X-Men: The Stanger

The Stranger, Part One:
“Arrival”

By David Brashear

The Vanisher laughed. Before him stood five teenagers that he had already defeated: Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman, and the Angel. A bald man in a wheelchair sat among them. The bald man had just challenged him.

"What?" the Vanisher asked. "You? A helpless human… alone and defenseless, dares to threaten one who has defeated the X-Men? Let me laugh at you before you pay for your insolence!"

The look of determination on the bald man's face never wavered. "Laugh while you can, evil one! For I am not a helpless human… but a mutant even as you! And you cannot even guess the extent of my power… power which is even now being directed against you!"

Panic filled the Vanisher as he realized that his powers had failed and he was unable to teleport. Slowly his thoughts drained away, replaced only by fatigue. As Cyclops and Marvel Girl led him away, his thugs saw their chance to gain ten million dollars slipping away. The X-Men easily dealt with the thugs before disappearing with Professor X.

They did not know they were being watched.

The next day, Jean Grey was walking through the mansion in Greenwich Center, telepathically carrying her schoolbooks. She jumped as she heard the doorbell ring and her books fell to the floor. Leaving the books lying, she crossed the hallway and opened the door. On the other side stood a young man about her age. He was about six feet tall, with blond hair that fell to his shoulders. He smiled at her and her knees began to go weak. "Hi," he said.

"Hi," she replied.

"I've got an appointment with Professor Xavier," he began, then stopped as he noticed Jean's books scattered on the floor. "Let me help you with those," he said as he knelt down and started gathering the books.

"Thank you," Jean said as she knelt beside him and started picking up notebooks. She quickly took the books back from him and stood. "Follow me," she said. "The Professor should be in his office." The young man stood and followed her.

His eyes took in everything as they walked through the mansion. "This place is amazing," he said.

Jean smiled shyly. "It is really something," she said. "But after you're here for a while, it really begins to feel like home."

Inside the Professor's office, Scott Summers stood before the desk as the Professor finished studying his latest report. "A very good analysis," Xavier said as he laid the paper on his desk. "I find your suggestions on how the X-Men may prepare to face another foe such as the Vanisher very plausible. I shall begin to implement some of them into your training periods."

"Thank you, sir," Scott said.

Xavier raised a hand. "However, I find it lacking. I see no evidence that you consulted any of the other team members."

"Sir?" Scott asked. "I don't -" He realized what he was doing and stopped. "I apologize for interrupting you, Professor."

"Mark yourself down for one demerit, Scott," Xavier said. He steepled his hands on his desk and studied his student. "The X-Men are a team. At no time did I specify that you were not allowed to discuss this among yourselves. Actually, young Mr. Drake and Mr. Worthington did so and by pooling their resources they compiled an excellent report. Each of you X-Men looks at the issue differently, in keeping with your abilities." Xavier held up the paper. "These training exercises would be priceless if the team was composed of five young people with your exact powers. However, some of the exercises would be totally useless for those with Ms. Grey's powers." Xavier thought a moment. "Your grade is C midrange." Xavier looked at the door as a soft knock was heard. "Come in," he called.

Jean Grey opened the door and stepped inside. "Your appointment is here, sir," she said, instantly answering the professor's unvoiced question as to why she had not simply contacted him telepathically.

"Appointment?" Xavier asked. He thought a moment. "Mr. Summers, please excuse me. We will continue this discussion later."

"Yes, Professor," Scott said as he turned to leave. He began to say something to Jean, then saw the young man beside her and left with an odd look on his face.

"Please sit," Xavier invited. Jean took the hint and quietly closed the door behind her.

"Thank you for seeing me," the young man said.

"May I ask what this is concerning?" Xavier asked. "I do not recall an appointment today."

"Of course. I apologize for the deception, but I had to see you." The young man looked full into Xavier's eyes. "My name is Adam Lucas, and I have gifts like you." He formed a fist and an energy field formed around it.

"I am afraid I do not understand," Xavier said.

"Professor, I was there at the White House yesterday. You and I are mutants. I'm not afraid to say it."

Rattled and trying not to show it, Xavier struck a match and lit his pipe. "Let us suppose that you are correct. What do you want?"

Adam smiled. "I want you to train me," he said. "I want to use these powers to help people, and I believe that you can help me learn to do that."

"Perhaps," Xavier said as smoke oozed from his pipe. "And what are your powers?"

"If you will open the window, I can show you," Adam offered.

