A/N: So here am I with another fic and this time, I'm attempting my luck at X-Men story, I admit I've never done one before but I am pretty excited about this and once again it will be OC insert story so if you don't want to read that then you can go ahead and leave now. Now I have to say this, you guys know I love doing stories that are sort set in like an AU [Alternate Universe]. I like doing stories with OC inserts on an Earth that would fit my character and would allow there to be an interesting storyline that can include my character which is exactly what I'll be doing with my OC in this story. So I'm gonna be taking influences from the comics, movies and the cartoons in this one story.
So my character's abilities are involved with energy manipulation and generation. He can generate his own energy that has a vibrant fiery red hue with this energy, he's able to manipulate and use it in various forms.
Chapter I: Mutations
Arc 1: The Rise
Queens, NY
"Hey Wright, you good bro?" asked Marsellis Hartwood. Marsellis had been Jalen Wright's best friend since they met in the 3rd grade. Marsellis was a young 15 year old much like Jalen. Marsellis stood just a few inches shorter than Jalen, standing at 5 '8 with a head of jet black hair in a faded fro. He had dark brown eyes and eyebrows that seemingly accentuated his emotions. He had clear rich dark brown skin free of any scars or acne which was surprising for a 15-year-old. He wore an outfit consisting of white Air Force 1s, skinny camo joggers with a white hoodie with a black bomber jacket over it. Marsellis sat next to Jalen on the bus on their way to Midtown High School.
"Yeah bro, I'm straight, I just got a lot on my mind," said Jalen. Jalen Wright, the star Wide Receiver for Midtown High. Jalen had a striking and confident presence, standing at approximately 5 '9 with a lean, athletic build reflecting his active lifestyle. His complexion is rich and deep with a radiant caramel brown skin that seemingly radiated in the presence of the sun. He had a full head of thick, curly black hair with a seemingly dark, luscious curl with a natural balance and keeps his hair neatly faded on the sides and back allowing his curly crown to form an attractive and eye-catching style. His warm, expressive eyes are a shade of deep brown, often shimmering with a mischievous glint. His eyebrows, well-groomed and arched adding to the charm of his facial expression. His lips have natural fullness with a hint of a playful smirk that frequently graces his face. He has a well-defined jawline and cheekbones that accent his features. He wore an outfit consisting of black skinny jeans with a simple black t-shirt, white and black flannel with a pair of "Bred'' Jordan 1s.
"Let me guess, you got 'ole girl Jasmine' on your mind."
"Nah, Marsellis, I ain't got Jasmine on my mind,"
"Shit, you should. She is fine as hell man. You lucky she is not feeling me otherwise I would've got the number."
"I don't know why y'all keep saying that. She's not into me. We're just friends."
"Bruh friends don't do the shit y'all do or the shit she do for you to be exact." Jalen scoffed as he turned his head and looked at his best friend with a confused frown.
"Like what?"
"Bro don't play stupid."
"Nah bro seriously like what?"
"Okay, you really trying to play dumb with me. She wears your jersey to every football game and it doesn't matter if it's home or not. She texts you every damn day. She's always making an excuse just to touch you. And bro, let's not forget she's always making you food and she's always trying to get y'all to go out after school. If you ask me she's madly feeling you."
"Okay, you kinda have a point."
"See there, I know what the hell I'm talking about. You trying to play me like I'm stupid."
"Man, whatever. I just don't think Jasmine would benefit from being with a dude like me."
"Why do you say that?"
"Bro, think about it. I seriously have no family values because I know nothing about being in one. The center doesn't care when I get home or anything. Or even if I'm alive for that matter. I'm telling you bro once you reach an old enough age and they realize you ain't getting adopted, they stop caring."
And there they were, Midtown High School, the public High School located in the Forests Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York. Midtown High was the home of Midtown Tigers, the team that Jalen made his own playing as the star Wide Receiver for the team. And it made him pretty damn popular especially amongst the girls. And oddly enough he had a bit of popularity amongst the guys as well because he was so good at football.
"Alright bro let's go." Jalen said as both men stood up from their seats on the bus and followed suit of everyone else that was riding the bus with them. They exited the bus and stood in front of their school looking at the building before they walked off getting ready to start their day in the educational institution.
