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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
- 5
- 6
- 7
Angel in the Attic
Chapter 6

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta Lisa.
Last chapter Michael helped the X-Men battle Kid Omega and now finds out being in the spotlight has consequances.

Michael woke up the next morning.
A lot had happened to him yesterday. First he got into a fight, and then he learned he had super-strength and the power to heal, and he fought an extremely powerful mutant.
To top it all off he had been asked to join Warren's soon-to-be assembled team.
He told Warren he needed time to think about it. His mind was still reeling from the fact he had new powers. He needed to decide if being an X-man was what he wanted.
Warren said he had proved himself with his bravery and how well he fought. But Michael couldn't imagine himself in a outfit and running around and saving people.
Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes he saw Jay looking out the window. "Hey Jay," Michael said.
Jay quickly shut the curtains. "Morning Mich," he said.
"Why did you close the curtains?" Michael asked.
"Too bright in here for me; I have a headache," he replied.
"Okay. Hey, did I tell you Warren asked me to join the team he is making?" Michael asked.
"Really?" Jay asked surprised.
"Yeah, he said I showed a lot of potential and stuff. I told him I had to think about it. I am still trying to figure out these new powers I got, you know?"
"You did a great job last night; you saved a lot of lives."
Michael smiled, feeling some pride in what he had done.
Just then there was a knock on their door. Jay opened it and Victor Borkowski, also known as Anole, stood there. He had scaly lime green skin, and his scalp was a spiked and caprace. Victor could climb on walls, shoot his tongue like a lizard and he could camouflage himself to blend in with his surroundings.
"Guys, did you see outside? It's a freaking mob!"
"What?" Michael asked.
"Haven't you looked outside?"
Michael feeling suspicion looked to Jay.
"Don't look outside," Jay said.
Walking over to the curtains Michael opened them up. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust but he saw there was indeed a mob outside the gates of the school.
"Are they protestors?" he asked.
"No, worse, they're fans," Victor said.

The X-men were watching the morning news.
Apparently last night during the fight someone had taken pictures and recordings of the fight and posted them all on the internet.
"Where in the hell were they hiding? I didn't see anyone last night," Dani said.
They stopped showing the video and it cut back to the newswoman.
"If you are just joining us, what you are seeing is footage taken during a fight between a large group of mutants and a single lone mutant. The group has been identified as students and teachers from the Xavier institute. As of now, a large group of what appears to be religious fanatics have amassed outside the school. But instead of protesting, they seem to be gathering for a mass."
The image changed to show the people outside the gates. Many were holding signs, only instead of signs that said the usual anti-mutant slander it said things like, 'God loves mutants', angels walk amongst us', 'the end is near', and various other things.
Some held crosses or Bibles or rosaries. Some were yelling frantically at the mansion and others were deep in prayer.
The camera shifted to one particular woman; an older lady with snow white hair, reading glasses and a Sunday church hat. "I think it is wonderful that there are mutants who look like angels. It goes to prove that God loves mutants, otherwise he wouldn't have made them in their image."
The camera shifted again, this time to a man in his thirties. "So I was going home, and I heard the sound of some major fighting. I went to see what it was and saw this kid who was glowing green. He was fighting other mutants so I started filming it, then these kids like angels showed up, and the one with the white wings started shooting out fire and lightning! It was amazing!"
The TV then began to show scenes of Quinton and Michael squaring off against one another.
"According to sources, the mutant seen here is known as Michael Bronson, who lived in Cambridge. The other mutant with the red wings has been identified as Joshua Guthrie who hails from Kentucky and has a brother and sister that attend Xavier as well. Finally, the adult male is of course Warren Worthington, the third also known as Angel. According to witnesses, the club which is known for being mutant friendly was attacked by another mutant who apparently escaped the X-men's custody. Although there were injuries some of the X-men did stay behind to attend to the wounded. No comment has been made by the institute as to why the attack happened or what happened to the attacking mutant."
Xavier turned off the TV.
"Odd, I haven't received any calls from reporters wanting a statement; usually they are calling away". Just then Xavier's phone began to ring, all the buttons flashing repeatedly.
"Never mind," he sighed.
"What are we going to do now?" Jean asked.
"We could always just give them a little mental nudge," Emma suggested.
"As fun as that sounds maybe this is a good thing," Betsy said. "I mean when was the last time we had a bunch of fanatics praising us instead of killing us?"
"Whether or not they are supporting us, we need to think about the ramifications of all this. Michael's family has been keeping his mutation a secret since it manifested. But now I fear we will soon be receiving an angry call from his parents," Xavier said looking at his office phone which was still going crazy.
"Does he know yet?" Betsy asked.
"By now, yes. All the students are looking at the video footage on the internet right now," Emma said.
"We should continue with the day then, the school day will be starting in fifteen minutes and I do not want the students to fall behind their studies. Also, I have a feeling Michael will be getting lots more attention from the students, so if you could all make sure they do not badger him, it will be appreciated," Xavier said.
The X-men got up and headed out the door, everyone except Warren.
"Yes Warren?"
"Last night I asked Michael to join my team," Warren said.
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "A little quick don't you think?"
"I know, after this I am starting to regret it. But last night Michael really proved himself. I think he has a lot of potential. Once we help him get some backbone, I think he would make a fine X-man one day."
"I am glad to see you have taken such a serious interest in the boy Warren. What did Michael say?"
"He said he would have to think about it. He still has fears about his mutation. Thanks to his father he seems to think he is a mockery to God because of his appearance. All these powers he is gaining are not helping him think otherwise. I am afraid he will feel immense guilt for getting himself outed. He will blame himself for any misfortune his family receives because of this and I am sure his father won't help."
Xavier rested his chin on his hands. "Yes, I am afraid you are right."

