Little bird
I spent my first two years as a mutant alone in the Canadian wilderness and deserted towns and cottages. If I ever saw another person I pulled up my hood, kept my eyes down and kept walking while trying to look scary, most of the time it worked, when it didn't I just ran. One day while staying in a summer cottage (sometime during winter) I discovered an ad in the paper about the 'Xavier institute for gifted youngsters', I never considered my powers a gift more like a curse... but I figured I'd give it a try. Since phones were out of the question (since I didn't have one and for other reasons) I'd have to walk all the way to New York (Bayville to be exact).
It took me a month to get there (you should try boarder hopping sometime, you really have to have skills no to get caught.) When I finally stood in front of the Institutes gates I freaked, what if the place was like a prep school or something that would be bad! But throwing caution to the wind I pushed open the gates and walked up the long driveway to the large mansion on a hill. When I got to the large oak doors I wasn't too sure if I should knock or ring the doorbell or just walk in –it's been a long time since I've been in civilized company.
While I stood there contemplating this rather simple decision the doors opened and a rather scruffy looking man stood there- he looked like a modern day caveman.
"Come on in the Professor wants' to see ya," Came his gruff reply to my silent question, and then he turned back into the building with me quickly following- not wanting to look stupid. The place was huge, and that was an understatement! Anyways I followed the modern looking caveman further into the building memorizing the rout in order to make a quick escape if need be.
"Hello there, you must be Melody Friessen, my nave is Charles Xavier, but you can call me Professor," the man was bald, yah that was the first thing that came to mind when I saw him, next was 'how did he know my name?', followed closely by 'why would anyone go by Professor?' I nodded my greetings, but didn't say a word.
"I understand that this whole thing must be scary, but this is a safe place for mutants, where they can learn to use their powers and be with other mutants like themselves," If this guy thought walking into a building was scary then he didn't know what I could do.
"You may think that your powers are a curse but I assured you that they are not, once you learn to control them you will understand," I wanted to roll my eyes, but for some reason I couldn't –maybe I wanted to believe him- the silence was broken by a loud bunch of whoops and hollers which caused me to jump and look for the quickest way out –screw fight I'm getting out of here as fast as my skinny legs can carry me!
"Don't worry that's just the other student's coming home from school," the Professor explained –which made me confused 'cause I thought that this was a school- moving from behind the desk. At first I thought it strange that his height didn't change, then I saw the wheel chair and had the uncontrollable urge to face palm.
"Why don't we go and introduce you to everyone?" He suggested leaving the room, expecting me to follow, which I did albeit a bit slowly, my flight mode still on high alert.
"Hey zer Profezor," the accent sounded German, I rounded the corner cautiously and was met with the sight of 10 or so teenagers –varying in age- around the Professor –I was so ready to get out of here.
"Hello Kurt, Everyone I'd like to introduce you to someone, Melody it's alright no one here will hurt you," his voice sounded trustworthy –and sound to me was very important- so I came out form my hiding place around the corner. They all just stared at me; I knew I was a sight to see. I hadn't changed clothes in two years –I know gross- but they did get rinsed whenever it rained –and I hadn't washed with real soap in almost two year –I had broken down about six months ago and risked stealing a bar of soap. I knew I wasn't pretty nor did I smell too nice. But being the head strong person I am, with the mindset that I don't care about what other people think of me, I strolled out keeping my head up stopping only a few feet away from them.
"Hey Melody, my name is Scott Summers, nice to meet you," The boy had ruby sunglasses and brown hair, and looked like the kind of boy I would've dated before my powers came into play. I took his outstretched hand and shook it, but I still refused to say a word.
"Melody you don't have to worry, your powers won't hurt anyone, only if you sing," I just gawked at the Professor, mouth hanging open, eyes wide as saucers shocked.
"I'm a telepath," He said simply and it all made sense.
"Oh," I muttered and jumped at the sound of my own voice, which was thick and rough due to under use.
"So like how old are you Melody?" A girl with brown hair in a high ponytail asked me. I cleared my throat trying to get it to sound normal before answering.
"What's the date?" I ask looking over at the now thinning group – it seems that to the younger kids I wasn't very interesting.
"It's March 21st," A girl with long red hair answers, I have to think about it for a second –it's been a long time since I worried about anything like birthdays.
"20," I answer finally "Almost 21," not too sure what else to say I just stand there awkwardly.