(!)
Salem Center, New York
The X-Mansion. The home to Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, the academy that allowed young mutants with abilities to receive an education and special training to master their abilities and help foster a friendly relationship between humans and mutants. Secret behind closed doors it was the home to the X-Men, a band of superhumanly powered mutants founded by Charles Xavier himself with two purposes in mind: to train mutants to use their powers and to serve as a combat team that could defend humanity against attacks by powerful mutants who use their powers for criminal purposes and other threats.
The X-Men were a team that featured some of the best of the best. Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Marvel Girl and so many more who fought to protect humanity. It was nice to know that even if humanity sought out to fight Mutants, there were still some good mutants out there who wanted to protect the people.
Meanwhile inside the mansion in the underground section in Cerebro, a computer system dedicated to finding mutants. It could only be used by it's strongest telepaths. It helped telepaths get into the minds of humans and mutants alike to identify them and send messages to them. Cerebro found itself inside of a large, metal, domed room. Most of the room was empty except for a walkway that was attached to a large metal door with a X on it. The walkway led to a monitor where the brilliant Professor Charles Xavier sat in front of the monitor in a wheelchair with silver wheels that always seemed to form an X. Charles Xavier, a bald telepath with a mastery in the power like no other. He had sky blue eyes that had a striking sense of wisdom, depth and compassion. He wore a tailored dress jacket with a turtleneck underneath showcasing his sophisticated style and sense of class. He was the leader and founder of not only the school named after himself but also the X-Men.
The X-Marked door opened allowing a tall, muscular individual to waltz inside the roome. He had a rugged and weathered appearance with a strong jawline, high cheekbones and prominent brow ridge, giving him a fierce and determined look. His piercing eyes are typically depicted as a vibrant shade of dark brown, adding to his intense and animalistic presence. His hair is dark brown, thick and unkept. He had thick sideburns that connected to a well-groomed, pointed beard. The man had a cigar in hand and wore a dark brown leather jacket with blue jeans and white tank top with a pair of dog tags around his neck that said "Wolverine". That was his field name but to everyone else his name was Logan.
(Don't hate me but I love Hugh Jackman's Wolverine so he's the wolverine I'm using for my story).
Logan walked down the walkway to Charles Xavier with a lit cigar in his mouth while Charles rolled his eyes as he grabbed the silver headset on the monitor and placed it on his own. "Logan, my tolerance for your smoking in the mansion notwithstanding, continue smoking that in here, and you'll spend the rest of your days believing you're a six year old girl."
"You'd do that?"
"I'd have Jean braid your hair."
"Any progress yet Chuck?"
"No none yet. I tried it earlier to no avail so I'll try it again.
"You know as you get older the mind is always the first to go." Charles shed a light chuckle making Logan chuckle as well. Charles closed his eyes and started to focus on finding the mutant that he was looking for.
"Alright Chuck, let's see if you could find him." Logan said as he took a few steps back giving the Professor the space he needed to do one of the things he does best.
Professor Xavier took a deep breath before opening his eyes. He could see the faint images of people, mutants more specifically living their everyday lives trying to blend in. His eyes wondered looking for a specific mutant. He smirked as his eyes settled on the mutant he was looking to find in the form of Jalen Wright who could be seen walking through the hallway of his high school.
Professor Xavier took off his helmet and placed it on the monitor before turning around in his wheelchair to face Logan.
"Just what we need. Another teenager." Logan sarcastically said, making Charles chuckle.
"Any mutant that needs our help no matter the age-"
"No matter the situation. We'll help. You've said that before."
"Took you long enough but you're finally starting to listen to me. Who knows maybe you'll stop calling me Chuck?" Charles said as he moved down the walkway with Logan following behind him.
"Not a chance in hell bub."
(!)
Midtown High School
The star WR for the Midtown Tigers sat in his science class looking across the classroom at Jasmine Dela Cruz, one of the cheerleaders for the Midtown Tigers. Jasmine was a short, feisty latina with clear honey beige skin with dark brown eyes and black hair with brown highlights at the end. Everyone in school believed that the two had a bit of a crush on each other. No matter how much they tried to hide it, it was obvious that there was something going on between the two. If you couldn't see it you had to be either blind or stupid.
