The strong wind felt good whipping through his hair, just like it always did. On the back of the motorcycle seemed to be the only place he found sanity anymore. The memories of Scott and Jean flitted through his mind, but they were only lingering; they were swept away by the wind as he flew along the deserted countryside. He wasn't wearing the helmet, not like that was anything new. He needed this escape, to ignore real life for a few hours every day.

And, as always, he would arrive back to worried looks from Rogue and Storm, but he shrugged them off and went to his room. He sat on his bed and for the millionth time felt the agonizing guilt. It was his fault they weren't here anymore. He had gotten them both killed for his own curiosity. He stood up, running his hands through his hair as he paced about his small room. A tentative knock sounded on the door.

"Logan," came Rogue's small voice, "can I come in?" He chose not to answer and instead stared out the window. He heard the doorknob begin to twist, but the lock kept it from finishing. "Logan, please. I want to talk to you," came her voice, stronger now. He grunted in response, and heard her sigh and pad away from the door slowly. He laid down on his bed, hating himself for isolating himself from everyone, but he still couldn't bring himself to get close to anyone again. He was too afraid that he would hurt them.

Moments later, he heard to girls' voices sound from outside his door. He recognized them both immediately; Rogue and Kitty. He jumped up, preparing for the inevitable. Right on cue, Kitty slipped through the wall with Rogue in her arms, gave Logan a shy wave, and zipped out through the wall again. He grunted and turned his back to her, having nothing to say. Please go away, he pleaded silently. But, of course, she did not.

"Logan," she said quietly, taking a step closer to him. He continued ignoring her and closed his eyes to the sound of the care in her voice. He didn't want anyone caring for him. "Logan, you can't shut me out forever." She took three steps closer to him and laid her bare hand gently on his arm. It was the first physical touch she gave him since she had her powers taken away. He couldn't help it. He looked at her with grief heavy in his eyes. He said nothing out loud, but she understood.

"I know it's hard," she said slowly, with great thought, "but there's so much to care about, Logan. There's me, there's Bobby, there's Storm..." she drifted off for a moment. "Why don't you come back to us, Logan? We miss you. What about all the kids, Logan?" He shuddered and brushed her hand away.

"Don't you understand?" he growled, the guilt and pain hanging heavy in his voice, "I can't let go. I can't let anyone else get killed for me again."

"It wasn't your fault!" she said loudly, grabbing his arm again. "Scott was his own doing, and partly Jean. She killed him, Logan, and really, she got herself killed, too!" He yanked his arm away from her again.

"Stop," he nearly whispered, but it was so intense that it drove her over the edge.

"There are people who love you, Logan. I know that we're not the same, but come back for us. We miss you. Just because we're not as special as Jean, and you don't love us as much as her is no reason to just forget about us." She stormed out, the air around her almost crackling with her rage. She collided with Bobby on her way down the hall. She dragged him into her room, and wrapped her arms around him. At his returned embrace, she let the angry tears flow free.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Welcome to Xavier's Institute, Leah," Storm said sweetly, broadcasting her most winning smile. Leah returned it wholeheartedly. "We're grateful to have you."

"It's my pleasure," Leah replied. Her voice had a smooth, melodic sound to it as it slid from her lips. Her hair was a dark brown, and her skin light and smooth. Her bright blue eyes almost seemed to dance as she took in the school. "I've always wanted to use my talents to teach other mutants. I'm so glad I heard about this place." She smiled as a man with large, white wings walked past her, and he nodded back. She turned to talk to Storm again, but still stared after the man with a glimmer in her eyes. Storm picked it up immediately.

"That's Angel," she said quietly. "He also helps to teach." Leah just smiled in response as she continued to watch the children run past. Storm smiled and made another attempt at a conversation. "You said you've taught before?"

"Mmhm," came the reply as Leah turned towards her. "I've been teaching at a public school in New York for the last four years. I taught 10th grade math. It was horrible!" She laughed at the thought of it. "I'm glad to be finally working with my own kind." She flashed Storm a shy smile.

"I'm sorry," Storm said quietly, "but I don't think I ever read what your power was." Leah smiled, and held up her hand. A small ball of water gathered above her hand and floated in midair.

"I can manipulate water. I can't create it, but I can draw it from the air, and lakes, rivers and oceans, and even from people or animals. And you?" she replied sweetly.

"I can, as you say, 'manipulate' the weather." As she said this, storm clouds gathered outside, making it exceptionally dark.

"Oh, my!" Leah said, peering out of the window. "I haven't had much experience with other mutants, but I can tell that your power is exceptional!" Storm laughed, putting her arm on the younger woman's shoulder.

"Why don't we go see your room now, dear?"