"Where ya' from?" A girl with white streaks in the for font of her hair asks and I have this urge to laugh at her accent.
"A small town in Northern Manitoba, Manitoba's in Canada," I say seeing their confused looks –this isn't my first time dealing with Americans, they know about their own country, but the majority don't know much about other countries.
"So vhat iz your pover?" The German accent again, I looked over towards a boy who desperately needed to ether pull his pants up or pull his shirt out of his boxers.
"I go by Siren now, if that's any clue," It seemed like it wasn't "Well, I'm not too sure I can explain it" I admit sheepishly twisting my hands behind my back.
"Melody's-" I cleared my throat "Siren's?" The Professor looked at me and I gave a small nod "abilities are linked to a person's mind, any time she sings a strong suggestion or order is implanted into the listeners mind, making it so she can control them, if she gives no order then the person loses all control over their mind," He explained my power perfectly, he didn't even have to say it was dangerous you could just tell by the way he said it.
"Remy thinks dat's a very interestin' power for just a petite fille," I looked over at the brown haired boy who was wearing a brown trench coat, and had the most intriguing red and black eyes.
"Excusez-moi Monsieur?" I growled in annoyance "I am no little girl" I'm hopping I'm giving him a if-looks-can-kill look.
"Remy apologizes Madmuazel, Remy meant not to offend," I can already tell this guy thinks the world of himself, yet another guy I would've dated two years ago.
"Jean, why don't you show Siren where she'll be staying, and perhaps you and the girls could take her shopping for some new clothes," My hearing instantly perks, 1) I never said –out loud- that I was staying and 2) SHOPPING!
"That is of course if you want to stay here Siren, you can leave at anytime," I want to say I thought it over –due to the fact that I took so long to answer- but really the only thing going through my head was shopping!
"You've got indoor plumbing?" I ask sceptically.
"Ja,"
"Food that is in a fridge?"
"Uh...yah,"
"Decent beds?"
"Oui,"
"Heating and air conditioning?"
"Like doesn't everyone?"
"Rooms consist of four walls a ceiling, a floor, and a door?"
"Don't all?"
"Sounds like paradise," I smile "sign me up!" which caused the whole group to laugh, oddly enough it made me feel good to be around people again.
"Come on girl let's ah get cha' washed an' ready to go!" I could care less where they took me or who said it, all I knew –and cared about- was I was on my way to a shower!
I ended up borrowing a top from Rouge (the girl with white streaks) and a pair of jeans from Jean, and then we were off in a rather stylish car; four teenage girls on the way to the mall with the stereo blaring, it was pure heaven! The second I saw the car I asked for shotgun and the claim over the stereo, at first they were sceptical on the radio bit, but then I explained I hadn't heard music in two years, they got me to the car so fast I almost lost my warn out high-tops. I did feel sort of bad for their eardrums though, but what can I say I like my music hard and loud, or smooth and loud... Music is meant to be loud no questions asked! When I listen to music there is one volume, Maximum!
The mall was about five times larger than the one I had in my old hometown. We started on the necessities, toiletries and clothes, then to things like accessories and music –and the best boom box/stereo I could find. Since I had nothing but the clothes on my back it was a very expensive bill –thank goodness for credit cards! Three hours later we were on our way back to the institute –the trunk full of bags – with the music blaring –to my joy!
When we parked in the garage I was surprised to see all the boys whom I'd 'met' before waiting for us... with a few additions.
"Vellcome back ladies, hov vas the shapping trip?" The boy with boxer problems asked. Kitty –the girl with the pony tale- jumped out of the back seat and giggled as she walked over to the boy.
"Like open the trunk and like for yourself Kurt," another name to another face, I'll get them all... eventually. And so the boys followed the girl's orders and were actually surprised at how much stuff we'd bought.
"What did you do? Buy the whole mall?" Scott asked with a laugh nudging Remy –the boy with the trench coat.
"These are just the necessities for any girl," I wanted to laugh but I didn't want to risk it being musical so I just smirked.
"Considering she had nothing, this is normal. Now are you boys going to help us or just stand around watching us?" Jean asked getting the bossy girl look on her face, planting her hands on her hips – I'm really starting to like these girls, a lot!
"Remy thinks dat watchin' sounds more fun den workin'," French accents are hot! I just thought I'd make that clear.