Michael could not believe it. The computer lab was full of students, all watching the same thing.
Those who could not fit used their own personal laptops or even their phones to access the net. It still amazed him cell phones could access the internet. Just another one of the very many things he was learning since he left the attic.
Michael did not want to see it, he had lived it. A girl called Sarah who could control technology was hacking into the net to show everyone a repeat of the news.
When Michael saw the part where they revealed his identity he felt sick.
So sick he decided to lock himself in his room. The intercom had come on and students were told to get ready for class. Michael did not get ready; he did not want to go outside. He knew if he did people would ask him questions.
Many had already ganged up on him and he had more questions asked then he could keep up with. That and people telling him he was cool was too much for him.
They were just trying to be nice, he knew that. But they did not understand that now his life was over. Once his family realized the world knew their son was a mutant and had been captured on film using his power...he did not want to think about it.
The door unlocked and Jay came in, of course he had a key; it was his room too.
"Mich, ain't you gonna get ready for class?" Jay asked.
"No," was all Michael said.
"Come on Mich," Jay said.
"I can't Jay, it's too much. I need some time to think. Please."
Jay sighed. "Sure, I'll let the teachers know."
Jay clapped him on the back and left to go to class. Michael went over to the window and looked out. He could see the people off in the distance. Turning away he went and sat on his bed. He could not sleep; his mind was racing too fast for sleep.
He wondered what he was going to do next. All he could do now was to wait and see.
As he sat there, he wondered if coming to Xavier's was a good idea after all.

