(A/N : Skill Levels go Below basic, Basic, Moderate, Proficient, Excellent, Perfected)
3rd POV - New York City - Warehouse District
The sun was rising, many of the streets in the city glowing orange or red as businessmen migrated to their offices for the day. Deep inside an abandoned manufacturing plant only a few streams of light entered. Deep echoing crashes sounded throughout the building, but seemed to die out right as they exited the property's confines.
BOOM
With a burst of force another wall seemingly exploded. Dust was shot through the air, clouding the gray stone floored room. A human figure took deep breaths, coughing a bit before straightening as the smoke cleared. Above his head was a golden dharmachakra that seemed to glow with an ethereal light.
'System please tell me that worked.' Vance thought, his figure becoming clear. Bruises could be seen on his face and arms, his clothes covered in dust and dirt. He'd grown very tired of not having any adaptations so he'd decided to take matters into his own hands.
He'd checked with the system and decided to try and manually adapt to bludgeoning damage/attacks as that would probably be the most common type of attack he faced… at least for now.
Displaying current statistics…
Name - Vance Gojo
Age - 16
Race - Cursed Human
Cursed Energy Usage - Grade 1 sorcerer
Cursed Techniques -
Adaptation and ??? - The ability to adapt to any and all phenomena and to ???? - Basic
Adaptations - Space, ???, Pain (3 turns), Bludgeoning (2 turns)
Limitless - Bring the concept of infinity into reality and control space at will - Moderate
Other techniques/abilities - Rikugan
Infinity - Moderate
Cursed technique lapse, Blue - Moderate
Progress has slowed tremendously since the second turn. It would appear you now have a resistance to damage from attacks like punches or kicks. Based on prior adaptations and this attempt it would appear five rotations constitutes a complete adaptation.
Vance was a little disappointed he wasn't able to get any more progress, but he at least had a baseline to go off of now. He willed the wheel above him to dissipate, golden sparks fading into nothing as he began walking towards the exit. Considering his next steps he began to think of possible enemies he could face.
'Well I already know about the MCU side of things that's bound to kick off soon. Now I wish I was as much of a comic nerd as I was a movie nerd. I know about the X-men and Magneto and his band of mutants or whatever they were called, but when were they active?'
He'd scoured the internet for any clues as to any fights they'd had, but only found the medical side of Charles Xavier and no clues as to Magneto or his name Erik Lehnsherr.
'So the government is either hiding information, or their battles haven't happened yet. I just hope I don't have to fight those metal Sentinel things. Those were fucking nuts.'
He shivered slightly at the mental image of the deaths he remembered from that movie, shaking his head to clear the thoughts as he finally exited the building. Taking a deep breath, a smile graced his lips as the morning air seemed to fill him with energy,
'Well, can only move forwards, hopefully school isn't too boring today.'
As he continued walking and considering the routes the world could take, he was blissfully unaware that the target of his curiosity was just as curious about him, and Charles Xavier's curiousity was a powerful thing.
Scene shift - Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters
A short drive from New York City, Westchester was home to lush grasslands you wouldn't find in the concrete jungle to the south. Trees, hills, and flowers seemed to dot the landscape as you zoomed in to the secluded town of New Castle New York.
Past these trees, seemingly hidden in a huge stretch of land was what looked to be a castle at first glance. A brick walkway lined by meticulously cut lawns led to the structure, a fountain bubbling dozens of yards down the way.
The stone buidling was regal in appearance, but it was not decorated much at all. If you were to go room by room you would meet individuals of the strangest variety you would ever lay eyes on.
A being with blue fur wearing a lab coat and glasses, studying a beaker holding frothing orange liquid. Another blue more human like figure with a tail that kept scaring people by appearing in front of them with a BAMF. Two teens sitting together, one with eye gear that hid his power from the world, the other with long red hair leaning on his shoulder. They watched the day pass through a window deep in conversation without a word spoken. A middle aged man, grizzled, his facial hair and head of hair a mess while he sipped a beer while staring at the floor.
These and many more were living their lives free of any strife at the moment, while down below them sat a man hard at work. Wearing clothes expected of a college professor; slacks, a sweater, and dress shoes was Charles Xavier. His wheelchair sat at the end of a platform in a large spherical room in the X-Mansion, his head covered with a helmet that hid him from view. He was the only one present, but his constantly moving lips would lead you to believe otherwise.