Xavier rolled to the full-length window Adam indicated and opened it. Adam raised his hand and fired an energy beam. Across the yard, a limb fell from a tree.

Xavier nodded. "Impressive." He turned back and studied Adam for a moment before extending a hand. "Welcome to the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, Mr. Lucas."

"We have a new student today," Xavier said as he wheeled himself to the front of the classroom. The rest of the class looked up as Adam stepped inside. "This is Adam Lucas," Xavier continued. "He will be joining us." Xavier turned to Adam. "Please take a seat." The professor waited for Adam to sit before turning his attention to the board. "During our last class, we were discussing Milton's Paradise Lost."

As the professor continued, he was aware that his other students were taking the opportunity to "size up" their new classmate. He frowned as he realized the overriding emotion coming from Cyclops - jealousy.

"So, what do you think of the new guy?" Bobby Drake asked as the six students filed out of the classroom.

"We were just introduced to him by the professor and I haven't even been able to speak to him yet," Henry McCoy replied. "I really don't know."

"Seems okay to me," Warren Worthington added as he caught up to them. Behind him, his wings flexed open and closed. "You know, Henry, why don't you invent something to keep my wings from stiffening up while we're in class?"

Henry smiled. "I'd need to be properly motivated, my wealthy, wealthy friend."

"I just paid you a thousand dollars for that term paper last semester!" Warren said.

"Indeed you did," Henry agreed. "It's not my fault the professor decided he wanted them presented orally."

"What do you think, Scott?" Bobby asked as Scott Summers joined them.

"About what?" Scott asked.

"That new guy," Bobby said.

Scott looked ahead of them to where Jean Grey and Adam were walking down the hallway, talking and laughing quietly. He gave Bobby no response, but his eyes narrowed behind his ruby quartz sunglasses.

"I would advise abandoning this topic of conversation," Henry whispered. Bobby saw Scott clenching his jaw and nodded.

"Of course I am growing concerned," Xavier said into the telephone. "I do not see why Scott has grown so jealous of this young man so quickly." The school day had ended and Xavier sat in his office.

"He's only a boy, Charles." Despite the slight static in the connection, Moira MacTaggert's slight brogue always helped to sooth Xavier's nerves. "Despite what ye put yer team through, they're still only children."

"I just worry, Moira," Xavier said.

"I know." Xavier could sense Moira's unseen smile. "Ye need to open up. Maybe ye should show some of these kids how ye really feel about them."

"Perhaps," Xavier said. "But let us change the subject." Another smile from Moira. She knew very well why he had to remain stern with his students. Their talk turned to the research center under construction on Muir Island.

The floorboard creaked and Bobby Drake froze. He quickly looked around. Realizing there was no one there, he continued tiptoeing down the hallway. He slipped inside the room he was searching for and quietly locked the door.

"What are you doing?" Bobby's blood ran cold (well, colder than normal anyway) as he realized he'd been caught. He turned to see Nemo standing there.

"Come on," Bobby whispered. "It's the middle of the night."

"Ah," Nemo replied, also keeping his voice low. "You've got the midnight munchies as well." He opened a drawer and pulled out a sandwich. "All yours." He crept out of the room.

"Sandwich?" Bobby thought. "Amateur." He headed for the refrigerator and grabbed a can of whipped cream. He'd just filled his mouth when he heard a slight "Ahem" from behind him. He turned and saw Xavier sitting there.

Xavier waited until the can hit the floor to speak. "I trust that this is not what I think it is," he said as Bobby's mind raced searching for an excuse.

Warren Worthington lay in his bed, fighting back laughter. So the prof caught him?

Yes, Jean Grey telepathically replied from her room down the hall. Red-handed.

That's hilarious, Warren thought. Let me know what his excuse is.

He's still working on it, Jean replied. Are you rooming with Nemo?

No. He's in with Hank. I feel sorry for him. Poor guy's probably bored to tears with McCoy going over his science experiments.

I don't know. He could - Oh, wait a second. Bobby's come up with something.

Warren shifted to get his wings more comfortable and waited.

He said he was trying to freeze the whipped cream to see if he could fire frozen projectiles to use against any villains we may face.

Warren flipped over on his stomach and buried his face in his pillow to stifle the laughter. And what did the professor say?

He said that it is past lights out for both you and Ms. Grey, another voice replied. One demerit for each of you.

Sorry, Professor, Warren said. Goodnight, Jean.

Goodnight. Sorry, professor.

Xavier smiled and shook his head. "These children will be the death of me," he said as he turned out the light and headed for his room.

To Be Continued...

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