Dear Professor Xavier
by Gevaisa
An explanation is
probably in order. I'm posting these chapters as
an experiment, which all my current readers will understand. If Neil Gaiman can write the wonderful Marvel 1602,
which sets the Marvel universe and the X- Men in the Elizabethan era,
then this can be a Phantom of the Opera-X-Men crossover. It's not a
time-travel story; it's an alternative universe. It's not taking place
before or after the events of the Gaston Leroux book or the ALW musical
or movie, but instead of them. This story takes place in the later part
of 1888 through the first six months of 1889. The title is taken from a Tori Amos song. There is anti-Semitism in this story. This reflects reality The
Holocaust is coming for the Jews of Europe, and it is less than fifty
years away. If anything, my treatment of itis mild. The obligatory disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters; I
just like to play with them. The dialog is mostly mine, however. Rating PG-13, because: A: of some language, and B: the heroine is Jewish and will encounter anti-Semitism, One last detailâ€"this fic will be taking place in the epistolary, or
letter form. That's what the Voices in my head wanted. I just write it
down... Katherine (Kitty) Pryde: A heroine. Usually kick-ass, currently
heartbroken. Peter Rasputin (Colossus): The heartbreaker. Never formally engaged
to Kitty, they had an Understanding that they would be married once she
turned 18. He ceased to Understand. She doesn't understand. Professor Sir Charles Xavier: A teacher, a telepath, and a mentor.
Owns a large estate in Yorkshire. Very rich, but would be much richer
if he were not so good. Takes in and trains young Evolved (the 19th
century term for mutants) at his own expense. Sir Erich Magnus Lensherr (Magneto), Baron Ware. An extremely
wealthy Jewish banker, ennobled for loaning very large sums of money to
the Crown. No relation whatsoever to anybody named Erik;
the name is a coincidence. Doesn't really approve of anybody who isn't
Evolved, or Jewish, preferably both. Kitty is both; he is as fond of
her as if she were his daughter. Has phenomenal magnetic powers and is
slightly telepathic as well. Banker to Messrs. Andre and Firmin. Auroré Munro (Storm): Renamed because the Black Pride movement is a
century in the future. An older sister figure to Kitty. Lives on and
teaches on the Xavier estate. Has weather powers. Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler): Looks like a very handsome, furry, blue
demon, acts like a Pirate King. Can teleport from place to place, and
is a superb acrobat. Used to make Kitty uneasy because of his
appearance, but his irresistible good nature won her over, and he is
now like an elder brother to her. German-born; former circus performer.
Also lives on and teaches on the Xavier estate. Illyana Rasputin: Best friend to Kitty, former roommate, younger
sister to Peter Rasputin. Confidant to all the juicy bits Kitty
wouldn't dare tell the Professor or even tell Auroré and Kurt. Lives in
and is a student in the Xavier school. Logan (Wolverine): Trained Kitty in the Martial Arts. Like an uncle
to her. Currently residing in Japan because Jean Grey married Scott
Summers, and broke his (Logan's) heart. All-around tough guy who looks
more like Tommy Lee Jones than like Hugh Jackman. Known for the
wretchedly bad quality of his singing voice. Lord Warren W. Worthington III, Earl of Worthing. (Angel) Blond,
blue eyed, and as beautiful a man as was ever born, Lord Worthing is
the heir to a fortune and title as well. Under his clothes he has a
secret: a pair of angelic, white-feathered wings. He can fly. Currently
doing the Grand Tour of Europe because Jean Grey....see above. Most
obviously Raoul-like character, but you never know. Alice Blaire (Dazzler): Name changed from Alison to Alice to be in
keeping with the period. Has red-gold hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful
singing voice. Can convert sound waves into light. A talented singer,
actress, and dancer, she is moderately famous as a star of operettas
like those of Gilbert and Sullivan. Rather more experienced and worldly
than Kitty, and able to offer very good and practical advice on matters
Professor Xavier would not approve of. The Phantom: Erik (Last name unknown) Based on Gerard Butler's
Phantom from the recent movie, but with a twist or two. He's a
mutant...and knows nothing about other mutants. He will soon learn. From: Peter Rasputin, Iznik, Turkey. To: Katherine Pryde, Xavier House, Yorkshire, England. Dear Katya: I cannot soften this news in any manner. I must tell you plainly.
Please forgive me. I have married another. From the moment I saw her, I
could not help but love her..... From: Sir Erich Lensherr, Baron Ware, Warefield, Devonshire, England. To: Peter Rasputin, Iznik, Turkey. Charles Xavier is too soft hearted to say this, so I must. Your
behavior toward Katherine Pryde was disgraceful and dishonorable. I am
not so old that I cannot deal with you as you deserve.... From: Sir Charles Xavier, Xavier House, Yorkshire, England. To: Peter Rasputin, Iznik, Turkey. We cannot command our hearts, but we can rule our actions. If you
found you could not love Kitty as you should love your wife, it would
have been wrong to marry her. Yet to marry a stranger on three days
acquaintance, one with whom you have no language in common? I am hurt and disappointed, Peter. I had thought better of you. From Charles Xavier to Erich Lensherr: Kitty puts on a brave front in company, but she wanders around the
school like a forlorn ghost when she thinks no one is watching... From Erich Lensherr to Charles Xavier: I have an idea as regards our heartbroken Katherine. A change of
scene will do her good. I have connections in Paris... Dear Peter: I cannot forgive you, for there is nothing to forgive. I was only
thirteen when we met, and you were so kind to me that I could not help
but become attached to you. It was unrealistic for anyone to expect
that bond to last five years, much less result in our marriage. I wish
you happy with a whole heart. Your letters will be here in Xavier House whenever you should
return. I hope you will keep those I have sent you, as well as any
presents I have ever given you. I think it would be better if you
didn't write to me again, at least not for a while. Anyway, I will not be here. I am going to Paris. I have a letter of
introduction to the managers of the Opera Populaire. I will be
auditioning for the Opera Ballet corps. I have been studying ballet
since I was a child; now I'll have the chance to prove I truly am a
dancer. I won't say good-bye, because of course we are still friends. I hope
you and your new bride will be very happyâ€"as happy as you could ever
hope to be. Sincerely, Katherine Pryde Kitty is a sensible girl, and between her common sense, her powers,
and her fighting skills, I'm sure she'll be almost as safe in the Paris
Opera as in your school. Her stay there is not likely to be of long
duration in any event. A professional dancer's life is harder than she
can guess, and she will be lonely and homesick as well. She has never
had to budget her own living expenses, either. She will return when she
runs out of money, if not before. You are very likely right, but Kitty may surprise us all.
Cast of X-Men Characters:
The Major Non-X-Men
Character:
1. Why Katherine Pryde
Went to Audition for the Paris Opera Ballet
Excerpt
of a letter:
Excerpt
of a Letter:
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
Letter
from Katherine Pryde
to Peter Rasputin:
Excerpt
from Erich Lensherr
to Charles Xavier:
Excerpt
from Charles Xavier
to Erich Lensherr: