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Angel In The Attic	By : fusedtwilight Category: X-men Comics > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 5328 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own X-men, it is the property of marvel comics and in no way do i make a profit from this fic.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
- 12
Angel in The Attic
Chapter 11
Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta Lisa for the beta.
And a big thanks to Black-Ice (formally Dt2009 With Dark Blue Wings) who is one of the winners of my OC contest I had a while backon fanfiction.net . His character Wayne is in this. Thanks Black-Ice!
Michael was in the Danger Room with Warren.
"Easy Michael, control it," Warren said.
"I am trying!" Michael exclaimed exasperated.
His hands were glowing with his angel fire. He didn't used to call it angel fire; it was something the other students started calling it. He always just called it the fire or energy.
Angel fire sounded a lot cooler than just the fire or energy. It helped set it apart and put it in its own class.
During his time at the Xavier school he had learned to use his power in many ways. He learned how to use it in a small dose to just stun or knock out a person or in a high dose to cause massive devastation.
He even learned to control it and manipulate it, forming it into weapons like whips, spears and swords, or even projecting it all around his body so he looked like an angelic version of the Human Torch.
He even learned to breathe it out of his mouth; that was fun.
But since he had been kidnapped by Magneto all those weeks ago he had been having trouble controlling his power. There had been a few incidents already. Times when he woke up late at night and his bed would be on fire, or when he felt agitated or upset about something and he would start sprouting flames.
If it was normal fire, it would not be that much of a problem. But his angel fire wasn't like normal fire. It did not need air to keep burning and water was ineffective against it.
The angel fire glowed more brightly then before in his hands and he tried to keep it from getting stronger. But it seemed to have a mind of its own and kept on burning brighter and brighter.
"Michael, take it down," Warren said.
"I am trying!" Michael repeated.
"Try harder!"
"I can't!"
Michael shut off his power, not wanting another incident. He still remembered what happened to Warren when he lost control.
He fell to his knees, focusing on keeping his agitation in check, trying to keep his emotions in line so he didn't add fuel to his power.
He had a headache; he had been getting a lot of those lately since his battle with Kid Omega. He had two weeks of random migraines that made him feel agitated and grumpy, which didn't help him with his powers.
Warren walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay Michael?" he asked.
"No. Why is my power still acting like this Warren?" he asked.
"Hard to say, could be a result of Magneto using you to power the Cruciform, could be a result of Cortez powering you up, could be a result of Quire trying to shred your mind before you took him out."
"I just wish this headache would go away," Michael said.
"Could there be another reason why you feel so down today?"
"What do you mean?" Michael asked.
"Well, today is open day; the day where parents and family come and visit the students." Warren explained.
"Believe me Warren, I didn't have any high hopes for my family showing up today," Michael said. "I am kind of glad they didn't show up. Knowing them it would be really tense and uncomfortable. And with the way my power is acting I don't want to risk bursting into flames while they are here. I don't think dad and my siblings know about my angel fire. I told mom about it in a letter but I think seeing me wrapped in flames might be a bit much for all of them."
The Danger Room door opened and Jay stepped in. "Hey Mich, your family is here," he said.
"What?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, they just arrived and were asking about you."
"What?" Michael asked a little more loudly.
"Got to say, your mom looks cheerful, your dad and siblings look a bit grumpy."
"...What!?"
Michael burst into flames.

"Oh God, oh God, oh God!" Michael screeched.
"Calm down Michael," Warren said gently.
"Calm down? My family is here? How can I calm down?"
"Deep breaths, if it makes you feel any better my family is here."
"Really?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, Sam flew 'em in today. I told my ma all about you, she can't wait to meet you. I left her and my kin with your family," he said.
"What?!"
"Relax, our moms are hitting it off well," Jay said.
They walked outside of the mansion. Students walked about; some with family, others with their friends or alone. Some looked happy, others look sad or angry.
Open day was a bitter sweet day. Not every student had a good relationship with their family. Some had been kicked out of their homes when their powers manifested, others had their own parents trying to kill them.
It made Michael remember how thankful he should be his family showed up, despite their own issues with mutants.
They walked outside and Michael saw his family next to an extremely large group. Jay told him he came from a large family...but actually seeing them all was amazing.
His mother was talking to another woman. They were laughing about something while his father and siblings stood behind her. Mya and Paxton looked scared. They kept looking around, as if expecting an attack. His father looked grumpy and had his arms crossed.
"Michael! Over here sweetie!" Mary called.
"Deep breaths Michael," Warren said.
"Just smile," Jay said.
"Don't worry we are here," Warren said.
"God I can't believe this is happening," Michael groaned.