"Mr. Wright, is there something in class distracting you?" said his science teacher, Mrs. Daphne Smith, breaking his attention away from his fiery latina crush.
"I'm sorry, what?" Jalen said, getting a few chuckles from the class.
"I said, is there something distracting you?"
"No." Jalen simply answered.
"Good, then you can enlighten the class on the difference between an element, compound and mixture and give an example of all 3." Jalen smirked as he looked down at his desk thinking about an answer for his question.
"An element is a pure substance consisting of only atoms that have the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei. An example of an element Hydrogen. An element is pure. A compound are typically held together by chemical bonds whereas a mixture is not. An example of a compound would be Water, H2O. An example of a mixture would be air."
"Okay just make sure I don't catch you distracted again." Mrs. Smith said turning around back to the board as his crush, Jasmine turned around and waved at him making him smile. Jalen's smile was wiped away when he was hit in the head with a paper ball making him quickly turn his head to Marsellis who was laughing and mocking Jasmine.
"Marsellis pay attention!" Mrs. Smith quickly scolded, making Marsellis turn around and look at the board.
"Yes ma'am." He answered quickly with a hint of fear in his voice making Jalen snicker a bit.
(!)
Class was finally over and it was time for Jalen's favorite part of the day besides Football practice and dismissal, lunch. Jalen loved to eat. It was just something about eating that made him happy and feel a lot better.
"Hey Wright, you got a second?" Jalen heard one of his coaches say as he peeked his head out of his door 'causing Jalen to turn his head and see his coach.
"Yeah, Coach." Jalen said as he walked towards his coach, walking towards his coach's door and standing next to him.
"Hey, you got visitors. The office just radioed me and told me. So head on to the office. If it takes up your whole lunch, I'll get one of the coaches to grab you something for lunch." Jalen mentally cursed to himself mentally and nodded his head. Jalen was very excited about going to lunch to go eat and get a mental break from everything.
Jalen started walking down the hallway on his way to the office. As he made his way down he saw Jasmine once more who turned her head looking at Jalen flashing him a smile making him wink at her as he continued down the hallway. He walked into the office and walked up to the desk.
"Coach Daniels asked me to come down, he said I have a visitor." Jalen said speaking to the lady at the front desk. She simply pointed to a seat making Jalen sigh as he turned around and took a seat in the chair. Jalen started to impatiently tap his foot waiting for the person that requested his presence. A door opened making him look up to see a bald man who was sitting in a wheelchair.
"Hello. My name is Professor Charles Xavier, I run a school for the gifted and Jalen, I believe you may be qualified to attend the academy." said the bald man as he held his hand out for Jalen to shake. Jalen frowned as he shook hands with the bald man.
"School for the gifted? The only gift I have is being able to play football at a high level." Jalen lied hoping that the professor would believe him. When said the words "gifted" it made him think about his abilities. In the world of a mutant, telling someone about your abilities was like putting your life in their hands. If they were someone who was pro-mutant then you could tell them and they would accept it and move on. Telling someone who was an anti-mutant then you would be risking everything. The worst thing that could happen, they could call the M.R.D. The M.R.D. was the Mutant Response Division, a group of military trained individuals with the purpose of finding and containing dangerous mutants. The problem with that is that the M.R.D believed every mutant was dangerous no matter what their abilities were.
"I think you and I both know that isn't true." Charles Xavier said with a smirk on his face making Jalen look with a confused frown.
"Jalen, I hope you didn't think you were the only one with gifts." Jalen looked at Charles Xavier confused as to how the bald man who sat in the wheelchair in front of him was in his mind.
"How the hell are you in my head?"
"Because just like you. I'm a mutant. My school for the gifted is for mutants. A place where we can live, grow and learn to use our abilities."
"I never told anyone who I am or what I am and out of nowhere you show up. How do you know who I am? Who sent you? Are you with the MRD?" Jalen thought in his head as he bawled his fist up in aggression as a frown snaked its way onto his face.
"Jalen, I can assure you that I'm not with the MRD. Like I said, I run a school for us mutants. I was able to find you using Cerebro, it's a machine that allows me to connect with the minds of Mutants and locate them."
"Locate them and what? Experiment on them? Use them for your own gain? Nah, I'm all good on that."
