Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I blinked. 

I was standing in the busy streets of Times Square on 42nd Street, dazed and confused as I listened to the pitter-patter feet of native New Yorkers go about their day. 

What the hell? Wasn’t I just…actually, what was I doing? Did I black out? Wait, no, I wouldn’t drink during a school night. 

Someone shoulder bumped me as I was pondering my strange situation. “Watch where the fuck you’re standing you dumb kid,” A tall businessman sneered. 

An older Hispanic woman stopped walking when she heard him and went to address the man. “Hey! Watch your damn mouth! What’s wrong with you? Talking to a kid like that?” She scolded him. 

The man scoffed, ignored her, and kept walking. I felt a wave of irritation hit me, as he was the one to bump into me.   

I winced as I felt a sharp pain in the base of my skull. Ouch! I rubbed my head as I felt a headache coming on. 

"Are you okay, baby?" the woman asked with concern. I nodded and gave a small smile. "Thank you, miss. I was just…–a little lost, but I know where I’m going now," I lied. The woman watched me like a hawk but began nodding in approval. I thanked her and waved before walking towards the train station.

Yeah, it’s kinda scary waking up somewhere with no idea how you got there, but at least I know where I am and how to get home. I should probably text my foster mom before I get in serious trouble. Who knows what sort of ideas she’s coming up with in her head right now? I pulled out my phone and tried texting her. 

I typed up a message on my iPhone 12 and hit sent. 

[Good Morning Mona, I ended up staying over at Tyler’s house. We’re on our way to school now.]   

[ Message not sent.] 

Huh? 

My phone can’t be out of service, I just payed the bill, and I don’t have a single bar right now. I sighed internally, cursing my luck. 

I check my pockets to see what I have on me. My wallet, keys, headphones, and a pack of gum were all there. At least I downloaded music in case my phone stops working for whatever reason. I put one headphone in my ear and played songs from my liked list. 

I looked up to see…” it”, A building anyone from my generation would recognize. Something we've seen on our television screens almost our entire lives. Standing in the distance for all to see was “Avengers Tower”, looking like it was brought straight out of the comics. What the hell? Are they filming a movie? No, wait, that can’t be it. Don’t they CGI things like these if they were making a movie? 

Then I saw something that only the child version of me could dream of seeing. 

Spider-Man. 

Not the ones dressing up as Spider-Man that perform in Times Square or at kids' parties. The real article in all his acrobatic glory, web-slinging towards Avengers Tower. 

“Oh my god,” I muttered out loud.  

“Oh my god! Look! It’s Spider-Man!” I shouted excitedly, pointing to the red and blue superhero. I looked around and realized people were looking at me funny. The hot dog vendor from across from me snorted. “First time in New York, buddy? I remember when I used to get like that.” He says, reminiscing. 

I rear back offended. Excuse me? I’m from here Sir—ah shit. The lack of reactions from them seeing Spider-Man, Avengers Tower in the distance. 

I’m in the fucking marvel universe. 

I’m in the marvel universe!

But which one? Now my lack of memory is starting to make sense, some cosmic asshole is responsible for this I just know it. 

I looked around and even though I couldn’t see them…would my situation be interesting enough for the Watcher to be—well, watching me? Even having that knowledge freaked me out. Speaking of freak out…

“Uatu could you help me out?” I thought loudly as possible.  

Silence was my answer.

I notice my hands tremble as my new reality starts to set in. I feel like I’m going to be sick. There are so many things wrong here that I don’t even know where to start. I need a place to stay. My phone is out of service because my account doesn’t exist here. I might not exist here. I know my home life was complicated, but I do not have what it takes to live on the streets. This was not the plan. Fuck. 

Okay, first things first, I’m going to go to the library and try to do research. I need to confirm a few things. Second, fuck I haven’t picked up any new comics. I don’t know any of the new storylines they have out right now. Who were the current Avengers? Third, find shelter, maybe leverage information I have on–no; who knows what would happen. I’ll probably just get my mind wiped. 

My mind..

I shake my head. Nope, nope, nope. I was not going down that route. 

Using my real-world knowledge of NYC, I arrived at the New York Public Library, I went to use the computer till I realized my library card might now work here. 

I guess I could just use the free Wifi, hopefully they still have that in this universe. 

I thanked all the gods of this world that I was able to connect to the free wifi. Hell I even thanked Thor.

I laughed quietly to myself, imagining him being confused about why some random kid is thanking him. What is thou mortal thanking me for? He talks like that, right?  

I stood in a corner away from everyone else and stared intensely at my phone. I started going over old newspaper articles 

“Serpent Slithers into Reality: God of Fear Unleashes Global Terror!" 

"Asgardian Invasion? Odin Departs Earth as Chaos Reigns!" 

"Stark Expo Returns: Innovation and Spectacle Light Up Flushing Meadows!"

“Mutant Island Nation of Utopia Established in the Pacific!

“Tensions Rise Between US Government and Mutant Population!"

"Spider-Man Foils Bank Robbery: Menace or Hero?"

"Fantastic Four Explore New Dimensions: Reed Richards' Latest Breakthrough !"

These were the current events? But isn’t this old? I remember reading some of these comics in elementary school. Wait a minute...I checked the dates on all of the articles, and the year was all the same.

2012.

WHAT THE–

I look around to ask someone for the date. 

I see a librarian going through some books on the bookshelf. A short woman with brown hair and green eyes was staring intently at a book on the shelf. “This shouldn’t be here,” she mutters to herself. I glanced at the book title, “Beginner’s Guide to Summoning Your First Demon,” and shuddered. Knowing what I know now, that book could very well be legit.

“Excuse me, Miss…” I glance at her name tag. “Zelma, do you happen to know what year it is?”

Zelma looked at me sharply. “You don’t know what year it is?” she asked me with barely concealed concern. I laughed nervously and didn’t answer her question. I averted my gaze from the intensity of her stare.

Zelma sighs. “It’s the year 2012, kid. I don’t know what joke you’re playing, but I have important work to do. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She snatches the book off the shelf and stalks off. What the hell is eating her? Then again, if some weirdo came up to me at my place of work asking what year it is, I’d probably dismiss them too.

I was literally a toddler at that time. How the hell did I get sent thirteen years into the past of another universe? Was I supposed to help the heroes prevent something? Ha! I’m nobody important, I’m not going to delude myself like one of those isekai characters who suddenly think the world revolves around them. I was a regular teenage boy with a shitty childhood…

I groaned. Great, I sounded like one of them, and I’m pretty sure if this were a story, I triggered some kind of flag just now. My stomach growled. I’ve been reading for hours now without any breaks. I need to find something to eat, but I have to save my resources. I have three hundred in cash on me, and I need to spend it wisely. I look up places to eat that homeless youth can go, and found something interesting.

F.E.A.S.T. 

Food, Emergency, Aid, Shelter, and Training.

I thought it only existed for the Spider-Man games, but I guess I don’t know everything because there a version of it that’s here. Using Google Maps and screenshotting the directions, F.E.A.S.T was located in Chinatown, which I’m nowhere near, but I also need shelter, so I might as well kill two birds with one stone.

I feel a sharp pain in my head.

I started to massage it before the pain went away. I'd better go before I get a hungry headache.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw a girl flying faster than the eye could see and leaving a rainbow trail of light in her wake.

I shook my head and made my way to the train station. I don’t know how I’m going to get used to that. A part of me, the child part, is giddy that I’m in a world filled with superheroes. But the rational part knows just how dangerous this world is compared to the real world. But this is the real world now, isn’t it?

After a long, tedious journey, I finally made it to F.E.A.S.T. I went to meet with the front desk person, who gave me a knowing look. I asked her if they had any rooms for homeless youth, and she told me that they did, but they needed to get me in touch with a case manager. The front desk lady, Miss Casey, told me they were all busy helping other youths at this time, but that she would send someone to come get me after one was made available. She gave me directions to the soup kitchen. I thanked her and went on my way.

I was starving. I don’t care what they’re serving; everything is going down to my belly. I paused, shocked at who I saw was currently serving food.