They walked over to the group, all smiles and friendly faces.
"Well, here comes our little angels now," a woman Michael assumed had to be Jay's mom Lucinda said. Jay told him all about her, so Michael knew she was about the same age as his mom, yet her hair was gray and her face was a bit more wrinkled, making her look like she should be Jay's grandma.
Then again when you had to support ten kids it took its toll on you.
Lucinda hugged Jay, and then hugged Michael. "Jay told me you were pretty like an angel but you really look so handsome," she said giving him a warm smile.
"I didn't say he looked pretty," Jay argued with a frown.
"It is nice to meet you ma'am," Michael said politely.
"Oh please, call me Lucinda. I was just talking to your mom about some pie recipes," Lucinda said.
"Hello mother, father, Mya, Paxton," Michael greeted his family.
Mary walked up and gave him a big hug, the others just sort of nodded to him.
"Let me introduce you to my family," Jay said. "You know Sam, Melody and Paige."
Sam and Paige were blonde, Sam was tall and buff; having once been a bit gangly, he had grown a bit of muscle over the years. He wore a pair of goggles he would use to cover his eyes when he was flying around. Paige was nineteen and petite with a slim waist but a rather buxom chest. He noticed Paxton's eyes seemed to be drawn to them and hoped no one noticed. He wondered if Paxton would still be attracted to her if he saw her ripping of her skin. Paige could turn into different substances like metal or wood, but first she had to rip off her skin to reveal a new layer...which had the unfortunate side affect of leaving her a bit nude.
Melody was fifteen, a brunette who could create a yellow aura that allowed her to fly.
"These are my brothers, Jebediah and Lewis."
Jebediah was a young boy with brown hair and Lewis was a little older with black hair.
"And my sisters Cissie, Joelle, Elizabeth, and Jo."
Cissie was a blonde girl, and Elizabeth and Jo were brunettes. Jo was the youngest of the Guthrie family, being only eight years old.
"Guys, this is my roommate Michael," Jay said.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all," Michael said.
"Believe me, the pleasure is all ours," Elizabeth said slyly and Cissie giggled.
"You're very pretty," Jo said with a blush.
"Thank you, you are very beautiful yourself young lady," Michael said.
Jo giggled and blushed.
"Hello Mrs. Bronson, it is nice to see you again," Warren said shaking Mary's hand.
"You to Warren," she said.
Warren turned to Nathan and offered his hand. "Mr. Bronson."
Nathan took his hand and shook it, but he seemed stiff and didn't reply.
"Well, we will let you all do your thing, we must meet again and talk some more Mary," Lucinda said.
"Yes we must, thank you for the recipes, I can't wait to try them," Mary said.
The two women hugged and Lucinda and her family left. Jay wished Michael luck and left with his family.
"So...you all came," Michael said.
"How could we not, we got the letter telling us about open day, why didn't you tell us Michael?" his mother asked.
"I figured...you wouldn't want to come," Michael answered.
"Well we talked about it and decided to come," Mary said.
Michael could only imagine how that conversation must have gone.
"So, why don't you show us around? We didn't get to see anything last time we were here," Mary said.
"Okay, can Warren come with? He is one of the original X-men and he knows the entire history of the school," Michael said.
Truthfully he wanted Warren around in case he burst into flame again. His power reacted so powerfully to his emotions and he was sure being around his family was going to hit him hard.
"Sure, I can show you around for a while," Warren said.
"We would prefer if it was just us, as a family," Nathan said sharply.
Michael looked at Warren pleadingly but Warren nodded. "Very well, I understand." he walked over to Michael and whispered in his ear. "Just be calm okay. Stay calm, they are your family."
"That's part of the problem," Michael whispered back.

Michael began with a simple tour around the mansion and he showed them his room with Jay. His mother was pleased with how neat and tidy his side was.
He took them to the art class and introduced them to Peter. Peter told them what a wonderful drawer Michael was and how he was a good student.
He showed them some of Michael's work and his mother gushed over it. Mya and Paxton were a little interested but his father remained disconnected from it all.
As they made their way to another class they bumped into a fellow student of Michael's.
"Oh, hello Wayne," Michael said.
Wayne was five foot nine with light brown skin, hazel eyes, and long black dreadlocks that reached his shoulders. He wore a black hoodie that Michael knew hid his large and scary bat-like wings.
"Hey Michael," he said with a yawn.
Wayne had a different sleeping pattern then most people; he was sleepy during the day and awake at night. He was also a big gossiper. He had enhanced hearing and liked to listen into other's conversations. Megan loved going to him for information and scandal.