"Jalen, I can assure you that I am on your side. The only thing I want to do is give you a safe space. A safe space to be yourself. To be in all your mutant glory. A place where you can learn to use your abilities and learn how to adapt into a world where mutants and humans can co-exists." Jalen heard this and opened his fist as, slowly relaxing his tense muscles. He looked at Professor Xavier, seeing a genuine sincerity in his eyes that made him pause and consider his words.
"I've heard stories, you know," Jalen began cautiously, his thoughts tinged with skepticism. "Stories of mutants being hunted down, discriminated against, and treated as outcasts. It's not an easy world for us. How can you guarantee that your school will truly be a safe haven?"
Charles Xavier nodded, understanding the weight of Jalen's concerns. "I won't lie to you, Jalen. The world can be a challenging place for mutants, but my school, the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, is dedicated to protecting and nurturing young mutants. We have measures in place to ensure their safety and privacy. We teach them not only how to harness their powers but also how to navigate a world that may not always understand or accept them."
Jalen's eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and hesitation. He had always felt different, an outsider in a world that didn't fully comprehend him. The thought of a place where he could be surrounded by others like him, where he wouldn't have to hide or suppress his abilities, held an undeniable allure.
"And what about the MRD?" Jalen asked, his voice laced with concern. "What if they come after us?"
"Rest assured, Jalen," Professor Xavier replied calmly. "We have measures in place to protect our students from such threats. Our team of X-Men, highly trained individuals with extraordinary abilities, stands ready to defend our school and its students. We believe in peaceful coexistence and strive to bridge the gap between mutants and humans."
Jalen took a moment to absorb the professor's words, feeling a mix of uncertainty and hope welling up inside him. The idea of a community where he could belong, where his uniqueness would be embraced rather than feared, was something he had never dared to dream of.
"Give it a chance, Jalen," Professor Xavier said softly, his voice filled with compassion. "Come to the Xavier Institute. See for yourself the possibilities that await you. You don't have to face this world alone. Together, we can create a future where mutants can live in harmony with everyone else."
Jalen glanced at the outstretched hand of Professor Xavier once again, contemplating his decision. He knew that accepting this offer would forever change his life, but deep down, he also knew that it could be the opportunity he had been waiting for.
With a mixture of determination and vulnerability, Jalen extended his hand and grasped Professor Xavier's, accepting the invitation to join the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance among his fellow mutants.
"I'm still hesitant," Jalen admitted, his eyes searching Professor Xavier's face for reassurance. "What if I can't fit in? What if I'm not good enough?"
Professor Xavier's gaze softened, understanding the weight of Jalen's concerns. He rolled over standing next to Jalen, placing a comforting hand on Jalen's shoulder, offering support and understanding.
"Jalen, it's natural to feel hesitant and have doubts about fitting in. But let me assure you, the Xavier Institute is not just a school, it's a family. We embrace diversity and celebrate the uniqueness of every mutant who walks through our doors. No matter your abilities or background, you are more than good enough."
He continued, his voice filled with genuine warmth and encouragement. "At the Institute, you'll find a community of individuals who have faced similar doubts and insecurities. We all come from different walks of life, with our own struggles and challenges. But together, we learn, grow, and support one another. It's a place where you can truly be yourself, where your strengths will be recognized and nurtured."
Jalen's eyes met Professor Xavier's again, searching for any hint of insincerity. But all he found was a compassionate determination that spoke volumes.
"Remember, Jalen, it's not about being the best or fitting into a specific mold. It's about embracing who you are and discovering your own potential. In this journey, you'll find friends who will become your allies, mentors who will guide you, and a sense of belonging that you might have never experienced before."
Jalen took a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope ignite within him. He realized that perhaps this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to pass up, a chance to step into a world where he could truly belong.
"Okay," Jalen said, his voice filled with a newfound determination. "I'll give it a try. I want to find out who I can become and be a part of something bigger."
A smile of genuine joy spread across Professor Xavier's face as he nodded, his belief in Jalen evident. "I'm glad to hear that, Jalen. Welcome to the Xavier Institute. We'll be there to support you every step of the way."
(!)
