Part 2

The only problem in this childlike paradise was a blob of a boy named George. It was obvious by his enormous size that he had failed the first grade several times. It was also obvious that he had failed to control his width, for his huge belly jutted out as if it would crush anyone that came near it. A dull mop of blonde hair topped his round head, a cruel smile always across his pudgy face. He was feared by everyone in the first grade, and even a large amount of second and third graders. He delivered beatings to any one of us whenever he felt like it, which was everyday. When I started going home with black eyes and bloody noses, my parents decided it was time for me to learn to defend myself. Hence began my training in the Danger Room.

At only 6 years old, I was the youngest participant ever in a Danger Room program, so of course, my parents and Xavier’s other students trained with me. I excelled at several forms of martial arts, as well as the use of my new-found telekinetic powers. My parents were constant in telling me not to use my powers for fun, or in public. The first time I did use my powers in public, I felt it was for a very good cause, and that cause is the woman I loved (or in this case, the girl I would grow to love).

When George learned (the hard way) that I would defend myself to the fullest extent, he backed off and focused all his anger on poor Rose. That only made me hate him more. I had become very fond of Rose, despite the fact that I had never met her. I liked her shy smile, her long red hair, her green eyes. She was a vision of beauty, but thanks to George, it became rare to ever see her smile. In fact, I’m sure she never would’ve smiled again if George hadn’t gone too far one day.

I remember it had been a good day for Rose. George left her alone, and she was happy for a change. Unfortunately, her peace wouldn’t last. After school let out, Rose headed straight home. She had just left the school grounds when she encountered George. I’m not sure what happened next, but when I got there, Rose was in tears and George was standing over her, laughing. Then he reached down to pull on her long, red hair.

Before he could, I reached out with the power of my mind and spoke a single, telepathic command: STOP. Since I hadn’t done this type of thing often, I wasn’t sure what effect it would have on him. I soon found out. George instantly grabbed his head and tried to shut out the pain.

My head seemed to be on fire. Mom had warned me against using telepathy on others for the danger it could have on them and me. I should’ve listened to her. However, luck was with me that day, because just as my head cleared, I realized that George and Rose were gone. I also noticed a small, golden ring with a black jewel on the ground. The inscription on it was made up of strange marks, it must have been some sort of ancient language. The ring seemed familiar, but at the time, I couldn’t remember where I had seen it before. So I slipped it into my pocket, figuring I would find its owner later.