Marvel: A Tale of Shadows

It was an exclusive news bulletin on one subject in particular. The subject in particular was something he had been reading up on recently.

"We are now airing our exclusive story on one of the latest subjects of interest. The Incredible Hulk: Hero or Villain. The Hulk is seen here on cameras saving a crashing helicopter in Canada." The video they showed was clearly shot from a phone and it showed the hulk catching a medichopper and then gently setting it down. Before he is suddenly blown off screen as an explosion strikes his side causing him to go flying. "But the U.S. Military claim is between two different ideas. The official stance of the government is that 'Hulk' is a criminal that is to be reported and arrested on sight. The military and General Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross claim he is property of the military. Making this reporter believe there was more to the story and I was right."

"Wow, what do you think is going on with this Hulk guy?" Laura asked, hoping for more of a distraction from her homework.

"Stop dilly dallying on your homework or I will give you more." Ethan responded without even looking at her. Knowing she was probably pouting.

"The story started in the New Mexico desert, at a now decommissioned U.S. Army Military Research Base and town. Both of which had all records suspiciously removed. But thanks to a confidential source I learned that the town of Vista Verde which thrived on the base was moved out overnight due a gamma radiation scare. After which is when the first sightings of this Hulk first started. He was spotted near Vista Verde destroying nearby terrain, unbothered by others. Soon after is when the Army and General Ross started attacking this Hulk, the side effect of which was the partial destruction of a nearby town, with the General apparently disregarding any concern for collateral damage." The newscaster showed blurry photos of the Army fighting the Hulk in the middle of the town with civilians running around.

"Then Hulk fought his way around abandoned and unpopulated areas of the U.S. with a different creature appearing with him. Some reports of him fighting a metal man, a group of villains called 'the Wrecking Crew', and even the infamous mutant called Juggernaut. All of which were leveled and knocked out by this incredible person."

"Each time he fought he showed concern for those around him. But we don't know anything about him. Too much is clouded in the Army's cloud of conspiracy. Fortunately we are now having reporters from across the country who are keeping an eye out for the moment we know more. But the latest was that the Hulk was making his way back to the U.S. from Canada after General Ross chased him out of his hiding spot there." The exclusive then ended.

"Huh. Interesting," Ethan then looked over at Laura who was making a face as she focused on her assignment. He chuckled before he went back to work on his robot.

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"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hardy. I am Professor Charles Xavier, I am the headmaster at this fine institute." The bald wheelchair bound professor introduced himself and rolled around his desk as Felicia entered the office.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I am just surprised that there wasn't more pushback from any people on your end." Felicia interjected as she shook hands with Charles.

"Yes, well, that is not exactly true. It is just that they are willing to give it a shot. But there will be a number of students that will try to drive you away. Not to mention you will have to be cautious of a few teachers that aren't exactly comfortable with the idea of you being here." Charles explained as he rolled out of the office and Felicia followed.

"I just want to clarify a few things about your employment while you are here." Charles started rolling down the hall, Felicia quickly realized he was using his telekinesis to roll his chair. "First off we did leave off a few things, like the necessity and training to assist in the event that a student's power goes out of control. As well as the event of an attack."

"I will be fine for one part. But I certainly won't deny the training 'in the event of a rogue power' scenario." Felicia looked around the halls, realizing quickly that this building might look flush on the outside but it was clearly modified, destroyed, and repaired over the years.

"So you don't mind risking life and limb while at this school?" Charles glanced back at her clearly trying to gauge a reaction from her.

She just shrugged, "I have a feeling my life will get a bit weird. But I should be fine. I realized that might happen when I moved to New York."

"Well that is good I suppose. We plan to make more outreach efforts and connect with the school district and the community. So any connections you have or assistance you can provide would be helpful. I understand you know Miss Potts as well." Charles led her into the backyard where there were a number of mutants fighting using their power.

But it appeared they were being watched by an older man, presumably a teacher. "Yes, I met her briefly. She and my current boyfriend used to be in a relationship. So they are quite familiar and friendly."

"Ha- that doesn't bother you?" Logan chuckled out a bit of laughter.

"No, actually it felt more like they were friends rather than pursuing a romantic relationship. So I could care less." Felicia gave him a smile that for some reason made Logan scared for a moment.

