Chapter 12

At High

Speed Velocity

Disclaimer: I do not own the character of Terrell 'Velocity' Mason, that honor belongs to L1701E and huge thanks to him once again for allowing me to use his characters!

Somewhere In Compton, California

It was just another day for 16 year old African American Compton native Terrell Mason, well, if you could call it another day for someone who could run at Superhuman Speeds that is. Terrell's Mutation had activated a week after he'd turned 16 following being shot in the side three months ago after being caught in the crossfire of a shoot out between two gangs and once he realized he could run as fast he could and even manipulate the Wind, the young man got an idea in his mind. Namely using his gifts to help protect his fellow Compton natives from all the violence that tended to happen in the area and even occasionally went out to the surrounding areas to help out but kept his focus largely on Compton itself. To hide who he is from those who knew him and so that they wouldn't be endangered, Terrell had taken to wearing a high-collared silver outfit complete with a Domino mask and a lightning bolt going down the chest when out and about on his patrols.

Learning about his abilities had taken some considerable time but it had been worth it in his view, even if those like the Police and the Gangs likely thought otherwise! But thankfully, he was gaining the support of the People in his neighborhood due to his efforts to try and make things more safer for them. Terrell had also taken to calling himself 'Velocity' due to the nature of his Powers and just as he was finishing up preventing a convenience store robbery, a voice called out to him telepathically. 'Good evening, Mr. Mason, I am Professor Charles Xavier and I would like to speak with you in private.'

"Aww crap, this ain't good." Muttered the Teenager to himself as like everyone else, knew exactly who the man in his head is.

And had a feeling the man had learned of him just like everyone else did after an impromptu interview he'd done two weeks ago after keeping a reporter and her crew from getting shot. And thanks to that interview, everyone knew that one of his inspirations for being a Hero was thanks in part to the 1960s era Hero known as Adam 'Blue Marvel' Brashear. Someone who'd been forced to retire as America at the time couldn't handle a Black Superhero. Sighing to himself, Terrell decided to go and see what the Professor wanted despite having a pretty good clue to what that was. Seconds later saw him inside an abandoned store where the Professor himself awaited him, along with a gorgeous Redhead Terrell remembered being on the news. "Sup?"

"Thank you for meeting us, Mr. Mason."

"I like to think I'm not the rude type but y'all came all the way out here for nothing if you were intendin' on recruitin' me."

"What!? But why would you say no? You would be able to learn more about your Powers and be part of a Team that seeks to do good by bringing Humans and Mutants together!" Said the Redhead in shock as she hadn't been expecting him to say no!

"Babe, I've got a pretty good grasp on what I can do, alright? Besides, my home is here in Compton and I'm not about to leave my People on their own when they need someone like me. If y'all ever make a base out here… Then we'll talk but the answer's no. Plus, all the crazy y'all attract is not somethin' I wanna deal with." Terrell told her bluntly and making her scowl at him.

"But-"

"Jean." Spoke the Professor and that was enough to make her stop in her tracks.

"I understand your position, Mr. Mason, and will respect it. However, if you ever change your mind or need help with anything, here is our number." Informed the Professor and handed the younger Mutant his card that he took.

"I'll keep that in mind but I gotta get back to patrollin' now. Y'all be safe now!"

And with that, he was gone, leaving the two on their own before they too made their leave to where Wolverine was waiting for them. Little did Velocity know, however, is that he'd be owning up to his promise sometime later. Only to an entirely different team!

Author's Notes: That'll be fun once I get around to it! L1, hope you enjoyed Velocity's introduction!