"Did your family visit?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, my mom and sister just left, now I can go get some sleep," he said.
"Sleep? It's in the afternoon," Mya remarked.
"I sleep during the day," Wayne said, "It's part of my mutation."
"These are my family," Michael said introducing Wayne to his family.
"Nice to meet you. You can call me Wayne, or Kid Devil. Kid Devil is my real name...or it will be once I get it legally changed."
"Why on earth would you want to be called such a horrid name?" Nathan asked.
Wayne smiled, showing off a pair of pointy teeth. "Because underneath this handsome face lies a dark and scary beast."
"And annoying too," Michael said with a grin.
"Whatever Angel Jr.," Wayne said.
"I wish people would stop calling me that," Michael said with a sigh.
"Choose a code name then. Now if you excuse me, I have to go sleep on my ceiling."
He left them and the Bronson's looked at him strangely. "What did he mean?" Mary asked.
"Wayne sleeps upside down, like a bat," Michael said.
"Why does he do that?" Paxton asked.
"Well...he has a bat-like mutation," Michael replied.
"Bat-like?"
"He has a pair of bat-like wings on his back."
The Bronson's didn't ask any more questions after that.

"So, do you sleep standing up?" Mya asked.
They were in the cafeteria eating some food. It was open all day for open day. They had been to a bunch of his classes and met many of his teachers. It was going smooth until drama class when they met Kurt.
The second they saw him they froze, his father got in front of them and pulled out a cross and prayed to God to keep them safe from the demon.
Michael wished he could have disappeared right then and there. He had to tell them Kurt was a mutant and his teacher; who was Catholic as well. Thankfully he didn't burst into fire, though he did feel like he was going to die of embarrassment.
Kurt took it all in stride and told them what a good student Michael was. He also mentioned how they were thinking of having Michael perform in a play.
They didn't stay to long; the Bronson's were too unnerved by Kurt's appearance. Michael apologized to Kurt, and Kurt being the good man he was, brushed the incident off. It was not the first time something like it happened.
All of Michael's teachers said the same thing; he was a good student, he never got into trouble, he was very smart. His mother was beaming with pride. Mya and Paxton had opened up more and seemed more relaxed, though they did stare at some of the more bizarre looking students.
When they saw Martha Jones, the girl whose brain was inside a floating glass sphere go by, Mya came close to fainting.
Every once in a while they would ask a question and Michael would answer. Today they talked to him more times than they had in a long time.
Mya's new question threw him for a loop though. "Huh?"
"Well, you said that Wayne kid has some bat in him and that is why he sleeps upside down. So since you have some bird in you, do you sleep standing up like a bird?" she asked.
He chuckled. "No, I sleep normally," he said.
"You look good Michael, you have gained a bit of muscle," Paxton said noticing Michael had become a bit more buff.
"Thanks, I have been going to the gym and eating more. More proteins and stuff you know," Michael said.
"You remind me of my father," Mary said. "Your grandpa had shoulders like you when he was your age. Once he got older and filled out he was very buff. I can tell once you get older you will have a lot of muscle too."
"So, what did that Wayne kid mean when he was talking about code names?" Mya asked.
"Oh, well you see when the X-men first started their identities were secret, so when they were out on the field they came up with code names for themselves. And every new X-men team has done the same, now it is a thing many kids do. Some keep their names and others come up with code names for themselves."
"He is such a nice man, isn't he wealthy?" Mary asked.
"Yeah, he is the heir to the Worthington family," Michael said.
"Wow, that means he is a billionaire," Paxton said.
"So do you have a code name?" Mya asked.
"No, everyone calls me Angel Jr because I look like Warren. I didn't think I needed a codename because it's not like I am planning on being an X-man."
"Would you like to be an X-man?" Mary asked.
A very pregnant pause filled the air. His family was giving him very intense looks.
Michael shifted a little under the scrutiny of their gaze. It was a question his friends at school had asked as well. When they found out he turned down Warren's offer they were surprised.
"Well, it would be nice to help save people. But being an X-man can be really intense and I am not sure I can handle the stress that goes with it. Warren thinks I can do it; he even invited me to be on his team."
"Team?" Mary asked.
"Many students want to be an X-man, so they are assigned a teacher who trains them to be one. Not every teacher has a squad but a lot do. My friend Jay is a member of the New Mutant Squad."
"I think I remember something about that in your letter," Mary said.
"Your letter also mentioned something about some other powers you have," Nathan said.
Yeah, something about being fireproof?" Mya asked.
"And then there is that odd fire lightning thing you fought that other mutant with, by the way, since when could you do that?" Paxton asked.
