THE BEGINNING OF A SPIRIT
Disclaimer: I don't own the X-Men. I wish I did.
Summary: Two months after the event of X2, a new mutant arrives at the institute. How will her presence affect the others?
Notes: This is my first ever fan fiction. The idea has been in my head for a while, and I thought why not write it? Let me know what you think, because there plenty more chapters, and I will update as regularly as possible. All reviews are appreciated. Enjoy!
Chapter 1
Rebecca Winchester stood at the giant front doors of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters and took a few calming breaths. She knew she'd taken this appointment for a good reason, but she was beginning to rethink the decision. She had no idea what the school could possibly need her for. At 19 years of age she figured she was too old to be a student, but too young to be a teacher, even if she did have the credentials. She wasn't kidding herself either; she knew it had something to do with her abilities.
When she was 16 she discovered she could turn invisible at will, could heal other people's injuries or illnesses with her bare hands, and she could hear peoples thoughts. Not that she did that much, the noise was too unbearable. She'd had to learn how to block her mind from others over time. After finishing her studies early, at the age of 17 (she was quite smart, and excelled in most of her subjects) she left Australia and headed for New York. She got a job that paid enough for her to survive, and lived a fairly normal life. Returning home from work one day she found a letter from Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. She'd heard of the school by reputation and knew it was very exclusive. She was surprised to find that Charles Xavier himself had requested she attend an appointment in a week's time.
So now here she was, trying to relax. She took a few more deep breaths, and knocked on the door.
A young boy, he didn't look more than ten years old, wrenched the door open so fast it looked like it was going to fall off its hinges.
"Hi, my name's Rebecca Winchester, I've got an…"
"Appointment with the Professor, I know, come on in. My names Mark. Are you going to be a new teacher or something? I kind of thought we had enough of those. But I guess there is that rumor going around that Mr. Summers is leaving…"
It seems the kid did everything fast, it was an effort just to keep up with his sentences. He didn't stop talking the entire time, and it was only when they reached a door slightly hidden in the corner that he slowed down.
"Here's the Professor's office, just go right in, he's expecting you! Bye!"
Mark sped off around the corner to catch up with a group of children that had just walked past. Rebecca took another deep breath and opened the door. It was a large office, and brightly lit by the afternoon sun. Sitting behind the large wooden desk, was a kind-looking bald man who could only be Professor Charles Xavier.
"Please sit down Ms. Winchester. I'm glad you could make the appointment."
"Thank you Professor Xavier. I don't mean to be rude, but why exactly did you want to meet with me?"
He smiled.
"The reason I asked you here is because I am aware of your mutant abilities and would like to offer you the chance to learn how to control them."
"How did you know I'm a mutant?"
"I have my methods, but trust me Ms. Winchester, there's no need to be alarmed. Now, if you accept this offer you will have a place to stay, and all kinds of training and resources will be available to you. The only thing I ask in return is that you help us with some teaching duties."
I was confused now. None of this made any sense; the things he was offering were too good to be true.
"Aren't I a little young to be a teacher Professor?"
"At this school, no. But you won't be a teacher exactly; you'll be more like an assistant. I want you to help Scott Summers with his English class. I will introduce you to him later, along with the rest of the staff. So Ms. Winchester, do we have an agreement?"
How could she refuse? It was everything she needed right here.
"I'm in professor. I'll do the best I can."
"Wonderful! Now, Mark is again waiting outside to show you to your room. Once you're settled in feel free to explore. I only ask that you return here at half past five to meet everyone. I will fill them in on your situation before you arrive. Thank you ever so much for helping us out Ms. Winchester."
"It's no problem really. I think you're helping me out more."
She left the office, and sure enough, the chatterbox was standing there. He led her up the steps and down the corridor to a room right at the end. It had a bed and a bathroom, and that's all that mattered to her. After saying goodbye to Mark, she unpacked her things and collapsed onto her bed. It had been a long day and it wasn't over yet.