James ‘Logan” Howlett…AKA “The Wolverine” was standing next to a giant of a man that I could only assume to be “Luke Cage,” and a man shorter than Luke but taller than Logan. It has to be “Danny Rand” AKA Iron Fist. What the hell are they doing here?

Of course, the universe had to be funny by having that answer to that question tap me on the shoulder.

The one and only Peter Parker smiles at me so good-naturedly that it almost blinds me.

“Is this your first time? I haven't seen you before. Wait, no, I’m so sorry, I don’t know why I said that. Nice going, Parker,” Peter said, groaning. 

“Let’s start over, hi, I’m Peter Parker, and I’m one of the volunteers here.” Peter reached out to shake my hand.. It took me by surprise at first because I saw homeless people get treated like they’re animals. I grabbed his hand before I could come off as rude and gave it a firm shake. 

“I’m Teddy, Teddy Grayson. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Pete,” I said earnestly. And it was, I mean, this is a man, despite the circumstances chooses to do good every single day.  

Peter gives me an infectious grin. “You’re going to love the food here, I promise. My Aunt May is one of the cooks, and you’re just in luck. She made a fresh batch of her homemade Apple Pie,” said Peter, proudly. 

A homemade apple pie does sounds nice. My mouth watered at the thought. 

I mouthed my words to answer him, only to freeze as I realized I was talking to the living, breathing, real-life Peter Parker.

I shake my head; this isn’t the time to be fanboying right now. I shake his hand as I introduce myself.“ Yes to the pie, and yes to anything else your Aunt made. I could eat a horse right now,” I said humorously.

Peter smiled and clapped me on the back. “Here, let me introduce you to some friends of mine. It’s rare that we’re all together in one place, but they’re going to be serving today.”

Peter led me over to where Logan and the others were standing at the service station. There were two other people I didn’t recognize with them—a man and a woman. I wonder if they’re also superheroes out of uniform. Leave it to Peter to get his friends to do some good even as their civilian selves. Though I don’t think Luke Cage has a secret identity. Doesn’t he fight in regular streetwear? Like Conner Kent’s Superboy in the early Teen Titans run in…2009? 2007?

I guess it’s fine for now if Peter brought him here. He’s very particular about his superhero life crossing over to his civilian life.

“Hey, everyone, I would like to introduce Teddy. It’s his first time here. Teddy, this is Logan, Luke, Danny, Carlos, and Gloria,” said Peter, as he pointed out everyone to me. I accidentally made eye contact with Logan, and my heart spiked. Shit, did I just make myself look suspicious? Logan’s heightened senses could pick up on that sort of thing, right?

With no real documents and no way of identifying me, I could look like a possible spy to another spy with a bazillion years of experience. And given the history with heroes of this world, I could definitely get in trouble for a misunderstanding.

Case in point, Logan narrowed his eyes at me. I quickly turned my head and tried to act as normally as possible. “It’s nice to meet everyone,” I said nervously.

Gloria gave me a knowing smile. Oof. It’s not what you think, Gloria. As the first person in the service line, she handed me a plate along with a spoon, fork, and some napkins. “It’s fine, sweetie, we’ll take good care of him, Peter. Your Aunt May was looking for you earlier; it seemed pretty important,” Gloria informed him.

Peter smiled and thanked her as he quickly made his way to the back.

“What do you want, Teddy? We have Mac n Cheese, Meatloaf, chicken, steamed veggies, brown rice, and white rice?” Gloria asked as she started listing what they had. Whoa, there were too many options.

“I’ll have whatever Aunt May made. Peter says she’s the best cook around.” Plus, I also just want to eat.

Luke smirked. “Good choice, that woman is one amazing cook. I was just telling her she should open up a restaurant.”

I smiled, relieved that I said something right for once. “Aunt May’s Diner, I’d pay to see that,” I joked.

“With what money?” Danny Rand asked curiously.

An awkward silence developed after that. 

I felt flushed with embarrassment. 

Logan elbowed Danny so hard he let out an “Oof,” as Luke gave him a look that said, “What the hell is wrong with you?”. Gloria frowned at him, and Carlos facepalmed from behind him. 

“Excuse my friend, his mother dropped him on the head as a baby,” Luke says smoothly. 

I fought from smiling too much, relieved that someone was breaking the ice. I’m already overwhelmed. 

“Don’t tell me it bounced back from all that air?” I snarked.

That got a laugh out of almost everyone. 

“It was an honest question,” Danny grumbled. 

I cracked a smile at the sight in front of me. Honestly, it reminds me of my foster brother, Christopher. That boy is unable to read a room and would say pretty funny shit at the worst time too.

My generation needs help.

“Ignore that jackass, kid. Let’s get some food in you and send you on your way. I bet you have more important things to do,” Logan gruffed. His sudden response startled me, but I nodded my head at him. I need to figure out where I’m going to sleep tonight. I was tempted to pull one of them aside and tell them everything in hopes that they could help me, but I have no idea how I could even tackle that. Besides, do I even want to get involved in the superhero community?

I would be way over my head, not to mention there are real-life consequences. I don’t have anything to offer besides meta knowledge, which might not be as reliable as I think. Like, how many times did this world get retconned? And how many people know that it did?

Putting existential crisis aside, I need to eat.

I got everything that Aunt May cooked, which was the meatloaf, the steamed veggies, and the brown rice. Carlos, who was at the end of the service line, gave me some gravy for my rice and a bottle of water. Though I could feel Logan’s eyes on me as I made my way to an empty table.

I hope he doesn’t make any rash judgments and decides to kidnap and interrogate me. That’s not how I’m planning on my day ending…

Chapter Text

Third Person POV:  

Logan watched the nervous teen head for an empty table with an uneasy feeling. Something was strange about that kid. The kid’s heart sped up the moment he saw Logan. There aren't that many people in the world who could recognize Logan out of uniform. And he was damn sure he'd never met that kid before today. So, just how and where would that kid have seen him to elicit that kind of reaction?

Call him paranoid, and he was, but something in his gut told him something wasn’t right. 

But it wasn’t only that…the kid smelled like a mutant. And that shouldn’t be possible right now, given the circumstances. But honestly, Logan wouldn’t be that surprised. He’d been alive long enough to witness things you couldn’t understand or explain. One thing was for certain, though. He needed to confirm if that kid was a mutant, and if he was, then he needed to get to him before Slim got his grubby hands on him.

“Is something wrong, Old Man? You’ve been staring pretty hard at that kid over there. Don’t tell me he’s some kind of secret Hydra agent…or god forbid, a Skrull.” Luke asked as he leaned down and whispered to Logan.

Logan grunted. “There’s something I need to check real quick; tell the kid I’ll be right back. And Luke…don’t let the boy out of your sight. Not even for a second,” Logan said seriously.

Luke raised an eyebrow and glanced back at the boy in question, but didn’t argue. “If you say so, short stack.”

Logan gave a stiff nod and made his way to a secluded corner, and pulled out his phone. Logan dialed a number on his phone, called the only person who could verify the information. He waited patiently until that person picked up. 

“Hey Red, I need you to look into something for me,” Logan says, getting straight to the point. 

“Funny, I was just about to ask you the same thing. You know those routine checks I do with Cerebra? Well, I detected…something. There have been spikes of energy all over New York City today. And there was another one just where you’re standing,” answered the voice on the other line.

Logan’s eyes widened.

“Did you tell anyone else, kid? Does Slim know?” Logan growled.

“No, but I’m sure her royal majesty will be dying to tell him the news. You better get on this, Logan, before things get ugly,” the voice warned.

Logan cursed and turned back around.

Logan marched up to Luke, who was watching the scene in front of him with concern. “Is the kid still there?” Logan grunted.

Luke nodded his head in the boy’s direction. “I don’t know what happened, but the kid puked up all his food. And it can’t be Aunt May’s cooking. Gloria went to check up on him. What was all that about, Logan?” Luke asked, his tone turning serious.

“I have a good idea…” Logan said tightly.

Logan walked up to the pair as Gloria offered the boy water while rubbing his back. A crowd was gathering around, with people pointing and staring at them. The boy puked again and groaned in pain. A few people in the crowd stepped back in disgust.

Gloria perked up when she noticed Logan. “We need to get him to the hospital. He has a high fever, these clothes look new, but who knows how long he’s been on the street? He could have caught something,” said a worried Gloria.