"Rem's," Rouge's tone was flat and unyielding; it made a shiver run down my spine.
"Oui Chère?" you could tell he was trying to look innocent but the boy was shaking in his trench coat, which was pretty amusing.
"You ether help or you can deal wit a week of having to stay two feet away from me at all times," It seemed to catch his attention because the boy started to unload the car without another word. I wanted to laugh or at least giggle I would've even settled for a snicker, but that's just too dangerous.
Once all my new stuff was in my room I was told dinner was ready, and let me tell you I was the first one down stairs in a chair, with fork and knife poised to go. Really can you blame me? My last meal had been two days ago which had only consisted of a small rabbit, yes I ate –and killed- a cute little bunny, but you'll find that when you're on the run and you have no option that, that cute little bunny starts to look awful tasty. Anyways I don't think I'll ever again take for granted home cooking... though I think I need to work on my table manners, even the modern day caveman Logan was giving me looks during dinner.
So anyways, once I had ingested as much as my stomach could hold and more –awarding me with more looks- I hoped, skipped and jumped off to my room –in that order. I hopped out of the dining room, skipped to the stairs and proceeded to jump up the stairs, then I walked to my room – anti-climactic I know.
The first thing I did was hook up my boom box and find the best rock radio station, the I tried –and failed- to find a jazz radio station -which made me want to cry. Anyways, with music pumping -so loudly that no one could hear me sing- I let loose and started harmonizing with all the songs. Oh fun fact, I have this knack for always knowing a song, even if it's knew and never been heard before, or when it's in a different language –I even understand the song! I started to put everything that I bought with the girls away and to my surprise I found that I had my own washroom complete with bath tub and shower! You may think these things are trivial or I'm over reacting but try not showering and only washing when it rains, and don't even get me started on winters! You'll understand quickly the joys of indoor plumbing.
'Siren,' I stopped and looked around not seeing anyone.
"Yah?" I called after I begrudgingly turned down my stereo.
'Siren would you mind keeping your music down, it seems that the other students are having a hard time dealing with the volume of your music,' the Professors voice sounded clear in my mind.
'Um... sorry I just wanted to sing...I'll turn it down to a safe humming level ok,' I must've sounded a little disappointed or maybe he just understood, all I know is I'm starting to have a liking to the all knowing Professor.
'We'll see if we can figure something out tomorrow when everyone is gone to school,' I don't know if you can mentally squeal for joy, but I'm pretty sure I did, because I hear the Professor laugh through our mental link.
After finally having everything where I wanted it to be I decided that it was a perfect time to familiarize myself with my new surroundings –which if I don't do I won't be able to sleep at all. I just wandered, did I mention this place is freakin' huge? Well it is. I'm not too sure how long I wandered for but it took me a long time to find the front foyer again, but it was still worth the long walk.
Once everything that needed to be done was done, I decided to turn on my stereo –to a respectable humming level- and flopped down on my bed... oh I like the sound of that my bed! And man did it feel good to sleep in a regular bed without worrying about the owner coming in and seeing you, 'cause well I'm the owner! Well technically the Professor is the owner, but that doesn't matter. Next thing I know the sun is glaring me in the eyes; I let out a small groan, rub my face and get up.
I'd like to say I'm a morning person, but no one's really a person until they wash their ace, their just zombies! Yes zombies. So after brushing my teeth –for the first time in two years! Yah I know gross- and doing the rest of the bathroom things, I changed into a pair of tight fitting acid washed jeans, a long green lace camisole with a dark green American apparel sweater over top, and headed down stairs towards the kitchen.
Either it's really early or really late because no one was around. Personally I'm leaning towards the really early bit 'cause there's no coffee, and if I remember correctly any building with coffee drinkers always has a pot of coffee ready always. Choosing not to wait I start rummaging in the fridge, only to realize that I've forgotten how to cook normal things, mostly I just ate what I could hunt or what I boiled into make shift tea when I was in the wilderness.
So anyways I'm hungry and the only think I can have is a glass of Orange juice, 'cause no matter how hungry I am I refuse to eat toast! The stuff is nasty! Who wants' dried bread? It tastes more like it's stale than anything.
"You're up pretty early kid," I turned to see Logan entering the kitchen in a lose fitting grey t-shit and navy sweat pants, with fresh stubble on his chin.