Meanwhile, in New York City, in the building owned by a company called Paradise Inc., at the top floor, a man sat behind a desk. He had bronze colored skin and dark, curly hair that went down to his shoulders.
He wore a black business suit. He was tall; about seven feet, his eyes were golden yellow and he had a strong square jaw and a strong build. Standing next to him you would feel really intimidated.
He sat at a wooden desk. He was watching the video footage of the fight with Kid Omega. He tapped a button and the video paused. Frozen at the part where it showed Michael blasting his energy at Quinton.
The man smiled a wolf-like smile. Showing a little more teeth on the side of his face, making it seem more like a snarl.
"Finally, after all this time," he said.
He picked up his phone and pushed a button. "It's me," he said to the person on the other line. "When was the last time we made a donation?...Really? Hmmmm, I think it's time to make another. No, leave the press out of it. This one will be anonymous. Where to? The Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters...Yes, I know it is a school for mutants you idiot! That's why it will be anonymous! Only Xavier may know about it...never you mind why, just do it. Make it triple what the last one was. That should get his attention."
The man hung up the phone. He pressed a button on the computer and watched the rest of the footage.
"Amazing. Simply amazing."
He continued to watch the footage, deep in thought, planning his next move. After all this time he could finally make a move. He had been watching the boy for years now; waiting for him to show some sign. And here it was.
Just seeing him in action made him happy. He had monitored the two at Xavier's with the wings, hoping they had the potential he was looking for. But they proved a disappointment.
He could live with the loss of Worthington and the Guthrie boy, but this one was special. He could already tell he was high- level and he could not let this pass through his fingers.
He had to be careful though; it would not be easy getting him from the school and the X-men were sure to try and find him. But it matters not, all he needed was a few hours with the boy and his mission would be a success.
He reached into his drawer and pulled out a cigar. He lit it with his lighter and inhaled deeply on it.
He already knew Magneto tried to capture the boy, the master of magnetism must be aware of the boy's true power. The only person who was worse for this Michael to be with was Magneto. Knowing him, he would use the boy's power in his mad schemes.
That was something that must not happen.
He had waited a long time for this and he would not let it slip through his fingers.

Meanwhile, Magneto was watching the video as well.
Quinton was still recovering from the battle. He may have lost one omega mutant but he gained another, fate seemed to be favoring him.
The boy already had a lot of power in him and he hadn't even reached his full potential yet.
He sat in his chair and contemplated his next move.
He knew all about Michael; knew his family kept him locked up. Now that he was revealed a mutant it was only a matter of time before they lashed out at him.
Maybe then he will be ready to see the error in Charles' thinking.
He was sure Charles was beginning to realize just how powerful the boy was. But if he knew just how destructive he could be Charles would do everything in his power to make sure he was kept safe.
Getting the boy away would be tricky, but not impossible.
And then, once he was able to tap into the boy's power himself, the humans would soon learn their place.

It was around noon and Michael had not left his room.
The people outside the gates were still there and seemed to have grown in number since he first saw them earlier in the morning.
He tried to draw, trying to find something to focus on. But his work was a bit sloppy and it was frustrating him.
There was a knock on his door. He got up and unlocked it. Warren stood behind the door. "Hello Michael," he said.
Michael nodded in greeting.
"Can we talk?" he asked.
Michael moved aside to let him in.
"I take it you saw the protestors?" he asked.
"And the video," Michael said.
"It's nothing to worry about, they never last long. They'll get tired and find something else to obsess over. Trust me."
Warren remembered how people did the same thing to him in his early days. They actually thought he was sent from God.
"It's not so much the protestors but the fact people know I am a mutant now," Michael said.
"You're worried about how your family is going to react?"
"How can I not be worried Warren? I already know they are going to freak out. And they should. I heard some of the other students talk about what their families had to go through. I don't want them to go through all that. I shouldn't have fought last night."
"Michael, you helped us save the Cuckoos, you stopped Quinton from hurting people. You did a great thing," Warren said.
"Then why do I feel like I did something bad?"
"Because you are a good person Michael, despite how they have treated you, you really do care for them. So you feel bad at any backlash they might receive because other people know what you are. But you cannot let it get you down. You cannot hold yourself responsible to how other people will react to you being a mutant."
"Wish my father could think like that," Michael said.
"Well...we're going to have the chance to; your family is on their way here."
Michael looked at Warren with shock. "What? Why?"
"Well, they already know about the video and your father wants to pull you out of the school." Warren put his hand on Michael's shoulder. "Don't worry; we won't let him take you."