Logan has a pretty good idea about what he caught. 

“My head.” The boy said weakly and quietly that only Logan could hear him. Gloria frowned. “What was that, sweetie?” 

Logan leaned down and helped the boy sit up. “You didn’t eat anything funny before coming here, did you, kid?” Logan asked him softly. Although Logan doubts he did. 

He shakes his head. “It’s not my stomach. My head hurts so bad that I–Ah!” The boy screamed out in pain. His eyes briefly flash white with energy. 

Ah, hell, the boy was beginning to manifest his mutant ability, and there was no way of knowing what that was or how dangerous. 

Logan’s eyes scan the crowd as he weighs his options. If things go south and people figure out the boy is a mutant…

Logan needs to get him out of here as soon as possible. 

Just then, Peter shoved through the crowd and spotted Gloria and Logan helping Teddy to his feet.

He rushed over to them. “How can I help?”

Gloria looked over at him. “You can help by calling 911. We need to get emergency services over here.”

“No!” Logan and Teddy said in unison. Peter and Gloria looked at each other in confusion.

“Logan, buddy, is there something you want to tell me?” Peter asked him in a hushed tone, knowing only Logan could hear him.

“Teddy, sweetie, I don’t know your situation, but if you’re sick…” Gloria said as her voice trailed off.

Teddy shook his head stubbornly. “I’m sorry, Gloria, but I can’t go to a hospital. I…I’m not from here. I don’t have papers,” Teddy admitted.

Everyone stared at him in shock.

The gears were turning in Logan’s head. What did he mean by that? He looked and sounded like any other American teenager. Unless…

Teddy gripped his head in pain as his eyes started to glow white. There was a sudden static in the air.

“Logan!” Peter said with urgency, grabbing Gloria and forcing her behind him. Logan didn’t need to be told twice.

“I know, kid!” Logan grabbed Teddy only to be knocked back by a force of power. Time slowed down all around them. 

Literally. 

Logan took everything in as a white light exploded with Teddy at the center. A surge of energy washed over everyone. And then things got weird.

The explosion of light became a multitude of colors.

People became undone and remade on a subatomic scale.

The F.E.A.S.T. building twisted and turned like molded clay.

The very earth became transparent below them, and reality transformed before their very eyes.

Worlds.

Multiple and multiples of worlds.

Logan could see the very fabric of the universe become the boy’s plaything. He saw multiple versions of himself. He could feel his very existence stretch beyond time and space. He caught glimpses of his life in other worlds.

Logan saw his friend’s forms switch between different versions of themselves with every shockwave of power emitted from Teddy. This was beyond what he expected. Was the boy another Legion? Logan feared what he might have to do to save everyone.

Unknown to him, in the distance, watching this cosmic catastrophe was the Watcher. 

Logan tried to fight his way to the kid but was stuck suspended in the air. He was still moving back from when the shockwave first hit him, but at a snail's pace. 

In the corner of his eye, he noticed Uatu watching from a distance. “That big-headed bastard was here? What did he want? Was this important?” Logan thought frantically. 

Whatever the reason, it motivated Logan to at least try reaching the kid. 

“Kid, listen to me! You have to get this under control!” Logan growled desperately.

Teddy stopped gripping his head and looked around him in fear, shock, and disbelief. There was a glow of white light around his being, but other than that, he seemed untouched by whatever was distorting reality. 

“I shouldn’t be able to do this…But I am. I’m a mutant. But how? That’s not important right now. Mister Logan, I could fix everything…just please, take care of my body for me,” the boy begged.

“Well, what are you waiting for, kid! Hurry up!” Logan groaned.

The boy closed his eyes, and like a switch, everything turned back to normal. Logan found himself standing as if he hadn’t just been suspended in space. The boy’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he lost consciousness.

The kid almost hit the ground if it weren’t for Parker’s quick reflexes. Parker caught him and laid him softly on the ground.

“Whoa, okay, Gloria, you go get help. I’ll take over from here,” Peter said, taking charge. Gloria nodded and pulled out her phone to make a call. 

Logan stared in disbelief as Parker and the others acted like everything was completely normal. “What the fuck? Why isn’t anyone shitting themselves?” Logan thought, puzzled.

Parker noticed Logan just standing while he tried waking the boy up. 

“Logan? Is something wrong? Did you already dial 911?” asked a hopeful Peter.

Logan stared at him, stunned.

“You mean…you didn’t see that?” asked a wary Logan.

“See what? Teddy fainting? Because I was the one who caught him. Don’t tell me you’re going senile. I think we have enough on our plate right now,” Peter said exasperated.

And that’s when it hit Logan. “Well, I’ll be damned, the kid wiped their memories of the whole thing. Color me impressed.” Logan thinks to himself.

“Never mind. Let me take the kid. Tell Luke I’m borrowing his ride out front.” Logan picked the boy up like a sack of potatoes. Peter backed up and watched him, alarmed.

“Uh…Logan, buddy, you wanna tell me what you’re doing? And could you possibly not kidnap a kid right in front of me? I’d rather not testify against you in court,” Peter said in that annoying voice Logan hated. Parker couldn’t help but be a jack ass when he wanted to.

“Because the kid’s a mutant, and you don’t remember being a tube of goo for a few seconds,” Logan explained dryly.

“I was a what?! You’re joking, right?” Peter asked, stunned.

Logan barely spared him a glance as he walked away carrying the kid.

“I need a beer,” he grunted. “I’m going to have nightmares for weeks. You better be worth it, kid,” Logan grumbled to himself.

Peter laughed nervously. “Haha, you’re joking, right, Logan? Logan? He’s joking.” 

Luke and Danny walked over to Peter to see what was going on. “Please tell me Logan isn’t kidnapping that kid,” Luke said with a raised eyebrow.

Peter shook his head. “He says the kid’s a mutant, so he’s probably taking him to the school….Oh yeah, and he’s also taking your car.”

Luke’s head snapped to him. “What?! The hell he ain’t. Logan, get your short Canadian ass back here! Don’t you touch my baby. Logan? Logan!” 

Danny shakes his head. “Or he could be going senile. How can he tell if that was a mutant? Don’t they usually have an accident when their powers manifest? We didn’t see anything like that. 

Peter froze as he thought about it. “It’s funny, but I felt my spider sense go off before I entered the room, and it got louder when I got closer to Teddy…and then it stopped.” Peter thinks to himself. 

Gloria comes back as she ends the call. “The paramedics are on the–where’s the kid?!” Gloria demanded. 

Peter, Luke, and Danny exchange looks. Luke and Danny nodded to each other and pushed Peter toward Gloria. 

Peter gave them a look of betrayal before meeting Gloria’s glare head-on. 

“So funny story…”

Chapter Text

Teddy’s POV:

I gasped and sat up straight as the past events came crashing down on top of me. I’m a mutant. Not just any old regular mill mutant, but an omega-level one. Which is crazy since I come from a world where mutants don’t exist, and I was born a human. That means someone or something altered my very being and turned me into a mutant.

But why? And for what? 

“Ah, I see our young friend has awakened. It’s been quite some time since a new mutant has been on these grounds,” a voice said eloquently.

I turned my head slowly to see Dr. Hank McCoy, aka “Beast,” sitting in a chair across from me, wearing a long white lab coat over his signature X-Men uniform. It looked like he was writing something on a piece of paper before I woke up.

“Salutations, my young friend, I am Dr.Hank McCoy, but some would also know me by the moniker–”

“Beast!” I said excitedly. “I’m sorry for interrupting, but I’m a huge fan.” 

Beast chuckled good-naturedly. “Oh, don’t apologize, Mr. Grayson, it’s a refreshing change from the usual reaction to my person,” Beast assured me. 

I blinked back in surprise. “How did you–” 

“I went through your stuff, bub,” Logan announced as he stood in the doorway of what I assume is the medical bay. Logan stepped fully inside and gave Hank a nod of acknowledgement. 

Logan stops just right in front of me. “Funny, for someone who claims not to have legal documents, why are you carrying around a New York State ID?” 

I averted my gaze. “I could explain...” 