The school day had finally ended and Jalen Wright was on his way back to the abandoned building in which he sought shelter. He had ran away from the home just a few months ago and had been living in the building he called home for the past few months. Luckily for him the building still had water and power connected to it. It just so happened no one lived there. He was on his way to grab all of his things as he was moving on to the Xavier Institute tonight after the final game of the season. He and Professor X had decided that would be a good decision to end his final days as a member of Midtown.
As he approached the abandoned building where he had sought shelter, a sense of unease washed over him. Something felt off, as if he was being watched. Jalen's instincts kicked in, and he cautiously surveyed his surroundings.
From the shadows emerged a woman. A woman that possessed a captivating and enigmatic appearance. Her flawless, deep blue skin shimmered with an otherworldly allure, while her piercing yellow eyes held a depth that concealed countless secrets. Flowing red hair added a touch of fiery allure to her sharp facial features, exuding both grace and danger. Clad in a form-fitting, ever-changing suit, she moved with an agile and fluid grace, reflecting her mastery of shapeshifting. Her appearance, a captivating blend of ethereal beauty and unpredictability, left a lasting impression on all who encountered her.
Much like any red-blooded male especially a teenager at that, his eyes trailed up and down taking note of her frame, seeing the hourglass figure she had making him nervously gulp.
"Well, Well, Well, Jalen," she purred, her voice filled with a deceptive sweetness. "You've been on quite the journey, haven't you? Magneto has taken notice of your potential and wishes to entend an invitation for you to join the Brotherhood of Mutants and write your place in this world."
Jalen's eye widened with surprise and wairness as he recognized her now that she mentioned Magneto. She was Mystique, the shape-shifter. He had heard tales of the Brotherhood's radical ideologies and their approach to mutant-human relations. He took a step back, his senses on high alert.
"I appreciate the offer," Jalen replied cautiously, his voice tinged with skepticism. "But I'm still figuring things out. I believe in using my abilities for good, not to sow chaos and destruction."
Mystique's smile turned sly, her expression shifting subtly. "Oh, Jalen, you have so much untapped potential," she said, her voice laced with persuasion. "The Brotherhood can offer you guidance, purpose, and a family who understands the struggles you face."
Jalen's gaze hardened, his determination unwavering. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I need to find my own path. I believe in making a positive difference, not in perpetuating violence."
Mystique's shapeshifting features contorted, her frustration momentarily revealed. "You're making a mistake, Jalen," she hissed, her voice carrying a hint of warning. "The world won't accept us peacefully. The Brotherhood fights for mutant rights, for our survival."
Jalen stood his ground, his voice firm. "I understand the challenges we face, but resorting to violence won't solve anything. I want to find a way for mutants and humans to coexist, to build a future based on understanding and cooperation."
Mystique's expression hardened, her frustration giving way to a cold determination. "Don't think this is the end, Jalen," she warned, her voice laced with a veiled threat. "The Brotherhood will be watching. You may find that the world is far less forgiving than you hope."
With those words, Mystique melted back into the shadows, leaving Jalen alone with his thoughts. He stood there, the weight of the encounter sinking in, but his resolve remained unshaken.
(!)
Jalen sat in the crowded locker room of his high school, surrounded by the familiar sounds of excited chatter and the scent of sweat and anticipation. It was the day of his last football game before he would leave everything behind to embark on a new journey at the Xavier Institute for Mutants. Thoughts of Mystique's words lingered in his mind, casting a shadow over the excitement of the game.
As he donned his football gear, Jalen's mind drifted back to the encounter with Mystique. Her persuasive voice echoed in his thoughts, tempting him with the promise of belonging and purpose within the Brotherhood of Mutants. The weight of the decision he had made to leave his high school, his teammates, and his ordinary life behind felt heavier than ever.
The sounds of his teammates exchanging banter and the clatter of equipment faded into the background as Jalen's mind wrestled with doubt. The allure of power and the desire to make a difference warred with the uncertainty of leaving behind everything he had known. It was a poignant moment, standing at the crossroads of two vastly different paths.
In the midst of the inner turmoil, Jalen's gaze fell upon his teammates, their camaraderie evident as they prepared for the game. Memories of practices, victories, and defeats flooded his mind, reminding him of the bond they shared. It was a reminder of the ordinary life he was leaving behind, the life that had shaped him into the person he was today.
