Aphanes - Gk., adj. Unseen, invisible; hidden, secret; vanished; uncertain, unknown; insignificant, obscure.


Summary: It's Ordinary People only with mutants and Canadian politics. When a troubled young mutant from Ottawa is referred to Westchester, Charles has to face up to his own limitations and find a way to reach through the boy's defences. Meanwhile, tensions rise up north as a small anti-mutant group begins to make their name known.
Warnings: Oh noes, original character! (Not a Mary Sue, I promise, but I know some people hate OC's no matter what.) Also, this story deals with religion, politics, and mental health issues. Violence in one chapter, copious swearing throughout, and no sex.
Size: Approximately 65,700 words.
Canon: It takes place some time prior to the events of X1 (about 4 years, give or take). Politically, things are difficult for mutants in the U.S. but much less so in Canada, especially in urban government centres like Ottawa.
Disclaimer: The X-Men are the property of Marvel, as everyone knows. Joel McCree and his friends and family belong to me. Ottawa belongs to herself, but she's lookin' to meet somebody.

Part I

  1. Psychiatric Referral (c. 4,000 words) - Charles accepts a new patient.
  2. Underneath the Ice (c. 4,000 words) - Hank and Xavier investigate Joel's powers.
  3. The Sin of Pride (c. 4,200 words) - Frustrated with his lack of progress, Charles looks outside for advice.
  4. A Strong Perfume (c. 2,400 words) - Peace, order, and good government.
  5. Voices from the Wilderness (c. 3,300 words) - Some messages are hard to hear.

Part II

  1. The October Crisis (c. 4,200 words) - An oasis of safety is attacked.
  2. Dead to Rights and Wide Awake (c. 5,200 words) - Charles and Joel come to Ottawa, but find few answers.
  3. Blackburn Hamlet (c. 4,300 words) - Potential solutions present themselves.
  4. The Paper Birds (c. 4,000 words) - The McCrees find official support, and Charles locates the CFH cell.
  5. The Wide Unknown Country (c. 3,400 words) - Venturing into hostile territory.

Part III

  1. And Those at Sea (c. 4,500 words) - Change begins slowly.
  2. A Mess That Deserves a Big 'No' (c. 4,600 words) - Constitutional and other crises.
  3. Transference (c. 5000 words) - Confrontations.
  4. Stendhal Syndrome (c. 3,700 words) - Finding meaning.
  5. Toute En Splendeur (c. 4,300 words) - Returning home and finding your place.

Endnotes

Feedback, constructive criticism, and any comments at all are rad. Email me at 0fac@qlink.queensu.ca, or drop me a comment on my journal.


The story continues in The Heart's Landscape.

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