Michael was surprised his siblings knew about his other abilities, his mother must have told them or let them read the note he sent her.
He hadn't told them about his extra abilities because he was afraid of their reactions. The wings and angel fire freaked them out and he couldn't imagine how they would handle the other stuff.
"Oh well, I found out I don't get doesn't hurt me at all, won't leave a mark. And I also found out I can project this energy from my body. My friends call it angel fire. It's like this mix between fire, lightning and light and it is pure white," Michael explained.
"Wow, maybe they should call you Seraph, you fit the description," Mya said jokingly.
"Don't say that!" Nathan snapped. They all went quiet. "He is not a real angel! He is a mutant! Do not suggest such a thing again! There is nothing holy about him!"
Michael felt a warmth in his hands. He looked down and saw his angel fire was growing on his hands. He looked around and saw no one noticed what was going on. He quickly took a deep breath and tried to calm down. The fire died down, but his hands still had a faint glow to them.
"Sorry dad, I was just making a joke," Mya said.
"Do not joke about such things," Nathan said sternly.
"So, sweetie, what play are you going to be in?" Mary asked, trying to defuse the situation.
"The Tempest, I am going for the role of Ariel, the wind sprite," Michael said.
"Isn't that a woman's part?" Nathan asked.
"Actually Ariel is a boy, the role was played by female actresses during the Restoration which caused more and more people to view him as a woman," Michael said.
"Sounds lovely, you did love Shakespeare," Mary noted.
"So can you do anything else? Besides the fire thing?" Paxton asked going back to the original topic. He was fascinated by the power thing; he loved heroes like the Avengers or the Fantastic Four. Being around the mutants allowed him to experience some of the wonders of the superhero world.
"Well...I can heal people."
"What?"
"A while ago there was an incident at this club. Some people got hurt and I healed one of them," Michael said.
"Have you healed anyone else?" Mya asked.
He was going to tell them how he healed Warren one time, but he didn't want to bring that up, seeing how he was the one who turned him dark and extra crispy.
"No, that's all."
"Can you do anything else?" Paxton asked.
Michael wondered how much he should tell them. So much had happened to him lately. He found out he was an omega level mutant, one of the most powerful that existed.
He had been abducted by Magneto and used to power a weapon of mass destruction which was used to kill dozens of people.
That his mind had been violated, thrown into a world where he was happy and his family loved him for who he was. He had asked the Professor to remove those memories; they were a horrible illusion of what he didn't have.
They knew none of this. It was decided it best to keep the abduction thing a secret. They didn't know he was kidnapped or about the Crucible of the fight with Quinton.
They were having such a good time, better then they had together as a family in a very long while. He was afraid he might say something that would ruin it all.
"No, that is it so far. Hopefully I don't get anything else," he answered.
He decided it was time to steer the conversation away from him and talk more about his family.
"So...how have things been at home?" he asked.
"Well, things have gotten a bit better," Mary said.
"People still hound us for having a mutant for a brother," Paxton said.
"We still get people calling the house or sending us messages," Mya added.
"Messages?" Michael asked.
"Letters. People saying how we are going to burn with you, or calling us mutie lovers or some stuff like that," Mya replied.
"What about your friends at school?" Michael asked.
"A bunch of them ditched us, I had to get suspended from the team," Paxton replied.
"What? Why?" Michael asked.
"One of my teammates started lipping off about how our blood was dirty blood and it was only a matter of time before we developed mutations next, so I clocked him."
Michael was quiet for a moment. "Um...did...did you guys get...you know...tested?"
It was known that people could be tested for the X-gene before it manifested. He had heard stories of women aborting their pregnancies because their babies came back as positive.
"They're negative, had them tested right after you grew those wings," Nathan said.
"I am glad," Michael said.
They were all quiet for a moment. Michael's hands were still slightly glowing.
"Listen...I'm sorry. For everything. I am sorry I am a mutant, I am sorry you all have to suffer because of me. I didn't want this. If I could, I would give it all up so things could go back to normal. I don't want to be special, I just want to be me," Michael said.
Mary reached over the table and put her hand on his arms. "I know sweetie."
"Look Michael, you have to understand. It's just freaky for us having a mutant for a brother. You fly, you heal people and apparently you can blow stuff up. We saw that video of you fighting that kid. It's hard to feel right around you knowing you got that kind of fire power inside you," Paxton said.
"I would never use it to harm you," Michael said.
"Maybe not intentionally," Mya said, "how many stories have we heard about some mutant who lost control of their power and hurt someone?"
The glowing in his hands started to get brighter again.
"That is why I am here, to learn control; to learn how to accept myself for who and what I am. There is nothing wrong with me."
