Chapter 60: You're Hot Part 2

(Moments before Isaiah's meeting with the mutants)

"So where are we going, Professor? You only told me that we were going on a trip and that you would explain it on the plane," a young girl with red hair and green eyes asked as she was seated in an advanced stealth plane.

She had been surprised by the professor's unexpected offer to accompany him on a trip. In fact, this was the first time he asked her. He didn't tell her the details, saying she would be informed on the plane. Nonetheless, she accepted with excitement. Scott, her fellow student, and mutant had also been asked, but he didn't want to come saying that he wanted better control over his powers. Although, Jean didn't know why he would say that since Professor McCoy had made those tinted glasses for him, which allowed him not to accidentally blast people when he opened his eyes.

And so, Professor Xavier, Miss Ororo, Logan, and she boarded their stealth jet, something which she always boggled her mind, and they left for their trip. It would take around three hours at supersonic speed before reaching their destination

"Well, Jean, we are going to meet another mutant just like us." Charles Xavier replied.

Jean looked at him in surprise,

"Really? But usually, it would be just you guys who would get them, though."

The telepath nodded,

"That is true, but the situation this time is slightly different."

"How so? Are they in danger?"

It was Ororo, the weather manipulator, who spoke,

"He's not in danger, Jean, so you don't have to worry about that. However, it's just... that his living situation is a little... unusual."

Jean looked at the woman and waited for her to explain. Ororo sighed,

"This won't be like other missions you've been on. This time we will be visiting someone famous. In doing so, we will probably uncover his secret."

"A secret?"

Jean was now intrigued.

"Yes, the mutant we will be seeing is most likely the child of that person."

"And who is that person."

"Tony Stark."

The name rang a bell in the girl's mind,

"Tony Stark? The famous Tony Stark!?"

Charles nodded,

"Yes. Last night, Cerebro detected a new mutant at Mr. Stark's residence and it was revealed that the surge of power belonged to a child your age. Unfortunately, due to his unique power, I couldn't get more information."

"Huh? How? You're like the strongest telepath I know." Jean said.

Logan snorted,

"He's also the only telepath you know other than yourself."

Ororo and Charles smiled while Jean pouted slightly,

"Thank you, Jean. Unfortunately, I do not know, Jean."

Jean nodded and asked another question,

"Is he powerful?"

Charles thought for a moment,

"I do not know about that either. The only thing Cerebro could sense was a powerful surge of power."

"Oh."

Charles nodded,

"Now, we still have time before reaching our destination. Did you bring anything to pass time?"

Jean turned around and brought out a novel from her bag,

"I brought a book."

The professor nodded and smiled,

"Good. Why don't you read it since we still have three hours left."

"Okay, Professor."

A few hours later, Ororo called her,

"Jean, we have arrived."

The girl lifted her eyes from her book and looked outside through the cockpit's window and recoiled in surprise. The sight of the large mansion took the air right out of her lungs. The school she attended was previously a mansion owned by Professor Xavier's family. It was an old-looking building of the neoclassical era. It also had many features such as ponds and courtyards bringing out its classic rich homestyle.

The Stark Mansion was something completely different. First of all, it didn't even look like a normal mansion. It looked more like a futuristic compound on the side of the cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. She could see the window glass edges by the matte white walls giving it a futuristic vibe that amazed her.

"Tony Stark lives here?" she asked in amazement.

Charles Xavier nodded,

"Indeed. Impressive, isn't it? Mr. Stark is known for his habit of squandering the money he earns." he replied.

"Woah."

"I supposed it's time for me to inform him of our arrival." the Professor suddenly said and turned to Logan,

"Logan, if you would. The number is already in the system."

The burly man pressed some buttons and a call was made. A few seconds later, a rough voice answered.

It was Tony Stark.

Jean didn't hear the conversation as she was too preoccupied with the sight of the mansion. Although it looked smaller than the school, it made up with its aesthetics.

Soon, they were permitted to land.

***

To be honest, Jean didn't know what to make of him. After Mr. Stark had confirmed that he did indeed have a child, she wondered what the son of the famous inventor would look like. She saw him enter the room and introduced himself. She quietly observed him. Isaiah Sharpe was it? He was the same height as her with black hair and blue eyes behind thick glasses. It reminded her of Harry Potter glasses only with square frames instead of circles and thick glasses branches. In her opinion, he also looked quite fit as if he was practicing a sport. Not like she knew anything.

However, the boy suddenly turned to her and stared. His eyes boring on her looked quite creepy.

'What's going on?' she thought.

His eyes honestly unnerved her and she couldn't help but ask,

"W-What?"

(Present)

"You're hot."

*PFFFFFFTTTTT*

Everyone was caught off guard by Isaiah's comment including the Stark household.

"What the..." Logan said with a confused expression.