“You’re from the future,” Logan says suddenly. 

I stared at him, shocked. Uh, not quite shorty. 

“Is what I would have said if I didn’t do a background check on you. Your ID puts you at three years old, but there isn’t a Teddy Grayson that matches your exact age and birthday. I ran your DNA through the SHIELD Database and Teddy Grayson doesn’t exist–well, in this reality, but I have a feeling you knew that. Didn’t you kid? My question is...how?” Logan asked me patiently. 

Beast gasped. “Oh my stars and garters, what exactly are you implying about Wolverine? Didn’t you tell me the boy just manifested his mutant ability?”  

I sighed. “It’s okay, Beast–er Dr. McCoy, Mr. Logan isn’t exactly wrong. In my world…” I trailed off, unsure of how to break it to them.

Beast nods his head in encouragement. “It’s fine, Mr.Grayson, you can call me Beast if you prefer. Please, continue, you are among friends here.” Beast assured me.  

Logan grabs one of those rolling chairs and sits down while he scoots closer to me. “Go on, kid, we’re not going to bite.” 

I scratched my head and took a deep breath. “In my world, you and everyone else are fictional characters. That’s how I recognized you were Wolverine, and that’s why I got scared because honestly, you’re kinda paranoid, and it made me paranoid, and yeah, I know that was Powerman and Iron Fist with you, and I’m a huge fan of your version of the Avengers. I also know that guy was Spider-Man, can you get me an autograph from him by the way? So originally I wasn’t a mutant because where I’m from, mutants don’t exist, but now I am one. Please don’t think I’m crazy.” I ranted. 

Logan and Beast stared at me, stunned. 

Logan curses. “Damn it kid, you made me lost a bet. I was betting on an alternate timeline that no longer exists. But sure, I guess alternate reality works.” 

I gaped at him. “Um, excuse me, aren’t you worried about…I don’t know…That you’re fictional characters! Shouldn’t you be questioning your existence?”

Logan and Beast exchanged a glance before they started laughing. Logan wipes an invisible tear from his eye. “Kid, we’re mutants, that’s practically Tuesday to us. So you’re from a world where the rest of us don’t exist. That’s not the craziest thing we've ever heard. What's important now is you’re one of us, and we take care of our own.” 

Beast pushed his glasses back in place and put a hand under his chin. “It makes sense what you were trying to accomplish when your power first manifested. If my theory is correct…You were trying to go back to your home reality, but for whatever reason, it just wasn’t possible with your current level of power, or you simply didn’t know how. I can’t say for sure, but you were trying so hard that you were beginning to unravel the very fabric of reality.” 

I knew Beast was smart, but wow. “How did you know–” 

“Ah, yes, I assume from what Wolverine told me that your mutant ability had something to do with reality manipulation, I don’t know the how yet, so this is purely hypothetical,” Beast explained to me. 

“But from what Logan told me, you were able to put everything back together right after your mutant ability manifested. Excuse my being rude, but how were you able to gain that precise amount of control in such a short amount of time?” Beast asked, puzzled. 

I long down at my hand in wonder. I lifted it up and effortlessly summoned the elements in the palm of my hand. Orbs of water, earth, fire, and lightning dance in the air. “Imagination manifestation, I can bring anything I want to reality. Even my desires, and because of that, I was able to awaken a second mutation. Intuitive aptitude. That’s how I was able to put everything back where it belonged. I instinctively knew how to do it.” 

“Oh my stars and garter,” Beast furrowed his eyebrows. “Well, this is unprecedented, never have there been a mutant who gave themselves a second mutation.” 

Logan snorted. “I think we passed that, Hank, the kid from a different reality entirely, remember. Something we also have to take care of.” Logan gives me a pointed look. 

Beast was confused at first before his eyes widened in realization. “Ah, I believe you’re right about that. Young Grayson's metaknowledge could prove to be..uh, dangerous.” Beat gave me an apologetic look. 

I dispelled my creations and nodded in understanding. “It’s fine, Beast, I understand what I know could put people’s lives at risk. And it isn’t exactly right that I know all their secrets. People don’t normally like that sort of thing. Plus, it’s super invasive.” 

Logan clapped me on the back. “What a mature kid we got here, furball. That’s right, kid, which is why you’re going to wipe your memories about that, and ours. Is that okay with you, furball?

Beast takes off his glasses and wipes them with a handkerchief. “Why, Logan, I do believe you’re right. Part of me is tempted to use our young friend’s knowledge for the greater good, and that’s exactly why our memory of this also needs to be erased. It would be too much like playing god. I shudder to think what our enemies would do with such information, let alone Scott.” 

I quietly gather my thoughts. “The more you try to control something, the more it controls you.” 

Logan snorts. “We got a regular poet over here. You know how you’re going to do this?” 

I nodded and focused my thoughts on what I wanted to create. I’ll create dream eaters, psychic entities that can consume memories. I’ll program two of them to eat the memories of the last few minutes. I’ll create a larger one for me, design to target almost all of my metaknowledge. Just the ones that are too dangerous to have. 

Secret identities and future knowledge were to be consumed. But I’ll keep the knowledge of past events. Can’t be completely blind in this world. I’ll keep the info of all current villains too. Now, to shape my creation and give it physical form. A blue butterfly like Philemon. I’ll give it just enough energy to do the job and have them disappear along with our memories.

Three glowing blue butterflies came to life right in front of me. The dream eaters dance around me, Logan, and Beast before entering our minds.

They have done their job in an instant and exit our minds before disappearing in blue sparks. 

That was a weird experience. 

I know I was in the Marvel universe, I know a lot about the superhero community and who was who, but when it came to their secret identities…the ones that aren’t a open secret, I was drawing a blank. 

Huh.

I would say it would take some time getting used to knowing superheroes only by their codename if it wasn’t for the fact that I don’t remember in the first place. It feels like that’s how it's always been. Oh my god, I was assimilating. 

“Fascinating, I don’t think I've seen psychic abilities applied in that way before. Since you’re not a natural telepath, you must find innovative ways to mimic the real article. Mutants your age find it difficult to refine their power during the early stage of their development. Why, I think the person you remind me of in terms of creativity is Bobby.” Beast said, marveled.  

“Yeah, yeah, the kid got talent, and with the way your second ability works, I’ll say it’ll be hard to teach you something you wouldn’t learn yourself. But that doesn’t mean you’re not lacking in the experience department. And I could name five people from off the top of my head that would eat you for breakfast, even with that power of yours. Well, lucky for you, I know just the perfect place where you can gain that experience,” said a smirking Logan. 

I nodded. “You don’t need to give me a sales pitch, Mr. Logan. I want to enroll in the Jean Grey School. Uh, I might need help obtaining documents, though.” 

Logan opened his mouth and then snapped it shut when he realized what I said. 

“What?” Asked a bewildered Logan. 

I flushed. “I mean if I had to choose between you and Cyclops, I would rather be with you. I don’t want to be treated like a soldier in a war. Plus…I believe in what you’re trying to do here. The X-Men are not just the people you’re fighting with to survive. It’s about family, it’s about second chances, it’s about teaching kids to live in a world despite how the world feels about them.” 

There was a flicker of emotion that passed Logan’s eyes so fast I almost thought I imagined it. “I won’t let you down, kid,” Logan promised, as he got up from his seat. “I’m going to make some calls about getting you some papers. You’re not the first person from another reality that we had to do that for. In the meantime, Hank, have Sprite show him around campus while you work on his schedule.” 

Logan, looking like a man on a mission leaves the medical bay without another word. 

Beast sighs. “He could at least wait until I give you clearance to leave. Logan can be a very stubborn individual when he sets his mind on something. Since you don’t appear to be straining from using your powers a second time, and all of your vitals are normal. I say it’s okay for you to get up and look around.” 

Beast gets up and hands me a tray of food that was on his desk. “But you will eat something first. Logan told me you expelled all the food in your stomach before your powers fully manifested. I will not have a patient of mine walking around on an empty stomach if I could help it.” 

I observe the tray on my lap. 

I got an apple, a turkey and cheese sandwich, and some grape juice for my troubles. It wasn’t bad, I’m a little disappointed I couldn’t finish that May lady’s cooking. It had to be on the same level as what I assume Martha Kent’s cooking would be. Matter of fact, what was Logan doing at F.E.A.S.T. anyway? He’s friends with that Parker guy? 

I guess the comics don’t cover everything about their day-to-day lives. I wonder what other nuances are there that I haven’t noticed before. 

I spent a couple of minutes eating while Beast asked me some questions about my medical history so he could put it on his file. Beast also took the time to evaluate me so he could make my schedule. He’s very tedious about everything, but that just means he cares. 

Just then, Kitty Pryde phases herself through the wall. Watching that in real time is so surreal to me. It feels like my brain is playing tricks on me. 

Beast doesn’t stop what he’s doing like he’s used to her just popping up out of nowhere. “My dear Kitty, one of these days, you will have to learn to use the door like the rest of us mere mortals.” 

“Sorry, Beast. I heard we have a new student I’m going to be showing around. Although I don’t know how that’s possible.” Kitty said in a cheery tone. 

“I’m from another universe,” I answered her politely. Hold it in. Hold it in. Hold it in. Hold it in. For the love of god, don’t fanboy over everything. 

“Oooh, that makes more sense. Can’t say that never happened before, at this point, we’re collecting you guys like infinity stones. I can’t believe Logan got to you before Scott did. What was his sales pitch? Did the mean old man scare you into joining?” Kitty asked jokingly. 

“I like Mr.Logan, it didn’t take much from him for me to enroll here,” I answered earnestly. 

Kitty threw her head back and laughed. She elbowed Beast in his arm, in the way that said “get a load of this guy,”. 

“Ha! No, seriously, what did he do? You can tell me, spill it.” Kitty said, Good naturally. 

Beast wipes his glasses and puts them back on his face. “I’m afraid young Mr. Grayson here is telling the truth. He asked to join us, feeling Wolverine’s goals align with his own. It was rather commendable. I have already begun the basis of his schedule here. Why don’t you show Mr. Grayson what we have to offer?” 

Kitty's smile faded as she realized Beast was telling the truth. “Wait, seriously? Are we talking about the same Logan? You know? Short? Grumpy? Says “bub” a lot like we’re in a 1960s mafia movie? That Logan? Guess he’s finally growing up, get it? Haha, I hate myself.” Kitty says jokingly. 

At least I think she’s joking…

Uhhh.

I blinked owlishly at her and gave a beast a look that said, “Seriously? Her?” before nodding slowly. 

“Yes? Shouldn’t we start the tour now, Miss Pryde?” I inquired politely. 

Kitty physically shudders. “Just call me Kitty or Professor K, Miss Pryde makes me sound old, and I’m a woman that’s in the prime of her youth.” 

I nodded. “Professor Kitty.” 

Kitty cracked a smile at that. “Come on, newbie, I’ll show you where to avoid all the death traps around this place.” 

Death traps? 

I turn to Beast to see if she’s joking, but the man nods like it was sage advice. 

“What’s your name again, kiddo?” Kitty asked as we exited the Medical bay. 

“It’s Teddy, Teddy Grayson. Mutant name…not clear yet.” I said, introducing myself. 

Kitty laughed and gave me a reassuring smile. “That’s fine, we all gotta start somewhere, don’t worry about finding a name now. Where do you wanna start? I could show you the good stuff first or the boring stuff?”

I perked up at this. “Since we’re already down here, can we check out everything on this floor?” I asked eagerly. 

Kitty gave me a knowing smile. "Alright, newbie, welcome to the real heart of the X-Mansion! I'm your host, Kitty Pryde, and I'll be showing you around. Try to keep up, or you might get lost in the maze. And don't touch anything without asking. Seriously."

The first stop on our tour was the X-Men’s War Room. 

 "This is where we plan our missions and decide which person would be best suited for the team for that mission," Kitty says, pressing a button. The X-shaped doors in front of us open up to a spacious area dominated by a large, semi-circular table made of a dark, smooth material. 

Above it, a holographic projector displays a 3D map of New York City, with blinking icons representing potential threats or allies. 

Around the walls, individual workstations are equipped with multiple monitors displaying tactical data, communication feeds, and schematics. 

The room’s center lighting is focused on the central table, creating a serious atmosphere. 

"It's got all the latest tech, maps, and a really big table for arguing,” that last part Kitty said wistfully. I could tell she was reminiscing about the good old days.  

“Sometimes, Wolverine would get a little too into the strategy sessions," Kitty said jokingly. 

I have a feeling I know why, or better yet, who the reason Wolverine got... excited. 

I would take some pictures if there wasn’t sensitive information being shown right now. I wonder what kinds of missions they talk about doing in here? 

I love the fact that I’m living every nerd’s dreams, and I can’t even take a picture. 

The next stop on our tour was the Cerebra Chamber, which was at the end of the east hall. 

"This is Cerebra," Kitty says as the door slides open to reveal a vast, circular chamber. In the center, a raised platform holds a helmet-like device surrounded by intricate wiring and light bulbs. The walls are lined with monitors displaying complex neurological patterns and faint outlines of human figures scattered across a world map. 

"Back in the old days, Professor X used to use it to find mutants all over the world. It's super powerful, so don't even think about messing with the controls. If you’re not a skilled telepath, then you could accidentally fry your brain.” Kitty warns. “But you seem like a good cookie, so I’m not too worried on that front.” 

That concluded the east wing of the sub-basement. We made our way to the west wing and stopped at the first door near us.  

 "This is where Beast does his science-y stuff," Kitty says as the doors to the science lab open. 

The lab was a chaotic but fascinating space filled with bubbling beakers, complex machinery with blinking lights, stacks of books, and whiteboards covered in equations and diagrams. Strange gadgets and half-finished inventions are scattered across the workbenches. A faint smell of chemicals hangs in the air. 

"Don't ask me what he's working on, because I usually have no clue. Just try not to break anything, he gets grumpy." Kitty warns me. 

I look at the board filled with equations and a strange feeling wells up inside me. It’s almost as if I could grasp what Beast had been writing on the board. I could feel my secondary mutation at work. 

“Are you okay, Teddy?” Kitty asks me in a concerned voice. 

I blinked.

How long was I staring at that thing? 

I shake my head. “It’s nothing, why don’t we keep going, Professor Kitty?” 

Kitty raised an eyebrow at me but didn’t say anything else. 

We head to the Engineering Bay next door. 

“This is where they fix things, and when I mean 'they, ' I mean Forge and Beast. You’ll likely see them tinker around and build new gadgets." Says Kitty as she gestures around us. 

Now this room was more industrial, with heavy-duty tools, welding equipment, and disassembled machinery lying around. Blueprints are tacked to the walls, I could see the outline of advanced machinery on them. The air smells of metal and oil. "Forge and Beast spend a lot of time here. It's usually a mess of tools and wires in here, so watch your step." Says Kitty. 

We go further into the room to another set of doors.

"These are for the bad guys. Or sometimes, the really bad guys." We enter a section with thick, reinforced steel doors. Each cell has a small, reinforced window, and the air feels heavy and oppressive. Some cells have glowing energy fields across the entrance instead of physical bars. "Let's just say, you don't want to end up in one of these." Kitty shivers slightly. 

No shit Kitty.

So they do have a place in case of enemies. I don’t know why I’m surprised with a practical guy like Logan running things. 

The room next to Beast and Forge's little bromance room has warning signs all over it. 

 "This is what keeps the lights on and the Danger Room running." We peer through a thick, shielded window into a large, humming chamber. A massive, glowing energy core pulses in the center, surrounded by intricate networks of conduits and machinery. Warning lights blink steadily. "It's super important, so don't even think about going in there," Kitty warned me. 

I wonder how many times Kitty had to warn students not to do stupid stuff. She seems to work hard on the students not getting themselves killed. 

Kitty takes me to the central hall of the sub-basement.

"This is where we keep all the extra stuff." Says Kitty. 

We enter a large, cluttered room filled with shelves packed with spare uniforms in various colors and styles, crates labeled with cryptic symbols, and even a few partially disassembled robotic limbs. "You know, like spare uniforms, weapons, and giant robot parts. It's a mutant-sized storage unit."