Charles was currently using Cerebro, a device created to amplify his mental abilities in order to allow him to find mutants before they were a harm to themselves or others. This device had come in handy multiple times already, his team providing guidance and shelter to all they could to prevent… his old friend from getting hold of them.
"Erik…"
The name left his lips as a whisper, but the usage of his telepathic power quickly caused him to move on in order to process the information he was seeing. He was currently trying to hone in on the individual at the center of New York City's current media frenzy.
'The Hooded Vigilante' he thought with a frown, his distaste for the media's painting of the individual apparent. 'Based on how the witnesses describe him he is a kind and helpful person, and with his abilities it is clear he could be far more forceful yet he chooses to not harm grievously. Though with his abilities he should be easy to locate and yet…'
Charles' current conundrum was easy to explain, no individual had ever seen the person's true face. The hood and blindfold made him difficult to track, the only hint being the symbol on the blindfold, but research had come to a halt since it seemed to simply be a Buddhist symbol.
He sighed as he continued his work, scrying through the streets while trying to locate someone that may have any information on the mysterious figure. He passed over a few schools, some conversations being of his query's actions, but nothing that was helpful. He was about to move on when a stray thought peaked his interest.
I still can't believe he can see with that blindfold on!
His attention was fully drawn to the location, his mind absently noting the school's name as he zeroed in on the current conversation.
I know right? Plus he's super hot. Do you think he has a girlfriend?
With a body like his I'd think so, but I've never seen him with somebody. Do you think he dyes his hair?
I bet school stressed him out so much it turned white.
That last sentence caused a memory to pop up, an article that had an interview with a witness from the helpful person's actions early in his work,
- he even comforted my son, saying his white hair was cool and talking about how his was almost the same. My son is albino and is bullied quite often, but hearing someone that helped us like that was like him was extremely important -
'Finally some progress.' Xavier thought, reeling in his thoughts as he slowly exited his state of being in Cerebro, relaxing into his chair while closing his eyes briefly. Some exhaustion began to settle in, but he exhaled and opened his eyes again, turning as he left his most occupied chamber.
'Ororo, can you please visit me in my office when you are free? I think I have a lead on the… vigilante for lack of a better word.'
Receiving an affirmative response, he began strolling through the building. He smiled at everyone he saw, genuine happiness on his face while seeing mutants of all shapes, sizes, and ages interacting and living their lives.
He entered his office still smiling, 'this is what makes everything we do worth it. Being able to see them living happily, I truly wish for nothing more.'
Every day he saw the members of his large and unorthodox family he was reminded why he pushed so strongly for peace and understanding. He dreamed of the day the children he'd come to care so much for would be able to live out in the world just as free as they were here.
'Though we must take it one step at a time.' The threat of his former friend and his group loomed in the air dangerously, but that would not stop him from doing what he thought to be right.
Ororo, more commonly known in the mansion as Storm, strode in with a light smile. Her white hair was up in a Mohawk, her electric blue eyes seemed to carry a depth of wisdom beyond her years, and her outfit one of classic rock. She took a seat while greeting him,
"Good afternoon Charles, glad to hear you finally got some good news."
He chuckled, smiling a bit wider while sipping from a tea he'd gathered on his way to the office.
"Yes I finally ran into some luck. Quite literally in fact. Though given the circumstances of the vigilante's" he grimaced at the word before continuing, "location, I thought it best to confer with you on how to proceed."
Curiosity flickered over her features as she raised and eyebrow while leaning back in her chair,
"The subject seems to be a high school boy. While using the cerebro room I was able to catch snippets of a conversation about a blindfolded white haired student. He fits the description the media has given of the vigilante. I'm curious what you think the best course of action is for contact. Especially given that I was not able to directly observe him to confirm an X-gene."
Charles Xavier was many things, but he wasn't stupid. He knew that a high schooler using abilities like what had been shown likely was starting their journey on the road of heroism. With that said, the boy was likely extremely paranoid about being seen, and his perception abilities being unknown caused him to move with caution.
Storm considered the question silently. It wasn't as if she or the others had never tried to help a high schooler before, but one that was actively using their powers under control was rather rare.