Almost an hour later, Michael was called to the headmaster's office.
An absolute feeling of dread washed over him. He wished he could turn invisible or teleport far away. Warren walked with him as they headed for the office.
They stood in front of the door.
"Take a deep breath in," Warren instructed.
Michael took a really deep breath.
"Now let it out."
"Michael breathed out.
"Stay calm and remember I will be there and so will the professor."
Michael nodded. Warren knocked on the door.
"Come in," Xavier said from behind the door.
They opened the door and walked in. Michael's family were all there; his father, mother and siblings. His mother sat in one of the chairs. She looked at Michael and gave him a sad smile. She looked weary. Michael wondered how his father had been treating her as of late. He was sure they gotten into a lot of arguments.
Mya and Paxton sat next to their mother. They glared at Michael as if he had killed their dog. It was a Monday and he wondered why they weren't in school.
His father stood up and the look on his face when he saw Michael made him freeze. He was absolutely furious. He glared at Michael with such disdain and disgust Michael wanted to run from the room. He had seen that look plenty of times before.
"You!" Nathan said pointing a finger at Michael.
"He-he-hello father," Michael said. He never called Nathan dad; Nathan never let him. It was always father. Although he let Mya and Paxton call him dad.
"Don't you' hello father' me! Do you have any idea what you and your idiot mother have done?" Nathan yelled.
Mary flinched when he started yelling.
"Mr. Bronson, I must ask you not yell in my office. We are here to talk about what is best for Michael and your family," Xavier said calmly.
Nathan turned his furious gaze on Xavier who did not flinch in the face of Nathan's fury. Michael admired him for that. Back home Nathan's word had been law and everyone listened to him. Watching Xavier face down his dad made Michael respect him more.
Then again Xavier had faced invading aliens, megalomaniac would-be conquerors, and psychopathic murders. An angry man was like a teddy bear.
"You stay out of this! You had no business interfering in our life! Because of you and this...this...thing, our whole town knows the truth!"
Mya let out a little whimper and Paxton put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"We had to go to your brother and sister's school because everyone saw that damned footage and they have been terribly harassed. Your brother almost got into a fist fight with his friends because his friends kept on calling him a mutie lover!"
Paxton had an angry look on his face and Mya was full out crying now.
"Mya's friends have stopped talking to her now and are ignoring her. Is this what you wanted Michael? I hope you are happy! You have ruined our lives!"
Michael's eyes began to tear up. He took a few steps to his dad. "I didn't mean to, I am sorry."
"Not as sorry as you are going to be!" Nathan snarled.
He brought his hand up as if to strike him. Michael brought his hands up in defense.
Warren quickly stepped forward in front of Michael, glaring at Nathan right in the eye. He saw how Michael trembled when he thought his father was going to hit him. He knew from Michael's reaction that his father had hit him before.
"Enough!" Xavier roared.
Nathan turned to look at Xavier, who had such a fierce look on his face.
"You will not strike a single one of my students sir; even if he is your own son!"
"Stay out of this!"
"Father, please, let's-"
"Shut up! You are coming with us! You are going back to the attic and you are never going to see the light of day again!"
"If you think you are leaving here with him you can think again," Warren said.
"And how are you going to stop me?" Nathan asked.
"Nathan, please calm down, we can talk this over," Mary said, her voice soft.
"Shut up you stupid woman!" Nathan snapped.
"Don't talk to her like that!" Michael snapped at Nathan from behind Warren.
The room turned deadly silent. Mya, Paxton and Mary's eyes were round as saucers and Nathan glared at Warren's chest as if he could see through him to Michael.
"What?" Nathan asked his voice quiet and deadly.
Michael stepped around Warren to glare at his father. Nathan was a little startled to see Michael glaring at him; Michael never glared at him.
"I said, don't talk to her like that, all she did was look out for me, which is more then I can say for you."
All the anger, resentment and frustration Michael had held in his heart for six years was coming out of him now. Hearing his dad yell at his mother like that made something in Michael break.
Later, when he was calmer, he would be amazed at the things he said to his father. But right now with his mind full of bitter anger he was finally able to take a stand and face his father.
"How dare you! I kept you even when we found out you were a freak! I should have sent you to the government so they could put you in a camp where you belong with all the other monsters!"
"Oh yeah, because being locked up in an attic and telling people I had a mental illness was so much better. Telling me God hated me because of my wings was okay, starving me whenever I asked to be let outside or asked questions was okay. I am glad mom sent me here; at least she gave a damn about me, unlike you!"
"Michael," Mary said surprised her son had sworn.
"It's true mother." Michael looked at Nathan. "Why do you hate me? I never asked to be like this you know? All those years you made me think I was evil and a monster. You kept me alone and isolated. Why? Do you really hate me that much?"
"Yes," Nathan said, "I wish you had never been born!"
Michael was shocked his father would say something like that, but it only added fuel to his anger. "Well so do I; that way I wouldn't have such a heartless bastard for a father!"
Nathan's face turned a deep shade of red. "Just you wait, as soon as we get you home I'm going to-"
"What? You're going to what? How are you going to take me home? I don't want to go home!"
"You will do as you are told!"
"Enough!" This time it was Mary who shouted.
Nathan turned to her amazed, first Michael now her?
"Mary?"
"Enough Nathan, he is going to stay here."
"I-"
"Think of it Nathan, if we take him back home, how long do you think it'll take before a mob breaks down our doors for him?"
The color drained from Nathan's face as Mary's words sobered him up.
"For God's sake Nathan, he is our son; our little boy. Don't you remember when he was born? How happy we all were; all those nights you held him in your arms, feeding him, changing him. Remember all the times you dressed as Santa for him and the kids,; how happy we were? Doesn't even a small part of you want him to be happy? Here he can have friends and be with children like himself. Don't you want that for him?"
Nathan glared at her, then at Michael. Michael could have sworn he saw something...tender, kinder, shine in his eyes, but just as soon as he saw it, it was gone and he decided it was a trick of the lights.
"Fine, let him stay, let someone else worry about him. Let's go, were leaving."
Nathan brushed past Michael, not stopping to look at him. Paxton helped his sister up and they walked past Michael .Before they got to the door Michael turned to them.
"I am sorry, I never wanted you to get hurt," Michael said sadly.
Paxton glared at Michael. "Save it, just do us a favor and stay away, we don't want the monsters following you home," Paxton said.
They walked out the door and only Mary was left. She got up and hugged Michael tight. "I am so proud of you Michael," she said.
"Thanks mom," he said hugging her tight.
She turned to Warren. "Is he happy here?" she asked.
Warren nodded. "Yes he is."
"I am glad," she said with a smile.
She turned to Xavier. "I apologize for Nathan's behavior. Things are starting to get rough at home and he is under a lot of stress," she said.
"Think nothing of it Mary. Just so you know there is a support group for parents who have mutant children or relatives. They get together and discuss the difficulties they face raising a mutant child."
"Thank you, but I fear Nathan's issues are more than a whole group can handle."
She gave Michael one more hug. "I love you Michael, you are a good boy. Don't worry, once things settle down I am sure we will work this mess out."
She left the room leaving the three of them alone.
Michael felt weak when his mother left. He quickly grabbed a chair and sat down.
"Are you okay Michael?" Xavier asked.
Michael gave his answer when he vomited on the professor's floor.

