Chapter 1: Revelations
Wow, he thought. Autism spectrum disorder. Iー now I feel different from other kids. It's bad enough I don't fit in with the others. But now, I just feel… more alone than ever.
Two pairs of footsteps exit a white room, walking through all the nurses and doctors within the hallway. They excused themselves and exited the hospital, heading to a red car, ready to leave.
Those footsteps belonged to a silver-haired man and a raven-haired sixteen year old teenage boy. They enter the car, but the boy grabs the older gentleman's hand.
"Uncle Edward," the young man said. "Does this mean I'm a freak now?"
"Whatー" The father massaged his beard, his breath shaking. "Look at me, okay? Look. Now, I don't care what those kids think. I know it sounds harsh, I know it does. But people in this world don't care about anything different. Those who are different, they're always gonna be hated for it. I've done things I'm not proud of."
"I know nobody's perfectー"
"But you see these guys out there? Mutants, right? They're just like us. Human. Just different. And a lot of us out there have been dealing a lot of bad to them. Something tells me that you'll be doing a lot of great things. Even if life turns tail, you better find some good friends. Grow up… have kids… a family of your own. Your parents would be proud of you."
Edward broke into tears as his smile faintly rose.
"They'd be proud of you too," Zachary said. "You did a heck of a job. I was lost when Mom and Dad left us. But you brought me back up… you kept me alive when I felt dead. I may not have friends, but I got you."
"Wow," Edward said. "You're a lot more mature than I remember. It's weird, you know? You've grown from a baby to a teenager. Almost at adulthood. I'm scared I may not make it to see you achieve greatness but I'm okay with that. As always, I'll be around. Even when you least expect it. Family never dies."
"Darn right." Zachary wiped his eyes and smooths his shirt. "These talks always bring me to tears. Speaking of talks, we should talk about the thing we're doing. Uncle Eddie, remember that project we started? We're not gonna stop until we get it done."
"We gotta get a bite and a drink. This baby's gonna be yours one day, if you want it."
"I'll think about it."
Eddie and Zachary shared a laugh before they pulled off, driving away from the hospital to one place: home.
A mansion stood alone near a field of grass. Inside, a bald, elderly man is making a speech about the state of humans and the subspecies called homo superior, or to put it simply, "mutants". The class of students wrote down notes and often asked questions.
As this was happening, Zachary was with Eddie inside a workshop working on an invention. Books and blueprints were all on several shelves across the room, and several building tools were on a large table. With all their tools at their disposal, one asked the other for tools and other items, sparking the flame within the dimly lit room.
"One day," the elderly man said to his class, "mutants will be able to coexist. Mutation is a mystery, as we still do not know nor understand what it does. It varies upon the person. My theory is that it also deals with genetics. It is, I mean, look, the personality of the person that is encoded within their DNA. It evolves as we do."
Zachary called Eddie to instruct him on the next step of the project. They worked tirelessly, enduring cuts and slight burns just to finalize this project. The times were rough, as the heat only weighed them down, along with the growing weight of their bodies.
"Eventually… as it always does..."
2 hours passed, and the project was finished. Eddie bandaged Zach's cuts on his right hand and shared a heart-to-heart about hard work and success. They cut off the conversation to gaze at the tank, reflecting upon their good work.
"Wellー" Zachary inhaled deeply as he stroked his hair. "Aunt Mary's gonna kill us both."
"You're telling me," Edward said. "I've hid this secret project from her for years. Maybe not hid, but she just never looked into it. Knowing her, she likely has. I'll be ignorant for now."
"Ignorance is bliss."
Zach shook his uncle's hand, abruptly releasing it and staggering into the bookshelf.
"Our gifts finally reveal themselves when we're most vulnerable…" the man said.
When Zach hugged his uncle, they both screeched at the top of their lungs. A beautiful older woman entered Eddie's workshop, but Edward had already passed out. Zach's eyes widened in horror as his own body shook and crumbled to his knees, still holding his unconscious uncle.
"Zachary, dear, we need to call the hospital!" Aunt Mary's said, rushing to Edward's body.