"If he's not a mutant do we still want to make contact?" She posited the question most crucial. Since, if he wasn't a mutant, he may want nothing to do with them.
Charles sighed at that, turning to look out on the lawn of his property. He paused for a minute before replying softly,
"Regardless of his mutant status I feel we should extend a hand. Allies can be few and far between, if he is a mutant we will help as best we can. If not, we will still see if he is open to meeting us and working with us if deemed appropriate."
Storm slowly nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. After considering her options for a few minutes she turned her head,
"We should send the high school age students to try and meet him after school let's out if possible. I would suggest having myself or Logan there in the background just as a precaution. Even if he is friendly we can't be too safe."
Charles smiled, turning around to once again face her,
"I support your choice. I'll leave you to select the specific students. I'd prefer if you were the… chaperone" Storm groaned at the insinuation but Charles just continued with a widening smile, "given Logan would likely not enjoy the outing."
His smile turned a tad bitter at that, his mind wandering to his friend's struggle. Storm though much the same if the frown on her face was any indication. She nodded, standing and stretching,
"I'll get them in gear. We'll have to move quick to get there by the end of the school day. What school is it?"
Scene shift - Midtown High School
Vance, blissfully unaware of the upcoming drama, was currently sitting in the cafeteria while chatting with the two friends he'd managed to make so far in school.
Across from him sat Sebastian Rowles, a large junior year student with glasses that wore simple jeans and a flannel. He had short hair and an almost permanent sheen of sweat on his forehead.
Next to him was James Brickley, a skinny kid from Sophomore year with long hair and a perpetual bored expression on his face. He dressed like a typical goth with the nose and ear piercings to match.
They painted an odd picture seated together, but their friendship had sparked easily. Their current conversation being the perfect reason why.
"There's no way you think the Avatar could actually beat a Fate servant right?"
James was asking Sebastian the question, an incredulous look on his face as they ate rectangular pizza. Vance just watched the conversation like a tennis match, an amused smile on his face.
"Well yeah. If we are talking any servant it's easy I think. He controls all the elements with mastery right? I get Medea has Rule Breaker, but how many times is she going to be able to stop an attack before one gets through and he's starting a combo?"
As they continued their argument, Vance simply enjoyed being in the moment,
'Feels like my original high school again. Just talking anime battles and shooting the shit.'
The argument continued up until the bell, James now grudgingly admitting if an Avatar had a favorable matchup victory was possible. Bidding the two goodbye, Vance began walking to his next class.
'It's been a pretty good day so far. Progress with adaptations, good conversations, and no quizzes. Gotta work on blue more after school so I can master it before trying to figure out RCT. That's going to be a bitch to learn. The show only described it as smashing negative energy against itself to create positive energy. Not exactly how to guide.'
Entering his history class, he nodded to the few that greeted him as he took his seat. Glancing out the window, he smiled at the beautiful sunny day they were having.
'It's great day for patrolling too. Not even your lack of conversation can bring me down system.'
Glad to hear that, host.
Vance ignored the system's dry reply, choosing to let his mind wander and think about how to control his cursed energy better, progress all that was on his mind.
A Few Hours Later
'System, please tell me my mind can't be read.'
Vance was deep in thought, a frown on his face as his blindfold was completely off in a rare moment, his eyes glowing with focus. He was currently in the bathroom as a startling occurrence had happened as school was coming to a close. During his last class of the day he had noticed four cursed energy signatures standing just outsdie school property.
This wasn't unusual, but what was unusual was how their energy flowed. It seemed, not controlled, but more amolified than the cursed energy he had seen in anyone he had met so far. Clint and Natasha had that title beforehand, but the four standing outside had them beat on pure amount of cursed energy.
He'd taken off his blindfold to check, and was shocked to see Jean Grey, Cyclops (Vance forgot his name), another teenage boy with short brown hair, and Storm.
That is what led to his current worried question to his system.
Host due to my presence your mind is secure. There is a barrier around your mind that prevents telepaths from reading your thoughts please rest assured. Please note this does not extend to powers that affect emotions or other inhibitions.
Vance heaved a sigh of relief at that, putting his normal plain blindfold back on as the end of day bell rang. He slipped through the door and made his way to the exit, the crowd milling the same way as the volume increased.
'Well I hope this isn't a shoot first ask questions later X-Men group like the fanfics made it out to be.'