"Instincts," I shrug, which was true –wake up early stay up late- I always got about six hours of sleep "You?" I ask as he starts to make coffee –another thing I never quite had a liking to as a singer.
"I like to drink my morning coffee in peace," he seemed less animal like now that he did yesterday, but I stand by my statement of him looking like a modern day caveman.
"So if you don't mind me asking," I start fidgeting on the stool I currently occupied "what's your power?" He let out a small chuckle before turning to me, the coffee machine happily perking behind him.
"I heal, but there's also this," the second scariest and startling thing that's ever happened to me happened to be what came out of Logan's hands, I almost screamed! Which would've been a bad thing just so you know, 'cause a scream is just a really high note which is stressed, in lamens terms screaming=singing=powers=bad!
"Well that's different," I say finally and he lets out another soft chuckle, which I get jealous about ... these people just don't know how lucky they are! Though I think Rogue and I tie for crappiest powers ever!
"Is that all your going to eat?" He asks me raising an eyebrow, at my glass of O.J. Personally I could drink O.J. all day, and I don't care if I do lose all the enamel on my teeth, or if I screw up y singing voice, the stuff is good! With that said I still am really hungry, but it is kind of embarrassing to tell someone who looks like he should be crouching on the ground grunting with a club in his hands that you don't remember how to cook.
"It's embarrassing but... I forgot how to cook," I mutter looking down at the counter top.
"You've been out in the wild for how long?" He asks while rummaging in the institutes large fridge.
"Two years," I sigh starting to play with my half empty glass of O.J.
"Don't worry about it kid, you'll remember in time, I've spent my fair share of time alone in the Rockies away from people to, just be patient," for a guy who looks like he could take of my head –and with those claws I bet he could- he's actually a nice guy.
"I don't think I'll ever be the same as I once was, and I don't mean because of my powers," I sigh placing my head on the cold counter top.
"No one's ever the same after they get their mutant powers, and they're especially not the same after getting chased out of their hometown and have to live in the Canadian wilderness," the sound of sizzling reached my ears and I looked up to see Logan standing by the stove with and egg flipper in hand. I could just picture a pink frilly apron on him –again I wanted to laugh, but again laughing =bad.
We were both silent after that, Logan grabbing a cup of coffee then returning to watch water ever it was he was cooking on the stove. I was staring out one of the windows when I was shocked back to the world by Logan placing a plate in front of me, I looked down at the plate of bacon and eggs and my mouth watered. It's official Logan is my new favourite person here hands –and claws- down!
I just stared at the good in front of me before grabbing the fork Logan offered to me and took a large bite of eggs, Delicious! My mouth was in heaven, savouring every bite of the food I watched as Logan made a similar plate for himself, with the addition to some toast before coming to sit down beside me.
"This is amazing!" I tell him simply, another fun fact, if you put too much emotion into the words you say they actually take on a musical tone which again = bad, you see the pattern?
"Glad you like it little bird," my fork stopped halfway to my mouth as I eyed him, raising my eyebrow looking at him sceptically.
"Little bird?" I questioned looking over at the man now sitting beside me.
"Logan has like nicknames for all of us, it like means were a part of his like pack," I turned to see Kitty (hair down) in a pink top and grey sweats walk into the kitchen, followed by Jean and Rogue.
"But little bird?" I question looking at Logan who just shrugged at me.
"It was that or wild child," I snorted but quickly cover my mouth with both hands; they all eyed me suspiciously but continued on with what they were doing.
"Logan you can like make food for you and Siren but not us? Like that's totally not fair!" Kitty complained as she started to make herself some toast –seriously what is with people and toast?
"The little birdie here forgot how to cook," He said simply taking another sip of his steaming black coffee.
"Thanks caveman," I grumble, which makes four pairs of eyes stare at me in shock 'what?" I ask innocently.
"Did 'ja just call Logan ah Cave man?" Rogue asked in disbelief.
"If he can call me little bird I can call him Caveman," I say matter-of-factly.
"Don't push your luck little Bird," Logan growled beside me, I look over at him and raise an eyebrow.
"Why? You gonna go all cave man on me?" I ask trying to keep a straight face, but let's face it saying something like that to Logan demands a playful smile. We have a stare off before Logan lets out a small chuckle.
"I like you little bird, you've got a back bone," I want to laugh, really I don but I just give him a mischievous grin.