I saw old variations of past X-Men uniforms, I’m officially geeked out. Kitty wouldn’t mind if I took a few souvenirs, right?

But there is so much…yellow, I wonder if Xavier's bad fashion sense rubbed off on all the X-Men, or it was tradition to wear a lot of yellow? Anyway, hard pass. 

“Well? What are you waiting for? Put one on.” Kitty tells me. 

I blinked slowly.

“One of what?” I asked, baffled.  

Kitty grinned. “You know what.” 

Shit, because do I know what and since I do know what, I know what’s next on our tour.

I change into an old X-Men uniform based on ones I saw the New Mutants wear. It’s a full black body suit with a big yellow X on my chest to the back of my back. Yellow gloves and yellow boys. 

Kitty nodded in approval. “You’re looking good, you got the X-Men style down pat.” 

You’ve been wearing the same outfit since you were thirteen, Kitty. I’m not trusting you on this. 

The steel doors hissed open to a vast, holographic training space, the air buzzing with energy. 

"Welcome to the Danger Room!" Kitty Pryde chirped, phasing us inside with a grin. That was..a weird feeling. And why open the doors if you’re just going to phrase us inside, Kitty?!

 "Thanks to some fancy Shi'ar tech upgrades, it's all simulations now – thankfully, less fire than the old days." Kitty says as she manipulated a control panel, the scenery morphing from the empty room it was before to a cityscape. 

"I adjusted the challenge to Freshman since you’re new, we’ll just go over the basics for now. When you’re officially enrolled, the settings will be set to sophomore. At that setting, you'll learn with a group of classmates about control and teamwork. And Teddy, try not to worry about breaking the incredibly expensive Shi'ar hardware. We usually let off some steam in here, so go wild." Kitty says before phasing through a wall and disappearing.  

“Wait! Kitty! You didn’t tell me the basics!” I yelled, only to be met with silence. 

If this isn’t “My Hero Academia” coded, Kitty must be taking lessons from All Might. 

"Ready for some freshman-grade training? Don’t worry about the lasers, they are set to stun.” Kitty said on the loudspeaker. 

She must be in the control room…

Did she say Lasers? 

Holographic projections of older, less sophisticated Sentinels, Sentinels Mark Is, came to life. I could see at least three of them. The Sentinels spread out and started destroying parts of the city. Holographic civilians started fleeing among the chaos. 

“You get negative ten points for every civilian injured by a sentinel.” Kitty says cheerfully. 

My eyes widen and I dash to the nearest civilian and knock them aside before they are blasted by a sentinel. 

“Run! Get out of here! Go!” I commanded. Surprisingly, the fake civilian listened to me. I almost wonder if they were sentinel if they didn’t already know what they were. The Mark I Sentinel blasted at me this time, and I threw up my hands instinctively as a glowing, large pink shield protected me from the attack.

I blinked. Did I just create Pink Diamond’s shield? 

“Ooh, is that your power? Energy manipulation?” Kitty asked curiously. 

I banish the shield and decide to take the offenses. My eyes glowed white, and I summoned forth…The Kingdom Key!

My eyes widened. The Kingdom Key?

“Is that…a giant Key?” Kitty asked, puzzled, on the loudspeaker. 

The Keyblade can channel magical energy, I wonder if I could manifest energy for it to draw on so I could use the advanced form of magic spells? Ah, what the hell. 

I aim the Kingdom Key at the sentinel. “Firaga!” A large fireball so powerful shot out of the Kingdom Key and literally melted the top half of the Sentinel. The bottom half took one step before collapsing.

“....What the hell?!” Kitty exclaimed. “I mean..good job Teddy, one down, two more to go. I know you can’t see me, but I’m giving you a thumbs up.”  

I nodded numbly. Yeah…I need to work on my strength before I accidentally kill someone. I guess it’s a good thing I’m practicing on my control now. I could already feel a difference. 

Feeling more confident in myself, I decide to face the last two Mark I sentinels.  

Mutant detected. Threat level assessment: [Omega] Engaging

I aimed the keyblade to the sky and used one of my favorite spells in the game.

Thundaga! 

I called down two huge bolts of lightning that engulfed both sentinels. The sentinels fried from the inside out and fell backwards like puppets that had their strings cut. 

I dispelled the Kingdom Key and admired my work. “Uh, was that it? I thought there would be more…stuff involved?” I asked

“.....There was more to this danger room session, but you took out the sentinels before you could get the most out of this lesson. Most freshmen would have struggled with. That’s fine, I was only trying to evaluate you anyway, and now I can plan for tougher challenges in the future.” Kitty informed me. 

Oh, that makes sense. There was a lesson I was supposed to learn, but since I took the sentinels before they could do any real damage…

“Why don’t you change, and then we can complete the tour? I’ll be waiting for you outside.” 

After changing back into my outside clothes, I joined kitty as we approached the last room on our tour that I’ve been looking forward to. I started to get giddy.

Kitty grinned at my enthusiasm. "This is how we get around," Kitty says as the doors open up to the hangar. 

The Hangar was huge enough to fit at least three more blackbirds. I wonder how Xavier got this built originally? I mean, wouldn’t this kind of construction get the attention of the government? Oh, right…telepath. 

He probably just erased the memories of all the people that did work here. 

Above us, the hangar doors open up, the light from the outside shines down on the revealing sleek, black form of the Blackbird jet, its wings folded neatly. "The Blackbird is usually parked down here. It's fast, it's sleek, and it's got a lot of firepower." Kitty says as she smacks the outside of the Blackbird. 

I raised my hand like we were in class.

Kitty smiled. “Yes, my young padawan?”

“When do you teach your students how to pilot the blackbird?” I asked eagerly. 

“That depends on your age and maturity, it’s not normally apart of the curriculum for students. It’s mostly the adults that pilot the blackbird anyway,” Kitty answered honestly.

Damn.

I’m sure with my power I could pick up how to do it if I watch them pilot one day. 

"So, that's the sub-basement. Any more questions? No? Good. Now, let's get out of here before something explodes." Kitty says sagely. 

How often–nope, Teddy, for your peace of mind, don’t even think about it.

We start the second half of the tour on the ground floor. The ground floor had more of an academic feel to it then the sub-basement ,which felt more like we were in a secret high-tech based. 

Walking down the hall ,I noticed I was getting stares from some of the students and teachers. Given that this is the no more mutant era, I’m not surprised. 

“Who the hell is that? Does anyone recognize him?” 

“Why is he with Professor K?

“A new student? How’s that possible?”

“I bet he’s not a mutant.”

I paused midstep as I felt something brush against my mind, it took barely a second for me to grasp that someone was trying to read my mind. That attempt was enough for me to instinctively feel how telepath works and I how I could protect myself from. 

I turn to the likely suspect and focus on changing my thoughts to something that would be incomprehensible to the other person. Basically creating white noise for a telepathy. 

Quentin Quire stared at me with a shocked expression. 

I tip my imaginary cowboy hat at him. 

Try reading my mind now asshole, though that didn’t stop the other kids from talking.

I try to drown out the sound of gossip. This isn’t any different from any other time I go to a new school as a foster kid. 

Kitty turns around and gives her students a pointed look. “Alright, that’s enough, anyone not in class by the next bell will be serving detention by cleaning Lockheed’s litterbox, It’s taco tuesday so you might wanna get special gloves.”  

I don’t know if they’re scared of Kitty or if the thought of cleaning dragon dung got to them, but everyone groaned and dispersed. I guess the next bell was going to ring soon. 

Kitty looked pleased with herself and then turned to me with a warm smile. “Lockheed doesn’t have a litterbox but they don’t know that.” Kitty whispers to me. 

 I knew she was one of my favorite characters for a reason. 

“Okay, now where were we? Oh, right. This is the main hall of the Jean Grey School." The space felt grand but also a bit quieter than before. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating polished wooden floors and comfortable armchairs scattered around. Framed academic rewards for students adorned the walls. 

"It's where we all gather for school-wide announcements, community meetings, you know, when Professor K wants to talk to everyone at once. Sometimes we even have movie nights here. It's kind of the central gathering spot for all of us." The atmosphere she painted me felt more intimate, like a close-knit family rather than a bustling campus.