"Alright," Zachary said. "But I think Iー I love you both very much. This is whyー"
"Don't you leave us, please. We can work this out. Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault. Please stay. I know my nephew and I can tell when you're about to do something stupid. Calm down and help meー"
Zachary rises to his feet. "I have to go. I didn't squeeze him… he's healthy… that couldー I love you both. I'll be back soon."
"No, wait!"
"Take care of him for me!"
Zachary left the workshop and rushed out the door, slamming it and sprinting as fast as he could down the lone street in the sunlight.
Little did Zachary know… that this was only just the beginning of his journey. And his powers have only just scratched the surface.
Elsewhere in Washington D.C., many people come together within the Pentagon. Senators, speakers, and men and women that are part of the departments of homeland security, the states, treasury, defense, agriculture. You name it. Most of these people are remaining calm and collected as they gather to discuss a certain situation shared around the world: mutation.
Above them, hundreds of citizens have all gathered to watch part of the debate of mutants walking the very earth mankind has thrived for over thousands of years. Everyone is filled with questions and opinions as they watch two individuals talk back and forth on mutantkind.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the pentagon. For a long time, these mutants have been walking on the same streets for who knows how long. They tend to hide in plain sight. And yet one person, who doesn't seem like us is here before us, ready to present to us about mutation and these so-called theories about its development. I'd reluctantly like to welcome Doctor Hank Mccoy." A man named Senator Robert Kelly.
Lights are all focused on one tall stand in front of a giant monitor. One light leans left and comes forth… someone big and blue…. And wearing a suit and a tie. His name is Hank Mccoy. Also known as Beast. He remains a calm mutant as he approaches the stand, ready to speak his word on behalf of an old friend of his.
"Thank you, Senator Kelly. I am Doctor Hank Mccoy. Medic and scientist and teacher. I am here on behalf of the mutant registration act and on the theory of mutation and possible causes." Hank Mccoy introduces himself as he takes the stand.
"Yes, we know. Now I have heard reports that you in particular have been studying this "theory" in question for years, but have not been the one who has founded this "theory". Am I correct?" Kelly questioned the blue, furry mutant.
"Yes, Senator. But I have been under the same study and was influenced to explore what I am prepared to share with you all today." Hank Mccoy replied.
"Please, Mr. Mccoy. Do enlighten us. Explain the "magnificent discovery" that you and your friends discovered." Robert Kelly sarcastically asked him.
Hank Mccoy ignores the sarcastic tone and turns on the monitor and it looks like a picture of original DNA inside of a human being.
"Here is an example of human DNA. But here." Hank Mccoy presses a button on the slideshow. The DNA is changed completely to the color of blue. "This is an example of a mutant's DNA. It may be quite obvious for some people about the difference. But mutation is more complicated than it seems to be. It is a change of gene, which is what we call genetic mutation nowadays."
"And how does this genetic mutation work? Is this in all humans?" Kelly asked while giving Beast a cold stare.
"Well it can depend on the person. But this is seen as a stage of human evolution. Mutations manifest at puberty, but it can arrive late or never. And mutation is often triggered at high periods of emotional stress. It can happen, even if someone were to have certain disabilities. Genetic mutation has been discovered since the late days of World War 2." Hank Mccoy demonstrates.
"Yes, you would happen to be right, Mr. Mccoy. In fact, there has been recorded history of an incident that nearly wiped out both America and Germany when a third war nearly happened. Missiles hovering in the air in place. Seemingly done by a man who can control metal. And this same man has apparently killed JFK years ago. And a car that has apparently flipped itself over with no obstacles or other cars around and the only survivor was a little girl with red hair. While your presentation is educational and can be somewhat understandable, you fail to address the issue that is the subject of the court." Kelly displays news throughout the decades. "One question. Are mutants dangerous?"
"With all due respect, Senator Kelly, I am afraid that is an unfair question." Hank protests. "For all we know, anyone can be dangerous, regardless of humans or mutants. They can relate to car accidents, a shootout, a bank robbery, breaking and entering. People are licensed to drive, rights to defend themselves, and even have rights to lawyers and attorneys. But the violence is what is driving mutants away with fear. Fear and hostility are not the answers we seek. We seek peace and prosperity to live among humankind. Which is why I stand before you all as I am against this registration act. Forcing these mutants to come out publicly will only lead to more disaster."