Never had he seen a kid so bold. Must've inherited it from his father.

"Oh my." Ororo had a hand up to her mouth as she looked at Isaiah.

Happy was in the corner, struggling not to laugh at the absurd situation.

"Kid/Isaiah!" Tony and Pepper exclaimed.

Jean, for instance, was blushing up a storm. Isaiah raised an eyebrow at how her cheeks seemed to redden. It was the first time he had seen something like that.

'Huh? I thought only cartoons could do that.'

"W-What?" Jean could only stutter.

Of all the things the boy could say, she never expected to say that. She had never been hit on before. She's only thirteen for Christ's sake! She didn't know what to do! Should she say something back? Did she need to hit on him back? What is even going on!?

Isaiah looked at everyone's expression ranging from shock and confusion and tilted his head also in confusion,

"What?"

"What do you mean what!? You only just met the girl, why are you hitting on her?" Tony asked in disbelief.

"Hitting... on her? What are you talking about?"

"Are you telling me that you didn't hit on her?"

Isaiah looked at his dad and was utterly confused,

"Again. What are you talking about?"

Everyone looked at Isaiah and saw that his confused expression was genuine which threw them even more in a loop.

Logan snorted and chuckled,

"I like this kid."

It was then Charles spoke and he didn't even need his MD in psychiatry or his telepathy to understand what was going on.

"I believe we have a misunderstanding here. Mr. Isaiah, do you mind explaining what you meant with your comment."

Even he had trouble with what to express.

Isaiah looked at the professor and answered,

"Her energy. I was talking about her energy. It was hot."

His answer piqued the guests' interest,

"Energy? Would you mind explaining? Is it your ability?" Ororo asked.

Isaiah nodded,

"Yeah." The boy then held his palm up, facing the ceiling, and a blue orb of mana formed above it. Due to it being True Ether instead of normal prana, Isaiah is able to manipulate his mana outside of his body to a certain extent, unlike a magus with prana.

Everyone observed the orb with interest,

"What is that?" Jean asked.

She had managed to calm down a little after it was confirmed that Isaiah was not hitting on her and was referring to something else. Although, she didn't know what.

"This is an orb created by using a unique energy that my body produces."

"So you are an energy manipulator?" Charles asked.

Isaiah dismissed the orb,

"Yeah. I can do various things with it like this."

A glass of water from the table started to float above the table.

Jean looked at the boy with a slight excitement,

"You're telekinetic like me?"

Isaiah looked at her. He still didn't know what the deal with her powers are. She told them that she was a telepath and a telekinetic, but her energy confused him. Although she had a lot of psionic energy, it seems her energy was capable of more.

"Not exactly. Telekinesis is simply a byproduct of my ability. I can also do this."

This time, arcs of orange and gold crackled around him as two tao mandalas appeared in front of him and started to slowly hover around him,

"Constructs?" asked Ororo.

Isaiah nodded,

"I noticed the energy seems different from the other one you have shown. Is it a different energy or simply another byproduct?" Charles asked.

"It's different. My body seems to produce different types of energy which I can use for different occasions like this."

A rope of water appeared in front of him and it floated in the air like a snake,

"You're a water-bender?" Jean asked.

Logan snorted.

Isaiah grinned,

"I'm better. I just converted the blue energy into the water."

"Interesting. Does that mean you are able to control the elements of nature just like Miss Munroe here?" Charles asked in intrigue.

He was clearly interested in the boy's ability. It was much more than he had thought. He had hypothesized that young Isaiah probably had a mental ability like him, but this was so much more. Energy manipulation was one of the most versatile abilities he had come across. But Isaiah's ability took the cake.

Isaiah looked at Munroe, specifically her energy. After seeing her powers at work, he noticed that she could be very helpful in his quest to learn how to manipulate the elements such as lighting or wind. Which was why he told them he could manipulate water by converting his mana.

"Probably. I never really had the chance to try and only succeeded with water."

"Amazing."

Then Munroe asked her question,

"By the way, what exactly did you mean when you told Jean that she... was hot?"

Ororo asked with a small grin while Jean blushed up a storm again recalling the incident.

"That's actually another aspect of my ability to manipulate energy. I can sense it."

"What do you mean?"

"Like I said. To manipulate my energy, I should be able to sense it. And with my ability to manipulate different types of energies, my senses allow sensing energies around me."

"And your range?"

"Around... 150 meters radius if I push it." Isaiah replied with a "so-so" expression.

"150 meters? That means you can sense any energy in a 150-meter radius, right? Does that mean you knew we were coming?"

Isaiah shook his head,

"I can't see the future. I only sensed you when you were near the mansion. And about her..."

Isaiah turned to Jean,

"I sensed that her energy was hot like fire. Although, it's strange." the boy said,

"Strange?" the girl asked,

"Yeah. It's weird. Your energy seems very hot at the same time as it being lukewarm. It's soft and destructive. It's like it's being held back by something or even suppressed."