Hours later Jay was laughing so hard he was holding his gut.
"So let me get this straight, you threw up on Xavier's floor?"
Michael rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. He still couldn't believe he had done that either, but he had been so full of emotion it made him sick.
"Yeah...can we not mention that to anyone?" he asked.
"Sure thing, but I wouldn't be surprised if half the school knows now. I mean not many do that and get away with it," Jay said.
"Well it wasn't like I planned it," Michael said.
"So what now? I mean you're going to be staying, right?"
"Yeah, I am not going anywhere. My mother is the only one who wants me back now. Besides, if I return I think my presence there would worsen the situation for them," Michael said.
He could not stand to think of the things his family was going through. People can be really horrible to others for the dumbest reasons. Just because they were related to a mutant, people who had known them for years were going to start treating them like they had done something horrible.
"I know how you feel; my family has gotten a lot of grief too," Jay said bitterly.
"I admit a part of me is glad; glad that I don't have to hide anymore and glad that I never have to go to the attic again," Michael said.
"They really kept you locked up in an attic all the time?" Jay asked.
Michael nodded.
"Since the first day my wings come out of my back. I mean they let me roam the house, but I was never let outside. And they let me come with them to church. But I was never allowed to talk to people. They told everyone I had a mental illness."
"Jeez, I can't imagine that," Jay said with a disgusted frown. "When our powers manifested my ma was always so proud of us. She let us use our powers and she was never ashamed to be ourselves."
"You are very lucky to have such a wonderful family," Michael said, feeling a bit envious of his friend.
"Yeah. They can be annoying sometimes, but I wouldn't trade them for anything," Jay said with a smile.
"So, have the X-men found any trace of Quinton?" Michael asked.
Jay shook his head. "Little freak disappeared. I am sure we will see him again soon. Guys like him don't stay out of trouble for long."
Michael hoped it wasn't soon. He had a feeling he had made another enemy. Unlike Julian, Quire would actually try to kill him, as opposed to Keller who would just bully him.
"So, has Warren asked you about joining his squad?"
"Yeah, but I told him no."
"What? Why? You kicked ass man."
After they had left Xavier's office, (and Michael begged the professor for his forgiveness for ruining his carpet),Warren had taken Michael to the school kitchen to get something to drink. They talked about what happened and Warren asked him if he wanted to join his squad. He was proud at Michael for finally standing up to his father. He thought it was a sign he was ready.
"I just don't think I am superhero material. I just want to live my life is all," Michael said.
He looked at his hand and remembered how it glowed when he healed that girl. He remembered how she looked at him; like he really was an angel, and he remembered all those people outside with their signs and stuff.
Plus he didn't want to draw any more attention to himself and his family by running around in spandex.
Jay understood and let it go. He thought Michael would make a great X-man one day. But he respected his friend's request and let it go.
Little did they know Michael was going to have to get into heroics sooner then he wanted.