With a deep breath, Jalen shook off the doubts and reaffirmed his decision. He knew that the Xavier Institute offered him a chance to understand and control his mutant abilities, to use them for the greater good. He couldn't let the seductive words of Mystique sway him from that path.
As the locker room buzzed with anticipation, Jalen stood up, his determination shining in his eyes. He approached his teammates, treasuring each interaction, each shared laugh, and each encouraging word. They were his family, his support system, and he knew he would miss them dearly.
Together, they stepped out onto the field, the roar of the crowd enveloping them. The weight of Mystique's words still lingered, but Jalen pushed them to the back of his mind. He focused on the game ahead, knowing that this was his chance to leave a lasting impression.
He turned his head seeing his best friend, Marsellis on the same field. Little did he know this was the last time they would be standing on the same field. He looked up to the crowd to see the Professor in his wheelchair watching on with a man standing next to him clad in blue jeans and a brown leather jacket.
Jalen took a deep breath and focused on the task ahead. On the last game of his high school career.
(!)
The halftime whistle blew, signaling a temporary pause in the intense football game. Jalen's heart raced with adrenaline as he quickly made his way off the field, seeking a moment of solitude to collect his thoughts. The weight of Mystique's words still lingered in his mind, and he needed a breather from the chaos of the game to process everything.
Jalen slipped away from the bustling locker room, finding a secluded spot near the bleachers. The sound of cheering fans faded into the background as he leaned against a wall, taking deep breaths to steady himself. He closed his eyes, trying to find a sense of calm amidst the storm of emotions.
Unbeknownst to Jalen, he was being silently observed. The Blob, a massive mutant with immense strength, and Toad, a lanky and agile mutant, had been assigned by Mystique to keep an eye on him. They saw him slip away from the crowd and decided to seize the opportunity.
As Jalen's eyes fluttered open, he sensed a presence behind him. He turned around, only to find himself face-to-face with the imposing figure of The Blob, blocking his way. Toad slinked out from the shadows, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" The Blob rumbled with a deep, gravelly voice. "Looks like a lost little mutant all on his own."
Jalen's heart skipped a beat as he realized he was cornered. He instinctively tensed his muscles, preparing himself for whatever might come next.
Toad's voice dripped with sarcasm as he spoke. "What's the matter, pretty boy? Not used to the big leagues yet? Think you can just waltz away from us?"
Jalen's mind raced, searching for a way out of the situation. He knew he had to defend himself, but he also didn't want to cause harm to anyone unnecessarily. He took a step back, his hands raised in a gesture of non-aggression.
"I don't want any trouble," Jalen said, his voice steady but filled with an underlying determination. "I just want to be left alone."
The Blob's laughter boomed through the empty hallway. "Left alone? Oh, we can't have that," he sneered, taking a step closer to Jalen. "You've got something they want, kid. And we're here to make sure they get it."
Jalen's eyes widened, his mind racing to comprehend what The Blob meant. Before anyone could move, a figure came running into view making Jalen look up to see Marsellis standing there with a frown etched on his face.
"Yo Jalen, you good?" Marsellis asked.
"Another little insect trying to stand up to us? You're way over your head, kid."
"Don't worry about him, let's get the kid first and then we'll get him," Toad commanded as he and Blob turned towards Jalen.
The surge of adrenaline mixed with a deep well of fear and anger, fueling a wave of energy building within him. It was a force he had never experienced before, an outpouring of his emotions and mutant abilities. There was a blinding wave of vibrant fiery red energy that expelled from his body. The force of the blast caught The Blob, Toad and Marsellis off-guard, sending them flying back a small distance.
However, the strain of expelling such energy took its toll on Jalen. As the wave of power subsided, he felt his strength drain away. With his vision blurred and his body weakening, Jalen collapsed to the ground, he looked up to see his friend lying there unconscious.
"M-Marsellis," he groaned as he fell out of consciousness.
A/N: Once again this is an AU so certain characters will be different than how they usually are and will have a different appearance as you can see with Wolverine. I can say that I will be taking inspiration from multiple adaptations, X-Men: Evolution, the movies, the comics, etc. Now when Jalen wakes up we will see what's next for him and his journey in the mutant world.