Kitty led me up a set of stairs in the west wing of the school. "Up here are the student dorms. Since there aren't a ton of us, everyone gets their own room, which is pretty great. It's your private space to chill, study, decorate however you want – make it your own. We've got a mix of sizes and layouts, depending on which room you get. There are also a couple of small common areas on each floor where you can hang out with the other students who live nearby if you feel like you want some company." The hallway felt peaceful, with personalized touches visible around each door, hinting at the individual lives within.

“I didn’t really come with anything..” I trailed off as I realized that I have the power to create anything I could imagine. The things I couldn’t afford before I could will into existence or even add my own personal touches. 

Kitty waved me off. “That’s fine, I’m sure we can take you shopping later, just let the adult worry about that stuff.” 

I felt a bit warmed raised to my chest, touched by Kitty’s reassurance.

Kitty takes me back downstairs from the other end of the hallway back to the ground floor. 

Next, she guided me to a brightly colored room filled with games. "This is our playroom! It's pretty essential for unwinding. We've got video game consoles, a pool table, some board games – the classics. It's a place where we can all just relax and have some fun together, you know, take a break from classes and training. It gets pretty competitive during Mario Kart tournaments," she added with a grin.

I smiled, a part of me is relieved that there's something from my world here. Well, the Marvel universe does reflect the real world, depending on the decade. It’s just crazy to see something normal in a place like this. 

“There are other rooms on this floor that are basically similar to this one but everyone has different tastes.”

I could see what she meant. One room was filled with mostly video games and had an arcade feel to it. 

Another room was more board game themed and had almost every classic board game you could think of. 

There was even an art room if that was more your speed. I peeked inside to see Bobby Drake using his powers to make an ice sculpture of himself and admiring it. He noticed me and gave a little wave. 

I smiled and waved back at him.   

We went through the back doors that led outside and followed the path that led to a separate small building. 

There is a sign above the double wooden doors that says ‘Gymnasium’.    

We then entered a spacious room equipped with various exercise equipment and padded areas. "Welcome to the gym." It felt well-used but not overcrowded. There were weight machines, a climbing wall, and a rolled up mats stored in a cupboard. I assume those are used for yoga. 

 "This is where we work on our physical fitness. Professor K believes it's important for everyone, no matter what our powers are. You'll see students doing everything from basic exercises to more specialized training that helps them integrate their abilities with their movements. It's all about staying healthy and learning what our bodies can do." Said Kitty.  

 We headed back outside to the path towards the east wing of the school. There was a building a lot bigger than the gym that connected to the east wing of the school.  

Kitty led me to a warm and inviting space filled with the comforting aroma of food. "And this is the cafeteria." There were several small empty tables. I could picture them occupied by students chatting and eating during lunch or after a danger room session. A long counter held a variety of dishes.  "This is where we eat, But it's also a really important social space. Since there aren't tons of us, we all tend to eat together. It's a good chance to catch up, talk about our day, and just connect. The food's pretty good too – the school has a great cook who knows everyone's… quirks and preferences." Kitty said, light heartily.  

The atmosphere felt cozy and communal, like a family kitchen where everyone gathered. 

We go through another set of double doors back inside the mansion to explore the ground floor of the east wing. 

"Alright, next up: the classrooms!" Kitty said, leading me down another brightly lit hallway. "This first section is mostly for our general learning subjects."

She stopped outside a door with a slightly worn sign that read "History." 

"First up, we've got History, taught by Logan. Yeah, that Logan. Don't let his gruff exterior fool you; he's seen a lot, and he's got some incredible firsthand stories.”

Ha! I bet, the man is like two hundred years old. 

I take a look inside and the classroom itself is surprisingly… normal. Lots of bookshelves packed with actual paper books and big maps on the wall. 

It’s like how a classroom looks in those movies from early 2000s movies. Maybe even older. 

 Kitty laughed at the look on my face. “Yeah, Logan's a bit old school like that – He focuses a lot on pivotal moments in mutant history, things you won't find in regular textbooks." I pictured a no-nonsense type of classroom, filled with the weight of the past and the gruff but insightful presence of Wolverine. 

It would make sense that teach mutant history here, another surreal moment. I wondered how everyone would react if I told them that their history was fiction in my world for people’s entertainment. 

We moved a few doors down to a room with colorful posters about grammar and literature. "This is English, and lucky you, you'll have me!" Kitty grinned. "We cover everything from classic literature to creative writing. I try to make it interactive. Sometimes we'll phase through historical documents to get a better feel for the period, or we might even put on little impromptu plays. My classroom's pretty flexible – we’ll rearrange the desks ourselves for group discussions, and we've got a big screen project for when we want to watch the movie adaptations of the books that we’ll read in class." Kitty said proudly. 

Huh, honestly, Kitty does give me an English teacher vibe. The cool one where it almost feels like you are friends instead of them being your teacher. 

Across the hall was a room that felt noticeably cooler, even from the outside. Frost patterns seemed to cling subtly to the edges of the door. 

"That's Math, taught by Bobby Drake – Iceman. Don't worry, he keeps the temperature comfortable most of the time," Kitty chuckled. 

"Bobby's surprisingly good at numbers, and he has a way of making even the most complicated equations seem… well, almost cool. The classroom has interactive whiteboards that can display 3D graphs and geometric shapes. He also likes to use ice sculptures to illustrate concepts sometimes – it's a unique learning environment."

Who knew math would be his subject when Marvel keeps trying to write him as the comic relief?

Next, we stopped at a door with various scientific diagrams and equations scrawled across a whiteboard visible through the window. "Ah, Science, the realm of Hank McCoy – Beast. Get ready for some serious brainpower in here." Kitty rolled her eyes playfully. "Hank is brilliant, and he's passionate about all things science, from biology to astrophysics. The lab is incredible – filled with all sorts of high-tech equipment, microscopes, and even a few things I can't even begin to understand. Expect lots of hands-on experiments and discussions that might make your head spin in the best way possible." 

Down the hall was a room that smelled faintly of baking and fabric softener. "This is Home Economics, surprisingly popular, taught by Rogue." Kitty smiled warmly. "Rogue's amazing at everything from cooking to sewing to basic life skills. It's not just about following recipes or patterns; she teaches you the practical stuff you'll ase.”

 The classroom looks like a cross between a kitchen and a craft room, with workstations equipped for cooking, sewing machines, and shelves filled with fabric and cooking supplies. It's a down-to-earth class."

Finally, we reached a door with a slightly more… intriguing aura. A deck of cards was casually tacked to the door. "And this," Kitty said with a mischievous glint in her eye, "is Sex Ed, taught by Gambit." She paused for a beat. "Remy's surprisingly good at it. He approaches it with a very open and honest attitude, and he manages to make a potentially awkward topic feel a lot less so.” 

The classroom is set up more like a comfortable lounge, with couches and softer lighting. This is sex ed class? 

“I know it looks unconventional, but it's all about creating a safe and open space for discussion," Kitty explained to me. 

"So, that's the general learning hall," Kitty concluded. "A little bit of everything to keep those mutant minds sharp!"

"Alright, Teddy, ready to see where things get a little more… specialized?" Kitty asked, leading me down another hallway. This one had a different vibe – a sense of focused intensity hung in the air. "This is where we delve into some advanced topics and electives."

She stopped at the first door, which had intricate diagrams of energy fields sketched on a nearby whiteboard. "First up is Power Application Theory, taught by Rogue. This isn't just about having powers, it's about understanding the how and the why . Rogue helps students analyze their abilities, explore their potential, and learn how to control and apply them in more nuanced ways. The classroom itself is set up with individual workstations, each equipped with sensors and feedback systems that can monitor and analyze a student's energy output. It's all about data and mastery." 

I imagined a room filled with focused students meticulously studying the intricacies of their unique abilities under Rogue's insightful guidance.

Next, we approached a door with complex equations and holographic projections swirling around it. "This is Advanced Physics, still with Hank – Beast. But this goes way beyond the basics. We're talking quantum mechanics, dimensional theory, the really mind-bending stuff. The lab for this class is even more intense than the general science one. It's got specialized containment fields, particle accelerators the size of desks, and all sorts of gizmos I don't even pretend to understand. It's for the students who really want to push the boundaries of scientific understanding." 