"You're a mutant," Nathan said.
"So?" Michael asked.
"God hates mutants," Nathan said.
"Where? Where in the Bible does it say God hates mutants?" Michael asked.
"Mutants are genetic aberrations; they have powers no man should have and they flaunt them shamefully," Nathan replied.
"You can't condemn all mutants for something a few do, and I don't flaunt my powers. I wish I didn't have them," Michael said.
"You are one of the worst! Fire powers and healing, it was bad enough you had those damn wings! The Devil made you to mock the lord!"
Michael's head began to throb then. He wanted to rub his hands but he didn't want them to see the glow coming from them.
"The Devil didn't make me! He had nothing to do with making me!" Michael said, raising his voice a little.
-Blast Nathan, why can't he just try and be happy for Michael.-
-Not another fight, I was actually having fun.-
-Maybe dad is wrong. Michael wouldn't hurt a fly. Mutants can't all be bad, in fact lots of them seem pretty hot like that blonde chick from earlier.-
-Looks like Bronson is having a fight with his parents.-
-Man they couldn't get anything better for open day besides this crap?-
-Couldn't make it they said please. They just didn't want to come.-
-Glad mom and dad came, they were so nervous about having me come here.-
-Can't believe mom told that story to Logan of all people, I am not going to be able to look him in the face for a year!-
-Why did they have to come? Why?-
-Hate open day, all the other parents stare at me.-
-I show her how much control I have of my powers now and she only cares about my grades. Seriously, I can blow stuff up with my mind!-
Voices filled Michael's head. Voices that were not his own. This had happened before. There were times when he had a headache and he would swear he would hear someone say something but they had not moved their lips or he was alone.
Each voice he recognized. He saw Cessily sitting by herself brooding, he saw Victor with his parents looking a little miffed while his mother cooed over him, he saw Julian sitting with his parents who had surprisingly turned up, they looked a little stern and seemed to be lecturing Julian about something.
There were others in the cafeteria, each voice he recognized, but not a single face moved their lips.
"Michael, are you okay?" Mary asked.
"I...I need to go, I am sorry!"
He quickly left the table, his mother called him but he continued to leave the room. But the voices still followed him.
By the time he walked out the doors he had a major headache and the voices were much louder now. He leaned against the wall, rubbing his head, trying to get some relief.
"Hey, you okay?"
He turned and saw Julian there.
"Saw you running out, gave me an excuse to ditch the 'rents."
"Julian...I need to see Xavier."
"Hey man, you don't look so good," Julian said.
"My head; it is killing me," Michael said.
He felt something warm trickle down his nose. Julian gasped and Michael wiped his nose, a smear of blood was on his hand.
"Oh...I...I think I need to see Hank," Michael said.
"Come on, I'll take you to him, maybe he can give you something to help you," Julian said.
"I think it's more complicated than that Julian...I think I am becoming telepathic."

"How long have these headaches been happening?" Xavier asked.
"Since Quinton tried to wipe my mind," Michael said.
They were in the med-bay. Hank had just given him a cat scan. His family had left, he had not seen them go, but Warren had informed them he was not feeling well.
He didn't want them to know the new power he might be manifesting.
"And do you hear voices every time?" Xavier asked.
"Not at first, but over time they become more numerous and more noticeable," Michael said.
"Michael, I am going to touch your mind. Let me know if you feel anything," Xavier said.
He looked at Michael, at first Michael didn't feel anything, but then he jumped. A shiver ran down from his head to his spine.
"Whoa!" Michael exclaimed.
"Have you felt that before?" Xavier asked.
"Yeah. Sometimes."
"And was it when you were close to a telepath or being spoken to telepathically?" Xavier asked.
"Yeah. Does this mean I am a telepath?"
"It is a sign. There are some mutants who have enough mental strength to sense when their minds are being touched by another. It is a form of telepathy at its lowest form. It could be that you are one of those few," Xavier said.
Hank appeared with the results. He put the cat scans up for them to see. "Well, it appears you are showing increased brain activity," he said.
"Is that good or bad?" Michael asked.
"Well, many mutants, especially those with psychic abilities have much more electrical charge than normal. Your brain is showing more activity."
"But why? I feel like I just randomly develop powers on a whim," Michael said.
"Actually that is Darwin's powers but I know how you feel. When I first started out I looked human, besides my large hands and feet. Then I turned into a blue hairy ape and just when I got used to that I became like I am now," Hank said.
"Could it be he is developing secondary mutation?" Xavier asked.
"That is a possibility, but I have never heard of a case where the mutant is so young," Beast says.
"Josh is about the same age as me. Wasn't he pink skinned once?" Michael asked.
