something in him.
"The new student is looking bright, Storm. He may make a reliable X-Man." Colossus believes.
"That is up to him. But the last thing I want to see is him getting hurt. He's only 16." Storm worries for the autistic mutant's safety.
"I know what you mean. But you heard the professor. He must choose for himself. Nobody can do so for him. We all must accept students for what they want to do with their lives as long as it can benefit them in a good way." Colossus reminds her.
"You're right. But the boy has been through a lot these past few weeks. No parents to contact, being on the news, his uncle was hospitalized. Whatever he chooses, he must learn to overcome these obstacles and move on with his life." Storm replied.
Note: Not a whole lot to say about this, but I thought I should include more interactions with the X-Men and Logan. It's fun to see these guys together. Some of y'all are probably wondering why is Storm so protective of Zach? Well, because he's a special type of mutant and she feels she needs to be there for him and his friends when they need protection. Storm has always been a mother figure to her students in the comics and movies, like with Rogue for example. She was one of the best in the movies in my opinion. Until next time!