Later that night Nathan Bronson was at church.
He had a really rough day.
First, his son had revealed what he was to everyone. His wife and he had been fighting all day and his poor children were suffering as well.
They had already received many e-mails with horrible comments and many of their friends had taken them off as friends on that Facebook thing.
And work was hell for him as well.
All because of Michael.
Nathan had been a devout man all his life. He had never done anything to deserve such pain inflicted on his family. He was all alone in the church, and he was thankful for this.
He was tired of the looks, the whispers. His life was coming apart and he could do nothing but watch.
So he decided to talk to the lord in his house, hoping he could find some answers.
"Lord, I ask for your help. My family is under siege, it is all because of Michael. What did I do to deserve this, my father? What did I do to anger you so that you would turn my youngest son, my precious boy into a monster? Please, what must I do to make amends? What must I do to return happiness to our lives?"
"God is not the one who cursed you Nathan."
Nathan jumped. He turned around and saw another man in the pew behind him. He had not heard him at all.
"Lord almighty, you almost gave me a heart attack!" Nathan exclaimed with his hand to his chest.
"Forgive me. I did not mean to startle you. I believe I can be of help."
Nathan studied the man for a moment. He looked to be a bit older then Nathan. The man had white hair and a small white beard. But the man carried an aura of calm and respect that intimidated Nathan a little.
He knew this was a man who should not be trifled with.
"What help can you give me?" Nathan asked.
"Like I said, it is not God who has cursed you. But the devil. I speak of course of your son. Michael."
"Hmph, I have no son called Michael." Nathan said.
"We both know you do. Your son has been touched by the devil sir and he is raining hell down on your family."
"Don't you think I already know that?" Nathan snapped.
"You know that, but what do you plan to do about it?" the man asked.
"I don't know. There is nothing I can do. The best I can do is let him stay at that damned school. At least he won't bring trouble to us now."
"But Nathan, he is bringing trouble to you." The man got up and held out his hand. "My name is William Stryker and I think we can help one another."

Fusedtwilight: Who is this mystery man and what does he want with Michael? And what trouble is Stryker going to cause? Please review.
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Angel In The Attic