"Forcing? You realize these mutants could be hiding anywhere in the world to prevent being forced to expose themselves." Senator Kelly brings out documents, ready to share with the entire room. "This is a list of names that have been currently identified once they were reported missing after some sort of incident. Most of these are identified as runaways. One mutant that turns metal after saving a relative from being mowed down by a tractor, or a girl that can walk through walls. Or one that can control ice or fire at will."
"Senetor–" Beast tries to speak but is repeatedly cut off.
"There are new rumors rising. One mutant who can read our minds, read our thoughts. For all god knows, this whatever it is, can possess us and make us do his bidding. And then there is the same mutant who can control metal like I have just mentioned. Word has it that this one by the name of fugitive Erik Lensherr calls you mutants "homo superior". In fact, this makes us become more concerned with what mutants think about us. I stand here because everyone deserves to know and decide should they have a family with mutants. Let kids be in the same schools with mutants and live together. And be taught." Kelly continued on.
"Senator Kelly. We all very much understand your opinion. But I assure you, that no one that I have met and befriended would be more than willing to hurt anyone. Or commit robbery or murder. I stand to be a mutant and proud of it." Beast said to him.
"Well, because of your appearance, you should say the exact opposite." Kelly insults Beast before turning to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen. As you can see. Mutants are real. Are they friends? Are they threats? That's up to us to decide. Who they are. What they can do. And most importantly, are they worthy to live among us?
The audience stands up and creates thunderous applause for Senator Kelly's speech. Hank McCoy, despite his standup, sighs in defeat as he walks away. Above them and hidden within the audience is the same man in the wheelchair known as Charles Xavier. He looks on in some form of disappointment. But yet remains confident. As the government employees continue clapping for Senator Kelly and his movement for the registration act, Charles sees one man walking away wearing elderly clothes.
As this elderly man is walking away, Charles speaks out to him. "I'm surprised that you're here, Erik. Normally, you're not much of a politician person, I should day."
"And I should say that I'm not surprised that you're here, old friend." Erik turns around to stare at his friend now turned enemy. "You've always kept faith in these people. But let me ask you this: why do you continue to have faith in your own confidence about living among those who fear you rather than giving up?"
"Why ask the questions when you already know the answer?" Charles replied. "We talked about this from time to time. Mankind has evolved. Mutantkind will continue to evolve."
"For once, we agree on something, Charles. You don't even need to look in here" Erik smiles while pointing to his own head. "But were you looking for anything inside the mind of that senator for something you were hoping to expect?"
"The only thing I am looking for is hope." Charles said.
"Oh, don't you worry, old friend. I will bring hope. Pray that hope does not get any worse from here." Erik said to Charles. He sees McCoy coming up behind Charles. "McCoy."
"Lensherr." Hank growls at him. Erik walks away, not even intimidated. Now the two are alone. "Are you sure about this, professor?"
"I'm sure. Someday, we will all share the same image when you least expect it." Charles gives Beast a reassuring nod before they head off to their own destination. Charles always remained a confident man despite odds being stacked against him. As much as he sees Erik as a friend, he reluctantly accepts the fact that they are on opposite sides.
Note: Greetings, my friends and comrades! I am back once again and with something completely different this time around! We're going into one of my favorite superhero teams, the X-Men! I have prepared myself for this by watching the good movies being X-Men 1 and 2, First Class, The Wolverine, Days of Future Past Rogue Cut, Apocalypse and Logan, and a couple of the tv shows. This story will have autism as a major subject. And the main OC is Zach, who is on the spectrum. You'll see his abilities explained at a certain point. I wanted a mutant with autism because that's never really happened in the comics and those with autism are known for having issues socializing, keeping eye contact, and be easily stressed and anxious and very emotional. Some mutants in the franchise have it very hard too. But what if someone who is autistic but also mutant was also affected? An autistic mutant would theoretically have their psychology and physiology being different and have a harder time compared to a regular mutant.