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UNTOLD TALES OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #10
Part One: The Training Somewhere in Antarctica... Looking out across the icy land, as far as the eye can see, there is nothing. Nothing but snow and ice. This barren land does not welcome explorers with open arms, but with ice and hail and blizzards. Not many dare venture out into it. But if we look closely we can see a small figure moving slowly across it. A closer look reveals that the explorer is wearing a heavy brown parka, and iced over goggles. He is very tired, and stumbles as he trudges through the deep snow. He uses a stick as he walks in order to maintain his balance. But it's not enough. As he descends an icy hill he slips. He plummets downward, to tired to even utter a yelp, not that it would do any good, for no one would hear. Snow comes down on top of him, burying him deep into the ground. He should be dead by now. The explorer opens his eyes but quickly closes them again because of the light. A fire crackles nearby, and emits warmth for the weary man. The light also allows us to get a good look at them man. He can't be much older than twenty, but the intensity that his face contains would suggest otherwise. He looks wise beyond his years, and his bald head adds to that thought. Some figures add blankets to the man's cot. He opens his eyes to look at his saviors. They are small men, with bald heads and brown robes. Monks. The man on the cot's eyes brighten when he sees them, as if he has experienced some fantastic realization. He opens his mouth to question. "Rest, boy. Talk later," says one of the monks. The Monks leave the man to
rest. The dream is a dreary one... Three Monks enter the man's room with food and drink. The man is awake, alert. He eats like a wild man. Trying to quench his hunger. "What brings you to this most dangerous land, boy?" questions one Monk, apparently a leader of some sort. The man swallows and answers. "I have come in search of an ancient order Monks. The Senyaku." The man eats more and continues, "It is said that these Monks can teach anyone how to master a talent or power. Any talent." The Head Monk smiles, "Yes, I have heard such rumors." The man goes on, "I am blessed with a power. A very mysterious power. I need insight, help, teaching. I have come to find the Senyaku.." "And found them, you have," interrupts the Monk. "Or rather we found you. It is not wise to travel alone here. You were lucky we found you, or you would have surely perished!" The man is speechless, although he had already suspected these men were the Senyaku. "What is your name?" question the Monk. "I am Xavier." the man reveals. "Xavier," says the Monk, thinking the name over. "Yes, Xavier. Welcome
to the Senyaku Monastery. I am Zjan*, Leader of the Senyaku. We would be pleased to help
you with your powers.But first you need more rest," and with that final comment, Zjan
and his fellow Monks depart from the room. Xavier rolls over and gets a good look at the room he has been placed in. It's walls are quite bare. The floor has a large ornate oriental rug. There is of course the fireplace. The floor is also cluttered with pillow of various colors, shapes, and sizes. After taking the room in, Xavier begins thinking about the entire situation. "So, I found the legendary Senyaku. They will help me develop my mental powers to peak performance. They are strange men, however. But none the less they are willing to help," he thinks to himself. He rolls over and falls asleep. But again he dreams... A hallway forms out of the bright light... One week later... Xavier sits in a completely bare room. He is sitting on a large blue pillow and he is wearing a flowing brown robe, like those of the Senyaku. His eyes are closed in meditation as he reviews the last week. "This week has progressed so slowly, however I have learned much. The Senyaku have so far taught me to control my mind and focus all thoughts inward, ignoring anything on the outside of my body. I can now concentrate on any thought, any idea, any plan, and thus develop it more quickly and thoroughly than before," he opens his eyes and looks up. Zjan stands before him. "You have fantastic mental powers, Xavier," Zjan comments. "Your potential is enormous. You would make an excellent Senyaku..." Zjan trails off, as if in question. "I don't think that the Senyaku is my place, Master Zjan," answers Xavier. "You are the master of your own destiny, Xavier. Whatever it may be," replies Zjan. Xavier smiles. "I need more practice Master. With my powers. What you have taught me in the last week can be accomplished by any man without my power. I want to be a master of it." "And a master of it you will become," answers Zjan. "But first you must learn to master your mind. As a potter must learn to master the clay before he learns to form it into pottery, you must learn master your mind before learning to use your powers." "Yes Master," replies Xavier in a monotone voice. "Come young one. There is much to be accomplished," says Zjan with a smile. The teacher and his pupil stroll out of the room and down the hall. The reach an indoor garden, where there are many exotic plants. Some stone blocks sit near a fountain. Zjan seats himself on one of the blocks and motions Xavier to do the same. "I believe you are right about one thing, Xavier," begins Zjan, "You have mastered your mind. Now I have had time to review your powers and your training begins now." Xavier's eyes light up at the sound of this. But he composes himself quickly so that his excitement is not evident.. "Tell me what I am thinking..." says Zjan. Xavier pauses a moment to concentrate. "A tree..." he says finally. Zjan looks somewhat pleased. "What type?" inquires Zjan. "Um...a pine tree," answers Xavier. "Good, Xavier, good," encourages Zjan. "Now, something more complex." Xavier looks ready as he concentrates. "Well, its....a feeling more than a thought," he starts. Zjan nods. Xavier continues, "It's your feelings toward the Senyaku. Your dedication, love, and oneness with it. That's all Master." "Fantastic Xavier. I thought you would have needed days of practice to tell me that much!" says Zjan. Xavier smiles. Six Weeks Later...... Xavier is preparing for bed now. His body is tired. The last six months have proved a challenge for the man. Soon he would leave the Senyaku, the Monks that had taught him so much. Xavier changes into his bedclothes and settles into bed. He stares at the ceiling. "Tomorrow is the last lesson...." he sighs, turns out his light and goes to sleep. He dreams... There is darkness... The Next Morning... Xavier meets Zjan in the gymnasium. Some Monks are scurrying around about their business. "Your training has been completed, Xavier," begins Zjan. "We have taught you much in this short time. Most students stay at least a year. You have learned to reach across large distances with your power. You have learned to place thoughts in others minds that weren't there before. And you have been taught how to access a Mental Plane* with your mind which provides for excellent reconnaissance. I congratulate you!" (*This mental power allows one to project their mind as a body and to travel about invisibly.) Xavier has been listening intently. He smiles. "Well, Master, I thank you and the rest of the Senyaku. Good-" But he is interrupted by the banging of a gong. It rattles his inner ear and he holds his ears in protection. "What is it?!?" he yells over the noise which ceases after a moment. Zjan is in a state of shock. He doesn't move, doesn't blink, doesn't flinch. Then he speaks, moving just his mouth. "The Evil Ones....."
Author's Notes: This story takes place before Xavier lost the use of his legs, but after his step-brother, Cain Marko, discovers the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak. So it would be long before X-Men Volume One. If you have any comments, suggestions or other things you want to talk about, e-mail me. |