Leaving the school and briefly enjoying the sun on his skin, he looked in the direction of the four. They were currently scanning the crowd while leaning on a nice Mustang in the parking lot. A few whispers and looks went their way, but Jean and the unknown boy being the only ones out of the car helped with making them less of a spectacle.
'If Cyclops was out I imagine lots of odd looks would be getting thrown around. Hard to not stare at a dude with headgear like that.'
It only took a few seconds of Vance being outside for him to be noticed, Jean's head turning so fast he could swear she got whiplash. Her eyes widened, before narrowing in concentration and widening again in shock.
Vance just walked over to them casually, stopping a few feet away with a lazy salute and going for a playful greeting.
"Yo."
The boy snorted, while Jean just spoke quickly,
"Why can't I- "
She cut herself off, taking a deep breath and collecting her thoughts before trying again,
"I'm Jean, this is Bobby" Bobby gave a smile and a wave, "we were wondering if we and the others in our car could talk to you for a minute. Preferably not outside of the school."
He looked around briefly, seeing the crowd still milling about the parking lot he slowly nodded.
"That's fine. There's this great warehouse down about five minutes from here by car, here's the address" Vance tore a sheet of paper from a notebook before writing briefly and passing it over, "I'll meet you there."
Bobby took the paper before replying, "I like the mystery, but how do we know you'll show?"
Vance snorted t that before turning around and beginning his walk,
"Because I'll be there before you."
Shortly After
A blue flash lit up the inside of the abandoned warehouse Vance had made his personal training ground as he popped into being on the main floor.
Exhaling, he ran a hand through his hair while wondering what the X-Men would want with him.
'They think I'm a mutant and want me to join their group of friends most likely. Wonder what'll happen when they find out I'm not. Even still, how'd they even find me? I know Xavier is strong, but I thought I was far enough away to avoid…'
His thoughts trailed off as a memory flitted through his mind. A comic book panel of Charles Xavier with a helmet on, searching for mutants. He tapped his chin in thought,
'I don't really know how that machine works so it's a decent shot that it could be how I got found. I thought that machine… cerebral or something, I thought it detected X-Genes somehow so how would it have found me?'
His thoughts were broken up as he picked up the cursed energy aignatures he'd spotted earlier pulling up outside the warehouse, Vance pulling a few old left behind chairs over as he sat down, dust spewing up as the chair scraped against the stone floor.
He waited quietly as the four entered and looked around cautiously,
"Quite a location you've selected for this meeting Mr. Hooded Vigilante" Storm said, smiling as she walked over to the semi circle of chairs facing Vance. Glancing down, she wiped the chair with a hand before shrugging and sitting back. The other three seemed a bit more uncomfortable, talking their time looking around before choosing to sit.
Vance smiled back at Storm,
"Well I need to find somewhere to practice and train. This place is about as good as a real training ground. Isolated and I can break whatever I want. Also please just call me Vance."
He gestured at a wall to the side, a large hole surrounded by extended cracks evidence of… something being thrown or sent through it.
After speaking he chose to briefly look over his four interrogators. Jean looked the most uncomfortable by far, twitching whenever Vance spoke a word. Bobby appeared fairly calm, more interested in the hole in the wall than talking. The kid with the fancy glasses, who Vance only knew as Cyclops, had a serious expression as his face never stopped facing Vance.
Storm was far more relaxed, still smiling while she responded, crossing a leg as she spoke.
"Yes I agree. It is a well secluded place, a spot like that can be tough to find in New York. Though I am surprised you admitted to being the vigilante so easily."
Storm had wanted to only be in the background for this meeting, but when Vance had headed straight for them when exiting the school she'd realized he knew they were there for him. Perception like that warranted caution from her, but his non-denial of being the vigilante was another surprise she hadn't expected.
Vance just chuckled while scratching his head,
"Not like there's a whole lot I can do to deny it when I'm sure you were already positive."
The only reply he got was a nod as Jean chose to interject nervously,
"I'm sorry if this comes off as rude, but why can't I read your mind?"
Looking over, Vance could see her fingers twitching in an anxious manner as he tried to lighten the mood,
"That's a trade secret" he playfully replied while tapping the side of his head with a finger, "but don't think it's just you, nobody can read what's up here. I also recommend not reading people's minds without permission or need."