Unbeknownst to anyone, Charles's heart skipped a beat.

Jean frowned,

"That's strange, I don't feel anything."

Isaiah narrowed her eyes at her as he observed her intensively. The latter was once more subjected to the creepy eyes.

It was then Xavier cleared his throat in order to receive the boy's attention.

"Isaiah, may I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you awaken your abilities earlier than we knew?"

Jean turned to the professor,

"Huh?"

Munroe and Logan nodded,

"I was thinking the same. It looks like Isaiah here seems quite experienced with his ability," she said.

Isaiah then turned to Tony who only responded with a silent "do what you want".

"Well. I did awaken earlier."

"May I ask when?" Charles asked.

Seeing no harm in telling them, Isaiah spoke.

"I awakened in July 2000 I think. Right after an accident. I think you've heard of it." He refrained from saying more in order to keep Magic a secret.

However, the boy noticed a pained expression on his father's face.

"You talking about that stuff in Kathmandu, right? You were in it?" Logan asked.

Isaiah nodded,

"Yeah."

"I see. I'm sorry you had to go through such a tragedy." Xavier said.

Isaiah looked at him, but his words evoked no emotions in him.

"It's okay. I've moved on."

An awkward silence reigned the room. Jean had heard about the Disaster of Kathmandu and she felt sorry for the boy in front of her. She couldn't imagine the traumatic experience Isaiah had when going through that.

"That means you've had your powers for seven years. How did a mutant with a powerful ability like yours go unnoticed all this time?" Charles asked.

Isaiah shrugged,

"I guess you can say I was quite lucky."

Logan, Ororo and Charles could tell there was more to the story, but they would not press him. They didn't come here to hear his story, but only meet a new mutant who was not so new anymore.

"Then how old are you now, Isaiah?"

"12."

"That means you were five years old." Charles said with a shocked face," You are possibly the youngest mutant to ever gain powers I have met!"

Isaiah shrugged once more,

"I guess I'm special that way."

Charles nodded,

"Indeed you are. The reason we have come today was that we were under the impression that there was a new mutant who awakened their powers. We wanted to invite you to my school called Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. The public knows this school as a school for children with high intellectual abilities when it is, in fact, a school for children such as you and Jean here who have developed their powers. We help them control them so that they wouldn't be a harm to them or the surroundings. This school can also be used to further your studies up to college level where we will help you gain admission into a college thanks to our professors."

"So it really is a school, huh?" Tony said.

Ororo nodded,

"Yes, in addition to training, we will teach Isaiah the materials needed to further his studies. In fact, Jean is one of our students along with others." the woman said.

"I see. So is it like a boarding school?"

"Yes. Since our school's true face is a secret from the public, our school has become a boarding school."

Pepper then spoke,

"Can we still communicate with Isaiah if he goes to your school?"

Ororo nodded,

"Yes, we don't force our students to cut off their communications with their parents."

"Although, it looks like Isaiah has a good grasp of his abilities. I would recommend him to attend our school since it allows him to interact with others kids his age with abilities. And even if he can control his powers, we can help him master them."

Tony and Pepper nodded and turned to Isaiah,

"The thing is Isaiah hasn't exactly attended a school due to his unique situation. I held back his papers until it would be the right time to reveal the fact that he would be my son."

"That's okay. We can admit Isaiah under the name of his mother. In fact, are you his mother?" Charles asked Pepper.

Pepper smiled, but shook her head,

"Unfortunately, I'm not."

"She passed away in the bombing." Tony quickly replied.

The answer startled Charles,

"I'm sorry. That was insensitive. My deepest condolences."

Tony shook his head,

"Just like Isaiah said. We have moved on. In any case, going to your school will be Isaiah's choice."

Tony then turned to Isaiah,

"So what do you want to do, Isaiah? Do you want to go to their school?" he asked his son.

The boy looked down in contemplation,

"Can we like tour their school first? To be honest, I've been thinking about attending high school in New York next year."

"Oh. That's right. You'll turn fourteen, next year which would be your freshmen year. Which one were you thinking?" Tony perked up,

"I was thinking about the school where Mom used to go. You know the one in Queens? I saw it when I went through some of her photos."

Tony nodded,

"Ah yes. I remember. Well, it's your choice."

Tony turned to his guest,

"Is it possible to do that?"

Charles nodded,

"Sure, he can tour the school. It's not like it's mandatory for him to attend our school. The school is mostly for kids whose life changed after awakening and are not able to live in normal society because of it."

"I see. Then when are you available?"

"We are always available. You may call us whenever you want. Here is my card and when you are ready, we will send you a plane to pick you up or you may come by yourself. Whichever you prefer." Charles said and handed Tony a card.

Tony received it and read it.