"Jean has not been able to stop talking about you." Charles let out a chuckle as he realized Logan for even a moment felt scared. "She has built up your reputation with several teachers and students."

"That sounds like you are trying to put a bit of pressure on me to perform well."

"Nonsense, I expect as much as a freshman and college can provide. Which is quite limited as well. But from what we were able to research about your past is that you have quite a record when it comes to chemistry." Charles rolled further down towards what looked like a greenhouse.

"Record is a very loose term. I have gotten only strong words regarding my pursuit of chemistry while I was bored." Felicia clarified with a chuckle.

"How bored?" Logan cut in.

"Bored enough to make money legally but not so morally good. Selling protein bars." Felica explained.

"Here we are." Charles moved into the greenhouse as the doors opened. Inside were Jean and another teacher with dark skin. "Miss Hardy, you already know Jean. But let me introduce you to Miss Munroe as well as the weather club."

Felicia stepped forward and shook Miss Munroe's hand, "it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Munroe. I have heard about you from Jean before."

"I suppose this means we are in the same boat. I have heard about you from Jean as well. Come meet some of the students you will tutor." Miss Munroe exclaimed while leading Felicia towards the students who were currently taking notes about plants.

Jean walked over to Charles and Logan standing next to him. "So what do you think?"

"She is honest. Not being able to read her mind is jarring but I suspect it would be best if we get used to dealing with people who we can't read minds of. The world is changing and new inventions and super-powered individuals are appearing daily." Charles asserted.

"So we have to change with it or be left behind." Jean nodded in understanding.

"I don't know if it is good or bad. But I smelled two things on her. Gunpowder, and a scent that is familiar but I can't quite seem to remember." Logan cut in.

"Hmm you can't remember or is it part of your lost memories?" Charles asked.

"Lost memories, I always get a nagging itch in the back of mind when it relates to my lost memories." Logan clarified.

"Meaning she might knowingly or unknowingly have a connection to your past?" Jean suggested.

"I want to believe the best as well. But it would be best to stay on the side of caution." Charles thought for a moment before nodding. "Logan takes someone and investigates the boyfriend. Discreetly though, we don't want to be sued for something stupid. Jean can you spend more time with her and-"

"No need to ask. We already had plans to have dinner at her place in the city after this." Jean interrupted getting weird looks from both of them. She shrugged at their unasked question, "she wanted to dive into what the kids know already so she can help. She also said she will give me info on the more discreet parts of her life that may become relevant."

"Seems she already planned to be as forward as possible without compromising her privacy." Charles chuckled before rolling away and Logan following after.

Once they were far enough away Logan spoke up, "makes you wonder what she wants to keep secret." Logan commented out of earshot of Jean or any of the students.

"I wonder as well. Be careful during your investigation Logan." Charles responded.

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Meanwhile at Stark Tower.

"Are we sure about this?" Tony asked as he looked over photos and police reports from germany. He looked at Pepper and saw an annoyed expression. "Sorry, it just caught me off guard. I thought we had weeded out all of the corrupt weeds in Stark Industries. But since these mutants attacked the facility it might mean there's something more going on. Pepper can you get me-"

"Your private jet is chartered and ready for you to fly to the Stark Industries Europe Branch Office. I have not warned them about your arrival." Pepper cut in quickly.

Tony nodded and looked over a few more lines before he frowned. "Men in suits and sunglasses. Don't tell me…. Shield?"

"I believe so. I have already started a discreet investigation into all of our Europe based employees. After them I will work through the other regions to weed out any other people that are working through or are being paid off by any foreign companies or groups." Pepper nodded in agreement as she handed him a several page plan detailing what she was going to do.

"Good, is there anything else I should worry about?" Tony asked.

"A.I.M. that suspicious group you were keeping an eye out on has been pulling weight in the political circle. So I will keep an eye on them. The only other thing is a few investment opportunities that I will check on and get back to about." Pepper explained.

"Hmmm… what do you want for your birthday?" Tony gave Pepper a smile earning a glare in turn.

"An assistant? I have so much on my plate I am way too busy to have a personal life." Pepper's answer caused Tony to roll his eyes with a smile.

"Denied, pick something else." He chuckled as he stepped out from behind his desk to start preparing for his trip. He needed a few of his special 'suits' for the occasion.