"True. But secondary mutation is a rare thing," Hank said.
"What is a secondary mutation? I remember talking about it in class. Isn't it when a mutant's powers get stronger?" Michael asked.
"Yes, with secondary mutation your existing powers become amazingly more powerful than they were before. Or it can result in the manifestation of a different and new power. Like Jean, she had lost her telekinesis for awhile, but her secondary mutation brought it back and even stronger than before. Bobby has always been able to create ice but can now he can actually transform into organic ice and Emma, who as you know is a telepath, developed the ability to turn into living diamond."
"So my secondary mutation is developing telepathy?" Michael asked.
"It could be. Maybe it is a latent power manifesting itself."
"It could be because of Cortez increasing his power so much, or the Cruciform, or Quinton's psychic attack on him," Xavier added.
"Or all three," Hank said.
"But it only happens when I get a headache," Michael noted.
"I believe that your power is not ready to develop yet. But due to recent trauma it was forced to come out. I can put blocks on your mind. These will prevent you from accessing your telepathy and allow it to grow at the rate it was meant to. Then when the time is right we can remove those blocks and allow you to access it once more," Xavier said.
"Will it cure the headaches?"
"Possibly."
"And my energy? My angel fire...will it go back to normal?"
"Possibly? Yes, I think the headaches are what are causing the angel fire as you call it to be more difficult to tame," Xavier said.
"Alright, I am all for it," Michael said.
Xavier wheeled himself to Michael and he placed his hands on his head and closed his eyes. Michael felt that sense of someone touching his mind. He did not fight it, he welcomed it and after a matter of seconds the feeling was gone and Xavier opened his eyes.
"It is done. Try to summon your power."
Michael willed some angel fire to appear on his hand. It did and this time it was not getting stronger or raging out of control.
"Yes!" Michael cried happily.
"Good, that takes care of two problems," Xavier said.
"Professor...you know what I am capable of right? I mean, Tessa did scan me."
"Yes, we know what you are capable of," Xavier replied.
"Do you have my...abilities listed?" he asked.
"We do."
"May I see them please...I want to know what I am capable of. I want to know what other kind of powers I have inside me."
"I understand Michael. I will have your power info sheet sent to you later. Right now, why don't you go enjoy the rest of the day?" Xavier said.
"Thank you sirs," Michael said bowing to Hank and Xavier.
As Michael left, Hank and Xavier began to speak. "You don't think any more of his powers will manifest do you Charles?" Hank asked.
"If they do my psychic buffers will keep them in check."
"Maybe we should train him in the use of telepathy. If what the Destiny Diary says is true then he is going to need all the help he can get."
"When he is ready Hank. He is still not comfortable with himself. But all in due time."
Michael was just leaving the medical bay when someone called his name.
"Michael."
He looked and saw Julian was standing outside the med bay door.
"Julian?"
"So, what is the prognosis?" he asked.
Michael told him what happened; how he was going to be a telepath one day, but the Professor put psychic blocks in his mind to keep his power from overwhelming him.
"Damn, you keep getting all the cool powers, next you'll be getting telekinesis," he remarked.
"I have plenty of powers thank you very much," Michael said. "Sorry I made you leave your parents."
"It's okay. They have been annoying me all day. They finally show up to one of these things and act all strict and stuff. I even tell them I am the captain of my own squad and they lecture me about responsibility and not letting it go to my head."
"A little late for that lecture," Michael teased.
"Watch it bird boy," Julian laughed.
They began to walk down the corridor, heading for the elevator that would take them upstairs.
"So, rumor has it Warren is forming his own squad. They also say you won't join," Julian said.
"Yeah, it's true."
"Dude, why won't you? Obviously you are meant for this super hero stuff. You got the power and skill."
"But I am not sure if being a hero is what I want. I much rather just have a nice peaceful life."
"Hate to break it to you pal, but peaceful isn't something we mutants get to enjoy...unless we're dead that is."
The elevator opened and just as they stepped out they ran into Jay. "Hey Mich, there you are, did your parents leave?"
"Yeah, I had some...issues."
"Angel Jr. here developed some telepathy," Julian said.
"What?" Jay asked.
Michael explained to him what happened.
"Dang, I knew something was up. I should have known you were becoming telepathic," Jay said.
"If anyone should have known it should have been me, I was the one hearing voices," Michael said.
He raised his hand and his power flared to life.
"On the plus side I can control my fire again, so I don't have to worry about losing control and burning anyone accidentally. Isn't that great guys?"
He realized Jay and Julian had vanished. He looked around and saw them peeking their heads around the corner.
