I just left a review, and two seconds after hitting 'send' thought of several possible mutant names for Xander! (...I had to check them against the list of X-men on Wiki to make sure I wasn't duplicating or copying anything.) Here are some humble suggestions: Ashmite, Flash Point/Smoke Point, Smokeshift, Burncloud, Cinderburn, Antiquark.
Review By [Chickalupe] • Date [2 Feb 12] • Not Rated
Just found this, and am very, VERY interested in where you go with it! Well written and engaging story so far, can't wait to see what happens next. Keep up the good work!
Review By [Chickalupe] • Date [2 Feb 12] • Not Rated
Interesting story. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes. Nicknames for Xander.... well here's some suggestions I guess.
Swarm, host, both of which for the whole "millions of pieces". Alternately The Black Host or Black Swarm for the color of his atomized form.
Shredder for the whole Molecular Distortion aspect of his mutation.
Fade
Shroud
Occam or Ockham for Occam's razor which I've always thought was quite a Xanderesque thing.
Onslaught...used, but maybe not in your universe.
Dust or Duster, I think Xander would get a kick out of that since it appears the things he uses his powers on would fall apart like when a vampire is dusted. Especially if Xander makes a habit of using it on Vampires and demons as he travels.
Another interesting thing with his powers is how while dispersed he can see and understand the molecular/atomic/particle make up of everything.
Atom or Black Atom.
Crux would be interesting. Not really power related, but Crux can mean "most important part". If you plan on the scoobies realizing how important Xander really was to their safety and success it could be amusing for him to use it. Especially when you consider Xander was the Heart of their enjoining spell. Or alternately it can "a cross" and that could be a nice symbolic name if he uses his powers to slay vampires and kill/fight demons.
Zero, Zeppo, Norm, and Albatross can all be names that give a middle finger to the scoobies and their attitude and treatments towards him.
Anyways I'm looking forward to more of this story.
Review By [zxusof] • Date [1 Feb 12] • Rating [9 out of 10]
I'm very much enjoying the fic so far. I'm particularly glad that you gave Xander a relatively original power, rather than just stealing of of the stand-bys from someone else.
On the topics of Codenames, I have a few suggestions:
Vapor: as in mist or gas...potential for "giving me the vapors" Southern Gentleman style jokes
Sublime: when solids go straight to gaseous form, its called "sublimation". Plus, all sorts of "bad puns" available about how Xander is or isn't sublime...in any/all senses of the word.
Arc: If Xander's power heads in this direction, then in "ripping apart" atomic bonds, he might be freeing up a lot of electrons, perhaps giving him an electrical ranged attack of he can control it. Something about electrical "arcing" might then be appropriate. If he isn't heading in this direction, then nevermind.
Like what's happening so far, tho I did wish he had said something to the gang before he left. Like what he was thinking about having saved Buffy's life and the other things, so when they happened maybe someone would have realized that he was important. The "fix it" thing should have been turned around on Buffy too, maybe she's the one that needs fixing. Also, the sentinels may go after Buffy too. As far as a name go how about Shroud, Dusk, or a foreign/ancient word for smoke.
really cool start to things, kinda wish xander would have thrown a fit and yelled at the lot of them before leaving, but maybe he'll get to later. lol and a psychic delivery service, "we can absolutely, positively promise your package will be delivered to the recipient no matter where they are!" as for names...ghost? phantom? (they can float through things). keep up the good work, i look forward to seeing where you go with this :)
Review By [jujukittychick] • Date [1 Feb 12] • Not Rated
Unlike that suggestion, I would advise something that does not risk giving any hints of exactly what his powers are beyond superficial appearance and looking harmless while still sound somewhat cool. This does not mean he should not try to master every little trick his ability could offer and studying the appropriate sciences and other skills. Maybe he could even pretend his ability is due to technology or a mystical source.
Some suggestions: Mist Walker (if it is to be artsy). Cloud Fist (Make it sound like a some mystical martial arts ability, though he would need to study some martial arts of appropriate styles to make this ruse work). Shadow (perhaps based on the old superhero on radio, though he would need the appropriate clothing and perhaps some stealth skills and others to back up this appearance).
Edit: The thing that surprises me is why have the sentinels not detected or fought any of the demons in Sunnydale (at least not yet) given how many do deviate from normal humans even if they might not have a particular "mutant field". Vampires definitely. Maybe even the mayor might have energy anomalies from the effects used to make him immortal. Maybe the sentinels would replace the Initiative too. Presumably machines are not affected by the Sunnydale Effect given that they are machines.
For the name thing, i got two. One use vapor as his code name or you could go with another.
"Smoke" like one the in mortal combat, just add the ninja like training to add to his alreadly high combat skills from the memories of the seal training. I got to wonder as his shape and form are more in what now he puts himself togther as. Could it not also be true that in turn he can chose his shape and form?
Just rearrange himself in another way, like a heyna for example?
Review By [thsunami] • Date [1 Feb 12] • Not Rated
How about "Dr Manhattan". His powers are like that character from the 'Watchmen' comics. Can Xander combine his atoms with others atoms to become a larger being like Dr Manhattan and make people explode into atoms at will? See you next update.
Review By [RoyalTwinFangs] • Date [1 Feb 12] • Rating [8 out of 10]