[Xavier's School of Gifted Youngsters

Headmaster: Charles Xavier

(971) 676-XXXX]

"You may call this number for additional information about our school."

Tony nodded,

"Alright. Thank you."

"Do you have more questions or inquiries?"

Tony looked at Pepper before looking at Isaiah who shook his head.

"No."

"Very well then. I believe it is time for us to leave." Charles said.

Ororo, Logan and Jean got up from their seats

"Sure let us accompany you to your jet," Pepper said.

They all went back to the helipad where the majestic jet could be seen. Isaiah looked at the plane in awe. Looking at it using his own eyes instead of the camera is a whole other experience.

"Nice jet."

Jean smiled,

"Yeah. One of our professors made it. He's really smart."

"Really? That's one talented guy." Tony said.

"He is. The man who designed it is our very own Professor Hank McCoy."

"Hank McCoy. I think I've heard his name before." Tony said as he thought about it.

Meanwhile, Jean turned to Isaiah. Although she still thinks he's a little weird, he was not so bad.

"You should attend our school. There are a lot of kids like us you know and it's really amazing," she said.

Isaiah nodded,

"Probably. I'll think about it after touring it."

Jean looked at him,

"It's nice meeting you Isaiah Sharpe." She held her hand out and Isaiah took it.

"It's nice meeting you too Jean Grey."

Isaiah then turned to the adults,

"It's been a pleasure meeting other mutants like me."

"Us too Isaiah." Charles replied, "I hope you come to visit our institute as soon as possible."

Isaiah nodded,

"It's been a pleasure meeting you too Isaiah," Ororo said.

"See ya later bub," Logan told him.

The plane fired up and the latch opened and the ramp descended. Charles then turned to Tony,

"Mr. Stark, let me give you a warning."

"A warning?"

"Yes. Just like how we were able to detect young Isaiah's powers. Others too could have detected it. Once they find out about his capabilities, they would stop at nothing to get to him."

Tony grinned,

"There is nothing to worry about. I'm Tony Stark and I would stop at nothing to protect Isaiah even with all of his powers."

Charles smiled,

"That is good."

Jean waived the Stark household.

"Bye, everyone. And it's been an honour meeting you Mr. Stark,"

Tony grinned,

"You too kid."

The guests entered the plane and Isaiah saw them fly away. Once they couldn't be seen anymore, the household entered the house,

"Isaiah," Tony said.

"Yeah?"

"Next time you meet someone, try not to hit on them."

Isaiah looked at his dad in confusion,

"What do you mean? I told you I wasn't even hitting on her. I don't even know how to do that."

Tony sighed,

"He's a natural," he whispered

Pepper snorted beside him,

"Well like father like son. Isn't that how the saying goes?"

Happy laughed out loud.

"That was honestly amazing! You should've seen your faces."

Isaiah sighed. He would never know what they were on about.

"In all seriousness, are you serious about this school?" Tony asked.

They soon reached the living room and took a seat.

Isaiah shrugged,

"I mean. Like we said, let's visit first."

"Sure, but why did you tell so much about your powers though? I thought you wanted to keep some of that stuff a secret."

"Well, since it's a school of powers, there are obviously going to be kids with powers."

"Thank you Capt'n Obvious," Tony sarcastically said.

Isaiah rolled his eyes,

"Anyway, Teacher said that mutants are people who possess cheat codes to reality while sorcerers possess the programs, right?"

Tony nodded,

"Yeah. She explained it something like that."

"That means both groups operate under the same system only in different ways, right?"

"That's right."

"I figured that if I dubbed my mutant ability as Energy manipulation instead of Intuitive Aptitude, I could probably study their powers in order to help advance my magic. And since it is widely known that energy manipulators are one of the most versatile powers, it wouldn't be a problem and they wouldn't have to ask questions about the diverse aspect of my powers." Isaiah replied.

Tony nodded,

"Well, you do you. When do you want to go?"

"Can we go on Monday?"

"Monday? Why not tomorrow."

"Well, I promised Percy to help him train for the upcoming war."

Tony frowned,

"Ah yes. The War. I honestly forgot about that. Do you need me to arrange anything? I kinda want to help the kid."

Isaiah sighed,

"Sorry, dad. But you remember that you can't really get involved since your weapons would be too noticeable. It's not like they're covered in Mist therefore, it would raise too many questions for no reason."

*Sigh*

"That's what I thought too. Alright then can I see it? Now that I think about it, I've never actually seen you fight except for that one time in Kamar-Taj.

Isaiah smiled. He can finally show his dad his fighting prowess.

"Sure."

Tony got up and turned around before turning back,

"By the way, where will you be training? It's not like we have a training ground for mystical spars."

Isaiah grinned.

"Oh don't worry dad. I have the perfect place for it."

"And that is?"

"The Mirror Dimension."