Jean frowned at that, and he noticed Cyclops frowning too causing Vance to face him with a cheeky smile,
"By the way, I wasn't properly introduced to the beautiful lady or Mr. Gloomy over here."
Bobby laughed again at that, making Scott's moth twitch as he replied followed by Storm,
"Scott." "You can call me Storm."
'Well isn't he just a ray of fucking sunshine' Vance thought, his eye twitching behind the blindfold. He decided to rip the bandaid off,
"I can imagine why you're here, but I'm sorry I'm not a mutant. Not that I'm anti-mutant or anything, my powers just aren't mutant abilities."
That made even Bobby stop smiling, his brow creasing as the three students eyed me like an odd creature they'd found on the side of the road. Storm kept her composure easily, however,
"We had considered the possibility, even if you aren't a mutant I still would like to discuss some things if at all possible?"
Vance tilted his head at that, an imaginary question mark popping up over his head.
"Sure, shoot."
Storm continued, "We were curious if you would be willing to explain how you use your powers. Not how they work, but how you can use them at all. Second, we wanted to see if it was possible to teach others how to use said abilities. Lastly, I wanted to extend an offer from Charles Xavier to visit our home and meet with him and some others to discuss collaboration."
She feel silent after, choosing to let Vance process her questions as he appeared deep in thought. 'I hope he doesn't just not answer anything as that would be the most disappointing outcome and may spark violence if Scott can't control himself.'
Scott was not as volatile as he had once been, Jean and the rest of the group tempering his once raging emotions. However, Scott still struggled with people he deemed difficult to work with.
Meanwhile, Vance was considering the questions while getting clarity from his system,
'Is it possible for me to teach others to use cursed energy?'
Host based on prior knowledge this may not be a good idea. It is unknown if others utilizing cursed energy will cause curses to show up throughout the world. It is already unknown just how many are present in the current world.
That was a thought that made him barely suppress a wince.
'Ok so no to that one got it. I can be vague enough to answer the first. The third though…'
Meeting Charles Xavier was an interesting prospect. One the one hand he couldn't read Vance's mind, but on the other hand there was the possibility of conflict due to that.
'I could just teleport away though right?'
With that thought he looked back up, his blindfolded crystal blue eyes looking directly into Storm's own.
"To the first question, I'm a sorcerer" Bobby's jaw dropped, "the energy I use is in everybody, but unlocking it involves feeling and utilizing negative emotions due to the nature of the energy so I'm not comfortable showing others how to do that."
Storm looked thoughtfully back at him while slowly nodding, "Any way to prove that it's sorcery and not something else?"
Vance shrugged, extending a finger to the side,
"Emerge from darkness, blacker than black, purify that which is impure."
He swiped his finger up, the four seeing a black rising and then stopping at the confines of the room. Jean gasped as she stared around in shock, Scott quickly speaking while rising from his chair.
"What did you do?!"
Vance simply gestured for calm, "I set up a boundary that cuts us off from the outside. She's reacting like that as she can no longer hear anything out there I imagine."
Scott looked over and saw her nodding in confirmation, a dazed look on her face as she continued looking around at the dark bubble that had formed around them. He took a deep breath before collapsing back in his chair.
Vance snapped his fingers, the normal coloration of the air returning as the bubble fading away into nothing. Jean grimaced at feeling everything again, but quickly recollected herself. Looking back to Storm he could see the question on her face,
"I rely on police scanners to let me know where crimes are happening if I'm too far away to see them myself so there's no point in throwing up a barrier to hide it."
Understanding crossed her face,
'It makes sense. Would make for very confusing police interactions though ' she mused to herself, staying silent as Vance continued.
"As for the meeting… I don't mind, but just know my personality can be really irritating for some people."
He looked briefly at Scott, causing a scowl to cross his face, but before he could reply Storm stood.
"That's perfectly fine, do you have any plans this evening?"
Sighing, Vance leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
'You're such a fucking jinx Vance.' Looking back down he smiled wide,
"No, where do you wanna get dinner? Does seven work?"
That one got a eye twitch out of Storm, Bobby almost falling out of his chair laughing as the other two seemingly didn't know how to respond.
Vance's grin just grew wider,
'Hey maybe this'll be fun.'