I pictured a cutting-edge lab where the very fabric of reality was explored and debated under Beast's intellectual rigor.

Across the hall was a door adorned with schematics of strange, otherworldly devices. "Now we're getting into some seriously cool stuff – Alien Tech 101, taught by Forge." Kitty's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Forge has a knack for understanding technology, no matter where it comes from. This class is all about examining and trying to understand the various alien artifacts and technologies we've encountered over the years. The classroom looks like a cross between a workshop and a museum, filled with disassembled alien gadgets, holographic displays of extraterrestrial spacecraft, and Forge constantly tinkering with something new."  

We moved to a door with glowing monitors visible through a window, displaying lines of complex code. "This is Computer Science, led by Sage. She's a human with a brain that works faster than any computer I've ever seen. This class dives deep into programming, hacking, artificial intelligence – the whole digital world. The lab is state-of-the-art, filled with high-end computers, virtual reality interfaces, and whiteboards covered in algorithms. Sage pushes everyone to think logically and creatively in the digital realm."

Next, Kitty stopped at a door with more excitement than usual. "This is Ninja Arts 101, and yes, that's taught by me!" she said with a proud grin. "It's not just about sneaking around, though there's some of that. It's about discipline, focus, and using your abilities in a strategic and precise way.”

 The training room is a large, open space with various obstacle courses, training dummies, and even some holographic targets that can appear and disappear in a flash. It's all about learning to move silently, strike effectively, and think on your feet." 

Across the hall was a door 

"And this… is The art of being a thief, also taught by Gambit." Kitty raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Don't get the wrong idea; it's not about encouraging illegal activity. Remy focuses on skills like infiltration, misdirection, lock-picking – skills that can be surprisingly useful in certain situations we face.”

 The classroom is set up with various puzzles, security systems to bypass, and even mock museum displays. It's all about thinking outside the box and using unconventional methods." 

Kitty then led me outside. "For the last two, we head outdoors." We walked towards a sprawling wooded area bordering the school grounds. "This is Wilderness, and who better to teach it than Logan? He knows how to survive in pretty much any environment. This isn't a traditional classroom; it's all hands-on. You'll learn tracking, shelter building, and foraging – essential skills for anyone who might find themselves off the grid. Think of it as practical survival training, mutant style."

Finally, we reached a large, open field where a long blonde man with magnificent white wings was gracefully soaring through the air. "And last but certainly not least, Flight 101, taught by Warren Worthington III – Angel." Kitty watched him with a smile. "For those of us who can fly, or who have abilities that might translate to aerial movement, this class is crucial. It's about learning aerial control, maneuvering, and even aerial combat techniques. The 'classroom' is the sky itself! Warren's an incredible flyer, and he's a patient teacher. It's a unique perspective on learning." I looked up in awe as Angel executed a perfect loop.

"So, Teddy," Kitty said, turning back to me, "that's a peek at some of our more specialized and elective courses. Something for everyone, right?"

I nodded. Those subjects are more in line with what I thought the X-Men would be teaching. Yuuei High School could take some notes. 

"Alright, Teddy," Kitty said. "Now that you've seen the inside, you gotta check out the grounds. The school isn't just the mansion itself, you know. Besides, a little fresh air would do you some good."

We headed out through the main entrance, stepping onto a wide, manicured lawn. The mansion loomed behind us, looking even bigger from the outside – a classic, stately building with lots of windows and a grand front porch. 

I see Toad hard at work cutting the brushes. 

"This is the main lawn. We have all sorts of activities out here – Quidditch practice, ultimate frisbee, sometimes even outdoor training sessions when it's nice out." I could picture students running around, laughing, and using their powers in the open space. There were even a few goalposts set up on one side.

Hold on a second. 

“Did you say Quidditch?” I asked, bewildered. 

Kitty grinned. “I’m just seeing if you were paying  attention to me.” 

I sighed. “Oh, so you were just messing with me,” I grumbled. 

Kitty snorts. “I didn’t say that. Hmm, with that build, I’ll say you’re a seeker.” 

I stuttered. “B-but the rules don’t even make sense! How would you even get the brooms to-”

“If there anymore questions let’s move on to woods.” Kitty says, ignoring me.

I sighed. 

"Beyond the lawn, we have a pretty extensive stretch of woods. It's great for hiking, exploring, and some of our more… nature-based training exercises." Kitty pointed towards a line of trees that looked dense and inviting. "Just stick to the marked trails at first, okay? Some of our students have… unique ways of camouflaging themselves." She winked.

I feel like I’m missing something pretty important—did that tree just move? 

“.....Yeah you don’t have to worry about me getting lost in there,” I deadpanned. 

“Oh? You’re used to the wilderness?” Kitty asked me curiously. 

“Professor Kitty….I’m from the city, I’m even insulted that that was a question,” 

“.........”

“.........”

“Oh, you’re not going to the woods at all.” Kitty realized.

“I’m not going to the woods at all.” I confirmed. 

“........”

“......”

“Let’s continue on that way.” Kitty says brightly. 

 "Over that way, we've got basketball courts, a soccer field, and a baseball diamond. Gotta have some normal school stuff too, right?" Kitty asked.

 "And for those with a green thumb, or powers that involve plants, we have a series of greenhouses and gardens. We even grow some of our food." Kitty gestured towards several glass structures that looked full of lush greenery.

 As we walked, Kitty subtly pointed out various features I hadn't noticed. "We also have a pretty sophisticated perimeter security system in place. You might not see it, but trust me, it's there. Keeps unwanted visitors out." I noticed a few barely visible sensors and what looked like concealed surveillance cameras.

In a quieter corner of the grounds, Kitty showed me a peaceful garden with a few statues and plaques. "This is our memorial garden. It's a place for remembrance and reflection." 

My eyes soften as I read the list of names. 

Too many of them have barely lived a life before they were snuffed out.

Me and Kitty stood in silence for a while.

"So, Teddy," Kitty said, turning back to face the mansion. "That's the Jean Grey School – inside and out. It's a place for learning, for growth, and for finding your family. It might seem a little overwhelming at first, but trust me, you'll find your place here. We all do." She gave me a reassuring smile. "What do you think?"

“I think…no, I want to be an X-Men.” I said with conviction.

Kitty smiled. “Everyone wants to be an X-Men. But what about who you want to be? The real we opened the Jean Grey-”

“You’re wasting your breath, sprite.” Said Logan, stepping from behind a tree. 

Me and Kitty turned to him surprised. Kitty crosses her arms. “When did you get back old man?” Kitty asked him. 

Logan didn’t answer her right way. “You showed him the danger room, how he do?” 

Kitty furrow her eyebrows. “I mean I threw some antique sentinels at him but-”

Logan shakes his head. “They didn’t even last a minute, I saw the footage. What do you wanna do kid?” Logan asked addressing me. 

I thought about my answer carefully. “I want to make a different, honestly the level of power I’m wielding scares me. I don’t want to lose sight of myself but I do know…ever since I was a kid I always known I wanted to help people. To make a world a better place. I can make the world a better place for mutantkind. I just need you to show me how.” 

Logan stares at me so intensely that I almost averted my gaze but I stood my ground and stared him straight in the eye.

“You’re on the team.” Logan decides. 

“What?” Kitty asked quietly. 

Logan ignores her. “But you will follow everything I say, no going rogue. And you will continue your classes, if there so much is a slip in your grades then you’re off the team. I will not be going easy on you. I will not hold your hand. I will teach you how to survive. Starting tomorrow I will hammer into you everything you need to know about being an X-Men and being on my team. You’ll do every danger room sessions with us from now on and along side your regular danger room sessions with your classmates. If I’m not satisfy with your results for either then you’re off the team. Do you understand me?” 

Kitty’s eyes widened. “Hold on, wait a minute Logan, I thought we–” 

“Get some rest tonight kid, because by tomorrow you’re going be entering hell.” Logan promised before turning his back and walking away.

Kitty winced and give me a look of pity and a pat on the back. “Welcome to the X-Men, Teddy Grayson–Hope you survive the experience,” Kitty says softly.