'I was the Queen bee of my hometown, I know how to talk anyone into submission," I say cheekily, which causes a laugh from the door way.
"Remy don't think a petit Oiseau like yourself could talk Remy out or into anytin'," the boy is still in the same trench coat as yesterday, I'm starting to think he doesn't take it off.
"Well Remy would be surprised about how convincing I am when I sing!" I say giving a bitter smirk "and don't call me little bird you trench coat obsessed frenchy," another eruption of laughter from the girls and a smirk from Logan makes Remy blush.
"Remy is not obsessed with trench coats, Remy just feels more comfortable in a trench coat," he looks so cute when he says it with the slightest of pouts that I can't help the small giggle that escapes my normally controlled lips. My hands instantly clamp over my free spirited mouth and pray to God that no one was affected by my slip up.
"What's wrong Siren?" Jean asks me, finally saying something, I turn and look at her and give a sheepish smile.
"Laughing =powers," I say simply, going back to my breakfast.
"So what exactly happens when you use your powers on people?" Jean asks, coming to sit beside me with a glass of milk and a plate of toast in hand.
"I'm not too sure, the last time I used my powers, people ended up dead, or like brain dead, or just gone," I mutter instantly losing my appetite, as the horrible images come to mind.
"Morning evwy body," I look up expecting to see Kurt only to lay eyes on a blue fuzzy elf.
"Morning Kurt!" Kitty smiles, our previous conversation periodically forgotten.
"Kurt?" I ask as the boy turns to me 'did you like mutate over night?" I can't help the look I gave him, I was just to shocked.
"Dis iz how'v I really look," He says a bit disappointed.
"Well I think you should always look like that, blue fuzzy elves are sexy!" I smirk causing everyone in the room to look at me shocked "what? The way I see it, people always look their best when they're being themselves!" I shrug jumping off my stool and stalking over to the fridge to poor another glass of O.J.
"You are my nev favourite person!" ok I have to admit I laughed, openly... I know I'm a bad person, but in my defence it was genuinely funny. I would've covered my mouth, but my hands were occupied by a glass and a large jug of O.J. –which I'd die before dropping!
They were all just frozen in place and I couldn't help my reaction.
"Professor!" I screamed –I don't know if it was out loud or mentally- I know I said screaming =bad but in this case it just made the Professor get to me quicker.
"What's wrong Siren?" He asked when he finally rolled into the kitchen.
"I didn't mean to, I just laughed!" I sputtered feeling like a dog with its tail between its leg.
"Alright just calm down, now I want you to follow every instructions I give you alright," I nodded and he looked at me for a second "You need to calm down, then I want you to sing them back, you must be specific with your orders, understand?" I took a deep breath and nod before moving to stand in the center of the room.
'Wake up, open your minds
Breath, talk, be the way you were
So go back to how you were before you heard me laugh
The laugh was nothing, it gave no order
Come back'
Yah I know simple but hey it was specific, I chose a low jazz rift to sing, since it was the easiest to pull off in my current state. And just like that everyone was back to normal. It was cool to see my powers being useful... even though it was their fault this all happened.
"Oh man like what just happened?" Kitty asked rubbing her head.
"Sorry," I mutter looking at my sneakered feet.
"What did ya do to us?" Rogue asked also looking a little dazed.
"I laughed, laughing is like a type of music... since I gave no order or suggestion you guys went periodically brain dean," I knew what was coming next, the whole 'you're too dangerous to be here get out' speech, but it never came.
"So like you can't laugh without using your powers?" Kitty asked with a look of pity on her face.
"Yep," I nodded miserably.
"Zat sucks!" Kurt instantly announced making my head instantly shoot up to look at him in pure shock.
"Every power's got it's draw backs sugah" Rogue explained simply "I can't touch, you can't be musical, Kurt can't walk out in public without his hollow-watch, Remy always wears his sunglasses, Scott has to shower and sleep with sunglasses on, the only one who's got it easy is Kitty and Jean but even then they still get ridiculed," the Goth girl grinned.
"You I can understand, the others not so much" I spat out bitterly leaving the room with my glass of O.J. still in hand.
Ok so this is probably going to be the longest chapter in this story, so don't expect this often, i just couldn't decid where to end...
also I know I change tense a lot, but really the stroy demandid it and I don't deny a story anything!
well hope you all enjoyed since well if you didn't that would suck!
anyways
REVIEW!
-S.W.-