"Is it safe to come out?" Jay asked.

Later in the day Michael found himself in the Danger Room.
A few other students were there as well, practicing their powers.
They had a gym upstairs, but that was for doing normal things like sports, track and other such things. The Danger Room was used for more...extreme methods of training.
Like training the students on how to use their powers.
It had tangible holographic projections, gun turrets, missile launchers, flame throwers, spinning chainsaw blades, death robots and every kind of thing that would turn you into a pile of mush.
But today the students were merely working out. Some were sparring, and others were practicing using their abilities.
Michael was practicing shooting his power from his hands. He was working on his aim; the computer system would shoot out small disks in the air and he would try and shoot them down.
With the blocks now in place he had full control of his power. Since he had started to lose control of his angel fire that had been some incidents and a few people had gotten burned. Not as bad as Lady Mastermind had been burned but it had given people a newfound respect (or rather fear) of Michael and his power.
Now here he was blasting disk after disk with ease as if he never lost control of his power. He was delighted to be able to control his power once again.
When the last disk went flying through the air, Michael formed a bow and arrow and shot it at the disk, hitting it.
"Good aim."
He turned around and saw Warren walking up to him, wearing a pair of blue gym shorts and a white wife beater.
"Thanks, it's nice to have control," Michael said
"So, I hear your family's visit didn't end so well," Warren said.
Michael sighed. "It was going...alright, Mya and Paxton were starting to open up I think. Seeing all the others was starting to make them realize being a mutant is not such a bad thing...then dad had to open his mouth," Michael explained. "And of course this telepathy thing manifested which put a damper on things."
"At least your siblings are coming around," Warren noted.
"Yeah, that is a plus. They spoke more to me today then they had in a long time," Michael said.
"Listen, Illyana wants to speak with you," Warren said.
"Peter's sister?"
"Yeah. She says she might be able to help you understand your power," Warren said.
"You mean my angel fire?"
"Yeah, she says it is more than just some kind of new type of energy. She says it is something that has been around for a long time."
"What?"
"I don't know, she wouldn't tell me, she said she would tell you and you alone," Warren conveyed.
"If it helps me learn more about my power I am all for it; it might even help me control it better," Michael asserted.
"True, knowing more of how your power works can always be a boon. Now come on, let's spar a little," Warren said.
Michael smiled and got into position. They sparred for a little while, improving Michael's skills. Michael enjoyed spending time with Warren; he always knew how to make Michael feel better.
Although Michael did not say it out loud, he saw Warren as a father figure.
Due to his own father's negligence and attitude, Michael didn't have a proper role model. But Warren was doing a good job filling that void.
"So, have you read the file yet?" Warren asked.
"You mean about my full potential?" he asked dodging Warren's swing.
"Yes."
"Yeah, I read it. I didn't understand some of it though, a lot of fancy names and stuff," Michael said.
He ducked when Warren did a spinning kick.
"And? What did you think?" he asked.
"I can't believe I have all these abilities," he answered, aiming a punch at Warren's chest which Warren avoided.
"You are an omega mutant. Genetically speaking you have hit the jack pot," Warren said.
"I just can't believe one day all those powers will be awakened in me, you know? It's like knowing you have a collection of weapons and you didn't even know they were there. I am lucky I didn't manifest some of them sooner."
Warren grabbed his arm and tossed him on the ground. He helped Michael up and they began round two.
"It is hard to say which powers were always active inside you Michael. All that time you spent in that attic prevented you from exploring that part of you. For all we know you have always been capable of healing and super-strength but never got the right chance to use any of it."
"And I hope I never have to," Michael declared.
"I wish I could tell you different, but the truth is the day may come when you have to tap into all that power. In this day in age, being a mutant is tough and requires a lot of skill to survive," Warren informed him.
"Yeah, I know. Maybe instead of avoiding conflict I should just face it head on," he said.
"Good attitude," Warren agreed.

"The what?" Michael asked.
"The empyrean flame, aether, the fifth element, quintessence. It has many names, but in the mystical community it is an extremely powerful energy. It's leftover power from the big bang; the fire that shaped the universe into what it is today. You should count yourself lucky Michael; this stuff is really rare and powerful. It is the ultimate weapon against evil and can only be used by white magic mages of the highest order, but you have no mystical training whatsoever," Illyana said.
They sat outside by the fountain on the front lawn, people walked by as the school day was over. Michael had sought her out after he had showered from training.
Illyana was a blonde haired beauty with blue eyes and pale skin. She may look like a delicate flower but having seen her fight she could be more like a demon when angered.
"I read about it in some books. I thought your power looked familiar but I decided to do some research before I said anything."
