The elevator stopped when it opened. Ace saw a hallway with metal walls and floors. The fluorescent light on the ceiling illuminated the hallway.
"This is the subbasement It's pretty cool don't you think." said Kitty
"Is it okay for me to be here?" asked Ace
"It will be fine. You're here with us." said Bobby
"What is this place for anyway?"
"This is where we train as the X-Men." said Kurt
"X-Men? Is that a band name or something?" Ace asked but he already knew about the X-Men. He has to be ignorant since he knew about the X-Men from his world.
"X-Men is the superhero team of this school man." said Evan
They begin to explain who the X-Men are. They are a superhero group created by Professor Charles Xavier as a response to the emergence of mutants in the baseline human society. Xavier believed with the X-Men, he could promote a dream of peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans. Xavier trained them to become protectors as well as help other fellow mutants.
"I think I understand what the X-Men are, but are you guys fine with this?"
"What do you mean?" asked Rogue
"You're risking your life fighting out there, I just want to know they aren't forcing you because of their beliefs. If you're going to find it has to be your choice."
The X-Men kids began thinking about Ace's words. They haven't really thought about it before now that they think about it. After a few moments, they replied.
"I think I wouldn't really mind. We have been on missions before and it felt good to help people. If we don't do it, many people and mutants will be in danger. If using our powers to help others will keep them safe and show mutants in a good light. Then joining as an X-Men will be an honor. I also want to support Xavier's dream of coexistence between mutants and humans." said Kitty
The rest had similar beliefs with some having nowhere else to go or being prosecuted by other people. They believed the X-Men were doing the right thing, so they did not mind risking their lives to be heroes and help other people.
"If that is your decision then I'm at ease. Just remember to fight for your ideals not others. Even if you share your ideals with Xavier, there will inevitably be differences of approaches. If he makes a decision you don't like, make sure to voice your concerns."
Ace can't criticize them much. He is also doing his Rider activities, as long as they know what the danger is and what they are fighting for. He can rest easily.
The X-Men kids nodded and they felt happy for their new friend being concerned for them. Especially Kitty and Rogue. Rogue became even more infatuated with Ace, she hugged his arm tighter.
'Ah~ how could he be even more dreamy~' Rogue thought
'Ace is really one of a kind… I can't let Rogue have him all to herself.' Kitty thought
"What are you kids doing here?"
They were interrupted by a man with red hair and wearing a black jacket with red shades. He was Scott Summers the leader of the X-Men and goes by the name Cyclops. He is an Alpha Class Mutant with the power of Optic Blast. In other words, he is able to shoot beams out of his eyes. He isn't able to control his power, so he wears synthetic ruby quartz crystal on the lenses of his glasses to control his beams.
"You must be Ace, I'm Scott Summers. I heard about you from Rogue here. I'm the leader of the X-Men"
"It is nice to meet you." Both shook hands and Scott wanted to ask Ace.
"I heard your conversation, and I must ask. Why did you ask them to question their beliefs? The professor only wants what is good for us and following his vision will create a better future for mutants."
Xavier helped Scott when his powers manifested. Due to him being unable to control them, he caused a lot of destruction and thought he had to close his eyes forever. Xavier found him and helped him regain his sight and he was eternally grateful to him. Xavier told his dream to Scott and he also believed in the dream of Xavier. He worships Xavier and he is Xavier's loyal follower. So when Ace questioned Xavier's dream he got defensive.
"It is because they are not soldiers, Mr. Summers. They are young and impressionable, so believing in wonderful dreams may be enticing but the real world is cruel."
Ace has seen some of the uglier sides of the world from doing his activities as a Rider. He may not fully know but he had an idea how this world destroys people who only want peace.
"Are you saying Xavier is wrong?" Scott clenched his fist.
"No, I would not say he is wrong. Even I would like to hope that his dream of the future will happen someday, but forcing your ideals on others is wrong. Everyone has their own path they take and I don't want them to take on a path because someone told them to. The X-Men are heroes, aren't they? Heroes fight because of their belief and sense of justice. If they just blindly follow Xavier, they are not heroes but soldiers."
The X-Men were shocked. Ace's words held some truth and they now had a lot more to think about being an X-Men. This made Ace even more amazing in their minds. Scott is impressed with Ace, he is even beginning to question how he thinks of the professor. He believes in Xavier's vision but he had to admit he was always following his words and did not really think much for himself.
"You really are something kid."
"I am also fighting for beliefs as well Mr. Summers."
"Please call me Scott. We are not that far apart in age and I'm not your teacher. Come, let me show you some things we have down here."
…
Scott led the group to the control room. Many computer screens and high-tech machines can be seen in the room. Two people were waiting inside. One of them was Logan and when he looked at Ace. He immediately had a frown on his face. Ace saw him and felt his dislike for him. He could only smile in confusion, wondering why the Wolverine hated him when they just met. The other was a man wearing a lab coat with glasses. What is unusual though is that he has wild blue fur and sharp nails in his hands. He is Henry "Hank" McCoy, a member of the X-Men. He is intelligently gifted and the scientist of the X-Men. He was one of the first people alongside Scott and Jean, to be taught by Xavier and one of the first members of the X-Men. His mutation lets him have an ape and cat-like physique.
"Ah, Scott you're here, and with the children too. Oh, who is this young man?" said Hank
"This is Ace, the professor brought him here, and the kids dragged him here."
"I see, well it is nice to meet you young Ace. I'm Dr. Henry McCoy."
"Ace Ukiyo, it is nice to meet you Dr."
"It is always a pleasure to meet the new generation. This is my colleague, Logan."
"Grrr…" Logan looks at Ace as if he is about to attack him.
"Uh… I don't think he likes me."
"Logan, stop threatening him like that." said Rogue reprimanding Logan
"Hmph" Logan looks away and exits the room.
"Did I do anything to make him hate me?" Ace asked
"Sorry about that, he heard about you and Rogue going out and is kind of protective of her."
"Oh…"
"Just forget about him. I don't need him watching over me. I can protect myself." said Rogue, still angry at Logan.
"It's okay Rogue, I don't mind. All fathers are protective toward their daughters."
"He is not my dad!"
"But he is like your family right?"
"...Yeah I guess he is." Even though Rogue was embarrassed. Logan felt more like family to her due to their similarities in going through loss.
"So, what is this place anyway?" Ace asked
"This is the control room. Here are all of the controls in every part of the Mansion: Cameras, security, lights, everything."
"Heh~"
Ace then noticed a room in one of the cameras that was wide and empty.
"What is that room?"
"That is the danger room, my friend. It is where we train to control our powers. It can virtually simulate any environment." said Kurt
"Cool, mind if I use it?"
"Of course, while we're at it. Why don't the rest join you? I'm sure it will be a good bonding experience." said Hank
"That's a great idea. We also get to show off our awesome powers." said Evan
The kids exited the control room and headed toward the danger room. Shortly after, Logan came back.
"Logan, what was that about? I know you don't like him but you didn't have to be that angry." said Scott
"It's not about that."
"Then what is it?"
"He… He smells dangerous."
"What do you mean? Did you think he came here to make trouble?" asked Hank
"No, I don't think he's an enemy, it's just. His scent is something I haven't experienced before. It is like different kinds of beings were mixed into one and the scent mixes giving different types of odors. What's more, when I first looked at him. I knew he was strong…"
"Coming from you, he must be impressive." said Scott
"They are going into the danger room right?" asked Logan
"Yes, the kids are just getting changed. What's the problem?" said Hank
"Make sure to watch him carefully, and call Charles. I have a feeling he might want to see this."