New York, 2011

Salem Centre, New York

The sound of wind whistling softly through trees surrounded the group of teenagers, the lush forest around them swayed gently to a breeze they could not feel. Monkeys scrambled up trees and birds roosted in their nests. A soft, echoing voice drifted through the vision.

"As you can see, this habitat offers protection from predators in the form of trees and leaf litter. The trees provide sources of shelter, nutrients and life. If you look closely you can see a range of animals hiding in the tree bark, like this chameleon," the room spun and blurred, the children came to a tree in the centre of the vision, a chameleon on its trunk perfectly mimicking the bark of the tree. "His skin changes colour to camouflage into its surroundings in order for him to stay safe. For your research assignment you will be choosing an animal within this jungle habitat to investigate." The vision faded and the group of teenagers could once again see the classroom around them, the windows, the tables and the black board. At the front of the room, a young woman stood with steel grey eyes and long ashy hair, smiling. The teacher, Victoria Fairhaven. Mutant and Professor of learning.

"By next lesson I want you to have chosen the animal you wish to study and started to think about their place in the habitat. That's all for today, let's all go get some lunch." I said, writing the due date of the assignment on my blackboard and smiling at the students in the class, some still dazed from the illusion they had been sitting in.

"Thanks Miss Fairhaven." The class responded collectively. I motioned for the door with a wink before turning to reorganise my desk papers. I had been teaching ever since graduating last year. The Professor had said that my illusory skills would make my lessons more engaging for younger students, so I had been taking care of elementary to middle school lessons ever since. English, Environmental Studies, Mathematics and Physical Education. I listened to the sounds of the students shuffling out into the hallway, their footsteps receding quickly as I brought out material for my next lesson.

"Miss Fairhaven, I'm glad to see how well you've taken to your new roll." I turned to see Professor Xavier himself in my doorway, his chair not making a sound as it glided over the hard wood floor. I grinned as he entered the room, pulling myself up to sit on top of the desk, waiting for the beginning of whatever conversation he had planned. I had become used to his regular visits to discuss my work and any potential job opportunities outside of the mansion.

"It's been great actually. I never realised how much I'd like working with kids this age. Mind you, it's not quite what I expected either. The students are challenging in a lot of ways – most of them have had a pretty rough start to life after finding their gifts, and I still sometimes miss anthropology, but the kids are an interesting study themselves some days." I smirked at my own little joke and the Professor's eyes twinkled, even though he tried to give me a disapproving look.

"Well, I came here today to speak to you about your position, as it were," The Professor said. I placed my hands in my lap and looked at him with avid curiosity, along with a touch of concern. He smiled and let out a small chuckle. "Always ready for the next adventure, aren't you Victoria. I have found a potential adventure for you, if you're interested. It would mean moving to upstate New York, but of course you would always be welcome here."

"What's in upstate New York?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"A job. Working as an anthropological analyst, staff trainer and liaison for Stark Industries." He paused trying to gauge my reaction. "The pay would be considerably better than here and you would be working in an industry which would allow you to continue your anthropology studies. It would be a great opportunity to learn and grow."

"But what about the students? My class is half way through an inquiry unit and the youngest are still learning to trust us… I couldn't just leave them." Professor Xavier placed one of his hands on my own and smiled. My thoughts were already running at a million miles a second. I loved the students, they had become 'my kids'. The thought of leaving them was heart breaking – but the thought of becoming part of something greater was exhilarating…

"The students have Ororo, Scott and all of us here. They love you, I'm sure they would not want you to miss out on an opportunity like this." He said, his voice gentle. "My contact has given you until the end of the week to accept this job offer, shall I leave you to think it over?"

"Please," I answered, voice quiet. I hopped down off the table gracefully, lacing my fingers together and pressing my palms. "Does this person know about…"

"Your abilities? No. I thought that discussion was best left in your hands." I smiled and bent down to give the Professor a small hug. He chuckled as I nodded and left the room quickly, needing some time to myself to mull over all of the information I had just been given. I had so much to be thankful for, and when it came to the Professor, I wasn't sure I would ever be thankful enough for the opportunities that he had given me.

The brush slid through my hair, pulling at tangles and nots, massaging my scalp as I pondered the Professor's offer. A new job in upstate New York. A new life, and one studying social anthropology too. I was completely blown away by the offer and now I had no idea what I should do. Could I really just leave my classes, my home and move on? Could I afford to meet new people and be in an environment where my abilities may be called into service? Would they judge or persecute me for being different? I felt nervous at the idea of others learning about my 'gifts'.

As I looked down at the brush in my lap I sighed, pulling from its bristles another strand of silvery white hair. A memento from the trauma left when my family had tried to have me injected with the cure. They had tied me down to start the procedure before I truly started fight, not understanding what was happening. My father had told me it was a dentist visit. I didn't have control over my abilities back then… To a large extent I still didn't have control. I fought tooth and nail to get away from the men in lab coats, and eventually they lost their hold on me. They were going to tranquilize me, but my instincts must have kicked in at the last minute, because with what strength I had left I had managed to get away. Becoming invisible, just like the chameleon. That was the day I realised I could do more than create mirages and illusions and parlour tricks.

I had never looked back. I had been 14 when it happened and had lived on the streets until Charles Xavier found me and gave me a second chance. Now, at 21, he was offering me another chance. The chance of a life time. I picked up my phone and dialled the now familiar number of my closest friend. The receiver clicked at the other end to signal someone picking up their phone.

"Tori? What's wrong?" said the voice on the other end of the line, bruskly. Sounded about right. Knowing her I'd either interrupted her having 'fun' with a guy, or another binge.

"Hi to you too Jess," I laughed. "I was just hoping to get your thoughts on a job offer…