"So what does it mean? That I am magic?"
"Possibly. You would not be the first mutant whose power tapped them into mystical forces. Those stepping discs I use to teleport are native to another realm. The Scarlet Witch was blessed with the ability to manipulate chaos magic by a demon. It would not be odd if you had some connection to the mystic realm as well."
"So, what does this mean I can do? Like was I blessed by a demon?"
God he couldn't imagine telling his father he was right. That he really was tainted by some demon.
Illyana laughed. "Lord no. Like I said, only white mages of the highest order can use this stuff for spells. Evil things like demons can't use it. It would be like a vampire trying to use sunlight."
"So, what does it mean for me? How does me being able to manipulate this stuff affect me?"
"Well for starters, it is a sign you have potential to learn the mystic ways. Second you need to be careful with it. It may be white magic but it can still be highly destructive and dangerous. And you might catch the attention of the Empyreal spirits."
"The what?"
"Real high level light spirits. Some say they are elder gods, others say they are a type of angel God created. They live in another reality called the Burning Worlds. It's supposed to be filled with this Empyrean flame stuff and home to the Empyreal spirits. People who practice white magic and chose them to be their patrons are called the Album Ignis or the White Fire for short."
"So there is a possibility some spirits are going to take notice of me because I can use this Empyrean fire?"
"Maybe, maybe not. No one has heard from them in over a thousand years; not even their own followers."
"Then how do they know they exist?" Michael asked.
Illyana just smiled. "Same way you know your God exists; faith."
"Are they nice? These spirits?"
"Well...that depends on your idea of nice. They are normally benign but they are said to have a very strong black and white view. They support those who are aligned with the white and burn those who are aligned with the black."
"Isn't that good though?"
"You would think, but the world isn't always black and white."
"So this Empyrean fire, is all it does is destroy?" Michael asked.
"All fire can destroy Michael, but if used wisely it can be used to create. Blacksmiths can use fire to create swords or jewelry, fire can be used to keep us warm on a cold night and even the sun which is just a giant ball of gas and fire is what gives us all life. If you are interested in learning more I can help tutor you in studying the mystic arts."
"No thanks, good Catholics don't do magic," Michael said with a smile.
"Don't knock it until you try it angel boy," Illyana teased, with a smile of her own.

Later that night, Nathan was back at the church in Cambridge.
Stryker was sitting with him and Nathan was telling him everything that had happened that day. Everything Michael had told him he was telling to Stryker.
"He is immune to fire?" Stryker asked.
"Yes and he spoke of being able to heal people who are injured," Nathan said.
"Anything else?"
"No, he did not speak of any or power he has. He left when things started to go bad. Mya and Paxton were actually starting to become interested in his curse. Mya even suggested he take the name seraph."
"I hope you set them right," Stryker said.
"I did, as soon as we got home I sat them down and had a talking with them. The problem is Mary, she fights me now. She was the one who sent him to that school. We have actually fought over this," Nathan said.
"A woman will protect her brood, even if they are tainted by the devil. You cannot let her weakness infect the rest of your family," Stryker said.
"How much longer? You promised me you could save my son."
"And we will, but we must be patient. It is a virtue," Stryker said.
Stryker reached into his pocket and pulled out a flask. He unscrewed the top and drank from it.
"Our forces are gathering in Westchester as we speak, preparing for the cleansing. Once it is successful your son will be cured of his curse and your family will be as it once was. But we need your help to get him to the right place," Stryker said.
"What must I do?" Nathan asked.
"Just make sure he is at the right place, at the right time. We will do the rest. Just be patient Nathan."

Michael sat with Warren at dinner.
"So, I was thinking about that offer you made," Michael started.
"Which offer?" Warren asked.
"The one where you asked me if I wanted to be on your team." Michael replied.
Warren looked surprised. "Really?"
"Yes...I would like to join," Michael announced.
"Really?" Warren asked, even more surprised.
"Yes. I have been thinking about it...I admit; I am not doing it for selfless reasons."
"What do you mean?"
"After what happened with my family today, I want to show them being a mutant can be a good thing. I almost convinced Mya and Paxton and I know if I show them the good I can do, then maybe my dad will begin to see that being a mutant is not a bad thing as well."
"So you are doing it to prove something to your family?" Warren asked.
"I know I should be doing it to help people, but I just want my family to finally see there is nothing wrong with me."
Warren smiled. "Well, first things first. Tomorrow you get to meet your new teammates; The Champions."
Fusedtwilight: Next chapter we meet the rest of the OC's and Michael begins his journey as an X-Man in training. Please review.
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Angel In The Attic